cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Insights into the role of clays in low salinity water flooding in sand columns

Abstract Clays in sandstone are thought to be a key factor in low salinity (LS) water flooding. This study investigates the effects of quartz, kaolinite and illite in LS water flooding in synthetic sand columns as a function of temperature. Four chromatography columns containing different amounts of pure quartz sand, illite, and kaolinite (100% quartz sand; 95/5% sand/illite; 95/5 sand/kaolinite; and 95/2.5/2.5% sand/illite/kaolinite). The use of these synthetic columns gives full control over mineralogy. These columns were saturated with high salinity (HS) formation water with 0.01 M (M) sodium acetate and aged for a week at 70 °C. They were then flooded with waters (yes, the use of water to displace water) with various salinities at four different temperatures (25, 70, 90 and 120 °C). Effluent concentrations of Ca2+ and acetate (CH3COO−) and pH were measured. This is a novel experimental design, where formation water containing sodium acetate is flooded with waters of varying salinity to gain insight into LS flood performance and possible recovery mechanisms. The hypothesis pursued here is that the behavior of the acetate ion (attached to matrix minerals during the aging process and then released due to ionic exchange) in an LS flood would provide a valuable analog that would simulate the bonding of carboxylic acids in crude oils with reservoir matrix minerals (and subsequent desorption during LS flooding). Key results include the following: (a) Our hypothesis was correct—the use of Na acetate behaved analogously to carboxylic acid, giving useful insights; (b) The quartz-only column showed strong evidence (elevated pH, presence of Ca2+ and acetate in effluent) of ionic exchange due to LS flooding, showing that pure quartz is responsive to LS flooding and that clays are not absolutely needed; (c) Quartz plus kaolinite plus illite gave a slightly higher response than pure quartz so clays can play a role. Oil displacement results were also done for a pure quartz sand column, and this showed a strong response to the LS flood, confirming that clays are not absolutely needed.
The origins of novelty from within the confines of homology: the developmental evolution of the digging tibia of dung beetles

Understanding the origin of novel complex traits is among the most fundamental goals in evolutionary biology. The most widely used definition of novelty in evolution assumes the absence of homology, yet where homology ends and novelty begins is increasingly difficult to parse as evo devo continuously revises our understanding of what constitutes homology. Here, we executed a case study to explore the earliest stages of innovation by examining the tibial teeth of tunnelling dung beetles. Tibial teeth are a morphologically modest innovation, composed of relatively simple body wall projections and contained fully within the fore tibia, a leg segment whose own homology status is unambiguous. We first demonstrate that tibial teeth aid in multiple digging behaviours. We then show that the developmental evolution of tibial teeth was dominated by the redeployment of locally pre-existing gene networks. At the same time, we find that even at this very early stage of innovation, at least two genes that ancestrally function in embryonic patterning and thus entirely outside the spatial and temporal context of leg formation, have already become recruited to help shape the formation of tibial teeth. Our results suggest a testable model for how developmental evolution scaffolds innovation.
A patent update on cannabinoid receptor 1 antagonists (2015-2018)

Introduction: The endocannabinoid system is an important regulator of various physiological processes. Preclinical and clinical studies indicate that attenuation of the endocannabinoid system via a...
APSA Graduate Placement Report: Analysis of Political Science Placements for 2017-2018

The Graduate Placement Report details findings on political science placements for the 2017-2018 academic year. More candidates found first placements in contingent academic positions, indicating an alteration to the most desirable placement path. Those from top NRC-ranked institutions are more likely to first take a post-doc or full-time non-tenure track position. Having a PhD in-hand, rather than ABD, and beginning with full funding, led to higher placement rates. Women and minorities are opting out of academia in larger proportions, except for minorities in academic administration, but more are taking tenure-track first positions. On the other hand, men and non-URMs are taking post-docs and full-time non-tenure track positions as their first placement. In theory, these positions could allow newly placed graduates to increase their publications, grant applications, and works in progress before applying for and committing to both higher teaching loads and departmental and university service.
Interventional Oncology for Hepatic Malignancy in Children

