cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Holding health providers in developing countries accountable to consumers: a synthesis of relevant scholarship

Health care providers in low-income countries often treat consumers poorly. Many providers do not consider it their responsibility to listen carefully to consumer preferences, to facilitate access to care, to offer detailed information, or to treat patients with respect. A lack of provider accountability to health consumers may have adverse effects on the quality of health care they provide, and ultimately on health outcomes. This paper synthesizes relevant research on health provision in low-, middle- and high-income countries with the aim of identifying factors that shape health provider accountability to consumers, and discerning promising interventions to enhance responsiveness. Drawing on this scholarship, we develop a framework that classifies factors into two categories: those concerning the health system and those that pertain to social influences. Among the health systems factors that may shape provider accountability are oversight mechanisms, revenue sources, and the nature of competition in the health sector-all influences that may lead providers to be accountable to entities other than consumers, such as governments and donors. Among the social factors we explore are consumer power, especially information levels, and provider beliefs surrounding accountability. Evidence on factors and interventions shaping health provider accountability is thin. For this reason, it is not possible to draw firm conclusions on what works to enhance accountability. This being said, research does suggest four mechanisms that may improve provider responsiveness: 1. Creating official community participation mechanisms in the context of health service decentralization; 2. Enhancing the quality of health information that consumers receive; 3. Establishing community groups that empower consumers to take action; 4. Including non-governmental organizations in efforts to expand access to care. This synthesis reviews evidence on these and other interventions, and points to future research needs to build knowledge on how to enhance health provider accountability to consumers.
Applying the Marx band circuit configuration to power MOSFET

Power MOSFETs operated in a Marx bank circuit configuration are presented. This circuit is useful for generating high voltage (greater than 1 kV) nanosecond risetime pulses. After the design procedure is given an example circuit is designed which generates a -1800 V pulse with a 3-0 ns falltime into 50 Ω
Effect of Physical Factors on Liver Amylase Activity.

SummaryThe measurable amylase activities of rat and hog livers are increased by freezing and thawing but are not further enhanced by sonication or treatment with the detergent Triton X-100. Therefore, values for liver amylase activities previously reported from this laboratory are not low as has been suggested. The lack of inhibition of liver amylases by antisera to pancreatic amylase is not due to binding of liver amylase to particulates.
A Robust Sustainability Metric Using Possibility Distributions

One significant challenge in developing life cycle performance models for buildings is how to define “performance”. While the classical definition of performance of a building is based on safety and serviceability criteria, the definition for high-performance buildings for sustainable developments is based on additional criteria mostly related to energy and environment such as improved energy, economic, and environmental performance. The guidelines for defining these criteria include imprecise, or linguistic measures (e.g., “high”, “medium”, or “low”). These types of measures would lead to soft/fuzzy evaluations that cannot be added using simple mathematical or probabilistic models. Using the theory of possibility, a new robust metric for evaluating sustainability in buildings is being developed. This new metric is necessary because existing evaluation systems such as LEED and Green Globes lack the ability to gain partial credit and overlook the existence of several types of uncertainties associated with the evaluation process. A case study, presented here, demonstrates how the new metric integrates definitions across existing sustainability measures using possibility distribution.
Identification of silver in a periapical lesion of a tooth.

X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy provides an accurate method for quantitating trace amounts of heavy elements. In the reported case, this technic permitted the identification of deposits present in a periapical mass associated with a canine tooth as silver.
Structural Analyses of HLA-DR Antigens

There has been considerable progress in the characterization of HLA-DR antigens even though these human counterparts of murine and guinea pig Ir gene products were identified only a few years ago. The information available at present concerning the biological, chemical, and structural properties of HLA-DR antigens can be summarized as follows (for a review, see Ferrone et al., 1978).
Would the Elimination of the Capacity to Suffer Solve Ethical Dilemmas in Experimental Animal Research

The use of genetic engineering to enhance the welfare of laboratory animals can reduce the amount of suffering in current neuroscience research paradigms. In particular, for some forms of basic research, we can use welfare-enhanced animals to reduce harms to animals without sacrificing any of the scientific validity. In another group of experiments, we can use welfare-enhanced animals to dramatically reduce the number of unprotected animals enduring aversive procedures. Many of the objections to using welfare-enhanced animals for food production do not apply to their use in research, since genetic knockout techniques are already used routinely in research for human ends and since there is no risk for human health. Furthermore, examples of recent knockout experiments suggest that we already have, or are very close to having, the capacity to reduce suffering in laboratories via genetic engineering. If we are truly committed to balancing the advancement of science with the welfare of animals, this option should be further explored.
An ethics framework for public health and avian influenza pandemic preparedness.

