cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Exploring Novice Programmers' Homework Practices: Initial Observations of Information Seeking Behaviors

There are many factors that contribute to the success of students learning to code. For students in introductory programming classes, one source of complexity is the availability of a wide variety of information sources. In this paper, we report observations of students seeking information when working on programming homework assignments. Our data was collected from a think-aloud protocol embedded into semi-structured, individual interviews with students enrolled in a CS1 course. We analyze our data through the lens of information seeking behavior. We observed students using multiple sources of information, including referring back to course materials and searching for information online, and discussing how they sought help from friends, classmates, and family members. Herein, we discuss implications for teaching and future research based on our initial observations. For example, instructors could consider designing early homework assignments that would prompt students to seek information and follow up this assignment with an in-class discussion about homework strategies. Future research could investigate the mechanisms by which students progress from haphazard to more strategic information seeking behaviors.
Therapy for disseminated intravascular coagulation

Disseminated intravascular coagulation(DIC) is a exceedingly complicated pathophysiological process, both pro and anti coagulation factors are activated and consumed, it is difficult to determine acute stage of the syndrome for physicians based on clinical presentations and laboratory tests, management strategy of DIC is not same due to different etiology, the dose and regimen of drug administration are uncertain.At present pediatricians usually treat children patients with DIC according to researches and guidelines for adults.The key strategies to DIC management is to treat underlying diseases aggressively so as to clear risk factors triggering extensive coagulation and resuscitate with appropriate blood products.No clinical trials have proved that heparin can improve clinical outcome, efficacies of activated protein C, antithrombin, tissue factor pathway inhibitor and thrombomodulin are needed to be verified by more high qua-lity clinical trials in DIC treatment. Key words: Disseminated intravascular coagulation; Therapy; Child
Progress of the classification and treatment of neutropenia in children

Neutrophils are the most abundant immune cells in the human, which can be caused by a variety of acquired or congenital factors.The clinical manifestation of children with neutropenia are ranging from different forms and parts, seriously affecting the quality of life.The novel sights in etiology, pathogenesis and treatment of children with acquired and congenital neutropenia are discussed. Key words: Neutropenia; Child; Classification; Treatment
Physics of Degradation in SiC MOSFETs Stressed by Overvoltage and Overcurrent Switching

This work presents the ruggedness of SiC power MOSFETs outside the safe-operating-area (SOA) conditions based on a hard-switching cycling test. The device was stressed to withstand overvoltage and overcurrent beyond their voltage and current ratings in each switching cycle. This switching cycling test was performed at an ambient temperature of 25 oC and 100 oC. Two independent degradations, one at the gate-oxide and the other at the semiconductor junction region, were observed. The second degradation has not been previously reported in the literature. Both degradations were found to accelerate at the high ambient temperature. The physics of these two device degradations were unveiled: the hot-electron induced gate-oxide degradation accounts for the first device degradation; the electron hopping through the defect states created in the stress tests accounts for the second device degradation.
Quantification of Human Hair Moisturization with Cosmetic Products by Dynamic Vapor Sorption

An attempt has been made to evaluate and quantify the moisturizing efficacy of cosmetic products by dynamic vapor sorption method. The possibility of quantifying this effect by the application of the second law of thermodynamics to sorption hysteresis has been demonstrated. The results show that the ordinary conditioner actives in rinse-off formulations show limited moisturizing capabilities. However, specially formulated products can show, quantifiably, both moisturizing and desiccating effects. From the Brunauer, Emmett and Teller (BET) theory, total pore volume obtained from the literature by nitrogen adsorption, and the sorption data from this work, it has been possible to show that the sorbed water in hair does not distribute uniformly in the hair. This is in agreement with the X-ray diffraction measurements and the more recent work on small angle neutron scattering on D2O-saturated hair.
A Collaborative Model to Support K-12 Pre-Service Teachers’ Data-Based Decision Making in Schools: Integrating Data Discussions across Stakeholders, Spaces, and Subjects

Current teacher preparation programs have received scrutiny for failing to sufficiently support teachers in valuing and developing their knowledge of data literacy. The current study explores a col...
A Quasi-Experimental Study of the Impacts of the Kids Read Now Summer Reading Program

Drawing on administrative data and reading achievement data provided by two Midwestern school districts for three schools, we analyze the literacy impacts of a replicable summer reading program, Ki...
Guillain-Barré syndrome.