The field of interventional radiology has become an integral contributor in the multidisciplinary oncological treatment of numerous solid tumors in the adult population, especially hepatic malignancies. With continued growth and sophistication in the field of pediatric interventional radiology, interventional oncology (IO) principles and techniques are increasingly applied to children. While primary pediatric hepatic malignancies are less frequent than in the adult population, application of these IO principles and modalities in adults is becoming more commonplace. This article reviews the increasing application of these IO principles and modalities for the treatment of primary pediatric hepatic malignancy, as well as their role in the multidisciplinary care of children afflicted with these diseases.
Distinct cis-acting signals enhance 3' endpoint formation of CYC1 mRNA in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Abstract The cyc1-512 mutant of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae contains a 38 bp deletion in the 3' untranslated region of the CYC1 gene, resulting in CYC1 mRNAs that are elongated, presumably labile, and reduced to 10% of the normal level. Analysis with S1 nuclease and a novel PCR procedure revealed that the low amount of cyc1-512 mRNA contained many discrete 3' termini at certain sites, ranging from the wild-type position to over 2000 nucleotides (nt) downstream. The cyc1-512 mRNA deficiency was completely or almost completely restored in eight intragenic revertants that contained six different single and multiple base-pair changes within a 300 bp region downstream from the translation terminator codon. Two of the six different reversions formed the sequence TAG...TATGTA, whereas the other four reversions created the sequences TATATA or TACATA. The positions of these revertant sequences varied, even though they caused an increased use of specific major downstream mRNA 3' endpoints, apparently identical to those seen in the cyc1-512 mRNA. However, several revertants contained minor end points not corresponding to any of the cyc1-512 mRNAs. The capacity of these three signals to form 3' ends was confirmed with sequences constructed by site-directed mutagenesis. We therefore suggest that the production of 3' termini of yeast mRNA may involve at least two functionally distinct elements working in concert. One type of element determines the sites of preferred 3' mRNA termini, as represented by the cyc1-512 termini. The second type of element, which includes TAG...TATGTA and TATATA motifs, operates at a distance to enhance the use of the downstream 3' preferred sites.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Placental HTRA1 Protease Cleaves Alpha-1-Antitrypsin and Generates Neonatal NET-Inhibitory Factor

Abstract BACKGROUND: Neutrophil extracellular traps (NET) are extracellular lattices of decondensed chromatin associated with anti-microbial proteins and degradative enzymes released by polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) to trap and kill invading microbes. Dysregulated NET formation, however, contributes to inflammatory tissue damage. We have identified a novel NET-inhibitory peptide, neonatal NET-Inhibitory Factor (nNIF), present in the fetal circulation. nNIF is formed as a carboxy-terminus cleavage fragment of alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT), an abundant, circulating protease inhibitor with homologs in human and mouse blood. However, the exact mechanisms by which nNIF is generated in fetal and neonatal blood remains unknown. OBJECTIVE: High temperature requirement A 1 (HTRA1) is expressed in the placenta during fetal development and inhibits AAT. We hypothesized that placentally expressed HTRA1, a serine protease, regulates the formation of NET-inhibitory peptides, such as nNIF, through cleavage of AAT. DESIGN/METHODS: Term and preterm placenta were lysed and probed for HTRA1 expression. HTRA1 and AAT plasma expression from term and preterm infants and adults were determined by ELISA. Recombinant, bioactive HTRA1 or placenta-eluted HTRA1 were incubated with AAT and the generation of carboxy-terminus fragments of AAT was assessed using western blotting and mass spectrometry. Fragments of AAT generated by HTRA1 were incubated with LPS-stimulated PMNs and NET formation was examined qualitatively using live cell imaging and quantitatively using a high throughput fluorescence assay. The effect of the HTRA-AAT cleavage fragment on reactive oxygen species generation, neutrophil chemotaxis, phagocytosis, and bacterial killing was measured using flow cytometry, a modified Boyden chamber asssay, neutrophil labeled Escherichia coli uptake assay, and a bacterial killing assay with a pathogenic strain of Escherichia coli, respectively. Finally, NET formation was evaluated qualitatively and quantitatively in murine PMNs isolated from neonatal WT and HTRA1-/- pups between 1-3, 4-6 and 7-10 days after birth to determine when PMNs become NET-competent. RESULTS: Term and preterm infant placentas express HTRA1, and we detected significantly (p CONCLUSIONS: Placental HTRA1 interacts with AAT to generate a carboxy-terminus cleavage fragment of AAT with identical NET-inhibitory properties to nNIF. Our data strongly indicate that placental HTRA1 generates nNIF in the fetal circulation. We speculate that nNIF participates in the required tolerance to new microbial antigens encountered during the transition to extrauterine life. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Surgical management of lumbar radiculopathy: A systematic review

Lumbar radiculopathy is characterized by radiating pain with or without motor weakness or sensory disturbances; the point prevalence ranges from 1.6 to 13.4%. The objective of this review was to determine the efficacy, safety, and cost of surgical versus nonsurgical management of symptomatic lumbar radiculopathy in adults. We searched PubMed from January 1, 2007, to April 10, 2019 with hand searches of systematic reviews for studies prior to 2007. One reviewer extracted data and a second checked for accuracy. Two reviewers completed independent risk of bias and strength of evidence ratings. We included seven RCTs (N = 1158) and three cost-effectiveness analysis. Surgery reduced leg pain by 6 to 26 points more than nonsurgical interventions as measured on a 0- to 100-point visual analog scale of pain at up to 26 weeks follow-up; differences between groups did not persist at 1 year or later. The evidence was somewhat mixed for function and disability in follow-up through 26 weeks (standardized mean difference [SMD] − 0.16 (95% CI, − 0.30 to − 0.03); minimal differences were observed at 2 years (SMD − 0.06 (95% CI, − 0.20 to 0.07). There were similar improvements in quality of life, neurologic symptoms, and return to work. No surgical deaths occurred and surgical morbidity was infrequent. The incidence of reoperations ranged from 0 to 10%. The average cost per quality-adjusted life year gained from a healthcare payor perspective ranged from $51,156 to $83,322 for surgery compared to nonsurgical interventions. Most findings are based on a body of RCT evidence graded as low to very low certainty. Compared with nonsurgical interventions, surgery probably reduces pain and improves function in the short- and medium-term, but this difference does not persist in the long-term. Although surgery appears to be safe, it may or may not be cost-effective depending on a decision maker’s willingness to pay threshold.
Ethical Challenges in Digital Psychology and Cyberpsychology

