cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Coherent and Diffuse Scattering Using a Reference Phantom

The estimation of many spectral-based quantitative ultrasound parameters assumes that backscattered echo signals are from a stationary, incoherent scattering process. The accuracy of these assumptions in real tissue can limit the diagnostic value of these parameters and the physical insight about tissue microstructure they can convey. This work presents an empirical decision test to determine the presence of significant coherent contributions to echo signals and whether they are caused by low scatterer number densities or the presence of specular reflectors or scatterers with periodic spacing. This is achieved by computing parameters from echo signals that quantify stationary or nonstationary features related to coherent scattering, and then comparing their values to thresholds determined from a reference material providing diffuse scattering. The paper first presents a number of parameters with demonstrated sensitivity to coherent scattering and describes criteria to select those with the highest sensitivity using simulated and phantom-based echo data. Results showed that the echo amplitude signal-to-noise ratio and the multitaper-generalized spectrum were the parameters with the highest sensitivity to coherent scattering with stationary and nonstationary features, respectively. These parameters were incorporated into the reference-based decision test, which successfully identified regions in simulated and tissue-mimicking phantoms with different incoherent and coherent scattering conditions. When scatterers with periodic organization were detected, the combination of stationary and nonstationary analysis permitted the estimation of the mean spacing below and above the resolution limit imposed by the pulse size. Preliminary applications of this algorithm to human cervical tissue ex vivo showed correspondence between regions of B-mode images showing bright reflectors, tissue interfaces, and hypoechoic regions with regions classified as specular reflectors and low scatterer number density. These results encourage further application of the algorithm to more structurally complex phantoms and tissue.
Diabetic nephropathy: strategies for preventing renal failure.

Better understanding of diabetic nephropathy’s pathophysiology has led to fundamental changes in its management: detecting nephropathy early and intervening with rigorous glycemic control and aggressive management of hypertension may slow its progression. Dietary protein restriction may also have a role.
Measuring Constructs of Relational Contracting in Construction Projects: The Owner’s Perspective

AbstractTraditional project design and construction delivery is segmental. Researchers and practitioners often cite the separation, or “silo effect,” as a reason for poor project outcomes. In response, new forms of integrated contracts have emerged, fostering more collaborative efforts and a focus on successful project outcomes, instead of individual organizational outcomes. Relational contract theory provides a basis for understanding these new integrated forms of agreement through a set of relational contracting norms. This study operationalizes the relational contracting norms designed to measure project integration. The norms and their dimensions were developed through a rigorous construct mapping methodology and then tested, analyzed, and validated with a survey of owners and owners’ representatives from 314 completed projects using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. The study validates the measures and demonstrates the potential that the measures have to illuminate the nature of relationa...
2H-CuScO2 Prepared by Low-Temperature Hydrothermal Methods and Post-Annealing Effects on Optical and Photoelectrochemical Properties.

The delafossite structured CuScO2 is a p-type, wide band gap oxide that has been shown to support significant oxygen intercalation, leading to darkened color and increased conductivity. Control of this oxidation proves difficult by the conventional high-temperature solid-state syntheses. In addition, a pure hexagonal (2H) or rhombohedral (3R) polytype of CuScO2 requires careful control of synthetic parameters or intentional doping. Lower-temperature hydrothermal syntheses have thus far led to only a mixed 2H/3R product. Herein, control of hydrothermal conditions with the consideration of copper and scandium hydrolysis led to the synthesis of light beige, hierarchically structured particles of 2H-CuScO2. Absorption of the particles in the visible range was found to increase upon annealing of the sample in air, most likely due to the CuII formation from oxygen interstitials. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirmed purely CuI in the as-synthesized 2H-CuScO2 and increased CuII amounts upon annealing. Oxida...
Abstract 252: Generation of a Mouse ESC Reporter Line to Identify Purkinje-like Conduction System Cells

We have previously demonstrated that contactin2 (Cntn2) protein is enriched in Purkinje cells of the adult cardiac conduction system (CCS). Here we present a mouse embryonic stem cell (mESC) reporter line to identify Purkinje-like cardiomyocytes in vitro. Methods and Results: Dual reporter Purkinje cell mESC were generated from Cntn2-eGFP blastocysts, transduced with αMHC-mCherry lentivirus. The mESC expressed markers of pluripotency (Oct3/4; Sox2, Nanog) and differentiated into all three germ layers (Nestin, a-fetoprotein, Brachyury). Cultures differentiated under serum-free, cardiogenic conditions were enriched in cardiomyocytes (n=5), consisting of single positive aMHC-mCherry [57.76±3.7%] and double positive αMHC-mCherry/Cntn2-eGFP cells [1.9±0.9%]. Compared with eGFP negative cardiomyocytes (n=15), double positive cells (n=11) revealed electrophysiological characteristics consistent with Purkinje-like derivatives, including increased peak sodium currents (180.3±20.5 pA/pF vs. =-118.0±21.2pA/pF), fast...
Optimum Design Concepts: Optimality Conditions

