cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Development and application of reservoir models and artificial neural networks for optimizing ventilation air requirements in development mining of coal seams

Abstract In longwall development mining of coal seams, planning, optimizing and providing adequate ventilation are very important steps to eliminate the accumulation of explosive methane–air mixtures in the working environment. Mine operators usually try to supply maximum ventilation air based on the capacity of the system and the predicted need underground. This approach is neither economical nor safer as ventilation capacity may decrease in time depending on various mining and coalbed parameters. Thus, it is important to develop better engineered approaches to optimize mine ventilation effectiveness and, therefore, to ensure a safer work environment. This study presents an approach using coalbed methane reservoir modeling and an artificial neural network (ANN) design for prediction and optimization of methane inflows and ventilation air requirements to maintain methane concentrations below statutory limits. A coalbed reservoir model of a three-entry development section, which is typical of Pittsburgh Coalbed mines in the Southwestern Pennsylvania section of Northern Appalachian Basin, was developed taking into account the presence and absence of shielding boreholes around the entries against methane inflow. In the model, grids were dynamically controlled to simulate the advance of mining for parametric simulations. Development and application of artificial neural networks as an optimization tool for ventilation requirements are introduced. Model predictions are used to develop, train, and test artificial neural networks to optimize ventilation requirements. The sensitivity and applications of proposed networks for predicting simulator data are presented and discussed. Results show that reservoir simulations and integrated ANN models can be practical and powerful tools for predicting methane emissions and optimization of ventilation air requirements.
Some unresolved issues with botulinum toxin.

Issues concerning botulinum toxin still need resolution in the laboratory and clinic. Assay nomenclature is unsatisfactory and attempts to establish common units and / or equivalents are misguided and dangerous. Optimum toxin concentrations for most indications are unknown. Loss of response is too readily ascribed to antibody formation. New therapeutic indications for toxin raise the possibility of additional mechanisms of action.
On the Detection of “Inertial” Waves with Pycnocline Followers

Abstract : The vertical displacements associated with oscillations near the local inertial frequency f, in a stratified ocean, are found to be significant, even very close to f. For a frequency omega = (1+epsilon)f, the ratio of rms vertical velocity to horizontal velocity is o(the square root of epsilon). Observations near Hawaii, made with a recently developed pycnocline follower, show inertial oscillation events similar to those found by Webster in current meter records, and discussed theoretically by Crepon, and by Pollard. (Author)
Survival Analysis Approach to Reliability, Survivability and Prognostics and Health Management (PHM)

Survival analysis, also known as failure time analysis or time-to-event analysis, is one of the most significant advancements of mathematical statistics in the last quarter of the 20th century. It has become the de facto standard in biomedical data analysis. Although reliability was conceived as a major application field by the mathematicians who pioneered survival analysis, survival analysis failed to establish itself as a major tool for reliability analysis. In this paper, we attempt to demonstrate, by reviewing and comparing the major mathematical models of both fields, that survival analysis and reliability theory essentially address the same mathematical problems. Therefore, survival analysis should become a major mathematical tool for reliability analysis and related fields such as Prognostics and Health Management (PHM). This paper is the first in a four part series in which we review state-of-the-art studies in survival (univariate) analysis, competing risks analysis, and multivariate survival analysis, with focusing on their applications to reliability and computer science. The present article discusses the univariate survival analysis (survival analysis hereafter).
Relationship between central corneal thickness and severity of glaucomatous visual field loss in a primary care population

Abstract Background Although the ability of central corneal thickness (CCT) to predict development of primary open-angle glaucoma has become increasingly well recognized, the ability of CCT to predict severity of glaucoma remains uncertain. This study was designed to expand the available knowledge about the relationship between CCT and glaucoma severity. Methods Retrospective identification of all patients with a clinical diagnosis of either primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) or ocular hypertension who were seen from September 2002 through May 2003 at the Albuquerque VA Medical Center eye clinic was completed. Eligible subjects were segregated into no, mild, moderate, or advanced visual field loss groups based on Advanced Glaucoma Intervention Study (AGIS) visual field scoring criteria. Following statistical analyses comparing the visual field groups, the sample was divided into thin, intermediate, and thick CCT groups, and further analysis was performed. Results Mean CCT was significantly higher in the no field loss group compared with all 3 groups with glaucomatous visual field loss. Mean CCT was not statistically different, however, between the mild, moderate, and advanced visual field loss groups. In linear regression analyses, no significant relationship was found between CCT and severity of visual field loss. Conclusions Although CCT was associated strongly with development of POAG-related visual field loss, CCT was not associated with severity of visual field loss in this study. These findings suggest that glaucoma patients with thinner corneas are just as likely to have advanced levels of field loss as glaucoma patients with thicker corneas. Prospective studies are needed to validate these findings.
Efficient Production of Fluorescent Polydiacetylene-Containing Liposomes for Pathogen Detection and Identification

