cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A theoretical analysis of the effect of the particulate nature of blood on oxygen release in capillaries

Abstract A theoretical model is developed to investigate the role played by the particulate (two-phase) nature of blood on oxygen (O 2 ) release in capillary-size vessels. Red cells flowing in single-file suspension through capillaries are modelled as evenly spaced, hemoglobin (Hb)-containing circular particles in a rectangular channel (two-dimensional case) or axisymmetric spheres in a circular tube (three-dimensional case). The model includes the free and Hb-facilitated transport of O 2 and HbO 2 kinetics inside the particles, diffusion of free O 2 in the suspending phase, and a specified O 2 tension at the capillary wall that drives the release of O 2 from the particles as they traverse the capillary. The results are expressed in the form of a capillary mass transfer coefficient, an inverse resistance, that relates the spatial average flux of O 2 out of the capillary to a driving force for O 2 release. The results indicate that this coefficient depends significantly on particle spacing and clearance (channel size relative to particle size) but not significantly on the O 2 tension at the capillary wall nor the eccentricity of the particles in the channel. It is also found that the capillary mass transfer coefficient can be several times smaller (more resistance) than that for a continuous Hb solution releasing O 2 . As a physiological application of the coefficients obtained, they are combined with a Krogh-type model for tissue, and the resulting analysis suggests that the fraction of total O 2 transport resistance that resides inside the capillary is influenced significantly by the discrete nature of blood and can account for 30 to 70% of the total resistance to O 2 transport from blood to tissue.
Integrating animal models and in vitro tissue models to elucidate the role of desmosomal proteins in diseases.

AbstractDesmosomes are intercellular junctions that provide tissues with structural stability. These junctions might also act as signaling centers that transmit environmental clues to the cell, thereby affecting cell differentiation, migration, and proliferation. The importance of desmosomes is underscored by devastating skin and heart diseases caused by mutations in desmosomal genes. Recent observations suggest that abnormal desmosomal protein expression might indirectly contribute to skin disorders previously not linked to these proteins. For example, it has been postulated that reduced desmosomal protein expression occurs in patients affected by Ankyloblepharon-ectodermal defects-cleft lip/palate syndrome (AEC), a skin fragility disorder caused by mutations in the transcription factor TP63. Currently, it is not clear how these changes in desmosomal gene expression contribute to AEC. We will discuss new approaches that combine in vitro and in vivo models to elucidate the role of desmosomal gene deregula...
Another look at the disjoint blocks bootstrap

We revisit the Disjoint Blocks Bootstrap and establish Empirical Central Limit Theorem under minimal conditions. This result is much more general than similar results for the Moving Blocks Bootstrap and nicely complements the results for independent variables. We perform a comprehensive numerical study comparing these two methods.
Specific enzymic method for the estimation of L-tryptophan.

Abstract A procedure is described for the enzymic assay of l -tryptophan utilizing the enzyme tryptophanase. Tryptophan is converted to indole; colorimetric estimation of the indole produced from an unknown sample allows the estimation of its tryptophan content. Under the conditions described, a series of indole derivatives, casamino acids, and d -tryptophan do not interfere either singly or in combination.
3D profilometry using a dynamically configurable confocal microscope

Confocal microscopy is a powerful tool that has been used in the development of 3D profilometers for depth-section image capture and surface measurements. Previously developed confocal microscopes operated by scanning a single point, or array of points, over the surface of a sample. The 3D profilometer we constructed acquires measurement data using a confocal microscopy technique, where transverse surface scanning is performed by a digital micromirror device (DMD). The DMD is imaged onto the object's surface allowing for confocal surface scanning of the field of view at a rate faster than video rate without physical movement of the sample. 3D reconstruction is performed a posteriori from stacks of 2D image planes acquired at different depths. A description of the experimental setup with system design issues and solutions are presented. Backscatter noise and diffraction noise due to the periodic micromirror structure is minimized using spatial filtering and polarization coding techniques. Using a 100x objective, the longitudinal point spread function was measured at 2.1 micrometers , with simultaneous transverse resolution of 228.0 lines/mm. The optical resolution performance of our microscope with real-time scanning provided by the DMD, is shown to be effectively equivalent to those of conventional confocal microscopes. The 3D images capabilities of our scanning system using the DMD were demonstrated on various objects.
Methylation of 16S RNA during ribosome assembly in vitro.