Public health as an organized disci-pline began more than 100 years ago toimprove the health, primarily, of popula -tions rather than of individuals. Given itspopulation-based focus, however, publichealthisforeverfacingdilemmasconcern -ing the appropriate extent of its reach andwhentheworkofpublichealthprofession -als is infringing on individual liberties inethically troublesome ways. Nonetheless,there have been few attempts to articulateanethicsofpublichealth,despitethedisci-pline’s long and impressive history.Bioethics,asadiscipline,helpshealthcareprofessionalsidentifyandrespondtomoraldilemmas in their work. This paper sug -gests that the contexts out of whichbioethics emerged —medical care andhuman research — were oriented to a dif -ferent set of concerns than those typicallyoccurring in public health. While thefoundersofbioethicsarticulatedprinciplesequallyrelevantforpublichealth,themorespecific action guides and codes of healthcare ethics that have followed are animperfect fit for public health. Codes ofmedical and research ethics generally givehighprioritytoindividualautonomy,apri-ority that cannot be assumed to be appro -priate for public health practice. A frame -work of ethics analysis geared specificallyforpublichealthisneeded,bothtoprovidepracticalguidanceforpublichealthprofes -sionals and also to highlight the definingvaluesofpublichealth,valuesthatdifferinmorally relevant ways from values thatdefineclinicalpracticeandresearch.Afirstattempt at such a framework is offeredhere.
Analyzing continuous randomized response data with an indifference-zone selection procedure

A review of the randomized response model introduced by Warner (1965) is given, then a randomized response model applicable to continuous data that considers a mixture of two normal distributions i...
DETERMINATION OF THERMOPHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF LAYERED COMPOSITES BY FLASH METHOD

The thermal diffusivities of two-layer and three-layer composites were investigated by using the heat diffusion equation solved with appropriate boundary conditions and with the use of a heat pulse function closely describing the actual pulse shape. However, a Kronecker delta function for the heat pulse is used when the half-time is much larger than the heat pulse time. Furthermore, the dimensional similarity analysis among the relative heat capacity (H1/2), the square root of the relative heat diffusion time (η1/2), and the modified Fourier number (α2t1/2/l 2 2 ) is graphically represented. This method is in agreement with experimental results. The thermal diffusivities of tungsten carbide alloys flame spray coated on Armco iron and on 316 stainless steel, of epoxy coated on 316 stainless steel and on copper, and of brass explosively bonded to stainless steel were measured. The thermal diffusivity of distilled water was also measured by using a tantalum container. The interfacial thermal contact conductance coefficient of two-layer composites composed of 316 stainless steel and brass was found. The experimental results for these samples are given.
Governance of Hybrid Organizations

The last few decades have witnessed significant changes in corporate governance practices by organizations that aim to improve the credibility and accountability of corporate boards of directors. In parallel with these developments in practice, academic understanding of the composition, function and value of corporate boards has been enhanced in the fields of law, corporate finance and management. However, it is striking that these theoretical advances have not yet been extended to other types of organizations, such as collaborative agreements, despite their overall economic importance as well as their comparable as well as unique governance needs. In fact, corporate governance theory and alliance governance research have largely developed independently from one another and remain separate literatures. The purpose of this essay, therefore, is to identify and develop some bridges between the two large literatures by considering the similarities and differences between hybrids and traditional corporations as organizational forms and by explicating some of the implications for the governance of collaborative agreements. We begin to trace out some new possibilities for a research agenda that would cross-pollinate the disparate streams of research on corporate governance and alliance governance.
Conjugate adaptive optics with remote focusing in multiphoton microscopy

The small correction volume for conventional wavefront shaping methods limits their application in biological imaging through scattering media. In this paper, we take advantage of conjugate adaptive optics (CAO) and remote focusing (CAORF) to achieve three-dimensional (3D) scanning through a scattering layer with a single correction. Our results show that the proposed system can provide 10 times wider axial field of view compared with a conventional conjugate AO system when 16,384 segments are used on a spatial light modulator. We demonstrate two-photon imaging with CAORF through mouse skull. The fluorescent microspheres embedded under the scattering layers can be clearly observed after applying the correction.
Non-State Actors, Soft Law and Protective Regimes: Assuming away the problem? The vexing relationship between international trade and environmental protection

