cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Transform methods for seismic data compression

The authors consider the development and evaluation of transform coding algorithms for the storage of seismic signals. Transform coding algorithms are developed using the discrete Fourier transform (DFT), the discrete cosine transform (DCT), the Walsh-Hadamard transform (WHT), and the Karhunen-Loeve transform (KLT). These are evaluated and compared to a linear predictive coding algorithm for data rates ranging from 150 to 550 bit/s. The results reveal that sinusoidal transforms are well-suited for robust, low-rate seismic signal representation. In particular, it is shown that a DCT coding scheme reproduces faithfully the seismic waveform at approximately one-third of the original rate. >
How to Exclude Immunostimmulatory and Other Nonantisense Effects of Antisense Oligonucleotides

The use of antisense oligodeoxynucleotides for the sequence-specific modulation of gene expression is a tremendously versatile and exciting technology. However, like other polyanionic molecules, oligonucleotides have been found to have a variety of biologic activities that are independent of an antisense mechanism of action. These nonantisense activities, which can confound experimental interpretation, may be avoided through understanding the sequence motifs and responsible mechanisms, and through the careful use of appropriate control oligonucleotides.
Balanced feedforward inhibition and dominant recurrent inhibition in olfactory cortex

Throughout the brain, the recruitment of feedforward and recurrent inhibition shapes neural responses. However, disentangling the relative contributions of these often-overlapping cortical circuits is challenging. The piriform cortex provides an ideal system to address this issue because the interneurons responsible for feedforward and recurrent inhibition are anatomically segregated in layer (L) 1 and L2/3 respectively. Here we use a combination of optical and electrical activation of interneurons to profile the inhibitory input received by three classes of principal excitatory neuron in the anterior piriform cortex. In all classes, we find that L1 interneurons provide weaker inhibition than L2/3 interneurons. Nonetheless, feedforward inhibitory strength covaries with the amount of afferent excitation received by each class of principal neuron. In contrast, intracortical stimulation of L2/3 evokes strong inhibition that dominates recurrent excitation in all classes. Finally, we find that the relative contributions of feedforward and recurrent pathways differ between principal neuron classes. Specifically, L2 neurons receive more reliable afferent drive and less overall inhibition than L3 neurons. Alternatively, L3 neurons receive substantially more intracortical inhibition. These three features—balanced afferent drive, dominant recurrent inhibition, and differential recruitment by afferent vs. intracortical circuits, dependent on cell class—suggest mechanisms for olfactory processing that may extend to other sensory cortices.
Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty with Fat Repositioning

Lower blepharoplasty surgery is the cornerstone of cosmetic rehabilitation of the lower eyelid and midface. A youthful appearance is defined by a harmonious continuum between the lower eyelid and cheek. A prominent nasojugal fold (tear trough), facial deflation, and pseudohernation of orbital fat into the lower eyelid characterize the aging face. The perceived eyelid–cheek junction in the young is defined by the lower eyelid crease and, with aging, it descends, changing from the smooth S-shaped contour with a crease defined close to the lid margin to a posteriorly directed V-shape below the orbital rim (Fig. 15.1). The tear trough, in our view, is an external manifestation of the orbicularis retaining ligament, and its prominence is enhanced by pseudoherniation of the orbital fat and descent of the deflated midface (Fig. 15.2). While the tear trough deformity may appear in youth, exacerbation is common with age and generates cosmetic complaints. Commonly, patients evaluated for lower eyelid blepharoplasty have complaints of lower eyelid “bags,” a tired appearance or dark circles around the eyes.
Characterization of the Thermo-Oxidative Stability of Filled Thermoplastic Polyetherimide

Selected fillers were incorporated to prepare polytherimide composite. The influence of fillers on the thermo-oxidative stability of the composite was studied by thermogravimetric analysis. The results showed that at optical filler loading and characteristics, the polymer composite became superior in its thermo-oxidative stability that is very promising in widening the window of service temperature of polyimides for extremely high temperature conditions where most polymeric composites fail. The findings should prove useful in developing high-temperature polymer composites for aerospace and electronics applications.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
A Reversal of Fortunes? Extended Deterrence and Assurance in Europe and East Asia1

ABSTRACTThe extended deterrence relationships between the United States and its allies in Europe and East Asia have been critical to regional and global security and stability, as well as to nonproliferation efforts, since the late 1950s. These relationships developed in different regional contexts, and reflect differing cultural, political and military realities in the US allies and their relations with the United States. Although extended deterrence and assurance relations have very different histories, and have to some extent been controversial through the years, there has been a rethinking of these relations in recent years. Many Europeans face a diminished threat situation as well as economic and political pressures on the maintenance of extended deterrence, and are looking at the East Asian relationships, which do not involve forward deployed forces as more attractive than NATO’s risk-and-burden-sharing concepts involving the US nuclear forces deployed in Europe. On the other hand, the East Asian al...
An electronic device to measure drive and recovery phases during wheelchair propulsion: A technical note

Using cinematography to identify the drive and recovery phases in wheelchair racing, it has been reported that the drive phase was approximately 33% of each propulsive cycle time, with remaining time devoted to the recovery phase. In this study, an electronic timing device has been developed to accurately measure the drive phase time and recovery phase time in each cycle of wheelchair racing. Seventeen wheelchair athletes with national and/or international racing experience were tested on four selected speeds. It was found that the drive phase was approximately 23% of each cycle time during wheelchair racing. The drive phase time decreased in each propulsive cycle as speed increased from 30 to 90% of the peak speed.
Groundless: Rumors, Legends, and Hoaxes on the Early American Frontier. Early America: History, Context, Culture Series. By Gregory Evans Dowd.

