cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Spatial distribution of defects in natural type IIb diamond after irradiation and annealing

Abstract Natural blue diamonds are among the rarest and most valuable of gemstones; however, they are occasionally treated by a variety of methods to improve the color or in attempts to obscure the evidence of treatment. In this study, two sections were cut from a rough naturally sourced type IIb diamond. One was subjected to electron irradiation along one edge. Subsequently, both were isochronally annealed from 300 °C to 1200 °C and the optical defects were documented by changes in infrared (IR) absorption and photoluminescence spectroscopic mapping. The thermal behavior of these centers (TR12, 3H, NV0, GR1, 648.2 and 776.4 nm centers among others) along with their spatial distribution in the irradiated and non-irradiated diamond provided additional insights into their configuration. After irradiation, the uncompensated boron concentration as determined by IR spectroscopy for this sample showed a pronounced decrease particularly at positions close to the irradiation edge. This uncompensated boron decreased further with low temperature annealing (300–600 °C) principally due to interstitial migration. At temperatures >600 °C, the uncompensated boron concentration rebounded due to vacancy migration that likely depletes or annihilates compensating defects. Among the photoluminescence (PL) defects, the 3H center (ZPL = 503.5 nm) showed a much greater thermal stability in the irradiated sample compared to its non-irradiated counterpart.
Individual Differences in Lexical Contributions to Speech Perception

Purpose The extant literature suggests that individual differences in speech perception can be linked to broad receptive language phenotype. For example, a recent study found that individuals with ...
Colostomy Takedown: Ischemic Complication following Anorectal Malformation Surgery.

Introduction Anorectal malformations (ARM) are complex disorders that often require staged reconstructions. We present a case and imaging findings of a child who developed issues following colostomy closure due to segmental colonic ischemia. Case Presentation. A 3-year-old female with Currarino syndrome presented with abdominal distention, blood-flecked stools, and prolonged cecostomy flush time. For her anorectal malformation, a colostomy was initially placed. A new colostomy was created at posterior sagittal anorectoplasty (PSARP) to allow the distal rectum to reach the anus without tension. Differentials for her presenting symptoms included a mislocation of the anus, stenosis at the anoplasty site, stricture within the colon, or sacral mass from Currarino syndrome, causing obstructive symptoms. Workup at our hospital included an anorectal exam under anesthesia (EUA), which showed a well-located anus with without stenosis at the anoplasty site, and an antegrade contrast study revealed a featureless descending colon with a 3-4 mm stricture in the distal transverse colon at the site of the previous colostomy, without an obstructing presacral mass. To alleviate this obstruction, the child underwent removal of the chronically ischemic descending colon and a redo-PSARP, where the distal transverse colon was brought down to the anus. She is now able to successfully perform antegrade flushes. Conclusion Patients who have had prior surgeries for ARM repair are at a higher risk of complications, including strictures or ischemic complications at areas of previous surgery or colostomy placement. A thorough preoperative workup, including contrast studies, can alert the surgeon to these potential pitfalls.
Tech Giant Exclusion

There is no topic in regulatory policy that is more pressing and more controversial than what to do about the tech giants – Google, Facebook, Amazon, and Apple. Critics claim that that these powerful platforms crush competitors, distort the political process, and elude antitrust law because it cares only about consumer prices. The only solution, they argue, is to break them up. This diagnosis is mistaken. The tech giants have indeed engaged in anticompetitive conduct. They have excluded rivals selling products on their platforms by demoting them in search results, copying their products, or refusing to deal with them. While these tactics have harmed consumers, they have never been successfully challenged because they have rarely, if ever, created monopoly power or a dangerous probability of monopoly power, which the Sherman Act requires. This requirement should be eliminated. The tech giants should not be broken up. Splitting them into smaller versions of themselves would result in higher prices or lower quality. Preventing them from selling their own products on their platforms would deprive consumers of choices they value. Nor should the goals of antitrust law be changed. The fundamental aim of antitrust law is to protect consumers and suppliers like workers from anticompetitive conduct. If courts also had to focus on preserving small business and limiting the political influence of large firms, the goals of antitrust would conflict. Courts would have no objective way of resolving the conflict, the rule of law would suffer, and consumers and workers would be hurt. Congress should instead amend the Sherman Act to prohibit exclusionary conduct that significantly reduces competition, whether or not it results in actual or probable monopoly power. To avoid chilling procompetitive conduct, the change should apply only to the tech giants and should contain strict proof requirements. This careful expansion would make it much easier to deter tech giant exclusion that harms consumers or workers.
Gas hydrates in confined space of nanoporous materials: new frontier in gas storage technology.

