cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Securing the drop-box architecture for assisted living

Home medical devices enable individuals to monitor some of their own health information without the need for visits by nurses or trips to medical facilities. This enables more continuous information to be provided at lower cost and will lead to better healthcare outcomes. The technology depends on network communication of sensitive health data. Requirements for reliability and ease-of-use provide challenges for securing these communications. In this paper we look at protocols for the drop-box architecture, an approach to assisted living that relies on a partially-trusted Assisted Living Service Provider (ALSP). We sketch the requirements and architecture for assisted living based on this architecture and describe its communication protocols. In particular, we give a detailed description of its report and alarm transmission protocols and give an automated proof of correspondence theorems for them. Our formulation shows how to characterize the partial trust vested in the ALSP and use the existing tools to verify this partial trust.
Performance Analysis of Kalman Filter Based Hybrid Estimation Algorithms

Abstract Kalman filter based hybrid estimation algorithms have been used in many applications. However, performance analysis of these algorithms is difficult because many of these algorithms use a set of Kalman filters that are coupled with each other. We present an algorithm to compute the means and cross-covariances of the residuals of the set of coupling (or interacting) Kalman filters. Specifically, we derive the cross-covariances, each of which is the covariance of the residuals of two interacting Kalman filters, to account for the mutual interactions between the Kalman filters. From the means and cross-covariances of the Kalman filter residuals, we then compute the means of the likelihood functions and the mean-squared estimation errors as performance measures of hybrid estimation algorithms. We consider the Interacting Multiple Model algorithm as an example in this paper. In general, the proposed algorithm could be applicable to various Kalman filter based hybrid estimation algorithms.
Using Critical Thinking in a Web-Based Public Budgeting Course

Abstract Although the use of Internet-based courses continues to grow in the field of public administration education, evidence about the use of critical thinking in Internet-based course discussion questions is still sparse. Studies suggest that many Internet-based courses fail to incorporate critical thinking into the discussion. This article examines use of critical thinking in an electronic Discussion Board in an internet-based course. The author finds that Discussion Questions, in conjunction with Case Assignments and examinations have the potential to provide a forum for developing critical thinking skills since students have more time to reflect on their response than they do in a regular classroom setting.
The distribution of cerebrovascular amyloid in Alzheimer's disease varies with ApoE genotype.

We performed a comparative study to assess cerebral amyloid angiopathy and ApoE genotype in cases of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Ten ApoE 3,3 and ten ApoE 4,4 AD brains, as well as ten normal control brains, were selected after matching for age, sex, and duration of disease. Sections of middle frontal and inferior parietal cortex including white matter sections were stained with an antibody against amyloid beta (Aβ), and extensive analysis of arteriolar Aβ deposition was performed using digital image analysis. Quantification of the staining revealed a larger cross-section of arteriolar walls occupied by Aβ in ApoE 4,4 and ApoE 3,3 AD subjects compared to controls. Our results show Aβ deposition in gray matter and white matter arterioles was predominantly found in ApoE 4,4 brains and, overall, Aβ deposition was greatest in these cases. This observation implies that there is greater vascular amyloid deposition (particularly in the white matter arterioles) in ApoE 4,4 AD individuals compared to ApoE 3,3 AD. These observations may give insight into the etiology behind the increased risk for AD associated with the ApoE-e4 allele and the pathogenesis of vascular Aβ deposition.
Changing Contexts and Shifting Paradigms in Pronunciation Teaching

The history of pronunciation in English language teaching is a study in extremes. Some approaches to teaching, such as the reformed method and audiolingualism, elevated pronunciation to a pinnacle of importance, while other approaches, such as the cognitive movement and early communicative language teaching, mostly ignored pronunciation (Celce-Murcia, Brinton, & Goodwin, 1996). Currently, it seems clear that pronunciation deserves neither fate, either to be unfairly elevated to the central skill in language learning or banished to irrelevance. To a large extent, pronunciation's importance has always been determined by ideology and intuition rather than research. Teachers have intuitively decided which features have the greatest effect on clarity and which are learnable in a classroom setting. Derwing and Munro (this issue), recognizing this tendency toward teacher intuition in determining classroom priorities, make an appeal for a carefully formulated research agenda to define how particular features actually affect speaker intelligibility. That such an appeal is needed suggests, in Derwing and Munro's words, that pronunciation "instructional materials and practices are still heavily influenced by commonsense intuitive notions" and that such intuitions "cannot resolve many of the critical questions that face classroom instructors" (p. 380). During the past 25 years, pronunciation teachers have emphasized suprasegmentals rather than segmentals in promoting intelligibility (Avery & Ehrlich, 1992; Morley, 1991), despite a paucity of research evidence for this belief (Hahn, 2004). Recent carefully designed studies have shown some support for the superiority of suprasegmental instruction in ESL contexts (e.g., Derwing & Rossiter, 2003). Also, wider availability of software that makes suprasegmentals' discourse functions more accessible to teachers and learners will encourage work with suprasegmentals (Chun, this issue; Pickering, this issue). However, the importance of suprasegmentals for communication in English as an international language (EIL) is uncertain (Jenkins, 2000; Levis, 1999). It is also by no means clear that all suprasegmentals are equally learnable. Pennington and Ellis (2000), for example, found that although some
Examining the Role of Group Experimental Research in Establishing Evidenced-Based Practices:

