cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The causes of armature surface fracturing within helical flux-compression generators

Aluminum and copper tubes filled with explosive were tested during this study of high strain rate effects, as an adjunct to helical flux-compression generator research at the University of Missouri-Rolla, directly affecting the understanding of flux cutoff and high strain-rate changes in generator armatures. Longitudinal cracks characteristically developed in the outer surface of armatures at a smaller expansion ratio than predicted. These cracks occurred within two diameters of the detonator end of the armature but did not extend when the tubing expanded under explosive pressurization. Such cracks appear to cause magnetic flux cutoff, and flux losses seriously affect energy conversion efficiency. Energy, timing, and structural analyzes showed that detonation pressurization was not the cause of fracturing. A two-dimensional Lagrangian finite-difference numerical model was used to analyze the effect of detonation waves on the armature, and demonstrated that the cracking resulted from the stress field caused by the waves. Compressive detonation waves cause both compressive and tensile regions in armatures. This complex stress field causes low-cycle metal fatigue, affecting how the tube fractures when it is impulsively loaded by high-pressure detonation gases. Isolation of shock wave effects during operation is demonstrated in the paper, allowing for more efficient generators in practice.
Copper deficiency and cardiovascular disease: role of peroxidation, glycation, and nitration

Dietary copper deficiency causes a variety of cardiovascular deficits. Systemic effects include high blood pressure, enhancement of inflammation, anemia, reduced blood clotting, and possibly arteriosclerosis. Effects on specific organs or tissues include weakened structural integrity of the heart and blood vessels, impairment of energy use by the heart, reduced ability of the heart to contract, altered ability of blood vessels to control their diameter and grow, and altered structure and function of circulating blood cells. In some instances, the cause of a defect can be directly attributed to reduced activity of a specific copper-dependent enzyme. However, three nonspecific mechanisms of damage have been implicated in cardiovascular defects of copper deficiency. They are peroxidation, the interaction of oxygen-derived free radicals with lipids and proteins (possibly DNA); glycation, the nonenzymatic glycosylation of proteins; and nitration, the interaction of nitric oxide and its metabolites with peptides and proteins. Though independently these mechanisms present great potential for damage, the possibility that they may interact presents an added reason for concern. Furthermore, the fact that at least two of these mechanisms are associated with diabetes and aging suggests that copper deficiency may exacerbate deficits associated with these two conditions.
On classification of quadratic harmonic maps of $S^3$

By the generalized Do Carmo-Wallach classification theorem polynomial harmonic maps between spheres can be parametrized by a finite- dimensional compact convex body. Here we describe the boundary of the parameter space in the first nonrigid range by exhibiting a large number of quadratic harmonic maps of S3 into spheres. 1. Statement of the result. A fundamental problem in harmonic map theory is to classify all harmonic maps /: Sm —► Sn between Euclidean spheres whose components are homogeneous harmonic polynomials of (fixed) degree fc (cf. (2, 4, 5) and (3, Problem (4.4), p. 70). By the generalized Do Carmo-Wallach classification theorem, for fixed m and fc, the equivalence classes of full harmonic polynomial maps of degree fc can be parametrized by a compact convex body L° lying in a finite-dimensional vector space E (6, pp. 297-304). Moreover, dimF/ = 0 iff fc = 1 and m > 2 (rigidity of isometries) or m = 2 and fc > 1 (Calabi's rigidity theorem (1, 7)). In the nonrigid range m > 2 and fc > 1, though the decomposition of the SO(m-Yl)-module structure of F®rC (induced from the S,0(m+l)-action on L° by precomposing harmonic maps with isometries of Sm) into irreducible components is known (6), the orbit structure of the invariant subspace L° (especially that of dL°) is rather subtle. It is then natural to consider the lowest-dimensional case m = 3 and fc = 2 (dimF/ = 10), i.e., to study full quadratic harmonic maps /: S3 —* Sn, 2 < n < 8.
Measuring the Effectiveness of the Graphical Communication of Hurricane Storm Surge Threat

AbstractColor is an important variable in the graphical communication of weather information. The effect of different colors on understanding and perception is not always considered prior to releasing an image to the public. This study tests the influence of color as well as legend values on the effectiveness of communicating storm surge potential. In this study, 40 individuals participated in an eye-tracking experiment in which they responded to eight questions about five different storm scenarios. Color was varied among three palettes (shades of blue, green to red, and yellow to purple), and legends were varied to display categorical values in feet (<3, 3–6, etc.) or text descriptions (low, medium, etc.). Questions measured accuracy, perceived risk, and perceived helpfulness. Overall, accuracy was high and few statistically significant differences were observed across color/legend combinations. Evidence did suggest that the blue values condition may have been the most difficult to interpret. Statistical...
A comparison of two techniques for digital identification of continuous systems

A comparison of two methods of digital identification for the parameters of single-input, single-output continuous-time systems is given. In the first method, the parameters of a continuous-time system are directly identified. In the second method, the parameters are indirectly identified. It is shown that these two methods are equivalent. >
Pursuit of Value in Connected Healthcare

