cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Addressing the Increase of Domestic Violence and Abuse During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Need for Empathy, Care, and Social Equity in Collaborative Planning and Responses

During COVID-19, stay at home orders have led to the rise of domestic violence and abuse claims in many localities globally, leaving community leaders unprepared to address the increase of domestic violence incidences. As local public officials are becoming concerned about the increase of domestic violence and in some instances, the decrease due to the inability of victims to report instances, a collaborative response is necessary. This work examines how social equity and public service values, such as compassion, empathy, and an ethic of care, may be incorporated into collaborative planning and responses to domestic violence plaguing communities during the pandemic. Recommendations for raising awareness, incorporating social equity in public service, and collaborative reporting are made.
Can Antitrust Trust Blockchain

Governments must anticipate today’s fast moving technologies to be effective. Blockchain potentially is the ideal tool to assist antitrust in enforcing regulation and fully exploiting its core principles—competition and consumer welfare. Blockchain offers antitrust an enormous opportunity and as any powerful tool it also has the capacity to harm as well as benefit if abused and left totally uncontrolled. Blockchain is not immune from the economic principle of trust. This chapter explores the delicate balance between regulation of and for blockchain.
Evaluating substance use treatment efficacy for younger and older adults

Abstract The purpose of this study was to examine the differential efficacy of aftercare substance use treatments for younger (below 40, n = 107) versus older (40+, n = 114) adults (N = 221), using data from a randomized controlled trial in a community-based substance abuse treatment center. The younger adult sample had a mean age of 28.9 while the older adult sample had a mean age of 48.1. Primary outcomes were rates of abstinence and percent use days at 1-year follow-up. Outcomes were compared between standard cognitive behavioral relapse prevention (RP), Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention (MBRP), and 12-step-based treatment as usual (TAU). Results showed significant differences by treatment in the older, but not in younger, subsample of participants. Specifically, the older participants in MBRP had significantly higher abstinence rates compared with those in TAU. Further, the older individuals in MBRP had a significantly lower percent of days on which they used compared with those in TAU and RP. Overall, findings suggest that age group may impact aftercare treatment substance use outcomes.
Gamma-Ray Burst Luminosity Functions Based on a Newly Discovered Correlation Between Peak Spectral Energy and V/V max

We have discovered a correlation between the observed peak spectral energy E_(pk,obs) and the Euclidean value of of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs). We present the evidence for the correlation in the GUSBAD catalog and use it to derive the luminosity function of GRBs without using any redshifts. The procedure involves dividing GUSBAD GRBs into five spectral classes based on their E_(pk,obs). The overall luminosity function is derived assuming that each of the spectral classes contributes a Gaussian luminosity function. Their central luminosity is derived from the observed Euclidean . We explore various forms for the GRB rate function GR(z) in predicting redshift distributions of GRBs detected by Swift. We find that GR(z) peaks at a higher redshift than the typical star formation history currently favored in the literature. We consider two examples of GR(z) that successfully predict the observed redshift distribution of Swift GRBs. With the luminosity functions in hand, we convert the E_(pk,obs) – V/V_(max) correlation into an E_(pk,obs) – L_(iso) correlation and a rest-frame E_(pk) – L_(iso) correlation. By comparing the E_(pk) – L_(iso) correlation with a published correlation based on GRBs with known E_(pk,obs) and redshifts, we discuss the effect of Malmquist bias.
Applying machine learning to predict viral assembly for adeno-associated virus capsid libraries.

Machine learning (ML) can aid in novel discoveries in the field of viral gene therapy. Specifically, big data gathered through next-generation sequencing (NGS) of complex capsid libraries is an especially prominent source of lost potential in data analysis and prediction. Furthermore, adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based capsid libraries are becoming increasingly popular as a tool to select candidates for gene therapy vectors. These higher complexity AAV capsid libraries have previously been created and selected in vivo; however, in silico analysis using ML computer algorithms may augment smarter and more robust libraries for selection. In this study, data of AAV capsid libraries gathered before and after viral assembly are used to train ML algorithms. We found that two ML computer algorithms, artificial neural networks (ANNs), and support vector machines (SVMs), can be trained to predict whether unknown capsid variants may assemble into viable virus-like structures. Using the most accurate models constructed, hypothetical mutation patterns in library construction were simulated to suggest the importance of N495, G546, and I554 in AAV2-derived capsids. Finally, two comparative libraries were generated using ML-derived data to biologically validate these findings and demonstrate the predictive power of ML in vector design.
Emerging Meningioma Therapies I: Precision Medicine, Targeted Therapies, and Mutation-Specific Approaches

