cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of phenylephrine 1.0%-ketorolac 0.3% injection on tamsulosin-associated intraoperative floppy-iris syndrome.

PURPOSE To determine the effect of phenylephrine 1.0%-ketorolac 0.3% injection (Omidria) on different components of intraoperative floppy-iris syndrome (IFIS). SETTING Silverstein Eye Centers, Kansas City, Missouri, USA. DESIGN Prospective case series. METHODS Men treated with tamsulosin having standard cataract extraction surgery were placed in a treatment group that received phenylephrine 1.0%-ketorolac 0.3% injection in the irrigation solution and a control group) that received basic saline solution. Every procedure was video recorded using an endocyclophotocoagulation (ECP) probe and microscopic view. Pupil dilation, iris billowing, and iris prolapse were measured using a micrometer, ECP recording grading scale, and microscopic recordings, respectively. RESULTS Each group (treatment and control) comprised 25 eyes of 25 patients. Although both groups had a decrease in pupil diameter before and after cataract extraction and before cataract extraction and after intraocular lens implantation, the changes were statistically significantly greater in the treatment group. Iris prolapse occurred in 3 patients (12.0%) in the treatment group and 14 patients (56.0%) in the control group (P < .001). Stage 3 (severe) pupil billowing occurred in 1 eye (4.0%) in the treatment group and 10 eyes (40.0%) in the control group (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS The use of the phenylephrine 1.0%-ketorolac 0.3% injection combination added to the irrigating solution during cataract surgery in patients at risk for IFIS led to significantly better prevention of miosis, less pupil billowing, and a reduced incidence of iris prolapse. A new grading scale for intraoperative iris abnormalities might be used for future evaluation.
Extremely low reflectivity nanoporous black silicon surface by copper catalyzed etching for efficient solar cells

We report on a process based on copper (Cu) catalyzed etching of silicon (Si) to obtain extremely low reflectivity nanoporous ‘black silicon’ (bSi) surface. We explore both one-step and two-step etching process, and find that one-step etching results in a uniformly etched surface reproducibly, compared with the two-step process. Adding ascorbic acid (C 6 H 8 0 6 ) in the one-step process recipe results in inverted pyramid shaped pores that enhance light trapping and lowers the bSi surface reflectivity. We observe that the optimum concentration of hydrogen peroxide (H 2 0 2 ) in the etching solution depends on the sample size. The lowest spectrum-weighted-average reflectivity (Ravg) obtained from the optimized one-step etching process is 3.36%
Securing Confidence With Data Escrow

In the past several years, the general public has had concerns about hacking and identity theft. Headlines in news media include computer system breaches at popular and respected companies like Target and universities like The University of California at Berkeley. This paper explores options available for providing the general public with the benefits of the information age while mitigating against the security risks. We begin with a discussion of it is reasonable for the general public to expect organizations engaged primarily in commerce to provide for their cybersecurity. We then look at how electronic transactions are currently secured. We conclude with a consideration of the “protocols” or “institutions” that might provide for security for consumers.
Development and evaluation of a low-cost and smart technology for precision weed management utilizing artificial intelligence

Abstract Most conventional sprayers apply agrochemicals uniformly, despite the fact that distribution of weeds is typically patchy, resulting in wastage of valuable compounds, increased costs, crop damage risk, pest resistance to chemicals, environmental pollution and contamination of products. To reduce these negative impacts, a smart sprayer was designed and developed utilizing machine vision and artificial intelligence to distinguish target weeds from non-target objects (e.g. vegetable crops) and precisely spray on the desired target/location. Two different experimental scenarios were designed to simulate a vegetable field and to evaluate the smart sprayer’s performance. The first scenario contained artificial weeds (targets) and artificial plants (non-targets). The second and most challenging scenario contained real plants; portulaca weeds as targets, and sedge weeds and pepper plants as non-targets. Two different embedded graphics processing unit (GPU) were evaluated as the smart sprayer processing unit (for image processing and target detection). The more powerful GPU (NVIDIA GTX 1070 Ti) achieved an overall precision of 71% and recall of 78% (for plant detection and target spraying accuracy) on the most challenging scenario with real plants, and 91% accuracy and recall for the first scenario with artificial plants. The less powerful GPU (NVIDIA Jetson TX2) achieved an overall precision and recall of 90% and 89% respectively on the first scenario with artificial plants, and 59% and 44% respectively on the second scenario with real plants. Finally, an RTK GPS was connected to the smart sprayer and an algorithm was developed to automatically generate weed maps and visualize the collected data (after every application). This smart technology integrates a state of the art (AI-based) weed detection system, a novel fast and precision spraying system, and a weed mapping system. It can significantly reduce the quantity of agrochemicals required, especially compared with traditional broadcast sprayers that usually treat the entire field, resulting in unnecessary application to areas that do not require treatment. It could also reduce costs, risk of crop damage and excess herbicide residue, as well as potentially reduce environmental impact.
The Role of Irritability in the Treatment of Behavior Disorders: A Review of Theory, Research, and a Proposed Framework

