cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Audio watermarking through parametric signal representations

"Digital watermarking" refers to the hiding of binary information in signals such as audio recordings, images, or video clips. While the dominating technologies utilize small masked changes in the amplitude to hide information in audio, in an alternate approach, this thesis presents a scheme based on frequency modulation. From an input signal, salient sinusoids are identified in its short-time spectra and parameterized by slowly time-varying frequency envelopes. To bear a watermark, the frequency envelopes are modified by quantization index modulation (QIM), a technique that rounds values to signaling grids. Frequency shifts due to QIM are intended to be not objectionable, if noticeable. To this end, the sensitivity of human ears to pitch changes is carefully considered in the design of quantization codebooks. Using modified frequency envelopes that carry the watermark, sinusoids are synthesized, and then superposed with other time-frequency components to form a watermarked signal. Upon the retrieval of the watermarked signal, the decoder estimates the frequencies of sinusoids by the interpolation of log-magnitude spectra. Then, the hidden binary information is extracted by a maximum-likelihood method which involves optimal combination of binary decisions. The audio watermarking scheme is tested against common operations such as audio compression, low-pass filtering, reverberation, pitch scaling, and change of speed in the playback. It demonstrates adequate robustness for existing applications such as audio content authentication. Interestingly, the watermarking scheme also shows its potential for assisting sound source segregation, an application previously unexplored in the literature.
The Natural History of Untreated Osteoarthritis of the Hip

It is widely accepted that genetic factors play a role in the etiology of osteoarthritis of the hip. However, it is not yet understood how and to what extent genetic factors affect the rate of progression of the disease. Similarly, mechanical factors, particularly significant joint deformity, play an undeniable and important role in the occurrence and progression of hip arthritis. Thus far, little progress has been made in identifying and applying therapeutic interventions to alter the impact of genetic factors on the occurrence and progression of osteoarthritis of the hip. However, a significant amount of effort is being exerted to reduce the impact of mechanical factors on the disease. The prevention of severe hip deformities produced by childhood hip diseases such as hip dysplasia, Perthes’ disease, and slipped capital femoral epiphysis has had a positive impact on slowing the progression of hip arthritis.
Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of bococizumab, a monoclonal antibody to PCSK9, after single subcutaneous injection at three sites [NCT 02043301].

SummaryAim To characterize the single-dose pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) of bococizumab, a monoclonal antibody inhibiting proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), administered subcutaneously (s.c.) to the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm (NCT02043301). Methods Seventy-five adults with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) ≥130 mg/dL and not on background lipid-lowering therapy were randomized (1:1:1) to a single 150-mg s.c. dose of bococizumab administered to the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Blood samples for bococizumab and lipids were collected for 12 weeks post-dose. Results: Plasma bococizumab concentration-time profiles and PK parameters were generally similar across injection sites. Mean maximum observed concentration (Cmax) ranged from 8.14 to 11.9 μg/mL and area under the concentration-time curve (AUCinf) ranged from 160.3 to 198.9 μg•day/mL. The median time to Cmax (Tmax) ranged from 4.25 to 6.93 days. Similar LDL-C concentration-time profiles were observed across injection sites, with mean (% coefficient of variation) maximum reductions in LDL-C of –57.5% (15.8), –57.0% (25.9), and –55.0% (24.1) for the abdomen, thigh, and upper arm, respectively. Adverse events (AEs) were mostly mild and generally similar across injection sites. Commonly reported AEs were upper respiratory tract infection (9.3%), headache (6.7%), and injection-site reaction (6.7%). One serious AE was reported (ischemic colitis), which was not considered related to study drug. Conclusions Similar PK profiles and robust LDL-C reductions were observed following single 150-mg s.c. injections of bococizumab administered to the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm in untreated subjects with LDL-C ≥130 mg/dL. Bococizumab was generally well-tolerated following a single 150-mg s.c. administration in this subject population. ClinicalTrials. gov identifier: NCT02043301
Sexually Dimorphic Hypothalamic Cell Groups and a Related Pathway that are Essential for Masculine Copulatory Behavior

For researchers interested in the neural control of male sexual behavior, few observations have generated more excitement than the discovery that the anatomy of the medial preoptic area (MPOA) is different in males than in females. The existence of sexually dimorphic cell groups (Allen et al.,1989; Bleier et al., 1982; Commins and Yahr, 1984a; Gorski et al., 1978; Hines et al., 1985; LeVay, 1991; Swaab and Fliers, 1985; Tobet et al., 1986; Viglietti-Panzica et al., 1986), synaptic contacts (Raisman and Field, 1971, 1973), dendritic arbors (Ayoub et al., 1983; Greenough et al., 1977) and other phenotypes (De Vries et al., 1984) in an area known to be essential for the display of male sexual behavior (Sachs and Meisel, 1988) raised the hope that we might soon be able to recognize the cells that control male behavior, to determine their projections and to specify the intracellular changes that occur in response to testosterone (T).
Level Set Methods for Variational Problems and Applications