Traditional chemotherapies and hormonal agents have been associated with disappointing results in the treatment of progressive/recurrent meningioma, and there are no FDA-approved systemic treatments for this indication. The development of effective systemic therapies remains an area of active investigation in the field. Recently, advances in tools for molecular characterization of cancer have improved our understanding of the underlying molecular landscape of meningiomas and their progression to more aggressive phenotypes. Large-scale genetic analyses have revealed that mutations in the NF2 gene are found in 50–60% of meningiomas (both inherited and sporadic) and that mutations in other genes such as TRAF7, SMO, AKT1, and KLF4 are often found in tumors without NF2 mutations. Clinical trials using targeted therapies aimed at disrupting the signaling pathways affected by these mutations are underway. Furthermore, genetic and epigenetic information, including the above mutations, methylation status, and mutational load, have all been identified as potential biomarkers to predict prognosis and recurrence and may provide new avenues for therapeutic intervention. In this chapter, we describe emerging systemic therapies and treatment strategies based on the current understanding of the genetic and molecular changes underlying meningioma tumorigenesis.
Multiscale geometric feature extraction for high-dimensional and non-Euclidean data with applications

A method for extracting multiscale geometric features from a data cloud is proposed and analyzed. Based on geometric considerations, we map each pair of data points into a real-valued feature function defined on the unit interval. Further statistical analysis is then based on the collection of feature functions. The potential of the method is illustrated by different applications, including classification and anomaly detection. Connections to other concepts, such as random set theory, localized depth measures and nonlinear dimension reduction, are also explored.
Various Mean Values

Most of the time, mean values are thought of as the arithmetic mean between two numbers. For 1 and 2, 1.5 would be taken as the mean value. For any number a and b the value is \(\frac{1}{2}\left( {a + b} \right)\).
Exhausting Life

Can we render death harmless to us by perfecting life, as the ancient Epicureans and Stoics seemed to think? It might seem so, for after we perfect life—assuming we can—persisting would not make life any better. Dying earlier rather than later would shorten life, but a longer perfect life is no better than a shorter perfect life, so dying would take nothing of value from us. However, after sketching what perfecting life might entail, I will argue that it is not a desirable approach to invulnerability after all.
A 70-Year-Old Man With Cough and Recurrent Respiratory Infections

Case Presentation A 70-year-old man was referred for evaluation of recurrent respiratory infections requiring antibiotics and chronic cough over 3 years. Two months prior to presentation, he started to develop blood-tinged sputum but not frank hemoptysis. He otherwise denied any fever, chills, night sweats, or weight loss. He had dyspnea during the respiratory infections but not otherwise. His medical history was significant for chronic rhinitis without sinusitis and a low serum IgM level. He was a never smoker and a farmer but otherwise had no significant or specific exposures or travel history. His family history was significant for alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency in his mother.
Too gritty to indulge: Grit and indulgent food choices

Abstract Grit—or perseverance in striving for long-term goals despite adversity, failure, and challenge (Duckworth et al., 2007)—has remained a focus in education and psychology for over a decade. Existing research, however, has yet to explore how grit might affect and guide consumption. In this article, we identify grit as an influential factor. Through one field study and three experiments, we reveal that individuals higher (vs. lower) in grit are less likely to choose and purchase indulgent foods. This occurs because individuals higher in grit perceive avoiding indulgent foods as more goal-relevant. However, changing the descriptive properties of the food using just-below (e.g., 199 vs. 200) calorie information can entice gritty consumers toward indulgence. Overall, these results show that grit impacts consumers’ product choices, and that businesses should consider grit when marketing and selling products that vary according to indulgence.
The Climate for Joint Implementation: Case Studies from Russia, Ukraine, and Poland

Joint implementation (JI) can provide flexibility in meetingKyoto Protocol commitments, and 44 nations have already participated inthe U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change – Activities Implemented Jointly (AIJ) pilot. Thispaper surveys JI policy and projects in three countries – Russia, Ukraine,and Poland – over the past five years and examines the effects of domesticinstitutions, foreign policy, and investment trends on JI in each country.The institutional and economic situation in the three nations differs greatly,and these distinctions have resulted in very different circumstances for AIJprojects, affecting both their number and scope. Poland has a well-definedset of rules and procedures for JI and its economy is quite strong. Ukrainehas not yet established criteria or clear procedures for AIJ project reviewsalthough it does have an Interagency Commission on Climate Change.Ukraine's economy declined by over 40% in the 1990s. Russia'seconomy has also declined, to a lesser extent. Russia does have aprocedure for reviewing AIJ projects, though it has temporarily halted thesereviews. Countries seeking JI investment can take several steps to improve thenumber and quality of AIJ projects that they receive. In the long term,governments can create macroeconomic stability and a solid legalinvestment basis to attract investment for JI and other areas. In the shortterm, however, governments can undertake several simple and inexpensivesteps to promote JI. Establishing clear rules and procedures for AIJprojects is an important step. So too are clearly delegating responsibilityfor AIJ project review and providing a single JI point of contact in thegovernment to which investors and project developers can turn. Gainingmore experience in implementing AIJ projects now is important preparationfor fully implementing the Kyoto Protocol beginning in 2008.
Supracristal ventricular septal defect in adults: Is it time for a paradigm shift?

