cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Lesson in Metabolic Regulation Inspired by the Glucokinase Glucose Sensor Paradigm

Special features of glucose metabolism in pancreatic β-cells are central to an understanding of the physiological role of these cells in glucose homeostasis. Several of these characteristics are emphasized: a high-capacity system for glucose transport; glucose phosphorylation by the high-Km glucokinase (GK), which is rate-limiting for glucose metabolism and determines physiologically the glucose dependency curves of many processes in β-cell intermediary and energy metabolism and of insulin release and is therefore viewed as glucose sensor; remarkably low activity of lactate dehydrogenase and the presence of effective hydrogen shuttles to allow virtually quantitative oxidation of glycolytic NADH; the near absence of glycogen and fatty acid synthesis and of gluconeogenesis, such that intermediary metabolism is primarily catabolic; a crucial role of mitochondrial processes, including the citric acid cycle, electron transport, and oxidative phosphorylation with FoF1 ATPase governing the glucose-dependent increase of the ATP mass-action ratio; a Ca2+-independent glucose-induced respiratory burst and increased ATP production in β-cells as striking manifestations of crucial mitochondrial reactions; control of the membrane potential by the mass-action ratio of ATP and voltage-dependent Ca2+ influx as signal for insulin release; accumulation of malonyl-CoA, acyl-CoA, and diacylglycerol as essential or auxiliary metabolic coupling factors; and amplification of the adenine nucleotide, lipid-related, and Ca2+ signals to recruit many auxiliary processes to maximize insulin biosynthesis and release. The biochemical design also suggests certain candidate diabetes genes related to fuel metabolism: low-activity and low-stability GK mutants that explain in part the maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) phenotype in humans and mitochondrial DNA mutations of FoF1 ATPase components thought to cause late-onset diabetes in BHEcdb rats. These two examples are chosen to illustrate that metabolic reactions with high control strength participating in β-cell energy metabolism and generating coupling factors and intracellular signals are steps with great susceptibility to genetic, environmental, and pharmacological influences. Glucose metabolism of β-cells also controls, in addition to insulin secretion and insulin biosynthesis, an adaptive response to excessive fuel loads and may increase the β-cell mass by hypertrophy, hyperplasia, and neogenesis. It is probable that this adaptive response is compromised in diabetes because of the GK or ATPase mutants that are highlighted here. A comprehensive knowledge of β-cell intermediary and energy metabolism is therefore the foundation for understanding the role of these cells in fuel homeostasis and in the pathogenesis of the most prevalent metabolic disease, diabetes.
Multi‐decadal changes in the North American monsoon anticyclone

The purpose of this study was to assess trends in the intensity of the North American monsoon anticyclone over multiple decades from 1948 to 2010 during July and August, with a focus on the Lower Colorado River Basin (LCRB). The methodology included a 500 hPa geopotential-height regionalization of the monsoon-anticyclone domain (i.e. a large portion of the western United States and northern Mexico), a typing of 500 hPa circulation patterns over the LCRB, and an examination of multi-decadal trends as well as inter-epochal differences in geopotential heights and frequencies of synoptic types. Three regions (i.e. Northwest, Northeast, and South) were revealed that differed based on inter-annual variations in 500 hPa geopotential heights. The Northwest and South regions had significant increases in geopotential heights from 1948–1978 to 1980–2010. The synoptic types reflected the location of the monsoon anticyclone over the LCRB. The monsoon anticyclone intensified primarily over the northwestern region, which includes the LCRB, since the mid- to late 1970s. The anticyclone has thus been expanding over the LCRB. The anticyclone has been in a northern position, specifically a north-central position, over the basin more frequently over the past 30 years; conversely, the anticyclone has been in southern and eastern positions over the basin less frequently.
Minimizing Conservativeness of Robustness Singular Values

It is proved that the function $$ \bar \sigma ^2 ({\text{DMD}}^{ - 1} ) $$ is convex in D for any diagonal scaling matrix D=diag(d1,…,dn), guaranteeing convergence of numerical algorithms for mimimizing \( \bar \sigma ({\text{DMD}}^{ - 1} ) \). Convergence is also proved for more general situations involving certain classes of block diagonal D matrices. The result has application to stability margin analysis for multivariable control systems with structured undertainty. A key intermediate result (Lemma 1) is an expression for the second derivatives of the eigenvalues of a matrix A(t) dependent on a single real parameter t.
Vegetation cover at right of way locations

This research evaluated the status of vegetation cover at right of way locations. Site factors that contributed to low and high ground cover along roadsides and medians were identified. Twenty-nine roadside and median study sites incorporated variability in soil type, elevation, vegetation establishment and cover, seed mixture, slope, aspect, time since planting, and climate. Vegetation cover was measured, and species distribution was identified. Slopes, aspects of the sloping face, and elevations were recorded. Soil samples were tested for nutrients, minerals, texture, and pH. Approximately 50% of the test sites met the 70% cover criteria. Locations of the worst cover (<50%) had soils with high soluble salt content (0.36–1.54 mmhos/cm) or low organic matter values (<1.7%). Vegetation cover was dominated by tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) and crownvetch (Coronilla varia L.), two species that were included in the current seeding mixture and are considered invasive. To further promote revegetation success and persistence, both maintenance and site specific seed mixtures are needed.
Effect of late gestation bodyweight change and condition score on progeny feedlot performance