Methyl deficient 16S RNA from kasugamycin resistant Escherichia coli has been used to study methylation of RNA during ribosome assembly in vitro. Methylation occurs at an intermediate stage and is inhibited at a late stage of assembly. 30S ribosomal proteins required for methylation, and inhibition, have been identified.
APPLICATION OF VARIATIONAL METHODS TO RADIATION HEAT-TRANSFER CALCULATIONS

A variational method is presented for solving a class of integral equations which arise in radiation heat-transfer problems. First, to demonstrate the formulation of radiation problems in terms of integral equations, consideration is given to a system consisting of two nonblack, finite, parallel plates. After a general description of the variational method, its use is illustrated by application to the parallelplate system. Comparisons are made which show very good agreement with exact solutions. (auth)
Application of a geometric model to the hydrogenation of Ti2Ni and Ti4Fe2O

Abstract A geometric model has been used to predict which interstices should be preferred by hydrogen (deuterium) atoms in the hydrides of Ti 2 Ni and Ti 4 Fe 2 O. Crystallographically, both of these intermetallic compounds are closely related to the η carbide structure, but the model predicts significant differences in their preferred hydrogen sites. The most important tetrahedral sites in Ti 2 NiH should be those coordinated by four nickel atoms, while in Ti 4 Fe 2 OH 2.25 the analogous sites coordinated by four iron atoms should be unoccupied. In contrast with Zr 3 V 3 O, another oxygen-stabilized compound with the η carbide structure, the most important type of tetrahedral interstice in Ti 4 Fe 2 O should be the one sharing a face with an octahedral interstice containing an oxygen atom. All these predictions of the model are in agreement with published experimental determinations of site occupation.
DESIGNING A MULTISTAGE ADIABATIC REACTOR FOR MINIMUM CATALYST VOLUME

Abstract A procedure for optimizing a reactor system for the methanol synthesis reaction given in the UCKRON-I paper by Berty el at. [1] is presented. Given desired final conversions of carbon monoxide to methanol, minimum lengths (and thus minimum catalyst volumes) of a multistage adiabatic reactor with interstage cooling are estimated. Also, the relationship between the number of stages and the minimum catalyst volume is given.
Healing of Nonhymenal Genital Injuries in Prepubertal and Adolescent Girls: A Descriptive Study

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to identify the healing process and outcome of nonhymenal injuries in prepubertal and pubertal girls. METHODS: This multicenter, retrospective project used photographs to document the healing process and outcome of nonhymenal genital injuries in 239 prepubertal and pubertal girls whose ages ranged from 4 months to 18 years. RESULTS: The genital injuries sustained by the 113 prepubertal girls consisted of 21 accidental or noninflicted injuries, 73 injuries secondary to abuse, and 19 injuries of unknown cause. All 126 pubertal girls were sexual assault victims. These nonhymenal genital injuries healed at various rates depending on the type and severity. There was no statistical difference in the rate of healing between the 2 groups. Abrasions disappeared by the third day after injury. Edema was no longer present by the fifth day. Ecchymosis (bruising) resolved within 2 to 18 days depending on the severity. One prepubertal girl still had a labial hematoma at 2 weeks. Submucosal hemorrhages of the vestibule and fossa navicularis resolved between 2 days and 2 weeks. Petechiae and blood blisters proved useful for approximating the age of an injury. Petechiae were gone by 24 hours, whereas blood blisters were detected at 30 days in a prepubertal girl and 24 days in a pubertal girl. The depth of a laceration determined the time required for it to heal. Superficial vestibular lacerations seemed healed in 2 days, whereas deep perineal lacerations required up to 20 days. The appearance of new blood vessel formation was detected only in prepubertal girls, whereas scar tissue formation occurred only after a deep laceration in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of these nonhymenal genital injuries healed with little or no evidence of previous trauma. The time required for resolution varied by type, location, and severity. Language: en
The Homocysteine-inducible Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Protein Counteracts Calcium Store Depletion and Induction of CCAAT Enhancer-binding Protein Homologous Protein in a Neurotoxin Model of Parkinson Disease

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a key organelle regulating intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis. Oxidants and mitochondria-derived free radicals can target ER-based Ca2+ regulatory proteins and cause uncontrolled Ca2+ release that may contribute to protracted ER stress and apoptosis. Several ER stress proteins have been suggested to counteract the deregulation of ER Ca2+ homeostasis and ER stress. Here we showed that knockdown of Herp, an ubiquitin-like domain containing ER stress protein, renders PC12 and MN9D cells vulnerable to 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium-induced cytotoxic cell death by a mechanism involving up-regulation of CHOP expression and ER Ca2+ depletion. Conversely, Herp overexpression confers protection by blocking 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium-induced CHOP up-regulation, ER Ca2+ store depletion, and mitochondrial Ca2+ accumulation in a manner dependent on a functional ubiquitin-proteasomal protein degradation pathway. Deletion of the ubiquitin-like domain of Herp or treatment with a proteasomal inhibitor abolished the central function of Herp in ER Ca2+ homeostasis. Thus, elucidating the underlying molecular mechanism(s) whereby Herp counteracts Ca2+ disturbances will provide insights into the molecular cascade of cell death in dopaminergic neurons and may uncover novel therapeutic strategies to prevent and ameliorate Parkinson disease progression.
A Meta-Analysis of the Clinical and Fusion Results following Treatment of Symptomatic Cervical Pseudarthrosis.

