cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Block-oriented feedforward control with demonstration to nonlinear parameterized Wiener modeling

Abstract Block-oriented modeling (BOM) is a multiple-input, multiple-output modeling approach for nonlinear dynamic processes. Current implementation of BOM into feedforward control (FFC) results in linearization of the model and decomposition into separate components for each input. This work presents a multiple-input BOM FFC approach that does not linearize and decompose the BOM into separate components for each input. This implementation uses a new FFC law that uses the complete BOM in the time domain. The approach is demonstrated with a Wiener model for a simulated continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR) with four (4) measured inputs. The Wiener model is nonlinear in the physically-based dynamic parameters of the transfer functions and linear in the static parameters of the static gain function. The static gain function has a second order linear regression form with interaction and quadratic terms. The Wiener model is built under open-loop conditions using a Box–Behnken statistical experimental design consisting of 27 sequential step tests. Under a sequence of multiple input changes, the addition of this feedforward controller to the feedback controller reduced the standard deviation of the controlled variable from its set point by 70% in comparison to the response with only feedback control.
Development of a VOF-Based Interface Capturing Method Using a Family of Bounded Compressive Flux Blending Schemes in an Existing Finite Volume Flow Solver

A family of bounded compressive flux blending schemes is used as the basis for developing a VOF-based interface capturing method in an existing incompressible flow solver. An attractive feature of the method is that the interface is defined implicitly as the median value surface of a scalar volume fraction function and no explicit reconstruction of the interface is needed. The lack of any geometrical reconstruction of the interface greatly simplifies the implementation of the method in an existing finite volume flow solver using general polyhedral unstructured meshes. Several NVD-based convection schemes are presented for a cell-centered finite volume implementation of the method. Several important implementation details are discussed such as the evaluation of the ‘far upwind’ point of the upwind-biased numerical stencil, the implementation of the face flux prescription as a ‘deferred correction’ to the first-order upwind flux and limiting of the volume fraction function to physically meaningful values in a multi-dimensional discretization. The resulting compressive VOF-based interface capturing method is evaluated using several well-known analytic flows including a steady-state oblique step function, an obliquely translating hollow square and hollow circle and a rotating slotted disk. The method is then applied to a dam break problem to demonstrate the efficacy of the overall method when applied to a well-known two-fluid Navier-Stokes flow.
Mechanical Hardness as a Probe of Nanocrystalline Materials

The use of mechanical hardness as a probe of nanocrystalline materials is reviewed. The fact that the grain size dependence of hardness is very different for nanocrystalline materials compared to conventional (≥1 μm diameter) polycrystals suggests a different deformation mechanism may be operative in nanocrystalline materials. Hardness is useful for following the sintering, densification reactions of nanoparticles. Solid solution hardening in nanocrystalline alloys is found to be overwhelmed by the grain boundary hardening. If alloying decreases the grain boundary hardening, i.e. increases grain size, an apparent solid solution softening effect is observed.
Review Essay/Historians and Documentary Editing

These four volumes of the Papers of John Adams are major contributions to the third series of the magnificent letterpress edition of The Adams Papers. The first series deals with the diaries of the Adams family. The second series contains the family correspondence. And the third series, of which three volumes of Legal Papers of John Adams have previously been published, includes the nonfamily correspondence, writings, and official papers of the three Adams statesmen featured in The Adams Papers. This third series will presumably be the largest (unless the diaries of John Quincy Adams get out of hand) and the one in which the editors will have to be increasingly rigorous in selecting documents for publication. The launching of the Papers of John Adams thus comes at a propitious moment in the development of historical editing. The Adams Papers have taken on a new chief editor and new members of the editorial crew, who are faced with developing and refining their policies of selectivity. At the same time, they and all historical editors of the various documentary projects have been recently confronted with the most forceful and unnerving critique ever raised against modern historical publication programs. All in all, this is an appropriate occasion to take a brief look at the problems of editing historical documents like those of the Papers of John Adams.
Japanese Neutrality in the Nineteenth Century: International Law and Transcultural Process

An international and transcultural process, the history of Japanese neutrality in the nineteenth century is marked by changing ideas of the international laws of war and the rights of neutrals among the western powers. The essay explores three points at which Japan's international history intersected with these developments in the meaning and practice of neutrality: the Franco-Prussian War of 1870, the Sino-French conflict of 1884, and the Spanish-American War of 1898. Japan's working out a position of neutrality turns out to be one of many international and shifting attempts to construct neutrality in the nineteenth century.
Das Interferonsystem und seine Bedeutung für die Virustherapie

Interferon wurde im Jahre 1957 von Isaacs u. Lindenmann [1] entdeckt. Seitdem hat es sich als eine hochinteressante Substanz erwiesen, die ein neues Gebiet der Forschung in der Virologie eroffnet hat.
On characterization of proteomics maps and chemically induced changes in proteomes using matrix invariants: Application to peroxisome proliferators