Using evidence-based practices, or those instructional techniques shown by research to improve student outcomes meaningfully, increases the performance of students with disabilities and should therefore be a priority for special educators. But how does a practice come to be considered evidence based? The unique characteristics of group experimental research (i.e., the use of a meaningful comparison group and the active manipulation of an intervention) allow research consumers to conclude whether an intervention causes desired changes in student outcomes. As such, group experimental research is one type of research that is well suited to determine evidence-based practices. Examples of group experimental research are provided from the contemporary special education literature.
Calcaneal Bone Mineral Density in Young Adults Prescribed Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors

Abstract Background Several previous studies have reported both an association between selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) and decreased bone mineral density and increased fractures, but no previous studies have specifically evaluated bone health in young adults who have a history of SSRI use. Objective The purpose was to characterize the effect SSRI use in early adulthood on bone mineral density. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on subjects who voluntarily responded to recruitment methods for the study. Young adults aged 18 to 25 years who were currently or had previously taken an SSRI for a minimum of 3 consecutive months were included in the study. A subject interview was conducted on each patient to collect background information. Each subject's calcaneal bone mineral density was then measured with an ultrasonometer. Results Complete data were collected on 51 subjects. The median duration of SSRI use was 24 ± 54 months. A significant negative correlation was observed between SSRI duration and calcaneal ultrasound T-score ( r = –0.53, P 24 months had a significantly lower median T-score (0.30 ± 0.93) than subjects taking SSRIs for ≤24 months (0.90 ± 0.81; P = 0.0010). Conclusions In this young relatively healthy population who were following most of the recommendations to improve bone health, a significant negative correlation was observed between the duration of SSRI use and bone mineral density. Subjects who were on SSRIs for longer than 24 months had a significantly lower T-score. Further large scale longitudinal studies are needed in this younger population to determine the effects of chronic SSRI use on bone health.
Optimization of Spin-Triplet Supercurrent in Ferromagnetic Josephson Junctions

We have observed long-range spin-triplet supercurrents in Josephson junctions containing ferromagnetic (F) materials, which are generated by noncollinear magnetizations between a central Co=Ru=Co synthetic antiferromagnet and two outer thin F layers. Here we show that the spin-triplet supercurrent is enhanced up to 20 times after our samples are subject to a large in-plane field. This occurs because the synthetic antiferromagnet undergoes a ‘‘spin-flop’’ transition, whereby the two Co layer magnetizations end up nearly perpendicular to the magnetizations of the two thin F layers. We report direct experimental evidence for the spin-flop transition from scanning electron microscopy with polarization analysis and from spin-polarized neutron reflectometry. These results represent a first step toward experimental control of spin-triplet supercurrents.
The placenta: Evaluation by radionuclides and ultrasound

Radionuclide placentography and placental ultrasonography are useful diagnostic tools to determine the site of the placenta in utero and to assess thereby the possibility of placenta previa in late gestational vaginal bleeding. Both methads are accurate and noninvasive. Since ultrasonography delivers no ionizing radiation to mother or fetus, it is considered the preferred technique, deserving greater availability to the population at risk.
Spinal sympathetic pathway: an enkephalin ladder

Enkephalin distribution was examined in autonomic areas of the rat thoracic spinal cord. The localization of enkephalin fibers coincided with nuclear regions containing sympathetic preganglionic neurons. Horizontal sections revealed a pattern for enkephalin fibers resembling Laruelle's description of the localization of sympathetic preganglionic neurons as rungs of a ladder.
The 2013 SOAP/FAER/Gertie Marx Honorary Lecture 2013. From print to practice: the evolving nature of obstetric anesthesia

The aim of the SOAP/FAER Gertie Marx Lecture is to honor the life’s work and dedication of Gertie Marx, M.D. This presentation discusses how recent and ongoing research is changing clinical practice in obstetric anesthesia by challenging our beliefs and our teaching in the areas of policies and procedures, analgesia for labor, anesthesia for cesarean delivery, and prevention and management of complications. It is difficult to manage the onslaught of new medical knowledge that is available through textbooks, journals, and on-line sources. In the subspecialty of obstetric anesthesia, the challenges are no different. New practice guidelines, translational research, and clinical experience shape the way anesthesiologists care for obstetric patients. This discussion focuses on areas where clinical practice is evolving based on research and clinical experience, yet certain ideas and practices may still be controversial.
Partitioning and photodegradation of ciprofloxacin in aqueous systems in the presence of organic matter