Research provides strong evidence that the symptoms of Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) are comprised of at least two dimensions: irritability and defiance. Given that these two dimensions have distinct etiologies and long-term risk profiles, they may also warrant different treatment approaches. In particular, impaired emotion regulation plays a central role in the irritable dimension of ODD. As such, this subgroup of youth and their families may benefit from greater consideration of and attention to emotion-focused strategies than is standard in traditional Behavioral Parent Training (BPT) approaches. In support of this hypothesis, this review will (1) examine the etiological models guiding the theoretical approach to standard BPT; (2) evaluate theory and research on emotion socialization broadly and its role in the etiology and maintenance of irritability in children with BDs; (3) propose an emotion socialization-based etiological model for the irritable dimension of child oppositionality; and (4) argue for the use of emotion-focused parent training in the treatment of such youth. Clinical implications, gaps in the current state of the literature, and future directions for research will also be discussed.
Assessment of Persistent and Prolonged Postoperative Opioid Use Among Patients Undergoing Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

ImportanceAlthough the development of persistent opioid use after surgical procedures has garnered much attention in recent years, large-scale studies characterizing patterns of persistent opioid u...
The Highs and Lows of Immune-Checkpoint Blockade in Lymphoma

Immunologic approaches to treating patients with cancer have shown promise, and immune-checkpoint blockade has been particularly successful. In many solid tumors, the presence of intratumoral immune cells has been predictive of a response to therapy, and blockade of inhibitory signals that dampen an effective antitumor response has resulted in clinical benefit for patients. Lymphoid malignancies, including Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, are cancers of the immune system, and in these diseases, the malignant cells interact with the immune system and commonly provide signals that regulate immune function. Therefore, many of the immunologic lessons learned from solid tumors may not directly translate to lymphoid malignancies, and the mechanisms of effective antitumor responses in these diseases may be different. In Hodgkin lymphoma, for example, immune-checkpoint blockade has resulted in response rates of 65% to 75%. In contrast, in non-Hodgkin lymphoma, responses to immune-checkpoint blockade in phase II trials have been seen in fewer than 10% of patients, and the reasons for this substantial difference are largely unknown. Combination approaches are likely needed, particularly in the various subtypes of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and combinations that include cytotoxic agents seem more effective than combinations of immunologic therapies. Successful therapeutic combinations in lymphomas may require an approach that simultaneously blocks inhibitory immune signals, provides direct activation of the immune response, and directly inhibits the malignant clone.
Deep learning segmentation of kidneys with renal cell carcinoma.

e16098Background: Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common kidney malignancy and the eighth most common cancer overall, with more than 60,000 new cases and nearly 15,000 deaths in the United S...
Critical Literacy and Its Impact on African American Boys’ Reading Identity:

Literature on twice exceptional African American boys who are gifted academically and have a learning disability neglects to emphasize contributing factors relating to the reading gap and lack of e...
Thermochemical properties and phase transitions of Ba–Sn alloys from thermal characterization and emf measurements

Abstract Thermodynamic properties of Ba–Sn alloys were determined for Ba mole fractions (xBa = 0.03–0.69) by X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and electromotive force (emf) measurements. Six intermetallic compounds (BaSn5, BaSn3, Ba3Sn5, BaSn, Ba5Sn3, and Ba2Sn) were identified by XRD and the phase transition temperatures were determined by DSC up to xBa = 0.50, which were used to delineate phase boundaries for constructing an experimentally-determined phase diagram. In addition, thermochemical solution properties were calculated by measuring emf values of Ba–Sn alloys using the following electrochemical cell: Ba(s) | CaF2–BaF2 | Ba(in Sn) over 713–1063 K, including activity and partial molar quantities of Gibbs energy, entropy, and enthalpy. The activity of Ba in Sn was as low as 1.5 × 10−11 at xBa = 0.03 and 923 K, indicating highly non-ideal solution behavior with a large excess partial molar Gibbs energy (−164 kJ mol−1). By integrating solution properties from emf measurements with the phase behavior by DSC and XRD, a reliable description of the Ba–Sn system was established.
Alzheimer’s Disease: A Review of Recent Developments and the Role of Imaging

