cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nitrogen fluxes in a high elevation Colorado Rocky Mountain basin

Measured, calculated and simulated values were combined to develop an annual nitrogen budget for Loch Vale Watershed (LVWS) in the Colorado Front Range. Nine-year average wet nitrogen deposition values were 1·6 (s=0·36) kg NO3-N ha−1, and 1·0 (s=0·3) kg NH4-N ha−1. Assuming dry nitrogen deposition to be half that of measured wet deposition, this high elevation watershed receives 3·9 kg N ha−1. Although deposition values fluctuated with precipitation, measured stream nitrogen outputs were less variable. Of the total N input to the watershed (3·9 kg N ha−1 wet plus dry deposition), 49% of the total N input was immobilized. Stream losses were 2·0 kg N ha−1 (1125 kg measured dissolved inorganic N in 1992, 1–2 kg calculated dissolved organic N, plus an average of 203 kg algal N from the entire 660 ha watershed). Tundra and aquatic algae were the largest reservoirs for incoming N, at approximately 18% and 15% of the total 2574 kg N deposition, respectively. Rocky areas and forest stored the remaining 11% and 5%, respectively. Fully 80% of N losses from the watershed came from the 68% of LVWS that is alpine. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of quantization on random telegraph signals observed in deep-submicron MOSFETs

Abstract Random telegraph signals (RTS) have been investigated in the drain to source voltage of Weff×Leff=1.37×0.17 μm2 medium-doped drain (MDD) n-type MOSFETs. The emission (τe) and capture (τc) times of the probed trap were studied as a function of gate voltage as well as substrate voltage. The small size and high doping density of the n-MOSFETs studied create a strong electric field in the MOSFET inversion layer, which makes the surface conduction band split into discrete energy levels. Therefore, modified expressions of τe and τc including the influence of bulk bias (VSB), which changes the degree of quantization, are presented. The trap position in the oxide with respect to the Si–SiO2 interface, and the trap energy, were calculated from the gate voltage dependence of the emission and capture times under different bulk bias conditions. The behavior of the emission and capture times predicted by the two-dimensional (2D) surface quantization effects is in qualitative agreement with the experimental results. The RTS amplitude (ΔVDS/VDS) shows a positive dependence on VSB. The coefficient α for screened oxide charge scattering was calculated at different gate voltages and bulk bias from the RTS amplitude. In addition, the theoretical calculation of the scattering coefficient α, using a 2D surface mobility fluctuation model, was presented, which shows a good agreement with the experimental data.
The value of a high protein diet in the prevention of anemia in hypophysectomized adult female rats by means of thyroxine and androgen therapy.

Hypophysectomy has induced an anemia in every animal that has been investigated, including the human being (see reviews by Gordon and Charipper, 1947, and Daughaday, Williams and Daland, 1948). Thyroxine therapy in hypophysectomized rats has prevented the decrease in eiythrocyte count but did not maintain the hemoglobin at normal levels (Meyer, Thewlis and Rusch, 1940; Vollmer, Gordon and Charipper, 1942; Crafts, 1946a). Androgen therapy in hypophysectomized rats gave similar results, i.e., the erythrocyte count was maintained at normal levels but the hemoglobin decreased (Vollmer and Gordon, 1941; Vollmer, Gordon and Charipper, 1942; Crafts, 1946b). Crafts (1949) prevented all aspects of the anemia which is induced by hypophysectomy in adult female rats by daily injections of 0.005 mg. of thyroxine and 1.0 mg. of testosterone propionate combined with a high protein diet. These data indicated that faulty protein metabolism might play a role as a cause of the anemia in hypophysectomized rats.
Lobar emphysema of infancy

Abstract Seven additional cases of lobar emphysema of infancy have been reported and reviewed with data from previous cases in the French and English literature, giving a total of 113 cases. This condition is seen usually in young infants. Only one lobe is ordinarily involved, most commonly the left upper or right middle lobe. In some cases there is an abnormality of the bronchial cartilage or bronchial mucosa; in others, air trapping in the lobe is caused by external compression of the bronchus. In many cases there is no discernible cause. The results of treatment by lobectomy are excellent, and the mortality with this form of treatment is low in comparison to non-operative management of the problem.
A note on the cosmogony of the asteroidal belt

Several arguments based on the orbital dynamics of the asteroids are used to support the idea that the original solar nebula might not necessarily be the Laplacian type of thin disk-like structure. The orbital distribution of the large asteroids is suggested to be a direct result of their accretions of condensed grains in eccentric orbits via the jet stream process.
Aquatic Toxicity Due to Residential Use of Pyrethroid Insecticides