Study Design Systematic literature review and meta-analysis. Objective This study is a meta-analysis assessing the fusion rate and the clinical outcomes of cervical pseudarthrosis treated with either a posterior or a revision anterior approach. Methods A literature search of PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase was performed. Variables of interest included fusion rate and clinical success. The effect size based on logit event rate was calculated from the pooled results. The studies were weighted by the inverse of the variance, which included both within- and between-study error. The confidence intervals were reported at 95%. Heterogeneity was assessed using the Q statistic and I 2 , where I 2 is the estimate of the percentage of error due to between-study variation. Results Sixteen studies reported fusion outcomes; 10 studies reported anterior and/or posterior results. The pooled fusion success was 86.4% in the anterior group and 97.1% in the posterior group ( p = 0.028). The anterior group demonstrated significant heterogeneity with Q value of 34.2 and I 2 value of 73.7%; no heterogeneity was seen in the posterior group. The clinical outcomes were reported in 10 studies, with eight reporting results of anterior and posterior approaches. The pooled clinical success rate was 77.0% for anterior and 71.7% for posterior ( p = 0.55) approaches. There was significant heterogeneity in both groups ( I 2 16.1; 19.2). Conclusions Symptomatic cervical pseudarthrosis can be effectively managed with either an anterior or a posterior approach. The posterior approach demonstrates a significantly greater fusion rate compared with the anterior approach, though the clinical outcome does not differ between the two groups.
Frequency Combs at the Fundamental Limit using Graphene Modulators

Sub-wavelength-thick, polarization independent, low-loss and dispersion-free graphene electro-optic modulators enable fast modulation of the laser cavity loss alone. Up to two orders of magnitude higher control bandwidths are achieved compared to the established pump-modulation scheme.
Cancer therapy: Death by magnetism.

A magnetic on/off switch for cell-death signalling in cancer cells is developed using antibodies conjugated to magnetic nanoparticles. The control of cell death in in vivo systems is demonstrated by a tell-tale morphological change within the zebrafish.
Scaling of visual acuity with body size in mammals and birds

1. Kirschfeld (1976) suggested that visual acuity is directly proportional to body length across a wide range of animal species. A survey of eye size, visual acuity and body size of birds and mammals that is consistent with Kirschfeld's suggestion is reported. Hypoallometry (scaling factor 1) for acuity vs eye size to produce roughly linear scaling between acuity and body size. 2. Kirschfeld (1976) also suggested that the distance at which important objects are typically viewed is a linear function of body length. ‘Subjective distance’ (viewing distance/body length) was therefore thought to be independent of body size across species. However, for prey detection by mammalian and avian predators, it is doubtful that subjective visual distances are size independent because prey size and visual acuity both scale by factors > 0·5 with predator body size; hence, detection distance should scale with size by a factor > 1. Scaling analyses also suggest that subjective visual distances for intraspecific social interactions are size dependent. 3. A positive association between body size and viewing distance has implications for the scaling of coat pattern features. In environments with fractal visual backgrounds (in which perceived sizes of background pattern elements do not change as distance from the background changes), larger animal species should have larger coat patches than smaller species if they are adapted to be cryptic at greater viewing distances than smaller species are.
Diruthenium Dithiolato Cyanides: Basic Reactivity Studies and a Post Hoc Examination of Nature's Choice of Fe versus Ru for Hydrogenogenesis

The reaction of Ru2(S2C3H6)(CO)6 (1) with 2 equiv of Et4NCN yielded (Et4N)2[Ru2(S2C3H6)(CN)2(CO)4], (Et4N)2[3], which was shown crystallographically to consist of a face-sharing bioctahedron with the cyanide ligands in the axial positions, trans to the Ru−Ru bond. Competition experiments showed that 1 underwent cyanation >100× more rapidly than the analogous Fe2(S2C3H6)(CO)6. Furthermore, Ru2(S2C3H6)(CO)6 underwent dicyanation faster than [Ru2(S2C3H6)(CN)(CO)5]-, implicating a highly electrophilic intermediate [Ru2(S2C3H6)(μ-CO)(CN)(CO)5]-. Ru2(S2C3H6)(CO)6 (1) is noticeably more basic than the diiron compound, as demonstrated by the generation of [Ru2(S2C3H6)(μ-H)(CO)6]+, [1H]+. In contrast to 1, the complex [1H]+ is unstable in MeCN solution and converts to [Ru2(S2C3H6)(μ-H)(CO)5(MeCN)]+. (Et4N)2[3] was shown to protonate with HOAc (pKa = 22.3, MeCN) and, slowly, with MeOH and H2O. Dicyanide [3]2- is stable toward excess acid, unlike the diiron complex; it slowly forms the coordination polymer [Ru2(S2C3...
Carbon-14 calibration between the University of Washington and the University of Miami Geosecs laboratories

Abstract Cross-checks between the Washington and Miami Geosecs radiocarbon laboratories verify that results on identical samples measured at the two laboratories agree with the stated accuracy of each laboratory which is±4‰inΔ14C.
Long-term behavioral effects of parent involvement in nutrition education