Local and global optima for a function are defined and illustrated. Conditions for existence of a global minimum point for the function are explained. The first-order necessary, second-order necessary, and second-order sufficiency conditions for a function of one variable and several variables are explained and illustrated. The first-order necessary conditions for the equality-constrained problem are presented and illustrated. The concept of Lagrange multipliers for the constraints is introduced and explained. The Lagrange theorem for the equality-constrained problem is extended to include inequality constraints in the first-order necessary conditions. The inequalities are converted to equalities by introducing a slack variable for each inequality. The first-order necessary conditions thus obtained are known as Karush–Kuhn–Tucker (KKT) optimality conditions. Several example problems are solved to illustrate the use of optimality conditions and gain insights for them. The physical meaning of the Lagrange multipliers is explained where the effect of changes to the constraint functions on the optimum cost function could be studied. Finally, the convex programming problem is defined and illustrated with examples. If an optimization problem is convex, then any local minimum is also a global minimum for the cost function.
Tracking orientation of batteryless internet-of-things using RFID tags: demo

Orientation tracking is an essential ingredient for many Internet-of-Things applications. In this work, we introduce Tagyro, which attaches an array of passive RFID tags as orientation sensors on everyday objects. Tagyro uses a closed-form model to transform the run-time phase offsets between tags into orientation angle, and addresses the unexpected deviation of phase measurement distorted by imperfect radiation pattern of practical tags. We have implemented a real-time version of Tagyro on a commodity RFID system. In this demo, we show that Tagyro can handle the phase distortion by sensing the effective layout tag array, an use the sensed layout to track the orientation of objects in high accuracy.
An empirical study of crossover and mass extinction in a genetic algorithm for pathfinding in a continuous environment

Genetic algorithms are an often used tool for the problem of pathfinding. Their ability to find good solutions to multiobjective optimization problems makes them well suited to this task. Of course, genetic algorithms embody a broad range of techniques and strategies including crossover, mutation and mass extinction, each with multiple parameters and implementations. In this paper, we examine the effects of crossover and mass extinction on a genetic algorithm for planning a path through known obstacles in an unconstrained, continuous, static environment. Using a mutation-only genetic algorithm as a baseline, we study the effect of crossover with and without mass extinction events that occur at several different probabilities. We find that while both offer sometimes significant improvement in some cases, neither is universally beneficial.
Perceptions of Financial Aid: Black Students at a Predominantly White Institution

AbstractThis study provides qualitative context for statistics concerning Black college students and financial aid. Using the financial nexus model as a framework, this research draws upon interviews with 29 Black juniors and seniors at a selective, -private, and predominantly White university. The data suggest that students -generally exhibited high levels of financial aid knowledge, and that financial aid -office savvy is necessary to successfully navigate the financial aid process at the school.
Gene delivery: Suddenly squeezed and shocked

A microfluidic device that integrates mechanical squeezing and electrical stimulation delivers DNA to the nucleus of cells at a rate of millions of cells per minute.
Modifiable Risk Factors for Hospital Readmission Among Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease in a Nationwide Database.

Background Previous studies suggest that disease activity alone does not reliably predict hospital readmission among patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). Using a national database, we aimed to further describe the burden of readmissions for IBD and identify modifiable risk factors. Methods We performed a retrospective cohort study using 2013 data from the Nationwide Readmission Database (NRD). Using International Classification of Diseases, ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) codes, we identified adult patients with discharge diagnoses of ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease and ascertained diagnoses of anxiety, depression, chronic pain, tobacco use, and other comorbidities during index admission. Logistic regression was used to estimate factors associated with hospital readmission. Results Among 52,498 hospitalizations of patients with IBD (63% Crohn's disease and 37% ulcerative colitis), 12,407 (24%) were readmitted within 90 days of the index hospitalization, resulting in roughly $576 million in excess charges. In multivariable analysis of patients with Crohn's disease, anxiety (odds ratio [OR] 1.31, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.21-1.43), depression (OR 1.27, 95% CI, 1.07-1.50), chronic pain (OR 1.31, 95% CI, 1.18-1.46), and tobacco abuse (OR 1.13, 95% CI, 1.06-1.22) were associated with a significant increase in odds of readmission. Among patients with ulcerative colitis, anxiety (OR 1.28, 95% CI, 1.14-1.45), depression (OR 1.35, 95% CI, 1.07-1.70), and chronic pain (OR 1.44, 95% CI, 1.21-1.73) were associated with a significant increase in odds of readmission. Conclusions Readmission occurs frequently in patients with IBD and is costly. Anxiety, depression, and chronic pain may represent targets for interventions to prevent 90-day hospital readmission in this population.
Rapid harvest schedules and fruit removal as non-chemical approaches for managing spotted wing Drosophila

