cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Relationship of High School Student Motivation and Comments in Online Discussion Forums

Online discussion forums are common features in many educational settings. Whether in face-to-face classrooms, in hybrid settings, or in fully online courses, students typically are required to post discussions about course content and are sometimes instructed to comment or reply to one another's discussion posts. The purpose of this study was to better understand the relationships between students' commenting activities and motivation to learn. Specifically, this study examined the relationship between the quantity and perceived quality of students' online comments and the following motivational factors: sense of relatedness, perceived competence, interest–enjoyment, and value–usefulness. Participants for this study were seventy 12th-grade students enrolled in three intact sections of an AP English and Composition class taught at a private high school in the Western United States. The discussion posts and comments were composed on http://youthvoices.net. This study found that while the quantity of commen...
The Tintinnabulation of Bell's Letters

It is easy to admire Derrick Bell for the passion of his principles, and to empathize with the pain he feels for his people. Those same emotions, however, are so often conveyed with such rhetorical acrimony that his considerable merits as a role model - as well as his standing as an impartial scholar engaged in objective and well-reasoned analysis - have come to be substantially diminished. Nevertheless Bell's letters have a disturbing resonance, a tintinnabulation that gives many people of good will second thoughts about the quest for equality in America. Professor Bell certainly has a right to his opinions, even those that conjure up a conspiracy of white supremacists or fly in the face of objective fact and clearly-viewed experience. Nor need he publicly repudiate every racist who comes down the pike. But when his own teaching smacks of their patent bigotry, his colleagues in the academy have the right - no, the moral obligation - to challenge and condemn it, and to chastise the teacher.
The Need for Technology Policy Programs: Example of Big Data

The modern mature state is necessarily responsible for designing and managing complex systems. These frequently involve both technological and political issues simultaneously. The modern state therefore requires cadres of professionals cognizant and skilled in technology and policy. Yet many countries, in particular those that have recently transitioned to the state of being modern states, traditionally educate their prospective leaders exclusively in either technical or social expertise. The conclusion is that modern mature states need educational research programs that prepare cadres for leadership in Technology Policy. An example makes the point. As suggested by the case of Singapore, coherent policy formation for “big data”, for the collection and use of massive data on individuals and collective enterprises, requires leadership that is both sensitive to the political issues, and knowledgeable about the technological potential.
Spinal cord and adrenocorticotropin release.

SummarySpinal cord section results in early adrenal ascorbic acid depletion. Recovery of normal levels occurs after 48 hours and is maintained for at least one week. Cord-sectioned rats (2- or 7-day), exhibiting normal initial adrenal ascorbic acid levels, respond to injected ACTH with ascorbic acid depletion similar to that observed in 24-hour hypophysectomized rats. Adrenal ascorbic acid depletion response was employed as an index of blood ACTH levels. Intact rats respond to electric current flow through either forepaws or hindpaws with equivalent ACTH release. Cord-sectioned rats respond to forepaw stimulation with ACTH release, but do not respond to hindpaw stimulation. Sham stimulation of intact or cord-sectioned rats does not release ACTH.Marion D. Lipscomb rendered valuable technical assistance.
Resistance in Corn to the Corn Earworm and Fall Armyworm. Part II: Types of Field Resistance to the Corn Earworm

In a field test involving 10 corn lines treated in various ways, damage ratings (1 equals no feeding and 18 is equal to penetration of 15 or more cm from tip) of intact ears based on depth of penetration by corn earworms, Heliothis zea . (Boddie), ranged from 1.4 for PI.217413 (resistant) to 6.3 for inbred 230 (susceptible). Slitting the husks increased kernel injury and larval establishment and resulted in larger larvae, but some entries were affected more than others. Husk extension did not seem so important as husk tightness in influencing kernel damage. When the silks as well as the husks were removed, damage increased. However, inbred F6 had significantly less damage than inbred 230, and PI. 217413 had the fewest larvae established in silks. Inbred 245 had small larvae, even when the husks were slit, but T×727S had comparatively large larvae in all treatments.
Venture Advocate Behaviors and the Emerging Enterprise

Research summary Venture founders rely on the help of others in their community to move their emerging enterprises forward. While these helping behaviors, here called venture advocate behaviors (VABs), are critical for founders with limited resources, they have received little theoretical or empirical attention. We explore VABs and develop propositions regarding a venture advocate's propensity to engage in such behaviors. Using social exchange theory, we examine how reciprocity between different actors, including paying back and paying forward, and other factors promote VABs. Managerial summary Founders of new ventures need to understand the factors that encourage others to give them the help they need for their new firms to survive and grow—what we call venture advocate behaviors (VABs). A new firm that enables these VABs is able to access resources without a monetary burden because they are activated through social exchanges. In order to enable VABs, founders need to understand the individual characteristics of potential advocates, how they will assess the likelihood of success of the new venture, and the decision rules they will use, such as reciprocity, building socioemotional wealth, and the positive identification the potential advocate has within the local venture ecosystem. Copyright © 2016 Strategic Management Society.
Design of Process Curve Parameters Setting Model for Manual Control System

