cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Quantifying the links between geochemical and geophysical properties of organic-rich carbonate mudrocks

Abstract Source rocks possess complex heterogeneous matrices with soft organic matter, consisting mainly of kerogen, interspersed within a stiff inorganic mineral framework that varies in compositi...
Opioid Reduction and Risk Mitigation in VA Primary Care: Outcomes from the Integrated Pain Team Initiative.

National guidelines advise decreasing opioids for chronic pain, but there is no guidance on implementation. To evaluate the effectiveness of an Integrated Pain Team (IPT) clinic in decreasing opioid dose and mitigating opioid risk. This study prospectively compared two matched cohorts receiving chronic pain care through IPT (N = 147) versus usual primary care (UPC, N = 147) over 6 months. Patients were matched on age, sex, psychiatric diagnoses, and baseline opioid dose. Veterans receiving care at a VA medical center or VA community-based clinics. Interdisciplinary IPT, consisting of a collocated medical provider, psychologist, and pharmacist embedded in VA primary care providing short-term biopsychosocial management of veterans with chronic pain and problematic opioid use. Change in opioid dose expressed as morphine equivalent daily dose (MEDD) and opioid risk mitigation evaluated at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. Compared with veterans receiving UPC, those followed by IPT had a greater mean MEDD decrease of 42 mg versus 8 mg after 3 months and 56 mg versus 17 mg after 6 months. In adjusted analysis, compared with UPC, veterans in IPT achieved a 34-mg greater mean reduction at 3 months (p = 0.002) and 38-mg greater mean reduction at 6 months (p = 0.003). Nearly twice as many patients receiving care through IPT versus UPC reduced their daily opioid dose by ≥50%, representing more than a two-fold improvement at 3 months, which was sustained at 6 months [odds ratio = 2.03; 95% CI = 1.04–3.95, p = 0.04]. Significant improvements were also demonstrated in opioid risk mitigation by 6 months, including increased urine drug screen monitoring, naloxone kit distribution, and decreased co-prescription of opioids and benzodiazepines (all p values < 0.001). Interdisciplinary biopsychosocial models of pain care can be embedded in primary care and lead to significant improvements in opioid dose and risk mitigation.
Case 3-2020: A 44-Year-Old Man with Weight Loss, Diarrhea, and Abdominal Pain

A Man with Weight Loss, Diarrhea, and Abdominal Pain A 44-year-old man from the Caribbean was evaluated at the hospital because of diarrhea, weight loss, and abdominal pain. Fever and headache had ...
Experimental study of post-CHF heat transfer in a vertical tubular test section

Abstract In this paper, post-CHF (critical heat flux) experiments are performed in a vertical tubular test section with water as the working fluid to study the heat transfer characteristics during the process of formation, growth, and propagation of dry patches. The formation, growth, and propagation of the dry patches are indicated from the measured wall temperatures of the test section. The so-called dry temperature and quench temperature, corresponding to the formation and departure of dry patches, are obtained by analyzing the first-order derivative of the measured wall temperatures. The temperature gradient along the axial direction of the test section wall is also calculated, up to 15 °C/mm. Large temperature gradients result in axial heat conduction as well as thermal stresses in the test section. The convective heat transfer coefficient for the dry patches is calculated based on the saturation temperature of the fluid and compared with three heat transfer correlations in the literature. The computed convective heat transfer coefficient for the dry patches in our experiments is larger than the calculated results of the correlations, especially for conditions of relatively low wall superheats.
The design space for long-duration energy storage in decarbonized power systems

Long-duration energy storage (LDES) is a potential solution to intermittency in renewable energy generation. In this study we have evaluated the role of LDES in decarbonized electricity systems and identified the cost and efficiency performance necessary for LDES to substantially reduce electricity costs and displace firm low-carbon generation. Our findings show that energy storage capacity cost and discharge efficiency are the most important performance parameters. Charge/discharge capacity cost and charge efficiency play secondary roles. Energy capacity costs must be ≤US$20 kWh–1 to reduce electricity costs by ≥10%. With current electricity demand profiles, energy capacity costs must be ≤US$1 kWh–1 to fully displace all modelled firm low-carbon generation technologies. Electrification of end uses in a northern latitude context makes full displacement of firm generation more challenging and requires performance combinations unlikely to be feasible with known LDES technologies. Finally, LDES systems with the greatest impact on electricity cost and firm generation have storage durations exceeding 100 h. Wind and solar energy must be complemented by a combination of energy storage and firm generating capacity. Here, Sepulveda et al. assess the economic value and system impact of a wide range of possible long-duration energy storage technologies, providing insights to guide innovation and policy.
Ultraviolet photometry from the Orbiting Astronomical Observatory. XXXVIII - A second atlas of ultraviolet stellar spectra