Consumption of nutritious foods is a well-founded objective of nutrition education programs (1). Since the passage of P.L. 95-66, millions of dollars have been spent informing elementary school children about the importance of nutrition in their lives. Many of the nutrition education programs have urged a par­ ent education component (2-4), but parent education is rarely mandated and seldom included. In an earlier study (5) we showed that primary-grade children (ages 5-9 years old) whose parents concomi­ tantly received nutrition education were consuming a better diet than those whose parents were not directly involved. The present study was done to determine whether these effects were long-lasting. The current ages (10-14 years old) ofthe original participants con­ tributed some further questions in regard to eating be­ havior because compared to the food habits of younger children (6) teen and preteen food habits are subject to many other influences.
Computations and estimates of rate coefficients for hydrocarbon reactions of interest to the atmospheres of the outer solar system

The rate coefficients, including Arrhenius parameters, have been computed for a number of chemical reactions involving hydrocarbon species for which experimental data are not available and which are important in planetary atmospheric models. The techniques used to calculate the kinetic parameters include the Troe and semiempirical bond energy-bond order (BEBO) or bond strength-bond length (BSBL) methods.
The cost effectiveness of surgical versus nonoperative treatment for lumbar disc herniation over two years: evidence from the Spine Patient Outcomes Research Trial (SPORT).

Lumbar discectomy is the most common surgical procedure performed in the US for patients with back pain and leg symptoms due to intervertebral disc herniation (IDH) 1, Disc herniation most frequently occurs among persons between 33 and 55 years of age; however, rates of spine surgery in the Medicare population--those 65 and older--rose dramatically in the United States over the period 1992 through 2003, with total Medicare spending on lumbar discectomy/laminectomy estimated at $306 million.2. While recent clinical evidence shows a health benefit for those undergoing surgery,3,4 the cost-effectiveness of operative intervention compared with non-operative care remains poorly characterized. One study reported moderate cost-effectiveness for surgical treatment of IDH,5 but had several important limitations. First, cost and health outcome data came from different populations. Second, transitions between health states were not observed with prospectively collected data appropriate for estimating impact on quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), but were modeled using decision analysis. Third, the effect of surgery on worker productivity (i.e., indirect costs) was not addressed. The results from the Maine Lumbar Spine Study suggest that indirect costs are important to evaluate because, although spine surgery was associated with pain reduction, it was not associated with increased labor force participation.6 A recent Swedish study suggested that surgery for IDH may be cost-saving when lost productivity due to permanent disability is considered.7 To comprehensively address the economic value of surgery for treatment of IDH, the multicenter Spine Patient Outcomes Research Trial (SPORT), included patients with confirmed diagnosis of IDH and tracked the impact of treatment on QALYs using a validated instrument (EQ-5D), resource utilization, and indirect costs .8 Reports of the SPORT primary outcomes among 1,244 patients with IDH suggest that both surgically and non-operatively treated patients improve over time 3,4 In this paper, we report on the cost-effectiveness of surgery for IDH using SPORT two-year cost and outcomes data.
Towards enzyme activated antiprostatic agents.

A prodrug conjugate designed to undergo activation by enzymatic prostate specific antigen has been synthesized. The prodrug system undergoes activation with PSA or α-chymotrypsin, and shows selective cytotoxicity in a PSA secreting cell line.
Media attention and the Toxics Release Inventory

This paper explores the relationship between the print media and toxic releases in the first wave of Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) filings. It first studies the degree to which neighborhood characteristics like racial composition and income status associate with the number of newspaper articles written about a TRI establishment, controlling for the volume of toxic releases, industry and observable establishment characteristics. It follows up to study whether establishments that receive media attention reduce toxics releases more than those that do not. Neither a qualitative review of the articles nor regression results show any significant correlation between race or income and the likelihood of being included in media reports. A difference-in-difference approach shows a statistically significant decrease in the toxic releases of establishments that received media attention compared to those that did not.
Breaking of waves by an opposing current

For deep-water waves propagating from still water upstream against a moving current, complete breaking occurs when the velocity of the opposing current reaches 1/4 of the wave velocity. This was verified by experimental results. Partial breaking took place when the ratio was between 1/7 and 1/4.
Gemtuzumab ozogamicin as first-line treatment in patients aged 70 years or older with acute myeloid leukemia

BACKGROUND: Elderly patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are generally unable to withstand the rigors of intensive induction chemotherapy and its attendant complications. Gemtuzumab ozogamicin (GO) is an immunoconjugate that had demonstrated activity in recurrent AML. METHODS: The objective of the current study was to determine the prognostic factors for achievement of complete remission (CR) in newly diagnosed elderly AML patients treated with GO as initial induction therapy. A retrospective study was performed of efficacy and toxicity associated with GO therapy, and factors potentially predictive of response were assessed in 49 previously untreated AML patients. RESULTS: CR was achieved in 14% of all treated patients. Among the patients with an intermediate-risk karyotype, the CR rate was 30%, compared with none with an unfavorable karyotype. The median duration of overall survival was 3.7 months (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.4-6.9 months), and the median recurrence-free survival in patients who achieved CR was 11.8 months (95% CI, 5.0-ind months). CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that GO should be considered as a first-line treatment option in older patients with AML with intermediate-risk cytogenetics who cannot tolerate high-dose induction chemotherapy. Cancer 2010. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Electron pair creation in π+p capture reactions from rest