We formulate de-convolution, inverse interface, free boundary, obstacle problem and shape optimization problems as a variational problem with respect to a class of admissible interfaces. The interface is represented by the zero level set of a level set function. The unknown interface is sought by deforming the interface by Hamilton-Jacobi equation with a pre-scribed normal velocity. The normal velocity is often chosen as the negative shape gradient of the costfunctional with respect to the interface. We discuss pre-conditioning techniques and Gauss-Newton method for selecting the normal velocity. A numerical result for the obstacle problem is presented.
Development of a triplex mtDNA qPCR assay to assess quantification, degradation, inhibition, and amplification target copy numbers

Abstract A hybrid absolute/relative qPCR assay which provides information regarding the condition of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in a DNA sample is described. MtDNA concentration (copy number/μL) is determined via absolute quantification using a standard curve of a synthetic duplex DNA previously described (Kavlick et al., 2011). The state of mtDNA degradation is determined via the relative quantification of a mtDNA target found within the 16 s rRNA gene which is 3× longer than that of the short target in the former duplex assay, using the delta, delta Ct (ΔΔCt) method. The presence or absence of PCR inhibitors in the sample is qualitatively determined using a custom internal positive control (IPC) system which targets a unique and non-naturally occurring duplex DNA sequence. This IPC effectively detected inhibition by humic acid, tannic acid, melanin, and EDTA. All three assay components utilize sensitive and specific hydrolysis probes. The utility of ΔΔCt method was demonstrated in a series of experiments involving laboratory-fragmented DNA. Also described is a method for estimating copy number of any mtDNA target longer than the two targets amplified. The described triplex assay works well for intact and for fragmented or degraded mtDNA and therefore may be useful in forensic and ancient DNA disciplines as well as in biomedical research or practice.
The effects of infiltration-based stormwater best management practices on the hydrology and phosphorus budget of a eutrophic urban lake

Small GE, Niederluecke EQ, Shrestha P, Janke BD, Finlay JC. The effects of infiltration-based stormwater best management practices on the hydrology and phosphorus budget of a eutrophic urban lake. ...
INVENTORY PROJECT FOR THE CULTURAL ASSETS OF ISTANBUL: A MODEL FOR DIGITIZATION OF CULTURAL HERITAGE

Abstract. Directorate of Cultural Heritage Preservation of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality had started an Inventory Project in 2015, for gathering the varying information of historical and cultural assets. Although there had been previous studies conducted by various institutions or local establishments, the absence of accessibility to whole updated database of historical values was a matter of concern, both for government and research studies. For this reason, it was aimed to create and update Istanbul Historical Database. The Directorate assumed the responsibility of creating the database and providing its accessibility through web and publications. It was also aimed to provide accurate information and multimedia, not only for existing but also further projects in respect of cultural heritage and preservation. There have been 41 people from different professions such as architects, restorers, urban planners, archaeologists and art historians being employed in this work. A huge amount of data including old maps, photographs, documents, drawings and projects were brought together and classified according to their contents. Afterwards, all registered values including monuments, civil architectural or urban elements were visited, observed and photographed. Also some buildings or assets were proposed to Preservation Boards to be registered. Furthermore, 74 types of data including location, architectural description, conservation state, materials, problems and bibliography were recorded. Database allows printing 4 types of inventory forms representing current state of the value. Database was integrated with spatial data to produce analytical maps. Database created by the project has been shared via internet and books to lead other projects about cultural heritage.
Self-trapped holes (small polarons) in ferroelectric KH2PO4 crystals.

Density functional theory is used to establish the ground-state structure of the self-trapped hole (STH) in KH2PO4 crystals. The STHs in this nonlinear optical material are free small polarons, a fundamental intrinsic point defect. They are produced with ionizing radiation in the low-temperature orthorhombic structure of KH2PO4 and are only stable (i.e. long-lived) below approximately 70 K. A large 129-atom cluster, K19H40P14O56, is constructed to model the STH. The ωB97XD functional with the 6-31+G* basis set is used and geometry optimization is performed. Our results show that two of the oxygen ions in a PO4 unit relax toward each other and equally share the hole. These two oxygen ions do not initially have close hydrogen neighbors. This equal sharing of the hole is related to the presence of isolated, slightly distorted, PO4 units and is significantly different from the small-polaron behavior often observed in other oxide crystals where the hole is localized on only one oxygen ion. The computational results provide a detailed description of the lattice relaxation occurring during formation of the STH. Characteristic spectral features of this defect are a larger hyperfine interaction with one 31P nucleus and equal, but smaller, hyperfine interactions with two 1H nuclei. The computed values for these isotropic and anisotropic hyperfine coupling constants are in excellent agreement with results obtained from electron paramagnetic resonance experiments.
GaAs monolithic RF modules for SARSAT distress beacons

