cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A method for bounding imprecise probabilistic criteria when using a sequential decision process for the design of structural systems

Abstract Uncertainty is an integral part of decision making in engineering design. Ideally, when designing structural systems for wind, seismic and other types of hazards, multiple design candidates are compared with respect to uncertain decision criteria in order to identify the optimal, or non-dominated, designs. However, when the decision criteria are obtained from a computationally intensive numerical analysis, e.g., using the performance based earthquake engineering framework for the seismic design of buildings, it might not be feasible to derive precise distributions of the decision criteria for a large number of design alternatives. This work is motivated by the desire to efficiently explore large sets of design alternatives when the decision criteria are probabilistic and computationally intensive to generate. It is hypothesized that the availability of precise distributions of decision criteria for all designs under consideration is not necessary at all points in time during the design process, and appropriate decisions can be made on the basis of imprecise distributions of decision criteria by using confidence intervals to bound their imprecision. To that end, a sequential decision process employing mean-risk analysis and stochastic dominance rules is presented where models of increasing fidelity are used in a sequence to discriminate the dominated designs from the design space on the basis of imprecise distributions of decision criteria. The modeling fidelity is sequentially increased while decreasing imprecision in the decision criteria thus revealing more dominated design solutions. The utility of the methodology is demonstrated through two design examples: (1) a multi-objective discrete choice problem of designing a two bar truss with uncertainty in the material properties and geometric configuration, and (2) the design of a structural frame where the performance is evaluated on the basis of estimated uncertain seismic losses.
Validation and uncertainty quantification of multiphase-CFD solvers: A data-driven Bayesian framework supported by high-resolution experiments

Abstract The two-fluid model-based Multiphase Computational Fluid Dynamics (MCFD) solvers are promising tools for a variety of engineering problems related to multiphase flows. Such a solver is a complex model system that consists of multiple closure relations with strong interactions. Furthermore, a typical engineering problem requires evaluation of multiple quantities of interest (QoIs) from the solver predictions. These features make the validation and uncertainty quantification (VUQ) of these MCFD solvers a challenging task. In this paper, we propose an approach for the VUQ of a two-fluid model-based MCFD solver based on a data-driven Bayesian framework. This framework relies on Bayesian inference to inversely quantify the parameter uncertainty and model form uncertainty and then propagate the obtained uncertainties through the solver to obtain the uncertainties of the QoI predictions. To make the Bayesian inference applicable to complicated MCFD simulations, two methods namely, parameter space reduction and surrogate modeling, are included in the proposed approach. Supported by high-resolution local measurements, this framework is able to simultaneously take multiple key QoIs into consideration. In the validation process, the area metric is extended to the Principal Component (PC) subspace so that the multiple correlated QoIs, in the form of spatial or temporal distributions, can be validated in a comprehensive manner. We demonstrate the applicability of the proposed approach with a case study of an adiabatic bubbly flow scenario.
A Cognitive Framework for the Social Sciences

Using philosopher John Searle’s framework as developed by Guala and Hindriks and by Caton and Lopez, we propose a cognitive framework for economic and social theory. Searle’s status function provides a grounding for a description of agent preferences. Agent preferences reflect valuations implied in the status function and are revealed as agents interact with the environment according to rules of behavior they have adopted. We consider how changes in belief, reflected in changes to status functions and rules, transform incentives and how incentives reinforce particular beliefs. We then apply the framework to an interpretation of history and to the construction and interpretation of an agent-based model comprised of agents who employ a dynamic structure of rules to guide interpretation and behavior.
Improving Hospital Care of Opioid-Exposed Newborns: Successes and Remaining Questions

Between 1999 and 2014, the rate of opioid use among US pregnant women at the time of delivery quadrupled. It is currently estimated that nationwide, 14% to 22% of women fill an opioid prescription during pregnancy. For newborns exposed to intrauterine opioids, the immediate risks include the postnatal withdrawal syndrome known as neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), which is currently estimated to affect one US birth every 15 minutes.1 Clinical monitoring for newborns with intrauterine opioid exposure, as well as treatment approaches for NAS, varies widely across US hospitals.2 Multidisciplinary collaboration and standardization of screening for intrauterine opioid exposure, observation for and pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic treatment of NAS, and discharge planning are important for optimal clinical outcomes and also may improve maternal experience.3 Hwang et al4 describe findings of a two-year initiative by a clinical, public health, and policy collaborative in Colorado state. The Colorado Hospital Substance Exposed Newborn Quality Improvement Collaborative (CHoSEN QIC) aimed to decrease the average length of stay (LOS) by 20% from baseline for all opioid-exposed newborns (OENs), decrease the proportion of OENs who receive opiate therapy by 20% from baseline, and decreased LOS for OENs requiring opiate treatment by 20% from April 2017 to December 2019. The collaborative’s interventions were focused on improving nonpharmacologic care, increasing use of human milk, increasing consistency in assessment for NAS by using the Eat, Sleep, Console …
Molecular goniometers for single-particle cryo-electron microscopy of DNA-binding proteins.

