cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A global index earthquake approach to probabilistic assessment of extremes

[1] This paper applies recent innovations in flood frequency analysis to regional series of earthquake magnitudes in the global Centroid Moment Tensor (CMT) catalog from 1976 to 2005. Probability plot correlation coefficient hypothesis tests and L-moment goodness-of-fit evaluations reveal that the Gumbel (GUM) distribution provides a good approximation to the probability distribution function (pdf) of series of annual maximum (AM) earthquake magnitudes. Homogeneity tests based on the theory of L-moments further reveal that broad regions of the globe are homogeneous in the sense that the AM observations of earthquake magnitudes are well approximated by a GUM pdf with fixed upper moments. The homogeneity of global earthquake data across broad tectonic environments enables us to pool data into a regional pdf of earthquake magnitudes, termed an index earthquake distribution. Research in hydrology has shown that frequency analysis based on pooling of data using an analogous index-flood method are much more accurate than frequency analysis based on site or region specific data. The index earthquake distribution is a dimensionless GUM distribution with fixed scale parameter so only the mean earthquake magnitude must be estimated for a region to define the frequency distribution of large earthquakes. We show how the degree of spatial homogeneity of earthquake magnitudes across broad tectonic environments can be exploited to yield improved estimates of the risk posed by extreme earthquake magnitudes.
Noisy feedback communications with side information at the decoder

In this paper. we introduce a new framework of communication channels with noisy feedback where the feedback information received by the transmitter is also available to the decoder with some finite delays. The merits of this new framework are demonstrated by two aspects: 1) Its (Shannon) capacity can be characterized by the causal conditional directed information. As an illustration, we characterize the n-block capacity of Gaussian noisy feedback channels under our new framework and propose an iteration algorithm to obtain a lower bound; 2) By constructing a specific linear coding scheme for the first-order moving average Gaussian channels with intermittent(erasure) feedback, we show that the new framework allows linear feedback coding schemes with positive transmission rate, which is (in certain scenario) much larger than the non-feedback Gaussian channel capacity.
Phosphorus and proton magnetic resonance spectroscopic studies on the relationship between transparency and glucose metabolism in the rabbit lens

Abstract We report the results of a series of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experiments designed to investigate the relationship between particular aspects of glucose metabolism and cataract formation in the rabbit lens. The glucose metabolism of the rabbit lens incubated in TC-199 medium containing 5·5 m m glucose, in glucose-deficient medium, and in modified Earle's medium containing 5·5 m m glucose devoid of NaCl, is examined in conjunction with the assessment of lens transparency. Significant age-dependent differences in the phosphorus metabolite profile and in hexosemonophosphate shunt flux, as measured by NMR, were observed in lenses incubated in TC-199 medium containing 5·5 m m glucose. Incubation in glucose-deficient medium for 8 hr results in significant increases in the levels of inorganic phosphate and phosphomonoesters, and decreases in ATP and l -α-glycerolphosphate. These levels regain near-normal values after 24 hr incubation in control medium containing 5·5 m m glucose. By contrast, shunt flux is three times the basal level during the recovery period. Lens clarity, as assessed by slit lamp micrography, was maintained throughout the duration of the experiment. Incubation of adult and juvenile lenses for 18 hr in Earle's medium (pH 7·4 or 9·2) containing 5·5 m m glucose, and no NaCl, results in uniform lenticular opacification within 18 hr and changes in ultrastructure of the epithelial and cortical lens fiber cells. No statistically significant change in the NMR visible phosphorus metabolite profile or intralenticular pH is observed for the adult rabbit lens relative to a lens incubated under control conditions. For the juvenile rabbit lens, small, but statistically significant differences in the levels of dinucleotide and uridinediphosphoglucose were observed. Shunt flux, in contrast, is increased two-fold. These results demonstrate that the NMR visible phosphorus metabolite profile of the lens does not necessarily correlate with transparency, and that hexosemonophosphate shunt activity provides a sensitive measure of prior or current lenticular stress.
Quantitative analysis of the factors which affect the interpatient organ-at-risk dose sparing variation in IMRT plans