Our technologies are progressively developing into algorithmic devices that seamlessly interface with digital personhood. This text discusses the ways in which technology is increasingly becoming a part of personhood and the resulting ethical issues. It extends upon the framework for a brain-based cyberpsychology outlined by the author's earlier book Cyberpsychology and the Brain: The Interaction of Neuroscience and Affective Computing (Cambridge, 2017). Using this framework, Thomas D. Parsons investigates the ethical issues involved in cyberpsychology research and praxes, which emerge in algorithmically coupled people and technologies. The ethical implications of these ideas are important as we consider the cognitive enhancements that can be afforded by our technologies. If people are intimately linked to their technologies, then removing or damaging the technology could be tantamount to a personal attack. On the other hand, algorithmic devices may threaten autonomy and privacy. This book reviews these and other issues.
Sarcina ventriculi: A Rare Case of Life-Threatening Perforated Gastric Ulcer and Review of Literature

Sarcina ventriculi is a gram-positive anaerobic bacterium reported rarely in patients with a history of gastrointestinal surgery and delayed gastric emptying. Sarcina has been implicated in the development of gastric ulcers, emphysematous gastritis, and gastric perforation. So far, less than 30 cases of Sarcina isolated from gastric specimens have been reported, including 3 cases associated with life-threatening illness:emphysematous gastritis and gastric perforation. Herein, we report a case of a 58-yearold woman with history of gastric surgery who presented for evaluation of persistent gastric pain and incurable ulcer. She underwent total gastrectomy, and the resected stomach demonstrated a perforated ulcer with the presence of Sarcina microorganisms.We also report a second case of a 56-year-old woman with history of NSAID use who presented with gastric outlet obstruction. The gastric biopsy identified concurrent Helicobacter pylori and Sarcina. Given Sarcina's association with emphysematous gastritis and gastric perforation, its identification on gastric biopsies should be clearly stated in pathology reports and, depending on the clinical scenario, prompt clinicians to add adjunctive antimicrobials to anti-ulcer therapeutic regimens.
Evaluation of a Novel Educational Intervention to Improve Conversations About Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillators Management in Patients with Advanced Heart Failure

Background: Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) reduce the incidence of sudden cardiac death for high-risk patients with heart failure (HF), but shocks from these devices can also cause ...
Acute Effusive Pericarditis: A Late Complication of COVID-19

As the COVID-19 pandemic evolves, the medical community continues to discover novel clinical manifestations of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus. Often, extrapulmonary manifestations occur simultaneously with pulmonary disease. However, there is a paucity of literature describing the cardiac manifestations of COVID-19 in the absence of pulmonary findings. We report a rare case of acute pericarditis presenting with pericardial effusion and cardiac tamponade in a 43-year-old man diagnosed with COVID-19. This case emphasizes the importance of continued investigation regarding diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19 and its related symptoms.
Modified Brewster and pseudo-Brewster angles at the interface between isotropic lossy media.

Conditions for the appearance of a modified Brewster or polarizing angle θP′ at which the magnitude of the reflection coefficient |Γp| vanishes when both media have loss are derived. When these conditions are not satisfied, a pseudo-Brewster angle θPB occurs at which |Γp| is a minimum. Conditions are described under which previous expressions for the pseudo-Brewster angle are valid.
Nursing staff participation in end-of-life nutrition and hydration decision-making in a nursing home: A qualitative study.

Aim To better understand the participation of nursing staff in end-of-life nutrition and hydration decision-making in an American nursing home. Design A qualitative exploration with ethnographic focus. Methods In April 2017, in-person, semi-structured interviews were performed with 19 nursing staff members in a nursing home located in the south-eastern United States. Additional information was gathered through participant observation during interviews and review of organizational and regulatory policies. Transcripts were coded and analysed using qualitative methods described by Roper and Shapira (2000). Results Three primary themes relating to nursing staff participation in end-of-life nutrition and hydration decision-making were identified: (a) Formal decision-making: decisions made and implemented by persons with the authority to make legal and binding care decisions in the nursing home setting; (b) Informal decision-making: decisions not requiring medical orders; and (c) Influential factors: factors that influence actions of nursing staff. Conclusion A variety of factors have an impact on nursing staff participation in end-of-life nutrition and hydration decision-making. Participation is closely aligned with the type of decision, whether formal or informal, and role, whether Certified Nursing Assistant/Aide, Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse, or Registered Nurse. Impact End-of-life nutrition and hydration decision-making in nursing homes differs from decision-making in other care settings and presents a challenge globally. Interventions that support the participation of nursing staff in end-of-life nutrition and hydration decision-making have the potential to positively impact the experiences of residents and family members faced with these issues in the nursing home setting.
Canvas (LMS) as a means for effective student learning assessment across an institution of higher education

