cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Omega-3 Fatty Acids Eicosapentaenoic Acid and Docosahexaenoic Acid in the Management of Hypercalciuric Stone Formers

Objective To investigate the use of fish oil in the dietary management of hypercalciuric stone formers. Prostaglandins have been linked to urinary calcium excretion, suggesting a role for omega-3 fatty acids in the treatment of hypercalciuric urolithiasis. Methods We retrospectively studied a cohort of patients treated at our stone clinics from July 2007 to February 2009. Patients' urinary risk factors for stone disease were evaluated with pre- and post-intervention 24-hour urine collections. All patients received empiric dietary recommendations for intake of fluids, sodium, protein, and citric juices. All subjects with hypercalciuria (urinary calcium >250 mg/d for males or >200 mg/d for females) on at least two 24-hour urine collections were counseled to supplement their diet with fish oil (1200 mg/d). Results Twenty-nine patients were followed for 9.86 ± 8.96 months. The mean age was 43.38 ± 13.78 years. Urinary calcium levels decreased in 52% of patients, with 24% converting to normocalciuria. The average urinary calcium (mg/d) decreased significantly from baseline (329.27 ± 96.23 to 247.47 ± 84.53, P P = .0004). Urinary citrate (mg/d) increased in 62% of subjects from baseline (731.67 ± 279.09 to 940.22 ± 437.54, P = .0005). Calcium oxalate supersaturation decreased in 38% of the subjects significantly from baseline (9.73 ± 4.48 to 3.68 ± 1.76, P = .001). Conclusion Omega-3 fatty acids combined with empiric dietary counseling results in a measurable decrease in urinary calcium and oxalate excretion and an increase in urinary citrate in hypercalciuric stone formers.
Cellular Snow Generation—A Doppler Radar Study

Abstract Snow generating cells were observed by vertically pointing Doppler radar. Analysis was carried out in three distinct regions. The region exhibiting cellular structure was found to consist of convective elements with vertical velocities ±1.5 m s−1 in magnitude. A generation region was found to exist beneath the convective region with updrafts of 0.5 in s−1 sustained over a 7 km path length which originated at a generating level less than 75 m in depth associated with an inversion layer. The trail region below exhibited maximum downdrafts of 0.5 m s−1 or no net vertical motions. Maximum ice content was estimated to be no larger than 0.24 g m−2 in the convective cells. Growth appeared to take place throughout the rise and fall of the snow crystals in the updraft regions.
Synthesis and characterization of electrodeposited nanocrystalline nickel–iron alloys

Abstract Nickel–iron nanocrystalline alloys with different compositions and grain sizes were fabricated by electrodeposition. The iron content of the deposits was changed by varying the Ni/Fe ion ratio in the electrolyte. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis was applied for measuring the lattice parameter, grain size and the level of internal strain of the deposits. The strength of the alloys was evaluated by microhardness testing. The results of this study revealed that at a constant grain size of approximately 11 nm the hardness depends strongly on the iron content. The hardness showed a maximum around 20% Fe. The grain size of the alloys with 4–6% iron was very sensitive to the deposition conditions. The hardness of these alloys followed the Hall–Petch relationship. The alloys with equal or more than 35% Fe cracked upon deposition. The tendency to cracking was correlated with the level of internal stresses in the deposits.
Fucokinase, its anomeric specificity and mechanism of phosphate group transfer.

Abstract Fucokinase phosphorylates l -fucose at the anomeric position and, as such, might use either the α or β anomer as its substrate. Examination of the utilization of radiolabelled α and α,β mixtures established β- l -fucose as the required substrate. Phosphorylation at the anomeric center might involve either the loss or retention of the anomeric oxygen. The mechanism has been shown to involve anomeric oxygen retention through mass spectrometric analysis of the product phosphate derived from 18O-labelled l -fucose.
Transcriptional potential of the γ-globin gene is dependent on the CACCC box in a developmental stage-specific manner

To test the role of CACCC box on γ-globin gene activation, the CACCC box was deleted or mutated and γ-gene expression was monitored in transgenic mice. Disruption of the CACCC box had no effect on γ-gene expression in the cells of embryonic erythropoiesis but it strikingly reduced γ-gene expression in fetal erythropoiesis, and abolished γ-gene expression in adult erythroid cells. The CACCC mutation diminished HS formation, as well as TBP and polII recruitment at the γ-gene promoter; however, it only resulted in slight or no effects on histone H3 and H4 acetylation in adult erythropoiesis. Our findings indicate that each basic cis element of the proximal γ-gene promoter, i.e. CACCC, CCAAT or TATA box, can be disrupted without affecting the activation of γ gene in embryonic erythroid cells. We propose that the trans factors recruited by the three boxes interact with each other to form a ‘promoter complex’. In embryonic erythropoiesis the locus control region enhancer is able to interact with the complex even when components normally binding to one of the motifs are missing, but it can only activate an intact ‘promoter complex’ in adult erythroid cells.
Cracking in a loaded, brittle elastic half-space

