cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Structure and Function of Avian Pulmonary Capillaries: Comparison with Mammals

The avian pulmonary circulation has many interesting features and much information can be gained by comparing the avian and mammalian systems. Two features are primarily responsible for the unique features of avian capillaries. First, the avian lung has separated the ventilation and gas exchange functions. Second, the avian lung uses a flow-through process for ventilation rather than the reciprocal pattern adopted by mammals. As a consequence, the environment of the pulmonary capillaries is very different in the avian compared with the mammalian lung. The avian capillaries are nested in a syncytium of air capillaries, whereas the capillaries of the mammalian lung are strung out along the alveolar walls. This means that the mechanical support of the categories is very different in birds compared with mammals. A consequence of this is that the walls of the capillaries are very different. In the avian lung, the blood–gas barrier is extremely thin and uniform throughout the capillaries. Contrast this with the mammalian lung where a type I collagen cable is required for the support of the capillaries, and as a result the blood–gas barrier is much thicker in places and the diffusion characteristics are therefore inferior. Another striking difference is that avian pulmonary capillaries are remarkably rigid unlike those in mammals, which undergo recruitment and distention when the cardiac output rises. The implications of this for pulmonary vascular resistance during intense exercise such as flying are still unclear.
Adenosine receptor control of cognition in normal and disease

Adenosine and adenosine receptors (ARs) are increasingly recognized as important therapeutic targets for controlling cognition under normal and disease conditions for its dual roles of neuromodulation as well as of homeostatic function in the brain. This chapter first presents the unique ability of adenosine, by acting on the inhibitory A1 and facilitating A2A receptor, to integrate dopamine, glutamate, and BNDF signaling and to modulate synaptic plasticity (e.g., long-term potentiation and long-term depression) in brain regions relevant to learning and memory, providing the molecular and cellular bases for adenosine receptor (AR) control of cognition. This led to the demonstration of AR modulation of social recognition memory, working memory, reference memory, reversal learning, goal-directed behavior/habit formation, Pavlovian fear conditioning, and effort-related behavior. Furthermore, human and animal studies support that AR activity can also, through cognitive enhancement and neuroprotection, reverse cognitive impairments in animal models of Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), Huntington's disease, and schizophrenia. Lastly, epidemiological evidence indicates that regular human consumption of caffeine, the most widely used psychoactive drug and nonselective AR antagonists, is associated with the reduced cognitive decline in aging and AD patients, and with the reduced risk in developing PD. Thus, there is a convergence of the molecular studies revealing AR as molecular targets for integrating neurotransmitter signaling and controlling synaptic plasticity, with animal studies demonstrating the strong procognitive impact upon AR antagonism in normal and disease brains and with epidemiological and clinical evidences in support of caffeine and AR drugs for therapeutic modulation of cognition. Since some of adenosine A2A receptor antagonists are already in phase III clinical trials for motor benefits in PD patients with remarkable safety profiles, additional animal and human studies to better understand the mechanism underlying the AR-mediated control of cognition under normal and disease conditions will provide the required rationale to stimulate the necessary clinical investigation to rapidly translate adenosine and AR drug as a novel strategy to control memory impairment in neuropsychiatric disorders.
Scaffolding Students’ Skill Development by First Introducing Advanced Techniques through the Synthesis and 15N NMR Analysis of Cinnamamides

An advanced undergraduate experiment involving the synthesis and characterization of a series of six unique cinnamamides is described. This experiment allows for a progressive mastery of skills students need to tackle more complex NMR structure elucidation problems. Characterization of the products involves IR spectroscopy, GCMS, and proton, carbon, and nitrogen NMR analyses. Understanding the principles of advanced NMR techniques, including nitrogen NMR spectroscopy, is highly relevant to advanced organic chemistry students.
Hormonal and Genetic Regulation of α-Amylase Synthesis in Barley Aleurone Cells

The production and secretion of α-amylase and several other hydrolases by the aleurone cells of germinating barley seeds are regulated by two hormones, gibberellic acid (GA3) and abscisic acid (ABA) (16,18). While GA3 enhances the production of α-amylase, ABA is able to reverse the GA3 effect. Yet, these two hormones do not directly compete with each other and they appear to have different mode of action (1,7). It has been demonstrated unequivocally that the GA3 enhancement on α-amylase production is essentially due to the de novo synthesis of α-amylase molecules (3,8). The GA3 enhancement on α-amylase synthesis has a lag period of 3 to 4 hours and a fast and constant accumulation of this enzyme takes place after 12 hours of hormone treatment (Fig. 1). Potent transcription inhibitors, such as cordycepin (3′-deoxyadenosine), added at the same time as GA3 administration effectively abolish the hormonal effect on α-amylase synthesis (6). However, this inhibitory effect of cordycepin on α-amylase synthesis is progressively decreased when the time of its addition is delayed and cordycepin does not inhibit α-amylase at all if it is added 12 hours or later after hormone administration (5). Since the effectiveness of cordycepin on RNA synthesis (cordycepin apparently inhibits both transcription and poly(A) addition in barley aleurone cells) does not change appreciably when its addition is delayed, this observation indicates the following.
Model Truncation Using Controllability, Observability Measures

