cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Stochastic Optimal Control

In previous chapters we assumed that the state variables of the system are known with certainty. When the variables are outcomes of a random phenomenon, the state of the system is modeled as a stochastic process. Specifically, we now face a stochastic optimal control problem where the state of the system is represented by a controlled stochastic process. We shall only consider the case when the state equation is perturbed by a Wiener process, which gives rise to the state as a Markov diffusion process. In Appendix D.2 we have defined the Wiener process, also known as Brownian motion. In Sect. 12.1, we will formulate a stochastic optimal control problem governed by stochastic differential equations involving a Wiener process, known as Ito equations. Our goal will be to synthesize optimal feedback controls for systems subject to Ito equations in a way that maximizes the expected value of a given objective function.
Evaluation of the triple aim of medicine in prehospital telemedicine: A systematic literature review:

ObjectivesWith telemedicine becoming more widely implemented in emergency situations, understanding the quality and content of current findings that explore prehospital telemedicine is vital to est...
Facility and state-level factors associated with telemental health (TMH) adoption among mental health facilities in the United States.

IntroductionTelemental health (TMH) is a promising approach to increase access to mental healthcare. This study examined the TMH adoption rates and associations with facility- and state-level facto...
Cytochrome P450 monooxygenase-mediated eicosanoid pathway: A potential mechanistic linkage between dietary fatty acid consumption and colon cancer risk

Abstract Human consumption of linoleic acid (LA, 18:2ω-6, abundant in vegetable oils) is very high. Animal experiments showed that excessive LA intake increased azoxymethane-induced colon tumorigenesis, however, the impact of excessive LA on colon cancer in human is not conclusive, making it difficult to make dietary recommendations for optimal intake of LA. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of LA on colon tumorigenesis could help to clarify its health effect, and facilitate development of mechanism-based strategies for preventing colon cancer. Recent studies show that the previously unappreciated cytochrome P450 monooxygenase-mediated eicosanoid pathway is upregulated in colon cancer and plays critical roles in its pathogenesis, and could contribute to the effects of dietary LA, as well as ω-3 fatty acids, on colon tumorigenesis. In this review, we will discuss recent studies about the roles of cytochrome P450 monooxygenases in fatty acid metabolism and its roles in colonic inflammation and colon cancer, and how this information could help us to clarify the health impacts of dietary fatty acids.
Subhalo mass function and ultralight bosonic dark matter

Warm dark matter has recently become increasingly constrained by observational inferences about the low-mass end of the subhalo mass function, which would be suppressed by dark matter free streaming in the early Universe. In this work, we point out that a constraint can be placed on ultralight bosonic dark matter (often referred to as ``fuzzy dark matter'') based on similar considerations. Recent limits on warm dark matter from strong gravitational lensing of quasars and from fluctuations in stellar streams separately translate to a lower limit of $\ensuremath{\sim}2.1\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}21}\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{eV}$ on the mass of an ultralight boson comprising all dark matter. These limits are complementary to constraints on ultralight dark matter from the Lyman-$\ensuremath{\alpha}$ forest and are subject to a completely different set of assumptions and systematic uncertainties. Taken together, these probes strongly suggest that dark matter with a mass $\ensuremath{\sim}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}22}\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{eV}$ is not a viable way to reconcile differences between cold dark matter simulations and observations of structure on small scales.
Improved constraints on anisotropic birefringent Lorentz invariance and C P T violation from broadband optical polarimetry of high redshift galaxies

In the framework of the Standard Model extension (SME), we present improved constraints on anisotropic Lorentz invariance and charge-parity-time ($CPT$) violation by searching for astrophysical signals of cosmic vacuum birefringence with broadband optical polarimetry of high redshift astronomical sources, including active galactic nuclei and gamma-ray burst afterglows. We generalize the reference [F. Kislat, Symmetry 10, 596 (2018)], which studied the SME mass dimension $d=4$ case, to the arbitrary mass dimension for both the $CPT$-even and the $CPT$-odd cases. We then present constraints on all 10, 16, and 42 anisotropic birefringent SME coefficients for dimension $d=4$, $d=5$, and $d=6$ models, respectively, using 7554 observations for odd $d$ and 7376 observations for even $d$ of 1278 unique sources on the sky, which, to our knowledge, comprises the most complete catalog of optical polarization from extragalactic sources in the literature to date. Compared to the smaller sample of 44 and 45 broadband optical polarimetry observations analyzed in Kislat [Symmetry 10, 596 (2018)] and Kislat and Krawczynski [Phys. Rev. D 95, 083013 (2017)], our dimension $d=4$ and $d=5$ average constraints are more sensitive by factors of 35 and 10, corresponding to a reduction in allowed SME parameter space volume for these studies of 15 and 16 orders of magnitude, respectively. Constraints from individual lines of sight can be significantly stronger using spectropolarimetry, due to the steep energy dependence of birefringence effects at increasing mass dimension. Nevertheless, due to the increased number of observations and lines of sight in our catalog, our average $d=4$ and $d=5$ broadband constraints are within factors of 2 and 12 of previous constraints using spectropolarimetry from Kislat [Symmetry 10, 596 (2018)] and Kislat and Krawczynski [Phys. Rev. D 95, 083013 (2017)], respectively, using an independent dataset and an improved analysis method. By contrast, our anisotropic constraints on all 42 birefringent SME coefficients for $d=6$ are the first to be presented in the literature.
Precise half-life determination of the mixed-mirror β -decaying O 15

