cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Web-based Visualization and Navigation of the Content of SNOMED CT

SNOMED CT is a standardized and comprehensive clinical reference terminology that is used in several countries around the globe to facilitate the exchange of clinical information and to support decision-making in clinical systems. The ability to navigate through SNOMED CT and visualize the structure of concepts plays a key role in SNOMED CT related applications and research studies. While on one hand, the complex structure of SNOMED CT can be difficult to navigate and visualize, on the other hand, the requirements for visualization may vary between users depending on their usage of SNOMED CT. This study explores the development of a web-based SNOMED CT browser that can be used by researchers who are frequently navigating the content of SNOMED CT and requiring the ability to download and embed images of the hierarchical and lateral relationships of a specific SNOMED CT concept.
Intermolecular potential parameters for transport property modeling of energetic organic molecules

Abstract Transport properties such as coefficients of diffusion, viscosities and thermal conductivities of chemical species are required for combustion modeling of energetic materials. These can be obtained from intermolecular potential energy surfaces. Hence, we present a theoretical study of intermolecular potential energy surfaces for the interactions of various energetic organic molecules with four bath gases – He, Ne, Ar and N2. High-level ab initio calculations, i.e., counterpoise corrected QCISD(T) with complete basis set (CBS) extrapolations based on aug-cc-pVDZ and aug-cc-pVTZ basis sets, are used to evaluate the accuracy of various computationally feasible yet accurate low-level quantum chemistry methods. Intermolecular potential energy surfaces are then calculated for a training set of six molecules including two nitramines (CH2NNO2 and CH3NHNO2), two nitrate esters (CH3ONO2 and CH3CH2ONO2) and two nitroalkanes (CH3NO2 and CH3CH2NO2). The ab initio data are used to parametrize an analytical pairwise intermolecular potential. The potential is then used to calculate Lennard-Jones parameters for the training set, as well as a separate test set containing nine energetic organic molecules. Lennard-Jones collision rates for molecules in test set, calculated using analytical pairwise potential, are within ∼20% of those obtained via the ab initio calculations. A novel strategy is proposed to calculate pure-gas Lennard-Jones parameters from various combining rules and four bath gases. Gas-phase transport properties of nitromethane – viscosity, thermal conductivity and diffusion coefficient – calculated using pure-gas Lennard-Jones parameters obtained from the proposed method, are in good agreement with the experimental results at various temperatures. The validated analytical potentials and the strategy to calculate pure-gas Lennard-Jones parameters are then applied to develop a transport properties database for nitramines, which is subsequently used in combustion modeling of RDX. Comparative sensitivity analysis indicates that the sensitivity of burn-rate to transport parameters is as significant as the sensitivity to reaction rate parameters.
Sustainable synthesis and remarkable adsorption capacity of MOF/graphene oxide and MOF/CNT based hybrid nanocomposites for the removal of Bisphenol A from water.

Abstract A series of novel absorbents based on Cu-BDC MOFs decorated over graphene oxide (GrO) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) hybrid nanocomposites, namely Cu-BDC@GrO and Cu-BDC@CNT, are synthesized via a facile and one-pot green solvothermal method for water remediation. The nanocomposites were characterized by XRD, TEM, SEM, EDS, Raman, FTIR, TGA, XPS, Zetasizer and ICP-OES instruments. XRD results confirmed the high crystalline structure of the synthesized hybrid nanocomposites. Morphological analysis by SEM and TEM verified the successful decoration of nano-sized Cu-BDC MOFs over GrO and CNT platforms; whereas, EDS and XPS analysis confirmed the presence of all components in the hybrid nanocomposites. Bisphenol A was used in this study as a model organic pollutant that is sometimes present in the industrial wastewater to test the adsorption capacity of the prepared hybrid nanomaterials toward their removal from water. The hybrid nanomaterials showed remarkable adsorption capacity of 182.2 and 164.1 mg/g toward the removal of BPA, which was several times higher than that of 60.2 mg/g for Cu-BDC MOF itself. The Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin and D-R isotherm models were applied to analyze the experimental data and the results revealed that the Freundlich model describes the experimental data best. A kinetic study was carried out and it showed that the prepared nanomaterials could remove maximum amount of BPA from water in 30 min. The pseudo-first order, pseudo-second order and intra-particle diffusion models were applied to evaluate the kinetic data and the results suggested that the kinetics data could be well fitted to the pseudo-second order kinetic model. Additionally, the BAP adsorption process onto the hybrid nanocomposites was spontaneous and exothermic. The π-π interactions between the BPA and hybrid nanomaterials played a vital role during the BPA adsorption process. The higher adsorption capacity and water stability makes them a good candidate for water remediation applications.
The Metrizability of Normal Moore Spaces

