cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Behavior of erythrocytes in phosphate buffer systems.

Hemolytic behavior of human erythrocytes in sodium and potassium phosphate buffer systems was investigated. The data were used to calculate hemolytic i values for the buffer components at various pH values. The experimental i values were lower than those predicted by a theoretical equation, and the deviations were attributed to changes in pH causing alterations in the permeability of the red cell membrane to the anions and/or cations in solution or changes in the red cell contents. Alkaline solutions appear to be more favorable environments for the red blood cell under the conditions studied. The increased osmotic fragility (low hemolytic i values) at lower pH values was attributed to an increase in the motic activity of the cell contents and subsequent movement of water into the cell.
Identification of a Small GTPase Inhibitor using a High-Throughput Flow Cytometry Bead-Based Multiplex Assay

Small GTPases are key regulators of cellular activity and represent novel targets for the treatment of human diseases using small-molecule inhibitors. The authors describe a multiplex, flow cytometry bead-based assay for the identification and characterization of inhibitors or activators of small GTPases. Six different glutathione-S-transferase (GST)–tagged small GTPases were bound to glutathione beads, each labeled with a different red fluorescence intensity. Subsequently, beads bearing different GTPase were mixed and dispensed into 384-well plates with test compounds, and fluorescent–guanosine triphosphate (GTP) binding was used as the readout. This novel multiplex assay allowed the authors to screen a library of almost 200,000 compounds and identify more than 1200 positive compounds, which were further verified by dose-response analyses, using 6- to 8-plex assays. After the elimination of false-positive and false-negative compounds, several smallmolecule families with opposing effects on GTP binding activity were identified. The authors detail the characterization of MLS000532223, a general inhibitor that prevents GTP binding to several GTPases in a dose-dependent manner and is active in biochemical and cell-based secondary assays. Live-cell imaging and confocal microscopy studies revealed the inhibitorinduced actin reorganization and cell morphology changes, characteristic of Rho GTPases inhibition. Thus, high-throughput screening via flow cytometry provides a strategy for identifying novel compounds that are active against small GTPases. (Journal of Biomolecular Screening 2010:10-20)
New frogs (Anura: Microhylidae) from the mountains of western Papua New Guinea

I describe two new species of microhylid frogs from the mountains of the central cordillera of western Papua New Guinea. One of these is in the arboreal genus Oreophryne; the other is in the fossorial genus Xenorhina. The Oreophryne is one of the largest members of the genus and is characterized by a ligamentous connection of the procoracoid to the scapula, webbing between the toes, fifth toe equal in length to the third, and a relatively short leg, wide head, long and narrow snout, and small finger discs. The Xenorhina species is among the smallest species of the genus and is distinguished by having a single odontoid spike, discs with circum-marginal grooves on all toes but the first, inflated lores, and a relatively long leg, short and broad head and snout, and features of color pattern. The Oreophryne is known from two localities approximately 30 km apart, and the Xenorhina is known only from its type locality. Both occur in the high mountains of Western Province, Papua New Guinea.
A very efficient low-bit-rate subband image/video codec using shift-only PR-QMF and zero-zone linear quantizers

Subband coding has been successfully used for image and video applications. This paper emphasizes two design issues of a subband codec. Namely, the selection of the filterbank family and the width of zero-zones in zero-zone linear quantizers. It is shown that the shift only filters (multiplierless PR-QMF) performs as good as other popular filterbank families. Finally, the significance of the quantizers' zerozones in the codec's rate-distortion performance is presented. It is found that the proposed efficient subband image/video codec performs comparable with the leading techniques like embedded zero-tree wavelet (EZW) coding reported in the literature. We also incorporated this efficient subband codec into a motion compensated video coding algorithm. It is observed that the superior performance of zero-zone linear quantizers is also valid for subband video coding. The subjective performance of the proposed efficient codec in image and video coding are found consistent with the objective performance results obtained.
Research and design of rigid docking mechanism applied on field modular self-reconfigurable robot system

Rigid docking is important for field modular self-reconfigurable robot system, and 6-dimension position/orientation offset should be conquered during alignment. This paper builds geometric constraint model of fundamental aligning methods and defines a 2-element state vector to evaluate position/orientation offset. Then, a 3-DOF hybrid rigid docking mechanism is introduced to achieve rigid docking in rugged terrain. This paper also gives out its maximum allowable offset. Based on this solution, Jl-2 prototype rigid docking mechanism is developed and tested. Following experiments shows that this docking mechanism is suitable for rigid docking of field modular self-reconfigurable robots in rugged terrain.
Caspofungin MICs correlate with treatment outcomes among patients with Candida glabrata invasive candidiasis and prior echinocandin exposure