Abstract Ciprofloxacin is an extensively used antibiotic that has been reported to occur in surface water. Previous studies have indicated that ciprofloxacin photodegrades and sorbs to particulate organic material within aquatic systems. The first objective of the current study was to evaluate the influence of organic material on photodegradation rates of ciprofloxacin. Using a bench top experimental design, ciprofloxacin was added to experimental chambers that contained only water or water and fine particulate organic matter (FPOM) followed by exposure to ultraviolet light. Sorption to FPOM was rapid, reducing the amount of ciprofloxacin that was available for photodegradation. Thus, the presence of FPOM initially decreased the ciprofloxacin concentration in the aqueous compartment. However by the end of the 16 h test, 42% of the ciprofloxacin was recovered from the test system with FPOM present, while only 2% of the ciprofloxacin was recovered in systems that did not contain FPOM. The second objective of this study was to compare the sorption coefficients for ciprofloxacin between two types of organic material: FPOM, classified as amphipod processed leaves, and coarse particulate organic matter (CPOM), represented by intact leaf disks. Sorption to FPOM (log K d of 4.54 ± 0.09 l kg −1 ) was 1.6 orders of magnitude greater than sorption to CPOM (log K d of 2.92 ± 0.10 l kg −1 ) potentially resulting in differential toxicity among similar organisms that occupy these different niches and leading to different estimates of environmental fate and effects.
Pharmacology Review: Intravenous Ibuprofen for Preterm Newborns

Ibuprofen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), is a chiral compound derived from arylproprionic acid. It is used widely as an antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic agent and for therapy of arthritis. It was approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration in 1974 and later became available as an over-the-counter drug. In 1979, Cocceani and associates (1) demonstrated a dose-dependent constriction of the ductus arteriosus caused by ibuprofen in newborn lambs. Its current use in human newborns was stimulated by its demonstrated improvement of cerebral blood flow (CBF) autoregulation in newborn animals (2) and its potential to offer some degree of neuroprotection. In contrast to indomethacin, ibuprofen did not decrease and impair regional blood flow to the brain in newborn infants and animals. (3) In addition to neuroprotection, ibuprofen also may close the patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in newborn humans, as has been shown in newborn lambs. A pilot study published in 1996 suggested that, compared with placebo, intravenous (IV) ibuprofen closed the PDA and shortened the hospital stay in preterm newborns with minimal renal adverse effects. (4) The development of two IV formulations of ibuprofen (ibuprofen lysine and ibuprofen THAM) permitted evaluation of this drug in preterm newborns. To date, efficacy, safety, dose finding, pharmacokinetic, and pharmacodynamic data in the newborn indicate that this drug is effective for ductal closure in preterm neonates. Data on safety depend on the formulation studied. (5)(6) This review examines the published data on ibuprofen up to June 2005 and concludes that ibuprofen lysine is a safe and effective drug for PDA closure in newborns. More than 20 clinical trials have compared IV ibuprofen with placebo or indomethacin; others have evaluated the pharmacodynamic effects of the drug before and after its administration. Compared with placebo, IV ibuprofen decreased PDA, with little …
Combination of DiOlistic Labeling with Retrograde Tract Tracing and Immunohistochemistry

Neuronal staining techniques have played a crucial role in the analysis of neuronal function. Several different staining techniques have been developed to allow morphological analyses of neurons. DiOlistic labeling, in which beads are coated with a lipophilic dye and then ballistically ejected onto brain tissue, has recently been introduced as a useful and simple means to label neurons and glia in their entirety. Although diOlistic labeling provides detailed information on the morphology of neurons, combining this approach with other staining methods is a significant advance. We have developed protocols that result in high quality diOlistically- and retrogradely-labeled or diOlistically-immunohistochemically labeled neurons. These dual-label methods require modification of fixation parameters and the restricted use of detergents for tissue permeabilization, and are readily applicable to a wide range of tracers and antibodies.
Using Lexical Semantic Analysis to Derive Online Brand Positions: An Application to Retail Marketing Research

Abstract This paper provides an innovative approach to brand tracking in the context of online retail shopping by deriving meaning from the vast amount of information stored in online search engine databases. The method draws upon research in lexical text analysis and computational linguistics to gain insights into the structural schema of online brand positions. The paper proposes a simple-to-use method that managers can utilize to assess their brand's positioning relative to that of their competitors’ in the online environment.
Challenges and methods of drilling on the Moon and Mars

