cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Feedback control of surface roughness in sputtering processes using the stochastic Kuramoto¿Sivashinsky equation

This work focuses on control of surface roughness in sputtering processes including two surface micro-processes, diffusion and erosion. The fluctuation of surface height of such sputtering processes can be described by the stochastic Kuramoto–Sivashinsky equation (KSE), a fourth-order stochastic partial differential equation (PDE). Specifically, we consider sputtering processes, including surface diffusion and erosion, on a one-dimensional lattice and design feedback controllers based on stochastic PDEs to regulate the surface roughness at desired levels. We initially reformulate the stochastic KSE into a system of infinite stochastic ordinary differential equations (ODEs) by using modal decomposition. A finite-dimensional approximation of the stochastic KSE is then derived that captures the dominant mode contribution to the surface roughness. A state feedback controller is designed based on the finite-dimensional approximation to control the surface roughness. Feedback control of surface roughness in three different sputtering processes with different sputtering yield functions and different ratios of erosion and diffusion rates is subsequently studied. Kinetic Monte-Carlo simulations are first performed to simulate the evolution of the surface height fluctuation in the three sputtering processes. Then, a systematic identification approach is used to identify the parameters of the stochastic KSE models describing the sputtering processes by using the data from kinetic Monte-Carlo simulations. Specifically, the evolution of state covariance of the stochastic KSE models is directly obtained from multiple kinetic MonteCarlo simulation runs. The correlations between model parameters and the state covariance of the stochastic KSE models are established and the parameters of the stochastic KSE models are subsequently computed by using least-mean-square fitting so that the evolution of the surface roughness computed from the stochastic KSE models is consistent with that computed from kinetic Monte-Carlo simulations. Feedback controllers are designed and applied to kinetic Monte-Carlo models of the sputtering processes to control the surface roughness to desired levels. © 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Building Better (Weighted) ENO Methods

The development of essentially non-oscillatory (ENO) methods was a natural extension of the original high-resolution methods to completely self-adaptive numerical stencils [3].
New fault-location method for a single multiterminal transmission line using synchronized phasor measurements

This paper describes a new iterative method to locate a fault on a single multiterminal transmission line. The method uses synchronized voltage and current measurements from all terminals. Using positive-sequence components of the prefault and postfault waveforms, positive-sequence source impedances are estimated. Using these source impedances and the line data, the positive-sequence bus impedance matrix (Z/sub bus/) is formed. Using the properties of Z/sub bus/, an iterative algorithm is proposed. The algorithm first identifies the faulted section and then locates the fault on this section. This algorithm is applied to the data obtained from the Electromagnetic Transients Program simulation of a multiterminal transmission line. The simulation results show that the distinctive features of this method are that it performs with very high accuracy for all types of faults at different fault locations and is practically immune to fault resistance.
Structural and thermal behavior of polystyrene thin films using ATR–FTIR–NanoDSC measurements

Most studies report a depression of the glass transition temperature in thin polymer films. To gain insight into this behavior, we have simultaneously investigated the structure of materials and their thermal behavior by developing an ATR–FTIR–nano-differential scanning calorimeter (nanoDSC) hybrid instrument consisting of a ZnSe ATR crystal upon which the sample and a DSC-on-a-chip rests. FTIR spectra showed property changes with film thickness; nanoDSC did not. The relative absorbance of an IR peak at 797 cm−1 was found to correlate with aging time in thin films, suggesting that conformational structure of thin films is critical to their thermal behavior.
Immunohistochemical staining of cytologic smears with MIB-1 helps distinguish low-grade from high-grade neuroendocrine neoplasms.

Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) of the lung and gastrointestinal tract constitute a pathologic and biologic spectrum of tumors. Accurate cytologic diagnosis of a neuroendocrine neoplasm is important since definitive treatment frequently is based on lowand high-grade categories without histologic sampling. In many instances, however, low- and high-grade NENs share cytologic features, hindering a precise classification. Since the histologic diagnostic criteria for separation of low- from high-grade categories can be based on the proliferation rate, we proposed to evaluate the usefulness of the immunocytochemical stain for the proliferation marker MIB-1 in the grading of NENs. Cytologic preparations of 63 NENs were retrieved from the files of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY. One representative alcohol-fixed slide from each case was destained and restained immunocytochemically for MIB-1. When MIB-1 immunoreactivity was considered, all low-grade NENs showed immunoreactivity in fewer than 25% of the neoplastic cells, and all high-grade NENs demonstrated immunoreactivity in more than 50% of neoplastic cells. Our study demonstrates that MIB-1 dramatically stratifies NENs as low-grade or highgrade. Therefore, the proliferation index also correlates with grade of NEN in cytology specimens. Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) of the lung and gastrointestinal tract constitute a pathologic and biologic spectrum of tumors. They encompass a range of tumors varying from low to high grade that includes typical carcinoids, atypical carcinoids, pancreatic endocrine neoplasms, small cell carcinomas (SCC), and large cell neuroendocrine carcinomas. The diagnostic criteria and terminology for NEN vary somewhat in different anatomic locations, but the separation into low- (or intermediate-) and high-grade categories can be based on the proliferation rate, a useful parameter, particularly in difficult cases. The low- and intermediategrade NENs include typical and atypical carcinoid tumors of the lung, pancreatic endocrine neoplasms, and carcinoid tumors of the tubular gastrointestinal tract. They are characterized by a relatively uniform population of cells with a low mitotic rate, and, although exact criteria for classification vary, they have fewer than 10 mitoses per 10 high-power fields (HPF). The high-grade NENs (SCCs and large cell neuroendocrine carcinomas), in contrast, show more pleomorphism, with more than 10 mitoses per 10 HPF and actually average almost 75 mitoses per 10 HPF. 1 The distinction of the low- and intermediate-grade
Selective deprotonation of oxazole and photoelectron imaging of the oxazolide anion