Inadequate nutrient intake during late gestation can cause cow bodyweight (BW) loss and influence cow reproductive performance and subsequent productivity of steer progeny. Therefore, a 7-year study with a 3 × 3 arrangement of treatments was conducted at Corona Range and Livestock Research Centre, Corona, New Mexico to evaluate the effects of cow BW change and body condition score (BCS) during late gestation on subsequent cow pregnancy rates, progeny steer feedlot performance, and health. Cows were retrospectively classified to 1 of 3 BW change groups: (1) cows that lost BW during late gestation (LOSS; mean –26 ± 2 kg); (2) cows that maintained BW during late gestation (MAIN; mean –1 ± 1 kg); or (3) cows that gained BW during late gestation (GAIN; mean 25 ± 2 kg). Cows were also classified to 1 of 3 BCS groups: BCS of 4 (mean BCS = 4.0 ± 0.02; range 4.0–4.5), 5 (mean BCS = 5.0 ± 0.02; range 5.0–5.5), or 6 (mean BCS = 6.0 ± 0.02; range 6.0–6.5). After weaning each year, steers were preconditioned for 45 days and were received and treated as custom-fed commercial cattle at a feedlot in mid-November. Calf weaning BW, initial feedlot BW, final BW, and hot carcass weight were unaffected (P ≥ 0.22) by dam’s prepartum BW change or BCS. However, steers from GAIN and MAIN tended (P = 0.06) to have increased ADG in the feedlot. Twelfth-rib fat thickness, longissimus muscle area, and days on feed were not influenced (P ≥ 0.18) by late gestation BW change or BCS. Calves from BCS 6 cows tended (P = 0.10) to have greater yield grades at harvest in the feedlot. Percentage of steers grading Choice or greater was increased (P < 0.01) in steers from LOSS cows and cows in BCS 4 during late gestation compared with other groups. These data suggest that modest nutrient restriction during late gestation can have a minimal effect on growth and performance of steer progeny from birth through the finishing phase.
Crystal structure of 1,3-bis­(2,3-di­methyl­quinoxalin-6-yl)benzene

The title compound, C26H22N4 (I), was synthesized by C—H iridium-catalyzed borylation followed by Suzuki coupling. The mol­ecular structure of (I) consists of a central benzene ring with 3-di­methyl­quinoxalin-6-yl groups at the 1 and 3 positions. These 2,3-di­methyl­quinoxalin-6-yl groups twist significantly out of the plane of the benzene ring. There are inter­molecular π–π inter­actions which result in a two-dimensional extended structure. The layers extend parallel to the ab plane and stack along the c axis.
Florid Suprascapular Neuropathy after Primary Rotator Cuff Repair Attributed to Suprascapular Notch Constriction in the Setting of Double Crush Syndrome.

This report describes a patient who had an open repair of a small supraspinatus tendon tear performed 6 months after an arthroscopic acromioplasty with debridement had failed to provide pain relief. Three months prior to the tendon repair, he had a two-level cervical spine discectomy and fusion (C4–5, C5–6) that improved his neck pain. Florid suprascapular neuropathy was detected 10 weeks after the open rotator cuff repair. Evidence of some nerve recovery resulted in a long period of observation. But unsatisfactory improvement warranted decompression of the suprascapular notch, which was found to be very stenotic. At surgery, there was no evidence of neuroma, cyst, or other compressing lesion or tissue. Therefore, it was ultimately hypothesized that there was anexacerbation of apreexisting, but clinically unrecognized, entrapment of the suprascapular nerve in the suprascapular notch in the setting of cervical radiculopathy (primarily C5). Retrospectively it was also concluded that had this compressive etiology been recognized, it would have favored prompt decompression rather than the long observation period. Three years was required to achieve a good result following suprascapular notch decompression. The underlying C5 radiculopathy may have created a “double crush syndrome” that contributed to the propensity for injury and the prolonged recovery. There should be heightened awareness of this problem in patients who do not have satisfactory improvement in shoulder pain from previous shoulder and neck surgery.
Relativistic effects in nonrelativistic ionization