Purpose: The authors present an evidence-based approach to quantify the effects of an array of patient anatomical features of the planning target volumes (PTVs) and organs-at-risk (OARs) and their spatial relationships on the interpatient OAR dose sparing variation in intensity modulated radiation therapy(IMRT) plans by learning from a database of high-quality prior plans. Methods: The authors formulized the dependence of OAR dose volume histograms (DVHs) on patient anatomical factors into feature models which were learned from prior plans by a stepwise multiple regression method. IMRT plans for 64 prostate, 82 head-and-neck (HN) treatments were used to train the models. Two major groups of anatomical features were considered in this study: the volumetric information and the spatial information. The geometry of OARs relative to PTV is represented by the distance-to-target histogram, DTH. Important anatomical and dosimetric features were extracted from DTH and DVH by principal component analysis. The final models were tested by additional 24 prostate and 24 HN plans. Results: Significant patient anatomical factors contributing to OAR dose sparing in prostate and HN IMRT plans have been analyzed and identified. They are: the median distance between OAR and PTV, the portion of OAR volume within an OAR specific distance range, and the volumetric factors: the fraction of OAR volume which overlaps with PTV and the portion of OAR volume outside the primary treatment field. Overall, the determination coefficients R2 for predicting the first principal component score (PCS1) of the OAR DVH by the above factors are above 0.68 for all the OARs and they are more than 0.53 for predicting the second principal component score (PCS2) of the OAR DVHs except brainstem and spinal cord. Thus, the above set of anatomical features combined has captured significant portions of the DVH variations for the OARs in prostate and HN plans. To test how well these features capture the interpatient organdose sparing variations in general, the DVHs and specific dose-volume indices calculated from the regression models were compared with the actual DVHs and dose-volume indices from each patient's plan in the validation dataset. The dose-volume indices compared were V99%, V85%, and V50% for bladder and rectum in prostate plans and parotids median dose in HN plans. The authors found that for the bladder and rectum models, 17 out of 24 plans (71%) were within 6% OAR volume error and 21 plans (85%) were within 10% error; For the parotids model, the median dose values for 30 parotids out of 48 (63%) were within 6% prescription dose error and the values in 40 parotids (83%) were within 10% error. Conclusions: Quantitative analysis of patient anatomical features and their correlation with OAR dose sparing has identified a number of important factors that explain significant amount of interpatient DVH variations in OARs. These factors can be incorporated into evidence-based learning models as effective features to provide patient-specific OAR dose sparing goals.
A policy portfolio approach to biodiversity protection on private lands

Abstract Although arguments about biodiversity policy frequently frame the options as either top-down regulation or voluntary incentive-based approaches, in fact a broad spectrum of biodiversity conservation strategies are available. Drawing largely on examples from the United States to support broader conclusions, this article examines the range of policy options and the metrics that should be used to evaluate them. Because the options have different strengths and weaknesses, are suited to different contexts, and all carry substantial risk of failure, a portfolio of biodiversity policies is likely to outperform exclusive reliance on any one strategy. Designing an effective biodiversity policy portfolio requires clarifying conservation goals, systematically evaluating existing programs, being sensitive to the context, closely monitoring policy implementation and results, and revising the portfolio as new information becomes available.
Food and Habitat Partitioning Between Rock Bass (Ambloplites rupestris) and Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus dolomieui) Young of the Year

Abstract Young-of-the-year rock bass and smallmouth bass were studied in 1977 along the west shore of Grand Island in the upper Niagara River, New York. Fish were collected every 2 weeks by shore scining. The average summer growth rate of smallmouth bass was 1.15 mm/day and of rock bass, 0.51 mm/day. Population estimates and laboratory habitat preference studies indicated that smallmouth bass preferred a rocky substrate whereas rock bass preferred a heavily vegetated substrate. Smallmouth bass less than 40 mm in total length (TL) fed mainly on zooplankton, chironomid larvae, mayfly nymphs, and amphipods, and when greater than 40 mm TL fed on amphipods, adult caddis flies, and small fish. Rock bass young of the year of all sizes fed on amphipods, copepods, and several other aquatic invertebrates. Levins' average niche breadth or dietary diversity value for smallmouth bass was 2.51, and for rock bass, 3.78. Levins' dietary overlap values were highest early in the season, 0.71–0.88, and decreased to 0.05–0.1...
Post-polymerization functionalization of poly(3,4-propylenedioxythiophene) (PProDOT) via thiol–ene “click” chemistry

The surface functionalization of conjugated polymers such as the poly(alkoxythiophenes) poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) and poly(3,4-propylenedioxythiophene) (PProDOT) provides a potential means for systematically tailoring their physical properties. We previously reported the synthesis of an alkene-functionalized 3,4-propylenedioxy-thiophene (ProDOT) derivative that could be readily modified through thiol–ene “click” chemistry. Here, we investigated the post-polymerization modification of PProDOT surfaces by using a dialkene functionalized variant (ProDOT-diene). The chemical structure of the ProDOT-diene monomer was confirmed by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The ProDOT-diene monomer was either chemically or electrochemically polymerized into the PProDOT-diene polymer, and then subsequently modified with alkyl, PEG, or ferrocene moieties via radical-based thiol–ene chemistry. We found that the normally insoluble PProDOT-diene could be converted into a soluble derivative by grafting alkyl groups onto the polymer chains after chemical polymerization. When electrochemically deposited on indium-tin oxide (ITO) glass electrodes, the conductivity, electroactivity and contact angles of the modified PProDOT-diene films could be tuned over a broad range. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) revealed that post-polymerization modification did not significantly alter the surface morphology of the PProDOT-diene films. Overall, this method allows for efficient, facile tuning of the surface chemistry of poly(alkylthiophene) films, making it possible to tailor properties such as conductivity and wettability for different applications.
Calculation of Defect States in Amorphous Selenium

