cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Automotive composite fuel cell bipolar plates : Hydrogen permeation concerns

Abstract At present proton exchange membrane (PEM) performance levels and fuel cell stack operating conditions, require a plate area specific resistance of less than 30 m ohm cm2 and a plate thickness of less than 2 mm are required to meet the vehicular volumetric power density target (>2 kW l−1). Unfortunately, it is difficult to meet these targets, and simultaneously obtain good mechanical properties and low through-thickness hydrogen permeation rates when using polymeric plate materials. Polymers are brittle at the high conductive filler concentrations (e.g. >50 v/o graphite) required for high conductivity, and are more likely to generate high convection-driven H2 permeation rates at a high graphite loading and at a thin plate thickness. As a result, high scrap rates are realized during plate manufacturing and stacking operations, and excessive permeation rates are anticipated in pressurized stacks. This study addresses H2 permeation concerns associated with using thin, highly-filled composite plates, and investigates factors affecting permeation such as plate temperature, thickness, graphite loading, and aging.
Coordinate nondisjunction of Y and fourth chromosomes in irradiated compound-X female Drosophila.

Abstract Irradiated compound-X females having a Y chromosome produce triplo-4 offspring in higher frequency than did similar females lacking a Y chromosome, and the ratio of the sexes among the triplo-4 exceptions is quite different in the two cases, being approx. 4 ♂♂: 1 ♀ in the former and 30 ♂♂: 1 ♀ in the latter. The majority of triplo-4 males were found to have no free Y, hence the nondisjunctional diplo-4 eggs were most often nullo-X-nullo-Y. This condition was predicted by a model of Y-4 interchange as the initiating event of radiation-induced nondisjunction of chromosomes that are not ordinarily conjoined in bivalents by chiasmata. The analysis of a number of exceptions bearing Y fragments capped by a marked arm of chromosome 4 confirms that the segregations of the homologue of the broken 4 and of the compound-X, following Y-4 interchange, are such as to give the observed excess of males among the triplo-4 offspring.
EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP IN GEOGRAPHY: THE ROLE OF THE DEPARTMENT CHAIRPERSON*

Leaders in geography must take an active role in initiating and implementing diverse strategies that would facilitate the amelioration of the discipline. Effective leadership from chairpersons needs to be nurtured and exercised to achieve optimal success. A paradigm is identified and applied to geography that should strengthen its position in higher education.
The Infant Rat Learns About Alcohol Through Interaction with an Intoxicated Mother

Background: Infant rats detect the presence of alcohol in milk when the dam suffers a moderate state of alcohol intoxication. The present study examined when rat pups begin to show behavioral changes indicative of the interaction with an intoxicated dam. The study also attempted to determine if infantile experiences involving a moderately intoxicated dam result in alcohol-derived memories with a particular hedonic content. Methods: Infant rats were allowed to interact during postnatal days (PDs) 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 and 13 with alcohol-intoxicated (EtOH dose: 2.5 g/kg) or alcohol-free dams. After the interaction took place, some pups were tested in terms of ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) and motor reactivity when isolated and placed on each of two distinctive tactile surfaces (sandpaper or soft fabric) presented in a counterbalanced order, and the second of which was always paired with ambient ethanol odor. At PD 14 pups were evaluated in terms of the preference for texture (sandpaper versus soft fabric) and odor (alcohol versus clove) as well as alcohol ingestion. Results: Very early in life (PD 3) USVs and overall activity were significantly higher in pups that had previously interacted with an intoxicated dam than in those exposed to an alcohol-free dam. Although this difference was not apparent during the following days, it was clear that a specific memory of alcohol's chemosensory cues was formed. Pups interacting with intoxicated dams followed by pairing of ethanol odor and an arousing texture (sandpaper), later avoided this texture in the preference test; pups that interacted with alcohol-free dams did not show this effect. The former animals also exhibited less consumption of alcohol than preweanlings never exposed to alcohol in the context of nursing. Conclusions: In conjunction with prior studies these results indicate that very early in ontogeny the infant processes the presence of ethanol, and perhaps its effect on its mother, within the nursing context. Under the present experimental circumstances infants appear to acquire alcohol-related information that comprises an aversive hedonic component.
Physical Aging of Single Wall Carbon Nanotube Polymer Nanocomposites: Effect of Functionalization of the Nanotube on the Enthalpy Relaxation

The glass-transition temperature and enthalpy relaxation of nanocomposites synthesized with low loadings of single wall carbon nanotubes (1 wt %) in poly(methylmethacrylate) (PMMA) have been invest...
Generating document summaries from user annotations

In this paper we analyze tweets that share the same link as another form of social annotation. By extracting all tweets that contain the same link over a period of time, we can generate a summary of what the crowd is writing about that particular link.
Optimal Sterilization Policies in Interdependent Economies

