cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Limits to the performance and design of high voltage metalized film capacitors

The use of multiple sections within a metalized film capacitor facilitates high voltage and reduced equivalent series resistance within a compact winding. As a result of high voltage and low inductance, large peak currents are, in principle, possible. The limitation to the peak current and power density is the ability of the end connection to withstand the peak current. As a result, the power density of such capacitors is limited not by materials but by the end connection current density, and improved materials, such a capacitor films with greater dielectric constant, will not result in increased energy density as the limiting factor is the length of the end connection necessary to achieve the required peak current. The energy density of multisection windings is also limited by the margins which are required between sections, the total width of which is limited solely by the rated voltage and margin operating field. The margins cause a substantial reduction in energy density, especially when the overall design is dictated by end connection current density. These issues are explored and quantified.
A Hybrid Optimal Control Strategy for a Smart Prosthetic Hand

This paper presents a hybrid of a soft computing or control technique of adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (AN-FIS) and a hard computing or control technique of the hybrid finite-time linear quadratic optimal control for a two-fingered (thumb and index) prosthetic hand. In particular, the ANFIS is used for inverse kinematics, and the optimal control is used to minimize tracking error utilizing feedback linearized dynamics. The simulations of this hybrid controller, when compared with the proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller showed enhanced performance. Work is underway to extend this methodology to a five-fingered, three-dimensional prosthetic hand.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Decision Making in Second Language Acquisition

The present paper isolates certain domain-general cognitive processes involved in decision making and examines their instantiations in adult second language acquisition (SLA). After reviewing important differences between mature and immature cognition, I discuss the epistemological categories and concepts that underlie decision making. I then address decision making from the point of view of fallibility—for example, maladaptive biases that mediate learners' decisions—and I suggest that some impediments to success in SLA may be the result of mature domain-general decision making. The heuristic value of research in the area of decision making is emphasized.
Rare dynamic triggering of remote M ≥ 5.5 earthquakes from global catalog analysis

Probing the effects of a transient stress on the timing of an earthquake occurrence is necessary for understanding the remote interaction of large-magnitude events. Global catalog data containing 35 years of M ≥ 5.5 earthquakes allow us to explore for periods of enhanced or suppressed seismic activity. We consider 113 M ≥ 7.5 main shocks between 1977 and 2012 and focus on seismic activity on time scales from seconds to days following these main shocks. We search for evidence of dynamic triggering of large-magnitude events similar to the previously observed global increase during the first few days following the 2012 M8.6 Indian Ocean main shock. We restrict the analysis to regions of elevated strain during the passage of surface waves. Using a threshold of 0.1 microstrain (~3 kPa) and a temporal window of ±1 year, we stack daily seismicity rate curves using the exclusion-zone declustered M ≥ 5.5 catalog events in order to resolve deviations from the background rate. Our results do not indicate a significant change in activity for at least 10 days when considering the collective set of 113 main shocks and subsets at M8.0 and M8.5 thresholds. The results also do not indicate immediate triggering of M ≥ 5.5 events. We do find two instances of increased seismicity in the elevated strain region within 10 days. These increases are subsequent to two main shocks, the 1977 M8.3 and 2012 M8.6, both located in the Indian Ocean. We conclude that a global change in M ≥ 5.5 earthquake rates following a transient stress from distant earthquakes is a rare occurrence.
Parameterized Interconnect Modeling and Simulation in VLSI Design Considering Variations

This paper proposed a new algorithm for modeling and simulation of interconnect circuit in nanometer very large scale integration (VLSI) design considering manufacturing process variations. The approach is based on the existing passive reduced-order interconnect macromodeling algorithm (PRIMA). By satisfying the constraints of PRIMA, both macromodel stability and passivity are preserved, so that overall circuit stability is guaranteed for active driver and passive load interconnect circuits. As a result, transfer function of interconnect circuit under the influence of process variation is obtained, where reduction matrix is calculated once only for different values of parameters describing characteristics of process variations. Experiments demonstrate that result from proposed parameterized PRIMA considering process variation is very close to that obtained from PRIMA, while execution time is much less (up to 512X faster).
TCP trunking: design, implementation and performance

A TCP trunk is an aggregate traffic stream whose data packets are transported at a rate dynamically determined by the TCP's congestion control. Typically such a trunk is implemented on top of a layer-2 virtual circuit or an MPLS label switched path. A management TCP connection is used to regulate the rate at which the trunk transmits its data packets. Setting up a TCP trunk over a circuit or a path is easy, involving only the two end nodes of a trunk to implement the management TCP connection. A TCP trunk can guarantee minimum bandwidth while being able to grab additional bandwidth when it is available. When carried by a TCP trunk, UDP flows will be constrained in their bandwidth usage, although they themselves do not perform congestion control. Experiments on testbed networks have validated these properties. TCP trunking can be an effective tool for network operators in managing bandwidth sharing between aggregates.
Nanoindentation and tribological studies of magnetically soft high moment FeTaN thin films