Pyrethroids are the active ingredients in most insecticides available to consumers for residential use in the United States. Yet despite their dominance in the marketplace, there has been no attempt to analyze for most of these compounds in watercourses draining residential areas. Roseville, California was selected as a typical suburban development, and several creeks that drain subdivisions of single-family homes were examined. Nearly all creek sediments collected caused toxicity in laboratory exposures to an aquatic species, the amphipod Hyalella azteca, and about half the samples caused nearly complete mortality. This same species was also found as a resident in the system, but its presence was limited to areas where residential influence was least. The pyrethroid bifenthrin is implicated as the primary cause of the toxicity, with additional contributions to toxicity from the pyrethroids cyfluthrin and cypermethrin. The dominant sources of these pyrethroids are structural pest control by professional applicators and/ or homeowner use of insecticides, particularly lawn care products. The suburbs of Roseville are unlikely to be unique, and similar sediment quality degradation is likely in other suburban areas, particularly in dry regions where landscape irrigation can dominate seasonal flow in some water bodies.
Incorporation of “Human Body Composition” Course in the Medical or Premedical Curriculum

Body composition science is concerned with tracking changes in the body component proportions. Body fat, fat-free, and lean masses undergo significant changes in chronic, metabolic, cardiovascular, cancerous disorders and others. Quantitative studies of these changes can be performed with simple, non-invasive, and inexpensive methods. The collected data could have significant clinical values in the prediction, diagnosis, and prognosis of multiple serious diseases particularly those encumbering the healthcare system. However, there is inadequate attention to this field in the medical curricula. We suggest in this article a specific course of “clinical body composition” as an elective for the medical students and/or an essential part of the pre-medical curriculum.
On mobility-supporting transmit beamforming in MISO FDD wireless systems

When operating in frequency-division duplex (FDD) mode, transmit beamforming in multiple-input single-output (MISO) wireless communication systems typically requires accurate knowledge of downlink channel state information (CSI) at the transmitter. In practical FDD systems, obtaining such downlink CSI at the transmitter is challenging, if not impractical. To circumvent such challenge and support user mobility, we present a new method for transmit beamforming based on simple beam-control commands (BCCs) in MISO FDD mobile systems. We then numerically evaluate the effects of BCC errors in terms of transmit power efficiency, system capacity, and outage probability.
The Situation and Countermeasures of Ecological Environment in China: Based on the Cross-Boundary Governance Theory

The article introduces the ecological environment in China, analyses the situation of the atmosphere pollution and water pollution, and then introduces the cross-boundary governance theory, which can solve the environmental problem, at last analyses the countermeasures of ecological environment in China: reinforce the environmental protection functions of governments; draft the plan of national and regional environmental protection and cooperation; enhance the organization mechanism of national and regional environmental protection.
On the Treatment of Quantum Electrodynamics without Eliminating the Longitudinal Field

It is shown in the present paper that the supplementary condition in quantum electrodynamics can be satisfied identically without eliminating the longitudinal components of the electromagnetic field, provided certain rules on the summation over the polarizations of the photons are observed. The result is shown to be identical with that obtained by the usual method in which the longitudinal field is eliminated. This simplifies greatly the calculation since no separate treatment of longitudinal and transverse fields is needed.
Vanity and the Daedalian Wings of Paper Money in Adam Smith

Adam Smith presents a detailed technical analysis of both private and public credit. Many contemporaries, including David Hume, recognized that public credit, and in part private credit, could be used to affect the economy, either for good or bad. Nevertheless, Smith does not seem to recognize the full potential of public credit as a policy instrument whether as a way to stimulate the economy, fine-tune it, or cause economic disasters. The reason for this shortcoming may be Smith's downplaying the desire for power and benevolence as motivational forces in human conduct, due to his emphasis on vanity instead.
A comparison of radiation effects in crystalline ABO4-type phosphates and silicates

The effects of ion irradiation in the ABO4-type compounds were compared by performing experiments on four materials that include the most common crystal structures (monazite vs. zircon) and chemical compositions (phosphates vs. silicates) for these phases. Pure synthetic single crystals of ZrSiO4, monoclinic ThSiO4, LaPO4 and ScPO4 were irradiated using 800 keV Kr+ ions. Radiation damage accumulation was monitored as a function of temperature in situ in a transmission electron microscope. The activation energies for recrystallization during irradiation were calculated to be 3.1–3.3 eV for the orthosilicates but only 1.0–1.5 eV for the isostructural orthophosphates. For the ion-beam-irradiated samples, the critical temperature, above which the recrystallization processes are faster than damage accumulation and amorphization cannot be induced, is >700°C for ZrSiO4 but it is only 35°C for LaPO4. At temperatures above 600°C, zircon decomposed during irradiation into its component oxides (i.e. crystalline ZrO2 plus amorphous SiO2). The data are evaluated with respect to the proposed use of the orthophosphates and orthosilicates as host materials for the stabilization and disposal of high-level nuclear waste. The results show that zircon with 10 wt.% Pu would have to be maintained at temperatures in excess of 300°C in order to prevent it from becoming completely amorphous. In contrast, a similar analysis for the orthophosphates implies that monazite-based waste forms would not become amorphous or undergo a phase decomposition.
What are the half-lives of ranibizumab and aflibercept (VEGF Trap-eye) in human eyes? Calculations with a mathematical model