Electromagnetic corrections are calculated for the processes π−+p→n+e++e− and π0→γ+e++e−. These corrections depend on the c.m. energy of the pair. For very low c.m. energy the corrections are relatively large, and due mainly to the electron-positron Coulomb attraction; they fall rapidly with increasing c.m. energy to a minimum of 0.5%, then rise slowly to a value of 1.7% at the highest c.m. energy. For both processes, the correction to the total rate amounts to about 1%. In terms of these total rates, the Panofsky ratio is found to be $$R_P = 0.594P[\pi ^ - + p \to n + \pi ^0 ,\pi ^0 \to \gamma + e^ + + e^ - ]/P[\pi ^ + + p \to n + e^ + + e^ - ].$$ . For the process π−+p→n+e++e−, the problem of empirically identifying the contributions arising from interaction via the longitudinal component of the electromagnetic field and from size effects is discussed. These contributions are expected to amount to only 2.0% and 0.8%, respectively, of the total rate. The process π−+p→n+2γ is also discussed briefly.
A declarative language and toolkit for scientific workflow implementation and execution

Scientific workflow design is usually complex and demands access to and integration of numerous non-conventional resources. Geographical distribution and semantic heterogeneity of these resources add to this complexity. The cost effectiveness of such workflow design, thus, depends upon the lifespan of the application and its anticipated use. Shorter application lifespan usually entails prohibitive development costs. In this paper, we present an alternative platform for declarative workflow design using BioFlow in such environments. BioFlow is being developed as the query language for a scientific data management system called LifeDB that aims to support on-the-fly data integration and workflow support for life sciences applications. We argue that a declarative and ad hoc workflow design using BioFlow is more efficient and cost effective compared to traditional approaches using systems such as Taverna or Kepler. To demonstrate the advantages of BioFlow, we compare a canonical microarray data analysis workflow application design approach using BioFlow with Taverna and a gene regulation application using BioFlow and Kepler. We show that BioFlow supports ad hoc and modular application design at a throw away cost and produces a superior maintainable application that can adapt to changes in the source without significant effort compared to both Taverna and Kepler.
Monte Carlo algorithms for simulating systems with adiabatic separation of electronic and nuclear degrees of freedom

Two Monte Carlo algorithms for the adiabatic sampling of nuclear and electronic degrees of freedom are introduced. In these algorithms the electronic degrees of freedom are subject to a secondary low-temperature thermostat in close analogy to the extended Lagrangian formalism used in molecular dynamics simulations. Numerical tests are carried out for two model systems of coupled harmonic oscillators, and for two more realistic systems: the water dimer and bulk liquid water. A statistical-mechanical discussion of the partition function for systems with adiabatic separation of electronic and nuclear degrees of freedom, but with finite electronic temperature, is presented. The theoretical analysis shows that the algorithms satisfy the adiabatic limit using suitable choices of the electronic temperature, T elec, the number of electronic moves, R elec, and the maximum step sizes used for displacements of nuclear coordinates. For quadratic coupling of the nuclear and electronic degrees of freedom, the electronic phase-space volume is independent of the nuclear coordinates. In this case, the sampling of the nuclear coordinate phase-space recovers the correct Born-Oppenheimer limit independent of T elec, but each electronic degree of freedom contributes an offset of 0.5k B T′elec (with T elec ′−1=T −1+T elec −1) to the average total energy. For nonquadratic coupling, satisfactory sampling of the nuclear coordinate phase-space requires a low T elec to limit the ratio of the electronic phase-space volumes at T elec and T′elec to be close to unity.
NONLINEAR HEAT-RELEASE/ACOUSTIC INTERACTIONS IN A GAS TURBINE COMBUSTOR

This paper describes an experimental investigation of the response of the flame in a lean, premixed combustor to imposed acoustic oscillations. The ultimate objective of this work is to develop capabilities for predicting the amplitude of combustion instabilities in gas turbines. Simultaneous measurements of CH* and OH* chemiluminescence, pressure, and velocity were obtained over a range of forcing amplitudes and frequencies. These data show that nonlinearity in the heat release/acoustic transfer function is manifested in two ways. First, the flame chemiluminescence response to imposed oscillations saturates at pressure and velocity amplitudes on the order of p’/po ∼0.02 and u’/uo ∼0.3. In addition, the phase between the CH* or OH* oscillations and acoustic oscillations exhibits some amplitude dependence, even at disturbance amplitudes where the amplitude transfer function is linear. We also find that the response of this swirling, highly turbulent flame exhibits similarities to those of simple, laminar flame configurations. First, the “linear”, low amplitude flame response is similar to the laminar, V-flame measurements and predictions of Schuller et al. [1]. Also, at large disturbance amplitudes, the subharmonic characteristics of the oscillations exhibit analogous characteristics to those observed by Bourehla & Baillot [2] in a conical Bunsen flame, and Searby & Rochwerger [3] in a flat flame.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Self-reported nutritional supplement usage among professional mixed martial artists – preliminary findings