1114 Purpose: Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the most common form of dementia, is a devastating illness that will affect an estimated 5.7 million Americans and almost 50 million people worldwide in 2018, with numbers expected to nearly triple by 2050. While mortality related to heart disease and stroke has continued to decline, the rate of AD-related death in the United States more than doubled in the period from 2000-2015. Now the 6th leading cause of death, it is the least preventable and treatable of the major causes, and places a tremendous financial, physical, and emotional burden on the estimated 16 million unpaid caregivers who provide the majority of care to patients with Alzheimer’s. Following the recent lack of success of numerous therapeutic trials aimed at slowing the progression of cognitive impairment in AD patients, there has been an increased emphasis on the early, preclinical detection of Alzheimer’s disease, in which diagnostic imaging plays a key role. This educational exhibit aims to provide a brief but comprehensive review of recent developments related to AD with an emphasis on imaging. Methods: Summarize current understanding regarding the pathophysiology of AD. Describe relevant diagnostic imaging findings for current and evolving techniques such as MRI and PET/CT. Provide a general discussion of the role of imaging in AD going forward. Findings: The use of MRI is recommended and approved for the initial evaluation of patients with cognitive dysfunction, with well-described imaging findings that can aid in the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. Additional findings have been described on 18F-FDG PET that can provide further diagnostic clarification. Although current belief is that AD symptoms are a result of neuronal loss, synaptic dysfunction, and resultant atrophy related to the deposition of β-amyloid (Aβ) plaque and tau/neurofibrillary tangles (NFT), recent drug trials using anti-plaque agents in symptomatic patients have failed to slow the progression of cognitive impairment. Given that the development of Aβ plaque is believed to precede the onset of AD symptoms by 10-20 years, these trials may have been unsuccessful due to the advanced stage of disease. Additionally, patients may have been improperly selected on the basis of a clinical rather than biologic (i.e. imaging) diagnosis of AD. Thus, more recent imaging techniques such as Amyloid PET, tau PET, functional MRI, and diffusion weighted imaging are crucial in the early and accurate detection of patients with or at risk for developing AD. Summary: Diagnostic imaging, including MRI and PET/CT, is critical in the early and accurate detection of Alzheimer’s disease. This has implications for the appropriate selection of patients for therapeutic trials, as well as long-term disease management and potential preventative therapies. Imaging also serves as a useful tool for further understanding the mechanism behind AD.
ANOMALOUS WET AND DRY SPELLS IN THE CENTRAL UNITED STATES, 1931–75

The Palmer Index (PI) was employed to compare anomalous dry spells with anomalous wet spells for 76 climatic divisions in the central United States. Comparisons were made in terms of the frequency, severity and persistence of wet and dry climatic episodes for the period 1931–75. The results indicated more frequent dry anomalies in the southwest (New Mexico and west Texas) portion of the study area and more frequent wet anomalies in the northeast (Illinois and Iowa). Not surprisingly, these are the most arid and most humid portions respectively. The results of the analysis for persistence were less clear. Typically dry anomalies lasted longer than wet anomalies, especially as the minimum length was increased. This was especially apparent when comparing the very longest dry spell with the very longest wet spell during the 45-year study period. Thus there are more but shorter wet spells and less frequent, but typically longer lasting dry spells. This final relationship posits the question of feedback process...
Aflatoxin Formation on Sixteen Soybean Varieties

16 commercial var. of soybeans were each inoculated separately with 5 isolates of fungi from the Aspergillus flavus series to determine varietal differences in supporting aflatoxin production. The isolates were 2 strains of A. parasiticus (NRRL 2999 and NRRL 3145), 2 strains of A. flavus (NRRL 3357 and NRRL 3353), and 1 strain from a new variant of A. flavus (NRRL 3251). Levels of aflatoxin formed were dependent both on the isolate and on the var. of soybeans. Amsoy-71, Calland, Harosoy, and Pamona var. were the poorest substrates for aflatoxin production in the laboratory fermentation, so they may be resistant to mould invasion and/or toxin formation.
Occult gastrointestinal bleeding

Occult gastrointestinal bleeding is loss of blood into the digestive tract that is not apparent to the patient or physician by physical examination. It is detected by examination of the stool for chemical evidence of blood by laboratory techniques or by the observation of iron deficiency. The presence of occult blood is important because it may indicate otherwise asymptomatic gastrointestinal neoplasia, assist with the evaluation of gastrointestinal symptoms in the absence of visible bleeding, and point toward a digestive tract source of blood loss in the patient with iron-deficiency anemia.
Abstract WP70: Reperfusion Therapy in Posterior Circulation Large Vessel Occlusion With Perfusion Deficits May Be Safe and Improve Outcomes Beyond 4.5 Hours

Introduction: Whether reperfusion therapy is safe and efficacious in acute ischemic strokes (AIS) due to posterior circulation large vessel occlusions (PCLVO) beyond 4.5 hrs is unknown. Methods: A ...
Surgery Prolongs Duration of Rop and Increases Risk for Laser Intervention

Background: Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a proliferative neovascular disorder and known complication of preterm birth. The disease occurs in two phases. Phase 1 (23-32w) is a vaso-obliterative phase. There is transition to the neovascular phase (phase II) around 32 weeks with complete vascular maturation around term. Many preterm infants undergo a surgical procedure prior to maturation of the retina. It is unknown how surgery affects retinal vascularization. We hypothesize that infants who undergo surgery will have increased risk of laser intervention. Methods: We performed a retrospective chart review …
A Systematic Approach to Localize NVM Inter-Poly Defects using Nanoprobing Techniques