In this paper we have reported a mathematical method for the compact characterization of proteomics maps. Selected spots from proteomics maps are transformed into 3-D curves which, in turn, are represented by D/D matrices. The leading eigenvalues of such matrices and their higher powers are used as biodescriptors to characterize proteomics patterns. The set of biodescriptors derived from the normal cells and cells exposed to four peroxisome proliferators show that these compact biodescriptors are able to discriminate the characteristic effects of these toxicants on the cellular proteome.
On-line dead-time compensation technique for open-loop PWM-VSI drives

A new on-line dead-time compensation technique for low-cost open-loop pulsewidth modulation voltage-source inverter (PWM-VSI) drives is presented. Because of the growing numbers of open-loop drives operating in the low-speed region, the synthesis of accurate output voltages has become an important issue where low-cost implementation plays an important role. The so-called average dead-time compensation techniques rely on two basic parameters to compensate for this effect: the magnitude of the volt seconds lost during each PWM cycle and the direction of the current. In a low-cost implementation, it is impractical to attempt an on-line measurement of the volt-seconds error introduced in each cycle-instead an off-line measurement is favored. On the other hand, the detection of the current direction must be done on line. This becomes increasingly difficult at lower frequencies and around the zero crossings, leading to erroneous compensation and voltage distortion. This paper presents a simple and cost-effective solution to this problem by using an instantaneous back calculation of the phase angle of the current. Given the closed-loop characteristic of the back calculation, the zero crossing of the current is accurately obtained, thus allowing for a better dead-time compensation. Experimental results validating the proposed method are presented.
Carcinoma of the colon: avenues of spread and methods of preventing recurrence.

Current knowledge of the means and avenues of spread of carcinoma of the colon has been reviewed. Some present-day methods of treatment by radical excision and resection of the involved tissues, and specific measures aimed at the prevention of recurrence, have been discussed.
The Impact of Adoption of Recommended Tea Plucking Interval on Tea Yields in Kenya

ABSTRACTThis study employs the endogenous switching regression model to examine the impact of the adoption of recommended tea plucking interval on tea yields among small-scale tea farmers in main tea-growing regions of Kenya. The study utilises cross-sectional farm household level data collected from a randomly selected sample of 413 households. Results support the notion that self-selection occurs and that estimates that do not consider selection-bias would be biased. Different determinants are found to be significant in explaining the tea yields for adopters and non-adopters. Thus, policy makers should consider these differing effects when designing development projects to increase tea yields.
Seiberg—Witten on four-manifolds

We introduce here the basic concepts that are needed in order to define the Seiberg-Witten equations and invariants. This introduction will be rather sketchy: occasionally we will refer to more detailed references listed in the bibliography.
3D printed 77 GHz Planar Yagi-Uda Antenna

A proof of concept 3D printed Yagi-Uda antenna for automotive radar at 77 GHz and 3D printed fabrication plan are presented. The initial design on Connex VeroWhite yields a return loss of 12.7 dB at 73.2 GHz, and 8.7 dBi phi-pol realized gain in the endfire direction, with cross-pol 20 dB down. Two 3D printed fabrication plans are discussed. The fabricated antenna and measured results will be presented at the conference.
Reis et al. Respond

The authors reply to the comment on their article "Cumulative lifetime marijuana use and incident cardiovascular disease in middle age: the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study" in this issue. They dispute the error in their methodology on the reporting of marijuana use.
Assessment of Performance Carryover Effects Due to Successive Exposure to Different Lateral Camera Rotations in a Laparoscopic Training Environment.

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to assess performance carryover effects associated with different successive lateral camera rotations in the laparoscopic training environment.BackgroundLaparosco...
Prohibitin is a positive modulator of mitochondrial function in PC12 cells under oxidative stress.

Prohibitin (PHB) is a ubiquitously expressed and evolutionarily conserved mitochondrial protein with multiple functions. We have recently shown that PHB up-regulation offers robust protection against neuronal injury in models of cerebral ischemia in vitro and in vivo, but the mechanism by which PHB affords neuroprotection remains to be elucidated. Here, we manipulated PHB expression in PC12 neural cells to investigate its impact on mitochondrial function and the mechanisms whereby it protects cells exposed to oxidative stress. PHB over-expression promoted cell survival, whereas PHB down-regulation diminished cell viability. Functionally, manipulation of PHB levels did not affect basal mitochondrial respiration, but it increased spare respiratory capacity. Moreover, PHB over-expression preserved mitochondrial respiratory function of cells exposed to oxidative stress. Preserved respiratory capacity in differentiated PHB over-expressing cells exposed to oxidative stress was associated with an elongated mitochondrial morphology, whereas PHB down-regulation enhanced fragmentation. Mitochondrial complex I oxidative degradation was attenuated by PHB over-expression and increased in PHB knockdown cells. Changes in complex I degradation were associated with alterations of respiratory chain supercomplexes. Furthermore, we showed that PHB directly interacts with cardiolipin and that down-regulation of PHB results in loss of cardiolipin in mitochondria, which may contribute to destabilizing respiratory chain supercomplexes. Taken together, these data demonstrate that PHB modulates mitochondrial integrity and bioenergetics under oxidative stress, and suggest that the protective effect of PHB is mediated by stabilization of the mitochondrial respiratory machinery and its functional capacity, by the regulation of cardiolipin content. Open Data: Materials are available on https://cos.io/our-services/open-science-badges/ https://osf.io/93n6m/.
CD4+ T Cell Subsets and Pathways to HIV Latency