Abstract In this paper, a two-country leader-follower model with imperfect asset substitution is used to derive the optimal sterilization coefficients for two-country flexible and fixed exchange rate regimes. It is found that, in general, incomplete sterilization is optimal. However, both the origin and the type of macroeconomic shocks the economies experience are important in determining the appropriate degree of sterilization. We also find that sterilization policies have spill-over effects (strategic complements) in both cases. Thus, in a competitive policy-making environment, greater sterilization by one country leads to greater sterilization by the other country. Further, the impact of increasing capital market integration is examined in particular. We show that greater integration compounds this problem, leading to full sterilization as the optimal outcome under perfect capital mobility.
Trends in collaboration technologies for net-centric computing

Three main facets of CSCW research and development are: communication, coordination, and collaboration. Collaboration is the final purpose, while communication and coordination mechanisms are to provide necessary support and environment for collaboration. We broadly classify CSCW studies in two general categories: formal and informal. We argue that the main difference between the two types of CSCW studies is that whether there exists a set of formal collaboration rules, observed under a set of resource constraints, which is enforced in the cooperative work.
Acquiring and incorporating state-dependent timing requirements

Some real-time systems are designed to deliver services to objects that are controlled by external sources. Their services must be delivered on a timely basis, and the system fails when some services are delivered too late. Such a system may fail if the timing requirements, which it is designed to meet are erroneous. It may under-utilize resources and, consequently, be costly or unreliable if the requirements are too stringent. In general, the timing requirements of the system may change when the states of the objects monitored by the system change. Hence, one must identify how changes in object states call for changes in system requirements and how these changes should be incorporated in the design and implementation of the system. We first describe a methodology to determine timing requirements and to take into account of requirement changes at runtime. The method is based on several timing requirement determination schemes. Simulation data show that these schemes are effective for applications such as mobile IP hand-offs. We then discuss how to incorporate this methodology in the design of such systems and in the development process.
Malicious interface design: exploiting the user

In an ideal world, interface design is the art and science of helping users accomplish tasks in a timely, efficient, and pleasurable manner. This paper studies the inverse situation, the vast emergence of deliberately constructed malicious interfaces that violate design best practices in order to accomplish goals counter to those of the user. This has become a commonplace occurrence both on and off the desktop, particularly on the web. A primary objective of this paper is to formally define this problem, including construction of a taxonomy of malicious interface techniques and a preliminary analysis of their impact on users. Findings are presented that gauge the self-reported tolerance and expectation levels of users with regard to malicious interfaces as well as the effectiveness and ease of use of existing countermeasures. A second objective of this paper is to increase awareness, dialogue, and research in a domain that we consider largely unexplored but critical to future usability of the WWW. Our results were accomplished through significant compilation of malicious interface techniques based on review of thousands of web sites and by conducting three surveys. Ultimately, this paper concludes that malicious interfaces are a ubiquitous problem that demands intervention by the security and human computer interaction communities in order to reduce the negative impact on the global user population.
Alone Together: Why “Incentivization” Fails as an Account of Institutional Facts

In two articles, Smits, Buekens, and du Plessis have argued that John Searle’s account of institutional facts suffers serious flaws and should be replaced with a reductive account they call “incent...
DNA repair fine structure and its relations to genomic instability

It is timely to review aspects of DNA repair as there have recently been major advances in this field. These insights have provided information regarding new linkages between DNA repair defects and cancer. Several human repair genes have been identified and cloned, and a direct molecular connection has been established between DNA repair and transcription. The main focus of this review is to examine some new molecular relationships that have emerged pursuant to recent advances in the understanding of the fine structure of DNA repair processes. In particular, relations to genomic instability will be emphasized. Genomic instability is an important hallmark of both cancer and the ageing process, and is a broad term that includes a number of more or less specific changes in DNA. They can be point mutations, deletions, hypermutability, hypermethylation (epimutations), chromosomal rearrangements and/or abnormalities, or degradation of DNA. One form of genomic instability, the dysregulation of the cell cycle progression, affects mutational rates. Forms of DNA damage The classic DNA-damaging agent of interest has been UV light which introduces two major photolesions in DNA: the cyclobutane dimer and the 6-4 photoproduct. These lesions are directly linked to skin cancer, because patients with deficiencies in the repair of photolesions develop carcinoma in skin exposed to UV (1). Other bulky lesions in DNA that have been widely studied include those made by carcinogens such as 4-nitroquinol ine-A/-oxide (4NQO*), A'-acetoxyacetylaminofluorene (NAAF), and alkylating agents such as nitrogen mustard (HN2). Several chemotherapeutic agents used to treat tumors directly damage the DNA. Such agents include alkylating agents and cisplatin. These compounds form intrastrand adducts (IA) in DNA and less frequently, interstrand crosslinks (ICL). Recently, there has been an increasing interest in oxidative DNA damage and its consequences. Reactive oxygen species are constantly generated by cellular metabolism, radiation, drugs, mitochondria and chemicals. The oxidative DNA lesions that are formed probably constitute the most common forms of DNA damage and are likely to be important in tumor initiation and/or promotion. Studies show that > 100 different lesions are formed in DNA after oxidative stress (2).
Histopathologic and flow-cytometric analysis of neoplastic and benign "background" tissue in breast carcinoma resections.

