cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Some covering and packing results in number theory

Abstract Covering. Let Ak and B be sets of nonnegative integers consisting of k elements and infinitely many elements, respectively. The set B is called a complement of Ak if each nonnegative integer n is expressible in the form n = a + b (a ∈ A, b ∈ B). We define c k = sup A k inf B d( B ), where d(B) is the asymptotic density of B, B ranges over all complements of Ak, and Ak ranges over all sets consisting of k elements. Then 1 3 ≤ C 4 Other covering results are proved. Packing. Let Ak and B be defined as above. The set B is called a packing complement of Ak if every nonnegative integer n has at most one representation n = a + b (a ∈ Ak, b ∈ B). We define P k = sup A k inf B d( B ), where B ranges over all packing complements of Ak whose asymptotic density exists and Ak ranges over all k element sets. Then 1. (1) P k ≤(k 2 /4+11k/6−14) −1 , k ⩾ 5 2. (2) 2 1 2 ≤ lim k→∞ k(P k ) 1 2 ≤ lim sup k→∞ k(P k ) 1 2 ≤ 8 3 1 2 .
Care bit density and test cube clusters: multi-level compression opportunities

Most of the recently discussed and commercially introduced test stimulus data compression techniques are based on low care bit densities found in typical scan test vectors. Data volume and test times are reduced primarily by compressing the don't-care bit information. The original care bit density, hence, dominates the theoretical compression limits. Further compression can be achieved by focusing on opportunities to compress care bit information in addition to the don't-care bit information. We discuss at a conceptual level how data compression based on test cube clustering effects, as used in weighted random pattern methods, could be combined with care bit oriented methods to achieve multilevel test stimulus compression.
Implications of Consumer Direction for Disability Policy Development and Rehabilitation Service Delivery

People with disabilities too often are denied the opportunity to exercise control over the most basic aspects of daily life. Consumer direction (CD) is a philosophy and an orientation whereby informed consumers have control over the policies and practices that directly affect their lives. It is a mechanism by which individuals with disabilities can develop the skills to take control of their lives and their environment. The primary tenet of this paper is that increased CD in disability policy development and rehabilitation service delivery will lead to increased community integration, empowerment, and quality of life for people with disabilities. In this paper, the concept is presented as a guide for disability policy development and rehabilitation service delivery. Consumer choice, the current status of people with disabilities in U.S. society, and the need for CD are discussed. An overview and definition of CD are presented, and the underlying assumptions are described. A conceptual framework, issues su...
Symptom differences between depressed outpatients who are in remission according to the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale who do and do not consider themselves to be in remission

Abstract Objective Remission is usually defined as a score below a predetermined cutoff on a symptom severity scale. Depressed patients' global perception of their remission status only partially overlaps with scale-based definitions of remission. Patients' self-perceived remission status is likely to impact on their desire for modification in their treatment. The identification of specific symptoms that distinguish patients who do and do not consider themselves to be in remission could represent the most salient targets of add-on treatment strategies desired by patients. In the present report from the Rhode Island Methods to Improve Diagnostic Assessment and Services (MIDAS) project, we compared the symptom profiles of patients who were in remission on the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAMD) who did and did not consider themselves to be in remission. Method s We interviewed 274 psychiatric outpatients diagnosed with DSM-IV major depressive disorder who were in ongoing treatment. The patients completed the Clinically Useful Depression Outcome Scale (CUDOS). Results Approximately half of the patients scoring 7 and below on the HAMD did not consider themselves to be in remission. The mean number of symptoms on the CUDOS was significantly higher in the self-described non-remitters. Almost all symptoms were less frequent in the self-rated remitters, though the absolute frequency of the individual symptoms was related to the threshold used to define symptom presence. Discussion Consistent with the findings of other studies we found high rates of residual symptoms in patients who were considered to be in remission, and patients with residual symptoms typically had more than 1 such symptom. These results raise questions about the strategy of add-on treatments targeting specific individual symptoms. Limitations Remission was defined according to the 17-item version of the HAMD. We focused on the 17-item HAMD because it is the most commonly used measure in antidepressant efficacy trials, and the cutoff used to define remission has been generally accepted. We would anticipate that our findings would be similar in studies of longer versions of the HAMD as well as other depression severity scales such as the Montgomery–Asberg Depression Rating Scale. Self-perceived remission status was based on the patients' response to a single question. The sample was drawn from a single, large, general adult outpatient private practice setting in which the majority of the patients were white, female, and in their 30s and 40s. Generalizability to samples with different demographic characteristics needs to be demonstrated.
Variations of Left Ventricular End-Diastolic Pressure, Volume, and Ejection Fraction with Changes in Outflow Resistance in Anesthetized Intact Dogs

