cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Selective inhibition of leukotriene B4 biosynthesis in rat pulmonary alveolar macrophages by dietary selenium deficiency

Weanling male Fisher 344 rats were maintained on low selenium basal and Se-supplemented diets for 38 weeks. A several fold reduction in the glutathione peroxidase activity of the lung and liver tissues in rats maintained on low Se basal diet established their Se-deficient status. Analysis of the supernatants from resting pulmonary alveolar macrophage suspensions showed negligible extracellular release of PGE2, TXB2 and LTB4 in both diet groups. A challenge with opsonized zymosan particles increased the release of the same three arachidonic acid metabolites by several fold in both diet groups. The differences between the two diet groups with respect to the secretion of the products of the cyclooxygenase pathway, PGE2 and TXB2 were negligible. By contrast, a significant reduction in the extracellular release of LTB4 was observed in cells from animals on low selenium basal diet. These results suggest a selective inhibition of LTB4 biosynthesis in pulmonary alveolar macrophages by dietary deficiency of selenium.
Filtering medical image using adaptive filter

To date various image filtering approaches are reported, most of them enhance the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in different levels with loss of some useful information. In this paper, an adaptive template filtering method is described which can be used to increase SNR and keep the important edge information of medical images. In the proposed method, for each pixel, an optimal template of different shape and coefficients is selected automatically depending on its neighbor pixels. Not being simple extension of the 2D method, sequential filtering of slices in three orthogonal directions implemented the 3D algorithm, which improved existing adaptive template filtering technique, avoiding a burden of enormous search. Simulation and MRI image tests, both 2D and 3D, show that the new adaptive template filter provides higher SNR and sharper edges.
Evaluation of Trend Localization with Multi-Variate Visualizations

Multi-valued data sets are increasingly common, with the number of dimensions growing. A number of multi-variate visualization techniques have been presented to display such data. However, evaluating the utility of such techniques for general data sets remains difficult. Thus most techniques are studied on only one data set. Another criticism that could be levied against previous evaluations of multi-variate visualizations is that the task doesn't require the presence of multiple variables. At the same time, the taxonomy of tasks that users may perform visually is extensive. We designed a task, trend localization, that required comparison of multiple data values in a multi-variate visualization. We then conducted a user study with this task, evaluating five multivariate visualization techniques from the literature (Brush Strokes, Data-Driven Spots, Oriented Slivers, Color Blending, Dimensional Stacking) and juxtaposed grayscale maps. We report the results and discuss the implications for both the techniques and the task.
Effects of elevated carbon dioxide and ozone on the phytochemistry of aspen and performance of an herbivore

The purpose of this study was to assess the independent and interactive effects of CO2 ,O 3, and plant genotype on the foliar quality of a deciduous tree and the performance of a herbivorous insect. Two trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides Michaux) genotypes differing in response to CO2 and O3 were grown at the Aspen FACE (Free Air CO2 Enrichment) site located in northern Wisconsin, USA. Trees were exposed to one of four atmospheric treatments: ambient air (control), elevated carbon dioxide (+CO2; 560 �l/l), elevated ozone (+O 3; ambient �1.5), and elevated CO 2+O3. We measured the effects of CO2 and O3 on aspen phytochemistry and on performance of forest tent caterpillar (Malacosoma dis- stria Hbner) larvae. CO 2 and O3 treatments influenced foliar quality for both genotypes, with the most notable effects being that elevated CO2 reduced nitrogen and increased tremulacin levels, whereas elevated O3 in- creased early season nitrogen and reduced tremulacin levels, relative to controls. With respect to insects, the +CO2 treatment had little or no effect on larval perfor- mance. Larval performance improved in the +O3 treat- ment, but this response was negated by the addition of elevated CO2 (i.e., +CO2+O3 treatment). We conclude that tent caterpillars will have the greatest impact on aspen under current CO2 and high O3 levels, due to increases in insect performance and decreases in tree growth, whereas tent caterpillars will have the least impact on aspen under high CO2 and low O3 levels, due to moderate changes in insect performance and increases in tree growth.
Federal Regulation of Child Labor

THE LATEST AMENDMENTS to the Fair Labor Standards Act have been associated publicly with an increase in the minimum wage from forty to seventy-five cents an hour. The effects of the changes on child labor generally have been overlooked. Yet an over-all evaluation of the law as it now stands indicates that the new provisions regarding children will have a greater impact on the economy of this country than the higher minimum wage, for relatively few covered workers were employed at rates which required adjustment when the Act became effective. Child labor long has been a vexing and difficult problem to solve. Historically, regulation in the United States has been undertaken, in the main, by state governments. The federal government, however, has been interested in standards for many years. This paper traces the attempts of the federal government to control the employment of children. It reveals the early obstacles encountered and the more recent successes achieved. Today, though the child labor provisions of the law appear to be particularly effective, further progress should be envisaged.
Construction of detrital mineral populations: insights from mixing of U^Pb zircon ages in Himalayan rivers