Two-color, multiparametric synthesis phase fraction (SPF) analysis of cytokeratin-labeled epithelial cells was flow cytometrically performed on both benign (SPFb) and malignant tissue samples (if available, SPFt) from 132 mastec- tomy/lumpectomy specimens. These data were then correlated with clinicopathologic features, including (1) tumor differenti- ation, (2) the proportion of tumor comprised of duct carcinoma-in situ (DCIS), and (3) the histology of accompanying benign breast tissue, classified by predominant microscopic pattern as intact, normal terminal duct lobular units (NTDLU, 34% of cases), atrophic (AT, 33% of cases), proliferative fibrocystic (PFC, 26% of cases), and non-proliferative fibrocystic (NPFC, 7% of cases). SPFt was inversely correlated with extent of DCIS (DCIS = 0 20% tumor volume - 12.7% mean SPFt, vs. DCIS >20% tumor volume - 6.4% mean SPFt,p = 0:001). SPFt also correlated with the histology of background benign breast tis- sue (NTDLU - 14.8% mean SPFt vs. AT - 6.9% mean SPFt vs. PFC - 12.7% mean SPFt,p = 0:05) but it did not correlate with patient age or SPFb (overall mean = 0:73%). SPFb was correlated with patient age (>56 yr - 0.59% mean SPFb vs.<56 yr - 0.84% mean SPFb,p = 0:02), with background histology (NTDLU - 1.1% mean SPFb vs. AT - 0.43% mean SPFb vs. PFC - 0.70% mean SPFb, p< 0:02) and with the grade of the neoplasm (well/moderate - 0.58% mean vs. poorly differentiated - 0.85% mean, p = 0:04). Patients having a background of PFC were significantly older than patients with a background of NTDLU (45.2 yr vs. 60.2 yr,p = 0:01). We conclude: (1) breast carcinomas arising from a background of more actively cycling pre-involutional or proliferative fibrocystic epithelium have a greater proliferative fraction than tumors arising from atrophic epithelium, implying that the differentiation status of target cells may impact the effect(s) of tumorigenic events; (2) PFC may represent delayed, abnormal or interrupted involution rather than a hyperproliferative state relative to NTDLU, suggesting that it facilitates neoplasia by extending the period of exposure to promoter agents such as endogenous hormones, and (3) lower SPFt in breast neoplasia with more abundant "residual" DCIS may reflect a lengthier pre-invasive disease interval due to intrinsically less aggressive phenotype.
Third-order optical response of intermediate excitons with fractional nonlinear statistics

The interplay of exciton statistics and Coulomb interactions in the optical response of semiconductors is studied by derivation of an effective Hamiltonian written in terms of exciton operators, starting with a two-band model. Statistical effects are incorporated through the nonboson commutation relations of exciton operators, which contain an exciton-size-dependent parameter q that may vary from q = 0 (boson statistics) through q ≪ 1 (Wannier excitons) to q = 2 (Frenkel excitons or Pauli statistics). A unified Green’s function expression for χ(3) that applies to excitons of an arbitrary nature is derived.
Disability Measures in Stroke Relationship Among the Barthel Index, the Functional Independence Measure, and the Modified Rankin Scale

Background and Purpose— Residual disability after stroke presents a major economic and humanistic burden. To quantify disability in patients, activities of daily living (ADL; Barthel Index [BI], and motor component of Functional Independence Measure [M-FIM]) and categorical disability measures (Modified Rankin Scale [MRS]) are used. The purpose of this study is to examine the predicting ability of ADL measures to global disability scale. Methods— Kansas City Stroke Study data were used for the present study. Correlation coefficient, Kruskal-Wallis test, and polytomous logistic regression analysis were applied to examine the relationship between the ADL measure and global disability scale. Model fit statistics were examined to verify logistic regression appropriateness. A categorization scheme, which minimized the false-positive response rate, was selected as the optimal categorizing system. Results— The 3 measures were highly correlated. Both BI and M-FIM differentiated disability better in lower than higher disability. In logistic regression, BI differentiated 4 disability levels; M-FIM differentiated 3 levels in MRS. However, on the basis of results of the Kruskal-Wallis and multiple comparison tests, we suspect that M-FIM may have the potential to predict MRS categories better with a different model. Conclusions— The proposed categorization scheme can serve as a translation between measures. However, because of the ceiling effect of BI and M-FIM, the translation could not be completed for all 6 levels of MRS. No apparent variation over time in the categorization scheme was observed. Further research needs to be conducted to develop better prediction models explaining the relationship between M-FIM and MRS.
Parent-child interactions during traditional and computer storybook reading for children's comprehension