Background Although mixed martial arts (MMA) has been around for decades in other countries such as Brazil, it is still a relatively new sport for most of the world. Research on combative sport athletes has focused primarily on the various individual sports that compose MMA such as judo, boxing, and wrestling. To date, there is limited peer-reviewed research investigating professional mixed martial artists. More specifically, there is very limited information regarding the dietary supplement habits of current professional mixed martial arts fighters. Thus, the purpose of this study was to investigate various dietary habits, beliefs, and nutritional supplement usage, in professional mixed martial artists.
Interprofessional clinical education for occupational therapy and psychology students: A social skills training program for children with autism spectrum disorders

An interprofessional clinical learning experience was developed for pre-licensure occupational therapy (OT) and psychology graduate students. Students worked in interprofessional teams to plan and implement a social skills training program for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The objectives were to provide a hands-on, student-led clinical experience; facilitate interprofessional collaborative learning through leadership partnerships and teach children with ASD to engage in appropriate social skill behaviors. Concurrently, faculty performed qualitative research to explore how the students worked together to provide intervention to the children. Data were collected via interview, direct observation of student planning sessions and student interprofessional interactions, and collection of posts from an online social network site used for session planning. There were six student participants and two faculty participants. Four themes emerged: learning who I am as a professional, learning to appreciate our professional differences, learning to communicate with each other and figuring it out, for the benefit of the kids. This interprofessional clinical learning experience and research helps ensure that students are adequately prepared to represent their profession as part of a diverse interprofessional health care team.
The voice of the customer: consumers define the ideal battery charger.

The Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Technology Evaluation and Transfer is exploring how the users of assistive technology devices define the ideal device. This work is called the Consumer Ideal Product program. The results show what device characteristics are most and least important, indicating where to place the priority on product features and functions from the consumer's perspective. The “voice of the customer” can be used (1) to define the ideal characteristics of a product, (2) to make tradeoffs in product design and function improvements based on their relative importance to the consumer, (3) to compare the characteristics of existing products against the characteristics of the ideal product, or (4) to generate a product checklist for consumers to use when making a purchase decision. This paper presents the results of consumers' defining the ideal battery charger. Four focus groups generated the survey's content, then 100 experienced users rated 159 characteristics organized under 11...
Chemical treatment of CdZnTe radiation detectors using hydrogen bromide and ammonium-based solutions

Surface damages occur in Cadmium zinc telluride (CdZnTe) wafers for radiation detection devices during dicing and polishing. This often results in increased leakage current that limits the performance of the detector. An effective method of removing the surface damage and thus reducing the leakage current is through the use of chemical treatments. The effects discussed in this study include: chemical polishing with a mixture of hydrogen bromide solution followed by passivation with ammonium fluoride in a hydrogen peroxide solution. The effects on the current-voltage measurements and the spectral response were monitored over a 2-week period. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was also obtained to observe the formation of chemical species on treated surfaces. The resistivity of the treated CdZnTe samples is on the order of 1010 ohm-cm. The current in the I-V measurements increased rapidly immediately following the chemical polishing and surface passivation, and decreased steadily afterwards. The spectral response showed that the 59.5-keV peak of Am-241 was stable in the same position over the test period.
Correlation of tidal gravity and heat flow in eastern North America

Abstract An apparent correlation of tidal gravity and heat flow can be examined using data from ten sites in eastern North America. A trend is clearly evident on the plot of M2 tidal gravity residuals and estimated heat flow values with a linear regression slope of 0.043 μgal m 2 mW −1 and a multiple correlation coefficient of 0.79. The mean deviation of points from the linear regression line is 0.2 μgal. Similar plots for the O1, K1, and S2 harmonics reveal positively sloping trends, but multiple correlation coefficients smaller than 0.06 indicate that little significance can be attached to these apparent trends. The O1, K1, and S2 tidal gravity residuals, as well as the N2 residuals, are not determined accurately enough to verify the trend found for the stronger M2 harmonic. The well-known linear relationship between heat flow and heat production within the eastern North American heat flow province has been interpreted to indicate significant upper crustal influence on spatial variations in heat flow. Therefore, a correlation of tidal gravity with heat flow implies a measurable upper crustal tidal response.
Population genetics of a "colonising" lizard: natural selection for allozyme morphs in Anolis grahami.

Population genetics of a “colonising” lizard: Natural selection for allozyme morphs in Anolis grahami
Embedded Promotions in Online Services: How Goal-Relevance Ambiguity Shapes Response and Affect.