Fission-track, U^Pb and Pb^Pb analyses of detrital heavy mineral populations in depositional basins and modern river sediments are widely used to infer the exhumational history of mountain belts. However, relatively few studies address the underlying assumption that detrital mineral populations provide an accurate representation of their entire source region. Implicit in this assumption is the idea that all units have equal potential to contribute heavy minerals in proportion to their exposure area in the source region. In reality, the detrital mineral population may be biased by variable concentrations of minerals in bedrock and diierential erosion rates within the source region.This study evaluates the relative importance of these two variables by using mixing of U^Pb zircon ages to trace zircon populations from source units, through the £uvial system, and into the foreland. The ¢rst part of the study focuses on the Marsyandi drainage in central Nepal, using tributaries that drain single formations to de¢ne the U^Pb age distributions of individual units and using trunk river samples to evaluate the relative contributions from each lithology. Observed mixing proportions are compared with proportions predicted by a simple model incorporating lithologic exposure area and zircon concentration.The relative erosion rates that account for the discrepancy between the observed and predicted mixing proportions are then modelled and compared with independent erosional proxies.The study also compares U^Pb age distributions from four adjacent drainages spanning � 250 km along the Himalayan front using the Kolmogorov^Smirnov statistic and statistical estimates of the proportion of zircon derived from each upstream lithology. Results show that, along this broad swath of rugged mountains, the U^Pb age distributions are remarkably similar, thereby allowing data from more localized sources to be extrapolated along strike.
EGG size matching by an intraspecific brood parasite

Avian brood parasitism provides an ideal system with which to understand animal recognition and its affect on fitness. This phenomenon of laying eggs in the nests of other individuals has classically been framed from the perspective of interspecific brood parasitism and host recognition of parasitic eggs. Few examples exist of strategies adopted by intraspecific brood parasites to maximize success of parasitic eggs. Intraspecific brood parasitism within precocial birds can be a risky strategy in that hatch synchrony is essential to reproductive success. Given that egg size is positively correlated with incubation time, parasitic birds would benefit by recognizing and selecting hosts with a similar egg size. Intraspecific brood parasitism is an alternative reproductive strategy in black brant (Branta bernicla nigricans), a colonial nesting goose with precocial young. Based on a randomization test, parasitic eggs in this study differed less in size from eggs in their host's nests than did random eggs placed in random nests. Parasitic eggs were remarkably similar in size to hosts' eggs, differing by <2% of volume on average from host eggs, whereas randomly paired eggs in random nests differed by nearly 8%. The precision with which parasitic brant match the egg size of hosts in our study supports our hypothesis that brant match egg size of hosts, thereby maximizing hatching success of their parasitic eggs. Copyright 2011, Oxford University Press.
Environmental Effect on Egress Simulation

Evacuation and egress simulations can be a useful tool for studying the effect of design decisions on the flow of agent movement. This type of simulation can be used to determine before hand the effect of design decisions and enable exploration of potential improvements. In this work, we study at how agent egress is affected by the environment in real world and large scale virtual environments and investigate metrics to analyze the flow. Our work differs from many evacuation systems in that we support grouping restrictions between agents (e.g., families or other social groups traveling together), and model scenarios with multiple modes of transportation with physically realistic dynamics (e.g., individuals walk from a building to their own cars and leave only when all people in the group arrive).
Modification of Human Neutrophil Response to Endotoxin with Polymyxin B Sulfate

Polymyxin B sulfate has been reported to neutralize endotoxin toxicity in animals. In a study of the applicability of this antibiotic to the treatment of patients with endotoxemia, human neutrophils were examined in vivo and in vitro, and the effect of polymyxin B on white blood cells stimulated with endotoxin and those not stimulated with endotoxin was delineated. Absolute neutrophil counts of normal patients receiving typhoid vaccine subcutaneously, both alone and after mixing with polymyxin B, were followed serially during 8-hr periods. The characteristic neutrophilia observed when vaccine was administered alone was reduced by use of polymyxin B sulfate. In in vitro studies human neutrophils stimulated with endotoxin had an increased reduction of nitroblue tetrazolium dye. This stimulatory effect of endotoxin on the nitroblue tetrazolium response of the neutrophil was diminished or abolished by polymyxin B. These data suggest that endotoxin-induced changes in neutrophils of humans can be prevented under certain circumstances with polymyxin B sulfate.
Numerical analysis of vertical tail buffet

As breakdown of leading edge separation vortices pass upstream of the empennage surfaces of an aircraft the unsteady wake flow aft of the breakdown engulfs the surfaces. Empennage buffet loads will then result, often causing severe structural fatigue damage. This paper presents a series of results for a thin 76 degree delta wing and twin vertical tail configuration at high angles of attack. Computational fluid dynamics analysis involving an overlapping field grid methodology is employed. Solutions were computed on the IBM SP-2 high performance parallel computer. Inter-processor communication was performed with the MPI message passing interface standard library of routines. Computations include the 76 degree delta shaped wing with and without the aft boom attached vertical tails. A series of angles of attack were considered. Initial steady state solutions show reasonable agreement with experimentally observed surface pressure values and flow field characteristics. Subsequent time-accurate calculations predicted dominant frequency values of the fluctuating surface pressures in close agreement with wind tunnel measurements.
Evaluation and Analysis on Capability of AIDS Laboratory in Qujing City

