cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Detection and Characterization of Imperfections in Composite Pressure Vessels

The thermographic evaluation of composite structures for delaminations, disbonds, inclusions, porosity and microcracking has proven to be a valuable asset in the field of nondestructive testing. Coupling large area coverage, variable sensitivity and minimal surface contact with a photographic type image representation of structural anomalies; thermography has become a primary inspection method for composite structures. Thermography works well for locating both surface and subsurface defects in most composite systems ranging in thickness of up to 0.25 inch (0.64 cm) or more. The thermographic method for inspection of composite structures typically involves applying an external source of heat to the structure and then recording the changes in the surface heat profile manifested by embedded defects or by material property variations. If these temperature variations are large enough and an infrared camera with sufficient sensitivity is used, then the material or structural abnormality can be detected and referred back to its source. Interpreting the information given in a thermogram, can be a difficult task under ideal circumstances and extremely challenging in a real world setting. Variables including depth, thermal conductivity, orientation and size of the abnormality can all have a great influence on how its heat pattern will be seen by the imager. The work discussed in this paper illustrates how the microstructure of several commonly found defects in composite structures relate to their thermographic image counterpart. Two test cases are studied herein, including a large graphite/epoxy RP-1 fuel tank and a graphite composite cryogenic fuel feedline. The structures used in this study were designed to serve as manufacturing proof of concept specimens and to undergo hydroburst testing to verify manufacturing practices and structural design. Prior to hydrostatic testing the structures underwent 100% thermographic evaluation to ensure that no manufacturing or handling damage was present. Due to a large inclusion found in the feedline, it was pulled from service and dissected without performing the hydroproof The thermographic indications found in the RP-1 tank were below critical limits so it underwent a complete hydroproof loading series and finally a hydroburst. Following the hydroburst samples were cut from the tank in regions where thermography had located damage before the test. These regions were thermographically and then were cross-sectioned and photomicrographed.
Sound levels produced at and in the occluded ear of the talker

Sound pressure levels (SPL) generated in the ear of the talker depend on both air and bone conduction feedback paths. In the present study six talkers (three females and three males) produced six phonemes: /u/, /a/, /i/, /m/ and /v/ and three shouts "help", "fire", and "no". The SPLs generated in the occluded and at the unoccluded ear of the talker were measured. Results indicated that occluding the ear canal enhanced auditory feedback for /u/, /i/, /m/, and /v/ sounds and reduced it for /a/ and loud shouts. These findings may have implications for speech rehabilitation programs and hearing aid fitting.
A collision risk criterion based on imaginary brakes

This study proposes a risk criterion for rear-end collision warning systems. A warning system evaluates a driver's risk and gives an alert when the risk exceeds a threshold, where the risk criterion employed is crucial. Our previous studies have shown the effectiveness of the 2nd-order time-to-collision (TTC) that assumes a constant acceleration motion for vehicles and calculate the time until a collision. However, the criterion considers such a case to be safe that a driver follows the preceding vehicle at a constant distance, no matter how small it is. Obviously, this does not agree to a driver's feeling of risks. To take this issue into account, we make an assumption that a driver always expects the preceding vehicle's sudden brake and propose the brake-assumed 2nd-order TTC, which is the 2nd-order TTC when the preceding vehicle decelerates with fixed brake strength. This idea is simple but difficult to determine the parameters, especially the brake strength. We propose two methods for estimating a driver's imaginary deceleration. One is called the CV minimizer and the other is called the transferred deceleration. In order to confirm the effectiveness of the methods, we apply the methods to the driving data collected originally under unconstrained conditions. In the experiments they show almost the same results where the criterion explains the brake use as well as the throttle use.
Factors Associated with Success of Smoking Cessation during 6 Months

PURPOSE This study was to identify which factors are likely to influence the effectiveness of smoking cessation on adults who smoke in Metropolitan Incheon. METHOD Data from 9,083 smokers, who visited a smoking cessation clinic of a public health center from Jan. to Oct. 2005, were provided by the Korean Health Research Society. Among 9,083 smokers, 1,495 people were selected for follow up care at 6 months in order to analyze the differences between two groups one is a successful group and the other is a failure group. RESULTS The successful group included 639 people and the failure group 856 people. In the demographic profiles such as sex, age and motive registration, there was a significant difference between the two groups. In the view of smoking pattern and factors such as the expiratory CO level, the age of starting to smoke, the duration of smoking, alcohol, and dependence on alcohol use and nicotine, there were significant differences between the two groups. The smoking cessation method, results of uni variate analysis, the total number of visits to the smoking cessation clinics, and the use of nicotine gum or a patch(stage 1, stage 2) were significantly different in the two groups. CONCLUSION The results of multi variate analysis have shown that the factors associated with the success for smoking cessation is the total number of visits to the smoking cessation clinic, and the dependence on alcohol.
The separation and characterization of sulfate aerosol.