The concepts of Guillain-Barre syndrome have changed substantially over the last 10 years, and the last 2 years have been no exception. Guillain-Barre syndrome is now recognized as a heterogeneous disorder with many clinical manifestations. Most current investigations are centered on the hypothesis of molecular mimicry. The major challenge now is to identify the precise mechanisms of nerve fiber injury and to determine how to prevent immune injury.
Assessment of prediction and efficiency parameters for cryogenic no-vent fill

Abstract Future long-duration crewed and robotic missions will require efficient methods with which to transfer cryogenic propellant from a depot storage tank to a customer receiver tank in the microgravity of space. Because unsettled cryogenic liquid cannot be transferred in microgravity with the vent valve open, the receiver tank must be pre-chilled to some “target temperature” that is sufficiently cold to then allow a non-vented fill (NVF). Predicting this target temperature is difficult, however, but can be done. A predictive parameter based on 1st Law from Kim et al. [13] is extended to include parasitic heat leak as well as initial fill levels to permit an assessment across the consolidated NVF and no-vent top off database. An efficiency parameter is also proposed to determine efficiency of a given injection method/tank pair. The prediction parameter is applied to 158 historical tests over a wide range of fluids, injection methods, and tank geometries. Additionally, a parametric study is conducted to determine the influential factors that affect NVF. Results indicate a 100% success rate that the parameter can predict the failure of a non-vented transfer for a given initial state and desired final state.
Soft Electrohydraulic Actuators for Origami Inspired Shape-Changing Interfaces

In this paper, we present electrohydraulic actuators for origami inspired shape-changing interfaces, which are capable of producing sharp hinge-like bends. These compliant actuators generate an immediate hydraulic force upon electrostatic activation without an external fluid supply source, are silent and fast in operation, and can be fabricated with commodity materials. We experimentally investigate the characteristics of these actuators and present application scenarios for actuating existing objects as well as origami folds. In addition, we present a software tool for the design and fabrication of shape-changing interfaces using these electrohydraulic actuators. We also discuss how this work opens avenues for other possible applications in Human Computer Interaction (HCI).
EML webinar overview: Elastic Strain Engineering for unprecedented properties

Abstract Elastic Strain Engineering (ESE) utilizes all six components of the strain tensor to guide the interactions of material structures with electrons, phonons, etc. and control energy, mass and information flows. The success of Strained Silicon technology today harbingers what deep ESE (>5% elastic strain in a large enough space–time volume) may accomplish for civilization, with likely breakthroughs in electronics, photonics, superconductivity, quantum information processing, etc. In this webinar I give examples of exploiting the strain and strain-gradient design space of nanostructured materials. Inhomogeneous elastic strain patterns lead to dynamically tunable artificial atoms and pseudo-heterostructures to regulate quasiparticle energetics and motion. Strain also governs crystal defect charging levels, carrier effective mass, direct-to-indirect bandgap and band topology transitions, etc. which can be efficiently sampled by quantum mechanical calculations and represented by machine-learning models such as neural network (NN) representations. Technology computer-aided design (TCAD) finite-element simulations with first-principles machine-learned (FPML) constitutive relations coupled to topology optimization (TO) tools are being developed to guide the design of freely suspended, micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) devices in fin-field-effect transistor (FinFET) like geometries. Productions of kilogram-scale nanowire composites and metallic glasses under large tensile elastic strain have also been demonstrated for energy technology applications, that can lead to better superconductors, catalysts and magnets. By controlling the strain patterns, one opens up a much larger parameter space - on par with chemical alloying - for optimizing the functional properties of materials, thus fulfilling Feynman’s vision “There’s Plenty of Room at the Bottom”. EML webinar speakers, videos, and overviews can be found at https://imechanica.org/node/24098 .
Beached Sargassum alters sand thermal environments: Implications for incubating sea turtle eggs

Abstract Global environmental change has featured a rise in macroalgae blooms. These events generate immense amounts of biomass that can subsequently arrive on shorelines . Such a scenario has been playing out since 2011 in the tropical and subtropical Atlantic, where Sargassum spp. have been causing periodic ‘golden tides’ in coastal habitats. Here we describe impacts on sea turtle nesting ecology, with a focus on the below-ground thermal environment for incubating eggs. Sargassum may blanket the surface of beaches due to natural wave or wind energy and can be redistributed via anthropogenic beach cleaning. When it covers egg clutches, it may alter incubation temperatures and therefore affect both embryonic survival and primary sex ratios. To evaluate the thermal impacts of Sargassum, we measured sand temperatures with data loggers buried under Sargassum cover treatments on a beach in Antigua, West Indies . Our split-plot experiment also tested for effects from shade, season (summer versus autumn), and high rainfall events. We modeled temperatures with a mixed-effects model and, surprisingly, our most compelling finding suggested that Sargassum's effects on below-ground temperatures were contingent on season. Greater Sargassum cover was associated with a cooling effect in the summer but warming in the autumn. We assume that the model term for season integrates several climate-related factors that vary seasonally in the Eastern Caribbean and modulate Sargassum's impact, including windspeeds. Comparing estimated marginal means for the high-cover treatments versus the controls, Sargassum cover led to a 0.21 °C increase in the autumn and a 0.17 °C decrease in the summer; these thermal changes can significantly impact developmental outcomes for sea turtle embryos. Atlantic nesting beach managers should monitor this macroalgal phenomenon and can use these data to begin to infer impacts on sea turtle populations and develop potential management strategies.
PmtA Regulates Pyocyanin Expression and Biofilm Formation in Pseudomonas aeruginosa

The opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa expresses a small molecular weight, cysteine-rich protein (PmtA) identified as a metallothionein (MT) protein family member. MT family proteins have been well-characterized in eukaryotes as essential for zinc and copper homeostasis, protection against oxidative stress, and ability to modify a variety of immune activities. Bacterial MTs share sequence homology, antioxidant chemistry, and heavy metal-binding capacity with eukaryotic MT, but the impact of bacterial MTs on virulence and infection have not been well-studied. In the present study, we investigated the role of PmtA in P. aeruginosa PAO1 using a PmtA-deficient strain (ΔpmtA) and assessed its role in the production of virulence factors known to be important for infection. Here we demonstrate the potent virulence factor pyocanin, which induced oxidative stress, relies on the expression of PmtA. PmtA may be protective against oxidative stress, as exogenous antioxidant can rescue pyocyanin expression. Furthermore, the expression of phzM, which encodes a pyocyanin precursor enzyme, was decreased in the ΔpmtA mutant during early stationary phase. Upregulated pmtA expression was previously detected in confluent biofilms, which are essential for chronic infection, and we observed that the ΔpmtA mutant was disrupted for biofilm formation. Since biofilms also modulate antibiotic susceptibility, we examined the ΔpmtA mutant susceptibility to antibiotics and found that the ΔpmtA mutant is more susceptible to cefepime and ciprofloxacin than the wild-type strain. Finally, we observed that the deletion of pmtA results in decreased virulence in a waxworm model compared to the wild-type strain. Taken together, our results support the conclusion that PmtA is necessary for the full virulence of P. aeruginosa and may represent a potential target for therapeutic intervention.
The Victorian Novel and the Space of Art: Fictional Form on Display

This interdisciplinary study argues for the vital importance of visual culture as a force shaping the Victorian novel's formal development and reading history. It shows how authors like Charles Dickens, William Makepeace Thackeray, Wilkie Collins and Thomas Hardy borrowed language and conceptual formations from art world spaces - the art market, the museum, the large-scale exhibition, and art critical discourse - not only when they chose certain subjects or refined certain aspects of realism, but also when they tried to adapt various genres of the novel for a new and newly vociferous mass audience. Quandaries specific to new forms of public display affected authors' sense of their relationship with their own public. Debates about how best to appreciate a new mass of visual information impacted authors' sense of how people read, and consequently the development of particular novel forms like the multi-plot novel, the historical novel, the sensation novel, and fin-de-siecle fiction.
Modulation Doped FETs

The sections in this article are 1 Analytical Description of Modulation Doped Field Effect Transistors 2 Power Modeling 3 Processing 4 Channel Design 5 Modfet Performance 6 AIGaN/GaN Modfets 7 Si1−xGex Modfet Structures 8 Conclusion 9 Acknowledgments
CHAPTER 4 - First Results Using the Nion Third-Order Scanning Transmission Electron Microscope Corrector

The initial studies using the Nion third-order aberration corrector in the scanning transmission electron (STEM) were intended to characterize the probe size performance and to explore some limits of the performance. It was found that multislice calculations are needed to fully understand the imaging results at this probe size, and that it is possible to use measured aberration coefficients to accurately define the initial probe wave function for the multislice simulation. An efficient multislice method was developed to deal with high-angle annular dark-field (HAADF) STEM imaging in thin nonperiodic structures. New instrumental capability often raises new questions. These preliminary studies are very good examples of this behavior. In the past, single-atom behavior was not normally visible, particularly within crystalline structure, and so the possibility of atomic movement during imaging was not considered in the absence of obvious extensive damage.
The basic helix‐loop‐helix differentiation factor Nex1/MATH‐2 functions as a key activator of the GAP‐43 gene

Nex1/MATH-2 is a neurogenic basic Helix-Loop-Helix (bHLH) transcription factor that belongs to the NeuroD subfamily. Its expression parallels that of the GAP-43 gene and peaks during brain development, when neurite outgrowth and synaptogenesis are highly active. We previously observed a direct correlation between the levels of expression of Nex1 and GAP-43 proteins, which resulted in extensive neurite outgrowth and neuronal differentiation of PC12 cells in the absence of nerve growth factor. Since the GAP-43 gene is a target for bHLH regulation, we investigated whether Nex1 could regulate the activity of the GAP-43 promoter. We found that among the members of the NeuroD subfamily, Nex1 promoted maximal activity of the GAP-43 promoter. The Nex1-mediated activity is restricted to the conserved E1–E2 cluster located near the major transcription start sites. By electrophoretic mobility shift assay and site-directed mutagenesis, we showed that Nex1 binds as homodimers and that the E1 E-box is a high affinity binding site. We further found that Nex1 released the ME1 E-protein-mediated repression in a concentration dependent manner. Thus, the E1–E2 cluster has a dual function: it can mediate activation or repression depending on the interacting bHLH proteins. Finally, a series of N-terminal and C-terminal deletions revealed that Nex1 transcriptional activity is linked to two distinct transactivation domains, TAD1 and TAD2, with TAD1 being unique to Nex1. Together, our results suggest that Nex1 may engage in selective interactions with components of the core transcriptional machinery whose assembly is dictated by the architecture of the GAP-43 promoter and cellular environment.
Metabolic syndrome and sleep duration in police officers.