Gas hydrates (clathrate hydrates, clathrates, or hydrates) are crystalline inclusion compounds composed of water and gas molecules. Methane hydrates, the most well-known gas hydrates, are considered a menace in flow assurance. However, they have also been hailed as an alternative energy resource because of their high methane storage capacity. Since the formation of gas hydrates generally requires extreme conditions, developing porous material hosts to synthesize gas hydrates with less-demanding constraints is a topic of great interest to the materials and energy science communities. Though reports of modeling and experimental analysis of bulk gas hydrates are plentiful in the literature, reliable phase data for gas hydrates within confined spaces of nanoporous media have been sporadic. This review examines recent studies of both experiments and theoretical modeling of gas hydrates within four categories of nanoporous material hosts that include porous carbons, metal–organic frameworks, graphene nanoslits, and carbon nanotubes. We identify challenges associated with these porous systems and discuss the prospects of gas hydrates in confined space for potential applications.
Living Near an Immigration Detention Center: Impact on Latinas’ Health

There is ample evidence that exposure to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities could widen Latinas' health disparities. Whether or not residing near an ICE detention center (IDC) further impacts their health is unknown. During nationwide increased ICE activities Latinas (N=45) attended an intervention at two separate sites: one near and another one far from an IDC. A focus group discussion and an interview were conducted using a grounded theory approach. Quantitative data were collected and analyzed. Participants residing near an IDC benefited less from the intervention and reported changes in anxiety levels and in mobility, and a sense of powerlessness. They also requested resources to respond to ICE overreach and broadcasting of their reality. Our results suggest that proximity to IDCs impacts immigrant communities and public health programming, which is inevitably embedded in political realities. These need to be addressed when providing much needed interventions.
Disrupting Anti-Blackness with Young Learners in STEM: Strategies for Elementary Science and Mathematics Teacher Education

If we envision a future for Black young learners where their full humanity is honoured and educators facilitate rigorous science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) learning experiences that are justice-focused, we must disrupt systemic racism now. In this article we discuss how anti-Blackness is pervasive in science and mathematics education, especially for young learners. We also address why teacher educators must disrupt anti-Black racism in our work with elementary teacher candidates and in our research. We argue that to do this work and disrupt anti-Blackness, elementary teacher educators and teacher candidates need political clarity (Beauboeuf-LaFontant, 1999). Political clarity is the understanding of how structural and school inequalities work to (re)produce differential learning experiences for minoritized learners. We offer suggestions for how teacher educators can further develop their teacher candidates’ political clarity. Drawing upon our prior research, course assignments, and experiences as Black women educators and teacher educators, we share examples of how an individual’s political clarity can be developed within science and mathematics methods courses. In doing so, we build upon prior research in STEM teacher education on how teachers come to see teaching as a political act and engage in the hard work of equity-focused STEM teaching.
Engineering demonstration reactors: A stepping stone on the path to deployment of advanced nuclear energy in the United States

Abstract Nuclear energy is an important ultra-low carbon electricity source. Engineering demonstration reactors, such as Shippingport for Pressurized Water Reactor technology, have been used to advance nuclear reactor technology to deployment. It may be necessary to develop similar engineering demonstration reactors for other reactor concepts that have not yet been built. This paper reviews the historical role of engineering demonstration reactors and highlights the potential for future engineering demonstrations of Fluoride Salt-Cooled High Temperature Reactors (FHRs) and Molten Chloride Fast Reactors (MCFRs). Future engineering demonstration reactors could significantly accelerate deployment of larger-scale FHRs and MCFRs by the advanced nuclear industry via cost and risk reduction. Experience in the United States shows that sustained investment in a public-private partnership, such as the current Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program, is essential for deployment of advanced reactor technologies that have never been built before. The National Reactor Innovation Center at Idaho National Laboratory and Clinch River Site near Oak Ridge National Laboratory are examples of ideal locations for these demonstrations.
Provider and administrator-level perspectives on strategies to reduce fear and improve patient trust in the emergency department in times of heightened immigration enforcement.

Study objectives Heightened immigration enforcement may induce fear in undocumented patients when coming to the Emergency Department (ED) for care. Limited literature examining health system policies to reduce immigrant fear exists. In this multi-site qualitative study, we sought to assess provider and system-level policies on caring for undocumented patients in three California EDs. Methods We recruited 41 ED providers and administrators from three California EDs (in San Francisco, Oakland, and Sylmar) with large immigrant populations. Participants were recruited using a trusted gatekeeper and snowball sampling. We conducted semi-structured interviews and analyzed the transcripts using constructivist grounded theory. Results We interviewed 10 physicians, 11 nurses, 9 social workers, and 11 administrators, and identified 7 themes. Providers described existing policies and recent policy changes that facilitate access to care for undocumented patients. Providers reported that current training and communication around policies is limited, there are variations between who asks about and documents status, and there remains uncertainty around policy details, laws, and jurisdiction of staff. Providers also stated they are taking an active role in building safety and trust and see their role as supporting undocumented patients. Conclusions This study introduces ED-level health system perspectives and recommendations for caring for undocumented patients. There is a need for active, multi-disciplinary ED policy training, clear policy details including the extent of providers' roles, protocols on the screening and documentation of status, and continual reassessment of our health systems to reduce fear and build safety and trust with our undocumented communities.
Diatomite Filtration Equations for Various Septa