Radiation pressure effects recently observed by Smeenk et al. [C. Smeenk, L. Arissian, B. Zhou, A. Mysyrowicz, D. M. Villeneuve, A. Staudte, and P. B. Corkum, Phys. Rev. Lett. 106, 193002 (2011)] in atomic ionization by circularly polarized light are readily explained by the relativistic strong-field approximation (RSFA). The physical picture that emerges is determined by linear and angular momentum properties of the photons required for ionization, and it is largely independent of the atom being ionized. Radiation pressure follows from linear momenta carried by photons, and the angular momenta of the photons require the photoelectron to be in a circular orbit around the remnant ion. Two special features of the Smeenk et al. experiments are highlighted by the analysis. One is that this is the first verification of true relativistic effects in ionization. The other is that the circular trajectory picture from the RSFA analysis directly contradicts the physical picture that emerges from the length gauge. This is an exceptionally striking example of gauge-dependent differences in physical interpretations. Nevertheless, the distribution of momentum found by the Smeenk et al. experiments is accurately predicted by the RSFA. Results herein provide a universal theory to which the analysis of Titi and Drake [A. S. Titi and G. W. F. Drake, Phys. Rev. A 85, 041404(R) (2012)] represents an approximation. The physical properties of ionization by circularly polarized light also cast doubt on some predictions of rescattering theory.
Using Petri Nets for Gibson's Affordances: First Steps Into Perception-Based Task Analysis

In this paper, we introduce the notion of affordance proposed by Gibson, and provide a computational formalism based on Petri Nets (PNs) for conducting perception-based task analysis. Gibson used affordance to refer to what an environment offers an animal for either ill or good. Since then, affordance has been widely adopted and used in several areas such as human computer interaction, mobile robotics, etc. We argue that Petri Net provides the appropriate framework for performing a perception-based task analysis (PTA) as it helps investigate the task from an ecological perspective based on concepts such as affordance, effectivity and actualizations. Additionally, Petri Net can be used to study behavioral properties such as reachability, boundedness and liveness, which relate to the perception-based task. We illustrate how the ecological concepts can be modeled using the proposed PN formalism with reference to a driving task. We conclude that Petri Net is a very useful tool for conducting perception-based ...
Thin Films of CoSi2 Co-Deposited onto Si1-xGexAlloys

Cobalt disilicide films have been formed on strained epitaxial Si0.80Ge0.20/Si(100) alloys via co-deposition of silicon and cobalt. Co-deposition is shown to improve the epitaxy and prevent the phase segregation commonly observed with the formation of Co/SiGe contacts using other methods such as the direct deposition of cobalt onto SiGe or the sequential deposition of a silicon sacrificial layer and cobalt onto SiGe. EXAFS measurements at the cobalt K edge indicate that co-deposited films annealed at 500-700° C are indeed crystalline CoSi2 throughout this temperature range. The XRD patterns of the co-deposited films do not exhibit any of the CoSi2 (111), (220) or (311) peaks normally associated with other preparation methods. The sheet resistance and r.m.s. roughness of the CoSi2 films increase monotonically with annealing temperature. These results indicate that co-deposited films are epitaxial to the (100)-oriented SiGe substrate and suggest that low thermal budget, low resistivity contacts to strained SiGe can be grown with this method. Issues related to the presence of Ge at the CoSi2/substrate interface will be discussed.
The Attitude of Chinese Consumers toward Illegal Downloading of Music, Movies and Software in the United States

Piracy of intellectual property, and especially unauthorized downloading of music, movies and software programs, causes significant loss of revenue to US firms. While the illegal downloading of intellectual properties by Chinese consumers has been the focus of various reports published in the popular press, not much academic work on the topic has been published. This paper, based on a review of the extant literature on this topic, is an attempt to further our understanding of this phenomenon. This paper proffers several testable propositions covering a whole gamut of downloading behavior by Chinese consumers and the causes thereof. The paper concludes with a discussion on the limitations of the study followed by directions for future research that could potentially deepen our understanding of this topic.
Cell-mediated immune responses to respiratory syncytial virus infection: Magnitude, kinetics, and correlates with morbidity and age

We evaluated the cell-mediated immune (CMI) response to RSV acute infection including the magnitude, kinetics and correlates with morbidity and age. Twenty-nine RSV-infected patients with mean ± SD...
Radiation Induced Grain Growth in Transition Metals

Nanocrystalline self supporting thin films of Ni, Co, Cr, V, and Ti were irradiated with 600 keV Xe ions at liquid nitrogen temperature and the resulting grain growth was measured by transmission electron microscopy. Average grain sizes were seen to increase from about 10 nm to 18−35 nm, depending on the metal. Systematic variations did not support current thermal spike models.
Effect of Constant- and Variable-Humidity and Temperature Regimes on the Survival and Developmental Periods of Oligonychus ununguis (Acarina: Tetranychidae) and Neoseiulus fallacis (Acarina: Phytoseiidae)

This study focused on the effects of constant- and variable-humidity and temperature regimes on the developmental periods of the spruce spider mite, Oligonychus ununguis (Jacobi), and a predator of this mite, Neoseiulus fallacis (Garman). Variable-humidity regimes, either alone or with variable-temperature regimes, had no significant effect on the developmental period of the immature stages of O. ununguis . Survival was marginally decreased under variable-temperature regimes. Temperature was the overriding influence for development of this mite. Developmental periods of N. fallacis immatures, however, were markedly increased by the use of a constant-humidity regime with a constant-temperature regime. In addition, survival of the immatures was low under low constant-humidity regimes. The effects of a range of constant-humidity regimes over a range of constant-temperature regimes on the survival and developmental period of N. fallacis eggs also were studied. Humidity was found to have a statistically significant but biologically trivial effect on the egg developmental period at the lower temperatures. However, when the vapor pressure deficit was high, there was a significant relationship between egg survival and vapor pressure deficit. The data suggest that the meteorological conditions in the field during the hot, dry summer months may not support a large population of N. fallacis and thereby allow O. ununguis populations to build up during these months.
Amorphous Silicon TFTs on Steel-Foil Substrates