Abstract Introduction: Potential for direct patient care through remote exchange of health-related information has expanded enormously with the proliferation of technologies leveraging ubiquitous connectivity, but implementation of connected care has been slow and controversial. Materials and Methods: This review demonstrates that controversy regarding connected care arises largely from the fact that proponents and critics are generally considering distinctly different care models. Differences are highlighted to mitigate controversy and to distinguish capacities of these different models. Results: Distinguishing capacities is essential for establishing the evidence base supporting safety, effectiveness, and efficiency. In care of a particular patient's problem, value is achieved when resources allocated meet requirements for diagnosis and intervention but do not exceed them. Robust evidence supports the value of some well-defined connected care models, exemplified by the Health-e-Access Telemedicine Model...
Anticipating the Setting Time of High-Volume Fly Ash Concretes Using Electrical Measurements: Feasibility Studies Using Pastes

AbstractOne common concern limiting the proliferation of high-volume fly ash (HVFA) concrete mixtures is the significant delay in setting that is sometimes encountered in field concrete mixtures. While several methods to mitigate the delayed setting times of HVFA mixtures have been demonstrated, a related issue is the prediction of setting times in field mixtures, so that construction operations including finishing and curing can be anticipated and properly scheduled. This paper presents a feasibility study evaluating the employment of simple electrical measurements to predict the setting time of paste mixtures on which concurrent Vicat needle penetration testing was performed. Electrical, setting, and accompanying calorimetry tests are conducted at three different temperatures, each under quasi-isothermal conditions to minimize the confounding influence of temperature variation on the obtained results. Electrical resistance (or heat flow) measurements can be used to adequately predict a mixture’s initial...
Fluid Modeling and the Evaluation of Inherent Uncertainty

Abstract Atmospheric dispersion models are widely used to estimate the impact of nonreactive pollutant releases into the atmosphere. Most such models predict the ensemble-average concentration field, the average over a large collection of releases under similar externally imposed conditions. The stochastic nature of pollutant dispersion in the atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) makes pollutant concentrations vary greatly from one sampling period to another under the same meteorological conditions, however. Therefore, if the sampling time is not sufficiently long, the values predicted by even a perfect model will inevitably differ from mean values measured in the atmosphere. The ratio of their root-mean-square difference and the ensemble-average concentration is called the inherent uncertainty. This work investigates the relationship between inherent uncertainty in laboratory and ABL flows. This relationship provides a way to use laboratory measurements to estimate the inherent uncertainty in ABL flows. For ...
The role of larygotracheal reconstruction in the management of recurrent croup in patients with subglottic stenosis

Abstract Objectives To determine the role of laryngotracheal reconstruction for recurrent croup and evaluate surgical outcomes in this cohort of patients. Methods Retrospective chart review at a tertiary care pediatric hospital. Results Six patients who underwent laryngotracheal reconstruction (LTR) for recurrent croup with underlying subglottic stenosis were identified through a search of our IRB-approved airway database. At the time of diagnostic bronchoscopy, all 6 patients had grade 2 subglottic stenosis. All patients were treated for reflux and underwent esophageal biopsies at the time of diagnostic bronchoscopy; 1 patient had eosinophilic esophagitis which was treated. All patients had a history of at least 3 episodes of croup in a 1 year period requiring multiple hospital admissions. Average age at the time of LTR was 39 months (range 13–69); 5 patients underwent anterior graft only and 1 patient underwent anterior and posterior grafts. Patients were intubated for an average of 5 (range 3–8) days and hospitalized for an average of 12 (range 7–20) days post-operatively. One patient experienced narcotic withdrawal post-operatively, but there were no other post-operative complications. All patients underwent follow-up airway endoscopy within 4 weeks and none required any further dilation procedures. Average post-operative follow-up was 24 months (range 10–48) and none of the patients experienced any further episodes of croup. Conclusions Single stage LTR is a safe and effective treatment for recurrent croup in the setting of underlying subglottic stenosis, and should be considered in patients who are refractory to medical management.
Modulation of P-glycoprotein at the Human Blood-Brain Barrier by Quinidine or Rifampin Treatment: A Positron Emission Tomography Imaging Study

