cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Commercial Pulse Tube Cryocooler with 200 W Refrigeration at 80 K

An electrically driven pulse tube cryocooler that produces 200 W of refrigeration at 80 K is now available from Praxair Inc. The unit can be used to provide refrigeration by de-superheating, liquefying and/or subcooling a stream of nitrogen. The electroacoustic transducer used in the cryocooler is a dual opposed piston, moving magnet design from CFIC Inc. The pistons maintain a clearance seal and thus no lubricants are needed. The electrical power consumed by the driver at full refrigeration load is 4.3 kW giving an overall efficiency of 13% of Carnot. The cryocooler as a whole is designed for high reliability and no routine maintenance.
Treating Nonlinearities in Data-Space Variational Assimilation

One goal of four-dimensional variational (4D-Var) state estimation is to utilize the longest time window that maximizes the observational constraints to improve predictive skill; unfortunately, nonlinearities are present in geophysical flows and limit the time in which the linear approximation is valid. For weakly nonlinear flows, updating the background trajectory, relinearizing, and repeating the minimization is a way to lengthen the time window. This so called “outer-loop” requires special consideration when minimizing the solution in data-space. This discussion provides a review of the relevant theory and presents two data-space cost functions: the standard cost-function that becomes unconstrained during additional outer-loops and a modified function that preserves the original constraint. Experiments with the Lorenz (J Atmos Sci 20:130–141, 1963) model show that unconstrained outer-loops perform similarly to sequentially applied 3D-Var assimilations by overfitting the observations and producing state estimates with poor predictive skill. Evaluating the posterior error covariances, the analysis error, and minimum cost function illustrate how overfitting degrades the solution. This is an important lesson for assimilation schemes: minimizing the model data residuals without proper constraint does not provide the optimal solution. By properly constraining the data-space outer-loop, adjoint-based methods will be well constrained over time windows that are longer than those required by linearity.
Encapsulation and controlled release of hydrophobic flavors using biopolymer-based microgel delivery systems: Sustained release of garlic flavor during simulated cooking.

Abstract The objective of the current study was to determine whether biopolymer microgels could be used to encapsulate and control the release of allyl methyl disulfide (AMDS), a lipophilic compound in garlic, which has flavoring, anticancer, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. AMDS is a volatile compound that is easily lost during food processing, storage, and preparation, which reduces its desirable functional attributes. In this study, AMDS was loaded into oil-in-water emulsions that were then incorporated into biopolymer microgels. These microgels were fabricated by injecting a mixture of AMDS-loaded lipid droplets and sodium alginate into a calcium ion solution. The impact of microgel properties on the amount of AMDS retained during heating from room temperature to boiling for 30 min was determined to simulate cooking conditions. Encapsulation of AMDS-loaded lipid droplets in microgels delayed flavor release appreciably (3-fold longer). The microgels were also found to remain intact throughout the cooking process. Moreover, flavor retention was improved when an optimum level of lipid droplets (around 15%) were included in the microgels, which was attributed to their impact on flavor partitioning and microgel stability. These results suggest that biopolymer microgels may be useful for controlling flavor release during cooking.
Sexual Orientation and Gender Bias Motivated Violent Crime

Bias-motivated crimes, also known as hate crimes, are defined by the U.S. Department of Justice (Hate Crime Statistics, 2016) as “crimes that manifest evidence of prejudice based on race, religion, sexual orientation, or ethnicity.” Hate crimes differ from other types of crime in that they typically involve excessive violence; are more likely to be committed against strangers; are often not planned; are typically committed by young, white males; and often involve more than one offender. The Hate Crime Sentencing Enhancement Act (1993) was created, in part, to account for the specific ways in which hate crimes are directed not only toward the person against whom the crime was committed but toward the group to which that person belongs. Hate crimes committed against members of the LGBTQ community have been explored in various ways over the decades. Perceptions of the crimes themselves and judgments made in cases related to sexual orientation bias have been investigated by psychological, political, and legal scholars, as have the utility and impact of hate crime statutes. Effects of these types of crime on both the victim and the community have also been explored by researchers. Arguments opposing the policing of and challenging the deterrent effects of hate crime legislation aside, hate crime statutes continue to expand, with the most recent federal statute, Public Law No. 111-84 (AKA the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act), enacted in 2009. The purpose of the present chapter is to identify the current state of the literature on sexual orientation and gender bias motivated violent crimes. Knowing the current state of research in this area helps to identify where future research and policy considerations should focus.
5 Suprasellar Pathology