The continuous growth and advancements of semiconductor devices for automotive applications and internet-of-things drive the demand and scaling of embedded non-volatile memories (eNVM). Existing eNVM landscape in 40nm and 28nm advanced processes is dominated by split-gate flash memory devices [1] where inter-poly oxide (IPO) defect is one of the most challenging types of defect to localize [2]. This is due to the global polysilicon lines that are used as shared wordlines/select gate, control gate or erase gate. They could be shared among thousands of NVM cells and inter-poly defects would typically surface as entire row failure. Even if enhanced NVM testing could reveal the suspected failing bit, the IPO defect site may be marginally shifted off the failing bit. Thus, direct cross-section Transmittance Electron Microscopy (TEM) approach, with limited view area, might not be effective. In this paper, a case study on a split-gate automotive grade eNVM suffering from read/write cycling failure was described. In this case study, a systematic approach using nanoprobe to first characterize the inter-poly leakage to identify the failing column, followed by Electron Beam Absorbed Current (EBAC) analysis within the failing column, was adopted to effectively localize inter-poly defect and validate NVM bitmap accuracy.
Guanylyl Cyclase Receptors

Guanylyl cyclases (GCs) are enzymes that catalyze cyclic guanosine 3′,5′-monophosphate formation from Mg · guanosine triphosphate. The GCs fall into one of three broad classes: those that contain no apparent transmembrane segment, those that contain one transmembrane segment, or those that contain multiple transmembrane segments. The last class of GCs has been found only in protozoa.
Financial institution IPOs and regulatory environments

Abstract We examine underpricing and long term performance of financial institution IPOs around major regulatory changes and during the balance of political power in the United States. We find higher underpricing and lower long term performance post Riegle-Neal Interstate banking, Financial Services Modernization, and Dodd-Frank Acts, supporting the Regulatory Burden hypothesis that investors account for incremental regulation-related costs in their investment decisions. We document less underpricing and better long-term performance during the Democratic balance of power, but more underpricing and lower long-term performance during the Republican balance of power. This study provides important insights for investors, financial institutions, and regulators.
Midbrain Raphe Modulation of Nonphotic Circadian Clock Resetting and 5-HT Release in the Mammalian Suprachiasmatic Nucleus

Serotonin (5-HT) is an important regulator of the mammalian circadian clock of the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN); however, critical questions remain concerning the control of serotonergic activity in the SCN and how this relates to the putative clock-resetting actions of 5-HT. Previously, we reported that electrical stimulation of the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) or median raphe nucleus (MRN) in hamsters evoked 5-HT release in the SCN. This DRN-stimulated 5-HT release was blocked by systemic injection of 5-HT antagonists, indicating a 5-HT receptor-mediated pathway from the DRN to the SCN. In the present study, targeted injections of the 5-HT 1,2,7 antagonist metergoline or the selective 5-HT 7 antagonist DR4004 into the DRN or MRN attenuated DRN-electrically stimulated SCN 5-HT release, supporting a multisynaptic DRN→MRN→SCN route. Intra-DRN and intra-MRN injections of the GABA A antagonist bicuculline significantly stimulated SCN 5-HT release, whereas intra-DRN or intra-MRN injections of the GABA A agonist muscimol suppressed this release. The 5-HT release induced by intra-DRN bicuculline was also blocked by co-injection of DR4004. In complementary behavioral trials, SCN 5-HT release associated with a phase-advancing sleep deprivation stimulus at midday was prevented by intra-DRN injection of metergoline. Also, phase-advance shifts induced by novel wheel access at midday were suppressed, but not blocked, by intra-DRN injection of DR4004 or muscimol. These results indicate that 5-HT 7 and GABAergic receptors of the DRN and MRN regulate behaviorally induced 5-HT release in the SCN, and that DRN output modulates nonphotic phase-resetting responses.
Serials Cancellations in College and Small University Libraries: The National Scene

All types of academic libraries have had to contend with escalating print serials subscription costs for a number of years together with the increasing prevalence of electronic serials. Yet, the literature has described the situation mainly in university and research libraries. How have college and small university libraries coped with this situation, and what actions have they taken? Based on a national survey, this article reveals that college and small university libraries have, in general, adopted a highly rational approach in managing their print serials collections as well as developing hybrid serials collections of print and electronic resources.
The RNA polymerase I transactivator upstream binding factor requires its dimerization domain and high-mobility-group (HMG) box 1 to bend, wrap, and positively supercoil enhancer DNA.

Abstract Upstream binding factor (UBF) is an important transactivator of RNA polymerase I and is a member of a family of proteins that contain nucleic acid binding domains named high-mobility-group (HMG) boxes because of their similarity to HMG chromosomal proteins. UBF is a highly sequence-tolerant DNA-binding protein for which no binding consensus sequence has been identified. Therefore, it has been suggested that UBF may recognize preformed structural features of DNA, a hypothesis supported by UBF's ability to bind synthetic DNA cruciforms, four-way junctions, and even tRNA. We show here that full-length UBF can also bend linear DNA to mediate circularization of probes as small as 102 bp in the presence of DNA ligase. Longer probes in the presence of UBF become positively supercoiled when ligated, suggesting that UBF wraps the DNA in a right-handed direction, opposite the direction of DNA wrapping around a nucleosome. The dimerization domain and HMG box 1 are necessary and sufficient to circularize short probes and supercoil longer probes in the presence of DNA ligase. UBF's sequence tolerance coupled with its ability to bend and wrap DNA makes UBF an unusual eukaryotic transcription factor. However, UBF's ability to bend DNA might explain how upstream and downstream rRNA gene promoter domains interact. UBF-induced DNA wrapping could also be a mechanism by which UBF counteracts histone-mediated gene repression.
Taurine and vitamin E supplementations have minimal effects on body composition, hepatic lipids, and blood hormone and metabolite concentrations in healthy Sprague Dawley rats.