Spotted wing Drosophila, Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) (Diptera: Drosophilidae), has caused significant economic losses to small fruit and berry growers throughout the USA and Europe since its invasion. This pest can lay many eggs over its lifetime within ripening and ripe berries, causing yield loss and the risk of fruit contamination. Zero tolerance for this pest has led to increased use of broad-spectrum insecticides to control it, which are costly and pose many other sustainability and pest management concerns. There is an urgent need to evaluate management strategies that can decrease reliance on chemical controls and mitigate economic losses. Over two growing seasons, we compared harvest schedules for their effect on infestation by D. suzukii, revealing that fruit harvested every 1 or 2 days had significantly fewer D. suzukii larvae than a 3-day harvest schedule. Furthermore, we found that yield per unit effort was highest on a 2-day schedule. Sanitation of the crop is another important component of a successful integrated pest management program, and we found that bagging infested waste berries killed 99% of larvae after 32 h, with higher fruit temperatures in clear bags than white or black bags. In combination, these methods can reduce the effects of this invasive pest on raspberry production. This study will provide guidance to growers on culturally based IPM tactics to decrease reliance on chemical management.
Cell-Mediated Immunity in Autoimmune Disease

The history of cell-mediated immunity began before the turn of the century with the description by Koch of the delayed hypersensitivity reaction following infection by tubercle bacilli. Dienes many years later (1936) was the first to consider delayed hypersensitivity as an independent branch of the immunological response rather than a unique response to infectious microorganisms. He was successful in producing delayed hypersensitivity by injecting nonliving protein antigens into tuberculous foci.
A mathematical model to plan for long-term effects of water conservation choices on dry weather wastewater flows and concentrations.

Abstract In many cities, sewer systems are experiencing conditions that are significantly different from those for which they were designed. Factors such as water conservation efforts, changes in population, and efforts to reduce infiltration are altering the quantity and quality of sewage. These changes may affect the ability of sewers to maintain self-cleansing velocities, which are crucial to avoiding solids settling and corrosion issues. Further, such changes may alter the timeline for expected wastewater plant expansion. The present work proposes a method for predicting average annual dry weather wastewater flow, as well as pollutant load and concentration over time. The method takes into account potential declines in per person wastewater production due to water conservation and reuse practices, as well as other potential changes such as shifts in population, transformations in industrial wastewater production, and variations in dry weather infiltration. Results show that the amount of dry weather infiltration will play a large role in whether or not conservation will affect self-cleansing velocities or plant expansions. Conservation is most beneficial to systems with high levels of dry weather infiltration since plant expansion could be avoided; and most detrimental to systems with low levels of infiltration since low flow conditions could lead to settling and corrosion in the sewer. Furthermore, the rate of implementation of conservation efforts influences when impacts to the system would occur. Utility planners will be able to use this method to predict treatment plant upgrade and expansion needs more accurately as well as to assess the relative value of utility-based maintenance activities and conservation practices.
Who Gets the Money: An Exercise to Critically Evaluate the Annual Performance Review

As an increasing number of companies are abandoning traditional performance reviews, this human resource management practice has received a flurry of attention in the business literature. Despite the trend away from annual reviews, most organizations still use traditional performance evaluations. This exercise asks students to look at traditional performance reviews and to discuss the potential benefits of providing more frequent feedback to employees.
Subunit control of Rubisco biosynthesis – a relic of an endosymbiotic past?

Subunits of multiprotein complexes in the chloroplasts of eukaryotic cells are frequently the products of protein synthesis in the nucleus-cytoplasm and the organelle. The mechanisms that integrate gene expression in the two compartments are poorly understood. Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) is a model of nuclear-chloroplast interactions because it is a relatively simple example of a multimeric complex, being composed of nuclear DNA-encoded (RbcS) small subunits (SS) and chloroplast DNA-encoded ( rbcL) large subunits (LS). One means by which RbcS and rbcL expression are coordinated is by the adjustment of subunit stoichiometries in response to the abundance of unassembled subunits. This type of integration occurs by two principal mechanisms. When SS accumulation is limiting (as in antisense mutants of tobacco), LS levels are primarily adjusted to those of the SS at the level of rbcL mRNA translation initiation. On the other hand, when LS accumulation is limiting (as in some rbcL nonsense and missense mutants), SS levels are adjusted to those of the LS at the level of protein degradation. These two mechanisms may be ubiquitous and serve as either fine-tune or course controls during normal growth and development. Autogenous control is a central theme of prokaryotic gene regulation, and intergenomic regulation of RbcS and rbcL expression by subunit concentrations may be a relic of an endosymbiotic past.
Comparative Studies of Ethanol and Ethylene Glycol Oxidation on Platinum Electrocatalysts