A photoelectron imaging study of the oxazolide anion obtained by selective deprotonation of oxazole at the C2 position is reported. The photodetachment transitions observed at 355, 392, and 532 nm are assigned to the ground state of the neutral oxazolyl σ radical. A Franck–Condon analysis of this transition aids in the first determination of the adiabatic electron affinity of oxazolyl, EA = 2.21 ± 0.02 eV. A vibrational progression with a frequency of 890 ± 80 cm−1 is observed, corresponding to an in-plane ring distortion mode. The photoelectron angular distributions are analyzed using the mixed s–p model, shedding light on the hybrid character of the anion HOMO.
Student faculty rounds: a peer-mediated learning activity for internal medicine clerkships.

Peer-mediated learning is an effective educational strategy that is rarely used during clinical training for medical students. We developed a peer-mediated learning conference, Student-Faculty Rounds (SFR), for the ambulatory component of a medicine clerkship. Designed to broaden students’ exposure to common medical problems and provide practice in small-group teaching, the 30-minute conference is conducted by each student once during their clerkship. Students choose their topics and instructional formats, but they are advised to supply written learning objectives and employ interactive, problem solving opportunities. We analysed evaluations written by 280 students and 17 faculty supervisors during 1998–2001. Students presented over 150 topics. The most common were hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, headache, smoking cessation, hypertension management, and cancer screening (each presented in 3–4% of rounds). On a scale of 10 (outstanding) to 0 (lost cause), students gave SFR a score of 9.2 (95% confidence in...
Evaluation of factors influencing augmentative releases of Chrysoperla carnea for control of Scirtothrips perseae in California avocado orchards

Abstract Weekly releases of Chrysoperla carnea for control of Scirtothrips perseae were evaluated in replicated field plots in two commercial avocado orchards in southern California, USA. Two release techniques and rates commonly employed by commercial pest control advisors who routinely use this generalist predator for S. perseae control were assessed. Release technique one utilized C. carnea eggs glued to paper squares that were stapled to leaves of experimental trees at a rate of 41,000 eggs per ha. Release technique two used a motorized backpack sprayer to apply a dry mixture of lacewing eggs and larvae to trees at a rate of 514,501 per ha. Pest populations were monitored by making bi-weekly population counts of S. perseae larvae and adults on leaves, and adult densities were simultaneously monitored in each experimental plot with yellow sticky cards. In the laboratory, degree-day accumulation until death of immature C. carnea was determined at temperatures representative of field conditions when predators were provisioned with varying amounts of food or different food types. Preference for S. perseae instars by first, second, and third instar C. carnea was assessed in the laboratory, and intraguild predation towards larvae and adult females of a co-occurring generalist predatory thrips, Franklinothrips orizabensis , was investigated along with intraspecific predation rates. Both release strategies failed to significantly reduce S. perseae populations in comparison to non-treated control plots. Approximately 35–96% of C. carnea eggs and larvae applied with the motorized sprayer landed on the ground. C. carnea larvae lived for approximately 1–2 days when provisioned with either no food, an avocado leaf or avocado pollen. Longevity was extended to 14–15 days when prey was provided. C. carnea larvae showed no preference for first or second instar S. perseae , all predator instars attacked first instar F. orizabensis , but only second and third instar C. carnea managed attacks on second instar F. orizabensis larvae. No adult female F. orizabensis were attacked and no attacks by F. orizabensis on C. carnea were recorded. Second instar C. carnea engaged in the highest levels of intraspecific predation.
Engendering Genocide: The Akayesu Case Before the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda

This article - which will appear as a chapter in a "law stories" volume on Human Rights Advocacy - discusses the role that advocacy by women's rights and human rights organizations and activists played in gaining legal recognition of the concept of genocidal rape within international criminal law. The chapter discusses the procedural history and jurisprudential contributions of the case against Jean Paul Akayesu before the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda. The chapter then traces Akayesu's legacy with respect to gender justice with respect to subsequent cases before the ad hoc international tribunals and within the Statute of the international criminal court. The Chapter concludes that while feminist advocacy produced important concrete results in the Akayesu case, when placed in this larger context, the Akayesu case better exemplifies the difficulty faced by activists in influencing the prosecutorial and adjudicative process, where prosecutorial discretion is paramount and tribunals may only rule on the evidence that properly appears before them.
EphA4 has distinct functionality from ephA7 in the corticothalamic system during mouse brain development.