Monolithic GaAs UHF components for use in SARSAT Emergency Distress beacons are under development by Microwave Monolithics, Inc., Simi Valley, CA. The components include a bi-phase modulator, driver amplifier, and a 5 watt power amplifier.
Influence of Temperature on Development of Yersinia pestis Foregut Blockage in Xenopsylla cheopis (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae) and Oropsylla montana (Siphonaptera: Ceratophyllidae)

Plague, caused by the flea-transmitted bacterial pathogen Yersinia pestis, is primarily a disease of wild rodents distributed in temperate and tropical zones worldwide. The ability of Y. pestis to develop a biofilm blockage that obstructs the flea foregut proventriculus facilitates its efficient transmission through regurgitation into the host bite site during flea blood sucking. While it is known that temperature influences transmission, it is not well-known if blockage dynamics are similarly in accord with temperature. Here, we determine the influence of the biologically relevant temperatures, 10 and 21°C, on blockage development in flea species, Xenopsylla cheopis (Rothschild) and Oropsylla montana (Baker), respectively, characterized by geographical distribution as cosmopolitan, tropical or endemic, temperate. We find that both species exhibit delayed development of blockage at 10°C. In Y. pestis infected X. cheopis, this is accompanied by significantly lower survival rates and slightly decreased blockage rates, even though these fleas maintain similar rates of persistent infection as at 21°C. Conversely, irrespective of infection status, O. montana withstand 21 and 10°C similarly well and show significant infection rate increases and slightly greater blocking rates at 10 versus 21°C, emphasizing that cooler temperatures are favorable for Y. pestis transmission from this species. These findings assert that temperature is a relevant parameter to consider in assessing flea transmission efficiency in distinct flea species residing in diverse geographical regions that host endemic plague foci. This is important to predict behavioral dynamics of plague regarding epizootic outbreaks and enzootic maintenance and improve timeous implementation of flea control programs.
Usability of a Hands-Free Voice Input Interface for Ecological Momentary Assessment

Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) is a data collection method that consists of asking individuals to answer questions pertaining to their behavior, feelings, and experiences in everyday life. While EMA provides benefits compared to retrospective self-reports, the frequency of prompts throughout the day can be burdensome. Leveraging advances in speech recognition and the popularity of conversational assistants, we study the usability of an EMA interface specifically aimed at minimizing the interruption burden caused by EMA. The interface delivers prompts verbally and captures responses with a hands-free voice-based interface, effectively eliminating the need for participants to shift their attention away from a primary task to interact with a mobile phone or smartwatch. In a two-week qualitative study with 13 participants, 69.2% of them reported that not much effort was required to answer prompts with the interface, and 76.9% agreed that the interface helped them integrate EMA into the rhythm of daily life.
Human Factors in Transplant Surgery

Given that surgical transplantation involves the challenging coordination of several surgical teams (donor procurement and recipient surgical teams) and complex medical/surgical considerations of involved patients, there is ample opportunity to improve transplant surgery system safety with the application of human factors methods. A tremendous amount of mandatory regulatory requirements are in place to reduce errors in transplantation both at the national and at the institutional levels; however, variations in practice still result in occasional medical error mishaps. In this chapter, the authors will describe the systemic challenges associated with transplant and discuss opportunities to improve system safety and efficiency using a human factors approach.
The Baltic States' Relations with Russia

The Baltic states (Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania) have had cold relations with Russia since they were under the control of tsarist Russia. After about only 20 years of independence, the Baltic states were involuntary absorbed into the Soviet Union. This paper examines the history behind the relationship between the Baltic states and the Soviet Union throughout the twentieth century and how the relationship grew colder in the post-Soviet era by examining a combination of scholarly journal articles and informative web articles that detail recent facts and events pertaining to the Baltic states and Russia. One of the primary causes of tensions is the fact that the Baltic states sought integration with Western Europe, rather than pursue closer ties to Russia and the former Soviet states. Today, the result of the negative relationship between the Baltics and Russia are demonstrated by discriminatory policies towards ethnic Russians residing in the Baltics and a series of territorial disputes and hostilities. The goal of the discriminatory policies is to promote a sense of "Baltic unity," or nationalism among ethnic Estonians, Latvians, and Lithuanians, while discouraging practicing Russian language and culture. The territorial disputes primarily pertain to Estonia for several reasons: Estonia lost a piece of land to Russia in the Soviet era; and the invasion of Crimea had a significant impact on Estonian concerns about their own national security. Ethnic politics and territorial disputes continue to concern the Baltic states about future Russian aggression.
Initial survey of PLA2G6 missense variant causing neuroaxonal dystrophy in Papillon dogs in North America and Europe.