The half-life of $^{15}\mathrm{O}$ was measured using the $\ensuremath{\beta}$-Counting Station at the University of Notre Dame's Nuclear Science Laboratory. Our new result, ${t}_{1/2}=122.308(49)$ s, is the most precise determination to date for $^{15}\mathrm{O}$, and improves the world average by a factor of 4, yielding ${t}_{1/2}^{\text{world}}=122.27(6)$ s. This more precise value will be important for future determinations of ${V}_{\text{ud}}$ using superallowed $T=1/2$ mirror transitions.
An ancient push-pull pollination mechanism in cycads

Most cycads engage in brood-site pollination mutualisms, yet the mechanism by which the Cycadales entice pollination services from diverse insect mutualists remains unknown. Here, we characterize a push-pull pollination mechanism between a New World cycad and its weevil pollinators that mirrors the mechanism between a distantly related Old World cycad and its thrips pollinators. The behavioral convergence between weevils and thrips, combined with molecular phylogenetic dating and a meta-analysis of thermogenesis and coordinated patterns of volatile attraction and repulsion suggest that a push-pull pollination mutualism strategy is ancestral in this ancient, dioecious plant group. Hence, it may represent one of the earliest insect/plant pollination mechanisms, arising long before the evolution of visual floral signaling commonly used by flowering plants.
A novel two-step, direct-to-PCR method for virus detection off swabs using human coronavirus 229E.

Currently, one of the most reliable methods for viral infection detection are polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based assays. This process is time and resource heavy, requiring multiple steps of lysis, extraction, purification, and amplification procedures. Herein, we have developed a method to detect virus off swabs using solely shaker-mill based mechanical lysis and the transfer of the viral lysate directly to a PCR assay for virus detection, bypassing the substantial reagent and time investments required for extraction and purification steps. Using Human Coronavirus 229E (HCoV-229E) as a model system, we spiked swabs in vitro for proof-of-concept testing. Swabs were spiked in serial dilutions from 1.2 × 106 to 1.2 × 101 copies/mL and then placed in 2 mL tubes with viral transport media (VTM) to mimic the specimen collection procedures in the clinic prior to processing via shaker-mill homogenization. After homogenization, 1 μL of lysate was processed using RT-qPCR for amplification of the nucleocapsid (N) gene, qualifying viral detection. HCoV-229E in vitro spiked swabs were processed in a novel two-step, direct-to-PCR methodology for viral detection. After running 54 swabs, we confidently determined our limit of detection to be 1.2 × 103 viral copies/mL with 96.30% sensitivity. We have proven that the shaker-mill homogenization-based two-step, direct-to-PCR procedures provides sufficient viral lysis off swabs, where the resulting lysate can be used directly in PCR for the detection of HCoV-229E. This finding allows for reductions in the time and resources required for PCR based virus detection in comparison to the traditional extraction-to-PCR methodology.
Photoconductive PbSe thin films for infrared imaging

Lead selenide (PbSe) emerged 70+ years ago for its unique photoconductive sensitivity to the mid-wave infrared (MWIR) spectrum; however, new and exciting research continues to ignite interest in this material to this day. PbSe has endured primarily due to its high IR responsivity at room temperature (uncooled), large-area application space, and low-cost fabrication. PbSe has a large nominal Bohr exciton radius (∼46 nm) that allows bandgap tuning from 0.27 eV to as far as 2.0 eV by manipulation of grain size and morphology. This review aims to summarize the most recent state-of-the-art progress in PbSe photoconductivity research, including synthesized quantum-dots (QDs) and novel manufacturing methods.
Abstract 2505: Neuronal-specific Loss of p53 Function in Forebrain Neurons is Protective Against Ischemic Injury

The p53 gene is a key regulator of cell apoptosis. It has been suggested that p53 function is involved in cell death in stroke. p53 immunoreactivity has been detected in brain tissue derived from a...
Rapid Ice Mass Loss: Does It Have an Influence on Earthquake Occurrence in Southern Alaska?