Previously developed diatomite filtration equations have been found to be invalid for use with cylindrical septa because they fail to describe the significant effect of the increasing filtering area associated with cylindrical filter cakes. Also, they do not describe the initial transitional period resulting from initial mixing of the influent with the clean water in the filter left over from the precoating operation (dilution effect). The initial dilution effect is less important and can probably be ignored for most practical applications. The increasing area effect, however, should not be ignored. Diatomite filtration equations were developed theoretically herein from the generally accepted filtration rate equation. The hypotheses assumed in the derivation of these equations are explicitly stated. These equations account for the effects of both initial dilution and increasing area. The equations were used to determine filter cake resistance, and to predict filter performance under different operating conditions.
Risk Assessment for Environmentally Sustainable Business Planning and Optimization Based on the Identification of Regional Meteorology Pattern

Currently, more and more attention has been paid to the environmentally sustainability of the surrounding community by the whole society. However, during the manufacturing operation of industrial plants, there are inevitable pollutant emission dispersion into the atmosphere from the plume or flare combustion. The impact scope and seriousness level of the emission events to the surrounding community will be affected by not only the emission amount but also the regional meteorological situation. The spatial and temporal distribution pattern of the climate will play a very important role in the performance of the regional air quality. Furthermore, the environmental sustainability is of great significance to the result of whether the industrial business venture will be successful or not. Therefore the potential impact of climate pattern in the regional air quality performance should be evaluated during the risk assessment so as to timely and effectively support diagnostic and prognostic decisions. In this research, a systematic methodology for such applications has been developed. It includes two stages of modeling and simulation work: i) Pattern identification for the climate distribution change scenarios from the historical meteorological data and ii) Monte Carlo based simulation of regional air quality performance from normal emission of current multiple emission sources. Different scenarios of climate distribution pattern will be assumed to prediction the comprehensive air quality results in order to disclose their relationships. For the risk assessment, the peak pollutant concentration and the standard deviation at the air quality concerned region should be evaluated. This study can not only help to determine the potential impact for the distribution of multiple plants responsible for the characteristics of regional climate, but also provide the technical support for the future industrial expansion with minimal environment impact to the surrounding community.
Double-blind evaluation of methylprednisolone versus placebo for acute asthma episodes.

Twenty-eight children with persistent bronchospasm after outpatient therapy were treated for eight days with methylprednisolone or placebo in a prerandomized double-blind manner, in addition to treatment with optimal oral bronchodilators. At follow-up visits 1, 7, and 14 days after onset of therapy, a history was taken and physical examination and pulmonary function tests were performed. Initially and on the 14th day, patients underwent cosyntropin tests of adrenal function. Patients kept daily peak flow charts. Both groups improved with time. However, by 24 hours after starting methylprednisolone therapy, the placebo group continued to show reversibility after isoproterenol inhalation whereas the methylprednisolone group did not. By day 7 there were significantly more patients with normal 1-second forced expiratory volume (FEV1) and forced expiratory flow in the middle half of the forced vital capacity (FEF25-75%) in the methylprednisolone group and mean FEF25-75% was significantly higher for this group (P less than .02). By day 14, six days after finishing treatment with the study drugs, more patients in the placebo group had residual wheezing, but pulmonary function tests were now similar for the two groups. Although both groups showed a decline in cosyntropin responsiveness on day 14 compared with day 1, there was no difference between the steroid- and placebo-treated patients. This study proves that short-term corticosteroid therapy will accelerate resolution of moderately severe and severe-acute attacks of asthma without significant suppression of adrenal function.
Mortgage Lenders' Market Response to a Landmark Regulatory Decision Based on Fair Lending Compliance

Regulation of real estate lending has substantially increased in the past decade. Government efforts to improve compliance with Community Reinvestment Act mandates are evidence of increased emphasis on racial equal opportunity in loan origination. To investigate the impact of these efforts, this paper examines the Federal Reserve Bank rejection of Shawmut National Corporation's application to buy New Dartmouth Bank. Rejection was based on Shawmut’s poor compliance with fair-lending guidelines. Testing finds significant negative abnormal stock returns for samples of mortgage lenders on the announcement day of Shawmut’s application rejection. In addition, cross-sectional analysis reveals an inverse relationship between national banks’ cumulative abnormal returns (CARs) and a measure of fair lending.
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