The nanoindentation and tribological behavior of magnetically soft high moment FeTaN thin films have been investigated. It was observed that the hardness of FeTaN films increases when nitrogen is incorporated into the film and the wear resistance of these films against commercial magnetic tapes was increased by introducing a small amount of nitrogen but decreased with a further increase of nitrogen content. SEM observations on cross section of a wear scar revealed that there were debris particles (less than 0.5 /spl mu/m) on the worn surface.
The in vitro transcription units of bacteriophage φX174: II. In vitro initiation sites of φX174 transcription

Employing the 5′ proximal labeling procedure reported previously, and hybridization to Haemophilus endonuclease bacteriophage φX RF DNA fragments, we have detected three major sites of initiation of in vitro φX transcripts. These three sites have been located on the φX174 genetic map in the following regions: (1) near the 5′ end of gene A, (2) near the 5′ end of gene B, and (3) near the 5′ end of gene D.
WORD ASSOCIATION: RESPONSE BEHAVIOR AND STIMULUS WORDS

11 independent sources of variance in free-word association attributable to differences in stimulus words were delineated. Almost all of these characteristics were noted long ago in separate univariate experiments, but the fact that these were independent effects has not been noted.
A Geologically Based Markov Chain Model for Simulating Tritium Transport With Uncertain Conditions in a Nuclear- Stimulated Natural Gas Reservoir

Summary Nuclear-stimulation technology, which used subsurface nuclear detonation to increase permeability of tight natural gas reservoirs, was evaluated in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The Rulison site, located in the Piceance basin, Colorado, is one of three sites in the US where the technology was tested. An increase in exploration and production for natural gas in the basin has led to a need to quantify the extent of radionuclide (mainly tritium) migration after the detonation and potential migration under likely production scenarios. To meet this need, a numerical model was developed to simulate gas flow and tritium transport toward a hypothetical production well. A crucial problem in the model development is that limited on-site data are too sparse to quantify uncertainty of subsurface properties. This problem is partly resolved by using indirect data and information, such as parameter measurements from a nearby site and geological information regarding lithofacies geometry. In particular, a geologically based Markov chain model was developed to simulate spatial distribution of the sandstone lithofacies. This paper presents an application of the numerical model for simulating tritium transport from the nuclear chimney toward the production well at a likely location producing at a rate typical for the basin. The results show that under the circumstances considered in this paper, tritium will not reach the production well with a confidence level of 95%. The results also show that the lithofacies structure is more critical in controlling tritium transport than parameters of the sandstone and hydraulically fractured sandstone. The parameters become important only when the connectivity of sandstone lenses exists to support tritium transport from the chimney to the production well. The developed modeling framework can be updated as additional subsurface data are collected. The framework can be used to support establishment of drilling restrictions that protect public health and the environment for different production well scenarios.
A High‐Yield Approach to the Sulfonation of Methane to Methanesulfonic Acid Initiated by H2O2 and a Metal Chloride

Methane is abundant and relatively inexpensive, making it an attractive feedstock for producing bulk chemicals. However, the low reactivity of methane makes it difficult to develop commercially viable processes for methane conversion. Because of favorable thermodynamics, many authors have investigated the oxidation and oxidative carbonylation of methane. By contrast, the sulfonation of methane to give methanesulfonic acid has not received as much attention despite its commercial importance. The current commercial process for the synthesis of methanesulfonic acid (MSA) relies on the chlorine-oxidation of thiomethane. While this process is highly productive, it produces six moles of HCl per mole of MSA, resulting in a coupling of the demand for the primary product and the by-product. It has been shown that K2S2O8 can be used as a free-radical initiator to sulfonate methane with SO3 in fuming sulfuric acid under very high methane pressure. The conversion of methane to MSA is reported to be 3–6% under 1000 psig methane pressure (1 psig= 6.8955 10 Pa). We recently have shown that metal peroxides can be used as an effective radical initiator for methane activation in sulfuric acid solvent. However, once the metal peroxides have activated methane they are converted into the metal sulfate salts, which cannot be recycled back to the metal peroxide. The economics of producing and handling safely the necessary amounts of metal peroxide must also be considered if a practical process is to be developed. Thus, there is considerable incentive to look for a way to generate metal peroxo species in situ from a cheap source such as H2O2. In this communication we show that methane will undergo liquid-phase sulfonation to MSA with SO3 in sulfuric acid. A small amount of urea/H2O2 is used as a free-radical initiator and a small amount of a metal chloride salt, particularly RhCl3, is used as a promoter [Eq. (1)].
Smoking and Occupational Lung Disease Epidemiology

Epidemiology studies of lung cancer which may be the result of workplace exposure contrast the risk ratios or SMRs of the exposed population with a control group. If a dose-response relationship can b
Phosphorylation of eIF2α triggered by mTORC1 inhibition and PP6C activation is required for autophagy and is aberrant in PP6C-mutated melanoma