OBJECTIVES To examine associations for sleep quality and quantity with metabolic syndrome (MS) and its five components in police officers. PATIENTS OR PARTICIPANTS The study population consisted of 98 randomly selected officers (39 women and 59 men) for whom MS and sleep data were available. METHODS Sleep duration (categorized as short < 6 hours, long ≥ 6 hours) for the past week and quality of sleep were collected by interviewer-administered questionnaires. MS was assessed using standard criteria. Generalized linear models were used to assess associations between sleep duration or sleep quality and MS, and the mean number of MS components. RESULTS Metabolic syndrome was present in 22.0% and 2.6% of the male and female officers, respectively. Women with short sleep had a significantly higher mean number of MS components (mean=1.43) than those with longer sleep (mean=0.81, p=0.0316). Officers who stopped breathing during the night had more MS components (mean=2.43) compared to those who did not (mean =1.13, p=0.0206). CONCLUSIONS Sleep duration and quality were associated with the mean number of MS components, particularly in women. Future research should examine these associations prospectively, in a larger cohort, exploring possible gender differences.
Osmotic Strength, Osmolality, and Osmolarity

The confusion that often exists between osmolality and osmolarity is discussed, and the clinical importance of careful distinction between these terms is emphasized. The clinical effects of abnormal osmotic strength of parenteral solutions, methods of determining osmolality and osmolarity, and the practical applications of these concepts are reviewed. Although osmolality can be determined experimentally (whereas osmolarity cannot) it is difficult or impossible to use osmolality in calculations associated with the extemporaneous preparation and administration of fluids such as i.v. admixtures. Hence, there is a need in many cases for product labels to state both osmolality and osmolarity.
Differences in the Outcomes of Work and Family Conflict Between Family‐ and Nonfamily Businesses: An Examination of Business Founders

This study examined the effects of work and family conflict on work tension for founders of family versus nonfamily businesses. Drawing on a model of conflict between work and family roles, it was predicted that founders of family businesses would experience significantly greater work tension from family–work conflict than for founders of nonfamily businesses. Conversely, it was predicted that work–family conflict would exert more negative effects on founders of nonfamily businesses than for those running family businesses. Results from a national (United States) sample of business founders supported these predictions. Implications for the management of work and family conflict in family versus nonfamily businesses are discussed.
An analysis of 4D variational data assimilation and its application

In this paper, we give an analysis and a general procedure for 4D variational data assimilation (4D-Var). In functional partial differential equation setting, the adjoint equation method, sensitivity analysis, and multicomponent operator splitting are discussed. Nonlinear optimization methods and convergence analysis are also investigated for 4D-Var.
Phase stability and grain boundary structure in the Cu-Bi system

Cu-Bi system is a model system for studies of interfacial phenomena, such as segregation and segregation induced faceting. In previous studies it was found that there is a strong preference for Σ = 3}111{-}111{ type facets, and their atomic structure was successfully resolved by combining high-resolution electron microscopy and computer simulation using Finnis-Sinclair type interatomic potential. The resolved grain-boundary structure was examined usingab initio full-potential linear muffin-tin orbital method by calculating formation enthalpies of several (hypothetical) Cu-Bi compounds under pressure. It was found that there is no driving force for the ordered alloy formed at the boundary to grow into a three-dimensional phase and thus specific interfacial phases are formed in this system. The range of applicability of Finnis-Sinclair potential used in the previous studies was also investigated by comparison withab initio calculations, and it was shown that the potential is entirely appropriate when Cu concentration is higher than about 66 at. %. In those cases the Cu-Bi system exhibits metallic behavior.
Comparison of weather service heat indices using a thermal model

Abstract The US and Canadian weather service heat indices were evaluated to determine if one is a better predictor of the risk of heat injury. Heat index values were compared to the rectal temperature predicted by a heat-balanced-based thermal model to determine if there was a statistically significant relation between the heat index values and predicted rectal temperature. R 2 values ranged between 0.96 and 0.99 for the conditions investigated. Equations that predicted rectal temperature from the heat indices are presented. Both indices are highly correlated with predicted rectal temperatures.
Validation of ozone monitoring instrument SO2 measurements in the Okmok volcanic cloud over Pullman, WA, July 2008