Deciphering the molecular basis for guiding specific aspects of neocortical development remains a challenge because of the complexity of histogenic events and the vast array of protein interactions mediating these events. The Eph family of receptor tyrosine kinases is implicated in a number of neurodevelopmental activities. Eph receptors have been known to be capable of responding to several ephrin ligands within their subgroups, often eliciting similar downstream effects. However, several recent studies have indicated specificity between receptor-ligand pairs within each subfamily, the functional relevance of which is not defined. Here we show that a receptor of the EphA subfamily, EphA4, has effects distinct from those of its close relative, EphA7, in the developing brain. Both EphA4 and EphA7 interact similarly with corresponding ligands expressed in the developing neocortex. However, only EphA7 shows strong interaction with ligands in the somatosensory thalamic nuclei; EphA4 affects only cortical neuronal migration, with no visible effects on the guidance of corticothalamic (CT) axons, whereas EphA7 affects both cortical neuronal migration and CT axon guidance. Our data provide new evidence that Eph receptors in the same subfamily are not simply interchangeable but are functionally specified through selective interactions with distinct ligands in vivo. J. Comp. Neurol. 524:2080-2092, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Single-Bubble Sonoluminescence: Some Recent Experiments

Sonoluminescence refers to the transduction of sound energy into light energy, mediated through the presence of bubbles within the liquid supporting the sound field. The recent discovery that a single air bubble, acoustically levitated in a standing wave in water, can generate sonoluminescence in a stable and repeatable fashion, has led to many remarkable discoveries. Experimentally, single-bubble sonoluminescence is divided by two pressure threshold regions; the luminescence threshold, below which the bubble does not emit light; and the extinction threshold, above which the bubble exists only in a transient fashion. Experimental observations of single cavitation bubbles in the various regions will be described.
The Christian Science Textbook: An Analysis of the Religious Authority of Science and Health by Mary Baker Eddy

A holy book arouses the greatest respect even among those (indeed, most of all among those) who do not read it… and the most sophistical reasoning avails nothing in the face of the decisive assertion, which beats down every objection: Thus it is written. It is for this reason that the passages in it which are to lay down an article of faith are called simply texts. The appointed expositors of such a scripture are themselves, by virtue of their occupation, like unto consecrated persons; and history proves that it has never been possible to destroy a faith grounded in scripture.
Extracellular Vesicles Originate from the Conceptus and Uterus During Early Pregnancy in Sheep

Cells release diverse types of membrane-bound vesicles of endosomal and plasma membrane origin, termed exosomes and microvesicles, respectively. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) represent an important mode of intercellular communication by transferring select RNAs, proteins, and lipids between cells. The present studies tested the hypothesis that the elongating ovine conceptus and uterus produces EVs that mediate conceptus-maternal interactions during early pregnancy. In Study 1, EVs were purified from uterine luminal fluid of Day 14 cyclic sheep. The EVs were fluorescently labeled with PKH67 dye and infused into the uterine lumen of pregnant sheep for 6 days using an osmotic pump. On Day 14, labeled EVs were observed in the conceptus trophectoderm and uterine epithelia, but not in the uterine stroma or myometrium. In Study 2, Day 14 conceptuses were cultured ex vivo for 24 h and found to release EVs into the culture medium. Proteomics analysis of the Day 14 conceptus-derived EVs identified 231 proteins that were enriched for extracellular space and several protein classes, including proteases, protease inhibitors, chaperones and chaperonins. RNA sequencing of Day 14 conceptus-derived EVs detected expression of 512 mRNAs. The top-expressed genes were overrepresented in ribosomal functions and components. Isolated EVs from conceptuses were fluorescently labeled with PKH67 and infused into the uterine lumen of cyclic sheep for 6 days using an osmotic pump. On Day 14, labeled EVs were observed in the uterine epithelia, but not in the uterine stroma or myometrium. Labeled EVs were not observed in the ovary or in other maternal tissues. These studies support the ideas that EVs emanate from both the conceptus trophectoderm and uterine epithelia, and are involved in intercellular communication between those cells during the establishment of pregnancy in sheep.
Abstract 750: Identification of tumor antigens in transgenic mouse model as vaccine targets for the prevention of human breast cancer

