Experimental Observation of Modulation Instability and Optical Spatial Soliton Arrays in Soft Condensed Matter

In this Letter we report observations of optically induced self-organization of colloidal arrays in the presence of un-patterned counter-propagating evanescent waves. The colloidal arrays formed along the laser propagation-axis are shown to be linked to the break-up of the incident field into optical spatial solitons, the lateral spacing of the arrays being related to modulation instability of the soft condensed matter system.Comment: 16 pages, 3 figure

Superconducting Surface Impedance under Radiofrequency Field

Based on BCS theory with moving Cooper pairs, the electron states distribution at 0K and the probability of electron occupation with finite temperature have been derived and applied to anomalous skin effect theory to obtain the surface impedance of a superconductor under radiofrequency (RF) field. We present the numerical results for Nb and compare these with representative RF field-dependent effective surface resistance measurements from a 1.5 GHz resonant structure

Genotype and Genotype X Environment Interaction Effects on Forage Yield and Quality of Crested Wheatgrasses

Genotype, environment, and genotype X environment interaction effects for forage yield and quality of the crested wheatgrasses (Agropyron cristatum) and (A. desertorum) were studied using an array of 42 crested wheatgrass introductions, experimental lines, and released cultivars that were selected to be representative of the mix of germplasm available to a breeder. They were grown in two environments, Lincoln and Alliance, Nebr., that differ markedly in climate. Forage yield and forage quality as measured by in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) and percent protein were determined in both locations in 1980 and 1981. In the combined analyses over years and locations, there were significant differences among strains or genotypes and locations for first-harvest forage yield, IVDMD, and protein. Strain X location interaction effects were significant only for first-harvest forage yield and for this trait its variance component was only 0.3 as large as the variance component for strains. Strain X year interaction effects were not significant. Spearmen correlations, used to show relative ranking of the strains at the two locations, were moderate and positive for all first-cut traits. The results indicate that existing genetic variability in forage yield and quality should permit the development of improved crested wheatgrasses and that at least in the initial stages of a breeding program, selection for these traits could be done in a single location and year

Genotype and Genotype X Environment Interaction Effects on Forage Yield and Quality of Crested Wheatgrasses

Genotype, environment, and genotype X environment interaction effects for forage yield and quality of the crested wheatgrasses (Agropyron cristatum) and (A. desertorum) were studied using an array of 42 crested wheatgrass introductions, experimental lines, and released cultivars that were selected to be representative of the mix of germplasm available to a breeder. They were grown in two environments, Lincoln and Alliance, Nebr., that differ markedly in climate. Forage yield and forage quality as measured by in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) and percent protein were determined in both locations in 1980 and 1981. In the combined analyses over years and locations, there were significant differences among strains or genotypes and locations for first-harvest forage yield, IVDMD, and protein. Strain X location interaction effects were significant only for first-harvest forage yield and for this trait its variance component was only 0.3 as large as the variance component for strains. Strain X year interaction effects were not significant. Spearmen correlations, used to show relative ranking of the strains at the two locations, were moderate and positive for all first-cut traits. The results indicate that existing genetic variability in forage yield and quality should permit the development of improved crested wheatgrasses and that at least in the initial stages of a breeding program, selection for these traits could be done in a single location and year

Evaluation of Crested Wheatgrass Introductions for Forage Yield and Quality

Crested wheatgrass, Agropyron cristatum and A. desertorum, are among the most important cool-season forage grasses in the United States and Canada, particularly for reseeding arid range sites. Further improvement in this grass by breeding depends on identifying sources of genetic variability for forage yield and quality. Foreign introductions are an obvious source of genetic variation since crested wheatgrasses are introduced species. In this study 38 accessions (PI lines) and 8 Nebraska experimental lines were evaluated for forage quality as measured by in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) and protein content and for forage yield. The cultivars \u27Ruff\u27 and \u27Nordan\u27 and two clonal lines were included as checks. The strains were evaluated at Lincoln and Alliance, NE., which differ markedly in climate. There were large differences among strains evaluated for all traits including first- and second-cut forage yield, IVDMD, protein content, heading date, height and first year basal spread. Utilization of PI 369167, PI 369170, Ruff, and Nordan in a breeding program could result in crested wheatgrasses with improved forage yield and quality