Abstract An approximation giving the relation between the applied load and the crack density in a microscratch test is presented from considerations of sliding contact and fracture analysis. First, the three-dimensional problem of two interacting cracks, with arbitrary shape and configuration, in an elastic half-space is analyzed using the body force method. Then, the analysis is specialized to study the surface cracking which occurs due to the indenter sliding over the rough, brittle half-space. Numerical examples are given for point contact by a spherical indenter sliding over a zirconia ceramic and the shielding effects between two adjacent surface cracks with different spacings are discussed in the context of the determination of crack density.
Surface‐Enhanced Raman Detection on Metalized Nanostructured Poly(p‐xylylene) Films

Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) as the basis of rapid and reliable biosensing techniques has the significant advantages of minimal sample preparation and ease of operation, when compared with other methods. The SERS technique has received much attention over the years owing to its ability to reach single-molecule detection and for applications such as rapid DNA sequencing. Its use for biomedical analysis, however, has lagged behind because of the difficulties in finding effective substrates for accommodating biological entities that also provide high sensitivity and highly reproducible SERS responses from sample to sample. If these challenges are met, SERS could potentially be extremely useful in the field of medical diagnostics to detect infectious agents. Here, we report the development of SERS substrates that provide a highly uniform and reproducible bioanalysis surface and demonstrate examples of ‘‘fingerprint’’ signals from different types of bacteria, in which the signals differ based on variations in the cell membranes. Our method is unique in controlling surface morphology and topology prior to SERS-active metal deposition. As a result, we created a novel substrate that has a uniform and reproducible SERS signal over a large (>1mm 2 ) surface. The advantage of using these new types of substrates is that no template or lithography is involved, thus providing a simple, inexpensive, and quick method to achieve highly sensitive and spatially uniform SERS signals for biomedical applications.
Solubility of Potassium Carbonate in Water between 384 and 529 K Measured Using the Synthetic Method

The solubility of potassium carbonate in water at temperatures from 384 to 529 K is reported at the saturation vapor pressure of the solutions. Measurements were made using a visually-accessible apparatus consisting of a platinum cell with sapphire windows and gold seals. The results indicate that potassium carbonate remains prograde-soluble up to 529 K. At approximately 427 K the hydrate form of the solid changes as indicated by visual observation of the solid and a change in the solubility behavior. Solubilities determined at lower temperatures have been compared with literature data and are in good agreement.
Examining the Relationship Between Course Management Systems, Presentation Software, and Student Learning: An Exploratory Factor Analysis

This research examines the relative impact of studentsâ€™ in-class behaviors (i.e., attendance and participation) by assessing student perceptions of the value of instructional technologies, such as eCollege course management systems and instructorsâ€™ PowerPoint presentations. The results of the study through exploratory factor analyses revealed that 13 items were divided into three factors (electronic presentations, onlinecourse management, and effective classroom behavior) with 53 percent explained variance in instructional technologiesâ€™ impact on student learning. ANOVA results indicated significant differences in online-course management and perceived impact of electronic presentations on studentsâ€™ classroom behavior among respondents who used the online-course management system. Respondents who used multiple onlinecourse management features viewed it more favorably and did not believe that it had a negative impact on classroom behaviors, such as attendance or class participation compared to those who used fewer features. Implications for construct refinement and future research are discussed.
The free-electron laser in a symmetrical confocal resonator

A tapered wiggler is used in a FEL oscillator to improve the saturation efficiency. During signal buildup the tapered wiggler does not provide optimum phase synchronism between the electron beam and the electromagnetic wave, resulting in an appreciable loss in small-signal gain. This problem can be ameliorated by using a multicomponent wiggler, which is a combination of a uniform wiggler and a tapered section. During buildup, gain is primarily contributed by the linear element, and at high power levels the gain and efficiency are enhanced by the taper. Ideally, one would like to have the optical waist location near the linear section at small-signal levels and at near the tapered section at high power levels. Placing the FEL in a symmetrical confocal resonator approaches this desired effect automatically since it has the unique characteristic that a stable mode exists for all locations of the waist of a Gaussian beam along the axis of the interferometer.
Kinetics of formation of polybisbenzimidazobenzophenanthroline‐dione (BBB polymer)