Self-consistent pseudopotential and tight-binding techniques are used to study glassy Se. Both onefold and threefold corrdinated defects give rise to nondegenerate, nonhydrogenic gap states. The former state arises from an interaction, unique to the chalcogenides, between a dangling bond and a neighboring lone pair. The latter state is surprisingly delocalized, involving interactions between many orbitals. It is shown that defect electronic configurations, and repulsive interatomic terms, are crucial to the calculation of total energies.
Change in damage tolerance characteristics of sandwich structure with a Thermal Protection System (TPS)

Most composite damage tolerance assessments are made on bare laminates where the impactor comes into direct contact with the outermost ply. However, structures such as those used on launch vehicles are often covered with a thermal protection system (TPS) during the majority of the life of the part. This TPS covering may change the impact characteristics of the laminate rendering damage tolerance testing on bare laminates irrelevant to the part. This study examines the composite interstage structure of the ARES I launch vehicle which is scheduled to be covered with a sprayable foam TPS after manufacture. Damage tolerance testing is performed on bare sandwich structure and sandwich structure covered with the TPS selected for use on the ARES I composite interstage. Instrumented impact, infrared thermography, visual, cross-sectional and compression after impact CAI data are compared. Results show that the TPS covering does change most of the impact characteristics of the sandwich structure. It was found that ...
Neurological impairment in fetal mouse brain by drinking water disinfectant byproducts

Developmental exposure to environmental chemicals may have detrimental effects on embryonic brains that could play a major role in the etio-pathology of fetal and adult neurological diseases. The exact mechanism by which prenatal exposures to environmental agents, such as drinking water disinfectant byproducts (DBP), cause neurological impairment in fetus is not known. Our objective is to examine the impact of prenatal exposure to DBP on fetal brain development. Pregnant CD-1 mice, at the sixth day of gestation (GD-6), received a daily (GD-6-GD-18) oral dose of chloroacetonitrile (CAN, 25 ppm), a member of DBP. To assess fetal brain uptake of CAN, several animals were injected with a tracer dose of 2-[(14)C]-CAN (333 microCi/kg, i.v.), at GD-12 and processed for quantitative in situ micro whole-body autoradiography (QIMWBA) at 1 and 24 h after treatment. The remaining animals continued receiving CAN until GD-18 when fetal brains were processed for biochemical determination of oxidative stress (OS) or prepared for histological examinations. The results indicate a rapid placental transfer and fetal brain uptake of 2-[(14)C]-CAN/metabolites in cortical areas and hippocampus. In treated animals 3-fold decrease in glutathione (GSH), 1.3-fold increase in lipid peroxidation and 1.4-fold increase in DNA oxidation were detected as compared to control. DeOlmos cupric silver staining of fetal brains indicated significant increase in cortical neurodegeneration in treated animals. Immunohistochemical labeling (TUNEL) of apoptotic nuclei in the cortices and choroid plexuses were also increased in treated animals as compared to control. In conclusion, CAN crosses the placental and fetal blood-brain barriers and induces OS that triggered apoptotic neurodegenration in fetal brain. Future studies will examine the molecular mechanisms of these events and its impact on neural development of offspring.
Paleoenvironment and the oxygen isotope geochemistry of ironstone of the Upper Ordovician Neda Formation, Wisconsin, USA

Geological evidence suggests that the goethite-dominated, oolitic ironstone of the Upper Ordovician Neda Formation in the north central United States was subaerially weathered in the Late Ordovician. The oxygen isotope ratios of the goethites in the [open quotes]hard[close quotes] and [open quotes]soft[close quotes] ores of this deposit are rather uniform with a [delta][sup 18]O value of about [minus]1.0[per thousand]. This [delta][sup 18]O value indicates the presence of meteoric water at the time of goethite formation and supports the idea that the goethites in hard and soft ores were formed in the same chemical weathering environment 440 million years ago. The [delta][sup 18]O value of accessory phosphate in some soft ore goethite-rich ooids was measured and combined with the goethite [delta][sup 18]O value to calculate a temperature of formation of about 23[degrees]C. The corresponding [delta][sup 18]O value of the ancient water was calculated to have been [minus]7.3[per thousand]. The relatively [open quotes]cool[close quotes] temperature calculated for the low-altitude, tropical site occupied by the Neda ironstone in the Late Ordovician is consistent with published evidence from fossil marine invertebrates for global cooling at that time. The [delta][sup 18]O value of [minus]7.3[per thousand] for the ancient tropical precipitation could indicate intense rainfall ofmore » a seasonal (perhaps monsoonal) character. 27 refs., 7 figs., 3 tabs.« less
Moral boundaries and national borders: Cuban marriage migration to Denmark