An autosomal recessive, rapidly progressive degenerative neuropathy known as infantile neuroaxonal dystrophy (NAD) was originally reported in Papillion puppies in 1995. In 2015, a causative missense variant in the PLA2G6 gene was identified in three affected puppies. Archived samples from Papillons clinically diagnosed with NAD prior to 2015 as well as samples obtained from 660 Papillons from North America and Europe between 2015 and 2017 were screened for the presence of this PLA2G6 gene variant (XM_022424454.1:c.1579G > A) using a TaqMan assay. Archived samples from affected puppies diagnosed prior to 2015 and three more recently acquired samples from Papillons clinically affected with NAD were all homozygous for the variant. SIFT analysis predicts that the PLA2G6 missense substitution (XP_022280162.1:p.Ala527Thr) will not be tolerated in the iPLA2β protein. Notably, 17.5% of the 660 tested Papillons were heterozygotes, resulting in a variant allele frequency of 0.092 in this initial survey. Since then, screening for NAD in Papillons by at least 10 other laboratories and data from the Health Committee of Papillon Club of America gathered between 2017 and 2019 reveal a variant allele frequency of 0.047. This survey and data from other laboratories documents the widespread presence of the PLA2G6 variant in the Papillon population in North America and Europe. Despite the apparent declining prevalence of the PLA2G6 variant, screening of Papillons intended for breeding is still recommended to avoid inadvertent production of puppies with infantile NAD.
Creating Impact through User-Centered Research

User-centered methodology is often seen in usability studies but can make research within the field of rhetoric more impactful, regardless of the research methods being used. Scholars such as Stuart Blythe and Michael Salvo argue for user-centered design to be integrated into all steps of the research process to suit the needs of audiences and users better. This paper considers how user-centered methodology can be integrated into all stages of professional writing research. By analyzing the user-centered methodology of a two-year-long undergraduate thesis study on the rhetoric of online sexual violence prevention courses for university students, one can better understand how to integrate the feedback and needs of the users into all aspects of undergraduate rhetoric studies. The paper reflects on how user-centered research was integrated into the four research methods in the sexual violence prevention research project (interviews, usability studies, rhetorical analysis, and comparative analysis) and draws on studies with a user-centered focus and methodological reflections from established scholars in the field. Integrating user-centered methodology into all stages of professional writing research better suits the audience’s needs, especially in social justice research, where a goal is to provide findings that could create a more equitable society. Researchers ought to consider how to integrate user-centered design into more aspects of their projects if they want to undertake more effective research for the users or audiences.
The Parasite of Society: Food and Class Studies in Bong Joon-ho’s Film Parasite

The role that food plays in film typically has more meaning than a viewer might realize at first. Often viewers watch movies for entertainment without analyzing the context that the food in each scene provides to the richness of the plot. For example, Bong Joon-ho’s 2019 award-winning film Parasite thrills its audience while warning them about the dangers of capitalism and class disparity. Despite the popularity of this film, the aspect of food was quietly forgotten even though it enhances the movie’s theme. Bong intentionally placed food in this film to signify class status which further divides the Park and Kim families. While this is a critically acclaimed film, there is not much scholarship devoted to food studies concerning social class in Parasite; therefore, I am drawing upon movie reviews as well as scholarly work about food in media. In doing this, I have studied Parasite through lenses of socio-economic theory as well as food theory to analyze how food is used in the film. Food involves more than simply preparing ingredients and consuming the final product, especially when used in media and popular culture: it often provides deeper meaning that must be examined in order to know what is truly being said. In the film Parasite, food is the vehicle that Bong uses to signify social status, and furthermore, it signals class disparities between the wealthy and impoverished. Beyond the film, Bong uses food to warn his audience how class inequality could be the downfall, the parasite, of society.
Emerging Narratives in the Wake of Homicide: Victim, Survivor and Transcender:

This work draws upon participant observation of 96 victim-centred events, 36 intensive interviews with individuals who had lost loved ones to homicide (co-victims), and content analysis of a variet...
High-Sensitivity Troponin for Suspected Acute Coronary Syndrome in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease Versus Patients Without Chronic Kidney Disease.

Background: Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) who have chronic kidney disease (CKD) have a twofold increase in mortality compared to patients with normal kidney function. Patients with CKD tend to have elevated baseline high-sensitivity cardiac troponin-T (hs-cTnT) levels. We studied patients with or without CKD to find out if a higher baseline hs-cTnT influenced the change in hs-cTnT (delta) when ruling in or ruling out ACS. Methods: Eighty-nine patients were included in this study (29 with CKD; 60 without CKD). Delta hs-cTnT was dichotomized based on those who had delta of ? 5, or 5 for ACS between the patients with CKD and without CKD, the differences were not statistically significant. Subgroup analysis showed that in patients with CKD, the positive predictive values and sensitivities of delta hs-cTnT > 5 for CAD requiring percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and stent were significantly higher compared to the patients without CKD (82.4% vs. 27.3%, and 82.4% vs. 40.0%, respectively) (P 5 have significantly higher risk of undergoing PCI. J Clin Med Res. 2021;13(6):326-333 doi: https://doi.org/10.14740/jocmr4515
Discussion of likely causes of possible variation of the effective ambient environment during quasi-steady droplet combustion supported by cool-flame chemistry