Latent infection of CD4+ T cells is the main barrier to eradicating HIV-1 infection from infected patients. The cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in the establishment and maintenance of latent infection are directly linked to the transcriptional program of the different CD4+ T cell subsets targeted by the virus. In this review, we provide an overview of how T cell activation, T cell differentiation into functional subsets, and the mode of initial viral infection influence HIV proviral transcription and entry into latency.
Atomic Ordering in Ternary and Quaternary Compound Semiconductors

The status of atomic ordering in ternary and quaternary III–V compound semiconductors is reviewed briefly. Evidence favors the occurrence of CuPt-type ordering in these materials. Reconstruction at (001) surfaces is essential for the formation of the ordered structure that is metastable in the bulk. Ordering reduces bandgaps, and degradation resistance of light emitting devices is enhanced.
Proposed DSM-5 Revisions to Sexual and Gender Identity Disorder Criteria.

As the boundaries of gender identity disorder and the paraphilias are being redrawn for the DSM-5, the author considers whether they should be labeled pathological at all. Virtual Mentor is a monthly bioethics journal published by the American Medical Association.
1945–1946: Early Radio Astronomy at Dover Heights

The radio noise group at RPL was part of a fascinating global phenomenon. Throughout World War II, radar researchers all over the world had been encountering, independently, the same anomalies and asking the same questions as they used very similar equipment to try to locate enemy aircraft before it could destroy their own country’s pockets of civilization. Once the war ended, these researchers were still pondering just what in the universe they had found. It also quickly became clear to each scientific enclave that they were not alone in their discoveries and that this new form of observing the physical world had the potential to be a whole new branch of science, and to put it simply, a “hot topic”. The race, as it were, was on.
Learning Optimal Resource Allocations in Wireless Systems

This paper considers the design of optimal resource allocation policies in wireless communication systems, which are generically modeled as a functional optimization problem with stochastic constraints. These optimization problems have the structure of a learning problem in which the statistical loss appears as a constraint, motivating the development of learning methodologies to attempt their solution. To handle stochastic constraints, training is undertaken in the dual domain. It is shown that this can be done with small loss of optimality when using near-universal learning parameterizations. In particular, since deep neural networks (DNNs) are near universal, their use is advocated and explored. DNNs are trained here with a model-free primal-dual method that simultaneously learns a DNN parameterization of the resource allocation policy and optimizes the primal and dual variables. Numerical simulations demonstrate the strong performance of the proposed approach on a number of common wireless resource allocation problems.
A Multicatalytic Approach to the Hydroaminomethylation of α-Olefins.

We report an approach to conducting the hydroaminomethylation of diverse α-olefins with a wide range of alkyl, aryl, and heteroarylamines at relatively low temperatures (70-80 °C) and pressures (1.0-3.4 bar) of synthesis gas. This approach is based on simultaneously using two distinct catalysts that are mutually compatible. The hydroformylation step is catalyzed by a rhodium diphosphine complex, and the reductive amination step, which is conducted as a transfer hydrogenation with aqueous, buffered sodium formate as the reducing agent, is catalyzed by a cyclometallated iridium complex. By adjusting the ratio of CO to H2 , we conducted the reaction at one atmosphere of gas with little change in yield. A diverse array of olefins and amines, including hetreroarylamines that do not react under more conventional conditions with a single catalyst, underwent hydroaminomethylation with this new system, and the pharmaceutical ibutilide was prepared in higher yield and under milder conditions than with a single catalyst.
Rapid On-Demand Synthesis of Lomustine under Continuous Flow Conditions