Correct reconstruction of macromolecular structure by cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) relies on accurate determination of the orientation of single-particle images. For small (<100 kDa) DNA-binding proteins, obtaining particle images with sufficiently asymmetric features to correctly guide alignment is challenging. We apply DNA origami to construct molecular goniometers-instruments that precisely orient objects-and use them to dock a DNA-binding protein on a double-helix stage that has user-programmable tilt and rotation angles. We construct goniometers with 14 different stage configurations to orient and visualize the protein just above the cryo-EM grid surface. Each goniometer has a distinct barcode pattern that we use during particle classification to assign angle priors to the bound protein. We use goniometers to obtain a 6.5-A structure of BurrH, an 82-kDa DNA-binding protein whose helical pseudosymmetry prevents accurate image orientation using traditional cryo-EM. Our approach should be adaptable to other DNA-binding proteins as well as small proteins fused to DNA-binding domains.
Clinical and Imaging Features of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer with G12C KRAS Mutation

KRAS G12C mutations are important oncogenic mutations that confer sensitivity to direct G12C inhibitors. We retrospectively identified patients with KRAS+ NSCLC from 2015 to 2019 and assessed the imaging features of the primary tumor and the distribution of metastases of G12C NSCLC compared to those of non-G12C KRAS NSCLC and NSCLC driven by oncogenic fusion events (RET, ALK, ROS1) and EGFR mutations at the time of initial diagnosis. Two hundred fifteen patients with KRAS+ NSCLC (G12C: 83; non-G12C: 132) were included. On single variate analysis, the G12C group was more likely than the non-G12C KRAS group to have cavitation (13% vs. 5%, p = 0.04) and lung metastasis (38% vs. 21%; p = 0.043). Compared to the fusion rearrangement group, the G12C group had a lower frequency of pleural metastasis (21% vs. 41%, p = 0.01) and lymphangitic carcinomatosis (4% vs. 39%, p = 0.0001) and a higher frequency of brain metastasis (42% vs. 22%, p = 0.005). Compared to the EGFR+ group, the G12C group had a lower frequency of lung metastasis (38% vs. 67%, p = 0.0008) and a higher frequency of distant nodal metastasis (10% vs. 2%, p = 0.02). KRAS G12C NSCLC may have distinct primary tumor imaging features and patterns of metastasis when compared to those of NSCLC driven by other genetic alterations.
STATISTICS FOR THE TIME DEPENDENT FAILURE OF KEVLAR-49/EPOXY COMPOSITES: MICROMECHANICAL MODELING AND DATA INTERPRETATION

ABSTRACT In this paper we present some new data on the strength and stress-rupture of Kevlar-49 fibers, fiber/epoxy strands and pressure vessels, and consolidate data obtained at LLNL over the past 10 years. We interpret this data using recent theoretical results from a micromechanical model of the statistical failure process, and gain some understanding of the roles of the epoxy matrix and ultraviolet radiation on long term lifetime.
The Fortune Cookie Chronicles: Adventures in the World of Chinese Food by Jennifer 8 Lee

(2009). The Fortune Cookie Chronicles: Adventures in the World of Chinese Food by Jennifer 8 Lee. Food, Culture & Society: Vol. 12, No. 3, pp. 397-399.
Development based on carrying capacity: A strategy for environmental protection

Abstract Environmental degradation has accelerated in recent years because economic development activities have been inconsistent with a sustainable environment. In human ecology, the concept of ‘carrying capacity’ implies an optimum level of development and population size based on a complex of interacting factors — physical, institutional, social, and psychological. Development studies which have explicitly recognized carrying capacity have shown that this approach can be used to promote economic activities which are consistent with a sustainable social and physical environment. The concept of carrying capacity provides a framework for integrating physical, socioeconomic, and environmental systems into planning for a sustainable environment.
Early photoinduced enzymes of photoinduced carotenogenesis in a Mycobacterium species

Abstract Some nonphotosynthetic microorganisms synthesize carotenes in response to light. Previous experiments demonstrated that the enzymes necessary for the synthesis and metabolism of phytoene were photoinduced in a Mycobacterium sp. We now report that prephytoene pyrophosphate synthetase is also totally photoinduced. Geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate synthetase (prenyltransferase), which is present in dark-grown cells, is increased severalfold by photoinduction. The enzymes necessary for the synthesis of high molecular weight (C35 to C40) polyprenyl pyrophosphates and isopentenyl pyrophosphate isomerase were unaffected by photoinduction. This is the first report of the photoinduction of enzymes acting prior to prephytoene pyrophosphate. These enzymes are not restricted to carotene synthesis.
The Balance of Injustice and the War for Independence