Mutations in Candida glabrata FKS genes, which encode the echinocandin target enzyme, are independent risk factors for treatment failures during invasive candidiasis. We retrospectively compared the ability of caspofungin susceptibility testing methods to identify C. glabrata FKS mutant isolates and predict outcomes among patients at our center. Eight percent (10/120) of sterile-site C. glabrata isolates harbored FKS1 (n = 3) or FKS2 (n = 7) mutations, including 32% (10/32) recovered from patients with prior echinocandin exposure. Median echinocandin exposures for mutant and nonmutant isolates were 55 (range, 7 to 188) and 13 (3 to 84) days, respectively (P = 0.004). Sensitivity and specificity of the CLSI caspofungin resistance breakpoint MIC (>0.12 μg/ml by broth microdilution using RPMI medium [BMD-RPMI]) were 90% (9/10) and 3% (3/110), respectively, for identifying FKS mutants. Sensitivity and specificity of receiver-operator characteristic (ROC) curve-derived breakpoints by BMD-RPMI, BMD-antibiotic medium 3, Etest, and YeastOne ranged from 70 to 100% and 89 to 95%, respectively; susceptibility rates varied from 83 to 90%. The 14-day echinocandin treatment success rate was 67% (44/66); failure was more likely with prior echinocandin exposure (P = 0.002) or infection with an FKS mutant (P = 0.0001) or echinocandin-resistant isolates by BMD-AM3, Etest, and YeastOne (P ≤ 0.03). The failure rate among patients with prior exposure and infection with a resistant isolate was 91% (10/11); it was 22% (12/55) among others (P < 0.0001). In conclusion, ROC-derived caspofungin MIC breakpoints by several methods were sensitive and specific for identifying C. glabrata FKS mutant isolates. Mutations were seen exclusively among patients with prior echinocandin exposure. A paradigm that considers prior echinocandin exposure and caspofungin MICs accurately classified treatment outcomes for C. glabrata invasive candidiasis.
Microvascular Function in Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy With Contrast Echocardiography: Prospective Evaluation and Review of Literature

Background Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TC) mimics ST-elevation myocardial infarction without substantial angiographic stenosis. Coronary microvascular dysfunction has been proposed as a possible mechanism in TC. The aim of this study was to evaluate microvascular function in TC using real-time myocardial contrast echocardiography (MCE). Methods Real-time MCE was performed within 24 hours of coronary angiographic diagnosis of TC. Myocardial perfusion was evaluated through qualitative and quantitative myocardial contrast echocardiographic analyses comparing normal segments with segments with dysfunctional wall motion (WM). Results From January 2007 to January 2008, 11 patients received diagnoses of TC. Of these patients, 9 were prospectively enrolled (mean age, 70.9 ± 17.5 years; 8 women). Qualitative and quantitative myocardial contrast echocardiographic analyses were feasible in 87% and 81% of segments. Overall, concordance between qualitative MCE and WM for normal versus abnormal analysis was observed in 71% of segments (κ = 0.442, SE=0.08). Significantly lower myocardial blood flow velocity (β) and lower myocardial blood flow ( A β) were detected in segments with dysfunctional WM compared with those with normal WM (β = 0.55 ± 0.39 vs 0.90 ± 0.77, P = .009; A β = 5.31 ± 3.92 vs 12.38 ± 13.47, P = .002). In the discordant segments between qualitative MCE and WM, the quantitative perfusion parameters β and A β were significantly lower in segments with dysfunctional WM compared with those with normal WM (β = 0.22 ± 0.20 vs 1.79 ± 0.57, P = .01; A β = 1.90 ± 1.1 vs 24.29 ± 19.9, P = .02). Recovery of WM abnormalities was detected in all patients during follow-up echocardiography (mean, 60.3 ± 66.0 days). No contrast-related side effects were reported. During mean follow-up of 5.9 ± 4.6 months, there were no cardiac events, but 1 noncardiac death (from lung cancer) occurred. Conclusion TC is associated with abnormal myocardial perfusion detected with qualitative and quantitative MCE, indicative of microvascular dysfunction.
Response latency as a function of stimulus affect and presentation order.