Background As prescriptions for off-label pharmaceutical use and autonomous administration of over-the-counter nutraceuticals become mainstream, thorough assessments of these compounds are warranted.
Interference with Measurement of 3-Methoxy-4-hydroxymandelic Acid and 5-Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid by Reducing Metabolites

Using standard analytical techniques, we noted a decrease in the urinary excretion of 3-methoxy-4-hydroxymandelic acid and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid in a patient with alcaptonuria, and in subjects receiving aspirin or L-dopa [3-( 3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-L-alanine]. This apparent decrease in excretion of the two compounds is an artifact produced by metabolites in urine, such as homogentisic acid, gentisic acid, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid, or homovanillic acid.
Specifying the equatorial ionosphere using CINDI on C/NOFS, COSMIC, and data interpolating empirical orthogonal functions

[1] Data Interpolating Empirical Orthogonal Functions (DINEOFs) are a data-based method for determining a few orthogonal basis functions that optimally reproduce a given data set. This technique is applied to meridional drift measurements performed by the Coupled Ion Neutral Dynamics Investigation (CINDI) onboard the Communication/Navigation Outage Forecasting System (C/NOFS) as well as electron density profiles derived from GPS Radio Occulations (RO) performed by the Constellation Observing System for Meteorology, Ionosphere, and Climate (COSMIC). The low densities of the equatorial ionosphere spanning 2009–2010 restricted quality drift measurements by CINDI to altitudes near perigee, limiting the local time coverage of measurements. Full local time descriptions may be obtained as perigee moves through all local times though this requires a minimum 67 day season. To increase the data coverage of the ionosphere, CINDI data are supplemented with COSMIC GPS RO data. DINEOFs are applied to median meridional drift measurements as well as COSMIC measurements spanning 2009–2010 and are used to make a best estimate of the equatorial ionosphere at locations not observed. The scattered distribution of COSMIC profiles as well as the physical relationship between meridional ion drifts and the distribution of density with altitude improves the quality of the reconstructions compared to using CINDI alone. The DINEOF reconstructions demonstrate that the annual anomaly of reduced ionospheric densities in June compared to December measured by COSMIC is coincident with a change in the meridional ion drifts at the geomagnetic equator measured by CINDI.
Low Dimensional Magnetism in the HighTcSuperconductor LnBa2Cu3O7-y(Ln=Nd, Sm, Gd, Ho, Er)

Heat capacities have been measured for the high Tc superconductors LnBa2Cu3O7-y (Ln=Y, Nd, Sm, Gd, Ho, Er) between 0.4K and 100K. A cooperative heat capacity peak has been found at Tm=0.585K for SmBa2Cu3O7-y, 2.21K for GdBa2Cu3O7-y and 0.60K for ErBa2Cu3O7-y. In addition, broad heat capacity anomalies are found between 1K and 5K for all the compounds of magnetic rare earths studied. A semiquantitative fit can be obtained assuming that there exist two nearly independent systems of rare earth ions in LnBa2Cu3O7-y, namely, a 2–d Ising system which is responsible for the sharp heat capacity peak and a 1–d Ising system which causes the rounded maximum.
Plant electrophysiology: FCCP induces action potentials and excitation waves in soybean

Abstract Carbonyl cyanide 4-trifluoromethoxyphenylhydrazone (FCCP) induces ultrafast action potentials and decreases the variation potential in a soybean. The speed of propagation of action potentials in a soybean induced by FCCP reaches up to 40 m/s. The duration of a single action potential after treatment by FCCP is 0.3 ms. Adding FCCP to soil reduces the variation potential from 80 mV to zero. The spatial distribution of protons around the soybean root was measured using pH indicators. All experiments showed that proton concentration around the plant surface was higher than in the rest of the bulk solution. When the proton distribution was measured with a Universal Indicator, three zones were observed around the plant in FCCP and control culturing solutions: orange, yellow, and green, which correspond to pH values of 5, 6, and 7, respectively. The color intensity of the orange zone was slightly lighter around FCCP-treated plants than around control plants. Two zones were observed around the soybean with Bromocresol Purple: yellow and purple, which correspond to pH values of 5 and 7, respectively. FCCP does not influence turgor pressure, H + efflux, or K + /H + antiporter in the root of a soybean; however, it was found to reduce the rate of plant maturation. The mechanism by which FCCP decreases plant maturation most likely includes depolarization of the plasma membrane, retardation of photosynthetic water oxidation and respiratory electron transfer.
An overview of simultaneous strategies for dynamic optimization