Multiple measurements of left ventricular volumes, ejection fractions, and circulatory pressures were made under conditions of varied outflow resistance in five intact anesthetized dogs by using a biplane videoangiographic recording system which displays simultaneously two roentgen images on the same television screen, records the images on video tape, and requires low radiation levels and small amounts of contrast medium. Aortic pressure was controlled by intra-aortic infusion of angiotensin or acetylcholine. With spontaneous sinus rhythm and normal aortic pressure, end-diastolic volume averaged 35 ml (2.3 ml/kg), and ejection fraction averaged 47% of end-diastolic volume. When aortic pressure was increased, average end-diastolic volumes increased to 53 ml and ejection fractions decreased to 29%. Conversely, when aortic pressure was decreased, average ejection fraction increased to 73%, although changes in stroke volume were usually not large under these conditions. Concomitant large changes in the shape of the left ventricular cavity were also observed. Similar changes were observed when heart rate was maintained constant by electrical pacing of the atria and ventricles with a constant atrial-ventricular stimulus interval. The variability in left ventricular volume and ejection fraction observed in the same animal during different circulatory states may account in part for the differences in values for these variables reported by different investigators.
Calcitonin gene-related peptide alters the firing rates of hypothalamic temperature sensitive and insensitive neurons

Background: Transient hyperthermic shifts in body temperature have been linked to the endogenous hormone calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), which can increase sympathetic activation and metabolic heat production. Recent studies have demonstrated that these centrally mediated responses may result from CGRP dependent changes in the activity of thermoregulatory neurons in the preoptic and anterior regions of the hypothalamus (POAH). Results: Using a tissue slice preparation, we recorded the single-unit activity of POAH neurons from the adult male rat, in response to temperature and CGRP (10 μM). Based on the slope of firing rate as a function of temperature, neurons were classified as either warm sensitive or temperature insensitive. All warm sensitive neurons responded to CGRP with a significant decrease in firing rate. While CGRP did not alter the firing rates of some temperature insensitive neurons, responsive neurons showed an increase in firing rate. Conclusion: With respect to current models of thermoregulatory control, these CGRP dependent changes in firing rate would result in hyperthermia. This suggests that both warm sensitive and temperature insensitive neurons in the POAH may play a role in producing this hyperthermic shift in temperature.
Modeling noise by jump processes in strong laser-atom interactions

In this paper, a practical scheme for computing time-dependent properties, such as excitation probabilities and dipole correlation functions of a multilevel atom strongly excited by a laser in the presence of noise, is described in detail. The method, which is based on the notion of randomly interrupted, multivalued jump processes, can be used to treat laser phase, amplitude, and/or frequency noise, and fluctuating microfields. The method provides analytic expressions, which are based on eigenvalues and eigenvectors of a finite-dimensional matrix, for time dependence and spectral dependence, and it permits computation of time-dependent fluorescence emitted from atoms excited by a noisy laser. The method is illustrated by application to time-dependent spectra.
Chiral anomalies and rooted staggered fermions

A popular approximation in lattice gauge theory is an extrapolation in the number of fermion species away from the four fold degeneracy natural with the staggered fermion formulation. I show that the procedure mutilates the expected continuum holomorphic behavior in the quark masses. This is due to a chiral symmetry group that is of a higher rank than desired. The conventional resolution proposes canceling the unphysical singularities with a plethora of extra states appearing at finite lattice spacing. This unproven conjecture requires an explicit loss of unitarity and locality. Even if correct, the approach implies large cutoff effects in the low-energy flavor-neutral sector.
The pattern of evolution in Pleistocene human brain size

With a sample of 94 Pleistocene cranial capacities between the time period of 1.8 Ma and 50 Ka now known, we consider the evolution of cranial capacity in Homo, with the null hypothesis that the changes over time are a result of one process. We employ a new method that uses a resam- pling approach to address the limitations imposed on the methods of previous studies. To test the null hypothesis, we examine the distribution of changes in adjacent temporal samples and ask whether there are differences between earlier and later samples. Our analyses do not reject the hypothesis of a single process of brain size change, but they are incompatible with an interpretation of punctuated equilibrium during this period. The results of this paper are difficult to reconcile with the case for cladogenesis in the Homo lineage during the Pleistocene.
Models of Complex Enterprise Networks

This article describes the development of a modeling hierarchy for complex enterprise networks. Drawing on the extant modeling literature, these network models are elaborated in terms of 4 salient problem characteristics: conversions, flows, controls, and social/organizational relationships. The authors relate these 4 characteristics to phenomena, representations, micromodels, macromodels, and modeling tools. The roles of information and incentives in complex enterprises networks are considered. Examples of 2 domains, global manufacturing and healthcare delivery, are woven through these discussions of alternative representations and models. The authors conclude by providing a structured comparison of these 2 domains, discussing theoretical and practical implications, and presenting opportunities for future enterprise transformation research.
A selected review of agricultural commodity futures and options markets

This paper provides a selected review of the research literature on commodity futures and options markets, focusing primarily on empirical studies. The topics featured include the development of intertemporal price relationships, hedging and basis relationships, price behaviour, and discussion of the markets' institutional issues. In each case the recent contributions are recognised. Using this base of information as background, we focus on identifying and motivating future research challenges for agricultural commodity futures and options markets. Copyright 2004, Oxford University Press.
The effects of halothane on cultured mouse neuroblastoma cells. I. Inhibition of morphological differentiation.

