cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cell-free activation of neutrophil NADPH oxidase by a phosphatidic acid-regulated protein kinase

The phosphorylation-dependent mechanisms regulating activation of the human neutrophil respiratory-burst enzyme, NADPH oxidase, have not been elucidated. We have shown that phosphatidic acid (PA) and diacylglycerol (DG), products of phospholipase activation, synergize to activate NADPH oxidase in a cell-free system. We now report that activation by PA plus DG involves protein kinase activity, unlike other cell-free system activators. NADPH oxidase activation by PA plus DG is reduced approximately 70% by several protein kinase inhibitors [1-(5-isoquinolinesulfonyl)piperazine, staurosporine, GF-109203X]. Similarly, depletion of ATP by dialysis reduces PA plus DG-mediated NADPH oxidase activation by approximately 70%. Addition of ATP, but not a nonhydrolyzable ATP analog, to the dialyzed system restores activation levels to normal. In contrast, these treatments have little effect on NADPH oxidase activation by arachidonic acid or SDS plus DG. PA plus DG induces the phosphorylation of a number of endogenous proteins. Phosphorylation is largely mediated by PA, not DG. A predominant substrate is p47-phox, a phosphoprotein component of NADPH oxidase. Phosphorylation of p47-phox precedes activation of NADPH oxidase and is markedly reduced by the protein kinase inhibitors. In contrast, arachidonic acid alone or SDS plus DG is a poor activator of protein phosphorylation in the cell-free system. Thus, PA induces activation of one or more protein kinases that regulate NADPH oxidase activation in a cell-free system. This cell-free system will be useful for identifying a functionally important PA-activated protein kinase(s) and for dissecting the phosphorylation-dependent mechanisms responsible for NADPH oxidase activation.
Nonbinary LDPC-coded OFDM over four/eight-mode fibers with mode-dependent loss

We propose a non-binary LDPC coded mode-multiplexed coherent optical OFDM system suitable for transmission of 1.28 Tb/s 16-QAM signals over 2000 km of few-mode fiber with mode dependent loss, in strong coupling regime.
Spectra of L x rays from fast highly charged Xe ions traveling in solids.

Spectra of [ital L] x rays emitted by 6- and 8-MeV/u Xe ions interacting with a variety of solid targets have been measured with a curved-crystal spectrometer. The spectra displayed an overall structure consisting of six strong peaks which were fairly well resolved for low-[ital Z] targets ([ital Z][sub 2]=3--6), but broadened into two featureless groups for higher-[ital Z] targets. The main components were identified as [ital L][alpha][sub 1] and [ital L][beta][sub 1] pairs associated with initial-state configurations having one to six [ital L]-shell vacancies. Detailed spectral analysis provided estimates of the average projectile charges and the average [ital L]- and [ital M]-electron populations [ital inside] the solids.
Empirical likelihood for the contrast of two hazard functions with right censoring

In this paper, we consider the standard two-sample framework with right censoring. We construct useful confidence intervals for the ratio or difference of two hazard functions using smoothed empirical likelihood (EL) methods. The empirical log-likelihood ratio is derived and its asymptotic distribution is a standard chi-squared distribution. Bootstrap confidence bands are also proposed. Simulation studies show that the proposed EL confidence intervals have outperformed normal approximation methods in terms of coverage probability. It is concluded that the empirical likelihood methods provide better inference results.
Heat transfer from rough and finned horizontal tubes in a gas fluidized bed

Resultats experimentaux relatifs au coefficient de transfert de chaleur pour des tubes lisses, rugueux, ou ailetes, de diametre exterieur 12,7 et 50,8 mm, immerges dans des lits fluides de particules de sable siliceux de diametre moyen 145, 167, 488, et 788 μm, en fonction de la vitesse de fluidisation. Mesures effectuees a pression et temperature ambiantes dans un lit fluide de section carree de 0,305 m de cote
Measuring quality from the consumer's perspective: A methodology and its application

Abstract This paper provides a methodology for measuring 1. (1) consumers' relative preference toward the different dimensions of a product's quality and 2. 2) a product's quality relative to other competing brands. Both are measured from the consumers' perspective via their preference scores on various dimensions of quality, based on Garvin's framework (1988), and by regressing the preference scores on the price consumers are willing to pay for the product. The methodology is applied to a sample product from the apparel industry, using real customers. The following research questions are addressed in the study: 1. (1) How can product quality be measured from the consumer's perspective? 2. (2) What is the value of improving product quality? 3. (3) Are all dimensions of quality for a given product of equal importance, or are some dimensions more important than others? The results of the study show that quality has a significant impact on consumers' perceived value and that some quality dimensions are of greater significance to consumers.
Construction of uniformly more powerful tests for hypotheses about linear inequalities

