cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
TiO2 nanoparticles generate superoxide and alter gene expression in human lung cells

TiO2 nanoparticles are widely used in consumer products and industrial applications, yet little is understood regarding how the inhalation of these nanoparticles impacts long-term health. This is especially important for the occupational safety of workers who process these materials. We used RNA sequencing to probe changes in gene expression and fluorescence microscopy to image intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) in human lung cells incubated with low, non-cytotoxic, concentrations of TiO2 nanoparticles. Experiments were designed to measure changes in gene expression following an acute exposure to TiO2 nanoparticles and changes inherited by progeny cells. We observe that TiO2 nanoparticles lead to significant (>2000 differentially expressed genes) changes in gene expression following a 24 hour incubation. Following this acute exposure, the response dissipates with only 34 differentially expressed genes in progeny cells. The progeny cells adapt to this initial exposure, observed when re-challenged with a second acute TiO2 nanoparticle exposure. Accompanying these changes in gene expression is the production of intracellular ROS, specifically superoxide, along with changes in oxidative stress-related genes. These experiments suggest that TiO2 nanoparticles adapt to oxidative stress through transcriptional changes over multiple generations of cells.
What factors affect fluoroscopy use during Bernese periacetabular osteotomy for acetabular dysplasia

Periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) is the treatment of choice for acetabular dysplasia in the skeletally mature. Little is known about factors affecting fluoroscopy use in PAO. Therefore, we strived to determine patient and surgery factors are associated with the amount of fluoroscopy time and radiation dose during PAO. We performed a retrospective review of 378 patients who underwent PAO between January 2012 and August 2017. The mean age was 21.7 years and 326 (86%) were females. A total of 85 patients underwent concomitant arthroscopy and 60 underwent open arthrotomy. We recorded fluoroscopy time in minutes and radiation dose area product (DAP) in mGy·m2. Multivariate general linear modeling identified independent predictors of fluoroscopy time and radiation dose. Mean fluoroscopy time was 1.21 minutes and mean fluoroscopy DAP was 0.71 mGy·m2. Multivariate predictors of increased fluoroscopy time were male gender (P = 0.001), surgeon (P < 0.001) and whether an arthroscopy was performed (P < 0.001). Multivariate predictors of increased fluoroscopy DAP were increased body mass index (BMI) (P = 0.001), surgeon (P < 0.001) and whether an arthroscopy was performed (P < 0.001). Patients undergoing hip arthroscopy concomitant to PAO are at higher risk of longer fluoroscopy time and higher radiation dose. Other factors affecting fluoroscopy time included male gender and surgeon, while radiation dose was further affected by surgeon and BMI. Our findings can facilitate discussion about the risk of radiation exposure during PAO.
Entering Action Design Research

In the execution of an Action Design Research ADR project, we experienced challenges in how to enter into the ADR research stages effectively. In this paper, we present how we addressed these challenges by extending the ADR model with two expanded up-front activities and multiple entry points. Our research on inter-organizational social networks is briefly described as the project context for application of the extended ADR model.
On Compress-Forward Schemes for Relay Networks

The compress-forward scheme proposed by Yassaee and Aref is revisited, as part of a unified framework for regular encoding/decoding based on layered partitions. The framework reveals a fundamental duality between compress-forward and decode-forward schemes with broader implications for combinatorial optimization over submodular functions. A more general proof is presented of the key result, that regular decoding schemes collectively achieve the cut-set extension of the one-relay-channel compress-forward rate. The proof uses a shifting algorithm that mimics interior-point methods in convex optimization and converges linearly in the network size. Layered-partition-based schemes inherit the benefits of regular decoding without the drawbacks of backward decoding: linear (as opposed to exponential) encoding delays in the size of the network and unrestricted (as opposed to strictly hierarchical) information flow.
Differential drag-based multiple spacecraft maneuvering and on-line parameter estimation using integral concurrent learning

Abstract In this paper, a set of low Earth orbiting spacecraft consisting of multiple chasers and a single cooperative or unknown target, is considered for rendezvous and along-orbit formation maneuvers. Each maneuverable spacecraft can change its experienced atmospheric drag acceleration by extending/retracting dedicated surfaces. A Lyapunov-based adaptive controller is designed using an Integral Concurrent Learning (ICL)-based adaptive update law and the Schweighart-Sedwick equations of relative motion to regulate the in-plane relative states of each target-chaser pair. The controller is designed to compensate for uncertainties in atmospheric density, drag or ballistic coefficient and the velocity relative to the atmosphere of each spacecraft in the fleet. When the system is sufficiently excited, the controller also provides estimation of the uncertain parameters. Numerical simulations using nonlinear dynamics for each spacecraft and the NRLMSISE-00 atmospheric density model, are conducted to validate the performance of the controller.
Simultaneous Optical Photothermal Infrared (O-PTIR) and Raman Spectroscopy of Submicrometer Atmospheric Particles

Physicochemical analysis of individual atmospheric aerosols at the most abundant sizes in the atmosphere (<1 μm) is analytically challenging, as hundreds to thousands of species are often present i...
Intraspinal mesenchymal chondrosarcoma: An argument for aggressive local resection and adjuvant therapy based on review of the literature.