Abstract An approach is presented for the separation and identification of specific airborne sulfate particulates. A solvent separation procedure using benzaldehyde is described for extracting sulfuric acid from sodium and ammonium sulfates or bisulfates. A pyrolytic method for the isolation of ammonium sulfate and bisulfate from other volatile sulfates is also presented. Samples are collected on teflon niters using a suitable filter holder.
A functional analysis of streamside habitat use by southern Appalachian salamanders: Implications for riparian forest management

Abstract The appropriate management of streamside forests and use of riparian strips is poorly resolved for many systems because of a lack of understanding of the extent to which riparian forests function as environmental buffers for aquatic species versus core (essential) habitat for semi-aquatic and terrestrial species. We studied streamside forests in western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee, USA, to help delineate their functional value for plethodontid salamanders. We established 30 m × 40 m plots at 17 sites (823–1716 m in elevation) in unmanaged forests with closed canopies. Plots contained a portion of a seep or first-order stream along one edge and typically extended 36–38 m into the adjoining forest. We examined use of stream and streamside habitats based on captures during area-constrained searches of cover objects. We observed 6423 plethodontid salamanders belonging to 7 terrestrial-breeding and 12 aquatic-breeding species. Terrestrial-breeders (primarily Plethodon spp.) comprised 37% of terrestrial specimens and were more abundant at higher elevations. Aquatic-breeders (primarily Desmognathus spp.) increased their proportionate use of terrestrial habitat, but declined in overall abundance with elevation. Catches of aquatic-breeders were greatest within 8 m of aquatic habitats (49% of total terrestrial catch of aquatic-breeders), particularly at low elevation sites. The terrestrial zone provided core habitat for one terrestrial-breeder ( D. wrighti ) and six semi-aquatic species ( Desmognathus spp., Gyrinophilus porphyriticus and Eurycea wilderae ) that were broadly distributed throughout plots, and acted as an aquatic buffer for four highly aquatic species ( Desmognathus spp.). The remaining species were terrestrial-breeders ( Plethodon spp.) that were evenly distributed across plots, suggesting that riparian strips would function as important source populations for recolonization following timbering on adjoining land. Because of the vulnerability of plethodontid salamanders to edge effects, effective management of southern Appalachian streamside habitats may require the addition of a terrestrial buffer to protect terrestrial core habitat that immediately adjoins streams and seeps.
An analysis of Disaster Medical Assistance Team (DMAT) deployments in the United States.

Objective: To determine the prevalence andtypes of disasters on which Disaster Medical Assistance Teams (DMAT) teams have been deployed. Methods: This descriptive study used the websites of the 42 DMAT teams in the United States with information confirmed by NDMS websites for a historical analysis of DMAT team deployment. All 42 DMAT teams were included in the analysis from 1985 through 2002. One DMAT team did not have a website, so they were contacted by phone. Results: From 1985 through 2002 DMAT teams were deployed for 50 disasters: 41 natural (41/50 = 82%), and9 man-made disasters (9/50 = 18%). Of the 41 natural disasters, there were 17 hurricanes/tropical storms (17/41 = 41.6%), 10 floods (10/41 = 24.3%), 7 earthquakes (7/41 = 17.0%), 4 fires (4/41 = 9.8%), 2 blizzards/ice storms (2/41 = 4.9%), and1 tornado (1/41 = 2.4%). Of the 9 man-made disasters, there were 3 terrorist attacks (3/9 = 33.3%), 2 epidemics (2/9 = 22.2%), 2 plane crashes (2/9 = 22.2%), 1 fire (1/9 = 11.1%) and1 relief mission (1/9 = ...
Constellation observing system for meterology, ionosphere, and climate (COSMIC)

The Constellation Observing System for Meteorology, Ionosphere and Climate (COSMIC) is a joint Taiwan-U.S. space mission, with a plan to launch a constellation of six micro-satellites in late 2005. Each satellite will carry three instruments: a Global Positioning System (GPS) Radio Occultation (RO) receiver, a Tiny Ionospheric Photometer (TIP), and a Tri-Band Beacon (TBB). The COSMIC constellation will provide up to 3,000 RO soundings that are distributed relatively uniformly around the Earth. The raw measurements made by the GPS RO receivers are the phase and amplitude of the GPS radio signals (L-band with wavelengths L 1 ~19.0 cm and L 2 ~ 24.4 cm), which can be used to derive the vertical profiles of temperature, moisture and electron density. The TIP and TBB instruments will provide additional ionospheric measurements. The COSMIC data from these three instruments are expected to make a significant impact on global weather prediction, climate and ionosphere monitoring and research. This paper presents (1) an overview of the COSMIC system; (2) CDAAC results from two recent GPS RO missions, CHAMP and SAC-C; and (3) the potential impact of COSMIC data on numerical weather prediction as indicated by recent observing system simulation experiments (OSSEs).
DYNAMICS OF MOTION PERCEPTION IN THE DESERT LOCUST.