Let X be a p-dimensional normal random vector with unknown mean θ and known covariance matrix Σ. This paper concerns the problem of testing the null hypothesis that θ lies either on the boundary or in the exterior of a closed, convex polyhedral cone versus the alternative hypothesis that θ lies in the interior of the cone. The likelihood ratio test (LRT) for this problem has been extensively studied. Several authors have constructed tests that are uniformly more powerful than the LRT. In this paper, a general approach based on conditioning is provided to construct tests that are uniformly more powerful than the LRT. Some existing tests are generalized or further improved using this method of construction. Some properties of the tests are also discussed.
Sagnac interferometers for accurate measurements of true nonreciprocal effects

We use a polarization maintaining fiber optic gyroscope as a sensor for highly stable and sensitive measurements of fluid flow rates and magnetic fields.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Preparation of Nanocomposite Plasmonic Films Made from Cellulose Nanocrystals or Mesoporous Silica Decorated with Unidirectionally Aligned Gold Nanorods

Using liquid crystalline self-assembly of cellulose nanocrystals, we achieve long-range alignment of anisotropic metal nanoparticles in colloidal nanocrystal dispersions that are then used to deposit thin structured films with ordering features highly dependent on the deposition method. These hybrid films are comprised of gold nanorods unidirectionally aligned in a matrix that can be made of ordered cellulose nanocrystals or silica nanostructures obtained by using cellulose-based nanostructures as a replica. The ensuing long-range alignment of gold nanorods in both cellulose-based and nanoporous silica films results in a polarization-sensitive surface plasmon resonance. The demonstrated device-scale bulk nanoparticle alignment may enable engineering of new material properties arising from combining the orientational ordering of host nanostructures and properties of the anisotropic plasmonic metal nanoparticles. Our approach may also allow for scalable fabrication of plasmonic polarizers and nanoporous silica structures with orientationally ordered anisotropic plasmonic nanoinclusions.
The impact of selected organizational variables and managerial leadership on radiation therapists' organizational commitment

Abstract The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of selected organizational factors and the leadership behavior of supervisors on radiation therapists' commitment to their organizations. The population for this study consists of all full time clinical radiation therapists registered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) in the United States. A random sample of 800 radiation therapists was obtained from the ARRT for this study. Questionnaires were mailed to all participants and measured organizational variables; managerial leadership variable and three components of organizational commitment (affective, continuance and normative). It was determined that organizational support, and leadership behavior of supervisors each had a significant and positive affect on normative and affective commitment of radiation therapists and each of the models predicted over 40% of the variance in radiation therapists organizational commitment. This study examined radiation therapists' commitment to their organizations and found that affective (emotional attachment to the organization) and normative (feelings of obligation to the organization) commitments were more important than continuance commitment (awareness of the costs of leaving the organization). This study can help radiation oncology administrators and physicians to understand the values their radiation therapy employees hold that are predictive of their commitment to the organization. A crucial result of the study is the importance of the perceived support of the organization and the leadership skills of managers/supervisors on radiation therapists' commitment to the organization.
Binding of thyroglobulin and thyroglobulin-antithyroglobulin immune complex to extraocular muscle membrane.

To study the possible role of a thyroid antigen and its immune complex in the pathogenesis of Graves' ophthalmopathy, the binding of human thyroglobulin (Tg) and Tg-anti-Tg immune complex (Tg-A) to human and bovine extraocular muscle membrane fractions were studied. Membrane fractions were prepared from homogenates by sucrose density gradient centrifugation and verified by electron microscopy. Tg-A was made by mixing Tg with human anti-Tg under conditions of antigen excess. In the optimal system, membrane fractions were incubated with 125I-Tg or 125I-Tg-A for 80 min at 37 C, in Tris buffer pH 7.4, in the presence of 0.8 mM EDTA and 13% dialyzed human serum. About 4% of 125I-Tg bound to human and bovine extraocular muscle membrane fractions of density <1.14 while binding of Tg-A was several-fold higher (up to 27%). Binding was detectable at 4 µg/ml of membrane fraction, and it increased progressively with fraction amount up to about 50 µg/ml; it was abolished by cooling to 4 C and diminished by heating to ...
Wave Instability Characteristics for the Entire Regime of Mixed Convection Flow Along Vertical Flat Plates

Abstract Wave instability of mixed convection flow along an isothermal vertical flat plate is analyzed by the linear theory for the entire mixed convection regime (0 ⩽ χ ⩽ 1, χ = [1 + ( Gr x Re x 2 ) 1 4 ] −1 ) for fluids with Prandtl number of 0.7 and 7. In the analysis, the domain beyond the mainflow boundary layer edge (η ⩾ η∞) is solved analytically to provide boundary conditions at η = η∞ instead of those at η = ∞. This treatment is important in the use of the modified Thomas transformation when λ(λ = Re x 1 2 + Gr x 1 4 ) is small. Dual solutions of critical λ ∗ values are seen to exist in the range of 0 ⩽ χ ⩽ 0.5. The results show that the two limiting neutral stability curves, one for the Blasius flow (χ = 1 or Grx = 0, with λ ∗ = 290.6 ) and the other for the pure free convection flow (χ = 0 or Rex = 0, with λ ∗ = 33.33 ), correspond to two different modes.
Radiative and nonradiative transitions in atomic systems

Abstract In the nonrelativistic limit, radiationless (Auger) transitions are mediated by the Coulomb interaction between two charged particles. It is shown that the standard relativistic generalization or the nonrelativistic Auger interaction yields matrix elements which include both radiationless and radiative transitions. The separation of terms responsible for radiationless transitios is presented.
Kinetic differences between embryonic‐ and adult‐type acetylcholine receptors in rat myotubes.

