cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
AASLD Educating and Engaging in the Digital Age.

When was the last time you opened a textbook? When was the last time you read a paper journal? For many people in this digital age, these occurrences are happening less frequently. Gone are the days of medical students filling their white coats pockets with handbooks, textbooks, and flashcards and alternatively, learners are now adept at using smartphones and digital devices to obtain information. According to reports, 5.19 billion people, or 67% of the world's population accesses the internet through a mobile phone. Around the world, people spend an average of 6 hours and 43 minutes on the internet each day, and as of January 2020 access from mobile devices exceeded 50%. As the people receive more and more information from the internet and mobile phones, the processing demands on the brain increase daily. Sweller described this phenomenon, called the cognitive load theory, as the ability of working memory to effectively process information. He further explained that when information is not presented in an intuitive, organized manner, there is a risk of overwhelming the cognitive load for the learner. Using these principles, the AASLD has reimagined the AASLD.org website, the AASLD Journals app, and LiverLearning® to optimize the learning and gathering of information for its members.
Interactive Applets in Calculus and Engineering Courses

In the fall of 2000, a group in the MIT Mathematics Department began work on a suite of computer applets (“MIT Mathlets”) designed to support basic MIT mathematics education. For a report on this work and a review of relevant literature see Miller and Upton [3]. The current state of this collection, along with supplementary material, can be found at http://math.mit.edu/mathlets/. The intent of this chapter is to discuss the recent design and application of two new families of MIT Mathets serving very different audiences: • Calculus tools designed for self-learners and delivered over the internet through MIT OpenCourseWare. • Tools designed for use in an aerospace engineering classroom workshop to aid in understanding the stability of certain difference schemes.
General Decision-theory Concepts

Let us begin with a few fundamental aspects of statistical-decision theory so that we may apply them directly to problems in communication theory. Summarizing from Chapter 2, we have the following definitions: 1. Γ is the observation space which has elements y. 2. A is the decision space with elements a, called actions or decisions. 3. Ω is the signal space with elements, s, called the messages or signals.
An Illustrated Key to the Chaetognatha of the Northern Gulf of Mexico with Notes on their Distribution

A key is provided to facilitate the identification of 24 species in nine genera of Chaetognatha occurring in the northem Gulf of Mexico. Included are the deep-water species, Eukrohnia proboscidea, E . calliops, Mesosagitta sibogae, and Sagitta megalophthalma, all recent additions to the known fauna of the region. Meristic data, brief descriptions, ecological notes, Gulf of Mexico records, and illustrations are also presented.
Modelling carbon dioxide in the ocean: A review

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the modeling of CO 2 fluxes in aquatic systems. The instantaneous molecular-scale thermodynamic calculations of CO 2 aqueous chemistry are discussed in the chapter. The millimeter scale processes that govern gas transfer kinetics across the air–sea interface, the 100 m scale dynamics of mixing and biogeochemistry in the upper ocean, and the mesoscale eddies and gyre circulation are discussed in detail. On a molecular level, the partitioning of gases between gaseous and aqueous phases is governed by thermodynamics in the form of Henry's law. The sources of nutrients and carbon at the sea surface include (1) seasonal and faster changes in the depth of the mixed layer, (2) large-scale upwelling in equatorial and subpolar oceans, (3) transient uplift of the thermocline in mesoscale eddies, (4) irreversible mixing required to bring subsurface geochemical signatures—such as O 2 and 3 He—to the sea surface, and (5) nitrogen fixation. These mechanisms have distinct signatures on the tracers O 2 and 3 He. Mesoscale processes are a crucial part of the geochemical cycles of gases and associated biological tracers in the upper ocean, but models of ocean-gas chemistry at the mesoscale are still working in the diagnostic stage.
The immunoregulatory nature of iron: I. Lymphocyte proliferation

An increasing body of evidence suggests that iron may regulate certain immune functions in vitro. Its effects on proliferative responses of human peripheral blood mononuclear lymphocytes (PBM) to various mitogens was therefore investigated. The results showed that it enhanced such responses to pokeweed mitogen (PWM) but suppressed those to phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and to concanavalin A (Con A). Furthermore, the enhancement was mediated by T rather than B cells. In conclusion, those results provide further evidence for the hypothesis that iron has certain immunoregulatory properties in vitro.
Application of Neural Networks to the Interpretation of Laboratory Data in Cancer Diagnosis