Groundless: Rumors, Legends, and Hoaxes on the Early American Frontier. Early America: History, Context, Culture Series. By Gregory Evans Dowd. (Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press, 2015. xi + 391 pp. Illustrations, notes, bibliographical essay, index. $34.95.) Gregory Evans Dowd masterfully “seizes upon the uncertainties in [historical] evidence to attempt a new history of the early North American colonial encounter” (p. 275). By situating rumor and legend at the center of his analysis, Dowd reveals that rumoring and hoaxes—from the beginnings of European colonization to Andrew Jackson’s campaign for Indian removal—bore great power on the frontiers of early America. In fact, rumors and legends ultimately acted as forces of violence and colonialism. In addition, Dowd uses the stories that were told about those rumors to … bryan.rindfleisch{at}marquette.edu
An Innovative Curriculum Using a Simulated Electronic Health Record to Teach Internal Medicine Residents About ICD-10-CM.

Introduction This module introduces learners to the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD–10-CM) coding system and its relevance to patient care, bill...
In vitro apramycin activity against multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

The in vitro activity of apramycin was compared to that of amikacin, gentamicin, and tobramycin against multidrug-resistant, extensively drug-resistant, and pandrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Apramycin demonstrated an MIC50/MIC90 of 8/32μg/ml for A. baumannii and 16/32μg/ml for P. aeruginosa. Only 2% of A. baumannii and P. aeruginosa had an MIC greater than an epidemiological cutoff value of 64μg/ml. In contrast, the MIC50/MIC90 for amikacin, gentamicin, and tobramycin were ≥64/>256μg/ml for A. baumannii with 57%, 95%, and 74% of isolates demonstrating resistance, respectively, and the MIC50/MIC90 were ≥8/256μg/ml for P. aeruginosa with 27%, 50%, and 57% of strains demonstrating resistance, respectively. Apramycin appears to offer promising in vitro activity against highly resistant pathogens. It therefore may warrant further pre-clinical study to assess potential for repurposing as a human therapeutic and relevance as a scaffold for further medicinal chemistry exploration.
Direct and Indirect Effects of Pesticides on the Insidious Flower Bug (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) Under Laboratory Conditions.

Greenhouse producers are interested in integrating natural enemies along with pesticides to suppress western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande), populations. The insidious flower bug, Orius insidiosus (Say), is a commercially available natural enemy of western flower thrips. We conducted a series of laboratory experiments to determine the direct and indirect effects of 28 pesticides (insecticides, miticides, and fungicides), 4 pesticide mixtures, and 4 surfactants (36 total treatments plus a water control) on the adult O. insidiosus survival and predation on western flower thrips adults under laboratory conditions. The number of live and dead O. insidiosus adults was recorded after 24, 48, 72, and 96 h. The results of the study indicate that the fungicides (aluminum tris, azoxystrobin, fenhexamid, and kresoxim-methyl), insect growth regulators (azadirachtin, buprofezin, kinoprene, and pyriproxyfen), botanicals (Capsicum oleoresin extract, garlic oil, soybean oil; and rosemary, rosemary oil, peppermint oil, and cottonseed oil), and entomopathogenic fungi (Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae) were minimally directly harmful to adult O. insidiosus, with 80% to 100% adult survival. However, abamectin, spinosad, pyridalyl, chlorfenapyr, tau-fluvalinate, imidacloprid, dinotefuran, acetamiprid, and thiamethoxam directly affected O. insidiosus survival after 96 h (0-60% adult survival). The pesticide mixtures of abamectin + spinosad and chlorfenapyr + dinotefuran reduced adult survival (20% and 0%, respectively, after 48 h). Furthermore, the surfactants were not directly harmful to O. insidiosus adults. All western flower thrips adults were killed by the surviving adult O. insidiosus after 48 h, indicating no indirect effects of the pesticides on predation.
Shift lifts preserving Ramanujan property

Abstract In a breakthrough work, Marcus et al. [1] recently showed that every d-regular bipartite Ramanujan graph has a 2-lift that is also d-regular bipartite Ramanujan. As a consequence, a straightforward iterative brute-force search algorithm leads to the construction of a d-regular bipartite Ramanujan graph on N vertices in time 2 O ( d N ) . Shift k-lifts studied in [2] lead to a natural approach for constructing Ramanujan graphs more efficiently. The number of possible shift k-lifts of a d-regular n-vertex graph is k n d / 2 . Suppose the following holds for k = 2 Ω ( n ) : (⋆) There exists a shift k -lift that maintains the Ramanujan property of d -regular bipartite graphs on n vertices for all n . Then, by performing a similar brute-force algorithm, one would be able to construct an N-vertex bipartite Ramanujan graph in time 2 O ( d log 2 ⁡ N ) . Also, if (⋆) holds for all k ≥ 2 , then one would obtain an algorithm that runs in poly ( N d ) time. In this work, we take a first step towards proving (⋆) by showing the existence of shift k-lifts that preserve the Ramanujan property in d-regular bipartite graphs for k = 3 and for k = 4 .
Safety and Acceptability of Patient-Administered Sedatives During Mechanical Ventilation.

