cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Surgical Coaching for Operative Performance Enhancement (SCOPE): skill ratings and impact on surgeons' practice.

Evidence for surgical coaching has yet to demonstrate an impact on surgeons’ practice. We evaluated a surgical coaching program by analyzing quantitative and qualitative data on surgeons’ intraoperative performance. In the 2018–2019 Surgical Coaching for Operative Performance Enhancement (SCOPE) program, 46 practicing surgeons in multiple specialties at four academic medical centers were recruited to complete three peer coaching sessions, each comprising preoperative goal-setting, intraoperative observation, and postoperative debriefing. Coach and coachee rated the coachee’s performance using modified Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills (OSATS, range 1–5) and Non-Technical Skills for Surgeons (NOTSS, range 4–16). We used generalized estimating equations to evaluate trends in skill ratings over time, adjusting for case difficulty, clinical experience, and coaching role. Upon program completion, we analyzed semi-structured interviews with individual participants regarding the perceived impact of coaching on their practice. Eleven of 23 coachees (48%) completed three coaching sessions, three (13%) completed two sessions, and six (26%) completed one session. Adjusted mean OSATS ratings did not vary over three coaching sessions (4.39 vs 4.52 vs 4.44, respectively; P = 0.655). Adjusted mean total NOTSS ratings also did not vary over three coaching sessions (15.05 vs 15.50 vs 15.08, respectively; P = 0.529). Regarding patient care, participants self-reported improved teamwork skills, communication skills, and awareness in and outside the operating room. Participants acknowledged the potential for coaching to improve burnout due to reduced intraoperative stress and enhanced peer support but also the potential to worsen burnout by adding to chronic work overload. Surgeons reported high perceived impact of peer coaching on patient care and surgeon well-being, although changes in coachees’ technical and non-technical skills were not detected over three coaching sessions. While quantitative skill measurement warrants further study, longitudinal peer surgical coaching should be considered a meaningful strategy for surgeons’ professional development.
High-throughput assessment of soil carbonate minerals in urban environments

Abstract As urbanization expands, interest in understanding soil properties and functions in urban environments has also increased. Urban soils play an important role in the global carbon (C) cycle. Due to natural and human influences on various forms of C, quantifying soil inorganic carbon (SIC) becomes critical in urban areas. In this study, the suitability of diffuse reflectance mid-infrared Fourier-transform spectroscopy (mid-DRIFTS) to rapidly estimate calcite and dolomite concentrations was tested. Also, the effectiveness of HCl acid pre-treatment to remove carbonates to enable proper estimation of soil organic carbon (SOC) in urban soils was evaluated. Specific mid-infrared frequencies known to be associated with carbonates, i.e. dolomite and calcite, were identified, and specific peak areas were measured and calibrated with results obtained with the volumetric calcimeter method. Multiple linear regression was used to estimate total carbonates with peaks areas at 2930 cm−1, 2515 cm−1 and 730 cm−1 resulting in a 3.72% root mean squared error of an independent validation set (RMSEV). Greater prediction accuracy of calcite (875 cm−1) and dolomite (875 cm−1 and 730 cm−1) were achieved using single peaks in bivariate relationships resulting in RMSEV of 1.27% and 4.22%, respectively. Soil samples were treated with 1 M HCl for 24 h to remove carbonates, and total carbonate, dolomite, and calcite contents were estimated again using both volumetric calcimeter and mid-DRIFTS. The reduction in carbonate concentrations post-acid treatment was considerable (97% for dolomite, and 96% for calcite and total carbonates), but was not complete. Thus, this could compromise quantification of other soil carbon fractions such as total SOC. Using mid-DRIFTS peak areas of CO3−2 functional groups represents a robust alternative for rapid, fast, and low-cost laboratory measurements of soil carbonates, and this high-throughput approach may be used in assays aiming to minimize carbonate interference in SOC estimations.
A tale of four quadrants: disambiguating inverse tangents

A simple algorithm for resolving directional ambiguities in inverse tangent computations is developed.
Analysis of factors affecting the frequency of crashes on interstate freeways by vehicle type considering multiple weather variables

Recently, there has been an increasing trend in traffic crash fatalities in the United States, including the State of Arizona. Given this fact, it is imperative to analyze factors that affect crash...
Microstructure and optical properties of sputter-deposited Ga2O3 films

We report on the properties of gallium oxide (Ga2O3) thin films deposited on c-plane sapphire substrates using radio frequency magnetron sputtering under various conditions. The parameters varied included the composition of the deposition gas, the substrate temperature, and postdeposition annealing temperature. The optical characteristics obtained by UV-VIS spectroscopy showed excellent transparency of 90%–95% for all the films obtained. The structural and compositional properties of the films were determined using x-ray diffraction and energy dispersive spectrometry measurements. The films deposited in Ar at 400 °C showed diffraction peaks at 18.6°, 37.2°, and 58.2°, which are attributed to diffraction peaks from ( 2 ¯ 0 1 ), ( 4 ¯ 0 2 ), and ( 6 ¯ 0 3 ) planes of β-Ga2O3. Postdeposition annealing in N2 at 400–900 °C did not make any improvement in the crystalline quality of the films. The addition of tin in the films produced transparent films whose optical bandgaps decreased with increasing tin concentration in the films.
Frozen Section in Gynecologic Pathology