Licensed professional counselors (LPCs) are master's level mental-health professionals. Known by a variety of other terms, depending on jurisdiction, professional counselors can now be licensed in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. The path to licensure includes completion of a master's degree program in counseling, supervised postmaster's counseling experience, and passing a licensure examination. Licensed professional counselors provide a variety of mental health services in a wide array of settings, with each state specifying the scope of practice for professional counselors. Licensed professional counselors are diverse in their training programs and specializations. As a result, developing a cohesive professional identity has been challenging. However, the profession is expected to grow rapidly and LPCs provide many needed mental health services in communities. Keywords: mental health; psychotherapies; ethics; licensure; professional development
Fermi particle acceleration in relativistic shocks: Preliminary nonlinear results

We have extended a previously developed and tested Monte Carlo simulation of parallel shocks to include relativistic flow velocities. This steady-state simulation treats thermal particle injection, determines the shock structure in the presence of accelerated particles, and simultaneously and self-consistently calculates the ratio of specific heats in the shocked plasma and the effects of particle escape. We present preliminary results showing the absolute acceleration efficiencies and spectra for a range of parameters and show that relativistic shocks can be extremely efficient particle accelerators.
Lawyers as Upholders of Human Dignity (When They Aren't Busy Assaulting It)

David Luban argues in this lecture that the moral foundation of the lawyer’s profession lies in the defense of human dignity—and the chief moral danger facing the profession arises when lawyers assault human dignity rather than defend it. The concept of human dignity has a rich philosophical tradition, with some philosophers identifying human dignity as a metaphysical property of individuals—a property such as having a soul, or possessing autonomy. Luban argues instead that human dignity is a relational property of “the dignifier” and “the dignified,” emphasizing that assaulting human dignity humiliates the victim. Lawyers honor the human dignity of others by protecting them against humiliations, and defile that dignity by subjecting them to humiliations. The lecture develops these ideas through four traditional issues in legal ethics: the right of criminal defendants to an advocate, the duty of confidentiality, paternalism of attorneys toward their clients, and pro bono service.
Jovian and comparative atmospheric modeling

Publisher Summary This chapter presents the development of a Jovian meteorology and assesses its impact on the evolution of comparative meteorology. The Jovian vortex theories conflict with the geophysical fluid dynamics view for the zonal circulation, which requires that quasi-geostrophic eddies be turbulent, not coherent, to drive the jets. The sublayer heating on Earth produces small-scale moist convection that drives the lapse rate toward the moist adiabat. Jupiter's internal heat may also produce this effect, as there may be water clouds in the lower troposphere. Both atmospheres could thus be stable for the large-scale processes. This stability could be enhanced by the baroclinic instabilities produced by differential heating. Above the tropopause, the stability is increased by the absorption of solar radiation by ozone on Earth and by methane and dust on Jupiter. Process and comparative models have given some indication of how a predictive Jovian circulation model could be assembled. It is found that in mid-latitudes Jupiter is analogous to a more rapidly rotating Earth.
Coronary hyperperfusion and myocardial metabolism in isolated and intact hearts

We determined the independent influence of coronary hyperperfusion on myocardial metabolism in isolated and intact hearts. In an isovolumic blood-perfused rat heart preparation working against a left ventricular (LV) balloon, the effect of increasing coronary perfusion pressure from 100 to 150 mmHg was assessed. In three groups of rat hearts LV volume was fixed to obtain LV peak pressures of 42 +/- 3, 101 +/- 5, and 130 +/- 6 mmHg. With coronary hyperperfusion, LV pressure increased 27, 18, and 16%, LV maximum time derivative of pressure (dP/dt) increased 39, 20, and 22%, and myocardial O2 consumption (VO2) increased 16, 17, and 33%, respectively. In a fourth group, LV peak pressure was held constant at 92 +/- 4 mmHg during coronary hyperperfusion by decreasing LV volume. In this group, despite an increase in coronary blood flow of 48%, there was no significant difference in LV maximum dP/dt or myocardial VO2. Thus, in isolated rat hearts, coronary hyperperfusion was not an independent stimulus to myocardial VO2. To further test this, the effect of coronary hyperperfusion on myocardial metabolism was studied in an intact working swine heart preparation where the cardiac output was fixed with a right heart bypass circuit. Fatty acid oxidation in the left anterior descending bed was assessed by production of 14CO2 from [14C(U)]palmitate. A comparison of coronary perfusion 106 +/- 5 vs. 197 +/- 5 mmHg resulted in no significant change in global LV function, including LV internal diameter. Despite a 70% increase in coronary blood flow, there was no significant change in myocardial VO2 or fatty acid utilization.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Indomethacin does not alter the circulating catecholamine response to asphyxia in the neonatal piglet.