Neural networks are a relatively new method of multivariate analysis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the ability of neural networks to differentiate benign from malignant breast conditions on the basis of the pattern of nine variables: patient age, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, apolipoprotein A-I, apolipoprotein B, albumin, the tumor marker CA15-3, and the Fossel index (measurement of methylene and methyl line-widths in proton NMR spectra). The laboratory analyses were made with blood plasma or serum specimens. The neural network was "trained" with 57 patients: 23 patients with breast malignancies and 34 patients with benign breast conditions. A neural network with nine input neurons, 15 hidden neurons, and two output neurons correctly classified all 57 patients. The ability of the network to predict the diagnoses of patients that it had no encountered in training was tested with a separate group (cross-validation group) of 20 patients. The network correctly predicted the diagnoses for 80% of these patients. For comparison we analyzed the same sets of 57 training patients and 20 cross-validation patients by quadratic discriminant function analysis. The quadratic discriminant function, calculated from the same 57 patients used to train the neural network, correctly classified 84% of the 57 patients, and correctly diagnosed 75% of the 20 cross-validation patients. The results suggest that neural networks are a potentially useful multivariate method for optimizing the diagnostic utility of laboratory data.
Flux creep in a polycrystalline Ba 0.6 K 0.4 BiO 3 superconductor

Magnetization curves have been measured as a function of temperature for a polycrystalline sample of ${\mathrm{Ba}}_{0.6}$${\mathrm{K}}_{0.4}$${\mathrm{BiO}}_{3}$. These measurements reveal significant reversibility at modest fields for all temperatures studied. The irreversibility line (${H}^{\mathrm{*}}$,${T}^{\mathrm{*}}$) is determined for this material and shows that ${H}^{\mathrm{*}}$ is less than 0.8 T at all temperatures. The logarithmic magnetic relaxation rate A=dM/d ln(t) has been studied for this material, as a function of both field and temperature. Analysis using the flux-creep model reveals the average pinning energy ${U}_{0}$ to be 0.08\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.02 eV. This extremely small pinning energy is used to explain the small critical current, its strong dependence on field, and the significantly reversible behavior in this material.
Cultural Diversity and Marketing Transactions: Are Market Integration, Large Community Size, and World Religions Necessary for Fairness in Ephemeral Exchanges?

The study here applies qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) in an examination of data from 15 societies varying in their degree of market integration (MI) and participation in world religions (WRs); the data are available in Henrich et al. (2010b). The findings here provide a more nuanced coverage of the influences of cultural causal recipes on fairness and punishment in exchanges with strangers than “net effect” explanations. The coverage here explains how acts of fairness and punishment are contingent on several alternative paths including both low as well as high levels of MI and WR. Contrary to conclusions by Henrich et al. (2010a), depending on additional ingredients in cultural recipes, a society does not need to achieve MI and adoption of a WR to be fair and punish unfairness.
Blood biomarkers of vitamin D status

In the past quarter century, more than 50 metabolites of vitamin D have been described. To date, only a few of these have been quantified in blood, but this has widened our understanding of the pathologic role that altered vitamin D metabolism plays in the development of diseases of calcium homeostasis. Currently, awareness is growing of the prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency in the general population in association with an increased risk of several diseases. However, for many researchers, it is not clear which vitamin D metabolites should be quantified and what the information gained from such an analysis tells us. Only 2 metabolites, namely, 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25(OH)2D], have received the greatest attention. Of these, the need for measuring serum 1,25(OH)2D is limited, and this metabolite should therefore not be considered as part of the standard vitamin D testing regimen. On the other hand, serum 25(OH)D provides the single best assessment of vitamin D status and thus should be the only vitamin D assay typically performed. Currently, numerous formats exist for measuring serum 25(OH)D concentrations, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. This article reviews the currently available methods for serum 25(OH)D quantitation and considers important issues such as whether both the D2 and the D3 forms of the vitamin should be assayed, whether total or free concentrations are most important, and what measures should be taken to ensure the fidelity of the measurements.
Incidence and 1-Year Outcomes of Perioperative Atrial Arrhythmia in Elderly Adults After Hip Fracture Surgery.

Objectives To determine the incidence and 1-year outcomes of an elderly population with perioperative atrial arrhythmia (PAA) within 7 days of hip fracture surgery. Design Retrospective cohort study. Setting The Rochester Epidemiology Project (REP). Participants Elderly adults consecutive undergoing hip fracture repair from 1988 to 2002 in Olmsted County, Minnesota (N = 1,088, mean age 84.0 ± 7.4, 80.2% female). Measurements Baseline clinical variables were analyzed in relation to survival using Cox proportional hazards methods for comparison. Results Sixty-one participants (5.6%) developed PAA within the first 7 days. During 1 year of follow-up, 239 (22%) participants died. PAA was associated with greater mortality (45% vs 21%; hazard ratio (HR) = 2.8, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.9–4.2). Other mortality risk factors were male sex (HR = 2.0, 95% CI = 1.5–2.6), congestive heart failure (HR = 2.1, 95% CI = 1.7–2.8), chronic renal insufficiency (HR = 2.0, 95% CI = 1.5–2.8), dementia (HR = 2.9, 95% CI = 2.2–3.7), and American Society of Anesthesiologists risk Class III, IV, or V (HR = 3.3, 95% CI = 1.9–5.9). Conclusion Elderly adults undergoing hip fracture surgery who develop PAA within 7 days have significantly higher 1-year mortality than those who do not. Further studies are indicated to determine whether prevention of PAA will reduce mortality in this population.
11.—Deep-sea Biological Studies in America, 1846 to 1872—their contribution to the Challenger Expedition