Gynecologic specimens are commonly submitted to the pathology department for intraoperative consultation. The most commonly encountered specimens are typically endometrial and ovarian tumors, though gynecologic specimen types can be wide, ranging from peritoneal biopsies to margins of vulvar excisions. They include a heterogeneous population of potential tumor and non-tumor pathologies, and in cases of ovarian tumors, there is often no preoperative diagnosis. Pathologic examination at frozen section has the potential to alter the course of surgery to include or eliminate additional staging procedures, some of which may increase the risk of postoperative morbidity and/or impact future fertility. Conversely, the lack of appropriate staging at the time of surgery may result in an additional procedure that may have otherwise been avoided. It is imperative to have a complete medical history including the age of the patient, imaging characteristics, and serum markers if applicable, as this information can provide the pathologist with both essential information regarding a diagnostic differential as well as insight into potential treatment algorithms. Acquisition of this information prior to the surgery is encouraged to avoid exacerbating time constraints encountered at frozen and to promote clinical accuracy. There should be a low threshold for direct communication with the surgeon regarding their treatment algorithm, as this is often invaluable. Our hope is for this chapter to provide a guideline for some of the most commonly encountered gynecologic frozen sections and highlight our approach to these specimens along with the diagnostic pitfalls.
Enhancing proteasomal processing improves survival for a peptide vaccine used to treat glioblastoma

Despite its essential role in antigen presentation, enhancing proteasomal processing is an unexploited strategy for improving vaccines. pepVIII, an anticancer vaccine targeting EGFRvIII, has been tested in several trials for glioblastoma. We examined 20 peptides in silico and experimentally, which showed that a tyrosine substitution (Y6-pepVIII) maximizes proteasome cleavage and survival in a subcutaneous tumor model in mice. In an intracranial glioma model, Y6-pepVIII showed a 62 and 31% improvement in median survival compared to control animals and pepVIII-vaccinated mice. Y6-pepVIII vaccination altered tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte subsets and expression of PD-1 on intratumoral T cells. Combination with anti–PD-1 therapy cured 45% of the Y6-pepVIII–vaccinated mice but was ineffective for pepVIII-treated mice. Liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry analysis of proteasome-digested pepVIII and Y6-pepVIII revealed that most fragments were similar but more abundant in Y6-pepVIII digests and 77% resulted from proteasome-catalyzed peptide splicing (PCPS). We identified 10 peptides that bound human and murine MHC class I. Nine were PCPS products and only one peptide was colinear with EGFRvIII, indicating that PCPS fragments may be a component of MHC class I recognition. Despite not being colinear with EGFRvIII, two of three PCPS products tested were capable of increasing survival when administered independently as vaccines. We hypothesize that the immune response to a vaccine represents the collective contribution from multiple PCPS and linear products. Our work suggests a strategy to increase proteasomal processing of a vaccine that results in an augmented immune response and enhanced survival in mice.
Arithmetic is Determinate

Orthodoxy holds that there is a determinate fact of the matter about every arithmetical claim. Little argument has been supplied in favour of orthodoxy, and work of Field, Warren and Waxman, and others suggests that the presumption in its favour is unjustified. This paper supports orthodoxy by establishing the determinacy of arithmetic in a well-motivated modal plural logic (Theorem 1). Recasting this result in higher-order logic (Theorem 13) reveals that even the nominalist who thinks that there are only finitely many things should think that there is some sense in which arithmetic is true and determinate.
Development of the Dispersion-Geometric Model of MOSFET's Gate Structures for Production In-line Control by Means of Optical Scatterometry

This paper discusses the developed production-worthy method to control of the critical dimensions and shape of the gate, the first and second sidewalls of field-effect transistors using the optical scatterometry. The results of measuring dimensions (thickness, inclination angle and other) were compared with independent measurements by scanning electron microscopy. Assessed of the possibility of control additional geometric parameters the above structures by developed method. The organization of control of additional shape parameters will allow us to identify technological problems earlier, which will lead to a decrease in production costs, an increase in reliability of semiconductor devices and, finally, an increase in yield.
Acute Infusion-Related Reactions: How to Recognize and Intervene When These Reactions Occur in Practice

Oncology nurses frequently encounter infusion-related reactions when administering cancer therapies. Knowing how to recognize and intervene during these reactions is essential to patient safety and quality care. This article reviews potential signs and symptoms of infusion-related reactions, the pathophysiology behind these reactions, risk factors, and management strategies.
Graph-Theoretic Post-Processing of Segmentation With Application to Dense Biofilms