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the metrizability of normal Moore spaces. A space satisfying the first three parts of Moore's axiom is called a Moore space. Such a space is regular, Hausdorff, and developable. It was F. B. Jones who officially conjectured that every normal Moore space is metrizable and presented the theorem that states Lusin's hypothesis implies that every separable normal Moore space is metrizable. Jones was also interested in Souslin's problem and felt that there was a strong tie between this problem and the normal Moore space conjecture. The most important theorem in Moore space theory was given by R. H. Bing stating that every collection-wise normal Moore space is metrizable. It is not only the basis for Bing's version of the Bing–Smirnoff–Nagata metrization theorem, it has been used to prove many other metrization theorems that have no apparent connection with Moore spaces.
Permanent Tooth Avulsion Injuries

Tooth avulsion is the most extreme form of tooth luxation where the tooth is completely displaced out of the socket. This injury is considered one of the few true dental emergencies because the timing of treatment has such a dramatic effect on the prognosis of the avulsed tooth.
User-Guided Offline Synthesis of Robot Arm Motion from 6-DoF Paths

We present an offline method to generate smooth, feasible motion for robot arms such that end-effector pose goals of a 6-DoF path are matched within acceptable limits specified by the user. Our approach aims to accurately match the position and orientation goals of the given path, and allows deviation from these goals if there is danger of self-collisions, joint-space discontinuities or kinematic singularities. Our method generates multiple candidate trajectories, and selects the best by incorporating sparse user input that specifies what kinds of deviations are acceptable. We apply our method to a range of challenging paths and show that our method generates solutions that achieve smooth, feasible motions while closely approximating the given pose goals and adhering to user specifications.
Decay of Ca 49 and Sc 49

${\mathrm{Ca}}^{49}$ has been found to decay with a half-life of 8.9\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.2 minutes. It emits two principal beta components of energies 2.12\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.10 and about 1.0 Mev in coincidence, respectively, with gamma rays of 3.07\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.05 and 4.04\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.06 Mev. The intensity ratio of these two branches is 8.5:1. The intensity of a possible ground-state beta branch is less than 1%, and that of a possible 0.98-Mev gamma transition between the 3.07- and 4.04-Mev levels is less than 3%. These data indicate that these excited states are respectively the single-particle ${p}_{\frac{3}{2}}$ and ${f}_{\frac{5}{2}}$ levels available for excitation of the twenty-first proton in ${\mathrm{Sc}}^{19}$. ${\mathrm{Sc}}^{49}$ is found to emit in turn a single beta component of energy 1.80\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.10 Mev.
Molecular genetic analyses of abiotic stress responses during plant reproductive development

Plant responses to abiotic stresses during vegetative growth have been extensively studied for many years. Daily environmental fluctuations can have dramatic effects on plant vegetative growth at multiple levels, resulting in molecular, cellular, physiological, and morphological changes. Plants are even more sensitive to environmental changes during reproductive stages. However, much less is known about how plants respond to abiotic stresses during reproduction. Fortunately, recent advances in this field have begun to provide clues about these important processes, which promise further understanding and a potential contribution to maximize crop yield under adverse environments. Here we summarize information from several plants, focusing on the possible mechanisms that plants use to cope with different types of abiotic stresses during reproductive development, and present a tentative molecular portrait of plant acclimation during reproductive stages. Additionally, we discuss strategies that plants use to balance between survival and productivity, with some comparison among different plants that have adapted to distinct environments.
In vitro 3D culture lung model from expanded primary cystic fibrosis human airway cells.

Abstract Background In vitro cystic fibrosis (CF) models are crucial for understanding the mechanisms and consequences of the disease. They are also the gold standard for pre-clinical efficacy studies of current and novel CF drugs. However, few studies have investigated expansion and differentiation of primary CF human bronchial epithelial (CF-HBE) cells. Here we describe culture conditions to expand primary CF airway cells while preserving their ability to differentiate into 3D epithelial cultures expressing functional cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) ion channels that responds to CFTR modulators. Methods Primary CF airway cells were expanded using PneumaCultTM-Ex Plus (StemCell Technologies) medium with no feeder cells or added Rho kinase (ROCK) inhibitor. Differentially passaged CF-HBE cells at the air-liquid interface (ALI) were characterized phenotypically and functionally in response to the CFTR corrector drug VX-661 (Tezacaftor). Results CF-HBE primary cells, expanded up to six passages (~25 population doublings), differentiated into 3D epithelial cultures as evidenced by trans-epithelial electrical resistance (TEER) of >400 Ohms∙cm2 and presence of pseudostratified columnar ciliated epithelium with goblet cells. However, up to passage five cells from most donors showed increased CFTR-mediated short-circuit currents when treated with the corrector drug, VX-661. Ciliary beat frequency (CBF) also increased with the corrector VX-661. Conclusions CF donor-derived airway cells can be expanded without the use of feeder cells or additional ROCK inhibitor, and still achieve optimal 3D epithelial cultures that respond to CFTR modulators. The study of rare CF mutations could benefit from cell expansion and could lead to the design of personalized medicine/treatments.
A systems biology approach to the digital behaviorome