Objective To investigate the problems in AIDS laboratory work in Qujing,and put forward countermeasure to improve laboratory technology level and promote laboratory construction. Method The blind serum detection,function questionnaire survey and data analysis were adopted to evaluate the ability of AIDS laboratory. Result According to the comprehensive score standard,two laboratories were rated as excellent with the excellent rate of 13. 33%; seven laboratory were judged as good with the good rate of 46. 67%; five laboratory were judged to be qualified with the qualified rate of 33. 33%; and one laboratory was judged to be unqualified with the unqualified rate of 6. 67%. The main problems of blind sample testing of serum was stripe interpretation errors; and main problems in questionnaire included the poor staff responsibility consciousness,irregular instrument calibration and maintenance,the lack of corresponding accessories,etc. Conclusion Some problems existed in the work of AIDS laboratory in Qujing city,which needed to strengthen the responsibility of work staff,improve training and human resource construction,establish daily supervision system and increase investment on equipment.
Office Visits for Women Aged 45–64 Years According to Physician Specialties

Abstract Background: The increase in access to healthcare through the Affordable Care Act highlights the need to track where women seek their office-based care. The objectives of this study were to examine the types of physicians sought by women beyond their customary reproductive years and before being elderly. Methods: This retrospective cohort study involved an analysis of national data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) between 2002 and 2012. Women between 45 and 64 years old (n = 44,830) were interviewed, and reviews of corresponding office visits (n = 330,114) were undertaken. Results: In 2002, women aged 45–64 years (62%) went to a family or internal medicine physician only and this reached 72% in 2012. The percentage of women who went to an obstetrician–gynecologist (ob-gyn) only decreased from 20% in 2002 to 12% in 2012. Most went to a family physician or general internist for a general checkup or for diagnosis or treatment. By contrast, visits to ob-gyn physicians were predominantl...
Development of Accumulated Pain/Stressor Scale (APSS) in NICUs: A National Survey

High-risk neonates experience numerous painful/stressful procedures daily in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). Accumulated pain and stress have a detrimental impact on infants' neurodevelopment. Few valid tools are available to measure accumulated pain/stressors among NICU infants. The aim of this study was to obtain nurses' perceptions about severity and acuity levels regarding each painful/stressful procedure that infants may experience in the NICU. The data will support developing a new instrument, the Accumulated Pain/Stressor Scale (APSS) in NICUs. A nationwide online survey was conducted through the U.S. National Association of Neonatal Nurses membership. Respondents were asked to rate the perceived severity of pain/stress associated with 68 procedures using a 5-point Likert scale and to categorize pain/stress as acute or chronic. Modal values were used to determine summary rankings among the procedures. Eighty-four neonatal nurses completed the survey. Among 68 procedures, nearly all were rated as painful/stressful to some degree. Five procedures (7%) had a modal value of five (extremely painful/stressful), nine (14%) had a value of four, 20 (29%) had a value of three, 30 (44%) a value of two, and four (6%) had a value of one (not painful/stressful). Forty-four procedures (65%) were perceived as acute, six (9%) as chronic, and 18 (26%) as both acute and chronic. Nurses' perceptions of pain severity and acuity regarding procedures in NICUs varied somewhat. Further studies are needed in developing and validating the scale. The development of the APSS can quantitatively measure the accumulated neonatal pain/stress.
Multiband Sierpinski fractal antenna

A fractal monopole antenna based on the Sierpinski gasket is studied in this paper. The monopole antenna based on the Sierpinski gasket constructed through three iterations displays a multiband behaviour with three bands that are log-periodically spaced by a factor of 2, the same scale factor that defines the geometrical self-similarity of the Sierpinski fractal. The simulated as well as measured input return loss and radiation patterns all display multi-band behaviour. The geometrical scale factor of the Sierpinski fractal is then changed to see whether the bands are shifted according to the new scale factor or not. The simulated results showed that the band positions could be controlled by changing the scale factor but on account of poor input matching. This poor input matching of Sierpinski fractal monopole antenna with modified scale factor is rectified using microstrip feed technique. The simulated as well as measured results of the antenna are in good agreement.
Oncogenic Osteomalacia: Clinical Presentation, Densitometric Findings, and Response to Therapy