Mouse neuroblastoma cells (clone NB2a) were cultured in the presence of 0.3–2.1% halothane in the gas phase for up to 72 h. Halothane inhibited neurite extension dose dependently and virtually abolished microspike formation even at the lowest concentration tested. These effects were completely reversible. Electron microscopy demonstrated that microfilaments measuring 40–80 A in diameter are the only fibrous organelles visible within microspikes. When the cells were exposed to halothane, no microfilamentous complexes could be identified in any cells and the subcortical regions of neurites often appeared devoid of individual microfilaments. Microtubules were still present in neurites after exposure to halothane concentrations at which microfilaments disappeared. However, at concentrations above 1.0%, microtubules gradually appeared to decrease in number. Short-term experiments showed that existing neurites and microspikes rapidly retracted when suddenly exposed to culture medium equilibrated with 1.0% halothane and quickly reformed when the halothane was removed. The inhibition of neuroblastoma cell differentiation by halothane appears to be mediated by disruption of 40–80 A diameter microfilaments.
How Do Tropical Sea Surface Temperatures Influence the Seasonal Distribution of Precipitation in the Equatorial Amazon

Although the correlation between precipitation over tropical South America and sea surface temperatures (SSTs) over the Pacific and Atlantic has been documented since the early twentieth century, the impact of each ocean on the timing and intensity of the wet season over tropical South America and the underlying mechanisms have remained unclear. Numerical experiments have been conducted using the National Center for Atmospheric Research Community Climate Model Version 3 to explore these impacts. The results suggest the following. 1) Seasonality of SSTs in the tropical Pacific and Atlantic has an important influence on precipitation in the eastern Amazon during the equinox seasons. The eastern side of the Amazon is influenced both by the direct thermal circulation of the Atlantic intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) and by Rossby waves. These processes are enhanced by the seasonal cycles of SSTs in the tropical Atlantic and Pacific. SSTs affect Amazon precipitation much less during the solstice seasons and in the western Amazon. 2) The seasonality of SSTs in the Atlantic more strongly affects Amazon rainfall than does that of the Pacific. Without the former, austral spring in the eastern equatorial Amazon would be a wet season, rather than the observed dry season. As a consequence of the lag at that time of the southward seasonal migration of the Atlantic SSTs behind that of the insolation, the Atlantic ITCZ centers itself near 10 8N, instead of at the equator, imposing subsidence and low-level anticyclonic flow over the eastern equatorial Amazon, thus drying the air above the planetary boundary layer and reducing the low-level moisture convergence. Consequently, convection in the eastern Amazon is suppressed despite strong surface heating. 3) Seasonality of the SSTs in the tropical Pacific also tends to reduce precipitation in the eastern Amazon during both spring and fall. In spring, subsidence is enhanced not only through a zonal direct circulation, but also through Rossby waves propagating from the extratropical South Pacific to subtropical South America. This teleconnection strengthens the South Atlantic convergence zone (SACZ) and the Nordeste low, in both cases reducing precipitation in the eastern Amazon. A direct thermal response to the Pacific SSTs enhances lowerlevel divergence and reduces precipitation from the northern tropical Atlantic to the northeastern Amazon.
Neuromodulation in the Treatment of Epilepsy

Neuromodulation devices are used in the treatment of medically refractory epilepsy. This has been defined as epilepsy with persistent seizures despite adequate trials of at least two anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs). In most cases of medically refractory partial epilepsy, the first choice of treatment is resective surgery if the seizure focus can be definitively localized and if surgery can be safely performed without causing intolerable neurologic deficits. Patients with medically refractory epilepsy who are not candidates for potentially curative surgery may benefit from the implantation of a neuromodulation device. While most of these devices require surgical implantation, they provide a significant added seizure reduction without typical medication side effects. Furthermore, the efficacy of these devices continues to improve over years. There are currently no head-to-head trials comparing the different neuromodulation devices but efficacy appears to be roughly similar. The choice of device therefore depends on the type of epilepsy, whether the seizure focus can be identified, and other clinical factors. Vagal Nerve Stimulation (VNS) does not require identification of the seizure focus and also carries an FDA indication for depression. While in the United States VNS is only approved for use in partial epilepsy, it is commonly used off-label to treat generalized seizures as well. VNS delivers stimulation on a scheduled basis, in response to patient activation, or in response to heart rate increases serving as a proxy for seizures. Responsive Neurostimulation (RNS) requires the identification of up to two seizure foci and delivers stimulation only in response to the detection of epileptiform activity. While it requires intracranial placement of electrodes, it allows for long-term monitoring of electrographic seizures and may be effective where VNS has not produced an optimal response. Deep brain stimulation of the anterior nucleus of the thalamus is not FDA approved at this time but is available in Europe and many other parts of the world. While it also carries an indication only for partial epilepsy, it does not require identification of the seizure focus and may be particularly helpful for temporal lobe epilepsy. It also appears effective in cases where VNS has not been sufficiently helpful. The Trigeminal Nerve Stimulation (TNS) system is another treatment modality which is not yet FDA approved but is available in Europe and other countries. Its mechanism of action is similar to the VNS system and it also appears to have anti-depression effects in addition to anti-epileptic benefits. However, the most compelling feature of TNS is that it is not implanted but rather applied to the skin with transdermal electrodes, typically at night.
Essential fatty acid intake and coronary heart disease risk factors among college students of 3 ethnic groups.