Background Safety and acceptability of sedative self-administration by patients receiving mechanical ventilation is unknown. Objectives To determine if self-administration of dexmedetomidine by patients is safe and acceptable for self-management of anxiety during ventilatory support. Methods In a pilot trial in 3 intensive care units, 17 intubated patients were randomly assigned to dexmedetomidine and 20 to usual care. Dexmedetomidine was administered via standard pumps for patient-controlled analgesia, with a basal infusion (0.1-0.7 μg/kg per hour) titrated by the number of patient-triggered doses (0.25 μg/kg per dose). Safety goals were heart rate greater than 40/min, systolic blood pressure greater than 80 mm Hg, and diastolic blood pressure greater than 50 mm Hg. Acceptability was based on patients' self-reported satisfaction and ability to administer the sedative. A 100-mm visual analog scale was used daily to assess patients' anxiety. Results The sample was 59% male and 89% white. Mean values were age, 50.6 years; score on the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation, 60.1; and protocol duration, 3.4 days. Five dexmedetomidine patients had blood pressure and/or heart rate lower than safety parameters, necessitating short-term treatment. Nurses' adherence to reporting of safety parameters was 100%; adherence to the dexmedetomidine titration algorithm was 73%. Overall baseline anxiety score was 38.4 and did not change significantly (βday = 2.1; SE, 2.5; P = .40). Most dexmedetomidine patients (92%) were satisfied or very satisfied with their ability to self-administer medication. Conclusions For select patients, self-administration of dexmedetomidine is safe and acceptable.
Genetic relatedness of previously Plant-Variety-Protected commercial maize inbreds

The emergence of high-throughput, high-density genotyping methods combined with increasingly powerful computing systems has created opportunities to further discover and exploit the genes controlling agronomic performance in elite maize breeding populations. Understanding the genetic basis of population structure in an elite set of materials is an essential step in this genetic discovery process. This paper presents a genotype-based population analysis of all maize inbreds whose Plant Variety Protection certificates had expired as of the end of 2013 (283 inbreds) as well as 66 public founder inbreds. The results provide accurate population structure information and allow for important inferences in context of the historical development of North American elite commercial maize germplasm. Genotypic data was obtained via genotyping-by-sequencing on 349 inbreds. After filtering for missing data, 77,314 high-quality markers remained. The remaining missing data (average per individual was 6.22 percent) was fully imputed at an accuracy of 83 percent. Calculation of linkage disequilibrium revealed that the average r2 of 0.20 occurs at approximately 1.1 Kb. Results of population genetics analyses agree with previously published studies that divide North American maize germplasm into three heterotic groups: Stiff Stalk, Non-Stiff Stalk, and Iodent. Principal component analysis shows that population differentiation is indeed very complex and present at many levels, yet confirms that division into three main sub-groups is optimal for population description. Clustering based on Nei’s genetic distance provides an additional empirical representation of the three main heterotic groups. Overall fixation index (FST), indicating the degree of genetic divergence between the three main heterotic groups, was 0.1361. Understanding the genetic relationships and population differentiation of elite germplasm may help breeders to maintain and potentially increase the rate of genetic gain, resulting in higher overall agronomic performance.
Robotic trajectory planning through collisional interaction

Collisions, if they are planned appropriately, can enable more effective navigation for robots capable of handling them. A mixed integer programming (MIP) formulation demonstrates the computational practicality of optimizing trajectories that comprise planned collisions. A novel framework is proposed to incorporate a physically realistic model of the hybrid contact dynamics as constraints in the optimization problem. Precise bounds are placed on the error from the simplifying assumptions, and it is shown that the error is driven to zero with finer temporal resolution. Implementation issues are considered in the context of regulation and damage upon contact. In particular, a damage quantification function is proposed. A simulated case study demonstrates that an increase in performance is achieved under this schema as compared to collision-free optimal trajectories.
Adiabatic Versus Sudden Turn-On of Multielectron Effects in X-Ray Absorption

We have looked at the L1, L2, and L3 absorption edges of the Xe atom. The measurements show a turn-on of the multielectron excitation more rapidly than expected by the adiabatic to sudden approximation. Using the sudden approximation we made a ΔSCF calculation for both one- and two-electron excitations of the L-edges. The result shows that the calculation at least qualitatively explains the multielectron excitations past the L-edges.
Combat Soft Tissue Injuries