Amino acid deprivation promotes the inhibition of the kinase complex mTORC1 (mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1) and activation of the kinase GCN2 (general control nonrepressed 2). Signaling pathways downstream of both kinases have been thought to independently induce autophagy. We showed that these two amino acid-sensing systems are linked. We showed that pharmacological inhibition of mTORC1 led to activation of GCN2 and phosphorylation of the eukaryotic initiation factor 2α (eIF2α) in a mechanism dependent on the catalytic subunit of protein phosphatase 6 (PP6C). Autophagy induced by pharmacological inhibition of mTORC1 required PP6C, GCN2, and eIF2α phosphorylation. Although some of the PP6C mutants found in melanoma did not form a strong complex with PP6 regulatory subunits and were rapidly degraded, these mutants paradoxically stabilized PP6C encoded by the wild-type allele and increased eIF2α phosphorylation. Furthermore, these PP6C mutations were associated with increased autophagy in vitro and in human melanoma samples. Thus, these data showed that GCN2 activation and phosphorylation of eIF2α in response to mTORC1 inhibition are necessary for autophagy. Additionally, we described a role for PP6C in this process and provided a mechanism for PP6C mutations associated with melanoma.
Clinical laboratory application of a reporter-gene assay for measurement of functional activity and neutralizing antibody response to infliximab

Abstract Background TNF-α antagonists such as infliximab are effective for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease and other inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Development of an immune response and subsequent neutralizing antibodies against these protein-based drugs is a major impediment that contributes to therapeutic failure, or adverse effects such as hypersensitivity reactions. As opposed to empirical dose-escalation strategies, rational and cost-effective evaluation of clinical non-responsiveness includes measurement of serum drug levels, and detection of drug-specific antibodies. We present the validation and 2-y experience using a functional, cell-based reporter gene assay (RGA) developed for measuring the biological activity and antibody response to serum infliximab. Methods The RGA was used to test 4699 clinical specimens from patients suspected of therapeutic failure. In contrast to binding assays, which detect an overall antibody response, the RGA specifically detects those antibodies that have drug-neutralizing function, and thus, poses higher risk for therapeutic failure. Results The RGA presented here is currently the only functional clinical test available to measure serum infliximab activity and neutralizing antibodies. Conclusions Due to its accuracy and precision, and suitability for high-throughput testing, this robust platform can be applied to any TNF-α antagonist, providing an invaluable tool for the clinical management of patients with treatment failure.
VLSI-Intensive Graphics Systems

This paper reviews some experimental and commercial graphics systems that intensively use VLSI (Very Large Scale Integration) technology. Described in some detail is the current state of one of these systems, our own system, Pixel-planes. The system renders about 30,000 full-screen, smooth-shaded, Z-buffered polygons per second, about 13,000 Z-buffered interpenetrating spheres per second.
The effects of framework dynamics on the behavior of water adsorbed in the [Zn(l-L)(Cl)] and Co-MOF-74 metal–organic frameworks

The effects of framework flexibility on the structural and dynamical properties of water adsorbed in two prototypical metal-organic frameworks are investigated through molecular dynamics simulations. It is found that water molecules in the pores of a flexible model of [Zn(l-L)(Cl)] exhibit slower dynamics than when the framework is artificially held rigid in the simulations. In contrast, the water dynamics in Co-MOF-74 is predicted to be accelerated by the framework vibrations. The origin of this different behavior directly relates to how water interacts with the two frameworks, which, in turn, determines different hydrogen-bond patterns in the pores. While the first water molecules adsorbed in [Zn(l-L)(Cl)] donate a single hydrogen bond to the Zn-Cl groups and point the other hydrogen atom towards the center of the pore, water molecules adsorbed in Co-MOF-74 initially bind to the cobalt atoms of the framework via their oxygen atoms, thus leaving each molecule free to form two hydrogen bonds with additional molecules adsorbed at higher loading. The simulation results indicate that taking into account the framework flexibility in computer simulations is necessary for a quantitative modeling of adsorption and transport processes in metal-organic frameworks.
Identification and mutagenesis of disease susceptibility genes of Petunia hybrida

Hybrid petunia cultivars are susceptible to infection by powdery mildew (Oidium longipes) and potyviruses (potato Y virus, petunia flower mottle virus) during commercial vegetative propagation. Plant proteins encoded by susceptibility genes are required by powdery mildew and potyviruses to infect plant hosts. To examine the potential of developing genetic resistance to these pathogens, petunia orthologs of the susceptibility genes MLO, eIF4E, and eIF(iso)4E were identified and characterized. High-resolution DNA melting analysis was conducted with a population of chemically-mutagenized petunia plants to identify mutations in these genes. Among 865 M2 families, point mutations were detected in coding regions of PhMLO1, but not eIF4E or eIF(iso)4E. One of the point mutations caused a glycine to glutamate substitution that was predicted to have a deleterious effect on PhMLO function. This study demonstrated the potential of TILLING for the development of pathogen resistance in petunia through the loss of susceptibility gene function.
Analysis of Pheromone-Mediated Behaviors in Male Grapholitha molesta, the Oriental Fruit Moth (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)