The kinetics of the polycondensation of 3,3′-diaminobenzidine with 1,4,5,8-naphthalenetetracarboxylic acid (NTC) have been investigated. Polymerizations were carried out in solution in either polyphosphoric acid (PPA) or in PPA mixed with some sulfuric acid. The reaction is heterogeneous in PPA owing to partial solubility of NTC, whereas it is homogeneous in the mixed solvent. The rate of disappearance of NTC and of dicarboxylic endgroups on oligomers was followed as a function of time at several reaction temperatures. The results show that NTC is more reactive than oligomers, so that the principle of equal reactivity is not valid for the initial steps in the polycondensation reaction.
Empirical correction of seven myths about schizophrenia with implications for treatment

This paper presents empirical evidence accumulated across the last two decades to challenge seven long-held myths in psychiatry about schizophrenia which impinge upon the perception and thus the treatment of patients. Such myths have been perpetuated across generations of trainees in each of the mental health disciplines. These myths limit the scope and effectiveness of treatments offered. These myths maintain the pessimism about outcome for these patients thus significantly reducing their opportunities for improvement and/or recovery. Counter evidence is provided with implications for new treatment strategies.
Signal processing using vector space methods: An introspective

In this paper, we observe that an education that ends with a conventional transform-oriented course in signal processing leaves students inadequately prepared to engage with the research literature. A course built upon vector space methods, as we describe, provides an introduction to a broad range of applied mathematics topics that will prepare students to work on a variety of signals related problems. Such a course has been taught at Utah State University for over ten years. We describe the course in some detail, and provide some introspection on lessons learned.
Developmental aspects of sleep hygiene: findings from the 2004 National Sleep Foundation Sleep in America Poll.

Objective To examine the associations between sleep hygiene and sleep patterns in children ages newborn to 10 years. The relationships between key features of good sleep hygiene in childhood and recognizable outcomes have not been studied in large, nationally representative samples. Participants and methods A national poll of 1473 parents/caregivers of children ages newborn to 10 years was conducted in 2004. The poll included questions on sleep hygiene (poor sleep hygiene operationally defined as not having a consistent bedtime routine, bedtime after 9:00 PM, having a parent present when falling asleep at bedtime, having a television in the bedroom, and consuming caffeinated beverages daily) and sleep patterns (sleep onset latency, frequency of night wakings, and total sleep time). Results Across all ages, a late bedtime and having a parent present when the child falls asleep had the strongest negative association with reported sleep patterns. A late bedtime was associated with longer sleep onset latency and shorter total sleep time, whereas parental presence was associated with more night wakings. Those children (ages 3+) without a consistent bedtime routine also were reported to obtain less sleep. Furthermore, a television in the bedroom (ages 3+) and regular caffeine consumption (ages 5+) were associated with shorter total sleep time. Conclusions Overall, this study found that good sleep hygiene practices are associated with better sleep across several age ranges. These findings support the importance of common US based recommendations that children of all ages should fall asleep independently, go to bed before 9:00 PM, have an established bedtime routine, include reading as part of their bedtime routine, refrain from caffeine, and sleep in bedrooms without televisions.
The influence of deceleration forces on ACL strain during single-leg landing: a simulation study.

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury commonly occurs during single limb landing or stopping from a run, yet the conditions that influence ACL strain are not well understood. The purpose of this study was to develop, test and apply a 3D specimen-specific dynamic simulation model of the knee designed to evaluate the influence of deceleration forces during running to a stop (single-leg landing) on ACL strain. This work tested the conceptual development of the model by simulating a physical experiment that provided direct measurements of ACL strain during vertical impact loading (peak value 1294 N) with the leg near full extension. The properties of the soft tissue structures were estimated by simulating previous experiments described in the literature. A key element of the model was obtaining precise anatomy from segmented MR images of the soft tissue structures and articular geometry for the tibiofemoral and patellofemoral joints of the knee used in the cadaver experiment. The model predictions were correlated (Pearson correlation coefficient 0.889) to the temporal and amplitude characteristic of the experimental strains. The simulation model was then used to test the balance between ACL strain produced by quadriceps contraction and the reductions in ACL strain associated with the posterior braking force. When posterior forces that replicated in vivo conditions were applied, the peak ACL strain was reduced. These results suggest that the typical deceleration force that occurs during running to a single limb landing can substantially reduce the strain in the ACL relative to conditions associated with an isolated single limb landing from a vertical jump.
Internal approachability and reflection

We prove that the Weak Reflection Principle does not imply that every stationary set reflects to an internally approachable set. We show that several variants of internal approachability, namely, internally unbounded, internally stationary, and internally club, are not provably equivalent.
Microsoft kinect sensor for real-time color tracking robot