Permeability-glycoprotein (P-glycoprotein, P-gp), an efflux transporter at the human blood-brain barrier (BBB), is a significant obstacle to central nervous system (CNS) delivery of P-gp substrate drugs. Using positron emission tomography imaging, we investigated P-gp modulation at the human BBB by an approved P-gp inhibitor, quinidine, or the P-gp inducer, rifampin. Cerebral blood flow (CBF) and BBB P-gp activity were respectively measured by administration of (15)O-water followed by (11)C-verapamil. In a crossover design, healthy volunteers received quinidine and 11-29 days of rifampin treatment during different study periods. CBF and P-gp activity was measured in the absence (control; prior to quinidine treatment) and presence of P-gp modulation. At clinically relevant quinidine plasma concentrations, P-gp inhibition resulted in a 60% increase in (11)C-radioactivity distribution across the human BBB as measured by the brain extraction ratio (ER) of (11)C-radioactivity. Furthermore, the magnitude of BBB P-gp inhibition by quinidine was successfully predicted by a combination of in vitro and macaque data, but not by rat data. Although our findings demonstrated that quinidine did not completely inhibit P-gp at the human BBB, it has the potential to produce clinically significant CNS drug interactions with P-gp substrate drugs that exhibit a narrow therapeutic window and are significantly excluded from the brain by P-gp. Rifampin treatment induced systemic CYP3A metabolism of (11)C-verapamil; however, it reduced the ER by 6%. Therefore, we conclude that rifampin, at its usual clinical dose, cannot be used to induce P-gp at the human BBB to a clinically meaningful extent and is unlikely to cause inadvertent BBB-inductive drug interactions.
Sex of children and family size.

425 families all Caucasians residing in Rhode Island and neighboring states were investigated to ascertain whether the similarity or dissimilarity of the sex of the first two children has an influence on the probability of having only two children in the family. No such significant effect has been found.
Taking Stock After 30 Years JLSP Genesis and Prologue

This is the very first time that the Journal of Language and Social Psychology has ever celebrated an anniversary with a Special Commemorative Issue. In this article, an institutional history of the journal is crafted, together with a brief overview of the articles that follow.
Estimates of the Enchytraeidae (Oligochaeta, Annelida) contribution to energy flow in the soil system of an acid beech wood forest

The data introduced here are part of a project lasting from 1976 to 1985 in an acid beech wood forest in the northern part of the Black Forst in Southern Germany. With Enchytraeidae (Oligochaeta) as an example, attempts were made to determine the part played by the mesofauna in the soil system. Parameters such as respiration, production, and consumption were estimated using abundance and biomass data as a basis. The results show that not only the Enchytraeidae but even single species like Cognettia sphagnetorum or Mesenchytraeus glandulosus contribute a measurable amount to the energy flow of the soil ecosystem. The respiration of the whole population, for example, corresponds to 3.4% of the total energy input via leaf litter, and consumption amounts to 8.1% of the total litter including twigs. It seems that the Enchytraeidae contribute around 60% of the total soil animal respiration in this acid beech wood, and thus play an important role in soil renewal.
Relationship between Anatomical Structures and Drought Resistance of Six Wild Flowers

In order to provide a theoretical basis for introduction of wild flowers in arid and semi-arid region,anatomical structures of vegetative organs in six wild flowers were studied.The indexes were thickness of cuticle in leave,stoma density,thickness ratio of palisade tissue to spongy tissue,density of cell in the first palisade tissue,lateral vein distance,ratio of cortex thickness to radius of root,number of vessels in primary xylem,diameter of vessel in secondary xylem.The eight indexes were researched by analysis of variance and multiple comparisons,and drought resistances between species were analyzed by membership function.The results showed that the drought resistance sequence from strong to weak was Celastrus orbiculatus Thunb.,Euonymu phellomanus Loes.,Securinega suffruticosa(Pall.) Rehd.,Grewia biloba var.parviflora(Bge.) Hand.,Elaeagnuas multiflora Thunb.,Myripnois dioica Bge..The drought resistant sequence of primary roots from strong to weak was S.suffruticosa(Pall.) Rehd.,G.biloba var.parviflora(Bge.) Hand.,E.phellomanus Loes.,C.orbiculatus Thunb.,M.dioica Bge.,E.multiflora Thunb..While the real drought resistance was S.suffruticosa(Pall.) Rehd.,E.phellomanus Loes.,E.multiflora Thunb.,G.biloba var.parviflora(Bge.),C.orbiculatus Thunb.,M.dioica Bge.. Among the indexes,cuticle thickness,thickness ratio of palisade tissue to spongy tissue,and density of cell in the first palisade tissue played important role in drought resistance.That suggested that the six plants had different drought resistance strategies.
Selected aspects of acute and chronic gouty arthritis; an internist's interpretation of an orthopaedist's experiences with gout and gouty arthritis.