Lomustine, an important agent for treatment of brain tumors and Hodgkin’s lymphoma, has been synthesized using continuous flow methodology. Desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (DESI-MS) was used to quickly explore a large number of reaction conditions for one of the reaction steps and guide the efficient translation of optimized conditions to continuous lomustine production. Using only four inexpensive commercially available starting materials and a total residence time of 9 min, lomustine was prepared via a linear sequence of two chemical reactions performed separately in two telescoped flow reactors. Sequential offline extraction and filtration resulted in a 63% overall yield of pure lomustine at a production rate of 110 mg/h. The primary advantages of this approach are the rapid manufacture of lomustine with two telescoped steps to avoid isolation and purification of a labile intermediate and the mild conditions used in the nitrosylation step, thereby significantly increasing the purit...
Los experimentos mentales como género literario en el debate sobre identidad personal

espanolEl uso de experimentos mentales tradicionalmente ha sido uno de los principales recursos metodologicos en el debate sobre la identidad personal. Sin embargo, en las ultimas decadas han recibido un creciente numero de criticas. Esto ha provocado que muchos filosofos interesados en el problema de la identidad personal los hayan abandonado. Es el caso de la mayoria de los teoricos de la identidad narrativa. En este articulo comparo las criticas de Wilkes a los experimentos mentales con las de Ricoeur. Al hacerlo, espero demostrar que sus criticas se cancelan mutuamente, al menos de manera parcial, y que los teoricos de la identidad narrativa estan comprometidos a aceptar el uso de experimentos mentales. EnglishThe use of thought experiments has been one of the main methodological resources in the debate on personal identity. However, over the past decades, there has been an increasing amount of criticism against them. This has caused that many philosophers interested in the problem of personal identity have abandoned this methodo-logy. This is the case with most of narrative identity theorists. In the present paper, I compare Wilkesʼ criticisms against thought experiments with Ricoeurʼs. In doing so, I hope to show that they partially cancel each other, and that narrative identity theorists are committed to accept the use of thought experiments.
Novel approaches to estimating abortion incidence

In countries where abortion is legally restricted or clandestine, estimates of abortion incidence are needed in order to bring attention to the reality of this practice. Innovations in methods for estimating stigmatized behaviors, coupled with changes in the conditions under which women obtain abortions, prompt us to review new approaches to estimating abortion incidence and propose innovations in this field. We discuss five approaches for yielding accurate estimates in countries with restrictive abortion laws. These include two prevailing approaches in the field (direct questioning of women about their abortions and the Abortion Incidence Complications Method (AICM)), one that has begun to be in use in recent years (the List Experiment) and two that are newly proposed by the authors (the Confidante Approach and a modification of the AICM). We discuss assumptions, strengths and weaknesses of each approach. Finally, we suggest strategies for assessing the validity of the findings in the absence of a gold standard. Though direct questioning has consistently been shown to miss many abortions, reporting can potentially be improved by normalizing or reframing the experience of abortion. The AICM has had the advantage of not relying on women’s reports about their abortions; however as self-induced abortion becomes more common, this strength becomes a weakness. The modified AICM, which uses women’s abortion reports to estimate the proportion of abortions that lead to treated complications, improves our chances of capturing self-induced abortions. The List Experiment preserves the woman’s anonymity (not just her confidentiality), but it can be cognitively challenging and the potential to make subgroup estimates is extremely limited. The Confidante Approach entails asking survey respondents about abortions among women who confide in them, rather than their own abortions. An adjustment factor can be applied to estimate the incidence of confidantes’ abortions that are unknown to respondents. This approach relies on the assumption that women know and will report whether their confidantes had an abortion. In the absence of a gold standard measure of abortion incidence, four strategies can be employed to compare and assess these approaches: (a) comparing the level of underreporting across methods susceptible to underreporting but not to overreporting, (2) validating components of abortion estimates against an objective measure, (3) testing whether these strategies accurately estimate other sensitive behaviors for which a gold standard exists, and 4) sensitivity analyses. Ultimately, it might be appropriate to employ more than one methodology when measuring abortion incidence.
Lou Gehrig's Disease (ALS): UBQLN2 Mutations Strike Out of Phase.

In this issue of Structure, Dao et al. (2019) report that ALS-linked mutations in the Pxx domain of Ubiquilin 2 (UBQLN2) differentially influence the protein's phase separation abilities. The affect is by reducing the temperature and UBQLN2 concentration necessary for liquid-liquid phase separation droplet formation and by modulating UBQLN2 oligomerization.
Transvenous lead extraction in patients with prior extraction procedures: Procedural profiles and outcomes.

Background Subclinical venous injuries are common during transvenous lead extraction (TLE), but their implications for future TLE are unclear. Little is known about whether a prior TLE adds risk or complexity to subsequent extraction procedures. Objective The purpose of this study was to assess procedural profiles and outcomes of TLE based on whether patients had prior extraction procedures. Methods All 3258 consecutive patients undergoing TLE at the Cleveland Clinic (1996–2012) were included. Procedural profiles and outcomes were determined. Results Of 3258 TLEs, 198 had prior TLE. Median number of leads in place was 2 in both groups, but patients with prior TLE were more likely to have defibrillator leads (47% vs 41%; P = .08) and more likely to be pacemaker-dependent (32% vs 25%; P = .02). The age of oldest lead (median 2134 vs 1902 days; P = .4) and combined age of leads (median 2948 vs 2676 days; P = .6) were comparable. Procedures were longer in those with prior TLE (166 ± 79 minutes vs 149 ± 74 minutes; P = .004) with comparable fluoroscopy times (median 13 vs 11 minutes; P = .07), and successful extraction was more likely to require specialized tools (88% vs 81%; P = .006) with higher likelihood of rescue femoral workstation (12% vs 4%; P Conclusion Extraction procedures were more challenging in patients with prior TLE compared to those without prior TLE but with excellent success and low complication rates.
Self-sintering liquid metal colloidal inks for facile manufacture of stretchable conductors