Programmatic and institutional assessment initiatives have emerged and continuously evolved across higher education institutions through the early part of the twenty-first century. These initiatives have stemmed from a growing emphasis on assessing the quality of learning that occurs throughout the collegiate education. An assessment process that involves faculty and staff collecting, analyzing and discussing the data over time to guide improvement decisions sounds like a reasonable pursuit. Unfortunately, such a process sometimes results in apathy and dissention. Technology has provided solutions that can remove the tedium and time-consumption from student learning assessment. The purpose of this article is to provide a thorough understanding of the assessment capabilities and data-collecting automaticity processes of Canvas. Provided are examples of ways to extract and disseminate Canvas data to be used for decisions making. The article includes (a) the structure of Canvas, (b) steps for how to set up Canvas for collecting student achievement data directly from coursework and sortable by outcomes and associated criteria, (c) strategies to export data from Canvas, and (d) ideas for visualizing outcome data.
Respectability Politics and Straight Support for LGB Rights

Marginalized groups frequently adopt a respectability politics strategy, presenting themselves as adhering to dominant norms to gain public support. The LGBTQ movement, for example, has consciously...
Preface: Theory, Systems, and Applications

The idea of this book grew out of a symposium that was held at Stony Brook in September 2012 in celebration of David S. Warren's fundamental contributions to Computer Science and the area of Logic Programming in particular. Logic Programming (LP) is at the nexus of Knowledge Representation, Artificial Intelligence, Mathematical Logic, Databases, and Programming Languages. It is fascinating and intellectually stimulating due to the fundamental interplay among theory, systems, and applications brought about by logic. Logic programs are more declarative in the sense that they strive to be logical specifications of "what" to do rather than "how" to do it, and thus they are high-level and easier to understand and maintain. Yet, without being given an actual algorithm, LP systems implement the logical specifications automatically. Several books cover the basics of LP but focus mostly on the Prolog language with its incomplete control strategy and non-logical features. At the same time, there is generally a lack of accessible yet comprehensive collections of articles covering the key aspects in declarative LP. These aspects include, among others, well-founded vs. stable model semantics for negation, constraints, object-oriented LP, updates, probabilistic LP, and evaluation methods, including top-down vs. bottom-up, and tabling. For systems, the situation is even less satisfactory, lacking accessible literature that can help train the new crop of developers, practitioners, and researchers. There are a few guides on Warren's Abstract Machine (WAM), which underlies most implementations of Prolog, but very little exists on what is needed for constructing a state-of-the-art declarative LP inference engine. Contrast this with the literature on, say, Compilers, where one can first study a book on the general principles and algorithms and then dive in the particulars of a specific compiler. Such resources greatly facilitate the ability to start making meaningful contributions quickly. There is also a dearth of articles about systems that support truly declarative languages, especially those that tie into first-order logic, mathematical programming, and constraint solving. LP helps solve challenging problems in a wide range of application areas, but in-depth analysis of their connection with LP language abstractions and LP implementation methods is lacking. Also, rare are surveys of challenging application areas of LP, such as Bioinformatics, Natural Language Processing, Verification, and Planning. The goal of this book is to help fill in the previously mentioned void in the LP literature. It offers a number of overviews on key aspects of LP that are suitable for researchers and practitioners as well as graduate students. The following chapters in theory, systems, and applications of LP are included.
Chronic epidural hematoma presenting with diplopia.

Background Epidural hematomas are common intracranial pathologies secondary to traumatic brain injuries and are associated with overlying skull fractures up to 85% of the time. Although many require immediate surgical evacuation, some are observed for stability and followed up conservatively with serial imaging or enlarge slowly overtime, similar to chronic subdural hematomas. Those in the latter category may present with vague symptoms such as diplopia or headache and are often found on routine outpatient evaluation. When concerning findings such as significant mass effect are present, surgical evacuation is necessary. Case description Here, we present the case of a 32-year-old man who presented with diplopia 6 weeks after experiencing head trauma and was found to have a chronic epidural hematoma. On resection, thick, inflammatory tissue was observed and carefully resected, revealing normal dura underneath. Six weeks after evacuation of the hematoma, the patient had near-complete resolution of his diplopia and complete resolution of his epidural hematoma. Conclusion Given the consistency and nature of the fibrous material observed intraoperatively in this case, near-complete resection of the tissue was likely necessary to help facilitate adequate reexpansion of brain parenchyma and improve clinical outcomes.
The Laplace Transform