Abstract Background To determine the risk and predictors of progression of aortic regurgitation (AR) and other adverse events (AE) in adults with supracristal ventricular septal defect (VSD). Methods Retrospective observational study of 62 adults with supracristal VSD followed at the Mayo Clinic from 1994 to 2013. Freedom from AR progression was compared by age and racial groups (Asian vs non-Asian). Predictors of AR progression were determined using Cox proportional hazard model. Composite AE endpoint was defined as AR progression, endocarditis, aneurysm of sinus of Valsalva (aSOV), and rupture of aSOV. Risk of AE was compared between group 1 (no surgical intervention) and group 2 (surgical intervention). Results Sixty-two patients aged 47(SD 12) years were followed for 13 (SD 5) years. Group 1=42/62 and group=20/62. Endpoint of AR progression and aSOV occurred in 13% and 20% respectively. Freedom from AR progression for the entire cohort was 88%, 86% and 86% at 5, 10 and 15years respectively. Risk of AR progression was significantly lower in patients (aged ≤40years, p=0.008) but similar between Asians and non-Asians (p=0.57). Age ≤40years was an independent predictor of AR progression (hazard ratio [HR] 3.5, 95% CI 2.3–5.4, p=0.001). Composite AE endpoint occurred in 33% and 40% of group1 and 2 cohorts respectively, p=0.69. Conclusion Adults with supracristal VSD are at lower risk for AR progression but higher risk for aSOV formation compared to historical pediatric cohorts. Younger age was a predictor of AR progression. Surgical intervention had no protective effect on complication rate.
Mathematics Teacher Development in the Context of District Managed Curriculum

The purpose of this study was to develop and test the viability of a conceptual framework for analyzing mathematics instruction and mathematics teacher development within the context of policies regarding district-wide adoption of curriculum. The framework takes three dimensions of curriculum-based instruction into account independently: use, congruence (the extent to which instruction aligns with district and curricular guidelines), and quality (the extent to which instruction maintains the cognitive demand of appropriately challenging tasks, takes account of and builds on student thinking, and situates intellectual authority in mathematical reasoning). Based on analyses of multiple observations of 36 teachers across two districts, teachers were classified into one of four implementation profiles (flounderer, mechanical, canonical, maverick) that were created by crossing the three dimensions; in addition, their trajectory through those profiles was traced over a two-year period. Results suggest teachers were more likely to use the district-adopted curricula as the source of their lessons than to align their practice with curricular and district guidelines. Teachers’ demonstration of high-quality lessons was less frequent. Differences across the two districts in the percentages of teachers falling into each of the implementation profiles suggests that district actions may have shaped teachers’ uptake of the curriculum. Finally, results suggest a more uneven pathway toward high-quality instruction than had been initially conjectured.
Abstract P203: Demographic Predictors of Long-term Weight Loss Beginning One-Year After Bariatric Surgery at Two Medical Centers

Objective: Existing studies of predictors of weight loss after bariatric surgery suffer from simplistic statistical methods and relatively short follow-up. We sought to determine predictors of long-term weight loss up to 9.6 years after bariatric surgery using data extracted from two electronic health records (EHR) systems and linear mixed effects models. Methods: Participants were selected from patients enrolled in the NUgene biorepository at either Northwestern Memorial HealthCare or NorthShore University HealthSystem. Individuals who had undergone Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RNY) were identified through billing or surgical history procedure codes in the electronic health records (EHRs). All available weight measurements and dates were extracted from the EHR as well as surgery date. Sex, race/ethnicity, education, marital status, and height were taken from the NUgene intake questionnaire. SAS PROC MIXED was used to create linear mixed effects models to examine weight loss from 1- 9.6 years post-surgery. To examine overall weight loss and slope of weight regain, covariates and covariate interactions with time post-surgery were included in the mixed effects models. Results: 119 individuals from Northwestern and 43 individuals from NorthShore had undergone gastric bypass and had at least 1 weight measurement 1 year post-surgery. There were 3071 weight measurements which occurred at least 1 year post-surgery in the dataset; the median number of observations per person was 10 and the median weight loss represented by these measurements was 32.7% from pre-surgical weight. The regression model indicated that, on average, individuals experienced slight weight regain of about 0.8% of pre-surgical weight per year after their first year post-surgery. Over the 1- 10 years of follow up African Americans lost nearly 5 percentage points less weight than whites ( p =.0025) . People who were older and taller also experienced less percentage weight loss, and people with higher initial weights experienced a higher percentage weight loss (all p Discussion: EHR records from multiple institutions can be integrated to study outcomes after bariatric surgery. Demographic factors predict overall weight loss and a rate of weight regain after 1 year post RNY surgery. This information may be useful for both surgeons and prospective patients.
Influence of Crush Orientation on Knee Bolster Function in Barrier Crash Simulation

Barrier crash simulations with a torso-belted Part 572 dummy were conducted to determine the influence of knee bolster crush orientations of 0 degree -60 degree on lower extremity restraint. Bolster orientation had only a minor effect on the level of peak dummy femur, and resultant knee bolster reaction load and on lower extremity kinematics of the torso-belted occupant; however, the local loading of the knee and level of tibial compression were significantly influenced.
Spontaneous sleep and induced arousal. A depth-electroencephalographic study.