The glaciers of southern Alaska are extensive, and many of them have undergone gigatons of ice wastage on time scales on the order of the seismic cycle. Since the ice loss occurs directly above a shallow main thrust zone associated with subduction of the Pacific-Yakutat plate beneath continental Alaska, the region between the Malaspina and Bering Glaciers is an excellent test site for evaluating the importance of recent ice wastage on earthquake faulting potential. We demonstrate the influence of cumulative glacial mass loss following the 1899 Yakataga earthquake (M=8.1) by using a two dimensional finite element model with a simple representation of ice fluctuations to calculate the incremental stresses and change in the fault stability margin (FSM) along the main thrust zone (MTZ) and on the surface. Along the MTZ, our results indicate a decrease in FSM between 1899 and the 1979 St. Elias earthquake (M=7.4) of 0.2 - 1.2 MPa over an 80 km region between the coast and the 1979 aftershock zone; at the surface, the estimated FSM was larger but more localized to the lower reaches of glacial ablation zones. The ice-induced stresses were large enough, in theory, to promote the occurrence of shallow thrust earthquakes. To empirically test the influence of short-term ice fluctuations on fault stability, we compared the seismic rate from a reference background time period (1988-1992) against other time periods (1993-2006) with variable ice or tectonic change characteristics. We found that the frequency of small tectonic events in the Icy Bay region increased in 2002-2006 relative to the background seismic rate. We hypothesize that this was due to a significant increase in the rate of ice wastage in 2002-2006 instead of the M=7.9, 2002 Denali earthquake, located more than 100km away.
Eosinophilic pneumonia in patients treated with daptomycin: review of the literature and US FDA adverse event reporting system reports.

Background: Eosinophilic pneumonia (EP) has been noted in association with daptomycin use. The product labelling was recently updated to include EP in the Warnings and Precautions and Post-Marketing Experience sections.
The IS Core: An Integration of the Core IS Courses

This paper describes an innovative, integrated implementation of the core Information Systems courses. While the published IS curriculum provides standards on course content, it gives little direction on the implementation of the courses. At Brigham Young University, we have reengineered the traditional topics of analysis, database, design, development, networking, etc. into an integrated, 24-hour course block called the “IS Core”. Instead of students moving from class to class, professors now rotate through integrated subjects in a common classroom environment. The IS Core has allowed the department to increase the rigor and integration between subjects so students see the entire systems process and has provided opportunities for cross-topic assignments and integrated exercises. Finally, it has resulted in unintended, additional benefits like increased student culture and student ownership of the major.
Regression of gastric lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue with antibiotic therapy for Helicobacter pylori

Regression of low-grade B cell gastric lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue after eradication of Helicobacter pylori with antibiotic therapy was recently shown in a small number of patients with low-volume tumors. A patient with a > 10 cm nodular gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma that caused hematemesis and weight loss is described. Antibiotic therapy of H. pylori resulted in full clinical recovery and resolution of the mass lesion and morphological features of lymphoma on routine histological examination. However, monotypic immunostaining of plasma cells persisted in a separate and grossly normal-appearing region of the stomach. Antibiotic therapy may be of benefit in patients with mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma with mass lesions and significant signs and symptoms, but periodic search for residual lymphoma is needed.
Neural Darwinism: The Theory Of Neuronal Group Selection

Somatic Selection * A Summary and Historical Introduction * Structure, Function, and Perception * Neuronal Group Selection Epigenetic Mechanisms * Developmental Bases of Diversity: The Primary Repertoire * Cellular Dynamics of Neural Maps * Evolution and Function of Distributed Systems * Synapses as Populations: The Bases of the Secondary Repertoire Global Functions * Action and Perception * Categorization and Memory * Selective Networks and Recognition Automata * Selection, Learning, and Behavior Conclusion * Summary, Predictions, and Implications
Chilling and Host Plant/Site-Associated Eclosion Times of Western Cherry Fruit Fly (Diptera: Tephritidae) and a Host-Specific Parasitoid.

The western cherry fruit fly, Rhagoletis indifferens Curran (Diptera: Tephritidae), is an endemic herbivore of bitter cherry, Prunus emarginata (Douglas ex Hooker) Eaton, but ∼100 years ago established on earlier-fruiting domesticated sweet cherry, Prunus avium (L.) L. Here, we determined if eclosion times of adult R. indifferens from sweet and bitter cherry differ according to the phenology of their respective host plants and if eclosion times of the host-specific parasitoid Diachasma muliebre (Muesebeck) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) attacking bitter and sweet cherry flies differ according to the eclosion phenology of their fly hosts. Fly pupae from sweet and bitter cherry fruit were collected from sympatric and allopatric sites in Washington state, and chilled at 5°C. Because timing of eclosion in R. indifferens depends on chill duration, eclosion time in wasps could also vary with chill duration. To account for this, fly pupae were chilled for 1, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 6, or 8 mo. Both flies and wasps eclosed earlier with longer chill durations. Eclosion times of sweet and bitter cherry flies from a sympatric site in central Washington did not differ. However, at allopatric sites in northwestern and central Washington, bitter cherry flies eclosed later than sweet and bitter cherry flies at the sympatric site. Correspondingly, D. muliebre parasitizing a more isolated bitter cherry fly population eclosed later than D. muliebre parasitizing earlier-emerging sweet and bitter cherry fly populations. These results provide evidence for D. muliebre rapidly responding to changes in host plant shifts by R. indifferens.
Anthropology at the Edge of Words: Where Poetry and Ethnography Meet