Suprasellar lesions are varied in pathology, but are challenging due to the proximity to the optic apparatus, pituitary gland, infundibulum, hypothalamus, and third ventricle. Surgical interventions to remove these lesions may result in visual field loss, endocrine dysfunction, and hydrocephalus. The endoscopic endonasal transplanum and transtuberculum approach is the defining endonasal endoscopic approach to the suprasellar lesions and is the most direct route to the region that avoids manipulation of the optic nerves and carotid artery that obviates the need for brain retraction. Meningiomas, craniopharyngiomas, and pituitary adenomas are common examples of lesions that can be resected using these approaches. These approaches differ from traditional microneurosurgical approaches with the instruments and endoscopic techniques that are utilized. Safety and success of these procedures require careful patient selection and expertise in the endonasal endoscopic method.
Creativity and Emotional Attachment as a Guide to Factors of Engagement for Elderly Interaction with Technology

The goal of this research is to identify the key factors that influence the engagement for the elderly with interactive technology in public and personal platforms. Such engagement factors can be used as design goals for the elderly interaction with technology and as a measurement tool for evaluating the engagement of the elderly's user experiences. We conducted two pilot studies and proposed an engagement framework for the elderly. In our proposed work we will examine the effect of creative expression and emotional attachment on the engagement of the elderly with interactive technology in public and personal platforms through a longitudinal study.
Between Impunity and Imperialism: The Regulation of Transnational Bribery

When people pay bribes to foreign public officials, how should the law respond? This question has been debated ever since the enactment of the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, and some of the key arguments can be traced back to Cicero in the last years of the Roman Republic and Edmund Burke in late eighteenth-century England. In recent years, the U.S. and other members of the OECD have joined forces to make anti-bribery law one of the most prominent sources of liability for firms and individuals who operate across borders. The modern regime is premised on the idea that transnational bribery is a serious problem which invariably merits a vigorous legal response. The shape of that response can be summed up in the phrase "every little bit helps," which in practice means that: prohibitions on bribery should capture a broad range of conduct; enforcement should target as broad a range of actors as possible; sanctions should be as stiff as possible; and as many agencies as possible should be involved in the enforcement process. An important challenge to the OECD paradigm, labelled here the "anti-imperialist critique," accepts that transnational bribery is a serious problem but questions the conventional responses. This book uses a series of high-profile cases to illustrate key elements of transnational bribery law in action, and analyzes the law through the lenses of both the OECD paradigm and the anti-imperialist critique. It ultimately defends a distinctively inclusive and experimentalist approach to transnational bribery law.
Chrysanthemum Morifolium Extract And Ascorbic Acid-2-Glucoside (AA2G) Blend Inhibits UVA-Induced Delayed Cyclobutane Pyrimidine Dimer (CPD) Production In Melanocytes

Background Solar ultraviolet radiation (UV) induces DNA damages in skin via direct absorption of UVB or indirectly by photosensitization mediated through UVA. Recent findings have revealed that UVA induces cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer (CPD) generation via chemiexcitation in melanocytes hours after the exposure. This UVA-induced delayed CPD (dark CPD) constitutes the majority of CPD in melanocytes. These findings indicate that sun light can damage the skin hours after the exposure, suggesting the need for skin care products post sun exposure. The main objective of this study was to investigate whether a blend of Chrysanthemum Morifolium flower extract (Chrys) and vitamin C derivative, Ascorbic Acid-2-Glucoside (AA2G), can provide protective effects against reactive oxygen species, melanin formation and UVA-induced dark CPD. Methods Intracellular ROS levels were measured in epidermal keratinocytes using DHR123 dye. Melanogenesis inhibition efficacy was determined using B16 cells. As for the dark CPD measurement, Melan-a cells were treated with or without actives for 6 days, then irradiated with UVA at various doses. Cells were exposed with anti-CPD mAb followed by secondary Ab. CPD levels were determined by measuring fluorescent intensity using a high content imaging analysis. Results Chrys, AA2G and their blend at various concentrations demonstrated ROS scavenging activity. Though Chrys alone did not show significant melanogenesis inhibition in B16 assay, the blend of Chrys with AA2G demonstrated additive effects in comparison with AA2G alone. The blend of AA2G and Chrys at various concentrations exhibited enhanced efficacy for inhibiting dark CPD compared to AA2G alone. Conclusion The results from this study indicate that the use of natural antioxidant, Chrys in combination with AA2G, provides protection against UVA-induced delayed CPD formation by enhancing ROS scavenging activity and melanogenesis inhibition. These findings could potentially be applied for formulating post-sun exposure skin care products, possibly extending to evening-after care products.
Smart Cities with Digital Twin Systems for Disaster Management

AbstractExploiting smart cities with digital twins (SCDT) requires the integration of sensing and simulation across diverse infrastructure systems into community management. Community disaster mana...
Cooling Auction Fever: Underquoting Laws in the Housing Market

This paper presents novel evidence of the effects of bidders’ behavioral biases, and sellers’ strategic responses, on the outcome of high-stakes auctions. We exploit the introduction of laws deterring “underquoting” in real estate auction listings as a natural experiment. Underquoting consists of advertising downward-biased listing prices, to convey distorted signals on sellers’ reservation values and increase auction participation. The laws reduce the bias between auction listing prices and market valuations by 60%, and lead to a relative drop in auction sales prices between 2% and 6%. We conduct further tests exploiting bidding data and listing-level heterogeneity, and provide evidence consistent with higher auction participation inducing overbidding through informational herding.
Social Media Mining for Disaster Management and Community Resilience

Social media, mobile technologies, and Internet have become an integral part of our daily life. This chapter describes the role of social media during disasters as how platforms like Twitter and Facebook facilitate communication for both the public and response agencies during the time-critical events. Specifically, we introduce the concepts of social media mining for disaster events, provide the use-cases to mine social media for helping public and emergency services, and describe various methods of user, content, network, context, and visual analytics to process and analyze social media data for disaster management and community resilience.
Single-surgeon parotidectomy outcomes in an academic center experience during a 15-year period.

