cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Control of noisy quantum systems: Field-theory approach to error mitigation

We consider the basic quantum-control task of obtaining a target unitary operation (i.e., a quantum gate) via control fields that couple to the quantum system and are chosen to best mitigate errors resulting from time-dependent noise, which frustrate this task. We allow for two sources of noise: fluctuations in the control fields and fluctuations arising from the environment. We address the issue of control-error mitigation by means of a formulation rooted in the Martin-Siggia-Rose (MSR) approach to noisy, classical statistical-mechanical systems. To do this, we express the noisy control problem in terms of a path integral, and integrate out the noise to arrive at an effective, noise-free description. We characterize the degree of success in error mitigation via a fidelity metric, which characterizes the proximity of the sought-after evolution to ones that are achievable in the presence of noise. Error mitigation is then best accomplished by applying the optimal control fields, i.e., those that maximize the fidelity subject to any constraints obeyed by the control fields. To make connection with MSR, we reformulate the fidelity in terms of a Schwinger-Keldysh (SK) path integral, with the added twist that the ``forward'' and ``backward'' branches of the time contour are inequivalent with respect to the noise. The present approach naturally and readily allows the incorporation of constraints on the control fields---a useful feature in practice, given that constraints feature in all real experiments. In addition to addressing the noise average of the fidelity, we consider its full probability distribution. The information content present in this distribution allows one to address more complex questions regarding error mitigation, including, in principle, questions of extreme value statistics, i.e., the likelihood and impact of rare instances of the fidelity and how to harness or cope with their influence. We illustrate this MSR-SK reformulation by considering a model system consisting of a single spin-$s$ freedom (with $s$ arbitrary), focusing on the case of $1/f$ noise in the weak-noise limit. We discover that optimal error mitigation is accomplished via a universal control field protocol that is valid for all $s$, from the qubit (i.e., $s=1/2$) case to the classical (i.e., $s\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\infty}$) limit. In principle, this MSR-SK approach provides a transparent framework for addressing quantum control in the presence of noise for systems of arbitrary complexity.
A Set of Heuristics to Support Early Identification of Conflicting Requirements

Conventional approaches to system design use requirements as boundary conditions against which the design activity occurs. Decisions at a given level of the architecture decomposition can result in the flowing down of conflicting requirements, which are easy to fulfill in isolation but extremely difficult when dealt with simultaneously. Designing against such sets of requirements considerably limits system affordability. Identification of such conflicts is usually performed in industry by subject matter experts. Such evaluations are primarily driven by experience. As a result, effectiveness in identifying conflicting requirements is strongly dependent on the person making the assessment. We propose in this paper a set of heuristics that supports identification of conflicting requirements by providing direction and focus in the identification effort. The heuristics have been derived from a combination of literature review and experience from practitioners. In particular, a set of practitioners was interviewed orally and through a questionnaire in order to abstract and generalize their individual experiences.
Obama/Romney Tax Proposals and Economic Growth

This article is adapted from my book, The Obama vs. Romney Debate on Economic Growth, A Citizen’s Guide to the Issues, published by iUniverse and available through Barnes & Noble and Amazon. The article argues that the individual rate structure should be more progressive than even the rate structure prior to the Bush tax cuts; the tax rates on capital gains and dividends should be returned to their pre-Bush rates, and an imputation system should be adopted for taxing foreign income and the revenue savings from the adoption of such a system should be used to significantly lower the corporate tax rate. All of these policy options would require Governor Romney and Congressman Ryan to violate their 'no-new tax' pledge to Grover Norquist’s organization.
Self-assembly of biofunctional polymer on graphene nanoribbons.

Graphene’s adhesive properties owing to inherent van der Waals interactions become increasingly relevant in the nanoscale regime. Polymer self-assembly via graphene-mediated noncovalent interactions offers a powerful tool for the creation of anisotropic nanopatterned systems. Here, we report the supramolecular self-assembly of biofunctional-modified poly(2-methoxystyrene) on graphene nanoribbons prepared by unzipping multiwalled carbon nanotubes. This approach promotes the glycol-modified polymer to self-assemble into structured nanopatterns with preserved bioactivity. The self-assembly is attributed to enhanced van der Waals interactions and the associated charge transfer from polymer to graphene. These findings demonstrate that the assembly yields a prospective route to novel nanomaterial systems.
Intravenous Histamine and Gastric Pepsin in the Unanesthetized Dog

SummaryOutput of hydrochloric acid rose to 5.2-6.2 meq/15 minutes after second hour of a 3 hour intravenous infusion of histamine. Pepsin output, on the other hand, fell from output equivalent to 227 × 10−2 mg crystalline pepsin/15 minutes in the first 30 minutes to 35 × 10−2 mg crystalline pepsin/15 minutes in the third hour. The high output during the first half-hour supports the “washout” hypothesis of Babkin(1), while the continued presence of pepsin after 3 hours could be the result of a “basal” rate of pepsin discharge or a true histamine-stimulated secretion.
Wave group forcing of rip currents