The torque produced by the neck muscles of a locust mounted coaxially in an illuminated cylindrical striped drum follows small sinusoidal oscillations of the drum. Peak-to-peak oscillations of 0.03 degree (± 0.02 degree) at 0.1 cy/sec elicit measurable responses. Several features of this visual response to drum oscillation can be expected theoretically on the basis of a formal neural mechanism similar to that inferred by Hassenstein and Reichardt for constant-velocity motion perception in the bettle eye.
Retrospective evaluation of antimicrobial prophylaxis in prevention of surgical site infection in the pediatric population

Summary Background and Objectives Few studies have been conducted in pediatric patients evaluating efficacy of prophylactic antibiotics for prevention of surgical site infection (SSI). This retrospective study was undertaken to determine the effect of antibiotic prophylaxis in the prevention of SSI in children. Methods With IRB approval, our perioperative electronic clinical information database was queried. Pediatric patients (≤18 years) undergoing general surgery, cardiac surgery, and spinal surgery at Mott Children's Hospital from January 2000 to April 2010 were included. Demographics and preoperative data were obtained from the Centricity Intraoperative Database, and any episodes of SSI were obtained by review of the infection control records. Results A total 5023 pediatric patients underwent surgery from January 2000 to April 2010. The average age of the children in the sample was 4.16 ± 5.5 years, and of these, 57% were boys. Overall, 119 (2.37%) cases of SSI were identified. There were no associations between the various patient factors and the development of SSIs. Children for whom antibiotics were administered incorrectly had a 1.7-fold increased risk of SSIs compared with children who received antibiotics within the recommended guidelines (P < 0.02). Children who received antibiotics were more likely to suffer an SSI compared with those who did not. Conclusions Proper administration of preoperative antibiotics in pediatric patients is one of the few modifiable and significant factors in prevention of SSI.
The Effect of Naphthalene-Acetic Acid on Biomass Productivity and Chlorophyll Content of Green Algae, Coccolithophore, Diatom, and Cyanobacterium Cultures

The application of biochemical stimulants to enhance biomass and metabolite productivity is being investigated here and may be a simpler approach to achieve our goals of higher productivity and lower costs than methods such as genetic modification. The research builds on prior work of screening various biochemical stimulants representing different types of plant growth regulators with the green alga, Chlorella sorokiniana. Here, we report the impact on biomass and chlorophyll productivity by comparing the delivery method of a previously identified superior stimulant, the synthetic auxin naphthalene-acetic acid (NAA), solubilized in ethanol or methanol. Algae evaluated included the green alga, C. sorokiniana, as well as a mixed consortium that includes C. sorokiniana along with two other wild-isolated green algae, Scenedesmus bijuga and Chlorella minutissima. It was found that NAA dissolved in ethanol was more effective in enhancing biomass productivity of C. sorokiniana. However, no differences were observed with the mixed consortia. The most effective treatment from this step, EtOH500ppm + NAA5ppm, along with two other NAA concentrations (EtOH500ppm + NAA2.5ppm and EtOH500ppm + NAA10ppm), was then applied to six diverse species of microalgae to determine if the treatment dosage was effective for other freshwater and marine green algae, cyanobacteria, coccolithophore, and diatoms. It was found that three of the species bioassayed, Pleurochrysis carterae, C. sorokiniana, and Haematococcus pluvialis exhibited a substantial boost in biomass productivity over the 10-day growth period. The use of ethanol and NAA at a combined dosage of EtOH500ppm + NAA5ppm was found to generate the highest biomass productivity for each of the species that responded positively to the treatments. If scalable, NAA and ethanol may have the potential to lower production costs by increasing biomass yields for commercial microalgae cultivation.
The lymph node microenvironment and its role in the progression of metastatic cancer

Lymph nodes are initial sites for cancer metastasis in many solid tumors. However, their role in cancer progression is still not completely understood. Emerging evidence suggests that the lymph node microenvironment provides hospitable soil for the seeding and proliferation of cancer cells. Resident immune and stromal cells in the lymph node express and secrete molecules that may facilitate the survival of cancer cells in this organ. More comprehensive studies are warranted to fully understand the importance of the lymph node in tumor progression. Here, we will review the current knowledge of the role of the lymph node microenvironment in metastatic progression.
Cardiovascular effects produced by injections of thyrotropin-releasing hormone in specific preoptic and hypothalamic nuclei in the rat