Americans think of the North American colonies’ War for Independence from Great Britain as a struggle for freedom by a people subjected to colonial domination. Without denying the colonies’ grievances, this paper argues that the principal victims of injustice in North America were not European Americans but Americans of color. The freedom to exterminate Indians and take their land was one of the main objectives of the colonists’ drive for independence. The British government for its own reasons sought to slow down the colonies’ westward expansion. With territorial expansion would come the spread of slavery. Such effects were intended and accomplished and had been reasonably predictable at the time. It follows that one must question whether the War for Independence was morally justifiable.
Total Quality Management (TQM)

The philosophies of the quality discipline have been and are being established over a large period of our recent history by many contributors. How the profession defines “quality” has much to contribute to its fundamental philosophies. A comprehensive definition, suitable to the broad range of quality's involvement, is used in this paper to expose many of its philosophies. Keywords: aspects of quality; business excellence; CI; common causes; competition; conservation; consumers; continuous improvement; cost reduction; design quality; environment; fact-based; FMEA; government; innovation; ISO 14000; ISO 9000 quality management system; JIT; Kaizen; leadership; learning organization; Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award; management; manufactured quality; metrology; operations; philosophy; process; productivity; profitability; profound knowledge; prosperity; QFD; quality; quality defined; Six Sigma; special causes; strategic; strategy; suppliers; TQM
Easily computable optimum grasps in 2-D and 3-D

We consider the problem of finding optimum force closure grasps of two and three-dimensional objects. Our focus is on grasps which are useful in practice, namely grasps with a small number of fingers, with friction at the contacts. Assuming frictional contact and rounded finger tips-very mild assumptions in practice-we give new upper (and lower) bounds on the number of fingers necessary to achieve force closure grasps of 2-D and 3-D objects. We develop an optimality criterion based on the notion of decoupled wrenches, and use this criterion to derive optimum two and three finger grasps of 2-D objects, and optimum three finger grasps for 2-D objects. We present a simple O(n) algorithm for computing these optimum grasps for convex polygons, a O(n log n) algorithm for nonconvex polygons, and an O(n/sup 3/) algorithm for polyhedra. In studying these optimum grasps, we derive several interesting theoretical results concerning grasp geometry. >
SHP-2 complex formation with the SHP-2 substrate-1 during C2C12 myogenesis

Myogenesis is a highly ordered process that involves the expression of muscle-specific genes, cell-cell recognition and multinucleated myotube formation. Although protein tyrosine kinases have figured prominently in myogenesis, the involvement of tyrosine phosphatases in this process is unknown. SHP-2 is an SH2 domain-containing tyrosine phosphatase, which positively regulates growth and differentiation. We show that in C2C12 myoblasts, SHP-2 becomes upregulated early on during myogenesis and associates with a 120 kDa tyrosyl-phosphorylated complex. We have identified that the 120 kDa complex consists of the SHP-2 substrate-1 (SHPS-1) and the Grb2-associated binder-1 (Gab-1). SHPS-1, but not Gab-1, undergoes tyrosyl phosphorylation and association with SHP-2 during myogenesis, the kinetics of which correlate with the expression of MyoD. Either constitutive expression or inducible activation of MyoD in 10T(1/2) fibroblasts promotes SHPS-1 tyrosyl phosphorylation and its association with SHP-2. It has been shown that p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activity is required for the expression/activation of MyoD and MyoD-responsive genes. Inhibition of p38 MAPK by SB203580 in differentiating C2C12 myoblasts blocks MyoD expression, SHPS-1 tyrosyl phosphorylation and the association of SHPS-1 with SHP-2. These data suggest that SHPS-1/SHP-2 complex formation is an integral signaling component of skeletal muscle differentiation.
A precision method for lingual vibrotactile threshold measurement

This study was designed to evaluate the possible effect of two different psychophysical techniques on lingual vibrotactile sensory thresholds. Ten subjects were tested using the ascending psychophysical method of limits and the forced-choice signal detection technique of threshold assessment. Results indicated that both techniques provided consistent, reliable threshold data, but the forced-choice method yielded lower (more sensitive) lingual sensory thresholds. Results are discussed with respect to the appropriate utilization of both testing procedures.
Liquid structure and long range diffusion: Their impact on glass formation and nanoscale devitrification

Abstract The importance of liquid structure on phase formation is illustrated by recent high-energy X-ray diffraction studies of metastable liquids in the deeply supercooled state, and of transient solid phases that form during solidification. In addition, these results confirm a half-century-old hypothesis made by Frank and call into question the capability of the classical theory of nucleation to accurately describe such complex coupled nucleation processes. The addition of as little as 0.5 at.% of Ti in AlFeY alloys radically alters glass formation and crystallization. This microalloying effect is argued to arise from subtle changes in the structure of the liquid/glass with the addition of Ti. Long-range diffusion is often key in the crystallization of glasses that form nanostructures. A novel mechanism for nanoscale devitrification is discussed that is based on a nucleation model that couples the interfacial and long-range diffusion stochastic processes.
Acute Hormonal Effects on Carnitine Metabolism in Thin and Obese Subjects: Responses to Somatostatin, Glucagon, and Insulin