Recent deep learning methods have provided successful initial segmentation results for generalized cell segmentation in microscopy. However, for dense arrangements of small cells with limited ground truth for training, the deep learning methods produce both over-segmentation and under-segmentation errors. Post-processing attempts to balance the trade-off between the global goal of cell counting for instance segmentation, and local fidelity to the morphology of identified cells. The need for post-processing is especially evident for segmenting 3D bacterial cells in densely-packed communities called biofilms. A graph-based recursive clustering approach, m-LCuts , is proposed to automatically detect collinearly structured clusters and applied to post-process unsolved cells in 3D bacterial biofilm segmentation. Construction of outlier-removed graphs to extract the collinearity feature in the data adds additional novelty to m-LCuts . The superiority of m-LCuts is observed by the evaluation in cell counting with over 90% of cells correctly identified, while a lower bound of 0.8 in terms of average single-cell segmentation accuracy is maintained. This proposed method does not need manual specification of the number of cells to be segmented. Furthermore, the broad adaptation for working on various applications, with the presence of data collinearity, also makes m-LCuts stand out from the other approaches.
A reaction-diffusion model predicts the intracellular length scale over which EGFR-initiated GAB1-SHP2 complexes persist

Activation of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) leads to the assembly of multi-membered protein complexes connected by phosphotyrosine-SH2 domain linkages. However, these linkages are relatively weak and reversible, which allows complex disassembly to occur on a time scale that permits phosphatases to dephosphorylate complex members and thereby regulate complex persistence. Here, we generated a computational reaction-diffusion model to predict the length scale over which membrane-bound RTKs can regulate the maintenance of such protein complexes through the intermediary action of diffusible cytoplasmic kinases. Specifically, we show that the RTK EGFR can activate SRC family kinases (SFKs) to maintain the association of SHP2 with phosphorylated GAB1, which activates SHP2, throughout the entire cell volume. This finding is dependent on the ability of SFKs to be activated by EGFR at the plasma membrane and subsequently diffuse through the cytosol, as altering the model topology to permit only SFK activation at the plasma membrane reduces the length scale of GAB1-SHP2 association. Modifying the model topology to neglect GAB1 binding to cytosolic and EGFR-bound GRB2 had little effect on this length scale. Indeed, a model sensitivity analysis identified protein diffusion, SFK inactivation, and GAB1 dephosphorylation as the processes that most strongly control the distance over which GAB1-SHP2 persists distal from EGFR. A model scaling analysis likewise predicted that the length scale of GAB1-SHP2 association is greatly extended compared to that of SFK activation and that GAB1-SHP2 complexes persist throughout the cell volume. Furthermore, the same processes identified in the model sensitivity analysis appeared in the length scale estimate for GAB1-SHP2 association. In vitro experiments using proximity ligation assay and immunofluorescence against GAB1-SHP2 and EGFR, respectively, suggested that GAB1-SHP2 complexes are distributed throughout cells and exist distally from EGFR during EGF stimulation. Overall, our results suggest that GAB1-SHP2 complexes--and thus active SHP2--can persist distally from EGFR due to re-phosphorylation of GAB1 throughout the cytosol by EGFR-activated SFKs.
Effect of Potassium Fertilization and New Corn Hybrids on Yield and Potassium Uptake in Continuous Corn

A three-year study was conducted at this farm to evaluate the effects of potassium (K) fertilization and new corn hybrids resistant to rootworm on grain yield and K uptake in continuous corn. New corn hybrids may increase yield and change K uptake or fertilization needs through improved traits that increase yield and root efficiency. Therefore, this study was planned to test this hypothesis by comparing continuous corn yield and response to K fertilization of hybrids with and without the rootworm resistant trait.
"If You Do Not Go to the Senate, You Will Never Be a Judge" Informal Institutions and Selection Criteria for Judges of the Constitutional Court in the Colombian Senate (1992-2009)

Judicial appointments are political processes shaped by both formal and informal practices. This article asks why certain candidates are elected as judges to the High Courts while others are not. More specifically, what have been the criteria in the election of judges to the Colombian Constitutional Court in the Senate, from 1992 to 2009. Using qualitative and quantitative analysis, I argue that, like in the United States, ideological and political considerations guide the appointment of these Judges. Other criteria, like their demographic characteristics or their professional qualifications, also play a role. Nonetheless, the main finding is that lobbying directly by candidates or through a political promoter is a determinant informal institution in the selection of the Judges of the Constitutional Court. It is a necessary condition for the other aspects to come together in the final senatorial choice.
The role of secretin in autistic spectrum disorders

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the role of secretin in autistic spectrum disorders. Autism is a neurobiological disorder involving the central nervous system (CNS), immune system, and, as studies show, the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. One of the most unusual observations associated with the examination of the possible role of the gut in children with autism has been the increased volume of secreted fluid, following secretin administration. This high secretory response to secretin administration may reflect an upregulation of the secretin receptors in the duct cells of pancreas or in the bile-duct epithelium. The average basal secretin level in blood was lower than the lower limit of normal adult values in many children with autism. The secretin content per gram tissue for pituitary and pineal tissues were higher than in duodenum, whereas the levels reported for hypothalamus, thalamus, and olfactory lobe were comparable to those of small intestine. It is suggested that a group of children, with pervasive developmental disorder, may have both cerebral and pancreatic dysfunctions, both of which improve following secretin administration.
Recounting Determinants for a Class of Hessenberg Matrices