Several theorems relate the scalar measures of observability and controllability of each modal coordinate to the first order sensitivity of a “model quality index”. A case study with a flexible spacecraft illustrates the methods of truncation based upon observability measures and controllability measures.
On Measuring the High Frequency Response of Soft Viscoelastic Materials at Finite Strains

In such applications as repairing damaged vocal folds to restore normal phonation, viscoelastic properties of normal tissues and candidate replacement materials should be measured at phonation frequencies (100 – 1000 Hz) and at the large strains (up to 30%) that occur during speech and singing. Previously the authors have developed a torsional wave experiment to measure the complex moduli, in shear, for vocal folds subjected to small strains at phonation frequencies. This method has now been extended to finite deformations by sandwiching a thin disk of vocal fold tissue (lamina propria), or replacement material, between two rigid plates. The lower plate is driven by a galvanometer at phonation frequencies and small rotations. A second stiffer material is placed between the upper plate and a third plate attached to an upper galvanometer that oscillates sinusoidally at low frequency and large rotation. At periodic peak rotations of the upper galvanometer, the lower galvanometer superimposes infinitesimal oscillations at a series of higher frequencies. The magnitude and phase of rotation of the middle plate yield the viscoelastic properties of the test specimen for infinitesimal deformations at high frequency superimposed on finite deformations at low frequency. Preliminary results show the potential of the new test.
The Epistemology of Inductive Reasoning in Leibniz

The closing sections of the preceding chapter have examined Leibniz’s approach to the epistemology of particular truth in sensory observations. The present chapter will turn to his epistemology of general truth in scientific theorizing. It will emerge that, on both sides alike — the general as well as the particular — considerations of coherentist fit and systematic unity will play the decisive role.
Warning Flags on the Race Track: The Global Markets' Verdict on F1 Sponsorship

By analyzing the global financial markets’ valuation of commercial sponsorships in Formula One (F1) motor racing, this paper advances research in the emerging area of return-on-investment of marketing resources. While previous research indicates U.S. markets approve of similar promotional investments, the results of this international event study (i.e., two-stage regression modeling of stock market returns) demonstrate the market value of firms entering into F1 sponsorships decline upon announcement. The level of investment and nationality congruence of the sponsorship appear to enhance the probability for negative returns in shareholder value.
On Reliability of Description and Performance Data Estimates From Reservoir Simulators

This paper presents the results of a study to investigate and establish the reliability of both the description and performance data estimates from numerical reservoir simulators. Using optimal control theory, an algorithm was developed to perform automated matching of field observed data and reservoir simulator calculated data, thereby estimating reservoir parameters such as permeability and porosity. Well known statistical and probability methods were then used to establish individual confidence limits as well as joint confidence regions for the parameter estimates and the simulator predicted performance data. The results indicated that some reservoir input data can be reliably estimated from numerical reservoir simulators. Reliability was found to be inversely related to the number of unknown parameters in the model and the level of measurement error in the matched field observed data.
Resonant scattering of phonons in the quasi-one-dimensional spin-chain compounds A B 2 O 6 ( A = Ni, Co; B = Sb, Ta)

We report measurements of thermal conductivity ($\ensuremath{\kappa}$) on single crystals of the quasi-one-dimensional antiferromagnetic spin-chain compounds $A{B}_{2}{\mathrm{O}}_{6}$ ($A$ = Ni, Co; $B$ = Sb, Ta) in the temperature range $5\ensuremath{\le}T\ensuremath{\le}300$ K. We find that $\ensuremath{\kappa}$ for all crystallographic directions is substantially suppressed in the Ta compounds in comparison to those of the Sb compounds despite their very similar magnetic and crystallographic structures. The data are well described by resonant scattering of phonons from two-level systems, with energy splittings of $\ensuremath{\sim}100--150$ K and scattering strength an order of magnitude greater in the Ta compounds. We distinguish the effects of phonon-spin interactions from those related to changes in the low-energy phonon spectra caused by the different $B$-site ions.
Historical Perspective and Evaluation of the Mechanisms by which Melatonin Mediates Seasonal Reproduction in Mammals