There are several features of gout and gouty arthritis of particular interest to the orthopaedic surgeon. A presumptive diagnosis of acute gout should be entertained in any unexplained acute inflammation of one or more joints, particularly in an adult male. A family history of gout, renal lithiasis, or other ancillary features, may be noted. Most important is a clinical description of the acute attack which displays the cardinal signs of inflammation and may be associated with pyrexia, leukocytosis, and an elevated sedimentation rate. Confirmation of the diagnosis rests upon a prompt response to a full course of colchicine. The level of serum uric acid is not a reliable diagnostic aid. Roentgenographic evidence in the earlier years of the disease is confined to soft-tissue swelling at the time of the acute attacks. The pathogenesis of the acute attack is not known. The pathogenesis of the underlying metabolic disturbance is associated with an increased formation of uric acid by the body. Diminished destruction and impaired excretion by the kidneys as a cause have not been supported by contemporary research. Precipitating factors include surgical intervention, acute infection, emotional trauma, local trauma, and selected drugs administered parenterally. The prognosis in gout is excellent if the prophylactic regimen is followed. This involves colchicine and a uricosunic agent (probenecid) administered daily in moderately or severely afflicted patients and less often in those mildly afflicted. If the prophylactic regimen is followed, little or no incapacity need result.
LISA: Linear immersed sweeping accumulation

Abstract A novel additive manufacturing (AM) process named linear immersed sweeping accumulation (LISA) is presented in the paper. The LISA process utilizes a moving linear accumulation tool that is immersed in liquid resin to fabricate 3D objects line by line. The uniqueness of this AM process lies in three aspects: (1) the basic accumulation element in fabrication is a line segment, which is between a point-based laser spot and an area-based mask projection image. Compared to the fast building speed of the projection-based stereolithography (SL) and the high flexibility of the laser-based stereolithography, LISA can achieve a good balance between speed and flexibility; (2) the linear accumulation tool is driven by a computer numerical control (CNC) stage, which enables concurrent resin curing and recoating; in addition, (3) by incorporating 5-axis CNC motion and line-based material deposition, the LISA process can fabricate a 3D object with large fabrication volume and use a non-layer-based fabrication approach. In the paper, a linear light source that can be immersed in liquid resin and attached to a CNC stage is first presented. A sweeping path generation algorithm is then presented in order to build a 3D object line by line. An analysis model is also presented for the LISA process in order to guide the parameter settings and understand the limitations and improvements of the LISA process. Finally, several test cases have been performed to demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of the developed AM process.
Optical Phase Information Due to the Vacuum in Two-Photon Down-Conversion

According to QED single photons carry no phase information about the optical field, yet it is possible for a superposition of states, including the vacuum, to carry phase memory. We have demonstrated this principle by showing experimentally that the photon pairs generated in the process of parametric down-conversion,1 through their entanglement with the vacuum state, contain information about the phase of the pump field, as was recently pointed out by Grangier et al.2 However, our experimental technique is different from the one they proposed.
A 165–230GHz SiGe amplifier-doubler chain with 5dBm peak output power

This paper presents the design and measurements of a 165–230 GHz SiGe BiCMOS power amplifier - frequency doubler chain, which can deliver up to 5 dBm peak output power at 204 GHz with a 3-dB bandwidth of 65 GHz. A compact high efficiency power divider is used to split the power from the input mm-wave source and convert the single ended input to two differential signals. The 3-staged transformer-coupled cascode power amplifier is optimized to deliver 14 dBm saturated output power at 110 GHz, while the frequency doubler uses a second harmonic reflector at its input to reduce the conversion loss. The chip is designed in 0.13µm SiGe BiCMOS technology. To the authors' best knowledge, this is the highest output power above 200 GHz from silicon based amplifier-multiplier chains.
CAVITY RING-DOWN BIOSENSING

Publisher Summary Cavity ring-down spectroscopy (CRDS) is an established technique for gas sensing that is newly emerging in the field of optical biosensing. This approach measures changes in the rate of decay of light injected into an optical resonator and relates the change to optical loss along the length of the resonator. This principle has recently been adapted for use in liquids, providing a highly sensitive method for quantitative biosensing applications. Cavity ring-down spectroscopy, which can incorporate evanescent field sensing elements, has been demonstrated for the detection of near-infrared absorption in liquids and the scattering response of adherent cells. The relatively recent adaptation of CRDS to biosensing applications leaves significant room for development, both for improved selectivity and for expanded sensitivity. Because CRDS biosensing devices rely on evanescent wave techniques, advanced technology developed for traditional evanescent sensors can be readily adapted for CRDS instrumentation. Such advances in sample concentration and separation can be incorporated with CRDS sensors, providing new approaches for highly sensitive biosensors. Highly specific surface coatings can be combined with advances in waveguide materials and laser emitters to dramatically improve CRDS biosensing. The development of new fiber materials is likely to permit single-mode transmission at shorter visible wavelengths, where optical scattering is enhanced and electronic transitions in biological samples dominate, and at longer infrared wavelengths, where vibrational transitions are strong. Such approaches are complemented by broadband white light-scanning CRDS, bringing the high sensitivity of CRDS to the diverse range of biological sensing problems.
Paying for services: experiences at the Smithonsonian Institute

The Smithsonian Institution, a trust instrumentality of the United States, and the largest museum and research complex in the world, receives many outside permission requests to reproduce images in the Smithsonian Collections. Charging fees for photographic usage is a common practice in the United States, especially in art history and general museums. Beginning in 1992, the Smithonian established internal guidelines for changing such fees and for handling permission requests from outside sources. The procedures ensure that the Smithsonian recognises and respects the intellectual property rights associated with images in the collections and the terms of any pre-existing agreements. Great care is also taken to protect the Smithsonian’s name from use in any commercial context, to avoid the implication that the Institution endorses a product (or one product rather than another).
The Future of Self-Regulation is Co-Regulation