The soft tissue injuries encountered in combat are generally orders of magnitude more dramatic that those seen in civilian practice. The goal of this chapter is to help shorten the learning curve to care for the extensive soft tissue wounds of war by reviewing the limited research available on the subject and sharing lessons learned from the battlefield. Data from recent conflicts in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Syria demonstrate that the soft tissue injuries sustained in a warzone are unique compared to the types of injuries seen in civilian practice. These injuries have high infection rates, result in extensive tissue loss, and require special strategies to optimize outcomes. Devastating soft tissue injuries in combat are often accompanied by multiple life-threatening injuries and one must have a systematic approach to evaluation and treatment. War wounds are highly contaminated. Early antibiotics, thorough exploration, serial debridement, and irrigation are the mainstays of therapy. While plans for wound closure must start with the first operation, all combat wounds should initially be left open.
The disconnect between archival descriptive technique and records management taxonomies

This paper examines the structure that can be brought to unstructured data by the use of certain archival descriptive and appraisal techniques. The author examines historical examples of twentieth ...
Machine learning a bond order potential model to study thermal transport in WSe2 nanostructures

Nanostructures of transition metal di-chalcogenides (TMDCs) exhibit exotic thermal, chemical and electronic properties, enabling diverse applications from thermoelectrics and catalysis to nanoelectronics. The thermal properties of these nanoscale TMDCs are of particular interest for thermoelectric applications. Thermal transport studies on nanotubes and nanoribbons remain intractable to first principles calculations whereas existing classical molecular models treat the two chalcogen layers in a monolayer with different atom types; this imposes serious limitations in studying multi-layered TMDCs and dynamical phenomena such as nucleation and growth. Here, we overcome these limitations using machine learning (ML) and introduce a bond order potential (BOP) trained against first principles training data to capture the structure, dynamics, and thermal transport properties of a model TMDC such as WSe2. The training is performed using a hierarchical objective genetic algorithm workflow to accurately describe the energetics, as well as thermal and mechanical properties of a free-standing sheet. As a representative case study, we perform molecular dynamics simulations using the ML-BOP model to study the structure and temperature-dependent thermal conductivity of WSe2 tubes and ribbons of different chiralities. We observe slightly higher thermal conductivities along the armchair direction than zigzag for WSe2 monolayers but the opposite effect for nanotubes, especially of smaller diameters. We trace the origin of these differences to the anisotropy in thermal transport and the restricted momentum selection rules for phonon–phonon Umpklapp scattering. The developed ML-BOP model is of broad interest and will facilitate studies on nucleation and growth of low dimensional WSe2 structures as well as their transport properties for thermoelectric and thermal management applications.
Scaling up; scaling down: What’s missing?

What are we trying to explain when we explain behavior? How is behavior conceptualized as an object of study and how else might it be conceptualized? Longino (Studying human behavior, University of Chicago Press, Chicago, IL, 2013) urges pluralism with respect to causes and explanations of behavior. This paper extends Longino’s analysis to the object of those explanations and urges pluralism with respect to behavior itself. The paper proposes that there are three ways in which behavior can be conceptualized, each of which opens to different kinds of research questions.
Polarized public opinion responding to corporate social advocacy: Social network analysis of boycotters and advocators

Abstract Despite growing attention to corporate social-political advocacy, little is known about how publics mobilize and establish relationships in social media when firms are involved in hot-button issues. Using the social network approach, this study examines a network structure which emerged around boycotting and advocating for Starbucks and Budweiser when these two brands responded to President Donald Trump’s immigration ban executive order in 2017. The study identified three unique characteristics in the boycotters’ networks. The boycotters appeared not only in the aggregated brand boycotting networks, but also in the advocators’ networks. In addition, boycotters in Budweiser and Starbucks networks were engaged in boycotting other brands or organizations which were opposed to Republicans or President Trump’s policy. Finally, the network of boycotters was very dense and highly connected among subgroups while that of advocators was sparse. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Abstract WP482: Early Life Exposure to the Stroke Belt and Later Life Incident Cognitive Impairment: The Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) Study

Introduction: Incidence of cognitive impairment is higher for residents of the Stroke Belt (SB) compared to those living outside it, but the importance of timing of SB residence is unclear. Methods...
Sensitivity of LES predictions of wind loading on a high-rise building to the inflow boundary condition

Abstract Large eddy simulations (LES) can provide a powerful tool for cladding design, but their accuracy strongly depends on the correct representation of the incoming atmospheric boundary layer (ABL). The objective of this work is to validate LES of a wind tunnel experiment of wind loading on a high-rise building, focusing on accounting for sensitivity to the incoming ABL. We define three uncertain parameters, i.e. the roughness length of the terrain, the turbulence kinetic energy, and the integral time-scale, using the available experimental data. Subsequently we perform 27 LES using different combinations of these parameters. The results indicate that (1) accurately quantifying the turbulence statistics at the building location, rather than at the inflow, is essential when analyzing LES of wind loading, and (2) correctly accounting for inflow uncertainty when performing validation against experiments could drastically improve confidence in the predictions. By accounting for this uncertainty, we predict intervals that encompass the experimental data for the rms pressure coefficients. The magnitude of the local peak pressure coefficients is generally under-predicted by 12 % ; however, the predicted intervals for design pressure coefficients on cladding panels of different sizes located at the upper-windward corner of the building fully encompass the experimental result.
Speech timing changes accompany speech entrainment in aphasia.