Objective As large single-surgeon series in the literature are lacking, we sought to review a single-surgeon's experience with parotidectomy in an academic center, with a focused analysis of pathology, technique, and facial nerve (FN) weakness. Benchmark values for complications and operative times with routine trainee involvement and without continuous FN monitoring are offered. Materials and Methods All patients who underwent parotidectomy, performed by D. G. D., for benign and malignant disease between January 2004 and December 2018 at an academic center were reviewed. Results A total of 924 parotidectomies, with adequate evaluatable data were identified. The majority of patients had benign tumors (70.9%). Partial/superficial parotidectomy was the most common approach (65.7%). Selective FN branch sacrifice was rare (12.3%), but significantly more common among patients with malignant pathology (33.8% vs 3.5% for benign, P < .0001). Among patients with intact FN, post-operative short- and long-term FN weaknesses were rare (6.5% and 1.7%, respectively). These rates were lower among patients with benign tumors (5.4% and 1.3%). Partial/superficial parotidectomy for benign tumors was associated with a low rate of short- and long-term FN weaknesses (2.7% and 0.9%). Mean OR time was 185 minutes. Conclusion This is the largest single-surgeon series on parotidectomy, spanning 15 years. We demonstrate excellent long- and short-term FN paresis rates with acceptable operative times without regular use of continuous FN monitoring and with routine trainee involvement. These findings may provide valuable insight into parotid tumor pathology, FN outcomes, and feasibility and expectations of performing parotidectomy in an academic setting. Level of Evidence 4.
The kinase specificity of protein kinase inhibitor peptide (PKI)

G-protein-coupled-receptor (GPCR) signaling is exquisitely controlled to achieve spatial and temporal specificity. The endogenous protein kinase inhibitor peptide (PKI) confines the spatial and temporal spread of the activity of protein kinase A (PKA), which integrates inputs from three major types of GPCRs. Despite its wide usage as a pharmaceutical inhibitor of PKA, it was unclear whether PKI only inhibits PKA activity. Here, the effects of PKI on 55 mouse kinases were tested in in vitro assays. We found that in addition to inhibiting PKA activity, both PKI (6-22) amide and full-length PKIα facilitated the activation of multiple isoforms of protein kinase C (PKC), albeit at much higher concentrations than necessary to inhibit PKA. Thus, our results call for appropriate interpretation of experimental results using PKI as a pharmaceutical agent. Furthermore, our study lays the foundation to explore the potential functions of PKI in regulating PKC activity and in coordinating PKC and PKA activities.
Recent progress in energy storage and conversion of flexible symmetric transducers

With the advancement of modern wearable electronics, flexible symmetric transducers have become frontrunners in energy technology by virtue of their flexibility, light weight, facile integration, high power density, and long cycle life. In recent years, a wide range of achievements in flexible symmetric transducers have been reported, and many impressive wearable applications have been demonstrated. Herein, a timely review on the latest advances in flexible symmetric transducers has been summarized. Firstly, a fundamental understanding of device configuration, working mechanisms, and evaluation methods are presented. Secondly, some emerging flexible materials for electrodes and electrolytes of the devices are provided, including conductive polymers, carbon nanotubes, graphene, graphitic carbon nitride, metal–organic frameworks, and other derived nanomaterials. Thirdly, critical fabrication techniques, different device shapes, impressive wearable applications, and safety issues concerning flexible symmetric transducers are discussed comprehensively. Finally, critical challenges and future research directions are also highlighted for flexible symmetric transducers.
Diversity in Neurosurgery: Trends in Gender and Racial/Ethnic Representation Among Applicants and Residents from U.S. Neurological Surgery Residency Programs