This paper presents the application of the Microsoft Kinect sensor for low-cost color-based real-time target tracking for robotic application. The image color and depth measurements from the Kinect sensor are utilized in identifying and localizing the target object and tracking it. Closed loop proportional-integral (PI) control algorithm is implemented to control a mobile robot for a smooth tracking of the target object. The iRobot Create is used as the development platform for the experiments. The voice recognition feature of the Kinect sensor is also accessible for simplifying the robot-human interaction when commanding the robot to track specific colored objects. Preliminary results of successful implementation of the real-time color tracking technique is demonstrated by letting the robot identify and track target objects with specified colors.
Isotope Specific Kinetics of Hydroxyl Radical (OH) with Water (H2O): Testing Models of Reactivity and Atmospheric Fractionation

Gas-phase hydrogen (H) abstractions from molecules by free radicals have been studied extensively. They form the simplest class of elementary reactions and also play a key role in atmospheric chemistry and so are the centerpiece of models of reactivity. Despite intense scrutiny, two fundamental mechanistic issues remain unresolved: (1) Do H abstractions proceed directly or indirectly? (2) Do thermodynamic or electronic interactions determine their reaction barrier? The thermoneutral identity reaction, OH + H2O → H2O + OH, provides an excellent opportunity to answer these questions. Several theoretically predicted H2O−HO complexes raise the possibility of an indirect mechanism, while no thermodynamic forcing influences the reaction barrier. To examine the various reactivity models, the isotopic scrambling reactions 18OH + H216O → H218O + 16OH and 16OD + H216O → H16OD + 16OH are studied in a high-pressure flow reactor. The measured rate constants are (2.3 ± 1.0) × 10-13 exp[−(2100 ± 250)/T] cm3 molecule-1 ...
Dihydrofolate-mediated reversal of methotrexate toxicity to hepatoma cells in vitro

H35 hepatoma cells can be rescued from exposure to an inhibitory pulse of methotrexate (MTX) by subsequent addition of folinic acid, dihydrofolate or thymidine. Both folinic acid and dihydrofolate cause the dissociation of methotrexate--dihydrofolate reductase complex although dihydrofolate rescues less effectively than folinic acid. Thymidine does not cause a measurable dissociation of the enzyme--inhibitor complex. The results suggest that the rescue of MTX treated cells by reduced folate coenzymes can be mediated at least in part by the generation of dihydrofolate which by itself can partially reverse MTX inhibition of cell growth.
Aging associations: Influence of speed on adult age differences in associative learning.

Two studies, involving a total of nearly 500 Ss, were conducted to determine the mechanisms by which processing speed contributes to the relations between adult age and associative learning. Results of both studies indicated that increased age was related to poorer associative learning largely because of a failure to retain information about previously correct responses. This in turn was related to the effectiveness of encoding briefly presented information in an associative memory task, which was related to measures of processing speed. It is therefore suggested that age-related decreases in speed of processing lead to less effective encoding or elaboration, which results in a fragile representation that is easily disrupted by subsequent processing. At least two different perspectives have been adopted in attempts to explain an individual's performance in learning and memory tasks. The experimental approach typically focuses on specifying the components or processes, such as encoding or rehearsal, that are presumably required to perform the criterion task. The correlational approach concentrates on identifying relatively broad abilities, such as verbal comprehension or short-term acquisition and retrieval, that may be contributing to performance on the criterion task. Despite several appeals for an integration of the two perspectives (e.g., Cronbach, 1957; Underwood, 1975), experimental and correlational approaches to learning and memory have remained largely independent. (But see Geiselman, Woodward, & Beatty, 1982, and Underwood, Boruch, & Malmi, 1978, for notable exceptions.) The current project represents one attempt at integrating the two approaches in the context of understanding the source of a particular type of individual differences—those related to increased age in adulthood—in a specific cognitive task— associative learning. Unlike traditional experimental approaches, the processes or components identified in task analyses are not considered in isolation, but instead their relations with measures from other tasks are examined. However, unlike traditional correlational approaches, the explanatory constructs are not broad abilities, but instead are measures derived from task decompositions. Although only a single criterion task was examined in this project, associative learning is a moderately complex cognitive activity that occupies a central role in many cognitive theories. Furthermore, if relational or structural analyses at the level of task components or processes prove successful in the current project, then the procedures should also be applicable to other
Wittgenstein on Köhler and Gestalt psychology: a critique.