We provide combinatorial interpretations for determinants which are Fibonacci numbers of several recently introduced Hessenberg matrices. Our arguments make use of the basic definition of the determinant as a signed sum over the symmetric group.
Bcl2 inhibition of mitochondrial DNA repair

Accumulation of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) damage could enhance the frequency of mitochondrial mutations and promote a variety of mitochondria-related diseases, including cancer. However, the mechanism(s) involved are not fully understood. Quantitative extended length PCR was used to compare mtDNA and nDNA damage in human lung H1299 cells expressing WT Bcl2 or vector-only control. mtAPE1 endonuclease activity was analyzed by AP oligonucleotide assay. mtDNA mutation was measured by single molecule PCR. Subcellular localization of Bcl2 and APE1 was analyzed by subcellular fractionation. Bcl2, an anti-apoptotic molecule and oncoprotein, effectively inhibits the endonuclease activity of mitochondrial APE1 (mtAPE1), leading to significant retardation of mtDNA repair and enhanced frequency of mtDNA mutations following exposure of cells to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) or nitrosamine 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK, a carcinogen in cigarette smoke). Inversely, depletion of endogenous Bcl2 by RNA interference increases mtAPE1 endonuclease activity leading to accelerated mtDNA repair and decreased mtDNA mutation. Higher levels of mtAPE1 were observed in human lung cancer cells than in normal human bronchial epithelial cells (i.e. BEAS-2B). Bcl2 partially co-localizes with APE1 in the mitochondria of human lung cancer cells. Bcl2 directly interacts with mtAPE1 via its BH domains. Removal of any of the BH domains from Bcl2 abolishes Bcl2’s capacity to interact with mtAPE1 as well as its inhibitory effects on mtAPE1 activity and mtDNA repair. Based our findings, we propose that Bcl2 suppression of mtDNA repair occurs through direct interaction with mtAPE1 and inhibition of its endonuclease activity in mitochondria, which may contribute to enhanced mtDNA mutations and carcinogenesis.
Antiepileptic drugs in patients with malignant brain tumor: beyond seizures and pharmacokinetics

In neurological malignancies, antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are frequently used to control the seizure activity that accompanies the disorder. There is a growing body of evidence on the importance of AED selection for reasons other than pharmacokinetics (PK) properties. Epigenetic modifications may occur in glioblastomas, such as changes in gene methylation and histone acetylation states. Secondary mechanisms of AED drug action which impact these epigenetic modifications could play a significant role in patient survival outcomes. Both valproic acid (VPA) and carbamazepine have histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitory activities, and levetiracetam and VPA reduce the activity of O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT), a DNA-repair molecule implicated in resistance to alkylating agents used for chemotherapy. The use of AEDs for purposes other than seizure prophylaxis and their selection based on non-PK properties present a potential paradigm shift in the field of neuro-oncology.
The abundance of carbon monoxide in Jupiter.

Spectra of Jupiter in the 5-micron window region have been acquired. From these it is deduced that (1) the presence of CO in Jupiter is verified; (2) the column abundance is approximately 0.016 cm amagat (identical to 4.3 by 10 to the 17th power mol/sq cm); and (3) the CO is probably nonuniformly mixed in the atmosphere, being concentrated into the stratosphere.
Detection of buried landmines using seismic waves and microphones

Several non-contact vibrometers have been investigated for use in a seismic landmine-detection system developed at Georgia Tech; however, these non-contact vibrometers are relatively complex and expensive compared to commercially available microphones. This makes the commercial microphones an appealing alternative in applications where reduced surface-standoff distances are permissible (such as small autonomous systems or hand-held mine detectors that exploit seismic techniques). The seismic wave field involves multiple modes of propagation. Among these, the Rayleigh wave has been found to be particularly effective for the interrogation of near-surface soil where landmines are likely to be found. Thus the seismic system currently under development preferentially excites this wave type. The acoustic pressure in the air that results from a Rayleigh wave’s surface displacement can only be sensed close to the ground because Rayleigh waves are subsonic in most soils and produce evanescent acoustic fields in the air. Experimental measurements in a laboratory model have shown that buried pressure-fused landmines can be detected by measurement of the acoustic pressure within about five centimeters of the ground’s surface. Signal processing efforts including planar near-field acoustic holography, k-space filtering, and mode extraction have been used to amplify the effects of the Rayleigh wave. The signal-to-noise ratio of microphone measurements can also be improved by decreasing the microphone’s height above the soil surface or by improving the coupling of the microphone to the evanescent field with a waveguide or a horn. Experimental measurements made with the microphone compare well with direct measurements of surface displacement made using a radar-based non-contact vibrometer that has been described in previous papers.
Improved Diagnosis of Mastocytosis by Measurement of the Major Urinary Metabolite of Prostaglandin D2