St~rnn2ary.-An experiment was conducted to examine the interrelationships between response-latency, perceived stimulus affect, and stimulus presentation order. Three groups of five Ss each responded to 100 pictorial and verbal stimuli along an ATTRACTIVE-UNATT RAmIVE affect dimension. Overt evaluative responses and response latencies were recorded on paper tape. The results indicated that the relationship between affect and response latency is an inverted U-shaped function with the attractive responses yielding significantly shorter Latencies than either neutral or unattractive responses. The order in which stimuli are presented significantly affects both perceived affect and response times. A random order of stimulus presentation results in shorter latencies and greater perceived positive affect than the systematic arrangement of stimuli. Recent literature examining the relationship between looking time and stimulus affect has demonstrated rather consistent results. Studies by Bullock ( 1959), MacLean and Kao ( 1965), and Day ( 1966) have all shown that increases in positive affect are associated with increases in looking time. During the data collection phases of these studies, the single dependent measure was looking time. Rate of presentation was subject-controlled and judgments of affect were obtained post facto. Bergum and Lehr (1966a, 1966b) presented pictorial and visually and aitditorally presented verbal stimuli on a fixed interval (10 sec.) basis, required overt expressions of affecc, and measured response times. These studies demonstrated the relationship between affect and response latency to be an inverted U-shaped function, with pleasant stimuli yielding significantly shorter latencies than either neutral or unpleasant stimuli. Thus, when affect is related to looking time, results indicate that time zltcreases with positive affect, whereas when viewing time is fixed and affecc is related to the latency of Ss' overt evaluation of the stimulus, response latency increases with negative affect. One of the purposes of the present study was to determine what relationship exists between affect and response latency when S is given control of viewing time but is also required to provide overr evaluations of the stimuli. While the relationship between affective value of stimuli and viewing time and response latency has been examined, there has been no attempt to determine what effects the systematic arrangement of stimuli (in terms of affect value) might have upon response times and perceived affective value. The second purpose of this study was to determine these effects.
Failure driven dynamic search control for partial order planners: an explanation based approach

Abstract Given the intractability of domain independent planning, the ability to control the search of a planner is vitally important. One way of doing this involves learning from search failures. This paper describes SNLP + EBL, the first implementation of an explanation based search control rule learning framework for a partial order (plan-space) planner. We will start by describing the basic learning framework of SNLP + EBL. We will then concentrate on SNLP + EBL's ability to learn from failures, and describe the results of empirical studies which demonstrate the effectiveness of the search control rules SNLP + EBL learns using our method. We then demonstrate the generality of our learning methodology by extending it to UCPOP (Penberthy and Weld, 1992), a descendant of SNLP that allows for more expressive domain theories. The resulting system, UCPOP + EBL, is used to analyze and understand the factors influencing the effectiveness of EBL. Specifically, we analyze the effect of (i) expressive action representations, (ii) domain specific failure theories and (iii) sophisticated backtracking strategies on the utility of EBL. Through empirical studies, we demonstrate that expressive action representations allow for more explicit domain representations which in turn increase the ability of EBL to learn from analytical failures, and obviate the need for domain specific failure theories. We also explore the strong affinity between dependency directed backtracking and EBL in planning.
Complex interactions shaping aspen dynamics in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem

Loss of aspen (Populus tremuloides) has generated concern for aspen persistence across much of the western United States. However, most studies of aspen change have been at local scales and our understanding of aspen dynamics at broader scales is limited. At local scales, aspen loss has been attributed to fire exclusion, ungulate herbivory, and climate change. Understanding the links between biophysical setting and aspen presence, growth, and dynamics is necessary to develop a large-scale perspective on aspen dynamics. Specific objectives of this research were to (1) map aspen distribution and abundance across the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE), (2) measure aspen change in the GYE over the past 50 years (3) determine if aspen loss occurs in particular biophysical settings and (4) investigate the links between biophysical setting and aspen presence, growth, and change in canopy cover. We found that aspen is rare in the GYE, occupying 1.4% of the region. We found an average of 10% aspen loss overall, much lower than that suggested by smaller-scale studies. Aspen loss corresponded with biophysical settings with the lowest aspen growth rates, where aspen was most abundant. The highest aspen growth rates were at the margins of its current distribution, so most aspen occur in biophysical settings less favorable to their growth.
An Inversion Method for Estimating the Source Parameters of Seismic and Aseismic Events from Static Strain Data

Summary An inversion method is developed for estimating the source parameters of seismic and aseismic events from static strain data. The inversion method consists of a non-linear least squares algorithm of Marquardt combined with an incremental procedure. The inversion method is quite stable if the strain fields are modelled by a point source in a homogeneous halfspace. The seismic moment, direction of strike, slip direction, and dip of the San Fernando earthquake of 1971 February 9, and the Gifu, Japan earthquake of 1969 September 9, have been estimated from the static strain data. The estimated parameters from the static data are in good agreement with the seismically estimated source parameters. The success with which the static strain steps may be inverted to obtain the source parameters of two seismic events suggests that static strain steps are indeed a real manifestation of the static fields associated with displacement on a fault.
A New Simplified Aircraft Data Link

The problem of traffic control in this country's airways has been discussed at length in recent years. It is generally agreed that an automatic data-link type of system will be needed to prevent saturation of radio channels and of the airways themselves as the number of aircraft in high-density areas increases.
A parallel algorithm for clustering protein-protein interaction networks

The increasing availability of interaction graphs requires new resource-efficient tools capable of extracting valuable biological knowledge from these networks. In this paper we report on a novel parallel implementation of Girvan and Newman's clustering algorithm that is capable of running on clusters of computers. Our parallel implementation achieves almost linear speed-up up to 32 processors and allows us to run this computationally intensive algorithm on large protein-protein interaction networks. Preliminary experiments show that the algorithm has very high accuracy in identifying functional related protein modules.
Long-term effects of brief antihypertensive treatment on systolic blood pressure and vascular reactivity in young genetically hypertensive rats.