There are many reasons for penetrating below the surface of an extraterrestrial body. One of these reasons include obtaining core or powder samples that have been preserved and unaltered for millions of years. Another reason is to provide subsurface access for in-situ scientific instruments such as heat flow probes and neutron spectrometers. However, there are a number of challenges associated with penetrating extraterrestrial bodies. These include specific mission requirements (depth, size of a sample, acceptable level of contamination), mission constraints (mass, power, volume, communication delay) and environmental constraints (temperature, atmospheric pressure or vacuum, dust, geological uncertainty). Having such a large number of variables leads to diverse approaches. This paper specifically outlines challenges associated with drilling on the Moon or Mars. It also reports test results with rotary and rotary-percussive drilling methods and how these two different approaches compare in respect to power, energy and Weight on Bit. The results have shown that although heavier and more power hungry, a rotary-percussive drill can significantly increase the overall drilling efficiency and reduce WOB requirements when compared to a rotary drilling method1, 2.
Sr isotopes in the Orgueil CI meteorite: Chronology of early solar system hydrothermal activity

New Sr isotopic analyses and calculated formation ages of carbonates from the Orgueil CI meteorite are reported. Among the samples analyzed in this work, dolomites give the youngest formation ages and may have been deposited intermittently starting near the time of parent body formation and continuing for at least 30 Ma. The Sr isotope data also suggest that breunnerites (Fe-Mn-Mg carbonates) crystallized after dolomite formation. Leaching experiments on bulk meteorite samples provide evidence for a very mobile, water soluble Sr reservoir in Orgueil that is characterized by extremely radiogenic Sr (87 Sr/86 Sr≈ 0.81-0.82). This unsupported Sr reflects recent element redistribution, possibly at the time of parent body breakup recorded by the ∼ 10 Ma exposure age of Orgueil. The carbonate data in particular corroborate earlier indications that hydrothermal processes were among the earliest events to affect the CI parent body.
Spaced education improves the retention of clinical knowledge by medical students: a randomised controlled trial.

Purpose Medical knowledge learned by trainees is often quickly forgotten. How can the educational process be tailored to shift learning into longer-term memory? We investigated whether ‘spaced education’, consisting of weekly e-mailed case scenarios and clinical questions, could improve the retention of students' learning. Methods During the 2004–5 surgery clerkships, 3rd-year students completed a mandatory 1-week clinical rotation in urology and validated web-based teaching programme on 4 core urology topics. Spaced educational e-mails were constructed on all 4 topics based on a validated urology curriculum. Each consisted of a short clinically relevant question or clinical case scenario in multiple-choice question format, followed by the answer, teaching point summary and explanations of the answers. Students were randomised to receive weekly e-mailed case scenarios in only 2 of the 4 urology topics upon completion of their urology rotation. Students completed a validated 28-item test (Cronbach's α = 0.76) on all 4 topics prior to and after the rotation and at the end of the academic year. Results A total of 95 of 133 students (71%) completed the end-of-year test. There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics between randomised cohorts. Spaced education significantly improved composite end-of-year test scores (P < 0.001, paired t-test). The impact of the spaced educational e-mails was largest for those students who completed their urology education 6–8 and 9–11 months previously (Cohen's effect sizes of 1.01 and 0.73, respectively). Conclusion Spaced education consisting of clinical scenarios and questions distributed weekly via e-mail can significantly improve students' retention of medical knowledge.
Adiponectin in eating disorders.

Purpose To elucidate the possible role of adiponectin, an adipokine secreted by white adipose tissue that plays an important role in the neuromodulation of food intake, in the pathogenesis of eating disorders.
Design optimization of a capacitive transducer for displacement measurement

Capacitive transducers are used to measure displacements automatically and precisely. In general, performance of these devices are based on their capacitances. In this paper, inverse problem methodology (IPM) is applied with boundary elements for design optimization of comb-shaped capacitive transducers. Efficiency of IPM is successfully verified by comparing the optimum design using IPM to that obtained using a classical method.
How advanced was Europe in 1760 after all

A review of the literature on historical comparisons of levels of development suggests that disparities between now and advanced and lagging countries around 1760 were most likely quite small and, if extreme observations at both ends are excluded, probably nonexistent. When purchasing power parity exchange rates are used for backward projections of per capita incomes, these disparities are nearly always smaller than two to one, and often much smaller than this. Comparison based on alternative indicators also suggest that disparities across countries were small or non-existent before 1800.
Defective Folding of Mutant p16INK4 Proteins Encoded by Tumor-derived Alleles

p16INK4 is a specific cyclin D-dependent kinase inhibitor and a multiple tumor suppressor. Inactivation of p16 is frequent in both primary tumors and tumor-derived cell lines. We describe here the conformational properties and oligomerization state of seven mutant p16 proteins; all of them are deficient in function. Four of the seven proteins show significantly disrupted secondary structure and backbone folding. The other three adopt partially folded, molten globule-like conformations. These proteins have near-native levels of secondary structure, but lack the ability to undergo a cooperative thermal transition and are substantially less resistant to proteolysis than is wild type p16. At low concentrations, two of the seven proteins are monomers, three exhibit an apparent molecular weight between the value of a monomer and a dimer, and the other two aggregate significantly. Our results strongly suggest that defective protein folding and/or aggregation is a common mechanism for inactivation of p16.
Roles of discontinuities in bio-inspired adhesive pads