Wittgenstein's objections to Kohler and gestalt psychology are critically examined. Principal features of Kohler's Gestalt Psychology are discussed that are relevant to Wittgenstein's views. They include Kohler's concepts of "subjective" and "objective" experiences, "sensory organization," and "empiristic theory." Wittgenstein's objections, which focus on the concept of sensory organization, are examined. Wittgenstein employs the term "aspect," which is derived from the findings of gestalt psychology, as a replacement for Kohler's term "sensory organization." After tracing his uses of aspect, it is shown that aspect is a superordinate entity distinct from 'sensory content' (colors and shapes). This dualism of aspect and sensory content is of the same kind that prevailed in the empiristic theory of visual perception. Wittgenstein's adherence to the empiristic theory is discussed. Finally, the difference between Wittgenstein's aspect and Kohler's sensory organization is examined.
Canopy Stratification and Leaf Area Efficiency: A Conceptualization

Abstract Species differences have been observed in the relationship between leaf area efficiency ( E ) and leaf area ( LA ) of individual trees within stands. In some species, for example, E decreases with greater LA , suggesting that the smallest trees in the stand are the most efficient. In other species E increases with greater LA , at least across a portion of the range of individual tree LA found in a stand. Rather than being distinct physiological behaviors, we propose a single model to explain these observed differences in E-LA relationships. Leaf area efficiency is affected by two countervailing factors. As tree size, relative to neighboring trees, increases with greater LA , E tends to increase, as a result of a generally improved canopy position, and presumably a more favorable light environment. However, carbon allocation patterns within the tree also change with tree size; increased carbon requirements for crown construction and maintenance, as well as root system development and stemwood respiration, result in less fixed carbon available for stem growth and, therefore, lower E . We examined two species with reported differences in E-LA relationships. In Pinus contorta stands, E decreases with increasing LA , whereas, in Abies lasiocarpa stands, E increases with LA up to some intermediate level of LA , and then declines with furtther increases in LA. Pinus contorta stands are characterized by limited canopy stratification, lower leaf area index, and lower canopy coverage, resulting in few trees found in poor light conditions. Decreases in E with greater LA are presumably associated with changing carbon allocation patterns, primarily greater respiratory requirements per unit of leaf area. Abies lasiocarpa stands have greater canopy stratification, higher leaf area index, and greater canopy coverage, and this results in relatively small trees situated in poor light environments. Increases in E with greater LA are associated with improved canopy position, and continue as long as height also increases. A general model is presented that explains production-leaf area relationships in forest-grown trees based on changes in relative tree size and canopy structural characteristics.
Exploring Deception and Puffery in Television Advertising

Public policy decisions dealing with deceptive advertising have relied extensively on case-by-case adjudication with the Federal Trade Commission. Unfortunately, behavioral evidence has not been considered in the vast majority of these cases. The final determination rests with the Commission’s own expertise in judging an advertisement’s “capacity to deceive.” Consumer response data are not required, although recent developments suggest the FTC is seriously considering the inclusion of meaningful behavioral evidence in policymaking and adjudicative proceedings. This study is one of a series dealing with dimensions of perceived deception across different respondent populations (including students, lawyers, housewives, children, and minority groups). The focus here is on the semantics of deception, i.e., the way in which subjects evaluate selected television commercials which were unofficially rated for deception by FTC staff attorneys. The factor analytic paradigm provides one approach for generating summaries of viewer’s evaluative (affective) responses, and thereby providing some normative or benchmark data of potential value in the regulatory process.
Electron diffraction and electron probe microanalysis of the mineral phase of bone tissue prepared by anhydrous techniques.

Selected area electron diffraction and high spatial resolution, nondispersive electron probe Xray microanalysis have been used to examine the nature of the solid phase mineral deposits of specific ultrastructural components in freshly dissected, undecalcified bone tissue from embryonic chicks, prepared anhydrously with either 100% ethylene glycol or dry ultracryomicrotomy. No electron diffraction patterns of a specific calcium phosphate solid phase are generated from the dense mitochondrial granules of osteoblasts, shown to contain calcium and phosphorus by electron probe microanalysis, and from the early mineral deposits from certain regions of newly synthesized bone. Similar results are obtained from a synthetic preparation of an amorphous calcium phosphate. Absence of an electron diffraction pattern is not caused by an insufficient mass of the calcium phosphate solid phase. The electron diffraction patterns of the more heavily mineralized older regions of the bone show the reflections and characteristics of poorly crystalline hydroxyapatite. There is a progressive change in the electron diffraction pattern approaching that of crystalline hydroxyapatite with increasing distance from the periosteal surface. Electron probe microanalysis of the same tissue components and regions shows that the changes in the electron diffraction characteristics are accompanied by an increase in the Ca/P ratios of the solid mineral phase.
Towards retrieving relevant information graphics