Ultraviolet stellar spectra are presented for 132 stars in the spectral region from 1200 to 1850 A and 34 stars in the region from 1800 to 3600 A in a graphical and tabular form. The spectra represent a subset of OAO 2 spectrometer data on file at the National Space Science Data Center. The monochromatic flux is given in units of ergs/sq cm s A with a spectral resolution of about 12 A in the region from 1850 to 1160 A and of about 22 A in the region from 3600 to 1800 A.
Maximum Probability Theorem: A Framework for Probabilistic Machine Learning

We present a theoretical framework of probabilistic learning derived from the maximum probability (MP) theorem shown in this article. In this probabilistic framework, a model is defined as an event in the probability space, and a model or the associated event —either the true underlying model or the parameterized model—has a quantified probability measure. This quantification of a model's probability measure is derived by the MP theorem , in which we have shown that an event's probability measure has an upper bound given its conditional distribution on an arbitrary random variable. Through this alternative framework, the notion of model parameters is encompassed in the definition of the model or the associated event . Therefore, this framework deviates from the conventional approach of assuming a prior on the model parameters. Instead, the regularizing effects of assuming prior over parameters are imposed through maximizing probabilities of models or, according to information theory, minimizing the information content of a model. The probability of a model in our framework is invariant to reparameterization and is solely dependent on the model's likelihood function. In addition, rather than maximizing the posterior in a conventional Bayesian setting, the objective function in our alternative framework is defined as the probability of set operations (e.g., intersection) on the event of the true underlying model and the event of the model at hand. Our theoretical framework adds clarity to probabilistic learning through solidifying the definition of probabilistic models, quantifying their probabilities, and providing a visual understanding of objective functions. Impact Statement —The choice of prior distribution over the parameters of probabilistic machine learning models determines the regularization of learning algorithms in the Bayesian perspective. The complexity in choice of prior over the parameters and the form of regularization is relative to the complexity of the models being used. Thereby, finding priors for parameters of complex models is often not tractable. We address this problem by uncovering the maximum probability (MP) theorem as a direct consequence of Kolmogorov's probability theory. Through the lens of the MP theorem, the process of regularizing models is understood and automated. The regularization process is defined as the maximization of the probability of the model. The probability of the model is understood by the MP theorem and is determined by the behavior of the model. The effects of maximizing the probability of the model can be backpropagated in a gradient-based optimization process. Consequently, the MP framework provides a form of black-box regularization and eliminates the need for case-by-case analysis of models to determine priors.
Lauric acid adsorbed cellulose nanocrystals retained the physical stability of oil-in-water Pickering emulsion during different dilutions, pH, and storage periods

Abstract Due to increased environmental and health concerns, there has been an increased demand for sustainable and natural emulsifiers/stabilizers to create a stable O/W emulsion. Due to their unique properties, cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) have been considerably investigated as a stabilizer for producing a stable emulsion. However, the utilization of CNC stabilized emulsion is only limited to viscous or semi-solid foods. Hence this study investigates the modification of CNC by adsorbing lauric acid and its suitability for producing a stable beta-carotene O/W Pickering emulsion for nutraceutical beverages. The efficacy of modified CNC on the physicochemical stability of the emulsion was monitored under different environmental conditions such as dilution factors of 1–10, pH of 1–11, and 30 days of storage period at room temperature. Results depicted that the modified CNC above 1.5% (w/v) significantly (p ≤ 0.05) retained the average droplet size, morphology, and creaming index at different dilutions. However, the droplet size increased by 150–300% for the emulsions stabilized with unmodified CNC with noticeable changes in creaming index and morphology of the droplets. Unexpectedly, higher thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) concentrations were recorded for the emulsions stabilized by modified and unmodified CNC compared to the control emulsion, which contained gum arabic as a reference stabilizer. Transition metals in the CNC may have catalyzed lipid oxidation; however, their source and role in oxidation warrant further study.
Проблемы и риски возобновляемых источников энергии

The article analyzes the problems and risks of new-fangled renewable energy sources in the 21 st century, which can radically change the energy picture of the world and to a certain extent reduce the risk of climate change. However, energy generation from wind is usually available 25—35% of the time, from the sun — 10—25%. Renewable energy sources (RES) face the problem of accumulating or supporting capacities that should replace the unstable generation of RES at the time of inevitable failures. RES cannot exist without excess reserve capacities on traditional energy carriers that can quickly increase and reduce electricity production. Abandoning hydrocarbons in the next 30—50 years looks unrealistic if countries want to maintain their competitiveness. The growth of the share of RES in the global energy balance is an extremely politicized phenomenon. The development of renewable generation creates risks for consumers. Especially for large ones. One of these risks is associated with the intermittent, unstable nature of renewable generation, which in recent years has been understood mainly as solar and wind power plants. In addition, to produce more solar panels, wind turbines and batteries for electric vehicles, humanity will need more specific resources — rare earth metals. The production of these metals is unsafe for the environment. It involves the consumption of a huge amount of water and electrical energy. Renewable energy sources may dominate, but it will take centuries. Demand is already growing, but fossil fuels will live long enough.
World Soul – Anima Mundi: The Origins and Fortunes of a Fundamental Idea edited by Christoph Helmig