The discussion of marriage migration in Denmark primarily has focused on citizens of immigrant descent (‘New Danes’) who marry partners from their ancestral homeland (often Turkey or Pakistan). This type of marriage migration was the target of the strict Danish family reunification policy instituted in 2002. This article examines the genealogy of the morality underpinning the family reunification policies and asks whether the rules actually promote this moral agenda or have unintended consequences. Empirically, I shift the focus from immigrant Danes to native Danes who marry Cubans. Finally, while little attention is paid to the non-western country involved, transnational marriages always involve two nations. This article investigates how state policies on both ends of this migration trajectory shape moral-territorial borders that transnational couples navigate.
Shear stress induces apoptosis of endothelial cells

Abstract Introduction: Human endothelial cells fail to ultimately cover artificial vascular grafts. Previously published work by others has identified that shear stress can “rescue” endothelial cells from apoptosis, utilizing a model in which apoptosis is first induced by serum starvation. We question the relevance of this model and hypothesize that, in fact, shear stress can induce apoptosis of a stable monolayer of endothelial cells adherent to an artificial biomaterial. Methods: Human Aortic Endothelial Cells (ECs) cultured on Dacron membranes in a defined medium containing serum and growth factors were placed in a parallel plate flow apparatus. ECs were exposed to 0, 1 and 10 dynes/cm2 of shear stress for 6 or 24 hr. Following flow, cells were stained with ethidium bromide, and apoptosis was determined by established changes in nuclear morphology. In addition, apoptosis was also detected by the absence of characteristic mitochondrial aggregates when stained with JC-1 (Molecular Probes). Positive controls for apoptosis were ECs deprived of serum and growth factors. The percentage of apoptotic cells remaining on membranes was determined by image analysis (n = 5–6 membranes per group). Results: Shear stress and time of exposure were associated with the induction of EC apoptosis after 6 and 24 hr of flow, by two-way ANOVA, P 2 and 1 vs. 10 dynes/cm 2 ). Conclusion: Moderate amounts of shear stress induce apoptosis of ECs adherent to Dacron. This may be a critical event antecedent to flow induced detachment from a biomaterial. The prior in vitro models of growth factor starvation followed by shear-stress exposure, which demonstrated decreased apoptosis, may lack physiologic relevance to many in vivo states. The mechanism(s) through which shear stress induces apoptosis of ECs adherent to a biomaterial remains to be elucidated. TABLE—ABSTRACT P30 . (Mean % ± SEM) Dynes/cm 2 Positive controls 0 1 10 6 hr 2.3 ± 0.9 5.4 ± 1.6 13.7 ± 4.9 21.6 ± 4.5 24 hr 2.3 ± 0.5 1.9 ± 1.1 25.1 ± 3.5 86.8 ± 10.0
A Comparison of Three PML Treatments for CAA (and CFD)

In this paper we compare three Perfectly Matched Layer (PML) treatments by means of a series of numerical experiments, using common numerical algorithms, computational grids, and code implementations. These comparisons are with the Linearized Euler Equations, for base uniform base flow. We see that there are two very good PML candidates, and that can both control the introduced error. Furthermore, we also show that corners can be handled with essentially no increase in the introduced error, and that with a good PML, the outer boundary is the most significant source of err
Optimal intimacy/distance in the church

The general concept of optimal intimacy/distance, when taken seriously at the descriptive level, can have positive significance for understanding and improving church life both at the practical and theoretical levels. Four areas of church life are discussed in relation to this concept. The concept does not explain, but it does illumine problems in a fresh way.
EVIDENCE FOR A ROLE OF TRANSFORMING GROWTH FACTOR (TGF)-BETA1 IN THE INDUCTION OF POSTGLOMERULAR ALBUMINURIA IN DIABETIC NEPHROPATHY: AMELIORATION BY SOLUBLE TGF-BETA TYPE II RECEPTOR

Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) has previously been implicated in the progression of diabetic nephropathy, including the onset of fibrosis and albuminuria. Here we report for the first time the use of a high-affinity TGF-β1 binding molecule, the soluble human TGF-β type II receptor (sTβRII.Fc), in the treatment of diabetic nephropathy in 12-week streptozotocin-induced diabetic Sprague-Dawley rats. In vitro studies using immortalized rat proximal tubule cells revealed that 50 pmol/l TGF-β1 disrupted albumin uptake ( P P P P P
Fourier-transform absorption spectroscopy in reciprocating engines.

We have adapted our in-cylinder Fourier-transform spectroscopy technique to measure absorption spectra in a reciprocating engine. Previously, we had used the technique for emission spectroscopy; the upgrade to absorption spectroscopy mode is important because it allows for more quantitative analysis of gas properties than is possible with emission spectroscopy. Here, we discuss fuel, H2O, and CO2 spectra measured in an engine using a spark-plug-based probe for optical access and use the water portion of the spectra to determine in-cylinder gas temperature. The temperature results show that heat transfer effects can significantly bias thermometry when fiber-coupled engine probes are used.
Let Your Fingers Do the Talking: Sex on an Adult Chat-line

Based on the theory of social construction of love and sexuality, this project uses a sexually explicit computer bulletin board (BBS) named Pleasure Pit as the source for contacting individuals who...
Elastic modulus and strength of fibrous material