Symptoms of mastocytosis have been attributed to the overproduction of both histamine and prostaglandin (PG) D 2 . Recently, we developed an assay for the major urinary metabolite of PGD 2 (PGD-M), 9α, 11 β-dihydroxy-15-oxo-2,3, 18,19-tetranorprost-5-ene-1,20-dioic acid, and demonstrated that urinary excretion of this compound is markedly increased in patients with mastocytosis. It had been shown previously that measurement of the urinary excretion of histamine metabolites provides a more sensitive biochemical diagnostic indicator of systemic mastocytosis than does measurement of unmetabolized histamine. Therefore, we examined the correlation between the urinary excretion of the histamine metabolite, N T -methylhistamine, and PGD-M in urine samples from patients with mastocytosis. Urinary excretion of N T -methylhistamine and PGD-M was measured in 46 urine samples from 17 patients with histologically documented mastocytosis. Both compounds were quantified by mass spectrometry. In all urine collections showing an increase above normal (2 SD above the mean) in the excretion of N T -methylhistamine, the fold increase above normal in the urinary excretion of PGD-M was substantially greater. Further, in some urine samples from four patients whose excretion of NT-methylhistamine was consistently normal, the excretion of PGD-M was increased above normal by as much as 300%. These data indicate that quantification of the urinary excretion of PGD-M is a more sensitive biochemical diagnostic indicator of mastocytosis than is the quantification of N T -methylhistamine.
Connectivity in the Set of Gabor frames

Abstract In this paper we present a constructive proof that the set of Gabor frames is path-connected in the L 2 ( R n ) -norm. In particular, this result holds for the set of Gabor–Parseval frames as well as for the set of Gabor orthonormal bases. In order to prove this result, we introduce a construction which shows exactly how to modify a Gabor frame or Parseval frame to obtain a new one with the same property. Our technique is a modification of a method used in [Glas. Mat. 38 (58) (2003) 75–98] to study the connectivity of affine Parseval frames.
Warming climate increases rainfall extremes

In recent years there have been a number of prolonged heat waves and heavy rain events, and studies are showing that global climate warming is increasing the risk of extreme rainfall and drought. To add to the evidence linking climate warming and extreme precipitation and provide a regional as well as global perspective, Lau et al. analyzed projections from 14 different climate models that are part of the CMIP5 project, which is organized by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change in preparation for its upcoming fifth assessment report.
Actin is oxidized during myocardial ischemia

Exposure of isolated rat hearts to 30 min global ischemia followed by 60 min reperfusion resulted in a significant 80% increase (p < .05) in actin content of carbonyl groups, which was associated with significant depression (p < .05) of postischemic contractile function. This result supports the hypothesis that one mechanism of postischemic contractile dysfunction may be oxidation of contractile proteins.
Reactor characterization for a process to etch Si/sub 3/N/sub 4/ formed on thin SiO/sub 2/

A plasma etching process for patterning LPCVD (low-pressure chemical vapor deposition) Si/sub 3/N/sub 4/ which has been formed on thin thermally grown SiO/sub 2/ has been developed and characterized with an Applied Materials 8110 batch system using 100-mm-diameter silicon wafers. To fulfill the primary process objectives of minimal critical dimension (CD) loss ( approximately 0.08 mu m), vertical profiles after etch, retention of some of the underlying thermal SiO/sub 2/, and batch etch uniformity, the reactor has been characterized by evaluating the effects of variation of reactor pressure (15 to 65 mTorr), O/sub 2/ concentration by flow rate (30 to 70%) of an O/sub 2//CHF/sub 2/ mixture, and DC bias voltage (-200 to -550 V). Analysis of the resulting etch rate, etch uniformity, dimensional, and profile data suggests that satisfactory processing may be achieved at low reactor pressure ( approximately 25 mTorr), 50-60% O/sub 2/ by flow rate in O/sub 2//CHF/sub 3/, and low DC bias (-200 to -250 V). >
Synthesis of neurotoxic nephila spider venoms: NSTX-3 and JSTX-3

Abstract Efficient and practical synthetic routes to the polyamine spider venom principles, NSTX-3 and JSTX-3 are described.
A fiber Bragg grating based tunable laser source for quasi-static and dynamic strain monitoring

Fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) are excellent tools for monitoring mechanical and thermal strains, and have widespread application in the structural health monitoring (SHM) of aerospace, civil, and mechanical structures. A common approach used for interrogating FBG sensors involves the illumination of the sensor with a broadband laser source and the narrowband reflected light reflected from the FBG is monitored with a wavelength sensitive optical detection system. The thermal or mechanical perturbations experienced by the FBG sensor lead to a shift in its reflectivity spectrum. In this work, an alternative interrogation scheme is presented that uses an FBG based narrowband tunable laser source produced by incorporating the FBG into a fiber ring laser cavity as an optical feedback element. The laser cavity consists an erbium doped fiber (EDF) connected to the FBG at the output of the fiber ring, which allows for the generation of the required amplified stimulated emission (ASE) in the C-band and lasing at the center wavelength of the FBG reflectivity spectrum. With this interrogation scheme, the wavelength of the resulting narrowband laser source tracks the center wavelength of the FBG sensor as it drifts due to quasi-static and/or dynamic mechanical and thermal strains. In addition, the instantaneous spectral line-width of the laser source is effectively narrowed owing to the long length of the laser cavity, which facilitates highly sensitive demodulation of dynamic shifts of the lasing wavelength with a high coherence optical interferometer.
Adsorption and transformation of tetracycline antibiotics with aluminum oxide.