Abstract Although arousal effects from electric stimulation have been found in animals, reports of similar responses in humans have been uncommon. During depth electroencephalography in a 16-year-old boy for evaluation of intractable temporal lobe seizures, electric stimulation of a pair of contact leads located within the dorsal and medial portions of the thalamus but not within specific sensory nuclei produced unequivocal behavioral and electrographic arousals from spontaneous sleep. Low-voltage stimuli were effective during non-REM and REM sleep. These findings verify the presence of a thalamic arousal system in the human.
Protein–protein interactions between triadin and calsequestrin are involved in modulation of sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium release in cardiac myocytes

In cardiac muscle, intracellular Ca2+ release is controlled by a number of proteins including the ryanodine receptor (RyR2), calsequestrin (CASQ2), triadin-1 (Trd) and junctin (Jn) which form a complex in the junctional sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) membrane. Within this complex, Trd appears to link CASQ2 to RyR2 although the functional significance of this interaction is unclear. In this study, we explored the functional importance of Trd–CASQ2 interactions for intracellular Ca2+ handling in rat ventricular myocytes. A peptide encompassing the homologous CASQ2 binding domain of Trd (residues 206–230 in the rat; TrdPt) was expressed in the lumen of the SR to disrupt Trd–CASQ2 interactions. Myocytes expressing TrdPt exhibited increased responsiveness of SR Ca2+ release to activation by ICa as manifested by flattened and broadened voltage dependency of the amplitude of cytosolic Ca2+ transients. Rhythmically paced, TrdPt-expressing myocytes exhibited spontaneous arrhythmogenic oscillations of intracellular Ca2+ and membrane potential that was not seen in control cells. In addition, the frequency of spontaneous Ca2+ sparks and Ca2+ waves was significantly increased in TrdPt-expressing, permeabilized myocytes. These alterations in SR Ca2+ release were accompanied by a significant decrease in basal free intra-SR[Ca2+] and total SR Ca2+ content in TrdPt-expressing cells. At the same time a synthetic peptide corresponding to the CASQ2 binding domain of Trd produced no direct effects on the activity of single RyR2 channels incorporated into lipid bilayers while interfering with the ability of CASQ2 to inhibit the RyR2 channel. These results suggest that CASQ2 stabilizes SR Ca2+ release by inhibiting the RyR2 channel through interaction with Trd. They also show that intracellular Ca2+ cycling in the heart relies on coordinated interactions between proteins of the RyR2 channel complex and that disruption of these interactions may represent a molecular mechanism for cardiac disease.
7 The Design and Use of Instructional Graphics

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the design and use of instructional graphics. The chapter presents methods through which designers can use graphics to convey meaning and instruct, the types of outcomes that graphics are particularly adept at facilitating, and the conditions that affect how well they succeed. The design of instructional graphics (charts, graphs and diagrams) is carried out by means of a decision-making process that is common to all instructional design. The purpose of design is to select the best instructional method from among many, and to base that selection upon a rational analysis of what the goals to be attained are, and the conditions under which their attainment is to occur. Instructional strategies that use graphics are chosen largely on the basis of the different ways in which different graphic forms convey meaning. Charts, graphs, and diagrams express ideas in a variety of ways, such as concrete concepts, such as the animals in a food chain, can be represented by words, by pictures of varying degrees of realism, or by arbitrary symbols.
New fabrication technology for ceramic metamaterials

Ceramic dielectric and magnetic composite metamaterials fabricated using indirect three-dimensional printing techniques and by a thermoplastic extrusion.
Acute Ethanol Causes Hepatic Mitochondrial Depolarization in Mice: Role of Ethanol Metabolism