The development of a vaccine to prevent breast cancer would be facilitated if tumor antigens were identified which were associated with the initiation of the malignant transformation. Transgenic mouse models have been proven to demonstrate a similar antigenic repertoire as that seen in breast cancer patients, therefore, we propose to use these models to identify tumor antigens as vaccine targets for breast cancer prevention. We have chosen two mouse models: TgMMTV-neu and TgC3(1)-Tag for study. TgMMTV-neu mouse has a genotype similar to luminal breast cancer and the TgC3(1)-Tag model reflects a basal phenotype of breast cancer. We identified potential vaccine candidate antigens in one of two ways; (1) determining which proteins expressed by the cancer are immunogenic very early in the malignant process by screening pre-diagnostic sera for immunogenicity against tumor cDNA libraries, and (2) injecting parental animals with a syngeneic tumor cell line resulting in “tumor rejection” which we have shown previously is mediated by T cells. To date, we have identified nine pre-diagnostic tumor antigens in TgMMTV-neu mouse; Rpl5, TNFaip3/A20, Pdhx, Otud6b, Stk39, Zfp238, Dnajc10, Lgals8 and Vps35. Moreover, we have identified four rejection antigens in TgC3(1)-Tag mouse; Ddx21, Sfrs11, Edh1 and Tdg. We have initiated vaccination experiments to examine the anti-tumor effect of vaccination with plasmids encoding these antigens. We found that vaccination targeting Ddx21, Dnajc10, and Pdhx mediated tumor growth inhibition in implant models compared with a control group (p Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 750. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-750
In Vivo GABA Metabolism

γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. In the central nervous system (CNS), significant concentration variations and gradients of GABA exist accompanied by its highly active metabolism and transport. To provide an understanding of GABA metabolism in vivo, this chapter covers the pathways of GABA metabolism, as well as methods for measuring GABA and GABAergic neurotransmission in vivo. GABA metabolism is compartmentalized and GABA ­turnover, its release from presynaptic terminals and reuptake into cellular cytoplasm, is linked to glucose and amino acid metabolism. GABAergic dysfunction involving GABA metabolism and/or neurotransmission has been ­implicated in several neurological and psychiatric disorders including epilepsy, depression and schizophrenia.
Role of Modern Agricultural Supplying Chain(Supermarket) on Prevention of Pollution in Agriculture

As fundamental restriction for agriculture sustainable development,the agricultural pollution in certain regions of China has shown a very complicated tendency with stereoscopic and multi-directions nature.Preventing and controlling pollution in agriculture needs support not only in technology and economic environment,but also system perfection.Utilization of modern supplying chain which links to the production,purchasing,marketing and consuming of agricultural products may reduce the usage of chemical fertilizer and pesticide in agricultural production.Therefore,it can also reduce the environmental pollution,and effectively adjust agricultural production structure and urge the transformation of agriculture production from extensive to the intensive model,so as to serve the construction of modern agriculture.
Monte Carlo simulations of tunneling phenomena and nearest neighbor hopping mechanism in feldspars

Abstract The study of luminescence signals from geological materials is of importance in dosimetric and dating applications. Monte Carlo simulations are often used to describe the charge creation, charge trapping and donor/acceptor recombination processes in luminescent and dosimetric materials. While such stochastic methods are in wide use in many applied areas of physics, there have been few studies of such phenomena on the origin and production of luminescence signals for feldspars, apatites and similar materials exhibiting loss of charge due to quantum tunneling phenomena. Previous Monte Carlo work on feldspars has been based on the assumption that the number density of donors and acceptors are equal at any time. These previous studies were able to get good agreement with experiment only when they assumed that the crystal consisted of small sub-volumes, and that charge carriers were only allowed to recombine within these nanocrystals. This paper provides a different version of this previously suggested model, in which the number density of acceptors far exceeds that of donors. The new version of the model describes the loss of charge due to ground state tunneling, as well as the charge creation by natural irradiation of samples. The results from the model compare well with previously derived approximate analytical equations for feldspars. In addition, the Monte Carlo simulations provide valuable insight into the various factors which affect the luminescence mechanism in these materials. The simulations can describe the loss of charge on a wide variety of time scales, from microseconds to thousands of years. The effect of crystal size, charge carrier density, natural irradiation dose rate and total number of charge carriers is studied in a quantitative manner. Finally we examine the possibility of extending the present version of the model to describe luminescence signals originating in the nearest neighbor hopping mechanism in feldspars. The results from the model are compared with experimental data from time-resolved infrared stimulated luminescence (TR-IRSL) in these materials.
Oral tolerance

Autoimmune conditions caused by injurious immune responses against self-antigens can be ameliorated if the inappropriate responses to self-components that cause tissue injury can be modulated by regulatory cells or shut off via the induction of anergy or via deletion of pathogenic immune responses. Antigen encounter at the gut mucosa can lead to suppression of injurious immune responses to self-antigen via these mechanisms. This type of immunological vent is termed oral tolerance. In this review, we examine the mechanisms behind the induction of oral tolerance and provide findings from its use as a form of treatment for autoimmune diseases.
Chimera of Apolipophorin III and C-terminal Domain of Apolipoprotein E to Study Apolipoprotein Structure Function