Microinjection of 1.4 pmol TRH (0.5 ng; 50-150 nl) into both the preoptic suprachiasmatic nucleus (pos) and the A7000-6800 region of the medial preoptic nucleus (pom) produced increases in blood pressure and heart rate of 7% and 19%, respectively; heart rate responses in these two areas were higher than those occurring in other areas tested. TRH induced a significant increase in blood pressure and heart rate in the posterior hypothalamic nucleus (nhp) and increased heart rate only in the anterior (nha) and dorsomedial (ndm) hypothalamic nuclei. A small decrease in both blood pressure and heart rate resulted with TRH injections in the A7400-7050 region of the pom. No changes in respiratory rate or rectal temperature were observed at any site with this dose of TRH. Preliminary studies into the mechanism of the cardiovascular actions of TRH suggested that inhibition of the parasympathetic nerves to the heart make a partial contribution to the TRH-induced heart rate increase in the pos and that adrenal catecholamine release mediates the TRH response in the nhp. Neither methylatropine pretreatment nor adrenalectomy prevented the response to TRH injected into the nha, suggesting that activation of the cardiac sympathetic nerves may mediate TRH actions in this region. In the ndm, neither methylatropine nor adrenalectomy prevented the response to TRH; however, there was a tendency for the response to be less after methylatropine. Therefore, both inhibition of the parasympathetic and activation of the sympathetic nervous systems may contribute to the response observed, but no adrenal involvement could be demonstrated.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Selective decay and coherent vortices in two-dimensional incompressible turbulence.

Numerical solution of two-dimensional incompressible hydrodynamics shows that states of a near-minimal ratio of enstrophy to energy can be attained in times short compared with the flow decay time, confirming the simplest turbulent selective decay conjecture, and suggesting that coherent vortex structures do not terminate nonlinear processes. After all possible vortex mergers occur, the vorticity attains a particlelike character, suggested by the late-time similarity of the streamlines to Ewald potential contours.
NADH Enzyme-Dependent Fluorescence Recovery after Photobleaching (ED-FRAP): Applications to Enzyme and Mitochondrial Reaction Kinetics, In Vitro

NADH enzyme-dependent fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (ED-FRAP) was evaluated for studying enzyme kinetics in vitro and in isolated mitochondria. Mass, optical, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy data were consistent with the UV NADH photolysis reaction being NADH → NAD· + H+ + e−. The overall net reaction was O2 + 2NADH + 2H+ → 2NAD+ + 2H2O, or in the presence of other competing electron acceptors such as cytochrome c, NADH + 2Cytox → NAD+ + H+ + 2Cytred. Solution pH could differentiate between these free-radical scavenging pathways. These net reactions represent the photooxidation of NADH to NAD+. Kinetic models and acquisition schemes were developed, varying [NADH] and [NAD] by altering NADH photolysis levels, for extracting kinetic parameters. UV irradiation levels used did not damage mitochondrial function or enzymatic activity. In mitochondria, [NADH] is a high affinity product inhibitor that significantly reduced the NADH regeneration rate. Matrix NADH regeneration only slightly exceeded the net rate of NADH consumption, suggesting that the NADH regeneration process is far from equilibrium. Evaluation of NADH regeneration in active mitochondria, in comparison to rotenone-treated preparations, revealed other regulatory elements in addition to matrix [NADH] and [NAD] that have yet to be fully characterized. These studies demonstrate that the rapid UV photolysis of NADH to NAD is an effective tool in evaluating the steady-state kinetic properties of enzyme systems. Initial data support the notion that the NADH regeneration process is far from equilibrium in mitochondria and is potentially controlled by NADH levels as well as several other matrix factors.
A Calorimeter For Measuring 1-15 KJ Laser Pulses

A CALORIMETER FOR MEASURING 1 -15 kJ LASER PULSESP. A. Simpson and Eric G. Johnson, Jr.Electromagnetic Technology Division, National Bureau of Standards325 Broadway, Boulder, Colorado 80303AbstractTwo calorimeters for measuring high peak power laser pulses have been constructed by the NBSand delivered to the Newark Air Force Station, Newark, Ohio. These calorimeters are designedto measure pulses having intensities great enough to damage the volume absorbing material innormal calorimeters. In these new calorimeters the volume absorbing material is alreadyfragmented and flowing dry N2 gas is used to extract the temperature rise information. Pulseenergy can be in the range 1 to 15 kJ. Wavelength range is from the it to uv by employingvarious volume absorbing materials.INTRODUCTORY DESCRIPTIONThe National Bureau of Standards at Boulder, Colorado recently delivered to the NewarkAir Force Station, Ohio, two similar calorimeter systems for measuring very high peak powerlaser pulses. These calorimeters for laser optical pulses, which are referred to as CLOP, arenow undergoing testing and evaluation.The peak power the calorimeters are designed to measure is in the range which damagescurrently used volume absorbing materials. Thus the primary purpose of these devices is tomeasure heretofore unmeasurable pulses; they are not intended to supplant presently usedequipment and techniques for measuring less intense pulses. Table 1 is a listing of themajor design goals for the calorimeters. In order to operate over the total wavelengthshown, several different volume absorbing materials are used. Also for longer wavelengthscopper mirrors can be substituted for the aluminum reflectors which are used at mostwavelengths.Table 1. Major Design Goals for the CalorimetersEnergy Range:Beam Size:Wavelength:Reference to SI:1 kJ to 15kJ15 cm by 30 cmInfrared to UltravioletElectrically CalibratedCLOP consists of five modules designed to trap the laser radiation and convert it to heat.Figure 1 is a photograph of one of the CLOP systems. The normal configuration of CLOP frominput to beam termination is (1) extension tube module
When Work Is Home: Agency, Structure, and Contradictions

The authors describe the work experiences of in-home day care providers, particularly their relationships with the parents of the children for whom they care throughout the day. The authors identif...
Counseling Adolescent Students Affected by the War in Iraq: Using History as a Guide.