In Grapholitha molesta (Busck), the Oriental fruit moth, the behavioral effects of 3 female sex pheromone components, ( Z )-8-dodecenyl acetate (Z8-12:Ac), ( E )-8-dodecenyl acetate (E8-12:Ac), and ( Z )-8-dodecenyl alcohol (Z8-12:OH), are described most precisely only when each component is considered in combination with the other two, rather than individually or in binary blends. In a blend ratio approximating that emitted by G. molesta females, these 3 components elicited increases in both early (long-range) and late (close-range) behaviors in the male response sequence. Hence, these components act as a unit. An added fourth component, dodecanol (12:OH), had significant, but subtle, effects upon the hairpencil display when Z8-12:OH was at suboptimal levels, in contrast to the stronger behavioral effects previously ascribed to 12:OH. Z8-12:OH appears important to the reproductive isolation between G. molesta and G. prunivora (Walsh), because this component strongly reduced trap capture of G. prunivora males when present at a dispenser dosage of only 1% of the acetates, and virtually eliminated capture at 10%. There was a strong correlation between pheromone plume behaviors of pre-flight wing fanning while walking and upwind flight, suggesting that these behaviors may be closely associated, functioning to locate the pheromone source by ground or air, respectively.
Application Analysis and Key Technology of Micropiles for Transmisson Tower in Qinghai Province

Based on the analysis of the engineering geological conditions in Qinghai Province, the application feasibility and key technology of micropiles for transmission tower are studied. It is shown that soft ground is mainly located in alkaline land with a strong salt corrosion, and there are not good corrosion protection measures for micropiles foundation, so micropiles foundation is not suitable in soft ground. However, micropiles foundation have many economic and environmental benefits in loess ground. Therefore, the type and key technology of micropiles foundation in loess ground are analyzed, and the economy of micropiles foundation in loess ground is evaluated by example calculation.
Effect of Napip on K0 activation of the Na-K pump in adult rat cardiac myocytes

To determine if environmental factors influence the external K (K0) dependence of Na-K pump current (Ip), we systematically varied internal (pipette) Na (Napip) and Na-K pump activity while measuring the K0 dependence in adult rat cardiac myocytes. For each Napip, reactivation of Ip by K0 was dose dependent. The maximal Ip (Ipmax) and apparent affinity for K0 binding to the Na-K pump (K0.5) increased as Napip increased. The results of making an equimolar substitution of tetramethylammonium for K and Cs, and partial Ip inhibition with ouabain, also showed that Ipmax and K0.5 increased as Napip increased. We simulated pump activity as a function of intracellular Na (Nai) and K0 using a cyclic model of the Na-K pump and found that the model predicts K0.5 for K0 binding increases as Na increases, even when the conditions are adjusted by removing pipette K and partial pump inhibition with ouabain.
Isolation of Microsomal Membrane Proteins from Arabidopsis thaliana.

Cellular membranes define the boundaries between organelles and the cytosol or the extracellular environment, thus providing functional separation between subcellular compartments. In addition, membranes assist in a diverse range of cellular functions, including serving as signaling platforms, mediating transport of molecules, and facilitating trafficking of cargo between cellular compartments. Because membrane functionality is largely defined by protein composition, exploring the roles of membrane proteins is of interest to many researchers. This article focuses on the subcellular fractionation of microsomes, which are membrane-derived vesicles formed during cell lysis. In plants, microsomes mainly consist of the plasma membrane and membranes derived from the endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, trans-Golgi network, and tonoplast. The article describes the different steps involved in enriching for and solubilizing microsomal membrane proteins from Arabidopsis thaliana seedlings and cultured cells by differential centrifugation. Solubilized microsomal proteins can be used for subsequent immunoblot analysis, co-immunoprecipitation, or proteomic studies. © 2016 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Keywords: Arabidopsis thaliana; cellular fractionation; differential centrifugation; microsomes; solubilization of microsomal proteins
“Smart” Nanoparticles Enhance the Cytoplasmic Delivery of Anti-RhoC Silencing RNA and Inhibit the Migration and Invasion of Aggressive Breast Cancer Cells