What does global trade mean for the environment of any particular place? It can produce place-based transformations that are both positive and negative. The Kuznets curve is often touted as a solution that resolves the conflict between trade promotion and environmental protection by purporting to demonstrate that increasing overall social wealth through trade inevitably produces increased environmental protection. This paper disputes the putative relationship between global trade and environmental protection embodied by the environmental Kuznets curve hypothesis. Part I describes the growth of the Kuznets curve meme, and the influence this approach has had on legal and policy choices surrounding development and environmental protection. Part II details the flaws inherent in a Kuznets curve-influenced development strategy, leveling both practical and theoretical critiques of its central thesis that economic development inherently creates a more sustainable society. Having rejected the environmental Kuznets curve hypothesis, Part III briefly highlights some possible alternatives for addressing the tensions between global trade and sustainability.
Mental Health in the Schools

Progress is being made in the area of delivering mental health services in the schools through collaborative programs that involve combinations of schools, communities, and research-based programs. The goal of extending collaborative efforts to initiatives that prevent emotional and behavioral problems from developing or escalating is a cross-cutting theme of the National Agenda for Achieving Better Results for Children and Youth with Serious Emotional Disturbance. I discuss examples of collaborative efforts to prevent emotional behavioral problems in school children and ways by which this effort can be enhanced in schools and communities.
Cell Signaling: Serine/Threonine Protein Kinases and Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a complex interaction of primary and secondary processes that may require days to evolve. Injury processes are related to the magnitude and type of TBI and the resulting systemic as well as neural complications. In this brief review we will focus on several features of neurotransmitter and trophic factor proximal signal transduction that normally function in the transfer of neuronal information within and between neurons that can become pathological mediators and modulators. Over the last several years advances have been made in identifying the intracellular pathways for trophic factor signaling in the brain and a greater understanding of interactions between neurotransmitter and trophic signals has resulted; however, the complexity of these interactions suggests we still have much to learn. This review will focus on recent insights into how interactions between trophic and neurotransmitter signals may participate in neuronal survival after TBI.
CHAPTER 12 – Boundary Conditions

We now briefly consider the possible boundary conditions for differential equations. These equations may be stochastic (or deterministic in the limiting case) and nonlinear (or linear in the limiting case). When randomness is present in boundary conditions, it can be present not only in the inhomogeneous term of the boundary condition but also in coefficients of the boundary operator. In this case, the boundary operator becomes a stochastic operator. Nonlinear and coupled boundary conditions have received very little attention and there is no intent here to study these matters exhaustively; essentially we introduce these topics as a basis for further intensive study. We will show that the decomposition method can be applied to boundary operator equations as well as differential to operator equations.1 Let us look at possibilities.
Surface Characterization of Biological Materials by X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy

X-Ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) is a relatively new field of electron spectroscopy. The physics of the processes involved limit the signals observed to no more than the outer 5–10 monolayers of the surface. The discrete energies of the core electrons photoejected from the elements on the surface can yield information on both elemental composition and chemical bonding.
Interfacial stiffening of polymer thin films under nanoconfinement

Abstract Changes in the mechanical properties of polymer thin films due to substrate and free surfaces determine the performance of soft nanomaterials. Here we systematically investigate how these interfaces influence the elasticity of supported polymer thin films. Our simulation results demonstrate that the substrate–film interfacial interaction has a strong effect on the elastic response of the films, in which the modulus increases with the strength of interfacial interaction with a nonlinear scaling relationship. The investigation of the local stiffness within the film reveals that there exists an interfacial stiffened region near the substrate and a soft region with reduced stiffness near the free surface. Both regions exhibit similar length scales on the order of nanometers. Our analyses explain the molecular origins of recently observed interfacial stiffening and softening phenomena in polymer thin films, and provide a high-resolution description of the local stiffness gradients in polymer thin films.
Definition of polaritonic fluctuations in natural hyperbolic media