Objective To assess trends in gender, racial, and ethnic diversity of applicant pools and subsequent resident cohorts in neurosurgical residency programs in the United States. Methods Applicant and residency data from 2009 to 2018 were analyzed from the Electronic Residency Application Service, Journal of the American Medical Association, and National Resident Matching Program to evaluate trends in diversity. Results There was no statistically significant difference between applicant sex from 2009 to 2013 compared with 2014 to 2018 (P > 0.05). From 2009 to 2018, the percentage of female residents saw a statistically significant increase from 12.9% to 17.5% but remained less reflective of women's representativeness in the United States (50.8%). The percentage of Black and Hispanic applicants decreased across the observed period (4% and 1%, respectively). While Black people represented 5.2% of the resident pool in 2009, this decreased to 4.95% by 2018. Hispanic residents saw a Conclusions Current efforts to improve racial and ethnic diversity have not been sufficient in generating parity in the recruitment and retention of racially underrepresented groups in neurosurgery. Although the presence of women in applicant and resident pools has increased, not much is known about the impact on women who also identify within racially underrepresented groups. More proactive measures for recruitment and retention are needed to reach equity in the future neurosurgical workforce.
Effect of Coulomb interaction on the transient optical response of electrons in field-coupled quantum dots

In this work, we develop a physically transparent Coulomb-interaction model from simplification of a general many-body theory and apply this model to study interacting electron dynamics for transient occupation and quantum coherence in both single and double quantum dots under laser irradiation. Our theory considers self-consistently the Coulomb-renormalized Rabi coupling to light by using an induced optical-depolarization field, corresponding to dynamical exchange interaction between two electrons within the same quantum dot. Meanwhile, we employ evanescent-field coupling for dynamical Coulomb interaction between two electrons in different quantum dots based on a surface-plasmon model. In particular, we explore the quantum interference between a pair of laser-induced quantum coherence in three-level quantum-dot systems, which gives rise to indirect transition of electrons for sum- and difference-frequency transient optical responses. By varying laser frequency detuning, the control of laser-dressed electronic states becomes possible and can be utilized for switching among off-state, partial, and complete on-states. This study will be useful for controlling the phase entanglement of two laser-dressed states of quantum dots, as well as for enhancing the electro-optical performance through sum- and difference-frequency transitions in many optoelectronic devices.
Ethics, ethics, and ethics to all professionals

A good understanding and observation of ethics has now been more than ever critical in all professions toward a sustainable and continuation of world affairs. Various scientific, engineering, social institutions, and organizations have been putting a heightened emphasis on observation of the ethical approach in all fronts during this CoVid19 time and moving into the future. To date, the elements of ethics have been developed and observed by various and the said entities and professions;however, at times, professionals working with various entities in accomplishing projects (including, the research) may and do see (a significant) subtleness in the way elements of ethics are included and a level of difficulty in observation(s). Some of the noted entities, revisiting the requirement of ethics to make sure are good for application in a broad manner (i.e., across applicable entities). In this work, authors, with a significant work experience in academia, government, and private industry, made an attempt compiling (as selected) those elements of ethics residing with various critical scientific, engineering, and social institutions. For example, professionals accomplishing on environmental compliance would need to observe ethics at a level with no room to failure at any step of the project(s). A few selected and field observed ethical situations will be detailed in presentation. Thus, this effort on a comprehensive review (and verification) of ethics and requirements would be helpful to various certified and registered professionals and provides good guidance. © ASCE.
The Development of a Video Intervention to Improve Senior Medical Students' Performance on Outpatient Telephone Encounters: a Delphi Analysis and Randomized Controlled Trial.

Postgraduate trainees address outpatient telephone calls (OTCs) with little prior training. This study determines the skills necessary for OTCs and examines whether a video intervention improves medical students’ performance on simulated OTCs. We utilized a Delphi technique to determine skills needed for OTCs and created a 9-min video teaching these skills. Senior medical students were randomized to Intervention (viewed video) and Control (did not view video) groups. Students were assessed pre-/post-intervention on simulated OTCs. The primary outcome was the between-group difference in improvement. The Delphi yielded 34 important skills with the highest focus on communication (n = 13) and triage (n = 6). Seventy-two students completed assessments (Control, n = 41; Intervention, n = 31). The score (mean ± SD) improved 4.3% in the Control group (62.3 ± 14.3% to 66.6 ± 25.0%) and 12.2% in the Intervention group (60.7 ± 15.2% to 72.9 ± 20.4%, p = 0.15). The effect size measured by Cohen’s d was 0.55, considered effective (> 0.33) for an educational intervention. This project fills a gap in OTC training. The use of the Delphi technique, intervention development based on the results, and evaluation of efficacy is a process that could be reproduced for other educational gaps.
Design of Dispersive Interferometers for the Self-Stabilization of Optical Frequency Combs

A promising approach for photonic-chip-based ultra-low-phase-noise microwave generation is to stabilize an optical frequency comb (OFC) using active feedback from a short-delay asymmetric interferometer. Previously, indirect evidence indicated that the microwave phase noise was limited by dispersion in the interferometer that reduced the interferometer’s sensitivity, ηrep, to the OFC’s repetition rate. No direct evidence was shown. Here, we compare direct measurements of ηrep in interferometers using single-mode and dispersion-shifted fibers (SMF and DSF). With SMF, ηrep was approximately 30% of the value that we measured with DSF, corresponding to a change in microwave phase noise of up to 10 dB.
Use of Internet panels to conduct surveys