Recent studies have shown that angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor treatment in young spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) reduces blood pressure into adulthood. This study explored changes in vascular reactivity in adult normotensive (WKY) rats and stroke-prone SHR (SHRSP) receiving the following treatments at 6–10 weeks of age: (a) ACE inhibitor (ramipril); (b) hydralazine/hydrochlorothiazide (hydral/HCTZ); or (c) no treatment. The hypothesis tested was that vascular changes and blood pressure would be reduced in adult SHRSP treated with ramipril during development. At 17 weeks of age, rats were anesthetized and vascular tissue was excised. Isolated experiments in the aorta included characterization of initial phasic and tonic contractions to 0.1 µM angiotensin II (AII). A phenylephrine (PE) concentration-response curve was performed on carotid arteries, and threshold values were determined. All WKY groups showed lower systolic blood pressure (131±4 mmHg) and reduced phasic AII induced contraction (7.4±4.7%) compared with SHRSP (217±4 mmHg; 37.2±4%). Antihypertensive treatment reduced blood pressure (ramipril: 168±2; hydral/HCTZ: 198±6 mmHg) but not phasic AII responses in adult SHRSP; adult WKY rats were unaffected by treatment. Threshold values for PE in carotid arteries were lower in SHRSP than in WKY, indicating increased sensitivity. However, SHRSP treated with ramipril did not demonstrate increased sensitivity to PE. These data support the hypothesis that blood pressure and sensitivity to PE but not contractile responsiveness to AII in adult SHRSP are determined by an AII-sensitive mechanism during development.
Magnet engineering and test results of the high field magnet R&D program at BNL

The Superconducting Magnet Division at Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) has been carrying out design, engineering, and technology development of high performance magnets for future accelerators. High Temperature Superconductors (HTS) play a major role in the BNL vision of a few high performance interaction region (IR) magnets that would be placed in a machine about ten years from now. This paper presents the engineering design of a "react and wind" Nb/sub 3/Sn magnet that will provide a 12 Tesla background field on HTS coils. In addition, the coil production tooling as well as the most recent 10-turn R&D coil test results will be discussed.
An FE-based Physical Phase Variable Model for PM Synchronous Machines Including Dynamic Core Losses

An improved FE-based phase variable model for PM synchronous machines is developed. The developed model can be used dynamically for motor control applications. Previous models, developed earlier by these authors, consider the rotor position dependence of the inductances and the flux linkage due to the permanent magnets. In the improved model, the effect of core loss as well as its variation with the rotor position is added. Such an effect is obtained from transient FE solutions of the machine covering a complete steady state ac cycle. Details on the improved model, Simulink implementation, core loss calculation using FE analysis, and its applications in controllers detuning study are presented in the paper. The improved model gives more detailed information of operating PM machines and is computationally fast. It is particularly useful for machine control study
Does visual information influence infants' movement to music?

Humans are often exposed to music beginning at birth (or even before birth), yet the study of the development of musical abilities during infancy has only recently gained momentum. The goals of the present study were to determine whether young infants (ages four to seven months) spontaneously moved rhythmically in the presence of music, and whether the presence of visual information in addition to music would increase or decrease infants’ movement. While nearly all infants moved in the presence of music, very few infants demonstrated rhythmic movement. Results revealed that when visual information was present, and particularly when infants appeared to show focused attention toward the visual information, infants moved less than when only auditory information was present. The latter result is in agreement with most studies of sensory dominance in adults in which visual stimuli are dominant over auditory stimuli.
Multi-Polarized Microwave Power Imaging Algorithm for Early Breast Cancer Detection

A new image reconstruction algorithm for early breast cancer detection using ultra-wideband microwave signals is proposed. In this algorithm, the backscattered electric and magnetic flelds are measured and combined in a novel way; the direction of power ∞ow with respect to a given focal point is used to localize tumors. Signiflcant improvement in signal-to-mean raito (SMR) and signal- to-clutter ratio (SCR) are achieved when driving signals consist of waves with multiple polarizations. Numerical results demonstrate nearly 5.5dB improvement of SMR and SCR over the traditional Confocal Microwave Imaging method when a single 8mm breast tumor is present.
A new polyinstantiation integrity constraint for multilevel relations

A new polyinstantiation integrity constraint for multilevel relations based on the intuitive idea that every entity in a relation can have at most one tuple for every access class is proposed. The consequences of this property and some of its variations are discussed. A core set of properties which should apply to all relations is identified. These are entity integrity, interinstance integrity, subsumption integrity, and polyinstantiation integrity in the sense of PI-FD. Specific models impose additional polyinstantiation constraints. Oakland requires PI-null, Sea View requires PI-MVD, and the new Franconia model requires PI-Tuple-class. Each of these properties appears likely to arise often enough in practice to justify DBMS (database management system) support for its enforcement on a relation-by-relation basis. >
Therapeutic interventions for increasing ankle dorsiflexion after ankle sprain: a systematic review.