SUMMARY Anthropology has seen major challenges regarding methods, epistemologies, and how one writes ethnographically. As practicing ethnographers and poets, we focus on one among many vibrant new styles of anthropological scholarship: ethnographic poetry. As poetry appears more regularly in scholarly venues, anthropologists may wonder how to create ethnographic poetry and toward what end. To address this, we begin with definitions of ethnographic poetry in relation to ethnography and ethnopoetics. We then consider how poetry may help anthropologists to write insightfully about how we and other people live. Drawing on our own poetry, and that of others, we explore how form affects meaning and ethnographic insight.
Oxygen Effects on Void Stabilization in Stainless Steel

Void nucleation theories often require surface energies significantly lower than established values in order to properly model cavity formation in metals. Surface impurities can cause the necessary decrease in surface energy and oxygen, which can interact readily with surfaces, is an abundant impurity in many metals. This study indicates that oxygen is especially effective in stabilizing voids. The amount of oxygen necessary to stabilize void formation in ion-irradiated Type 316 stainless steel is calculated as a function of temperature. Voids can be stabilized by reducing the surface energy such that the void becomes the most energetically stable vacancy cluster defect up to a size of 100 vacancies (D = 1.3 nm in steel). In austenitic steel, voids are stabilized when the surface energy decreases from 2.2 to 1.0 J/m 2 . This level of reduction in surface energy could be accomplished by the chemisorption of oxygen, initially in solution, on void embryos that are formed in the early stages of irradiation. Calculations for a Type 316 stainless steel reveal that the required amount of free oxygen initially in solution to nucleate voids is a minimum of 4 appm at 550°C.
An Objective Approach to Defining Earthwork Geometries Using Subdecimeter Digital Elevation Models

Alligator Mound, a ca. 800-year-old effigy earthwork located in central Ohio, lies within a 2000 m2 area on the edge of a steeply sloping bluff. This earthwork, with a maximum local relief of approximately 1.5 m, blends into the underlying natural topography, complicating the extraction of measurements of its geometry. To overcome this limitation, a 5 cm × 5 cm gridded digital elevation model (DEM) of Alligator Mound was developed from 2,534,774 elevation points collected from 11 survey locations using a terrestrial light detection and ranging system. This subdecimeter DEM and a derivative local relief model (LRM) capture the subtle topography at this site so that the natural landscape can be objectively filtered from the earthwork. The resulting geometric data (i.e., perimeter, lengths, area, and volume) are compared with subjective historical depictions of this partially denuded earthwork. The results show the value of subdecimeter scale DEMs and LRMs for characterizing subtle features constructed on complex underlying topographies, and for monitoring and/or mitigating long-term natural and anthropogenic earthwork degradation.
Optimisation of the time-of-flight geometry for fast neutrons

Abstract It is usually assumed that the conventional ring geometry is the optimum configuration for time-of-flight measurements. It has been shown in this paper that this is not always so and that a surface of revolution geometry is often superior to a ring geometry. A geometrical method has been developed to estimate the widths of lines in the time-of-flight spectrum due to scatterers of different shapes and sizes. Assuming a paraxiality spread from 2° to 8°, the shape of lines of elastically scattered neutrons from primary fast neutrons in the 14 MeV range has been calculated. Elastic scattering off hydrogenous converters has been considered for discussing the energy spread of secondary “monoenergetic” neutrons in the 8–13 MeV range.
Kaiso is a bimodal modulator for Wnt/β-catenin signaling

Abstract The Wnt family of secreted ligands plays critical roles during embryonic development and tumorigenesis. Here we show that Kaiso, a dual specific DNA-binding protein, functions as a bimodal regulator of canonical Wnt signaling. Loss-of-function analysis of Kaiso abrogated Wnt-mediated reporter activity and axis duplication, whereas gain-of-function analysis of Kaiso dose-dependently resulted in synergistic and suppressive effects. Our analyses further suggest Kaiso can regulate TCF/LEF1-activity for these effects via modulating HDAC1 and β-catenin-complex formation. Our studies together provide insights into why Kaiso null mice display resistance to intestinal tumors when crossed onto an ApcMin/+ background. Stuctured summary MINT- 6823807 : HDAC1 (uniprotkb: Q13547 ) physically interacts (MI: 0218 ) with beta catenin (uniprotkb: P35222 ) by anti tag coimmunoprecipitation (MI: 0007 ) MINT- 6823820 : axin (uniprotkb: O15169 ) physically interacts (MI: 0218 ) with beta catenin (uniprotkb: P35222 ) by anti tag coimmunoprecipitation (MI: 0007 )
Impact of competitive electricity market on renewable generation technology choice and policies in the United States

Market objectives based on private value judgments will conflict with social policy objectives toward environmental quality in an emerging restructured electricity industry. This might affect the choice of renewables in the future generation mix. The US electricity industry's long-range capacity planning and operations is simulated for alternative market paradigms to study this impact. The analysis indicates that the share of renewable energy generation sources would decrease and emissions would increase considerably in a more competitive industry, with greater impact occurring in a monopoly market. Alternative environmental policy options can overcome market failures and help achieve appropriate levels of renewable generation. An evaluation of these policies indicate their varying cost-effectiveness, with higher levels of intervention necessary if market power exists.
Evolution of quality management: integration of quality assurance functions into operations, or “quality is everyone's responsibility”