Experiments have been performed in a laboratory wave basin investigating the effect of wave groups on rip currents. Results show a strong group signature in velocity time series measured in the rip neck. In some cases, mean quantities are also significantly affected. Velocity fluctuations with periods greater than the group period do not appear to be affected by the group forcing. Fundamental differences are found between flow at startup and at later times. These startup transients are extremely high, and the differences from later flow are hypothesised to be because wave-current interaction is not significant in the initial stages of flow development, and because large-scale circulation patterns have not yet developed. Introduction In the field, rip currents have long been observed to be unsteady on many time scales. In one of the earliest recorded observations of rip currents, Shepard and Inman (1950) write "each group of high breakers was followed in sequence by (1) a decrease in the offshore current velocity (sometimes a complete reversal to an onshore current was observed), and (2) a rise in sea level near shore. Following this rise in sea level there was a rapid development of an offshore current which built up to a maximum during the group of low waves." Similar observations of the unsteady nature of rip currents have been made by Huntley et al. (1988). In fact, it is difficult to find field observations which do not mention the time varying properties of rip currents. Some of these variations may be due to a jet instability of the rip current, recently observed and analysed in laboratory flows by Hailer and Dalrymple (2001). However, a major cause of the time-varying properties of rip currents in the field, as noted by several investigators, appears to be due to the influence of wave group forcing on the rip flow. Unfortunately, these field observations have been more qualitative than quantitative. In this paper, we will examine the results of laboratory experiments for topographically controlled rip currents, comparing results IUniversity of Florida, 124 Yon Hall, Galnesville, FL 32611-6580, USA 2Center for Applied Coastal Research, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716 USA.
Plant Feeding by Nabis , a Predaceous Genus

The plant-feeding capability of the 1st instars of Nabis alternatus Parshley, N. americoferus Carayon, and N. capsiformis Germar indicated that some plant feeding increased longevity. No instar development occurred.
Antiepileptic Drugs and Thyroid Function

Thyroid function in 78 girls and female adolescents (aged 8-18 years) during pubertal development was evaluated while taking carbamazepine (CBZ), oxcarbazepine (OXC), or valproate (VPA) monotherapy for epilepsy and after withdrawal of antiepileptic drugs, in a study at Oulu University Hospital, and Hospital for Sick Children and Adolescents, University of Helsinki, Finland.
Developing Sensitivity to Subword Combinatorial Orthographic Regularity (SCORe): A Two-Process Framework

ABSTRACTAccumulating evidence suggests that literacy acquisition involves developing sensitivity to the statistical regularities of the textual environment. To organize accumulating evidence and help guide future inquiry, this article integrates data from disparate fields of study and formalizes a new two-process framework for developing sensitivity to subword combinatorial orthographic regularity (SCORe). This framework posits that sensitivity to SCORe emerges from task-driven attentional control enabling and being modulated by incidental statistical learning. The first section of this artilce defines SCORe and reviews evidence for sensitivity to SCORe among children. The second section discusses incidental statistical learning (i.e., chunking, statistical computations), task-driven attentional control (i.e., afferent modulation), and their bidirectional interplay in SCORe learning. The third section brings basic knowledge about the neurobiology of orthographic processing to bear on the development of SC...
EVOLUTION OF DENTAL GROWTH AND ADAPTATION IN MAMMALIAN CARNIVORES.

The dentitions of mammalian carnivores are well suited for studies on the evolution of growth patterns and adaptations. Teeth within a jaw are serially homologous, and serially homologous structures are frequently recognizable on most of the teeth in a jaw. The detailed function of teeth specialized for shearing is obvious, more so than for other kinds of teeth, and there is less intraspecific variation in their occlusion. While a good deal remains to be determined about the phylogeny of mammalian carnivores, it is nevertheless now probably as well understood as that of other Cenozoic mammalian groups, which is to say quite imperfectly but considerably better than is the case for most groups of animals with a good fossil record. Teeth more or less specialized for the vertical shearing of animal food have evolved in many different lineages, of mammals, and have reached quite different degrees of specialization. Evolution toward carnassiality has stopped at many different points, because the specialization was then sufficient, because of conflicting adaptations, because the lineage became extinct, or because the group is still living and evolution has not yet proceeded further. It is arbitrary whether one would say that, e.g., the P3 of Rhyncho lestes, the P4s of Talpa or Erinaceus, or the molars of Dasyurus, are carnassials. They are somewhat specialized in that direction
Analysis on epidemiological features of infectious diarrheas in Ningbo in 2007-2011