Context: Clinicians perform therapeutic interventions, such as stretching, manual therapy, electrotherapy, ultrasound, and exercises, to increase ankle dorsiflexion. However, authors of previous st...
Automated alerts and reminders targeting patients: A review of the literature.

Objective Information technology supporting patient self-management has the potential to foster shared accountability for healthcare outcomes by improving patient adherence. There is growing interest in providing alerts and reminders to patients to improve healthcare self-management. This paper describes a literature review of automated alerts and reminders directed to patients, the technology used, and their efficacy.
Household Waste Characterization

In order to effectively study alternatives to the treatment and disposal of wastewaters from individual homes, a study was conducted to evaluate the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of wastes generated by both rural and urban households. A survey of a number of households, in concert with the analysis of current information available in the literature, provided data to establish guidelines characterizing individual wastewater events within the home. A simulated wastewater was subsequently developed for further research on treatment and disposal alternatives.
Microbiology of Municipal Solid Waste Composting

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the components of municipal waste which are compostable. Composting is the microbial degradation of organic solid material that involves aerobic respiration and passes through a thermophilic stage. It yields the stabilized end-product compost. Various solid waste management objectives can be achieved through composting, including sanitation, mass and bulk reduction, and resource recovery. Compost plays a unique role in certain specialized practices, including hotbed gardening, which requires self-heating organic matter, and as a substrate for edible-mushroom cultivation. For these purposes compost derived from municipal solid waste can substitute for the traditional horse manure preparation. Compost can be an economic soil conditioner for high-value crops, such as vegetables and flowers grown out of season. The chapter reveals that there are many proprietary processes for the treatment of municipal solid waste by composting, which offer a variety of mechanical and structural approaches to the problems of aerating and mixing the composting mass. From a microbiological viewpoint, only two major process variants are evident: batch and continuous composting.
Nitrostat® (Parke-Davis)

Nitroglycerin is the prototype antianginal drug. It relaxes arterial and venous smooth muscle including the large coronary arteries. The mechanism of its antianginal effect is complicated and is only partly explained by its coronary vasodilating action. More likely its effectiveness in the typical angina patient is due to reduction in myocardial oxygen demand secondary to reduction of cardiac preload and afterload which results in reduced cardiac output and ventricular wall stress.
OBESITY AND PROGNOSIS IN PATIENTS WITH ACUTE SYSTOLIC HEART FAILURE

Obesity is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The obesity paradox concept suggesting improved prognosis in patients with obesity presenting with acute coronary syndromes has been reported by several investigators. We examined the impact of obesity on in-hospital mortality in patients
Potential adaptation strategies for rainfed soybean production in the south-eastern USA under climate change based on the CSM-CROPGRO-Soybean model

Due to the potential impact of climate change and climate variability on rainfed production systems, both farmers and policy makers will have to rely more on short- and long-term yield projections. The goal of this study was to develop a procedure for calibrating the Cropping System Model (CSM)-CROPGRO-Soybean model for six cultivars, to determine the potential impact of climate change on rainfed soybean for five locations in Georgia, USA, and to provide recommendations for potential adaptation strategies for soybean production in Georgia and other south-eastern states. The Genotype Coefficient Calculator (GENCALC) software package was applied for calibration of the soybean cultivar coefficients using variety trial data. The root mean square error (RMSE) between observed and simulated grain yield ranged from 201 to 413 kg/ha for the six cultivars. Generally, the future climate scenarios showed an increase in temperature which caused a decrease in the number of days to maturity for all varieties and for all locations. This will benefit late-planted soybean production slightly, while the increase in precipitation and carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration will result in a yield increase. This was the highest for Calhoun and Williamson and ranged from 31 to 49% for the climate change projections for 2050. However, a large reduction in precipitation caused a decrease in yield for Midville, especially based on the climate scenarios of the Global Climate Models (GCMs) Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation's model CSIRO-Mk3.0 and Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory's model GFDL-CM2.1. Overall, Calhoun, Williamson, Plains and Tifton will probably be more suitable for rainfed soybean production over the next 40 years than Midville. Farmers might shift to a later planting date, around 5 June, for the locations that were evaluated in the present study to avoid potential heat and drought stress during the summer months. The cultivars AG6702, AGS758RR and S80-P2 could be selected for rainfed soybean production since they had the highest rainfed yields among the six cultivars. In general, the present study showed that there are crop management options for soybean production in Georgia and the south-eastern USA that are adapted for the potential projected climate change conditions.
"The More Mistakes You Have the Better You Could Improve": Two Students' Interpretations of Pedagogy in Developmental and College English.