Human apolipoprotein E (apoE) is a two-domain anti-atherogenic lipid transport protein that mediates plasma cholesterol homeostasis by serving as a ligand for the low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor. Of its three isoforms E3, E2, E4, the latter two have been associated with increased risk of cardiovascular and Alzheimer's disease respectively, yet all three contain an identical C-terminal (CT) domain. The CT domain (residues 201-299) is responsible for tetramerization and has been found to initiate lipid binding that influences critical functional features of apoE. The N-terminal (NT) domain of apoE has four α-helices arranged in a bundle similar to apolipophorin III (apoLp-III), a model insect apolipoprotein containing five α-helices. To better understand the role apolipoprotein domains play in structure and function, a novel chimeric apolipoprotein was designed by attaching apoE-CT to apoLp-III. Recombinant apoLp-III/apoE-CT, apoE3, apoE-CT, and apoLp-III were expressed in bacterial cells, purified by affinity chromatography, and purity verified by SDS-PAGE. Western blot analysis using monoclonal apoE-CT specific antibody confirmed the presence of apoE-CT in the chimera. Crosslinking studies using dimethylsuberimidate revealed that the apoLp-III/apoE-CT chimera formed oligomers similar to apoE, while apoLp-III was monomeric. The chimera was highly α-helical, and incubation with 1-anilinonaphthalene-8-sulfonic acid showed increased fluorescence intensity when apoE-CT was added to apoLp-III, consistent with the presence of water-shielded dye binding sites upon addition of a structured apoE-CT segment. Our results suggest that the chimeric protein has structural features similar to the parent proteins, and that self-association properties of apoE can be transferred to apoLp-III. Future studies will include measuring the ability of the chimera to solubilize phospholipid bilayers and binding to low density lipoproteins. The chimeric approach offers the potential to obtain insight into domain interactions and the structure-function relationships in apolipoproteins.
The Role of Social-Emotional and Social Network Factors in the Relationship Between Academic Achievement and Risky Behaviors

Abstract Background We examined whether standardized test scores and grades are related to risky behaviors among low-income minority adolescents and whether social networks and social-emotional factors explained those relationships. Methods We analyzed data from 929 high school students exposed by natural experiment to high- or low-performing academic environments in Los Angeles. We collected information on grade point average (GPA), substance use, sexual behaviors, participation in fights, and carrying a weapon from face-to-face interviews and obtained California math and English standardized test results. Logistic regression and mediation analyses were used to examine the relationship between achievement and risky behaviors. Results Better GPA and California standardized test scores were strongly associated with lower rates of substance use, high-risk sexual behaviors, and fighting. The unadjusted relative odds of monthly binge drinking was 0.72 (95% confidence interval, 0.56–0.93) for 1 SD increase in standardized test scores and 0.46 (95% confidence interval, 0.29–0.74) for GPA of B− or higher compared with C+ or lower. Most associations disappeared after controlling for social-emotional and social network factors. Averaged across the risky behaviors, mediation analysis revealed social-emotional factors accounted for 33% of the relationship between test scores and risky behaviors and 43% of the relationship between GPA with risky behaviors. Social network characteristics accounted for 31% and 38% of the relationship between behaviors with test scores and GPA, respectively. Demographic factors, parenting, and school characteristics were less important explanatory factors. Conclusions Social-emotional factors and social network characteristics were the strongest explanatory factors of the achievement-risky behavior relationship and might be important to understanding the relationship between academic achievement and risky behaviors.
An improved high-performance open-loop V/f control method for induction machines

Scalar control has been the most popular control method implemented in induction machine drive systems. This paper presents an enhanced open-loop Volts-per-Hertz (V/f) controller aimed at strengthening the magnetizing flux of an induction machine when operated below its rated frequency. Instead of using the traditional constant V/f based on the idealized approximate steady-state machine model and/or simple stator voltage drop compensation, this method derives a new V/f ratio from a more accurate steady-state model which takes core loss into consideration as well as the stator voltage drop. In addition, a frequency boost strategy is introduced with the proposed V/f ratio for slip compensation. The analytically derived V/f ratio under different frequencies at rated load is then compared to experimentally obtained data to verify its effectiveness.
Effect of sensor system noise and load positioning on the precision of load testing and rating of highway bridges: a case study

AbstractThis paper discusses the load testing of a three-span simply supported multi-girder/stringer bridge superstructure in northern New York. The first part of the testing deployed a custom deve...
The artificial pancreas in 2017: The year of transition from research to clinical practice.

The artificial pancreas — the automated closed-loop control of diabetes mellitus — made its first outpatient strides in 2011. In 2017, the results of long-term clinical trials on the artificial pancreas were published, the first hybrid commercial artificial pancreas system was approved and the artificial pancreas was tested under increasingly demanding conditions. Thus, artificial pancreas technology is here to stay.
Penning the 3 AM Thoughts: What Students Say about Writing Personally in English Class

ABSTRACTThis article features student perspectives on the role of personal writing in English class. Key findings and quotations are shared from two in-depth interviews with students who wrote exceptional personal essays as part of a narrative nonfiction unit in a 10th grade English class. Participants reported that writing personally generated more investment than a traditional academic assignment, controlling the level of sharing was key to being able to write honestly and openly, and mentor texts and writers’ notebooks were key tools which empowered their successful writing.
Development of field mobile soil nitrate sensor technology to facilitate precision fertilizer management