[1] The ozone monitoring instrument (OMI), launched on the EOS/Aura satellite in July 2004, makes daily global observations of natural and anthropogenic SO2 emissions with unprecedented spatial resolution. Here we present the first robust comparison of OMI volcanic SO2 retrievals with ground−based instrumentation, using direct Sun observations of the Okmok volcanic cloud from Washington State University (WSU) in Pullman, WA on 18–20 July 2008. These measurements were made by the multifunction differential optical absorption spectroscopy (MFDOAS) instrument developed at WSU, as the Okmok cloud drifted over Pullman in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere (UTLS). Observation conditions were favorable with cloud-free skies and a relatively homogeneous volcanic cloud distribution on OMI ground pixel scales (∼20–50 km). Movement of the Okmok cloud north and south of Pullman over a period of several days permitted comparison with three OMI overpasses with SO2 column amounts above the SO2 background level. The total SO2 columns measured by MFDOAS during OMI overpasses were 3.11 ± 0.23 Dobson units (DU), 1.75 ± 0.16 DU and 1.22 ± 0.18 DU (1 DU = 2.69 × 1016 molecules/cm2 = 0.029 g/m2). Comparison of ground-based direct Sun and operational and off-line OMI retrievals show an excellent agreement, providing the first validation of OMI measurements of volcanic SO2 in the UTLS.
A mathematical model for glucose-insulin interaction

Abstract Mathematical analyses of lumped models for the glucose-insulin system are made for linear and quadratic inhibition of insulin release. Trajectories of the models in the hodograph and time planes are determined, and a comparison of the inhibitory processes is presented. Numerical results for glucose and insulin levels and for other pertinent quantities are given for dimensionless forms of the differential systems for selected values of structural parameters.
Advocating for Social Justice in Academia through Recruitment, Retention, Admissions, and Professional Survival.

There has been a growing focus on integrating social justice issues in counseling and counseling psychology fields. In this article, the author explores some of the opportunities and responsibilities that social justice-oriented counseling faculty have within institutions of higher education. Specific areas of focus are recruitment, retention, admissions, and professional survival. Se esta prestando una atencion creciente a la integracion de las cuestiones de justicia social en los campos de la consejeriay la terapia psicologica. En este articulo, el autor explora algunas de las oportunidades y responsabilidades que la consejeria orientada a la justicia social ofrece a las instituciones de educacion superior. Algunas areas especificas de interes son la contratacion, la retencion, las admisiones y la supervivencia profesional.
Soft Spin 3/2 Fermions Require Gravity and Supersymmetry

Abstract If massless fermions of spin 3 2 have non-vanishing low-energy couplings, the fermions must have massless partners of spin 2, and all particles to which the fermions couple must display supersymmetry.
Suppression of Shivering during Hypothermia Using a Novel Drug Combination in Healthy Volunteers

Background Hypothermia may be beneficial in stroke victims; however, it provokes vigorous shivering. Buspirone and dexmedetomidine each linearly reduce the shivering threshold with minimal sedation and no respiratory depression. This study tested the hypotheses that the combination of buspirone and dexmedetomidine would (1) synergistically reduce the shivering threshold, (2) synergistically reduce the gain and maximum intensity of shivering, and (3) produce sufficient inhibition to permit cooling to 34 degrees C without excessive hypotension or sedation. Methods Eight healthy men were randomly assigned on 4 days to (1) no drug, (2) buspirone (60 mg orally), (3) dexmedetomidine (intravenous infusion to target plasma concentration of 0.6 ng/ml), or (4) combination of buspirone and dexmedetomidine at same doses. Lactated Ringer's solution (approximately 3 degrees C) was infused intravenously to decrease tympanic membrane temperature by 1.5 degrees C/h. Shivering threshold was defined as an increase in oxygen consumption greater than 20%. Sedation was evaluated using the Observer's Assessment of Sedation/Alertness scale. Results Mean arterial pressure and heart rate were slightly lower on dexmedetomidine and combination days. Likewise, the level of sedation was statistically different on these 2 days but clinically unimportant. Buspirone reduced the shivering threshold from 36.6 degrees C +/- 0.4 degrees C to 35.9 degrees C +/- 0.4 degrees C, dexmedetomidine reduced it to 34.7 degrees C +/- 0.5 degrees C, and the combination to 34.1 +/- 0.4 degrees C. The interaction effect of 0.04 degrees C was not significant. The gain of shivering and maximum shivering intensity were similar on each day. Conclusions The combination of buspirone and dexmedetomidine additively reduced the shivering threshold. Thus, supplementing dexmedetomidine with buspirone blocks shivering and causes only minimal sedation.
The disc method

The well known Bochner’s Extension Theorem states that holomorphic functions defined in a connected neighborhood of the boundary of any bounded domain in C, n > 1, extend holomorphically to the interior of the domain. There are three classical methods for proving such a result: 1: Using the Bochner-Martinelli kernel to extend functions to the inside. 2. To use solutions of ∂ with compact support. 3. Pushing discs. The first two methods are well established. The third method is folklore. The purpose of this paper is to show that contrary to folklore this method does not work. The above extension theorem cannot be proved by pushing discs step by step towards the interior. However, we are interested in proving the extension theorem in complex manifolds and, hence, would like to avoid pushing discs to the outside.
Total synthesis of calicheamicin .gamma.1I. 3. The final stages