Modern regulatory theory has long treated voluntary self-regulation and direct government regulation as opposing ends of a regulatory continuum, with most self-regulatory schemes falling somewhere in the middle. This chapter explores the middle ground by examining co-regulatory approaches to privacy, in which industry enjoys considerable flexibility in shaping self-regulatory guidelines, consumer advocacy groups have a seat at the table, and government sets default requirements and retains general oversight authority to approve and enforce these guidelines. Privacy co-regulation is generally understood as a collaborative, flexible, and performance-based approach to privacy regulation that draws on the theoretical insights of collaborative governance theory. This chapter argues that privacy self-regulation in the form of voluntary codes has had a sufficiently long run to prove its worth but has failed. Now is the time to make the transition to co-regulation, especially in the U.S. It is organized into three sections. The first considers in greater detail the differences between self-regulation and co-regulation. The second looks at the failure and stubborn persistence of voluntary codes of conduct. The third shifts the discussion to three case studies of privacy codes and practices that have benefited from a co-regulatory approach. In the past few years, there have been some notable developments in co-regulatory schemes as well some important empirical studies. These new materials provide an opportunity to understand the conditions for the success (and failure) of co-regulatory solutions in the privacy field and what this implies for the future of regulatory innovation. The chapter concludes by offering a few recommendations on how the U.S. Congress can implement co-regulatory approaches in any future legislation to optimally protect online consumer privacy while preserving innovation and economic growth.
Role of Inflammation in Stroke: Benefits or Harm?

At the onset of the 21st century, stroke is the third leading cause of death in most developed countries and the primary cardiovascular cause of death in Japan and China. The health burden of the disease is staggering as loss of productive life inflicts heavy toll on the patients, families and society. Yet, this disease has no effective therapeutic beyond a limited (<5%) treatment with thrombolytics that carry significant adverse effect. This situation is prominent in spite of intense research efforts and numerous clinical trials attempting to develop drugs that reduce morbidity and mortality from stroke. So far, the focus of drug development efforts targeted modulators of ion channels (Ca+2, Na+), scavengers of oxygen radicals and antagonists of excitotoxic neurotransmitters (primarily glutamate and glycine receptors). However, all clinical trials have failed so far due to lack of efficacy, adverse effects or other development difficulties. Debates on the reasons for the possible causes of failure include wrong animal models, wrong mechanism of action, poor clinical design, inadequate timing of treatment etc. While this debate is ongoing, the stroke research community seems to have been disenchanted from the ‘classical’ targets for drug development (vide supra) as evidence by emerging hope that other avenues such as ‘reconstruction’, ‘apoptosis’ and ‘inflammation’ are better pastures for future successes.
Idle Hands: Individual Effects of the Mechanization of Chinese Shadow Puppet Making

Wangyan was ahead of me, barely out of breath after climbing the long row of steps leading up to the local reservoir. In her blue and white satin dress and three-inch black heels, she looked ready ...
Reflexivity and transnational habitus: The case of a 'poor' affluent Chinese international student

Following Sayer’s (2010) examination of reflexivity and habitus, we focus on the transnational habitus ( Darvin & Norton 2015 ) of Aaron, a Chinese international student at a U.S. university. Specifically, we examine how he wrestled with being identified as an ESL learner despite having attended a U.S. high school. Also exploring the relationship between reflexivity and emotions ( Flam 2010 ), we draw on his written work, interviews, and his WeChat conversations. Our findings revealed that as a result of positioning himself as being better than the other Chinese students on campus (because of his English proficiency) and distancing himself from domestic U.S. students, Aaron did not capitalize on his Chinese-English bilingualism to extend his local social networks, which exacerbated his growing isolation at his home university. In tracing his emotional trajectory and strategies to cope with his predicament, we problematize the grand narrative of the global elite ( Vandrick 2011 ) that overlooks the challenges encountered by affluent international students.
Sensitivity Analysis of Localization Using Discrete Astronomical Radio Sources

Although GPS is the most common method used for localization, it is sometimes insufficient due to its unavailability or unreliability. Therefore, signals of opportunity (SOP) arise as a promising alternative solution in such situations. In this paper, we examine a new technique for determining the location of devices based on novel (and naturally occurring) signals of opportunity rather than a fixed infrastructure. Precisely, our technique is based on tracking the sidereal motion of discrete astronomical radio sources (e.g., supernova remnants or radio galaxies). Unlike other types of SOP and GPS alternatives, our technique has the advantage of using permanent sources. In other words, since the sources are naturally occurring, they have the advantage of being permanent; they can't be disabled or shot down, and don't have any maintenance issues. These sources are also readily detectable at radio frequencies over a continuous range from HF through SHF, making jamming difficult. Given two antennas acting as an interferometer, the fringe rate (the rate at which the phase of the correlation of the discrete astronomical radio source being tracked for localization purposes changes) is estimated, and used for identifying the interferometer location in latitude and longitude. In this paper, building on our previous work, we perform a sensitivity analysis of our proposed technique. Specifically, we examine the impact of the baseline geometry, the estimation of the interferometer baseline, and the impact of the specific fringe rate value on the performance of the technique. Our results demonstrate the potential usefulness of the technique.
The Nature of Remote Sensing