A method to design expected process curve parameters setting model in manual control system by means of medium and large scale integration of circuits is given.The designed circuit provides way to set and display the parameters of process curve,outputs standard0～5V voltage signal at the same time.As a typical process curve-setting unit,the circuit is noted for its simple structure,high maneuverability and low cost.The method,which is needless of software design and perplexing MCU debugging,is applied in a computer control system.
Music Technology As a Tool For Exploring the Creative Aspects of Music

This project describes several music technology web pages that are interactive and educational. The web site, "Exploring MIDI", is an introduction to understanding basic concepts in MIDI and is designed as an educational tool for those who would like explore its application to the world of music. The interactive music theory web site, "Score Scan," provides practice in reading the "tonal profile" of a music selection. "Gregorian Chant, Christmas Mass," showcases the use of technology in support of music history instruction.
Evolution of Sound Localization in Mammals

The ability to localize sound sources in a complex environment is of paramount importance for orientation in a biological habitat, and intraspecies as well as interspecies communication. The accurate localization of an approaching predator or competitor can be a matter of life or death. This topical essay discusses the major features of the evolution of sound localization in mammals in terms of the physical cues for sound localization, the major brain structures involved, and behavioral measures of localization acuity across taxa. Sound localization in mammals builds upon similar systems shared by lower vertebrates that utilize bilateral hearing, and adds unique abilities arising from the development of the external ear and from the development of the isocortex (neocortex). The evolution of sound localization in mammals is not characterized by a straightforward sequence of changes in the underlying brain structures concomitant with an improvement in ability but rather is more related to the ecological niche of each species. Different habitats and different behavioral strategies for survival require different solutions for sound localization. Many species from a variety of taxa have developed a remarkable acuity for localizing sounds, which comes close to or matches human localization acuity. However, while acuity may be similar, for example, across echolocating bats (microchiroptera), homologous brain structures involved in sound localization can be anatomically or functionally different.
Abstract 12351: Exercise Training May Reduce Intrinsic Heart Rate

Background: Resting heart rate (RHR) declines with exercise training. Possible mechanisms include: 1) increased parasympathetic tone, 2) decreased responsiveness to beta-adrenergic stimulation, 3) decreased intrinsic heart rate, which is the heart rate independent of any nervous or hormonal influences, and 4) a combination of these factors. Objectives: To determine whether an increase in resting parasympathetic tone or a decrease in response to beta-adrenergic stimulation contribute to the decrease in RHR with exercise training. Methods: 51 rigorously screened sedentary healthy subjects aged 18–32 (n= 20, mean age 26, 11 female) or 65–80 (n= 31, mean age 69, 16 female) were tested before and after 6 months of supervised endurance exercise training. Heart rate response to parasympathetic withdrawal was assessed using atropine (0.02mg/kg up to 2mg). During continued parasympathetic blockade, beta-adrenergic responsiveness was assessed using isoproterenol (14ng/kg/min x 14min). Results: Training increased VO2 max by 17% (28.7 to 33.6 ml/kg/min, p Conclusions: In healthy subjects, this study did not find evidence that an increase in parasympathetic tone or a decrease in responsiveness to beta-adrenergic stimulation accounts for the reduction in resting heart rate with exercise training, and suggests that a decline in heart rate with training is most likely due to a decrease in the intrinsic heart rate.
Improving Door to Puncture Times: Pilot Quality Improvement Project (P2.325)

Objective: Improving Door to Puncture times: Pilot Quality Improvement Project. Background: Multiple studies have proved faster treatment time lead to better outcomes, while delays in endovascular treatment (EVT) lead to worse outcomes. Little is known regarding the magnitude of these delays and the reasons for them. In this single center pilot quality improvement project we sought to analyze the reasons for delay in treatment and if addressing them improved our door to puncture times. Methods: We collected demographics and time variables for EVT on sequential patients coming directly to ER with AIS from January 2008 to February 2015 (Retrospective phase) and March 2015 to July 2015 (prospective phase). In the retrospective phase, our workflow was - ER  stroke alert activation  stroke team arrival  CT scan  IV tPA  Brain Attack MRI (DWI)/MRA & Team Activation Angio Suite groin puncture. In the prospective phase, our workflow changed to- Direct arrival of patient in CT scan (bypassing ER)  stroke team arrival  activation of endovascular team if NIHSS >8 and within 8 hours  CT/CTA  IV-tPA in CT scanner  Transport of patient to suite  rapid recanalization. Results: A total of 164 patients were included in study that underwent EVT. Retrospective phase (N-132) Prospective Phase. (N-32) P value LKW to groin puncture 275 (211-395) 187 (130-330) .0023 CT-SUITE time 136(98-190) 71(52-93) .0001 Door to puncture 195(162-255) 100 (90-105) .0001 Conclusion: This pilot QI project led to decreasing delays by 90 minutes from symptom onset to puncture. The following modifications in acute stroke protocol produced a substantial reduction in door to puncture time: pre-hospital notification, bypassing ER, use of CT/CTA instead of MRI, activation of endovascular team using the 8/8 rule. Ongoing review after every case via email probably also had an impact. Disclosure: Dr. Ramdas has nothing to disclose. Dr. Khandelwal has nothing to disclose. Dr. Guada has nothing to disclose. Dr. Otite has nothing to disclose. Dr. Beaton has nothing to disclose. Dr. Tipirneni has nothing to disclose. Dr. Peterson has nothing to disclose. Dr. Yavagal has received personal compensation for activities with Covidien/evV3 as a consultant and Steering Committee Member.
Chapter I A digital Rosetta stone for primate brain terminology