The purpose of this study was to examine how parents and children interact during traditional and computer storybook reading in their home. Thirty-nine, 4-year old children read both a traditional and a computer storybook with a parent. Parent responsiveness and child verbalizations were coded during each type of book reading experience (traditional vs. computer). Parents' interactions during traditional and computer storybooks were similar for many variables but differed on overall parent engagement in favor of computer storybooks. Children's story comprehension scores were not significantly different between the two types of storybooks. For both types of storybooks, child attention, child language, and parent engagement were significant predictors of story comprehension. Our results suggest that a storybook is a storybook, whether the story is presented on paper or electronically, although the ways in which parents and children engage with the storybooks may differ as a function of the platform.
The use of symptom severity measured just before termination to predict child treatment dropout

The current study examined indices of trauma-related symptom severity as predictors of dropout from exposure-based cognitive behavioral therapy in a sample of 99 child and adolescent trauma victims. The investigation incorporated measures of symptom severity at two time points: pretreatment and just before termination. The results indicated that a model with symptom severity measured just before termination was significantly associated with the number of attended sessions; however, a model with the symptom-severity indices measured at pretreatment was nonsignificant. In addition, a significant main effect indicated that increased avoidance behavior measured just before termination was related to fewer treatment sessions. Further analyses also suggested that higher severity of intrusion and depression measured just before termination was correlated with fewer treatment sessions. The results support the idea that more immediate distress may be related to treatment dropout. Implications for the research and practice of exposure therapy for child trauma are discussed.
Effects of body weight and alcohol consumption on insulin sensitivity

Obesity is a risk factor for the development of insulin resistance, which can eventually lead to type-2 diabetes. Alcohol consumption is a protective factor against insulin resistance, and thus protects against the development of type-2 diabetes. The mechanism by which alcohol protects against the development of type-2 diabetes is not well known. To determine the mechanism by which alcohol improves insulin sensitivity, we fed water or alcohol to lean, control, and obese mice. The aim of this study was to determine whether alcohol consumption and body weights affect overlapping metabolic pathways and to identify specific target genes that are regulated in these pathways. Adipose tissue dysfunction has been associated with the development of type-2 diabetes. We assessed possible gene expression alterations in epididymal white adipose tissue (WAT). We obtained WAT from mice fed a calorie restricted (CR), low fat (LF Control) or high fat (HF) diets and either water or 20% ethanol in the drinking water. We screened the expression of genes related to the regulation of energy homeostasis and insulin regulation using a gene array composed of 384 genes. Obesity induced insulin resistance and calorie restriction and alcohol improved insulin sensitivity. The insulin resistance in obese mice was associated with the increased expression of inflammatory markers Cd68, Il-6 and Il-1α; in contrast, most of these genes were down-regulated in CR mice. Anti-inflammatory factors such as Il-10 and adrenergic beta receptor kinase 1 (Adrbk1) were decreased in obese mice and increased by CR and alcohol. Also, we report a direct correlation between body weight and the expression of the following genes: Kcnj11 (potassium inwardly-rectifying channel, subfamily J, member 11), Lpin2 (lipin2), and Dusp9 (dual-specificity MAP kinase phosphatase 9). We show that alcohol consumption increased insulin sensitivity. Additionally, alterations in insulin sensitivity related with obesity were coupled with alterations in inflammatory genes. We provide evidence that alcohol may improve insulin sensitivity by up-regulating anti-inflammatory genes. Moreover, we have indentified potential gene targets in energy metabolic pathways and signal transducers that may contribute to obesity-related insulin resistance as well as calorie restriction and alcohol-induced insulin sensitivity.
High-throughput single-cell pathogen detection on a droplet microfluidic platform

Digital microfluidics is rapidly becoming the microfluidic technology of choice for a large variety of applications [1]. The idea of using discrete droplets to maintain a high concentration of sub-cellular contents for digital detection at single molecule or cell level is highly promising as it can greatly enhance the detection sensitivity and quantification accuracy. However, realization of this idea has been hampered by the need for complicated target amplification and off-chip sample processing [2,3]. Here we extend the repertoire of digital microfluidic applications to include a versatile “sample-to-answer” platform for pathogen detection. The proposed platform can perform integrated sample preparation and amplification-free pathogen detection on a microfluidic chip. The integration enables digital detection in a continuous flow format and thereby high-throughput measurement of single cells.
Architectures for system-level applications of adaptive computing

The mission of the Systems-Level Applications of Adaptive Computing (SLAAC) project is to design and implement a distributed adaptive computing systems architecture. This systems-level focus of SLAAC resulted from the realization that scalability and portability are the two main obstructions preventing innovative Adaptive Computing Systems (ACS) research from being directly useful in deployed real-time environments. Scalability is an issue in that many real-world applications are larger than the modern PCI-based FPGA accelerator. Transitioning from a small proof of concept demonstration to large real-world application is often overlooked in ACS research. Portability has both a hardware and software aspect. Physical form-factor and operating system issues can limit the utility ACS research done in the lab with desktop PCs unless there is a development path to more traditional real-time environments. The SLAAC project seeks to remedy these issues of scalability and portability in ACS systems.
A geomorphology-based semi-distributed watershed model