The management of quality in the Division of Transfusion Medicine at our institution has undergone a lengthy, sometimes painful but always progressive evolution over nearly four decades. Initially, it consisted of one laboratory technologist who was assigned the task of performing certain basic QC checks on a predetermined list of laboratory, collection, and processing steps. This technologist reported directly to the medical director. The tasks gradually grew in volume and complexity so that a four-person quality unit was established, administratively quite separate from the operations and accountable only to the Medical Director. The next stage in the evolutionary process was more revolutionary in scope because it involved a comprehensive cultural shift toward the concept of "quality is everyone's responsibility." The evolutionary process in our institution to date and the planning and organization involved in the direction and management of the evolution itself are described.
Learning to Enact Social Justice Pedagogy in Mathematics Classrooms

Some mathematics educators assert that P-12 students respond better to mathematics when it is taught for cultural relevance and social justice. Providing teachers with examples of how to use culturally relevant pedagogy and social justice pedagogy (SJP) is critical to enacting these strategies in mathematics classrooms. The results of this teacher–research study reveal that teacher candidates (TCs) had greater understanding about how to teach for social justice after taking a mathematics education course that used literature circles to learn about and understand SJP. Moreover, TCs successfully incorporated three social justice principles into microteaching episodes. The authors also found that TCs’ beliefs regarding teaching for social justice were malleable. However, additional studies are warranted to determine if activities like the ones described in this study actually lead to changes in classroom practice.
Landscape ecological planning process for wetland, waterfowl, and farmland conservation

A landscape ecological planning process (LEP process) is described that addresses the issues of rice production and wetland habitat conservation on privately owned rice farms in Texas. The LEP process was used to evaluate proposed land-use management plans based on alternative policies for the next US Farm Bill, which would be in effect from 2003 to 2009. A system simulation model, geographic information systems (GIS) model based on expert knowledge, as well as expert opinion, were used to evaluate uncertainty about the effects of these plans and policies on different types of farms and the quality of winter habitat of lesser snow geese. The models simulated shifts in land-use, rice and cattle production, farm profitability, and use of habitat by geese. Simulation results suggested that the level of federal subsidies for all policies influenced the continuation of rice production from 2003 to 2009. In addition, the size of the farm influenced whether rice production continued until 2009. The smaller farms were more sensitive to decreases in federal subsidies than larger farms because smaller farms received less income from goose hunting leases. Winter habitat for lesser snow geese was reduced in terms of patch size and nearest neighbor distance when rice production was discontinued by 2009 for all policies. Agricultural policy experts, who were familiar with the study sites, selected the modified version of the conservation policy as the example that would most benefit farmers and geese. The experts emphasized that their policy would offer farmers more flexibility to manage their farms, to diversify their incomes, and to be good land stewards.
A Direct Numerical Simulation of Annular Two-Phase Laminar Flow and Heat Transfer in a Circular Pipe

An accurate finite-volume based numerical method is developed for the direct numerical simulation of two-phase flow dynamics and heat transfer in a circular pipe consisting of a liquid slug translating in a non-reacting gas. This method is built on a sharp interface concept and developed on an Eulerian-Cartesian fixed-grid system with a cut-cell scheme and marker points to track the moving interface. The unsteady, axisymmetric Navier-Stokes equations in both liquid and gas phases are solved separately. The mass continuity and momentum flux conditions are explicitly matched at the true surface phase boundary to determine the interface shape and movement. A quadratic curve fitting algorithm with marker points is used to yield smooth and accurate information of the interface curvatures. Two-phase flow and heat transfer characteristics are predicted for air-water flows under low and high Weber numbers to evaluate the heat transfer enhancement levels due to the moving liquid slug and the effects of surface ten...
Analysis of dye binding by and membrane potential in spores of Bacillus species

Abstarct Aims: To determine roles of coats in staining Bacillus subtilis spores, and whether spores have membrane potential. Methods and Results: Staining by four dyes and autofluorescence of B. subtilis spores that lack some (cotE, gerE) or most (cotE gerE) coat protein was measured. Wild-type, cotE and gerE spores autofluorescenced and bound dyes, but cotE gerE spores did not autofluorescence and were stained only by two dyes. A membrane potential-sensitive dye DiOC6(3) bound to dormant Bacillus megaterium and B. subtilis spores. While this binding was abolished by the protonophore FCCP, DiOC6(3) bound to heat-killed spores, but not to dormant B. subtilis cotE gerE spores. However, DiOC6(3) bound well to all germinated spores. Conclusions: The autofluorescence of dormant B. subtilis spores and the binding of some dyes are due to the coat. There is no membrane potential in dormant Bacillus spores, although membrane potential is generated when spores germinate. Significance and Impact of the Study: The elimination of the autofluorescence of B. subtilis spores may allow assessment of the location of low abundance spore proteins using fluorescent reporter technology. The dormant spore’s lack of membrane potential may allow tests of spore viability by assessing membrane potential in germinating spores.
Joshua Lund. The Mestizo State: Reading Race in Modern Mexico. Minneapolis: U of Minnesota P, 2012. xx + 217 pp.