The aim of the article is to estimate the intravitreal half-lives of ranibizumab and aflibercept (VEGF Trap-eye; VTE) in human eyes. Using a published mathematical model for rabbits, the intravitreal half-lives of ranibizumab and bevacizumab were calculated and compared to empirical data. The slope coefficient within the model was changed to set the bevacizumab output equal to experimental values to meet 3 goals: firstly, to validate the model in rabbit eyes; secondly, to test the mutability of the model to monkey eyes; thirdly, to calculate the half-lives of ranibizumab and the VTE in human eyes. The half-life calculations for ranibizumab deviate from published rabbit and monkey values by only 8.3% and 4.2%. Using the experimentally determined half-life of bevacizumab in human eyes (8.25 days) to set the equation, the half-lives of ranibizumab and the VTE are calculated to be 4.75 days and 7.13 days in human eyes. The intraocular half-lives of ranibizumab and the VTE are estimated using existing published animal and human data and a mathematical model. The validity of these half-lives and binding activities, however, awaits clinical correlation.
Time Deposits, Dimensions, and Fraud

We stipulate, arguendo, that fractional-reserve-demand deposit banking is per se fraudulent. We ask whether or not time deposit banking can also be illicit, and answer in the positive, if there is a mismatch between the time dimensions of deposits and loans. To wit, if an intermediary borrows short and lends long.
Cystic clear cell acanthoma

An histologically typical clear cell acanthoma was identified forming a cystic structure. The finding of clear cell acanthoma within a cyst is histologically unique.
Optimizing The DSSC Fabrication Process Using Lean Six Sigma

Dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) belong to an innovative third generation photovoltaic technology, which is demonstrating tremendous potential to become a revolutionary technology due to recent breakthroughs in fabrication cost. A seven-step quality improvement method is implemented to enhance process efficiency and effectiveness of the DSSCs. Lean Manufacturing’s 5S method successfully increased efficiency in all of the processes. Six Sigma’s DMAIC methodology is used to identify and eliminate each of the root causes of defects in the critical titanium dioxide deposition process. These optimizations resulted with the following significant improvements in the production process: 1. fabrication time of the DSSCs is reduced by 54 %; 2. fabrication procedures improved to the extent eliminated all critical defects 3. The yield of good cells increased from 17% to 90%.
Clinical Results of Charité Lumbar Total Disc Replacement

To preserve segmental lumbar motion and to prevent adjacent segment disease, there has been a growing enthusiasm for the use of intervertebral disc prosthesis as an alternative to segmental lumbar fusion. To date, more than 100-disc prostheses have been designed, but only 10 prostheses have been approved and implanted in humans. The Charite Artificial Disc has had the longest clinical follow-up with more than 5000 implantations in over 30 countries and reported > 10-year satisfactory results.
A dielectric measurement technique for cylindrical objects with known cross section

Motivated by the need for an accurate method to measure the complex dielectric constant of pine needles at microwave frequencies both in situ and in vivo conditions, the problem of scattering from a dielectric post in a rectangular waveguide is considered. In this analysis, the dielectric post is assumed to be uniform in cross section and dielectric constant and is placed vertically in a rectangular waveguide supporting TE/sub 10/ mode. The dielectric constant is computed from the measured voltage reflection coefficient of a matched waveguide containing the dielectric post. The author describes an inversion algorithm for computation of dielectric constant /spl epsiv/ from the reflection coefficient which is based on the method of moments and eigen analysis. In this method the integral equation for the polarization current induced in the dielectric post is cast into a matrix equation and then the contribution of /spl epsiv/ to the resulting reflection coefficient is expressed explicitly using the eigen analysis. It is shown that the dielectric constant is a solution to a complex polynomial function which can be obtained numerically using the conjugate gradient method. Practical aspect of dielectric measurement using this technique is discussed. The HP-8510 network analyzer is used to measure the reflection coefficient of dielectric posts in an X-band waveguide sample holder. Metallic and known dielectric posts are used for both S/sub 11/ calibration and validation of the dielectric measurement technique. >
TEMPORAL PROFILE OF THE LCLS PHOTOCATHODE ULTRAVIOLET DRIVE LASER TOLERATED BY THE MICROBUNCHING INSTABILITY

The LCLS electron beam generated in the photoinjector is subject to various instabilities in the downstream acceleration and compression. The instability can be initiated by e-beam density modulation at birth. In this paper, we prescribe the tolerance on the initial e-beam density modulation possibly introduced by the ultraviolet (uv) laser at the cathode. Our study shows that the initial rms density modulation of the e-beam at the photocathode shall be less than 5 % to ensure the FEL lasing and saturation.
Wire bonds over active circuits