Background Mesenchymal chondrosarcoma is a rare cartilaginous neoplasm that typically involves the axial skeleton. Despite a well-circumscribed appearance, this tumor has a tendency to recur both locally and with distant metastases. Case description A 17-year-old patient presented with numbness and paresthesias in the lower extremities attributed to a T10-T11 intradural extramedullary mesenchymal chondrosarcoma. The patient was treated with aggressive local resection and adjuvant therapy. Here, this case and present literature are appropriately reviewed. Conclusion Although uncommon, intraspinal mesenchymal chondrosarcomas warrant both radical local resection and aggressive adjuvant therapy with chemoradiation to provide the greatest chance of progression-free survival.
Does the Use of Computer-Assisted Surgery Affect the Margin Status in Resections of Ameloblastoma?

Purpose Computer-assisted surgery (CAS) was implemented rapidly, and recent concerns have been raised regarding its safety and its effect on surgical outcomes. We wanted to understand the impact CAS has on the surgical margin status when used for the resection of ameloblastoma. Materials and Methods We performed a 10-year retrospective cohort study at a single institution. Subjects were identified by surgical logs and chart query. Histopathologic reports were examined for margin status. We compared surgical technique (CAS and non-CAS) with the surgical margin (≤5 mm vs >5 mm). Other variable outcomes included previous treatment, histologic type, time from imaging to surgery, and recurrence. Bivariate analysis was performed to determine significance. Results A total of 31 subjects were identified (12 females; 19 males) with a mean age of 34.5 (standard deviation [SD] ± 19.1) years. Fifteen subjects were included in the CAS group and 16 subjects in the non-CAS group. No statistically significant difference was identified between the CAS and non-CAS group when surgical margins were defined as less than or equal to 5 mm and greater than 5 mm (P = .5368). The average distance from surgical margin to lesion was 9.6 mm (SD ± 5.1) in the CAS group and 8.5 mm (SD ± 5.6) in the non-CAS group (P = .2590). However, the non-CAS group had 1 positive margin and a total of 6 margins of less than or equal to 2 mm compared with zero margins of less than or equal to 2 mm in the CAS group (closest margin 3 mm). Conclusions The use of CAS and cutting guides based on predetermined surgical margins did not compromise the margin status in surgical resections of ameloblastoma. The use of CAS could potentially decrease the occurrence of close or positive margins.
Effect of a Female External Urinary Catheter on Incidence of Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection.

Background Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) can be fatal, and are a source of avoidable expense for patients and hospitals. Prolonged catheterization increases infection risk, and avoiding catheters is crucial for infection prevention. Male external urinary catheters are recommended as a tool to prevent the need for indwelling catheterization. Female external urinary catheters (FEUCs) have intermittently been marketed without wide adoption; one has recently become available but published data is limited. Objective This retrospective observational study was conducted to investigate the effect of FEUCs on indwelling catheter use and female CAUTIs. Methods FEUCs were introduced to intensive care units. CAUTI rates and indwelling catheter days were obtained before and after the introduction of the devices. Results CAUTI rates decreased from 3.14 per 1000 catheter days to 1.42 per 1000 catheter days (p=0.013). Female indwelling catheter days decreased, while overall intensive care patient days increased. Conclusions Introduction of a FEUC was associated with a statistically significant decrease in CAUTI rate among female intensive care patients. The FEUC may prevent the need for indwelling catheters in some situations.
Panuveitis in patient on ipilimumab/nivolumab combination for small-cell lung cancer treated with an intravitreal dexamethasone implant.

BackgroundImmunotherapy with checkpoint inhibitors has demonstrated durable responses and remarkable antitumor effects in a variety of cancers. Although these agents are generally well-tolerated, p...
Colorimetric metasurfaces shed light on fibrous biological tissue

Fiber-affecting diseases – encompassing fibrosis, heart disease, neurological disease and cancer – are directly linked to the density and reorganization of fibrous media in biological tissue. Polarized light has unique capabilities to probe the structural reorganization of fibrous biological media, yet naturally occurring anisotropic light–matter interactions lie below thresholds relevant for disease visualization. Nano-optical metasurfaces have demonstrated immense capabilities to enhance light–matter interactions. However, beyond the initial focus of the field on energetic enhancement, the study of nano-optical materials which selectively enhance anisotropic light–matter interactions is at its infancy. This perspective highlights how colorimetric metasurfaces, with abilities to quantitatively map the polarization state of light onto structural color, hold great potential to visualize disease in fibrous biological tissue. We first discuss a range of major fiber-affecting diseases, where the role of tissue microstructure in disease progression has been characterized with polarized light, with a focus on Mueller Matrix polarimetry. Subsequently, an overview of state-of-the-art polarization-sensitive colorimetric metasurfaces in plasmonic, dielectric, hybrid and tunable platforms is presented. The insights provided forge a path to bridge the fields of tissue polarimetry and colorimetric metasurfaces for miniaturized, all-optical and label-free disease visualization enabled by the nanoscale science of light.
Association of TP53 Alteration with Tissue Specificity and Patient Outcome of IDH1-Mutant Glioma