Simultaneous approaches for dynamic optimization problems are surveyed and a number of emerging topics are explored. Also known as direct transcription, this approach has a number of advantages over competing dynamic optimization methods. Moreover, a number of industrial applications have recently been reported on challenging real-world applications. This study provides background information, summarizes the underlying concepts and properties of this approach, discusses recent advances in the treatment of discrete decisions and, finally, illustrates the approach with two process case studies.
Incorporation of structured uncertainties in a smart structural system identification technique

The performance of smart structural systems is influenced by structural parameter variations, operating conditions and modeling errors. A mathematical model of the smart structural system must include not only the nominal plant, but also the uncertainties in the system. Often information related to these uncertainties is available during the system identification process, however, most system identification techniques do not address these issues. A system identification technique which incorporates structural uncertainties in the model of structural systems is developed in this paper. This comprehensive modeling technique is useful for the analysis and design of robust control systems for smart structures. The structured uncertainty modeling technique is useful for designing robust controllers such as H(infinity ) and H2/H(infinity ). The H2/H(infinity ) control methodology is particularly useful since it increases the stability robustness of the closed loop system while achieving a specified performance. This methodology is used in this paper for designing robust controllers for smart structural systems. A 2D lattice structure is used as the experimental test bed in laboratory investigation to demonstrate the identification technique. Seven interlaced beams form the lattice structure. A model including the first two modes of the structure is generated incorporating structured uncertainty on the eigenvalues. A H2/H(infinity ) controller is designed and implemented on the lattice structure and closed loop experimental results are included.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Theory of the “Honeycomb Chain-Channel” Reconstruction of M / Si ( 111 ) - ( 3 × 1 )

First-principles electronic-structure methods are used to study a structural model for Ag/Si(111) -(3{times}1) , recently proposed on the basis of transmission electron diffraction data. The fully relaxed geometry for this model is far more energetically favorable than any previously proposed, partly due to the unusual formation of a Si double bond in the surface layer. The calculated electronic properties of this model are in complete agreement with data from angle-resolved photoemission and scanning tunneling microscopy. {copyright} {ital 1998} {ital The American Physical Society}
An Equilibrium Analysis of Optimal Unemployment Insurance and Taxation

A two-person, two-period general equilibrium model with uncertainty about second-period labor productivity is developed. The model is used to consider potential welfare (Pareto) gains from both a stylized unemployment insurance system and from a negative income tax system. Welfare gains are possible if individuals are sufficiently homogeneous. When both programs are operated simultaneously, complete insurance is always feasible but is optimal only if the labor supply curve is negatively sloped.
Oxidative stress induced by glutamate receptor agonists

The effect of various selective glutamate agonists upon the rate of generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), was examined in an isolated synaptoneurosomal (microsac) fraction derived from rat cerebral cortex. The rates of ROS generation were determined by a fluorescent probe. Agonists specific for each of the three major glutamate inotropic receptor sites (NMDA, kainic acid, alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxalolpropionic acid, AMPA), were able to enhance rates of ROS generation. The metabotropic glutamate agonist trans-1-aminocyclopentane-1,3-dicarboxylic acid, (ACPD), was inactive in this regard. Stimulation of ROS was most pronounced in the case of kainate. Such results could not be replicated by use of ion-channel active agents, veratridine and A23817. Pretreatment with the kainate antagonist, 6-cyano-7-quinoxaline-2,3-dione (CNQX), was not able to block the kainate-induced elevation of ROS. Domoic acid, a kainate agonist, also enhanced microsac ROS generation. Neurological damage may result from generation of excess free radicals, and this may be effected by glutamate agonists acting by means independent of their ionotropic properties.
Rotational Coherence Spectroscopy and Structure of Naphthalene Trimer

We present the results of rotational coherence spectroscopy (RCS) experiments on jet-cooled naphthalene trimer. The RCS results, obtained by mass-selective, time-resolved ionization depletion, indicate that the species is an oblate symmetric top with rotational constants B = 167 ± 1 MHz and C = 141 ± 1 MHz. These constants are consistent with a cluster in which the long axes of three cyclically-arranged, symmetrically equivalent naphthalene moieties are parallel to one another and to the symmetry axis of the cluster. The distances between the centers of mass of the moieties in this structure are determined to be 4.925 ± 0.020 A from the rotational constants. The results are consistent with ab initio and empirical force-field calculations of the species' structure (see Gonzalez and Lim, preceding Letter) and with the results of prior vibrational and vibronic spectroscopic studies.
Refrains for moving bodies: experience and experiment in affective spaces

What Derek McCormack proposes in Refrains for Moving Bodies is less an argument than an attunement through which to apprehend the world – both to register and to rework the matterings of ‘affective...
Prediction intervals for neural networks via nonlinear regression