A semi-distributed watershed model was developed that conceptualizes the catchment as a cascade of nonlinear storage elements whose geometric dimensions are derived from the Horton‐Strahler ordering of the stream network. Each storage element represents quick storm runoA over land or in a channel segment. The physically based groundwater submodel is parameterized through the application of the Brutsaert‐Nieber recession flow analysis and it provides continuous baseflow separation. The model requires the calibration of seven parameters from a one year rainfall‐runoA record. It was tested on the Mahantango Creek watershed in the Susquehanna River basin, Pennsylvania. ” 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Economics, Votes, Protests Western European Cases

In Western European studies, general investigations of mass political participation are an established tradition. However, these efforts have not drawn from the vigorous current of research on economics and politics. Specifically for Western Europe, there exists no systematic work on economic conditions and political participation (conventional or unconventional). Here we integrate these economic arguments into general explanations of both participation modes. First voting turnout is examined, then protest activity, both as measured in recent survey data from Britain, France, Germany, and Italy. The findings uncover support for a general model of political participation within these nations, as well as pointing to provocative between-nation differences. The economic results are especially stimulating. Pocketbook effects are absent, but collective evaluations of economic performance make an impact, and do so in intriguing ways. First, it is prospective, not retrospective, evaluations that count. Second, th...
Cotinine-induced convergence of the cholinergic and PI3 kinase-dependent anti-inflammatory pathways in innate immune cells.

Abstract Nicotine [( S )-3-(1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinyl)pyridine] is a major component of tobacco and a highly efficient acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) agonist that triggers the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway. We demonstrate that pre-treatment of monocytes with the stable nicotine catabolite, cotinine [( S )-1-methyl-5-(3-pyridinyl)-2-pyrrolidinone], dramatically alters the nature of the inflammatory response to Gram negative bacteria by abrogating the production of cytokines that are under the transcriptional control of the NF-κB system (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-12/IL-23 p40) and shifting the response towards an IL-10-dominated anti-inflammatory profile. This anti-inflammatory phenomenon is initiated specifically by engagement of the monocytic α7 nAChR; and is PI3K/GSK-3β-dependent; but NF-κB-independent. These mechanistic insights suggest an ability to exploit convergent, endogenous anti-inflammatory pathway(s) to either up-regulate or down-regulate the production of specific cytokine groups (pro- or anti-inflammatory cytokines) depending on the clinical necessity.
Treating mouse and rat tumors with direct current

In vivo studies were conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of electrochemical treatment on animal tumor models. Radiation induced fibrosarcoma tumors were subcutaneously implanted on 157 female C3H/HeJ mice. When the tumor diameter reached 10 mm, 2 to 5 platinum electrodes were inserted into the tumor and treated with direct current. Larger fibrosarcomas were implanted on 34 female Fisher 344 rats, which were treated when the tumors reached 20-30 mm in length. In the second group of 24 rats, 12 rats were treated once, 10 twice and two thrice. Best mice cure rate, three months post treatment, calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method was 59.3% (n=27). For the 24 rats, 6 months post treatment, there were 18 living without tumors (75%). These results indicate that electrochemical treatment is effective on mouse and rat fibrosarcoma tumors.
Extremal bounds on geotherms in eroding mountain belts from metamorphic pressure-temperature conditions

Summary. We present a technique based on linear programming for inverting metamorphic pressure-temperature (PT) information from one or more stratigraphic horizons in an eroded mountain belt to determine maximum and minimum bounds on geotherms as a function of time in the orogen. These extremal bounds characterize the set of all possible geotherms at a particular time in the history of the mountain belt consistent with the metamorphic data. Using synthetic PT data generated from several assumed initial thermal profiles, we demonstrate the sensitivity of the extremal bounds, determined by this inverse technique, to the number, distribution, and accuracy of the PT measurements. We conclude that 20 Myr after orogeny, the set of all possible geotherms is reasonably well-constrained. Reconstruction of tight bounds on possible geotherms as early as 10 Myr after the orogeny requires accurate PT measurements from more than one structural horizon. Finally, we provide an example of extremal bounds consistent with real metamorphic PT data from the Lower Schieferhulle in the Tauern Window of the Austrian Alps. Combined with estimates of the mechanical strength of the continental lithosphere supporting the Alps derived from gravity observations, our results suggest that the temperature at the elastic/ductile transition in continental lithosphere exceeds 540°C.
Correlation of the development of knee pain with enlarging bone marrow lesions on magnetic resonance imaging