Objective To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of other infectious diarrheas in Ningbo.Methods A descriptive epidemiological study was conducted to analyze the data of other infectious diarrheas in Ningbo from 2007 to 2011.Results The annual reported incidence rate of other infectious diarrheas fluctuated from 154.80 to 216.47 per 100 000 population in Ningbo,with a decrease during 2007-2009 and an increase during 2009-2011.There was a distinct seasonal difference with a peak season from June to September.Rotavirus,norovirus and vibrio parahaemolyticus were the common pathogens and accounted for 35.71%,26.19% and 19.05% of laboratory-confirmed cases.Most cases were children aged 0~4 years which accounted for 37.61%,with the highest incidence of 1 376.58 per 100 000.Compared with neighboring counties,the incidence in urban area was higher(276.35 per 100 000 vs 178.01 per 100 000,P﹤0.01).Three outbreaks were reported in five years,and all occurred in schools.Conclusions The incidence of other infectious diarrheas in Ningbo is still in a high level.Rotavirus and norovirus are the most common pathogens.Children under 5 are at high-risk.It is necessary to strengthen the disease prevention and control in schools.
Effect of superfusate albumin on single capillary hydraulic conductivity

It has been proposed that albumin interacts with the endothelial cell surface to form part of the molecular filter at the capillary wall. Previous investigations of the “protein effect” have been l...
From One to Many Electrons

As it is customary for several books of plasma physics, we begin with a description of single particle dynamics, focusing on the motion of an electron in a plane wave that is most relevant to the physics we are interested in. This part also serves as a quick review of relativistic dynamics and a warm-up to tackle nonlinear equations. We then introduce the concept of the ponderomotive force and finally discuss the issue of radiation friction, an emerging topic in ultra-relativistic laser plasmas. In the second part of the chapter we briefly review the basic kinetic and hydrodynamic modeling of collisionless plasmas and we also give a quick description of numerical modeling, including the pioneering Dawson model, the particle-in-cell method, and the boosted frame techniques to make simulations easier to perform.
Feeling Higher Aspects in One’s Life and Being Involved With Them “With One’s (Whole) Self or ‘I’”: Consciousness in the Study of Human Life and Experience VII

In the “Consciousness in the Study of Human Life and Experience” articles, longer passages in interviews where the participant sincerely tries to make a sympathetic investigator understand her are considered as showing part of the participant’s current consciousness in her life (part of her “consciousness-and-‘I’”). The present article argues that a critical element in such passages is that the participant is involved in trying to make herself understood “with her (whole) ‘I,’” “her whole self.” This represents a particular kind of (spontaneous, nonverbal, “inner”) engagement of the single consciousness-and-“I.” The article argues using an example that “being involved with one’s self, one’s ‘I’” in the higher aspects that one is pursuing in one’s life is a fundamental type of phenomenon/experienced reality which is sui generis, and represents in the unfolding of the person a factor in its own right.
Overview of digital audio broadcasting

There are basically two implementation strategies for digital audio broadcasting. The first strategy requires the availability of new radio spectrum. The second requires that existing spectrum become re-used. Canada has announced plans to embrace the first strategy, using technology developed by the Eureka 147/DAB consortium of Europe. In the United States, however, it is not possible for us to implement a system like Eureka 147/DAB, for the simple reason that there is no spectrum available. We are unable to find any spectrum below 3 GHz that would be suitable for terrestrial DAB. Although the United States reserved frequencies for DAB at WARC-92 (2310-2360 MHz), these frequencies will become used for satellite broadcasting systems with terrestrial gap-filling low power transmitters. The situation in the United States is described.
Impact of Parasitic Capacitance and Ferroelectric Parameters on Negative Capacitance FinFET Characteristics

In this letter, we present a compact model and analyze the impact of key parameters on negative capacitance FinFET (NC-FinFET) device operation. The developed model solves FinFET device electrostatics and Landau–Khalatnikov equations self-consistently. An experimental NC-FinFET device is accurately modeled and the experimentally calibrated parameters are used to analyze the NC-FinFETs device performance and its dependence on several key parameters.
Species interactions in an Andean bird–flowering plant network: phenology is more important than abundance or morphology

Biological constraints and neutral processes have been proposed to explain the properties of plant-pollinator networks. Using interactions between nectarivorous birds (hummingbirds and flowerpiercers) and flowering plants in high elevation forests (i.e., "elfin" forests) of the Andes, we explore the importance of biological constraints and neutral processes (random interactions) to explain the observed species interactions and network metrics, such as connectance, specialization, nestedness and asymmetry. In cold environments of elfin forests, which are located at the top of the tropical montane forest zone, many plants are adapted for pollination by birds, making this an ideal system to study plant-pollinator networks. To build the network of interactions between birds and plants, we used direct field observations. We measured abundance of birds using mist-nets and flower abundance using transects, and phenology by scoring presence of birds and flowers over time. We compared the length of birds' bills to flower length to identify "forbidden interactions"-those interactions that could not result in legitimate floral visits based on mis-match in morphology. Diglossa flowerpiercers, which are characterized as "illegitimate" flower visitors, were relatively abundant. We found that the elfin forest network was nested with phenology being the factor that best explained interaction frequencies and nestedness, providing support for biological constraints hypothesis. We did not find morphological constraints to be important in explaining observed interaction frequencies and network metrics. Other network metrics (connectance, evenness and asymmetry), however, were better predicted by abundance (neutral process) models. Flowerpiercers, which cut holes and access flowers at their base and, consequently, facilitate nectar access for other hummingbirds, explain why morphological mis-matches were relatively unimportant in this system. Future work should focus on how changes in abundance and phenology, likely results of climate change and habitat fragmentation, and the role of nectar robbers impact ecological and evolutionary dynamics of plant-pollinator (or flower-visitor) interactions.
Deacetylation of topoisomerase I is an important physiological function of E. coli CobB