Objectives Few studies address gender and ethnic variations in essential fatty acid (EFA) intake and risk factors for coronary heart disease (CHD). The purpose of this study was to estimate EFA intake among college students of 3 ethnic groups and compare the relationship between EFA intake and CHD risk factors. Methods Using a cross-sectional design, 300 subjects from 3 ethnic groups—one-third (n=100) non-Hispanic white, one-third Hispanic, and one-third non-Hispanic black—completed the Cardiovascular Risk Assessment Instruments and a Food Frequency Questionnaire to determine fatty acid intake. Measured CHD risk factors were quantified as CHD Risk Point Standards (CHDRPS). Results Results showed that Hispanic females had a significantly higher mean percent intake of arachidonic acid and ratio of linoleic acid to a-linolenic acid than non-Hispanic white females, and Hispanic males had significantly higher mean percent intake of EPA and [EPA plus docosahexae-noic acid (DHA)] than non-Hispanic white males. An inverse correlation was found between CHDRPS and DHA among non-Hispanic blacks. A significant positive correlation was found between CHDRPS and linoleic acid among non-Hispanic white females, as well as serum homocysteine (tHcy) concentrations and the ratio of linoleic acid to a-linolenic acid intake among non-Hispanic black females. Conclusion Gender and ethnic differences play a role in adherence to dietary guidelines, demonstrating relevance for future research in this area.
Social Desirability Response Bias in Accounting Ethics Research

Accounting ethics researchers commonly use self-report behavioral responses to scenarios as a research tool to examine ethical judgments. A problem with self-report behavioral intention scales is the susceptibility of these scales to social desirability response bias. Specifically, some individuals have a tendency to present responses that reflect a socially desirable response, not their true beliefs and values. Some accounting ethics researchers have attempted to minimize social desirability response bias by phrasing behavioral intention items in the third person. However, prior to the current study, no direct empirical evidence was available relative to the commonly held belief that changing a statement phrased in the first person to one phrased in the third person reduces social desirability response bias. The results of this study clearly indicate that responses to behavioral intention items phrased in the first person have a statistically significant correlation with social desirability response bias. As expected, there is a lack of a statistically significant correlation between responses to the "other" phrased behavioral intentions items and social desirability response bias. Researchers are recommended to use behavioral intention items phrased in the third person to avoid problems with social desirability response bias. If researchers use behavioral intention statements phrased in the first person, then procedures to control for social desirability response bias need to be incorporated into the research design.
Proportional Aerodynamic Control of a Swept Divergent Trailing Edge Wing Using Synthetic Jets

652 215 swept wing section which notionally represented the outer 60% of a commercial aircraft wing. Wind tunnel tests were conducted at a chord Reynolds number of Rec = 85,000 in which a two-component load balance was used to measure lift and drag on the model, and ensemble-averaged PIV measurements were taken to quantify changes in ow eld near the synthetic jet orice. Continuous operation of the leading edge synthetic jets near stall angles of attack delayed ow separation thereby increasing the maximum lift coecient and stall angle of attack. Continuous operation of the trailing edge synthetic jets produced substantial lift increments throughout pre-stall angles of attack resulting in an increased lift-to-drag ratio. Furthermore, proportional changes in lift were achieved by varying the synthetic jets input amplitude and spanwise location.
Behind the Scenes of a Random Dot Stereogram

What are all those people staring at? What do they hope to see in those finely textured posters, beyond the almost random display of little flowers or paint splotches? "Look deeper into the picture." "Look beyond the surface." "Cross your eyes." "Blur your vision." Not since Rubic's Cube has a puzzle or game engaged and fascinated the public as have the currently faddish 3D illusions on display in bookstores and shopping malls across the country. For many the exercise ends in frustration, seeing nothing beyond the surface images. Could it be a case of mass hypnosis or "The Emperor's New Clothes"? For those who see the three dimensional images pop into view, there is surprise, pleasure, and wonder. Having had experiences of both types, we sympathize with those who have decided they have better things to do than stare off into space. But in fact knowing how the pictures are created, understanding the elementary geometry and optics of stereo- graphic vision, makes it much easier to see the images. We begin with the simplest example. Stare at the two dots below. If you relax your eyes you will probably see four dots. Try to merge the two middle images so that you see three dots. Once you've done that, you've seen your first, not so random, random dot stereogram. If after a few minutes you find that you cannot make yourself see three dots, you may be one of the 2% of the population which is stereoblind.
Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) Processing by Kupffer Cells Releases a Modified LPS with Increased Hepatocyte Binding and Decreased Tumor Necrosis Factor-α Stimulatory Capacity:

Normal physiological clearance of gut-derived endotoxin lipopolysaccharide [LPS] has been described previously; initially, there is uptake by Kupffer cells (KC), then release of modified LPS, followed by hepatocyte uptake. Previous work in our laboratories indicated that LPS is structurally modified with loss of carbohydrate prior to its release by KC. In this study, we functionally characterize KC modified LPS. KC-modified 125I-LPS was prepared from primary rat KC. Escherichia coli 0127:B8 native 125I-LPS or KC-modified 125I-LPS (40 ng) was incubated for 1 hr with 1 x 10E6 primary hepatocytes. The binding of KC-modified LPS was 4.33-fold higher than native LPS (P = 0.0024). Binding analysis studies were conducted to determine the region of KC-modified LPS responsible for enhanced hepatocyte binding. KC-modified Salmonella minnesota LPS was competed with 100-fold excess native or mutant (Ra, Rc, Rd, or Re) strains of LPS or Lipid A with no decrease to hepatocyte binding. S. minnesota-native 125I-LPS was compared with KC-modified 125I-LPS in a study to assess induction of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-gamma by rat peritoneal macrophages. Native or KC-modified 125I-LPS (100 ng) was presented to 1 x 10E7 peritoneal macrophages for 6 hr. TNF-alpha was measured in supernatants using the WEHI-164 cytotoxicity assay. Native LPS induced 5.7-fold higher TNF-alpha levels than KC-modified LPS (P < 0.0001). The above data suggest that structural alterations in KC-modified LPS are accompanied by functional alterations resulting in enhanced hepatocyte binding and decreased TNF-alpha release. The latter result implies that an early step in LPS detoxification occurs in the KC in which LPS is modified to prevent elicitation of biologically active cytokines.
Head-initial/head-final parameter in adult Chinese L2 acquisition of English

In this study, we investigate the role of the head-initial/head-final parameter in adult second language (L2) acquisition of English. Sixty Chinese speaking adults were tested in their elicited production of complex sentences which involved pre-and postposed adverbial subordinate clauses both with and without pronoun anaphors. Results obtained in this study match those reported earlier for Japanese speakers learning English (Flynn, 1981; 1983a; 1983b; 1984; in press). Both Japanese and Chinese are head-final languages (Kuno, 1973; Huang, 1982). Findings are used to argue for the role of the head-initial/head-final parameter in adult L2 acquisition of pronoun anaphora. They are also used to argue for a model of grammar in which parameters associated with head-direction are differentiated from parameters associated with word order (Travis, 1983; 1984). Results also provide additional empirical support for the parameter setting model of L2 acquisition currently proposed by Flynn (1983a; 1983b, in press; fort...
Research on Germany's Energy Situation and Problems

As a developed country and the fifth energy consume state in the world,the coal,oil,natural gas and nuclear energy are four pillars to Germany's economy. Though has achieved large success in optimizing energy structure and improving energy efficiency,Germany still has some energy problems need to be resolved,such as highly depended on energy input,nuclear power face politics pressure,renewable energy needs further development.
Paraquat Alters Growth, DNA and Protein Synthesis in Lung Epithelial Cell and Fibroblast Cultures:

In vivo exposure to paraquat, a bipyridyl herbicide, is associated with selective necrosis of type I and type II alveolar pneumocytes. We examined the influence of paraquat on cell growth, DNA and ...
Low contact-resistance metallization process for a nickel self-aligned contact of beyond 65nm node CMOS

We address contact plug structure with low resistance applicable to NiSi system. It consists of thin barrier layer, prepared by NH3 plasma nitrization of PE-TiCU CVD Ti (PE-TiN/Ti) at process temperature of 450degC, and W-plug with B2H6 based nucleation layer. This process enables us to reduce contact resistance down to 50% without "volcano" type defect issues due to WF6 attacking.
Undiagnosed depression in Spanish-speaking latinas exposed to intimate partner violence

Depression causes impairment worldwide and disproportionately affects women, Latinos, and those who have experienced intimate partner violence (IPV). This study assessed the prevalence of depressive symptoms among 96 Latinas exposed to IPV. While 85% of women reported clinical-level depression symptoms, only 11% had ever received a diagnosis of depression. Results indicate that greater income, injury, and depression symptoms significantly differentiated women who were diagnosed with depression from those with self-reported clinical-level depression symptoms. Undiagnosed depression is a major public health problem for low-income Latinas exposed to IPV and thus calls for the assessment of this disorder among those with limited access to care.
Site-Selective Oxidative Coupling Reactions for the Attachment of Enzymes to Glass Surfaces through DNA-Directed Immobilization.