Abstract Droplet-combustion experiments with normal-alkane fuels, carried out onboard the International Space Station, have shown that, after radiative extinction of a droplet burning with an ordinary hot flame, often quasi-steady burning is initiated and sustained by a chemical-kinetic mechanism associated with cool flames. This second, cool-flame combustion stage occurs in a partial-burning regime in which both fuel and oxygen leak through a reaction zone that is controlled by the low-temperature chemistry of cool flames. This second stage persists for an appreciable period of time, after which it is terminated by cool-flame extinction, often at a measurable non-zero droplet diameter. This extinction diameter depends on the fuel and on the composition of the ambient atmosphere. Experiments involving large fuel droplets of different initial diameters indicate that the value of this cool-flame extinction diameter may vary with the initial droplet diameter and with the ignition energy imparted by the hot-wire igniters, even though the cool flame lies well within the region described as the inner quasi-steady zone, where flame structures are independent of initial conditions. These observations imply that the effective ambient atmosphere during the second stage likely depends on the previous combustion history. In the present contribution, evaluations are reported concerning possible influences of the ignition process, of the first-stage hot-flame combustion, and of prior cool-flame combustion on the effective atmosphere in which the second-stage combustion and extinction occur. It is concluded that analysis of influences of fuel leakage and condensation may be needed.
Long-Term Hearing Outcomes From Gamma Knife Treatment for Vestibulocochlear Nerve Schwannomas in a Large, Tertiary Care, Academic Hospital.

Objective Describe long-term hearing outcomes with audiologic data with modern stereotactic radiosurgery techniques for vestibular schwannoma tumors. Background Since the mid-20th century, stereotactic radiosurgery has been an option for central nervous system tumors. Due to the non-invasive manner of treatment, this was extended to treatment for benign vestibular schwannomas without intracranial surgery. Modern advances have localized radiation and reduced dosage, but data are still lacking in the long-term hearing outcomes of this method of treatment. As one of the national leaders in this procedure, we present our full database of these outcomes over the full time period of our institutions utility of this modality. Methods A retrospective review was performed of all patients undergoing stereotactic radiotherapy for vestibular schwannomas within the study period of 1998 to 2019 and their audiograms analyzed along with patient data. Laterality Gardner-Robertson hearing score changes were the primary outcome analyzed for each patient; and controls were placed to accommodate for patient demographic data. Results Long-term, multi-year audiometric evaluation showed statistically significant loss of serviceable hearing and reduction in hearing ability with the use of stereotactic radiosurgery for treatment of vestibular schwannomas. Conclusions Little long-term data exists on the audiometric outcomes related to stereotactic radiosurgery treatment for vestibular schwannomas. Our institution has performed more than 300 stereotactic radiosurgery treatments showing a continued reduction over time in serviceable hearing. Practitioners should advise patients undergoing treatment for vestibular schwannomas with this treatment of long-term results.
Low-Level Military Threats and the Future of Japan's Armed Forces

For more than forty years Japan has dwelt in the shadow of the United States and handled questions of defense policy almost entirely through the US-Japan Security Treaty. Yet, Japan is now the world's largest donor of foreign economic aid. It is the world's largest creditor and leading exporter of capital. Its trade surpluses and corporate wealth are well publicized. Japanese business has a substantial presence throughout the developing world and this presence now reaches far beyond the Pacific Rim to South America and some parts of Africa. In addition, Japan's armed forces have been steadily rehabilitated and improved. Forty years after the inauguration of Japan's Self-Defense Forces (SDF), and almost fifty years since the complete dismantling of the Imperial Army and Navy, Japan has a substantial military establishment. If measured in US dollars, Japan's defense expenditures are the third largest in the world. ' Japan's regular army is now larger than Great Britain's, though still overshadowed by several larger armies on the Pacific Rim. And Japan now keeps military attaches in twenty-nine embassies around the world, including most of the Pacific Rim nations.
Verification of a linear dynamic model for flexible robotic manipulators

This paper describes a linear state-space model for a flexible single link manipulator arm. The resultant model is compared to an experimental four foot long direct drive manipulator. The method employed to generate the model utilizes a separable formulation of assumed modes to represent the tranverse displacement due to bending. Lagrangian dynamics are applied to determine the kinetic and potential energies for the system. The resultant dynamic equations are then organized into a state space model suitable for use in linear control system design procedures. The performance of the model is considered for different model orders and assumed modes. Several important aspects of candidate mode selection, and results for different model order are discussed. The final section of the paper provides a brief summary and describes ongoing and future work.
Metabolic and circulatory responses to walking and jogging in water