Abstract Background Prior speech entrainment studies, where individuals with non-fluent aphasia mimic an audio-visual model, suggest speech entrainment improves speech fluency, as indexed by various linguistic measures (e.g., the total number of different words produced per minute). Here, more precise speech timing adjustments accompanying entrained speech were studied and compared to spontaneous speech to determine how these temporal variables relate to the fluency inducing effects of speech entrainment in aphasia. Methods Thirty-one left hemisphere stroke survivors classified with fluent or non-fluent speech were audio-video recorded as they described a picture and during speech entrainment. Speech fluency was documented using the Western Aphasia Battery-Revised. Acoustic measures of speech timing included total number of syllables, speech rate, articulatory rate, silent pause frequency and duration. Standard descriptive statistics and a two-factor mixed model analysis of variance were used to investigate group, task, and ‘group x task’ interaction effects. Findings All acoustic measures of speech timing differentiated the fluent and nonfluent groups except for silent pause frequency. Differences between speech entrainment and spontaneous speech were found for most acoustic measures of speech timing and speaker groups, yet the direction of the effect varied. Stroke survivors classified with non-fluent aphasia improved speech fluency such that speech entrainment elicited pause adjustments facilitating more typical speech timing in comparison to spontaneous speech. Conclusion Overall, findings provide further evidence of the impact of speech entrainment on measures of speech timing to help individuals with non-fluent aphasia to practice speaking more fluently. Practicing speaking more fluently may ultimately impact perceptual judgments of speech naturalness and social acceptance for persons with aphasia.
Electret: A Solution to Partial Discharge in Power Electronics Applications

Wide bandgap (WBG) power electronics converters (PEC) that enable high voltage, high dv/dt, and high-power density inevitably contain sharp edges, triple points, and cavities in their design, which result in local electric field enhancements. The intensified local electric stresses cause partial discharge (PD) that erodes electrical insulators and causes accelerated device failure. In this study, a new approach that utilizes electrets for PD mitigation is presented. We experimentally show that incorporating electret fabricated from polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) film based on widely used triode-corona charging method neutralizes local electric fields and mitigates PD that occurs in and around triple points and cavities.
An Active Medical Information System Using Active Index and Artificial Neural Network

To accomplish the retrieval, discovery and fusion of medical information from diverse sources, an active medical information system capable of retrieving, processing and filtering medical information, checking for consistency, and structuring the relevant information for distribution is needed. We describe a framework for the human- and system-directed retrieval, discovery and fusion of medical information, which is based upon the observation that a significant event often manifests itself in different media over time and space. Therefore if we can index such manifestations and dynamically link them, then we can check for consistency and discover important and relevant medical information. This dynamic indexing technique is based upon the theory of active index. For the discovery of significant events, a powerful newly developed artificial neural network is used to serve as the decision network subsystem of the proposed information system. An experimental system is implemented for further empirical research.
Decreased dihydromorphine and D-ala2-D-leu5-enkephalin binding after dynorphin pretreatment in mice

Abstract Dynorphin(1–13) has been shown to antagonize morphineinduced analgesia and to inhibit opiate receptor binding in vitro . In this study, we pretreated mice with dynorphin; opiate receptor binding was then performed in crude P 2 fractions in vitro , using radioactive dihydromorphine and D-ala 2 -D-leu 5 -enkephalin. It was found that both dihydromorphine and D-ala 2 -D-leu 5 -enkephalin binding were significantly decreased by in vivo dynorphin treatment. Dynorphin's effect was both dose- and time-dependent; maximum effects were obtained at 30', lasted up to 3 hrs and were fully recovered by 12 hrs.
Metabolism of guanidinosuccinic acid. I. Characterization of a specific amidino hydrolase from Pseudomonas chlororaphis.

Abstract An enzyme purified from Pseudomonas chlororaphis catalyzes the hydrolysis of N-amidino-l-aspartic acid (guanidinosuccinic acid) to l-aspartic acid and urea. Of a number of other guanidine-containing compounds, only N-amidino-l-glutamate is hydrolyzed by the enzyme. Since N-amidino-d-aspartate is not hydrolyzed, the specificity of the enzyme confirms optical rotatory dispersion measurements which relate the configuration of guanidinosuccinic acid isolated from rat and human urine to that of l-aspartate. The enzyme has a molecular weight in the range of 300,000 and is activated by Co++ in a temperature-dependent reaction.
Deposition of carbon nanotubes in commonly used sample filter media