The schemes of war of today's generation of adolescents might be heavily influenced by the War in Iraq because it is the first war this generation is likely to remember living through. Although the War in Iraq has produced a unique set of circumstances and concerns for adolescents who have experienced it, there is much to be learned from past wars about the types of counseling that would be helpful and appropriate. Considering developmental theories and information gleaned from previous wars is helpful in establishing best practice methods for counseling adolescents during times of current and future international conflict.
Some Varieties of Particularism

Analytic particularism claims that judgments of moral wrongness are about particular acts rather than general principles. Metaphysical particularism claims that what makes true moral judgments true is not general principles but nonmoral properties of particular acts. Epistemological particularism claims that studying particular acts apart from general principles can justify beliefs in moral judgments. Methodological particularism claims that we will do better morally in everyday life if we look carefully at each particular decision as it arises and give up the search for a complete moral theory. This paper raises problems for each of these versions of particularism.
Heme oxygenase and the immune system in normal and pathological pregnancies

Normal pregnancy is an immunotolerant state. Many factors, including environmental, socioeconomic, genetic, and immunologic changes by infection and/or other causes of inflammation, may contribute to inter-individual differences resulting in a normal or pathologic pregnancy. In particular, imbalances in the immune system can cause many pregnancy-related diseases, such as infertility, abortions, pre-eclampsia, and preterm labor, which result in maternal/fetal death, prematurity, or small-for-gestational age newborns. New findings imply that myeloid regulatory cells and regulatory T cells (Tregs) may mediate immunotolerance during normal pregnancy. Effector T cells (Teffs) have, in contrast, been implicated to cause adverse pregnancy outcomes. Furthermore, feto-maternal tolerance affects the developing fetus. It has been shown that the Treg/Teff balance affects litter size and adoptive transfer of pregnancy-induced Tregs can prevent fetal rejection in the mouse. Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) has a protective role in many conditions through its anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, antioxidative, and anti-proliferative actions. HO-1 is highly expressed in the placenta and plays a role in angiogenesis and placental vascular development and in regulating vascular tone in pregnancy. In addition, HO-1 is a major regulator of immune homeostasis by mediating crosstalk between innate and adaptive immune systems. Moreover, HO-1 can inhibit inflammation-induced phenotypic maturation of immune effector cells and pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion and promote anti-inflammatory cytokine production. HO-1 may also be associated with T-cell activation and can limit immune-based tissue injury by promoting Treg suppression of effector responses. Thus, HO-1 and its byproducts may protect against pregnancy complications by its immunomodulatory effects, and the regulation of HO-1 or its downstream effects has the potential to prevent or treat pregnancy complications and prematurity.
Carnitine depletion in the choline-deficient state

Abstract 1. 1. Dietary choline deficiency causes a decrease in the heart and liver levels of carnitine and in the rate of long-chain fatty acid oxidation by myocardial and hepatic homogenates. 2. 2. Addition of carnitine in vitro, but not of choline, to tissue homogenates increases the rate of long-chain fatty acid oxidation, and decreases the rate of esterification. 3. 3. Administration of choline in vivo, or of carnitine, increases the rate of longchain fatty acid oxidation by liver and heart homogenates. Choline administration to choline-deficient animals increases their tissue carnitine levels. This increase is not blocked by the prior administration of a protein synthesis inhibitor. 4. 4. It is suggested that the decreased rate of long-chain fatty acid oxidation observed in animals fed a choline-deficient diet is, at least in part, due to the decrease in levels of tissue carnitine.
Linguistic Influences on Differential Item Functioning For Second Language Learners on the National Assessment of Educational Progress

Education policy in many countries has undergone changes regarding the testing of English Language Learners (ELLs 1 ), who by definition are not yet proficient in the language of the test. As policies mandate the inclusion of ELLs in large-scale testing, many question the validity of achievement test scores because the degree to which the test score is a function of language proficiency is not clearly understood. This study investigated differential item functioning (DIF) on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) between a group of second-language English learners and native English speakers. A linguistic analysis of test items was used as external criteria to understand differences in test item functioning. No DIF was found. To further investigate how language factors affect test scores for ELLs, there is a need for access to larger databases of ELLs with multiple, well-defined measures of English proficiency.
High pressure pair distribution function studies of Green River oil shale.