On December 7, 1872, H.M.S. Challenger left Sheemess, England, on one of the great adventures of scientific exploration, a voyage of four years which was to circumnavigate the globe and to visit all the major oceans of the world. The stated purpose and objectives of the expedition are given in a letter from the Royal Society of London to the Secretary of the British Admiralty. These goals were to study: (1) ‘the physical conditions of the deep sea throughout all the great ocean-basins’, (2) ‘the chemical constitution of the water at various depths from the surface to the bottom’, (3) ‘the physical and chemical characters of the deposits’, and finally (4) ‘the distribution of organic life throughout the area explored’ (Challenger Rep., 1 (1), iii). This was an extraordinarily comprehensive plan! To get some notion of the enthusiasm this expedition engendered and to recapture some of its excitement, one needs only to read the narrative of this historic cruise written and extracted from the logs and personal journals of members from the scientific party.
Association of Kidney Function and Albuminuria With Prevalent and Incident Hypertension: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study

Background Decreased kidney function and kidney damage may predate hypertension, but only a few studies have investigated both types of markers simultaneously, and these studies have obtained conflicting results. Study Design Cross-sectional for prevalent and prospective observational study for incident hypertension. Setting & Participants 9,593 participants from the ARIC (Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities) Study, aged 53-75 years in 1996-1998. Predictors Several markers of kidney function (estimated glomerular filtration rate using serum creatinine and/or cystatin C and 2 novel markers [β-trace protein and β 2 -microglobulin]) and 1 marker of kidney damage (urinary albumin-creatinine ratio [ACR]). Every kidney marker was categorized by its quintiles (top quintile as a reference for estimated glomerular filtration rates and bottom quintile for the rest). Outcomes Prevalent and incident hypertension. Measurements Prevalence ratios and HRs of hypertension based on modified Poisson regression and Cox proportional hazards models, respectively. Results There were 4,378 participants (45.6%) with prevalent hypertension at baseline and 2,175 incident hypertension cases during a median follow-up of 9.8 years. Although all 5 kidney function markers were associated significantly with prevalent hypertension, prevalent hypertension was associated most notably with higher ACR (adjusted prevalence ratio, 1.60 [95% CI, 1.50-1.71] for the highest vs lowest ACR quintile). Similarly, ACR was associated consistently with incident hypertension in all models tested (adjusted HR, 1.28 [95% CI, 1.10-1.49] for top quintile), while kidney function markers demonstrated significant associations in some, but not all, models. Even mildly increased ACR (9.14-14.0mg/g) was associated significantly with incident hypertension. Limitations Self-reported use of antihypertensive medication for defining incident hypertension, single assessment of kidney markers, and relatively narrow age range. Conclusions Although all kidney markers were associated with prevalent hypertension, only elevated albuminuria was associated consistently with incident hypertension, suggesting that kidney damage is related more closely to hypertension than moderate reduction in overall kidney function.
A SIMULATION SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR SOLVING LARGE PHYSIOLOGICAL MODELS ON MICROCOMPUTERS

Abstract Although physiological modeling and computer simulation have become useful research tools to test new scientific theories and to design and analyze laboratory experiments, developing a new model can be a tedious process because the investigator must often write very complex and specific routines for data input and output. To facilitate the design of new models (as well as the use of existing models), we have developed MODSIM, a FORTRAN -based simulation support system for the IBM PC computer than can accommodate very large dynamic models having up to several thousand equations. It provides the investigator with utilities for continuous on-line graphical and/or tubular output, as well as facilities for dynamic interaction with the model. The user must only supply a model as a list of mathematical equations written in FORTRAN , along with the initial values of the model variables and parameters. The model is precompiled, compiled, and then linked to the MODSIM utilities. Without further programming, the user can then solve the model, select variables for graphical output, and stop the model at any time to analyze the data or to change a parameter before resuming the simulation. This simulation system makes it very easy to develop new models that actively interact with the experimental research of the investigator.
Oil at 150$—The tipping point for changing course of civilizations?

Abstract The present work offers a systemic perspective on post conventional oil futures. It is based on the model that accounts for a causal relationship between a dominant worldview in a society and the societal choice of technology and institutions, which then constrain and direct dynamics at the level of production and consumption. The Business as usual scenario provides an idea as where the world might be heading under the assumption of a myopic and unchanging worldview. The Western group leads the process of change scenario describes an evolutionary cascade of change in the Western group, which starts with a substantial change in a dominant worldview. Note that this substantial change is not a revolution – although its institutional solutions appear very challenging today, they do not necessarily stand out of the capitalist democracy. Finally, the third scenario is about global governance – a future that would leave least unknowns and least threats to Western civilization.
Changes in cortical EEG and cholinergic function in response to NGF in rats with nucleus basalis lesions.