Morphological intricacies of the biological attachment pads generate considerable interest owing to their remarkable ability to control adhesion to various surfaces. Motivated by the adhesive microstructures of insects, we examine the behaviour of adhesion and crack propagation in patterned adhesive films. These films are made of silicone elastomers that were patterned with lateral, longitudinal or crosswise incisions from which a thin silanized glass plate was removed in a displacement-controlled peel experiment. The behaviours of crack propagation on these patterned adhesive films are controlled by simple incision patterns, their depths and spacing. With the crosswise incisions, significant enhancement (×10–20) of fracture energy has been achieved. These findings point towards an important mechanism by which of biological organisms might enhance adhesion, and provide a simple design principle for manipulating the interfacial fracture in a variety of artificial attachment devices.
Myostatin stimulates myosatellite cell differentiation in a novel model system: evidence for gene subfunctionalization

Myosatellite cells play an important role in mammalian muscle regeneration as they differentiate and fuse with mature fibers. In fish, they also contribute to postnatal growth and the formation of new fibers. The relative conservation of fish systems, however, is not well known nor are the underlying mechanisms that control myosatellite cell differentiation. We therefore characterized this process in primary cells from rainbow trout and determined the effects of two known regulators in mammalian systems: IGF-I and myostatin. Unlike mammalian cell lines, subconfluent and proliferating trout myosatellite cells differentiated spontaneously and at a rate proportional to serum concentration. The expression of key myogenic markers (Myf5, MyoD1, myogenin, and MLC) and of the different myostatin paralogs (MSTN-1a/1b/2a) increased with serum-stimulated differentiation, although MSTN-1a expression was consistently higher than that of the other paralogs. In addition, MSTN-2a was only expressed as an unprocessed transcript. In low serum, where differentiation is normally suppressed, recombinant myostatin stimulated myogenic marker expression over time. The opposite was true for IGF-I as it stimulated proliferation, not differentiation, and additionally antagonized myostatin. This includes myostatin's effects on marker expression and on the autoregulation of MSTN-1a and -1b expression. These results conflict with studies using mammalian cell lines and suggest, alternatively, that myostatin is a positive, not negative, regulator of myosatellite cell differentiation. Mammalian myoblasts differentiate when confluent and with serum withdrawal, which differs considerably from how myosatellite cells differentiate in vivo. Thus the primary rainbow trout myosatellite cell culture system appears to be more physiologically relevant.
Central limit theorems under special relativity

Several relativistic extensions of the Maxwell–Boltzmann distribution have been proposed, but they do not explain observed lognormal tail-behavior in the flux distribution of various astrophysical sources. Motivated by this question, extensions of classical central limit theorems are developed under the conditions of special relativity. The results are related to CLTs on locally compact Lie groups developed by Wehn, Stroock and Varadhan, but in this special case the asymptotic distribution has an explicit form that is readily seen to exhibit lognormal tail behavior.
Ambient Temperature, Activity, and Microhabitat Use by Ornate Box Turtles (Terrapene ornata ornata)

We examined the relationships between ambient temperature, activity level, and vegetation structure of microhabitats used by Ornate Box Turtles; vegetation structure of these habitats should influence microclimatic conditions and, thus, the thermoregulatory value of microhabitats. Thirty-four Ornate Box Turtles (Terrapene ornata ornata) were radio-tracked during 1997 and 1998 in the Nebraska Sandhills. Activity level was negatively related to ambient temperature. Active turtles used areas with more bare ground in both years, and more forb cover in one year, whereas inactive turtles used areas with more shrub and litter cover. Providing habitat components that function as thermoregulatory cover may be an important consideration for land management plans in areas where this species is found.
Kinetic Modeling of tert-butyl Radical Decomposition Reaction

Quantum chemical Gaussian-3 (G3), and complete basis set (CBS) composite energy methods are applied to investigate tert-butyl radical decomposition reaction kinetics and energetics. The available experimental thermodynamic and kinetic data are employed to assess the accuracy of these calculations. The CBS method proves to have good agreement with the experimental data, indicating it is a good method for studying other hydrocarbon cracking reactions involving large species. A kinetic model of the reaction with pressure and temperature effects is also proposed. For P ≤ P0, k [s−1] = (3.93 × 1012) × P0.35 × e(−17878.5/T); for P > P0, k [s−1] = (2.0 × 1013) × e(−18096.0/T), where P is in units of kPa, T in units of Kelvin, and P0 = (1.04 × 102) × e(−621.43/T). The advantage of this simple kinetic model is that it can be easily applied to different reaction conditions without performing additional costly calculations. © 2006 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2006
Distributed evidence filtering: the recursive case