Since the initial discovery of recurrent isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) mutations at Arg132 in glioma, IDH1 hotspot mutations have been identified in cholangiocarcinoma, chondrosarcoma, leukemia, and various other types of cancer of sporadic incidence. Studies in glioma and leukemia have helped promote the theory that IDH1 mutations are an oncogenic event that drives tumorigenesis in general. Through bioinformatic analysis of more than 45,000 human pan-cancer samples from three independent datasets, we show here that IDH1 mutations are rare events in human cancer but are exclusively prevalent in WHO grade II and grade III (lower-grade) glioma. Interestingly, alterations in the tumor-suppressor gene TP53 (tumor protein p53) co-occur significantly with IDH1 mutations and show a tendency of exclusivity to IDH2 mutations. The co-occurrence of IDH1 mutation and TP53 alteration is widespread in glioma, particularly in those harboring IDH1R132H, IDH1R132G, and IDH1R132S, whereas co-occurrence of IDH1R132C and TP53 alteration can be found sporadically in other cancer types. In keeping with the importance of p53 in tumor suppression, TP53 status is an independent predictor of overall survival irrespective of histological and molecular subgroups in lower-grade glioma. Together, these results indicate tissue specificity of IDH1 hotspot mutation and TP53 alteration and the importance of TP53 status as a predictor of patient outcome in lower-grade glioma.
Mutational Profile of HPV-Positive HNSCC

This chapter summarizes the mutational profile of head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC) associated with infection of the human papillomavirus (HPV). Focusing on next-generation sequencing studies, the differences between the mutations detected in HPV-positive HNSCC and HPV-negative HNSCC were compared. The low frequency of TP53 mutations in HPV-positive HNSCC and the link between HPV and TP53 are reviewed. A comparison of gene mutations suggests that some genes are frequently mutated in HPV-positive HNSCC, including PIK3CA, FGER3, K-RAS, and MAPK1. While NOTCH1, TP63, and CASP8 are less frequently mutated in HPV-positive HNSCC. This chapter also reviews and compares the recurrent genomic alterations in HPV-positive HNSCC and cervical squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC), a cancer also linked to HPV infection. Finally, a brief review of the genetic alterations in nasopharyngeal carcinoma lined to infection with Epstein–Barr Virus infection is also reviewed.
Immunostimulating polysaccharides from Panax notoginseng

Purpose. The main purpose of this study is to prepare and characterize polysaccharides from Panax notoginseng, investigate their effects on immune system in vitro in order to find new immunostimulants for the prevention and supporting treatment of infection and immunodeficiency related diseases. Methods. Polysaccharides were extracted with aqueous solution, separated with column chromatography. Their anticomplementary activities were investigated by using human serum and antibody-sensitized sheep red blood cells. Interferon-γ and tumor necrosis factor inductive activities were studied by using isolated mouse spleen lymphocytes and peritoneal macrophages, respectively. Results. Four polysaccharides, homogeneous in gel-filtration chromatography, were prepared and designated PF3111, PF3112, PBGA11, and PBGA12. Component sugar analysis revealed that they are heteroglycans with MWs ranging from 37 kD to 760 kD, composed of glucose, galactose, arabinose, mannose, and xylose in different molar ratios. Fraction PBGA12 has the most anticomplementary activity which is mediated through both alternative and classical pathways. All the polysaccharides except PBGA11 induced the production of interferon-γ in the presence of concanavalin A. They induced the production of significant amount of TNF-α in cell cultures. Conclusions. The polysaccharides from P. notoginseng have immunostimulating activities in vitro.
Effect of a contusion injury on muscular force, power, work, and fatigue

The purpose of the investigation was to compare alterations in muscular force, power, work, and fatigue following a contusion injury. We hypothesized that power and work would be more greatly reduced than isometric force due to several mechanisms that would alter the force-velocity relationship and impair activation/relaxation kinetics specific to dynamic muscle contractions. Contusion injury was administered to the gastrocnemius muscle of adult rats using the drop-mass technique. Isometric force, power during shortening (10, 25, and 40 mm/s), work produced during cyclic contractions (2 and 4 Hz), and fatigue during 60 work loops, were normalized to dry muscle mass and analyzed in control animals (n=11), as well as 1 h (n=11) and 48 h (n=9) following contusion injury. Passive work increased (30-38%) 48 h after injury compared with control (P Language: en
Asteroids Come of Age