Standard methods for computing prediction intervals in nonlinear regression can be effectively applied to neural networks when the number of training points is large. Simulations show, however, that these methods can generate unreliable prediction intervals on smaller datasets when the network is trained to convergence. Stopping the training algorithm prior to convergence, to avoid overfitting, reduces the effective number of parameters but can lead to prediction intervals that are too wide. We present an alternative approach to estimating prediction intervals using weight decay to fit the network and show via a simulation study that this method may be effective in overcoming some of the shortcomings of the other approaches.
Lattice Thermal Conductivity

The lattice thermal conductivity for monatomic crystals is discussed for high temperatures, above and around the Debye temperature. While this problem cannot be treated in a suitable way by conventional methods for calculating transport coefficients, it represents an excellent example of the use of correlation-function techniques. By splitting the total anharmonic interatomic lattice potential into its diagonal and nondiagonal contributions, $V={V}_{\mathrm{d}}+{V}_{\mathrm{nd}}$, the effect of the equilibrium and nonequilibrium properties of the crystal lattice on the thermal conductivity can be studied separately. The current-current correlation function is calculated to second order in $V$ in a single-phonon-lifetime approximation. While ${V}_{\mathrm{nd}}$ only contributes in this approximation to the space-time-dependent part of the correlation function, ${V}_{\mathrm{d}}$ contributes as well to the space-time-independent part. The latter contribution ${{V}_{\mathrm{d}}}^{0}$ represents a temperature-dependent Hartree approximation of the lattice potential and determines the equilibrium properties of the crystal lattice. At constant pressure ${{V}_{\mathrm{d}}}^{0}$ gives rise to the thermal expansion of the system, which causes a decrease of the Debye frequency with increasing temperature, resulting in a depression of the conductivity below the $\frac{1}{T}$ behavior. Even in the case of constant volume, the temperature dependence of ${{V}_{\mathrm{d}}}^{0}$ causes a decrease of the phonon frequency with increasing temperature. This again gives rise to a depression of the conductivity below the $\frac{1}{T}$ behavior and leads to a ${T}^{2}$ term in the resistivity in the region around the Debye temperature. This latter effect is studied by taking into account the entire anharmonicity of the lattice potential which leads to ${{V}_{\mathrm{d}}}^{0}$ and calculating the space-time-dependent part of the correlation function in lowest order in the atomic displacements. Thus Peierls' expression for the conductivity is rederived in terms of the renormalized phonon frequency and group velocity due to ${{V}_{\mathrm{d}}}^{0}$, rather than the pure harmonic approximation of the lattice potential. The entire dissipative mechanism of the system, which is given by the space-time-dependent part of the correlation function, calculated to second order in $V$, cancels partially the effect of ${{V}_{\mathrm{d}}}^{0}$ on the conductivity. For temperatures around and just above the Debye temperature the temperature dependence of the lattice thermal conductivity is given by $\frac{1}{T}(1+\ensuremath{\alpha}T)$. With increasing temperature the conductivity reaches a minimum, which is followed by a steep rise as one approaches a dynamical instability of the system.
Activity metabolism of lizards after thermal acclimation

Abstract 1. 1. I tested the hypothesis that thermal acclimation necessarily exerts the same effect on resting metabolism and on aerobic and anaerobic activity metabolism in Anolis carolinensis and Sceloporus jarrovi , diurnally active iguanid lizards that exhibit reduced winter activity but not prolonged dormancy and that are often active on warm winter days. 2. 2. Cold acclimation reduced the total metabolic scope for activity in these lizards by 33–40%. The benefits of winter activity must outweigh the increased risk of predation that presumably accompanies this reduction in capacity for intense, short term muscular exercise. 3. 3. Acclimation did not influence resting metabolism, aerobic activity metabolism, and anaerobic activity metabolism in parallel ways.
Physical models of earthquake instability and precursory processes

This paper selectively reviews physical models of earthquake instability. In these models, instability arises as a result of interaction of a fault constitutive relation with deformation of the surrounding material that occurs in response to remote tectonic loading. In contrast to kinematic models in which the fault slip is imposed, it is calculated in physical models and, consequently, these models are essential for understanding precursory processes. Some kind of ‘weakening’ behavior for the fault constitutive relation is required to produce an instability analogous to an earthquake. Two commonly employed idealizations discussed here are rate-independent slip weakening and rate/state-dependent friction. When these constitutive models are employed on surfaces embedded in elastic half-spaces or layers, possibly coupled to a viscoelastic substrate, the results are capable of simulating realistically some aspects of earthquake occurrence. Common to all models is the prediction that earthquake instability is preceded by precursory slip which produces a departure of surface strain-rate from the background level. Near the epicenter of a moderate to large earthquake, the magnitude of this departure appears to be well within the range of current geodetic measurement accuracy, and its duration is of the order of months to years. However, details depend on a variety of factors, including the modelling of the constitutive relation near peak stress, coupling of elastic crust to the asthenosphere, and coupling of deformation with pore fluid diffusion.
Selection rules for one- and two-photon magneto-absorption in zincblende semiconductors