Joshua Lund. The Mestizo State: Reading Race in Modern Mexico. Minneapolis: U of Minnesota P, 2012. xx + 217 pp.
Dubious hit counts and cuckoo's eggs

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to discuss dubious hit counts in search results.Design/methodology/approach – Uses not only traditional databases and search engines but also unique citation databases to gain informative hit figures.Findings – Searches are finding materials that are clearly not scholarly materials.Originality/value – Shows the importance of a more defined search, thus less distortion of counts.
Sea-ice and North Atlantic climate response to CO2-induced warming and cooling conditions

Using a global climate model coupled with an ocean and a sea-ice model, we compare the effects of doubling CO 2 and halving CO 2 on sea-ice cover and connections with the atmosphere and ocean. An overall warming in the 2 x CO 2 experiment causes reduction of sea-ice extent by 15%, with maximum decrease in summer and autumn, consistent with observed seasonal sea-ice changes. The intensification of the Northern Hemisphere circulation is reflected in the positive phase of the Arctic Oscillation (AO), associated with higher-than-normal surface pressure south of about 50° N and lower-than-normal surface pressure over the high northern latitudes. Strengthening the polar cell causes enhancement of westerlies around the Arctic perimeter during winter. Cooling, in the 0.5 × CO 2 experiment, leads to thicker and more extensive sea ice. In the Southern Hemisphere, the increase in ice-covered area (28%) dominates the ice-thickness increase (5%) due to open ocean to the north. In the Northern Hemisphere, sea-ice cover increases by only 8% due to the enclosed land/sea configuration, but sea ice becomes much thicker (108%). Substantial weakening of the polar cell due to increase in sea-level pressure over polar latitudes leads to a negative trend of the winter AO index. The model reproduces large year-to-year variability under both cooling and warming conditions.
Towards Stable Network Performance in Wireless Sensor Networks

Many applications in wireless sensor networks require communication performance that is both consistent and high quality. Unfortunately, performance of current network protocols can vary significantly because of various interferences and environmental changes. Current protocols estimate link quality based on the reception of probe packets over a short time period. This method is neither efficient nor accurate enough to capture the dramatic variations of link quality. Therefore, we propose a link metric called competence that characterizes links over a longer period of time. We combine competence with current short term estimations in routing algorithm designs. To further improve network performance we have designed a distributed route maintenance framework based on feedback control solutions. In real system evaluations with 48 T-Motes, our overall solution improves end-to-end packet delivery ratio over existing solutions by up to 40%, while reducing energy consumption by up to 22%. Importantly, our solution also achieves more stable and better transient performance than current approaches.
Numerical investigation of double diffusive natural convection of CO2 in a brine saturated geothermal reservoir

Abstract In geologic sequestration or in CO2-based geothermal systems, CO2 is present on top of the brine phase. In this study we performed a numerical analysis of a geothermal reservoir that is impermeable from the sides and is open to CO2 at the top. For this configuration, double diffusive natural convection due to density and temperature differences across the height enhance the mass transfer rate of CO2 into the initially stagnant brine. The analysis is done using mass, momentum, energy conservation laws, and the Darcy laws. The objective is to understand the diffusion of CO2 over long periods of time after sequestration into a subsurface porous media geothermal aquifer. The problem parameters are the solutal Rayleigh number (100 ≤ Ras ≤ 10,000), the buoyancy ratio (2 ≤ N ≤ 100), the cavity aspect ratio (0.5 ≤ A ≤ 2), and a fixed Lewis number (Le = 301). Numerical computations do not exhibit natural convection effects for homogeneous initial conditions. Hence a sinusoidal perturbation is added for the initial top boundary condition. It is found that the CO2 plumes move faster when Ras is increased, however they slow down with decreasing N. For every simulation run, the average CO2 concentration ( S ¯ = ( ∑ i n i ∑ j n j c i , j / n i × n j ) ) is computed. Higher concentration rates in laterally wide reservoirs make better candidates than deeper aquifers for CO2 sequestration.
Quantitative determination of molecular structure in multilayered thin films of biaxial and lower symmetry from photon spectroscopies. I. Reflection infrared vibrational spectroscopy