The discovery of photonic hyperbolic dispersion surfaces in certain van der Waals bonded solids, such as hexagonal boron nitride and bismuth selenide (a topological insulator), offers intriguing possibilities for creating strongly modified light-matter interactions. However, open problems exist in quantifying electromagnetic field fluctuations in these media, complicating typical approaches for modeling photonic characteristics. Here, we address this issue by linking the identifying traits of hyperbolic response to a coupling between longitudinal and transverse fields that cannot occur in isotropic media. This description allows us to formulate a gauge theoretic description of the influence of hyperbolic response on electromagnetic fluctuations without explicitly imposing a characteristic size (model of nonlocality)---leading to formally bounded expressions so long as material absorption is included. We then apply this framework to two exemplary areas: the optical sum rule for modified spontaneous emission enhancement in a general uniaxial medium and thermal electromagnetic field fluctuations in hexagonal boron nitride and bismuth selenide. We find that while the sum rule is satisfied, it does not constrain the enhancement of light-matter interactions in either case. We also show that both hexagonal boron nitride and bismuth selenide possess broad spectral regions where the magnitude of electromagnetic field fluctuations are over 120 times larger, and over 800 times larger along specific angular directions, than they are in vacuum.
The Self-as-Context Scale: Development and preliminary psychometric properties

Abstract Until recently, multiple measures of all six processes posited to contribute to psychological flexibility had been created with the exception of self-as-context. To address this deficit, we conducted a series of six studies in developing and evaluating the psychometric properties of the Self-as-Context Scale (SACS) as a brief (10 items) self-report inventory. Factor analyses identified a replicable structure that supported the derivation of two moderately correlated subscales, Centering and Transcending. Centering appears to encompass reacting calmly to unwanted psychological experiences, while Transcending reflects the type of invariant perspective-taking that characterizes the observing self. The SACS and its two subscale scores displayed acceptable levels of internal and test-retest reliability in college student samples. Scores were sufficiently unrelated to social desirability and neuroticism and generally correlated with other criterion measures, such as psychological inflexibility, in predictable ways. Stronger associations with a measure of spirituality and another recently-developed self-as-context questionnaire provided additional support for construct validity, while also suggesting, in conjunction with related factor analyses, that Transcending reflects a dimension of the contextual self not fully captured by other instruments. As expected, a clinical sample scored significantly lower on the SACS and its subscales. Strengths and limitations of this project as well as recommendations for further research are discussed.
The Dark Side of Addiction Support Forums: Impacts of Poor Quality and Insufficient Emotional Support on Perceived Support Availability and Health Efficacy

Research has identified many benefits of participating in online social support forums; however, the potential negative impacts of these communities have rarely been examined. This study explored t...
Dyadic concordance and discordance in family violence: A powerful and practical approach to research and practice

This article describes Dyadic Concordance Types(DCTs) to classify cases into Male-Only, Female-Only, and Both aggressed categories, and a reference category of Neither. Evidence from 32 nations is summarized on the percent of couples in each DCT. It indicates that across all nations, sample types, and gender of respondent, and regardless of whether the aggression was physical, psychological, or sexual, aggression in a family dyadic relationship was most often by both members of the dyad. When there was a sole perpetrator, although there was more variation in the percent in each DCT, the results tended to show a similar percent of Male-Only and Female-Only perpetration. Studies cited show that DCTs provide information that is beyond that obtained by analyses of the individual-level variables used to identify the DCTs. This reflects the family systems theory principle that the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. Statistically, it is analogous to the additional variance explained by use of interaction terms in a causal model. The Discussion suggests that identifying DCTs can enhance research, theories, and services for victims and offenders. These enhancements can be achieved if identification of the DCTs of the cases becomes a default starting point for research and practice concerned with family aggression.
ANALYSIS AND EVALUATION OF DECISION AIDS IN ORGANIZATIONS1

A methodology for the modeling and evaluation of decision aids is presented. Petri Net models of human decisionmakers and decision aids are described that can be interconnected to represent organizations. The approach is illustrated by modeling and analyzing the effects of a class of decision aids that is based on artificial intelligence and especially expert systems. This paper presents a procedure for assessing to what extent the measures of performance of an organization are modified when an expert system is introduced. First, a model of symbolic computation with fuzzy logic, using Predicate Transition Nets, is presented to model the most common kind of expert systems: the consultant expert systems. This model allows to evaluate its response time for a given input. An example problem involving a hierarchical two decisionmaker organization, where the expert system is used as an aid in the fusion of inconsistent information, is then presented. A strategy involving the use of the expert system is compared to two other strategies expected to be used by a decisionmaker responsible for this task. Measures of performance (workload, timeliness and accuracy) are evaluated for each of these strategies. The results show that the strategy involving the use of the expert system improves significantly the accuracy of the organization, but requires more time and increases the workload of the decisionmaker using it.
Radiative Hydrodynamics of Flares: Preliminary Results and Numerical Treatment of the Transition Region