Publisher Summary This chapter describes a digital Rosetta stone for primate brain terminology. The functional unit of the nervous system at the cellular level is the neuron. At the histologic level it is the pathway—that is, a set of neurons with essentially identical neurochemical characteristics whose cell bodies are located in the same place and that project to the same places. Because functions are more directly related to pathways and circuits of pathways than to classical structures of the brain defined by the gray-white dichotomy, nomenclatures based on pathways and circuits aid thought and communication about brain mechanisms. NeuroNames and the Template Atlas represent an attempt to create a neuroanatomic Rosetta stone which provides one standard English name for each primary structure of a standard primate brain and an unambiguous spatial definition of that structure. A nomenclature of greater pragmatic validity might be achieved by a periodic word count from Society for Neuroscience Abstracts and representative neuroscience journals to determine which synonym for each of the primary structures of the brain has been used most commonly in the previous decade.
Remote Damage Control Resuscitation in Austere Environments

Hemorrhage is the leading cause of preventable military and civilian trauma death. Damage control resuscitation with concomitant mechanical hemorrhage control has become the preferred in-hospital treatment of hemorrhagic shock. In particular, plasma-based resuscitation with decreased volumes of crystalloids and artificial colloids as part of damage control resuscitation has improved outcomes in the military and civilian sectors. However, translation of these principles and techniques to the prehospital, remote, and austere environments, known as remote damage control resuscitation, is challenging given the resource limitations in these settings. Rapid administration of tranexamic acid and reconstituted freeze-dried (lyophilized) plasma as early as the point of injury are feasible and likely beneficial, but comparative studies in the literature are lacking. Whole blood is likely the best fluid therapy for traumatic hemorrhagic shock, but logistical hurdles need to be addressed. Rapid control of external hemorrhage with hemostatic dressings and extremity tourniquets are proven therapies, but control of noncompressible hemorrhage (ie, torso hemorrhage) remains a significant challenge.
Synthesis of Micropillar Arrays via Photopolymerization: An in Situ Study of Light-Induced Formation, Growth Kinetics, and the Influence of Oxygen Inhibition

We report a study on the growth kinetics and resultant structures of arrays of pillars in photo-cross-linkable films during irradiation with a periodic array of microscale optical beams under ambient conditions. The optical beams experience a self-focusing nonlinearity owing to the photopolymerization-induced changes in refractive index, thereby concentrating light and driving the concurrent, parallel growth of microscale pillars along their path length. We demonstrate control over the pillar spacing and pillar height with the irradiation intensity, film thickness, and the size and spacing of the optical beams. The growth of individual pillars in a periodic array arises from the combination of intense irradiation in the beam regions and oxygen inhibition afforded by the open, ambient conditions under which growth is carried out. We propose a kinetic model for pillar growth that includes free-radical generation and oxygen inhibition in thick films of photoinitiated media in order to interpret the experimen...
Risk Factors for Reoperation and Performance-based Outcomes following Surgical Fixation of Foot Fractures in the Professional Athlete: A Cross-Sport Analysis.

Objectives:Professional athletes are predisposed to fractures of the foot due to large stresses placed on the lower extremity; these players are concerned with efficiently returning to play at a high level. Return to play rates following operative treatment have been previously reported, yet performance outcomes following such treatment are generally unknown in this population. The purpose of this study was to assess and compare performance-based outcomes following foot fracture fixation among professional athletes of the 4 major North American sports.Methods:Athletes in the National Basketball League (NBA), National Football League (NFL), (Major League Baseball) MLB, and National Hockey League (NHL) undergoing operative fixation of a foot fracture were identified through a well-established protocol confirmed by multiple sources of the public record. Return-to-play rate and time to return were collected for each sport. League participation and game performance were collected before and after surgery. Stat...
Gut microbiome and its role in cardiovascular diseases.