Abstract This review article summarizes how emerging connected technologies (e.g., smartphones and wearables) may provide novel avenues to understand an individual's behavior through the lens of systems biology. First, we surveyed recent research efforts that leveraged the multimodal high temporal resolution data derived from connected devices to build digital phenotypes and/or discover digital biomarkers of the behaviorome. We write this review with a particular emphasis on the detection, diagnosis, and symptom monitoring of neuropsychiatric disorders, as these pathologies may manifest primarily as disruptions to the behaviorome. We then discussed new opportunities and challenges these state-of-art research efforts bring as they intersect with other areas of natural and social sciences. Ultimately, we suggest how incorporating systems biology and connected technologies data can lead to a better understanding of complex neuropsychiatric disorders.
Differences in Balance Ability and Motor Control between Dancers and Non-Dancers with Varying Foot Positions

The purpose of this study was to investigate balance and motor control in dancers and non-dancers with different foot positions. Physically active female dancers (n = 11) and non-dancers (n = 9) randomly completed two balance tests in a single visit: 1) Y-balance test (YBT), and 2) motor control test (MCT). Each test was completed with two different foot positions: 1) first ballet position in which heels were touching and feet were externally rotated to 140 degrees, and 2) sixth ballet position in which heels were spaced 10 cm apart and forward parallel. For the YBT, participants completed three attempts at anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral reaches, which were averaged and standardized to limb length for a composite score. For the MCT, participants completed a multi-directional target test on a Biosway balance system, and accuracy and time to completion were analyzed. Findings revealed no differences in YBT score (p = 0.255), MCT score (p = 0.383), or MCT time (p = 0.306) between groups in the sixth position. However, dancers displayed better YBT scores (p = 0.036), MCT scores (p = 0.020), and faster MCT times (p = 0.009) in the first position. Results suggest that superior balance and motor control in dancers may be limited to less innate dance-specific foot positions.
Electro-Optical Phase-Locked Loop Generating Linear Frequency Chirp for FMCW LiDAR

We demonstrated linear frequency-chirp modulation using a wide-bandwidth analog electro-optical phase-locked loop, leveraging linear analog multipliers in a single sideband frequency down-conversion scheme, without electrical ramp generation, predistortion circuitry, or complex digital logic.
Finding the balance between model complexity and performance: Using ventral striatal oscillations to classify feeding behavior in rats

The ventral striatum (VS) is a central node within a distributed network that controls appetitive behavior, and neuromodulation of the VS has demonstrated therapeutic potential for appetitive disorders. Local field potential (LFP) oscillations recorded from deep brain stimulation electrodes within the VS are a pragmatic source of neural systems-level information about appetitive behavior that could be used in responsive neuromodulation systems. Here, we recorded LFPs from the bilateral nucleus accumbens core and shell (subregions of the VS) during limited access to palatable food across varying conditions of hunger and food palatability in male rats. We used standard statistical methods (logistic regression) as well as the machine learning algorithm lasso to predict aspects of feeding behavior using VS LFPs. These models were able to predict the amount of food eaten, the increase in consumption following food deprivation, and the type of food eaten. Further, we were able to predict whether the initiation of feeding was imminent up to 42.5 seconds before feeding began and classify current behavior as either feeding or not-feeding. In classifying this behavior, we found an optimal balance between model complexity and performance with models using 3 LFP features primarily from the alpha and high gamma frequencies. As shown here, unbiased methods can identify systems-level neural activity linked to symptoms of mental illness with potential application to the development and personalization of novel treatments.
Clinical Decision Making During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The authors apply principles for translating imprecision in diagnostic and therapeutic information into clinical decisions to address 3 ongoing areas of uncertainty related to diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of COVID-19. They briefly review the current state of knowledge, highlight the level of uncertainty, and then suggest a pathway forward for clinical decision making during the pandemic.
Phonetic adaptation in interlocutors with mismatched language backgrounds: A case for a phonetic synergy account

Abstract Phonetic convergence is the phenomenon that the speech of interlocutors becomes more similar during an interaction. However, in interactions involving non-native speakers, factors such as communicative needs and mismatches in interlocutors’ phonetic repertoire may inhibit phonetic convergence. In this study, we investigated how mismatches at the phonetic level affect speech adjustments in mixed versus shared language pairs. Mandarin L1 speakers speaking English as their second language played a collaborative word matching game either with another Mandarin L1–English L2 speaker (MM pair) or with a monolingual English speaker (ME pairs). Critical stimuli consisted of single-syllable words that differed on medial vowel and/or voicing of the final consonant. These phonetic dimensions were chosen because Mandarin L1–English L2 speakers differ from native English speakers in how they instantiate these distinctions. We evaluated how the different kinds of pairs completed the interactive communicative task. Our results confirmed that L2 speakers differed from L1 speakers in how they created necessary phonetic distinctions. However, these differences depended on whether they were in an MM pair or an ME pair. L2 speakers in MM pairs relied on vowel duration to indicate vowel identity more than did those in the ME pairs. Interestingly, examination of individual speakers’ data revealed different successful solutions across pairs. To explain these findings, we propose the use of phonetic synergy the idea that interlocutors’ adaptations to ensure communicative success are co-constraining and diverse. Broadly, our findings suggest that for a complete understanding of phonetic convergence, precisely manipulating communicative difficulty along specific phonetic dimensions may be crucial to tell apart social, simulative, and communicative adjustments in interaction.
Weekly team-based learning scores and participation are better predictors of successful course performance than case-based learning performance: role of assessment incentive structure.