Abstract To compare the metabolic and circulatory responses to walking and jogging in water with similar exercise performed in air, oxygen uptake ([Vdot]O2), ventilation ([Vdot]E), respiratory exchange ratio (R), and heart rate (HR) were measured in six male subjects during 6-minute bouts of walking or jogging through waist-deep water (30 to 31°C) at five different speeds (.7–1 m/second). Work bouts of similar metabolic intensity were also carried out in air (27 to 29°C) on the treadmill. Approximately one-half to one-third the speed was required to work at the same level of energy expenditure during walking and jogging in water as compared with the exercise in air (2.6 to 3.5 vs. 5.5 to 13.4 km/ hour). During the water exercise, [Vdot]O2, HR, and R increased nearly linearly with increased speed, whereas the increase in [Vdot]E was somewhat curvilinear. These responses were similar to those during exercise in air. HRs at any given level of [Vdot]O2 were not significantly different (p < .05) for the exerci...
Galactic Cosmic-Ray Confinement Time: Ulysses High Energy Telescope Measurements of the Secondary Radionuclide 10Be

We report new measurements of the isotopic abundances of the Galactic cosmic-ray isotopes 7Be,9Be, and radioactive 10Be. These measurements from the Ulysses High Energy Telescope (HET) combine exceptional mass resolution with superior statistics. Measurements of radioisotopes produced as secondaries during cosmic-ray propagation provide estimates of the average density of material traversed by the cosmic rays and, within the context of the leaky box model, the confinement time of cosmic rays in the Galaxy. 10Be, with its long lifetime (τ½=1.6 × 106 yr by β -->− decay) and pure secondary origin, is particularly well suited to this purpose. The HET measurement yields a density of ρ=0.19 ± 0.03 atoms cm-3, corresponding to a confinement time of 26 -->+ 4−5 Myr. Measurements of the shorter lived cosmic-ray radioisotopes 26Al and 36Cl, including the results from the HET reported elsewhere (by Connell and coworkers), complement these 10Be results and provide a broader view of cosmic-ray propagation.
Envisioning the Future

Each chapter of this book has examined “extraordinary learning in the workplace” from a major area of educational theory and research, namely curriculum, instructional design, learning, assessment, and faculty development. The purpose of this chapter is to present a framework for workplace learning, to synthesize the findings of the preceding chapters as they relate to this framework, and to discuss opportunities to advance research on workplace learning and improve student learning in professional workplaces. The framework contains three themes – selection of tasks and activities, relationships within the practice community, and the nature of work practices – and draws on behavioral, cognitive, constructivist, and social learning theories as they apply to learning through real work practices. Curriculum, instruction, assessment, and faculty development are also discussed within this framework when they pertain to one of the themes, thus providing an opportunity to incorporate much of what the authors presented in previous chapters of this book.
Income convergence among U.S. states: cross‐sectional and time series evidence

We perform convergence tests on the U.S. states for per capita income from 1930 to 2009. Cross-sectional tests support overall σ-convergence and β-convergence but may not hold true for the last three decades. Time series tests suggest that about half of the states exhibit stochastic convergence and of these all are also β-converging. Probit regressions reveal that the likelihood a state is converging is a function of changing capital to labour ratios, the size of the agricultural sector, and levels of taxation and tax revenue. Regional disparities in convergence remain among the southern and midwestern states. Convergence des niveaux de revenus entre les etats americains : resultats a partir de donnes transversales et de series chronologiques. On presente des tests de convergence des revenus per capita des etats americains entre 1930 et 2009. Les tests transversaux supportent l'hypothese de convergence de type σ et de type β, mais pourraient ne pas tenir pour les trois dernieres decennies. Les tests utilisant les series chronologiques suggerent que la moitie des etats montrent une convergence stochastique, et que de ceux-ci tous supportent l'hypothese de convergence de type β. Des regressions par la methode probit revelent que la vraisemblance qu'un etat converge depend des rapports capital/travail changeants, de la taille du secteur agricole, et des niveaux de taxation et de rentrees fiscales. Des disparites regionales dans la convergence demeurent entre les etats du sud et du midwest.
Studies on Cytochrome Oxidase: III. LIGAND REACTIONS AND SCHIFF BASE FORMATION OF HEME a