The idea of a world soul, first meaningfully explored in Western philosophy in Plato’s dialogue Timaeus, has been drawn on throughout its doctrinal history to explain the relationship between god and the cosmos with its ensouled life forms. It has played a fundamental role in accounts concerning the organization and nature of the physical universe and our human understanding thereof, and has thus featured in a range of cosmological, biological, and epistemological contexts. This collection of essays illustrates many such contexts, demonstrating that the world soul was a more or less continuous staple of ancient philosophical thought, at least until the time of the Neoplatonists. The volume follows its history chronologically, beginning with the world soul’s early stirrings in Heraclitus’ concept of universal λόγος, and ending with a glance at its Nachleben in Renaissance and early modern philosophy. Reviewed by: Christina Hoenig, Published Online (2021-08-31)Copyright © 2021 by Christina HoenigArticle PDF Link: https://jps.library.utoronto.ca/index.php/aestimatio/article/view/37728/28730 Corresponding Author: Christina Hoenig,University of PittsburghE-Mail: CMH159@pitt.edu
Nanostructured highly-swollen hydrogels: Complexation with amino acids through copper (II) ions

Abstract We report on the complexation of highly swollen poly(methacrylic acid) (PMAA) nanothin hydrogel films with copper (II) ions and the stability of these (PMAA)–Cu2+ complexes in amino acid solutions. These networks are produced by selective cross-linking of PMAA with adipic acid dihydrazide (AAD) and ethylenediamine (EDA) in hydrogen-bonded spin-assisted layer-by-layer films. The swelling of the hydrogels at higher pH values is significantly suppressed after introducing copper (II) ions and can be restored by treatment with amino acid solutions including serine, threonine, arginine, histidine and glutamine. The hydrogel swelling recovery is controlled by Cu2+ removal from the hydrogel which is regulated by the strength of [(PMAA)n–Cu2+] complex bonding and is dependent on the amino acid type, concentration and the hydrogel's cross-linker. The use of AAD as a cross-linker allows for selective binding and recognition of arginine among other amino acids. The special affinity of the [(PMAA)16–AAD–Cu2+] hydrogel complex to arginine is due to the formation of ternary (hydrogel–copper–arginine) complexes stabilized by electrostatic interactions between the carboxylic groups of PMAA and the guanidinium side group of arginine. Our study provides new aspects of competing interactions between polyelectrolyte networks, metal ions, and amino-acids and opens prospects for developing novel analyte-responsive biosensors.
Songs of the dodo: Information extinctions, innovation, and ecosystem change

L'environnement dans lequel operent les bibliotheques est en pleine transformation. Quelles sont les chances de survie du livre imprime et de la bibliotheque traditionnelle ? Vont-ils disparaitre faute d'avoir su s'adapter, a l'instar des dodos ? De nouvelles especes et de nouvelles niches ecologiques d'information apparaissent et evoluent tres rapidement. L'innovation technologique apparait comme une facon de s'adapter aux changements et de survivre. L'A. recourt aux outils des sciences de la vie pour examiner les changements qui se produisent au sein du systeme ecologique des bibliotheques, de l'edition, et de la communication scientifique, et pour analyser les defis qui se posent.
Increased body mass index adversely affects dyslipidemias, blood pressure and inflammation in men and women with metabolic syndrome (LB365)

We investigated the effects of body mass index (BMI) on the parameters of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in men (n = 97) and women (n = 165) with MetS. MetS parameters were determined using the National...
The Choice of Organization Structure: Business Group Versus Conglomerate

The choice of organization structure between business group and conglomerate depends on the cost of ownership and the cost of market contracting. The advantages of business groups come from its flexibility in ownership compositions and the limited liability of member firms in the event of bankruptcy. The advantages of conglomerates are mainly from more homogenous shareholder composition and tax savings of within-firm transactions. In principle, trade-off between the cost of ownership and market contracting determines the optimal choice of organizational structure.
The Changing Preferences of Institutional Investors for Common Stocks

We document that institutional investors, and particularly hedge funds, increased their holdings of smaller stocks from 1980 to 2010 and decreased their holdings of larger stocks. As of 1990 institutions began to underweight, relative to market weights, those stocks that make up the largest 40 percent of the value of the market, and as of 2006 began to overweight the stocks that make up the smallest 20 percent of the market. The contrary findings in the literature are due to a statistical misspecification. We propose that changes in the institutional investing environment since the 1970s are the source of these changing preferences.
HIV-related stigma in the dental setting: a qualitative study.