1. The burst structures of embryonic-type (low-gamma) and adult-type (high-gamma) nicotinic acetylcholine (ACh) receptors (AChRs) in rat myotubes were investigated with the patch clamp technique. The channels were activated with the agonists ACh and suberyldicholine (SubCh). 2. With either agonist, the distribution of burst durations showed two exponential components for both channel types: a 'long' component that corresponds to bursts of one or more openings and a 'brief' component that includes short, isolated openings. 3. For low-gamma channels, the percentage of all openings associated with the brief component decreased from approximately 40% at 10-100 nM-ACh to less than 10% at 10-100 microM-ACh. 4. Both high-gamma and low-gamma long bursts were interrupted by brief (30-90 microseconds) closures and longer (approximately 1 ms) transitions to a partially open (subconductance) state. The duration of brief closures and partial openings was relatively independent of the agonist, but their frequency within low-gamma bursts was 3-fold higher with SubCh than with ACh. 5. Brief closures are interpreted as transitions to a closed, doubly liganded state from which the channel can reopen. This model predicts that the channel opening rate is greater than 10,000 s-1 for both channel types at room temperature. 6. Estimates of the channel opening rate inferred from the rising phase of miniature end-plate currents recorded from rat soleus fibres are consistent with this interpretation. 7. Both high-gamma and low-gamma channels apparently operate via similar gating mechanisms. Differences in their gating behaviour can be explained in terms of faster kinetic rate constants for high-gamma channels.
Reduction of the superfluid gap by scattering

The effect nucleon dressing by scattering on the pairing gap in nuclear matter is discussed. Numerical results from self-consistent T-matrix calculations are compared to quasiparticle approximations. The dominant effect of scattering can be accounted for by a renormalization of the quasiparticle strength. The exponential sensitivity of the pairing gap and the critical temperature on the pairing strength makes it strongly dependent on many-body effects.
A Genetic System for Rapidly Assessing Herbicides That Compete for the Quinone Binding Site of Photosynthetic Reaction Centers

To facilitate genetic analysis and manipulation of the bacterial photosynthetic apparatus, a new plasmid vector bearing the reaction center and light harvesting structural genes (puf operon) of Rhodobacter capsulatus was constructed. This plasmid (pU2922) can be conjugated from E. coli strains (tra+) to Rb. capsulatus with high frequency and shows improved fidelity and stability over Co1E1 derivatives. The puf genes may be expressed in trans from pU2922 in Rb. capsulatus deletion backgrounds to assay the effects of directed mutations or to isolate plasmid–borne spontaneous mutations. We have used this genetic system to characterize a total of 27 mutations at five sequence positions in the secondary quinone–binding domain of the reaction center, where six different herbicides assayed in this study act as competitive inhibitors. The broad spectrum of herbicide response ranging from increased resistance to increased sensitivity that is observed in these engineered bacterial strains may provide a sensitive indicator of the interactions of a given herbicide with the binding site. This collection should prove useful for screening new derivatives for their herbicidal activity and for understanding the chemistry of herbicide binding.
A Powerful Theory and a Paradox Ecological Psychologists After Barker

Roger Barker, influenced by Lewin, developed a powerful theory in psychology, behavior setting theory. Paradoxically, this theory is still not widely known or understood in mainstream American psychology. Oral histories of the core group whoworked with Barker were collected and examined to determine influences on them and subsequent directions in the field of ecological psychology in an attempt to understand this paradox. Three clusters of factors emerged. Behavior setting theory has been affirmed in a number of places, including other behavioral sciences, but has not as yet moved into mainstream psychology, although there are some indications that the theory is moving in that direction. These directions as well as barriers are discussed.
Sudden geoengineering termination could cause a huge warming spike

Atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases are climbing, a trend that shows little sign of abating. This reality has prompted some scientists to seriously consider the prospects of geoengineering. In a new modeling study looking at the consequences of geoengineering gone awry, Jones et al. found that the sudden termination of a large-scale geoengineering project could drive half a century's worth of warming in just a few years.
Digital mind mapping: innovations for real-time collaborative thinking

This paper explores the development of a new digital mind mapping tool for future research on interactive knowledge management systems, specifically with regard to real-time collaborative thinking. We have evaluated numerous existing mind mapping software applications, and performed ethnographic research with a variety of users, to develop a framework of principles to guide the design of future idea generation and management systems. Our findings indicate a rich opportunity space for digital mind mapping tools, particularly in the areas of facilitating collaboration and information storage and retrieval.
The Importance of Educating Nonmajors in Microbiology