The discovery of melatonin and its photoperiod-regulated circadian rhythm were important milestones in defining the events associated with the regulation of seasonal reproduction in both short-day and long-day breeding mammals. By means of the seasonal changes in the duration of the nocturnal melatonin rise, which provides both clock and calendar information, animals adjust their reproductive state to the appropriate time of year. Thus, melatonin dictates the proper season for mating which ensures the optimal time for delivery of offspring. The photoperiodic information is transduced into a chemical messenger, melatonin, in the pineal gland. The initial studies related to the importance of day length and the melatonin message in impelling seasonal reproduction involved the use of photoperiod-sensitive rodents, especially several long-day breeding hamster species. Since then, a large group of interested reproductive biologists have extended these findings to numerous other mammals including short-day breeding ungulates. Moreover, critical information related to the molecular processes at the level of the pars tuberalis of the anterior pituitary and the mediobasal hypothalamus has been provided. In this scheme, the pars tuberalis, until recently an almost ignored portion of the adenohypophysis, has been identified as a critical intermediate between the melatonin signal and the functional state of the reproductive organs. It is somewhat ironic that two organs, the pineal gland and the pars tuberalis, which suffered with the image of vestigiality for so long have now been identified as unequivocally essential for this most basic and important function, i.e., regulating seasonal reproduction.
Computational Modeling of Aortic Heart Valve Mechanics Across Multiple Scales

Computational modeling is an excellent tool with which to investigate the mechanics of the aortic heart valve. The setting of the heart valve presents complex dynamics and mechanical behavior in which solid structures interact with a fluid domain. There currently exists no standard approach; a variety of strategies have been used to address the different aspects of modeling the heart valve. Simplifications reduce computational costs, but could compromise accuracy. As advancements in modeling techniques are made and utilized, more physiologically relevant models are possible. Computational studies of the aortic valve have contributed to an improved understanding of the mechanics of the normal valve, and insights into the progression of diseased valves.
Application of Genetic Algorithm on Multi-objective Email Marketing Delivery Problem

Customer journey optimization in email marketing is the art and science of finding the optimal time to deliver a sequence of marketing messages along the consumer’s decision journey. It aims to promote individual customer’s engagement and experience by optimizing the message delivery schedule over a time horizon, in order to maximize the customer’s opens, clicks, and avoid inducing fatigue (cancel subscription) to the customer. This paper proposed a solution by applying the genetic algorithm to optimize the customer journey with different objective functions for different business purposes. The simulation results show that the proposed method can effectively improve different business objectives.
Low multipolarity magnetic transitions in /sup 90/Zr excited by 180/sup 0/ electron scattering

Spectra of 37.2 and 60.6 MeV electrons scattered at 180\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} constitute evidence for very low observable $M1$ transition strength and significant $M2$ transition strength in the 9 MeV excitation energy region of $^{90}\mathrm{Zr}$. This is consistent with recent high resolution results of other workers at more forward angles.
Enhanced pedestal H-mode at low edge ion collisionality on NSTX

The Enhanced Pedestal (EP) H-mode regime is an attractive wide-pedestal high-βp scenario for the National Spherical Torus Experiment Upgrade (NSTX-U) and next-step devices as it achieves enhanced energy confinement (H98y,2 > 1.5), large normalized pressure (βN > 5), and significant bootstrap fraction (fBS > 0.6) at Ip/BT = 2 MA/T. This regime is realized when the edge ion collisionality becomes sufficiently small that a positive feedback interaction occurs between a reduction in the ion neoclassical energy transport and an increase in the particle transport from pressure-driven edge instabilities. The EP H-mode was most often observed as a transition following a large edge-localized mode in conditions with low edge neutral recycling. It is hypothesized that the onset of pressure-driven instabilities prior to the full recovery of the neutral density leads to a temporary period with an elevated ion temperature gradient that triggers the transition to EP H-mode. Linear CGYRO and M3D-C1 calculations are compared to beam emission spectroscopy and magnetic spectroscopy in order to describe the evolution of the edge particle transport mechanisms during the ELM recovery and the saturated EP H-mode state. The observations are consistent with the hypothesis that the onset of pressure-driven edge instabilities, such as the kinetic ballooning mode and kink-peeling mode, can be responsible for the increased particle transport in EP H-mode.
Anaerobic Digestion of Digested Manure Fibers: Influence of Thermal and Alkaline Thermal Pretreatment on the Biogas Yield

Anaerobic digestion (AD) of animal manure converts only half of the organic material into biogas due to the presence of a significant amount of lignocellulosic materials in manure. In this study, alkaline thermal pretreatment was used for improving anaerobic digestion of residual manure fibers after AD. Anaerobic digestion of pretreated manure fibers was done in batch culture under mesophilic and thermophilic conditions. The results of the study showed that degradation of manure fibers was improved ca. 43.6% as a result of alkaline thermal pretreatment with 3% w/w NaOH added. Methane yield improved by 143.5 and 180.2% under mesophilic and thermophilic conditions, respectively. Compositional analysis of the effluent after AD showed the percentile conversion of 50.8% of cellulose, 59.5% of hemicellulose, 39.9% of acid-soluble and 21.7% of acid-insoluble lignin to methane under mesophilic conditions. Under thermophilic conditions, 57.3% of cellulose, 70.1% of hemicellulose, 39.4% of acid-soluble and 19.4% of acid-insoluble lignin were converted to methane. The result showed that alkaline thermal pretreatment of manure fibers can enhance the performance of AD while shortening the time needed to recover the maximum amount of biogas from AD.
Sonographic Appearance of Testicular Hemangioma: A Case Report