Escherichia coli topoisomerase I (TopA), a regulator of global and local DNA supercoiling, is modified by Ne-Lysine acetylation. The NAD+-dependent protein deacetylase CobB can reverse both enzymatic and non-enzymatic lysine acetylation modification in E. coli. Here, we show that the absence of CobB in a ΔcobB mutant reduces intracellular TopA catalytic activity and increases negative DNA supercoiling. TopA expression level is elevated as topA transcription responds to the increased negative supercoiling. The slow growth phenotype of the ΔcobB mutant can be partially compensated by further increase of intracellular TopA level via overexpression of recombinant TopA. The relaxation activity of purified TopA is decreased by in vitro non-enzymatic acetyl phosphate mediated lysine acetylation, and the presence of purified CobB protects TopA from inactivation by such non-enzymatic acetylation. The specific activity of TopA expressed from His-tagged fusion construct in the chromosome is inversely proportional to the degree of in vivo lysine acetylation during growth transition and growth arrest. These findings demonstrate that E. coli TopA catalytic activity can be modulated by lysine acetylation-deacetylation, and prevention of TopA inactivation from excess lysine acetylation and consequent increase in negative DNA supercoiling is an important physiological function of the CobB protein deacetylase.
Validation of an automated tractography method for the optic radiations as a biomarker of visual acuity in neurofibromatosis-associated optic pathway glioma.

Abstract Introduction Fractional anisotropy (FA) of the optic radiations has been associated with vision deficit in multiple intrinsic brain pathologies including NF1 associated optic pathway glioma, but hand-drawn regions of interest used in previous tractography methods limit consistency of this potential biomarker. We created an automated method to identify white matter tracts in the optic radiations and compared this method to previously reported hand-drawn tractography. Method Automated tractography of the optic radiation using probabilistic streamline fiber tracking between the lateral geniculate nucleus of the thalamus and the occipital cortex was compared to the hand-drawn method between regions of interest posterior to Meyer's loop and anterior to tract branching near the calcarine cortex. Reliability was assessed by two independent raters in a sample of 20 healthy child controls. Among 50 children with NF1-associated optic pathway glioma, the association of FA and visual acuity deficit was compared for both tractography methods. Results Hand-drawn tractography methods required 2.6 ± 0.9 min/participant; automated methods were performed in Conclusion Automated tractography of the optic radiations offers a fast, reliable and consistent method of tract identification that is not reliant on operator time or expertise. This method of tract identification may be useful as DTI is developed as a potential biomarker for visual acuity.
Risk of commodity price, production cost and time to build in resource economics

Real option theory has been extensively applied to natural resource extraction modeling and risk management, which proves to be a significantly more powerful method than the traditional ones such as discounted cash flows. This research attempts to extend a proposed real option model based on optimized price threshold strategy for gold mining operations. Besides exploring the risk from commodity price, the research also examines the effects of a declining stochastic production costs, due to technology innovation in the long term. The extended real option model further examines how the time to build a gold mine can impact the optimized price threshold strategy. Sensitivity analysis and numerical evidence show that, (1) innovation in mining technology will boost the mine’s profitability and also shift the optimized price threshold; (2) mining operators can hedge a significant level of risk by treating time to build properly. Further discussions are provided on mining investment strategy and policy implication for resource extraction.
β-PIX plays an important role in regulation of intestinal epithelial restitution by interacting with GIT1 and Rac1 after wounding.

Our current study demonstrates that induced association of β-PIX with GIT1 is essential for the stimulation of intestinal epithelial restitution by activating Rac1, and this signaling pathway is ti...
Cryo-EM structure of infectious bronchitis coronavirus spike protein reveals structural and functional evolution of coronavirus spike proteins