Abstract Plasma free carnitine and acylcarnitines were determined in man during acutely induced insulin deficiency. A 5-hr infusion of somatostatin at 6 μg/min in 10 thin subjects produced profound, sustained hypoinsulinemia and led to rapid increases in plasma free fatty acids and ketoacids (peak increments of 0.67 mM each). Simultaneously, plasma free carnitine decreased, while plasma long-chain and short-chain acylcarnitines increased significantly. When hyperglucagonemia was created by inclusion of glucagon with the somatostatin, the hyperketonemia was reversed after 2 hr and the increase in acylcarnitine abolished. However, the decrease in free carnitine was accentuated. The antiketogenic effect of adding glucagon was due to an eventual breakthrough of the somatostatin blockade on insulin secretion, the latter gradually returning toward preinfusion levels. Inclusion of exogenous insulin with the somatostatin-glucagon infusion immediately lowered free fatty acids and ketoacids. Acylcarnitines also declined promptly, while the accelerated fall in free carnitine produced by glucagon was blunted by the addition of insulin. Qualitatively and quantitatively comparable results were seen in seven obese subjects. This study suggests: (1) the increase in plasma acylcarnitines previously described in fasting and diabetic ketosis is largely due to insulin deficiency; (2) the corresponding decrease in plasma free carnitine is attributable both to insulin deficiency and glucagon excess; and (3) the resistance of obese subjects to ketosis is unlikely to be due to deficits in carnitine or carnitine acyltransferases.
ESTROGEN METABOLISM IN CANCEROUS AND NONCANCEROUS WOMEN1

IT HAS BEEN SHOWN that the urinary estrogens of normal non-pregnant women, when extracted after optimum conditions of hydrolysis and separated into estrone (weak phenolic) and estriol (strong phenolic) fractions, will vary in concentration during the menstrual cycle, and almost invariably have higher activity in the estrone fraction (1, 2). In rabbits (3, 4) injected estrone becomes in part converted to estriol in normal females but not in ovariectomised females or in females lacking uteri. The simultaneous injection of estrone plus progesterone into rabbit females results in an increased urinary estrogen output (5) and a furthering of the estrone-estriol conversion (3). This appears to occur also in women (2). We have determined the urinary estrogen in a series of 5 non-cancerous and 7 cancerous women before and after the injection of estrone (2.1 mg.) and estrone (2.1 mg.) plus progesterone (10 mg.). The hormones were administered in a single intramuscular injection.
Microwave and ultrasonic NDE of thick glass-fiber-reinforced composites

Both microwave and ultrasonic techniques for NDE are based on wave propagation and scattering from discrete defects in materials. Conventional ultrasound provides good separation of refections from material boundaries and defects by using short-pulse excitation for transducers of wide bandwidth and damping. Microwave propagation and scattering in nonmetallic composites follow similar principles as ultrasound, with the important difference that the intrinsic difference in wave impedance between material and small voids are less here than in ultrasound. As a consequence, in thick, highly inhomogeneous and somewhat porous composites, microwave NDE may be a good alternative to ultrasound which may suffer from large signal loss due to scattering from voids over a long path length. In this paper we present microwave and ultrasound pulse-echo data in thick composites to illustrate the capabilities of microwave techniques to provide defect information generally sought after by ultrasound, viz. defect location, size, and shape.
A modification for paraffin sections of silver carbonate impregnation for microglia

A technique is described whereby the cytoplasm of microglia is stained in routinely fixed paraffin embedded sections, greatly facilitating the study of these cells in normal and pathological sites. Of interest is the apparent paucity of these cells in normal tissues and their rapid and intensive proliferation in pathological states. The changes observed may be correlated with changes recognized with other stains on companion paraffin sections of the same tissue.
Applying species--energy theory to conservation: a case study for North American birds.

Ecosystem energy is now recognized as a primary correlate and potential driver of global patterns of species richness. The increasingly well-tested species-energy relationship is now ripe for application to conservation, and recent advances in satellite technology make this more feasible. While the correlates for the species-energy relationship have been addressed many times previously, this study is among the first to apply species-energy theory to conservation. Our objectives were to: (1) determine the strongest model of bird richness across North America; (2) determine whether the slope of the best species-energy model varied with varying energy levels; and (3) identify the spatial patterns with similar or dissimilar slopes to draw inference for conservation. Model selection techniques were used to evaluate relationships between Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) measures of ecosystem energy and species richness of native land birds using the USGS Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) data. Linear, polynomial, and break point regression techniques were used to evaluate the shape of the relationships with correction for spatial autocorrelation. Spatial analyses were used to determine regions where slopes of the relationship differed. We found that annual gross primary production (GPP) was the strongest correlate of richness (adjusted R 2 ¼ 0.55), with a quadratic model being the strongest model. The negative slope of the model was confirmed significantly negative at the highest energy levels. This finding demonstrates that there are three different slopes to the species-energy relationship across the energy gradient of North America: positive, flat, and negative. If energy has a causal relationship with richness, then species-energy theory implies that energy causes richness to increase in low- energy areas, energy has little effect in intermediate-energy areas, and energy depresses richness in the highest-energy areas. This information provides a basis for potential applications for more effective conservation. For example, in low-energy areas, increased nutrients could improve vegetation productivity and increase species richness. In high-energy areas where competitive dominance of vegetation might reduce species richness, vegetation manipulation could increase species richness. These strategies will likely be most effective if tailored to the local energy gradient.
Familiarity breeds contempt: effects of striped skunk color, shape, and abundance on wild carnivore behavior