Tumors of the testes are the most common solid organ malignancy in young men. The first modality of choice for intratesticular masses is high-resolution sonography. The majority of intratesticular masses are malignant and ultrasound (US) remains the first-line modality for evaluation of these masses. While rare, benign testicular masses are important to recognize to avoid unnecessary workup and surgery. We present the case of a 38-year-old male with a testicular hemangioma, a rare benign testicular tumor. US and pathologic findings of this tumor are discussed.
Abstract PR002: Highly parallel knock-in targeting for genome engineering of cellular therapies

Genetically-engineered immune cell therapies have proven effective to treat some types of cancer, but most tumors still cannot be cured. Forward genetics with CRISPR loss-of-function screens in T cells have identified some mutations to enhance cellular therapies, however these methods do not yet take full advantage of the power of gain-of-function knock-in targeting to engineer cell functions. We developed a robust new platform to assess the functional effects of pools of knock-in constructs in parallel. We used high-efficiency nonviral gene editing to introduce large panels of candidate therapeutic knock-in constructs into a defined genome position in human T cells allowing us to compete the cells against each other and test which constructs enhance T cell function. High-throughput pooled screening of targeted cells identified distinct library members that promoted T cell fitness under various resting, stimulated and immunosuppressive in vitro conditions. Direct competition among adoptively transferred human T cells in immunodeficient mice revealed a subset of constructs that promoted in vivo accumulation of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes. Pooled knock-ins combined with single-cell sequencing also revealed high-dimensional cellular phenotypes induced by each construct ex vivo and in an in vivo tumor microenvironment. Overall, these studies demonstrate the power of pooled knock-in technology to discover and functionally characterize complex synthetic gene programs that can be written into targeted genome sites to generate more effective cellular therapies. This abstract is also being presented as PO073. Citation Format: Theodore L. Roth, Alexander Marson. Highly parallel knock-in targeting for genome engineering of cellular therapies [abstract]. In: Abstracts: AACR Virtual Special Conference: Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy; 2020 Oct 19-20. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Immunol Res 2021;9(2 Suppl):Abstract nr PR002.
Oral Cavity and Oropharynx

Malignant tumors of the oral cavity and oropharynx are predominantly (greater than 90–95%) squamous cell carcinomas. Less common tumors include minor salivary gland tumors (especially on the hard palate), verrucous carcinomas, lymphomas, melanomas, and sarcomas. The most common risk factors are tobacco, smoked and smokeless, and alcohol abuse. Less common factors include poorly fitting dentures, poor dentition with irregular surfaces, and poor oral hygiene. Nonsmokers can also be diagnosed with oral cavity and oropharynx cancer. Among nonsmokers, human papillomavirus (HPV) has recently been associated with malignancies of the oropharynx, and may portend better outcomes when compared to those without HPV infection. Malignancies of the oral cavity and oropharynx account for approximately 4% of all newly diagnosed nonskin malignancies, with a 2:1 male predominance. Approximately 34,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. Two-thirds of these are in the oral cavity and one-third in the oropharynx. Oral cancer accounts for an estimated 7,550 deaths yearly (Cancer Facts and Figures, 2007).
A team object for CoArray Fortran

This paper outlines the features of a team object for CoArray Fortran to support multi-disciplinary applications. It combines objectoriented design, supported in Fortran 2003, with the parallel coarray model, supported in Fortran 2008. It extends the coarray model by adding state to a coarray object. The compiler and run-time environment use this state to dereference co-indices relative to the team that created the object. Methods are associated with a team object for synchronization, memory allocation and collective operations across the team.
Full Envelope Multivariable Control of a Gas Turbine Engine

The problem of improving the performance of a gas turbine engine operating throughout the whole flight envelope in the presence of predominantly destructive dynamical interactions is addressed in this paper. The controller aimed for in this work is decentralized, thus making the system tolerant to soft and/or hard failures and allowing the tuning of every loop separately. The control strategy consists of static compensators to minimize the interaction between loops, diagonal lead/lag for performance enhancement and a diagonal prefilter for loop shaping. Even for this rather simple control strategy, a significant performance improvement over previous control schemes is obtained.
Humanitarian Intervention and International Law

The claim of ‘humanitarian intervention’ has been routinely abused by militarily powerful states of the North in order to justify military aggression against weaker States and Peoples of the South. This alleged doctrine violates the terms of the United Nations Charter and has been decisively repudiated by the International Court of Justice in two separate decisions. Major military powers such as the United States and members of the NATO Alliance have been behind most of the major humanitarian atrocities and catastrophes in the modern world. Their criminal mistreatment of the Bosnians and Palestinians is specifically discussed.
Low power detection