Purpose To explore the experiences and expectations of HIV-related stigma in dental settings. Methods This was a cross-sectional study of 60 HIV+ adult volunteers. We conducted audio-recorded interviews; responses to four open-ended questions were analyzed qualitatively for theme and content. Results Twenty-seven participants (45%) reported ever having anticipated being judged, stigmatized or treated with disrespect in a dental setting due to HIV status. Thematic response categories included concerns about: (i) receiving humane and respectful treatment, (ii) being judged or stereotyped and (iii) giving HIV to the dentist. Regarding hesitancy to visit the dentist, subjects equally endorsed fear of the dentist (35%) and concerns about confidentiality and receiving humane treatment (35%). Conclusion HIV+ individuals encounter many fears and concerns related to dental care; fear of the dentist and concerns about confidentiality and receiving humane treatment appear to be central issues. Dental providers should be aware of and better manage these issues.
Timescales of Oxygenation Following the Evolution of Oxygenic Photosynthesis

Among the most important bioenergetic innovations in the history of life was the invention of oxygenic photosynthesis-autotrophic growth by splitting water with sunlight-by Cyanobacteria. It is widely accepted that the invention of oxygenic photosynthesis ultimately resulted in the rise of oxygen by ca. 2.35 Gya, but it is debated whether this occurred more or less immediately as a proximal result of the evolution of oxygenic Cyanobacteria or whether they originated several hundred million to more than one billion years earlier in Earth history. The latter hypothesis involves a prolonged period during which oxygen production rates were insufficient to oxidize the atmosphere, potentially due to redox buffering by reduced species such as higher concentrations of ferrous iron in seawater. To examine the characteristic timescales for environmental oxygenation following the evolution of oxygenic photosynthesis, we applied a simple mathematical approach that captures many of the salient features of the major biogeochemical fluxes and reservoirs present in Archean and early Paleoproterozoic surface environments. Calculations illustrate that oxygenation would have overwhelmed redox buffers within ~100 kyr following the emergence of oxygenic photosynthesis, a geologically short amount of time unless rates of primary production were far lower than commonly expected. Fundamentally, this result arises because of the multiscale nature of the carbon and oxygen cycles: rates of gross primary production are orders of magnitude too fast for oxygen to be masked by Earth's geological buffers, and can only be effectively matched by respiration at non-negligible O2 concentrations. These results suggest that oxygenic photosynthesis arose shortly before the rise of oxygen, not hundreds of millions of years before it.
A genetic analysis of visual system development in Drosophilia melanogaster.

The eyes and optic lobes of adult Drosophila melanogaster comprise a highly organized system of interconnected neurons. The eye and optic lobe primordia are physically separate during the embryonic and larval stages of development, and these tissues do not come into contact until the third larval instar, as a consequence of axons growing from the receptor cells of the developing eyes to the primordial optic lobes. After this contact, the axons of the eyes arrange themselves into their complex and orderly adult pattern. Simultaneously, the optic lobe cells begin elaborating axons which organize into their precise adult array. One question posed by this system is: Does cellular pattern formation in either the eyes or optic lobes depend on eye-brain interactions, or do the two tissues organize autonomously? To answer this question, mutations were found which cause abnormal ommatidial array in the eyes and which also perturb the normal adult axon array in the optic lobes. By means of X ray-induced somatic recombination and by genetically controlled mitotic chromosome loss (gynandromorph formation), flies mosaic for genotypically mutant and normal tissue were constructed. Analysis of the neuronal array in mosaic flies in which eye and optic lobe tissue differed genotypically showed that the axon array phenotype of the optic lobe depends on the genotype of the eye tissue innervating that lobe, while the eye phenotype does not depend on optic lobe genotype. Thus, the axonal organization of the D. melanogaster optic lobe has been shown to depend on the transmission of information from the eyes to the optic lobes.
Health Reform and the Uninsured: The New Requirements of the Old Ethics

U.S. health reform will raise many familiar ethical issues over the next several years-old issues in new forms. One of these is the fate of individuals who will still be uninsured after implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. One way to think about meeting their needs is to appeal to the "social contract" around which the American Medical Association was originally formed. The AMA Code of Medical Ethics directs physicians to promote "access to medical care for all people" and to "share in providing care to the indigent." I propose that a minimum standard of public service activities be defined and required by all U.S. medical specialties in order to maintain board certification and/or professional society membership.
English rise-fall-rise: a study in the semantics and pragmatics of intonation

This paper provides a semantic analysis of English rise-fall-rise (RFR) intonation as a focus quantifier over assertable alternative propositions. I locate RFR meaning in the conventional implicature dimension, and propose that its effect is calculated late within a dynamic model. With a minimum of machinery, this account captures disambiguation and scalar effects, as well as interactions with other focus operators like ‘only’ and clefts. Double focus data further support the analysis, and lead to a rejection of Ward and Hirschberg’s (Language 61:747–776, 1985) claim that RFR never disambiguates. Finally, I draw out connections between RFR and contrastive topic (CT) intonation (Buring, Linguist Philos 26:511–545, 2003), and show that RFR cannot simply be reduced to a sub-case of CT.
Perceived instability of virtual haptic texture. II. Effect of collision-detection algorithm.