Purpose of reviewIn recent years, an interest in intestinal microbiota–host interactions has increased due to many findings about the impact of gut bacteria on human health and disease. Dysbiosis, a change in the composition of the gut microbiota, has been associated with much pathology, including c
Writing Post Qualitative Inquiry

This article explains how writing served the author as a method of inquiry for several decades and how a long preparation using Derrida’s deconstruction, Foucault’s historical approaches, and Deleu...
Computer Development at IBM

Publisher Summary This chapter presents the details of the history of computer development at IBM. IBM entered the computer field with the installation of a 701 in the IBM Technical Computing Bureau in New York City in December 1952, and the shipment of the first customer machine to the Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory early in 1953. It also describes certain characteristics and features of the 701 hardware and software, and the technology from which the 701 was developed. The 701 was of the von Neumann type, a binary, 36-bit word machine with parallel arithmetic, three arithmetic registers, and 32 single-address instructions. SHARE was a model for user groups both with respect to other products in IBM and in regard to many other manufacturers of computers. It has been a teaching device and a reaction device of great help to IBM in its product development. The increasing acceptance of the 701 in late 1952 led inexorably to the need for a medium-size and medium-price computer that, among other things, would succeed the card-programmed electronic calculator (CPC).
A Markov-Bernstein Inequality for Gaussian Networks

Let s ≥ 1 be an integer. A Gaussian network is a function on \(\mathbb{R}^s \) of the form \(g\left( x \right) = \Sigma _{k = 1}^N a_k \exp \left( { - \left\| {x - x_k } \right\|{}^2} \right)\) The minimal separation among the centers, defined by \(\min _{1 \leqslant j \ne k \leqslant N} \left\| {X_j - X_k } \right\|\) , is an important characteristic of the network that determines the stability of interpolation by Gaussian networks, the degree of approximation by such networks, etc. We prove that if \(g\left( x \right) = \Sigma _{k = 1}^N a_k \exp \left( { - \left\| {x - x_k } \right\|{}^2} \right)\) , the minimal separation of g exceeds 1/m, and log N = O(m2) then for any integer r ≥ 1, any partial derivative Dg of order r of g satisfies \(\left\| {Dg} \right\|_{p,\mathbb{R}^s } \leqslant cm^r \left\| g \right\|_{p,\mathbb{R}^s } \).
Laser Enhanced Electroplating

Over the past several years we have investigated methods of high speed maskless deposition using a focused laser beam to produce both localization and substantial deposition enhancement compared to non-irradiated background (1–3). The patterns, produced from solution can be divided into two main categories; laser enhanced electroplating and laser enhanced electrodless plating. The latter category includes depositions produced without an external electomotive force and has been described in several other references (4). The enhancement mechanisms for laser enhanced electroplating have been investigated in considerable detail for the system Cu/Cu++ in conjunction with a focused argon laser using microscope slide glass substrates with a thin predeposited metal layer (3).
Inventory Control and Delivery Time Quotation for Assembly Supply Chains

We study an inventory system involving a contractor, who provides quotations of delivery times to customers, and suppliers, who stock prefabricated modules that the contractor will use to complete ...
Abstract WP439: Diagnostic Yield of MRI/MRA in 400 Patients With Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Background: It is common practice to perform MRI and MRA to identify secondary causes of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). The utility of MRI/A in this setting has not been adequately studied, and th...
Romiplostim (Nplate®) as an effective radiation countermeasure to improve survival and platelet recovery in mice

Purpose: Rapid depletion of white blood cells, platelets, and reticulocytes are hallmarks of hematopoietic injury of acute radiation syndrome (H-ARS) and, if left untreated, can lead to severe heal...
PM2.5 generated during rapid failure of fiber-reinforced concrete induces TNF-alpha response in macrophages.

Failure of large, concrete structures can lead to the generation of very small fragments, including aerosols in the fine fraction, which have aerodynamic diameters of ≤2.5 μm (PM2.5). These aerosols can persist in the environment, pose exposure risks, and potentially cause negative health effects. New trends in construction favor the use of concrete reinforced with steel fibers, but little is known about the nature of the fragments generated during its failure. This study investigated the fragmentation of several steel-fiber reinforced concrete formulations using dynamic compression testing. The release of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), an inflammatory marker widely used in both human and animal studies, was then analyzed to determine the effects of the fragments in the aerosol fine fraction on mouse macrophages (RAW 264.7). All concrete formulations studied showed statistically increased TNF-α release, which was inversely correlated with fiber length and fiber content (% weight). In addition, results from a select set of concrete formulations also showed a clear dose-response relationship. This paper postulates the fracture mechanisms by which concrete parameters (i.e., fiber length and content) lead to the generation of PM2.5, producing the observed TNF-α release.
A Comparison of Large Lecture, Fully Online, and Hybrid Sections of Introduction to Special Education.