Rho-GTPases are small GTP-binding proteins that contribute to the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition by regulating several cellular processes including organization of the actin cytoskeleton, cell motility, transcription, and cell proliferation. Overexpression of RhoC-GTPases (RhoC) in breast cancer has been implicated in poor disease prognosis due to increased cancer cells invasion, migration, and motility, which warranted its consideration as a therapeutic target for inhibiting breast cancer metastasis. Using silencing RNA (siRNA) molecules to knockdown RhoC expression is a promising approach to inhibit breast cancer metastases. However, transforming anti-RhoC siRNA molecules into a viable therapy remains a challenge due to the lack of a biocompatible carrier that can selectively deliver the RNA cargo into breast cancer cells. We report the use of a degradable, pH-sensitive, β-cyclodextrin (βCD)-based polymeric carrier that condenses anti-RhoC siRNA forming "smart" particles. These smart anti-RhoC particles were efficiently internalized, successfully escaped the endosome, and delivered the RNA cargo into the cytoplasm of SUM149 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. Our results show that anti-RhoC particles used at a low N/P ratio of 2.5/1 suppressed RhoC protein levels by 100% and 90% in SUM149 and MDA-MB-231 cells, respectively. Further, anti-RhoC particles inhibited the invasion, motility, and migration of SUM149 and MDA-MB-231 cells by 40-47%, 57-60%, and 61.5-73%, respectively. Smart particles encapsulating the scrambled siRNA sequence did not affect RhoC protein expression or the invasion, motility, and migration of SUM149 and MDA-MB-231 cells, which indicate the biocompatibility of the polymeric carrier and selectivity of the observed RhoC knockdown. These results collectively indicate the therapeutic potential of smart anti-RhoC particles in arresting the metastatic spread of breast cancer cells.
Using Mutual Information to Estimate Metric Entropy

A technique for deriving the metric entropy of strange attractors from estimates of the mutual information in scalar time series is presented and applied to experimental and model data. The results are accurate enough to determine if a system is chaotic.
Retail Store Location, Direct Marketing and Genetic Theory: A Preliminary Study

The possible cannibalization or augmentation of customer sales between retail store locations and direct marketing channels are analyzed using genetic theory as a basis for discussion.
Purinergic Signaling in Corneal Wound Healing: A Tale of 2 Receptors.

Abstract Nucleotide release and purinergic signaling make up the earliest response to corneal injury and are vital for proper wound healing. In this study, we review the importance of nucleotide release in the injury response and focus on the contribution of 2 receptors that mediate purinergic signaling, P2Y2 and P2X7. These receptors mediate the early response to injury and activate downstream signaling to promote cytoskeletal rearrangement and cell migration. The contribution of corneal nerves to the purinergic injury response is also discussed. Finally, we look at implications of altered purinergic signaling in diabetic wound healing and important targets for future research.
Secondary Cultures and Their Impact as Intermediaries on Refugee Adaptation to Host Cultures: Connections of Community*

AbstractThis is a qualitative study examining aspects of refugee adaptation. As refugees negotiate an adaptation process into their host cultures, secondary communities, those who possess certain commonalities and similarities with the newcomers, often act as intermediaries between the refugee groups and host cultures. This article aims to answer the question: how does a refugee group’s extended community of an intermediary group influence the group’s adaptation to their new environment and social context? The study is an examination of narratives of a particular refugee group in the United States, called Meskhetian Turks, ethnically Turkish refugees from Russia.
Educational Material for 3D Visualization of Spine Procedures: Methods for Creation and Dissemination.

Spine anatomy can be difficult to master and is essential for performing spine procedures. We sought to utilize the rapidly expanding field of 3D technology to create freely available, interactive educational materials for spine procedures. Our secondary goal was to convey lessons learned about 3D modeling and printing. This project involved two parallel processes: the creation of 3D-printed physical models and interactive digital models. We segmented illustrative CT studies of the lumbar and cervical spine to create 3D models and then printed them using a consumer 3D printer and a professional 3D printing service. We also included downloadable versions of the models in an interactive eBook and platform-independent web viewer. We then provided these educational materials to residents with a pretest and posttest to assess efficacy. The “Spine Procedures in 3D” eBook has been downloaded 71 times as of October 5, 2016. All models used in the book are available for download and printing. Regarding test results, the mean exam score improved from 70 to 86%, with the most dramatic improvement seen in the least experienced trainees. Participants reported increased confidence in performing lumbar punctures after exposure to the material. We demonstrate the value of 3D models, both digital and printed, in learning spine procedures. Moreover, 3D printing and modeling is a rapidly expanding field with a large potential role for radiologists. We have detailed our process for creating and sharing 3D educational materials in the hopes of motivating and enabling similar projects.
Vertical distribution and persistence of soil organic carbon in fire-adapted longleaf pine forests