As soft robotic, bio-integrated and wearable systems proliferate, the need for stretchable conductors follows. In order to instrument such highly deformable systems with electronics for sensing, communication, and power, similarly soft and stretchable conductors are required. Liquid metals are an attractive material solution because they possess both metallic conductivity and mechanical properties of a fluid. In particular, eutectic gallium-indium alloy (eGaIn) is of interest because gallium at the surface will rapidly oxidize in the presence of oxygen. While this non-conductive surface oxide layer can be problematic when trying to pattern the bulk material, this oxide shell acts to stabilize eGaIn nano- and microparticles. Colloidal suspensions of these particles are much more amenable to scalable manufacturing methods, and the oxide surface can serve as a tunable process handle that can be readily modified. Here, we leverage the oxide formation and modify its composition to facilitate the patterning and formation of stretchable conductive traces. We demonstrate that drying eGaIn microparticles from a water-containing solution results in a self-sintering phenomenon where liquid metal particles will coalesce into a conductive trace upon evaporation of the solvent. We characterize the eGaIn colloidal system and demonstrate its utility as a stretchable conductor.
Factors Influencing Gateway Providers' Confidence in Helping People with Mental Illness.

Low mental health service utilization among vulnerable groups with mental health needs has been an ongoing public health concern. Guided by the Gateway Provider Model, this study focuses on public ...
Neural networks to locate and quantify fugitive natural gas leaks for a MIR detection system

Abstract Fugitive natural gas leaks from abnormal operations or failed containment at oil and gas production fields and gas supply chains are a significant source of atmospheric methane (CH4), a potent greenhouse gas. This realization of significant CH4 leaks has stimulated efforts at mitigation using cost effective detection methods. US DOE's ARPA-E MONITOR program has supported transformational research to locate and quantify fugitive methane leaks at natural gas facilities in order to achieve a 90% reduction in CH4 emissions. This paper describes the development, application, and evaluation of a MONITOR program sponsored source attribution technology solution, wherein an artificial neural network (ANN) infers as outputs, a leak location and release rate given inputs of measured sonic anemometer wind velocities and methane sensor time series. We discuss development of our ANN model, its training, computational implementation and use to design effective sampling strategies over a range of source and sensor locations, and meteorological conditions. We report on the deployment and performance of our ALFaLDS in blind tests at Colorado State University's METEC well pad facility in Ft. Collins. Test results demonstrate that our ALFaLDS locates the engineered methane leaks to better than 8% of the domain length scale and has the ability to quantify fluxes, more accurately at high flux rates, less so at low rates. Our ANN overestimates leak source rates by an average scale factor of about 1.83 for small pads and by an average of 1.77 for larger domains. The scale factor can be used operationally but needs more research to assess its generality. This capability of leak location with high skill, speed and accuracy at moderate cost promises new automatic affordable sampling of fugitive gas leaks at well pads and oil and gas fields.
Risk perceptions and mitigation behaviors of residents following a near-miss wildfire

Abstract Wildfires pose significant risks to populations living in the Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI). We examine the influence of WUI residents’ risk perceptions as well as other cognitive constructs (guided by Protection Motivation Theory) likely to influence their decisions to take wildfire mitigation actions before and shortly after a near-miss wildfire. We used a drop-off/pick up survey to compare pre- and post-fire risk perceptions and mitigation actions of residents living in close proximity to the 416 Fire in southwestern Colorado, USA. Our research was guided by the general question, does a near-miss wildfire influence residents’ perceptions and self-reported fire risk mitigation behaviors? Specifically, we examined the cognitive appraisals and physical risk factors influencing residents’ previous and planned mitigation actions both before and after the fire. Our findings show risk perceptions declined significantly after the fire while residents’ intentions to take nine different fire risk mitigation actions increased. These results suggest near-miss fire events result in simultaneous “let-downs” and “wake-up calls” among affected residents. Near-miss wildfires present a unique opportunity for wildfire community preparedness, outreach, and engagement programs to capitalize on an increased willingness to take risk mitigation actions. However, these programs may face difficulties in communicating the continued threat of subsequent fire events.
Soft Skills: The Case for Compassionate Approaches or How Behavior Analysis Keeps Finding Its Heart