Precision nitrogen (N) fertilizer management has the potential to improve N fertilizer use efficiency, simultaneously reducing the cost of inputs for farmers and the off-site environmental impact of crop production. Although technology is available to spatially vary sidedress N fertilizer application rates within fields, sensor technology capable of measuring soil nitrate (NO3−) levels in-real-time and on-the-go with sufficient accuracy to facilitate precision application of N fertilizers is lacking. The potential of Diamond-Attenuated Total internal Reflectance (D-ATR) Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was evaluated as a soil NO3− sensor. Two independent datasets were tested; (1) the field dataset consisted of 124 GPS registered soil samples collected from four agricultural fields; and (2) the laboratory dataset consisted of five different soils spiked with various amounts of KNO3 (135 samples) and incubated in the laboratory. Spectra were collected using an Agilent 4100 Exoscan FTIR spectrometer equipped with a D-ATR cell and analyzed using partial least squares regression. Calibration R2 values (D-ATR-FTIR predicted versus independently measured soil NO3− concentrations) for the field and laboratory datasets were 0.83 and 0.90 (RMSE = 8.3 and 8.8 mg kg−1), respectively; and robust “leave one field/soil out” cross validation tests yielded R2 values for the field and laboratory datasets of 0.65 and 0.83 (RMSE = 12.5 and 13.3 mg kg−1), respectively. The study demonstrates the potential of using D-ATR-FTIR spectroscopy for rapid field-mobile determination of soil NO3− concentrations.
Micromechanical determination of the viscoplastic behavior of a metal-matrix composite

Abstract A micromechanical theory is developed to determine the influence of particle concentration and the applied strain-rate on the stress-strain relations of a viscoplastic composite containing elastic spherical inclusions. To estimate the nonlinear viscoplastic response of the two-phase system a linear viscoelastic comparison composite with an identical microgeometry is introduced. The elastic properties of the comparison inclusions are taken to be identical to those of the original ones and the viscoelastic matrix is taken to be of the Maxwell type, with a shear viscosity equal to the “secant” shear viscosity of the nonlinear viscoplastic matrix at a given stage of deformation. Then, the effective stress of the heterogeneously deformed viscoplastic matrix is calculated from the principle of work rate of the system. This, in turn, provides the needed secant shear viscosity of the ductile matrix. The theory is then applied to a TiC/Al system at 150°C, to examine the influence of TiC concentrations on the dilatational and shear behavior of this particle-reinforced composite over three different orders of strain rates: 10-3/hr, 10-4/hr and 10-5/hr. It is found that, for this system, the dilatational behavior is almost linear, without much strain-rate sensitivity, but its shear strength is greatly enhanced with increasing particle concentration and strain rate. A further examination on the influence of the elastic modular ratio of the inclusions to matrix further discloses that the stiffness of the inclusions can also have a significant effect on the overall behavior of the viscoplastic composite.
Visual-vestibular interaction during standing, walking, and running.

D Abstract- In artificial laboratory situations where subjects undergo repetitive self-generated or externally imposed head rotations, visual-ves­ tibular interaction during the wearing of tele­ scopic spectacles can markedly augment gain of the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR). The present study was conducted to determine whether the wearing of these aids for the visually impaired is associated with similar visual-vestibular interac­ tion during more natural activities. Angular eye and head movements of unrestrained normal vol­ unteers were measured using magnetic search coils. In some subjects, head translations and rota­ tions were also monitored by a flux gate magne­ tometer array. Measurements were performed of the VOR in darkness, and of the visually enhanced VOR (VVOR) in lit conditions, during three natu­ ral activities: 1) standing quietly; 2) walking in place; 3) running in place. These data were com­ pared with similar measurements during repeti­ tive voluntary head oscillations at 0.8 Hz in pitch or yaw. During VVOR, subjects viewed a target placed 6 to 10 m away and remembered this target during VOR trials in darkness. To assess the ef­ fects of altering visual-vestibular interactions, VVOR testing during normal vision was aug­ mented by wearing of binocular telescopic specta­ cles of 2X, 4X, and 6X powers. Dorsoventral and mediolateral head translations were consistently phase-locked with pitch and yaw head rotations, respectively, such that head translation at least partially compensated for rotational disturbances of gaze. Angular velocity of the head was greater during walking than during standing, and was greater still during running, with a greater in­ crease in each case for pitch as compared with yaw. Eye movements were phase compensatory RECEIVED 14 July 1995; AccEPTED 1 February 1996. for head movements. VOR gain (eye velocity di­ vided by head velocity) was near 1.0 in both pitch and yaw during standing and during actively gen­ erated head rotation. During walking and running there was a significant decrease in angular VOR gain in pitch to approximately 0.75 (P < 0.0005). During ambulatory activities, normal and magni­ fied vision were associated with VVOR gain en­ hancement in pitch and yaw that was statistically significant, but substantially less than was tele­ scope magnification and markedly lower than was the corresponding VVOR gain measured during active head rotation. Measurements of unmagni­ fied VOR and VVOR during walking and running showed that gain was lower than the "ideal" value of 1.0. However, since translational head pertur­ bations during these activities partially offset the visual effects of angular disturbances, lower gains may nevertheless be associated with retinal image stability at typical indoor target distances. In con­ trast with performance during repetitive, unipla­ nar motion, vision has very limited influence on VOR gain during natural activities. D Keywords- ambuiation; t:ransliation; vestibuio-ocul!ar refiex: visua~-vest]buliar interaction.
Detection of Low Surface Brightness Galaxies in 2MASS