Amphiphilic diacetylenes (DAs) can self-assemble into photopolymerizable liposomes that can be used to construct effective pathogen sensors. Here, modified commercial inkjet printers are used to disperse DAs into water, facilitating self-assembly. The liposomes are of similar size, but are significantly less polydisperse than liposomes formed using conventional sonication methods. The process is efficient, readily scalable and tolerant of structural modification. The derivitization of approximately 5% of the DA head groups and the incorporation of fluorophores into the hydrophobic bilayer allows for the preparation of novel multifluorophore PDA sensing systems that can provide enhanced bacterial discrimination in a single experiment by way of a fluorescent fingerprint.
Radar Target Classification by Polarization Properties

The polarization properties of radar targets are studied as a parameter related to, but quite distinct from, echo area. It is found that targets are divided into several different classes. The polarization properties may be measured by rotating a linearly polarized radar antenna around the line of sight, and measuring the complex voltage presented at the receiving antenna terminals. It is shown that the polarization properties of any target so measured can be represented by a 3-parameter model (excluding echo area), and the parameters of such a model can be used as the basis for discriminating between targets of the same or different classes.
Fighting and depression among poor pregnant adolescents

The aim of this study was to learn about the fighting behaviour of an inner city population of adolescent girls before and after becoming pregnant. A sample of 40 pregnant and parenting participants responded to a questionnaire providing information about their fighting behaviour, domestic status and level of depressive symptoms on the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Results show a significant decrease in the number of physical fights reported since becoming pregnant as compared with the number of fights the year before pregnancy, though participants still reported having the urge to fight. The year before pregnancy, there were significant demographic and domestic status differences between those who engaged in physical fights and those who did not. After becoming pregnant, these group differences disappeared. Of the participants who fought the year before pregnancy, the only factor that differentiated those who continued to fight during pregnancy from those who did not were their elevated levels of depression on the BDI. The findings suggest that with the onset of pregnancy, teenage girls may reduce their physical fighting behaviour; however, depression may impede the impact of pregnancy on fighting behaviour.
Atomic-Scale Insights into Hydrodesulfurization†

We have used low-temperature ultrahigh vacuum scanning tunneling microscopy to gain atomic-scale insights into the hydrodesulfurization process. Investigations of Ni adsorbed on the basal plane of MoS2 revealed that the Ni adatoms are highly mobile due to their weak interaction with the exposed sulfur atoms. The Ni adatoms rapidly diffuse about the surface down to 77 K, and even at 4 K are easily manipulated with the STM probe tip. Spectroscopic imaging of Ni clusters adsorbed on the MoS2 basal plane reveals that their electronic structure is well suited to bind nucleophilic reactant species. From low-temperature STM images of thiophene adsorbed on Ni{110}, a bonding geometry is proposed. New roles for metal promoter atoms in hydrodesulfurization catalysis, based on these results, are suggested.
Teaching rural place: pre-service language and literacy students consider place-conscious literacy

Attention to place-based pedagogy in teacher education is needed if we value a conceptualization of citizenship wherein people assume responsibility for their community and its physical setting. Place-based pedagogy seeks to prepare citizens who understand their local lives and are thus prepared to participate in the democratic processes of its creation and sustainability. It is explicitly learner-centred and in its most mature form seeks democratic participation spiralling from the local to the global. In this study, I describe my own efforts with place-based pedagogy: a pen pal project between teacher candidates and local, rural second graders. Within the project, the children embraced the opportunity to explore and assert their out-of-school literacies, but the pre-service teachers' responses to the children point to the complexity involved in shifting away from decontextualized teacher education toward a model where place matters.
Role of Normative Commitment in Predicting Members' Participation in the Union

This study examined commitment to a labor union as a two-dimensional construct consisting of Normative Commitment and Instrumental Attachment. Historically commitment to a labor organization has been viewed as an instrumental construct referring to union members who become attached to the union because of economic and extrinsic benefits gained from the collective bargaining agreement. Normative Commitment represents the individual association with the organization based upon a belief in and agreement with its values, ideals, and goals. A sample of 173 unionized firefighters was used to evaluate a model of commitment to a union in which the two dimensions of Normative Commitment and Instrumental Attachment are assumed to be intervening constructs with six antecedent factors, i.e., Family History, Work Beliefs, Union Socialization, Employment Alternatives, Union Benefits, and Satisfaction with the Grievance System, and two behavioral outcomes of Participation of union members in routine union activities, i....
Kondo-stabilized spin liquids and heavy fermion superconductivity

Abstract We summarize an SU(2) path integral formulation of a Kondo lattice model for heavy fermion systems that treats the RKKY interaction explicitly. Main results: (1) the Kondo effect stabilizes formation of a spin liquid amongst f-spins; (2) spin liquids induce off-diagonal resonant scattering in the conduction sea, generating superconductivity.
Relationship between pulmonary and systemic markers of exposure to multiple types of welding particulate matter.