As the field of behavior analysis expands, our need to develop ourselves as more effective collaborators, particularly with families who may be the primary consumers of our science, becomes paramount. As scientists, our training lies primarily in the behavior analytic technologies that we study and apply. But our ability to disseminate our science, collaborate with non-behavior analysts, and ultimately grow our field hinges on our ability to navigate interpersonal situations in a way that puts forth compassion and humanity. We have the opportunity and capability to use our empirical procedures to implement and assess the effectiveness of interventions that target the soft skills of our field. The current article discusses the benefits of empathic and collaborative approaches in fields related to behavior analysis and provides suggestions for current behavior analysts to incorporate compassionate care into their practices. We provide a checklist for compassionate interactions accompanied by possibilities for its use as a tool for self-evaluation, procedural fidelity, and comprehensive training in the area of collaboration with families. Finally, we discuss areas for future research with respect to assessing and improving behavior analysts’ compassionate approaches to treatment.
3D analysis of 2014 Oso landslide

Abstract The United States witnessed its deadliest landslide on March 22, 2014 in Oso, Washington. Forty-three people were killed and the direct financial damage exceeded 170 million dollars. The topography of the slope prior to this landslide was complex due to the occurrence of several historical landslides on the same slope and three-dimensional (3D) features of the slope. This paper utilizes an inverse 3D limit equilibrium analysis to propose a 3D failure mechanism and sequence for the 2014 Oso Landslide. The 3D mechanism consists of two main phases (Phase I and II) with three retrogressive slides that were identified during field reconnaissance and confirmed via the 3D limit equilibrium slope stability analyses. The 3D analysis suggests that Phase II of the Stark et al. (2017) mechanism consists of two separate retrogressive slides instead of a single slide. The two slides of Phase II are referred to as Phase IIa and Phase IIb herein for comparison with Stark et al. (2017) . Photographs herein show the geometry and runout of Phases IIa and IIb. After Phase IIa, sloughing of the steep scarp in the upper plateau onto the Phase IIb slide mass continued for months. The 3D analysis includes the complexities of the ancient landslide bench along with surrounding slope geometry and features, which help explain the initiation and direction of slide movement.
Quest-Based Learning: A Scoping Review of the Research Literature

Quest-based learning (QBL) is a choice-driven approach that integrates game elements in a gamified or game-based learning environment. A scoping review of the research literature was conducted to examine the extent, range and nature of the QBL research activity, how the approach has been used in educational practice and what benefits or disadvantages have been reported. A sample of 17 journal articles and papers published from 2009 through 2020 were reviewed. Researchers studied the feasibility of implementing QBL in real-world learning environments (e.g., classrooms), how to design the quest structure or framework and how motivation is influenced by the choice-driven system of QBL. Benefits reported in the research include positive student response to the approach, flexible learning paths and options to revise and improve work. Disadvantages include mixed results for motivation, substantial time investment for teachers and challenges for students that include issues with time management, frustration with QBL design, limited social interaction and mixed perceptions of the merits of game elements in QBL design.
Recent developments in supervised learning

The author presents a generalized criterion proposed recently for the fast training of feedforward neural networks. A strategy is also described which allows the development of learning algorithms capable of determining the architecture of feedforward neural networks, i.e., the number of hidden layers and the number of hidden units per layer, while performing their training. It was experimentally verified that the proposed algorithms provide the simplest possible network for a given training task. >
Two decades of warming increases diversity of a potentially lignolytic bacterial community

As Earth's climate warms, the massive stores of carbon found in soil are predicted to become depleted, and leave behind a smaller carbon pool that is less accessible to microbes. At a long-term forest soil-warming experiment in central Massachusetts, soil respiration and bacterial diversity have increased, while fungal biomass and microbially-accessible soil carbon have decreased. Here, we evaluate how warming has affected the microbial community's capability to degrade chemically-complex soil carbon using lignin-amended BioSep beads. We profiled the bacterial and fungal communities using PCR-based methods and completed extracellular enzyme assays as a proxy for potential community function. We found that lignin-amended beads selected for a distinct community containing bacterial taxa closely related to known lignin degraders, as well as members of many genera not previously noted as capable of degrading lignin. Warming tended to drive bacterial community structure more strongly in the lignin beads, while the effect on the fungal community was limited to unamended beads. Of those bacterial operational taxonomic units (OTUs) enriched by the warming treatment, many were enriched uniquely on lignin-amended beads. These taxa may be contributing to enhanced soil respiration under warming despite reduced readily available C availability. In aggregate, these results suggest that there is genetic potential for chemically complex soil carbon degradation that may lead to extended elevated soil respiration with long-term warming.
Amino-Terminal Pro-B-Type Natriuretic Peptide and B-Type Natriuretic Peptide in the General Community Determinants and Detection of Left Ventricular Dysfunction