Since the discovery of the first asteroid almost 200 years ago, these celestial bodies have advanced from nuisances hampering stellar studies to the focus of geological studies aimed at understanding the early solar system. Binzel describes the history of their study, which has now culminated in NASA9s NEAR mission to the asteroid Eros. Four papers report first results from this first rendezvous mission with an asteroid.
The Pursuit of Fairness: A History of Affirmative Action

Affirmative action strikes at the heart of deeply held beliefs about employment and education, about the concepts of justice and fairness, and about the troubled history of race relations in America. Published on the 50th anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education, this is the only book available that gives readers a balanced, non-polemical, and lucid account of this highly contentious issue. Beginning with the roots of affirmative action, Anderson describes African-American demands for employment in the defense industry - spearheaded by A. Philip Randolph's threatened March on Washington in July 1941 - and the desegregation of the armed forces after World War II. He investigates President Kennedy's historic 1961 executive order that introduced the term "affirmative action" during the early years of the civil rights movement and he examines President Johnson's attempts to gain equal opportunities for African Americans. He describes President Nixon's expansion of affirmative action with the Philadelphia Plan - which the Supreme Court upheld - along with President Carter's introduction of "set asides" for minority businesses and the Bakke ruling which allowed the use of race as one factor in college admissions. By the early 1980s many citizens were becoming alarmed by affirmative action, and that feeling was exemplified by the Reagan administration's backlash, which resulted in the demise and revision of affirmative action during the Clinton years. He concludes with a look at the University of Michigan cases of 2003, the current status of the policy, and its impact. Throughout, the author weighs each side of every issue - often finding merit in both arguments - resulting in an eminently fair account of one of America's most heated debates. A colorful history that brings to life the politicians, legal minds, and ordinary people who have fought for or against affirmative action, "The Pursuit of Fairness" helps clear the air and calm the emotions, as it illuminates a difficult and critically important issue.
Neurokinin-1 receptor desensitization attenuates cutaneous active vasodilatation in humans.

To date, the neurotransmitter(s) and pathways involved in cutaneous active vasodilatation are not fully understood. The purpose of this study was to determine the potential involvement of neurokinin-1 (NK1) receptors to active vasodilatation. Our experimental model exploited our previous findings that repeated microdialysis infusions of substance P desensitize the NK1 receptors and that substance P-induced vasodilatation contains a substantial nitric oxide (NO) component. Eleven subjects were equipped with four microdialysis fibres on the ventral forearm. Site 1 served as a control and received a continuous infusion of Ringer solution. Site 2 received a continuous infusion of 10 mm l-NAME to inhibit NO synthase. Site 3 received a 10 μm dose of substance P to desensitize the NK1 receptors prior to whole-body heating. Site 4 received a 10 μm dose of substance P combined with 10 mm l-NAME. Red blood cell (RBC) flux was measured via laser-Doppler flowmetry, and cutaneous vascular conductance (CVC) was calculated as RBC flux/mean arterial pressure and normalized to maximal vasodilatation via 28 mm sodium nitroprusside. Substance P was infused for 15 min at 4 μl min−1 in sites 3 and 4, and skin blood flow was allowed to return to baseline (∼45–60 min). Subjects then underwent a period of whole-body heat stress to raise oral temperature 0.8–1.0°C above baseline. Pretreatment with substance P increased CVC to 48 ± 2% CVCmax, which was significantly greater than for sites pretreated with substance P combined with l-NAME (27 ± 2% CVCmax; P < 0.001). During whole-body heating, CVC in control sites increased to 69 ± 3% CVCmax. Sites pretreated with substance P (48 ± 3% CVCmax) were significantly reduced compared to control sites (P < 0.001). The CVC response to whole-body heat stress in l-NAME sites was significantly reduced (32 ± 3% CVCmax; P < 0.001) compared to both control sites and sites pretreated with substance P. The CVC response to whole-body heating was nearly abolished in sites pretreated with substance P combined with l-NAME (20 ± 2% CVCmax) and was significantly reduced compared to the other three sites (all P < 0.001). These data suggest NK1 receptors contribute to active vasodilatation and that combined NK1 receptor desensitization and NO synthase inhibition further diminishes active vasodilatation.
Temperature gradient between fetus and mother as an index for assessing intrauterine fetal condition.

Abstract Temperature gradient between fetus and mother (δT F-M ) was measured in 29 pregnant baboons. Thermocouples were implanted in the fetal esophagus and the maternal colon, and, in some instances, thermistor probes were also placed in the fetal esophagus, scalp, and shoulder muscle. Under steady-state conditions, the fetal temperature was found to be higher than that of the mother. Temperatures in the fetal esophagus, scalp, and shoulder were 0.47, 0.28, and 0.19°C. respectively, higher than those in the maternal colon. There was an increase in δT F-M during acute fetal stress induced by asphyxia, secondary to ooclusion of the umbilical cord, maternal aorta, or inferior vena cava, or to acutely increased uterine activity. This increase in δT F-M most likely reflects impairment of heat dissipation from the fetus to the maternal compartment. A decreased δT F-M was observed when the stress on the fetus was subacute and prolonged. This is probably the result of a diminution of heat production by the fetus as the metabolic rate is lowered during prolonged hypoxia. Ten to 30 minutes after the cessation of vital signs of the fetus, the δT F-M became zero.
Low-power LDPC decoder design exploiting memory error statistics