Abstract We examined whether recovery of cholinergic function in response to nerve growth factor (NGF) results in restoration of electrocortical activity. Rats received unilateral lesions of the nucleus basalis and were infused intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.) over 3 weeks with NGF or vehicle. Cortical electrical activity was assessed at postoperative days 4, 7, 14, and 21 from 8 epidural electrodes. On day 21, choline acetyl transferase (ChAT) activity was measured in cortical tissue underlying each electrode site. Lesions resulted in increases in slow-wave (δ) power and decreases in high-frequency (β2) power in the lesioned, as well as the non-lesioned hemisphere. Changes correlated topographically and in magnitude with losses of ChAT activity and suggested that regional electrocortical function was affected by cholinergic activity originating in the ipsilateral, as well as the contralateral hemisphere. NGF attenuated changes in cholinergic and electrocortical function bilaterally, though in the lesioned hemisphere, function did not return to control levels. Likewise, intact animals receiving NGF showed increases in β2-power, as well as modest increases in ChAT activity. Changes in brain electrical activity in response to NGF occurred within 4–7 days without significant changes during the 2 weeks thereafter. Our results suggest that outcomes of future animal and human trials using unilateral i.c.v. infusions of NGF need to consider the reciprocal influences of hemispheric cholinergic function, as well as possible effects of NGF on intact brain.
A novel method for fabricating an optical grating element with a fine grating pitch

Optical encoders are widely used to detect the position, angle or speed in precise control systems. A rotary optical encoder mainly comprises an optical sensor and an optical grating element with a fine grating pitch. In order to improve the resolution of rotary optical encoders, the grating pitch in the optical grating element should be reduced as small as possible. That is, the pulse per revolution (ppr) in the optical grating element must be increased markedly. However, an optical grating element having over 10,000 ppr is difficult to achieve by traditional methods. In this paper, a novel method is proposed and demonstrated to replicate an optical grating element with a high ppr. Furthermore, the tiny signals generated from fine grating pitches in the optical grating element have been also measured by using a conventional optical pickup head.
One-pot synthesis of carbon coated-SnO2/graphene-sheet nanocomposite with highly reversible lithium storage capability

Abstract We report a one-pot hydrothermal approach to synthesize carbon coated-SnO2/graphene-sheet (SnO2-C/GNS) nanocomposite. Strong oxidation–reduction reactions to produce GNS by the traditional Hummers' method are avoided. The experiments show that the glucose and tin tetrachloride can intercalate into the thin graphite flake to exfoliate graphite and form SnO2-C/GNS nanocomposite simultaneously during the hydrothermal process. The approach is quite simple and green. Meanwhile, the prepared SnO2-C/GNS nanocomposite as an anode material of lithium-ion batteries exhibits higher lithium storage capacity and better cycling performance compared to SnO2 nanoparticle and SnO2-C microsphere. It still delivers the reversible capacity of 703 mA h g−1 after 80 cycles at a current density of 100 mA g−1 and maintains 443 mA h g−1 after 100 cycles at a current density of 1000 mA g−1. The improvement in the performance of SnO2-C/GNS nanocomposite can be attributed to the fully conﬁnement of SnO2 nanoparticles between the GNS and the carbon layer, which can effectively prevent the detachment and agglomeration of SnO2 and preserve the integrity of the nanostructure during charge/discharge cycling.
Price and margin rigidity in deflation: The great depression

The major hypothesis tested in this paper states that rigid price-cost margins in concentrated industries are an important cause of price rigidity. According to this view, while prices in all industries change with unit variable costs, prices in concentrated industries, where unit margins are rigid, change less than those in unconcentrated industries, where unit margins are more flexible. Three earlier and conflicting studies of price behavior in The Great Depression (1929–33) are reexamined. When these studies are subject to the same or similar tests, it is found that price rigidity is identified with concentration in the period considered.
An enantioselective synthesis of a MEM-protected aetheramide A derivative

Aetheramides A and B are very potent anti-HIV agents. An enantioselective synthesis of a MEM-protected aetheramide A derivative is described. The synthesis was accomplished in a convergent and stereoselective manner. The key reactions involved asymmetric dihydroxylation, asymmetric allylation, asymmetric syn-aldol reactions, and asymmetric hydrogenation.
Where does walkability matter the most? An environmental justice interpretation of New Jersey data

Physical inactivity contributes to a growing proportion of premature mortality and morbidity in the United States, and the last decade has been the focus of calls for action. Analysis of 340 residents of New Jersey found that 15%–20% reported multiple problems with using their immediate neighborhoods for physical activity. These respondents were disproportionately African Americans living in neighborhoods that they regard as only of fair or poor quality. Neighborhood walkability is a second-wave environmental justice issue meriting carefully designed research and ameliorative actions in concert with other neighborhood-level redevelopment activities.
KERNEL HARDNESS OF WILD RICE AS AFFECTED BY DRYING AIR TEMPERATURE AND MOISTURE GRADIENT