As a rule, the large increase of elastic modulus with increasing draw ratio obtainable in highly-drawn or extruded semicrystalline polymers is not reflected in a similarly large increase of strength. This is closely connected with the wellknown fact that with increasing plastic deformation one obtains fibrous material with decreasing strain to break. The axial elastic modulus is mainly caused by the taut tie molecules which bridge the amorphous layers between consecutive crystal blocks and thus provide an efficient axial force transmission through the sample. The defects at the ends of microfibrils interrupt this transmission because they contain few if any taut tie molecules connecting the end of microfibril with adjacent fibrillar elements. As a consequence of the small number of such ends, they only marginally reduce the elastic modulus. But as the mechanically weakest areas of the fibrous material, they drastically depress the strength. They fail as soon as the strain concentration upon them reaches their strain to break. The growth and coalescence of resulting microcracks finally lead to bulk fracture as the growing crack reaches critical dimensions.
Comments on "A note on the nature of optimality in the discrete Kalman filter"

The optimality property for the discrete Kalman filter derived in a recent correspondence is shown to follow from a more fundamental property.
Outside-In Continuous Suturing Is Superior to Interrupted Suturing for Repairing Peripheral Meniscus Lesions: An In Vitro Biomechanical Study Using a Porcine Model

Purpose This in vitro biomechanical study using a porcine model compared peripheral longitudinal vertical meniscus lesion (PLVML) outside-in suture repair fixation strength using either interrupted or continuous "N" configuration No. 2-0 braided polyester sutures. Methods Porcine lateral menisci were randomly assigned to group 1 (continuous) or group 2 (interrupted). Standardized PLVMLs were created in each specimen. Repaired specimens were placed in a specially designed clamp and loaded into a servohydraulic device. Specimens underwent preconditioning for 10 cycles (0.1 Hz, 5 to 20 N) and 500 submaximal loading cycles (0.5 Hz, 5 to 20 N), before load-to-failure testing (12.5 mm/s). A 30-second pause after preconditioning and after 10, 100, and 500 submaximal loading cycles enabled standardized digital photographs to be taken for gapping measurement determination. The failure mode was documented. Results Displacement and gapping during preconditioning and submaximal loading cycles did not differ between groups. Group 1 withstood a greater failure load (mean, 118.3 N; 95% confidence interval [CI], 97.2 to 139.4 N) than group 2 (mean, 63.7 N; 95% CI, 51.2 to 76.2 N) ( P P = .005). Group 1 failed by suture breakage or suture pulling through tissue, whereas group 2 primarily failed by knot slippage ( P Conclusions Group displacement and gapping differences were not observed after 500 submaximal loading cycles. PLVMLs repaired with a continuous N configuration, however, withstood greater load at failure and greater displacement before failure than repairs that used interrupted sutures. Clinical Relevance Continuous suture in an N configuration may improve PLVML repair fixation strength.
Mitochondrial electron transport-linked tocopheroxyl radical reduction.

α-Tocopherol (vitamin E) is a lipophilic chain-breaking antioxidant which inhibits lipid peroxidation in isolated mitochondrial membranes and protects membranes from oxidative damage. The primary oxidation product of vitamin E is the tocopheroxyl radical. Reduction of the tocopheroxyl radical can occur by reactions with water-soluble anti-oxidants such as ascorbate or glutathione, resulting in the recycling of vitamin E. Physiological concentrations of vitamin E are too low to allow detection of tocopheroxyl radical by ESR. After dietary supplementation with vitamin E, a 10-20-fold increase in the rat liver mitochondrial membrane content of vitamin E was achieved and this allowed for direct detection of the tocopheroxyl radical by ESR, after treatment with an oxidizing system composed of lipoxygenase and arachidonic acid. By using submitochondrial particle membranes, it was shown that NADH, succinate, and reduced cytochrome c-linked oxidation reduce the tocopheroxyl radical, preventing both accumulation of the radical and vitamin E consumption. As the electron transport chain can reduce tocopheroxyl radical it may have an important physiological role in recycling vitamin E.
Amelioration of acute mercury toxicity by a novel, non-toxic lipid soluble chelator N,N′bis-(2-mercaptoethyl)isophthalamide: effect on animal survival, health, mercury excretion, and organ accumulation

The toxic effects of mercury are known to be complex with specific enzyme inhibitions and subsequent oxidative stress adding to the damaging effects. There are likely other factors involved, such as the development of impaired metal ion homeostasis and depletion of thiol and selenium based metabolites such as cysteine and selenium. Much of the toxicity of mercury occurs at the intracellular level via binding of Hg(2+) to thiol groups in specific proteins. Therefore, amelioration of mercury toxicity by the use of chelation would likely be enhanced by the use of a chelator that could cross the cell membrane and the blood brain barrier. It would be most favorable if this compound was of low toxicity, had appropriate pharmacokinetics, bound and rendered mercury cation non-toxic and had antioxidant properties. Herein we report on such a chelator, N,N'-bis(2-mercaptoethyl)isophthalamide (NBMI), and, using an animal model, show that it prevented the toxic effects associated with acute exposure induced by injected mercury chloride.
A laptop-based studio course for process control