Abstract: The response of circulating catecholamines to asphyxia in unanesthetized, spontaneously breathing neonatal piglets was measured before and after treatment with indomethacin. Prior to treatment with indomethacin, baseline levels [geometric mean, pg/ml (95% confidence limits)] of D, E, and N were 162 (99-266), 174 (52-579), and 380 (286-506), respectively. Inhalation of 10% O2/9% CO2 for 20 min caused significant increases in arterial levels of all three catecholamines to 389 (230-659, 1514 (993-2306), and 3802 (2731-5293), respectively. Treatment with indomethacin (5 mg/kg, intravenous) did not significantly alter either baseline levels of the catecholamines or the levels after 20 min of the asphyxiating gas. In time control piglets, baseline levels and the response to asphyxia were similar before and after placebo. These results suggest that the circulating catecholamine response to asphyxia of the neonatal piglet is independent of the prostaglandin system.
Mosquito Saliva Causes Enhancement of West Nile Virus Infection in Mice

West Nile virus (WNV) is transmitted to vertebrate hosts primarily by infected Culex mosquitoes. Transmission of arboviruses by the bite of infected mosquitoes can potentiate infection in hosts compared to viral infection by needle inoculation. Here we examined the effect of mosquito transmission on WNV infection and systematically investigated multiple factors that differ between mosquito infection and needle inoculation of WNV. We found that mice infected with WNV through the bite of a single infected Culex tarsalis mosquito exhibited 5- to 10-fold-higher viremia and tissue titers at 24 and 48 h postinoculation and faster neuroinvasion than mice given a median mosquito-inoculated dose of WNV (105 PFU) by needle. Mosquito-induced enhancement was not due to differences in inoculation location, because additional intravenous inoculation of WNV did not enhance viremia or tissue titers. Inoculation of WNV into a location where uninfected mosquitoes had fed resulted in enhanced viremia and tissue titers in mice similar to those in mice infected by a single infected mosquito bite, suggesting that differences in where virus is deposited in the skin and in the virus particle itself were not responsible for the enhanced early infection in mosquito-infected mice. In addition, inoculation of mice with WNV mixed with salivary gland extract (SGE) led to higher viremia, demonstrating that mosquito saliva is the major cause of mosquito-induced enhancement. Enhanced viremia was not observed when SGE was inoculated at a distal site, suggesting that SGE enhances WNV replication by exerting a local effect. Furthermore, enhancement of WNV infection still occurred in mice with antibodies against mosquito saliva. In conclusion, saliva from C. tarsalis is responsible for enhancement of early WNV infection in vertebrate hosts.
Surface EMG and torsion measurements during snow skiing: laboratory and field tests

The relationship between mean rectified EMG (MREMG) measured with surface electrodes and the longitudinal torsion of the lower extremity was investigated in laboratory and snow skiing experiments. Linear regression of the MREMG from the gluteus medius and the peroneus longus with the torsion measured at the foot in the laboratory tests showed that torsion can be predicted with correlation coefficients greater than 0.95 and with a standard deviation less than 5 Nm over all knee flexions and weight bearing. A similar correspondence between MREMG and torsion during skiing does not exist. MREMG is dominantly correlated to posture and body position control functions in skiing. During falling, during ski binding release, and during possible injury sustaining situations, the MREMG was always relatively large, but it was not distinguishable from that associated with smaller torsion of the lower extremity.
Association between urinary albumin excretion and coronary heart disease in black vs white adults.

Importance Excess urinary albumin excretion is more common in black than white individuals and is more strongly associated with incident stroke risk in black vs white individuals. Whether similar associations extend to coronary heart disease (CHD) is unclear. Objective To determine whether the association of urinary albumin excretion with CHD events differs by race. Design, Setting, and Participants Prospective cohort study of black and white US adults aged 45 years and older who were enrolled within the Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study between 2003 and 2007 with follow-up through December 31, 2009. We examined race-stratified associations of urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) in 2 groups: (1) incident CHD among 23 273 participants free of CHD at baseline; and (2) first recurrent CHD event among 4934 participants with CHD at baseline. Main Outcomes and Measures Expert-adjudicated incident and recurrent myocardial infarction and acute CHD death. Results A total of 616 incident CHD events (421 nonfatal MIs and 195 CHD deaths) and 468 recurrent CHD events (279 nonfatal MIs and 189 CHD deaths) were observed over a mean time of 4.4 years of follow-up. Among those free of CHD at baseline, age- and sex-adjusted incidence rates of CHD per 1000 person-years of follow-up increased with increasing categories of ACR in black and white participants, with rates being nearly 1.5-fold greater in the highest category of ACR (>300 mg/g) in black participants (20.59; 95% CI, 14.36-29.51) vs white participants (13.60; 95% CI, 7.60-24.25). In proportional hazards models adjusted for traditional cardiovascular risk factors and medications, higher baseline urinary ACR was associated with greater risk of incident CHD among black participants (hazard ratio [HR] comparing ACR >300 vs 300 vs P value for interaction = .03). Among those with CHD at baseline, fully adjusted associations of baseline urinary ACR with first recurrent CHD event were similar between black participants (HR comparing ACR >300 vs 300 vs P value for interaction = .53). Conclusions and Relevance Higher urinary ACR was associated with greater risk of incident but not recurrent CHD in black individuals when compared with white individuals. These data confirm that black individuals appear more susceptible to vascular injury.
MOS-FET fabrication problems