The use of Internet panels to collect survey data is increasing because it is cost-effective, enables access to large and diverse samples quickly, takes less time than traditional methods to obtain data for analysis, and the standardization of the data collection process makes studies easy to replicate. A variety of probability-based panels have been created, including Telepanel/CentERpanel, Knowledge Networks (now GFK KnowledgePanel), the American Life Panel, the Longitudinal Internet Studies for the Social Sciences panel, and the Understanding America Study panel. Despite the advantage of having a known denominator (sampling frame), the probability-based Internet panels often have low recruitment participation rates, and some have argued that there is little practical difference between opting out of a probability sample and opting into a nonprobability (convenience) Internet panel. This article provides an overview of both probability-based and convenience panels, discussing potential benefits and cautions for each method, and summarizing the approaches used to weight panel respondents in order to better represent the underlying population. Challenges of using Internet panel data are discussed, including false answers, careless responses, giving the same answer repeatedly, getting multiple surveys from the same respondent, and panelists being members of multiple panels. More is to be learned about Internet panels generally and about Web-based data collection, as well as how to evaluate data collected using mobile devices and social-media platforms.
Operational Seasonal Prediction at NMC

The National Meteorological Center (NMC) of the U. S. National Weather Service (NWS) is responsible for the production of operational extended range predictions of general climatic conditions over the U. S. in several time ranges. These differ from the forecasts issued by the NWS for periods out to 5 days in that they predict time averaged departures from normal of surface temperature and precipitation, rather than specific weather events. Such predictions are clearly near the frontiers of the state of the art, and methods of improving them are one of the topics of the present workshop. In this paper, we will discuss the current operational practices used at NMC to produce seasonal forecasts. We will begin with a brief description of the background and historical context, will then present the current process, and will conclude with some cautious remarks regarding the future of such operational predictions.
Chromosomal Aberrations Associated with Mutations to Bacteriophage Resistance in Escherichia coli

Curtiss, Roy, III (University of Chicago, Chicago, Ill., and Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tenn.). Chromosomal aberrations associated with mutations to bacteriophage resistance in Escherichia coli. J. Bacteriol. 89:28-40. 1965.-Ten types of mutants of Escherichia coli K-12 resistant to bacteriophage T(3) have been isolated, and several of these types have been studied genetically. Many of the /3,4,7, /3,4,7,lambda, and /3,4,7,lambda,pro(-) (1,2) mutants were unstable, changing to complete sensitivity to T(4). The results with strains having /3,4,7,lambda,pro(-) (1,2) mutations were compatible with the hypothesis that this mutation caused a single break in the circular chromosome which prevented the normal association in the inheritance of the outside markers leu(+) and lac(+). When sensitivity to T(4) was regained, association in the inheritance of outside markers was restored, and the resulting /3,7,lambda,pro(-) (1,2) mutation behaved genetically as a deletion. The /3,7,lambda,pro(-) (1,2) and /3,4,7,lambda,pro(-) (1,2) mutations caused positive interference, inhibition of genetic recombination in regions adjacent to them, and the formation of unstable partial diploid recombinants. One group of /3,4,7,lambda mutations did not occur in the leu to try region of the bacterial genome. Other /3,4,7,lambda mutations in F(-) bacteria prevented the joint inheritance of the outside markers lac(+) and gal(+), presumably by breakage of the circular chromosome. Hfr and F(+) strains with /3,4,7,lambda mutations at this locus were unable to conjugate; therefore, a complete genetic analysis of the effects of this /3,4,7,lambda mutation could not be done.
How effectively can computers be used skilled tasks of professional librarianship

Keywords Librarians; Librarianship; Digital Libraries; Computers and Man - Relationship Palabras-llave Bibliotecarios; Biliotecologia; Biblioteca Digitais; Computadores y Hombres - Relacionamiento
Direct evidence that the glucocorticoid receptor binds to hsp90 at or near the termination of receptor translation in vitro.

Abstract We have translated the rat glucocorticoid receptor in both reticulocyte lysate and in wheat germ extract. Receptor synthesized in the reticulocyte lysate is immunoadsorbed by the 8D3 monoclonal antibody directed against the 90-kDa heat shock protein (hsp90) and it has a normal ability to bind glucocorticoid in a high affinity manner. Although the wheat germ extract synthesizes the full length receptor, the receptor is not immunoadsorbed by 8D3 and we cannot demonstrate high affinity steroid binding. Receptor synthesized by the reticulocyte lysate can be immunoadsorbed by antibody directed against hsp90 as soon as the translation product is full length, suggesting that the receptor becomes associated with hsp90 late during translation or immediately at the termination of translation. When newly synthesized receptor is bound with steroid and incubated at 25 degrees C, it is converted to a form that binds to DNA. This study provides direct evidence that association of hsp90 with the glucocorticoid receptor is a very early event and that the newly formed heteromeric receptor-hsp90 complex is fully competent to undergo transformation.
Power/ground mesh area optimization using multigrid-based technique [IC design]