The study of low surface brightness galaxies (LSB) has become popular in recent years owing to their extreme properties (e.g., mass to light ratio) which make them attractive as the harbingers of the so called “missing” dark (baryonic) matter in the universe. The Two Micron All Sky Survey (2MASS) is expected to detect 1 million galaxies, a fraction of which will be LSB type galaxies. We have carried out a preliminary study of LSB galaxies using near-infrared data acquired with the 2MASS prototype camera. We report the results from a study of the Coma cluster and a field located near the north galactic pole.
Oxidative and glycolytic metabolism of semen components by washed guinea pig spermatozoa.

An analysis of guinea pig semen for potentially metabolizable substances and the comparative ability of these substances to support sperm adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels and motility are presented. Glucose and fructose were present at high concentrations in semen (9.81 and 6.67 mM respectively). Both compounds sustained a high level of cellular ATP and a high rate of motility (50%). Lactic and pyruvic acids also supported a high rate of sperm motility (60 and 50% respectively) but maintained lower ATP levels. These constituents as well as alpha-glycerophosphate succinic acid and beta-hydroxybutyric acid were oxidized at high rates. It is concluded that the active oxidative metabolism of guinea pig sperm is primarily glycolytic as is that of human sperm.
Can the Impact of Aerosols on Deep Convection be Isolated from Meteorological Effects in Atmospheric Observations

AbstractInfluence of pollution on dynamics of deep convection continues to be a controversial topic. Arguably, only carefully designed numerical simulations can clearly separate the impact of aeros...
Mechanical diffraction reveals the role of passive dynamics in a slithering snake

Limbless animals like snakes inhabit most terrestrial environments, generating thrust to overcome drag on the elongate body via contacts with heterogeneities. The complex body postures of some snakes and the unknown physics of most terrestrial materials frustrates understanding of strategies for effective locomotion. As a result, little is known about how limbless animals contend with unplanned obstacle contacts. We studied a desert snake, Chionactis occipitalis, which uses a stereotyped head-to-tail traveling wave to move quickly on homogeneous sand. In laboratory experiments, we challenged snakes to move across a uniform substrate and through a regular array of force-sensitive posts. The snakes were reoriented by the array in a manner reminiscent of the matter-wave diffraction of subatomic particles. Force patterns indicated the animals did not change their self-deformation pattern to avoid or grab the posts. A model using open-loop control incorporating previously described snake muscle activation patterns and body-buckling dynamics reproduced the observed patterns, suggesting a similar control strategy may be used by the animals. Our results reveal how passive dynamics can benefit limbless locomotors by allowing robust transit in heterogeneous environments with minimal sensing.
Novel minimally invasive technique in the treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome.

Background: Cubital tunnel syndrome is the second most common entrapment neuropathy of the upper extremity in the United States. Most cases are idiopathic and symptoms consist of a combination of weakness, pain, and sensory disturbances ranging from paresthesias and dysesthesias to numbness or complete anesthesia. The purpose of this study is to report results of a novel, minimally invasive surgical procedure for cubital tunnel syndrome with comparison to existing interventions including full open or endoscopic approaches. Methods: A total of 41 consecutive patients underwent the procedure, their ages ranged from ages 36 to 81 with an average age of 60.52±12.18 years. The procedure consists of a 1.0–2.0-cm incision with decompression of the ulnar nerve under direct visualization proximally with Metzenbaum scissors as a dilator for distal decompression. Patients were evaluated for improvements in pain, numbness, paresthesias, weakness, and muscle atrophy and was measured utilizing the Gabel/Amadio scale. Results: Fifty-three point two percent (n=25) of patients were found to have excellent outcomes, 36.2% (n=17) had good outcomes, 8.5% (n=4) had fair outcomes, and 2.1% (n=1) had poor outcomes as determined by the Gabel/Amadio scale. The greatest improvement in all patients was the reduction in sensory symptoms: pain, numbness, and paresthesia. There were no operative or postoperative complications. Conclusions: This novel procedure provided symptom relief comparable to the most effective existing techniques without significant complications, and with rapid recovery and minimal scar formation. The authors assert that this technique demonstrates optimal results for patients with relative ease of adoption for surgeons.
The Four-Step Rule of Reason