Abstract A detailed theoretical calculation of MOS threshold voltages was carried out in terms of the fixed bulk and total oxide charges, and the difference in work function between the metal and semiconductor. In addition, upper and lower limits on device dimensions, which are related to the characteristics of the fabrication processes used and the saturation level of carriers in the channel, were determined. Devices were then fabricated on (100) silicon substrates, which were selected on the basis of the theoretical calculations. Device types included p - and n -channel enhancement mode, n -depletion mode, and complementary MOS-FET devices. The experimental terminal characteristics of these devices were in good agreement with the theory. Bias temperature stability tests were carried out on the devices at 250°C and a bias potential of ± 10 V . The test results were compared with those obtained for other passivation methods.
Nonlinear gain-scheduling output-feedback control for polynomial nonlinear systems subject to actuator saturation

This paper investigates nonlinear gain-scheduling control approaches for a class of polynomial nonlinear systems, containing an output-dependent vector field with input saturation. Using the polytopic differential inclusion and norm-bounded differential inclusion (NDI) of saturation and dead-zone functions, the nonlinear plants are transformed into systems with measurable parameters. For the polytopic differential inclusion description, a quasi-linear parameter varying (quasi-LPV) output-feedback controller will be sought for saturation control. On the other hand, the NDI model leads to a nonlinear fractional transformation (NFT) output-feedback controller for saturated nonlinear systems. The quasi-LPV and NFT output-feedback control synthesis conditions are derived in the forms of output-dependent matrix inequalities. They can be reformulated as sum-of-squares (SOS) optimisations and solved efficiently using SOS programming. The proposed nonlinear gain-scheduling saturation control approaches will be dem...
Substrate-controlled band positions in CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite films

Using X-ray and ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy, the surface band positions of solution-processed CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite thin films deposited on an insulating substrate (Al2O3), various n-type (TiO2, ZrO2, ZnO, and F:SnO2 (FTO)) substrates, and various p-type (PEDOT:PSS, NiO, and Cu2O) substrates are studied. Many-body GW calculations of the valence band density of states, with spin–orbit interactions included, show a clear correspondence with our experimental spectra and are used to confirm our assignment of the valence band maximum. These surface-sensitive photoelectron spectroscopy measurements result in shifting of the CH3NH3PbI3 valence band position relative to the Fermi energy as a function of substrate type, where the valence band to Fermi energy difference reflects the substrate type (insulating-, n-, or p-type). Specifically, the insulating- and n-type substrates increase the CH3NH3PbI3 valence band to Fermi energy difference to the extent of pinning the conduction band to the Fermi level; whereas, the p-type substrates decrease the valence band to Fermi energy difference. This observation implies that the substrate's properties enable control over the band alignment of CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite thin-film devices, potentially allowing for new device architectures as well as more efficient devices.
Lessons From Medicare Coverage of Colonoscopy and Prostate-Specific Antigen Test

Under the 1997 Balanced Budget Act, Medicare expanded coverage of colonoscopy and prostate-specific antigen tests from diagnostic and surveillance tests to preventive screenings. The preventive tests now are covered with no deductibles or copayments. Reducing out-of-pocket costs increases premiums, resulting in a subsidy to beneficiaries who use the service by nonusers, and by taxpayers who shoulder the bulk of Medicare’s costs. Using Medicare fee-for-service claims and the Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey, we estimate the behavioral and financial consequences of these Balanced Budget Act coverage expansions. We find that fee-for-service Medicare-covered colonoscopies increased by 3.5 percentage points after the coverage expansion, and prostate-specific antigen tests increased by 6.8 percentage points. Beneficiaries with lower incomes, less education, and those lacking a usual source of care or supplemental insurance were less likely to use these tests. Therefore, they generally received much smaller n...
Limited View Tomography of Combustion Zones Using Tunable Diode Laser Absorption Spectroscopy: Simulation of an Algebraic Reconstruction Technique

Temperature and concentration distributions of a simulated flame were reconstructed with the help of computer tomography and tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy (TDLAS). Reconstructions were based on the simulated numerical values of temperature and concentration of a stationary flame. Integrated absorption measurements along the line-of-sight (LOS) across the flames due to absorption by water vapor (H2O) in the near infra-red (NIR) region, specifically the 6930–6940 cm−1 range, were simulated to obtain the projection values for tomography. Spectroscopic parameters for the absorptions transitions, such as line-strengths, transition wavenumbers, collisional broadening coefficients and coefficients for their temperature dependency were selected from the HITRAN 2004 database. Simulated LOS data are inverted using a multiplicative algebraic reconstruction technique (MART), which are known to outperform traditional filtered back projection methods for cases with limited numbers of views. Based on spatially resolved reconstructions of spectroscopic data, temperature and concentration distributions are calculated using the wavelength modulation spectroscopy with second harmonic detection (WMS-2f) technique. A parametric study based on the number of views, orientation of views and number of rays per view required by the ART is performed in order to assess requirements for an acceptable reconstruction.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
The host Pex19p plays a role in peroxisomal localization of tombusvirus replication proteins