Multicomponent aposematic warning signals are generally accepted to function as a deterrent to predatory attacks; however, the relative importance of specific visual cues used by wild predators to recognize defended animals is poorly understood. Here, I use naturally and reciprocally colored taxidermy models of striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis) and gray foxes (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) to explore the impact of aposematic coloration and body shape on the behavior of wild mammalian predators. Models were baited, and all visiting species were recorded with remote video cameras at 10 wilderness sites in California, USA. I found that mammalian predators not only approached black-and-white models more hesitantly than gray-colored models but also reacted negatively to skunk-shaped models, suggesting that predators may generalize noxious qualities to both skunk coloration and skunk shape. This study also found an effect of skunk abundance on animal behavior with predators less likely to visit black-and-white models and more hesitant in their approach to skunk-shaped models at sites with greater skunk abundance. These findings suggest that prior experience and the frequency with which aposematic prey are encountered in a landscape are important predictors of predator avoidance of defended prey. Copyright 2009, Oxford University Press.
The regiochemistry and stereochemistry of 1,3-dipolar cycloadditions of 1-fluoro- and 1,1-difluoroallene

Abstract 1,3-Dipolar cycloadditions of diazoalkanes, nitrones and nitrileoxides occur with high regioselectivity to 1,1-difluoroallene and fluoroallene, and with variable syn or anti π-facial diastereoselectivity with regard to additions to the latter. The roles of steric effects, frontier molecular orbital effects, electrostatic interactions and other factors which may be involved in determining the observed regioselectivity and π-facial diastereoselectivity are discussed.
Isotopic and geophysical constraints on the structure and evolution of the Clear Lake volcanic system

Abstract New Sr and Nd isotopic data are combined with available information on the composition and petrology of lavas and the thermal and seismic structure of the underlying crust to develop a detailed model for the deep structure and magmatic processes of the Clear Lake volcanic system in northern California. The isotopic data require a two-stage model for magmatic evolution. In stage I, basaltic magma (eNd = + 6 to + 8; 87Sr / 86Sr = 0.703 to 0.7035; SiO2 ≤ 50%) is fed from the mantle into the lower and middle crust and evolves through combined crustal assimilation and fractional crystallization to basaltic andesite (eNd = + 5 to + 0.4; 87Sr / 86Sr = 0.70328 to 0.70485; SiO2 ≈ 55% to 57%). In stage II, the basaltic andesite magmas are transported upward and are either erupted at the surface or stored in shallow magma chambers where they evolve by fractional crystallization to form dacitic and rhyolitic magmas (SiO2 ≈ 65% to 70%). High-silica rhyolites (SiO2 ≈ 75%; high 87Sr / 86Sr) show evidence that further crustal assimilation can occur where upper crustal temperatures are elevated. Calculated densities of Clear Lake lavas indicate that basalt should pond at a depth of 12–18 km where seismic data show a pronounced density boundary within the crust. Thermodynamic models of assimilation require that mid-crustal temperatures are at least 600–800 °C to allow for enough assimilation to explain the isotopic data. Both surface heat flow and thermobarometry of crustal xenoliths in andesites are consistent with these inferred high temperatures. The Clear Lake volcanic system provides an opportunity to cross-calibrate petrological, geochemical and geophysical approaches. The results confirm that magma supply, magma buoyancy, and crustal temperatures control magmatic evolution. A temporal trend of increasing eNd over the past 2 million years suggests that magma supply in the Clear Lake volcanic field has been increasing and is still high. This is consistent with high heat flow in the area and high 3He / 4He in thermal gasses. The current pause in eruptive activity could represent a period of silicic magma accumulation in the crust. Future eruptions in the Clear Lake area may therefore be silicic and larger in volume than those over the past 100 ky.
The Adherence of Nickel Oxide on Nickel During High-Temperature Oxidation

A combined experimental/analytical study is being conducted to investigate the fundamental nature of adherence of oxide scales formed on metals during high-temperature oxidation. Isothermal oxidation experiments were conducted on high-purity nickel (Ni 270) specimens in air at temperatures of up to 1200/degree/C. None of the experiments resulted in physical separation of nickel oxide scales from nickel substrate, even though substantial amounts of porosity were found in scales close to the scale/metal interfaces. The results of numerical and analytical calculations of stresses in the NiO/Ni system suggest that metal and oxide plasticities play a role in the experimental observations. 10 refs., 5 figs., 2 tabs.
Teacher licensure status and student achievement: Lessons from private schools