Educating non-science majors in the basics of microbiology is a MUST. I began teaching microbiology strictly to non-science students through an infectious-diseases course. The course introduced the history, societal aspects, and science of microbiology. My aim was to provide the non-science major with enough information to reliably and intelligently understand their world, at least in relation to microorganisms. Personally, the need for this type of knowledge in non- science majors has become more evident to me in the recent past. Six years ago I became a mother to a beautiful and healthy boy. But between 15 and …
Topical ALA-Photodynamic Therapy for the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris

Topical aminolevulinic acid is converted into a potent photosensitizer, protoporphyrin, in human hair follicles and sebaceous glands. Photodynamic therapy with topical aminolevulinic acid was tested for the treatment of acne vulgaris, in an open-label prospective human study. Each of 22 subjects with acne on the back was treated in four sites with aminolevulinic acid plus red light, aminolevulinic acid alone, light alone, and untreated control. Half of the subjects were treated once; half were treated four times. Twenty percent topical aminolevulinic acid was applied with 3 h occlusion, and 150 J per cm2 broad-band light (550–700 nm) was given. Sebum excretion rate and auto-fluorescence from follicular bacteria were measured before, and 2, 3, 10, and 20 wk after, treatment. Histologic changes and protoporphyrin synthesis in pilosebaceous units were observed from skin biopsies. Aminolevulinic acid plus red light caused a transient acne-like folliculitis. Sebum excretion was eliminated for several weeks, and decreased for 20 wk after photodynamic therapy; multiple treatments caused greater suppression of sebum. Bacterial porphyrin fluorescence was also suppressed by photodynamic therapy. On histology, sebaceous glands showed acute damage and were smaller 20 wk after photodynamic therapy. There was clinical and statistically significant clearance of inflammatory acne by aminolevulinic acid plus red light, for at least 20 wk after multiple treatments and 10 wk after a single treatment. Transient hyperpigmentation, superficial exfoliation, and crusting were observed, which cleared without scarring. Topical aminolevulinic acid plus red light is an effective treatment of acne vulgaris, associated with significant side-effects. Aminolevulinic acid plus red light causes phototoxicity to sebaceous follicles, prolonged suppression of sebaceous gland function, and apparent decrease in follicular bacteria after photodynamic therapy. Potentially, aminolevulinic acid plus red light may be useful for some patients with acne.
Synthesis and Characterization of Some New Metal-Containing Polymers for Third Order Nonlinear Optical Applications

We report here our preliminary results on the synthesis and characterization of a new family of metal-containing polymers incorporating 8-hydroxyquinoline. These polymers have the following structural features: a metal center, a chromophore, and a flexible spacer group with variable length. These structural features allow us to have an appreciable degree of control over various physical properties of these materials. We report on three different types of polymers: polyethers, polyesters, and polyamides. The chromophores in these polymers were incorporated in the backbone and in one case as a side chain of polyesters.
A CMOS image sensor with focal plane SPIHT image compression

In this paper, a focal plane SPIHT image compression scheme has been integrated on the focal plane of CMOS image sensor. A test chip is prototyped in 0.35 mum technology to verify the design. In our image compression scheme, focal plane prediction replaces the traditional wavelet transform for image decomposition, and the traditional SPIHT coding is modified to reduce computational complexity and to suit the parallel implementation on the sensor focal plane. Simulated compression performance is still good, especially at low bit rates, compared to traditional SPIHT and other compression schemes. Integrating SPIHT compression on the focal plane not only reduces the sensor readout volume, but also provides all the advantages of SPIHT compression including both high image quality and optimized data ordering for progressive image transmission.
Anti-infective therapy in orthopaedics

Successful treatment of musculoskeletal infection can be a challenge. It requires an understanding of clinical microbiology and anti-infective therapy, in addition to debridement and reconstructive surgery. In this article, the authors hope to provide practical guidelines for the prevention and appropriate diagnosis of orthopaedic infections. The essential elements of antibiotic selection, delivery, adverse effects, and drug interactions are outlined.
Strength reduction and delamination growth in thin and thick composite plates under compressive loading

In this paper, the coupled local-global buckling behavior in laminated composite plates with elliptic delaminations and the associated mechanisms of delamination growth under compressive loads are critically examined. The J-integral technique is used for delamination growth prediction in terms of pointwise energy release rate distribution along the delamination edge. A Multi-plate model, in conjunction with a 3-noded quasi-conforming shell element, is used to model the delaminated plates. The incremental equilibrium equations are set up based on total Lagrangian formulation. The solution strategy incorporates Gauss elimination in a cycle of Newton-Raphson iterations and is augmented with automated arc-length controled load incrementation and equilibrium iterations; and with automated post-buckling path tracing based on a linearised asymptotic solution. The effects of structural parameters such as delamination thickness, size and shape, on the post-buckling behavior and on the delamination growth are critically examined.
Evaluating daylighting effectiveness and occupant visual comfort in a side-lit open-plan office building in San Francisco, California