Enzymes are able to maintain remarkably high selectivity toward their substrates while still retaining high catalytic rates. By immobilizing enzymes onto surfaces we can heterogenize these biological catalysts, making it practical to study, use, and combine them in an easily controlled system. In this work, we developed a platform that allows for the simple and oriented immobilization of proteins through DNA-directed immobilization. First, we modified a glass surface with single-stranded DNA. We then site-selectively attached the complementary DNA strand to the N-terminus of a protein. Both DNA modifications were carried out using an oxidative coupling strategy, and the DNA strands served as easily tunable and reversible chemical handles to hybridize the protein–DNA conjugates onto the surface. We have used the aldolase enzyme as a model protein to conduct our studies. We characterized each step of the protein immobilization process using fluorescent reporters as well as atomic force microscopy. We also c...
The Role of RyR2 Intersubunit Cross-Linking in SR Ca Mishandling in Failing Heart

We previously reported that oxidation of RyR2 caused formation of disulfide bonds between two subunits within the channel - intersubunit cross-linking (XL). Because intersubunit dynamics within the RyR2 determines the channel gating, XL should play an important role in RyR2 regulation. We found a strong positive correlation between the degree of RyR2 XL and sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca leak in rabbit ventricular myocytes. When the XL reached the maximum level, further oxidation of RyR2 did not enhance SR Ca leak.
Equivalence-Based Role Mining

This chapter introduces definitions of equivalences from the field of network analysis. Algorithms to unearth network nodes that are equivalent from each definition, and measures to approximate this equivalence on large networks, are discussed. The chapter focuses on structural, automorphic, and regular equivalences.
Analog Circuits in 28 nm and 14 nm FinFET

Intel Tri-Gate transistors (FinFET) further shrink MOSFET technologies and have been a disruptive semiconductor innovation offering lower area, lower supply voltage, and lower power consumption. This paper presents and compares measurements and designs implemented in the 14 nm FinFET and in a planar 28 nm technology. The impact of these novel devices and their characteristics on the overall performance of analog circuits are shown.
The Cinematic Language of Naked Protest

Recently in Africa, documentaries have appeared that revisit contemporary gendered traumas wherein women threaten to, or do, strip naked, to signal dispossession, to punish men, and to resist injus...
Continuing education offerings and conferences among state occupational therapy association

CONTEXT: Limited information exists in the literature about how state occupational therapy (OT) associations fulfill their educational mission. AIMS: The purpose of this study is to explore and seek a better understanding of how state OT associations fulfill the provision of professional development activities through continuing education (CE) offerings and conferences. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This descriptive study used a thematic survey design. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Eight presidents of state OT associations participated in an interview and answered open-ended questions related to CE opportunities their association offered. In addition, six current and past state OT association board members from different states participated in providing credibility and confirmatory feedback. Interviews were analyzed using content analysis. RESULTS: Three themes emerged from the content analysis: (1). Changing models of CE delivery; (2). Changing management strategies on CE delivery; and (3). Weighing costs and benefits of delegation and partnership with constituents. CONCLUSIONS: As revealed from the study findings, state OT associations are developing diverse models and management strategies to offer their CE delivery to meet member and nonmember needs. At the same time, they are weighing the cost and benefits of each of these methods and strategies before making decisions on which ones to adopt long-term for providing CE.
Children with kawasaki disease present elevated stiffness of great arteries: Phase-contrast MRI study.

BACKGROUND Patients with diagnosed Kawasaki disease (KD) are known to develop extracardiac vascular lesions and are prone to accelerated stiffening of medium-size arteries. PURPOSE To noninvasively evaluate great vessel (central aorta and main pulmonary artery (MPA)) stiffness using phase-contrast MRI (PC-MRI). STUDY TYPE Retrospective review. SUBJECTS Thirty-three patients with previously diagnosed KD and 15 control subjects underwent PC-MRI evaluation. FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE A free-breathing PC-MRI sequence was applied with Cartesian encoding and retrospective sorting using a 1.5 or 3.0T system. ASSESSMENT We evaluated regionally specific vessel stiffness using pulse-wave velocity (PWV) and relative area change (RAC) at the ascending aorta, descending aorta, and MPA. STATISTICAL TESTS Hemodynamics among patients with KD and controls were compared using Student's t-test, Wilcoxon Rank-sum, and χ2 . Additional group-specific comparisons were performed using Kruskal-Wallis or one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). RESULTS Patients with KD showed elevated PWV in both ascending (5.0 ± 1.2 vs. 2.4 ± 0.5, P < 0.001) and descending aorta (4.4 ± 2.1 vs. 2.8 ± 0.8, P < 0.001). RAC was correspondingly reduced in both segments (both P < 0.01). PWV measured in MPA was increased in KD patients (2.2 ± 0.5 vs. 1.5 ± 0.6, P = 0.045) while the RAC was reduced (34 ± 6 vs. 47 ± 3, P = 0.045). There were no associations between considered vessel stiffness indices and respective ventricular size and function, functional indices, and no correlations were observed with KD severity markers. DATA CONCLUSION Patients with KD have elevated great vessel stiffness measured at the chronic stage of the disease. Accelerated stiffness process does not appear to affect biventricular function in youth Level of Evidence: 1 Technical Efficacy: Stage 2 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018;47:1228-1236.
Performance Analysis and Test of a Two-Phase Closed Thermosyphon Heat Exchanger