ABSTRACTThis article explores the learning experiences of two students in the same college-level English course at Urban Serving Community College (USCC) (pseudonym). The objective was to understand how one student met with success and the other failure despite both successfully completing their developmental English course the semester prior. I observed 19 class sessions throughout the semester, interviewed the professor twice, and interviewed the students at the end of the course. The analysis drew upon the field notes, interviews, and course documents (i.e., syllabus, rubric, assignments, etc.). The key feature of the professor’s course design and pedagogy was to provide students detailed feedback on their writing assignments according to the expectation for college-level writing and then provide opportunities to revise and resubmit. The student who failed the course consistently interpreted the professor’s feedback as telling him what to write; thus, he was never able to revise his essays in ways that...
VARIATION REGULARITY OF THE CONCENTRATION OF FOREIGN ELEMENTS ADDED IN CATHODE ALUMINIUM IN INDUSTRIAL ALUMINIUM ELECTROLYZER

The variation regularity of the concentration of foreign elements added in cathode aluminium in the industrial aluminium electrolyzer is discussed.Theoretical formu- las are given and aluminium electrolysis and production of Al-Si and AI-RE alloys are taken as examples for calculation.Results calculated are well agreed with practical data.These formulas can be used in industrial practice.
Immunity to Haemonchus sp. in Lambs: The Immunizing Effects of Various Methods of Larval Administration

A series of experiments was designed in an effort to enhance the immunity to Hacmonchus sp. in 2 1/2- to 5-month-old tandis. Immunity was increased through the use of a longer immunizing period and by the use of multiple immunizing inoculations. The pathogenic effects of multiple immunizing inoculations appeared to be less severe than those produced by single inoculations using fewer larvae. A slight immunity may have been produced by subcutaneous inoculations of exsheathed larvae, but no immunity was produced by the intraperitoneal or intravenous inoculations tested. Increasing the recovery period between chemical termination of the immunizing infection and the challenge infection from 2 weeks to 3 weeks was of no value. Older lambs developed stronger immunity than 2 1/2-month-old lambs.
A 4-phase blocker tolerant wideband receiver with MMSE harmonic rejection equalizer

This paper presents a blocker tolerant low-noise wideband receiver that employs digital harmonic rejection equalizer to suppress high order harmonic interferers. Unlike the commonly employed 8-phase harmonic rejection mixers (HRMs), the proposed wideband receiver suppresses any of the harmonic interferers including the seventh and ninth. The wideband receiver employs a two-path front-end structure, consisting of a highly linear mixer-first primary path and gm-first secondary path. An adaptive minimum mean-squared error (MMSE) harmonic rejection equalizer is employed that minimizes the desired signal distortion in the mean-squared error sense in the presence of arbitrary harmonic interferers and the correlated noise between the two paths. Using two sets of 4-phase clocks, a 100–1450MHz receiver that achieves HRR >75dB up to the ninth harmonic while being robust to mismatches is implemented.
Complementing current active queue management schemes with rechoke and receiver-window modification (rwm)

Explicit Congestion Notification (ECN) and Active Queue Management (AQM) schemes have been proposed for present-day TCP/IP networks to better manage network congestion. ECN enabled AQMs were shown to have a promising advantage over existing drop-tail queues. However, when implemented, they were susceptible to the following problems: (1) the timeout mechanism or the duration of the reception of three duplicate acknowledgements (ACKs), due to early-dropped packets by these AQMs, delays the response time of TCP (in reducing the offered rate); (2) using ECN with these AQMs has its downsides: (i) its messages may get delayed or dropped due to congestion in downstream routers; and (ii) TCP implementations at both the source and the destination have to be ECN-compliant (which presents a significant problem in today's cores and end systems); and (3) these AQM schemes, with or without ECN, fail to protect TCP-friendly flows adequately in the presence of non TCP-friendly (e.g., UDP) or malicious flows. This dissertation presents solutions to these problems by proposing two novel AQM modification schemes called Receiver-Window Modification (RWM) and RECHOKe (REpeatedly CHOose and Keep for responsive flows, REpeatedly CHOose and Kill for unresponsive flows). By combining these two schemes with RED, we produce a new AQM scheme called RCUBE (Receiver-Window Modified Random Early Detection queues with RECHOKe). By using RECHOKe as a component, RCUBE easily identifies, controls and punishes malicious flows, by requiring only a small amount of information, approximately proportional to the order of magnitude of malicious flows. By using RWM, we reduce the average TCP queue sizes in the queues and in doing so, not only make it easier to identify malicious flows but also reduce the queuing delay resulting in significant improvements in one-way end-to-end packet delays, delay jitter, throughput and number of dropped packets for TCP-friendly flows. We compare RED, CHOKe, xCHOKe, RECHOKe and RCUBE schemes and show that RCUBE outperforms these schemes in identifying, controlling and punishing malicious flows and in protecting TCP-friendly flows. We also provide a theoretical analysis for RCUBE, RECHOKe and RWM schemes to validate our claims.
Design and evaluation of a peer network to support adherence to a web-based intervention for adolescents.