We report on a comprehensive numerical simulation of flare dynamics, encompassing the corona, transition region and chromosphere. A coronal loop geometry, whose magnetic pressure dominates gas pressure, is assumed. These preliminary results assume optically thin radiation; we are currently incorporating optically thick radiative transfer in the chromosphere. We discuss difficulties in modelling the transition region under flare conditions, and suggest tentative solutions.
General Approach to Counter Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

The following study is devoted to the problem of prevention harmful missions led by small offensive Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV). The main goal of the report is to familiarize the reader with a general methodology for counteracting offensive UAV. In this report the authors state that counter UAV methodology comprise of several stages: threats identification, preparation to prevention, active counteracting, evaluation and improvement of the anti-UAV counteraction system. In recommendations, the authors describe two non-excluding practical approaches to countering hostile UAVs: offensive counter UAV and defensive counter UAV. Which concern with two different criteria: to destroy as many UAV as possible and to protect high value assets from threats of UAVs.
Rural Surgical Quality: Policy and Practice

Several national studies have demonstrated that rural hospitals successfully deliver high-quality care. Data at the national, regional, institutional, and individual practitioner levels all contribute to understanding of surgical outcomes in the rural setting. Quality metrics should be interpreted within the context of the rural community and outcomes analyzed with relevant risk adjustment for patient factors.
Optimal Impulsive Control Using Adaptive Dynamic Programming and its Application in Spacecraft Rendezvous

Optimal control of nonlinear impulsive systems with free impulse instants and the number of impulses is investigated in this study. A scheme based on adaptive dynamic programming is developed, which leads to a feedback (approximate) solution to the defined optimal impulsive control problem. This is done by proposing a learning algorithm for tuning parameters of a function approximator, which, once tuned offline, provides feedback solution on-the-fly. The scheme is shown to handle single and multiple impulsive actuators with a small online computational burden. Afterward, the controller is applied to a challenging problem, namely, the orbital maneuver of spacecraft with the fixed final time using impulsive actuators. The objective is triggering the actuators in a fuel-optimal manner such that the spacecraft transfers to the desired orbit at a prescribed time. It was shown that the proposed scheme leads to simultaneous and feedback path planning and control for the maneuver. The potentials of the scheme are analyzed in different scenarios, including enforcing a shorter final time, selecting different initial states, and incorporating actuator faults.
Understanding Contraceptive Needs of Women Who Inject Drugs in Orange County: A Qualitative Study.

Objectives Women with opioid use disorder experience higher rates of unintended pregnancy compared with the general US population. Our aim was to examine the factors that may affect access to desired contraception for women who use injection drugs. Methods Using purposive sampling, we conducted semi-structured interviews pertaining to contraceptive use with 14 women ages 18 to 44 who were current users of injection drugs living in Orange County, CA between March and December 2019. Interviews were transcribed, coded, and analyzed using grounded theory. Results Participants discussed logistical barriers, including homelessness and lack of transportation, as well as perceived barriers, such as a belief in the inability to become pregnant while using drugs, that affect access to contraceptive care. Women also discussed the factors that motivate them to use contraception despite these barriers, including the desire for sobriety before becoming pregnant and fear of harming a fetus while using substances. Some participants expressed feeling uncomfortable disclosing substance use to their healthcare providers out of concern for stigmatization. Several points of access for contraceptive care were elucidated, including visits for primary and postpartum care, as well as in carceral spaces. Finally, participants expressed a desire to obtain contraceptive services at a local syringe exchange program due to trusting relationships with providers and increased ease of access. Conclusions Our findings highlight several causative factors for the unmet contraceptive need among women who use injection drugs, and suggest that syringe exchange programs represent a unique access point for the provision of contraceptive care for this population.
Cardiac Conduction and Bradycardia

Bradycardia may be physiological or pathological depending on the underlying mechanism. An understanding of cardiac impulse formation and propagation can help provide insight to differentiate between bradycardia that is benign and those that may require a pacemaker. Patients may present with a wide range of symptoms including shortness of breath and/or syncope. In some patients, electrocardiograms and external monitors are sufficient to document pathological bradycardia. In other instances, patients may require an implantable loop recorder, which can provide long-term heart rhythm monitoring, or an invasive electrophysiology study to assess for conduction disease. In this chapter we review common clinical presentations of bradycardia and discuss the diagnostic work up of such patients.
“Siri, Show Me Scary Images of AI”: Effects of Text-Based Frames and Visuals on Support for Artificial Intelligence:

This research note examines how framing influences attitudes toward artificial intelligence (AI). It uses an experiment embedded in a nationally representative online survey to test the effects of ...
Noise and Baseline Filtration in Mass Spectrometry

Mass spectrometry (MS) produce terabytes of measurements daily around the world. Systemic (instrumental and chemical) and random noise complicate the dataset. Correct interpretation of mass spectrometry (MS) is aected by presented noise across all kinds of MS techniques. The noise addition may produce fake peaks or hide small intensities in the measurements. Thus, MS data are crowded and have a uneven baseline. In tandem with chromatography, the systemic noise causes extraneous peaks or rising baseline during gradient elution. The interpretation of MS is not trivial mainly because of the vast amount of noise especially in complex samples. It is necessary to consider approaches for noise subtraction. Common algorithms based on thresholding or wavelet transformation are not resistant to the losses of information from their principle. Thresholding methods, even in the adaptive form, still discard parts under threshold level(s) from the whole measurement. The wavelet transformations directly change the information content and are sensitive to the window length. Therefore, some information could not be used for for further analyzing process, including peak detection. Omitting the presence of baseline (also called background, systemic noise or mobile phase) impedes objective analysis. Behavior of the baseline content is not constant in time axis. The results may be measured by increase of data mining output, both qualitatively and quantitatively.
The dispatch time aligning I/O scheduling for parallel file systems

In Parallel File Systems (PFSs), a data file I/O request may be divided into multiple I/O sub-requests across the storage system. The latency of the original I/O request depends on the finish time of the last sub-request. Due to application multiplexing and various file data layouts employed in PFS, data servers may have very different workloads. Thus, the performance penalty caused by the finish time of different sub-requests can be significant. The Dispatch Time Aligning (DTA) I/O scheduling algorithm focuses on improving system throughput by prioritizing lagged sub-requests in PFS I/O requests. The DTA algorithm associates sub-requests from the same I/O request, detects and prioritizes the lagged-behind sub-requests. The dual-queue scheduling scheme in DTA provides I/O request latency control while improving system throughput. Simulation results show that the DTA algorithm can provide up to 83 % higher total system throughput than the Earliest Deadline First algorithm, while offering similar latency guarantees.
Binary Task Performance on Images Reconstructed Using Memsys 3: Comparison of Machine and Human Observers

We have previously described how imaging systems and image reconstruction algorithms can be evaluated on the basis of how well binary-discrimination tasks can be performed by a machine algorithm that “views” the reconstructions [1, 2]. The present work examines the performance of a family of algorithmic observers viewing tomographic images reconstructed using the Cambridge Maximum Entropy software, MEMSYS 3. We investigate the effects on the performance of these observers due to varying the parameter α, which controls the strength of the prior in the iterative reconstruction technique. Measurements on human observers performing the same task show that they perform comparably to the best machine observers in the region of highest machine scores, i.e., smallest values of α. For increasing values of α, both human and machine observer performance degrade. The falloff in human performance is more rapid than that of the machine observer, a behavior common to all such studies of the so-called psychometric function.
Intercellular calcium waves mediated by inositol trisphosphate.

Intercellular calcium waves occur in diverse cells. Those that are induced by mechanical stimulation have been extensively investigated in epithelial and glial cells. Mechanical stimulation of an individual cell initiates an increase in the intracellular free calcium concentration, [Ca2+]i, that spreads across the cell. At the cell border this intracellular Ca2+ wave is arrested but, after a brief delay, similar Ca2+ waves occur in adjacent cells. The repetition of this process results in the propagation of an intercellular Ca2+ wave through a limited number of cells. The propagation of intercellular Ca2+ waves correlates with the presence of functional gap junctions and occurs in the absence of extracellular Ca2+ or following the microinjection of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP3). The propagation of intercellular Ca2+ waves is inhibited by heparin (an InsP3 receptor antagonist) and by U73122 (a phospholipase C inhibitor) or when intracellular Ca2+ stores are depleted with thapsigargin. These characteristics suggest that mechanical stimulation initiates InsP3 production and that intercellular Ca2+ waves are propagated through the movement of InsP3 through gap junctions. Mathematical modelling supports the idea that diffusion of InsP3 is a viable hypothesis for the generation of intercellular Ca2+ waves. The ability of cells to display changes in [Ca2+]i that are independent of neighbouring cells (i.e., asynchronous Ca2+ oscillations) and the low diffusion constant of Ca2+ suggest that Ca2+ itself is not a major messenger moving between cells to propagate Ca2+ waves.
Direct measurement of Co-ion spin state transitions in Ca3Co4O9 using variable-temperature electron energy-loss spectroscopy