Ethanol represents a promising energy source for powering fuel cells. The development of direct ethanol fuel cells is however challenged by both the sluggish kinetics of the ethanol oxidation reaction and the poor selectivity toward complete oxidation. In this work, we combine spectroelectrochemical studies of extended surfaces using sum frequency generation (SFG) and product-resolved electrocatalytic measurements under potentiostatic conditions to investigate the electro-oxidation of alcohols. By comparing the electro-oxidation of ethanol and ethylene glycol, we illustrate the different catalytic mechanisms of C–C bond cleavage and identify the role of β carbon in hindering the complete oxidation of ethanol toward CO2. Our findings provide new insights into the development of efficient electrocatalysts for multi-carbon alcohol oxidation.
Additive Arithmetic Functions on Differences

In this chapter I establish inequalities which measure the control the differences of an additive function have over its values on the powers of primes.
Femoral entheseal shape and attachment angle as potential risk factors for anterior cruciate ligament injury

Although non-contact human ACL tears are a common knee injury, little is known about why they usually fail near the femoral enthesis. Recent histological studies have identified a range of characteristic femoral enthesis tidemark profiles and ligament attachment angles. We tested the effect of the tidemark profile and attachment angle on the distribution of strain across the enthesis, under a ligament stretch of 1.1. We employed a 2D analytical model followed by 3D finite element models using three constitutive forms and solved with ABAQUS/Standard. The results show that the maximum equivalent strain was located in the most distal region of the ACL femoral enthesis. It is noteworthy that this strain was markedly increased by a concave (with respect to bone) entheseal profile in that region as well as by a smaller attachment angle, both of which are features more commonly found in females. Although the magnitude of the maximum equivalent strain predicted was not consistent among the constitutive models used, it did not affect the relationship observed between entheseal shape and maximum equivalent strain. We conclude that a concave tidemark profile and acute attachment angle at the femoral ACL enthesis increase the risk for ACL failure, and that failure is most likely to begin in the most distal region of that enthesis.
Peri-operative allogeneic blood transfusion is associated with poor overall survival in advanced epithelial ovarian Cancer; potential impact of patient blood management on Cancer outcomes.

Abstract Background Transfusion related immune modulation associated with red blood cell (RBC) transfusion is thought to result in decreased cancer survival. Results in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) have been mixed however most suggest worse oncologic outcomes in patients who were transfused at the time of debulking surgery. The impact of restrictive transfusion strategies on this patient population is currently not known. Methods We conducted a retrospective study of women with EOC. The study population was divided into two groups based on whether they were transfused RBCs during the peri-operative period or not. Clinical characteristics and prognosticators were compared between groups. Overall survival was compared between groups based on transfusion status and other known prognostic factors. Cox proportional hazard modeling was used to examine the association between the prognostic factors and the study endpoint. Results Sixty-six percent of women were transfused. Transfusion was associated with CA125, the use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT), surgical blood loss, and anemia. The mean pre-transfusion Hgb was 7.8 + 0.6 g/dL and 94% had a hemoglobin level greater than the transfusion threshold of 7 g/dL. RBC transfusion, suboptimal debulking, anemia, and NACT were associated with decreased survival. Only RBC transfusion and suboptimal debulking status remained significant in a multivariate model. Conclusions Peri-operative RBC transfusion compromises survival in ovarian cancer supporting the need to minimize the use of transfusion at the time of debulking surgery. Adherence to evidence-based transfusion guidelines offers an opportunity to reduce transfusion rates in this population with a resulting positive influence on survival.
Structural Approach To Identify a Lead Scaffold That Targets the Translesion Synthesis Polymerase Rev1

Translesion synthesis (TLS) is a mechanism of replication past damaged DNA through which multiple forms of human cancer survive and acquire resistance to first-line genotoxic chemotherapies. As suc...
Sample size re-estimation for confirmatory two-stage flexible multi-arm trial with normal outcomes

ABSTRACTThe need for efficient clinical trial designs has led to the development of flexible multi-arm designs. In this paper, we investigated sample size re-estimation (SSR) methods for fully flex...
Nanoindentation measurement of core–skin interphase viscoelastic properties in a sandwich glass composite

Debonding at the core–skin interphase region is one of the primary failure modes in core sandwich composites under shear loads. As a result, the ability to characterize the mechanical properties at the interphase region between the composite skin and core is critical for design analysis. This work intends to use nanoindentation to characterize the viscoelastic properties at the interphase region, which can potentially have mechanical properties changing from the composite skin to the core. A sandwich composite using a polyvinyl chloride foam core covered with glass fiber/resin composite skins was prepared by vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding. Nanoindentation at an array of sites was made by a Berkovich nanoindenter tip. The recorded nanoindentation load and depth as a function of time were analyzed using viscoelastic analysis. Results are reported for the shear creep compliance and Young’s relaxation modulus at various locations of the interphase region. The change of viscoelastic properties from higher values close to the fiber composite skin region to the smaller values close to the foam core was captured. The Young’s modulus at a given strain rate, which is also equal to the time-averaged Young’s modulus across the interphase region was obtained. The interphase Young’s modulus at a loading rate of 1 mN s−1 was determined to change from 1.4 GPa close to composite skin to 0.8 GPa close to the core. This work demonstrated the feasibility and effectiveness of nanoindentation-based interphase characterizations to be used as an input for the interphase stress distribution calculations, which can eventually enrich the design process of such sandwich composites.
First results from the Dark Skies, Bright Kids astronomy club draw-a-scientist test