Abstract Welding results in a unique and complex occupational exposure. Recent epidemiological studies have shown an increased risk of cardiovascular disease following welding fume exposure. In this study, we compared the induction of pulmonary and systemic inflammation following exposure to multiple types of welding fumes. Mice were exposed to 340 μg of manual metal arc stainless steel (MMA-SS), gas metal arc-SS (GMA-SS) or GMA-mild steel (GMA-MS) by pharyngeal aspiration. Mice were sacrificed at 4 and 24 h post-exposure to evaluate various parameters of pulmonary and systemic inflammation. Alterations in pulmonary gene expression by a custom designed TaqMan array showed minimal differences between the fumes at 4 h. Conversely at 24 h, gene expression changes were further increased by SS but not GMA-MS exposure. These findings were associated with the surrogate marker of systemic inflammation, liver acute phase gene induction. Interestingly, stress response genes in cardiovascular tissues were only increased following MMA-SS exposure. These effects were related to the initial level of pulmonary cytotoxicity, as measured by lactate dehydrogenase activity, which was greatest following MMA-SS exposure. In conclusion, varying types of welding fumes elicit quantitatively different systemic inflammatory and/or stress responses.
Vibration of non-uniform rods and beams

We show that for some non-uniform rods and beams the equation of motion can be transformed into the equation of motion for a uniform rod or beam. Then, when the ends are completely fixed, the eigenvalues of the non-uniform continuum are the same as those of uniform rods or beams. For other end support conditions, exact solutions are obtained. An efficient procedure is used to analyze the free vibration of non-uniform beams with general shape and arbitrary boundary conditions. Simple formulas are presented for predicting the fundamental natural frequency of non-uniform beams with various end support conditions.
Hamilton's law or Hamilton's principle: A response to Ulvi Yurtsever

The law of varying action and Hamilton's principle of classical mechanics are discussed. It is now clear that the law of varying action, introduced by Hamilton in his papers of 1834 and 1935, was never recognized by either the mathematicians or other scientists who followed him. Why this occurred is discussed in this paper.
The rational use of diuretics in heart failure

Congestive heart failure is a progressive hemodynamic disorder associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Concomitant renal dysfunction is frequently seen in patients with heart failure, and can compromise fluid regulation, leading to acute decompensation, and increased morbidity and mortality. Diuretic therapy has been the mainstay for treatment of congestive symptoms, despite documented mortality benefits. Misuse or overuse of diuretics can have negative consequences in heart failure, and optimizing diuretic efficiency may improve outcomes. In addition, new agents targeting elevated neuropeptides may prove to be beneficial in regulating fluid status and optimizing renal function.
Synthesis of benzyl-terminated dendrons for use in high-resolution capillary gas chromatography

Abstract The synthesis, silane functionalization, and facile silica attachment of dendritic monomers containing terminal benzyl groups are presented. For the first time, a simple one-step procedure is described that leads to the in situ creation of a surface-bonded sol-gel dendritic stationary phase on the inner walls of a fused silica capillary; such phases showed unique selectivities in high-resolution capillary gas chromatography.
Perceiving Facial and Vocal Expressions of Emotion in Individuals With Williams Syndrome

People with Williams syndrome are extremely sociable, empathic, and expressive in communication. Some researchers suggest they may be especially sensitive to perceiving emotional expressions. We administered the Faces and Paralanguage subtests of the Diagnostic Analysis of Nonverbal Accuracy Scale (DANVA2), a standardized measure of emotion recognition for basic emotions to three groups: adolescents and adults with Williams syndrome, age and IQ-matched participants with learning/intellectual disability, and age-matched nonimpaired controls. The Williams syndrome and learning/intellectual disability groups performed significantly worse than the typically developing controls on both subtests, especially on negative emotions. Error analysis indicated the same general pattern of performance across versions and subtests of the DANVA2 for all groups. These findings suggest that emotion recognition is not spared in Williams syndrome.
Inhibition of carcinogenesis by polyphenols: evidence from laboratory investigations

Many plant polyphenolic compounds have been shown to have cancer-preventing activities in laboratory studies. For example, tea and tea preparations have been shown to inhibit tumorigenesis in a variety of animal models of carcinogenesis, involving organ sites such as the skin, lungs, oral cavity, esophagus, stomach, liver, pancreas, small intestine, colon, and prostate. In some of these models, inhibitory activity was demonstrated when tea was administered during the initiation, promotion, or progression stage of carcinogenesis. The cancer-preventing activities of these and other polyphenols, such as curcumin, genistein, and quercetin, are reviewed. In studies in vitro, many of these compounds have been shown to affect signal transduction pathways, leading to inhibition of cell growth and transformation, enhanced apoptosis, reduced invasive behavior, and slowed angiogenesis. However, the concentrations used in cell culture studies were much higher than those found in vivo. If we propose mechanisms for cancer prevention on the basis of cell line experiments, then these activities must be demonstrated in vivo. The bioavailability, ie, tissue and cellular concentrations, of dietary polyphenols is a determining factor in their cancer-preventing activity in vivo. For example, compounds such as curcumin are effective when applied topically to the skin or administered orally to affect the colon but are not effective in internal organs such as the lungs. More in-depth studies on bioavailability should facilitate correlation of mechanisms determined in vitro with in vivo situations, increase our understanding of dose-response relationships, and facilitate extrapolation of results from animal studies to human situations.
Recurrent enlargement of the left maxillary alveolus