Previous studies of Ca3Co4O9 suggested that the abrupt changes in the magnetic susceptibility and electrical resistivity at ∼420 K can be attributed to Co spin state transitions. In this letter, we study the possible transitions above 420 K by variable-temperature Z-contrast imaging and electron energy-loss spectroscopy. We find that there is no observable change in the structure and Co valence state upon in situ heating to 500 K, compared to room temperature. However, an intensity decrease of the prepeak in the O K-edge near edge fine structure indicates a Co3+-ion spin state transition has occurred from a low to an intermediate spin state.
Sample size planning for composite reliability coefficients: Accuracy in parameter estimation via narrow confidence intervals

Composite measures play an important role in psychology and related disciplines. Composite measures almost always have error. Correspondingly, it is important to understand the reliability of the scores from any particular composite measure. However, the point estimates of the reliability of composite measures are fallible and thus all such point estimates should be accompanied by a confidence interval. When confidence intervals are wide, there is much uncertainty in the population value of the reliability coefficient. Given the importance of reporting confidence intervals for estimates of reliability, coupled with the undesirability of wide confidence intervals, we develop methods that allow researchers to plan sample size in order to obtain narrow confidence intervals for population reliability coefficients. We first discuss composite reliability coefficients and then provide a discussion on confidence interval formation for the corresponding population value. Using the accuracy in parameter estimation approach, we develop two methods to obtain accurate estimates of reliability by planning sample size. The first method provides a way to plan sample size so that the expected confidence interval width for the population reliability coefficient is sufficiently narrow. The second method ensures that the confidence interval width will be sufficiently narrow with some desired degree of assurance (e.g., 99% assurance that the 95% confidence interval for the population reliability coefficient will be less than W units wide). The effectiveness of our methods was verified with Monte Carlo simulation studies. We demonstrate how to easily implement the methods with easy-to-use and freely available software.
Nanophotonics: An Exciting Emerging Field

Nanophotonics is an exciting new frontier which is defined by optical science and technology at nanoscale. This field has received considerable attention worldwide from both academic and industrial communities. The Institute for Lasers, Photonics and Biophotonics at Buffalo has a comprehensive multidisciplinary program in Nanophotonics funded by the United State Department of Defense. This program focuses on three major areas of Nanophotonics: (i) interactions involving nanoscale confined radiation, (ii) use of nanoscale photoexcitation for nanofabrication and (iii) design and control of excitation dynamics in nanostructured optical materials.
Determination of resting upper eyelid position in patients with ptosis

Many patients with blepharoptosis have increased innervational tone to both levator palpebrae superioris muscles, subject to the Hering law. Other patients may habitually contract the frontalis muscles to clear the visual axes. Determination of the resting eyelid position is helpful in planning surgical correction. A technique for simultaneously relaxing the frontalis muscles and eliminating excess levator innervation employs interruption of fixation of the eye with ptosis and manual elevation of the contralateral upper eyelid.
Binding of peptides with basic residues to membranes containing acidic phospholipids

There are clusters of basic amino acids on many cytoplasmic proteins that bind transiently to membranes (e.g., protein kinase C) as well as on the cytoplasmic domain of many intrinsic membrane proteins (e.g., glycophorin). To explore the possibility that these basic residues bind electrostatically to monovalent acidic lipids, we studied the binding of the peptides Lysn and Argn (n = 1–5) to bilayer membranes containing phosphatidylserine (PS) or phosphatidylglycerol (PG). We made electrophoretic mobility measurements using multilamellar vesicles, fluorescence and equilibrium binding measurements using large unilamellar vesicles, and surface potential measurements using monolayers. None of the peptides bound to vesicles formed from the zwitterionic lipid phosphatidylcholine (PC) but all bound to vesicles formed from PC/PS or PC/PG mixtures. None of the peptides exhibited specificity between PS and PG. Each lysine residue that was added to Lys2 decreased by one order of magnitude the concentration of peptide required to reverse the charge on the vesicle; equivalently it increased by one order of magnitude the binding affinity of the peptides for the PS vesicles. The simplest explanation is that each added lysine binds independently to a separate PS with a microscopic association constant of 10 M-1 or a free energy of approximately 1.4 kcal/mol. Similar, but not identical, results were obtained with the Argn peptides. A simple theoretical model combines the Gouy-Chapman theory (which accounts for the nonspecific electrostatic accumulation of the peptides in the aqueous diffuse double layer adjacent to the membrane) with mass action equations (which account for the binding of the peptides to greater than 1 PS). This model can account qualitatively for the dependence of binding on both the number of basic residues in the peptides and the mole fraction of PS in the membrane.
The laminin α2 expressed by dystrophic dy2J mice is defective in its ability to form polymers