A novel approach named recursive evidence filtering for information processing in distributed sensor networks (DSNs) is presented. It is based on the Dempster-Shafer (DS) formalism, facilitating evidence exchange and fusion in a simple and straightforward manner, while accommodating for partial and incomplete information. Certain restrictions on the coefficients impose several challenges in the design of such evidence filters suggesting that arbitrary frequency shaping is not possible. A general design procedure for IIR type evidence filters is presented with examples.
Suggestion rates and sociotechnical systems in Japanese versus American factories: beyond quality circles

Available information for two samples of factory organizations on the US and Japan are compared. Japanese factories are found to differ systematically from those in America in terms of several characteristics. These include marketing outputs, input of materials, machine automation, methods of production, human resource development, motivating incentives, and willingness to work. Moreover, available data suggest that the Japanese plants are outperforming those in the American sample. It is proposed that one reason is the higher rate of suggestions by employees in Japan. Causes and consequences of suggestion rates in the two nations are studied. >
H3.5. Improving Acute Pain Measurement: The Acute Pain Trajectory “E”

Acute pain is a time-limited process associated with the inflammatory phase of wound healing. Because time is an intrinsic feature of acute pain, measurement should characterize acute pain as a trajectory that begins with tissue trauma and resolves at a steady rate. Latent growth curve modeling of pain reports over six days in 502 postoperative and 513 emergency department patients reveals that: 1) Linear fits best characterize acute pain trajectories; and 2) The cardinal features of the acute pain trajectory are intercept (initial pain level) and slope (rate of pain resolution). The acute pain trajectory provides a more stable and precise estimate of acute pain for the individual patient than conventional point estimates and offers a stronger outcome measure in clinical trials. Randomized controlled trials of interventions using pain trajectories as outcomes can target rate of pain resolution as well as initial pain intensity. Pain trajectories also provide a good basis for comparing patient populations or cohorts (e.g., gender, age) and a basis for benchmarking institutions. This presentation will introduce the concept of pain trajectories, discuss options for estimating them statistically, and illustrate both individual cases and population mean estimates.
Design and test of wide-band terahertz dielectric sub-wavelength focusing probes

This manuscript presents two new wide-band terahertz (THz) dielectric sub-wavelength focusing probes for near-field measurements. The first design is characterized by being axially symmetric (conical) while the second is a rectangular based design (pyramidal). The axially symmetric design is specialized for doing spectroscopy and imaging due to its wideband and sub-wavelength focusing resolution. The rectangular design is characterized by its ability to preserve polarization. It will find applications in probing of terahertz planar devices and in polarization sensing and imaging. The probes have a wide bandwidth scanning approximately 0.1–1 THz. The probes were fabricated from low-loss high-density polyethylene. The axially symmetric probe has a sub-wavelength focusing resolution ranging from one fifth of a wavelength up to half a wavelength in a frequency band of about 150 GHz. In this paper, the design and properties of these two probes are presented. Applications of these probes are demonstrated by sub-wavelength near-field imaging, spectroscopy and probing of planar circuits.
The Structure and Operation of a Relational Database System in a Cell-Oriented Integrated Circuit Design System

An important use for a database management system is in the storage and handling of information for engineering design, particularly integrated circuit design. However, most discussions on this topic have concentrated on the layout of shapes necessary to form the various circuit elements, or connections between user-defined cells. Equally important, but often disregarded, is the necessity to support other design tools in addition to graphics for circuit layout. These include simulators and automatic layout programs that take a description of a circuit at one level and convert it to a lower level. In addition, if cells are part of a library defined and maintained by others, operations must be included to handle the maintenance of generations or versions of a cell design. These aspects of a database management system for engineering design are discussed in light of the tools being developed at the University of Utah and an extended version of System R, developed at the IBM San Jose Research Laboratory. The Utah approach emphasizes the use of previously designed and tested cells, with interconnects at fixed locations, placed on a grid. Because it is unlikely that the designers of circuits designed all (or any) of the cells used in their circuits, special database management operations are necessary to assure that a consistent, working circuit results.
Scaling of Airplane Dynamic Response to Stochastic Gusts

This paper studies the scaling of airplane dynamic response to stochastic wind gusts, with focus on the relationship between airplane size and airspeed variations. The results have applications in the design and control of small-scale aircraft for robustness with respect to turbulence. Using linearized equations of motion and the Dryden model of gusts, the paper presents analytical and numerical scaling laws for the phugoid natural frequency and damping ratio, and the variances of the airspeed and flight-path angle. The results show that small aircraft are more susceptible to high frequency gusts, that the phugoid damping ratio does not depend directly on airplane size, that the airspeed and flight-path angle variances can be parameterized by the ratio of the phugoid natural frequency to a characteristic turbulence frequency, and that the coefficient of variation of the airspeed decreases with increasing airplane size. Numerical examples validate the results using models of 11 different airplanes, particu...
Advanced Endoscopic Resection of Colorectal Lesions