We describe the successful fabrication of device-quality a-Si:H thin-film transistors (TFTs) on stainless-steel foil substrates. These TFTs demonstrate that transistor circuits can be made on a flexible, non-breakable substrate. Such circuits could be used in reflective or emissive displays, and in other applications that require rugged macroelectronic circuits. Two inverted TFT structures have been made, using 200 µm thick stainless steel foils with polished surfaces. In the first structure we used the substrate as the gate and utilized a homemade mask set with very large feature sizes: L = 45 µm; W = 2.5 mm. The second, inverted staggered, structure used a 9500 A a-SiNx:H passivating/insulating layer deposited on the steel to enable the use of isolated gates. For this structure we used a mask set which is composed of TFTs with much smaller feature sizes. Both TFT structures exhibit transistor action. Current-voltage characterization of the TFTs with the inverted staggered structure shows typical on/off current ratios of 107, leakage currents on the order of 10−12 A, good linear and saturation current behavior, and channel mobilities of 0.5 cm2/V·sec. These characteristics clearly identify the TFTs grown on stainless steel foil as being of device quality.
Ventosimonas gracilis gen. nov., sp. nov., a member of the Gammaproteobacteria isolated from Cephalotes varians ant guts representing a new family, Ventosimonadaceae fam. nov., within the order 'Pseudomonadales'.

Cephalotes 'turtle' ants are known to harbor a core group of gut symbionts, including members belonging to the Gammaproteobacteria. Here, we describe the cultivation and characterization of strain CV58T, a novel member of the Gammaproteobacteria order Pseudomonadales isolated from the guts of the ant Cephalotes varians. Strain CV58T was rod-shaped, Gram-stain-negative, non-motile and formed pale-yellow colonies on trypticase soy agar. Optimum growth occurred under an atmosphere of 4-20 % (v/v) O2. Growth was possible for strain CV58Tat NaCl concentrations of 0-1.5 % (w/v), temperatures of 23-40 °C, and pH values of 5.5-8.5. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 54.9 mol% and the major fatty acids were C18 : 1ω7c, C16 : 0, C16 : 1ω7c/C16 : 1ω6c, C12 : 0 and C12 : 03OH. The only respiratory quinone detected was ubiquinone-9 (Q-9) and the major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol and diphosphatidylglycerol. Based on phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence, strain CV58T shared an 88.3 % nucleotide identity with its closest cultivated neighbor, Pseudomonas putida R43. We believe that this, combined with the housekeeping gene phylogeny, differences in phenotypic characteristics and cellular fatty acid compositions of other cultivated members indicates that strain CV58T represents a novel species occupying a novel genus and family within the order Pseudomonadales. Thus, we propose the name Ventosimonadaceae fam nov., followed by Ventosimonas gracilis gen. nov., sp. nov., to classify strain CV58T (=NCIMB 15011T =DSM 100910T).
Call for the Views of the Solicitor General in Original Jurisdiction Proceedings: Solicitor General as Advisor or Advocate?

The Call for the Views of the Solicitor General (CVSG) is not a new tool in the Supreme Court’s arsenal and it has been utilized by the Court for decades in the exercise of its appellate jurisdiction. Interestingly, it is even more commonly used in the Court's original jurisdiction, particularly at the motion for leave to file stage. The Court issuing CVSGs at this early stage in original jurisdiction proceedings could have dramatic implications: in the case of states, because the Court has original and exclusive jurisdiction, an opportunity to be heard in front of the Supreme Court is their only chance at a day in court. A CVSG could be a powerful tool in determining whether parties will get recourse. Out of 140 cases between states that the Court has rendered a decision on, 17 involved a CVSG. Moreover, a quarter of those 17 cases where the Court has issued a CVSG in an interstate proceeding have occurred in the past five years. The Court seems to be turning to this device more often in original jurisdiction proceedings than it has in the past. In most of these cases, however, it’s likely not contentious. It’s not unusual for the Court to defer to the SG with a CVSG in matters concerning complex regulatory or sovereignty issues. Of these 17 cases, 16 deal with standard original jurisdiction subject matter: resource law, boundary issues, etc. For the Court to engage the objective advisory function of the SG in these types of cases is not only probably innocuous, but likely beneficial. The issue lies not in the trend of the higher frequency of CVSGs in original jurisdiction proceedings, but rather in circumstances when the CVSG is issued where it is difficult, if not impossible, to discern whether the Court is seeking to engage the SG as an objective advisor or as an advocate of the United States. Nebraska & Oklahoma v. Colorado is just a case. Nebraska and Oklahoma are seeking relief under the Supremacy Clause from Colorado’s enforcement of its recreational marijuana regulatory scheme in violation of the Controlled Substances Act. This case is wholly unlike other original jurisdiction proceedings where a CVSG has been issued, and given the complex federalism issues implicated by the subject matter, in addition to policy concerns with which the DOJ has been directly involved, it is difficult to imagine how the SG’s advocacy role would not be engaged in such a brief to the Court. This paper will argue that a CVSG at this early stage, in a proceeding where federal interests are so clearly entangled, should be met with wariness. The Court asking the advocate of the federal government whether Nebraska and Oklahoma should get to have their day in Court ought to raise suspicion. With this case being singularly unique, perhaps it is anomalous, and maybe even an appropriate use of the CVSG on balance. Or perhaps it, like the increase of the CVSG in original jurisdiction proceedings on the whole, is the beginning of a trend that could have major implications for the justiciability of claims between states before the Court.
Thiopurine Prodrugs Mediate Immunosuppressive Effects by Interfering with Rac1 Protein Function