Abstract Tetracycline antibiotics (TCs) including tetracycline (TTC), chlorotetracycline (CTC) and oxytetracycline (OTC) adsorb strongly to aluminum oxide (Al2O3), and the surface interaction promotes structural transformation of TCs. The latter phenomenon was not widely recognized previously. Typically, rapid adsorption of TCs to Al2O3 occurs in the first 3 h ([TC] = 40 μM, [Al2O3] = 1.78 g L−1, pH = 5, and T = 22 °C), followed by continuous first-order decay of the parent compound (kobs = 15 ± 1.0, 18 ± 1.0 and 6.2 ± 0.9 × 10−3 h−1 for TTC, CTC and OTC, respectively) and product formation. The transformation reaction rate of TCs strongly correlates with adsorption to Al2O3 surfaces. Both adsorption and transformation occur at the highest rate at around neutral pH conditions. Product evaluation indicates that Al2O3 promotes dehydration of TTC to yield anhydrotetracycline (AHTTC), epimerization of TTC, and formation of Al-TTC complexes. Al2O3 promotes predominantly the transformation of CTC to iso-CTC. The surface-bound Al(+III) acts as a Lewis acid site to promote the above transformation of TCs. Formation of AHTTC is of special concern because of its higher cytotoxicity. Results of this study indicate that aluminum oxide will likely affect the fate of TC antibiotics in the aquatic environment via both adsorption and transformation.
Cobamide structure depends on both lower ligand availability and CobT substrate specificity

Cobamides are members of the vitamin B12 family of cofactors that function in a variety of metabolic processes and are synthesized only by prokaryotes. Cobamides produced by different organisms vary in the structure of the lower axial ligand. Here we explore the molecular factors that control specificity in the incorporation of lower ligand bases into cobamides. We find that the cobT gene product, which activates lower ligand bases for attachment, limits the range of lower ligand bases that can be incorporated by bacteria. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the substrate specificity of CobT can be predictably altered by changing two active site residues. These results demonstrate that sequence variations in cobT homologs contribute to cobamide structural diversity. This analysis could open new routes to engineering specific cobamide production and understanding cobamide-dependent processes.
Toxicity of 6 Miticides to the Asian Citrus Psyllid, Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera: Liviidae)

ABSTRACT The Asian citrus psyllid (ACP), Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae), is an important pest of citrus. Research into strategies to control ACP is ongoing at many facilities, including at the USDA-ARS U.S. Horticultural Research Laboratory (USHRL) in Fort Pierce, Florida. The USHRL maintains colonies of ACP, but their survival is often threatened by mites which render host plants unsuitable for ACP Our objective was to identify miticides/insecticides that could be used to control mite outbreaks with minimal or no adverse affect on ACP We tested the following 6 miticides in greenhouse trials for their toxicity to each life stage of ACP and also investigated sublethal effects on development and oviposition of ACP: bifenazate (Acramite 50 WS), spirodiclofen (Envidor 2 SC), dicofol (Kelthane MF), pyridaben (Nexter), petroleum oil, and chlorfenapyr (Pylon). The miticides differed in their toxicity when applied directly to ACP Bifenazate was the only miticide that was not toxic to any life sta...
Linking Border Disputes and War: An Institutional-Statist Theory

Boundary disputes are among the most explosive international flashpoints. They frequently correlate with militarised interstate disputes and are more likely to lead to high intensity conflict than other kinds of frictions. Although analysts have been turning increasing attention to the topic of boundary tensions, significant knowledge gaps remain. We still do not know exactly what factors cause some border controversies to emerge or spur others to intensify to the point of war. One reason is that the existing literature has paid insufficient attention to the socially-constructed nature of boundaries. Another reason is that researchers have not adequately accounted for the causal import of domestic politics. Herein, I offer a novel, two variable explanation, which I term institutional-statist theory, to explain when border disputes will result in war. My theory stresses the functional value of the contested boundary as well as the disputants' level of stateness. I test the usefulness of my theory through a...
A photochemical equilibrium model for ionospheric conductivity