Abstract Data from the National Education Longitudinal Survey of 1988 (NELS:88) were used to investigate the effect of teacher licensure status on private school students’ 12th grade math and science test scores. This data includes schooling and family background information on students that can be linked to employment information on teachers. We find that, contrary to conventional wisdom, private school students of fully certified 12th grade math and science teachers do not appear to outperform students of private school teachers who are not fully certified.
Constraints on Size‐assortative Mating in the Blister Beetle Tegrodera aloga (Coleoptera: Meloidae)

The mating system of Tegrodera aloga is similar to other blister beetles that have evolved sizeassortative mating in that males pass a cantharidin-rich spermatophore to their mates and females vary in size and fecundity. Despite this, previous studies found no assortative mating in this beetle. Results of this study suggest that nonassortative mating is not due to absolute constraints on mate choice. Males courted large females more frequently than small females, suggesting that males prefer big mates. Similarly, female choice is suggested by a large-male mating advantage in the absence of size-related male-male competition. In contrast to previous work, my results suggest that assortative mating may occur under certain conditions and may be due to large-phenotype mating advantages. The question remains, why does assortative mating occur only some of the time? One hypothesis is that assortative mating breaks down when sex ratios become male biased and males no longer discriminate between mates. However, although sex ratios can vary from day to day, assortative mating is not associated with periods when females outnumber males. Rather, the pattern appears to be associated with times of low overall population density. Hypotheses for density-dependent assortative mating are presented.
A fixed-grid, sharp-interface method for bubble dynamics and phase change

Abstract A numerical method has been developed for direct simulation of bubble dynamics with large liquid-to-vapor density ratio and phase change. The numerical techniques are based on a fixed-grid, finite volume method capable of treating the interface as a sharp discontinuity. The unsteady, axisymmetric Navier–Stokes equations and energy equation in both liquid and vapor phases are computed. The mass, momentum, and energy conditions are explicitly matched at the phase boundary to determine the interface shape and movement. The cubic B-spline is used in conjunction with a fairing algorithm to yield smooth and accurate information of curvatures. Nondimensional parameters including Reynolds, Weber, and Jakob numbers are varied to offer insight into the physical and numerical characteristics of the bubble dynamics. Based on the present sharp interface approach, bubble dynamics for density ratio of 1600 or higher, with and without phase change, can be successfully computed.
Active ankle motion may result in changes to the talofibular interval in individuals with chronic ankle instability and ankle sprain copers: a preliminary study

AbstractIntroduction:Alterations in talocrural joint arthrokinematics related to repositioning of the talus or fibula following ankle sprain have been reported in radiological and clinical studies. It is unclear if these changes can result from normal active ankle motion. The study objective was to determine if active movement created changes in the sagittal plane talofibular interval in ankles with a history of lateral ankle sprain and instability.Methods:Three subject groups [control (n = 17), ankle sprain copers (n = 20), and chronic ankle instability (n = 20)] underwent ultrasound imaging of the anterolateral ankle gutter to identify the lateral malleolus and talus over three trials. Between trials, subjects actively plantar and dorsiflexed the ankle three times. The sagittal plane talofibular interval was assessed by measuring the anteroposterior distance (mm) between the lateral malleolus and talus from an ultrasound image. Between group and trial differences were analyzed with repeated measures ana...
Jamming-Resilient Multipath Routing

Jamming attacks are especially harmful to the reliability of wireless communication, as they can effectively disrupt communication between any node pairs. Existing jamming defenses primarily focus on repairing connectivity between adjacent nodes. In this paper, we address jamming at the network level and focus on restoring the end-to-end data delivery through multipath routing. As long as all paths do not fail concurrently, the end-to-end path availability is maintained. Prior work in multipath selection improves routing availability by choosing node-disjoint paths or link-disjoint paths. However, through our experiments on jamming effects using MicaZ nodes, we show that disjointness is insufficient for selecting fault-independent paths. Thus, we address multipath selection based on the knowledge of a path's availability history. Using Availability History Vectors (AHVs) of paths, we present a centralized AHV-based algorithm to select fault-independent paths, and a distributed AHV-based routing protocol built on top of a classic routing algorithm in ad hoc networks. Our extensive simulation results validate that both AHV-based algorithms are effective in overcoming the jamming impact by maximizing the end-to-end availability of the selected paths.
Moral Agency of Direct Care Workers and the People for Whom They Care

Few studies explore the attitudes and views of direct care workers who provide care for older adults in long-term care communities or their own homes. This article is based on the narratives and interview responses of 20 caregivers identified as the “best” caregivers in an assisted living community and a special care assisted living community for people with dementia. Their words are used to provide insight into their social and personal identities as dedicated caregivers. This article provides analysis of their perceptions of agency of themselves and as a force of agency for the elders for whom they provide care
Consent Requirements and Anxiety in University Undergraduate Students