This paper presents a low-power LDPC decoder design by exploiting inherent memory error statistics due to voltage scaling. By analyzing the error sensitivity to the decoding performance at different memory bits and memory locations in the LDPC decoder, the scaled supply voltage is applied to memory bits with high algorithmic error-tolerance capability to reduce the memory power consumption while mitigating the impact on decoding performance. We also discuss how to improve the tolerance to memory errors by increasing the number of iterations in LDPC decoders, and investigate the energy overheads and the decoding throughput loss due to extra iterations. Simulation results of the proposed low-power LDPC decoder technique demonstrate that, by deliberately adjusting the scaled supply voltage to memory bits in different memory locations, the memory power consumption as well as the overall energy consumption of the LDPC decoder can be significantly reduced with negligible performance loss.
Cerebellar, epidermal, and dental defects induced by ribavirin in perinatal hamsters and rats.

Abstract This report describes a spectrum of cytotoxic and teratogenic effects induced in late stage fetal and early suckling hamsters and rats with the antiviral drug Ribavirin. The adverse effects include granuloprival cerebellar hypoplasia, epidermal defects, cytolysis of the enamel organ of tooth germs, and disorganization of the retina. These effects point to the vulnerability to the synthetic nucleoside of tissues with active DNA synthesis attending cell replication, and indicate that the therapeutic index, i.e. the margin between beneficial and toxic effects of ribavirin, may be narrow or even nonexistent in the fetus and neonate.
Identification of risks in Pakistani IT companies: A survey paper

The importance of identifying and tackling different risks faced by Pakistani IT companies in the 21st century are much more diverse and varying then those that were faced 50 years ago. In this paper we perform a survey of the different kinds of risks faced by IT companies in Pakistan. The survey helps us to identify the faults of companies that lead them to encountering of these risks. We are facing much loss in our IT sector due to the risks faced by companies in our country and this survey helps us emphasize the importance of risk management for IT companies. The survey findings will certainly help both researchers and practitioners in future to carry out risk management research keeping the particular risks faced in our country in mind.
Systolic algorithm for rectilinear polygons

Abstract We develop systolic algorithms for the OR, AND, Oversizing, and Undersizing of rectilinear polygons. These algorithms work on an edge representation of the polygons rather than on a bit map representation. The algorithms are to be run on a systolic chain of processors. The edges are input at the left end of this chain. From here, they ‘float’ as far to the right as necessary. As edges float to the right, they compare themselves with edges that are resident in the processors they are floating through. During this comparison the output polygons are generated. Output polygons float to the left. These polygons are output from the left end of the chain. The throughput of the systolic system can be improved by increasing the length of the processor chain.
Localization and partial characterization of the extracellular proteins centrifuged from pea internodes

The proteins removed from the extracellular space of dark-grown pea (Pisum sativum L. cv. Alaska) internode sections by centrifugation were studied. A large number of proteins were resolved by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. These proteins ranged in size from 10 to 150 kdalton and their removal from the cell wall was greatly facilitated by the presence of salts of divalent and trivalent cations in the infiltration medium. Pulse-labelling experiments with [35S)-methionine showed that many of the proteins extracted from the cell wall incorporated radioactivity and that treatment with indoleacetic acid (IAA) altered the pattern of radiolabel incorporation. One of the proteins centrifuged from pea internode sections possessed per-oxidase (EC 1.11.1.7) activity. The activity of this peroxidase increased less in auxin-treated internode segments than in untreated controls. Antibodies were raised to the total protein fraction extracted by centrifugation and used to localize antigens on protein blots. Most of the proteins centrifuged from pea internode sections were stained by a dye coupled to the cell wall antiserum. Light microscopic immunohistochemical studies showed that the proteins centrifuged from dark-grown pea internodes were localized almost exclusively in the cell wall and intercellular spaces of pea internode tissue. Light microscopic immunohistochemistry also showed that antibodies to extracted proteins penetrate into the apoplast of abraded pea internode segments and split pea stems. These antibodies did not influence growth of IAA-treated or control tissue.
Vinylogous hydroxamic acids: 5-lipoxygenase inhibitors

Abstract Vinylogous hydroxamic acids were prepared as inhibitors of 5-lipoxygenase. The synthesis and preliminary SAR of these relatively unexplored compounds are described. These compounds are potent 5-lipoxygenase inhibitors which do not inhibit other enzymes of the arachidonic acid cascade.
An analysis of capacitive evenness measurement of blended yarns