Samples of wild rice (38-40% moisture, wet basis) were dried to 7-8% moisture using three different drying air temperatures and relative humidities, namely, 110°C-63% relative humidity, 110°C-6% relative humidity, and 60°C-20% relative humidity. Samples were subsequently hulled immediately (hulled hot) or hulled after storing 24 hr at room temperature (hulled cold). Evaluations included determination of hulling efficiency, kernel hardness and degree of gelatinization. Hulling was most efficient when a high drying air temperature was used and when the kernels were hulled immediately after drying. Total yield was not affected by temperature gradient or moisture gradient which the wild rice kernels experienced during drying. Head yield was maximum when wild rice was dried under conditions of a high drying air temperature and low mositure gradient, and when it was hulled hot, immediately after drying. The kernel hardness test confirmed that kernels were harder when dried under high temperature, low moisture gradient conditions. Degree of gelatinization studies confirmed that about 90-95% of the starch in kernels dried under these conditions was gelatinized. The gelatinization of starch was influenced by both temperature and rate of drying. Susceptibility of kernels to cracking increased with increasing magnitude of moisture gradient within kernels. The best processing conditions for wild rice using criteria previously described consist of drying under high air temperature and a low moisture gradient, and hulling the kernels hot, immediately after drying.
Effect of Coating Type on Yield, Fry Time and Composition of Broiler Parts Prepared in a Household Fryer

Like parts from each of eight broilers were coated by either dredging in flour (home preparation) or breaded by a commercial procedure. The coated parts of each broiler were then fried in a household deep-fat fryer to an internal tempera ture of 93°C (200°F). Fry time, yield, and composition were compared for like parts coated by the two methods. Generally, fry time was longer for pieces breaded by the commercial procedure. Breaded breasts and thighs produced greater yield than the floured parts. Moisture and protein percentages were lower for all breaded parts and fat percentage was higher for breaded wings and drumsticks. These data suggest that, generally, commercial coatings with increased coating weight extend fry time, increase fat absorption, and decrease moisture and pro tein percentages.
Effects of parathyroid hormone on bone formation in a rat model for chronic alcohol abuse.

Background: Alcoholism is a risk factor for osteoporosis and it is not clear whether the detrimental effects of alcohol on bone are reversible. Parathyroid hormone (PTH) is a potent stimulator of bone matrix synthesis and is being investigated as a therapeutic agent to reverse bone loss. The present investigation was designed to determine the effects of PTH on bone formation in a rat model for chronic alcohol abuse. Methods and Results: Alcohol was administered in the diet of female rats (35% caloric intake) for 2 weeks. Human (1–34) PTH (80 μg/kg/day) was administered subcutaneously during the second week of the study. Alcohol resulted in a transient reduction in steady-state mRNA levels for the bone matrix proteins type 1 collagen, osteocalcin, and osteonectin compared with rats that were fed an alcohol-free (control) diet. As expected, alcohol decreased and PTH increased histologic indices of bone formation. Additionally, two-way ANOVA demonstrated that alcohol antagonized PTH-induced bone formation. Despite antagonism, bone formation and mRNA levels for bone matrix proteins in alcohol-fed rats treated with PTH greatly exceeded the values in rats fed the control diet. Conclusions: The results of this study contribute to a growing body of evidence that alcohol-induced bone loss is primarily due to reduced bone formation. We conclude that alcohol does not prevent the stimulatory effects of PTH on bone formation. This is evidence that the effects of alcohol on the skeleton are reversible. Additionally, the positive effects on bone formation in rats that consumed high concentrations of alcohol suggested that PTH may be useful as an intervention to treat alcohol-induced osteoporosis.
ESD effects in power MOSFETs: a review

Abstract Depending on the energy of the pulse, electrostatic discharge (ESD) may cause either catastrophic failure (gate-oxide breakdown) or non-catastrophic damage (degradation) of power MOSFETs. Non-catastrophic damage is manifested in the form of positive charge trapping in the gate oxide and increased drain-to-source leakage current. Low-level human body model (HBM) ESD stress causes uniform charge injection and trapping over the are of the device. High-level HBM ESD stress results in localized charge injection in both n-channel and p-channel power MOSFETs. However, the effects of this stress on n-channel power MOSFETs are different from those on p-channel MOSFETs.
Modal parameter separation for oversized finite difference time domain models

Abstract A method to distinguish between structural and computational modes for modal data estimated with oversized least squares time domain models is developed. The method is based on the convergence and stationarity of the z-plane poles as the algorithm processes subsequent points of the time domain arrays. A convergence factor is developed to quantitatively assess the pole stationarity. The utility of the method is evaluated with both simulated and experimental data. The results show that the observation of the convergence factor can greatly aid in the separation of the structural from the computational modes.
Pregnancy after avascular necrosis of the femur complicating Gaucher’s disease☆

A patient with type I Gaucher's disease had avascular necrosis of the right femoral head that resulted in an altered bony pelvis and marked restriction of right hip abduction. Enzyme replacement therapy with alglucerase prevented further deterioration and improved thrombocytopenia. Vaginal delivery was achieved with the patient in the left lateral position with exaggerated flexion at the contralateral hip.
A low-power orthogonal current-reuse amplifier for parallel sensing applications