When asked to draw a scientist, elementary school students tend to conceive of scientists as male, with a third to a half of the students drawing scientists with a stereotypical appearance and/or are performing a stereotypical activity.
Effects of Multicollinerity in Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) Models of Product Market Efficiency

Although the effect of multicollinearity among independent variables and means of handling it have received wide attention in the context of multiple regressions, these issues are as yet unexamined as they apply to efficiency estimates. In this exploratory paper we examine the impact of multicollinearity among input variables on the stability of efficiency estimates using data envelopment analysis (DEA) and present an alternative methodology that provides relatively robust estimates. Our analysis with previously published data also shows that irrespective of the methodology used, the linear functional form is more sensitive to the presence of multicollinearity.
Practical Adaptive Control: Theory and Applications

An adaptive controller can be viewed as a combination of a control designed in the case of known parameters with an adaptive strategy accounting for the unknown parameters. It can be classified as identifier or non-identifier based, depending on the property of the adaptive strategy. In the past fifty years, adaptive control theory has reached a high level of maturity. However, its applications in safety sensitive systems are limited. Identifier based adaptive controllers can track plant changes and adjust the control parameters to counteract them. However, the conflict between parameter estimation and control may lead to poor transients during the learning process. Their nonlinear nature makes it difficult to check stability and performance bounds as done in the linear time invariant case. As a result in applications where safety is at stake practitioners are reluctant to close the loop with an identifier based adaptive controller. On the other hand, robust non-adaptive controllers can be designed to have acceptable transient behavior but may not be able to deal with unpredictable changes in the plant dynamics. In an effort to resolve this issue a bank of robust controllers is designed to cover the possible parametric uncertainty together with a switching logic searching the appropriate controller on line. These controllers, referred to as non-identifier based, are designed with the assumption that the pre-chosen controller bank contains at least one stabilizing controller. They may not guarantee good transients and it is not straightforward how to design the bank of controllers to cover the possible parametric uncertainty. The objective of this dissertation is to develop robust adaptive control algorithms that can be implemented safely to achieve desired performance. As we show in the model reference control case, by combining identifier and non-identifier based adaptive schemes, the resulting scheme, referred to as safe adaptive control, is superior in performance and robustness than existing ones. In addition, we investigate the applications of conventional robust adaptive controllers in intelligent transportation systems. With theoretical analysis, simulations and actual implementation, we show that robust adaptive controllers can be implemented safely and achieve desired performance in real time applications.
Effects of ideology on visit intention and trust toward a destination

In today’s world of ideological polarization, ideological events held in a destination may affect potential visitors’ visit intention and trust toward the destination. A quasi-experimental study wa...
Relative Tsunami Hazard From Segments of Cascadia Subduction Zone For Mw 7.5–9.2 Earthquakes

Tsunamis from earthquakes of various magnitudes have affected Cascadia in the past. Simulations of Mw>7.5–9.2 earthquakes constrained by earthquake rupture physics and geodetic locking models sh...
The Life and Legacy of Kobe Bryant: Reflections from Cal Poly Pomona

I was in the midst of teaching a “Politics, Policies, Pop Culture,” course at Cal Poly Pomona when I learned of Kobe Bryant’s tragic death. Every single one of my 46 students were fans of all things, Los Angeles. And, there was no one that symbolized and reflected the spirit of Los Angeles more than did Kobe Bryant. His flair, flash, and brilliance on the court, his winning spirit, and his million-dollar smile were all Hollywood. Although his death was mourned worldwide, the trauma of this tragedy was most intensely felt in the city of angels. As a Kobe fan, a Laker fan, and a fan of greatness, I mourned Bryant’s death with the same deep despair as his most ardent fans. In my search to highlight his uniqueness as an icon that transcended basketball, my students were assigned a paper that required them to examine Kobe’s life and legacy. They were asked to respond to the following questions: (1) How did Kobe Bryant become one of the greatest basketball players in NBA history? (2) How was he able to transcend basketball and become a cultural icon? (3) Why was he loved globally—especially in Italy and China? (4) What is the Mamba Mentality? (5) What is his legacy? Their responses capture the essence of Kobe’s transcendent profile. This essay examines the life and legacy of Kobe Bryant from a Los Angeles-based professor’s perspective and the perspective of his Cal Poly Pomona students.
What is the Optimal Rate of Inflation for Long-Run Growth? A Cross-Country Analysis