This chapter describes the general characteristics of remote-sensing electro-optical imaging instruments and the images produced by them. The field of remote sensing and the types of systems used for imaging the earth are discussed in the chapter. The chapter concludes the following points: (1) remote sensing of the earth's surface is limited to spectral transmission windows in the atmosphere; (2) materials on the earth's surface may potentiall y be identified by their spectral–temporal optical reflectance signatures; and (3) therefore, a key component of remote sensing is repetitive multispectral or hyperspectral imagery.
Experimental Evaluation of Respirable Dust and Crystalline Silica Controls During Simulated Performance of Stone Countertop Fabrication Tasks With Powered Hand Tools

Objectives Workers who fabricate stone countertops using hand tools are at risk of silicosis from overexposure to respirable crystalline silica. This study explored the efficacy of simple engineering controls that can be used for dust suppression during use of hand tools by stone countertop fabricators. Methods Controlled experiments were conducted to measure whether wet methods and on-tool local exhaust ventilation (LEV) reduced respirable dust (RD) exposures during use of various powered hand tools on quartz-rich engineered stone. RD samples collected during edge grinding with a diamond cup wheel and a silicon carbide abrasive wheel were analyzed gravimetrically as well as by X-ray diffraction to determine silica content. A personal optical aerosol monitor was used simultaneously with the RD samples and also for rapid assessment of controls for polishing, blade cutting, and core drilling. Results On-tool LEV and sheet-flow-wetting were effective in reducing exposures, especially when used in combination. Sheet-flow-wetting with LEV reduced geometric mean exposures by as much as 95%. However, typical water-spray-wetting on a grinding cup was less effective when combined with LEV than without LEV. Mean silica content of RD samples from grinding operations was 53%, and respirable mass and silica mass were very highly correlated (r = 0.980). Optical concentration measures were moderately well correlated with gravimetric measures (r = 0.817), but on average the optical measures during a single trial using the factory calibration were only one-fifth the simultaneous gravimetric measures. Conclusions Sheet-flow-wetting combined with on-tool LEV is an effective engineering control for reducing RD exposures during engineered stone edge grinding and blade cutting. On the other hand, addition of LEV to some water-spray-wetted tools may reduce the effectiveness of the wet method.
Analysis of Commutativity with state-chart graph representation of concurrent programs.

We present a new approach to check for commutativity in concurrent programs from their state-chart graphs. A set of operations are commutative if changing the order of their execution on an object does not affect the abstract state of the object and returns the same response. Concurrent operations that commute at object-level can be executed concurrently at transaction-level, which boosts performance while preserving the appearance of atomicity and isolation. Utilizing object-level commutativity in transactional execution enables the reuse of existing non-blocking programming techniques for thread-level synchronization. In our approach, we generate state-chart graphs by tracking data on the atomic instructions invoked on the concurrent object during model checking and represent the atomic instructions as states in a state-transition representation. Considering the non-deterministic nature of concurrent programs, we determine commutativity by exhaustively searching for identical object states captured at a thread-level granularity across all thread interleavings. With this methodology, a user can not only verify commutativity among operations, but also can visually check ways in which methods commute at object-level, which is an edge over current state-of-the-art tools. The object-level commutative information helps in identifying faulty implementations and performance improvement considerations. We use the graph database, Neo4j, to represent object states as nodes that further assists the user to check for concurrency properties using Cypher queries.
Inverse design of grafted nanoparticles for targeted self-assembly

Two dimensional nanoparticle lattices can exhibit unique optical, electrical, and chemical properties giving rise to emerging applications for photovoltaic conversion, electronics and optical devices. In many applications, it is useful to be able to control the particle spacing, the crystal lattice formed, and the local composition of the lattice by co-locating nanoparticles of varying chemistry. However, control over all of these variables requires exquisite control over the interparticle interactions, and a large number of degrees of freedom affect the interactions. Achieving a particular structure by design requires solving the inverse-design problem, where one must optimize the chemistry to meet the structure or property that is desired. In recent years, a variety of examples have shown that one can finely control the interactions between nanoparticles through the use of polymers grafted onto the nanoparticle surface and by controlling the grafting density and the distribution of molecular weights on the nanoparticle surface. In this work, we take the first steps on solving the inverse design problem using an approach that explicitly accounts for the chemistry on the surfaces of the particles. Using two-dimensional hybrid particle/field theory calculations and an evolutionary design strategy, we design polymer grafted nanoparticles that self-assemble into targeted square, honeycomb, and kagome lattices. We optimize both the length and grafting density of the polymers grafted to the nanoparticles, and we show that our design strategies are stable over a range of nanoparticle concentrations. Finally, we show that three-body interactions are critical for stabilizing targeted structures.
Bioavailable water in coarse soils: A fractal approach