Abstract Hematin a isolated from purified cytochrome oxidase reacts with poly-l-lysine and with proteins of high lysine content, such as histone, albumin, and globin, in neutral and alkaline media. At pH 11.6, spectral characteristics of these synthetic complexes are strikingly similar to those of cytochrome oxidase. Although absorbance indices differ, the positions of the band maxima are virtually the same in the oxidized, the reduced, the carbon monoxide-reduced, the borohydride-treated, and the borohydride-treated followed by carbon monoxide reduction forms. After borohydride reaction, the heme a in these complexes as well as in cytochrome oxidase is no longer extractable by acid-acetone. On the other hand, these characteristics are not shared when hematin a is replaced by protohematin. Hematin a does not react with histidine, lysine, glutamic acid, aspartic acid, proline, alanine, polyglutamic acid, polyproline, or protamine in either neutral or alkaline media, or with polytyrosine in alkaline solutions under conditions similar to those used for polylysine, i.e. at less than 2 mg of nitrogenous compound per ml. However, the spectra of heme a in the presence of 5% lysine (but not other free amino acids tested, including methionine, histidine, and tyrosine) closely resemble those of the heme a-polylysine complex. Although hematin a reacts with polysarcosine and polyhistidine, the reaction differs from that with polylysine. From the data presented here, together with the behavior of cytochrome oxidase described previously (30), it is tentatively concluded that at least 1 lysine residue of cytochrome oxidase coordinates with the heme iron at pH 11.6, and another lysine residue forms a Schiff base with the formyl group on the porphyrin nucleus. The justification for the conclusion, along with certain reservations, has been pointed out.
Inhibition by 2-Deoxy-d-Glucose of Synthesis of Glycoprotein Enzymes by Protoplasts of Saccharomyces: Relation to Inhibition of Sugar Uptake and Metabolism

The synthesis of the glycoprotein enzymes, invertase and acid phosphatase, by protoplasts of Saccharomyces mutant 1016, is inhibited by 2-deoxy-d-glucose (2-dG) after a 20- to 30-min lag period under conditions (external sugar to 2-dG ratio of 40:1) which cause only a slight decrease in total protein synthesis. Formation of one intracellular enzyme, alpha-glucosidase, is also sensitive, but production of another, alkaline phosphatase, is unaffected. A nonmetabolized glucose analogue, 6-deoxy-d-glucose, had no inhibitory effect. The total uptake of external fructose and maltose was decreased by 2-dG after a lag period of about the same duration as that before the inhibition of synthesis of enzymes or of mannan and glucan; during this time 2-dG was taken up by the protoplasts and accumulated primarily as 2-dG-6-phosphate (2-dG-6-P). Studies in vitro showed that 2-dG-6-P inhibits both yeast phosphoglucose isomerase and phosphomannose isomerase. The intracellular levels of the 6-phosphates of glucose, fructose, and mannose did not increase in the presence of 2-dG. We suggest that the high internal level of 2-dG-6-P blocks synthesis of the cell wall polysaccharides and glycoproteins in two ways. It directly inhibits the conversion of fructose-6-P to glucose-6-P and to mannose-6-P. At the same time, it restricts the transport of fructose and maltose into the cell; however, the continuing limited uptake of the sugars still provides sufficient energy for protein synthesis. The cessation of alpha-glucosidase synthesis is probably a result of depletion of the internal pool of maltose (the inducer). Our findings support the suggestion that restriction of synthesis of the carbohydrate moiety of glycoproteins reduces formation of the active enzyme.
A study of sequential inference for the risk ratio and measure of reduction of two binomials

A STUDY OF SEQUENTIAL INFERENCE FOR THE RISK RATIO AND MEASURE OF REDUCTION OF TWO BINOMIALS by Zhou Wang Dr. Hokwon Cho , Examination Committee Chair Associate Professor of Statistics University of Nevada, Las Vegas, USA The binomial distribution is one of the most commonly and widely occurring probabilistic phenomena in our lives. Since observations from independent Bernoulli trials yield a dichotomous type, the distribution of sequences provides the basis and clue for statistical formulations of a wide variety of problems. Occasionally, the core of biomedical studies is related to the comparison and evaluation of the risks of events or outcomes of interest in comparing populations under study. For instance, one wishes to compare two groups of subjects drawn from two independent populations. Then, two sample proportions play central roles in those comparisons. One of the most useful ways to make comparisons for the relative risk is to take a ratio, also referred to as the risk ratio. In addition, a measure of reduction of the two proportions is considered. In this thesis, we consider sequential methods of inferences for the ratio of two independent binomial probabilities, the risk ratio, in two populations for comparison. We obtain approximate confidence intervals and optimal sample sizes for the risk ratio and measure of reduction, respectively. Since there does not exist an unbiased estimator of the risk ratio, the procedure is developed based on a slightly modified
A Correlation of Barron's Ego Strength Scale and Rokeach's Dogmatism Scale

The present investigation was initiated to determine the degree of relationship between measures of the respective constructs of ego strength and dogmatism. The instruments employed in the investigation were Barron's Ego Strength Scale and Rokeach's Dogmatism Scale. The subjects utilized in the study were 53 (25 males, 28 females) undergraduate students from an Adolescent Psychology class at Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, Tennessee. It was hypothesized that a significant but inverse relationship existed between ego strength and dogmatism. A Pearson product-moment correlation between the relevant measures eventuated in a coefficient of -.42, which was significant beyond the .01 level.
UPD1p indicates the presence of MPL W515L mutation in RARS-T, a mechanism analogous to UPD9p and JAK2 V617F mutation.