A photochemical equilibrium model of the high-latitude ionosphere has been developed. This model provides densities of the ionospheric constituents, N2(+), O2(+), O(+), and NO(+), from 85 km to approximately 220 km. These densities are then used to calculate Pedersen and Hall conductivities. A comparison of the model results with Arecibo and Chatanika radar observations was made, covering periods of solar minimum and solar maximum. The comparison showed the model to predict ionospheric densities to within 50 percent and conductivities to within 40 percent in the illuminated portion of the ionosphere. In regions of electron precipitation, the model showed good agreement with measurements. Results of this study indicate the following: (1) ionospheric conductivity increases by a factor of about 1.6 from solar minimum to solar maximum conditions, (2) the portion of the ionosphere above 170 km can contribute as much as 40 percent during daylight and 80 percent during nighttime to the total height-integrated Pedersen conductivity, and (3) the ratio of the height-integrated Hall to Pedersen conductivities is approximately 1.1-1.3 for sunlit conditions; this is appreciably lower than the value of 2 found in previous studies. These and other factors indicate that, under certain conditions, the height-integrated Pedersen conductivity may be as much as 2-3 times larger than previously reported.
Progress toward kilopixel arrays: 3.8 eV microcalorimeter resolution in 8-channel SQUID multiplexer

While multiplexed readout of large arrays of submillimeter-wave transition-edge sensors (TESs) has been successfully demonstrated, the development of multiplexed arrays of TES X-ray microcalorimeters is more challenging. Fast X-ray pulses place stringent demands on the multiplexer dynamic range and bandwidth. In this paper, we describe the ongoing development of a time-division multiplexer (TDM) intended specifically for X-ray microcalorimeters. We present data showing 3.74±0.12eV resolution (FWHM), measured at 6keV from a sub-150μs sensor in an 8-channel TDM. In addition, we calculate the number of detectors that can be multiplexed as a function of open-loop system bandwidth, amplifier noise, and detector time constant. We find that with achievable improvements, our architecture will allow readout of a square, kilopixel array of high-resolution microcalorimeters with time constants as low as 50μs. TDM is thus well-suited to the requirements of many proposed X-ray astronomy missions, including NASA's Constellation-X, ESA's XEUS, and ISAS/JAXA's NeXT.
Insulin secretion and action in subjects with impaired fasting glucose and impaired glucose tolerance: results from the Veterans Administration Genetic Epidemiology Study.

This study was conducted to observe changes in insulin secretion and insulin action in subjects with impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and/or impaired glucose tolerance (IGT). A total of 319 subjects were studied with an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Fasting plasma glucose and insulin concentrations were measured at baseline and every 30 min during the OGTT. Fifty-eight subjects also received a euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp. Insulin sensitivity was calculated as the total glucose disposal (TGD) during the last 30 min of the clamp. Homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was calculated from fasting plasma glucose and insulin concentrations. Subjects with IFG had TGD similar to normal glucose-tolerant subjects, while subjects with IGT and combined IFG/IGT had significantly reduced TGD. HOMA-IR in subjects with IFG was similar to that in subjects with combined IFG/IGT and significantly higher than HOMA-IR in subjects with IGT or NGT. Insulin secretion, measured by the insulinogenic index (ΔI0–30/ΔG0–30) and by the ratio of the incremental area under the curve (AUC) of insulin to the incremental AUC of glucose (0–120 min), was reduced to the same extent in all three glucose-intolerant groups. When both measurements of β-cell function were adjusted for severity of insulin resistance, subjects with IGT and combined IFG/IGT had a significantly greater reduction in insulin secretion than subjects with IFG. Subjects with IGT and IFG have different metabolic characteristics. Differences in insulin sensitivity and insulin secretion may predict different rates of progression to type 2 diabetes and varying susceptibility to cardiovascular disease.
Domains and Facets: Hierarchical Personality Assessment Using the Revised NEO Personality Inventory

Personality traits are organized hierarchically, with narrow, specific traits combining to define broad, global factors. The Revised NEO Personality Inventory (NEO-PI-R; Costa & McCrae, 1992c) assesses personality at both levels, with six specific facet scales in each of five broad domains. This article describes conceptual issues in specifying facets of a domain and reports evidence on the validity of NEO-PI-R facet scales. Facet analysis-the interpretation of a scale in terms of the specific facets with which it correlates-is illustrated using alternative measures of the five-factor model and occupational scales. Finally, the hierarchical interpretation of personality profiles is discussed. Interpretation on the domain level yields a rapid understanding of the individual interpretation of specific facet scales gives a more detailed assessment.
Development of a 30-cm ion thruster thermal-vacuum power processor

The 30-cm Hg electron-bombardment ion thruster presently under development has reached engineering model status and is generally accepted as the prime propulsion thruster module to be used on the earliest solar electric propulsion missions. This paper presents the results of a related program to develop a transistorized 3-kW Thermal-Vacuum Breadboard (TVBB) Power Processor for this thruster. Emphasized in the paper are the implemented electrical and mechanical designs as well as the resultant system performance achieved over a range of test conditions. In addition, design modifications affording improved performance are identified and discussed.
A Design Centering Algorithm for Nonconvex Regions of Acceptability