Abstract A 72-yr-old white female who had previously enjoyed excellent health presented with global bone and muscle pain, and chronic fatigue. Her evaluation revealed an increased sedimentation rate and mild anemia, and a diagnosis of polymyalgia rheumatica was made. Prednisone therapy was of little benefit. A laboratory evaluation revealed mild hypocalcemia, marked hypophosphatemia, elevated alkaline phosphatase, normal 25-hydroxyvitamin D, and undectable 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D. A diagnosis of oncogenic osteomalacia was made and the patient received calcitriol and neutraphos therapy. The patient's initial bone density by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry of the lumbar spine was 0.847 g/cm 2 (T score −1.96) and of the femoral neck was 0.669 gm/cm 2 (T score −2.89). After 40 mo of treatment with calcitriol and neutraphos, the bone mineral density of the lumbar spine and hip rose dramatically by 47.8 and 59.1%, respectively. Although oncogenic osteomalacia is a very rare metabolic bone disease, its recognition and appropriate treatment can have a dramatic effect not only on the bone mineral density of the patient, but also on the patient's general health and feeling of well-being.
A Feedback Delivery System for Communal Energy Consumption Practices

In recent years, a pervasive shift of thinking has emerged in distributing the existing electrical grid in urban areas from centralized power generations to decentralized local power infrastructures, as a promising contribution to the energy resiliency of cities. Communities and neighborhoods adopting distributed energy resources as a means towards decentralization are designated to communal energy co-generation practices. Along with the co-generation of energy in such communities, it is as important to view energy consumption more than a personal decision but as a response to shared experiences and resources. Re-visioning energy consumption requires re-defining users as an indispensable element of a community through their participation in groups. This paper explores the benefit of computational means of energy feedback delivery, structured upon a collaborative incentive program, as an effective intellectual means of performing a participatory energy sharing dynamics within users of a community. We use the word “participatory” rather deliberately to place emphasize on humans as the end users of community-scale local power infrastructures, and on the institutional forces that reimagine the role of human action on constructing energy resiliency in such communities.
The Limnological Units of the Lower Great Lakes - St. Lawrence River Corridor and Their Role in the Source and Aquatic Fate of Toxic Contaminants

The waterways of the lower Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River, between Sarnia and the Saguenay Fiord, are made up of four limnological units. The first comprises the high discharge, rapid flow rivers, namely the St. Clair, Detroit, Niagara and St. Lawrence. Second are the four shallow, short residence time, riverine lakes, namely St. Clair, St. Francois, St. Louis and St. Pierre. Third are the two, relatively deep, long residence time, lower Great Lakes Erie and Ontario. Lastly, there is the freshwater-saltwater mixing zone of the upper St. Lawrence Estuary. The distinctive characteristics of the four limnological units are discussed in relation to sources and fate of toxic contaminants.
Chapter 4 – Advances in Cranial Macromorphoscopic Trait and Dental Morphology Analysis for Ancestry Estimation

Abstract This chapter focuses on the use of cranial macromorphoscopic traits and dental morphology as an important component of the estimation of ancestry. These types of categorical data are now moving into a rigorous statistical framework within forensic anthropology, despite the fact that metric data made this shift several decades ago. The forensic anthropologist now needs to be familiar with these types of categorical data and how they are collected and analyzed. These data, as well as current applications and future avenues of research, are discussed. The chapter concludes with a case study that illustrates how current methods can be used and also demonstrates the classificatory power of these data.
Parallel optimization based on artificial bee colony algorithm

This paper aims to tackle the shortcomings of the standard artificial bee colony algorithm (ABC) such as slow convergence, long solving time and being easy to fall into local optima. We study the state transformation formula and propose a parallelized ABC algorithm with Message Passing Interface (MPI). We use the traveling salesman problem (TSP) as the case study. Our experiments show that the parallel ABC algorithm has an advantage in speed over the standard algorithm w.r.t. iterations and convergence speed.
Exercise tolerance through severe and extreme intensity domains

The power‐duration relationship accurately predicts exercise tolerance for constant power exercise performed in the severe intensity domain. However, the accuracy of the prediction of time to task failure (T lim) is currently unclear for work rates (WR) above severe intensities; that is, within the extreme intensity domain (T lim < 2 min). We hypothesized that T lim would be shorter for WRs within the extreme intensity domain than predicted from the linear 1/time relationship of the severe intensity domain which would suggest mechanisms limiting exercise are different between intensity domains. Six men completed 7 knee‐extension tests. T lim of extreme intensity exercise (60%, 70%, 80%, and 90% 1RM; T lim < 2 min) were compared to the predicted T lim from the slope of the S1–S3 (T lim ≥ 2–15 min) regression. Twitch force (Q tw) and maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) were measured on the right vastus lateralis before and after each test. T lim at 70–90% 1RM were shorter than the T lim predicted by the severe domain 1/time model (P < 0.05); however, T lim at 60% 1RM was not different than the predicted severe T lim, suggesting the mechanisms limiting extreme exercise manifest ≥60% 1RM. A significant linear relationship for 60–90% 1RM was observed which suggested a curvature constant unique to the extreme domain (Wext′) that was smaller than the W ′ of the severe domain (1.5 ± 0.6 vs. 5.9 ± 1.5 kJ, P < 0.001). Q tw and MVC were significantly decreased following severe exercise, however, Q tw and MVC were not significantly decreased following 80% and 90% 1RM, giving evidence that mechanisms causing task failure were recovered by the time post‐exercise measurements were made (~90 sec).
Petrographic and XRF analyses of andesitic cut stone blocks at Teotihuacan, Mexico: implications for the organization of urban construction