In this paper, we present a novel multigrid-based technique for power/ground mesh area optimization subject to reliability constraints. The multigrid-based technique is applied to reduce a large-scale mesh to a much coarser one. The reduced mesh can be efficiently optimized. The solution for the original mesh is then computed using a back-mapping process. Experimental results are very encouraging. Large-scale power/ground meshes with millions of nodes can be solved in a few minutes. The proposed technique not only speeds up the optimization process significantly without compromising the quality of solutions, but also brings up the possibility of incorporating the power/ground mesh optimization into other physical design stages such as signal routing.
Timbre discrimination of signals with identical pitch using neural networks

Pitch recognition and timbre discrimination for a string instrument is investigated using artificial neural networks. Pitch recognition, the easier task, is realized with a linear classifier while timbre discrimination is achieved with a multiple layer perceptron using gradient back propagation learning.
Sound Detection of Stored-Product Insects That Feed Inside Kernels of Grain

A system for acoustically detecting internal-feeding insect larvae in grain is described. Larvae of the lesser grain borer, Rhyzopertha dominica (F.); rice weevil, Sitophilus oryzae (L.); and Angoumois grain moth, Sitotroga cerealella (Olivier), produced sounds loud enough to be detected 13-19 d after oviposition, depending upon the species. After first detection, larvae produced detectable sounds 71-90% of the time until pupation. Infestation rates could be estimated, at least in the range of 1-20 infested kernels per 100 ml of grain, where the infestation rate was strongly correlated to number of sounds as counted by a frequency counter.
Specialized synaptic pathway for chromatic signals beneath S-cone photoreceptors is common to human, Old and New World primates

The distribution of the soluble NSF-attachment protein receptor protein syntaxin-4 and the Na-K-Cl cotransporter (NKCC) were investigated in the outer plexiform layer of human retina using immunohistochemistry. Both proteins, which are proposed to be components of a gamma-aminobutyric acid mediated feed-forward circuit from horizontal cells directly to bipolar cells, were enriched beneath S-cones. The expression pattern of syntaxin-4 was further analyzed in baboon and marmoset to determine if the synaptic specialization is common to primates. Syntaxin-4 was enriched beneath S-cones in both species, which together with the human results indicates that this specialization may have evolved for the purpose of mediating unique color vision capacities that are exclusive to primates.
Model Bias in a Continuously Cycled Assimilation System and Its Influence on Convection-Permitting Forecasts

AbstractDuring the spring 2011 season, a real-time continuously cycled ensemble data assimilation system using the Advanced Research version of the Weather Research and Forecasting Model (WRF) coupled with the Data Assimilation Research Testbed toolkit provided initial and boundary conditions for deterministic convection-permitting forecasts, also using WRF, over the eastern two-thirds of the conterminous United States (CONUS). In this study the authors evaluate the mesoscale assimilation system and the convection-permitting forecasts, at 15- and 3-km grid spacing, respectively. Experiments employing different physics options within the continuously cycled ensemble data assimilation system are shown to lead to differences in the mean mesoscale analysis characteristics. Convection-permitting forecasts with a fixed model configuration are initialized from these physics-varied analyses, as well as control runs from 0.5° Global Forecast System (GFS) analysis. Systematic bias in the analysis background influen...
Low-loss lumped-element capacitors for superconductive integrated circuits

Low-loss lumped-element capacitors for superconductive circuits were fabricated using sputter-deposited Nb electrodes. The dielectric layer was formed by partially anodizing the Nb base electrode. The deposition technique for the counterelectrode strongly affected the parasitic shunt conductance of the capacitors. It was found that this conductance could be reduced by depositing the Nb counterelectrode films by DC magnetron sputtering at a low rate and at a high Ar pressure. By optimizing these process parameters, capacitors with breakdown voltages greater than 85% of the anodic oxide formation voltage and loss tangents less than 0.003 at 10 MHz were fabricated. These capacitors were integrated with Nb thin-film inductors to produce L-C resonators with quality factors greater than 400. >
Facile Alignment of Amorphous Poly(ethylene oxide) Microdomains in a Liquid Crystalline Block Copolymer Using Magnetic Fields: Toward Ordered Electrolyte Membranes

Large area microdomain alignment in poly(ethylene oxide-b-6-(4′-cyanobiphenyl-4-yloxy) hexyl methacrylate) block copolymers was successfully accomplished by the application of a 6 T magnetic field while cooling from elevated temperatures in the melt state. Small-angle X-ray scattering demonstrated that lamellar and cylindrical PEO microdomains aligned with their interfaces along the applied field, whereas the smectic layers of the liquid crystalline mesophase are perpendicular to the field. This is in agreement with the positive diamagnetic anisotropy of the cyano-biphenyl mesogen and a homogeneous anchoring condition at the intermaterial dividing surface (IMDS) between the two blocks. The alignment of the system is driven by the diamagnetic anisotropy of the smectic mesophase and not by the crystallization of PEO at lower temperatures. The addition of poly(acrylic acid) and LiClO4 salt result in the suppression of PEO crystallinity and stronger segregation between the polymer blocks leading to improved o...
Convex domains of finite type