The introduction of daylight to reduce electrical lighting energy consumption and to enhance Indoor Environmental Quality is one of the most common claims made for commercial office buildings promoted as “sustainable,” “energy efficient,” “green,” or “high performance.” However, daylit buildings are rarely studied in use to examine the impact of design strategies on visual comfort, or to examine how occupant modifications to the facade may reduce daylighting effectiveness and visual connection to the outdoors. This paper presents key findings from a post-occupancy study of a side-lit open-plan office building located in San Francisco, California. The study examines daylighting performance over daily and seasonal changes in sun and sky conditions in core and perimeter zones of the building. Daylighting performance is assessed through measurements of electrical lighting energy, observations of occupant modifications to the facade, and physical measurements of interior lighting conditions paired with occupant subjective assessments using novel desktop polling station devices. Results show a high frequency of visual discomfort responses at both perimeter and core workspaces and observations reveal a large percentage of facade glazing covered by interior shading devices. Despite the significant reduction in effective visible light transmission, occupants working in the perimeter zones generally considered the levels of available daylight to be sufficient, even when daylight levels were below recommended thresholds for daylight autonomy. Issues related to the daylighting design strategies are discussed in regard to improving the performance of future daylit buildings and refining daylighting design criteria.
Neoadjuvant chemotherapy for ovarian cancer: Pro versus con

AbstractSurgery followed by chemotherapy is the accepted treatment paradigm for patients with ovarian cancer. Recently, neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) has been investigated as an option for patients whose cancers are not amenable to initial surgical resection. Published studies of NACT have shown that benefits of its use include decreased surgical morbidity and more complete interval cytoreduction. These benefits, however, have not translated into improved survival, as long-term survival rates of patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy are similar to that of those who undergo suboptimal primary cytoreduction. Current methods to preoperatively predict suboptimal cytoreduction have been neither sufficiently reliable nor reproducible. Consequently, using these methods to determine which patients should be offered primary surgery versus NACT may deprive a significant number of patients the potential for optimal cytoreduction and its attendant improved survival. Surgeons and centers with expertise in c...
High speed A/D conversion using QMF banks

A structure for analog-to-digital (A/D) conversion capable of attaining high resolution and high speed using lower-resolution, lower-speed A/D converters is presented. The structure is based on quadrature mirror filter (QMF) banks, except that the analysis filter bank is a switched-capacitor circuit whereas the synthesis bank is a digital filter circuit. The structure incorporates the advantages of subband coding, and considerably reduces the effect of mismatches among the low-resolution A/D converters. An illustrative example and experimental results verifying the good performance of the proposed approach are included. >
The MPI communication library: its design and a portable implementation

We describe an effort to define a standard message-passing interface. The MPI "standard" has now emerged. The paper describes the motivation behind the basic concepts of MPI and very briefly summarizes some of its advanced features. We also outline an implementation strategy and describe a preliminary portable implementation. >
Mutagenesis of the C1 Oxidation Pathway in Methanosarcina barkeri: New Insights into the Mtr/Mer Bypass Pathway

A series of Methanosarcina barkeri mutants lacking the genes encoding the enzymes involved in the C1 oxidation/reduction pathway were constructed. Mutants lacking the methyl-tetrahydromethanopterin (H4MPT):coenzyme M (CoM) methyltransferase-encoding operon (Δmtr), the methylene-H4MPT reductase-encoding gene (Δmer), the methylene-H4MPT dehydrogenase-encoding gene (Δmtd), and the formyl-methanofuran:H4MPT formyl-transferase-encoding gene (Δftr) all failed to grow using either methanol or H2/CO2 as a growth substrate, indicating that there is an absolute requirement for the C1 oxidation/reduction pathway for hydrogenotrophic and methylotrophic methanogenesis. The mutants also failed to grow on acetate, and we suggest that this was due to an inability to generate the reducing equivalents needed for biosynthetic reactions. Despite their lack of growth on methanol, the Δmtr and Δmer mutants were capable of producing methane from this substrate, whereas the Δmtd and Δftr mutants were not. Thus, there is an Mtr/Mer bypass pathway that allows oxidation of methanol to the level of methylene-H4MPT in M. barkeri. The data further suggested that formaldehyde may be an intermediate in this bypass; however, no methanol dehydrogenase activity was found in Δmtr cell extracts, nor was there an obligate role for the formaldehyde-activating enzyme (Fae), which has been shown to catalyze the condensation of formaldehyde and H4MPT in vitro. Both the Δmer and Δmtr mutants were able to grow on a combination of methanol plus acetate, but they did so by metabolic pathways that are clearly distinct from each other and from previously characterized methanogenic pathways.
Note: Pseudomonas maltophilia sp. nov., nom. rev.