Summary Presented is a case report of osteosarcoma of the maxilla in a patient with Paget's disease. This case is unusual because of recurrent benign soft tissue enlargements at the site of eventual malignant disease.
Initial electron transfer in photosynthetic reaction centers of Rhodobacter capsulatus mutants

Abstract The stimulated emission decay time constants were measured for a series of Rhodobacter capsulatus reaction centers with site-specific mutations at the symmetry related locations M208 and L181. We report the first mutant (Phe L181 → Tyr) that exhibits an initial electron transfer rate faster than the native organism at 295 K, and determine that the tyrosine at position M208 cannot be fully responsible for the unidirectionality of electron transfer.
PDMA Research on New Product Development Practices: Updating Trends and Benchmarking Best Practices

Abstract Product development professionals may have the feeling that yet another buzzword or magic bullet always lurks just around the corner. However, researchers have devoted considerable effort to helping practioners determine which tools, techniques, and methods really do offer a competitive edge. Starting 30 years ago, research efforts have aimed at understanding NPD practices and identifying those which are deemed “best practices.” During the past five years, pursuit of this goal has produced numerous privately available reports and two research efforts sponsored by the PDMA. Abbie Griffin summarizes the results of research efforts undertaken during the past five years and presents findings from the most recent PDMA survey on NPD best practices. This survey, conducted slightly more than five years after PDMA's first best-practices survey, updates trends in processes, organizations, and outcomes for NPD in the U.S., and determines which practices are more commonly associated with firms that are more successful in developing new products. The survey has the following objectives: determining the current status of NPD practices and performance; understanding how product development has changed from five years ago; determining whether NPD practice and performance differ across industry segments; and, investigating process and product development tools that differentiate product development success. The survey findings indicate that NPD processes continue to evolve and become more sophisticated. NPD changes continually on multiple fronts, and firms that fail to keep their NPD practices up to date will suffer an increasingly marked competitive disadvantage. Interestingly, although more than half of the respondents use a cross-functional stage-gate process for NPD, more than onethird of all firms in the study still use no formal process for managing NPD. The findings suggest that firms are not adequately handling the issue of team-based rewards. Project-completion dinners are for the most frequently used NPD reward; they are also the only reward used more by best-practice firms than by the rest of the respondents. The best-practice firms participating in the study do not use financial rewards for NPD. Compared to the other firms in the study, best-practice firms use more multifunctional teams, are more likely to measure NPD processes and outcomes, and expect more from their NPD programs.
Suppression of the defects in rdgB mutants of Escherichia coli K-12 by the cloned purA gene.

Abstract A gene suppressing the defects of Escherichia coli rdgB (recA-dependent growth) and recA(Ts) rdgB mutants was cloned. The cloned gene suppresses the hyper-Rec phenotype and the enhanced level of SOS functions in rdgB mutants at the nonpermissive temperature. We identified the cloned gene as purA.
Private academies of Tokugawa Japan

Widening the focus of previous studies of Japanese education during the Tokugawa period, Richard Rubinger emphasizes the role of the shijuku, or private academies of advanced studies, in preparing Japan for its modern transformation. Originally published in 1982. The Princeton Legacy Library uses the latest print-on-demand technology to again make available previously out-of-print books from the distinguished backlist of Princeton University Press. These paperback editions preserve the original texts of these important books while presenting them in durable paperback editions. The goal of the Princeton Legacy Library is to vastly increase access to the rich scholarly heritage found in the thousands of books published by Princeton University Press since its founding in 1905.
Experimental investigation of microwave-optoelectronic interactions in a microstrip ring resonator

Microwave optoelectronic mixing on a semi-insulating gallium arsenide substrate performed by monolithically integrating Schottky diode photodetectors into a microstrip ring resonator is discussed. When operated in the resistive mixing mode, a low frequency difference signal is extracted from the bias pad of the circuit. In the parametric mode, both degenerate and non-degenerate parametric amplification of an optical carrier signal takes place. The circuit shows good potential for application in wide-band fiberoptic systems. >
High voltage design guidelines: A timely update

The evolving state of high voltage systems and their increasing use in space programs have called for a revision of the high voltage design guidelines, Marshall Space Flight Center technical document MSFC-STD-531, originally issued September 1978 (previously 50 M05189b, October 1972). These guidelines deal in depth with issues relating to the specifying of materials, particularly electrical insulation, as well as design practices and test methods. Emphasis is on corona and Paschen breakdown as well as plasma effects for low earth orbiting systems. We will briefly review the history of these guidelines as well as their immediate predecessors and discuss their range of applicability. In addition, this document has served as the basis for several derived works that became focused, program-specific HV guidelines. We will briefly review two examples, guidelines prepared for the X-33 program and for the space shuttle electric auxiliary power unit (EAPU) upgrade.
STU-III-multilevel secure computer interface