The capacitive evenness tester is commonly used in the textile industry to quantify the mass irregularity of yarns, rovings and slivers. The influence of the blend ratio of the blended strands on the capacitance of the capacitor sensor is analyzed and discussed. Two models are considered for the arrangement of component fibers of a blended yarn placed between the plates of the capacitive sensor in a capacitive evenness tester: (a) fibers in parallel connection to directly connect the two plates, and (b) fibers in series connection, spread as sheets in the slot gap. Since the yarn only occupies a small volume in the sensor, the parallel connection model more closely represents how fibers are actually placed in the capacitive sensor and provides predictions in good agreement with the experimental results. The change in capacitance of the capacitive sensor in response to the presence of blended yarns has an approximate linear relationship with the mass blend ratio. The overall irregularity measured by the ca...
A Surface Wave Study of the June 16, 1978 Texas Earthquake

Surface wave excitation by the June 16, 1978 Snyder, Texas earthquake indicates a focal depth of 3 km and normal faulting on a northeast striking fault plane. Lg spectra indicate a corner frequency of 0.5 Hz. This corner frequency, together with a surface wave seismic moment of 6.5 E+22 dyne-cm, indicate a stress drop of about 1.5 bars, a value smaller than expected for an earthquake with mb = 4.6 – 4.7.
A Feasibility Study of Localized Electrochemical Deposition Using Liquid Marbles

A liquid marble is a droplet of liquid coated with microparticles or nanoparticles. A novel method of localized electrochemical deposition (LECD) using liquid marbles and the feasibility of application of this method in additive manufacturing/microrepair is studied. Controllability of the transportation of liquid marbles to any desired location by pick and place technique has been demonstrated by depositing a 3 × 3 grid pattern with 1 mm period using an in-house built CNC setup. Electrodeposition experiments performed at defective spots with liquid marbles confirm the feasibility of microrepair using this novel technique.
Trust across borders

We make the case for fresh approaches to examine the role of trust in international collaborations, based on the idea that not only do the levels of trust differ across international borders but also both the nature of trust and the institutional and cultural support for trust can vary across different national contexts. Collaboration partners from different countries are therefore likely to bring either symmetric or asymmetric conceptions of trust to the business relationship. We develop a model and propositions linking symmetry and asymmetry in the institutional and cultural support for trust in international collaborations with the degree of partner interdependence, and identify implications for governance and trust-building investments. We conclude with some suggestions for research that incorporates trust asymmetries between partners.
The buried quantifier: an account of vagueness and the sorites

Or so I propose. Here the quantifier account is presented in its simplest form, with the limited claim that it offers a paradigmatic treatment for paradigmatic vague predicates in the sorites. Questions remain as to whether the account or something like it can be extended to all soritesvulnerable predicates, and qualifications and concessions in this regard are offered in 59. What the approach promises, however, even in this limited form, is deeper understanding of vagueness through a deeper understanding of non-comparative adjectives derived from comparatives, a central explanation for a range of otherwise puzzling and disparate phenomena, and a new resolution for the sorites. 1. The comparative base The sorites is standardly run on monadic predicates 'bald', 'tall', and 'old' for which there are clear comparatives or graded adjectives: 'balder', 'taller', and 'older'. Each of these comparatives suggests a calibration scale: 'taller' in terms of inches of height, 'older' in terms of years of age, and 'balder' (with some obvious forcing) in terms of numbers of hairs. In these cases, it appears, any two candidates will be equally bald or one will be balder than the other: V xVy(xRy v yRx v xRy)). But the sorites can also be run on multi-dimensional comparatives such as 'nice' or 'intelligent', where there is both no clear calibration scale and where it may remain indeterminate whether two candidates are equally nice or one is nicer than the other. Even in these cases, however, we can expect the following to hold: irreflexivity: -xRx No x is balder or nicer than itself, for example. asymmetry: xRy -+ -yRx If x is balder than y, y is not balder than x.
SIGIR workshop on interactive retrieval at TREC and beyond

The annual Text Retrieval Conference (TREC) has become a major event in information retrieval (IR) research. Over the last few years, its main focus has changed from the common ad hoc and routing tasks to tracks focused on special interests, such as cross-language retrieval, question answering, and large database/Web retrieval. In each of the tracks, a common task and test collection is developed each year for all participating groups to undertake. One problem the tracks have is a paucity of face-to-face meetings, since the only certain time each track actually meets is at the annual TREC meeting. For many tracks, this time is too early to work out all the details of the coming year’s track, and most additional work is done via email.
Recent modifications of the Argonne separator

Abstract Until recently, AREMIS (Argonne Research Electro-Magnetic Isotope Separator) was the only “Scandinavian-type” separator functioning in the United States. Because of the heavy demand for separator time it was desirable to develop techniques permitting maximum utilization of the machine and minimum “down-time”; reduction in cross-contamination between various separations was also of paramount importance. Among the modifications described are a compact and disposable quartz oven, a reliable and reproducible metering system for the gas inlet to the ion source, an oscillating probe of improved sensitivity, a collection method for milligram amounts of gases and other materials of high vapor pressure and a versatile retarding system.
Sex and spatial position effects on object location memory following intentional learning of object identities