Background/Aims An increase of ethanol metabolism and hepatic mitochondrial respiration occurs in vivo after a single binge of alcohol. Here, our aim was to determine how ethanol intake affects hepatic mitochondrial polarization status in vivo in relation to ethanol metabolism and steatosis. Methods Hepatic mitochondrial polarization, permeability transition (MPT), and reduce pyridine nucleotides, and steatosis in mice were monitored by intravital confocal/multiphoton microscopy of the fluorescence of rhodamine 123 (Rh123), calcein, NAD(P)H, and BODIPY493/503, respectively, after gavage with ethanol (1–6 g/kg). Results Mitochondria depolarized in an all-or-nothing fashion in individual hepatocytes as early as 1 h after alcohol. Depolarization was dose- and time-dependent, peaked after 6 to 12 h and maximally affected 94% of hepatocytes. This mitochondrial depolarization was not due to onset of the MPT. After 24 h, mitochondria of most hepatocytes recovered normal polarization and were indistinguishable from untreated after 7 days. Cell death monitored by propidium iodide staining, histology and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) was low throughout. After alcohol, mitochondrial NAD(P)H autofluorescence increased and decreased, respectively, in hepatocytes with polarized and depolarized mitochondria. Ethanol also caused steatosis mainly in hepatocytes with depolarized mitochondria. Depolarization was linked to ethanol metabolism, since deficiency of alcohol dehydrogenase and cytochrome-P450 2E1 (CYP2E1), the major ethanol-metabolizing enzymes, decreased mitochondrial depolarization by ~70% and ~20%, respectively. Activation of aldehyde dehydrogenase decreased depolarization, whereas inhibition of aldehyde dehydrogenase enhanced depolarization. Activation of aldehyde dehydrogenase also markedly decreased steatosis. Conclusions Acute ethanol causes reversible hepatic mitochondrial depolarization in vivo that may contribute to steatosis and increased mitochondrial respiration. Onset of this mitochondrial depolarization is linked, at least in part, to metabolism of ethanol to acetaldehyde.
DNA polymerases drive DNA sequencing-by-synthesis technologies: both past and present

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies have revolutionized modern biological and biomedical research. The engines responsible for this innovation are DNA polymerases; they catalyze the biochemical reaction for deriving template sequence information. In fact, DNA polymerase has been a cornerstone of DNA sequencing from the very beginning. E. coli DNA polymerase I proteolytic (Klenow) fragment was originally utilized in Sanger's dideoxy chain terminating DNA sequencing chemistry. From these humble beginnings followed an explosion of organism-specific, genome sequence information accessible via public database. Family A/B DNA polymerases from mesophilic/thermophilic bacteria/archaea were modified and tested in today's standard capillary electrophoresis (CE) and NGS sequencing platforms. These enzymes were selected for their efficient incorporation of bulky dye-terminator and reversible dye-terminator nucleotides respectively. Third generation, real-time single molecule sequencing platform requires slightly different enzyme properties. Enterobacterial phage ⱷ29 DNA polymerase copies long stretches of DNA and possesses a unique capability to efficiently incorporate terminal phosphate-labeled nucleoside polyphosphates. Furthermore, ⱷ29 enzyme has also been utilized in emerging DNA sequencing technologies including nanopore-, and protein-transistor-based sequencing. DNA polymerase is, and will continue to be, a crucial component of sequencing technologies.
Timing sensitivity in discrete-time equalization (magnetic recording channels)

In digital channels, pulse shaping is achieved by passing readback samples through a discrete-time filter called the equalizer, which is typically implemented using a finite impulse response (FIR) filter consisting of taps and delays. Under the finite-complexity constraint, the equalizer performance is a highly sensitive function of timing phase. The author investigates the performance of different equalization schemes suitable for high density magnetic recording, in partial response linear equalization and feedback equalization, as a function of static sampling phase and of equalizer complexity. >
OBSERVATIONS ON REFLECTIVE PEDAGOGICAL THINKING BY A SAMPLE OF UNDERGRADUATE MAJORS IN EDUCATION

Su~nmary.-A descriptive analysis of the analytical writings of approximately 300 student teachers enrolled in the elementary education program at a state university identified 5 elements of reflective pedagogical thought. A frequency of elements in the analytical writings suggested that these students showed reflective thought more frequently than expected. Reflective pedagogical thinking is currently receiving much attention as an important component in the training of teachers (3). Questions concerning che timing of such training (1) led to assessing students' frequency of elements identified as reflective pedagogical thinking in analytical writings. Excerpts from analyrical writings by university undergraduates during a two-year period were used to develop 30 items, raced on a scale anchored by 1 and 5. Thirty experts whose research focussed on reflective thinking judged whether the items represented reflective pedagogical thinking and defined the construct guiding their rankings. An analysis of the inventory yielded five common elements: (a) critiquing one's own practices, (b) making a discovery about teaching or self, (c) reflecting personal values and cultural issues, (d) integrating one's practice with theory, and (e) identifying implications of one's practice or plans for practice. Using content analysis (21, frequencies of identified elements in journal entries of ll/z or 2 pages and analyses of videotaped lessons of 3 or 4 pages submitted during a six-year period were recorded. A total of 570 journal entries were analyzed by two readers whose interrater agreement on 75 randomly selected journal entries produced a Pearson r of .41. This was statistically signiFicantly different from zero (t=3.73, p<.001, nvo-tailed test). An r to Fisher's z, conversion gave a 95% confidence interval of .20 to 39. While one of the five elements was present in all entries, the extent of the reflective pedagogical thinking in the data varied from a frequency of one element (87 of 570 for 15.2%) to a frequency of five elements (8 of 570 for 1.4%). It is important that 84.7% of the analyzed en tries contained more than one element of reflective pedagogical thinhng. Apparently student teachers not only showed reflective pedagogical thinking but did so more often than suggested
Effect of wall suction on the stability of compressible subsonic flows over smooth two-dimensional backward-facing steps