BACKGROUND Incentives for preparation and participation in case-based (CBL) and team-based learning (TBL) differ by virtue of differences in assessment, allowing us to evaluate the role these incentives play in preparation and participation in these activities as well as overall course performance. METHODS Weekly TBL and CBL participation and performance as well as performance on the course final examination were recorded. Student participation was quantified and correlated with: (1) CBL preparation, participation, teamwork and completion of learning objectives scores, and (2) TBL individual readiness assurance test (iRAT) scores. RESULTS Student final examination scores (n = 95) were more strongly correlated with TBL than CBL performance. No significant correlation was found between iRAT and CBL scores. Student participation was measured in 3 CBL groups (8 students/group) and 4 TBL teams (6 students/team). TBL participation was more strongly correlated with final examination scores than CBL participation. TBL participation was also correlated with iRAT scores. CBL scores for preparation, participation, teamwork and completion of learning objectives did not significantly correlate with iRAT scores or TBL participation. CONCLUSION These results suggest that the assessment incentives and methods used in TBL result in student performance that better predicts performance on summative examinations.
Endogenous Technology Transfer: What is the Right Price?

Professor Sato has made very valuable contributions to the analysis of international competition in which both technological rivalry and transfer of technology play a crucial role. These influences are also patently important in reality, and to understand them fully it is necessary to investigate the mechanism by which the technology transfers are carried out. This essay seeks to contribute to the study of the transfer process.
Postpancreatectomy Hemorrhage: Early and Late

Postpancreatectomy hemorrhage (PPH) should be a rare complication, but when it occurs, it is a major cause of morbidity and mortality after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). PPH can be divided into early (first 24 h) or late (usually 10 days or more after PD or distal pancreatectomy). Early PPH is caused by technical failure of appropriate hemostasis or an underlying perioperative coagulopathy. Late PPH is typically caused by complications of the operation, most commonly a pancreatic leak (which is the etiology of pseudoaneurysm formation). Early PPH can be prevented by direct ligation of the inferior pancreaticoduodenal arteries (IPDA) arising from the superior mesenteric artery (SMA); mass ligation of the tissue to the right of the SMA can result in bleeding from the IPDAs within the first 24 h after PD. Late PPH can be prevented by the use of a pedicled falciform ligament flap to protect the vessels from possible pancreatic fistula and related fluid collections. The occurrence of a sentinel bleed is a key sign before the onset of delayed/late PPH.
Realizing the Strategic Dimension of Corporate Real Property Through Improved Planning and Control Systems

This paper presents a methodology that addresses the fundamental question: How can a firm maintain congruence between its real property portfolio and its strategic objectives during time of rapid e...
BT HealthNet — an early intranet case study

Like the Internet, the intranet is much hyped. BT recognised the emerging importance of the Internet and its technology and commenced investment in its own intranet some 5 years previous. BT‘s experience in both building intranets and the Internet service provision business has led to the development of quite possibly the largest community-of-interest Intranet in Europe — the UK‘s NHSwide network or NHSnet. BT HealthNet represents the core of NHSnet and this paper illustrates how its components and services provide a first-class platform for the delivery of healthcare information and applications.
Mechanics of Crack Arrest in Concrete

The tensile strength of concrete is greatly reduced as a result of internal flaws and micro-cracks. The application of fracture mechanics concepts reveals that the tensile strength is proportional to the inverse square root of flaw diameter. High tensile strengths can be realized, however, when flaws are prevented from enlarging beyond certain limits. This is accomplished by means of closely spaced wire reinforcement. For wire spacings of less than a certain predictable range, the maximum size of flaw is equal to the wire spacing. Thus, the smaller the spacing the larger the tensile strength. Theoretical results are presented in detail. The theoretically predicted relationship between tensile strength and wire spacing is substantiated by tests.
African American and Black as Demographic Codes