Objectives This study sought to characterize factors influencing amino-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and to evaluate the ability of NT-proBNP to detect left ventricular (LV) dysfunction in a large community sample. Background Secretion of BNP increases in cardiac disease, making BNP an attractive biomarker. Amino-terminal proBNP, a fragment of the BNP prohormone, is a new biomarker. We evaluated factors influencing NT-proBNP in normal patients and compared the ability of NT-proBNP and BNP to detect LV dysfunction in a large community sample. Methods Amino-terminal pro-BNP was determined in plasma samples of a previously reported and clinically and echocardiographically characterized random sample (n = 1,869, age ≥45 years) of Olmsted County, Minnesota. Results In normal patients (n = 746), female gender and older age were the strongest independent predictors of higher NT-proBNP. Test characteristics for detecting an LV ejection fraction ≤40% or ≤50% were determined in the total sample with receiver operating characteristic curves. Amino-terminal pro-BNP had significantly higher areas under the curve for detecting an LV ejection fraction ≤40% or ≤50% than BNP in the total population and in several male and age subgroups, whereas areas were equivalent in female subgroups. Age- and gender-adjusted cutpoints improved test characteristics of NT-proBNP. Both assays detected patients with systolic and/or moderate to severe diastolic dysfunction to a similar degree, which was less robust than the detection of LV systolic dysfunction alone. Conclusions Amino-terminal pro-BNP in normal patients is affected primarily by gender and age, which should be considered when interpreting values. Importantly, in the entire population sample NT-proBNP performed at least equivalently to BNP in detecting LV dysfunction and was superior in some subgroups in detecting LV systolic dysfunction.
In Vitro Skin Absorption and Metabolism of Benzoic Acid, p -Aminobenzoic Acid, and Benzocaine in the Hairless Guinea Pig

The percutaneous absorption and metabolism of three structurally related compounds, benzoic acid, p-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), and ethyl aminobenzoate (benzocaine), were determined in vitro through hairless guinea pig skin. Benzocaine was also studied in human skin. Absorption of benzocaine was rapid and similar through both viable and nonviable skin. The absorption of the two acidic compounds, benzoic acid and PABA, was greater through nonviable skin. A small portion (6.9%) of absorbed benzoic acid was conjugated with glycine to form hippuric acid. Although N-acetyl-benzocaine had not been observed as a metabolite of benzocaine when studied by other routes of administration, both PABA and benzocaine were extensively N-acetylated during percutaneous absorption. Thus, the metabolism of these compounds should be considered in an accurate assessment of absorption after topical application.
Preparation of 2 nm Gold Nanoparticles for In Vitro and In Vivo Applications

Gold nanoparticles have been a versatile tool in recent years for the exploration of biological systems. However, challenges with purification and adequate surface coverage limit the biocompatibility of gold nanoparticles. Here, we describe a detailed procedure for the synthesis, purification, and functionalization of biologically compatible gold nanoparticles for in vitro and in vivo studies.
Time-dependent laminar incompressible flow through a spherical cavity.

A finite-difference numerical method for the solution of the unsteady flow of a viscous incompressible fluid through axisymmetric circular ducts of variable axial geometry is developed and applied to the flow in a spherical-cavity geometry approximating the human aortic valve. The presence and motion of the valve leaflets are considered only as long as they can be assumed to present negligible impedance to the flow. The numerical solution is based on the vorticity/streamfunction approach, and is carried out for the systolic acceleration phase of the heart beat. A hybrid-mesh design consisting of a fine cell structure in the region close to the solid walls and a coarser grid in the core region is used. An experimental flow-visualization study in an acrylic model of the spherical cavity shows good agreement with the numerical simulation. An early separation of flow occurs at the entrance to the cavity, and an annular eddy grows in the wake until it occupies most of the cavity. The use of the hybrid mesh also makes possible the simulation of fine secondary-flow features in the cavity under peak-flow conditions.
Demonstration that the galactosyl and arabinosyl residues in the cell-wall arabinogalactan of Mycobacterium leprae and Myobacterium tuberculosis are furanoid

Abstract By a complex process involving methylation, partial hydrolysis with acid, reduction with sodium borodeuteride, ethylation, further hydrolysis and reduction, and subsequent capillary gas-liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry of the derived alditol acetates, it was established that the arabinogalactans of Mycobacterium leprae and Mycobacterium tuberculosis contain arabinofuranosyl and galactofuranosyl residues exclusively. Thus, the covalently bound, highly immunogenic arabinogalactan of mycobacteria, and presumably of other actinomycetes, is highly unusual, in that all of the glycosyl residues are in the furanoid form. Furthermore, by establishing that the galactofuranosyl residues are either 5-,6-, or 5,6-linked, their linkage pattern was established, and the literature is corrected on this point.
Auditory and somatosensory integration in infants