This study evaluated the effectiveness of flexible learning options at a university serving multiple geographic areas (including remote and rural areas) and age groups by teaching an introduction t...
Influence of Growth Promoting Technologies on Animal Performance, Production Economics, Environmental Impacts and Carcass Characteristics of Beef

ObjectivesObjectives of this study were to 1) evaluate growth performance and carcass characteristics, and 2) determine environmental and economic impacts of cattle raised with different levels of growth promoting technology.Materials and MethodsAngus × Simmental crossbred steer calves (n = 120) of a single source were stratified by dam age, birth date, birth weight, and randomly assigned to 4 treatments with increasing levels of growth promoting technology: 1) no technology (NA; no antibiotics or growth promotants); 2) non-hormone treated (NHTC; NA plus therapeutic antibiotics, tylosin and monensin during finishing); 3) implant (IMPL; NHTC plus 3 implants [suckling, initial finishing, and mid-finishing]); and 4) β-agonist (IMBA; IMPL plus ractopamine-HCl for 31 d before harvest). At weaning, steers were transported to a backgrounding lot and blocked by initial feedyard body weight to 3 pen replicates per treatment resulting in a randomized complete block design. Following backgrounding, steers were finished in a GrowSafe feeding system and individual performance data (ADG, DMI, and G:F) were recorded. At harvest, hot carcass weight (HCW) and standard carcass measures were used to obtain USDA Yield Grade (YG) and Quality Grade (QG). To evaluate environmental impact of each treatment, input parameters recorded from 3 production stages (cow-calf, backgrounding, and finishing) were represented in a Life Cycle Assessment using the USDA-ARS, Integrated Farm System Model to determine greenhouse gas emissions, energy use, water use, and reactive nitrogen loss. Production costs and carcass values were used to determine economic impacts of each treatment.ResultsSteers in the IMPL and IMBA treatment had heavier (P 0.05). There were no differences among treatments for YG. Treatments with less technology (NA and NHTC) had greater (P 0.05) in the distribution of carcasses in each QG category. Compared to NA, IMPL reduced carbon footprint (CO2e/kg HCW) by 8%, energy use (MJ/kg HCW) by 6%, water use (kg H2O/kg HCW) by 4%, and reactive nitrogen loss (g N/kg HCW) by 8%. Compared to NA, IMBA reduced carbon footprint by 1%, energy use by 3%, and reactive nitrogen loss by 2%. The NA and NHTC treatments were similar in environmental outputs and resource utilization. Total cost of gain ($/kg) was greater (P < 0.01) for NA and NHTC than IMPL and IMBA. When branded carcass premiums were applied, NA and IMPL had a higher value than NHTC and IMBA (P < 0.01). Net return was greatest (P < 0. 01) for NA. Steers in the IMPL had a greater (P < 0.01) net return than NHTC, which was greater (P < 0.01) than IMBA.ConclusionTreatments utilizing growth promotant implants with and without β-agonist produced heavier and more environmentally sustainable carcasses. Economic data suggests carcass premiums associated with NA and NHTC may offer producers greater profitability.
Deep learning-based damage detection of miter gates using synthetic imagery from computer graphics

Structural inspections of large, difficult-to-access infrastructure like dams and bridges are often time-consuming, laborious and unsafe. In the United States, federal and state agencies responsible for managing such infrastructure assets are investigating the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) to allow for remote data acquisition. Processing the large amounts of data acquired by the UAV remains a challenging task. Over the past four years, researchers have been investigating deep learning methods for automated damage detection through image classification and more recently, the use of semantic segmentation where each pixel in the image is given a certain label. For such algorithms to work effectively, deep neural networks need to be trained on large datasets of labelled images. The generation of these labels for semantic segmentation is a very tedious process as it requires each pixel in the image to be labelled. This paper investigates the use of computer graphics to automatically generate synthetic imagery for the purposes of training deep learning algorithms for vision-based damage detection using semantic segmentation. The significant advantage of this is the automatic generation of precise semantic labels due to the implicit information in the developed graphics models. Parametric noise-based graphics texture models are created for defects such as cracks and corrosion and for other features such as vegetation growth, and dirt. The parameterization of the texture models allows for generation of a range of different surface conditions, thereby providing increased flexibility over data generation. To demonstrate the benefits of the proposed methodology for synthetic data generation a virtual environment of inland navigation infrastructure including miter gates and tainter gate dams is created. The developed texture models are applied to the virtual environment to produce a photo-realistic model. Synthetic image data is then rendered from the developed model and used to demonstrate the efficacy for training deep learning-based semantic segmentation algorithms for damage detection.1
Original articleL-carnitine supplementation in patients with cystic acne on isotretinoin therapy☆

Background Patients with cystic acne (CA) on Isotretinoin (Iso) therapy might present muscular symptoms as side effect of the drug. Myalgia, weakness, hypotension are also some of the main characteristics of carnitine (car) deficiency. Methods Two hundred and thirty (N=230) patients with CA were treated with Isotretinoin (0.5 mg/kg per 24 h). All the patients were requested to visit our out-patient department at the onset of muscular symptoms. Laboratory tests including car (total, free, acylcarnitine) were determined in blood and urine before treatment, at the onset of muscular symptoms and after the end of a 45 day study. Fifty percent of the patients with muscular involvement received L-carnitine (100 mg/kg per 24 h per os) (group C) and 50% placebo (group P). Results Their laboratory tests showed the well known increases of their liver enzymes and lipids, whereas car blood levels were remarkably decreased at the onset of their muscular symptoms and or at the end of the study. Their supplementation with L-car, in patients of group C (N=20) without Iso discontinuation or reduction, resulted in the disappearance of their muscular symptoms within 5–6 days and normalisation not only of the increased levels of their liver enzymes but also those of car, at the 45 day of their therapy. Additionally, the patients who received placebo (group P, N=20) continued complaining for mualgias. The rest of the patients (group A, N=190) did not experience any muscular symptoms, their laboratory tests showed elevation of liver enzymes and lipids and a decrease in car levels in the blood whereas a remarkable increase of car excretion was determined in their urine. Conclusions Iso therapy decreases car blood levels in patients with CA. l-car supplementation might treat liver and muscular side effects of the drug. These hopeful preliminary results need further investigation.
The effects of physical exercises on recurrent seizures-induced long-term cognitive deficit and zinc transporter-3 expression in the hippocampus of developmental period rats