Random variations inherent in any fabrication process may result in very low production yield. This is especially true in the fabrication of integrated circuits. Several methods have been proposed to help the circuit designer minimize the influence of these random variations. Most of these methods are deterministic and try to maximize yield by centering the nominal value of the designable parameters in the so-called region of acceptability. However, these design centering techniques require an assumption of convexity which is not valid in many real design situations. To overcome this problem a new convergent method is proposed which is based on the sequential solution of subproblems for which the convexity assumption is valid. A practical implementation of the algorithm is shown by examples to be computationally efficient.
Machine learning for big data

Statistical Machine Learning has undergone a phase transition from a pure academic endeavor to being one of the main drivers of modern commerce and science. Even more so, recent results such as those on tera-scale learning [1] and on very large neural networks [2] suggest that scale is an important ingredient in quality modeling. This tutorial introduces current applications, techniques and systems with the aim of cross-fertilizing research between the database and machine learning communities.The tutorial covers current large scale applications of Machine Learning, their computational model and the workflow behind building those. Based on this foundation, we present the current state-of-the-art in systems support in the bulk of the tutorial. We also identify critical gaps in the state-of-the-art. This leads to the closing of the seminar, where we introduce two sets of open research questions: Better systems support for the already established use cases of Machine Learning and support for recent advances in Machine Learning research.
Plant-herbivore interactions: Examination of potential effects of bison saliva on regrowth of Bouteloua gracilis (H.B.K.) lag.

Laboratory experiments were performed to determine whether regrowth of blue grama was affected by potential growth-promoting substances in saliva of North American bison. We observed no statistically significant effects of foliar application of whole bison saliva on net photosynthesis (PN), root respiration (RR), allocation patterns of photosynthetically fixed 14C, or regrowth rates over a 10-day period following clipping to various heights. In a 10-week experiment, there were no significant effects of saliva on leaf, crown or root growth or tiller production in plants clipped to heights of 6, 4 or 2 cm above crowns. Similarly, nitrogen-stressed plants failed to show significant changes in growth rates or tillering in response to saliva over a 3-week period. Clipped blue grama plants did exhibit significant compensatory growth responses, including higher PN rates from 3–10 days following clipping and allocation of a higher proportion of current photosynthate to synthesis of new leaf tissue with increasing severity of defoliation. Nevertheless, unclipped plants invariably outproduced clipped plants following defoliation.
Characteristics of the intrinsic modulus as applied to particulate composites with both soft and hard particulates utilizing the generalized viscosity/modulus equation

Recently, four significantly different particulate composite modulus derivations from the literature were found to yield the same theoretical “intrinsic modulus” for a particulate composite. In this article, this new intrinsic modulus was successfully combined with the generalized viscosity/modulus equation to yield a good fit of the shear modulus–particulate concentration data of both Smallwood and Nielsen using a variable intrinsic modulus. Some fillers yielded an intrinsic modulus that was close to the Einstein limiting value ([G] = [η] = 2.5), while other fillers yielded intrinsic moduli that were either somewhat larger or somewhat smaller than this value. The intrinsic modulus for carbon black in rubber was much larger than was Einstein's predicted value. However, intrinsic modulus values for Nielsen's data for particulate composites were smaller than were Einstein's prediction at temperatures below the glass transition temperature of the matrix. The explanation for this phenomenon can easily be understood from a review of the properties of the intrinsic modulus. Likewise, the generalized viscosity/modulus equation was also successfully applied to available modulus literature for ceramics where voids were the particulate phase. When applied to Wang's data, the intrinsic modulus was found to be negative when describing the compaction of voids in the hot isostatic pressing of a ceramic. For this application, the modulus of a particulate composite as a function of the volume fraction of particles was modified to describe the modulus as a function of porosity. For the sets of data analyzed, values of the interaction coefficient and the packing fraction were not necessarily unique if the data sets were limited to the lower particulate volume fractions. For applications where a minimum amount of data was found to be available, a new approach was introduced to address a relative measure of the compatibility of the particle and the matrix using a new definition for Kraemer's constant. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 77: 1954–1963, 2000
On elliptic problems with indefinite superlinear boundary conditions

Abstract In this paper we prove the existence of positive solutions to some nondivergent elliptic equations with indefinite nonlinear boundary conditions. The proof is based on a new Liouville-type theorem about the nonnegative solutions to some canonical indefinite elliptic equations, which is also proved in this paper by the method of moving planes.
Thermodynamic approach to the practical characterization of solvent strength and selectivity of commonly used stationary phases in gas chromatography

Abstract A new approach is proposed for the determination of solvent strength and solvent selectivity in gas chromatography based on thermodynamic considerations. The solvent strength is defined as the partial molar Gibbs free energy of solution for a methylene group per unit solvent volume. Solvent selectivity is determined as the partial molal Gibbs free energy of solution for the test solutes n-butylbenzene, 1-octanol, benzodioxan and nitrobenzene. Solvent strength and selectivity values are provided for 24 commonly used liquid phases spanning a wide range of solvent properties.