Low power and low complexity algorithms for signal processing applications have gained increasing importance with the deployment of portable communication equipment. Most of the current power reduction techniques rely on reducing the power by VLSI implementation. This approach is expensive and limited by technology. Hence algorithm design optimization is a must for low energy consumption. Here, we propose using finite memory detection algorithms as low complexity-low energy near optimal detection algorithm that trades a small amount of detection performance for a reduction in complexity and power consumption. The negligible loss in detection performance is easily accommodated in wireless video and audio transmission applications. In data applications, this small loss can be further reduced with error correcting codes at the expense of a slight loss in communication bandwidth. We present simple algorithms for deriving the near optimum finite memory detectors in the time invariant and time variant case. The same algorithms can be used in tandem configurations in decenteralized detection.
Chronic diarrhea of unknown origin

We studied 27 patients with severe chronic diarrhea for which extensive investigations carried out at other institutions had failed to reveal a diagnosis. They were studied by standard diagnostic methods as well as by careful fecal analysis and intestinal perfusion. If they were incontinent of feces, anal sphincter function tests were performed. Although many were suspected of having pancreatic cholera syndrome, this diagnosis could not be established in a single patient. The most common diagnosis that could be established was surreptitious ingestion of drugs (laxatives in 7 patients and diuretics in 2). Other specific diagnoses included ulcerative colitis in 2 patients, allergy to beef in 1, and bacterial overgrowth of the small intestine in 1. Thus, we were able to establish a specific diagnosis in 13 patients. Of the remaining 14 patients, 8 had findings suggestive of irritable bowel syndrome, and 2 others had anal sphincter dysfunction as the major cause of their disability. The other 4 undiagnosed patients had severe secretory (3 patients) or osmotic (1 patient) diarrhea. Follow-up interviews at 6 mo-6 yr failed to reveal evidence of a cause for diarrhea that had been overlooked during our studies. The diagnostic approach to patients with unexplained diarrhea is discussed. The importance of a search for surreptitious drug ingestion and accurate measurement of bowel movement frequency and stool weight is emphasized.
Access control in a world of software diversity

We describe a new design for authentication and access control. In this design, principals embody a flexible notion of authentication. They are compound principals that reflect the identities of the programs that have executed, even those of login programs. These identities are based on a naming tree. Our access control lists are patterns that recognize principals. We show how this design supports a variety of access control scenarios.
Time course of morphological alterations of fungiform papillae and taste buds following chorda tympani transection in neonatal rats.

The time course of structural changes in fungiform papillae was analyzed in rats that received unilateral chorda tympani nerve transection at 10 days of age. Morphological differences between intact and denervated sides of the tongue were first observed at 8 days postsection, with an increase in the number of fungiform papillae that did not have a pore. In addition, the first papilla with a filiform-like appearance was noted on the denervated side at 8 days postsectioning. By 11 days after surgery, the total number of papillae and the number of papillae with a pore were significantly lower on the transected side of the tongue as compared to the intact side. At 50 days postsection, there was an average of 70.5 fungiform papillae on the intact side and a mean of only 20.8 fungiform papillae the denervated side. Of those few remaining papillae on the cut side, an average of 13.5 papillae were categorized as filiform-like, while no filiform-like papillae occurred on the intact side. Significant reduction in taste bud volume was noted at 4 days posttransection and further decrements in taste bud volume were noted at 8 and 30 days postsection. Electron microscopy of the lingual branch of the trigeminal nerve from adult rats that received neonatal chorda tympani transection showed normal numbers of both myelinated and unmyelinated fibers. Thus, in addition to the well-characterized dependence of taste bud maintenance on the chorda tympani nerve, the present study shows an additional role of the chorda tympani nerve in papilla maintenance during early postnatal development.
Fabrication of Lenses With High Light-Collecting Ability Using Water Molds

A small water droplet on a computer monitor screen enables us to see the detail of a single pixel. Such droplets are almost perfectly spherical, ideal as optical lenses. We developed a novel fabrication method that uses water droplets as molds to make small, highly spherical lenses. Poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) spherical lenses have been made for demonstration: When uncured PDMS encapsulates water droplets and then solidifies, the cavities occupied by water become concave lenses or as a mold to make convex lenses. The light-collecting ability of these lenses is 6.25 times better than those made using traditional methods, while the cost is much lower. These lenses can be easily integrated with lab-on-a-chip devices for optical manipulation and/or detection.© 2007 ASME
Dimensions of Person-Centered Classroom Management

Public opinion trends over the last five decades show that lack of discipline continues to be one of America's top public educational concerns. This trend suggests that alternatives to the traditional model are urgently needed. In this traditional model of classroom management, based on behaviorism and still common in some areas, discipline is teacher-directed. Fifty years of research demonstrates that person-centered, pro-social classroom management may provide that alternative. Person-centered classrooms facilitate higher achievement, and have more positive learning environments with stronger teacher–student relationships than teacher-centered or traditional classrooms. There are four pro-social learner dynamics that a person-centered classroom management program emulates: (a) social-emotional emphasis, (b) school connectedness, (c) positive school and classroom climate, and (d) student self-discipline. This article shows how the theory and research of a person-centered learning environment can be pract...
kν Correlation Analysis. A Quantitative Two-Dimensional IR Correlation Method for Analysis of Rate Processes with Exponential Functions