Abstract Longleaf pine ( Pinus palustris Miller) forests in the southern United States are being restored and actively managed for a variety of goals including: forest products, biodiversity, C sequestration and forest resilience in the face of repeated disturbances from hurricanes and climate change. Managed southern pine forests can be sinks for atmospheric CO 2 in forest biomass; however, the persistence of biomass in the environment or in forest products is limited, thus making soil C the primary long-term pool. Little is known about the size of extant soil C pools, residence time of soil C or the role that frequent burning plays in C stabilization in longleaf pine ecosystems. We sampled soil from a chronosequence of longleaf pine stands ranging in age from 5 to 87 years to quantify the vertical distribution of soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks; both oxidizable (SOC OX ) and oxidation resistant (SOC R ) fractions, pyrogenic carbon (PyC) and the mean residence time (MRT) of SOC and its associated fractions. SOC stocks (0–1 m) ranged from 44.1 to 98.1 ( x ¯ = 77.0) Mg C ha −1 , and no effect of stand age or biomass accumulation on SOC stocks was detected. Soil C accumulation was associated with elevated clay and extractable Fe contents. While SOC concentration declined with soil depth, the proportion of SOC R in SOC increased with depth. PyC was a minor component of soil C, representing 5–7% of SOC and the proportion was not depth dependent. The MRT of SOC was hundreds of years near the surface and many thousands of years at depth. Though SOC R was less abundant than SOC OX , SOC R MRT was an order of magnitude greater than SOC OX MRT and had a strong influence on bulk SOC MRT. The majority of the PyC was in the less persistent SOC ox and not associated with long-term C storage in soil. Despite the flow of C from biomass in the form of decay products, litter fall, root turnover and pulses of PyC, these soils preserve little of recent inputs, which may be rapidly oxidized, lost to the atmosphere from periodic fires or, in the case of PyC, may be transported out of the system via erosion. Our results indicate that these soils were not strong sinks for atmospheric CO 2 , especially when compared to C accumulation in biomass.
Geographic variation in natal dispersal of Northern Spotted Owls over 28 years

ABSTRACT The most recent comprehensive estimates of Northern Spotted Owl (Strix occidentalis caurina) natal dispersal distances were reported in 2002. Since then, Northern Spotted Owl populations have experienced substantial demographic changes, with potential attendant changes in natal dispersal distances, including temporal or geographic trends. We analyzed the natal dispersal of Northern Spotted Owls during 1985–2012 in Oregon and Washington, USA (n = 1,534 dispersal events), to determine current natal dispersal distances and to evaluate potential trends that may inform management actions. Mean net dispersal distance (natal site to site of first attempted breeding) was 23.8 km ± 19.2 km SD, with females dispersing ∼50% farther than males. Net dispersal distance varied by ecoregion (Washington Coast and Cascades, Washington Eastern Cascades, Oregon Coast Range, Oregon and California Cascades, and Oregon and California Klamath) but declined similarly in all ecoregions over time (∼1 km yr−1). Dispersal di...
Neuroblastoma: Functional Imaging

Neuroblastoma is a malignant tumor derived from primitive neural crest cells of the sympathetic nervous system. Primary tumors can arise anywhere along the sympathetic chain, most commonly occurring in the adrenal gland and retroperitoneum. More than half of patients will have metastatic disease at diagnosis, most commonly involving bone marrow and cortical bone. Neuroblastoma prognosis is widely variable, ranging from spontaneous regression to fatal disease in spite of intensive multimodality therapy. Multiple clinical and imaging tests are used to guide therapy and predict outcomes. Anatomic imaging modalities, such as CT and MRI, are used to evaluate the primary tumor and involved lymph nodes. Functional imaging agents, such as 123I-MIBG, 99mTc-MDP, and 18F-FDG, are used for whole-body evaluation of disease sites. Iodine-123-MIBG is the first-line functional imaging modality used in neuroblastoma. Technetium-99m-MDP bone scans have traditionally been used to assess cortical bone metastases. Use of 18F-FDG PET and PET/CT in neuroblastoma is increasing, especially in tumors with little or no MIBG avidity. This chapter will discuss the performance and interpretation of 123I-MIBG, 99mTc-MDP, and 18F-FDG scans in neuroblastoma patients.
The Chemotaxonomy of Coryneform Organisms: Morphology vs. Chemical Anatomy

This short contribution describes no new test or method which will revolutionize bacterial taxonomy and classification. To judge from the other contributions to the First International Symposium on the Interface between Analytical Chemistry and Microbiology, these matters are already in very capable hands, and have produced an impressive mass of information which has already helped to clarify many of the problems of bacterial taxonomy.
Adoption and Foster Placement

Children in foster or adoptive care often face multiple adversities that put them at risk for problems in social, emotional, and behavioral adjustment. Some of the risks are experienced prior to placement into foster or adoptive care, such as drug exposure, maltreatment, and institutional care, whereas others are a result of placement, such as changing caregivers. Adopted and foster children face challenges in formation of new attachments and in the regulation of biological and behavioral systems. Subsequent care has significant effects on the ability of children to adapt. Interventions are discussed that target these populations.
Linear Theory for Small Fields on a Finite Bias

The theory of linear piezoelectricity assumes infinitesimal deviations from an ideal reference state of the material in which there are no pre-existing mechanical and/or electrical fields (initial or biasing fields). The presence of biasing fields makes a material apparently behave like a different one, and renders the linear theory of piezoelectricity invalid. The behavior of electroelastic bodies under biasing fields can be described by the theory for infinitesimal incremental fields superposed on finite biasing fields, which is a consequence of the nonlinear theory of electroelasticity when it is linearized around the bias. Knowledge of the behavior of electroelastic bodies under biasing fields is important in many applications including the buckling of thin electroelastic structures, frequency stability of piezoelectric resonators, acoustic wave sensors based on frequency shifts due to biasing fields, characterization of nonlinear electroelastic materials by propagation of small-amplitude waves in electroelastic bodies under biasing fields, and electrostrictive ceramics which operate under a biasing electric field. This chapter presents the linear theory for small fields superposed on finite biasing fields in an electroelastic body.
System Architecture and Operating Systems