A reliable process-for wire bonding over active integrated circuits, which are subsequently assembled in plastic packages, has been developed. This technology accommodates reducing the silicon die area required for bond pads and for on-chip bussing. Further, it supports area array wire bonding by allowing larger bond pads with relaxed pitch without sacrificing silicon area. This is accomplished by processing an additional metal layer on the wafer's protective overcoat for bond pad and bussing metallization. A stress buffer layer of polyimide is applied between the inorganic overcoat and top metal layer. Material characteristics and process requirements that are fully compatible with existing wafer fabrication technology and the wire bond technology required for assembly are defined. Design rules for implementing the process in new chip designs are given. Accelerated reliability tests performed on double-level metal logic devices show no degradation due to these new processes. >
Use of ultrasound imaging to map propagating action potential waves in the heart

Presently, the nature of action potential propagation deep within myocardial tissue is unclear. As a result, a complete understanding of cardiac dynamics remains elusive. Here we present a technique using ultrasound and electromechanical modeling that has the potential to unlock this mystery. We also present information suggesting tension in the heart behaves as a long-range force incapable of being captured through only local observation of myocardial tissue deformation.
Assessing immunologic risk factors in transplantation

The innate and adaptive immune systems, together, represent the largest impediment to good and long-lasting graft function. Although improved immunosuppressive agents and expanded and enhanced diagnostic tools have led to better prevention and treatment of acute rejection, chronic rejection remains a serious threat to long-term graft survival. Immunologic heterogeneity among patients, variability in treatment protocols and unforeseen events following transplantation translate into different levels of risk among patients. While one cannot predict with certainty the short- and long-term outcomes of a particular transplant, it is possible to identify immunologic risk factors that can affect outcome.
ORIENTATION OF HEXANEDIAMINE IN SYNTHETIC FLUORHECTORITE

Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic studies were carried out on 1,6-hexanedi- amine hydrochloride (HDA)-treated synthetic fluorhectorite to determine the orientation of functional groups within the structure. Oriented crystal layers were prepared by flocculating the smectite slurry with glass fibers to obtain a 100-#m-thick paper. Orientations were determined by measuring integrated IR band intensities at various incident beam angles (<60"), inasmuch as absorption occurred only if the oscillating dipole of the functional group interacted with the electric vector of the incident radiation. The H-N-H plane in amine groups was aligned parallel to the lamellar plane. The H--O--H plane of the small amount of sorbed water was inclined 45* or more to the interlamellar layer, and the OH groups were inclined 45* to this layer. Even with the incorporation of HDA in the interlamellar structure, at high humidity, additional water sorbed. The sorbed water competed with and displaced amine groups from the surface, resulting in randomly oriented amine groups. Many of the amine groups were ionized, whereas the additional sorbed water showed little orientation. This study demonstrated that the orientation of intercalated amines in fluorhectorite can be determined by following the intensity changes in infrared-active bands as a function of the incident beam angle. With intercalated HDA, the orientations were influenced by the presence of interlayer water.
The Metabolizable Energy of Rice Bran, Cassava Flour, and Blackeye Cowpeas for Growing Chickens

Abstract Chemical composition data, growth performance records, and metabolizable energy values were used to ascertain the nutritive value of 5 tropical feedstuffs. Cassava flour was essentially without fiber and crude protein, had the highest metabolizable energy value, but appeared to contain a compound which inhibited growth. Although rice bran had the highest gross energy value, its lignocellulose and silica content was considered to be responsible for its low metabolizable energy value, which ranked below that of cassava flour and autoclaved cowpeas. Autoclaved cowpeas supported the best growth performance in both chicks and pigs and the metabolizable energy content of the autoclaved material was considerably higher than that of either the raw or germinated cowpea diets. A heat-labile protein inhibitor substance was suspected to be responsible for the decreased performance of the raw and germinated cowpea diets. From the results obtained in this study it appears that these feeds are satisfactory sources of metabolic energy if they are processed correctly and used in nutritionally-adequate diets.
The agricultural ethics of biofuels: climate ethics and mitigation arguments

An environmental, climate mitigation rationale for research and development (R&D) on liquid transportation fuels derived from plants emerged among many scientists and engineers during the last decade. However, between 2006 and 2010, this climate ethic for pursuing biofuel became politically entangled and conceptually confused with rationales for encouraging greater use of plant-based ethanol that were both unconnected to climate ethics and potentially in conflict with the value-commitments providing a mitigation-oriented reason to promote and develop new and expanded sources of biofuel. I argue that the conceptual construct of technological trajectories provides a fecund approach to the ethical evaluation of R&D strategies in the case of plant-based liquid transportation fuels. The idea of a trajectory has a current use in the literature of science studies and aptly summarizes a number of themes that are critical to the evaluation of tools and techniques whose future shape, design, applications and potential consequences are necessarily somewhat speculative. In the case of biofuels, it is the imagined future trajectory that provides the basis for resistance to an emerging technology, rather than the present-day technical capabilities and the unexpected consequences of biofuel development.
Speech Intelligibility in Automobile Noise in Young and Middle-Aged Adults