As cell-invading molecular machinery, coronavirus spike proteins pose an evolutionary conundrum due to their high divergence. In this study, we determined the cryo-EM structure of avian infectious bronchitis coronavirus (IBV) spike protein from the γ-genus. The trimeric IBV spike ectodomain contains three receptor-binding S1 heads and a trimeric membrane-fusion S2 stalk. While IBV S2 is structurally similar to those from the other genera, IBV S1 possesses structural features that are unique to different other genera, thereby bridging these diverse spikes into an evolutionary spectrum. Specifically, among different genera, the two domains of S1, the N-terminal domain (S1-NTD) and C-terminal domain (S1-CTD), diverge from simpler tertiary structures and quaternary packing to more complex ones, leading to different functions of the spikes in receptor usage and membrane fusion. Based on the above structural and functional comparisons, we propose that the evolutionary spectrum of coronavirus spikes follows the order of α-, δ-, γ-, and β-genus. This study has provided insight into the evolutionary relationships among coronavirus spikes and deepened our understanding of their structural and functional diversity.
Molecular Mechanisms of Myoblast Fusion Across Species

Skeletal muscle development, growth and regeneration depend on the ability of progenitor myoblasts to fuse to one another in a series of ordered steps. Whereas the cellular steps leading to the formation of a multinucleated myofiber are conserved in several model organisms, the molecular regulatory factors may vary. Understanding the common and divergent mechanisms regulating myoblast fusion in Drosophila melanogaster (fruit fly), Danio rerio (zebrafish) and Mus musculus (mouse) provides a better insight into the process of myoblast fusion than any of these models could provide alone. Deciphering the mechanisms of myoblast fusion from simpler to more complex organisms is of fundamental interest to skeletal muscle biology and may provide therapeutic avenues for various diseases that affect muscle.
Nonionic Oligonucleotide Analogs as New Tools for Studies on the Structure and Function of Nucleic Acids Inside Living Cells

Two types of nonionic oligonucleotide analogs, deoxyribonucleotide alkyl phosphotriesters and deoxyribooligonucleoside methylphosphonates, have been synthesized to serve as selective inhibitors of cellular nucleic acid function. The backbones of these analogs are resistant to nuclease hydrolysis and the analogs are taken up by mammalian cells and certain bacterial cells in culture. Sequence specific analogs inhibit tRNA aminoacylation and translation of mRNA in both mammalian and bacterial cell-free systems in a specific manner as a result of oligomer binding to complementary sequences of the target nucleic acid. These analogs also inhibit cellular protein synthesis and growth of living cells. Selective inhibition of bacterial versus mammalian cell growth is observed with a methylphosphonate oligomer complementary to the Shine-Dalgarno sequence of 16S rRNA. Methylphosphonate complementary to the 5’-end of U1RNA and to the donor splice site of SV40 large T antigen pre-mRNA inhibit T-antigen production in SV40-infected cells.
Interactions of Viral protein U (Vpu) with Cellular Factors

Viral protein U (Vpu) is encoded by one of several accessory genes of HIV-1. Like the accessory gene products Vif and Vpr, Vpu targets host proteins such as CD4 for degradation via the recruitment of cellular multi-subunit ubiquitin ligases. Vpu also forms ion channels in cellular membranes. Through one or both of these attributes, Vpu antagonizes host cell factors that restrict the release of progeny virions from infected cells. A key target of Vpu has recently been identified as the interferon-induced transmembrane protein BST-2/CD317 (tetherin), which restricts viral replication by retaining nascent virions on the cell surface. The counteraction of this host defense allows Vpu to be considered an antagonist of the innate immune response to viral infection.
Can the subaltern save us

A cursory review of diverse theories (postmodernism, posthumanism, postcolonialism, decolonial theory, and anthropology) that are concerned with the crisis of modernity and ecological destruction r...
Integrating natural history-derived phenomics with comparative genomics to study the genetic architecture of convergent evolution

Abstract Evolutionary convergence has been long considered primary evidence of adaptation driven by natural selection and provides opportunities to explore evolutionary repeatability and predictability. In recent years, there has been increased interest in exploring the genetic mechanisms underlying convergent evolution, in part due to the advent of genomic techniques. However, the current ‘genomics gold rush’ in studies of convergence has overshadowed the reality that most trait classifications are quite broadly defined, resulting in incomplete or potentially biased interpretations of results. Genomic studies of convergence would be greatly improved by integrating deep ‘vertical’, natural history knowledge with ‘horizontal’ knowledge focusing on the breadth of taxonomic diversity. Natural history collections have and continue to be best positioned for increasing our comprehensive understanding of phenotypic diversity, with modern practices of digitization and databasing of morphological traits providing exciting improvements in our ability to evaluate the degree of morphological convergence. Combining more detailed phenotypic data with the well-established field of genomics will enable scientists to make progress on an important goal in biology: to understand the degree to which genetic or molecular convergence is associated with phenotypic convergence. Although the fields of comparative biology or comparative genomics alone can separately reveal important insights into convergent evolution, here we suggest that the synergistic and complementary roles of natural history collection-derived phenomic data and comparative genomics methods can be particularly powerful in together elucidating the genomic basis of convergent evolution among higher taxa.
Understanding School Sabotage Among Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence From Diverse Populations.

Higher education is an important pathway to safety for survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV). Recent work documents tactics of school sabotage (behaviors aimed at sabotaging educational effo...
Thrombophilia evaluation in pulmonary embolism.