Abstract Background Depression during adolescence is common but can be prevented. Behavioral intervention technologies (BITs) designed to prevent depression in adolescence, especially standalone web-based interventions, have shown mixed outcomes, likely due to poor intervention adherence. BIT research involving adults has shown that the presence of coaches or peers promotes intervention use. Developmentally, adolescence is a time when peer-based social relationships take precedence. This study examines whether peer-networked support may promote adherence to BITs in this age group. Objective Adopting the framework of the Supportive Accountability model, which defines the types of human support and interactions required to maintain engagement and persistence with BITs, this paper presents a feasibility study of a peer-networked online intervention for depression prevention among adolescents. We described the development of the peer network, the evaluation of participant use of the peer networking features, and qualitative user feedback to inform continued BIT development. Method Two groups of adolescents (N=13) participated in 10-week programs of the peer networked based online intervention. Adolescents had access to didactic lessons, CBT based mood management tools, and peer networking features. The peer networking features are integrated into the site by making use expectations explicit, allow network members to monitor the activities of others, and to supportively hold each other accountable for meeting use expectations. The study collected qualitative feedback from participants as well as usage of site features and tools. Results Participants logged in an average of 12.8 sessions over an average of 10.4 unique days during the 10-week program. On average, 66% of all use sessions occurred within the first 3weeks of use. The number of "exchange comments", that is, comments posted that were part of an exchange between two or more participants, was significantly positively correlated with mean time spent on site ( r =0.62, p =0.032), use of the Activity Tracker ( r =0.70, p =0.012) and Didactic Lesson ( r =0.73, p =0.007). Qualitative interviews revealed that adolescents generally liked and were motivated by the peer networking features during the first weeks of the intervention when general site use by group members was high. However, the decrease of site use by group members during the subsequent weeks negatively affected participants' desire to log on or engage with group members. Conclusions This pilot study highlights the potential that a BIT designed to harness the connection among a peer network, thereby promoting supportive accountability, may improve adolescent adherence to BITs for depression prevention.
Inadequacy and indebtedness: no-fee psychotherapy in county training programs.

The nature of the fee arrangement has significant influence on the psychotherapeutic process even when there is no fee. Given the large number of psychiatrists who receive at least some part of their training in the public system, understanding the no-fee arrangement is vital to the psychodynamic training of future psychiatrists. Following a brief overview of the meaning of money and the fee arrangement, various scenarios are considered under the headings of “inadequacy” and “indebtedness.” Although similar dynamics may be present in other public and private settings, attention is given to the county training program, with the intent to assist psychiatry residents and supervisors in their awareness and understanding of the psychodynamics of psychotherapy without fee.
Point-source detection using 3D-position-sensitive semiconductor detectors with estimated background

In the detection of radiation sources, the combination of spectral and directional information can improve detection over using either one alone. Directional information found through probabilistic Compton-imaging methods helps to distinguish point sources from extended background sources. In this work, we use 3D-position-sensitive CdZn Te detectors to investigate the combination of these data for the automated detection, identification, and localization of point sources in a background where the spectral shape is known but its intensity may be unknown. If it is available, knowledge of the expected background energy distribution is shown to improve detection and identification performance compared with an unknown background. Such background estimates may be found from prior measurements or background tracking. Detection performance is compared with simple spectral methods as a function of false-alarm probability using experimental data from an 18-detector array system.
Particle swarm optimization enabled filtering for fabric images in automated fabric inspection system

Random variations in intensity, poor contrast, variations in illumination are the common reasons for the images to be usually corrupted. These corruptions must be handled by the early stages of vision processing. Even though there are wide varieties of filtering techniques available for the purpose of removing noise in digital images, the problem still remains challenging in research. This paper shows how, Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) enabled filtering method has been implemented and its performance is compared with the other filtering techniques such as Median, Gaussian filtering methods. The performances of these filtering methods on digital fabric images are assessed based on the metrics Mean squared error (MSE) and Peak signal to noise ratio (PSNR). The implementation results are then compared and evaluated.
Antiproliferative effect of retinoic acid in intravitreous silicone oil in an animal model of proliferative vitreoretinopathy.