Objective Results of cross-sectional studies have suggested that bone marrow lesions (BMLs) visualized on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are related to knee pain, but no longitudinal studies have been done. This study was undertaken to determine whether enlarging BMLs are associated with new knee pain. Methods Subjects ages 50–79 years with knee osteoarthritis (OA) or at high risk of knee OA were asked twice at baseline about the presence of knee pain, aching, or stiffness (classified as frequent knee pain) on most days; absence of knee pain was the baseline eligibility criterion. At 15 months' followup, subjects were again queried twice about frequent knee pain. A case knee was defined as absence of knee pain at baseline but presence of knee pain both times at followup. Controls were selected randomly from among knees with absence of pain at baseline. All MR images were scored for volume of BMLs in the medial, lateral, and patellofemoral compartments. We focused on the maximal change in BML score among the knee compartments from baseline to 15 months. Multiple logistic regression, with adjustments for demographic and clinical variables, was used to assess whether an increased BML score is predictive of the development of knee pain. Results Among case knees, 54 of 110 (49.1%) showed an increase in BML score within a compartment, whereas only 59 of 220 control knees (26.8%) showed an increase (P < 0.001 by chi-square test). A BML score increase of at least 2 units was much more common in case knees than in control knees (27.5% versus 8.6%; adjusted odds ratio 3.2, 95% confidence interval 1.5–6.8). Among case knees with increased BMLs, most already had BMLs at baseline, with enlarging BMLs at followup, but among the subset of knees with no BMLs at baseline, new BMLs were more common in case knees (11 [32.4%] of 34) than in control knees (9 [10.8%] of 83). Conclusion Development of knee pain is associated with an increase in BMLs as revealed on MRI.
Iterative procedures for reduction of blocking effects in transform image coding

We propose a new iterative block reduction technique based on the theory of projection onto convex sets. The basic idea behind this technique is to impose a number of constraints on the coded image in such a way as to restore it to its original artifact-free form. One such constraint can be derived by exploiting the fact that the transform coded image suffering from blocking effects contains high frequency vertical and horizontal artifacts corresponding to vertical and horizontal discontinuities across boundaries of neighboring blocks. Since these components are missing in the original uncoded image, or at least can be guaranteed to be missing from the original image prior to coding, one step of our iterative procedure consists of projecting the coded image onto the set of signals which are bandlimited in the horizontal or vertical directions. Another constraint we have chosen in the restoration process has to do with the quantization intervals of the transform coefficients. Specifically, the decision levels associated with transform coefficient quantizers can be used as lower and upper bounds on transform coefficients, which in turn define boundaries of the convex set for projection. Thus, in projecting the 'out of bound' transform coefficient onto this convex set, we will choose the upper (lower) bound of the quantization interval if its value is greater (less) than the upper (lower) bound. We present a few examples of our proposed approach.
The demographic, social, and conceptual contexts of aging and vision loss.

Background Age-related changes to the eye and functional implications of vision loss are well-known. However, these changes occur in the context of broad demographic and social changes. Methods The structural demographic changes in the United States, the social context of vision and aging, and the conceptual model of disablement are reviewed. Results The International Classification of Impairments, Disabilities, and Handicaps (ICIDH) was published by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1980, and may serve as a model for our better understanding of how the structural demographic changes, the social context of vision and aging, and the conceptual model of disablement are affecting public policy in eye and vision care. Conclusions At present, there is no comprehensive national policy that addresses the eye and visual rehabilitation of older persons who have lost vision. Defining a conceptual context may help us develop public policy to meet the demands of the aforementioned social and demographic changes.
Chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis caused by Saccharopolyspora rectivirgula is not associated with a switch to a Th2 response

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) is an immune-mediated interstitial lung disease that develops following repeated exposure to inhaled environmental antigens. The disease results in alveolitis and granuloma formation and may progress to a chronic form associated with fibrosis; a greater understanding of the immunopathogenic mechanisms leading to chronic HP is needed. We used the Saccharopolyspora rectivirgula (SR) mouse model of HP to determine the extent to which a switch to a Th2-type immune response is associated with chronic HP. Exposure of wild-type (WT) and tlr2/9(-/-) mice to SR for 14 wk resulted in neutrophilic and lymphocytic alveolitis that was not dependent on Toll-like receptors (TLRs) 2 and 9. Long-term exposure of WT mice to SR resulted in a significant increase in collagen deposition, protein leakage, and IL-1α accompanied by a decrease in quasistatic compliance and total lung capacity compared with unexposed mice. This was associated with an increase in IL-17 but not IL-4 production or recruitment of Th2 cells. tlr2/9(-/-) mice exhibited an increase in protein leakage but less IL-1α and collagen deposition in the lungs compared with WT mice, yet they still displayed a decrease in quasistatic compliance, although total lung capacity was not affected. These mice exhibited an increase in both IL-13 and IL-17, which suggests that IL-13 may ameliorate some of the lung damage caused by long-term SR exposure. Our results suggest that lung pathology following long-term SR exposure in WT mice is associated with the IL-17 response and that TLRs 2 and 9 may inhibit the development of the IL-13/Th2 response.
Balancing Professional Work: Teaching, Research, and Service

In “Balancing Professional Work: Teaching, Research, and Service,” we argue that the happiest, most successful academics are those who blend professional tasks. Although the responsibilities of contingent positions are often time-consuming and poorly compensated, seeking ways to merge personal research interests with traditional academic responsibilities can alleviate burnout and help teacher-scholars envision ways to fully capture and document the work they may already be doing. In this chapter, we offer profiles and models for integrating teaching, research, and service and suggest ways to fully capture and document the work we do. By viewing interests through the lens of institutional mission statements and goals, teacher-scholars find opportunities for engaging in personally satisfying work that also meet institutional initiatives and mandates.
Effects of Soft X-rays on Urease and Catalase