The Fourier transform exists only if the function that is to be transformed is absolutely integrable. Tlis means that s (t) or S (ω) must decrease faster than $$ s(t) \to 1/t $$ (1) $$ S(\omega ) \to 1/\omega $$ (2) as t or ω approach infinity If methods of analysis that are based on Fourier transforms are to lead to practical results, the initial values of all variables (t = − ∞) must be zero; and they must be zero, too, in the final state of the system. Thus, the standard Fourier analysis is not capable of any initial values or any final values of the functions other than zero. There are two possibilities for dealing with this situation. It can be assumed that all time functions are zero initially and increase to the given values in a very short time interval and finally decrease abruptly to zero when the time exceeds a certain value. Thus, the time functions are truncated (made zero), fort − T and for t ≥ + T. This procedure will be investigated in Chapter VII. The second procedure is to assume that the function s (t) is generated at t = 0: $$> s(t) = 0,t < 0 m $$ (3) and to introduce an infinitely small amount of damping $$ s(t) \to \mathop {\lim }\limits_{\delta \to 0} s(t){e^{ - \delta t}},t >0 $$ (4) as we have already done in considering the step function and the switched on sinusoidal vibration.
Factors affecting spontaneous dispersion of soil materials as evidenced by the crumb test

Sixty-three soils were examined for spontaneous dispersion by various modifications of the crumb test. This test is considered indicative of dispersive conditions if a colloidal cloud develops when a small soil specimen is immersed in a large volume of water. Soil specimens were examined by this test in the dry state and in a remolded, saturated condition (slightly above the liquid limit). These pieces were immersed in distilled water and in 1 milliequivalent/litre (0.001 N) sodium hydroxide. The results of these tests were compared with the pinhole test as a reference measure of dispersion. The use of saturated, remolded soil specimens resulted in a more conservative test for dispersion. More dispersive soils were identified properly, but more nondispersive soils were classified incorrectly as dispersive. The 63 soils were separated further into four classes, depending on the agreement or disagreement of the saturated crumb test with the pinhole test. Chemical, mineralogical, and engineering data were assembled to assist in the search for explanatory variables affecting the discrepancies. A second series of minicrumb tests was conducted using small remolded aggregates at various moisture contents and immersing them in an array of solutions of various pH and salinity. These arrays were photographed after 2 h to illustrate the effect of these variables on spontaneous dispersion. The data developed from these several studies were used to illustrate the effects of sodium, salinity, pH, mineralogy, and initial moisture content upon the spontaneous dispersion of soil materials.
Multiple forms of drosophila alcohol dehydrogenase. IV. Protein fluorescence studies.

Abstract The conversion of one electrophoretic form (ADH 5 ) of alcohol dehydrogenase from Drosphila melanogaster to another (ADH 1 ) has been previously reported to occur in the presence of high concentrations of the coenzyme NAD + . In this study we find that the fluorescence emission spectrum of the enzyme undergoes a shift to shorter wavelengths during the process of conversion of ADH 5 to ADH 1 and the relative quantum yield decreases by a factor of 10. The shift in the wavelength of maximum emission is correlated with the decrease in enzymic activity, whereas the decrease in relative quantum yield follows the extent of conversion. On the basis of these and previous observations, we propose that the conversion of ADH 5 to ADH 1 is accompanied by an alteration of the conformation of the protein such that the fluorescence of the four tryptophan residues and the electrophoretic properties of the enzyme molecule are altered.
A 1.2 MHz, 25 V to 100 V GaN-based resonant Dickson switched-capacitor converter with 1011 W/in3 (61.7 kW/L) power density

Switched-capacitor (SC) converters have generated interest in the research community due to the possibility of achieving high power densities at high voltage conversion ratios. This work proposes a resonant, 1-to-4 voltage conversion ratio Dickson SC converter. A single inductor is utilized to achieve zero current switching of all transistors, which allows for high switching frequency and high conversion efficiency. A split-phase control scheme is used in order to eliminate the current transients associated with the Dickson SC converter and the resultant power loss. Employing these techniques, a 25 V to 100 V Dickson SC converter prototype is implemented with GaN transistors. The converter achieves a switching frequency of 1.2 MHz and a peak efficiency of 92 %. The power stage of the converter is able to achieve a power density of a 1011 W/in3 at 263 W.
Scaling characteristics of photonic crystal vertical-cavity lasers

This study shows that photonic crystal vertical cavity surface-emitting lasers exhibit improved optical confinement and resultant scaling of laser properties, as well as single fundamental mode operation over a wide range of device structure parameters. Single fundamental mode operation is achieved for a wide range of device parameters. The use of photonic crystal confinement, in which the etched holes and light propagation are parallel, provides a means for significantly reducing the modal volume of microcavity lasers.
Initial observations of magnetospheric boundaries by Explorer 45 /S3/