Although the relationship between financial development and growth is almost obvious, the effect of inflation on the finance-growth nexus is still a subject of debate. In particular, what is the optimal rate of inflation for long-run growth? To answer this question, I analyze the relation between finance, inflation and growth by using a semiparametric graphical approach. I find that the optimal level of inflation that leads to higher long-run growth rates is around 10 percent. I also show that the positive effects of low inflation on growth are more apparent when there are high levels of financial depth. Finally, when both the levels of inflation and financial depth are low, the growth rate of the economy is volatile.
Signatures of equatorial plasma bubbles in VHF satellite scintillations and equatorial ionograms

[1] Since their discovery in the 1970s, equatorial plasma bubbles (EPBs) have been invoked to explain the propagation of VHF signals on trans-equatorial circuits at night, and blamed for highly detrimental scintillation of VHF and GHz trans-ionospheric communications signals in equatorial regions. Over the last four decades, the properties of EPBs have been deduced by multiple techniques such as incoherent scatter radar, 630 nm airglow, depletions in GPS total electron content observations, VHF and GHz scintillations, and HF observations by ionosondes. The initiation and evolution of EPBs have by now been successfully modeled and a good understanding developed of the underlying physics. However, different communities tend to concentrate on a single observing technique, without regard to whether the different techniques provide a consistent physical picture. In contrast, this paper discusses two very different types of observations made on a night-by-night basis during the COPEX campaign of late 2002 in Brazil, namely, VHF scintillations and ionograms, and shows that the two methods of observation can provide a consistent interpretation of the properties of EPBs. For example, an EPB seen as an eastward drifting scintillation event can also be seen as an extra ionogram reflection trace that moves closer to and then away from the ionosonde site. The scintillations are attributed to strong gradients across the walls of an EPB, whereas the extra ionogram traces are attributed to oblique reflection of the ionosonde signals from the walls of the EPB.
Modeling of electrode system for three-phase electric arc furnace

To simulate the process of electrode operation, a dynamic model describing the electrode system of three-phase electric arc furnace was developed. This new model can be divided into three submodels in terms of the practical situation. They are the power supply system model the electric arc model and the hydraulic actuator system model. According to the basic circuit theory, the power supply system model where the high voltage transmission circuit and mutual inductances were considered, was set up. The electric arc model, which was novel for the electrode control, served as the electrical load and was connected to the power supply system model. The hydraulic actuator system model consists of the proportional valve part that is modeled to capture the dead-zone nonlinear characteristics and the hydraulic cylinder part where the impact of the load force is taken into account. By comparing simulation data and actual data, the results show that the electrode system model is proved to be accurate.
Mechanical properties and shear failure surfaces for two alumina powders in triaxial compression

In the manufacture of ceramic components, near-net-shape parts are commonly formed by uniaxially pressing granulated powders in rigid dies. Density gradients that are introduced into a powder compact during press-forming often increase the cost of manufacturing, and can degrade the performance and reliability of the finished part. Finite element method (FEM) modeling can be used to predict powder compaction response, and can provide insight into the causes of density gradients in green powder compacts; however, accurate numerical simulations require accurate material properties and realistic constitutive laws. To support an effort to implement an advanced cap plasticity model within the finite element framework to realistically simulate powder compaction, we have undertaken a project to directly measure as many of the requisite powder properties for modeling as possible. A soil mechanics approach has been refined and used to measure the pressure dependent properties of ceramic powders up to 68.9 MPa (10,000 psi). Due to the large strains associated with compacting low bulk density ceramic powders, a two-stage process was developed to accurately determine the pressure-density relationship of a ceramic powder in hydrostatic compression, and the properties of that same powder compact under deviatoric loading at the same specific pressures. Using this approach, the seven parameters that are required for application of a modified Drucker-Prager cap plasticity model were determined directly. The details of the experimental techniques used to obtain the modeling parameters and the results for two different granulated alumina powders are presented.
Novel Pulping Technology: Directed Green Liquor Utilization (D-GLU) Pulping

The general objectives of this new project are the same as those described in the original proposal. Conventional kraft pulping technologies will be modified for significant improvements in pulp production, such as strength, bleachability, and yield by using green liquor, a naturally high, kraft mill-derived sulfidity source. Although split white liquor sulfidity and other high sulfidity procedures have the promise of addressing several of the latter important economic needs of pulp mills, they require considerable engineering/capital retrofits, redesigned production methods, and thus add to overall mill expenditures. Green liquor use, however, possesses the required high sulfidity to obtain in general the benefits attributable to higher sulfidity cooking, without the required capital constraints for implementation. Before introduction of green liquor in our industrial operations, a stronger understanding of its fundamental chemical interaction with the lignin and carbohydrates in US hardwood and softwoods must be obtained. In addition, its effect on bleachability, enhancement of pulp properties, and influence on the overall energy and recovery of the mill requires further exploration before the process witnesses widespread mill use in North America. Thus, proof of principle will be accomplished in this work and the consequent effect of green liquor and other high sulfide sources on the pulping and bleaching operations will be explored for US kraft mills. The first year of this project will generate the pertinent information to validate its ability for implementation in US pulping operations, whereas year two will continue this work while proceeding to analyze pulp bleachability and final pulp/paper properties and develop a general economic and feasibility analysis for its eventual implementation in North America.
The Use of Chest Voice in African-American Religious Singing