In this study, a thermal conductance model was used to predict the performance characteristics of an air to air two-phase closed thermosyphon heat exchanger for waste heat recovery. To validate the analysis, a heat exchanger composed of 124 copper /water thermosyphons was manufactured and tested under various operating conditions. The experimental performance of the heat exchanger showed good agreement with the theoretical prediction from the aspect of engineering applications.
Headwinds to a Clean Energy Future: Nuisance Suits against Wind Energy Projects in the United States

In recent years, opponents of wind energy projects have begun employing the common and statutory law of nuisance to delay and restrict the construction of wind power developments in their neighborhoods and in nearby regions. The case law on this subject is limited, but opponents of wind developments have filed nuisance suits due to various concerns: the noise created by wind turbines; the "flicker" or "strobe" effect created when light from the rising or setting sun hits the turbine blades; the danger posed by thrown blades, ice, or collapsing towers; the unsightly or aesthetically displeasing nature of wind turbines; and
Precision Medicine for Alzheimer's Disease Prevention.

Precision medicine is an approach to medical treatment and prevention that takes into account individual variability in genes, environment, and lifestyle and allows for personalization that is based on factors that may affect the response to treatment. Several genetic and epigenetic risk factors have been shown to increase susceptibility to late-onset Alzheimer’s disease (AD). As such, it may be beneficial to integrate genetic risk factors into the AD prevention approach, which in the past has primarily been focused on universal risk-reduction strategies for the general population rather than individualized interventions in a targeted fashion. This review discusses examples of a “one-size-fits-all” versus clinical precision medicine AD prevention strategy, in which the precision medicine approach considers two genes that can be commercially sequenced for polymorphisms associated with AD, apolipoprotein E (APOE), and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR). Comparing these two distinct approaches provides support for a clinical precision medicine prevention strategy, which may ultimately lead to more favorable patient outcomes as the interventions are targeted to address individualized risks.
NMR analysis of roasted coffee lipids and development of a spent ground coffee application for the production of bioplastic precursors

Multinuclear and multidimensional NMR spectroscopy was applied as a robust and rapid tool for the analysis of several classes of non-polar compounds in roasted coffee beans, coffee beverage and spent coffee grounds. In addition to various fatty acids, other compounds found in roasted coffee lipids, include oxidation and hydrolysis products, terpenes, sterols, and phospholipids. Spent coffee grounds have a similar fatty acid composition with roasted coffee beans and they are rich in Cafestol and Kawheol, which appear as esters of fatty acids. Triglycerides extracted from coffee waste using a green chemistry approach, based on supercritical CO2 extraction, are promising candidates for the production of bioplastics. Bioplastic precursors were produced using an in situ solvent-free epoxidation process and the reaction monitoring was performed using NMR spectroscopy.
Aging Alone, Gossiping Together: Older Adults’ Talk as Social Glue

Objectives While older adults living alone face challenges to maintaining social ties, elders in urban areas also have unique opportunities for daily socializing that can buffer against loneliness. Method Drawing on 5 years of ethnographic fieldwork among elders in New York City, this study presents empirical insights into the development of supplementary neighborhood-based networks of support for older people living alone and vulnerable to isolation. Results This study finds that elders who lived alone, without close kin, engaged in daily gossip about other older people they encountered as regulars in local eateries. Despite its negative reputation, gossip helped them connect and access less conventional social support close to home. The majority resisted formal organizations, such as churches or senior centers, and thus their interactions in public venues served as an important source of social involvement. In line with Gluckman's argument (1963), gossip betrayed emotional intimacy and caretaking that connected people who could have fallen off the social radar. Discussion Higher rates of divorce and lifelong singlehood, coupled with increased longevity, will compel greater numbers of older adults to construct alternative support networks. My findings suggest that more will draw these connections from unconventional venues such as neighborhood public places.
Too fast, or not fast enough? The FAST exam in patients with non-compressible torso hemorrhage

Abstract Background Focused assessment with sonography for trauma (FAST) performance metrics are unknown in patients with non-compressible torso hemorrhage (NCTH). Methods Retrospective review of a dedicated NCTH database from four level 1 trauma centers (2008–2012). NCTH was defined as (1) named axial torso vessel disruption; (2) AIS chest or abdomen >2 with shock (base deficit Results 274 patients had a FAST prior to diagnosis of NCTH. FAST was positive in 51% of patients with abdominal/pelvic hemorrhage for a false negative rate (FNR) of 49%. FNR was higher for pelvic (61%) versus abdominal (43%) sources (p = 0.02). There was no difference between FAST negative or positive patients for ISS, shock, length of stay, or mortality (all p = NS). FNR was not improved among the subgroup of NCTH patients with shock (p = NS). Conclusion FAST identified abdominal/pelvic hemorrhage in approximately half of NCTH patients, and this was not improved among patients presenting with shock.
Intra-operative MRI vs endoscopy in achieving gross total resection of pituitary adenomas: a systematic review

Intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (iMRI) is a technology that may improve rates of gross total resection (GTR) for pituitary adenomas. The endoscope is another less expensive technology, which also may maximize resection rates. A direct comparison of these approaches and their additive benefit has never been performed. A systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) standard. PubMed and Embase databases were searched for studies that examined GTR for pituitary adenoma resection with either endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery (eTSS), microscopic transsphenoidal surgery with iMRI (mTSS + iMRI), or endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery with iMRI (eTSS + iMRI). Eighty-five studies that reported GTR rates in 7124 pituitary adenoma patients were identified. For all pituitary adenomas, eTSS had a pooled proportion of GTR of 68.9% (95% CI 64.7–73.0%) which was similar to that of mTSS + iMRI (GTR 68.3%; 95% CI = 59.4–76.5%) and eTSS + iMRI (GTR 70.7%; 95% CI = 56.9–89.6%). For the subgroup of pituitary macroadenomas, pooled proportions for GTR were similar between eTSS and mTSS + iMRI (eTSS: GTR 59.4%; 95% CI = 49.6–68.7% vs mTSS + iMRI: GTR 68.8%; 95% CI = 57.3–79.3%), and higher for eTSS + iMRI (81.1%; 95% CI = 75.5–86.2%). The post-operative CSF leak proportion for eTSS (4.7%; 95% CI = 3.6–5.9%) was similar to that for eTSS + iMRI (3.7%; 95% CI = 1.6–6.5%) and mTSS + iMRI (4.6%; 95% CI = 2.0–8.3%). No direct statistical comparisons could be performed. Final GTR proportions are similar whether the surgeon uses a microscope supplemented with iMRI or endoscope with or without iMRI. The benefit of the two technologies may be complementary for macroadenomas. These findings are important to consider when comparing the efficacy of different technical strategies in the management of pituitary adenomas.
Study on epoxy resin based thermal adhesive composite incorporated with expanded graphite/silver flake hybrids

Abstract In this paper, two types of fillers such as expanded graphite flakes (EG) of 20 μm particle size and silver flakes (Ag) of 10 μm particle size were used for thermal conductivity (TC) enhancement of neat epoxy resin. Mix and heat based simple method were used to produce hybrid thermal filler which was reinforced in epoxy for composite formation. Disc-shaped epoxy composite samples with different hybrid filler formulations were prepared by hand layup and mechanical mixing technique. The thermal conductivity of single (EG) and mixed (EG/Ag1) hybrid epoxy adhesive composites was measured according to ASTM E1530 standard at 60 °C. It was increased to 2.511 (˜13 times) and 3.42 W/mK (˜17 times) than neat epoxy at 30 wt.% loading level inside the epoxy matrix, respectively. This indicates the commercial use of this adhesive formulation for thermal interface materials application. From scanning electron microscopy (SEM), we observed the conducting network formation through EG and EG/Ag hybrids inside the low conducting epoxy matrix. The lap shear strength (LSS) of epoxy resins with the incorporation of 30 wt% EG/Ag was decreased as compared with neat epoxy.TGA analysis showed that the introduction of Ag inside epoxy hybrids has influenced more negative impact on the thermal stability of epoxy composite at initial stages.
Low Dose Epigallocatechin Gallate Alleviates Experimental Colitis by Subduing Inflammatory Cells and Cytokines, and Improving Intestinal Permeability

Background: In this study, we investigate the impact of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), the most abundant and potent catechin in green tea, on a mouse model of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and the underlying mechanisms of action. Methods: C57BL/6J mice were subjected to dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced IBD-like disease and then randomly divided into three groups: Model group (MD), low-dose EGCG group (LE, 20 mg/kg/d), and high-dose EGCG group (HE, 50 mg/kg/d). DSS-induced clinical and macroscopic changes were monitored daily. Intestinal permeability was assessed by FITC-Dextran assay. Results: Both high- and low-dose EGCG treatment alleviated clinical manifestations including body weight loss and disease activity index (DAI) of DSS-induced colitis. The DAI score was significantly improved after two days of EGCG treatment. At the end of the study, the macroscopic severity score (MSS) of HE and LE treatment groups were 2.4 ± 1.2, and 2.2 ± 1.0, respectively, significantly lower than that of the controls (5.0 ± 2.1). EGCG treatment also prevented colon shortening, and improved intestinal permeability and histopathological changes. In addition, EGCG treatment attenuated colon inflammation by suppressing colonic levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6, MCP-1, and TNF-alpha, and inhibited CD3+ T cell and CD68+ macrophage infiltration. Conclusion: EGCG is effective in inflammatory colitis because it reduces cellular and molecular inflammation, and reduces intestinal permeability.
Model discrepancy calibration across experimental settings

Abstract Despite continuing advances in the reliability of computational modeling and simulation, model inadequacy remains a pervasive concern across scientific disciplines. Further challenges are introduced into the already complex problem of “correcting” an inadequate model when experimental data is collected at varying experimental settings. This paper introduces a general approach to calibrating a model discrepancy function when the model is expected to perform for multiple experimental configurations and give predictions as a function of temporal and/or spatial coordinates.