6-Thiopurine (6-TP) prodrugs include 6-thioguanine and azathioprine. Both are widely used to treat autoimmune disorders and certain cancers. This study showed that a 6-thioguanosine triphosphate (6-TGTP), converted in T-cells from 6-TP, targets Rac1 to form a disulfide adduct between 6-TGTP and the redox-sensitive GXXXXGK(S/T)C motif of Rac1. This study also showed that, despite the conservation of the catalytic activity of RhoGAP (Rho-specific GAP) on the 6-TGTP-Rac1 adduct to produce the biologically inactive 6-thioguanosine diphosphate (6-TGDP)-Rac1 adduct, RhoGEF (Rho-specific GEF) cannot exchange the 6-TGDP adducted on Rac1 with free guanine nucleotide. The biologically inactive 6-TGDP-Rac1 adduct accumulates in cells because of the ongoing combined actions of RhoGEF and RhoGAP. Because other Rho GTPases, such as RhoA and Cdc42, also possess the GXXXXGK(S/T)C motif, the proposed mechanism for the inactivation of Rac1 also applies to RhoA and Cdc42. However, previous studies have shown that CD3/CD28-stimulated T-cells contain more activated Rac1 than other Rho GTPases such as RhoA and Cdc42. Accordingly, Rac1 is the main target of 6-TP in activated T-cells. This explains the T-cell-specific Rac1-targeting therapeutic action of 6-TP that suppresses the immune response. This proposed mechanism for the action of 6-TP on Rac1 performs a critical role in demonstrating the capability to design a Rac1-targeting chemotherapeutic agent(s) for autoimmune disorders. Nevertheless, the results also suggest that the targeting action of other Rho GTPases in other organ cells, such as RhoA in vascular cells, may be linked to cytotoxicities because RhoA plays a key role in vasculature functions.
In search of rigorous data on how to palliate the EGFR inhibitor-induced rash.

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors have emerged as important drugs in cancer therapy, providing a proven survival advantage for some patients with non–small-cell lung cancer, colorectal cancer, head and neck cancer, and pancreas cancer.
Writing on the Margins: The Concept of Literacy in Higher Education

There are obvious dangers in talking about problems of literacy on college campuses. Perhaps the greatest danger is that we think we are making a precise distinction when we say that some students have it and others don’t. It seems obvious to us that students come with diverse skills as readers and writers and that this diversity can be segmented and arranged —usually, or at least initially, in a binary opposition: marginal or mainstream, remedial or regular, noncredit or credit, English 101 or Basic Writing.1 I don’t question that students bring diverse skills to our classrooms, nor do I question either the pedagogical value of grouping students according to levels of ability or (and this is a more difficult admission) distinctions that place some students on the margins of the university while placing others in the center. It is in the nature of intellectual work to force distinctions between the center and the margins. Most of us would say that our lives as students were marked initially by a struggle to enter into those habits of mind (those ways of reading and writing) that define the center of English Studies, just as many of us would say that the later stages were marked by a desire to push against that center —to debate, redefine the terrain, and establish a niche that somehow seemed to be our own. (In fact, in my ideal curriculum, the most advanced students would be pushed toward the margins and not into the center of the work represented by university study.2) I do, however, think there is reason to examine the assumptions about the nature of literate skills represented by the decisions we make in placement exams or tracking procedures.
THE USE OF A CUTTING FORCE SPECTRUM FOR TOOL WEAR COMPENSATION DURING TURNING

The variations of tangential cutting force during finish turning of AISI–1045 and AISI–4130 steel have been measured for depth of cut from 0.001 to 0.008 in. Changes in tool geometry, such as the reduction of rake face areas as a wear criterion, have been obtained and the consequent modifications of the depth of cut on the workpiece were related to the cutting force spectrum. This relationship between machining variables has been incorporated into a control algorithm and the flow chart suggesting numerically controlled turning with corrections for tool wear is presented here.
A microfabricated sun sensor using GaN-on-sapphire ultraviolet photodetector arrays