The compression behavior of a silicate-rich oil shale from the Green River formation in the pressure range 0.0−2.4 GPa was studied using in situ high pressure X-ray pair distribution function (PDF) measurements for the sample contained within a Paris−Edinburgh cell. The real-space local structural information in the PDF, G(r), was used to evaluate the compressibility of the oil shale. Specifically, the pressure-induced reduction in the medium- to long-range atom distances (∼6−20 A) yielded an average sample compressibility corresponding to a bulk modulus of ca. 61−67 GPa. A structural model consisting of a three phase mixture of the principal crystalline oil shale components (quartz, albite and Illite) provided a good fit to the ambient pressure PDF data (R ∼ 30.7%). Indeed the features in the PDF beyond ∼6 A, were similarly well fit by a single phase model of the highest symmetry, highly crystalline quartz component. The factors influencing the observed compression behavior are discussed.
Learning to walk with a robotic ankle exoskeleton

Abstract We used a lower limb robotic exoskeleton controlled by the wearer's muscle activity to study human locomotor adaptation to disrupted muscular coordination. Ten healthy subjects walked while wearing a pneumatically powered ankle exoskeleton on one limb that effectively increased plantar flexor strength of the soleus muscle. Soleus electromyography amplitude controlled plantar flexion assistance from the exoskeleton in real time. We hypothesized that subjects’ gait kinematics would be initially distorted by the added exoskeleton power, but that subjects would reduce soleus muscle recruitment with practice to return to gait kinematics more similar to normal. We also examined the ability of subjects to recall their adapted motor pattern for exoskeleton walking by testing subjects on two separate sessions, 3 days apart. The mechanical power added by the exoskeleton greatly perturbed ankle joint movements at first, causing subjects to walk with significantly increased plantar flexion during stance. With practice, subjects reduced soleus recruitment by ∼35% and learned to use the exoskeleton to perform almost exclusively positive work about the ankle. Subjects demonstrated the ability to retain the adapted locomotor pattern between testing sessions as evidenced by similar muscle activity, kinematic and kinetic patterns between the end of the first test day and the beginning of the second. These results demonstrate that robotic exoskeletons controlled by muscle activity could be useful tools for testing neural mechanisms of human locomotor adaptation.
Obstructive apnea: Sympathetic activiy, respiration and sleep, a case report ☆

Abstract Sympathetic nervous activity (as measured by plasma catecholamines, blood pressure and heart rate), nighttime oxygen saturation, respiration and sleep patterns were studied in an individual with severe obstructive sleep apnea. LG, whose dysfunction was obstructive, showed a relationship between sympathetic hyperactivity and REM related drops in oxygen saturation.
Improved criteria for distributional convergence of point processes

Abstract In earlier work by the author, the convergence in distribution of a sequence of point processes towards a simple limit has been characterized by three conditions, where the first ensures convergence of the supports, the second that the limit of every convergent subsequence is simple, and the third that the sequence is tight. The purpose of this note is to strengthen the mentioned result, by showing that the tightness follows from the other two conditions. Similar results are obtained for convergence of random measures towards a diffuse limit and of row-sums in null-arrays towards an infinitely divisible limit.
Verification of hypothesized factors in one hundred and fifteen objective personality test designs.

This paper reports on the third of a series of four experiments using similar concepts and methods for objective personality measurement, and overlapping test batteries. One hundred students were measured with 115 tests. The scores were correlated and factored by a re-iterated multiple group centroid method. The 17 factors thus obtained were rotated toward a clear simple structure. The relation of the rotated factors to earlier ones is indicated, but no extensive interpretation is attempted.
Temperature effects on hearing in two species of Amphisbaenia

SEVERAL recent studies have documented diverse auditory responses in lizards and turtles as a function of body temperature. Previous work was with iguanid lizards, which are diurnal, and can regulate body temperature by basking; and with the aquatic turtle Pseudemys. We have worked with amphisbaenians, which are highly modified burrowing reptiles.
Discriminative sparse image representation for classification based on a greedy algorithm

Massive amount of data with high dimensionality can pose a problem for efficient image classification. Recently there has been an effort to extend the application of sparse representations of signals to image classification. In this paper, we propose a method that extracts the smallest number of features that discriminate the images from different classes using a cost function that combines discrimination power and sparsity. The proposed method was evaluated using the TU Darmstadt database and was compared with Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) and was shown to achieve higher accuracy with smaller number of features than LDA. The robustness of our method to noise and occlusion was also illustrated through experiments.
Study Geophysical Response of Middle East Carbonate Reservoir using Computational Rock Physics Approach