Purpose of reviewPatients with pulmonary embolism commonly undergo thrombophilia evaluation for a variety of reasons including risk stratification for recurrent venous thromboembolism (VTE) and treatment planning. However, the utility of thrombophilia testing in many clinical scenarios remains uncle
Similarity Laws for Localized Scour

The object of this study is to develop similarity criteria for sediment-transport rate and for scour depth in localized-scour situations. The principal assumption is that in an area of localized scour, the velocity and velocity distribution are the results of the disturbance element around which scour was occurring. For flow situations that are free from (a) gravity waves, (b) sediment inflow from upstream, and (c) extraneous influences on the flow pattern such as dunes passing through the scour hole, the following criteria are presented. For sediment-transport rate f = Q S /(N S 2 – N SC 2 ) 5/2 V B D g ; and for scour depth f = S/L(N S 2 – N SC 2 ) 5/2 (D g /L) (V t/L). To apply the similarity relations to a given situation of localized scour, a minimum of two model tests is required. The first is an empirical determination of the sediment number with zero transport, Nsc. The second is for the empirical determination of the left side of the above equations. The procedure is demonstrated for the case of a horizontal cylinder settling into the scour hole in oscillatory flow.
Dual-Targeted Synthetic Nanoparticles for Cardiovascular Diseases

Atherosclerosis is one of the world's most aggressive diseases, claiming over 17.5 million lives per year. This disease is usually caused by high amounts of lipoproteins circulating in the blood stream, which leads to plaque formation. Ultimately, these plaques can undergo thrombosis and lead to major heart damage. A major contributor to these vulnerable plaques is macrophage apoptosis. Development of nanovehicles that carry contrast and therapeutic agents to the mitochondria within these macrophages is attractive for the diagnosis and treatment of atherosclerosis. Here, we report the design and synthesis of a dual-targeted synthetic nanoparticle (NP) to perform the double duty of diagnosis and therapy in atherosclerosis treatment regime. A library of dual-targeted NPs with an encapsulated iron oxide NP, mito-magneto (MM), with a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast enhancement capability was elucidated. Relaxivity measurements revealed that there is a substantial enhancement in transverse relaxivities upon the encapsulation of MM inside the dual-targeted NPs, highlighting the MRI contrast-enhancing ability of these NPs. Successful in vivo imaging documenting the distribution of MM-encapsulated dual-targeted NPs in the heart and aorta in mice ensured the diagnostic potential. The presence of mannose receptor targeting ligands and the optimization of the NP composition facilitated its ability to perform therapeutic duty by targeting the macrophages at the plaque. These dual-targeted NPs with the encapsulated MM were able to show therapeutic potential and did not trigger any toxic immunogenic response.
Guidelines for phase change material selection based on a holistic system model

Abstract Concentrating solar power (CSP) has potential to increase the amount of renewable energy on electric grids and reduce global carbon emissions, in particular because of its capability to incorporate inexpensive thermal energy storage. To realize this potential, development of latent heat storage with phase change materials (PCMs) is attractive because of its high energy density and low material cost. Research in this area has identified many promising materials, and has developed effective storage system designs that could be used to deploy PCMs. However, the field has lacked a rigorous methodology to select the optimal material for a particular CSP system. To address this need, here we present a holistic model that evaluates all important influences of PCM properties on the performance and cost of an entire CSP plant. We apply this model to over 100 of the most widely considered candidate materials, including both salts and metals. We quantify the relative value of each PCM property, and identify leading materials for application in CSP systems. This method and our results may aid future efforts to develop latent heat storage by providing a more informed view of how material selection impacts an entire CSP system.
Impact of maternal stressors and neonatal clinical factors on post-partum depression screening scores

Background: Higher rates of postpartum depression (PPD) are reported in mothers of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) hospitalized infants. The relationship of neonatal clinical risk factors and s...
Interspecific variation and elevated CO2 influence the relationship between plant chemical resistance and regrowth tolerance

To understand how comprehensive plant defense phenotypes will respond to global change, we investigated the legacy effects of elevated CO2 on the relationships between chemical resistance (constitutive and induced via mechanical damage) and regrowth tolerance in four milkweed species (Asclepias). We quantified potential resistance and tolerance trade-offs at the physiological level following simulated mowing, which are relevant to milkweed ecology and conservation. We examined the legacy effects of elevated CO2 on four hypothesized trade-offs between the following: (a) plant growth rate and constitutive chemical resistance (foliar cardenolide concentrations), (b) plant growth rate and mechanically induced chemical resistance, (c) constitutive resistance and regrowth tolerance, and (d) regrowth tolerance and mechanically induced resistance. We observed support for one trade-off between plant regrowth tolerance and mechanically induced resistance traits that was, surprisingly, independent of CO2 exposure. Across milkweed species, mechanically induced resistance increased by 28% in those plants previously exposed to elevated CO2. In contrast, constitutive resistance and the diversity of mechanically induced chemical resistance traits declined in response to elevated CO2 in two out of four milkweed species. Finally, previous exposure to elevated CO2 uncoupled the positive relationship between plant growth rate and regrowth tolerance following damage. Our data highlight the complex and dynamic nature of plant defense phenotypes under environmental change and question the generality of physiologically based defense trade-offs.
Quantitative Understanding of Superparamagnetic Blocking in Thoroughly Characterized Ni Nanoparticle Assemblies