This article addresses the semantics of ethnicity/race and ethnic/racial categorization in the United States and its role in sociolinguistic inquiry. The focus is on scholars' ethnic/racial coding of African American, which is used interchangeably with the label Black.1 While there has been a growing body of research that shows African American English (AAE) varies both regionally and across social lines (e.g., age, gender, class), slow to follow is work addressing variation within the ethnic/racial category African American/Black in and of itself.2 This paper argues the field of sociolinguistics and related fields are at a crossroads in terms of how we categorize people within ethnically diverse African American/Black communities in the United States and offers methodological solutions.
IMPROVING THE IDEA SCREENING PROCESS WITHIN ORGANIZATIONS USING PREDICTION MARKETS: A THEORETICAL PERSPECTIVE

Prediction markets have been identified as a valuable mechanism to evaluate and select ideas in the corporate innovation processes, because these markets leverage the collective wisdom of the entire organization. However, initial studies report low prediction accuracies and their usefulness is being challenged. A better theoretical understanding of idea markets is needed. Based on economic theory, experimental economics, and existing prediction market research, we present such a theory for the accuracy of idea markets. The theory is used to explain why current markets may have low prediction accuracy, and also why idea markets have great potential for improving idea screening.
Meta-Analysis of User Age and Service Robot Configuration Effects on Human-Robot Interaction in a Healthcare Application

Future service robots applications in healthcare may require systems to be adaptable in terms of verbal and non-verbal behaviors to ensure patient perceptions of quality healthcare. Adaptation of robot behaviors should account for patient emotional states. Related to this, there is a need for a reliable method by which to classify patient emotions in real-time during patient-robot interaction (PRI). Accurate emotion classification could facilitate appropriate robot adaptation and effective healthcare operations (e.g., medicine delivery). We conducted and compared two simulated robot medicine delivery experiments with different participant age groups and robot configurations. A meta-analysis of the data from these experiments was to identify a robust approach for emotional state classification across age groups and robot configurations. Results revealed age differences as well as multiple robot humanoid feature manipulations to cause inaccuracy in emotion classification using statistical and machine learning methods. Younger adults tend to have higher emotional variability than elderly. Combinations of robot features were also found to induce emotional uncertainty and extreme responses. These findings were largely reflected in terms of physiological responses rather than subjective reports of emotions.
Control of energy metabolism in platelets. A comparison of aerobic and anaerobic metabolism in washed rat platelets.

Abstract 1. 1. To obtain information about control of energy metabolism in platelets, washed rat platelets were incubated under oxygen or nitrogen, either without glucose or with 4 mM glucose. 2. 2. Respiration inhibited glycolysis by 75% without glucose and by 50% with glucose. Glucose inhibited respiration by 50% and stimulated glycolysis from 2- to 4-fold. 3. 3. Insulin had no effect on glucose metabolism. 4. 4. In the absence of glucose, glycogen consumed was accounted for as lactate produced under aerobic as well as anaerobic conditions. With glucose, all glucose plus glycogen consumed was not accounted for as lactate, but the stoichiometry was the same with both aerobic and anaerobic incubations. These data are interpreted as indicating oxidation of some endogenous substrate other than glucose or glycogen. 5. 5. Without glucose, the ratio ATP/ADP declined during anaerobic incubation. The ratio ATP/ADP was higher with glucose than without. 6. 6. Under aerobic conditions, oxidative phosphorylation accounted for about 55% of total ATP production with glucose and almost 90% without glucose. 7. 7. Comparison of mass action ratios with apparent equilibrium constants indicated phosphofructokinase (EC 2.7.1.11) and pyruvate kinase (EC 2.7.1.40) as potential control enzymes. Changes in levels of metabolites with altered flux indicated that phosphofructokinase was a major glycolytic control under the conditions of these experiments. 8. 8. Citric acid cycle intermediates were measured, but no control points could be identified.
Effects of intragastric water infusion and gastric distension on hypothalamic neuronal activity.

Abstract The effects of gastric water infusion and distension were examined in neurons from various parts of the rat brain. Neurons in the lateral preoptic-lateral hypothalamic-medial forebrain bundle (LPA-LH-MFB) neuropil were sensitive to gastric water infusion and distension. Cells randomly selected and examined in other brain areas were less sensitive to the same stimulation which indicated that the effects were relatively specific. The results, in terms of changes in neuronal discharge frequency from an established baseline, indicate that many cells in the lateral preoptic-lateral hypothalamic-medial forebrain bundle area are affected by intragastric water infusion and gastric distension within a time period during which changes in drinking would normally occur. These neurons were also affected differentially by acute water deprivation. LPA-LH-MFB neurons in 24 hr water deprived animals were significantly more sensitive to water infusions and less sensitive to stomach distension when compared to cells recorded in animals maintained on ad lib eating and drinking. Some of these same neurons were also sensitive to changes in the extracellular concentrations of sodium and glucose. The results are discussed in terms of the involvement of the lateral preoptic-lateral hypothalamic-medial forebrain bundle neuropil in ingestive behavior.
Enantioseparations of Chiral Ruthenium(II) Polypyridyl Complexes Using HPLC with Macrocyclic Glycopeptide Chiral Stationary Phases (CSPs).