The interconnection of the STU-III (Secure Telephone Unit) and a multilevel secure (MLS) host computer is a layered composition of systems. The composed systems that form the layers result from the connection processing done to establish the host-to-host link. To ensure that the system represented by each composed layer is consistent with the security policy, an additional agent must be added to the host's trusted computing base (TCB). This agent manages the STU-III data port interface and undertakes the coordination necessary to ensure that the security state is consistent between each layer; this coordination includes the security coordination between the two host TCBs and the eventual establishment of the remote session. The agent is implemented as a trusted process and is invisible to a process requesting connection to another host. This implementation allows for the greatest flexibility in the use of hardware at some additional cost in complexity. >
Infrared absorption study of zinc-doped silicon

We report high resolution infrared absorption spectra associated with the deep zinc acceptor in silicon. The optical transitions between ground and bound excited p-like'' states of the neutral helium-like double acceptor Zn{sup 0} center have been observed for the first time. The absorption cross section for the hole transition is found to be very small, of the order of 10{sup {minus}17} cm{sup 2}. Energy spacings of the P{sub 3/2} Rydberg series are very similar to the spacings of the group-III acceptors, suggesting that, in spite of the large ground state binding energy, effective mass approximation still applies to the bound excited states. This represents one more case where the strong central cell potential does not significantly disturb the neutral helium-like bound excited states. Similar observations have been made for the less deep neutral double acceptor Be, and for the chalcogens donors S, Se and Te. The optical ionization energy of Zn{sup 0/{minus}} has been determined to be 2575 cm{sup {minus}1} (319 MeV). Two additional sets of absorption lines related to zinc have been observed at 2130 cm{sup {minus}1} and 2758 cm{sup {minus}1}. Their origin will be discussed. 15 refs., 5 figs., 1 tab.
Frontal Waves Upstream of a Diabathic Blocking: A Model Study

Abstract A time-dependent, three-dimensional primitive-equation model is used here to study meanders that develop upstream of a western boundary current along a continental slope blocked by a diabathic topographic feature. It is found that episodic, large-amplitude meanders and shelfward intrusions occur at upstream distances, which coincide approximately with the topographic standing wavelength. In addition to its potential applications to other problems of front-topography interaction, the phenomenon may be relevant to branching and eddy intrusions of the Kuroshio southwest of Kyushu, Japan, and to the initiation and amplification of Gulf Stream meanders upstream of the “Charleston Bump,” a topographic hump on the continental slope of the U.S. South Atlantic Bight.
Imaging markers of stroke risk in asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis

Carotid stenosis is a major cause of ischemic stroke. While symptomatic carotid stenosis requires prompt revascularization, there is significant debate about the management of asymptomatic carotid stenosis (ACS), especially in light of recent advances in medical therapy. As a result, there is an even greater need for reliable predictors of stroke risk in asymptomatic patients. Besides clinical factors and stenosis grade, plaque morphology and cerebral hemodynamics may be suitable prognostic tools. High-risk features, using Doppler and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) suggest that subpopulations at sufficiently high risk (10% annually) can be identified and in whom revascularization would be most beneficial. In this review, imaging tools to aid in stroke risk stratification in patients with ACS are discussed.
Ultrahigh-Frequency Auditory Thresholds in Young Adults: Reliable Responses up to 24 kHz with a Quasi-Free-Field Technique

A quasi-free-field technique was used to assess detection thresholds to pure tones, at frequencies ranging from 2 to 24 kHz. The sound delivery system of Osterhammel et al. [Scand. Audiol. 6:91-95, 1977] was modified in order to deliver constant stimuli at SPLs of at least 117 dB over the entire frequency range. A modified form of the method of adjustment maintained the subjects' interest, and a double-blind procedure minimized experimenter and subject bias. In the first experiment, 78 university subjects from Northern California (18-24 years old) were exposed to tones in 2-kHz increments. All but 12 of these persons could reliably detect the highest frequency, with females being slightly more sensitive. But from 10 to 20 kHz, there were no differences between the sexes. In a second group of 20 students, tested in 1-kHz increments from 8 to 16 kHz, the previously observed 10- to 14-kHz threshold plateau was revealed as a pronounced 13-kHz low-threshold region. The threshold at this frequency was approximately 14 dB lower than the 11-kHz threshold. These data were compared with those obtained in a similar fashion from other cultures.
'Pluralism' and the aims of phylogenetic research.