The name Pseudomonas maltophilia Hugh and Ryschenkow 1961 is not on the Approved Lists of Bacterial Names. The taxon to which this name was applied is a distinct entity, and it can be differentiated from the other named species of Pseudomonas. Consequently, the name Pseudomonas maltophilia is revived for the same organism to which the name originally referred. The type strain of P. maltophilia is ATCC 13637 (= 810-2 = RH 1168).
Beliefs About the Emotions of Self and Others Among Asian American and Non-Asian American Students: Basic Similarities and the Mediation of Differences

Asian American (n =103) and non—Asian American college students (n = 121) estimated their subjective experience and emotional display in 24 hypothetical affect-eliciting situations. Each respondent also made the same estimations for an acquaintance. Both groups overestimated their own subjective experiences relative to those of their acquaintances and also overestimated their own undisplayed affect, suggesting that these basic self—acquaintance differences about emotions transcend cultural heritage. However, Asian Americans estimated that they would experience more socially undesirable affect than non—Asian Americans estimated that they would experience, and Asian Americans also estimated that they would display these less socially desirable emotions more. Asian Americans also scored higher on the Loss of Face Scale and displayed a greater tendency to evaluate their subjective experience from the perspective of another, as assessed by the Social Awareness Inventory. Additional analyses indicated that thes...
Using the HUMAN PATIENT SIMULATOR to fOSTER CRITICAL THINKING IN CRITICAL SITUATIONS

Abstract New registered nurses are expected to utilize critical thinking when providing care to their patients, especially in critical situations. Using mini-scenarios on the human patient simulator, faculty members can foster critical thinking and expose students to critical situations in a nonthreatening environment. An example of one such scenario, using an oncology patient with hypercalcemia and ventricular tachycardia, is outlined in the article.
The Future of Renal Replacement Therapy

The worldwide epidemic of chronic kidney disease shows no signs of abating in the near future. Current dialytic forms of renal replacement therapy (RRT), even though successful in sustaining life and improving quality of life somewhat for patients with end-stage renal disease, have many limitations that result in still unacceptably high morbidity and mortality. Transplantation is an excellent option but is limited by the scarcity of organs. An ideal form of RRT would mimic the functions of natural kidneys and be implantable, safe, and cost-effective. Until recently, these goals would have been hard to achieve, but with the application of nanotechnology and microfluidics to RRT, they appear closer than ever before. Newer approaches include the human nephron filter (HNF), a novel form of RRT consisting of 2 membranes in series. The first membrane mimics the function of the glomerulus, and the other membrane mimics the function of the tubule. Investigators have proposed the synthesis of a silicone membrane that more closely resembles the glomerular filtration membrane and the use of a membrane with implanted renal tubular cells to provide tubular and other kidney functions. Membraneless dialysis that utilizes the principle of microfluidics has been proposed. Application of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology will provide the ideal miniature detection system for future implantable dialysis devices. Finally, stem cells hold much promise, both for kidney disease and as a source of tissues and organs. In summary, nephrology is at an exciting crossroad with the application of innovative and novel technologies to RRT that hold considerable promise for the near future.
Dielectric and pyroelectric properties of triglycerol-gelatin films

The dielectric and pyroelectric properties of triglycerol-gelatin thick films were studied as a function of temperature and frequency. The films exhibited a strong dispersion in the dielectric permittivity accompanied by a high dielectric loss near room temperature. The pyroelectric current measured by the static Byer-Roundy method is heavily dominated by the thermally stimulated currents. Measurements performed on prepoled samples using the dynamic technique of A.G. Chynoweth (1956) clearly proved the presence of a true, reversible pyroelectric response in the examined films. The value of the pyroelectric coefficient of the films was found to be comparable to that of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF). >
Restraint or Propellant? Democracy and Civilian Fatalities in Interstate Wars

This article investigates the effect of regime type on the number of civilian fatalities that states inflicted in interstate wars between 1900 and 2003. As opposed to several previous studies, the author finds little support for normative arguments positing that democracies kill fewer civilians in war. In fact, the author finds that democracies are significantly more likely than nondemocracies to kill more than fifty thousand noncombatants. Democracies also kill more civilians when they are involved in wars of attrition and kill about as many (and perhaps more) noncombatants than autocracies in such wars. These findings provide qualified support for institutional arguments about democratic accountability. Other implications of the institutional view, however, are not upheld, such as the argument that democracies select easy wars that should result in few civilian casualties because they are won quickly and decisively. Finally, democracies do not appear to kill fewer civilians in more recent wars.
Simultaneous optimization of driving buffer and routing switch sizes in an FPGA using an iso-area approach

In this paper, we analyze the gain from simultaneous sizing of driving buffers and routing switches on an FPGA interconnect performance. We show that it is not area feasible to build FPGAs with optimally sized interconnects. However, with constrained interconnect area, it is possible to significantly improve the speed of interconnects by simultaneously sizing the driving buffers and routing switches. Our experiments suggest that by simultaneously optimizing the routing resources, delay can be improved by 15-20%. We introduce the idea of iso-area optimization in which we find optimal sizing of routing resources within an overall area constraint. We also show that by making the routing architecture heterogeneous, in terms of routing switch size, we can further improve the performance of an FPGA by 1-12%.
The Economy of Traditional Europe