This study presents preliminary results of petrographic and X-ray fluorescence analyses of cut stone blocks used for urban construction at Teotihuacan, the capital of a regional state in Central Mexico (ca. AD 150–650). Cut stone blocks were concentrated in the civic-ceremonial core of the city and were probably prestigious architectural elements due to their higher costs of procurement and transportation compared to alternative materials (boulders and clay amalgam). This suggests that the organization of stone block procurement and distribution was likely embedded in power relations between commissioners and mining groups. By combining multiple analytical methods that complement one another, this study was able to discriminate local (within 10–15 km radius) from non-local materials. The results suggest that the majority (> 80%) of andesitic cut stone blocks were brought from non-local sources. This paper discusses procurement organization and suggests that most rocks were quarried by specialized groups and brought to the city through a tribute system and/or patron-client relations. This has implications for understanding the nature of the urban-hinterland relationship and expansion of the Teotihuacan state.
Lopsided convergence: an extension and its quantification

Much of the development of lopsided convergence for bifunctions defined on product spaces was in response to motivating applications. A wider class of applications requires an extension that would allow for arbitrary domains, not only product spaces. This leads to an extension of the definition and its implications that include the convergence of solutions and optimal values of a broad class of minsup problems. In the process we relax the definition of lopsided convergence even for the classical situation of product spaces. We now capture applications in optimization under stochastic ambiguity, Generalized Nash games, and many others. We also introduce the lop-distance between bifunctions, which leads to the first quantification of lopsided convergence. This quantification facilitates the study of convergence rates of methods for solving a series of problems including minsup problems, Generalized Nash games, and various equilibrium problems.
Activity Features of High School Students' Science Learning in an Open-Inquiry-Based Internship Programme.

Science internships where students work with scientists have been suggested to have many positive impacts on students’ science learning. However, little research has been conducted to investigate t...
Wilhelm II. und die Presse — Ein Medienkaiser in seinem Element?

Wilhelm II. wurde bereits wahrend seiner Regierungszeit — haufig spottisch — als Reise- und Redekaiser bezeichnet. Der letzte deutsche Kaiser schien seinen Zeitgenossen immer und uberall prasent. Verstarkt wurde dieser Eindruck durch das Massenmedium der Zeit: Die Presse thematisierte die offentlichen Auf- und Fehltritte des Kaisers ausfuhrlich. „Der erste deutsche Medienstar“, wie Wilhelm II. auch auf Grund seiner Affinitat zum neuen Medium Film bezeichnet wird, genoss die (mediale) Aufmerksamkeit. Aber war der Monarch ein moderner „Medienkaiser“, der die Bedeutung, die spezifischen Regeln und das Wirkungspotential der Medien erkannte und strategisch nutzte? Die vorliegende Studie geht dieser Frage auf der Grundlage von Quellen nach, darunter Aufzeichnungen von zeitgenossischen Journalisten, Politikern, Hoflingen und von Wilhelm selbst. Wie sich zeigt, war Wilhelms Verhaltnis zur Presse auserst komplex und spiegelt die inneren Konflikte des Kaisers sowie die Inkonsistenzen in seinem Monarchiekonzept.
Ethane production rate in vivo is reduced with dietary restriction

Dietary restriction without malnutrition prolongs life and has a beneficial effect on age-related diseases and metabolic derangements. To test the effect of food restriction on ethane production rate, ethane exhalation was measured in rats with partial food restriction. Ethane production rate in room air in rats fed 60% of food consumed by ad libitum-fed animals for 2 wk was significantly reduced (3.50 +/- 0.25 vs. 5.21 +/- 0.34 pmol.min-1.100 g body wt-1, P less than 0.01). In 100% oxygen, ethane production in food-restricted rats was not different from that of ad libitum-fed rats (21.81 +/- 1.25 vs. 19.57 +/- 1.89 pmol.min-1.100 g-1). Fifteen hours of fasting compared with ad libitum feeding reduced ethane production modestly in room air (4.37 +/- 0.45 vs. 5.21 +/- 0.34 pmol.min-1.100 g-1) and more significantly in 100% oxygen (12.37 +/- 0.78 vs. 19.57 +/- 1.89 pmol.min-1.100 g-1). Thus, in 100% oxygen, 15 h of fasting, compared with ad libitum feeding, resulted in an approximately 40% decrease in ethane production rate. It is concluded that short-term food restriction significantly reduces ethane exhalation rate in rats when measured in room air.
Long Report Format