Advanced endoscopic resection techniques allow curative treatment of difficult colonic lesions and avoid the need for surgery in certain cases. If endoscopic resection is indicated, the choice of the most appropriate resection technique depends on lesion characteristics and endoscopist expertise.
Design and discovery of new drugs by stepping-up and stepping-down approaches

Numerous alkaloids are known to have significant pharmacological effects, perhaps due to the fact that many neurotransmitters and some hormones (e.g. acetylcholine, epinephrine, serotonin, dopamine, histamine, γ-aminobutyric acid, etc.) [1] have a positively charged nitrogen atom under physiological conditions. Many alkaloids have not only served as therapeutical agents but also as lead compounds to other synthetic medicinal agents. In general, the synthetic compounds are of less structural complexity. For examples, many local anesthetics are derived from cocaine, anticholinergics are from atropine and narcotic analgesics are from morphine (see Figure 1).
Phase Equilibria in the Sr3 ( PO 4 ) 2 ‐ Cd3 ( PO 4 ) 2 System and Eu2+‐Activated Luminescence of Sr3 ( PO 4 ) 2 and Related Phases

The phase equilibria relationships in the system were established in air using DTA and melting point data obtained from compositions previously equilibrated by solid‐state reactions. In addition to the previously reported rapid, reversible polymorphic inversion at 1305°C (1), a second rapid reversible transition was found to occur at 1410°C prior to melting at 1620°C. is soluble in: (a) to a maximum of 1 or 2 m/o (mole per cent), (b) to a maximum of 21 m/o at 1075°C with 12 m/o sufficient to stabilize the β‐phase to room temperature, and (c) to a maximum of 31 m/o at 1125°C. A eutectoid reaction exists at 1075°C where solid solution, solid solution, and a ternary compound are in equilibrium. is soluble in to a maximum of about 3 m/o at 1050°C. The luminescence of Eu2+‐activated is very dependent on composition and the polymorph present at the reaction temperature. Small additions of to all polymorphs rapidly quench the luminescence. Although both high‐temperature forms of revert to the α‐modification upon cooling to room temperature, phosphors prepared by solid‐state reaction in the temperature stability range of possess superior brightness levels.
Relationship between the Cohesive Strength and Tack of Elastomers: Part IV, Carbon Black Filled Styrene-Butadiene Rubber

Abstract The autohesion and cohesion of uncrosslinked SBR (gum and black-filled) have been determined over a broad range of test temperatures and rates using a T-peel geometry. Peeling energies can be time-temperature superposed to form mastercurves using shift factors in accord with the WLF form. Universal constants are appropriate for the gum. While experimental constants were obtained for the black composition. Cohesion for the gum and filled SBR increase continuously with increasing test speed or reduced temperature. On the other hand, autohesion for the gum shows an abrupt transition by decreasing at a critical reduced rate, while autohesion of the filled SBR does not exhibit the transition. The transition is associated with a viscous-to-elastic response change with increasing RaT; filled SBR has reduced elasticity relative to the gum and hence the transition is not present. By examining relative autohesion, it is seen that the gum undergoes an interfacial-cohesive-interfacial transition response wit...
Dynamic Coupling, Optimizing and Regional Interdependence

R EGIONAL interdependence studies focus on geographical structure of economic variables. It seems evident that significant breakthroughs have been made in the past two decades towards improving theoretical understanding in this area. Progress in the application of interregional models to policy analysis has also been made. In agricultural economics, one must cite among other pioneers the works of Mighell and Black, Fox, Heady and Egbert, and Judge. I think it can be fairly said that no work in this field will be done that does not in some way benefit by their influence.' On the other hand, I do not think that any future work will extend these basic studies much beyond their current contributions without attention to two major aspects of economic structure. The first of these is intertemporal structure or, in short, dynamics. The second is the interconnectedness of production (or more generally, supply), transportation, and demand. It is now time to launch a major attack on these twin citadels. Without it we shall have neither an adequate understanding of interregional competition nor an adequate foundation for policy analysis and appraisal. This paper is devoted to an elaboration of the need for these two focal points and to a sketch of an appropriate research strategy.
Area-Efficient Bevel-Edge Termination Techniques for SiC High-Voltage Devices

This paper reviews the bevel-edge termination techniques for silicon carbide (SiC) power devices, such as bevel junction termination extension (JTE), resistive-bevel termination, bevel-assisted JTE, and positive-bevel termination. The proposed bevel-edge termination techniques significantly reduce the chip size for SiC power devices. PiN diodes and test structures were fabricated to quantify the relative performance of the proposed structures. Quantitative comparison in chip size reduction, process schemes, and future research directions is discussed in detail.
Effects of Spider Mite Injury on Transpiration and Leaf Water Status in Peppermint

Studies were conducted to examine effects of feeding injury by the spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae), on diurnal transpiration and daytime leaf water status in peppermint, Mentha piperita L. A new approach to investigate mite injury of the leaf epidermis and cuticle is presented. Feeding injury significantly affected daytime stomatal transpiration and nighttime cuticular transpiration. High rates of nighttime transpiration that resulted from mite injury to leaf epidermal cells and overlying cuticle caused leaf water stress during the day. Differences in rates of transpiration during the day and night, between uninjured and injured leaves. were correlated with a leaf injury index developed for this study. Water stress (more negative leaf osmotic potential) developed in injured leaves during the day and the magnitude of stress was correlated with our leaf injury index. Continued water loss at night from mite-injured leaves is discussed in terms of the underlying cause of water stress during the day.
Acariña occurring in domestic animal manure.