ABS TRACT: There is no single standard technique or methodology to characterize the size, structure, number, and chemical composition of airborne carbon nanotubes. Existing analytical instruments and analytical techniques for evaluating nanoparticle concentrations cannot simultaneously provide morphology, state of agglomeration, surface area, mass, size distribution and chemical composition data critical to making occupational health assessments. This research utilized scanning electron microscopy and thermogravimetric analysis to assess the morphology and mass of carbon nanotubes collected using various commercial sample filters. It illustrated carbon nanotube agglomeration, deposition and distribution in commonly used sample filter media. It also illustrated that a sufficient mass for carbon nanotube analysis by thermogravimetric analysis is uncommon under most current research and production uses of carbon nanotubes. Individual carbon nanotubes were found to readily agglomerate with diameters ranging from 1 – 63 µm. They were collected at the face of or within the filter. They were not evenly distributed across the face of the filters.
Cost, quality and user satisfaction of software products: an empirical analysis

This paper describes an empirical study of the relationship between incurred cost and quality attributes in software development projects. Quality is measured by product failures in the field and user satisfaction is measured by customer feedback. We propose a conceptual model of software management that simultaneously considers development cost, quality and user satisfaction. The framework enables the identification of management strategies for new product enhancements and service support. The influence of quality attributes on development costs is assessed using a field dataset of 27 development projects of a leading software development company. Our results confirm that total cost of development and support of software products decreases as quality increases. Further, front-end investments in design and planning, especially for larger and complex projects, substantially reduce total cost.
The Constrained Lyapunov Problem and its Application to Robust Output Feedback Stabilization

Given a dynamical system whose description includes time-varying uncertain parameters, it is often desirable to design an output feedback controller leading to uniform stability of a given equilibrium point. When designing such a controller, one may consider static (i.e., memoryless) or dynamic compensation. In this paper, we show that solvability of various output feedback design problems is equivalent to existence of a solution to a certain Constrained Lyapunov Problem (CLP). The CLP can be stated in purely algebraic terms. Once the CLP is described, we provide necessary and sufficient conditions for its solution to exist. Subsequently, we consider application of the CLP to a number of robust stabilization problems involving static output feedback and observer-based feedback.
Astrocytoma in an Infant with Prolonged Apnea

A 4-week-old infant experienced prolonged central sleep apnea requiring resuscitation. At 6 months of age he developed episodic obstructive apnea (diagnosed as laryngospasm by direct laryngoscopy) with an abnormal EEG and a normal computed tomography (CT) scan, and at 14 months of age he developed hemiparesis due to a gemistocytic astrocytoma grade III-IV. Following removal of the mass, he has had occasional seizure activity, but no further episodes of obstructive apnea.
The Characterization of the Hydrocarbon and Sulfate Fractions of Diesel Particulate Matter

One of the most objectionable aspects of the use of diesel engines has been the emission of particulate matter. A literature review of combustion flames, theoretical calculations and dilution tunnel experiments has been performed to elucidate the chemical and physical processes involved in the formation of diesel particulate matter. A comparative dilution tunnel study of diluted and undiluted total particulate data provided evidence supporting calculations that indicate hydrocarbon condensation should occur in the tunnel at low exhaust temperatures. The sample collection system for the measurement of total particulate matter and soluble sulfate in particulate matter on the EPA 13 mode cycle is presented. A method to correct for hydrocarbon interferences in the EPA barium chloranilate method for the determination of sulfate in particulate matter is discussed.
Historical Records of Changes in the Productivity of Lakes

Changes in climate and in the geomorphology of drainage basins in the past have altered water and nutrient budgets and, as a result, productiv­ity and rates of eutrophication of lake eco­systems. In many cases, human activites have accelerated greatly these changes, but on a much shorter time scale. A record of the resulting alterations in chemistry, flora, and fauna is left in the sediments as static derivatives of dynamic systems. Paleolimnology assesses the sedimen­tary record and the diagenetic processes that may alter it. An ultimate goal is to gain insight into the past conditions that caused a lake to enter a different level of productivity.
Low back pain has a poor prognosis for recovery among seniors

Commentary on : Rundell SD, Sherman KJ, Heagerty PJ, et al. The clinical course of pain and function in older adults with a new primary care visit for back pain. J Am Geriatr Soc 2015;63:524–30.[OpenUrl][1][CrossRef][2][PubMed][3] Little is known about the prognosis of low back pain (LBP) in the elderly. In 2006, two epidemiological studies from Italy and Israel reported alarming prevalence rates between 31.5% and 58%. Only one of these was a study with longitudinal data: among 277 surveyed seniors the prevalence of chronic back pain increased from 44% at 70 years old to 58% at 77 years old.1 Larger prognostic studies in the elderly are needed. This study by Rundell and colleagues is a large longitudinal study and a major step in addressing this … [1]: {openurl}?query=rft.jtitle%253DJ%2BAm%2BGeriatr%2BSoc%26rft.volume%253D63%26rft.spage%253D524%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Adoi%252F10.1111%252Fjgs.13241%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Apmid%252F25754841%26rft.genre%253Darticle%26rft_val_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Ajournal%26ctx_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ctx_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Actx [2]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=10.1111/jgs.13241&link_type=DOI [3]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=25754841&link_type=MED&atom=%2Febmed%2F20%2F4%2F147.atom
Scattering solution of oblong, dielectric coated, metallic scatterers by recursive algorithm