In science, and particularly in the field of phylogenetic systematics, investigators may choose among different methods to analyze their data. These methods include neighbor-joining (or other genetic distance approaches), maximum-likelihood, and cladistic parsimony, among others. These distinct methods of analysis differ considerably in how they process information from the observed data. However, many published molecular analyses utilize trees generated under more than one of these methods, which we will call a ‘pluralistic’ approach. Here, we explore the statistical, philosophical and operational aspects of the pluralistic approach. We suggest that the pluralistic approach is misguided from all three perspectives and we propose an alternative, logically consistent, strategy as an aim of phylogenetic research.
Regulation of plasma atrial natriuretic peptide by the central nervous system

The anterior ventral region of the third ventricle (AV3V) is a major central site in the regulation of cardiovascular and renal function. To examine the role of the central nervous system in the regulation of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) secretion, the effect of lesions in this region on basal, volume-stimulated, and osmotic-stimulated plasma ANP was determined. Basal levels of plasma ANP were not different in sham- and AV3V-lesioned rats. Volume expansion with a continuous infusion of saline or with a bolus administration of saline increased plasma ANP in sham-lesioned rats. In AV3V-lesioned rats, continuous infusion of saline had no effect on plasma ANP, and a bolus administration of saline decreased plasma ANP. Osmotic stimulation with hypertonic saline increased plasma ANP in sham-lesioned rats but had no effect on plasma ANP in AV3V-lesioned rats. These results suggest that the central nervous system is involved in the regulation of ANP secretion and that altered ANP regulation may contribute to the cardiovascular and renal deficiencies in AV3V-lesioned rats.
Influence of wraps over efectivity of logistic operations in distribution of non-alcoholic drinks

The article is focused on optimization of logistic operations in food stuff industry with emphasis on non-alcoholic drinks form the point of view of the usage of common applied wrapping technologies potential. Especially the attention is paid to the influence of used packages over the level of logistic costs including the influence of used packages over the transport intensity of logistic operations.
TAU 2015 contest on incremental timing analysis

Among timing analysis applications, timing-driven operations are imperative for the success of optimization flows, such as placement, routing, logic synthesis, and physical synthesis. Optimization transforms change the design, and therefore have the potential to significantly affect timing information. As such, timing must be kept current to ensure slack integrity and timing closure. For reasonable turnaround and performance, the timer should incrementally update the affected portion of the design. The aim of the TAU 2015 timing contest is to seek novel ideas for incremental timing analysis by: (i) introducing the concept and motivating the importance of incremental timing analysis, (ii) encourage novel parallelization techniques (including multi-threading), and (iii) facilitating the creation of an incremental timing analysis framework with benchmarks to further advance this research area.
Disability, Narrative, and Moral Status

The present essay aims to respond to recent arguments which maintain that persons with severe cognitive impairments should not enjoy the full moral status or equal dignity as other "cognitively-able" humans. In the debate concerning moral standing and worth, philosophers Singer and McMahan have argued that individuals with certain impairments should not be granted full moral status and therefore, by extension, should not be awarded the same inviolability as humans without cognitive impairments. In response, I argue that an overlooked social ability – the capacity to narrate – provides grounds for the full moral status of individuals with severe cognitive impairments, and thus provides a defense and support for individuals with such "disabilities" to play a robust role in moral action and contribution to human living.
Tomato Pinworm: Chemical Control on Tomato Seedlings for Transplant

In 3 greenhouse tests with ‘Walter’ tomato seedlings, 24 insecticides were evaluated for phytotoxicity and control of Keiferia lycopersicella (Walsingham). Endosulfan, diazinon, leptophos, FMC 33297 (3-phenoxybenzyl (±)-3-(2,2-dichlorovinyl)-2,2-dimethyl-cyclopropanecarboxylate), and Bay NTN 9306 (O-ethyl 0-(4-(methylthio) phenyl) S-propyl phosphorodithioate) were highly effective in controlling the tomato pinworm while producing no or minimal symptoms of phytotoxicity. Materials which gave significant tomato pinworm control but which were phytotoxic included: dimethoate, methomyl, and phosphamidon (tip and marginal necrosis of leaflets); azinphosmethyl (dark interveinal spotting of leaflets); and lindane (leaflet and plant distortion). A single granular application of carbofuran, phorate or disulfoton gave no protection from the tomato pinworm.
Material Fatigue Prognosis with Higher-Order Spectral Analysis of Nonlinear Ultrasonic Characteristics

Nonlinear aspects of ultrasonic wave propagation in a specimen that is subjected to increasing intervals of cyclical loadings are characterized. The ultimate goal is to develop an approach that would facilitate monitoring the extent of the deterioration occurring during the precursor to crack formation. The efiectiveness of using higher-order spectral analysis tools, and more particularly the bispectrum, in characterizing certain nonlinear aspects of the ultrasonic wave propagation are presented. The results show that the bispectrum is capable of detecting couplings between the fundamental frequency of the exciting burst, its subharmonic, its flrst harmonic and its sidebands. Difierences in coupling levels between these modes are observed as the number of cycles is increased. This suggests that such levels could be used to derive parameters that can be directly related to the fatigue damage state of the material. The results also present a discussion on the shortcomings of using the amplitudes of generated harmonics to determine the fatigue damage state in a specimen.
IAA as Corrosion Inhibitor for Mild Steel in H_2SO_4 Solution