Summary Development of carbonate rock physics model is difficult because pore systems are more complex in carbonate than they are in clastics. The best way to describe pore structure is through 3D µCT image of rock pore space. Instead of traditional effective medium based modeling by taking assumption of pore geometry, we adopt computational rock physics approach in this study. Multi-resolution µCT images are taken for carbonate cores belonging to different facies from middle east carbonate reservoir. Electrical conductivity and elastic properties (Vp, Vs) are computed on 3D rock micro-tomographis using finite difference (FD) and finite element method (FEM). To further extend predicting capability, a family of 3D model granular porous media with different porosity, pore (grain) aspect ratio, pore (grain) size distribution, pore connectivity and spatial arrangement are built to represent different carbonate petrophysical pore types. Modeling results compare well with core, log measurements. Direct link between rock microstructure and its elastic, electrical behavior is built up using computational rock physics. Finally, AVO forward modeling is built to quantify porosity, fluid saturation and lithology (facies) effect on seismic response for middle east carbonate reservoir.
Displaying dynamic information

In this paper I introduce the problem of displaying dynamic information. I give several examples where an individual must interact with information that is changing beyond her control. The challenge in displaying this information is to discover how the user's context can be maintained while giving her access to the new information that becomes available. The user should feel in control of the information despite the fact that it is changing. This can be done effectively by understanding what conceptual anchors the user creates into the data, and keeping them constant while changing the other information as needed.
Use of a computer-aided reconstruction system to examine the three-dimensional architecture of cyanobacteria

A computer-aided reconstruction system was evaluated in regard to its usefulness for illustrating the three-dimensional ultrastructure of cyanobacterial (blue-green algal) cells. The system readily depicted the intracellular locations of specialized inclusion bodies. The photosynthetic thylakoid membrane system was more difficult to depict because of its intricate substructure, yet could be illustrated effectively by using procedures designed to minimize multiple overlapping of thylakoid components. By eliminating unwanted or unimportant cell structures, by examining selected portions of cells, and by rotating images to obtain maximum clarity, it was possible to produce reconstructions that effectively showed the overall three-dimensional arrangement of ultrastructural features within the cell.
Force Product Criteria of Sliding Motions in a Forced Linear Oscillator Including Dry Friction

In this paper, the switching conditions for sliding motions in a periodically, forced linear oscillator with dry friction are obtained analytically. The generic mappings for the friction-induced oscillator are introduced. From the generic mappings, the corresponding criteria for the sliding motions are presented through the force product conditions. The analytical prediction of the onset and vanishing of the sliding motions is illustrated. Finally, numerical simulations of sliding motions are carried out to verify the analytical prediction.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Effects of Cumulative Violence Exposure on Children’s Trauma and Depression Symptoms: A Social Ecological Examination Using Fixed Effects Regression

Cumulative violence exposure is associated with poor child outcomes, but has not been investigated using a social ecological approach. Using National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-Being data, cumulative and differential effects of child violence exposure by ecological domains were modeled across two points using fixed effects regression. Children exposed to violence in more ecological domains over time reported increased trauma and depression symptoms. Similarly, direct victims of violence at baseline who experienced higher-order ecological domains of violence over time reported increased trauma and depression symptoms, but effects differed depending on the ecological domain. Results suggest that operationalizing cumulative violence exposure using ecological domains provides a different lens for studying the effects of violence exposure and expands the implications for intervention.
Applications of Nonlinear Dynamics to Clinical Cardiology

(1) Nonlinear mechanisms may apply both to the understanding of SA-AV node interactions and to bifurcations leading to certain types of AV block. (2) The fractal His-Purkinje system serves as the structural substrate for the generation of the broadband, inverse power-law spectrum of the stable ventricular depolarization (QRS) waveform. (3) Fractal anatomy is also seen in multiple other systems: pulmonary, hepatobiliary, renal, etc. Fractal morphogenesis may reflect a type of critical phenomenon that results in the generation of these irregular, but self-similar structures. (4) Self-similar (fractal) scaling may underlie the 1/f-like spectra seen in multiple systems (e.g., interbeat interval variability, daily neutrophil fluctuations). This fractal scaling may provide a mechanism for the "constrained randomness" that appears to underlie physiological variability and adaptability. (5) Behavior consistent with subharmonic bifurcations is seen in cardiac electrophysiology (e.g., sick sinus syndrome) and hemodynamic perturbations (e.g., swinging heart phenomenon in pericardial tamponade). (6) Ventricular tachyarrhythmias associated with sudden cardiac death (e.g., torsades de pointes, ventricular fibrillation) appear to reflect relatively periodic, not chaotic (turbulent) processes resulting from disruption of the physiologic fractal depolarization sequence. (7) Spectral analysis of Holter monitor data may help in the detection of patients at high risk for sudden death.
Effects of heart rate on experimentally produced mitral regurgitation in dogs