A miniature sensor for detecting the orientation of incident ultraviolet light was microfabricated using gallium nitride (GaN)-on-sapphire substrates and semi-transparent interdigitated gold electrodes for sun sensing applications. The individual metal-semiconductor-metal photodetector elements were shown to have a stable and repeatable response with a high sensitivity (photocurrent-to-dark current ratio (PDCR) = 2.4 at −1 V bias) and a high responsivity (3200 A/W at −1 V bias) under ultraviolet (365 nm) illumination. The 3 × 3 GaN-on-sapphire ultraviolet photodetector array was integrated with a gold aperture to realize a miniature sun sensor (1.35 mm × 1.35 mm) capable of determining incident light angles with a ±45° field of view. Using a simple comparative figure of merit algorithm, measurement of incident light angles of 0° and 45° was quantitatively and qualitatively (visually) demonstrated by the sun sensor, supporting the use of GaN-based sun sensors for orientation, navigation, and tracking of the sun within the harsh environment of space.
Do Recent Changes in the Dow Jones Industrial Average Support the Price-Pressure Hypothesis

The price-pressure hypothesis (PPH) assumes that a temporary increase (decrease) in returns and volume results as firms are added to (deleted from) an index around the announcement date. This event study analyzed recent unexamined changes in the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) since 1996. Examination of returns of firms added to and firms deleted from DJIA did not support the PPH. Only deleted stocks’ volume exhibited a slight increase following the announcement dates. Otherwise, the volume analyses for stocks either added to or deleted from the DJIA tended not to support the PPH.
A platform for studying the Rayleigh–Taylor and Richtmyer–Meshkov instabilities in a planar geometry at high energy density at the National Ignition Facility

A new experimental platform has been developed at the National Ignition Facility (NIF) for studying the Rayleigh–Taylor (RT) and Richtmyer–Meshkov (RM) instabilities in a planar geometry at high-energy-densities. The platform uses 60 beams of the NIF laser to drive an initially solid shock tube containing a pre-machined interface between dense and light materials. The strong shock turns the initially solid target into a plasma and the material boundary into a fluid interface with the imprinted initial condition. The interface evolves by action of the RT and RM instabilities, and the growth is imaged with backlit x-ray radiography. We present our first data involving sinusoidal interface perturbations driven from the heavy side to the light side. Late-time radiographic images show the initial conditions reaching the deeply nonlinear regime, and an evolution of fine structure consistent with a transition to turbulence. We show preliminary comparisons with post-shot numerical simulations and discuss the impl...
Beyond Timbuktu: An Intellectual History of Muslim West Africa: Kane, Ousmane Oumar Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press 296 pp., $39.95, ISBN 978-0674050822 Publication Date: June 2016

Ousmane Oumar Kane's Beyond Timbuktu: An Intellectual History of Muslim West Africa is part of the resurgent interest in African intellectual history. This book is an important contribution to the ...
Application of implicit Roe-type scheme and Jacobian-Free Newton-Krylov method to two-phase flow problems

Abstract A new implicit second-order accurate spatial scheme for steady-state thermal-hydraulic simulations of the two-phase two-fluid six-equation model is proposed. The new scheme is based on a Roe-type numerical flux that is formulated with the help of analytical approximate eigenvalues and eigenvectors of the two-phase system. Approximate eigenvalues and eigenvectors are obtained with a structured Jacobian matrix that is general for arbitrary Equation of State (EOS). Three issues are solved in this article: (1) A fully-implicit scheme using the backward Euler method is proposed to improve the stability and avoid the time step limit of the originally explicit scheme. The fully implicit scheme is solved with the Jacobian-Free Newton-Krylov method. (2) A second-order accurate spatial scheme is proposed by converting the first-order Roe-type numerical flux to a second-order one. The conversion is made by extending an existing procedure for single-phase flows to two-phase flows. (3) Phase appearance issue is treated with a numerical procedure, which requires little modification to the schemes. The new scheme is verified and validated with two numerical tests: the faucet flow problem and the BFBT benchmark.
Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) inhibits human neutrophil superoxide anion production in vitro.

Because neutrophils contribute to reperfusion injury associated with acute myocardial infarction (MI), and because tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) is often used in the management of MI, we evaluated the effect of tPA on superoxide (O2.-) production by human neutrophils in vitro. We found that adding increasing amounts of tPA significantly (r = 0.89, P 0.05) the concentrations of O2.- produced by xanthine oxidase (XO) in vitro. Our findings suggest that tPA reduces neutrophil O2.- generation by a mechanism that is not related to L-arginine, is not dependent on tPA proteolytic activity, and is not a function of direct scavenging. This property may account for some of the effectiveness of tPA in the treatment of MI and/or make tPA valuable for treating acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) or other inflammatory disorders involving neutrophil O2.- production.
Refining the Preliminary Framework to Create the Role Framework

This chapter describes a study designed to refine the preliminary framework presented in Chap. 2. In the study, 194 members from 20 consumer-run organizations (CROs) responded to focused questions about how CRO participation is beneficial. Coding the responses into categories led to the development of a relatively comprehensive list of CRO participation benefits. Using the categories as a guide, I refined the preliminary model so that it could integrate all categories into its structure, thereby creating a more comprehensive explanation of how people benefit from CROs. Specifically, the additional consideration of resource exchanges and self-appraisals allowed the model to account for all benefits described by participants. I call the revised model the role framework. The remaining chapters of this book further explore the utility of the role framework and provide preliminary tests of its predictions.
Languages and Grammar