A semitheoretical formalism based on classical electromagnetic wave theory has been developed for application to the quantitative treatment of reflection spectra from multilayered anisotropic films on both metallic and nonmetallic substrates. Both internal and external reflection experiments as well as transmission can be handled. The theory is valid for all wavelengths and is appropriate, therefore, for such experiments as x‐ray reflectivity, uv–visible spectroscopic ellipsometry, and infrared reflection spectroscopy. Further, the theory is applicable to multilayered film structures of variable number of layers, each with any degree of anisotropy up to and including full biaxial symmetry. The reflectivities (and transmissivities) are obtained at each frequency by solving the wave propagation equations using a rigorous 4×4 transfer matrix method developed by Yeh in which the optical functions of each medium are described in the form of second rank (3×3) tensors. In order to obtain optical tensors for materials not readily available in single crystal form, a method has been developed to evaluate tensor elements from the complex scalar optical functions (n) obtained from the isotropic material with the limitations that the molecular excitations are well characterized and obey photon–dipole selection rules.This method is intended primarily for infrared vibrational spectroscopy and involves quantitative decomposition of the isotropic imaginary optical function (k) spectrum into a sum of contributions from fundamental modes, the assignment of a direction in molecular coordinates to the transition dipole matrix elements for each mode, the appropriate scaling of each k vector component in surface coordinates according to a selected surface orientation of the molecule to give a diagonal im(n) tensor, and the calculation of the real(n) spectrum tensor elements by the Kramers–Kronig transformation. Tensors for other surface orientations are generated by an appropriate rotation matrix operation. To test the viability of this approach, three sets of experimentally derived infrared spectra of oriented monolayer assemblies on quite distinctively different substrates were chosen for simulation: (1) n‐alkanethiols self‐ assembled onto gold, (2) n‐alkanoic acid salt Langmuir–Blodgett (LB) monolayers on carbon, and (3) n‐alkanoic acid salt LB monolayers on silica glass. The formalism developed was used to simulate the spectral response and to derive structural features of the monolayers. Good agreement was found where comparisons with independent studies could be made and, in general, the method appears quite useful for structural studies of highly organized thin films.
Objective and subjective underemployment relationships to job satisfaction.

Abstract This study discusses objective and subjective forms of underemployment and empirically examines their relationship to job satisfaction using 256 nonacademic university employees. Subjective measures of underemployment were found to demonstrate moderate to strong negative relationships with satisfaction while objective measures were unrelated to satisfaction. Suggestions for reducing subjective underemployment are offered.
Implications of local angiotensin production in cardiovascular physiology and pharmacology.

Abstract The traditional concept of the renin-angiotensin system is a circulation-borne endocrine system whose components are secreted by different organs, i.e., renin from the kidney, angiotensinogen from the liver and angiotensin-converting enzyme from the lung. The product of the biochemical cascade, angiotensin II, acts on specific receptors on multiple target organs. Recent data, however, demonstrate that renin and angiotensin are synthesized locally in many tissues. The emerging concept—that angiotensin is produced locally at tissue sites by an endogenous renin-angiotensin system—has important implications to our understanding of cardiovascular homeostasis. This concept implies that local angiotensin concentrations may exceed those of plasma levels and may play an important role in the tonic control of vascular resistance, cardiac and adrenal functions as well as local intrarenal events. An important mechanism of action of converting enzyme inhibitors may be the blockade of tissue angiotensin generation. Hence, the tissue distribution and kinetics of converting enzyme inhibitors may be an important determinant of drug action. These findings have led us to speculate that aberrant tissue renin, angiotensinogen gene expression(s) or abnormalities in the regulation of the local renin-angiotensin system may result in such cardiovascular disorders as vasospasm, hypertension and cardiac hypertrophy.
Navier‐Stokes simulation of flow through a highly contoured subsonic diffuser

The flow through a highly offset subsonic diffuser with cross-sectional profiles that varied from rectangular at the duct entrance to circular at the engine face was numerically simulated. A multizonal approach combined with a two-grid topology was used to represent both the internal and external flowfields, and an implicit, approximately-factored, partially flux-split finite-difference algorithm was used to solve the three-dimensional thin-layer Navier-Stokes equations. The computed static pressures along the inlet wall and total pressures on the engine face were compared with experimental data. In addition, the overall flowfield within the duct was examined in detail. Good agreement is shown between experiment and computations, with the limiting factor being the lack of a reliable turbulence model for internal flow problems.
The Impacts of Fast Electrons and Magnetic Neutrons

In this paper we consider the behavior of electrons with energy very large compared to their proper energy in their passage through matter, and further treat the impacts suffered by a certain type of hypothetical elementary neutral particle whose existence was tentatively suggested by Pauli. In the introduction we outline the problem and the methods to be employed, and give a summary of the formulae which embody our results. In Section I we develop the method suggested by M\o{}ller for the relativistic treatment of impacts; in (a) we apply it to the impacts of two free electrons; in (b) we show how it is to be applied to those impacts of a fast electron in which little energy is transferred to the secondary; in (c) we develop the theory of the magnetic neutron, and apply M\o{}ller's method to the treatment of its impacts. In II we give the detailed calculation of the energy transfers from a fast electron to the electrons of the matter through which it is passing, and compute the range and ionizing power of the primary electron. In III we apply the theory of the neutron to compute the number and nature of its impacts.
Widespread periodic intrinsic connections in the tree shrew visual cortex

Intrinsic connections within the tree shrew (Tupaia glis) visual cortex (area 17) are organized in periodic stripelike patterns within layers I, II, and III. This anatomical network resembles the regularly organized stripes of 2-deoxyglucose accumulation seen after stimulation of alert animals with uniformly oriented lines. Such connections imply that widespread lateral interactions are superimposed on the retinotopic organization of area 17 and suggest alternative interpretations of cortical columns.
Differential effects of chronic spinal hemisection on somatic and visceral inputs to caudal brainstem