Memory for object location relative both to veridical center (left versus right visual hemispace) and to eccentricity (central versus peripheral objects) was measured in 26 males and 25 females using the Silverman and Eals Location Memory Task. A subset of participants (17 males and 13 females) also completed a measure of implicit learning, the mirror-tracing task. No sex differences were observed in memory for object identities. Further, in both sexes, memory for object locations was better for peripherally located objects than for centrally located objects. In contrast to these similarities in female and male task performance, females but not males showed better recovery of object locations in the right compared to the left visual hemispace. Moreover, memory for object locations in the right hemispace was associated with mirror-tracing performance in women but not in men. Together, these data suggest that the processing of object features and object identification in the left cerebral hemisphere may include processing of spatial information that may contribute to superior object location memory in females relative to males.
Family structure and income during the stages of childhood and subsequent prosocial behavior in young adulthood.

Abstract This study investigated whether family structure transition and low income are risk factors in the development of prosocial behavior. Models of young adults’ prosocial behavior – charitable giving and volunteering – were estimated as functions of their family structure and income during the stages of childhood. Participants were a representative sample of 1011 American young adults. In the full sample, family structure transition during adolescence was negatively associated with subsequent charitable giving in young adulthood. Low income during adolescence was negatively associated with both giving and volunteering in young adulthood. European-American young men also exhibited a negative association between family structure transition during adolescence and subsequent volunteering. The results did not seem to describe African-American young adults. Keeping this qualification in mind, the results suggest that adolescence is a sensitive stage in the development of charitable giving and volunteering.
Teaching with and for Discussion.

Abstract Leading productive classroom discussions is difficult, as any one knows who has tried. Teaching future teachers to lead them is doubly difficult — a case of teaching beyond one's own understanding. Here we report our reflection on our efforts to teach beginning teachers to lead discussions. Our method was reflective inquiry, for the central problem we addressed arose from within our teaching, and this is where its solution would have to be worked out. Lisa, one of our student teachers, expressed the problem well: After participating capably in and reflecting upon model discussions that we had led, she said that she had “really no idea how to lead a discussion” herself. Our efforts to teach with discussion were surprisingly inconsequential when it came to teaching for discussion, where the subject matter is discussion itself — its worth, purposes, types, and procedures — and in which case discussion is not a teaching method but a curriculum objective. Against this problem, we critique methods we have used to teach both with and for discussion and present a typology that we developed in order to do both better.
The Role of Antibacterial Therapy of Acute Otitis Media in Promoting Drug Resistance

Treatment of acute otitis media (AOM) is the leading cause of antibacterial use in children in most developed countries. Rates of Streptococcus pneumoniae strains resistant to many classes of antibacterial agents have risen dramatically in many countries over the past 20 years. While more restricted use of antibacterial agents for AOM would almost certainly slow the rise in resistance, AOM is a potentially painful disease and may have suppurative complications such as mastoiditis. In this review, we discuss the prudent use of antibacterial agents for AOM and provide an overview of the epidemiology of S. pneumoniae resistance worldwide.
Lessons from a century of FED policy: Why monetary and credit policies need rules and boundaries☆

Abstract Wide operational and financial independence given to monetary and credit policies subjects the Federal Reserve to incentives detrimental for macroeconomic and financial stability. The absence of a monetary policy rule created go-stop incentives that produced inefficient volatility of both inflation and unemployment during the Great Inflation. Fed credit policy has undergone massive “mission creep” since the Fed was established. Being debt-financed fiscal policy, Fed credit policy beyond ordinary temporary lending to solvent depositories creates friction with the fiscal authorities and jeopardizes the Fed׳s independence. An ambiguous boundary of expansive Fed credit policy creates expectations of Fed accommodation in financial crisis—that blunts the incentive of private entities to take protective measures beforehand (to shrink counter-party risk and reliance on short-term finance, and build up equity capital) and blunts the incentive of the fiscal authorities to prepare procedures in advance to act systematically in times of credit turmoil. These points are illustrated with reference to the 2007–09 financial crisis. Part of the problem is that the independent Fed does not have the same incentive as the 19th century Bank of England to follow Bagehot׳s Rule. The paper concludes with a set of principles to preserve a workable, sustainable division of responsibilities between the independent central bank and the fiscal authorities.
Dermatitis associated with henna tattoo. "Safe" alternative to permanent tattoos carries risk.