The effects of increasing heart rate (HR) on the hemodynamics of acute mitral regurgitation (MR) were studied in 8 open-chest dogs. Filling volume, regurgitant volume and stroke volume were calculated from electromagnetic probe measurements of mitral and aortic flows. The left atrial-left ventricular systolic pressure gradient was measured with micromanometers. The calculated effective mitral regurgitant orifice area varied from 10 to 128 mm2, with a consequent regurgitant fraction (regurgitant volume/filling volume) of 24 to 62%. After crushing the sinus node, HR was increased stepwise from 90 to 180 beats/min by atrial pacing while maintaining aortic pressure constant. With increasing HR, filling volume, stroke volume, regurgitant volume and regurgitant time decreased; total cardiac output, forward cardiac output, regurgitant output, systolic pressure gradient, regurgitant fraction and the regurgitant orifice did not change; left ventricular end-diastolic pressure decreased; and left atrial v-wave amplitude increased. These results indicate that in acute experimental MR with a wide spectrum of incompetence, the relative distribution of forward and regurgitant flows did not change with large increases in HR. At rates greater than 150 beats/min the atrial contraction occurs early and increases the amplitude of the left atrial v wave. This may contribute to the severity of pulmonary congestion in patients with MR.
A novel chemical transformation of 3-vinyl-4-substituted-2-azetidinones

Abstract Transformation of α-vinyl-β-lactams involving an anti-Markovnikov addition reaction is described. The action of PdCl 2 CuClO 2 on the vinyl group leads to terminal aldehydes instead of the expected methyl ketones. The intermediate prepared by the reduction of this aldehyde group followed by conversion of the primary hydroxyl group to a chloro derivative was rearranged in good yield to a 1,2-diaryl-3-carbomethoxypyrrolidine.
Population pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic–disease progression model for effects of anakinra in Lewis rats with collagen-induced arthritis

A population pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic–disease progression (PK/PD/DIS) model was developed to characterize the effects of anakinra in collagen-induced arthritic (CIA) rats and explore the role of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in rheumatoid arthritis. The CIA rats received either vehicle, or anakinra at 100 mg/kg for about 33 h, 100 mg/kg for about 188 h, or 10 mg/kg for about 188 h by subcutaneous infusion. Plasma concentrations of anakinra were assayed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Swelling of rat hind paws was measured. Population PK/PD/DIS parameters were computed for the various groups using non-linear mixed-effects modeling software (NONMEM® Version VI). The final model was assessed using visual predictive checks and nonparameter stratified bootstrapping. A two-compartment PK model with two sequential absorption processes and linear elimination was used to capture PK profiles of anakinra. A transduction-based feedback model incorporating logistic growth rate captured disease progression and indirect response model I captured drug effects. The PK and paw swelling versus time profiles in CIA rats were fitted well. Anakinra has modest effects (Imax = 0.28) on paw edema in CIA rats. The profiles are well-described by our PK/PD/DIS model which provides a basis for future mechanism-based assessment of anakinra dynamics in rheumatoid arthritis.
Laser-induced porous graphene films from commercial polymers

The straightforward and scalable synthesis and patterning of graphene-based nanomaterials remains a technological challenge. Here, the authors use a CO2 infrared laser, under ambient conditions, to directly produce and pattern porous graphene films with three-dimensional networks from commercial polymer films.
The history of language processor technology in IBM

The history of language processor technology in IBM is described in this paper. Most of the paper is devoted to compiler technology; interpreters, assemblers, and macro systems are discussed briefly. The emphasis is on scientific contributions and technological advances from ah istorical perspective. The synergistic relationship between theory andpractice is a subtheme.
Numerical methods for the linear Boltzmann transport equation in slab geometry

An iterative method for computing numerical solutions of a finite-difference system corresponding to the linear Boltzmann equation in slab geometry is presented. This iterative scheme gives a straightforward marching process starting from the given boundary and initial conditions. It is shown that with a suitable initial iteration the sequence of iterations converges monotonically to a unique solution of the finite-difference system. This monotone convergence leads to improved upper and lower bounds of the solution in each iteration, and to the well-posedness of the discrete system in the sense of Hadamard. It also leads to the convergence of the discrete system to the continuous system as the mesh size of the space–velocity–time variables approaches to zero. Under a mild restriction on the time-increment the discrete system is numerically stable, independent of the mesh-size of the space and velocity. An error estimate for the computed solution due to simultaneous initial and iteration error is obtained. Also given are some numerical results for the time-dependent and the steady-state solutions.
Coalition Warfare Program (CWP): secure policy controlled information query and dissemination over a Bices network

In 2006, the US Army Research Laboratory (ARL) and the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) established a collaborative research alliance with academia and industry, called the International Technology Alliance (ITA) to address fundamental issues concerning Network and Information Sciences. Under the ITA research program, a US-UK transition project on “ITA Policy Controlled Information Query & Dissemination” was funded in 2011 by OSD's Coalition Warfare Program (CWP). The goal of this CWP project is to develop an extensible capability of performing distributed federated query and information dissemination across a coalition network of distributed disparate data/information sources with accesscontrolled policies.