The medullary reticular formation (MRF) receives convergent inputs from multiple somatic and pelvic/visceral territories. The effects of chronic 30-day lateral hemisections at T8 on the responses of single MRF neurons to noxious mechanical stimulation of both hindpaws was examined in urethane-anesthetized male rats. Neuronal responses on both sides of the MRF to pinching of the hindpaw on the side opposite the lesion (intact-side) were found either to be completely absent or if present, weak (i.e. hindpaw was hyposensitive). The presence or absence of intact-side responses appeared to be dependent on the lesion extent. In contrast, bilateral MRF responses to pinching the lesion-side hindpaw were present; however, responses were greater in magnitude (lower thresholds) relative to surgical sham controls suggesting hypersensitivity. Responses to lesion-side hindpaw stimulation on both sides of the MRF indicated that whereas the ascending projections are primarily crossed below the level of lesion, they are both crossed and uncrossed above. These findings are in contrast with our previous data on ascending projections from the bilaterally organized male urogenital tract. The results presented for the hindpaws correlate with clinical observations of patients with similar incomplete spinal cord injuries (Brown-Sequard syndrome).
Design Process for Resin Transfer Molded, Fiber Reinforced Poppet Valves for Internal Combustion Engines

A project has been undertaken to design, build and test internal combustion engine poppet valves made from resin transfer molded (RTM) Fiber Reinforced Composites (FRCs). For poppet-valve engines, the valve train mass and stiffness is of particular importance because valve train natural frequency and the onset of valve float and bounce typically limit the engine operating speed. This in turn limits engine power and performance. FRC poppet valves offer the potential for substantial mass reduction as well as increased component stiffness. This enables reduced power consumption by the valve train, and increased overall engine efficiency. Resin transfer molding was chosen because of potential for high-volume production and near-net shape products. Valve design details include; identification of valve operating requirements, fiber orientations, material selection, and evaluation of potential solutions using computerized structural analysis. Mold design includes; mold configuration requirements, fiber placement strategies evaluated, intermediate validation testing done and initial prototype configuration. Results include the final valve design for an exhaust valve, fiber and matrix material selection, fiber placement strategy, and mold configuration. Plans for additional validation testing are presented.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Theory of Angular Resolved Photoemission from Adsorbates

A theory of the angular resolved photoemission from localized adsorbate orbitals is presented in which the effects of the final state are discussed in detail. Numerical results show a strong dependence of the energy-resolved angular distribution on the symmetry of the bonding orbitals and on the geometry of the adsorption site.
Critical thickness and lifetimes of foams and emulsions: role of surface wave-induced thinning

Abstract A theory is developed for predicting simultaneously the velocity of thinning, the critical thickness of rupture, and the lifetimes of the tangentially immobile foam and emulsion films. The theory accounts for the fact that thin free films are not plane-parallel, but are periodically nonhomogeneous in thickness. Based on the equations of motion, it is shown that the pumping of fluid generated by the oscillations of the finite amplitude surface waves enhances the velocity of thinning predicted by Reynolds' theory by up to several orders of magnitudes. In addition, for very thin films (thickness 8 10 power of the film radius, which is in agreement with the experimental observations. In contrast, Reynolds' velocity of thinning is inversely proportional to the square of the film radius. The thermal perturbations superimposed on the finite amplitude hydrodynamic surface waves also start to grow for very thin films due to the dispersion interactions. The growth rate of the thermal perturbations being much larger than the growth rate of the “hydrodynamic” surface waves, the former lead to the film rupture. The theory leads to an explicit correlation for the critical thickness as a function of the velocity of thinning, initial amplitude of thermal perturbations, viscosity, surface tension, and Hamaker constant. Finally, the velocities of thinning, critical thicknesses, and the lifetimes calculated from the present theory are all in qualitative and quantitative agreement with the hitherto unexplained experimental results.
Testosterone therapy in men with prostate cancer: literature review, clinical experience, and recommendations

For several decades any diagnosis of prostate cancer (PCa) has been considered an absolute contraindication to the use of testosterone (T) therapy in men. Yet this prohibition against T therapy has undergone recent re-examination with refinement of our understanding of the biology of androgens and PCa, and increased appreciation of the benefits of T therapy. A reassuringly low rate of negative outcomes has been reported with T therapy after radical prostatectomy (RP), radiation treatments, and in men on active surveillance. Although the number of these published reports are few and the total number of treated men is low, these experiences do provide a basis for consideration of T therapy in selected men with PCa. For clinicians considering offering this treatment, we recommend first selecting patients with low grade cancers and undetectable prostate-specific antigen following RP. Further research is required to define the safety of T therapy in men with PCa. However, many patients symptomatic from T deficiency are willing to accept the potential risk of PCa progression or recurrence in return for the opportunity to live a fuller and happier life with T therapy.
A hybrid channel allocation method for wireless communication networks

In this paper a new hybrid channel allocation method is presented, which focuses on both nominal and dynamic channel allocation. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.