This report format is more suited for medical-legal contexts such as workers’ compensation, disability insurance, and personal injury. It prompts the writer to provide more extensive background information and provides for the reader a more comprehensive explanation of what has been assessed and why.
Electrostatic Screening Length in Concentrated Salt Solutions

Thin films (0-30 nm) of very concentrated aqueous monovalent salt solutions (2-10 M of LiCl, NaCl, and CsCl) were examined to determine how ionic strength affects the screening length of the electrostatic potential. Measurements were consistent with a screening length in the range of 3-12 nm. The screening length increased monotonically as a function of salt concentration, and the rate of increase was a function of the monovalent salt type. The results were incompatible with the Debye length of Poisson-Boltzmann theory but consistent with previous measurements of surface forces. The screening length was determined from the surface excess of fluorescein, a dianion under basic conditions, which was present in trace amounts in the thin film and detected via its fluorescence emission. That is, we directly observed that the ion concentration in very concentrated solutions is perturbed far from an interface.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Adults.

Key Clinical Points Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Adults Obstructive sleep apnea is common and is an independent risk factor for motor vehicle accidents and cardiovascular disease. Home sleep apnea te...
The Multi-Scale, Three-Dimensional Nature of Skeletal Muscle Contraction.

Muscle contraction is a three-dimensional process, as anyone who has observed a bulging muscle knows. Recent studies suggest that the three-dimensional nature of muscle contraction influences its m...
Using the Mass Media as an Instructional Tool in a Public Affairs Course.

This article examines the use of mass media as an instructional tool in public affairs courses and presents a case study on how a class project, the production of a radio program, was used as a means for students to acquire more insight into the influence of the media in disseminating pub- lic policy issues.The article also examines the role of the media in public policy, provides a descriptive analysis of the specific class project involving the production of a radio program on a public policy topic, and examines the learning experience it provided. Introduction and Summary of the Project Public policy and public administration courses encourage discus- sion and analysis of the impact of the media on the policy making process. The mass media have become a primary channel for promot- ing public discourse on policy issues. Consequently, the mass media have also become one of the most effective means of communicating ideas, disseminating information, and educating the public on public policy issues. It has been asserted that in modern society most individ- uals are dependent upon the media for even the most basic informa- tion about the world around them (Becker and Whitney, 1980). Because of the importance of the mass media in the public policy arena, students in public policy and public administration courses usu- ally raise the subject of the media's influence on public opinion and the shaping of public policy. This case study illustrates how the poten- tial value of the mass media as a medium for public policy discourse and a critique of the mass media as a vehicle for manipulating public opinion and resulting policy decisions can be incorporated into a pub- lic affairs course. I had the opportunity to integrate the use of mass
Nitric oxide and viral infection: Recent developments in antiviral therapies and platforms

Abstract Nitric oxide (NO) is a gasotransmitter of great significance to developing the innate immune response to many bacterial and viral infections, while also modulating vascular physiology. The generation of NO from the upregulation of endogenous nitric oxide synthases serves as an efficacious method for inhibiting viral replication in host defense and warrants investigation for the development of antiviral therapeutics. With increased incidence of global pandemics concerning several respiratory-based viral infections, it is necessary to develop broad therapeutic platforms for inhibiting viral replication and enabling more efficient host clearance, as well as to fabricate new materials for deterring viral transmission from medical devices. Recent developments in creating stabilized NO donor compounds and their incorporation into macromolecular scaffolds and polymeric substrates has created a new paradigm for developing NO-based therapeutics for long-term NO release in applications for bactericidal and blood-contacting surfaces. Despite this abundance of research, there has been little consideration of NO-releasing scaffolds and substrates for reducing passive transmission of viral infections or for treating several respiratory viral infections. The aim of this review is to highlight the recent advances in developing gaseous NO, NO prodrugs, and NO donor compounds for antiviral therapies; discuss the limitations of NO as an antiviral agent; and outline future prospects for guiding materials design of a next generation of NO-releasing antiviral platforms.
State of Charge Estimation of Lithium-ion Batteries Considering Model and Parameter Uncertainties

Up to date, model and parameter uncertainties are generally overlooked by majority of researchers in the field of battery study. As a consequence, accuracy of the SOC estimation is dominated by the model fidelity and may vary from cell-to- cell. This paper proposes a systematic framework with associated methodologies to quantify the battery model and parameter uncertainties for more effective battery SOC estimation. Such a framework is also generally applicable for estimating other battery performances of interest (e.g. capacity and power capability). There are two major benefits using the proposed framework: i) consideration of the cell-to-cell variability, and ii) accuracy improvement of the low fidelity model comparable to the high fidelity without scarifying computational efficiency. One case study is used to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed framework.
Sex, drugs, and anaesthesia research.