Summary1. The effects of soft X-rays on crude urease, crystalline urease, crude catalase, and crystalline catalase are described. 2. The sensitivity of the enzymes to the radiation is dependent upon purity and concentration. 3. Results are given which are in accordance with the observations of Dale on the effects of hard X-rays on polyphenol oxidase and carboxypolypeptidase.
Compressive Sensing for Video Using a Passive Coding Element

We present a prototype system that utilizes mechanical translation of a passive coding element to compress high-speed temporal information into low-framerate video sequences. Reconstructions of 148 frames per experimental coded snapshot are reported.
PIM-1 as a Solution-Processable “Molecular Basket” for CO2 Capture from Dilute Sources

Rising atmospheric CO2 levels have triggered recent research into the science of amine materials supported on hard, porous materials such as mesoporous silica or alumina. While such materials can give high CO2 uptakes and good sorption kinetics, they are difficult to utilize in practical applications due to difficulty in contacting large volumes of CO2-laden gases with powder materials without significant pressure drops or sorbent attrition. Here, we describe a simple approach based on the impregnation of a permanently microporous polymer, PIM-1, with poly(ethylene imine) (PEI), removing the need for use of the hard oxide. PEI/PIM-1 composites demonstrate comparable performance to more traditionally studied oxide sorbents, with the benefit that PIM-1 is soluble in common solvents, making it eminently more viable for processing into morphologies that can facilitate heat and mass transfer and fabrication into low pressure drop contactors. In addition to adsorption studies performed on a variety of PEI/PIM-1...
The Impact of Social Category Diversity on Motivation Gains in Exercise Groups.

Objectives Exercising with a virtual partner can increase motivation by 208%, but may be moderated by partner characteristics. We tested the impact of social category diversity (ingroup/outgroup membership) on motivation with a virtual exercise partner. Methods Participants (N = 96) were randomized in a 3 (CONDITION: individual, partner-ingroup, partner-outgroup) x 2 (sex) x 2 (performance block: Block 1 & Block 2) design. Participants performed 2 sets of 5 abdominal plank exercises. Partnered conditions completed the second set of exercises with a virtual partner from either an ingroup ('Us') or outgroup ('Them'). Motivation was measured as fatigue-corrected exercise persistence (s). Results Partnered conditions exercised longer (M = 67.31s, SD = 63.53s) than the individual condition. The 'Us' condition persisted longer (M = 79.61s, SD = 61.92s) than the 'Them' condition (M = 55.02s, SD = 65.14s), although this difference only approached significance (p = .127). Conclusions Social category diversity is unlikely to undermine motivating effects of a moderately superior virtual partner. Group leaders and algorithms for group-based online interventions should consider partnering those who struggle to meet recommended levels of intensity and duration of physical activity with a moderately superior partner.
Observation on topical tacalcitol ointment in the treatment of twenty-seven patients with palmoplantar pustulosis

Objective:To observe the safety and efficacy of topical tacalcitol ointment in the treatment of palmoplantar pustulosis. Methods:Twenty-seven patients with palmoplantar pustulosis were enrolled in a single-blind, self-controlled clinical trial. Symmetrical lesions were selected and treated by either tacalcitol ointment or placebo(15% urea ointment), and they were examined in the second, fourth, and eighth week after treatment respectively. Results:The effective rate of treatment with tacalcitol was 59.1% versus the placebo 16.2%. The treatment with tacalcitol had an earlier therapeutic effect than that of the placebo, no side-effect was observed, and the drug was well tolerated. Conclusion:This preliminary study suggests that topical tacalcitol ointment appears to be efficacious, safe and well tolerated in the treatment of palmoplantar pustulosis.
Monitoring analysis of drinking water in Dalian city 2012

Objective To understand water quality condition of Dalian city,strengthen the drinking water hygiene management,provide scientific basis for the people's health.Methods According to national standards for drinking water(GB 5749-2006 and GB/T 5750-2006),drinking water of different water quality was collected and detected in Dalian city.Results The drinking water was sampled including treated water from 6 municipal waterworks,20 tap water,3 self-provided water and 10 secondary water supply monitoring points,the qualified rate of factory water was 100%.The monitoring results showed that factory water from municipal water supply was in line with the sanitary standard for drinking water(GB 5749-2006).85.00% of tap water samples met with national standards in 80 tap water samples,40 samples of secondary water supply from 40 high-buildings were monitored and qualified rate was 90.00%,qualified rate of self-provided water was 66.67%.Conclusion The monitoring results show that overall condition of water quality of drinking water is good in Dalian city.
Detrusor and urethral electromyelography.