Information retrieval research has made significant progress in the retrieval of text documents and images. However, relatively little attention has been given to the retrieval of information graphics (non-pictorial images such as bar charts and line graphs) despite their proliferation in popular media such as newspapers and magazines. Our goal is to build a system for retrieving bar charts and line graphs that reasons about the content of the graphic itself in deciding its relevance to the user query. This paper presents the first steps toward such a system, with a focus on identifying the category of intended message of potentially relevant bar charts and line graphs. Our learned model achieves accuracy higher than 80\% on a corpus of collected user queries.
Dynamic Adjustment in Monthly Consumer Demands for Meats

This paper focuses on the nature of dynamic adjustment in monthly consumer demands for beef, pork, and chicken. Estimates with monthly data can differ from those with longer data periods. This is because habit formation relative to inventory adjustment decreases as the time interval decreases (Sexauer). With short time periods such as a month, inventory demand tends to dominate demand for use. If inventory demand is more elastic in the short run, the total elasticity of demand can increase as the time interval is shortened. As shown
Parallel Inferencing for OWL Knowledge Bases

We examine the problem of parallelizing the inferencing process for OWL knowledge-bases. A key challenge in this problem is partitioning the computational workload of this process to minimize duplication of computation and the amount of data communicated among processors. We investigate two approaches to address this challenge. In the data partitioning approach, the data-set is partitioned into smaller units, which are then processed independently. In the rule partitioning approach the rule-base is partitioned and the smaller rule-bases are applied to the complete data set. We present various algorithms for the partitioning and analyze their advantages and disadvantages. A parallel inferencing algorithm is presented which uses the partitions that are created by the two approaches. We then present an implementation based on a popular open source OWL reasoner and on a networked cluster. Our experimental results show significant speedups for some popular benchmarks, thus making this a promising approach.
The second member of transient receptor potential-melastatin channel family protects hearts from ischemia-reperfusion injury.

The second member of the transient receptor potential-melastatin channel family (TRPM2) is expressed in the heart and vasculature. TRPM2 channels were expressed in the sarcolemma and transverse tub...
Comparative studies of structural and surface properties of porous inorganic oxides used in liquid chromatography

Structural and surface properties of chromatographic porous silica, alumina, titania and zirconia were studied using thermogravimetry and nitrogen adsorption. The samples studied are mesoporous and exhibit relatively narrow pore size distributions in the range from 10 to 30 nm, making them suitable for chromatographic applications. Low-pressure nitrogen adsorption and thermogravimetry were used to monitor the effects of the thermal treatment on the surface properties of the samples. The observed changes in surface properties caused by treatments at different temperatures were explained in terms of the desorption of physically/chemically adsorbed water, which led to exposure of high energy adsorption sites.
A noise-tolerant dynamic circuit design technique

A new circuit technique, referred to as the twin-transistor technique, for increasing the noise immunity of dynamic logic circuits is presented. This technique makes dynamic logic gates more tolerant to noise appearing at the gate inputs. A multiply-accumulate circuit has been designed and fabricated using a 0.35 /spl mu/m process to verify this technique. Experimental results indicate that the twin-transistor technique provides a significant improvement in the noise immunity of dynamic circuits (>2.4 X) with only a modest increase in power dissipation (15%) and no loss in throughput.
Quantitative relationships between patch test reactivity and use test reactivity: an overview

Use tests such as the provocative use test (PUT) or repeated open application test (ROAT) have been created to better understand the clinical significance of patch test results. It has been suggested that since these tests typically utilize only one substance at a time and avoid occlusion, they minimize the occurrence of irritation and false positives and, thus, are more reflective of real-life exposure to an allergen. In this analysis, we compare and analyze different studies comparing patch test and use test reactivity. With regard to colophony, cinnamic aldehyde, methyldibromo glutaronitrile, 5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one and 2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one, and isoeugenol, increased patch test sensitivity resulted in increased use test sensitivity. However, this was not true for formaldehyde or chromium. The reason for the latter allergens' divergence from the trend is not yet understood. Additionally, we note the presence of an increasing slope in the relationship between use test reactivity and minimum eliciting concentration on patch testing for methyldibromo glutaronitrile. Expansion of databases relating serial dilution patch test reactivity and use test data should aid dermatologic management, public health policy, and an understanding of the complexity of allergic contact dermatitis in humans.
Genetic linkage between the AH locus and a major gene that inhibits susceptibility to audiogenic seizures in mice.