Two experiments investigated how automobile noise affects intelligibility of speech signals in both young and middle-aged individuals. In Experiment 1, the effect of automobile noise was compared to speech babble at a number of speech-to-noise ratios. In order to achieve the same intelligibility, the speech-to-noise ratio for the speech babble needed to be substantially greater than the automobile noise. In Experiment 2, middle-aged adults between the ages of 50 and 65 were given the sentences in automobile noise. Even though their hearing acuity was not severe enough to warrant a clinical diagnosis, their performance was significantly worse than the younger adults, particularly for sentences that had few contextual cues. In conclusion, although automobile noise is less damaging than speech babble at typical speech-to-noise ratios, speech understanding for individuals with even small amounts of hearing loss is significantly impacted by the noise. Automobile makers therefore should continue their efforts to reduce the noise levels in cars in order to increase speech intelligibility. [Work supported by Ford Motor Company].
Bridged multiclusters derived from the face-capped octahedral [Re6 III(μ3-Se)8]2+ cluster core

Abstract The face-capped octahedral cluster cis-[Re6(μ3-Se)8(PEt3)4(MeCN)2](SbF6)2, site-differentiated with protecting PEt3 and substitutionally labile MeCN ligands, reacts with bidentate ligands (L) 4,4′-bipyridyl, (E)-1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethene, and 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethane to give the first examples of cluster-based molecular squares of the general formula cyclo-[Re6(μ3-Se)8(PEt3)4L]4(SbF6)8. The complexes were characterized by microanalysis, 1H and 31P NMR, and time-of-flight electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. Cyclic voltammetry reveals in each case one quasi-reversible oxidation and, for two compounds, one reversible and one irreversible reduction process.
Asian Self-Effacement or Feminine Modesty? Attributional Patterns of Women University Students in Taiwan

This report describes the attributional styles of women university students in Taiwan and compares these patterns to those of men students in Taiwan and women students in the United States. Using a self-presentational perspective on attributions and drawing on data involving audience reactions to attributional accounts in Taiwan and the United States, the author explains the patterns in terms of two sociocultural factors: cultural norms and gender-role stereotypes. Women students in Taiwan are more self-effacing than Taiwan men students and are more external and self-effacing than American women students. They are relatively external because they are Chinese; they are self-effacing and modest because they conform to Chinese cultural values and, more important, to gender-role stereotypes within that culture. Both attributional styles and gender-role stereotypes characterize women as socially responsible and likable but relatively incompetent.
Adaptive fractionally spaced blind CMA equalization: excess MSE

The performance of the constant modulus algorithm (CMA)-a reference algorithm for adaptive blind equalization-is studied in terms of the excess mean square error (EMSE) due to the nonvanishing step size of the gradient descent algorithm. An analytical approximation of EMSE is provided, emphasizing the effect of the constellation size and resulting in design guidelines.
Emergency department evaluation and treatment of the neck and cervical spine injuries.

The patient who arrives at the emergency department (ED) with real or potential cervical spine injuries is a common problem. Often, this patient arrives in the busy ED immobilized, uncomfortable, and frightened. In addition, the patient can have other injuries or conditions, that make the history and physical examination unreliable. The emergency physician (EP) must be prepared to manage this patient with potential injuries to the neck and cervical spine efficiently and effectively. To accomplish this task, the EP must adhere to the basic principles of trauma management and protect the cervical spine to prevent additional neurologic injury. The EP must know the complex anatomy of the cervical spine and understand the mechanism and types of neck and cervical spine injuries. The EP must be able to recognize and manage associated soft tissue, vascular, and neurologic injuries. Last, the EP must have an understanding of immobilization techniques, the utility and limitations of available imaging modalities, and the management of specific patient populations at risk for neck and cervical spine injuries (e.g., the athlete).
“But I Wasn't Told To”: Lack of Education and Workplace Policy as Barriers in the Provision of Family Planning Information

Access to family planning has been identified as critical to public health. Improving the linkage between medical and social services could result in improved access to care for those most at risk of unintended pregnancy. This study used a survey based on Alfred Bandura's social cognitive theory (1986) to increase the understanding of the barriers social workers confront in the provision of family planning information to clients. Although moral disagreement with family planning presented a barrier for some, workplace policy, participation in family planning trainings, and working in an urban setting were of greater value in understanding barriers.
A Report of the Responses of Botswana Junior Secondary School Teachers on the Three Subscales of the Teachers' Sense of Efficacy Scale (TSES).