Abstract This paper addresses the contribution of thick water films to the total water pool retained in sandy loam soils. A thick film (>1 μm thick) is one of the configurations that water can adopt within unsaturated soil, along with filled capillary pores and adsorbed thin films (~102 nm thick). It is important to quantify their respective contributions to moisture content, because each of these liquid configurations exhibits different physical properties and is governed by different mechanisms, and therefore serve a different function in soil ecosystem processes. To quantify the amount of water held in thick films, we first represent the pore structure by a fractal model developed using a fractal Koch curve. The analytical fractal model was then used to develop a series of unit pore moisture retention functions, which were then integrated across a natural particle size distribution to yield the retention function for thick films. The design of the fractal unit pore was based on X-ray microtomography and microscopy images of a sandy agricultural soil. Using the model, thick films were calculated to range from 3 μm to 140 μm thick and to contribute up to 40% of pore water saturation under capillary tensions between 2–10 kPa (20–100 cm). Using a HYDRUS-1D drainage model, it was determined that a sandy loam starting at saturation will drain to a tension of 10 kPa (100 cm) over a period of 9 days. Thick films, therefore, may contribute a substantial proportion of moisture in sandy loam soil over agronomically relevant matric potentials and timescales. Because of its physical properties, including connectivity throughout air-filled pore spaces and simultaneous contact with solid and gas phases, it is further suggested that the thick film water pool plays an important role in hydrologic, microbial, biochemical and rhizosphere processes.
Knockout of TRPV1 Exacerbates Left Ventricular Diastolic Dysfunction Induced by A High-fat Diet in Mice.

Background Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) channels in sensory nerves have anti-oxidative properties and counteract obesity and diabetes that are associated with diastolic dysfunction with preserved ejection fraction. We tested the hypothesis that TRPV1 knockout exacerbates high-fat diet (HFD)-induced glucose intolerance and diastolic dysfunction. Method Trpv1-/- and wild-type (WT) mice were fed chow diet or HFD for 20 weeks. Then, we performed the intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test, measured the heart function through transthoracic echocardiography and Langendorff heart perfusion system, analyzed cardiac histology, and measured the myocardial superoxide production and the expression of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidases. Results HFD increased body weight, heart weight, and levels of fasting glucose, insulin, and leptin in both strains, with no differences between two strains. HFD impaired glucose tolerance in both strains with a more profound effect on Trpv1-/- than WT mice. HFD increased left ventricular (LV) internal diameter in diastole in both strains, while increased LV posterior wall thickness in diastole in Trpv1-/- but not in WT mice. HFD increased LV end-diastolic pressure in both strains with a further increase in Trpv1-/- mice, while decreased -dP/dt in Trpv1-/- but not in WT mice. HFDinduced cardiac collagen deposition and superoxide production were enhanced in Trpv1-/- mice. HFD upregulated cardiac p22phox in both strains, while increased p47phox in Trpv1-/- but not in WT mice. Conclusion In summary, TRPV1 knockout exacerbates HFD-induced glucose intolerance, cardiac oxidative stress and collagen deposition, leading to aggravated LV diastolic dysfunction.
The Modern Theory of Contact Angles and the Hydrogen Bond Components of Surface Energies

We owe a great debt to W. A. Zisman and his colleagues at the Naval Research Laboratory for their extensive, pioneering work that opened up the field of contact angles and made possible the development of the modern theory of wetting and adhesion. Their data on the wetting of solids by apolar liquids and by hydrogen bonding liquids pointed the way to the recent introduction of a theory of hydrogen bond interactions across interfaces. We will devote this chapter to a review of this new theory.
The Optimization of Instrumental Parameters in Thermal Analytical Techniques for Sensitivity, Accuracy, and Convenience of Data Presentation

Truly linear heating and cooling rates are important in DSC, TG and TMA, particularly in kinetic measurements and in the calibration of various instruments such as DSC for specific heat measurements. In addition, temperature programmers and thermal analytical heating devices should be optimized for proportional band and rate mode for critical applications. The importance of optimizing these parameters for critical measurements is discussed.
Transformation of Maize Protoplasts

The early 1980s were marked by the first reports (subsequently confirmed and reproduced in other labs) on Ti plasmid DNA transformation of plant protoplasts (Davey et al. 1980; Krens et al. 1982). Soon after, however, research activities were directed toward the genetic transformation of plant cells, rather than protoplasts, using Agrobacterium tumefaciens as a natural DNA transfer system (review: Hooykaas 1989). The genetic transformation of dicotyledonous plants was achieved but the Agrobacterium system proved to be ineffective in transformation of most monocot species. Attempts to show Agrobacterium infection of maize cells met with only partial success (Graves and Goldman 1986; Grimsley et al. 1987).
Dieu merci, toute cette psychologie est inutile: L'Ensorcelée's critique of modern thought