Mice of the DBA/2 (D2) strain are highly susceptible to sound-induced seizures at 21 days of age; whereas, mice of the C57BL/6 (B6) strain are resistant to these seizures. Although the difference in susceptibility to audiogenic seizures (ASs) between these two strains is inherited as a multiple-factor trait, an association was observed between susceptibility to ASs and the Ah locus. The Ah locus controls the inducibility of aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase (AHH) activity by a number of aromatic hydrocarbons. B6 mice carry the Ahb allele and have inducible AHH activity; whereas, D2 mice carry the Ahd allele and have noninducible activity. Inducibility is inherited as a Mendelian dominant trait in crosses between these strains. Mice carrying the Ahb allele are generally less susceptible to ASs at 21 days of age than are mice carrying the Ahd allele. The combined results from B6 x D2 recombinant inbred strains, congenic strains (where the Ahb allele was placed into the D2 genome and the Ahd allele placed into the B6 genome), the B6D2F1 x D2 backcross generation, and a random survey of various inbred strains, suggest that the association between these two traits is due to genetic linkage, rather than to pleiotrophy or to chance. A major gene that inhibits susceptibility to ASs appears to be closely linked to the Ah locus. This gene has been designated Ias, for inhibition of ASs. A large portion of the genetic variability of AS susceptibility may be due to the segregation of Ias.
THE GRADED PREPROJECTIVE ALGEBRA OF A QUIVER

The paper introduces a new grading on the preprojective algebra of an arbitrary locally finite quiver. Viewing the algebra as a left module over the path algebra, the author uses the grading to give an explicit geometric construction of a canonical collection of exact sequences of its submodules. If a vertex of the quiver is a source, the above submodules behave nicely with respect to the corresponding reflection functor. It follows that when the quiver is finite and without oriented cycles, the canonical exact sequences are the almost split sequences with preprojective terms, and the indecomposable direct summands of the submodules are the non-isomorphic indecomposable preprojective modules. The proof extends that given by Gelfand and Ponomarev in the case when the finite quiver is a tree.
Usefulness of an acute coronary syndrome pathway to improve adherence to secondary prevention guidelines.

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Microtubular inclusions in normal skin of systemic lupus erythematosus patients.

Biopsy specimens of clinically normal skin of 9 consecutive patients with SLE were examined ultrastructurally to determine the presence and frequency of microtubular inclusions. Ten blood vessels were examined in each specimen; every specimen contained at least two positive blood vessels, and some contained 80 to 100% positive vessels. No correlation was found between the frequency of the inclusions and either the disease duration or antinuclear factor titer. The inclusions tended to be more frequent in patients with more acute disease. The absence of inclusions in normal skin may mitigate a diagnosis of SLE.
Tenascin-C Modulates Matrix Contraction via Focal Adhesion Kinase– and Rho-mediated Signaling Pathways

A provisional matrix consisting of fibrin and fibronectin (FN) is deposited at sites of tissue damage and repair. This matrix serves as a scaffold for fibroblast migration into the wound where these cells deposit new matrix to replace lost or damaged tissue and eventually contract the matrix to bring the margins of the wound together. Tenascin-C is expressed transiently during wound repair in tissue adjacent to areas of injury and contacts the provisional matrix in vivo. Using a synthetic model of the provisional matrix, we have found that tenascin-C regulates cell responses to a fibrin-FN matrix through modulation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and RhoA activation. Cells on fibrin-FN+tenascin-C redistribute their actin to the cell cortex, downregulate focal adhesion formation, and do not assemble a FN matrix. Cells surrounded by a fibrin-FN+tenascin-C matrix are unable to induce matrix contraction. The inhibitory effect of tenascin-C is circumvented by downstream activation of RhoA. FAK is also required for matrix contraction and the absence of FAK cannot be overcome by activation of RhoA. These observations show dual requirements for both FAK and RhoA activities during contraction of a fibrin-FN matrix. The effects of tenascin-C combined with its location around the wound bed suggest that this protein regulates fundamental processes of tissue repair by limiting the extent of matrix deposition and contraction to fibrin-FN-rich matrix in the primary wound area.
Fast food fever: reviewing the impacts of the Western diet on immunity

While numerous changes in human lifestyle constitute modern life, our diet has been gaining attention as a potential contributor to the increase in immune-mediated diseases. The Western diet is characterized by an over consumption and reduced variety of refined sugars, salt, and saturated fat. Herein our objective is to detail the mechanisms for the Western diet’s impact on immune function. The manuscript reviews the impacts and mechanisms of harm for our over-indulgence in sugar, salt, and fat, as well as the data outlining the impacts of artificial sweeteners, gluten, and genetically modified foods; attention is given to revealing where the literature on the immune impacts of macronutrients is limited to either animal or in vitro models versus where human trials exist. Detailed attention is given to the dietary impact on the gut microbiome and the mechanisms by which our poor dietary choices are encoded into our gut, our genes, and are passed to our offspring. While today’s modern diet may provide beneficial protection from micro- and macronutrient deficiencies, our over abundance of calories and the macronutrients that compose our diet may all lead to increased inflammation, reduced control of infection, increased rates of cancer, and increased risk for allergic and auto-inflammatory disease.
An iterative dual pathway structure for speech-to-text transcription