Abstract A high-performance liquid chromatographic method using macrocyclic glycopeptide chiral stationary phases (CSPs) was used to separate enantiomers of seven ruthenium(II) polypyridyl complexes. Among the five different CSPs, the Chirobiotic T2 was most effective and baseline separated all complexes. All complexes show the same elution order with the Δ-enantiomer being retained longer than the Λ-enantiomer. The mobile phase composition, including organic modifier type, organic modifier percent, salt type, and salt concentration, produced significant effects on the enantioresolution.
The Colorado Lineament: A Middle Precambrian wrench fault system: Discussion and reply

No Abstract Available. The article discussed was published in the Bulletin , v. 89, p. 161–171.
Image Coding For Data Compression Using A Human Visual Model

We show that when mean-square error is used to determine the performance of image compression algorithms, in particular vector quantization algorithms, the meansquare error measurement is dependent upon the data type of the digitized images. When using vector quantization the possibility exists for encoding images of one type with code books of another type, we show that this cross-encoding has an adverse effect on performance. Thus, when making comparative evaluations of different vector quantization compression techniques one must be careful to document the data type used in both the code book and the test image data. We also show that when mean-square error measurements are made in the perceptual space of a human visual model, the distortion measurements correlate more with subjective image evaluation than when the distortions are calculated in other spaces. We use a monochrome visual model to improve the quality of vector quantized images, but our preliminary results indicate that in general, the performance of the model is dependent upon the type of data and the coding method used.
A new mass formula and new neutron and proton magic numbers in light nuclei

This mass formula explains gross features of the binding energy curves for all the elements from Li to Bi. It has no shell effects incorporated. Comparisons of separation energies computed from this formula and measured masses show extra-stability at N=6 (Z=3−8), Z=6 (N=6−9), N=14 (Z=7−10), Z=14 (N=14−19), N=16 (Z=7−8), Z=16 (N=24−26), loss of magicity at N=8 (Z=4), N=20 (Z=12−15) and quenching of N=50, 82, 126, Z=50 near driplines. Z=82 magicity rises at N=104 after strong quenching near N=107.
Beta-adrenergic receptors on leukocytes of the channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus.

Abstract Commercial rearing conditions expose teleost fish to numerous acute and chronic stressors that may precipitate dramatic production losses due to infectious diseases. Chemical mediators released in response to acute stress include the catecholamines, epinephrine and norepinephrine. Mammalian lymphocytes and macrophages express beta-adrenergic receptors (AR) that can bind catecholamines, leading to changes in cell function. In this study, radioligand binding assays demonstrated the presence of β-AR in membranes isolated from head kidney and spleen leukocytes of the channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus. Competition with subtype selective antagonists CGP-20,712 (β1) and ICI-118,551 (β2) suggested that the β2-adrenergic receptor is the primary receptor subtype present on these membranes. These data along with the HPLC-quantification of catecholamines in plasma of I. punctatus lend further support to the contention that crosstalk between the neuroendocrine and immune systems in lower vertebrates is mediated in part by stress-related biogenic amines like epinephrine and norepinephrine.
Architectures of interaction: an architectural perspective on digital experience

Digital technologies increasingly form the backdrop for our lives, and both provide and shape possibilities for interaction. This is a function similar to that of architecture in the physical world. For this reason we suggest that it could be productive to view and critique interactive digital technologies as one might physical architecture: in terms of the possibilities they provide for action, visibility, and interaction. We begin by pointing to the many architectural metaphors that are already common in HCI, and then move on to demonstrate how an architectural perspective can make visible less obvious interactive spaces. Finally, we argue that the potential benefits of this perspective are that it can allow us to see where interactive spaces have been constructed (intentionally or not); think about how particular artifacts and systems interface with each other and with the whole of embodied experience; and link specific design decisions to potential social dynamics.
Acoustic and electronic properties of one-dimensional quasicrystals

We study the acoustic and electronic properties of one-dimensional quasicrystals. Both numerical (nonperturbative) and analytical (perturbative) results are shown. The phonon and electronic spectra exhibit a self-similar hierarchy of gaps and many localized states in the gaps. We study quasiperiodic structures with any number of layers and several types of boundary conditions. We discuss the connection between our phonon model and recent experiments on quasiperiodic GaAs-AlAs superlattices. We predict the existence of many gap states localized at the surfaces.
Activated polyurethane modified with latent thiol groups.