A 32-year-old woman presented with a 5-day history of a severely pruritic, erythematous reaction in the distribution of a temporary black henna tattoo that had been applied 2 weeks earlier while she was vacationing on theboardwalk in New Jersey. She was not a cosmetologist and had no history of previous exposure to henna in hair dyes. In fact, the patient had no history of ever coloring her hair. She denied having a history of allergic contact dermatitis, atopy, and asthma. Physical examination revealed a geometric, erythematous, edematous, crusted lesion in the sun-shaped pattern of the patient's henna tattoo on the medial aspect of her right ankle (figure 1). A diagnosis of allergic contact dermatitis was made. She was treated with 60 mg of oral prednisone taken daily and tapered over 2 weeks. Topical triamcinolone acetonide cream was applied to the area twice daily and as needed for pruritus, and she was cautioned to avoid any exposure to henna in temporary tattoos and hair-dye products. Patch testing revealed a 2+ reaction to p-phenylenediamine (PPD). The remainder of the patch test was negative. The patient was then advised to avoid all permanent hair-dye products. She returned for follow-up about 1 month later. At that time, the dermatitis had resolved, leaving a faint hyperpigmented area in the design of the henna tattoo.
Differential cross sections for ionization of helium, neon, and argon by high-velocity ions

A model based on Bethe's theory for inelastic scattering of fast charged particles is used to extrapolate single differential cross sections (SDCS) for ionization of helium, neon, and argon by protons with energy between 0.3 and 1.5 MeV to higher ion energies. Results predicted by the model show good agreement with measured total and SDCS and with ab initio calculations using the first Born approximation.
Nurse-directed interventions to reduce catheter-associated urinary tract infections

Background Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) are common, morbid, and costly. Nearly 25% of hospitalized patients are catheterized yearly, and 10% develop urinary tract infections. Evidence-based guidelines exist for indwelling urinary catheter management but are not consistently followed. Methods A pre/post intervention design was used in this quality improvement project to test the impact of nurse-driven interventions based on current evidence to reduce CAUTIs in hospitalized patients on 2 medical/surgical units. Interventions consisted of hospital-wide strategies including policy and product improvements and unit-specific strategies that focused on a review of current evidence to guide practice. Results The number of catheter days decreased from 3.01 to 2.2 ( P = .018) on the surgery unit and from 3.53 to 2.7 ( P = .076) on the medical unit. CAUTI rates were too low to achieve significant reduction. Product cost savings were estimated at $52,000/year. Conclusion Guidelines derived from research and other sources of evidence can successfully improve patient outcomes. Nurse-driven interventions, combined with system-wide product changes, and patient and family involvement may be effective strategies that reduce CAUTI.
Vibration and buckling of rectangular composite plates with variable fiber spacing

Abstract This is a summary of the first known work which analyzes the structural behavior of composite plates having nonuniformly spaced fibers. The present investigation is limited to single layer composites having parallel fibers. This results in a plate which is macroscopically orthotropic, but nonhomogeneous. The free vibrations and buckling of such plates subjected to inplane boundary loadings are studied. A plane elasticity problem must first be solved to determine the inplane stresses caused by the applied boundary loading, and these stresses become input to the vibration and buckling problem. Both problems are dealt with by the Ritz method. Numerical results are obtained for six nonuniform distributions of E-glass, graphite and boron fibers in epoxy matrices in simply supported, square plates. The redistributions are seen to increase the buckling load by as much as 38%, and the fundamental frequency by as much as 21%.
Inverse Problem for the Solid Cylinder

For a solid cylindrical configuration, a temperature prediction method is developed based upon thermocouple data input from one location. Explicit formulations are presented for early times, as well as for unrestricted time spans. By the principle of temperature assessment at discrete locations, the resultant equations can be simplified for numerical computations. As demonstrated, high accuracy is feasible.
Ethnic Diversity and the Nation State: National Cultural Autonomy Revisited

At the end of the nineteenth century and at the beginning of the twentieth, two prominent Austrian social-democrats, Otto Bauer (1881–1938) and Karl Renner (1870–1950), assessed the escalation of n...
Interparental Hostility and Early Adolescent Problem Behavior: The Mediating Role of Specific Aspects of Parenting

This study examines how parenting helps explain the contemporaneous association between interparental hostility and adolescent problem behavior. A theoretical model of spillover was tested specifying five aspects of mothers' and fathers' parenting that might be associated with parents' hostile interactions with one another: harshness, inconsistency, psychological intrusiveness, and lower levels of acceptance and monitoring knowledge. The sample consisted of 416 early adolescents and their married parents. The association between interparental hostility and adolescent externalizing problems was mediated uniquely by fathers' and mothers' harshness, lower levels of fathers' monitoring knowledge, and mothers' psychological intrusiveness. The association between interparental hostility and adolescent internalizing was mediated uniquely by mothers' harshness, psychological intrusiveness, and lower levels of acceptance. These patterns were similar for sons and daughters.
Quantum Brownian motion

Abstract Techniques for deriving the equations of motion for a heavy particle immersed in a bath of light particles have been developed for quantum systems as long as the temperature is not too low. To lowest order we obtain a Langevin equation for the momentum of the heavy particle and a Fokker-Planck equation for the reduced Wigner function of the position and momentum of the heavy particle. Unlike previous schemes, higher order corrections to these equations can be obtained in a systematic fashion.