Four intact classes of undergraduate students (N = 276) in beginning psychology and sociology were administered the state anxiety questionnaire of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory under one of the following conditions: (a) following the presentation of a brief consent form, (b) following a longer consent form, (c) prior to the administration of a consent form, or (d) following the reading of an irrelevant passage to control for experimenter contact time. A priori comparisons indicated that groups given the short consent form and the inventory prior to consent were more anxious than other groups. These results suggest that the consent procedure may be useful as a brief anxiety reducing introduction to the experimenter.
Retention and release of methane in underground coal workings

During an investigation to study the gas flow characteristics of coal, adsorption and desorption rates of methane from powdered coal samples were measured. From adsorption tests, it was found that the capacity of coal to hold methane varies significantly with gas pressure. For pressures up to 4.14 MPa (600 psi) the amount of gas adsorbed was still rising and monomolecular saturation was not reached. Results of desorption tests were used to test three equations suggested by previous investigators to measure the quantity of desorbed gas. It was confirmed that no single equation would define adequately the complete desorption process. Changes of regime appeared to exist at desorption times of 100 s and, to a lesser extent, 1000 s following the initial release of ambient gas pressure. A hypothesis was advanced that initial flow was inhibited or choked by an efflux of desorbing gas molecules. This was followed by a short transitional period and a longer term regime of free flow with reduced resistance offered by the flow paths.
Pre-laying behavior of hens kept in single- or multiple-hen cages☆

Abstract Hens in single-bird cages and in high-density, 6-hen cages were observed for frequencies and durations of standing, pacing, preening, crouching, restlessness and feeding behavior during the 2-h period prior to oviposition. Comparable data were gathered on “non-laying” hens (but in egg production) from each cage environment during the same time-of-day periods. In single-hen cages, layers had higher frequencies of occurrence of all major behaviors and greater cumulative durations for pacing and restless behavior than non-layers. Frequencies of pacing and restless activity bouts and duration of restless behavior increased significantly for layers, relative to non-layers, as time of oviposition approached in single-hen cages. In 6-hen cages, layers had higher frequencies of preening, crouching and restless behavior bouts than non-layers during the 2-h pre-laying period, but no differences in cumulative durations were detected for any of the traits. There were no clear patterns of change in frequencies or durations of behavior in comparisons between layers and non-layers as time of oviposition approached in 6-hen cages. Clearly, behavioral differences between layers and non-layers were suppressed in high-density, 6-hen cages as compared with differences seen in single-hen cages.
Thermoelastic instability of sliding contact in the absence of wear

Abstract Thermoelastic instability of sliding contact is investigated analytically for the case of a scraper or blade sliding normal to its line of contact on a thermally conductive semi-infinite body. Frictional heating and transient heat transfer in the bodies are treated along with the pressures produced on the line of contact by these. Conditions are found under which a pressure disturbance on the interface will grow, diminish in intensity, or remain unchanged. The effects of material properties on these conditions are delineated.
Evidence for structural disorder in the icosahedral phase

Abstract We report transmission electron microscopy results on quasicrystalline samples of Al–25 wt% Mn and Al-38 wt% Mn-5 wt% Si melt-spun flakes. The selected-area diffraction patterns (SADPs) from ‘off-axis’ orientations show not only sharp diffraction maxima but also a diffuse ring, invariant of sample thickness, indicating that it does not arise from amorphous surface oxide. Over-exposed SADPs taken from axial orientations also showed the weak diffuse ring. We suggest that our results indicate the presence of disordered material within the icosahedral phase. Models for the icosahedral phase which involve an assembly of icosahedral clusters inherently contain interstitial voids, which may contain disordered material. Thus our results support these models rather than those derived from space-filling filings, or multiple twinning.
Rethinking Embryonic Germ Layers

One of the central concepts we teach in developmental biology is that a major early decision made by the embryo is how to allocate cells to the three germ layers: ectoderm (epidermis, neural), mesoderm (muscle, cardiovascular), and endoderm (gut, liver). Using an in vivo lineage-labeling strategy based on random activation of a nonfunctional lacZ (β-galactosidase) gene in the mouse embryo, Tzouanacou et al. show that while the surface ectoderm (epidermis) is set aside early, a bipotential neuromesodermal cell population produces both neural and muscle cells as the body continues to grow out during the somitogenesis stages. This nicely challenges our simple assumptions about how the germ layers are established in early development while providing the basis for a mechanism that coordinates allocation of cells to the spinal cord and the muscles as the embryonic body elongates. This PaperPick refers to "Redefining the Progression of Lineage Segregations during Mammalian Embryogenesis by Clonal Analysis" by E. Tzouanacou, A. Wegener, F.J. Wymeersch, V. Wilson, and J.F. Nicolas, published in September 2009. Video Abstract Elena Tzouanacou and Val Wilson discuss their interests in mammalian cell lineages and how they came to identify one such lineage that violates a strict assumption of germ-layer segregation, as described in their Developmental Cell paper. They also mention recent work that suggests how the behavior of this cell lineage may be regulated to give rise to both mesodermal and neural cell types.
An Optimal Normalization Scheme