The effect of suction on the stability of compressible flows over backward-facing steps is investigated. Mach numbers up to 0.8 are considered. The results show that continuous suction stabilizes the flow outside the separation bubble, but it destabilizes the flow inside it. Nevertheless, the overall N factor decreases as the suction level increases due to the considerable reduction of the separation bubble. For the same suction flow rate, properly distributed suction strips stabilize the flow more than continuous suction. The size of the separation bubble, and hence its effect on the instability can be considerably reduced by placing strips with high suction velocities in the separation region.
The effect of silica on the thermal decomposition of sodium sulphate

Abstract The effect of NaCl and SiO 2 on the evolution of SO 2 and SO 3 from Na 2 SO 4 at 850°C has been studied by mass spectrometry. NaCl lowers the melting point of Na 2 SO 4 and increases SO 2 evolution. The evolution of SO 3 appears to result from a chemical reaction between Na 2 SO 4 and SiO 2 .
Philosophy of medicine as the source for medical ethics.

The article offers an approach to inquiry about, the foundation of medical ethics by addressing three areas of conceptual presupposition basic to medical ethical theory. First, medical ethics must presuppose a view about the nature of medicine. it is argued that the view required by a cogent medical morality entails that medicine be seen both as a healing relationship and as a practical art. Three ways in which medicine inherently involves values and valuation are presented as important, i.e., in being aimed at the good of health, in being a cognitive art evaluating towards that good, and as a manifestation of a virtuous disposition concerning that good. Finally, a value ontology drawn from these considerations is seen as necessarily underlying medical ethics. A set of three such basic values are promoted as crucial: the value of health; the value of the individual patient; and the value of altruism that mediates the class of potential patients.
The integration of nanoscale porous silicon light emitters: materials science, properties, and integration with electronic circuitry

The stability, efficiency, speed, and spectral range of light-emitting devices (LEDs) made of nanoscale porous silicon is improving. The first part of this paper discusses the preparation and properties of nanoscale silicon, with emphasis on porous silicon. In the second part, the properties of LEDs made of porous silicon are reviewed. In the third part, the integration of PSi LEDs with silicon microelectronic circuits is discussed. The paper ends with a short discussion of the prospects for realistic optoelectronic devices.
Effect of Inorganic Fillers in Paper on the Adhesion of Pressure-Sensitive Adhesives

Inorganic fillers are inexpensive materials used to increase the density, smoothness and other properties of paper that are important for printing. In the current study, the adhesion of pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSAs), a common type of adhesive used in labels and tapes, to papers containing varying amounts and types of fillers is investigated. Papers with three types of fillers, precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC), ground calcium carbonate (GCC) and kaolin clay, were investigated. The compositions of the papers were examined with SEM/EDX, while peel and double cantilever beam (DCB) tests were used to assess PSA–paper adhesion. The results indicate that fillers enhance the adhesion between PSA and paper. In the case of the peel tests, a combination of inter-fiber bond strength and PSA–paper adhesion determines the peel strength. While in the DCB tests, failure is isolated to the PSA–paper interface, thus allowing measurements of pure interfacial failure.
Hemodynamic characteristics of chronic experimental neurogenic hypertension in unanesthetized dogs.

The hemodynamic changes accompanying experimental neurogenic hypertension due to sinoaortic denervation were measured in unanesthetized dogs for 3 weeks with chronically implanted arterial catheters and aortic flow transducers. Hypertension was modest, the average increase in mean arterial pressure being 31 ± 5 (SE) mm Hg. In about half of the dogs it was due predominantly to increase in cardiac output and in the others to increase in peripheral resistance; one factor or the other tended to maintain the hypertension in each dog throughout the experiments. Arterial pressure became extremely labile during the first few days after denervation and remained so during the entire experiment. This lability was closely correlated with environmental stimuli; rather minor distractions caused a sharp fall in pressure due variably to decrease in both cardiac output and peripheral resistance; greater distractions or physical activity caused a rise in pressure due usually to increase in peripheral resistance. Mean arterial pressures were higher when measured by transcutaneous puncture of a femoral artery, presumably because of the necessity of restraint and the discomfort associated with passage of a needle. Before sinoaortic denervation, arterial pressures fell to basal levels during sleep. After denervation, unexpectedly and for an undetermined cause, pressures rose to very high levels during sleep; the rises were consistently due to increase in peripheral resistance. Awakening was accompanied by a sharp fall in pressure and peripheral resistance.
Lithium: short-term and chronic effects on plasma testosterone and luteinizing hormone concentrations in mice.