The first total synthesis of calicheamicin γ 1 I (1) has been achieved. The stereoselective glycosidation, joining the appropriately functionalized aglycon 3 with the oligosaccharide fragment 2, was realized uding Schmidt's trichloroacetimidate methodology. Segment 4, equipped with the photolabile 2-nitrobenzyl group at the reducing end, was synthesized using similar chemistry to that applied to the synthesis of its methyl glycoside counterpart (see accompanying paper). Stereoselective reduction of oxime 31, obtained from the coupling product, with NaCNBH 3 in the presence of BF 3 -OEt 2 , late in the synthetic scheme, generated the desired alkoxylamine 32 and its A-4 isome 32-epi
Q-switched alexandrite laser treatment (755 nm) of professional and amateur tattoos

Abstract Background: Several laser techniques have been proposed for the removal of decorative tattoos. The lasers that have been used most successfully are Q-switched red or near-infrared systems because of their ability to target tattoo pigment selectively with minimal risk of scarring or permanent pigmentary changes. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to determine the clinical effectiveness of the newest Q-switched system, the alexandrite laser, in removing amateur and professional tattoos and to observe side effects. Methods: Twenty-four multicolored professional tattoos and 18 blue-black amateur tattoos were treated with the Q-switched alexandrite laser (755 nm, 100 nsec) at 2-month intervals until total clearing was achieved. The 510 nm pulsed dye laser was used to treat tattoos that contained red pigment. Results: Professional tattoos required an average of 8.5 alexandrite laser treatments for total clearance, whereas only 4.6 treatments were necessary to remove amateur tattoos. Red tattoo pigment was successfully treated with an average of two 510 nm pulsed dye laser sessions. No scarring or long-standing pigmentary changes were seen in laser-irradiated skin. Conclusion: The Q-switched alexandrite laser is highly effective in removing multicolored professional and amateur tattoos without adverse sequelae. The 510 nm pulsed dye laser was useful in eliminating red tattoo pigment.
PI3K/AKT signaling and systemic autoimmunity

The phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling axis plays an important role in cellular proliferation and growth signaling. With respect to the immune system, a growing body of data is helping to elucidate the role of this pathway in lymphocyte development, as well as to show how perturbations that lead to unregulated activation in this pathway may produce systemic autoimmunity or malignancy. Various knockout and transgenic murine models have been described for key mediators of this signaling pathway. Many of these models resulting in the activation of this pathway demonstrate features of systemic autoimmunity, linking this pathway to autoimmune disease. Here, we review recently described murine models that exhibit activated PI3K/Akt signaling and the potential role this pathway in autoimmune disease, and also discuss the therapeutic implications of these findings.
Efficacies of inocula on the startup of anaerobic reactors treating dairy manure under stirred and unstirred conditions

Inocula play an important role in anaerobic reactor startup by balancing the populations of Syntrophobacter and methanogens. Such balances make syntrophic metabolism thermodynamically feasible in anaerobic digestion. In this study, the effect of inocula on the performance of dairy manure digestion was investigated by analyzing the change in volatile fatty acids (VFA), total solids (TS), volatile solids (VS), specific biogas production (SGPR), and specific methane production (SPMP) as well as scanning and transmission electron micrographs. The study was performed at four treatments. Treatment one was granular sludge (GM); treatment two was non-granular sludge (SM); treatment three was mixed culture from an anaerobic lagoon (LM); while the fourth treatment (the control denoted MM) did not receive any exogenous inocula. In addition, stirred and unstirred conditions were maintained in the reactors to determine their effect on reactor startup. Performance ranking based on the SGPR and SPMP of treatments (in descending order) was: GM, SM, LM and MM under stirred conditions. Under unstirred conditions, performance ranking (also in descending order) was: SM, GM, LM, and MM. Results of the examination of microcolonies in the granular, non-granular sludge, and dairy manure suggest that syntrophic juxtaposition of methanogens and Syntrophobacter in granular inoculum was common while it was less visible in non-granular sludge, and completely absent in dairy manure.
Advances in lupus genetics.

Purpose of review The purpose of this review is to highlight recent progress in defining the effects of variation in the germline DNA sequence on the susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus. Recent findings The genetic contributions to lupus susceptibility have been increasingly defined in recent years, although a large proportion of the genetic heritability of this disease remains undiscovered. Various approaches have been taken to determine this 'missing heritability' and to further characterize the known genetic effects in order to more fully elucidate the cause and pathogenesis of this complex and heterogenous disease. Summary Characterizing the genetic contributions to lupus and their functional effects will advance our understanding of the biology of this disease and aid in the development of new therapeutics.
Brazilian Regional Power in the Development of Mercosul