An attitude normalization scheme, based on quaternion updates' of the attitude matrix in a strapdown system, is presented which is optimal in the two-norm sense. Furthermore, the algorithm requires minimal computer time and memory load.
Estimation of queuing structure by means of statistical sampling

The investigation of queuing structure by means of Monte Carlo models is a phase of study of the Logistics Department of The RAND Corporation. Queuing is intimately related to several aspects of general logistics problems; the present study is most closely related to the simulation work of the Logistics Systems Laboratory.
Design and analysis of a low-edge-temperature divertor for intor☆

Abstract A low edge temperature regime has been proposed for the INTOR divertor in order to minimize erosion on the collector plate. We have examined the design and lifetime issues of a divertor plate operating in such a regime. These issues include the choice of materials, erosion due to sputtering and disruptions, thermal response, and tritium permeation. We have concluded that a tungsten-coated, copper substrate plate offers the possibility of low erosion coupled with good thermal properties. However, there are many unresolved issues with this and other plate configurations. These issues include the transfer of first wall sputtered material to the plate, tritium permeation into the coolant, and mechanical problems such as radiation swelling and embrittlement.
Lamb shift in a strong Coulomb potential

Results are given of a calculation of the self-energy radiative level shift of order $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ of the $2{S}_{\frac{1}{2}}$ and $2{P}_{\frac{1}{2}}$ states in a strong Coulomb potential. The shift is evaluated numerically to all orders in $Z\ensuremath{\alpha}$ for $Z$ in the range 10-110. An estimate is obtained for the effect of terms of high order in $Z\ensuremath{\alpha}$ on the Lamb shift in hydrogen. With this estimate taken into account, the theoretical value is $\mathcal{S}=1057.864(14)$ MHz.
AESTHETICS AND PRAGMATICS OF FAMILY THERAPY REVISITED

After reacting specifically to Simon's (1992) proposal for the integration of first and second-order therapies, I note how he, as well as Anderson and Goolihian (1988, 1990), focus primarily on deliberate, intentional ways to promote a respectful stance in therapy. Although a consideration of which intentional stances and strategies will promote the most helpful conversations in therapy is important, an even more critial question concerns the possible limitations of intentional efforts and the relation of conscious mind to other natural orders of mind in the living world. I suggest that deliberate efforts on the part of theapists toward any intended therapeutic outcomes must be comlemented by instictive and intuitive ways of participating with clients.
Spinal cord compression in a patient with a pain pump for failed back syndrome: a chalk-like precipitate mimicking a spinal cord neoplasm: case report.

Objective and importance The use of intrathecal morphine has been effective with few complications for chronic intractable pain of both benign and malignant origins. A rare but serious problem that exists is the formation of an inflammatory mass at the catheter tip of the pain pump. Clinical presentation We report the case of a 67-year-old female patient with failed back syndrome who presented with sensory complaints and back pain. Intervention Magnetic resonance imaging revealed impingement on the thoracic cord by a mass. The mass was originally thought to be a spinal cord tumor; however, operation and chemical analysis of the mass showed that it was a bupivacaine precipitate at the tip of the catheter of the pain pump. Conclusion This is the first such case, to our knowledge, of a bupivacaine precipitate mimicking a spinal cord tumor.
Noncognitive Effects on Attitude Formation and Change: Fact or Artifact?

Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, there was widespread acceptance of belief-based models of attitude formation and change. Beginning in the 1980s, a number of theories, models, and approaches began to argue for nonbelief-based determinants and to reject the notion of a purely cognitive, expectancy-value or multiattribute basis for attitude. In this article, we empirically demonstrate that many findings that appear to support this latter view may be nothing more than methodological artifacts resulting from the use of inappropriate (i.e., theoretically incorrect, noncorrespondent, or invalid) attitudinal predictors and/or criteria.
Stiffness prediction of the double lap shear joint. Part1: Analytical solution

This paper presents an analytical solution for the in-plane stiffness response of adhesively bonded double lap shear (DLS) joints. The solution was first derived for a model with the consideration of shear deformation of the adhesive (Model 1) and then was extended to two other simplified models, where the adhesive was modeled as matrix of rigid links (Model 2) or as a line of rigid links (Model 3). Models 2 and 3 represent two common types of simplifications in current finite element structural analysis of bonded joints. The solution for Model 1 was verified with test results. Errors resulting from the simplifications of Models 2 and 3 were estimated. The effect of joint geometries and material properties on the joint stiffness was investigated through a parametric study of the solution for Model 1.
Modeling targeted drug delivery in a vascular network

Nanomedicine dosages are selected in part based on the competing goals of maximizing death of malignant cells while minimizing damage to healthy cells. Determination of proper nanomedicine dosage and concentration is difficult to due the lack of understanding of nanoparticle targeted delivery process in complex vascular environment. This paper presents a continuum model of the transportation and targeted deposition of nanoparticles in a vascular network, which is an essential component of a multi-scale targeted delivery predictive tool being developed.Copyright © 2010 by ASME