Summary In this issue of the British Journal of Anaesthesia, Joksimovic and colleagues report significant sex differences in sensitivity to the behavioural and neurophysiological effects of 3β-OH, a novel neurosteroid anesthetic. Female rats were more sensitive to the effects of 3β-OH than male rats, although the mechanims remain unclear. Sex differences have been understudied in anaesthesia research, and this article by Joksimovic and colleagues emphasizes the need to devote more effort to understanding these differences.
The Soap Lake Basin

The somewhat unique problems associated with the interception, control, or removal of water from the Soap Lake area are of considerable interest from the standpoint of irrigation and drainage engineering. This paper will discuss only the technical engineering or scientific aspects of the problem, with only brief mention of the admittedly controversial matters that lie more properly within the field of the administrator, public relations specialist, attorney, and medical practitioner.
Direct temperature to digital converters with low supply sensitivity for power/thermal management

A temperature to digital converter (TDC) that does not require either a reference generator or an ADC and that exhibits low supply sensitivity, small die area, and low power consumption is introduced. A prototype circuit designed to support power management applications over the [60 °C, 90 °C] temperature range was implemented in an IBM 0.13μm CMOS process with a 1.2V power supply for use as either a temperature trigger or a digital thermometer. Simulation results show the maximum temperature error over this range is less than ±0.5°C. The total silicon area for the TDC is only .004mm2.
Mobility protocols for handoff management in heterogeneous networks

Future generation networks are expected to be a combination of several types of access technologies that vary in their characteristics. Efficient handoff management techniques are required to enable end-users to seamlessly access these networks as they roam across different geographic locations. We describe recent protocols (application, transport, and network) such as Mobile IP, Session Initiation Protocol (SIP), and Stream Control Transmission Protocol (SCTP) that have been deployed to handle handoffs. We present an empirical performance evaluation of the three protocols using performance metrics such as handoff delay. We found that Mobile IP yields the highest handoff delay out of all the three mobility protocols. SIP and SCTP yield (33 %) and (55 %) lower handoff delays compared to Mobile IP.
Chance of Revolts and Ability of Oppressions: A Comment on the Acemoglu-Robinson Model

In the original framework of Professors Acemoglu and Robinson, the government is unable to oppress the revolution once it is brought about. However, actual civil wars are unpredictable. With this notion, I introduce uncertainty depending on military expenditures of the government. Then an interesting argument follows: if the likelihood of successful oppression is sufficiently larger than a certain level of destruction rate and there are cheap-but-effective devices such as biochemicals, citizens in a dictatorial country may have a trade-off between economic prosperity and domestic military threats.
Unconditional characterizations of non-interactive zero-knowledge

Non-interactive zero-knowledge (NIZK) proofs have been investigated in two models: the Public Parameter model and the Secret Parameter model. In the former, a public string is “ideally” chosen according to some efficiently samplable distribution and made available to both the Prover and Verifier. In the latter, the parties instead obtain correlated (possibly different) private strings. To add further choice, the definition of zero-knowledge in these settings can either be non-adaptive or adaptive. In this paper, we obtain several unconditional characterizations of computational, statistical and perfect NIZK for all combinations of these settings. Specifically, we show: In the secret parameter model, NIZK = NISZK = NIPZK = AM. In the public parameter model, – for the non-adaptive definition, NISZK ⊆ AM ∩ coAM, – for the adaptive one, it also holds that NISZK ⊂ BPP, – for computational NIZK for “hard” languages, one-way functions are both necessary and sufficient. From our last result, we arrive at the following unconditional characterization of computational NIZK in the public parameter model (which complements well-known results for interactive zero-knowledge): Either NIZK proofs exist only for “easy” languages (i.e., languages that are not hard-on-average), or they exist for all of AM (i.e., all languages which admit non-interactive proofs).
Interaction of nucleic acids. 8. Binding of magnesium ions by nucleic acids.

Abstract The lowering of the activity of magnesium ions in aqueous solution due to the presence of nucleic acids (5 to 20 m m ) was measured by a divalent cation specific electrode which shows a large decrease in potential. The electrode response over a wide range of MgCl2 concentration (10−1 to 10−4 m ) in water is linear as described by the Nernst equation. The binding studies were carried out in ~ 5 m m -sodium phosphate buffer, at neutral pH, with a variety of nucleic acids. The results are treated as site-binding to the phosphate in a multiple equilibrium using the equation of Scatchard (1949). The binding isotherms in the Scatchard plot (v/A0 versus v, where v is the degree of saturation of binding sites and A0 is the concentration of free Mg2+) show a limited linear portion from approximately 30 to 70% saturation of binding sites and then the slopes decrease markedly. As a first-order approximation to account for the interference factor (electrostatic, conformational, etc.) in the binding process of magnesium ions by the polymer with only one type of binding site (the phosphate ligand), two additional treatments were added to the Scatchard equation: (1) the binding constant, k, is replaced by ke−φv where φ represents the interference factor; (2) the derivative of the equation was taken to construct a [(δ v /A 0 )/δ v ] n versus v plot. In these plots, there is a region of zero slope (horizontal region) and a region of negative slope(s). The value from the horizontal region is taken as the apparent intrinsic constant for magnesium ion binding by the nucleic acids in the neutral sodium phosphate buffer at room temperature: transfer RNA (≈1.7 × 104) > poly A ≈ poly A· poly U ≈ poly I ≈ poly I · poly C ≈ native DNA ≈ stabilized stored denatured DNA (≈6 × 103) > freshly denatured DNA ≈ poly U ≈ poly C ≈ (≈3 × 103) ⪢ monomers (≈2 × 102). The slope in the derivative plot is related to the quantity −φ, varying from −φ to −2φ. The slopes for all the nucleic acids are similar except for transfer RNA, which has a much larger slope. These results indicate the importance of the conformation of nucleic acid in the binding of magnesium ions as reflected in both the apparent binding constant and the interference factor. Since the binding constant and the interference factor of transfer RNA are larger than those of other nucleic acids, these observations indicate that transfer RNA has a more folded conformation.
Gatekeepers Inside Out