A novel type of modified polyurethane with pendant acetylthio groups (as a latent form of thiol groups) has been proposed for the use in surface modifications with various biomolecules. The polymer was prepared via a modified variant of low-temperature bromoalkylation of urethane hard segments followed by the reaction of pendant bromoalkyl groups with thiolacetic acid in mild conditions. The extent of modification with acetylthio groups can be made as high as 0.45 mmol/g. After deprotection of acetylthio groups and reaction of the resulting thiol groups with an excess of Ellman's reagent, 0.1 nmol/cm(2) of thiol-reactive 3-carboxy-4-nitrophenyldithio groups were detected on the surface of films cast from the modified polymer. A sensitive fluorescent probe--dansyl-L-cysteine was used for the quantification of thiol-reactive groups bound to the surface. The acetylthio-modified polyurethane is sufficiently stable to withstand conditions typical for the high-temperature processing (molding, extrusion) of polyurethanes.
Improving delivery of antineoplastic agents with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy

It is believed that impairments in delivery of antineoplastic agents to solid tumors result from abnormalities of the tumor microenvironment. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), the prototypical angiogenic molecule, is one of the main factors responsible for the development and maintenance of the aberrant tumor vascular network, which is characterized by chaotic, leaky blood vessels with high interstitial fluid pressure and inefficient blood flow. The authors proposed that anti-VEGF therapy would reduce the elevated interstitial fluid pressure in tumors, thereby improving blood flow and potentially improving delivery of cytotoxic agents to tumor cells. For the current report, the authors reviewed characteristics of the abnormal tumor vasculature created under the influence of VEGF, the resulting tumor microenvironment, how the tumor microenvironment may impede delivery of antineoplastic agents, and how the combination of anti-VEGF and cytotoxic therapy may maximize the efficacy of antineoplastic treatment regimens.
In-Situ X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy Analysis of Capacity Fade in Nanoscale-LiCoO2

Abstract The local structure of nanoscale (∼10–40 nm) LiCoO 2 is monitored during electrochemical cycling utilizing in-situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). The high surface area of the LiCoO 2 nanoparticles not only enhances capacity fade, but also provides a large signal from the particle surface relative to the bulk. Changes in the nanoscale LiCoO 2 metal-oxide bond lengths, structural disorder, and chemical state are tracked during cycling by adapting the delta mu (Δ μ ) technique in complement with comprehensive extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) modeling. For the first time, we use a Δ μ EXAFS method, and by comparison of the difference EXAFS spectra, extrapolate significant coordination changes and reduction of cobalt species with cycling. This combined approach suggests Li–Co site exchange at the surface of the nanoscale LiCoO 2 as a likely factor in the capacity fade and irreversible losses in practical, microscale LiCoO 2 .
Stride length-velocity relationship during running with body weight support

Abstract Background Lower body positive pressure (LBPP) treadmills can be used in rehabilitation programs and/or to supplement run mileage in healthy runners by reducing the effective body weight and impact associated with running. The purpose of this study is to determine if body weight support influences the stride length (SL)–velocity as well as leg impact acceleration relationship during running. Methods Subjects ( n = 10, 21.4 ± 2.0 years, 72.4 ± 10.3 kg, 1.76 ± 0.09 m) completed 16 run conditions consisting of specific body weight support and velocity combinations. Velocities tested were 100%, 110%, 120%, and 130% of the preferred velocity (2.75 ± 0.36 m/s). Body weight support conditions consisted of 0, 60%, 70%, and 80% body weight support. SL and leg impact accelerations were determined using a light-weight accelerometer mounted on the surface of the anterior-distal aspect of the tibia. A 4 × 4 (velocity × body weight support) repeated measures ANOVA was used for each dependent variable ( α = 0.05). Results Neither SL nor leg impact acceleration were influenced by the interaction of body weight support and velocity ( p > 0.05). SL was least during no body weight support ( p p > 0.05). Leg impact acceleration was greatest during no body weight support ( p p > 0.05). SL and leg impact accelerations increased with velocity regardless of support ( p Conclusion The relationships between SL and leg impact accelerations with velocity were not influenced by body weight support.
Bounce-averaged Fokker-Planck diffusion equation in non-dipolar magnetic fields with applications to the Dungey magnetosphere

Abstract. We perform a detailed derivation of the bounce-averaged relativistic Fokker-Planck diffusion equation applicable to arbitrary magnetic field at a constant Roederer L. The form of the bounce-averaged diffusion equation is found regardless of details of the mirror geometry, suggesting that the numerical schemes developed for solving the modified two-dimensional (2-D) Fokker-Planck equation in a magnetic dipole should be feasible for similar computation efforts on modeling wave-induced particle diffusion processes in any non-dipolar magnetic field. However, bounce period related terms and bounce-averaged diffusion coefficients are required to be computed in realistic magnetic fields. With the application to the Dungey magnetosphere that is controlled by the intensity of southward interplanetary magnetic field (IMF), we show that with enhanced southward IMF the normalized bounce period related term decreases accordingly, and bounce-averaged diffusion coefficients cover a broader range of electron energy and equatorial pitch angle with a tendency of increased magnitude and peaking at lower energies. The compression of the Dungey magnetosphere can generally produce scattering loss of plasma sheet electrons ~100 keV on a timescale shorter than that in a dipolar field, and induce momentum diffusion at high pitch angles closer to 90°. Correspondingly, the strong diffusion rate drops considerably as a product of changes in both the equatorial loss cone and the bounce period. The extent of differences in all the parameters introduced by the southward IMF intensification also becomes larger for a field line with higher equatorial crossing. With the derived general formulism of bounce-averaged diffusion equation for arbitrary 2-D magnetic field, our results confirm the need for the adoption of realistic magnetic fields to perform accurate determination of electron resonant scattering rates and precise multi-dimensional diffusion simulations of magnetospheric electron dynamics.
A bit of give and take: the relationship between the extracellular matrix and the developing chondrocyte.