What are the new interests, the new methods, and the new conceptions of European economic development which over the past thirty years have formed or reformed our discipline? In partial answer to this difficult question, we shall first consider the economic history of what we may call traditional Europe, and which we shall extend, very roughly, from the early Middle Ages until the seventeenth century.
Verifiable Computation with Reduced Informational Costs and Computational Costs

Outsourcing computation is a fundamental principle of the new cloud computing paradigm. Among its various aspects, the correctness of the computation result remains paramount. This motivates the birth of verifiable computation, which aims at efficiently checking the result for general-purpose computation. The common goal of recently sprouted verifiable computation protocols is to reduce the costs associated with verification at both prover and verifier. Unfortunately, the high computation and communication costs of verification still keep general verifiable computation away from practicality. Besides the computational costs, we observe that another type of verification cost has been generally ignored until now –the informational costs, namely, the information required for the verification. In particular, in the context of the third-party verification, this cost implies the information leakage of sensitive information regarding the computational task and its results. In this paper, we introduce the new verifiable-computation protocol RIVER, which reduces the computational costs of the verifier and of the prover, comparing to the most recent alternative protocols, and (for the first time in the context of verifiable computation) addresses and decreases informational costs.
Threshold-voltage bias-temperature instability in commercially-available SiC MOSFETs

This work reports on three important aspects of threshold-voltage instability in SiC power MOSFETs: (1) the threshold-voltage bias-temperature instability observed in commercial devices from two leading manufacturers, (2) a summary of the basic mechanisms driving this instability, and (3) the need for an improved test method for evaluating these devices. Even under significant overstress conditions, no negative threshold-voltage shift was observed in the most-recent-vintage commercial devices from one of the manufacturers during a −15 V, 175 °C negative-bias temperature stress lasting 120 h.
Robust band gap of TiS3 nanofilms

First-principles calculations have been performed on the band structure of mono- and few-layer TiS3 nanofilms. It is found that the band gap character of the TiS3 films is quite robust, almost independent of layer thickness, vertical strain and stacking order, which is in sharp contrast to most other two-dimensional materials, such as MoS2. The robustness of the band gap originates from the location of the CBM and VBM states, which are at the center atoms of TiS3, and are thus unaffected by the layer–layer coupling. Such a property of TiS3 nanofilms promises good application potential in nanoelectronics and optoelectronics, and also makes TiS3 a good platform to study the electronic properties of a material in the two-dimensional limit.
Investigation of A Case on Milk Product Poisoning Caused by Staphylococcus Aureus

Objective To find out the cause of a food poisoning outbreak.Method Epidemiological investigation were conducted.Microbiological analysis of the samples of milk products,and the samples of environment,and raw material of milk products contents of the vomit,swabs of worker's hand were examinated.Results The samples of milk product,contents of the vomit,raw material of milk products,swabs of worker's hand were detected Staphylococcus aureus and intestinotoxin.Conclusion The causative agent responsible for the food poisoning in this case was staphylococcus aureus.
Inguinal Hernia Repair Mimicking Cancer On PET-CT: Mesh Is Cool, but the Plug Lights Up

1426 Objectives PET/CT imaging in the postoperative setting may show FDG uptake at the surgical site. The uptake pattern in general is easily recognizable, thereby avoiding its misinterpretation as malignancy. However, we observed that imaging findings following inguinal hernia repair are not always easy to recognize and can mimic malignancy. This is particularly so with plug repair, which shows an FDG-avid, mass-like pattern on PET/CT. Methods A retrospective search was performed at our institution for inguinal hernia on PET/CT performed during 2014. This search yielded 32 patients (pts) (2 F, 30 M) meeting this criteria. Images and medical records of these 32 pts were reviewed to assess the type of prior hernia repair, if any. In addition, PET/CT images were reviewed to assess the imaging findings associated with hernia and/or its repair. Results Of 32 pts, 17 had inguinal hernia repair with plug, 7 had mesh repair, 5 had simple fat-containing hernias without surgical repair and 3 had uncomplicated bowel-containing inguinal hernias without surgical intervention. All 17 pts with plug repair demonstrated FDG avid postsurgical changes, and the plug mimicked a soft tissue mass on CT. None of the 7 pts with mesh repair had increased FDG activity or an appearance of mass on CT. Five pts with simple fat-containing hernias did not demonstrate increased FDG activity, while 3 pts with uncomplicated bowel-containing hernias had physiologic FDG activity within the herniated bowel loops. Conclusions It is crucial to recognize that inguinal hernia repair by plug invariably demonstrates FGD activity at the site of repair. An appearance of FDG-avid soft tissue mass, without the knowledge of prior surgery and/or awareness of image pattern can result in misinterpretation as hypermetabolic mass/ lymph node. Careful correlation with corresponding CT images for evidence of surgical intervention and review of clinical history are crucial to avoid this misinterpretation. Research Support None.
Mixed culture fermentations to improve nutritional value of corn meal