This work presents a laptop-based studio which combines lectures, discussions, and simulations in a single classroom environment and keeps the students actively engaged in the learning process. Difficult concepts are reinforced through simulation studies immediately after being covered in the lecture. The process modules present challenging dynamic behavior and provide detailed examples to which different control techniques can be applied. A boilerhouse tour gives students an appreciation for the scale of process equipment and the importance of automation and control in operating an industrial scale process. Finally, a multivariable case study project ties together many of the fundamental concepts, and gives the students a taste of the practice of control engineering.
MODELING ARTIFICIAL BOUNDARY CONDITIONS FOR COMPRESSIBLE FLOW

We review artificial boundary conditions (BCs) for simulation of inflow, outflow, and far-field (radiation) problems, with an emphasis on techniques suitable for compressible turbulent shear flows. BCs based on linearization near the boundary are usually appropriate for inflow and radiation problems. A variety of accurate techniques have been developed for this case, but some robustness and implementation issues remain. At an outflow boundary, the linearized BCs are usually not accurate enough. Various ad hoc models have been proposed for the nonlinear case, including absorbing layers and fringe methods. We discuss these techniques and suggest directions for future modeling efforts.
Disappearance of Transverse Flow in Au+Au Collisions

The study of transverse flow as a means of probing nuclear reactions has progressed greatly since it was first suggested by Danielewicz and Odyniec[1] in 1985. Early experiments (1984-1987) at the Bevalac established the existence of transverse flow at relativistic energies[2], while flow was also experimentally observed (1989) at low energies at the NSCL [3]. At high energies, flow was attributed to repulsive hydrodynamic side-splash, while at low energies, attractive mean-field effects caused the observed flow.
Fusarium verticillioides GBB1, a gene encoding heterotrimeric G protein β subunit, is associated with fumonisin B1 biosynthesis and hyphal development but not with fungal virulence

SUMMARY Fusarium verticillioides (Sacc.) Nirenberg (teleomorph Gibberella moniliformis Wineland) is a maize pathogen that causes ear rots and stalk rots. The fungus also produces a group of mycotoxins, fumonisins, on infected ears, which cause considerable health and economic concerns for humans and animals worldwide. To date, our understanding of the molecular mechanisms associated with fungal virulence and fumonisin biosynthesis in F. verticillioides is limited. In this study, GBB1, a gene encoding a putative beta subunit of a heterotrimeric G protein, was disrupted and the effects on fumonisin biosynthesis and virulence were evaluated. A GBB1 deletion mutant (Deltagbb1) showed no significant differences in radial growth and mycelial mass but produced significantly less fumonisin B(1 )(FB(1)) than its wild-type progenitor. HPLC analysis showed that Deltagbb1 produced less than 10 p.p.m. FB(1) while the wild-type produced over 140 p.p.m. when strains were grown on cracked corn kernels. Reduced expression of the key FB(1 )biosynthetic genes, FUM1 and FUM8, in Deltagbb1 provides further evidence that GBB1 is involved in FB(1) regulation. Stalk rot virulence, as measured by mean lesion length and by area, was not significantly different in Deltagbb1 compared with the wild-type, suggesting that GBB1 does not regulate virulence in F. verticillioides. Developmentally, hyphae of Deltagbb1 do not deviate from the original axis of polarity established upon germ tube emergence in contrast to wild-type hyphae that meander on and off axis as they grow. Complementation of Deltagbb1 with GBB1 restored FB(1) production and hyphal growth to wild-type. The results of this study demonstrate that heterotrimeric G protein beta subunit plays an important role in regulation of FB(1) biosynthesis and hyphal growth, but not virulence in F. verticillioides.
A dye scattering method for holographic endoscopy through optical fibers

A method is described detailing the holographic recording of stained tissue. The device used to make the holographic recordings as well as the staining procedures, the use of different illuminating wavelengths, and the method of contact recording holography are discussed. Results of this method are presented showing its ability to resolve images of tissue on the cellular level. Conclusions are drawn on the methods applications for basic and clinical medical research. >
Groupwise morphometric analysis based on morphological appearance manifold

The field of computational anatomy has developed rigorous frameworks for analyzing anatomical shape, based on diffeomorphic transformations of a template. However, differences in algorithms used for template warping, in regularization parameters, and in the template itself, lead to different representations of the same anatomy. Variations of these parameters are considered as confounding factors as they give rise to non-unique representation. Recently, extensions of the conventional computational anatomy framework to account for such confounding variations have shown that learning the equivalence class derived from the multitude of representations can lead to improved and more stable morphological descriptors. Herein, we follow that approach, estimating the morphological appearance manifold obtained by varying parameters of the template warping procedure. Our approach parallels work in the computer vision field, in which variations lighting, pose and other parameters leads to image appearancemanifolds representing the exact same figure in different ways. The proposed framework is then used for groupwise registration and statistical analysis of biomedical images, by employing a minimum variance criterion on selected complete morphological descriptor to perform manifold-constrained optimization, i.e. to traverse each individual's morphological appearance manifold until group variance is minimal. Effectively, this process removes the aforementioned confounding effects and potentially leads to morphological representations reflecting purely biological variations, instead of variations introduced by modeling assumptions and parameter settings. The nonlinearity of a morphological appearancemanifold is treated via local approximations of the manifold via PCA.
Second trimester hyperemesis gravidarum is associated with increased risk of preterm pre-eclampsia, placental abruption and small for gestational age birth