Numerous critics have discerned in Barbey d'Aurevilly's L'Ensorcelee a nostalgia, an inclination to recuperate a departed spiritual sensation or order. That nostalgia is said to be found in the novel's supernatural atmosphere and in its anachronistic mood. In this article, I demonstrate that the narrator's mourning of a vanished sacred order comes not just from poetic anachronisms, but from a systematic critique of modern secular reasoning. The novel's failed clarifications and epistemological obscurities, particularly its fusions of the natural and the supernatural, are part of a methodical program of undermining science and secular explanations – of demonstrating the disorder and arbitrariness of a world without religion. The first part of the article establishes the connection between the decline of religion and the ominous narrative ambiance. The second part demonstrates how the narrator proposes scientific or natural explanations in order to undermine them – in order to illustrate the insufficience of what he calls the 'pensee moderne.' Finally, the article considers the novel's epistemological uncertainties and narrative indeterminacies in terms of this insufficience. L'Ensorcelee, in the end, mourns the departure or repudiation of a cosmic order and, what is more, subtly undermines the 'pensee moderne' that comes to substitute for it.
The Management of Distal Radius Fractures in the Aging Athlete

The optimal management of unstable distal radius fractures in the elderly is controversial. There is a paucity of guidance from previous studies in seniors and even less in the aging athlete. Outcome measures have been equivocal when comparing cast and internal fixation for all seniors. However, the physiology and functional requirements of the aging athlete may be more similar to the middle-aged population. Data available in the younger population suggests that near anatomic reduction with plate fixation may improve short-term recovery, grip strength, and return to activities. This chapter will explore the factors that treating doctors need to consider when faced with a distal radius fracture in the aging population and specifically in aging athletes.
Impact of Engineered Filter Bed Substrate Composition and Plants on Stormwater Remediation within a Rain Garden System1

Abstract Thirty-two rain-garden-engineered filter-bed substrates (EFBS) resulting from combinations of two substrate bases (sand and slate), two organic matter amendments [composted yard waste (CYW) and pine bark (PB)], two combination methods (banding and incorporation), and four combination amounts [2.5 cm/5%, 5.1 cm/10%, 7.6 cm/15%, and 10.2 cm/20% (by vol.)] were evaluated using three plant species (Betula nigra L. ‘Duraheat', Monarda fistulosa L. and Panicum virgatum L. ‘Shenandoah'). The impact of particle size distribution, saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat), volume of effluent, evapotranspiration, EFBS composition, and plant growth on water movement within a rain garden was determined. Sand EFBS maintained a numerically lower Ksat compared to slate EFBS regardless of composition. Using CYW and banding reduced effluent volume and increased evapotranspiration. Each EFBS was also evaluated for its ability to support plant growth and nutrient uptake. Shoot dry weight and shoot nutrient content (n...
Assessing structure and characteristics of social networks among cancer survivors: impact on general health

Robust social networks are associated with improved health and quality of life for cancer survivors. Certain cancer diagnoses are associated with higher levels of stigma than breast cancer. However, little is known about the differences in social networks depending on the type of malignancy. This study aims to assess the differences in social networks and general health between breast cancer and more stigmatized cancers. Cancer survivors were recruited to participate in a cross-sectional online survey study. Social network size and satisfaction was measured using the Cancer Survivor Social Networks Measure. General health was measured with a five-point-Likert-style item. The average age of the sample (n = 99) was 57.6 years old (SD = 13.4) and the majority were female (67.7%). Breast cancer survivors had an average of 1.39 more members in their social network than other cancers (t(94) = 2.28, p = 0.025). There were no significant differences between groups in network satisfaction. Results of a binary logistic regression model explained 26.9% of the variance in general health (x2(5) = 18.35, p = 0.003). There was a significant association among formal support network satisfaction (β = − 1.23, p = 0.021), formal support network size (β = − 0.36, p = 0.019), malignancy type (breast vs. other) (β = 1.05, p = 0.05), and better general health. The results suggest breast cancer survivors had more formal social supports then other malignancy types. An association among greater formal social network size and satisfaction, a diagnosis of breast instead of other cancers, and better general health was noted. Emphasizing formal support sources for all cancer survivors may improve their overall health.
Implications for Practitioners

Although the life course paradigm has been largely ignored by researchers, as a multidisciplinary integrative research framework, it has the potential of helping them address areas and issues of interest to marketers and public policymakers in an innovative way. It can address research questions particularly relevant to marketing strategy, such as market segmentation and market targeting as well as issues regarding customer relationship management (CRM). This chapter offers implications for action in the areas of marketing and public policy with illustrations of applications of life course notions to research questions in select areas of corporate and public policy.