This article reports the second study in a series that investigates perceived instability--unrealistic sensations associated with virtual objects--of virtual haptic texture. Our first study quantified the maximum stiffness values under which virtual haptic textures were perceived to be stable (Choi & Tan, 2004). The present study investigated the effect of the collision detection algorithm by removing the step changes in force magnitude that could have contributed to perceived instability in the first study. Our results demonstrate a significant increase in the maximum stiffness for stable haptic texture rendering. We also report a new type of perceived instabiiity, aliveness, that is characterized by a pulsating sensation. We discuss the possible cause of aliveness and show that it is not always associated with control instability. Our results underscore the important roles played by environment modeling and human haptic perception, as well as control stability, in ensuring a perceptually stable virtual haptic environment.
Determination of Nicotine by Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS)

The analytical application of surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) to the determination of nicotine is demonstrated. A simple spectroelectrochemical method using a copper or silver electrode as the SERS substrate has been developed, consisting of three steps: polishing a working electrode to a mirror finish; roughening the electrode in an electrolyte solution; and, finally, depositing the nicotine analyte onto the roughened electrode after immersion in a sample solution. During the reduction cycle, a large enhancement in nicotine Raman scattering is observed at the electrode surface. The intensity of the SERS signal on a silver electrode is linear with concentration from 10 to 900 ppb, with an estimated detection limit of 7 ppb. The total analysis time per sample is approximately five minutes. This procedure has been used to analyze the extract from a cigarette side-stream smoke sample (environmental tobacco smoke); the SERS results agree well with those of conventional gas chromatographic analysis.
Protection of ischemic heart from reperfusion injury by myo-inositol hexaphosphate, a natural antioxidant.

Myo-inositol hexaphosphate (phytic acid), a highly charged antioxidant, has been found to chelate metal ions such as iron and calcium and to scavenge hydroxyl radicals, .OH. This study examined the efficacy of this antioxidant and redox agent in attenuating myocardial reperfusion injury. Sprague-Dawley rats were injected intravenously with three different doses of phytic acid (group 1, saline solution only, control; group 2, 1.5 mg/100 g; group 3, 7.5 mg/100 g; group 4, 15 mg/100 g) 30 minutes before excision of hearts. Isolated hearts were prepared by the Langendorff technique. Global ischemia was induced for 30 minutes, followed by 30 minutes of reperfusion. As expected, in group 1, reperfusion was associated with enhanced creatine kinase release, reduced coronary flow, poor recovery of ventricular function as evidenced by reduced left ventricular developed pressure and the first derivative of left ventricular pressure, and increased lipid peroxidation. Groups 3 and 4, but not group 2, demonstrated myocardial protection as evidenced by reduced creatine kinase release, improved left ventricular function and coronary flow, and decreased lipid peroxidation compared with the control group. These results suggest that potential use of this antioxidant in salvaging the heart from ischemic and reperfusion injury.
Application Districts: An Emerging Spatial Form in the Computer Software Industry

This paper presents a stylized theory of the geography of the computer software industry. It is timely because countries around the world, and at different stages of development, have targeted that industry for attention because of its growth and stability, and the quality of the jobs it provides. I demonstrate that the software industry is decentralizing away from the centers that were first established in the 1970s, but there is no process of de-concentration underway. Old clusters are losing their share of national employment, but they are being replaced by new clusters, and not by a generalized dispersal of the industry. I explain this pattern in terms of a spatial division of labor emerging in the software industry. This division is not based on a low-skill/high-skill labor dichotomy, as in high tech manufacturing, but on a distinction within high-skilled labor between those working on general-purpose technology and those developing applications for specific uses. I call the new clusters where specialized applications are developed “application districts.”
An analysis of manual circulation systems for academic libraries

A preceding paper examined concepts and components common to many types of library circulation systems; this paper attempts to identify and describe aspects that are particular to manual circulation systems. It assumes a manual file of records in the general form of paper cards or slips, for items that are charged or otherwise absent. It then discusses principles of record creation and coding (before, at or after transaction time), and file organization and processing. It identifies questions that are suitable for further investigation.
Impacts of Spatial Distribution of Impervious Areas on Runoff Response of Hillslope Catchments: Simulation Study

AbstractThis study analyzes variations in the model-projected changes in catchment runoff response after urbanization that stem from variations in the spatial distribution of impervious areas, interevent differences in temporal rainfall structure, and antecedent soil moisture (ASM). In this work, an ensemble of hypothetical imperviousness scenarios created for two small (<1 ha) watersheds were incorporated into the gridded surface subsurface hydrologic analysis (GSSHA) model, which was calibrated against 41 runoff events under natural conditions. Each event was resimulated for each imperviousness scenario. Variations in the model-projected changes in runoff were characterized and related to temporal rainfall dispersion, ASM, and two metrics: (1) proximity of imperviousness from the outlet, and (2) normalized number of downstream pervious elements. Key findings include the following: First, interscenario variations in the simulated runoff were relatively subdued on an event-mean basis but were much wider ...
Parallel lattice structure of block time-recursive generalized Gabor transforms