We present a review of initial results obtained from the NASA Small Scientific Satellite (Explorer 45) concerning the nature of three magnetospheric boundaries observed by the satellite near the equatorial plane out to radial distances of 5.5 R E (earth radii). We discuss features of the interaction region of the proton ring current and the plasmasphere during the developmental and decay phases of ring current enhancements. We have observed an energy and pitch angle dependent inner boundary of the proton ring current distribution which appears to occur near 1800 h local time during the developmental phase of the ring current build-up. Following the establishment of the ring current we have observed effects caused by an instability similar to (if not) the ion cyclotron instability acting in this interaction region which causes a decay of the storm-time ring current spectral distribution back into the quiet-time distribution. In addition we also report the observation of the magnetopause at a radial distance of less than 5.2 R E at 14.6 h local time in connection with the large solar event of August 4, 1972. We further report the observation of an electron distribution consistent with all of the features of the inner edge of the electron plasma sheet at a position of 5–5.5 R E and 2100 h local time in connection with a magnetic substorm. Quantitative calculation using models for the static electric and magnetic fields indicate that these electrons could not have reached the satellite as a result of simple convective flow from the geomagnetic tail. These S3 results support the idea that a discontinuous change occurs at the initiation of a substorm which injects particles deep into the night side trapping region in a fashion consistent with the plasma cloud concept of DeForrest and McIlwain (1971).
On the statistical efficiency of the LMS family of adaptive algorithms

Two gradient descent adaptive algorithms are compared, the LMS algorithm and the LMS/Newton algorithm. LMS is simple and practical, and is used in many applications worldwide. LMS/Newton is based on Newton's method and the LMS algorithm. LMS/Newton is optimal in the least squares sense. It maximizes the quality of its adaptive solution while minimizing the use of training data. No other linear least squares algorithm can give better performance. LMS is easily implemented, but LMS/Newton, although of great mathematical interest, cannot be implemented in most practical applications. Because of its optimality, LMS/Newton serves as a benchmark for all least squares adaptive algorithms. The performances of LMS and LMS/Newton are compared, and it is found that under many circumstances, both algorithms provide equal performance. For example, when both algorithms are tested with statistically nonstationary input signals, their average performances are equal. When adapting with stationary input signals and with random initial conditions, their respective learning times are on average equal. However, under worst-case initial conditions, the learning time of LMS can be much greater than that of LMS/Newton, and this is the principal disadvantage of the LMS algorithm. But the strong points of LMS are ease of Implementation and optimal performance under important practical conditions. For these reasons, the LMS algorithm has enjoyed very widespread application.
Therapeutic outcomes for cavitary Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) lung disease

Beginning in 1992, patients were enrolled in a series of prospective clinical trials investigating the safety and efficacy of 3 or 4 drug macrolide-containing regimens for treating cavitary MAC lung disease. Based on these studies subsequent MAC lung disease patients received similar regimens. All patients were diagnosed according to contemporary nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) diagnostic guidelines. Patients are included in this analayis only if they had a macrolide susceptible MAC isolate prior to initiation of therapy and subsequently tolerated a 3 to 4 drug regimen consisting of macrolide, ethambutol, and a rifamyicn (rifampin or rifabutin) ± injectable agent (streptomycin or amikacin) administered daily or three times weekly. There were 240 patients in the intent to treat analysis with a mean age 63.2 ± 12.4 years (range 35-90 years) who were 76% male, 80% white and 75% current or exsmokers (≥ 10 pack years smoking). 134 patients had adequate records available for treatment outcome evaluation. 86/134 (64%) had sputum AFB culture conversion while on therapy. Over the study period, the all cause mortality was 57% for the intent to treat cohort and 41% for patients with sputum AFB culture conversion on therapy. We conclude that cavitary MAC lung disease can be effectively treated with macrolide-based regimens but is associated with high all cause mortality regardless of MAC treatment response. Funded in part by the Amon Carter Foundation, Ft. Worth, TX and W.A. and E.B. Moncrief Distinguished Professorship UTHSCT.
Influence of home characteristics on airborne and dustborne endotoxin and β-D-glucan.