President Fernando Henrique Cardoso's government presided over three critical junctures in the development of the Common Market of the South (Mercosul): the attempted military coup in Paraguay in 1996, the devaluation of the Brazilian real in 1999, and the Argentine economic crisis in 2002. Its responses to these events were critical to the development of Mercosul because of Brazil's unique position as the largest country in the bloc. Many theories of free trade and regional integration hold that economic integration requires a regionally preponderant power that acts as a core provider of collective goods for member states. When such a power provides benefits, satisfaction among the member states increases and the likelihood of integration is increased. An examination of the Cardoso government's policies during the three critical junctures suggests that regional integration declined when Argentina incurred costs during the Brazilian currency crisis and increased when Cardoso's government provided aid duri...
Investigation of time into red for red light-related crashes

This paper describes a research effort to determine the time into red of 63 red light-related crashes. From these 63 crashes, the relationship of time into red and the red light-related crash type is explored, as are relationships to other factors. From the red light-related crashes investigated, it was found that red light-related crash type was related to time into red. Other factors were not found to be related to time into red, although the sample size and selection method prevented any definitive findings. A brief discussion of the possible safety effectiveness of the all-red interval is also included. The time into red of red light-related crashes is related to the time into red of red light violations, so a characterization of red light violations and crashes is provided, along with suggested red light violation countermeasure classifications for each type of red light violation.
Trimethylsilyl Esters: Temporary Protection of Carboxylic Acids During Hydroboration Reactions

Abstract Carboxylic acid are readily protected during hydroboration reactions by converting them to the corresponding trimethylsilyl esters.
Microstructure and scaling effects in the damage of WC-Co alloys by single impacts of hard particles

The size and nature of the craters produced by single impacts of angular Al2O3 particles on WC-Co alloys (6 to 50 wt% Co) were investigated as a function of microstructure, impacting particle size (63 to 405 μm), velocity (35 to 93 m sec−1) and angle of impact (30 to 90°). In general, the size of the craters increased with increase in particle size and velocity and with cobalt content of the target. Two distinct types of behaviour occurred depending on the number of WC grains encompassed by the projected area of the crater. When the number was less than 10, the crater was formed mainly by cracking of WC grains (brittle regime); when it was more than 100, the crater resulted mainly from the plastic deformation of the binder phase (ductile regime). The cracking of the WC grains in the brittle regime did not have the typical appearance of either cone or lateral cracks. The behaviour in the ductile regime correlated reasonably well with the model for plastic indentation; the derived work of plastic deformation was, however, only about 10% of the initial kinetic energy of the impacting particle. Besides the usual elastic effects, fragmentation of particles was considered to be responsible for a significant fraction of the kinetic energy loss, The effects of microstructure of the target on the crater size in the ductile regime was deduced to be mainly through its effect on the hardness, which was given reasonably well by the Lee and Gurland relation.
Histologic structures preserved for 21,300 years

Histologic examination of rehydrated tissue samples from late Pleistocene (Alaskan) mammal mummies demonstrates that the preservative effect of freezing and drying extends to remains 15,000 to 25,000 years old. Some muscle and liver tissue retained identifiable histologic structures. Most tissues were completely disintegrated and partly replaced by masses of bacteria, an indication of considerable postmortem decay before the remains were entombed beneath the permafrost zone.
A parallel-vector equation solver for distributed-memory computers

Abstract A parallel-vector equation solver is presented for solving large linear systems of equations on computers with distributed memory. Block-skyline storage scheme along with vector-unrolling techniques are used to enhance the vector performance. Communications among processors are carried out concurrently with arithmetic operations to reduce the total execution time. Numerical results (including solving an aircraft structure) on the Intel iPSC/860 parallel-vector computer are presented to demonstrate the efficiency and accuracy of the proposed equation solver.
Static structure factor of liquid sodium

Abstract The static structure factor of liquid sodium at 100°C and 200°C are calculated using a realistic metallic interaction and the Andersen-Chandler-Weeks method. Good agreement with recent highly accurate X-ray measurement is achieved.
Divided Government, Political Turnover, and State Bond Ratings

Credit markets face an inherent risk that derives from future policy changes when considering the purchase of debt issued by state governments. An enacting government coalition issuing long-term debt cannot make a credible commitment to maintain the existing debt repayment policy into the future. In the face of this commitment problem, investors (and the rating agencies that serve those investors) look to recent political turnover and the existence of divided government to estimate the possibility that some future government coalition will remain substantially similar to the enacting coalition. Political turnover and divided government suggest to the credit markets that future coalitions may act opportunistically regarding debt repayment. This risk of opportunistic behavior, we argue, manifests in lower ratings of state debt. We empirically examine this claim in a model of state bond ratings from 1995 through 2000.
The relationship between weight loss and health-related quality of life in persons treated for head and neck cancer

Purpose This study explores the relationship between weight loss, health-related quality of life (HRQOL), and symptom burden in patients treated for head and neck cancers.
Nonchemical pest control in China rice: a review