Objective To explore the effects of physical exercises on recurrent seizures-induced long-term learning and memory deficits and on the expression of zinc transporter-3(ZnT-3)in hippocampuses of developmental period rats.Methods Sprague-Dawley rats aged 21 d were randomly divided into blank control group,exercises control group,seizure group and seizure plus exercises group.Abdominal cavity injections of penicillin or saline were used to induce recurrent seizure or as a control in the corresponding groups.During the postnatal(P)39-44 d and P61-65 d periods,Morris water-maze tests were administered to evaluate spatial learning and memory capacity.During the P48-53 d period,the rats in exercises control and seizure plus exercises groups were subjected to a 30-min daily aerobic exercises program for 6 d.The real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR)method was used to detect the expression of ZuT-3 mRNA in hippocampuses of all rats at P66 d. Results Searching strategy:There was a decreasing incidence of marginal strategy and an increasing trend in the use of taxis and straight line strategy in all four groups.The scores on d 1 and 4 were significantly higher in two control groups than in two seizure groups in water-maze test(all P＜0.05).By d 2 the exercises control and seizure plus exercises groups were scoring significantly higher than the bland control and seizure groups(P＜0.05).Memory test:The frequency of passing through the platform quadrant decreased significantly in the two seizure groups compared to the two control groups in both probe tests(all P＜0.05).RT-PCR test:ZnT-3 mRNA expressions in hippocampuses were significantly higher in seizure plus exercises group than in any other groups. Conclusions Penicillin-induced recurrent seizures can induce long-term damage on learning and memory capacity in developmerital period rats.Physical exercises can improve learning capacity.It's mechanism may be related to the up-regulation of ZnT-3 expression in hippocampus of rats. Key words: Seizure; Water maze; Physical exercises; Zinc transporter-3
Multiple Instance Learning for Content Feedback Localization without Annotation

Automated Essay Scoring (AES) can be used to automatically generate holistic scores with reliability comparable to human scoring. In addition, AES systems can provide formative feedback to learners, typically at the essay level. In contrast, we are interested in providing feedback specialized to the content of the essay, and specifically for the content areas required by the rubric. A key objective is that the feedback should be localized alongside the relevant essay text. An important step in this process is determining where in the essay the rubric designated points and topics are discussed. A natural approach to this task is to train a classifier using manually annotated data; however, collecting such data is extremely resource intensive. Instead, we propose a method to predict these annotation spans without requiring any labeled annotation data. Our approach is to consider AES as a Multiple Instance Learning (MIL) task. We show that such models can both predict content scores and localize content by leveraging their sentence-level score predictions. This capability arises despite never having access to annotation training data. Implications are discussed for improving formative feedback and explainable AES models.
Streaming computation algorithms for spatiotemporal micromobility service availability

Location-based services and fleet management are important components of modern smart cities. However, statistical analysis with large-scale spatiotemporal data in real-time is computationally challenging and can necessitate compromise in accuracy or problem simplification. The main contribution of this work is the presentation of a stream processing approach for real-time monitoring of resource equity in spatially-aware micromobility fleets. The approach makes localized updates to resource availability as needed, instead of batch computation of availability at regular update intervals. We find that the stream processing approach can compute, on average, 62 resource availability updates in the same execution time as a single batch computation. This advantage in processing time makes continuous real-time stream processing equivalent to a batch computation performed every 15 minutes, in terms of algorithm execution time. Since the stream processing approach considers every update to the fleet in real-time, resource availability is always up-to-date and there is no compromise in terms of accuracy.
Efficient Algorithms for Constructing an Interpolative Decomposition.

