Ermakov Systems with Multiplicative Noise

Using the Euler-Maruyama numerical method, we present calculations of the Ermakov-Lewis invariant and the dynamic, geometric, and total phases for several cases of stochastic parametric oscillators, including the simplest case of the stochastic harmonic oscillator. The results are compared with the corresponding numerical noiseless cases to evaluate the effect of the noise. Besides, the noiseless cases are analytic and their analytic solutions are briefly presented. The Ermakov-Lewis invariant is not affected by the multiplicative noise in the three particular examples presented in this work, whereas there is a shift effect in the case of the phasesComment: 12 pages, 4 figures, 22 reference

Using Shape-Change to Express Dynamic Affordances of Intelligent Systems

As intelligent systems permeate the world, our everyday lives are made easier and less tedious. However, there exist too many “intelligent” systems whose lack of communication or low intelligibility frustrate users. In this study, we present a tangible interface aimed to bridge human-system interaction. It expresses behaviors through shape-change, and its body movements indicate system status and are responsive and rapid enough for perceptual crossing. Based on preliminary results of a user study conducted with 16 participants, the prototype’s implicit interactions show promise in establishing a basic dialog and point to goals and challenges in designing technology that feels truly “smart.

Sorghum grain for lactating dairy cows

The 1990 Annual KSU Dairy Day is known as Dairy Day, 1990Holstein cows in early lactation were utilized to evaluate the effects of supplementing concentrate diets of sorghum grain on milk production, milk composition, somatic cell count, and body condition. At 21 d postpartum, cows were randomly assigned to receive four concentrate diets consisting of 1) corn, 2) sorghum, 3) sorghum plus 1 lb tallow, and 4) sorghum plus wheat in a 70:30 ratio. All concentrates were combined with chopped alfalfa hay in a total mixed diet and fed twice daily. Treatments included a 7-day preliminary period and a 16-week experimental period. Cows fed the sorghum plus tallow diet produced 14% more milk than cows fed either corn or sorghum alone and 10% more than cows fed the 70:30 sorghum plus wheat diet. Milk fat was unaffected by diet, although cows receiving the sorghum plus wheat diet tended to produce milk with less fat (3.3% vs 3.5% for the other diets). Body weight and body condition tended to be higher for cows fed the sorghum plus wheat combination. The addition of tallow or wheat to grain sorghumbased diets appears to improve its value for high-producing cows

An Optical Overview of Poly[μ2-L-alanine-μ3-nitrato-sodium(I)] Crystals

Single crystals of the semiorganic materials, L-alanine sodium nitrate (LASN) and D-alanine sodium nitrate (DASN), were grown from an aqueous solution by slow-evaporation technique. X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies were carried for the doped grown crystals. The absorption of these grown crystals was analyzed using UV-Vis-NIR studies, and it was found that these crystals possess minimum absorption from 200 to 1100 nm. An infrared (FTIR) spectrum of single crystal has been measured in the 4000–400 cm−1 range. The assignment of the observed vibrational modes to corresponding symmetry type has been performed. A thermogravimetric study was carried out to determine the thermal properties of the grown crystal. The efficiency of second harmonic generation was obtained by a variant of the Kurtz-Perry method

A Model of Dendritic Cell Therapy for Melanoma

Dendritic cells are a promising immunotherapy tool for boosting an individual’s antigen-specific immune response to cancer. We develop a mathematical model using differential and delay-differential equations to describe the interactions between dendritic cells, effector-immune cells, and tumor cells. We account for the trafficking of immune cells between lymph, blood, and tumor compartments. Our model reflects experimental results both for dendritic cell trafficking and for immune suppression of tumor growth in mice. In addition, in silico experiments suggest more effective immunotherapy treatment protocols can be achieved by modifying dose location and schedule. A sensitivity analysis of the model reveals which patient-specific parameters have the greatest impact on treatment efficacy

Production and Persistence of a Native Pasture-\u3cem\u3eArachis pintoi\u3c/em\u3e Association in the Humid Tropics of Mexico

Arachis pintoi (Ap) is a highly persistent legume. This study aimed at: (i) determining if introducing Ap CIAT 17434 into a NG pasture affected its standing dry matter (SDM) and botanical composition (BC, %) and (ii) verifying if Ap would be as persistent as it is with introduced grasses (IG)