The focus of this paper is to present the findings of the study on teacher efficacy and classroom management. To collect data a survey was administered to 1006 Botswana participants. Out of 1006 participants only 6 did not complete the survey. Pearson-product moment correlation was computed to analyze the data using Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS). Pearson shows a correlation for the three subscales at 0.01 level (2- tailed). For Instructional Strategies and Student Engagement r=.412, Student Engagement and Classroom Management r= .589 and Instructional Strategies and Classroom Management r=.589. For teacher practices items the results show that there is no significant relationship between the positive and negative practices reported by the teachers in regard to classroom management, student engagement, and instructional strategies. Bonferroni adjustment which changes from .05 to .017 shows no significant relationships.
Identifying Teacher, School, and District Characteristics Associated with Middle and High School Teachers' Use of Technology: A Multilevel Perspective:

Investment in educational technology has increased rapidly in recent years and many observers have begun to question whether, and how technology is being used as a teaching and learning tool. In order to address this issue, this research used survey data collected from 1,404 middle and high school teachers in 52 schools across 22 Massachusetts school districts to examine how technology is being used by upper grade teachers, and examines the school and district organizational characteristics that are associated with increased use of technology as a teaching and learning tool. Specifically, this research used hierarchical linear regression (HLM) techniques to model the teacher, school and district characteristics associated with five specific teacher uses of educational technology. This research found that both teacher and organizational characteristics were each found to be associated with the five technology uses, and characteristics varied in their ability to predict the five different uses.
Nitrogen Content of Letharia vulpina Tissue from Forests of the Sierra Nevada, California: Geographic Patterns and Relationships to Ammonia Estimates and Climate

Nitrogen (N) pollution is a growing concern in forests of the greater Sierra Nevada, which lie downwind of the highly populated and agricultural Central Valley. Nitrogen content of Letharia vulpina tissue was analyzed from 38 sites using total Kjeldahl analysis to provide a preliminary assessment of N deposition patterns. Collections were co-located with plots where epiphytic macrolichen communities are used for estimating ammonia (NH3) deposition. Tissue N ranged from 0.6% to 2.11% with the highest values occurring in the southwestern Sierra Nevada (range: 1.38 to 2.11). Tissue N at 17 plots was elevated, as defined by a threshold concentration of 1.03%. Stepwise regression was used to determine the best predictors of tissue N from among a variety of environmental variables. The best model consisted only of longitude (r2 = 0.64), which was reflected in the geographic distribution of tissue values: the southwestern Sierra Nevada, the high Sierras near the Tahoe Basin, and the Modoc Plateau, are three apparent N hotspots arranged along the tilted north–south axis of the study area. Withholding longitude and latitude, the best regression model suggested that NH3 estimates and annual number of wetdays interactively affect N accumulation (r2 = 0.61; % N ∼ NH3 + wetdays + (NH3 × wetdays)). We did not expect perfect correspondence between tissue values and NH3 estimates since other N pollutants also accumulate in the lichen thallus. Additionally, other factors potentially affecting N content, such as growth rate and leaching, were not given full account.
Profile of paritaprevir/ritonavir/ombitasvir plus dasabuvir in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus genotype 1 infection

Over the last several years, many advances have been made in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection with the development of direct-acting antivirals. Paritaprevir/ritonavir/ombitasvir with dasabuvir (PrOD) is a novel combination of a nonstructural (NS) 3/4A protein inhibitor boosted by ritonavir, an NS5A protein inhibitor, and an NS5B nonnucleoside polymerase inhibitor. This review aims to discuss the pharmacology, efficacy, safety, drug interactions, and viral drug resistance of PrOD in the treatment of HCV genotype 1 infections. Phase I, II, and III human and animal studies that describe the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and safety of PrOD for HCV were identified and included. Studies that evaluated patients without cirrhosis (n=2,249) and with cirrhosis (n=422) demonstrated that PrOD for 12 or 24 weeks was effective at achieving sustained virologic response rates (>90%) in patients with genotype 1a or 1b HCV infection. Although indicated for the treatment of HCV genotype 1 infection, PrOD is also recommended for the treatment of HCV in patients coinfected with HIV. Additionally, promising data exist for the use of PrOD in liver-transplant recipients. The most common adverse drug events associated with PrOD included nausea, pruritus, insomnia, diarrhea, asthenia, dry skin, vomiting, and anemia. The high efficacy rates seen coupled with a favorable side effect profile seen with PrOD with or without ribavirin have led to its addition as a recommended treatment regimen for HCV genotype 1 infection.
Effects of a computerized treatment simulation on patient expectations for orthognathic surgery