The aim of this study was to assess the associations between airborne and dustborne microbial contaminants (endotoxin and β-D-glucan) and estimate the effects of home characteristics on exposure levels of these microbial contaminants. Endotoxin and β-D-glucan concentrations in airborne inhalable particles, airborne PM1 (<1 μm) and vacuumed dust from 184 residential homes were determined using specific Limulus amebocyte assays. Home characteristics were recorded by visual inspection and questionnaires. Linear regression and correlation analyses were performed. Inhalable endotoxin correlated with dust endotoxin (r = 0.34, p < 0.001) and PM1 endotoxin (r = 0.33, p < 0.001). Inhalable β-D-glucan correlated with dust β-D-glucan (r = 0.18, p < 0.01), but not with PM1 β-D-glucan. Significant correlation was also found between PM1 and dust concentrations for endotoxin (r = 0.26, p < 0.001), but not for β-D-glucan. Multivariate regression analyses showed only one significant association between airborne contaminants and environmental characteristics: inhalable β-D-glucan was positively associated with relative humidity with an effect size (change in the dependent variable corresponding to a unit increase in the independent variable) of 2.32 and p < 0.05. In contrast, several associations were found between dust concentrations and environmental characteristics. Dust endotoxin was positively associated with temperature (2.87, p < 0.01) and number of inhabitants (2.76, p < 0.01), whereas dust β-D-glucan was inversely associated with the presence of dogs (−2.24, p < 0.05) and carpet (−3.05, p < 0.01) in the home. In conclusion, dustborne contaminants were more strongly affected by home characteristics than airborne contaminants. Furthermore, even though statistically significant, the correlations between airborne and dustborne contaminants were weak. This indicates that airborne concentrations cannot be reliably predicted based on dustborne concentrations.
Laboratory cultivation of Qatari Acropora: Studying dynamic factors that influence coral growth and photosynthetic efficiency

Background: The coral ecosystem in Qatar is very important as it provides a foundation habitat for many aquatic species. An extensive two-year field study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of pulse amplitude modulation (PAM) fluorometry in monitoring the health of sensitive ecosystems such as coral reefs along the coast of Qatar. The study demonstrated that PAM fluorometry can provide reliable and objective information on coral health in advance of visual signs of stress. The scope has now been expanded to include laboratory-based research. Objectives: The objectives of this research are: a) to establish a viable laboratory-based Qatari coral (Acropora sp.) culture system and b) to utilize laboratory-based imaging-PAM fluorometry to compile baseline data, and gain an understanding of environmental parameters that affect the health of the Qatari coral. Methods: Laboratory studies were initiated in December 2011; Acropora samples were collected from mother colonies in Umm AlArshan (north of Qatar); the 'nubbins' were cultured in pre-acclimatized laboratory aquaria. Imaging-PAM fluorometer was used to measure photosynthetic processes that were correlated to laboratory culture conditions. A wide range of water quality parameters have been measured, including: temperature, salinity, ammonia, nitrate, nitrite, phosphate, calcium and pH. Results: This research showed that it is possible to successfully culture Acropora coral; the initial colonies have grown to the point that several subsequent colonies have been produced to initiate laboratory assay development. The results of the imaging-PAM also show good correlation with the data obtained using the instrument used in the field. Conclusion: This study demonstrated for the first time the successful culture of Qatari Acropora in a laboratory setting in Qatar. The imaging-PAM fluorometer was also used to obtain detailed visual images of photosynthesis processes. Future studies include Acroproa eco-toxicological experiments to study contaminants that could affect the health of the corals around the Qatari coastal area.
Distortion of infrared spectra by noise filters

Abstract The distortion of recorded spectral lines by a variety of noise filters is discussed. A gaussian contour is assumed for the input to the filters and the shape of the filtered output is calculated for the following filter types: lag, overdamped, critically damped, underdamped, lead-lag, and integrator. The effectiveness of noise suppression by the filters is discussed and the filters are compared on a noise-equivalent basis. Certain filters are seen to offer significant advantages. The Butterworth underdamped filter is most effective in minimizing peak height errors. The distortion of typical infrared absorption bands of liquid samples is also studied experimentally for several filters. The results are in agreement with the theoretical predictions.
Experimental melanin-protein-induced uveitis in the Lewis rat. Immunopathologic processes.

Purpose: To study the immunopathology of experimental melanin-protein-induced uveitis in the Lewis rat. Methods: Rats were immunized with bovine ocular melanin protein. The kinetics of experimental melanin-protein-induced uveitis was studied by clinical examination and immunopathology. Cellular and humoral responses were evaluated by lymphocyte proliferation, delayed-type hypersensitivity, and agglutination. After clinical disease subsided, recurrent experimental uveitis was induced with a low-dose footpad injection of lipopolysaccharide. Results: Experimental melanin-protein-induced uveitis was characterized by bilateral uveal infiltration mainly with lymphocytes and monocytes. Delayed-type hypersensitivity, lymphocyte proliferation, and agglutination to bovine ocular melanin protein were positive. Expressions of major histocompatibility complex class It and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 were observed before ocular infiltration. The predominantly infiltrating cells were CD4+ lymphocytes. Experimental melanin-protein-induced uveitis subsided within 1 month, spontaneously recurred within 1 week in approximately one quarter of the rats, and was inducible in most rats with 5 μg of lipopolysaccharide confirmed by histopathology. Conclusions: Experimental melanin-protein-induced uveitis is a T-cell-mediated autoimmune uveitis, resembling noninfectious recurrent iridocyclitis and choroiditis in humans.
Increasing the Quality and Value of Conferences, Seminars, and Workshops.