Low-rank approximations are essential in modern data science. The interpolative decomposition provides one such approximation. Its distinguishing feature is that it reuses columns from the original matrix. This enables it to preserve matrix properties such as sparsity and non-negativity. It also helps save space in memory. In this work, we introduce two optimized algorithms to construct an interpolative decomposition along with numerical evidence that they outperform the current state of the art.
Weak solutions and blow-up for wave equations of p-Laplacian type with supercritical sources

This paper investigates a quasilinear wave equation with Kelvin-Voigt damping, utt − Δpu − Δut = f(u), in a bounded domain Ω ⊂ ℝ3 and subject to Dirichlet boundary conditions. The operator Δp, 2 < p < 3, denotes the classical p-Laplacian. The nonlinear term f(u) is a source feedback that is allowed to have a supercritical exponent, in the sense that the associated Nemytskii operator is not locally Lipschitz from W01,p(Ω) into L2(Ω). Under suitable assumptions on the parameters, we prove existence of local weak solutions, which can be extended globally provided the damping term dominates the source in an appropriate sense. Moreover, a blow-up result is proved for solutions with negative initial total energy.
The Appearance of Transient Species of Cytochrome c upon Rapid Oxidation or Reduction at Alkaline pH

Abstract The rapid reduction and oxidation of horse heart cytochrome c has been studied in the pH range 7 to 12 by stopped flow spectrophotometry. Above pH 8 both the oxidation of ferrocytochrome c by ferricyanide, and the reduction of ferricytochrome c by dithionite, show biphasic kinetics in which electron transfer occurs rapidly in the first phase with a rate dependent on oxidant or reductant concentration. The rate of the second phase is independent of the reductant or oxidant concentration, and the amplitude of the absorbance changes is pH-dependent with an apparent pK near 9.3. Reduction of ferricytochrome c by dithionite at pH 10.7 produces a transient form of ferrocytochrome c characterized by a sharper and more intense Soret peak centered at 418 nm (em ≥ 173,000), a more intense α-band centered at 550 nm (em ≥ 31,000) and a reduced β-band near 520 nm (em ≤ 14,500). During the second phase, this transient form of ferrocytochrome c changes to the classical stable form with a rate constant of 2 to 8 s-1, depending upon the pH. Rapid oxidation of ferrocytochrome c by ferricyanide at pH 10.5 produces a transient species of ferricytochrome c with a 695-nm band absorption and an EPR spectrum characteristic of ferricytochrome c at neutral pH. With time, both the EPR spectrum and the 695-nm band absorption change to the forms normally observed at pH 10.5, and the rate constant of this change is 0.8 s-1. A model is proposed which features a change in the sixth ligand of cytochrome c as being responsible for the changes observed during the second phase.
A theory of program modifications

The need to integrate several versions of a program into a common one arises frequently, but it is a tedious and time consuming task to merge programs by hand. The program-integration algorithm proposed by Horwitz, Prins, and Reps provides a way to create a semantics-based tool for integrating a base program with two or more variants. The integration algorithm is based on the assumption that any change in the behaviour, rather than the text, of a program variant is significant and must be preserved in the merged program. An integration system based on this algorithm will determine whether the variants incorporate interfering changes, and, if they do not, create an integrated program that includes all changes as well as all features of the base program that are preserved in all variants.
Metallothionein Knockout and Transgenic Mice Exhibit Altered Intestinal Processing of Zinc with Uniform Zinc-Dependent Zinc Transporter-1 Expression

A role for metallothionein in intestinal zinc absorption has been the subject of considerable debate. If metallothionein affects zinc absorption, then those factors that induce metallothionein synthesis (e.g., heavy metals, hormones) should alter zinc absorption and homeostasis. The present studies used metallothionein transgenic mice (overexpressing) and metallothionein knockout mice (no expression of metallothionein-1 or metallothionein-2) to examine directly the effects of metallothionein on zinc absorption, independent of secondary effects that could be caused by metallothionein inducers. Zinc absorption was examined by administering a single oral zinc dose (0.5 mmol/kg) by feeding tube to metallothionein transgenic and metallothionein knockout mice and measuring the serum zinc concentration. Two hours after the dose, the serum zinc concentration was 2.3 times higher in metallothionein knockout mice than in their control strain. Conversely, the concentration was elevated only one third as much in the metallothionein transgenic mice as in their controls after the zinc dose. We found that the serum zinc concentration was inversely related to the level of metallothionein protein. The intestinal zinc content was higher in the metallothionein knockout mice, however, suggesting that metallothionein did not reduce zinc absorption by simply sequestering zinc in the mucosa. The expression of the zinc transporter ZnT-1 was directly related to the serum zinc level and was independent of the level of metallothionein. These results further support metallothionein as an important component for reducing the efficiency of zinc absorption at elevated zinc intakes.
High Temperature Capacitive Pressure Sensor Employing a SiC Based Ring Oscillator

In an effort to develop harsh environment electronic and sensor technologies for aircraft engine safety and monitoring, we have used capacitive-based pressure sensors to shift the frequency of a SiC-electronics-based oscillator to produce a pressure-indicating signal that can be readily transmitted, e.g. wirelessly, to a receiver located in a more benign environment. Our efforts target 500 C, a temperature well above normal operating conditions of commercial circuits but within areas of interest in aerospace engines, deep mining applications and for future missions to the Venus atmosphere. This paper reports for the first time a ring oscillator circuit integrated with a capacitive pressure sensor, both operating at 500 C. This demonstration represents a significant step towards a wireless pressure sensor that can operate at 500 C and confirms the viability of 500 C electronic sensor systems.
Water Multipliers - Regional Impact Analysis