Abstract Selection rules are obtained for one- and two-photon optical transitions, in zincblende semiconductors, for an applied magnetic field parallel to the three crystal axes [001], [110], and [111], for optical polarizations σ L , o R , o, and π. Selection rules are found for transitions induced by k H ≠ 0 effects, warping, inversion asymmetry, and combinations of these perturbations. Impurity-assisted transitions are also considered. These results have recently been confirmed by studies of the angular dependence of electric- dipole-induced spin resonance in HgSe.
Increasing the efficiency of thermoacoustic carbon nanotube sound projectors

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) can generate smooth-spectra sound emission over a wide frequency range (1–105 Hz) by means of thermoacoustics (TA). However, in the low frequencies f, where the need for large area sound projectors is high, the sound generation efficiency η of open CNT sheets is low, since η ∝ f2. Together with this problem, the nanoscale thickness of CNT sheets, their high sensitivity to the environment and the high surface temperatures useful for TA sound generation are other drawbacks, which we address here by protective encapsulation of free-standing CNT sheets in inert gases. We provide an extensive experimental study of such closed systems for different thermodynamic regimes and rationalize our observations within a basic theoretical framework. The observed sound pressure levels for encapsulated argon filled TA transducers (130 dB in air and 200 dB underwater in the near field at 5 cm distance, and 100 and 170 dB in the far field at 1 m distance) are Q times higher than those for open systems, where Q is the resonant quality factor of the thin enclosure plates. Moreover, the sound generation efficiency of the encapsulated system increases toward low frequencies (η ∝ 1/f2). Another method to increase η in the low frequency region is by modulation of the applied high frequency carrier current with a low frequency resonant envelope. This approach enables sound generation at the frequency of the applied current without the need for additional energy-consuming biasing. The acoustical and geometrical parameters providing further increases in efficiency and transduction performance for resonant systems are discussed.
Intraventricular ganglioglioma: a short illustrated review

The following review of the literature describes the ganglioglioma, an uncommon mixed glioneuronal neoplasm, most often of low-grade histology, with a small, albeit well-documented, malignant potential. These tumors exhibit a strong epileptogenic propensity and most often present as new onset seizures or are discovered after a long history of refractory epilepsy. Despite their indolent course, the importance of gross total resection is well recognized to prevent anaplastic and malignant degeneration. Morphologically, the neoplasm is often cystic with an enhancing mural nodule, but can also be entirely solid. They are most often found in the temporal lobe but have been found throughout the neuraxis. An exceedingly rare location of the ganglioglioma is within the lateral ventricle. A systematic literature search revealed only eight reports documenting the occurrence of a ganglioglioma within the lateral ventricle. We describe an illustrative case of an intraventricular ganglioglioma with a prominent cystic component and enhancing mural nodule, which represents the classic radiographic appearance of gangliogliomas described in other locations. A superior parietal lobule approach offered excellent surgical access for tumor removal and the patient has remained free of neurological deficits following surgery. Regardless of location within the central nervous system, ganglioglioma should be on the differential diagnosis for any cystic mass with a mural nodule, particularly in the setting of epilepsy.
On the cardinality of some powersets

The cardinality of the various stages of the von Neumann model for ZF set-theory is considered and is shown that under GCH the (ω+k)-th stage has cardinality of the (k+1)-th aleph.
The Effects of Household Asset Endowments on Agricultural Diversity among Frontier Colonists in the Amazon

This paper focuses on agricultural diversity, a key property of agroforestry systems, and examines the influences of household asset endowments. The analysis addresses a debate between ‘differential motivation’ and ‘ differential capacity’ arguments concerning the importance of asset inequality for agricultural diversification among rural households in developing regions. I draw on data from a survey of small farm colonists in the Brazilian Amazon to assess components and measures of agricultural diversity, and to model those diversity measures using indicators of household asset endowments. The results indicate that agricultural diversification is modest in the study site, but varies among households, as do asset endowments. Models of agricultural production and income diversity indicate that agricultural diversity primarily reflects labor endowments, though certain types of capital are also important. These findings bear implications for research on agricultural diversity in other contexts, and for policies aiming to promote ‘productive conservation’ by compatibilizing poverty reduction, economic development and environmental sustainability.
Peptidomics of the Prolyl Peptidases

The prolyl peptidases are a family of enzymes characterized by a biochemical preference for cleaving proline-containing peptides. The members of this enzyme family include prolyl endopeptidase, prolyl endopeptidase-like, dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4), DPP7, DPP8, DPP9, and fibroblast activation protein. DPP4 is the best studied member of the family, due to its role in physiological glucose tolerance, exerted through the regulation of the insulinotropic peptide glucagon-like peptide-1. While other members of the prolyl peptidase family have also been implicated in various (patho)physiological processes, the underlying peptides and pathways regulated by these enzymes are less clear. The identification of endogenous substrates of the prolyl peptidases is an important step in elucidating the molecular mechanisms of these enzymes. Here, we highlight the utility of liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry-based peptidomics to enable the discovery of endogenous prolyl peptidase substrates directly from tissues, and demonstrate the utility of this information in understanding the biochemical and physiological functions of the prolyl peptidases.