Commentary on: Bolin M, Akerud H, Cnattingius S, et al. Hyperemesis gravidarum and risks of placental dysfunction disorders: a population-based cohort study. BJOG 2013;120:541–7.[OpenUrl][1][CrossRef][2][PubMed][3] While the incidence of HG is only 0.3–2%, the associated severe nausea and vomiting frequently lead to dehydration, malnutrition and hospitalisation.1 Aetiology of HG is unclear, although most researchers consider the hormonal changes to be at least partly responsible. This study has an interesting hypothesis: that … [1]: {openurl}?query=rft.jtitle%253DBJOG%26rft.volume%253D120%26rft.spage%253D541%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Adoi%252F10.1111%252F1471-0528.12132%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Apmid%252F23360164%26rft.genre%253Darticle%26rft_val_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Ajournal%26ctx_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ctx_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Actx [2]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=10.1111/1471-0528.12132&link_type=DOI [3]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=23360164&link_type=MED&atom=%2Febnurs%2F17%2F3%2F74.atom
Photoconductivity and grating response time of a photorefractive polymer

We report the photoconductive properties and photorefractive grating response time of a polymer mixture composed of 40-wt. % dissolved diethylamino-benzaldehyde diphenyl hydrazone (DEH) and the non-cross-linking epoxy polymer Bisphenol A 4,4′-nitroaminostilbene. The films have improved photoconductive sensitivities as high as 2.1 × 10−10 cm/(W Ω) at a wavelength of 650 nm with a corresponding reduction of the grating response time constant to 0.11 ± 0.02 s at an intensity of 1 W/cm2. The nitro-aminostilbene chromophore is deduced to be the source of photogenerated charge carriers on the basis of a comparison of the wavelength dependence of the photoconductivity and absorption coefficient. Degradation of the photoconductivity and the dark conductivity as well as of the photorefractive speed with sample age is attributed to precipitation of the DEH; this explanation is supported by x-ray diffraction observations of crystal growth in the polymer.
Fabrication and Material Characterization of Copper and Copper-CNT Micropillars

In this work, copper micropillars and copper–carbon nanotube (CNT) composite micropillars were fabricated by incorporating an electrodeposition technique with a xurography process. In order to disperse carbon nanotubes in copper–CNT micropillars, various amounts of CNTs were added to the electroplating bath. Surface morphology and phase characterization of copper micropillars and copper–CNT composite micropillars were analyzed by optical microscopy and x-ray diffraction. In addition, the corrosion resistance (Rp) of a bare copper substrate, copper micropillars, and optimum copper–CNT micropillars were studied by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) technique in a 3.5 wt.% sodium chloride. Experimental results yielded a corrosion resistance of 200 Ω cm2 for the bare copper substrate, 400 Ω cm2 for copper micropillars, and 2550 Ω cm2 for copper–CNT micropillars, indicating a significantly higher corrosion resistance for copper–CNT micropillars due to a lower chemical reactivity and refinement of crystal structure of copper in micropillars.
New Foundations for a Theory of Questions and Answers

Any satisfactory theory of questions and answers must be based on a good theory of knowledge and knowing. In my earlier work on questions and answers, I used the notation of customary epistemic logic but left its semantics unanalysed.1. The reason for this relative neglect was that I took the semantics in question to be familiar enough to my readers. Meanwhile, however, I have come to realize that this assumption is not fully satisfied for two different reasons. First, far too many philosophers and linguists still think of the notation of epistemic logic (and of comparable frameworks of semantical representation) as regimented versions of natural languages which receive their meanings from back translations of their sentences into ordinary discourse. Nothing could be more wrong, it seems to me. The only real advantage of a logical notation is that its semantics can be explained without recourse to natural languages in a simple and perspicuous manner. (Logical notation, I have sometimes put this point, must be thought of as a semanticist’s “first language”.)
Harry Potter and the Exploitative Jackals: How Do J.K. Rowling's Books About the Boy Wizard Impact the Salience of Media Credibility Attributes in Young Audiences?