Abstract Replication of Tomato bushy stunt virus (TBSV) RNA takes place on the cytosolic membrane surface of peroxisomes in plants and in yeast, a model host. To identify the host proteins involved in assisting the peroxisomal localization of the tombusvirus p33 replication protein, we tested if p33 could bind directly to yeast proteins involved in peroxisomal transport in vitro. This work has led to the demonstration of Pex19p–p33 interaction via pull-down and co-purification experiments. Pex19p was also detected in the tombusvirus replicase after protein cross-linking, suggesting that Pex19p transiently binds to the replicase as could be expected from a transporter. To validate the importance of Pex19p–p33 interaction in TBSV replication in yeast, we re-targeted Pex19p to the mitochondria, which resulted in the re-distribution of a large fraction of p33 to the mitochondria. The expression of the mitochondrial-targeted Pex19p inhibited TBSV RNA accumulation by 2–4-fold in vivo and reduced the in vitro activity of the tombusvirus replicase by 80%. These data support the model that Pex19p is a cellular transporter for localization of p33 replication protein to the host peroxisomal membranes.
Utilization of Nitrophenylphosphates and Oxime-Based Ligation for the Development of Nanomolar Affinity Inhibitors of the Yersinia Pestis Outer Protein H (Yoph) Phosphatase.

Our current study reports the first KM optimization of a library of nitrophenylphosphate-containing substrates for generating an inhibitor lead against the Yersinia pestis outer protein phosphatase (YopH). A high activity substrate identified by this method (KM = 80 μM) was converted from a substrate into an inhibitor by replacement of its phosphate group with difluoromethylphosphonic acid and by attachment of an aminooxy handle for further structural optimization by oxime ligation. A cocrystal structure of this aminooxy-containing platform in complex with YopH allowed the identification of a conserved water molecule proximal to the aminooxy group that was subsequently employed for the design of furanyl-based oxime derivatives. By this process, a potent (IC50 = 190 nM) and nonpromiscuous inhibitor was developed with good YopH selectivity relative to a panel of phosphatases. The inhibitor showed significant inhibition of intracellular Y. pestis replication at a noncytotoxic concentration. The current work ...
Lethal and sublethal toxicity of sediment-associated fluoranthene to benthic copepods: application of the critical-body-residue approach

Lethality occurs at tissue concentrations of organic contaminants acting via non-polar narcosis at about 2–8 μmol (g wet wt.)−1 for most vertebrate and invertebrate species tested. The range of tissue concentrations for such compounds associated with sublethal effects has yet to be determined. During this study, the lethal and sublethal toxicity of the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) congener fluoranthene to benthic copepods was examined in sediment exposures. Mature female Schizopera knabeni and Coullana sp. were exposed to dosed sediment at concentrations ranging from 0 to 334 μg (g dry wt.)−1 for 10 days. Copepod survival and reproductive output were related to the [14C]fluoranthene concentration in the external (sediment) and internal (tissues) media. In both copepod species, fluoranthene tissue concentrations were maximal at day 1 and remained relatively constant throughout the 10-day experiment. Most of the mortality occurred between days 4 and 10. For S. knabeni, the 10-day mean lethal sediment concentration (LC50) was 213 μg (g dry wt.)−1 (193–231, 95% confidence interval (CI)) and the 10-day median lethal tissue residue (LR50) was 2.7 μmol (g wet wt.)−1 (2.5–2.8, 95% CI). Coullana sp. was more sensitive, with a 10-day sediment LC50 of 132 μg (g dry wt.)−1 (88–170, 95% CI) and a 10-day LR50 of 1.2 μmol (g wet wt.)−1 (0.8–1.6, 95% CI). Differences in sensitivity persisted even after normalization of body residues by total lipid content (LR50=47.8 and 15.6 μmol (g lipid)−1 for S. knabeni and Coullana sp., respectively). Reproduction of S. knabeni was significantly impaired at lower concentrations in both sediment and tissue. The sediment concentration associated with a 50% reduction in S. knabeni surviving offspring in a 10-day exposure was 55 nmol (g dry wt.)−1. Tissue residues in adult females associated with this reduction were around 0.5 μmol (g wet wt.)−1, a value representing a fraction of 0.2 the 10-day LR50. This decrease in offspring production was likely related to specific modes of action (e.g. impairment of embryonic development), rather than solely general narcosis. To directly assess the effects of narcosis (decreased activity) at sublethal tissue residues, copepod grazing rate on microalgae was measured concomitantly with sediment exposure to fluoranthene. Short-term exposures (27 h) revealed that a 50% decrease in grazing rates was associated with tissue residues of approximately 0.2 μmol (g wet wt.)−1. The use of the critical body residue (CBR) approach for toxicity assessment is supported by this study and appears to be a very promising approach for evaluating risk to benthic organisms from organic contaminants.
Role of cytokines and growth factors in promoting the local recurrence of breast cancer