Abstract The purpose of this best practices article is to provide continuing education administrators with a reliable participant evaluation that measures factors predictive of not only satisfaction, but also perceived value: adequacy of topics, customer service, learning, quality of facilities, image, and quality of presentations, among other variables. The results of the survey are summarized in the article, and it concludes with a discussion of practical ways to increase the quality and value of educational conferences and workshops in continuing education.
The effect of age, nutritional factors, and gonadal development on the mating behaviour of the face fly, Musca autumnalis

Abstract Ovarian development and mating in the face fly, Musca autumnalis , was correlated with the nutritional factors present in the adult diet. A proteinaceous diet appeared to be indispensable to the female face fly for normal ovarian development and increased mating activity. It is probable that lack of protein in the adult diet not only affected ovarian development but also influenced the activity of the corpora allata, thereby indirectly affecting sex pheromone production and/or release and ultimately resulted in decreased mating activity.
Diesel fuel as a solvent for the lipase‐catalyzed alcoholysis of triglycerides and phosphatidylcholine

The abilities of three commercially available lipases—Lipozyme IM 20, Amano PS-30, and Amano CE—to synthesize fatty acid ethyl esters via the alcoholysis of soy triglycerides (TG) and phosphatidylcholine (PC) in grade No. 2 diesel fuel were investigated. All three enzyme preparations were active in water-saturated diesel fuel, synthesizing fatty acid esters from both TG and PC. Response surface methodology, based on a Modified Central Composite design, was employed to examine the coordinate effects of lipid, water, and ethanol concentrations on enzyme activities and to identify conditions yielding maximum alcoholysis. For all three enzymes, optimal activities toward TG occurred at added water concentrations of less than 0.3 M. With PC as substrate, optimal enzyme activities occurred at added water concentrations as much as tenfold greater than this, and the amount of water required for maximum activity was proportional to the substrate concentration. For both substrates the enzyme activities were generally reduced as ethanol concentrations rose. The exceptions to this were the Lipozyme-TG combination, where activity increased with increasing ethanol concentrations, and the PS-30-PC combination, where activity was roughly constant across the range of water and ethanol concentrations examined. Hydrolytic activities of the enzymes in aqueous reactions were poor predictors of transesterification activity in organic solvent: the aqueous hydrolytic activities of CE and PS-30 toward TG were roughly comparable, and 25 to 50 times greater than that of IM 20. However, in the alcoholysis of TG in diesel fuel the order of activities was PS-30>IM 20>CE. The activities of Lipozyme and CE toward PC were similar to one another, and PS-30 was considerably less active on this substrate. CE lipase was more active toward PC than toward TG. Lipozyme displayed comparable activity toward the two substrates. PS-30 was considerably more active on TG than on PC. Degrees of conversion were consistent with the transesterification of only one fatty acid of TG, and slightly greater than one fatty acid for PC. Preliminary studies indicated that for CE and PS-30, but not for Lipozyme IM 20, the degree of conversion of TG, but not PC, could be significantly increased by the further provision of ethanol. Expansion of this work could lead to a method for the production of simple fatty acid esters, which are suitable as diesel fuels, from multicomponent agricultural materials containing TG and PC.
Evaluating the Performance Impact of Xen on MPI and Process Execution For HPC Systems

Virtualization has become increasingly popular for enabling full system isolation, load balancing, and hardware multiplexing for high-end server systems. Virtualizing software has the potential to benefit HPC systems similarly by facilitating efficient cluster management, application isolation, full-system customization, and process migration. However, virtualizing software is not currently employed in HPC environments due to its perceived overhead. In this work, we investigate the overhead imposed by the popular, open-source, Xen virtualization system, on performance-critical HPC kernels and applications. We empirically evaluate the impact of Xen on both communication and computation and compare its use to that of a customized kernel using HPC cluster resources at Lawrence Livermore National Lab (LLNL). We also employ statistically sound methods to compare the performance of a para virtualized kernel against three popular Linux operating systems: RedHat Enterprise 4 (RHEL4) for build versions 2.6.9 and 2.6.12 and the LLNL CHAOS kernel, a specialized version of RHEL4. Our results indicate that Xen is very efficient and practical for HPC systems.
Effect of Water Temperature on Food Evacuation Rate and Feeding Activity of Age-0 Gizzard Shad

Abstract A study was conducted to evaluate the influence of water temperature on food evacuation and feeding activity in age-0 gizzard shad Dorosoma cepedianum fed pulverized food. Fish kept at 5°C exhibited little feeding activity. At temperatures of 10, 15, and 20°C, food was evacuated through the digestive tract in 8.5, 4.9, and 4.4 h, respectively. Frequency of feeding acts also increased significantly with increased water temperature. These data, along with information on the dry weights of natural detritus in full digestive tracts of gizzard shad (ages 0–2) from Acton Lake, Ohio, were used to estimate the daily amounts of natural detritus consumed by age-0 fish. We concluded that a 6-g, age-0 fish can ingest and process natural detritus (dry weight) in amounts ranging from 3.2 to 7.7% of wet body weight per day.