Chest resonance is used during singing events in most African-American churches. Actually, it is the way of singing for most folk singing. I remember the presentation by a Russian professor demonstrating the folk singing of his country during a graduate seminar. The singers used their chest voices while singing folk songs from their country. Also, many tribes of West and South Africa continue to sing using their chest voices. For example, Roderic Knight (1984) described the use of chest voice by the female singers of the Manding people in West Africa. He stated that the singers used a vocal technique involving the tightening of the pharyngeal muscles at the back of the tongue, which restricts the upward motion of the larynx (Knight, 1984; p 74).
Factors Influencing Foreign Direct Investment in Lesser Developed Countries

Net private capital flows to developing countries have dramatically increased in the past 15 years with much ofthe investment coming in the form oflong-term, foreign direct investment. Because of the unique characteristics of this type of growth ­ enhancing investment, developing countries desire to attract and retain foreign direct investment (FDI). As a result, the lesser-developed country (LDC) has an incentive to strengthen areas and aspects of the economy or government that are heavily scrutinized by the firm when considering a possible long-term investment. This study intends to measure the magnitude and the direction of suspected determinants that heavily influence a firm's decision to invest in FDI in a LDC. By utilizing the World Bank's World Development Data from 1997 and the IMF's Exchange Agreements and Restrictions Report from 1998 in an OLS regression model, this study demonstrates the nature of key determinants ofFDI, thus providing LDCs with the necessary information to make policy changes in order to maximize FDI.
The Integrative Case Analysis Model for Linking Theory and Practice

This article introduces a case analysis model and field seminar format developed to enhance students' abilities to systematically integrate theory and practice in relation to their work with practicum clients. The authors draw upon learning theories and empirical research to explain the utility of the model and then describe specific components of the field seminar format including structured student assignments, associated classroom pedagogy, and an evaluation plan. The authors discuss the feasibility of implementing this model and offer considerations for further research.
Wind characteristics at the Boulder Atmospheric Observatory

Wind speeds at the 300 m tower at the Boulder Atmospheric Observatory have been analyzed. This tower is located in slightly rolling farmland. The following conclusions have been reached: (1) For west winds, the terrain is sufficiently uniform for simple surface-layer theory to be adequate without modification even though the air has moved up a small slope to reach the tower. For south and southeast winds, ‘effective’ roughness lengths must be introduced, which are significantly larger than the ‘true’ roughness length. (2) Useful wind estimates up to 150 m can be made from winds at 10 m and stability information, provided the ‘effective’ roughness length is known. (3) The observations are consistent with a von Karman constant of 0.35.
Review of recent EBT coupled ring-core stability theory

During the past several years Elmo Bumpy Torus (EBT) stability calculations have evolved with respect to treatment of ring-core plasma coupling effects. This evolution began with recognition of the important role of ring compressibility and paramagnetic effects on core beta limits. Since then, models have continued to increase in sophistication, including ring-core frequency coupling, velocity space and hot electron distribution function effects, and radially dependent models. Some of these features have resulted in wide variations in predicted plasma performance limitations. A number of the models will be reviewed and assumptions to which they are particularly sensitive will be discussed.
4,8-Di­methoxy-1-naphthalene­methanol

The title compound, C13H14O3, crystallized in the centrosymmetric space group C2/c with one mol­ecule as the asymmetric unit. Each hydroxyl O atom is involved in hydrogen bonds with two other hydroxyl O atoms. The resulting chains of interactions propagate along [001]. In these interactions, the hydroxyl H atoms are disordered and the O⋯O distances are 2.648 (2) and 2.698 (2) A. Two leading intermolecular C—H⋯O interactions have H⋯O distances of 2.80 and 2.84 A and C—H⋯O angles of 136 and 144°; these interactions form chain and ring patterns. Taken together with the hydrogen bonds, they result in a three-dimensional network.
Supersonic Combustion Status and Issues

Because of the almost-literal abandonment of commitment to hypersonics that occurred in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s, very few of the competent scientists and engineers in the United States are trained in hypersonics — or even aware of the issues. The purpose of this paper is to introduce some of the technical challenges facing the field of hypersonics propulsion and thereby to challenge the research community to address them.
Hybrid feature selection methods for online biomedical publication classification