Abstract The goal of this chapter is to describe grammars for formal languages. First, we describe a mathematical notation for describing grammars. Next, we discuss the grammar classes and the corresponding languages that these grammars generate. Lastly, we outline a simplistic grammar for English language.
Ambassador Frederic Sackett and the Collapse of the Weimar Republic, 1930–1933

This book details a striking political relationship between American Ambassador Frederic Sackett and German Chancellor Heinrich Bruning and their attempts to save the Weimar Republic, achieve German nationalist goals, and thwart Adolf Hitler's drive to power. Sackett believed that financial policy was at the heart of German problems and, unless resolved, could be the basis for Hitler's success. Very early in his tenure in Berlin, Sackett saw Hitler and the Nazis as a serious danger to the Weimar Republic and to peace in Europe. The American thought that misrule by incompetent and inefficient Nazis would pave the way for a communist state. Although at first he saw the Nazis as harbingers of worse to come, in time he came to see Hitler as the real threat to democracy in Germany.
Detecting Jumps amidst Prevalent Zero Returns: Evidence from the U.S. Treasury Securities

We document that each day the U.S. Treasury notes have a large proportion of zero returns, because the vast majority of trades are executed at the best ask/bid quotes and spreads are mostly set close to the minimum tick. The proportion of zero returns is negatively correlated with traditional illiquidity measures. Given the distinctive feature (frequent zero returns), conventional jump-detection methods are vulnerable to biases, leading to falsely identifying jumps. We propose a low-cost solution to the biases, and empirically support the arguments by comparing the identification results using the actual data on the Treasury notes and macro-economic news announcements.
Refining the adipose progenitor cell landscape in healthy and obese visceral adipose tissue using single-cell gene expression profiling

Obesity is a serious health concern and is associated with a reduced quality of life and a number of chronic diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and cancer. With obesity rates on the rise worldwide, adipose tissue biology has become a top biomedical research priority. Despite steady growth in obesity-related research, more investigation into the basic biology of adipose tissue is needed to drive innovative solutions aiming to curtail the obesity epidemic. Adipose progenitor cells (APCs) play a central role in adipose tissue homeostasis and coordinate adipose tissue expansion and remodeling. Although APCs are well studied, defining and characterizing APC subsets remains ambiguous because of ill-defined cellular heterogeneity within this cellular compartment. In this study, we used single-cell RNA sequencing to create a cellular atlas of APC heterogeneity in mouse visceral adipose tissue. Our analysis identified two distinct populations of adipose tissue–derived stem cells (ASCs) and three distinct populations of preadipocytes (PAs). We identified novel cell surface markers that, when used in combination with traditional ASC and preadipocyte markers, could discriminate between these APC subpopulations by flow cytometry. Prospective isolation and molecular characterization of these APC subpopulations confirmed single-cell RNA sequencing gene expression signatures, and ex vivo culture revealed differential expansion/differentiation capabilities. Obese visceral adipose tissue featured relative expansion of less mature ASC and PA subpopulations, and expression analyses revealed major obesity-associated signaling alterations within each APC subpopulation. Taken together, our study highlights cellular and transcriptional heterogeneity within the APC pool, provides new tools to prospectively isolate and study these novel subpopulations, and underscores the importance of considering APC diversity when studying the etiology of obesity.
The HIV prevention needs of African American transgender women living in the southern region of the United States

We conducted a qualitative descriptive study to examine the HIV prevention needs of African American transgender women living in one state in the southern region of the United States. A purposeful ...
Optimal Convergence Rate of Self-Consistent Field Iteration for Solving Eigenvector-dependent Nonlinear Eigenvalue Problems.

We present a comprehensive convergence analysis for Self-Consistent Field (SCF) iteration to solve a class of nonlinear eigenvalue problems with eigenvector-dependency (NEPv). Using a tangent-angle matrix as an intermediate measure for approximation error, we establish new formulas for two fundamental quantities that optimally characterize the local convergence of the plain SCF: the local contraction factor and the local average contraction factor. In comparison with previously established results, new convergence rate estimates provide much sharper bounds on the convergence speed. As an application, we extend the convergence analysis to a popular SCF variant -- the level-shifted SCF. The effectiveness of the convergence rate estimates is demonstrated numerically for NEPv arising from solving the Kohn-Sham equation in electronic structure calculation and the Gross-Pitaevskii equation in the modeling of Bose-Einstein condensation.
Availability of advanced airway equipment on obstetric units: a survey of academic obstetric anesthesia directors in the United States