Abstract The effects of short-term and chronic lithium administration on the concentrations of plasma testosterone (T) and luteinizing hormone (LH) were evaluated in C57BL/6 mice, maintained on a fixed photo-period of LD 14:10 (white lights on at 06:00 h, CST). Lithium chloride was injected intraperitoneally twice daily (at 09:00 and 16:00 h) in groups of adult male mice at a dosage of 2.5 meq/kg for 7 days, and 1.25 meq/kg for 21 days. Circulating levels of T and LH were measured by standard radioimmunoassay (RIA) methods. Plasma T levels showed a significant increase in mice treated with lithium for 7 days as compared to those in saline-injected control animals. However, there was no significant difference in the concentrations of plasma T between chronic (21 days) lithium-treated mice and the matched control. Plasma LH levels remained unchanged following both short-term and chronic lithium treatment.
Local blood-to-tissue transport in Walker 256 metastatic brain tumors.

Local blood-to-tissue transfer constants (K) in metastatic Walker 256 (WL-256) brain tumors produced by the intracarotid artery injection of WL-256 tumor cells in rats were measured using 14C-α-aminoisobutyric acid and quantitative autoradiography. Small compact and diffuse infiltrative intraparenchymal tumors had values of K similar to that of contralateral nontumorous brain tissue. Medium and large tumors, meningeal metastases and intrave ntricular tumors had higher K values (5 to 30 fold) than contralateral nontumorous brain tissue indicating that intraparenchymal tumor size and location in meningeal and choroidal tissue influence the permeability of tumor capillaries. The local intratumor values of K varied considerably in these tumors and this variability of K correlated to only a few specific histopathologic features of the tumors. The value of K abruptly decreased at the tumor-brain interface when this interface was sharply defined, indicating that the metastatic tumors have only a small effect on the permeability of adjacent brain capillaries. Low blood-to-tumor transport of water soluble drugs will significantly affect drug concentrations in the tumor and the tumor-drug exposure.
Turing's Password: What Internet Cannot Leak

I use a revised, more robust, notion of computability to answer bothersome questions that are not even easy to ask with any clarity.
The prevalence of psychiatric disease in emergency department patients with unexplained syncope

Current data suggest that up to 60 % of patients presenting to the emergency department with syncope leave the hospital without a defined etiology. Prior studies suggest a prevalence of psychiatric disease as high as 26 % in patients with syncope of unknown etiology. The objective of this study was to determine whether psychiatric disease is associated with an increased incidence of syncope of unknown etiology. Prospective, observational, cohort study of consecutive ED patients >18 presenting with syncope was conducted from 6/03 to 7/06. Patients were queried in the ED and charts reviewed for a history of psychiatric disease and use of psychiatric medication. Data were analyzed using SAS v9.2 with Fisher’s exact tests. We enrolled 518 patients who presented to the ED after syncope, 161 (31 %) did not have an identifiable etiology for their syncopal event; 166 patients (32 %) had a history of or current psychiatric disease. Among men with psychiatric disease, 37 % had an unknown etiology of their syncopal event, compared to 23 % of men without psychiatric disease (p = 0.04). However, among women with syncope of unknown etiology, there was no significant difference between those with and without psychiatric disease (34.4 vs. 32.7 %) with p = 0.77. Our results suggest that men with psychiatric disease have an increased incidence of syncope of unknown etiology. Given this relationship, clinicians might consider screening for psychiatric disorders in syncopal patients when no clear etiology can be identified.
Here, We are Never Here

This article examines how user action and subjectivity interacts with the imperatives (program, curricula) of architecture. Embedded within designed space are assumptions, directives, possibilities and limits that affect the bodies/subjectivities inhabited by a user. Both by making explicit (de-constructing) the unspoken implications of architectonic language and by describing the embodied experience of daily usage, I depict the inherent paradox of waiting in a place designed for passing on.
Automated system for ball launching, visual occlusion, and data acquisition in a ball-hitting task

Investigations of the mechanisms underlying visual-motor coordination traditionally have been limited to static situations or one-dimensional motions. Technical advances are required to determine whether experimental results from these restricted behavior domains generalize to dynamic action in three dimensions, such as ball-hitting. In this paper, we describe electromechanical devices, under computer control, for projecting a table-tennis ball, selecting monocular or binocular visual input, and recording ball-hitting performance. The automated system allows freedom of movement for the batter, can be used in a moderately sized laboratory, and can be made from easily obtainable, inexpensive parts.
Site-directed mutagenesis of squalene-hopene cyclase: altered substrate specificity and product distribution.