The pathogenesis of local recurrence in breast cancer is not well understood. Breast-conserving surgery is particularly prone to local recurrence as it leaves behind breast tissue that may harbour occult cancer, and lends itself to enhanced intraoperative shedding of cancer cells due to narrower resection margins and transection of lymphatic channels. A review of clinical breast cancer studies as well as experimental research strongly suggests that these persisting cancerous cells are unlikely to develop into clinically evident disease if their environment remains unstimulated. However, an inordinately high local recurrence rate occurs at the surgical scar, and such recurrence must be triggered by the release of growth factors and cytokines into the healing wound. These factors can stimulate any available cancer cells which express the proper growth factor receptors. Perioperative strategies to neutralize this tumour cell-growth factor interaction should maximize local control.
Collateral bladder duplication with exstrophy of one moiety in a female infant

Complete bladder duplication with exstrophy of one moiety is an extremely rare condition. We report an unusual case of complete bladder duplication with exstrophy of one moiety, in which each bladder received one ureter and the internal bladder drained into a urogenital sinus. The patient was treated by combining the two bladder halves and using the bladder neck of the internal bladder, with excellent cosmetic result. This case underscores the importance of ultrasonography and computed tomography to detect the anatomy of the patient with exstrophy in whom the ureteric orifices cannot be clearly identified on both sides of the trigone.
Asymmetry in the time-lapse seismic response to injection and depletion

Large changes in seismic reflection amplitude have been observed around injectors, and result from the decrease in elastic-wave velocity due to the increase in pore pressure in the reservoir. In contrast, the velocity change resulting from the decrease in pore pressure in depleting reservoirs is observed to be smaller in magnitude. Elastic-wave velocities in sandstones vary with stress due to the presence of stress-sensitive grain boundaries within the rock. Grain-boundary stiffness increases non-linearly with increasing compressive stress, due to increased contact between opposing faces of the boundary. This results in a change in velocity due to a decrease in pore pressure that is smaller than the change in velocity caused by an increase in pore pressure, in agreement with time-lapse seismic observations. The decrease in porosity resulting from depletion is not fully recovered upon re-pressurization, and this leads to an additional steepening of the velocity vs. effective stress curve for injection relative to depletion. This difference is enhanced by any breakage of cement or weakening of grain contacts that may occur during depletion and by the reopening or formation of fractures or joints and dilation of grain boundaries that may occur during injection.
Dose-related dilatation of airways after inhalation of metaproterenol sulfate.

Studies concerning the ability of an inhaled β2-agonist to produce dose-related bronchodilatation are conflicting. In five asthmatic, five bronchitic, and five normal subjects, specific airway conductance (Gaw/Vl), flow-volume curves, and single-breath nitrogen washout were recorded after noncumulative inhalation of 0.65 mg, 1.30 mg, 1.95 mg, and, in some subjects, 2.60 mg of metaproterenol sulfate. Bronchodilatation appeared to be dose-related and was best assessed by using Gaw/Vl; in all but one subject with chronic bronchitis, there was a significant linear relationship between log dose and percent change in Gaw/Vl. Measurements of flow rate could demonstrate significant log dose-responses in eight subjects, maximum midexpiratory flow being the most sensitive measurement of flow rate, followed in order by forced expiratory volume in one second, flow at 50 percent of forced vital capacity, peak expiratory flow rate, and flow at 75 percent of forced vital capacity. No log dose-response curve could be observed by using the single-breath nitrogen-washout technique. This demonstration of significant log dose-responses to inhaled metaproterenol is consistent with the response to drugs acting upon receptors and suggests that patients may benefit from increasing doses of bronchodilators.
Prediction of Aqueous Two-Phase Equilibrium Using the Flory−Huggins Model

Modeling of the equilibrium in aqueous two-phase systems (A2PS) is very important for modeling the partition behavior of molecules in A2PS. Also, the study of process improvement can be made easier by the equilibrium modeling when the production and separation is combined into one stage. Flory-Huggins is a simple model and can be used for equilibrium calculations. This paper focuses on the numerical problems associated with the thermodynamic equilibrium formulation and attempts to show the effect that the proper scaling and optimization objective function has on the accuracy of the solution.
Loop algebras and bi-integrable couplings

A class of non-semisimple matrix loop algebras consisting of triangular block matrices is introduced and used to generate bi-integrable couplings of soliton equations from zero curvature equations. The variational identities under non-degenerate, symmetric and ad-invariant bilinear forms are used to furnish Hamiltonian structures of the resulting bi-integrable couplings. A special case of the suggested loop algebras yields nonlinear bi-integrable Hamiltonian couplings for the AKNS soliton hierarchy.