Pity the Rule of Reason. The framework employed in the majority of antitrust cases is frequently discussed but continually misunderstood. It is associated with balancing, but its burden-shifting framework almost never reaches that stage. It is called indeterminate, but its analysis is not. And now — thanks to the Ninth Circuit, with an assist from the Supreme Court — it is kneecapped, with balancing extricated from its framework. Courts employ the rule of reason to assess a restraint’s effects on competition. Commentators have recently debated the predictability and appropriate structure of the analysis. But as these nuances have been fleshed out in the literature, courts appear to have lost sight of first principles — the jurisprudence, purpose, and analytical basis of the rule of reason. This oversight was most recently illustrated by the Ninth Circuit in NCAA v. O’Bannon and the Supreme Court in Ohio v. American Express. These detours threaten potential consequences of reduced clarity, unreasonable burdens on plaintiffs, and outcomes that lack the critical weighing of competitive effects at the heart of the rule of reason. The rule of reason has four steps, not three. This article confirms this basic, but important, point. Faithful application of the fourth step in a disciplined manner is consistent with antitrust history and necessary to effectuate the principles underlying standard antitrust analysis. It does not make sense to ask courts to assess a restraint’s effects on competition while taking away the option of balancing anticompetitive and procompetitive effects.
Embedded Design Practice

Both commercial and academic tools are available for the design of embedded systems. These tools come in three categories: system-level design, software design, and hardware design.
Citrus Juices and Prevention of Calcium Stones: Some, but Not All?

Citrus juices and some other beverages are widely available, nonpharmacologic sources of citrate, a naturally occurring inhibitor of urinary stone formation. The mechanisms of citrate supplementation are complex, as urinary citrate levels are dependent not only on the citrate content of a given beverage, but also on the patient’s systemic acid–base status. Moreover, delivering an appropriate amount of citrate by juice or other beverage may be accompanied by a caloric intake that would make such a prescription inadvisable. Herein, we summarize all available English-language PUBMED-indexed literature on beverages and 24-h urine composition, as well as epidemiologic data on beverage intake and kidney stone risk with special emphasis on calcium urolithiasis.
The RING-type E3 ligase RNF186 ubiquitinates Sestrin-2 and thereby controls nutrient sensing

Nutrient sensing is a critical cellular process controlling metabolism and signaling. mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) is the primary signaling hub for nutrient sensing and, when activated, stimulates anabolic processes while decreasing autophagic flux. mTORC1 receives nutrient status signals from intracellular amino acid sensors. One of these sensors, Sestrin-2, functions as an intracellular sensor of cytosolic leucine and inhibitor of mTORC1 activity. Genetic studies of Sestrin-2 have confirmed its critical role in regulating mTORC1 activity, especially in the case of leucine starvation. Sestrin-2 is known to be transcriptionally controlled by several mechanisms; however, the post-translational proteolytic regulation of Sestrin-2 remains unclear. Here, we explored how Sestrin-2 is regulated through the ubiquitin proteasome system. Using an unbiased screening approach of an siRNA library targeting ubiquitin E3 ligases, we identified a RING-type E3 ligase, ring finger protein 186 (RNF186), that critically mediates the Sestrin-2 ubiquitination and degradation. We observed that RNF186 and Sestrin-2 bind each other through distinct C-terminal motifs and that Lys-13 in Sestrin-2 is a putative ubiquitin acceptor site. RNF186 knockdown increased Sestrin-2 protein levels and decreased mTORC1 activation. These results reveal a new mechanism of E3 ligase control of mTORC1 activity through the RNF186-Sestrin-2 axis, suggesting that RNF186 inhibition may be a potential strategy to increase levels of the mTORC1 inhibitor Sestrin-2.
Removal of 132-pound ovarian mucinous cystadenoma: A case report.

Ovarian masses larger than 100 pounds are rarely encountered in developed countries given advancements in early diagnosis and treatment. Their successful resections pose unique surgical and anesthe...
Evaluation of Serological SARS-CoV-2 Lateral Flow Assays for Rapid Point of Care Testing

ABSTRACT Background Rapid point-of-care tests (POCTs) for SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies vary in performance. A critical need exists to perform head-to-head comparison of these assays. Methods Performance of fifteen different lateral flow POCTs for the detection of SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies was performed on a well characterized set of 100 samples. Of these, 40 samples from known SARS-CoV-2-infected, convalescent individuals (average of 45 days post symptom onset) were used to assess sensitivity. Sixty samples from the pre-pandemic era (negative control), that were known to have been infected with other respiratory viruses (rhinoviruses A, B, C and/or coronavirus 229E, HKU1, NL63 OC43) were used to assess specificity. The timing of seroconversion was assessed on five POCTs on a panel of 272 longitudinal samples from 47 patients of known time since symptom onset. Results For the assays that were evaluated, the sensitivity and specificity for any reactive band ranged from 55%-97% and 78%-100%, respectively. When assessing the performance of the IgM and the IgG bands alone, sensitivity and specificity ranged from 0%-88% and 80%-100% for IgM and 25%-95% and 90%-100% for IgG. Longitudinal testing revealed that median time post symptom onset to a positive result was 7 days (IQR 5.4, 9.8) for IgM and 8.2 days (IQR 6.3 to 11.3). Conclusion The testing performance varied widely among POCTs with most variation related to the sensitivity of the assays. The IgM band was most likely to misclassify pre-pandemic samples. The appearance of IgM and IgG bands occurred almost simultaneously.