J.K. Rowling’s series of children’s books about Harry Potter, the boy wizard, depicts journalists in a decidedly unflattering light. The unethical reporter Rita Skeeter antagonizes Harry in the series’ fourth book, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, while The Daily Prophet, the wizarding world’s daily newspaper, portrays him as a mentally disturbed teenager crying wolf in the following book, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Using second-level agenda setting as a theoretical framework, this study examined the extent to which the cognitive and affective attributes Rowling associates with journalists are salient in young readers. A survey of 657 college students age 18 to 22 was conducted, and results suggested that, on the contrary, readers of the fourth and fifth Potter books generally have more positive attitudes about journalists than those who did not read the books. However, an interesting interaction between respondents’ political attitudes and their readership of the books emerged. Readers who considered themselves more liberal politically associated more positive attributes to journalists than liberal non-readers, while conservative readers associated more negative attributes to journalists than conservative non-readers, suggesting that reading the fourth and fifth Potter books may be reinforcing readers’ existing schemata regarding media credibility.
An Improved Method for Feeding Aphids on Artificial Diets

Recent publications by the authors described a simple method for feeding the green peach aphid, Mysus persicae (Sulzer), on various fluid diets via a membrane of stretched Parafilm “M”® (Mittler and Dadd 1962, 1963a). Although the method proved satisfactory when relatively few cages were needed at any one time (Bragdon and Mittler 1963; Mittler and Dadd 1963b; Strong 1963), the initiation of routine experiments on a larger scale called for a number of improvements to be made in the system.
How to Pump a Swing

Stephen Wirkus (swirkus@cam.cornell.edu) ran on the track and cross-country teams for the University of Missouri at Kansas City, while earning B.S. degrees in mathematics and physics. He is now working toward his Ph.D. in applied mathematics at Cornell University, focusing on oscillators with time delay. With Richard Rand he also explores appli? cations of nonlinear differential equations. An avid runner, Stephen likes the outdoors and most sporting activities.
Adherence to cervical cancer screening guidelines by gynecologists in the Pacific Northwest.

OBJECTIVE In 2012, US organizations released updated cervical cancer screening guidelines calling for less frequent screening. We surveyed practicing gynecologists in the Pacific Northwest region to understand their screening practices, gauge their uptake of the new guidelines, and identify reasons why they may not follow the new guidelines. MATERIAL AND METHODS Gynecologists from Washington, Oregon, Montana, and Idaho were sent an online survey on behalf of their state's medical association. The survey consisted of 9 questions on sex, practice setting, community size, cervical cancer screening practices, and reasons for not following the 2012 guidelines. RESULTS Of 947 gynecologists, 123 (13.0%) completed the survey. Sixty-four respondents (52.0%) reported that they follow or plan to follow the new guidelines. Reasons cited for not following the new guidelines included concern over missed opportunities for women's health education (43 respondents or 72.9%), patients wanting more frequent screening (39 respondents or 66.1%), and concern about missing dysplasia or cancerous lesions (28 respondents or 47.5%). Although the new guidelines call for a 3-year interval between routine Pap tests or a 5-year interval between routine Pap/human papillomavirus cotests, 75 gynecologist respondents (61.0%) still recommended annual or biannual Pap screening for patients younger than 30 years, and 55 respondents (67.9%) recommended rescreening within 3 years for women 30 years and older with negative cotest results. CONCLUSIONS While over half of the gynecologist survey respondents reported adherence or planned adherence to the 2012 guidelines, over half also reported using screening schedules that are more frequent than recommended by new guidelines. Concerns highlighted by survey participants provide an opportunity for physician and patient education on the evidence supporting the new guidelines.
A Systems Engineering Approach to the Design of Control Surfaces for UAVs

The process of control surface design for an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) is a complex combination of numerous disciplines which have to be blended together to yield the optimum configuration to meet given set of requirements. In this paper, a systems engineering methodology for control power evaluation of conceptual and early preliminary design configurations against requirements at critical flight conditions is established. The design of the control surfaces includes the configuration design, the geometry calculation, and the evaluation of the design against the requirements. The conventional control surfaces include the elevator, the aileron, and the rudder. Unconventional examples are surfaces such as elevons, ruddervators, and flaprons. Since there is no human pilot on a UAV, most of the flying qualities criteria do not impose any requirement on the design of the control surfaces. The last step in the design of the control surfaces is the evaluation process, which is accomplished here using systems engineering techniques. An example implementing this approach for a UAV design is provided.
Treatment of Hypoparathyroid Patients with Chlorthalidone

In an effort to maintain normal serum calcium levels without inducing hypercalciuria, we treated seven hypoparathyroid patients for up to 25 months with chlorthalidone, a thiazide-like sulfonamide diuretic, plus a salt-restricted diet, without added vitamin D. Mean 24-hour calcium excretion decreased from 179 to 88 mg (P less than 0.001), and mean serum calcium increased from 8.2 to 9.3 mg per deciliter (P less than 0.05). Diuretic therapy or moderate salt restriction alone was not as effective as combined therapy. Beneficial effects were sustained for as long as therapy was maintained. The rise in serum calcium, which involves the filterable and ionized fractions, cannot be due entirely to reduced excretion and may in part be explained by increased intestinal absorption. Oral chlorthalidone plus a low salt diet appears to be an effective alternative to vitamin D in the maintenance therapy of at least some patients with hypoparathyroidism.