A total of 211 samples from 92 different farms in New York State were collected from manure of dairy cattle, horses, sheep, chickens, and ducks. Macrochelidae, Uropodidae, Parasitidae, Oribatidae, and Laelaptidae were collected in that order of abundance. Seven species of Macrochelidae were found, in order of abundance: Macrocheles muscaedomesticae (Scopoli, 1772), M. medarius (Berlese, 1889), M. subbadius (Berlese, 1904), Glyptholaspis confusa (Foa, 1900), M. glaber (Muller, 1804), M. matrius (Hull, 1925), and M. robustulus (Berlese, 1904). These seven species are illustrated. The first four were common in manure from dairy cattle, the last three rare. In chicken manure M. muscaedomesticae was usually the only macrochelid species found.
Polypeptide-Based Gold Nanoshells for Photothermal Therapy

Targeted killing of cancer cells by engineered nanoparticles holds great promise for noninvasive photothermal therapy applications. We present the design and generation of a novel class of gold nanoshells with cores composed of self-assembled block copolypeptide vesicles with photothermal properties. Specifically, poly(L-lysine)60- block-poly(L-leucine)20 (K60L20) block copolypeptide vesicles coated with a thin layer of gold demonstrate enhanced absorption of light due to surface plasmon resonance (SPR) in the near-infrared range. We show that the polypeptide-based K60L20 gold nanoshells have low toxicity in the absence of laser exposure, significant heat generation upon exposure to near-infrared light, and, as a result, localized cytotoxicity within the region of laser irradiation in vitro. To gain a better understanding of our gold nanoshells in the context of photothermal therapy, we developed a comprehensive mathematical model for heat transfer and experimentally validated this model by predicting the temperature as a function of time and position in our experimental setup. This model can be used to predict which parameters of our gold nanoshells can be manipulated to improve heat generation for tumor destruction. To our knowledge, our results represent the first ever use of block copolypeptide vesicles as the core material of gold nanoshells.
Plasma lipid analyse after intravenous thrombolysis in 38 patients with acute myocardial infarction

AIM: To investigate whether plasma lipid influences th e recanalization after intravenous thrombolysis in the patients with acute myoca rdial infarction (AMI). METHODS:38 cases of AMI patients with intravenous thrombolysis were divided into recanal ization group(30 cases) and non-recanalization group(8 cases). Plasma cholesterol (TC), tri glyceride(TG), low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), and high density lipoprotei n-cholesterol(HDL-C) were measured. RESULTS: TC, LDL-C, HDL-C in recanalization group and non-recanalization group had no statistical significance, TG level in non-recanaliz ation group was higher than recanalization group (P0.05). CONCLUSION: TG in p lasma may have an effect on intravenous thrombolysis in the patients with AMI.
Review and expectation on development and use of Idesia polycarpa Maxim. var. vestitaDiels in China

The Idesia polycarpa Maxim.var.vestita Diels belongs to wild fallen-leaf arbor,and it can be used as the oil-producing and lumber-supplying species.The oil from its fruit can be used as the raw materials for medicine,chemical and plant energy industry.The fruit output of this tree is large,and the oil content is high.The lumber is suitable for the furniture manufacture and board house.In addition,this tree is the favorable choice for environmental greening.The developing and using course were reviewed,and its future was prospected.The scientific research on its reproduction,cultivation,picking,storage,oil extraction,oil refining and deep processing of the oil products should be strengthened.Particularly,it was important to effectively get rid of oil's bitterness and unpleasant smell for its development and usage.
China's Troubled Waters: Maritime Disputes in Theoretical Perspective

How are China's ongoing sovereignty disputes in the East and South China Seas likely to evolve? Are relations across the Taiwan Strait poised to enter a new period of relaxation or tension? How are economic interdependence, domestic public opinion, and the deterrence role played by the US likely to affect China's relations with its counterparts in these disputes? Although territorial disputes have been the leading cause for interstate wars in the past, China has settled most of its land borders with its neighbours. Its maritime boundaries, however, have remained contentious. This book examines China's conduct in these maritime disputes in order to analyse Beijing's foreign policy intentions in general. Rather than studying Chinese motives in isolation, Steve Chan uses recent theoretical and empirical insights from international relations research to analyse China's management of its maritime disputes.