Abstract The problems of efficient computation of generalized Gabor transforms are considered in this work. Block time-recursive Gabor transforms are defined for both complex and real data sequences, fast algorithms are derived through two different approaches, one by the finite Zak transform, the other by biorthogonal functions. All the block time-recursive algorithms for the computation of generalized Gabor transforms can be unified by a parallel lattice structure. The unified lattice structure computes the transformed data sequentially with data sliding into/out-of a block of size N at a time. Gabor transform computation is based on the most recent L -point data, where L = MN . This model accommodates timely processing of the sequentially received data in digital signal transmission. Implementation on parallel computer system will be discussed.
Some difficulties with the double bilinear transformation in 2-D recursive filter design

It is shown that the double bilinear transformation approach for designing a 2-D IIR digital transfer function from a predetermined 2-D analog transfer function, may in certain cases lead to unstable solutions.
Transition metal ion exchange in mixed ammoniumsodium X and Y zeolites

Abstract Ion-exchange characteristics of hydrated Cu2+, Co2+, Ni2+, Mn2+ and Zn2+ ions in synthetic faujasites (X and Y) were examined at 25°C and at a total solution normality of 0.1 g equiv. dm−3. The original zeolites were samples of X and Y containing both ammonium and sodium ions. Evidence was found confirming earlier observations of significant irreversible binding of transition metals into the zeolites. Sodium ions which could not be removed by repeated exchanged of the zeolite with ammonium chloride solution were removed with relative ease by the transition metals, especially copper.
The regulation of infant behavior by maternal facial expression

In the past, Infants' comprehension of adult facial expressions has been assessed through discrimination and categorization techniques. However, a more meaningful level of comprehension involves infants' ability to utilize the information communicated by facial expressions to regulate their instrumental behavior. This study explored the age at which the capacity for such utilization develops. Seventy-two infants, half 12 months and half 18 months, were each presented with three unusual toys designed to elicit uncertainty in the infants. When they visually referenced their mothers' faces, mothers posed smiling, fearful, or neutral expressions. At both ages, the infants moved closest to the mother when she posed fear, moved farthest from her when she posed joy, and maintained an intermediate distance when she appeared neutral. For all variables, the effect was most clear on the third trial. The results demonstrated that by 12 months of age infants seek out facial expression information and use it to regulate their own behavior.
Kinetics and mechanism of the sonolytic conversion of the aqueous perfluorinated surfactants, perfluorooctanoate (PFOA), and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) into inorganic products.

The perfluorinated surfactants perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) are recognized as widespread in the environment as well as recalcitrant toward most conventional water treatment technologies. In this study, acoustic cavitation as driven by high-frequency ultrasound is shown to be effective in the degradation of aqueous solutions of PFOS and PFOA and effective over a wide range of concentrations from 10 nM to 10 μM for a given compound. Sulfur, fluorine, and carbon mass balances indicate that mineralization occurs immediately following the degradation of the initial perfluorinated surfactant. Near complete conversion of PFOS and PFOA to CO, CO_2, F^-, and SO_4^(2-) occurs due to pyrolytic reactions at the surface and vapor phase of transiently collapsing cavitation bubbles. The initial PFOS or PFOA pyrolytic degradation occurs at the bubble−water interface and involves the loss of the ionic functional group leading to the formation of the corresponding 1H-fluoroalkane or perfluoroolefin. The fluorochemical intermediates undergo a series of pyrolytic reactions in the bubble vapor leading to C_1 fluoro-radicals. Secondary vapor-phase bimolecular reactions coupled with concomitant hydrolysis converts the C_1 fluoro-radicals to carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and HF, forming a proton and fluoride upon dissolution. Sonochemical half-lives, which are calculated from high-temperature gas-phase kinetics, are consistent with kinetic observations and suggest that mineralization occurs shortly after initial perfluorinated surfactant interfacial pyrolysis.
Identification and management of insomnia

Abundant evidence suggests that insomnia is a prevalent health problem associated with increased rates of medical and psychiatric illness, and reduced quality of life [1–11]. Despite these observations, most of these patients are receiving little or no evaluation or treatment for the condition. Several factors may contribute to this. Traditional medical education, at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, has contained little instruction about sleep disorders in general, and insomnia specifically [12]. In recent years, sleep disorders have received greater attention, although much of this is directed to sleep-related breathing disturbance, such as obstructive sleep apnea, whereas information regarding the assessment and management of chronic insomnia continues to lag behind, despite the fact that insomnia is a far more common problem. Lacking information and skills necessary to address the issue, physicians and other health care workers have operated largely by avoidance—a ‘‘don’t ask, don’t tell’’ approach. This tactic is understandable in light of the vagaries and contradictions that have existed around issues, such as pharmacologic treatment. Patients often do not even raise the concern with their physicians, operating under the apparent assumptions that the condition is not a medical problem, that their physicians do not want to hear about it, or that there is little than can be done to help. In recent years there has been a quiet explosion in information about insomnia, much of which can be of great usefulness to practicing physicians. This article defines the scope and nature of the problem and its
Tumours metastatic to the parotid gland