PURPOSE To evaluate, in vitro, the solubility and stability of all-trans RA in silicone oil (SiO) and, in vivo, the stability and the antiproliferative effect of all-trans RA in SiO on an experimental model of PVR. METHODS The solubility and stability of RA in SiO, in vitro and in vivo, were evaluated by HPLC. Rabbits underwent unilateral gas-compression vitrectomy and gas-SiO exchange. Rabbits received 10 micrograms (n = 17), 5 micrograms (n = 11), and 2 micrograms (n = 9) of all-trans RA in SiO, and SiO only (n = 12). All rabbits received an intravitreous injection of 150,000 fibroblasts. RESULTS RA is stable in SiO in vitro, but some isomerization from all-trans to 13-cis was observed under light exposure. In vivo, after 1 week, trace amounts of RA in SiO were observed in the controls and in the experimental animals, suggesting a steady state between the release of RA from the SiO and from the retina to the SiO. The rate of fractional retinal detachment was significantly lower in the animals that received 10 and 5 micrograms of RA than in the controls (P < 0.05). No statistical differences were found between the eyes treated with 10 and 5 micrograms of RA. Eyes that received 2 micrograms of RA showed no difference from the control group. CONCLUSIONS The in vivo data suggest that retinoic acid might be useful as an antiproliferative agent in human eyes.
Evaluation of the dimensionless groups based scale-up of gas–solid spouted beds

Abstract In this work, the scale-up methodology of He et al. (1997) that is based on maintaining similar or close dimensionless groups in gas–solid spouted beds has been evaluated. Two geometrically similar spouted beds of 0.152 m and 0.076 m diameter have been used. It has been demonstrated experimentally, that there is non-similarity in the local hydrodynamic parameters such as solids holdup and dimensionless solids velocity, when all the dimensionless groups have been matched or close to each other in the two studied spouted beds. This confirms that the global hydrodynamic parameters should not be used to confirm the validity of or to evaluate the dimensionless groups scale-up based methodologies.
Longitudinal association between diabetes and cognitive decline: The National Health and Aging Trends Study

Type II diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with increased risk of dementia; however, few studies have examined the longitudinal association between DM and cognitive outcomes in large nationally representative cohorts. We investigated these associations in 7605 participants enrolled in the National Health and Aging Trends Study, a nationally representative prospective study of Medicare beneficiaries ≥65, from 2011 to 2015. Participants or proxy respondents reported DM and dementia diagnosis, and participants completed immediate and delayed recall word list learning tests and the Clock Drawing Test. In multivariable-adjusted generalized linear mixed models, baseline DM diagnosis was associated with decline on immediate and delayed word recall and the Clock Drawing Test. In Cox proportional hazards models, DM also predicted incident dementia in older age groups at baseline. These findings further support the notion that DM is associated with cognitive outcomes, suggesting that treatment and prevention of DM may reduce the risk of these outcomes. However, more studies are needed to better understand whether DM treatments affect this relationship.
A table-top PXI based low-field spectrometer for solution dynamic nuclear polarization.

We present the development of a portable dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) instrument based on the PCI eXtensions for Instrumentation platform. The main purpose of the instrument is for study of 1 H polarization enhancements in solution through the Overhauser mechanism at low magnetic fields. A DNP probe set was constructed for use at 6.7 mT, using a modified Alderman-Grant resonator at 241 MHz for saturation of the electron transition. The solenoid for detection of the enhanced 1 H signal at 288 kHz was constructed with Litz wire. The largest observed 1 H enhancements (e) at 6.7 mT for 14 N-CTPO radical in air saturated aqueous solution was e~65. A concentration dependence of the enhancement is observed, with maximum e at 5.5 mM. A low resonator efficiency for saturation of the electron paramagnetic resonance transition results in a decrease in e for the 10.3 mM sample. At high incident powers (42 W) and long pump times, capacitor heating effects can also decrease the enhancement. The core unit and program described here could be easily adopted for multi-frequency DNP work, depending on available main magnets and selection of the "plug and play" arbitrary waveform generator, digitizer, and radiofrequency synthesizer PCI eXtensions for Instrumentatione cards.
Dynamical scattering image simulations for two-phase γ–γ′ microstructures: A theoretical model

Abstract We introduce an extension of the Darwin–Howie–Whelan (DHW) equations for the case of coherent L12 precipitates in an FCC matrix. The equations are similar in form to the conventional DHW equations and are sufficiently general to account for the different translational variants of the precipitate phase as well as for the displacement fields of arbitrary lattice defects. An approximate scheme to perform fast and accurate image simulations using a pre-computed list of scattering matrices is also introduced. Finally, the results of diffraction pattern and image simulations are shown for two synthetic microstructures for a Ni–Al alloy generated using phase field simulations. The dynamical scattering equations reveal that the precipitate phase superlattice beams can propagate through the disordered matrix, but they are fully decoupled from the fundamental waves.
Examining the link between bullying participation, psychopathy and empathy in a large retrospective sample of university students

School bullying has strong empirical links to a broad range of adverse psychosocial outcomes including depression, eating disorders, early abuse of alcohol and drugs, self-injury, poor academic per...