We demonstrate a low-noise CMOS amplifier array using orthogonal bias current-reuse to improve fundamental noise-power trade-offs. The architecture presented uses stacking to share bias current among the input differential pairs of four amplifiers. By using the output drain currents of each differential pair as tail currents for the next stage, we save bias current. By arranging the stacked differential pairs appropriately, we generate 16 output currents that encode the original inputs in a linearly independent (orthogonal) fashion. These outputs are then recombined in much lower power output stages to reconstruct amplified versions of the inputs. Our design was built in standard 130nm CMOS and has a noise efficiency factor (NEF) of 2.7, close to the lowest published for a differential amplifier. However, amortizing bias current across the 4 parallel amplifier paths in the NEF calculation yields an effective NEF of 1.54. The input-referred noise ranges from 14.5 sV rms to 17.4 /iV rm . between amplifiers in the stack over bandwidths of 426 kHz to 530.2 kHz while consuming a total power of 19.6 μ-W, or 4.9 μ\¥ per path. Orthogonal biasing avoids cross-talk between stacked amplifier paths, providing isolation of 37 dB or better.
Effect of H2O2 dose on the thermo-oxidative co-treatment with anaerobic digestion of excess municipal sludge.

Thermo-oxidative treatment, applied at moderate temperatures below the boiling point of water and using hydrogen peroxide as oxidant, has been shown to enhance anaerobic digestion of excess municipal sludge. Due to the high economic impact of chemical addition on the process, a balance between process performance and economic cost has to be established. The effect of three low hydrogen peroxide dosages (0.1, 0.25 and 0.5 gH 2 O 2 /gVSS influent ) applied at 90 °C was evaluated. Increases in solids destruction of 13.9, 18.9 and 25.6% with respect to a control were observed when the thermo-oxidative co-treatment was operated at 0.1, 0.25 and 0.5 gH 2 O 2 /gVSS influent , respectively.
Effect of book size and age of mare and stallion on foaling rates in thoroughbred horses

Summary The entire population data for Thoroughbred horses in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico registered with the Jockey Club of America were utilized to study the effect of stallion book size, age of mare and age of stallion on live foal percentage for the 1987 and 1988 breeding seasons. There were 17,260 stallions bred to 179,009 mares, with a resulting overall live foaling rate of 58.1%. There was an increase in live foal percentage as book size increased (P
MRI in experimental inflammatory and mitochondrial optic neuropathies.

MRI is a powerful tool for evaluating structural and functional alterations in the optic nerve in experimental animal models of human disease. MRI–histopathological correlations have provided important insights into the pathogenesis of disease. Paramagnetic contrast agents have been used to serially visualize the foci and severity of disruption of the blood–optic nerve barrier and physiological neuronal alterations in living animals. Here I review the experience of our group in optic nerve imaging of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis and neurodegeneration induced by genetic manipulation of respiratory chain enzymes. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Endomorphisms of exceptional {\mathcal{D}} -elliptic sheaves

We relate the endomorphism rings of certain $${\mathcal{D}}$$ -elliptic sheaves of finite characteristic to hereditary orders in central division algebras over function fields.
Chymosin activity against αs1-casein in model systems: Influence of whey proteins

Abstract The influence of native or heat-denatured α -lactalbumin (LA) and β -lactoglobulin (LG) on chymosin activity against α s1 -casein (CN) inbuffered and simulated milk ultrafiltrate model systems was evaluated. The α s1 -CN solution (2.5 mg/ml) was adjusted to pH 5.5 using glucono-Δ-lactone; α -LA or β -LG, either native or heat-denatured (100°C for 15min), was then added. Sufficient chymosin was added to hydrolyze 99% of the α s1 -CN in 4h at 20°C in an uninhibited system. Fast protein liquid chromatography was used to quantify intact α s1 -CN at 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, and 4h and to evaluate chymosin activity. Rate constants for each reaction were determined. Simulated milk ultrafiltrate alone did not influence the rate of α s1 -CN hydrolysis, and, in the absence of milk salts, only denatured β -LG reduced the rate of α s1 -CN hydrolysis significantly. When simulated milk ultrafiltrate was added to reaction mixtures, both native and heat-denatured β -LG significantly inhibited chymosin activity. Native α -LA did not influence hydrolysis of α s1 -CN; heat-denatured α -LA inhibited chymosin only in the presence of simulated milk ultrafiltrate.
Health-information seeking on the Internet and current smoking status: Evidence from the national health interview survey