Abstract An unusual series of six patients is presented as a reminder that metastatic tumours to the parotid gland need not arise from primaries limited to the head and neck area. The parotid gland, although a highly unlikely metastatic locus, may indeed be the site of lodgment of metastatic tumour originating at some obscure and distant focus.
Computer-Aided Fixture Design Verification: Part II — Tolerance Analysis

Tolerance analysis is the most important issue in computer-aided fixture design (CAFD) since the primary task of fixturing is to ensure the quality of machining, and it is an important part in computer-aided fixture design verification (CAFDV). This study presents a new approach for fixture tolerance analysis that is more generalized and can be used to assign locator tolerances based on machining surface tolerance requirements. The tolerance analysis is also generalized to handle any type of fixture designs, workpieces, datum features, and machining feature tolerances. Locator tolerance assignment distributes tolerances to locators based on a sensitivity analysis.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Glycosyl transferases in mouse and human milk fat globule membranes

Membranes isolated from mouse and human milk fat globules were found to contain the enzymes responsible for the synthesis of dolichol monophosphate mannose and dolichol monophosphate glucose as well as those involved in the transference of the glycosyl residues from the two dolichol derivatives to dolichol diphosphate oligosaccharides. The levels of most of the enzymes were comparable to those found in mouse mammary gland microsomes. The presence of enzymes involved in protein glycosylation via dolichol derivatives in the milk fat globule membrane provides evidence in favor of an outward flow of membrane components from the rough endoplasmic reticulum, where these enzymes are active in vivo, towards the cell surface.
Quantity Discounted Transportation Rates, Location and the Theory of Production

The theoretical impacts and implication of quantity-discounted transportation rates on the optimum location decisions of the firm in the linear space are investigated. It is shown that the linearly homogeneous or homothetic production function alone no longer ensures the independence between the choice of plant location and the output level or the demand condition, unless (1) the elasticities of transportation rates with respect to quantity are constant and identical; and (2) the ratio of marginal products is equal to the ratio of marginal transportation costs. Moreover, and more importantly, some conclusions obtained by prior studies on location theory can be shown to be special cases of these more general results, but others are not defensible when the transportation rate depends upon quantity shipped.
The plasticizer absorption behavior of PVC

Abstract The Calm microbalance system for plasticizer absorption in PVC resin has been used to study the different absorption behaviors of two different plasticizer systems [diisodecyl phthalate (DidP) and a mixed system] on resins of various origins [50-gal reactor and the large reactor pilot plant (LRPP)] and polymerization conditions [different killing pressures (conversion) and two different chemical additives]. The results show that these two chemical additives do not affect the plasticizer capacity of resin but do increase the maximum rate of plasticizer absorption. Killing pressure (conversion) affects both capacity and rate of absorption.
Meditation as an adjunct to a happiness enhancement program

This study investigated the impact that meditation has on Fordyce's (1977, 1983) Personal Happiness Enhancement Program (PHEP). Experimental subjects were divided into two groups, both of which received instruction on the PHEP. Subjects in one experimental group were taught a meditation exercise in addition to the PHEP. A control group received no instruction. The Happiness Measure, Psychap Inventory, Beck Depression Inventory, and State-Trait Anxiety Scale were dependent measures. The three (groups) x two (pre-post) mixed ANOVAs with Student Newman-Keuls found that the meditation plus PHEP group significantly improved on all dependent measures over both the PHEP only group and the control group. The PHEP only group improved significantly over the control group on all measures except state anxiety.
Thiol-reactive compounds prevent nonspecific antibody binding in immunohistochemistry

Nonspecific antibody binding is the primary source of confounding background in immunohistochemistry (IHC). Based on observed patterns of background staining, and the known spontaneous reduction of immunoglobulin disulfide bonds in vivo and in vitro, we tested the hypothesis that nonspecific antibody binding in IHC is mediated by sulfhydryl interactions. Coincubation of primary antibodies with reduced glutathione (GSH), L-cysteine, iodoacetic acid, Ellman's reagent and other thiophilic reagents in pH 8 tris-EDTA (TE) buffer inhibited background staining. In contrast, oxidized glutathione (GSSG) exerted no effect. When empirically optimized, coincubation of GSH with primary antibodies significantly improved IHC signal:noise ratio. Tissue preincubation with mercaptans, soft and borderline metals, and other sulfhydryl-reactive reagents also inhibited background staining, but at the expense of target sensitivity. ELISA results confirmed direct binding between murine serum antibodies and GSH in a nonantigen-dependent manner. In summary, thiol-reactive compounds prevent nonspecific antibody binding in IHC. We propose a mechanism whereby nonspecific background resulting from formation of disulfide bridges and other sulfhydryl bonds between primary antibodies and tissue side groups is interrupted by prior exposure to thiol-reactive reagents such as GSH. These findings provide a molecular basis to improve the specificity of IHC and other immunoassays, and hold implications for antibody-based clinical diagnostics and therapeutics.
A forensically robust method for acquisition of iCloud data