Abstract Using behavioural measures in infants it has been shown that sensory integration undergoes significant development over the first year of life. We measured the MEG response to simple somatosensory and auditory stimulation to characterize the sensory integration response across these modalities in infants. We used the prototype babySQUID MEG system (Tristan Technologies) to measure the response to simple 800 Hz auditory tones (A), air puff somatosensory stimulation to the contralateral index finger (S), and simultaneous presentation of the A and S stimuli. We can identify clear responses to A, S and AS stimulation in infants. In addition, we found a robust sensory integration response (A + S
High-contrast positive resists for e-beam mask making

The five major requirements for electron beam resists for chrome mask fabrication include high resolution, high speed, RIE etch resistance, thermal bake insensitivity, and long coated plate shelf life. High speed, high resolution and good RIE resistance are common attributes of chemically amplified resists (CAR) used primarily for Deep UV lithography. However, the environmental susceptibility to airborne amines, need for a long coated plate shelf life and the requirement for 140 Celsius postexpose bake (PEB) of some CAR or fundamental challenges of these families of resist for practical Cr lithography. We have been developing a series of fast amplified e beam resists which exhibit do not require PEB bake and are tolerant of airborne contaminants. The shelf life attributes of both negative and positive chemically amplified resists was examined and found to be susceptible to absorption of moisture. Some of the acid generators hydrolyzed in the dried films and led to changes in resist sensitivity or dark film loss. Long term film stability of CAR coated plates can be promoted by using hydrophobic solvents, stable acid generators, and most effectively by storage under anhydrous conditions.
All Else Equal in Theory and Data (Big or Small)

The forms of explanation that dominate political science research in the formal theory and causal inference traditions are closely connected. Specifically, each makes essential use of different, but related, kinds of all-else-equal claims. The emergence of “big data” has already begun to alter the landscape of empirical social science by making new sources of information (and, thus, new phenomena) amenable to quantitative analysis. But neither the centrality of all-else-equal explanations, nor the challenges associated with providing them, will be altered in the least by big data.
Synaptic changes in rat maculae in space and medical imaging: the link

Two different space life sciences missions (SLS-1 and SLS-2) have demonstrated that the synapses of the hair cells of rat vestibular maculae increase significantly in microgravity. The results also indicate that macular synapses are sensitive to stress. These findings argue that vestibular maculae exhibit neuroplasticity to macroenvironmental and microenvironmental changes. This capability should be clinically relevant to rehabilitative training and/or pharmacological treatments for vestibular disease. The results of this ultrastructural research also demonstrated that type I and type II hair cells are integrated into the same neuronal circuitry. The findings were the basis for development of three-dimensional reconstruction software to learn details of macular wiring. This software, produced for scientific research, has now been adapted to reconstruct the face and skull directly from computerized tomography scans. In collaboration with craniofacial reconstructive surgeons at Stanford University Medical Center, an effort is under way to produce a virtual environment workbench for complex craniofacial surgery. When completed, the workbench will help surgeons train for and simulate surgery. The methods are patient specific. This research illustrates the value of basic research in leading to unanticipated medical applications.
Acceptor excitation spectra in p-type aluminium antimonide

Photoexcitation lines associated with acceptors in AlSb are observed at liquid helium temperature. The effect of uniaxial stress on these lines is reported.
Food deprivation effects on the running-wheel activity of wild and domestic Norway rats

Increases in activity typically accompany the food deprivation of Norway rats housed in activity wheels. The hypothesis that domestication has reduced the intensity of this response to food deprivation was tested by comparing the wheel-running scores of adult male wild (laboratory-reared) and domestic Norway rats when food-deprived and satiated. Wild rats were more active in the wheels than domestic subjects, irrespective of the presence or absence of food. However, the proportional increase in wheel-running when food deprived was the same for both stocks. It is hypothesized that the process of domestication has had little influence on the wheel-running response of rats to food deprivation.
Further studies on types A and B rat mtDNAs: Cleavage maps and evidence for cytoplasmic inheritance in mammals

Abstract We present here the cleavage maps of A and B rat mtDNA, examining particularly the legitimacy of two small recently reported Eco RI fragments. We find that the 0.13-kb fragment belongs in the map whereas the 0.09-kb fragment is of nonmitochondrial origin. A comparison of the types A and B maps shows that no major rearrangements have occurred since the time of the evolutionary segregation of the two DNAs. These data plus fragment patterns from other restriction enzyme digests, including those from additional enzymes which display differences between the two DNA types, provide no evidence for microheterogeneity in either of the mtDNA types, and also permit an estimate of 0.94 to 1.80% for the extent of sequence divergence of the two types. Nine enzymes yielded fragments all of which could be accurately sized leading to a reasonably accurate estimate of 15.85 kb for the size of rat liver mtDNA of either type. In a test of whether cytoplasmic inheritance is operative in mammals, reciprocal cross experiments with the two DNAs showed that only the female parental mtDNA was inherited with no evidence for the persistence of the male parental mtDNA in any of three tissues examined.