The emergence of resource constrained embedded systems such as sensor networks have introduced unique challenges for the design and implementation of operating systems. In OS designs for these systems, only partial functionality is required compared to conventional ones, as their code is running on a much more restricted and homogeneous platform. In fact, as illustrated by microcontrollers, most hardware platforms in wireless sensor networks (WSNs) simply do not have the required resources to support a full-fledged operating system. Instead, operating systems for WSNs should adapt to their unique properties, which motivate the design and development of a range of unique operating systems for WSNs in recent years. In this chapter, we systematically survey these operating systems, compare them in their unique designs, and provide our insights on their strengths and weaknesses. We hope that such an approach is helpful for the reader to get a clear view of recent developments of wireless sensor network operating systems.
Adaptive Dead Time Synchronous Rectification Control for High Efficiency LLC Resonant Converter

In low output voltage and high output current LLC resonant converter applications, a synchronous rectification (SR) is essential component for high efficiency and high power density. In the conventional SR control method, instantaneous drain voltage sensing method is widely used because it shows very simple control algorithm. However, the method has disadvantage against stray inductances in MOSFET package and PCB pattern. The stray inductances induce premature turn-off of SR gate and large SR dead time. Since the body diode conduction time is increased, the system efficiency is decreased in the conventional method. To compensate the stray inductance effect and increase system efficiency, an adaptive dead time control method is proposed. In the proposed control method, SR dead time is regulated to predetermined dead time target regardless of the stray inductances by using present drain voltage information and previous cycle dead time information. To verify the validity of the proposed control method, 240W prototype is built and experimented with the proposed controller which is implemented with 0.35-μm BCDMOS technology.
The Corona Project: a testing framework for programming contests

Every year, approximately 40 teams of high school students compete in an annual high school programming contest at St. Bonaventure University. The students' solutions are fed a standard set of secret test data, allowed to run, and judged solely upon their output. In the past, judges of the programming contest have had to enter test data for each of the individual solutions and manually compare the program's output to the correct answers. This method requires a good deal of time and manpower. The Corona Project automates this process. This will improve the accuracy of judging and allow judging to be done by the students themselves without revealing the test data. Additionally, high school computer science teachers will be able to utilize Corona to grade student's assignments, and students will be able to test their solutions as they are developed.
Modeling strawberry biomass and leaf area using object-based analysis of high-resolution images

Abstract Quantifying canopy biophysical parameters is critical to agricultural research and farm management. In this study, strawberry dry biomass and leaf area were modeled statistically using high spatial and temporal resolution imagery. A mobile field data acquisition system was used to acquire thousands of very high resolution (~0.5 mm) close-range images seven times throughout the strawberry growing season. Ortho-mosaics and dense point clouds were generated through Structure from Motion (SfM) and used in Object-Based Image Analysis (OBIA) at the sub-leaf level to extract canopy structure variables such as planimetric canopy area, canopy average height, and canopy smoothness metric. Regression analysis was carried out using these image-derived canopy variables as predictors to model leaf area ( R 2 = 0.79; ten-fold cross-validation RMSE = 0.056 m2) and dry biomass ( R 2 = 0.84; ten-fold cross-validation RMSE = 7.72 g) obtained through destructive measurements. Results indicate consistent predictive power through the season and across 17 strawberry genotypes. The study showed that the canopy smoothness metric developed in this study as an indicator of canopy density could complement other variables (planimetric canopy area, canopy average height) that describe canopy geometric properties.
Selectivity Control in Tandem Catalytic Furfural Upgrading on Zeolite-Encapsulated Pt Nanoparticles through Site and Solvent Engineering

Selectivity control is a pressing challenge in developing selective tandem catalytic processes. In this work, we demonstrate that tailoring types of acid sites of zeolite-encapsulated Pt nanopartic...
Hydrothermally degraded carbon fiber / epoxy plates subjected to underwater explosive loading in a fully submerged environment