Objective To study the inhibiting effect of indole-3-acetic acid( IAA) for mild steel in H2SO4( 0. 1 mol/L) solution so as to reduce the influence of carbon steel production process on the environment. Methods The weight loss experiment,the potentiodynamic polarization test,the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy( EIS) and the scanning electron microscopy( SEM)were conducted to investigate the inhibition efficiency and the mechanism. Results The inhibition efficiency was enhanced with the increasing inhibitor concentration,and the highest inhibition efficiency reached 88. 85% at the inhibitor concentration of 4 × 10- 3mol / L. The inhibition efficiency of IAA was lower when the temperature increased,which indicated that IAA was not suitable for high temperature. IAA acted as a mixed-type inhibitor and had a suppressing effect on anodic and cathodic reactions. And there was a competitive adsorption emerged between the adsorbed water molecules and the inhibitor molecules in the process of adsorption effect,which effectively prevented the H+from crossing,thereby inhibiting the discharge process of the corrosion H+. The adsorption of IAA on carbon steel surface followed the Langmuir adsorption isotherm model,which was spontaneous and was a combination of physical and chemical adsorption. Inhibition of corrosion by inhibiting the active point of the corrosion reaction can improve the activation energy barrier and prevent corrosion of carbon steel. The inhibitor molecules reduced the metal corrosion significantly.Conclusion IAA is a mixed-type corrosion inhibitor,which can inhibit the anodic reaction. It can protect the Q235 carbon steel in0. 1 mol / L H2SO4 solution.
Exploiting mitochondria as targets for the development of new antifungals.

Mitochondria are essential for cell growth and survival of most fungal pathogens. Energy (ATP) produced during oxidation/reduction reactions of the electron transport chain (ETC) Complexes I, III a...
Mathematical Models of Human Iodine Metabolism, Including Assessment of Human Total Body Iodine Content

Many attempts have been made to describe the intrathyroidal metabolism of iodine in formal compartmental models, but the complexity of this metabolism and the paucity of data that are suitable for validating these models have led to limited success. Despite the large amount of data, this model cannot be claimed to be unique. Other formulations might fit the data equally well. However, it is clear that a model of intrathyroidal iodine metabolism must take into account a marked variation in the rate of thyroid hormone formation and release within the thyroid gland. Perhaps the most ambitious early effort of this type was the model of iodine metabolism developed by Douglas Riggs. He presented a theoretical model that included ingestion of iodine as iodide, its absorption into the plasma, and transfer to the thyroid and other tissues, with loss through the kidneys, sweat and expired air. Studies of radioactive T4 and T3 showed that some tissues, notably the liver and kidneys, were much more active in their metabolism of the hormones than were other tissues, such as the skin. To formalize this knowledge, models were developed in which the plasma tracer hormone was distributed into separate compartments for those tissues with “fast” metabolism and those with “slow” metabolism. A model, when applied to tracer studies, provides an insight into internal processes that could not otherwise be measured without perturbing the organism, and thus interfering with its physiology.
Cyp2c44 gene disruption exacerbated pulmonary hypertension and heart failure in female but not male mice

AbstractEpoxyeicosatrienoicacids (EETs), synthesized from arachidonic acid by epoxygenases of the CYP2C and CYP2J gene subfamilies, contribute to hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction (HPV) in mice. Despite their roles in HPV, it is controversial whether EETs mediate or ameliorate pulmonary hypertension (PH). A recent study showed that deficiency of Cyp2j did not protect male and female mice from hypoxia-induced PH. Since CYP2C44 is a functionally important epoxygenase, we hypothesized that knockout of the Cyp2c44 gene would protect both sexes of mice from hypoxia-induced PH. We tested this hypothesis in wild-type (WT) and Cyp2c44 knockout (Cyp2c44−/−) mice exposed to normoxia (room air) and hypoxia (10% O2) for 5 weeks. Exposure of WT and Cyp2c44−/− mice to hypoxia resulted in pulmonary vascular remodeling, increased pulmonary artery resistance, and decreased cardiac function in both sexes. However, in female Cyp2c44−/− mice, compared with WT mice, (1) pulmonary artery resistance and right ventricular hyper...
Debtor Protection and Small Business Credit

In this paper I ask whether and how debtor protection affects aggregate small business credit quantity. Using comprehensive data on the number and amount of small business loans granted by commercial banks, and employing a robust difference-in-difference empirical design utilizing staggered shocks to personal bankruptcy exemptions, I find that increases in debtor protection increase the equilibrium quantity of small business credit in local regions. This finding is statistically significant and robust, despite competing demand and supply effects. I find that an average change in the homestead exemption results in a 1.1% increase in the number of small business loans in a local area (census tract), and a 2.5% increase in the total volume. The increase in quantity is concentrated in areas with presumably higher risk aversion and higher wealth, as predicted by the wealth insurance and collateral channels, respectively, and where local banks are better able to determine borrower type. These findings add depth to previous literature on debtor protection and small business financing that finds a tightening of credit terms, and suggest a greater role of the wealth insurance properties of personal bankruptcy law in determining aggregate small business credit quantity.
The Post-Embargo Open Access Citation Advantage: It Exists (Probably), Its Modest (Usually), and the Rich Get Richer (of Course).