A modified two-dimensional infrared correlation technique called kν correlation analysis is introduced. In this method, a mathematical asynchronous cross-correlation is performed between a set of N infrared spectra undergoing a dynamic intensity variation against a set of exponential functions that encompass a user-defined range of rate constants. The observed correlation intensities are a function of the rate constant of the exponential function and the spectral frequency. The kν correlation plots reveal the rate relationships between different molecular groups in terms of a quantitative and tangible parameter, k, which is the rate constant of the exponential function used in the correlation. A new parameter, the effective rate constant, keff, is defined as the point of maximum correlation intensity at particular frequencies in the plot of k vs ν. The calculated values of keff represent the relative rates at which the intensities of the spectral bands change during the course of the dynamic experiment. A...
Rank learning for factoid question answering with linguistic and semantic constraints

This work presents a general rank-learning framework for passage ranking within Question Answering (QA) systems using linguistic and semantic features. The framework enables query-time checking of complex linguistic and semantic constraints over keywords. Constraints are composed of a mixture of keyword and named entity features, as well as features derived from semantic role labeling. The framework supports the checking of constraints of arbitrary length relating any number of keywords. We show that a trained ranking model using this rich feature set achieves greater than a 20% improvement in Mean Average Precision over baseline keyword retrieval models. We also show that constraints based on semantic role labeling features are particularly effective for passage retrieval; when they can be leveraged, an 40% improvement in MAP over the baseline can be realized.
Doing Political Science Research in Husák's Czechoslovakia

Research on the situation of women in Czechoslovakia turned out to provide insights into the Communist Party's policy making, goals, and capacity to engineer change in everyday life.
Adaptive approximation algorithms for hole healing in hybrid wireless sensor networks

Region coverage and network connectivity are among the most important problems for the quality of service in wireless sensor networks. Unfortunately, due to the sensor failures and hostile environments, such as active volcanic regions or battle fields, the emergence of coverage holes and disconnections among sensors is unavoidable. One way to handle this problem is to deploy mobile sensors in the network, which is called hybrid sensor networks, so that these mobile sensors can be relocated to heal the holes or maintain the network connectivity. However, because of the low-power of mobile sensors, it is extremely challenging to design a fast and effective movement schedule for mobile sensors to (1) maintain both the region coverage and network connectivity at any time, and (2) minimize the moving energy consumption. In this paper, we develop an adaptive algorithm, AHCH algorithm, to adaptively heal the holes with the guarantee of network connectivity without recomputing from scratch. By comparing AHCH algorithm with the optimal solution at each time-slot, we show its expected adaptive approximation ratio as O(log |M|) with |M| mobile sensors in some special cases. In more general cases, we extend our AHCH algorithm to InAHCH and GenAHCH algorithms, handling insufficient mobile sensors as well as disconnected regions, along with the proof of their corresponding theoretical adaptive approximation ratios. The experimental evaluation shows the effectiveness of our proposed algorithms with respect to both low energy consumption and hole healing latency.
Determination of diazepam and its pharmacologically active metabolites in blood by bond Elut column extraction and reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography.

Abstract A rapid and quantitative analytical micro method for the determination of diazepam and its major pharmacologically active metabolites utilizing high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is reported. The drug and its metabolites were extracted from 50–100 μl samples of whole blood, serum or plasma using Bond Elut™ C15f column and quantitated by high-performance liquid chromatography, using Technicon Fast-LC-C-8 (RP 5 μm) bonded column and a mobile phase consisting of 53% methanol, 1% acetonitrile in KH2PO4 buffer and 10 μl/l triethylamine. Methyl nitrazepam and medazepam were used as internal and external standards, respectively. The extraction and recovery of diazepam and its major pharmacologically active metabolites, i.e., 3-hydroxydiazepam, desmethyldiazepam and oxazepam from blood were higher than 88% for all compounds. The minimum detection range of each compound was approximately 2.5 ng per 100-μl sample. This micro method of simultaneous quantitation of diazepam and its major pharmacologically active metabolites provides a valuable technique for the study of diazepam pharmacokinetics in a small animal model without disturbance of normal hemodynamics from excess blood loss, as well as in clinical evaluation of pediatric patients.
Thermal impact study of block folding and face-to-face bonding in 3D IC

In this paper we study the thermal impact of two high impact design/technology choices for 3D ICs, i.e., block folding and face-to-face bonding. A recent study shows that block folding and face-to-face improve wirelength, power, and performance, but the impact on thermal issue is not studied. Based on commercial-quality 3D IC layouts of large-scale OpenSPARC T2 designs and a highly accurate GDSII-level thermal analysis flow, our results first show that block folding, despite its power density increase, does not worsen thermal issues because of additional TSVs that act as heat conductors. In addition, face-to-face bonding, despite its thermal benefit from the absence of BCB bonding layer and underfill, still does not improve temperature much because of the small F2F via sizes.
Of community, organs and obligations: Routine salvage with a twist