Abstract An experimental and computational investigation was conducted to evaluate the underwater blast response of fully submerged carbon fiber composite plates after prolonged exposure to saline water. The material was a biaxial carbon fiber/epoxy composite with a [±45°] fiber orientation layup. The plates were placed in a saline water bath with a temperature of 65 °C for 35 and 70 days, which simulates approximately 10 and 20 years of operating conditions in accordance to Fick's law of diffusion coupled with Arrhenius's Equation and a reference ocean temperature of 17 °C. Underwater blast experiments were performed in a 2.1 m diameter pressure vessel. The composite plates were placed in the center of the vessel while fully submerged in water, and an RP-85 explosive was detonated at a standoff distance of 102 mm from the center of the plate. Two cases of fluid hydrostatic gage pressures were investigated: 0 MPa, and 3.45 MPa. Two high speed cameras were utilized for three-dimensional Digital Image Correlation, which provided full-field displacements and velocities of the composite plates during underwater blast loading. A third high speed camera captured the behavior of the explosive gas bubble. Moreover, the pressure fields generated by the explosive detonation and resulting gas bubble were recorded with tourmaline pressure transducers. A water diffusion study was completed which showed that the diffusion of water into the composites reached a point of complete saturation after 35 days of exposure. Quasi-static material characterization tests were performed before and after prolonged exposure to saline water. The properties obtained from quasi-static testing also served as material inputs for the numerical models. The quasi-static test results showed that the tensile modulus E1,2 does not change with exposure to saline water, whereas the in-plane shear modulus G12 decreases with saline water exposure. During blast loading, for the case of 0 MPa hydrostatic gage pressure, the gas bubble interacts with the composite plate substantially. In such an event, the out of plane displacement increased for saline water exposed plates when compared to virgin structures. For the case of 3.45 MPa hydrostatic gage pressure, the gas bubble does not visibly interact with the composite plate. In this case, the out of plane displacement for specimens exposed to saline water was similar to the virgin specimen. A fully coupled Eulerian–Lagrangian fluid structure interaction simulation was performed by using the DYSMAS code. The numerical simulations showed that the displacement of fully submerged composite plates is driven by the displacement of fluid, as well as the size of the gas bubble formed by the explosive rather than the peak pressure generated by the explosive. The numerical simulations were in agreement with the experimental findings in terms of pressure history and plate deformation.
Radiation-associated sarcomas other than malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumours demonstrate loss of histone H3K27 trimethylation†.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS Complete loss of histone H3 lysine 27 trimethylation (H3K27me3) has recently emerged as a biomarker for malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumours (MPNST). Loss of H3K27me3 staining has also been reported in post-radiation MPNST; however, it has not been evaluated in a large series of radiation-associated sarcomas of different histological subtypes. The aim of this study was to assess H3K27me3 labelling by immunohistochemistry in radiation-associated sarcomas and to determine the prevalence of H3K27me3 loss in these tumours. METHODS AND RESULTS Radiation-associated sarcomas (n = 119) from two tertiary care referral centres were evaluated for loss of H3K27me3, defined as complete loss of staining within tumour cells in the presence of a positive internal control. Twenty-three cases (19%) showed H3K27me3 loss, including nine of 10 (90%) MPNST, seven of 77 (9%) undifferentiated spindle cell/pleomorphic sarcomas, five of 25 (20%) angiosarcomas, one of five (20%) leiomyosarcomas and one of two (50%) osteosarcomas. CONCLUSIONS Complete H3K27me3 loss was present in 19% of radiation-associated sarcomas in our series. Our findings demonstrate that loss of H3K27me3 is not specific for radiation-associated MPNST and may also occur in other histological subtypes of RAS, including radiation-associated undifferentiated spindle cell/pleomorphic sarcoma, angiosarcoma, leiomyosarcoma and osteosarcoma.
Health behaviors and patient-practitioner communication in cancer patients and the general population: an analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005-2014.

The purpose of the study was to investigate the prevalence of poor health behaviors (low dietary quality, low physical activity (PA), and high body mass index (BMI)) in cancer patients and the general population and its relationship with receipt of patient–physician recommendations. We analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005–2014 to compare 1846 patients with a history of cancer to 16,641 with no cancer history. BMI was measured during physical exam. Dietary quality and PA were obtained from a questionnaire, along with receipt of physician recommendations for each behavior. Cancer patients had dietary quality that “needs improvement,” were not meeting PA recommendations, and were overweight. Compared to the general population, dietary quality (54 vs. 54, p = .80), prevalence of physical inactivity (34% vs. 31%, p = .01), and BMI (28 vs. 28, p < .01) were similar. Among cancer patients, prevalence of physician recommendations to improve dietary quality (33.5%), increase PA or exercise (47.7%), and lose or control weight (32.1%) were low. Physicians recommended health behavior change to cancer patients more frequently than the general population (p < .01). Overweight and physically inactive cancer patients were more likely to receive physician recommendations (ps < .01). Physician recommendations were not associated with dietary quality (p = .65). Prevalence of poor diet, physical inactivity, and obesity is high in both populations with less than 50% of patients receiving physician health behavior recommendations. These findings underscore the need for increased frequency and efficacy of patient–physician health behavior recommendations, especially in cancer patients, to improve patient outcomes.
Global Perspectives on Food Sovereignty, Household Resilience, and Dietary Diversity.

Ecology of Food and Nutrition (EFN) promotes scholarly discussion and engagement on the holistic and cross-cultural dimensions of food and nutrition. Articles published in this journal focus on foo...
Uprooting and Replanting the Vegetal Body of Silas Marner in George Eliot’s Silas Marner

Both the body and actions of George Eliot’s titular character are a source of “half-fearful fascination” in the first pages of Silas Marner (Eliot 1–2). His intimacy with his loom as well as his in...