Many studies show that open access (OA) articles—articles from scholarly journals made freely available to readers without requiring subscription fees—are downloaded, and presumably read, more often than closed access/subscription-only articles. Assertions that OA articles are also cited more often generate more controversy. Confounding factors (authors may self-select only the best articles to make OA; absence of an appropriate control group of non-OA articles with which to compare citation figures; conflation of pre-publication vs. published/publisher versions of articles, etc.) make demonstrating a real citation difference difficult. This study addresses those factors and shows that an open access citation advantage as high as 19% exists, even when articles are embargoed during some or all of their prime citation years. Not surprisingly, better (defined as above median) articles gain more when made OA.
Basal Ganglia and MRI in Tourette’s Syndrome

Volumetric MRI changes in the basal ganglia of 37 children with Tourette’s syndrome (TS), with and without ADHD, compared to 18 controls are reported from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD.
The mid-Cambrian (Series 3, Drumian–Guzhangian; Marjuman) trilobite Holmdalia Robison, 1988, in western Newfoundland and its biostratigraphic significance

Holmdalia Robison, 1988 (Family Marjumiidae), was proposed as a monotypic taxon that occurred in mid-Cambrian outer shelf settings in New York and Greenland, with a subsequent report from northwestern Canada. New collections from the Shallow Bay Formation of western Newfoundland record a succession of at least seven species that spans most of the Drumian and all of the Guzhangian stages, and demonstrate that the genus has considerable, previously unrecognized biostratigraphic potential. Older, Drumian species, including the type species, H. punctata (Rasetti, 1967), have longer palpebral lobes and, hence, larger eyes than a group of younger, Guzhangian species. Restudy of the type material shows that previous records of H. punctata outside the type area in New York are misidentifications, but the species does occur in Newfoundland. New Drumian species are H. palpebra and H. tenaga; an additional Drumian species is placed in open nomenclature. New Guzhangian species are Holmdalia glabra, H. lata, and H. tu...
1985 An Animal Model for Anxiety

Animal models for human psychiatric conditions have two important functions. First, they allow for trials of behavioral treatments and medications without the use of human subjects. Second, they help to establish the generality of emotion and personality beyond being concepts that are only applied to humans. Pellow et al.’s (1985) study of rodents established the validity of an assay for anxiety.
Clubfoot Infants Initially Thought to be Idiopathic, But Later Found Not to Be. How do They do With Nonoperative Treatment?

Background Infants thought to be normal with idiopathic clubfeet when nonoperative treatment begins may later be found to have other complicating diagnoses. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of this occurrence, and to compare the clinical outcomes of these "nonidiopathic" patients with idiopathic clubfoot patients. Methods Infants below 3 months old with clubfeet who were thought to be normal (idiopathic) at presentation and had ≥2-year follow-up were studied. Treatment consisted of either the Ponseti method or the French physical therapy method. In total, 789 patients with 1174 clubfeet were identified. Those who were idiopathic (group 1) were compared with those later found to be nonidiopathic (group 2). The outcomes at 2 years were assessed as good (plantigrade foot±heelcord tenotomy only), fair (limited procedures), or poor (full-posteromedial release). For those feet rated good at age 2 years, outcomes were again assessed age 5 years and above. Results In total, 70 patients (8.9%) of the 789 enrolled patients were eventually found to have another disorder including neurological, syndromic, chromosomal, or spinal abnormalities. The remaining 719 idiopathic patients with 1062 clubfeet (group 1) were compared with these 70 nonidiopathic patients with 112 clubfeet (group 2). At age 2 years, in group 1 81% of the feet were rated good, 11% fair, and 8% poor, whereas in group 2 70% of the feet were rated good, 11% fair, and 19% poor (P=0.0004).With follow-up exceeding age 5 years in those rated good at age 2 years: in group 1, 73% continued to do well, but 22% rated fair, and 5% poor. In group 2, 59% continued to do well, but 31% rated fair, and 10% poor (P=0.046). Conclusions For infants with clubfeet who were initially thought to be idiopathic, nearly 9% were later found to have a complicating disorder. Despite this, these patients' clubfeet can be expected to respond favorably to nonoperative treatment. However, they will require more surgical intervention early (by age 2 years) and later (age, 5 years and above) when compared with normal infants with idiopathic clubfeet. Level of evidence Level IV-therapeutic, case series.