Gatekeepers Inside Out challenges the conventional wisdom that in-house counsel are simply "too captured" by their senior managers in their corporations to serve as effective gatekeepers of our securities markets. The author revises classical gatekeeping theory introduced by Prof. Reinier Kraakman in his seminal article (Gatekeepers: Anatomy of a Third Party Enforcement Strategy, 2 J.L. Econ. & Org. 53 (1986)). In that article, Kraakman clarified that a gatekeeping strategy requires gatekeepers "who can and will prevent misconduct reliably, regardless of the preferences and market alternatives of wrongdoers." Although Kraakman did not make much of the distinction, he recognized that successful gatekeepers must not only be "willing" but also "able" to prevent misconduct. Now, consider also that gatekeepers must not only be prepared to "interdict" misconduct but also to "monitor" to detect such happenings in the first place. By combining these two simple observations, we see that potential gatekeepers can be evaluated by their: (1) willingness to interdict, (2) willingness to monitor, (3) capacity to monitor, and (4) capacity to interdict. Using this new framework of analysis, the author compares inside and outside counsel for the gatekeeping role. Along the way, the author departs from traditional gatekeeping theory's exclusive reliance on rational choice theory and imports empirical findings from social psychology and sociology that illuminate the four conditions of effective gatekeeping. By running inside and outside counsel through this rigorous mill of analysis, the author comes to unexpected conclusions. The analytical framework set forth by the author can also be used to evaluate the effectiveness of other traditional gatekeepers, including investment bankers, securities analysts, accountants, and, yes, even credit agencies.
NEUROMEDIA, EXTENDED KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING

Imagine you had the functions of your smartphone miniaturized to a cellular level and accessible by your neural network. Reflection on this possibility suggests that we should not just concern ourselves with whether our knowledge is extending �out� to our devices; our devices are extending in, and with them, possibly the information that they bring. If so, then the question of whether knowledge is �extended� becomes wrapped up with the question of whether knowing is something we do, or something we can share with, or outsource to, instruments. And that in turn raises the two questions of this paper: First, to what extent does such technology put pressure on the idea that we might have more than one conception of knowledge (or types of knowledge)? And second, what is the value of states that fit these conceptions (or types) of knowledge?
“Ceramic” databases improve the retrospective studies in orthopedic surgery

Technology has affected all aspects of our lives, but it seems that it does not penetrate to clinical research centers as much as other fields. For example, technology could be used to promote the quality of “Retrospective” studies as much as it become near to the “Prospective” studies. Orthopedics research centers, especially “Hand and upper extremity services” are good places to start. When we want to set a retrospective study, there is always a lack of accurate objective and subjective data. Perhaps, this is the major reason we tend to utilize prospective studies instead (1-3). Nowadays, with the help of technology, we can overcome this problem. To improve objective data gathering in a clinic, we can use electronic gadgets directly connected to data servers to decrease incorrect or insufficient data. Numerous types of electronic dynamometer directly connect to computers. For example, a device could show and record grip strength. Moreover, with the help of technology it is possible to design superior measuring devices. Imagine a device which could measure and automatically record all upper extremity ROM with certain movements while the patient standing in front of it in a few seconds (such as navigation system recently have been used to guide the surgeon in total knee arthroplasty). For subjective evaluations, a simple VAS questionnaire for pain paired with a functionmeasuring instrument (like Quick DASH) that records automatically in software, which can be used for both follow-up and research use can complete our collection
Methods for estimating aboveground biomass and its components for Douglas-fir and lodgepole pine trees

Estimating aboveground biomass and its components requires sound statistical formulation and evaluation. Using data collected from 55 destructively sampled trees in different parts of Oregon, we ev...
Observing autoimmune patients may not be appropriate for testing "normal" immunoregulatory mechanisms.

Goldammer et al's recent study[1][1] provides interesting data that appear to contradict the still widely held notion that there is an immunoglobulin G (IgG) feedback regulatory system and a resultant rebound in IgG synthesis following serum apheresis. Indeed, there is much evidence to corroborate