One hundred forty-six patients, ranging in age from 15 to 50 and presenting with a moderate to severe dentofacial disharmony requiring orthodontics and orthognathic surgery, were randomly assigned to 2 preparation strategy groups: standard presurgical consultation with or without a computerized treatment simulation presentation. The demographic profiles of the 2 groups were similar. Viewing a treatment simulation did not have a significant effect on the anticipation of social/interpersonal or general health problems in the first month after surgery. These 2 areas of concern were significantly related to psychological well-being. Psychologically distressed patients, whether or not they saw a simulation, expected significantly more problems in social/interpersonal relations and in general health during the first month after surgery. A treatment simulation presentation did affect patients' overall expectations of problems in the first month after surgery and their concerns about symptom recovery. However, the impact of the presentation was related to the patient's psychological well-being. In the standard presurgical consultation group, the average anticipated level of overall problems and discomfort during recovery was significantly higher for patients who reported elevated psychological distress than for those who did not. In the treatment simulation group, the average level of concern was similar for those patients who reported distress and those who did not. Preparation strategy was not significantly related to the long-term expectation of improvement after treatment. Long-term expectation of treatment improvement was related to psychological distress and gender. Men tended to report similar expectations regardless of psychological well-being, while women who were distressed anticipated significantly more improvement overall, in self-image, and in general health after treatment than women who were not distressed.
A Review of Technological Approaches for Reducing Exhaust Emissions from Two-Stroke Cycle Engine with In-Cylinder Injection System

From the investigations carried out in the two-stroke cycle engine with in-cylinder injection system, it was found that the level of hydrocarbon emissions from the engine was still too high if compared to that of an ordinary four-stroke cycle engine. For such high level of hydrocarbon emissions, it could be identified as coming from the mixture misfiring during the combustion process rather than the mixture short-circuiting during the scavenging process. The reasons for inducing the occurrence of mixture misfiring were also under investigation and could be further classified into five major categories: poor atomization of fuel spray, excessive amount of residual gas, instability of in-cylinder air flow, wall-wetting of the injected fuel spray and phenomena of secondary fuel injection. For assessing the effects of these technological approaches, the following statements could be drawn: (a) an air-assisted fuel injection system is to improve the fuel atomization; (b) the approach of skip injection control could effectively resolve the problem of mixture misfiring at idling, (c) through the control of the in-cylinder air flow by using a exhaust charge control valve, the irregularity of combustion could be substantially improved through the light load range; (d) increasing the temperature of the combustion chamber seemsmore » to be a necessary technology approach in order to assist the evaporation of wall-wetted fuel in the light load range; (e) while the design modification of injection nozzle is to resolve the problem of the secondary injection which is usually associated with the air-assisted injection system, especially at higher loads.« less
Majority Decisions: The force of majority rule

This essay attempts to recover a line of argument, developed by James Fitzjames Stephen and Justice Holmes, that describes majority rule as an irresistible force of nature. Majority rule has political and psychological force independent of its intrinsic merits. That force arises from a range of mechanisms, including the threat of majoritarian violence, the simplicity and focal-point character of majority rule, and political envy. Where the force of majority rule is sufficiently powerful, Stephen argues, majority rule is simply a political constraint, whatever its merits from an ideal point of view. Holmes then urges a least-cost principle: where majorities will inevitably get their way, law should at least ensure that they get their way efficiently - in a manner that minimizes total social cost. This principle has implications for the extension of the suffrage, legislative voting rules, delegation to bureaucracies, criminal law, free speech law, and the law and politics of emergency powers. The conclusion argues for an explanatory approach to social choice theory, as opposed to normative social choice, and for a second-best approach to normative social choice, in which the analyst assumes realistic political constraints.
Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome: a review of evaluation and therapy

Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS), also known as NIH Category III Prostatitis is a highly prevalent syndrome with significant impact on quality of life. As a heterogeneous syndrome, there exists no ‘one size fits all’ therapy with level 1 evidence to guide therapy. This often leads to a nihilistic approach to patients and clinical outcomes are poor. In this review, we examine the evidence for CP/CPPS therapies and discuss our technique of clinical phenotyping combined with multimodal therapy. Review of Medline articles with terms ‘non-bacterial prostatitis’, ‘abacterial prostatitis’ and ‘chronic pelvic pain syndrome’. Many individual therapies have been evaluated in the treatment of CP/CPPS; antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications (including bioflavonoids), neuromodulators, alpha blockers, pelvic floor physical therapy and cognitive behavior therapy. Each of these has been found to have varying success in alleviating symptoms. UPOINT is a system of clinical phenotyping for CP/CPPS patients that has 6 defined domains, which guide multimodal therapy. It has been validated to correlate with symptom burden and therapy guided by UPOINT leads to significant symptom improvement in 75–84% of patients based on three independent studies. CP/CPPS is a heterogeneous condition and, much like with prostate cancer, optimal therapy can only be achieved by classifying patients into clinically meaningful phenotypic groups (much like TNM) and letting the phenotype drive therapy.
Gastric siderosis: An under-recognized and rare clinical entity:

The increased deposition of iron in gastric mucosa is known as gastric siderosis. It is believed that the only regulated step of the iron metabolism cycle occurs during absorption in the small intestine. Once this system becomes overwhelmed due to either local or widespread iron levels, then iron can be absorbed very quickly by a passive concentration-dependent mechanism. This excess iron is initially stored in the liver but later can be found in the pancreas, heart and joints. Excess iron is not expected to deposit in the gastric mucosa. This gastric deposition has been found in association with hemochromatosis, oral iron medications, alcohol abuse, blood transfusions, hepatic cirrhosis and spontaneous portacaval shunt with esophageal varices. The precise mechanism of this iron deposition in gastric epithelial and stromal cells is still not well understood; thus, identification of iron in gastric mucosa raises many questions. On histology, the pattern of deposition is variable, and recognition of the pattern is often useful to choose the appropriate workup for the patient and to diagnose and possibly treat the cause of iron overload. In this article, we have described a well-referenced review of this rare clinical entity with different histological patterns, diagnostic tests and the clinical significance of the different patterns of iron deposition.
Computational Study of Active Flow Control of a Flow-Excited Helmholtz Resonator

A computational study was performed of a flow-excited Helmholtz resonator. This setup was used to model the phenomenon that occurs when a sunroof is open, or rear passenger compartment window lowered, in an automobile. The results of the computational study were validated through comparison to experimental and numerical results found in literature. After validating the setup of the computational study, the research then focused on using methods of active flow control to reduce the sound pressure levels and fluctuations within the resonator. Specifically, this was accomplished through the use of a small elongated jet placed upstream of the resonator opening. After seeing changes in the pressure levels using this active flow control technique, the velocity of the jet was altered to study its effect on the level of pressure reduction. The final results from this computational study show the desired outcome of a reduction in pressure and it was concluded that air from the jet that is added to the boundary layer produces an effect similar to that of running the simulation at a higher free stream velocity, but without active flow control. Thus, using the jet for active flow control will provide the ability to reduce pressure levels across a spectrum of free stream velocities.
Deposition Kinetics of Graphene Oxide on Charged Self-Assembled Monolayers

Numerous applications of graphene oxide (GO) thin films have emerged after the discovery of their intriguing electrical, mechanical, and thermal properties. Function and performance of such GO films tend to depend on their homogeneity, morphology, and nanostructure, which are influenced by their deposition kinetics. This study investigates the kinetics of GO deposition on substrates of systematically varying surface potentials via systematic quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation and atomic force microscopy techniques. While the substrates with a positive surface potential yielded high deposition rates but wrinkled GO films, the substrates with a negative surface potential lead to low deposition rates but smooth GO films. For the repulsive interactions, the deposition rate was found to roughly exponentially decay with the product of surface potentials of GO and the substrate. Also, building upon the Gouy–Chapman theory and the additivity of van der Waals interactions, expressions for electrostatic d...
Protein kinase C regulates activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase and induction of proto-oncogene c-fos by endothelin-1.

Endothelins (ETs) are potent regulatory peptides that cause numerous phenotypic changes in glomerular mesangial cells including differential regulation of gene expression and mitogenesis. Although the second messengers produced by activated ET receptors are well characterized, little is known about pathways of nuclear signaling. In this report, we evaluate the role of a well-characterized effector linked to ET receptor activation, protein kinase C, in the stimulation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (p42-44 mapk ) and the induction of proto-oncogene c-fos
Increase in Abundance of Immature Ixodes scapularis (Acari: Ixodidae) in an Emergent Lyme Disease Endemic Area

Changes in the abundance of immature Ixodes scapularis Say, the primary vector of Lyme disease, were assessed over a 7-yr period in Westchester County, New York, where the disease is endemic. In total, 4,000 m2 were drag sampled at each of 6 study sites in June and July of 1984 and 1991. The abundance of nymphs collected from all sites was 2.6-fold greater in 1991 than in 1984. Four of the 6 sites had significantly more nymphs in 1991, with increases ranging from 1.1- to 46.5-fold. The abundance of larvae collected from all sites was 34.2-fold higher in 1991 than in 1984. Five of the sites sampled had significantly more larvae in 1991, with increases ranging from 2.7- to 681-fold. These data demonstrate that populations of immature I. scapularis in Westchester County have, overall, increased during the 7-yr period from 1984 to 1991. However, the magnitude of increase is not uniform from site to site.
Disparities in the prevalence of comorbidities among US adults by state Medicaid expansion status

Introduction About 92% of US older adults have at least one chronic disease or medical condition and 77% have at least two. Low-income and uninsured adults in particular experience a higher burden of comorbidities, and the Medicaid expansion provision of the Affordable Care Act was designed to improve access to healthcare in this population group. However, a significant number of US states have declined expansion. The purpose of this study is to determine the distribution of low-income and uninsured adults in expanded versus non-expanded states, and evaluate the prevalence of comorbidities in both groups.