This paper makes the assumption that organ transplantation is, under some conditions at least, a proper use of communal medical resources. Proceeding from this assumption, the author: (1) sketches the history of the problem; (2) briefly examines the prevalent models of communal structure and offers an alternate version; (3) discusses notions of justice and obligation derived from these different models; (4) applies these to the practice of harvesting organs for transplantation; and then (5) offers a different process for harvesting organs from the newly dead. If community is viewed as united by a set of shred goals and common values among which the value of community itself is important, then certain reciprocal obligations among members obtain. I suggest that routine salvage of organs from the newly dead be instituted but that it be routine salvage “with a twist”: rather early in life all members of the community are given the opportunity to refuse but their refusal carries the reciprocal condition that they cannot later become the recipients of that which they refuse to others.
Ground‐Water Tracers — A Short Review

Tracers are used widely to determine the direction and velocity of ground-water movement. Failures of tracer tests are most commonly a result of incorrect choice of tracers, insufficient concentrations of tracers, and a lack of an understanding of the hydrogeologic system being tested. Some of the most useful general tracers are bromide chloride, rhodamine WT, and various fluorocarbons. For certain purposes, dyed clubmoss and baker's yeast have proved valuable. Many radionuclides including 3H, 82Br, and 198Au are almost ideal for numerous purposes, but radiation hazards associated with their use together with local, State, and Federal regulations have discouraged widespread field applications in recent years within the United States.
Gastric Bypass Surgery Improves Metabolic and Hepatic Abnormalities Associated With Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Background & Aims: Most patients with extreme obesity have nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Although gastric bypass (GBP) surgery is the most common bariatric operation performed in obese patients in the United States, the effect of GBP surgery-induced weight loss on the metabolic and hepatic abnormalities associated with NAFLD are not clear. Methods: Whole-body glucose, fatty acid and lipoprotein kinetics, liver histology, and hepatic cellular factors involved in inflammation and fibrogenesis were evaluated in 7 extremely obese subjects (body mass index, 58 ± 4 kg/m 2 ) before and 1 year after GBP surgery. Results: At 1 year after surgery, subjects lost 29% ± 5% of initial body weight ( P P P P P Conclusions: These data demonstrate that weight loss induced by GBP surgery normalizes the metabolic abnormalities involved in the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of NAFLD and decreases the hepatic expression of factors involved in the progression of liver inflammation and fibrosis.
Physical human-robot interaction with a mobile manipulator through pressure sensitive robot skin

In this paper we discuss a physical human-robot interaction system, resulting from the integration of existing open source robotics tools, sensor elements and a robotic mobile manipulator platform. A KUKA youBot ® mobile manipulator was sensorized using 7 FlexiForce® piezo-resistive sensors, attached to the surface of the manipulator arm. ROS transfers frame and Kinematics libraries transferred interaction pushing forces measured by the sensors to velocity commands to the robot. These results transformations were verified using a derived Denavit-Hartenberg table. Resulting robot movement is always parallel to the axis of detected forces, regardless of orientation of the sensors relative to the mobile manipulator's base, or the number of sensors detecting forces. Verification of this behavior was conducted during two separate experiments. This system and behavior will be used in future physical human-robot interaction research to perform assistive tasks.
Quadriceps activation and perceived exertion during a high intensity, steady state contraction to failure.

The ability to sustain a high-intensity, steady-state muscle contraction may have differential effects on neuromuscular activation and perceived exertion. The purpose of this study was to examine changes in neuromuscular activation and perceived exertion at a near-maximal steady-state contraction of the quadriceps in healthy men. Seventeen healthy, college-aged male volunteers were studied during isometric contractions equivalent to 80% of the maximum voluntary contraction (MVC). Perceived exertion was measured with a modified category-ratio scale (CR-10). The CR-10 scale was anchored with one high anchor at 100% MVC and one low anchor at 10% MVC. Subjects then performed an 80% MVC for as long as they could sustain it. Subjects were asked to rate the feelings in their quadriceps every 5 s during the contraction. The results demonstrated significant increases in neuromuscular activation of the vastus medialis and vastus lateralis muscles (P < 0.05) during the 80% MVC, but there were no significant muscle by time interactions. The results also demonstrated a significant increase (P < 0.05) in perceived exertion during the 80% MVC. Neuromuscular activation of both muscles, and perceived exertion, were found to increase in linear (P < 0.05) and quadratic (P < 0.05) trends. Alterations in motor unit discharge properties or impairments in muscle fiber membrane excitability may account for nonlinear increases in vastii muscle activation and perceived exertion.
Magnetic circular dichroism in cobalt films observed with scanning-tunneling-microscope-excited fluorescence