Thanks to advances in chemical synthesis that enable control over the size, structure, properties, and functionalization, magnetic nanoparticles (NPs) present unique opportunities in areas as diver...
Should You RSI

RSI is our go-to method of intubation in the ED and ICU. However, not all patients are appropriate candidates for RSI. For some patients, maintaining spontaneous respirations until the tube is in between the cords is far safer. Developing a comfort level with awake intubation is a helpful tool in a practitioner’s airway arsenal.
Parents Who Hit, Troubled Families, and Children’s Happiness: Do Gender and National Context Make a Difference?

According to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, Article 19, “children have the right to be protected from being hurt and mistreated, physically or mentally.” The 2030 UN Sustainable Development Goal 16 target 16.2 (“end abuse and violence against children”) aims toward the elimination of corporal punishment of children. Physical punishment by parents (and others) is banned by law in a growing number of countries. This chapter explores if girls are more affected by the violent family context than boys, and if countries where corporal punishment is banned do have lower level of parental maltreatment of children. We analyze data from Belgium, Denmark, Italy, and the USA collected among 12–16 year-old adolescents (n = 10,216) as part of the third sweep of the International Self-Report Delinquency survey (ISRD3) to answer the question of whether the association between troubled family life, use of violence by parents, attachment to parents, and subjective wellbeing (happiness) is different for girls than for boys, and whether it is contingent on national context. The findings suggest that gender and national context indeed do matter. We conclude the chapter with an expression of two concerns: about the universal implementation of Article 19 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child across different national contexts, and, likewise, about the challenge of promoting a Culture of Lawfulness so the children of the next generation will be happier than the present one.
A Longitudinal Survey of Postgraduate Residency Hospital Type and Career Paths in Japan (1996-2016).

Objective To analyze the relationship between postgraduate residency hospital type and career paths in Japan. Methodology A longitudinal study based on secondary data collected from the national physician census was conducted in Japan. The sample comprised 3,991 residents for the 1996-2006 cohort and 6,153 residents for the 2004-2014 cohort. Results The percentage of residents who trained at university hospitals in their first year of registration decreased dramatically from 70% to 40% due to the 2004 mandatory clinical training reform. In contrast, the percentage of physicians working at university hospitals in their third year of registration increased from 20% to around 40%. Further, the number of physicians who had not worked at university hospitals during their first 10 years increased from 12% in 2004 to 18% in 2014. Conclusions Since the introduction of the mandatory postgraduate clinical training, residents’ career paths have changed based on the residency hospital type that they attended. The resident shortage at university hospitals remains a longstanding issue in Japan.
RAD51AP1 and RAD54 underpin two distinct RAD51-dependent routes of DNA damage repair via homologous recombination

Homologous recombination (HR) is a complex DNA damage repair pathway and an attractive target of inhibition in anti-cancer therapy. To help guide the development of efficient HR inhibitors, it is critical to identify compensatory sub-pathways. In this study, we describe a novel synthetic interaction between RAD51AP1 and RAD54, two structurally unrelated proteins that function downstream of the RAD51 recombinase in HR. We show that deletion of both RAD51AP1 and RAD54 synergistically sensitizes human cancer cell lines to treatment with a Poly(adenosine 59-diphosphate-ribose) polymerase inhibitor, to the DNA inter-strand crosslinking agent mitomycin C, and to hydroxyurea, which stalls the progression of DNA replication forks. We infer that HR-directed anti-cancer treatment modalities shall consider this intra-pathway functional overlap, and we hypothesize that in cancerous cells the simultaneous inactivation of both RAD54 and RAD51AP1 will accentuate tumor kill.
SU-E-T-535: Linac Based Multiple SRS Targets Plan Evaluation: Understanding Conformity Index Generated Form BrainLab IPlan RT Dose 4.1 SRS Planning System