Modelling the Risks Remotely Piloted Aircraft Pose to People on the Ground

Worldwide there is much e ort being directed towards the development of a framework of air- worthiness regulations for remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS). It is now broadly accepted that regulations should have a strong foundation in, and traceability to, the management of the safety risks. Existing risk models for RPAS operations do not provide a simple means for incorporating the wide range of technical and operational controls into the risk analysis and evaluation processes. This paper describes a new approach for modelling and evaluating the risks associated with RPAS operations near populous areas based on the barrier bow tie (BBT) model. A BBT model is used to structure the underlying risk management problem. The model focuses risk analysis, evaluation, and decision making activities on the devices, people, and processes that can be employed to reduce risk. The BBT model and a comprehensive set of example risk controls are presented. The general model can be applied to any RPAS operation. The foundations for quantitative and qualitative assessments using a BBT model are also presented. The modelling and evaluation framework is illustrated through its application to a case-study rotary wing RPAS for two operational scenarios. The model can be used as a basis for determining airworthiness certification requirements for RPAS

Dynamical instabilities of Bose-Einstein condensates at the band-edge in one-dimensional optical lattices

We report on experiments that demonstrate dynamical instability in a Bose-Einstein condensate at the band-edge of a one-dimensional optical lattice. The instability manifests as rapid depletion of the condensate and conversion to a thermal cloud. We consider the collisional processes that can occur in such a system, and perform numerical modeling of the experiments using both a mean-field and beyond mean-field approach. We compare our numerical results to the experimental data, and find that the Gross-Pitaevskii equation is not able to describe this experiment. Our beyond mean-field approach, known as the truncated Wigner method, allows us to make quantitative predictions for the processes of parametric growth and thermalization that are observed in the laboratory, and we find good agreement with the experimental results.Comment: v2: Added several reference

Intragastric balloon as an adjunct to lifestyle programme in severely obese adolescents: Impact on biomedical outcomes, and skeletal health"

Intragastric Balloons are a temporary, reversible, and safer option compared to bariatric surgery to promote significant weight loss leading to improved metabolic outcomes. However due to subsequent weight regain, alternative procedures are now preferred in adults. In adolescents, more amenable to lifestyle change, balloons may be an alternative to less reversible procedures. Our aim was to assess the tolerability and efficacy of the intragastric balloon in severely obese adolescents and the impact of associated weight loss on biomedical outcomes (glucose metabolism, blood pressure, lipid profiles) and bone density. A 2-year cohort study of 12 adolescents (BMI >3.5 s.d., Tanner stage >4) following 6 months intragastric balloon placement was carried out. Subjects underwent anthropometry, oral glucose tolerance test, and DEXA scans at 0, 6 and 24 months. Results showed clinically relevant improvements in blood pressure, insulin: glucose metabolism, liver function and sleep apnoea at 6 months. Changes were not sustained at 2 years though some parameters (Diastolic BP, HBA1c, insulin AUC) demonstrated longer-term improvement despite weight regain. Despite weight loss, bone mass accrual showed age appropriate increases. In conclusion, the intra-gastric balloon was safe, well tolerated and effective in supporting short-term weight loss and clinically relevant improvement in obesity related complications, which resolved in some individuals. Benefits were not sustained in the majority at 2 years.International Journal of Obesity accepted article preview online, 05 September 2017. doi:10.1038/ijo.2017.215

Using Geospatial Information Technologies to Identify Factors Affecting Grazing Distribution on Grasslands

The relationship between environmental and management factors and grazing livestock distribution is fundamental to understanding and improving grazing systems. With the advent of geospatial information technologies, global positioning systems (GPS) and geographic information systems (GIS) have been used to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of quantifying the distribution of livestock grazing in response to various independent variables (Bailey et al., 2001). The specific objective of this project was to develop a tool that enables managers and students to identify and study the effect of management and environmental factors on grazing livestock distribution