The extracellular matrix (ECM), once thought to be a static structural component of tissues, is now known to play a complex and dynamic role in a variety of cellular functions in a number of diverse tissues. A significant body of literature attests to the ability of the ECM to communicate both spatial and temporal information to adherent cells, thereby directing cell behavior via interactions between the ECM and cell-surface receptors. Moreover, volumes of experimental data show that a great deal of communication travels in the opposite direction, from the cell to the ECM, allowing for regulation of the cues transmitted by the ECM. As such, the ECM, with respect to its components and their organization, is not a fixed reflection of the state the local microenvironment in which a cell finds itself at a particular time, but rather is able to respond to and effect changes in its local microenvironment. As an example of the developmental consequences of ECM interactions, this review gives an overview of the ‘give and take’ relationship between the ECM and the cells of the developing skeletal elements, in particular, the chondrocyte.
α4 Integrin Is a Regulator of Leukocyte Recruitment After Experimental Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Background and Purpose—Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is swiftly followed by an inflammatory response. A key component of this response is the recruitment of leukocytes into the brain, which promotes neurological injury in rodent models. However, the mechanisms by which leukocytes transmigrate across the endothelium into the injured brain are unclear. The present study examines leukocyte adhesion molecules (α4 integrin, L-selectin, and αLβ2 integrin) on 4 leukocyte subtypes to determine which are important for leukocyte recruitment after ICH. Methods—We used the blood injection mouse model of ICH, whereby 25 μL of blood was injected into the striatum. Flow cytometry was used to quantify leukocyte populations and adhesion molecule expression in brain and blood. An α4 integrin–blocking antibody was administered to evaluate the contribution of α4 integrin in leukocyte migration and neurological injury. Results—α4 integrin was elevated on all leukocyte populations in brain after ICH, whereas L-selectin was un...
Design-based Practice: A New Perspective for Social Work

Evidence-based practice (EBP) has emerged as an alternative to traditional social work practice and has ignited a new round in the decades-old debate about the relationship between knowledge and practice in the field. This article identifies several limitations inherent in the EBP perspective and argues that it would be unfortunate if EBP were to become the new paradigm for social work practice and education. It also presents a new perspective for social work called design-based practice (DBP), which is based on the work of Herbert Simon and Mary Parker Follett, and compares this perspective with EBP and authority-based practice. DBP rests on the belief that knowledge is derived from experience and interactions between practitioners and clients and that professional practice should be primarily concerned with "how things ought to be."
T cell lymphoproliferative disorders associated with anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha antibody therapy for ulcerative colitis: literature summary.

The enhanced risk of development of lymphoproliferative disorders in patients with inflammatory bowel disease has been attributed to immunosuppressive/immunomodulatory therapies. Infliximab is a chimeric monoclonal immunoglobulin G1 antibody directed against tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) that was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1998 as an effective therapeutic agent against inflammatory bowel disease. Malignant lymphomas of both B and T cell lineage have been described in patients undergoing therapy involving TNF-α blockade. To date, eight cases of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)-negative hepatosplenic T cell lymphoma associated with infliximab have been reported to the FDA’s Adverse Event Reporting System, as well as several other T cell lymphoproliferative disorders with aggressive clinical outcomes. We present the histologic, immunophenotypic, and molecular features of a T cell lymphoproliferative disorder involving the axillary lymph node of a 33-year-old male following infliximab treatment for ulcerative colitis. These EBV-negative lymphomas suggest that lymphoproliferative disorders following infliximab treatment for inflammatory bowel disease may involve EBV-independent immune dysregulation. The spectrum of lymphoproliferative disorders associated with infliximab and the potential mechanisms by which they occur are discussed.
The chemical thermodynamics of nuclear materials. VII. the high-temperature enthalpy of plutonium dioxide

Abstract The high-temperature enthalpy of plutonium dioxide has been determined with a drop calorimeter of the isoperibol type over the temperature range of 298–1610 K. The calculation of the temperature rise of the copper-block receiver takes the added heat evolution from the radioactive decay of the plutonium sample into account when making the enthalpy calculation. These enthalpy results, combined with the heat capacity and entropy of the oxide at 298 K and other high-temperature enthalpy data available from the literature, have made it possible to generate a table of thermodynamic functions for plutonium dioxide from 298 to 2400 K.