AbstractAn electrophysiological method has been developed to test the structural integrity and function of the reflex arcs concerned with micturition. The technique has been used to delineate neuropathic involvement of the lower urinary tract.
Inhibition of steroid δ4-reductase by polysulfated polysaccharides and para-chloromercuribenzoic acid☆

Abstract Four heparinoids and two naturally occurring, high molecular weight polysaccharides with various sulfate contents were assayed for inhibitory effects on the steroid δ 4 - reductase activity of rat liver. The sulfate content appeared to be an important determinant of inhibitory activity because all active compounds had about 15 to 18% of sulfur while the inactive ones had a lower sulfate content. Inhibition of cortisone reductase by heparin and by p- chloromercuribenzoic acid (PCMB) was also compared in this study. PCMB completely inhibits the reductase while heparin produces a maximum inhibition of only 60%. PCMB and heparin are additive in a manner which gives greater inhibition than can be demonstrated with heparin alone. Glutathione reverses the inhibition of PCMB but relieves heparin inhibition only 50%.
Chapter Four – Statistical Treatment of Analytical Data

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the typical types of errors encountered in quantitative analysis. Mathematical procedures for estimating and reporting the magnitudes of the errors are evaluated. Every physical measurement is subject to a degree of uncertainity. Modification of the procedure and instruments employed in making the measurement can improve the uncertainity, but it cannot be eliminated. The technique of propagation of errors is one whereby the estimated uncertainties in measured quantities are combined to give an uncertainty in a quantity calculated from them. This estimation of the uncertainty is compared with the average deviation to find out whether all the sources contributing significantly to the total uncertainty is recognized or not. If only one or a few experiments are done, the estimated uncertainty from the propagation of errors is used as a substitute for the average deviation.
PDE11A regulates social behaviors and is a key mechanism by which social experience sculpts the brain.

Abstract Despite the fact that appropriate social behaviors are vital to thriving in one’s environment, little is understood of the molecular mechanisms controlling social behaviors or how social experience sculpts these signaling pathways. Here, we determine if Phosphodiesterase 11A (PDE11A), an enzyme that is enriched in the ventral hippocampal formation (VHIPP) and that breaks down cAMP and cGMP, regulates social behaviors. PDE11 wild-type (WT), heterozygous (HT), and knockout (KO) mice were tested in various social approach assays and gene expression differences were measured by RNA sequencing. The effect of social isolation on PDE11A4 compartmentalization and subsequent social interactions and social memory was also assessed. Deletion of PDE11A triggered age- and sex-dependent deficits in social approach in specific social contexts but not others. Mice appear to detect altered social behaviors of PDE11A KO mice, because C57BL/6J mice prefer to spend time with a sex-matched PDE11A WT vs. its KO littermate; whereas, a PDE11A KO prefers to spend time with a novel PDE11A KO vs. its WT littermate. Not only is PDE11A required for intact social interactions, we found that 1 month of social isolation vs. group housing decreased PDE11A4 protein expression specifically within the membrane fraction of VHIPP. This isolation-induced decrease in PDE11A4 expression appears functional because social isolation impairs subsequent social approach behavior and social memory in a PDE11A genotype-dependent manner. Pathway analyses following RNA sequencing suggests PDE11A is a key regulator of the oxytocin pathway and membrane signaling, consistent with its pivotal role in regulating social behavior.
Removal of Radium from Synthetic Shale Gas Brines by Ion Exchange Resin

Abstract Rapid development of hydraulic fracturing for natural gas production from shale reservoirs presents a significant challenge related to the management of the high-salinity wastewaters that return to the surface. In addition to high total dissolved solids (TDS), shale gas-produced brines typically contain elevated concentrations of radium (Ra), which must be treated properly to prevent contamination of surface waters and allow for safe disposal or reuse of produced water. Treatment strategies that isolate radium in the lowest volume waste streams would be desirable to reduce disposal cost and generate useful treatment by-products. The present study evaluates the potential of a commercial strong acid cation exchange resin for removing Ra2+ from high-TDS brines using fixed-bed column reactors. Column reactors were operated with varying brine chemistries and salinities in an effort to find optimal conditions for Ra2+ removal through ion exchange. To overcome competing divalent cations present in the b...
Rhamnolipids Mediate an Interspecies Biofilm Dispersal Signaling Pathway

Bacterial biofilms are problematic in natural and anthropogenic environments, and they confer protective properties on their constituent cells, making them difficult to treat with conventional antibiotics. Antibiofilm strategies, therefore, represent a promising direction of research for treating biofilm infections. Natural autodispersal and interspecies dispersal signaling pathways provide insight into cell–cell communication mechanisms, species dynamics in mixed communities, and potential targets for infection therapies. Here, we describe a novel interspecies dispersal signaling pathway between Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli. E. coli biofilms disperse in response to compounds in P. aeruginosa culture supernatant. Two components of the P. aeruginosa Las and Rhl quorum sensing systems, N-(3-oxo-dodecanoyl) homoserine lactone (3oxoC12HSL) and rhamnolipids, are found to act cooperatively to disperse E. coli biofilms. Our results indicate that rhamnolipids do not affect growth, biofilm developme...