Two research questions were addressed. First, what are the differences between internet searchers and non-searchers for health-related information among current and former smokers? Second, does searching the internet for health-related information predict current smoking status in a multivariate model that controls for variations in sociodemographic and family characteristics? Data collected from 10,929 current and former smokers who participated in the 2009 National Health Interview Survey showed significant differences in sociodemographic and family characteristics between searchers and non-searchers. Importantly, searching the internet for health-related information made an independent contribution to the prediction of current smoking status in a multinomial logistic regression model. This study is significant in that it utilized a nationally representative sample to examine the correlation between internet use and smoking behavior and supports ongoing efforts of public health advocates to continue their efforts in developing and delivering online smoking cessation programs.
Structure of lattices characterized by validity of lattice-valued topological propositions☆

Abstract Topological properties of a space consisting of lattice-valued mappings, namely, topologies on a lattice, as well known, are certainly affected by ordered structures on the range. In this paper, some stronger inverse results will be proved. Some ordered structure on the range can be characterized by the presence of topological or analytical properties such as analytic characterizations of lattice-valued semicontinuous mappings, lattice-valued Hewitt–Marczewski–Pondiczery Theorem, etc. In fact, the ordered structure and the topological property are determined by each other.
Compliance with dietary regimens: Its magnitude, measurement, and determinants

Abstract Studies of patient compliance with dietary regimens for cardiovascular disease risk reduction, weight reduction, renal disease, diabetes, and other conditions are reviewed and synthesized. The magnitude of compliance, problems in measuring dietary compliance, and determinants of compliance are discussed. On the basis of the literature reviewed it is concluded that patient noncompliance with dietary regimens is at least as frequent as non-compliance with medication regimens. Recommendations are made for development of sound measures of dietary compliance, better documentation of diet adherence, and application of research findings in clinical settings. Attention to sociobehavioral correlates of compliance and adoption and testing of intervention strategies are advocated as crucial to improvements in health behavior and health status.
Ultrasonic characterization of the nonlinear properties of canine livers by measuring shear wave speed and axial strain with increasing portal venous pressure.

Elevated hepatic venous pressure is the primary source of complications in advancing liver disease. Ultrasound imaging is ideal for potential noninvasive hepatic pressure measurements as it is widely used for liver imaging. Specifically, ultrasound based stiffness measures may be useful for clinically monitoring pressure, but the mechanism by which liver stiffness increases with hepatic pressure has not been well characterized. This study is designed to elucidate the nonlinear properties of the liver during pressurization by measuring both hepatic shear wave speed (SWS) and strain with increasing pressure. Tissue deformation during hepatic pressurization was tracked in 8 canine livers using successively acquired 3-D B-mode volumes and compared with concurrently measured SWS. When portal venous pressure was increased from clinically normal (0–5 mmHg) to pressures representing highly diseased states at 20 mmHg, the liver was observed to expand with axial strain measures up to 10%. At the same time, SWS estimates were observed to increase from 1.5–2 m/s at 0–5 mmHg (baseline) to 3.25–3.5 m/s at 20 mmHg.
Parallelization of the spectral deconvolution stage of the proteomic discovery process

Mass spectrometry is one of the primary analytical tools for the quantification and identification of proteins in human body. Scientists analyze the data generated from mass spectrometry instruments to detect protein patterns. The operations performed on mass spectrometric output to detect such patterns include spectrum visualization, deconvolution, alignment, normalization, statistical significance tests, and pattern recognition. Bindley Bioscience center in Purdue University's Discovery Park hosts a Omics Discovery Pipeline (ODP). The ODP is available as a web-based analysis platform that performs the aforementioned operations. The time taken to generate output in the spectrum deconvolution stage is a major concern. Much of this concern results from the fact that this stage has to deal with a sizable number of large input files that are present in potentially many different input formats. Due to slow operation speed of this stage, overall performance of the process for protein quantification and identification is hampered. Our research work concentrates on discovering and implementing ways to increase the performance of the spectral deconvolution stage of the process for protein quantification used in the ODP by leveraging multi-core and multi-node architectures. By leveraging OpenMP and MPI, we were able to obtain an order of magnitude speedup of the spectrum deconvolution stage of the ODP.
Literary life sciences: A guide to “good” books in biology

An average person's memory of the last biology book he or she has read is likely one of a dry tome lugged back and forth to a high school or college biology class. “Good books” and “biology” are not naturally linked in people's minds. This is an unfortunate occurrence, but one that is easily remedied. For anyone with a little curiosity about biology and a penchant for good books, the following bibliography provides some guidance. All but one of the authors included are or were trained as scientists. They all have a couple of traits in common, namely a passion for their work and a desire to share this passion with anyone who will listen. It is our good fortune that they are also excellent writers.
Sensor network-based countersniper system

An ad-hoc wireless sensor network-based system is presented that detects and accurately locates shooters even in urban environments. The system consists of a large number of cheap sensors communicating through an ad-hoc wireless network, thus it is capable of tolerating multiple sensor failures, provides good coverage and high accuracy, and is capable of overcoming multipath effects. The performance of the proposed system is superior to that of centralized countersniper systems in such challenging environment as dense urban terrain. In this paper, in addition to the overall system architecture, the acoustic signal detection, the most important middleware services and the unique sensor fusion algorithm are also presented. The system performance is analyzed using real measurement data obtained at a US Army MOUT (Military Operations in Urban Terrain) facility.
Improving Knowledge of Strategic Goals and the Impact on Organizational Commitment