We report on experiments showing that magnetism can be probed by means of the circular polarization of the fluorescence that is excited when charge carriers are injected into a magnetic surface with the tip of scanning tunneling microscope. We attribute this result to the interplay of the spin-orbit and the exchange interactions which gives rise to coupling between the electron-spin polarization of the valence bands of the ferromagnet and the photon spin.
Observation of large multimers in the electrospray ionization mass spectrometry of peptides

Large multimeric ions were detected from electrospray ionization (ESI) mass spectrometry of peptides, using a quadrupole mass spectrometer of standard mass range. Multimers, up to heptamers, were seen for angiotensin I; and multimers, up to pentamers, were observed for renin substrate. The appearance of the multimeric species could be controlled by manipulation of sampling conditions in the ESI interface. The relevance of the observation of large multimers to proposed mechanisms of ESI is discussed. Implications of the observation of large multimers to efforts to deduce higher order structure of biomolecules from ESI mass spectrometric experiments are also noted.
New Wine, New Wineskins

Academic libraries face an uncertain future. Rather than attempting to develop libraries based on an unknowable future, the author argues it is preferable to address student learning needs with a set of information and learning instructional services established on teaching and learning principles and activities. Evolving from and replacing the present academic library, this new organization, the information and learning center, is staffed by a new academic professional, the information and learning specialist, who addresses the student's need to gather and manage information, read, and write as an integrated set of experiences directed by the curriculum and teachers’ pedagogies.
A cholesterol–isopropanol gel

IN the course of measuring solubilities of cholesterol in pure and mixed solvents we have observed the formation of a transparent gel in the cholesterol+isopropanol system. Because of the historical importance of liquid crystals of cholesteryl esters1 and the biological importance of cholesterol, we are reporting here some observations on the properties of this gel. Liquid crystals of cholesterol with fatty alkanols (C12–C18) are known2,3, but have not been reported for smaller alcohols. The transparent gel of cholesterol and isopropanol seems to be stable at 4 °C for concentrations of 4.6–5.3% (w/w) cholesterol. At higher concentrations and temperatures (up to 10.2% at 22 °C), the transparent gel can be observed for a day or more, then white ‘snowflakes’ appear throughout the gel and grow slowly into a translucent or opaque mass. On warming, the transparent gels liquify, and the translucent gels seem to go directly to the liquid state. The transparent gel is unstable to vigorous shaking; samples with less than 5.5% cholesterol liquify then return to the transparent gel state on standing at 4 °C. Samples with larger concentrations form the translucent or opaque state on shaking and do not return to the transparent state over a period of several weeks. Observations of the transparent gel under a polarising microscope at room temperature showed the sample to be mostly isotropic with some small points of optical activity.
The mannose receptor is a pattern recognition receptor involved in host defense.

Abstract The mannose receptor recognizes the patterns of carbohydrates that decorate the surfaces and cell walls of infectious agents. This macrophage and dendritic cell pattern-recognition receptor mediates endocytosis and phagocytosis. The mannose receptor is the prototype of a new family of multilectin receptor proteins (membrane-spanning receptors containing eight-ten lectin-like domains, which appear to play a key role in host defense) and provides a link between innate and adaptive immunity. Recent advances include the identification of three new members of the mannose receptor family, additional work on defining the molecular requirements for sugar binding, a role for the mannose receptor in antigen presentation of lipoglycan antigens and evidence that the mannose receptor is associated with a signal transduction pathway leading to cytokine production
A numerical analysis of crack growth in microcracking brittle solids

In this study a set of numerical analyses of crack growth was performed to elucidate the influence of microcracking on the observed fracture behavior of brittle solids and composites. The random nucleation, orientation and size effects of discrete microcracks and resulting interactions are fully accounted for in a hybrid finite element model. The results indicate that for development of R-curve behavior, the formation of a wake region is necessary. The near-field microcracks are not the sole dominating factor in the development of the R-curve behavior, their interactions can be strongly amplified or mitigated by the far-field cracks. Therefore, the microcrack zone width as well as microcrack density plays an important role in toughening behavior. The continuum description of microcracking can provide a reasonable estimation of shielding; however, it fails to distinguish the effects of microcrack length and the role of the wake region during the crack extension.
IN VITRO PRODUCTION OF COAGULATION FACTORS VII-X BY LIVER SLICES FROM RATS FED ATHEROGENIC DIETS.

Conclusion and summaryCoagulation Factor VII-X production by liver slices was studied because it was found that plasma Factor VII-X levels were significantly elevated in rats fed atherogenic diets. Although unexplained variations occurred, in 15 out of 18 paired experiments the production of Factor VII-X during incubation was greater in flasks containing liver slices from test animals than from controls. Expressed as a ratio (test:control) the median value of Factor VII-X production per mg protein in the flask was 1.9. Thus there appeared to be increased synthesis of Factor VII-X in flasks from test rats though the possibility of delayed degradation was not excluded.