UPD1p indicates the presence of MPL W515L mutation in RARS-T, a mechanism analogous to UPD9p and JAK2 V617F mutation
Classical and quantal calculations of the dimerization constant and second virial coefficient for argon

Computations of the second virial coefficient and thermodynamic equilibrium constant for the dimerization of argon are reported. These are based on accurate analytic representations of the Ar-Ar interaction energy. Calculations have been made using classical and quantal statistical mechanics and for the second virial coefficient the JWKB series as well.
On some Gelfand-Mazur like theorems in Banach algebras: On some Gelfand-Mazur like theorems in P -normed algebras: Corrigenda

REMARK 1. In my paper “On some Gelfand-Mazur like theorems in Banach algebras” [ 2 ], I stated as Theorem 3.1 the following result: If A is a complex Banach algebra, which is locally finite and if A is an integral domain then A is isomorphic to C . The proof given there is wrong. The mistake occurred when the principal ideal ( h ) was considered. Certainly ( h ) is finitely generated as an ideal, but not necessarily as an algebra. However thanks to the following theorem of Heinze [ 1 ], the stated Theorem 3.1 of my paper [ 2 ] is still correct. Heinze's results states: An associative locally finite algebra which is also an integral domain, over an algebraically closed field is isomorphic to the ground field . The other theorems stated in [ 2 ] are correct.
Modeling Vertical and Horizontal Diffusivities with the Sigma Coordinate System

Abstract The use of diffusive terms in numerical ocean models is examined relative to different coordinate systems. The conventional model for horizontal diffusion is found to be incorrect when bottom topographical slopes are large. A new formulation is suggested which is simpler than the conventional formulation when transformed to a sigma coordinate system and makes it possible to model realistically both surface Ekman and bottom boundary layers.
Situation Awareness (SA), a Qualitative User-Centered Information Needs Assessment Approach

AbstractIn order to keep the human professional in charge and to enable him/her to solve meaningful problems in a manner that is as natural as possible, new approaches that are more user-oriented should be used to augment human capabilities. Situation Awareness (SA) improves decision-making and performance in complex, dynamic environment by enhancing ambient awareness of the system-user. Situation Awareness is a qualitative user-centered information needs assessment approach that provides a better conceptual map of information requirement which have the potential to ultimately lead to the development of Information Technological (IT) tools for SA enhancement. Until now, SA has not been considered as a potential method of improving the cognitive decision-making process within the Architecture, Engineering, Construction, and Owner (AECO) domain. The objective of this study is to apply the qualitative SA approach to the AECO-related practices and investigate its benefits and challenges in such a domain. Deve...
Leukemic stem cells: where have they gone wrong?

What is the mechanism behind acute bilineage leukemia (ie, 2 separate populations of myeloid and lymphoid blasts)? Why does the risk for therapy-related myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) last only 10 years, while the risk for therapy-related solid tumors can be lifelong
Genomic Structure of the Mouse Ap3b1 Gene in Normal and Pearl Mice

The mouse hypopigmentation mutant pearl is an established model for Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome (HPS), a genetically heterogenous disease with misregulation of the biogenesis/function of melanosomes, lysosomes, and platelet dense granules. The pearl (Ap3b1) gene encodes the beta3A subunit of the AP-3 adaptor complex, which regulates vesicular trafficking. The genomic structure of the normal Ap3b1 gene includes 25 introns and a putative promoter sequence. The original pearl (pe) mutation, which has an unusually high reversion rate on certain strain backgrounds, has been postulated to be caused by insertion of a transposable element. Indeed, the mutation contains a 215-bp partial mouse transposon at the junction point of a large tandem genomic duplication of 6 exons and associated introns. At the cDNA level, three pearl mutations (pearl, pearl-8J, and pearl-9J) are caused by deletions or duplications of a complete exon(s).
Generating more compactable channel routing solutions

Abstract In this paper we present several powerful techniques which allow us to generate efficiently channel routing solutions which are beneficial to further compaction. Our techniques can be applied to straight track compaction as well as to contour routing compaction, and produce very encouraging results. In particular, for Deutsch's Difficult Example, we obtained a straight track routing solution whose area is 7% less than the best known result after straight track compaction. Our router also generated a routing solution which leads to a very satisfactory result after contour routing compaction.
HIRDLS observations and simulation of a lower stratospheric intrusion of tropical air to high latitudes

On 26 January 2006, the High Resolution Dynamic Limb Sounder (HIRDLS) observed low mixing ratios of ozone and nitric acid in an approximately 2 km vertical layer near 100 hPa extending from the subtropics to 55 degrees N over North America. The subsequent evolution of the layer is simulated with the Global Modeling Initiative (GMI) model and substantiated with HIRDLS observations. Air with low mixing ratios of ozone is transported poleward to 80 degrees N. Although there is evidence of mixing with extratropical air and diabatic descent, much of the tropical intrusion returns to the subtropics. This study demonstrates that HIRDLS and the GMI model are capable of resolving thin intrusion events. The observations combined with simulation are a first step towards development of a quantitative understanding of the lower stratospheric ozone budget.