One-step fermentation involving two microorganisms inoculated at the same time and two-step fermentations involving two inoculations of different microbes at different times were used to enrich corn meal. Starch in corn meal was first hydrolyzed by amylases of B. stearothermophilus , E. fibuligera or A. oryzae followed by the growth of C. utilis . The combination of E. fibuligera and C. utilis produced a significant (P<0.05) increase in lysine, methionine, tryptophan. The relative nutritive value (%), which reflected the amino acid balance, increased significantly (P<0.05) with this sequence of microorganisms. Niacin, riboflavin, and thiamin increased significantly (P<0.05) when mixed cultures of A. oryzae and E. fibuligera in combination with C. utilis were employed. When E. fibuligera alone was grown, no significant change was observed in thiamin content but significant increases occurred in niacin and riboflavin. A. oryzae by itself produced significant (P<0.05) changes in niacin, riboflavin and thiamin.
High-frequency wave field estimation using Gaussian ray bundle superposition on Delaunay triangulation

Estimation of the electromagnetic field strength—intensity as well as polarization—is required to achieve accurate near real time modeling and prediction of high frequency (HF) channel response. We develop a novel approach for calculating these estimates using a combination of Delaunay triangulations and modified Gaussian ray bundles. This method allows for field intensity estimates at single-point locations anywhere on the surface of the Earth as well as global intensity over an area of regard. The scope of this paper is to give a general outline of this novel approach.
Problematic social media use and depressive symptoms among U.S. young adults: A nationally-representative study.

Rationale Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide. The suggested association between social media use (SMU) and depression may be explained by the emerging maladaptive use pattern known as problematic social media use (PSMU), characterized by addictive components.
3D endoscopic imaging using structured illumination technique (Conference Presentation)

Surgeons have been increasingly relying on minimally invasive surgical guidance techniques not only to reduce surgical trauma but also to achieve accurate and objective surgical risk evaluations. A typical minimally invasive surgical guidance system provides visual assistance in two-dimensional anatomy and pathology of internal organ within a limited field of view. In this work, we propose and implement a structure illumination endoscope to provide a simple, inexpensive 3D endoscopic imaging to conduct high resolution 3D imagery for use in surgical guidance system. The system is calibrated and validated for quantitative depth measurement in both calibrated target and human subject. The system exhibits a depth of field of 20 mm, depth resolution of 0.2mm and a relative accuracy of 0.1%. The demonstrated setup affirms the feasibility of using the structured illumination endoscope for depth quantization and assisting medical diagnostic assessments
Electrical Discharges Guided by Pulsed Co 2 -Laser Radiation

A chain of aerosol-initiated, C${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$-laser-produced, air-breakdown plasmas has been used to guide electrical discharges over distances \ensuremath{\lesssim} 2 m in laboratory air in a direction almost perpendicular to the strongest electric field. The guiding effect existed at average electric fields \ensuremath{\gtrsim} 1 kV/cm and the discharge propagation velocity (${10}^{9}$ cm/sec at 360 kV) depended on the applied potential. Such laser-initiated current-carrying channels appear to be capable of efficiently transporting relativistic electron beams in pellet-fusion reactors.
Eros and the Argonauts

ABSTRACTTaking its cue from Lynne Huffer’s paper on the politics of eros, this paper focuses on the relational dynamics such a politics might entail. The paper thereby suggests that the project of reimagining politics should be linked to a hermeneutics of intersubjectivity by (1) assessing Maggie Nelson’s Argonauts as exemplary in this regard; and (2) comparing what Nelson’s account of the erotics of parenting and partnering might contribute to theoretical discussions of intersubjectivity in works by Judith Butler and Amy Hollywood.
The New Sheriffs in Town: The Role of APNs and PAs in an IBD Practice

This chapter details the role of the advanced practice provider in a gastroenterology practice. Advanced practice providers can perform assessments, diagnose disease state, order and interpret diagnostic tests, and develop a therapeutic plan of care for patients including prescribing appropriate medications. Advanced practice providers specialize in various areas of gastroenterology including inflammatory bowel disease, colorectal surgery, ostomy and wound care, nutrition, hepatology, and pediatrics. Advanced practice providers, such as nurse practitioners and physician assistants, can help bridge the gap between nurses and physicians to provide a more comprehensive level of patient care and a more informed patient population.
Imaging the Photodissociation Dynamics of Nitrous Acid (HONO): The Role of Torsion.

We present the findings of the first imaging study of trans-HONO and cis-HONO photodissociation through the 202 band and 201 band of the A1A″–X1A′ transition. The NO photofragment was probed by (1 + 1) resonance-enhanced multiphoton ionization and studied using the direct-current slice imaging technique with our finite slice reconstruction method. The NO state-specific translational energy distributions show some rotational structure corresponding to the internal state distribution in the OH cofragment. All images showed a perpendicular angular distribution with a recoil anisotropy parameter from ca. −0.6 to −0.8. In both bands, cis-HONO showed greater anisotropy than trans-HONO. Deviation from the limiting value expected for a pure perpendicular dissociation is ascribed to deviation of the transition moment from normal to the heavy atom plane owing to OH torsion, rather than lifetime effects assumed in the large body of previous work.