Abstract Background : Two regions of squalene–hopene cyclase (SHC) were examined to define roles for motifs posited to be responsible for initiation and termination of the enzyme-catalyzed polyolefinic cyclizations. Specifically, we first examined the triple mutant of the DDTAVV motif, a region deeply buried in the catalytic cavity and thought to be responsible for the initiation of squalene cyclization. Next, four mutants were prepared for Glu45, a residue close to the substrate entrance channel proposed to be involved in the termination of the cyclization of squalene. Results : The DDTAVV motif in SHC was changed to DCTAEA, the corresponding conserved region of eukaryotic oxidosqualene cyclase (OSC), by the triple mutation of D377C/V380E/V381A; selected single mutants were also examined. The triple mutant showed no detectable cyclization of squalene, but effectively cyclized 2,3-oxidosqualene to give mono- and pentacyclic triterpene products. Of the Glu45 mutants, E45A and E45D showed reduced activity, E45Q showed slightly increased activity, and E45K was inactive. A normal yield of pentacyclic products was produced, but the ratio of hopene 2 to hopanol 3 was significantly changed in the less active mutants. Conclusions : Initiation and substrate selectivity may be determined by the interaction of the DDTAVV motif with the isopropylidene of squalene (for SHC) and of the DCTAEA motif with the epoxide of oxidosqualene (for OSC). This is the first report of a substrate switch determined by a central catalytic motif in a triterpenoid cyclase. At the termination of cyclization, the product ratio may be largely controlled by Glu45 at the entrance channel to the active site.
Purification of plasmids by triplex affinity interaction

Production of pharmaceutical grade plasmid DNA is an important issue in gene therapy. We developed a method for affinity purification of plasmids by triple helix interaction. This method is based on sequence-specific binding of an oligonucleotide immobilized on a large pore chromatography support to a target sequence on the plasmid. Using design criteria derived from thermodynamic data, we produced a 15mer target sequence which binds strongly to the affinity support under mildly acidic conditions. Plasmid DNA was purified from clarified Escherichia coli lysate by incubation with the affinity beads at pH 5.0 and high NaCl concentration. After extensive washing of the beads, purified plasmid DNA was eluted with alkaline buffer. The purified plasmid showed no RNA or cell DNA contamination in HPLC analysis and total protein concentration was reduced considerably. Due to its mechanical stability and porosity this support can be used in a continuous affinity purification process, which has a high potential for scale up.
Relation between differential pressure and flow in the pulmonary artery of the dog.

The relationship between blood flow and differential pressure in the main pulmonary artery, expressed as longitudinal impedance, was determined in anaesthetized open-chest dogs and compared with the impedances predicted by the Womersley theory. Blood flow was measured with an electromagnetic flowmeter, and differential pressure with double-lumen catheter or by needles piercing the vessel wall. For the first five harmonics (α = 10 to 35), the measured impedance modulus was greater than the theoretical value by an average of 18%, and flow lagged differential pressure by an average of 0·53 radians more than theory predicted. The ratio of experimental to Womersley values averaged 9.6 for the resistive component of impedance, and 0·89 for the reactive component. These discrepancies between theory and observation, which presumably arise because conditions of flow in the pulmonary artery differ from those assumed in Womersley's analysis, were qualitatively consistent with the effects expected from tapering of the artery, non-laminar blood flow, and wall viscosity.
Implementation of a P-300 Brain Computer Interface for the Control of a Wheelchair Mounted Robotic Arm System

Three decades ago, Farwell and Donchin [1] developed a computer system based on the method of electroencephalography (EEG) that enables individuals to communicate with their environment without using any neuromuscular function. This P300 BCI speller makes use of the well-studied observation that the brain reacts differently to different stimuli, based on the level of attention given to the stimulus and the specific processing triggered by the stimulus. Since this first report in 1988, several brain-computer interface (BCI) systems have been developed and constantly improved. We have previously demonstrated that the P300-BCI can control a wheelchair-mounted robotic arm (WMRA) system [2].Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Improved Surface Modification Approach for Micromechanical Biosensors

We have investigated the sensing performance of protein-based microcantilever biosensors prepared from multiple surface conjugation chemistries. The 11-mercaptoundecanoic acid monolayers were prepared according to both traditional and modified processes. In three protein-based biosensors, the modified process improved microcantilever sensing performance by increasing the bending amplitude, a critical step toward developing a cost-effective microcantilever-based sensor platform for medical diagnostics and environmental and drug screening applications. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images demonstrated that proteins immobilized on the microcantilever surface using the modified chemistry approach formed a compact layer.
Beyond Silhouettes: Surface Reconstruction Using Multi-Flash Photography

This paper introduces a novel method for surface reconstruction using the depth discontinuity information captured by a multi-flash camera while the object moves along a known trajectory. Experimental results based on turntable sequences are presented. By observing the visual motion of depth discontinuities, surface points are accurately reconstructed - including many located deep inside concavities. The method extends well-established differential and global shape-from-silhouette surface reconstruction techniques by incorporating the significant additional information encoded in the depth discontinuities. The reconstruction method uses an implicit form of the epipolar parameterization and directly estimates point locations and corresponding surface normals on the surface of the object using a local temporal neighborhood of the depth discontinuities. Outliers, which correspond to the ill-conditioned cases of the reconstruction equations, are easily detected and removed by back-projection. Gaps resulting from curvature- dependent sampling and shallow concavities are filled by fitting an implicit surface to the oriented point cloud's point locations and normal vectors.