We construct bounded, plurisubharmonic functions with maximally large Hessians near the boundary of a smoothly bounded convex domain in Cn. As a corollary, the equality of the order of contact of the boundary with complex analytic varieties (the D'Angelo type) and the order of contact with complex lines is demonstrated.
A novel architecture against false data injection attacks in smart grid

Smart Grid is a new type of power grid that will provide reliable, secure, and efficient energy transmission and distribution. Cyber attacks against data readmission system threaten the security of smart grid. Hence, identifying and preventing the false data injection as early as possible becomes a critical issue. However, there is no existing solution that considers all aspects such as deployment cost and system efficiency. In this paper, we apply a light-weight watermarking technique to defend against false data injection attacks. To be specific, we add a secure watermark to real-time meter readings and transmit the watermarked data through high speed unsecured network. The utility can then correlate the watermarked data with the original watermark to detect the presence of false data injected by adversary. Our simulation results show that watermarking technique can effectively detect any false manipulation to the watermarked data at low cost.
Kinematics of SM-143 and PK-630 presses

Toggle presses used to fabricate firebrick are not used with the full certified pressing force because an increase in this force leads to overpress cracking in the green brick, and these cracks are the main obstacle in improving the quality of the refractories by boosting the fabrication pressure.
Rolling Contact Fatigue Life of AISI M-50 as a Function of Specific Film Thickness Ratio Using a High Speed RC Rig

Rolling contact fatigue (RCF) life of AISI M-50 was investigated as a function of specific film thickness ratio by varying the rolling speed. RCD lives of M-50 were determined using two synthetic lubricants at rolling speeds of 2.5 m/s (98 in/s), 5.0 m/s (196 in/s), 12.5 m/s (491 in/s), and 25 m/s (982 in/s). These correspond to estimated specific film thickness ratios (Λ) of 0.45, 0.75, 1.48, 2.48 and 3.52, respectively. It was found that the RCF life increases substantially in both the mixed and full film lubrication regime while in the boundary regime, the fatigue life is relatively independent of the rolling speed. Results are discussed in terms of the lubrication life factor which is an important parameter in bearing design. It is suggested that the current ASME design guide lubrication factors are conservative, especially in the high speed regime.
Information processing in a cricket ganglion: The response of giant fibres to sound pulses

Abstract The response of giant fibres in the ventral nerve cord to stimulation of cercal afferents with pulses of sound was studied in the domestic cricket, Acheta domesticus . Pulses at 450 Hz gave the highest frequency response in several classes of units, and were therefore used as stimuli in subsequent experiments. In intact animals the response of the giant fibres to bilateral cercal stimulation showed a characteristic high frequency ‘on’ response followed by steady firing of some units for the duration of the sound pulse. The end of each pulse was followed by a short period of inhibition of the tonic units. Cercal amputation and other experiments showed that input from cercal afferents excites both large and small ipsilateral giants, and excites small and inhibits large contralateral giants. Descending input from higher neural centres in intact animals tends to reduce the responses to the stimuli. It is suggested that a function of the contralateral excitatory and inhibitory effects is to sharpen the ‘on’ response of the giant fibres to sound stimuli in intact animals.
New reference compounds for the knight shifts in 55Mn and 103Rh

Abstract An examination of “chemical shifts” of transition metal atoms has suggested new reference points for the Knights shifts of 55Mn and 103Rh. The estimates of the metal shifts are + 0.24 ± 0.05% and + 0.04 ± 0.05%, respectively.
Influence of hydrogen on structure and magnetic properties of Ho6Fe23 and Er6Fe23

Abstract The pressure composition isotherm of the Er6Fe23-H2 system studied at 0°C reveals the presence of three different hydride phases. Maximum absorption is typically 14 hydrogen atoms/formula unit in Er6Fe23 and Ho6Fe23 compared to about 22 in the isostructural Mn compounds. During hydrogenation Ho6Fe23 remains cubic with lattice parameter which increases from 12.034 A to 12.399 A. Upon hydrogenation Er6Fe23 exhibits the very surprising behavior of transforming from a cubic ( a = 12.004 A ) to a tetragonal structure ( a = 12.131 A , c = 12.601 A ). In spite of their contrasting crystallographic features both hydrides exhibit similar magnetic behavior, relative to the parent compounds, namely, lowering of both the saturation moment at 4.2 and the compensation temperature and an increase in the saturation moment at room temperature. The results of magnetic measurements may be understood by assuming an increase in the iron moment in these compounds on hydrogen absorption.
Drivers of secondary succession rates across temperate latitudes of the Eastern USA: climate, soils, and species pools.