A significant research problem is the assessment of impacts associated with growth and/or decline in a regional economy. A relevant method for analyzing such problems is the Leontief input/output model. Associated with these models are economic multipliers measuring total changes in sales, income, and employment. In this paper, the author contends resource multipliers are equally relevant. The specific form of these multipliers are defined. Water multipliers for a two-county region in central Nevada are presented and their uses described.
C-reactive protein, diastolic dysfunction, and risk of heart failure in patients with coronary disease: Heart and Soul Study

Background: High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP) is an inflammatory marker that predicts coronary heart disease (CHD) and, in recent studies, incident heart failure (HF). Whether the association of inflammation with incident HF is explained by worse baseline left ventricular dysfunction or by underlying CHD is unknown. Methods and results: Serum CRP was measured in a cohort of 985 outpatients with established CHD from the Heart and Soul Study. During 3 years of follow-up, 15% of the participants with elevated CRP levels (>3mg/L) were hospitalised for HF, compared with 7% of those with CRP ≤3 mg/L. In multivariate analysis, elevated CRP was associated with HF after adjustment for traditional risk factors, baseline CHD severity and interim MI (adjusted HR 2.1, 95% CI, 1.2–3.6; p=0.009). However, elevated CRP was no longer associated with HF after further adjustment for the presence of diastolic dysfunction on echocardiography (adjusted HR 1.6, 95% CI, 0.8–3.2; p=0.1). Conclusions: Among outpatients with stable CHD, elevated CRP levels predict hospitalisation for heart failure, independent of baseline heart failure, medication use, CHD severity, and subsequent MI events. This relationship appears to be at least partly explained by abnormal diastolic function in patients with elevated CRP levels.
Ferric iron in SNC meteorites as determined by Mössbauer spectroscopy: Implications for martian landers and martian oxygen fugacity

Mossbauer spectra of martian meteorites are currently of great interest due to the Mossbauer spectrometers on the Athena mission MER rovers as well as the European Space Agency Mars Express mission, with its Beagle 2 payload. Also, considerable current effort is being made to understand the oxygen fugacity of martian magmas because of the effect of fO2 on mineral chemistry and crystallization processes. For these 2 reasons, the present study was conceived to acquire room temperature Mossbauer spectra of mineral separates and whole rock samples of 10 SNC meteorites. The results suggest that mineral identification using remote application of this technique will be most useful when the phases present have distinctive parameters arising from Fe in very different coordination polyhedra; for example, pyroxene coexisting with olivine can be discriminated easily, but opx versus cpx cannot. The MER goal of using Mossbauer spectroscopy to quantify the relative amounts of individual mineral species present will be difficult to satisfy if silicates are present because the lack of constraints on wt% FeO contents of individual silicate phases present will make modal calculations impossible. The remote Mossbauer spectroscopy will be most advantageous if the rocks analyzed are predominantly oxides with known stoichiometries, though these phases are not present in the SNCs. As for the detection of martian oxygen fugacity, no evidence exists in the SNC samples studied of a relationship between Fe 3+ content and fO2 as calculated by independent methods. Possibly, all of the Fe 3+ observed in olivine is the result of dehydrogenation rather than oxidation, and this process may also be the source of all the Fe 3+ observed in pyroxene. The observed Fe 3+ in pyroxene also likely records an equilibrium between pyroxene and melt at such low fO2 that little or no Fe 3+ would be expected.
POSSIBILITY THEORY: AN APPROACH TO COMPUTERIZED PROCESSING OF UNCERTAINTY, by Didier Dubois and Henri Prade, Plenum Press, New York 1988. xvi + 263 pages.

(1989). POSSIBILITY THEORY: AN APPROACH TO COMPUTERIZED PROCESSING OF UNCERTAINTY, by Didier Dubois and Henri Prade, Plenum Press, New York 1988. xvi + 263 pages. International Journal of General Systems: Vol. 15, No. 2, pp. 168-170.
The impact of community risks and resources on adolescent risky behavior and health care expenditures.

Abstract Purpose To examine a nested model that predicts adolescent risky behavior, health care use, and health care expenditures from individual characteristics, such as age and gender, and community characteristics such as social capital and community-level risky behavior rates. Methods Claims and encounter data were used to classify adolescents enrolled in Florida's Healthy Kids Program into two groups: those who engaged in risky behavior (ARB) and those who did not (NRB). Hierarchical linear modeling techniques were used to predict the odds of risky behavior, the odds of health care use, and health care expenditures based on individual and community characteristics. Results ARB consumed significantly more health care services than NRB, and their higher use and charges were attributable not only to individual level factors (i.e., age, gender, presence of special health care need, metropolitan residence status), but also to community level factors (i.e., social capital, risky behavior rates, violence, and ethnic/racial composition) as well. In particular, community investment in social capital predicted lower levels of risky behavior as well as lower health care expenditures. Conclusions This information is important in terms of policy efforts at providing health care for this vulnerable group of individuals, as well as in developing prevention and intervention programs that can be delivered through the health care system and via links to community supports.