The recursive aggregate T-matrix algorithm is used for the scattering solution of an oblong, multilayer, dielectric coated ogive body. Because the recursive algorithm has reduced computational complexity and memory requirement, the scattering solution of a 10-wavelength long ogive coated with dielectric layers can be calculated on a PC and the solution agrees well with the method of moments.
Effects of a Learning Model and Augmented Feedback on Tennis Skill Acquisition

Abstract This experiment investigated the effects of observing a learning model and receiving augmented verbal feedback on the acquisition and retention of the tennis volley. Female undergraduate students were randomly assigned to four groups: (a) AFB—received augmented verbal feedback from an instructor, (b) LMFB—monitored a learning model's trials and feedback, (c) LMFB + AFB—monitored a learning model's trials and feedback and received verbal feedback from an instructor, and (d) Control—received neither treatment. Subjects were pretested, given 50 acquisition trials, and then a retention test. Outcome and movement pattern dependent variables were employed. Repeated measures analyses indicated that all three experimental groups were significantly better than the Control group on movement pattern and outcome, with the greatest success experienced by the LMFB + AFB group. Findings are discussed relative to previous research findings and implications for practitioners.
Direct orbital manometry in patients with thyroid-associated orbitopathy

Abstract Purpose To determine orbital tissue tension and orbital compartment compliance in patients with and without thyroid-associated orbitopathy (TAO). Design Prospective case series. Participants Orbits of patients with TAO (18 orbits) and control patients without TAO (35 orbits) were studied. Methods An orbital manometer was designed to directly measure orbital tissue tension in patients undergoing ocular or orbital surgery. Main outcome measures Tissue tension was recorded before, during, and for 5 minutes after a 5-ml retrobulbar injection of anesthetic. Orbital compliance was calculated as change in volume divided by change in tissue tension. Results Resting orbital tissue tension was 4.4 ± 2.2 mmHg (mean ± SD) in normal orbits and 9.7 ± 4.8 mmHg in orbits of TAO patients ( P = 0.0005) Following retrobulbar injection, orbital tissue tension rose to 12.0 ± 3.6 mmHg ( P = 0.0000000000000006 compared with baseline) in the control group and to 36.3 ± 15.2 mmHg in the TAO group ( P = 0.0000007 compared with baseline, and P = 0.000008 TAO group versus control group). Orbital compartment compliance was 0.80 ± 0.50 ml/mmHg in the control group and 0.27 ± 0.21 ml/mmHg in the TAO group ( P = 0.00001). Resting orbital tissue tension in 8 TAO orbits with compressive optic neuropathy was 12.4 ± 4.9 mmHg, and was 7.8 ± 3.5 mmHg in 10 orbits of TAO patients without compressive optic neuropathy ( P Conclusions Retrobulbar injection causes consistent measurable changes in orbital tissue tension. Orbital manometry safely demonstrated higher orbital tissue tension and lower orbital compartment compliance in the orbits of TAO patients versus those of normal subjects. Resting orbital tissue tension was higher in the orbits of TAO patients with compressive optic neuropathy than in those orbits without. Compressive optic neuropathy may partially result from an orbital compartment syndrome in some patients with TAO. Directly assessing orbital dynamics in vivo may prove useful as an adjunct in the clinical evaluation of patients with TAO and other orbital disorders.
Erythrocyte membrane interactions with menadione and the mechanism of menadione-induced hemolysis.

Abstract Menadione-induced hemolysis was preceded by increased K + permeability and swelling. Swelling and hemolysis were prevented by the non-penetrating solutes sucrose and phosphate. Thiodione, the 3-glutathionyl ether of menadione, did not affect K + permeability and did not cause hemolysis. Labeled menadione was irreversibly bound to erythrocyte ghosts and binding was greatly reduced by pre-incubation with p- chloromercuribenzoate (PCMB). Hemolysis was not related to the oxidation of glutathione, hemoglobin or membrane lipids by menadione or thiodione. These studies suggest that menadione is a specific membrane sulfhydryl inhibitor which alters cation permeability and induces colloid-osmotic hemolysis.
Superspace formulation of the dynamical symmetries of the Dirac magnetic monopole

The superspace formulation for the dynamical supersymmetry of the Pauli system in the presence of a Dirac magnetic monopole is presented. It is used to prove that Osp(1, 1) is the largest dynamical invariance group of this system. The action of finite transformations on the parameters of superspace and on the supervariables is given.
IL-1Ra and vIL-10 gene transfer using retroviral vectors ameliorates particle-associated inflammation in the murine air pouch model.