A large health maintenance organization (HMO) in San Diego, California developed a year-long communication plan to increase employee knowledge of the company's strategic goals and enhance organizational commitment. Survey results indicated: Respondents remembered significantly more strategic goals after program implementation. Respondents who had personal involvement in achieving goals remembered significantly more goals than those without involvement. Department meetings and the employee/physician newsletter were identified as primary sources for learning about goals. These findings suggest that organizations may be able to strengthen employee commitment by increasing awareness of the organization's strategic goals and encouraging employees to become personally involved in the achievement of those goals.
Exposure to the aversive stimulus in an animal analogue to systematic desensitization.

Summary After rats acquired a two-way avoidance response to a discrete warning signal, three groups received analogue desensitization treatment in which food was presented in close temporal proximity to graded presen tations of the aversive stimulus. The food was made available either immediately prior to onset, simultaneous with onset or simultaneous with offset of the aversive stimulus on each trial in the three independent analogue systematic desensitization groups. Three other treatment conditions were: unpaired presentation of food and graded exposure to the aversive stimulus, graded exposure only and a pseudodesensitization control (no exposure). Results of a posttreatment nonshock avoidance extinction test revealed that all treatments were more effective than control treatment. While the desensitization treatment in which food was presented with offset of aversive stimulus was more effective than the other two desensitization conditions, it was equivalent to graded exposure only. The results were discussed in terms of a distinction between nominal and functional exposure where unreinforced functional exposure is critical for the reduction of anxiety and avoidance to aversive stimuli.
Equivalent temperature and specific ion effects in macromolecule-coated colloid interactions.

Ensemble total internal refection microscopy is used to measure reversible temperature- and specific-ion-mediated interaction potentials between macromolecule-coated colloids and surfaces. Potentials are measured between PEO−PPO−PEO (poly(ethylene oxide)−poly(propylene oxide)−poly(ethylene oxide)) block copolymers adsorbed to hydrophobically modified silica colloids and glass or gold planar surfaces. Conditions investigated include temperatures from 20 to 47 °C and MgSO4 concentrations from 0.2 to 0.5 M. The solvent-quality-mediated copolymer layer collapse inferred by comparing measured potentials and the predicted van der Waals attraction, including effects of the adsorbed copolymer and surface roughness, displays good agreement with expected limits based on the PEO block contour length and the bulk PEO density. Superposition of all PEO layer collapse measurements onto a single universal curve, via a transformed temperature scale relative to a reference temperature in each case, indicates an equivalence...
Adsorption of water on cereal-bread type dietary fibers

Abstract A study involving the water sorption characteristics of cereal-bread type food fibers was conducted, using a gravimetrical adsorption apparatus. Water adsorption data for four dietary fibers, corn bran, wheat bran, oat fiber and rice fiber, were measured at 278, 288, 298 and 310 K. The results showed that the adsorption of water vapor on these fibers are primarily due to physical forces, and all fibers investigated exhibited energetically heterogeneous surfaces. It was found that the distribution of the major components of the dietary fiber has an impact on the fiber's water sorption capacity. The isotherm data were correlated by using the BET and GAB multilayer adsorption models. The BET equation gave accurate correlations for up to 35 to 40% of the saturation pressure, while the GAB equation provided much better correlation of the data for the higher relative pressures.
Inhibition of NF-κB sensitizes non–small cell lung cancer cells to chemotherapy-induced apoptosis

Abstract Background . Most non–small cell lung cancers (NSCLC) are chemoresistant. Identification and modulation of chemoresistance cell-signaling pathways may sensitize NSCLC to chemotherapy and improve patient outcome. The purpose of this study was to determine if chemotherapy induces nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) activation in NSCLC in vitro and whether inhibition of NF-κB would sensitize tumor cells to undergo chemotherapy-induced apoptosis. Methods . Non–small cell lung cancer cells were treated with gemcitabine, harvested, and nuclear extracts analyzed for NF-κB DNA binding by electrophoretic mobility shift assays. Additionally, NSCLC cells that stably expressed a plasmid encoding the superrepressor IκBα protein (H157I) or a vector control (H157V) were generated. These cells were then treated with gemcitabine and apoptosis determined by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay. Results . Chemotherapy induced NF-κB nuclear translocation and DNA binding in all NSCLC cell lines. H157I cells had enhanced cell death compared with H157V cells, suggesting that NF-κB is required for cell survival after chemotherapy. The observed cell death following the loss of NF-κB occurred by apoptosis. Conclusions . Inhibition of chemotherapy-induced NF-κB activation sensitizes NSCLC to chemotherapy-induced apoptosis in vitro. Novel treatment strategies for patients with advanced NSCLC may involve chemotherapy combined with inhibition of NF-κB-dependent cell-survival pathways.