Major pests such as blast, sheath blight, bacterial blight, plant hoppers, leaf folder, and stem borers occur in rice paddy fields. These pests cause high damage to the grain and straw yield. The application of high N fertilizer loads increases the predisposition of rice crops to be infected by pests. Many agrochemicals used to control pests lead to pest adaptation and resistance, loss of soil fertility and organic carbon, soil erosion, decreasing biodiversity, and desertification. Chemical fertilizers and pesticides unduly applied also lead to major impact on environment and food safety. Here, we review nonchemicals control methods such as genomic diversity of rice host; cultural practices; physical measures; duck, fish, and bullfrog with rice commensalism; and biogas fermentative liquid and residue. We also discuss the current progress of nonchemical control methods in China.
3K-1 Integrated and Flexible Piezoelectric Ultrasonic Transducers

Thick (>40 mum) ceramic films as piezoelectric and ultrasonic transducers (UTs) have been successfully deposited on metallic and non-metallic substrates by a spray technique. In the film fabrication a composite consisting of piezoelectric powders well mixed with solution of high dielectric constant is directly sprayed onto the substrate. It is then dried, fired or annealed by heat. Multiple coating is used to achieve preferred thicknesses. A corona poling is utilized to achieve the piezoelectricity of the film. The top electrode is accomplished by a painting method. All fabrication processes can be carried out on-site and by handheld devices. Integrated ultrasonic longitudinal, shear, surface and plate wave transducers have been made. The same technology has been also used to fabricate flexible transducers consisting of a thin substrate, a piezoelectric ceramic film and electrodes. The flexibility is realized owing to the porosity of piezoelectric film and the thinness of the piezoelectric film, substrate and electrodes. All transducers have been tested at least up to 150degC. Their applications for non-destructive testing of different materials are demonstrated
MRI of articular cartilage at microscopic resolution

This review briefly summarises some of the definitive studies of articular cartilage by microscopic MRI (µMRI) that were conducted with the highest spatial resolutions. The article has four major sections. The first section introduces the cartilage tissue, MRI and µMRI, and the concept of image contrast in MRI. The second section describes the characteristic profiles of three relaxation times (T1, T2 and T1ρ) and self-diffusion in healthy articular cartilage. The third section discusses several factors that can influence the visualisation of articular cartilage and the detection of cartilage lesion by MRI and µMRI. These factors include image resolution, image analysis strategies, visualisation of the total tissue, topographical variations of the tissue properties, surface fibril ambiguity, deformation of the articular cartilage, and cartilage lesion. The final section justifies the values of multidisciplinary imaging that correlates MRI with other technical modalities, such as optical imaging. Rather than an exhaustive review to capture all activities in the literature, the studies cited in this review are merely illustrative.
Neural form of voltage-dependent sodium current in human cultured dental pulp cells.

Abstract Intradental, i.e. pulpal, cells may play an important part in sensory transduction in teeth, although the cellular mechanisms and the identity of the specific cell types involved are still unclear. Because the majority of cells in dental pulp are derived from neural crest, it seemed likely that these might have the membrane properties of other neural-derived cells found in the peripheral or central nervous system. The patch-clamp recording technique was used to show that cells in explant cultures from human dental pulp contain a voltage-gated, tetrodotoxin-sensitive inward current. Mean activation potential of the current was −42 ± 2.5 mV and the voltage at half-inactivation was −79.4 ± 5.3 mV, suggesting a neural-like sodium conductance. In addition, these cells were immunoreactive to glial acidic fibrillary protein, growth-associated protein (GAP-43), and vimentin, further suggesting that dental pulp contains a population of cells with membrane properties similar to neuronal satellite cells. These cells may contribute, either directly or indirectly, to somatosensation in teeth.
Simplified, rapid method for cloning of virus-binding polypeptides (putative receptors) via the far-Western screening of a cDNA expression library using purified virus particles

A simplified, alternative method for cloning virus-binding polypeptides (receptor candidates) is described. The method is based on a far-Western assay using purified tomato spotted wilt tospovirus (TSWV, Bunyaviridae) for screening a lambda-phage cDNA expression library. The western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis Pergande, the principal vector of TSWV, in which the virus replicates, was used for library construction. Using this method several virus-binding polypeptides were identified, it eliminated the need for (a) a cellular infection or binding system, (b) the identification, cloning and expression of a functional viral attachment protein, or (c) the purification of the virus receptor. Using this method, virus-binding polypeptides can be selected and cloned in a very short period of time and used in subsequent experiments for determination of their biological relevance as virus receptors and/or tested for potential usefulness as inhibitors of virus transmission and/or infection.
Mafa expression enhances glucose-responsive insulin secretion in neonatal rat beta cells

Aim/hypothesis Neonatal beta cells lack glucose-stimulated insulin secretion and are thus functionally immature. We hypothesised that this lack of glucose responsiveness results from a generalised low expression of genes characteristic of mature functional beta cells. Important glucose-responsive transcription factors, Mafa and Pdx1, regulate genes involved in insulin synthesis and secretion, and have been implicated in late beta cell development. The aim of this study was to assess whether Mafa and/or Pdx1 regulates the postnatal functional maturation of beta cells.