Objective: This study examined anti-inflammatory gene therapy to ameliorate tissue responses to ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) particles in the murine air pouch.¶Methods: Retroviruses encoding human interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra), viral interleukin-10 (vIL-10), or LacZ (reporter) genes were injected into murine air pouches stimulated by UHMWPE particles. Pouch membranes and fluids were harvested at 1, 3 and 7 days post gene-transduction, and assayed for markers of inflammation using histological, molecular, and immunological techniques.¶Results: Real time RT-PCR and ELISA showed a strong production of IL-1β in pouch tissue and lavage fluid induced by particle stimulation, accompanied by a lower expression of IL-6, TNF-α and IL-4. Transduction of IL-1Ra or vIL-10 genes resulted in a significant reduction of IL-1β both at the mRNA and at the protein level. The gene therapy also resulted in diminution of IL-6 and TNF-α expression. In addition, significant elevation of TGF-β expression was observed in IL-1Ra transduced pouches. Histological analysis revealed that the membranes of pouches transduced with vIL-10 or IL-1Ra were significantly less inflamed than the membranes of non-viral and LacZ-transduced pouches, with less cellular proliferation and lowered monocyte/macrophage influx.¶Conclusions: IL-1Ra or vIL-10 gene transduction was effective in ameliorating local inflammation by reducing the IL-1 production and subsequent cellular events elicited in response to UHMWPE particles in this model. These findings suggest that IL-1 directed gene therapy might be excellent therapeutic candidates to prevent or retard the inflammatory response to wear debris that contributes to the pathology of aseptic loosening.
Experience‐based Learning: Executive Learning outside the Classroom

A comprehensive perspective on experience‐based learning – action learning – is provided. Recent research into action learning is noted and the difficulties of introducing this method into the United States are discussed.
Thermal stability of Al/barrier/TiSix multilayer structures

Abstract The thermal stability of Al–0.5% Cu/barrier/TiSi x multilayer structures is investigated. The barriers studied in this work are TiN films prepared by physical vapor deposition (PVD) and TiN-based barrier films prepared by metal–organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) with post-deposition anneal in silane. Sheet resistance, secondary ion mass spectroscopy (SIMS), diode leakage current and high spatial resolution electron microscopy measurements show significantly better thermal stability for structures using the silane-treated MOCVD barrier. Structural and composition differences of the two types of barriers are examined.
The binding of H-meromyosin on cross-striated myofibrils☆

Abstract 1. 1. Availability of myofibrillar actin was studied by measuring binding of HMM on blendored fibrils. 2. 2. At low ionic strength 40–79 per cent at high ionic strength all the myofibrillar actin was able to bind HMM. 3. 3. Binding of HMM does not depend on the sarcomer length of the fibrils and does not decrease after fixing the fibrils in isometric rigor. 4. 4. At high ionic strength HMM displaces myosin from actomyosin.
Hippocampus lesions impair landmark array spatial learning in homing pigeons: a laboratory study.

Hippocampal (HF)-lesioned pigeons display impaired homing ability when flying over familiar terrain, where they are presumably relying on a map-like representation of familiar landmarks to navigate. However, research carried out in the field precludes a direct test of whether hippocampal lesions compromise the ability of homing pigeons to navigate by familiar landmarks. To examine more thoroughly the relationship between hippocampus and landmark spatial learning, control, neostriatum-lesioned, and HF-lesioned homing pigeons were trained on two open field, laboratory, conditional discrimination tasks. One was a visual landmark array task, and the other was a room color discrimination task. For the tasks, the correct of three differently colored food bowls was determined by the spatial relationship among a group of five landmarks and room color, respectively. Intact control birds successfully learned both tasks, while neostriatum-lesioned birds successfully learned the landmark array task-the only task on which they were trained. By contrast, HF-lesioned birds successfully learned the room color task but were unable to learn the landmark array task. The data support the hypothesis that homing performance deficits observed in the field following hippocampal lesions are in part a consequence of an impairment in the ability of lesioned pigeons to use familiar visual landmarks for navigation.
Nonspecific cytotoxic cells in fish (Ictaluruspunctatus). II. Parameters of target cell lysis and specificity

Abstract Fish nonspecific cytotoxic cells (NCC) lyse various transformed human B-cells (NC-37, P3HR-1) and erythroblastoid cells (K562) as well as mouse YAC-1 and P815 cells. Highest NCC activity was found in the anterior (head) kidney, but spleen cells and peripheral blood leucocytes (PBL) also demonstrated cytolytic abilities. Lysis of chromium-51 labeled target cells occurred rapidly and optimum cytolysis developed at either 16°C or 26°C incubation temperatures. Preincubation at temperatures of 4°C or 37°C for 4 hours reduced NCC cytotoxicity. Although catfish ( Ictalurus punctatus ) are extensively outbred, interfish NCC activities did not significantly vary at the optimum E:T ratios (160). The NCC target antigen specificities were partially determined by cold target inhibition (CTI) studies. Transformed B-cell lines gave homologous and heterologous CTI. YAC-1 and K562 did not produce significant CTI, however. These studies demonstrated the presence of a highly active cytotoxic cell which is widely distributed in fish lymphoreticular tissue. NCC kill divergent kinds of transformed cell types, and the target cell specificity for human transformed B-cells is different from the NCC target cell antigens on other human (K562) and on mouse (YAC-1 and P815) cells.