Climate change is widely expected to induce large shifts in the geographic distribution of plant communities, but early successional ecosystems may be less sensitive to broad-scale climatic trends because they are driven by interactions between species that are only indirectly related to temperature and rainfall. Building on a biogeographic analysis of secondary succession rates across the Eastern Deciduous Forest (EDF) of North America, we describe an experimental study designed to quantify the relative extent to which climate, soil properties, and geographic species pools drive variation in woody colonization rates of old fields across the EDF. Using a network of five sites of varying soil fertility spanning a latitudinal gradient from central New York to northern Florida, we added seeds of nine woody pioneer species to recently tilled old fields and monitored first-year growth and survivorship. Results suggest seedlings of southern woody pioneer species are better able to quickly establish in fields after abandonment, regardless of climate regime. Sites of lower soil fertility also exhibited faster rates of seedling growth, likely due to the slower development of the successional herbaceous community. We suggest that climate plays a relatively minor role in community dynamics at the onset of secondary succession, and that site edaphic conditions are a stronger determinant of the rate at which ecosystems develop to a woody-dominated state. More experimental research is necessary to determine the nature of the herbaceous–woody competitive interface and its sensitivity to environmental conditions.
Satellite estimation of marine particulate organic carbon in waters dominated by different phytoplankton taxa

[1] The relationship between in situ remote sensing reflectance (Rrs) and particulate organic carbon (POC) was assessed for the continental shelf waters of the southwestern Ross Sea, Antarctica. This sector of the Southern Ocean supports two distinct phytoplankton communities, one dominated by diatoms and the other dominated by the haptophyte Phaeocystis antarctica. In both communities, Rrs exhibited a statistically significant (p < 0.05) positive linear correlation with POC concentration, although the slope of the regression was over twofold higher in waters dominated by P. antarctica. These distinct relationships between POC and Rrs are likely due to differences in the cell size and composition, as well as detrital degradation products, of the dominant taxa within each of these phytoplankton communities. Taxon-specific POC-Rrs relationships were translated into a bio-optical algorithm for estimation of surface POC concentration from remotely sensed estimates of Rrs. Applying this algorithm to satellite-derived Rrs from the Ross Sea, where distributions of P. antarctica and diatoms are reasonably well known, yields distributions of POC and POC:chlorophyll ratios that are in good agreement with field measurements. Performance of the algorithm can be improved by in situ characterization of the detrital contribution to total particle backscatter.
Cascade associated amorphous zones in ion bombarded NiAl3

Results of TEM observations and electrical resistivity measurements were used to investigate structural changes in thin films of NiAl3 deposited on a NaCl crystal, exposed to ion bombardment by 170 keV Ni(+) ions at fluences of 5 x 10 exp 12, 5 x 10 exp 13, 5 x 10 exp 14, and 5 x 10 exp 15 Ni(+) ions/sq cm. Cleaved samples were examined by TEM, and electrical resistivity was recorded as a function of fluence, using a four-point probe technique. The results present evidence for the occurrence of cascade-associated amorphization in NiAl3 during ion bombardment. The crystalline to amorphous transformation is nearly complete at about 4 x 10 exp 15 Ni(+) ions/sq cm fluency. 13 refs.
Multimodal analgesia approach to postoperative pain management in ambulatory surgery

Surgical procedures performed in an ambulatory setting are increasingly frequent and complex. Providing patients with effective postoperative pain management is the challenge to be met by an anesthesiologist. The traditional unimodal approach to postoperative pain management using systemic opioids is limited by significant side effects which may contribute to delayed discharge and unanticipated hospital admission. Multimodal analgesia and preemptive analgesia are two recent concepts directed toward effective and safe postoperative analgesia which could afford a minimal side effect profile. Multimodal or balanced analgesia techniques seek to enhance analgesia by combining medications and analgesic techniques to exploit possible additive or synergistic effects; thereby reducing the requirement of each medication to minimize side effects. Preemptive analgesic techniques pursue prevention of acute pain by minimizing afferent nociceptive input from injured tissue by preinjury intervention with local anesthetics or opioids. Postoperative analgesic strategies require a multidisciplinary approach that will enable procedures such as knee and shoulder reconstruction to be performed on an ambulatory basis. An anesthesiologist with expertise in regional anesthesia and the pharmacology of analgesics will play a crucial role in applying optimal pain management strategies in an ambulatory surgery setting.
Stimulation of mammalian and yeast phosphoprotein phosphatases by megamodulins from various sources

Abstract Phosphoprotein phosphatases (PPase) were isolated from either the rabbit cerebral cortex or Baker's yeast by excluding endogenous megamodulin with histone, and then by desalting cations with Bio-Gel P-6DG filtration. The stimulation of PPase in the presence of Mn2+ was greatly enhanced by megamodulins prepared from various sources including rabbit brain, Baker's yeast, wheat germ, and Escherichia , coli ( E. , coli ). Moreover, the augmented activity of PPase was also demonstrated in the presence of [megamodulin-Mn2+] complex.