We review several feature selection methods: Recursive Feature Elimination, Select K Best, and Random Forests, as elements of a processing chain for feature selection in a text mining task. The text mining task is a multi-label classification problem of label assignment; metadata that is usually applied to published scientific papers by expert curators. In the formulation of this classification task, a feature space that is dramatically larger than the available training data occurs naturally and inevitably. We explore ways to reduce the dimension of the feature space, and show that sequential feature selection does substantially improve performance for this complex type of data.
House Sparrows: Rapid Evolution of Races in North America

Conspicuous adaptive differentiation in color and size has occurred in the house sparrow (Passer domesticus) in North America and the Hawaiian Islands since its introduction in the middle of the 19th century. Patterns of geographic variation in North America parallel those shown by native polytypic species, in conformity with Gloger's and Bergmann's ecogeographic rules. Racial differentiation of house sparrow populations may require no more than 50 years.
A review of carbon-supported hydrodesulfurization catalysts

The purpose of this paper is to provide a comprehensive review of carbon-supported hydrodesulfurization (HDS) catalysts and to serve as a guide to investigators exploring the potential of these catalysts. The preparative techniques and physical properties of the commonly used carbon supports are discussed, as is the influence of the surface functional groups on the carbon surface charge and metal species adsorption. The various techniques which have been applied to the characterization of the active metal sulfide species in HDS catalysts are also described. Where necessary, the properties and performance of conventional γ-Al2O3-supported hydrodesulfurization catalysts are provided and compared to those of the carbon-based counterparts. The results of several investigations indicate that carbon-supported catalysts have a potential advantage over HDS catalysts in current use, both with respect to high desulfurization activity and low coking propensity.
A profile of adolescent alcohol offenders in two rural Midwestern counties.

Screening tools specifically developed for use with adolescents may be more sensitive predictors of relapse or recidivism than self-report inventories typically used to screen adults. 70 adolescents in a program for drunkdrivers in two counties in southeastern Nebraska were given both the CRAFFT and the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test questionnaires during routine alcohol-dependency evaluations. The Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test was also given to 28 subjects selected at random. 11 boys and 6 girls did not successfully complete the program. Significant correlations obtained for AUDIT scores for both the CRAFFT (r 6 9 =.65, p<.01) and failure to complete diversion (r 6 9 =.23, p<.05). Subjects were grouped by age (18 and younger and over 18 years) and by sex. A 2 × 2 analysis of variance for scores on the AUDIT indicated significant main effects for both age (F 1 , 6 6 =4.86, p<.05) and sex (F 1 , 6 6 =5.96, p<.01). MAST and CRAFFT scores showed no age or sex differences. The AUDIT might be included in drug and alcohol assessments with similar samples of adolescents.
Employment and utilization of engineers among defense contractors

Defense contractors retain engineers for two reasons. First, engineers work on current-period production contracts. Second, engineers conduct independent research and development (IR&D) and write bids and proposals (B&P) for future contracts. The amount of IR&D/B&P activity, however, understates the amount of devoted to learning that reduces the cost of future production. This article develops and implement a model for estimating the volume of learning activity undertaken by four large manufacturers of military aircraft
Exosomal transfer from human renal proximal tubule cells to distal tubule and collecting duct cells.

Abstract Objectives Exosomes are 50–90 nm extracellular membrane particles that may mediate trans-cellular communication between cells and tissues. We have reported that human urinary exosomes contain miRNA that are biomarkers for salt sensitivity and inverse salt sensitivity of blood pressure. This study examines exosomal transfer between cultured human renal proximal tubule cells (RPTCs) and from RPTCs to human distal tubule and collecting duct cells. Design and methods For RPTC-to-RPTC exosomal transfer, we utilized 5 RPTC lines producing exosomes that were fluorescently labeled with exosomal-specific markers CD63-EGFP or CD9-RFP. Transfer between RPTCs was demonstrated by co-culturing CD63-EGFP and CD9-RFP stable clones and performing live confocal microscopy. For RPTC-to-distal segment exosomal transfer, we utilized 5 distal tubule and 3 collecting duct immortalized cell lines. Results Time-lapse videos revealed unique proximal tubule cellular uptake patterns for exosomes and eventual accumulation into the multivesicular body. Using culture supernatant containing exosomes from 3 CD9-RFP and 2 CD63-EGFP RPTC cell lines, all 5 distal tubule cell lines and all 3 collecting duct cell lines showed exosomal uptake as measured by microplate fluorometry. Furthermore, we found that RPTCs stimulated with fenoldopam (dopamine receptor agonist) had increased production of exosomes, which upon transfer to distal tubule and collecting duct cells, reduced the basal reactive oxygen species (ROS) production rates in those recipient cells. Conclusion Due to the complex diversity of exosomal contents, this proximal-to-distal vesicular inter-nephron transfer may represent a previously unrecognized trans-renal communication system.