In this paper, we develop a new human computation algorithm for speech-to-text transcription that can potentially achieve the high accuracy of professional transcription using only microtasks deployed via an online task market or a game. The algorithm partitions audio clips into short 10-second segments for independent processing and joins adjacent outputs to produce the full transcription. Each segment is sent through an iterative dual pathway structure that allows participants in either path to iteratively refine the transcriptions of others in their path while being rewarded based on transcriptions in the other path, eliminating the need to check transcripts in a separate process. Initial experiments with local subjects show that produced transcripts are on average 96.6% accurate.
Integrating stress physiology, environmental change, and behavior in free-living sparrows

As weather deteriorates, breeding animals have a diverse array of options to ensure survival. Because of their mobility, birds can easily abandon territories to seek out benign conditions away from the breeding site. The timing of abandonment, however, may have repercussions for territory size, mate quality, reproductive success, and survival. There is a large body of evidence indicating that the adrenocortical response to stress plays a role in mediating the onset and maintenance of this behavioral switch. Here we develop a model describing the interactions of weather, food availability, body condition, and stress physiology in initiating departure from the breeding site. We tested the model using a population of white-crowned sparrows breeding at high elevation in the Sierra Nevada, where severe weather at the beginning of the breeding season often induces temporary abandonment of breeding territories and facultative altitudinal migration to lower elevation refugia. The data show that (1) during inclement weather, exogenous corticosterone delays return to the breeding site after territory abandonment; (2) during good weather, exogenous corticosterone alone does not induce territory abandonment, but does increase activity range around the breeding site; and (3) the magnitude of the corticosteroid response to stress is inversely related to body condition of the sparrow.
Intelligent nodes for course of actions analysis-interpretability

The interpretability faculty is a vital element within the framework of intelligent systems [Meystel, A. et al., (2002)]. Central to planning, course of action (COA) and course of action analysis (COAA) emerge in the process of interpretability of heterogeneous information. The purpose is to discuss the interpretability mechanism that can be employed by computing machines to promote intelligent behavior.
Infra-red absorption, scattering, and total attenuation cross-sections for water spheres

Calculations of the normalized absorption, scattering, and total attenuation cross-sections of water spheres are presented for the wavelength range from 4 μ to 24 μ, at intervals of 1 μ for the wavelength interval from 4 μ to 10 μ, and at 2 μ intervals thereon to 24 μ. The calculations have been carried out to values of α (α is the ratio of sphere circumference to wavelength) of 30. For values of the Mie absorption parameter, k, greater than approximately 0·10, values of the normalized absorption cross-section are shown to have a maximum which exceeds unity by an appreciable amount. In all instances, the values of the normalized scattering and total attenuation cross-sections exceed unity over most ranges of α considered, the excess over unity being greater for small values of absorption. Some rough calculations are made comparing Mie absorption coefficients with those for bulk-water absorption at the same wavelength.
The Embeddedness of Teachers’ Social Networks Evidence from a Study of Mathematics Reform

Teachers’ social networks can play an important role in teacher learning and organizational change. But what influences teachers’ networks? Why do some teachers have networks that are likely to support individual and organizational change, while others do not? This study is a first step in answering this question. We focus on how district policy influences the quality and configuration of teachers’ social networks. We draw on a longitudinal, qualitative study of implementation of a mathematics curriculum in four schools. We show that district policy (1) shaped the tie formation process, influencing the structure of networks; (2) mobilized resources that teachers subsequently accessed via their networks, influencing the benefits accrued through network exchanges; and (3) introduced interaction routines that interrupted conventional ways that teachers talked together. We thus uncover heretofore unexplored facets of network formation and change. We also provide insight into dimensions of social networks that...
Effects of various anesthetic and autonomic drugs on refraction in monkeys.

Resting refractive correction in ketamine-, pentobarbital-, or halothane-anesthetized rhesus and cynomolgus monkeys was ∼1–3 diopters myopic, with little difference under the various anesthetic regimens. Topical cyclopentolate or atropine, or systemic hexamethonium eliminated much of the myopia, while epinephrine, phenylephrine and thymoxamine had little effect. Anesthesia-induced myopia in monkeys thus seems comparable to tonic accommodation (“night myopia”) in the human. Accommodation induced by electrical stimulation of the Edinger-Westphal nucleus averaged ∼50% less under halothane than under pentobarbital, possibly due to halothane-induced systemic arterial hypotension.