Abstract Background Obstetric patients have a higher incidence of failed tracheal intubation compared to non-pregnant patients. The accessibility of advanced airway equipment is crucial to managing difficult airways. The Obstetric Anaesthetists’ Association and Difficult Airway Society (OAA/ DAS) guidelines for the management of difficult and failed tracheal intubations recommend having a video laryngoscope immediately available for all obstetric general anesthetics. The objective of this study was to identify the availability of advanced airway equipment on obstetric units in American academic medical centers, thereby assessing preparedness for managing the difficult airway. Methods A survey was sent to academic obstetric anesthesia directors in the United States. The primary outcome was the proportion of obstetric units that have dedicated advanced airway equipment, specifically video laryngoscopy. Univariate statistics were used to characterize survey responses. Results Fifty-eight directors completed the survey [59.7% response rate (95%CI: 49.3–69.6)]. All respondents (100%; 95%CI: 93.8–100%) reported having a dedicated video laryngoscope. There was no difference in the number of video laryngoscopes available on the obstetric unit when stratified by annual delivery volume. Only 26 (47%) and 45 (78%) responding units had percutaneous tracheostomy and cricothyrotomy kits available, respectively. Conclusions The results suggest that the majority of obstetric units have the appropriate equipment for initial difficult airway management; however, some do not stock equipment for surgical airways. Given the potential morbidity and mortality associated with difficult or failed intubation, it is imperative that all units evaluate their ability to access both rescue (e.g. video laryngoscopy) and surgical airway equipment.
Getting involved in educating residents and fellows

Abstract Colorectal surgeons are poised to accomplish excellence in patient care through both the clinical and academic realms. In the process, colon and rectal surgery offers significant opportunities to improve surgical education. When equipped with the tools, skills and resources, junior educators can succeed in disseminating knowledge to the next generation. Here we describe opportunities for residents and fellows to become involved with surgical education early and effectively. We seek to inform the reader of opportunities for excellence in surgical education in order to disseminate knowledge and skills to the next generation of trainees.
High Temperature Aqueous Corrosion of Aluminum-Plutonium and Aluminum-Silicon-Plutonium Alloys

Abstract Aluminum-plutonium and aluminum-silicon-plutonium alloys were tested in 350 and 360 C deionized water in a static autoclave. Alloys were air-melted and cast. Tests showed low percentage al...
Cities As Global Environmental Actors: The Case of Marine Plastics

As the impacts of marine plastic pollution become ever more apparent, a number of states have begun calling for the development of a new international agreement to address the problem. This essay considers which jurisdictional entities should be engaged in the drafting of such an agreement if one should materialize. While nation states have traditionally been the main entities recognized as having the legal personality to make treaties, cities have the potential to substantially advance efforts to mitigate certain international environmental problems, including the plague of global marine plastic pollution. We argue, on functional grounds, that this potential should be acknowledged, indeed encouraged, by engaging cities in the development of international action to address these problems. In particular, we suggest a “city supplement” to international agreements dealing with environmental problems where there are functional reasons for involving cities.
Quantifying Financial Risk with Monte Carlo Simulations

Many organizations use financial models to forecast, organize, analyze and report the likely impacts of the future’s unknowns on financial outcomes. Financial models cannot replace the manager, but an effective model can complement and improve professional judgment. Many educational programs feature some financial modeling (e.g., with spreadsheet software such as Excel®). However, many of these educational applications fail to fully use the ability of spreadsheet models to address risk beyond limited forecasting impacts of a few, possible variable realizations via sensitivity or scenario analyses. On the other hand, extending financial models to Monte Carlo simulations can quantify risk as the expected odds of an adverse outcome, such as failing to meet a contractually required financial ratio. The purpose of this applied research note is to describe how to develop financial models that use Monte Carlo simulations to quantify financial risk. This note concludes with a classroom-tested case example.
Analysis of China’s Interests and Influence in the Middle East

Although China’s core interests in the Middle East are economic ones, other interests, such as political, strategic, security and overseas interests crisscross and comingle with economic ones in a complementary and conflicting way. While China lacks the wherewithal, especially military wherewithal to protect her interests in the Middle East, she has a pool of assorted resources that are showing a trend of rapid growth, and the resources with the greatest potential are economic ones. In view of the gap between interests and influence, China should choose a new path of Middle East strategy different from that taken by any other major power in history.
Beat Boxing: expressive control for electronic music performance and musical applications

This paper describes the design and implementation of Beat Boxing, a percussive gestural interface for the live performance of electronic music and control of computer-based games and musical activities.
Cutting Edge: Inhibition of T Cell Activation by TIM-2

T cell Ig and mucin domain protein 2 (TIM-2) has been shown to regulate T cell activation in vitro and T cell-mediated disease in vivo. However, it is still not clear whether TIM-2 acts mainly to augment T cell function or to inhibit it. We have directly examined the function of TIM-2 in murine and human T cell lines. Our results indicate that expression of TIM-2 significantly impairs the induction of NFAT and AP-1 transcriptional reporters by not only TCR ligation but also by the pharmacological stimuli PMA and ionomycin. This does not appear to be due to a general effect on cell viability, and the block in NFAT activation can be bypassed by expression of activated alleles of Ras or calcineurin, or MEK kinase, in the case of AP-1. Thus, our data are consistent with a model whereby TIM-2 inhibits T cell activation.