Purpose: The study intent is to provide a practical method of extracting Conformity Index for multiple Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) target plans generated from BrainLab iPlan RT Dose 4.1 planning system (CIiPlan). Methods: CIiPlan is the ratio between normal tissue volume (VN, IDL) and target volume (VPTV, IDL) encompassed by the prescription isodose line (IDL). BrainLab iPlan RT Dose 4.1 planning and physics documents lack details on how to retrieve and interpret CIiPlan parameters of multiple SRS targets. The CIiPlan values for multiple lesions are misleading and in most cases gave bigger values than what is reflected from the plan. To understand and demonstrate the underlying issues CIiPlan values of patient plans with multiple SRS targets were extracted using two different methods. Method 1: CIiPlan values were directly obtained with all target plans present (CITN,iPlan). Method 2: CIiPlan values were extracted by assigning 100% weighting for one of the targets and 0 weighting for the rest of the targets (CIIN,iPlan). This process was t repeated for each target. In both cases CIiPlan were read from DVH graphs at the prescription IDL. Results: CITN,iPlan values from Method 1 were larger than CIIN,iPlan values obtained using Method 2. The difference was pronounced for smaller lesions. Even though targets were far apart and were not covered with the same prescription IDL, CIiPlan values from Method 1 were based on normal tissue volume encompassed by 5 treatment IDL from all targets. Carefully analyzing CIiPlan values from the two methods we were able to provide appropriate CIiPlan formulas that gave good estimate of both methods values. Conclusion: CIiPlan for multiple SRS targets need be analyzed with great caution; especially if small lesions and big lesions are part of same plan. CIIN,iPlan values based on each target normal tissue volume encompassed by the prescription IDL should be used.
Synthesis of castable sodium zirconium phosphate monoliths employing reactions between zirconyl nitrate hydrate and condensed phosphates

Reactions between zirconyl nitrate hydrate and condensed phosphates can be used to produce castable low CTE sodium zirconium phosphate (NZP) monoliths. Reaction between sodium nitrate, zirconyl nitrate hydrate and condensed phosphoric acid at room temperature (alkali nitrate method) produces monoliths having a heterogeneous microstructure, which are multiphasic in appearance. Except for the presence of crystalline sodium nitrate, they are X-ray amorphous. Differential thermal analysis revealed two distinct exothermic crystallization events when these materials are heated. The first event, with an onset temperature of 650°C, is the result of NZP and ZrO2crystallization. The second is the result of ZrP2O7 crystallization. Reaction between zirconyl nitrate hydrate and condensed sodium phosphate (condensed alkali phosphate method) results in a more homogeneous microstructure in which crystalline zirconium hydrogen phosphate hydrate and sodium nitrate are present. Two exothermic peaks, with onset temperatures of approximately 570 and 860°C, are observed. The first exotherm is the result of NZP, ZrO2 and ZrP2O7 crystallization; the second exotherm is the result of a further NZP formation. After heating materials made by these two methods at 940°C for 24 h, the condensed-alkali-phosphate-method-derived material converted to phase-pure NZP, while the alkali-nitrate-method-derived material contained ZrP2O7. The differences in phase evolution between the materials prepared by these two methods are attributable to the differences in chemical and microstructural homogeneity that result from the reactants used.
Magnetohydrodynamic Analysis of January 20, 2001, CME-CME Interaction Event

To understand the physical mechanism of the CME-CME interaction recently observed by SOHO and WIND, we have constructed a numerical resistive MHD model by adding magnetic dissipation term into the global streamer model with bi-modal solar wind [Wang et a!., 19981, and emerging flux-ropes [Wu and Guo, 1997] to simulate these physical processes. Observations show that when two or more CMEs interact with each other, they merge and deflect each other, and can result in more complex ejecta. To compare our simulation with observations, we use the January 20, 2001 CME-CME interaction event close to the Sun recorded by SOHO/LASCO/C2/C3. The simulation results show that the acceleration and deceleration of the two CMEs are caused by the background solar wind and the deflection of each other due to the interaction. The CME cannibalization is caused by the magnetic reconnection.
Role of Genes 46 and 47 in Bacteriophage T4 Reproduction I. In Vivo Deoxyribonucleic Acid Replication

Functional proteins coded by genes 46 and 47 are required for (i) continuation of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) synthesis in the late period of T4 infection and (ii) production of normal, late replicating DNA which contains strands with a sedimentation coefficient in alkaline sucrose greater than that of mature DNA (73S). Continued DNA synthesis in the late period in the absence of functional genes 46 or 47 can be achieved by inhibiting late protein synthesis either by using bacterio-phage with a second mutation in gene 55 or by adding chloramphenicol to the culture before the decline in the rate of DNA synthesis. However, when functional 46/47 proteins are absent throughout infection, no strands with a sedimentation coefficient greater than 73S (in alkaline sucrose) are produced. This is the case even when DNA synthesis is allowed to continue. DNA arrest is accompanied by conversion of rapidly sedimenting, replicating DNA to slower sedimenting forms. When 46/47 is absent from the beginning of infection, the conversion product has a smaller sedimentation coefficient than mature DNA both in neutral and alkaline sucrose. When DNA arrest occurs midway in infection by heat-inactivating the ts46 enzyme, the conversion product has a sedimentation coefficient (i) the same as mature DNA in both neutral (63S) and alkaline sucrose if capsid assembly is allowed to take place and (ii) close to 63S in neutral sucrose but heterogenous and relatively greater (up to 100S) in alkaline sucrose if capsid assembly is inhibited. The structure of this DNA is unknown.