Adding promotions to online services is increasingly commonplace, yet consumers may have difficulty determining whether service-embedded promotions are goal-relevant, due to the linear and transactional nature of online services. This contextual effect of goal-relevance ambiguity on promotions is explored across three studies. An exploratory study utilizing actual service websites and a broad range of consumers as participants showed promotional elements in online services generated considerable confusion, and instructions labeling promotions as optional did little to relieve goal-relevance ambiguity. A second study using student participants inserted promotions into an online airline ticket service, a shopping site, a local news blog, and a news headline aggregator, to explore how linear and transactional sites such as online services compared to more exploratory or informational online environments. Results showed that service-embedded promotions enjoyed initial compliance far beyond promotions in traditional websites but also generated increased confusion, frustration, and anger. A third study utilizing student participants explored how varying levels of online service experience created differing responses to promotions in services; novices were less able to judge promotional goal-relevance and experienced more confusion, whereas experienced searchers were more likely to respond with frustration and anger. Many participants complied with promotional offers at the time of the service transaction, but stated intentions to use the promotion postservice were very low. The overall results spotlight goal-relevance ambiguity as an important driver of consumer response to online promotions, and highlight the role website context can play in the processing of online promotional elements.
Peptide-pulsed immature dendritic cells reduce response to beta cell target antigens and protect NOD recipients from type I diabetes.

Our previous work demonstrated peptide-pulsed mature myeloid dendritic cells (DC) presenting beta cell antigens induce tolerance. Here we determine whether immature DC (iDC) presenting dominant (insulin beta9-23 chain, proinsulin C19-A3) or ignored (glutamic acid decarboxylase 65(78-97)) antigen determinants promote tolerance. Nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice were given injections of either unpulsed or peptide-pulsed myeloid iDC beginning at 9 weeks of age for 3 consecutive weeks. Diabetes incidence in recipients of unpulsed iDC was comparable to unmanipulated animals ( approximately 80%), whereas GAD65(78-97) pulsed iDC recipients were protected from the disease (P = 0.05). We also analyzed splenic T cell proliferation responses to the panel of studied peptides in diabetic and nondiabetic recipients. When stimulated with insulin or proinsulin peptide, nondiabetic mice receiving the peptide-pulsed iDC had a 21- to 31-fold or 3.9- to 9.0-fold reduction in T cell response, respectively, as compared to the response of diabetic unpulsed recipients. However, only a 2.6- to 3.1-fold reduction in response to beta chain peptide, and a 1.5- to 3.4-fold reduction in proinsulin response were observed in diabetic mice receiving peptide-pulsed iDC. The reduction was not specific to the immunizing peptide, as reduced proliferation was observed to other diabetes-target peptides. We conclude that protective iDC-based therapies require target antigen presentation, and ignored determinants may be preferable perhaps due to an available naive T cell repertoire. In addition, iDC presenting peptides induce a nonspecific reduction in T cell responses to beta cell antigens, possibly through the induction of regulatory T cells.
Vulcanization of Neoprene Type W

Abstract Neoprene Type W, as a polymer, represents a fundamental departure from Neoprene Type GN in the manufacture of chloroprene polymers. This new Neoprene is more stable than any of its predecessors, and it contains no sulfur or chemicals which may decompose to give free sulfur or a vulcanization accelerator. Although its compounds should include both magnesium oxide and zinc oxide, Type W also requires acceleration. Many conventional Neoprene and rubber accelerators can be used. Certain of the rubber accelerators, such as diphenylguanidine or the butyraldehyde-aniline condensation products, require sulfur. Others, such as 2-mercaptothiazoline and tetramethylthiuram monosulfide, as well as the common Neoprene accelerators, such as the di-o-tolylguanidine salt of dicatechol borate, may be used without sulfur. Neoprene Type W vulcanizates differ from those of Type GN by having a stress-strain curve more nearly approaching that of natural rubber and by having much greater resistance to compression set. T...
Conventions of theorizing and of multiple personality

Reasoning can be addressed prescriptively or descriptively. The preceding analysis has attempted to describe a convention of reasoning. It began with a text on the limitations of symbolic realism that (as a contribution to the social scientific study of religion) explicitly attempted to reason rigorously rather then conventionally and that, in addition, provided data on the convention of interest here: required immediacy. Three arguments were addressed; the first two, drawn from the limits text, made judgments about reductionist and symbolic realist approaches to religion; the third was initiated by the present analysis and pointed out a contradiction in the first two. No attempt was made to side with or resolve any of the three arguments. Instead the question was posed: what conventions of reasoning do they require?
Distributed backpressure protocols with limited state feedback

The freedom and flexibility of wireless Mobile Adhoc Networks (MANETs) that make them extremely desirable for many military, emergency, and sensor network applications also present challenges for multiple layers in the network stack. Max-weight scheduling, also known as backpressure routing, is a cross-layer control algorithm that is well-known to be throughput optimal since it provides queue stability within the network for all traffic injection rates within the network's capacity. Despite its desirable properties like operating on instantaneous queue and channel states without requiring their statistics, max-weight scheduling relies on global knowledge of full system state information of the network. This is an overly optimistic assumption for most real-world implementations. In this work, we address this issue and develop a distributed max-weight scheduling algorithm in which nodes disseminate the necessary network state information for each to make the same optimal cross-layer control decision individually each time slot. We explore the idea of disseminating only a limited amount of state feedback for this algorithm and evaluate the subsequent impact on performance. We compare the distributed protocol to a centralized version that assumes nodes have global knowledge of this network state information, showing differences in performance from the increased overhead. We also introduce and evaluate an improvement to the algorithm that achieves better performance by dynamically adjusting values used to estimate queue backlogs in the limited state feedback scheduling algorithm.
Alkaline igneous rocks of Magnet Cove, Arkansas: Mineralogy and geochemistry of syenites