The acquisition of data stored on cloud services has become increasingly important to digital forensic investigations. Apple, Inc. continues to expand the capabilities of its cloud service, iCloud. As such, it is critical to determine an effective means for forensic acquisition of data from this service and its effect on the original file data and metadata.This research examined files acquired from the iCloud service via the native Mac OS X system synchronization with the service. The goal was to determine the operating system locations of iCloud-synched files. Once located, the secondary goal was to determine if the file hash values match those of the original files and whether file metadata, particularly timestamps, are altered.
BENCHMARK PROBLEMS FOR THE VALIDATION OF EDDY CURRENT COMPUTER CODES

The papers in this special issue of COMPEL describe six benchmark problems that can be used to validate eddy current computer codes. The papers include computational results to the problems. The results were presented at six workshops for the comparison of codes held in Europe, America, and Japan between March 1986 and August 1987.
Thrombophlebitis in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Thrombophlebitis occurred in 14 (12.2%) of 114 patients with active systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Abnormal clotting occurred despite the presence of thrombocytopenia or circulating anticoagulants in some of the patients, and the development of pulmonary emboli was verified in seven. Although infrequently reported, the association of thrombophlebitis with active SLE is apparently not uncommon. While there were no features that distinguished this group of patients from other groups of patients with SLE, there are some possible mechanisms. Recognition of this complication of SLE is important because of the frequent occurrence of SLE-induced pleuritis and its similarity to the pain of pulmonary emboli. (JAMA240:1728-1730, 1978)
A comparison of clinically useful phosphorus binders for patients with chronic kidney failure

A comparison of clinically useful phosphorus binders for patients with chronic kidney failure. Over the past 30 years it has become apparent that hyperphosphatemia plays a major causative role across the entire spectrum of morbidity associated with advancing kidney dysfunction and failure. A large fraction (60% to 70%) of dietary phosphorus is absorbed and normally excreted by the kidneys. Ideally, as kidney function deteriorates, the net quantity of phosphorus absorbed from the GI tract should be proportionally reduced to match the decrease in kidney function. After initiation of chronic dialysis therapy, the absorbed phosphorus load should match the amount of phosphorus removed via dialysis plus any excreted by residual kidney function. Because it is very difficult to reduce dietary phosphorus to these levels, a variety of oral phosphorus binders have been employed. Currently available binders include alkaline aluminum, magnesium, and calcium salts (primarily calcium carbonate and calcium acetate), various iron salts, and the binding resin sevelamer hydrochloride. Lanthanum carbonate is the newest agent and will probably be released shortly. This review compares the theoretic and in vitro chemistry of these drugs with in vivo data obtained in both normal patients, and in patients with kidney failure. The clinical potency and potential toxicity of the binding agents are compared, and optimal drug administration strategies are also reviewed.
Preparing teachers for special and general education through case‐based instruction: An analysis of their perceptions, learning, and written cases

Case‐based teaching is one way of responding to the challenge of preparing general and special education teachers for the roles they are to assume. We discuss the rationale for case‐based instructi...
Pollutants in breast milk.

Objective: To review data on the occurrence and toxicity of the commonly reported pesticides and industrial environmental pollutant chemicals in breast milk. Data Sources: Continuous automated literature surveillance plus contact with investigators and governmental agencies. Study Selections: For data on occurrence, the most recent data from the largest data sets on the most representative donors were used. For data on toxicity, the primary report that was publicly available was used. Data Extraction: When necessary, data were reexpressed or concentrations were rescaled. The original investigator was contacted if necessary. Data Synthesis: Although pollutant chemicals are readily detected in most human milk worldwide, there is little evidence for consequent morbidity in nurslings. There have been several mass poisonings in which chemicals that were transmitted through breast milk clearly affected children who were breast-fed, and there is some evidence that prenatal exposure to background levels resulted in mild developmental delay and that lactation per se was disturbed. Conclusions: Breast-feeding is recommended despite the presence of chemical residues. The prenatal period in the child and the initiation of lactation in the mother may be sensitive periods to the toxicity of the chemicals that are considered here, and the potential for poisoning at higher levels is clear. However, in the vast majority of women, the benefits of breast-feeding appear to outweigh the risks, and those who advise women about infant nutrition should continue to support breast-feeding. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 1996;150:981-990