Abstract Syenites from the Magnet Cove alkaline igneous complex form a diverse mineralogical and geochemical suite. Compositional zoning in primary and late-stage minerals indicates complex, multi-stage crystallization and replacement histories. Residual magmatic fluids, rich in F, Cl, CO 2 and H 2 O, reacted with primary minerals to form complex intergrowths of minerals such as rinkite, fluorite, V-bearing magnetite, F-bearing garnet and aegirine. Abundant sodalite and natrolite formed in pegmatitic segregations within nepheline syenite where Cl- and Na-rich fluids were trapped. During autometasomatism compatible elements such as Mn, Ti, V and Zr were redistributed on a local scale and concentrated in late-stage minerals. Early crystallization of apatite and perovskite controlled the compatible behavior of P and Ti, respectively. The formation of melanite garnet also affected the behaviour of Ti, as well as Zr, Hf and the heavy rare-earth elements. Pseudoleucite syenite and garnet-nepheline syenite differentiated along separate trends, but the two groups are related to the same parental magma by early fractionation of leucite, the presumed precursor of intergrowths of K-feldspar and nepheline. The Diamond Jo nepheline syenite group defines a different differentiation trend. Sphene-nepheline syenite, alkali syenite and several miscellaneous nepheline syenites do not consistently plot with the other syenite groups or each other on element and oxide variation diagrams, indicating that they were derived from still other parental syenite magmas. Mineral assemblages indicate that relatively high ƒ; O2 , at or above the fayalite-magnetite-quartz buffer, prevailed throughout the crystallization history of the syenites.
Benefits of swim training for children and adolescents with asthma.

PURPOSE To r eview scientific evidence related to the benefits of swimming and present an evidence-based approach to prescribing swim training for children and adolescents with asthma. DATA SOURCES Extensive literature review of all research that has been done on swim training in asthmatic children and adolescents, using the databases CINAHL, Medline, and ProQuest. CONCLUSIONS When swimming is compared to other sports in the scientific literature, it has been found to have a lower asthmogenicity. It has also been shown to decrease the severity of asthma symptoms. Swimming may be an effective nonpharma-cological intervention for the child or adolescent with asthma. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Research findings are summarized regarding the benefits of swim training on children and adolescents with asthma, and a stepped three-level approach to swim prescription is outlined along with safety recommendations.
Isocyanate-wood adhesive bond

We have used infrared spectroscopy to study the reaction between phenyl isocyanate and glucose, cellulose, lignin, and wood. In the latter instance we have investigated oven-dried wood, wood at its fiber saturation point, and wood at 19% and 7% moisture levels. Our results show that the isocyanate reacts with all these entities, but that its reaction with water is quicker than with any of the other hydroxyl-containing compounds, and when water is present the water-isocyanate reaction dominates all others. Lignin was found to react more readily than any of the sugar derivatives. In oven-dried wood, the presence of strong new absorptions at 1712 and 1694 cm-1 (indicative of a carbamate group) is evidence of a direct chemical bond between the isocyanate and the wood polymer structure. We have also studied the reaction between 4,4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI)—a commercially used adhesive—with wood flour at various levels of moisture content (MC), and the infrared spectra again support the presence of a wood-isocyanate bond for oven-dried wood and for wood at 7% moisture content. For wood at higher moisture content levels, our infrared results suggest that the isocyanate reacts with the water in preference to the wood polymers.
Risk-sensitive control of Markov chains and differential games

Considers the long-run average risk-sensitive optimal control problem for Markov chains on a countable state space. It is shown that the equivalence with stochastic differential games that had been previously established for stochastic dynamical systems holds for the average risk-sensitive optimal control problem for Markov chains as well. The approach is based on the Donsker-Varadhan large deviations theory. >
Changing skewness: an early warning signal of regime shifts in ecosystems

Empirical evidence for large-scale abrupt changes in ecosystems such as lakes and vegetation of semi-arid regions is growing. Such changes, called regime shifts, can lead to degradation of ecological services. We study simple ecological models that show a catastrophic transition as a control parameter is varied and propose a novel early warning signal that exploits two ubiquitous features of ecological systems: nonlinearity and large external fluctuations. Either reduced resilience or increased external fluctuations can tip ecosystems to an alternative stable state. It is shown that changes in asymmetry in the distribution of time series data, quantified by changing skewness, is a model-independent and reliable early warning signal for both routes to regime shifts. Furthermore, using model simulations that mimic field measurements and a simple analysis of real data from abrupt climate change in the Sahara, we study the feasibility of skewness calculations using data available from routine monitoring.