Abstract Mutations in LAMA2 cause severe congenital muscular dystrophy accompanied by nervous system defects [1]. Mice homozygous for the dy 2J allele of LAMA2 express a laminin α2 subunit that has a deletion in the amino-terminal domain VI, providing an animal model for study of the molecular basis of congenital muscular dystrophy [2,3]. Domain VI is predicted to be involved in laminin polymerization, along with amino-terminal domains from laminin β and γ chains [4]. In a solution-polymerization assay, we found that purified dy 2J laminin assembled poorly and formed little polymer, in contrast to wild-type muscle laminin. Furthermore, dissolution of the collagen IV network caused dy 2J laminin to be released into solution, indicating that laminin polymers within the skeletal muscle basement membrane were defective. In addition to loss of polymerization, dy 2J laminin had a reduced affinity for heparin. Finally, recombinant laminin engineered with the dy 2J deletion was more sensitive to proteolysis and was readily cleaved near the junction of domains V and VI. Thus, the dy 2J deletion selectively disrupts polymer formation, reduces affinity for heparin, and destabilizes domain VI. These are the first specific functional defects to be identified in a muscular dystrophy laminin, and it is likely that these defects contribute to the abnormalities seen in dy 2J / dy 2J muscle and nerve.
On Randers metrics with isotropic S-curvature

In this paper, we study a class of Finsler metrics defined by a vector field on a Riemannian space form. We give an explicit formula for those with isotropic S-curvature. This class contains all Randers metrics of constant flag curvature.
Determination of Retortable Pouch Heat Transfer Coefficients by Optimization Method

A computer-based optimization technique was developed for determining the apparent heat transfer coefficient (h) for retortable pouches heated by circulated hot water under overriding air pressure. The technique incorporated actual process data, a finite difference model and an optimization criteria to converge on h values. A water flow channel was constructed to fit inside a vertical retort which allowed direct water exposure on the pouch surface at a quantifiable velocity. Because the optimization technique was not dependent on analytical equations, it could be applied to such areas as future heat transfer studies of new retortable pouch materials, designing new pouch-holding cassettes and improving water flow patterns in retorts.
Implantable electronics: Emerging design issues and an Ultra light-weight security solution

Implantable systems that monitor biological signals require increasingly complex digital signal processing (DSP) electronics for real-time in-situ analysis and compression of the recorded signals. While it is well-known that such signal processing hardware needs to be implemented under tight area and power constraints, new design requirements emerge with their increasing complexity. Use of nanoscale technology shows tremendous benefits in implementing these advanced circuits due to dramatic improvement in integration density and power dissipation per operation. However, it also brings in new challenges such as reliability and large idle power (due to higher leakage current). Besides, programmability of the device as well as security of the recorded information are rapidly becoming major design considerations of such systems. In this paper, we analyze the emerging issues associated with the design of the DSP unit in an implantable system. Next, we propose a novel ultra light-weight solution to address the information security issue. Unlike the conventional information security approaches like data encryption, which come at large area and power overhead and hence are not amenable for resource-constrained implantable systems, we propose a multilevel key-based scrambling algorithm, which exploits the nature of the biological signal to effectively obfuscate it. Analysis of the proposed algorithm in the context of neural signal processing and its hardware implementation shows that we can achieve high level of security with ∼ 13X lower power and ∼ 5X lower area overhead than conventional cryptographic solutions.
Temperature calibration of amino acid racemization: age implications for the Yuha skeleton

Abstract D/L of aspartic acid ranged from 0.52 to 0.56 for femur samples of the Yuha skeleton. Subsurface temperature measurements made at the burial site indicate average annual temperature is 18°C and diagenetic temperature is 21.6°C. These data and a relation derived for the dependence of the aspartic acid rate constant on diagenetic temperature indicate an age of 23,600. The result is consistent with 14 C and 230 Th dating of calcrete found coating the bones.
In-bore spectral measurements in a plasma-armature railgun

Quartz optical fibers have been used to obtain quantitative, time-integrated, high-resolution, in-bore spectra from a plasma-armature railgun. The observed spectrum consists primarily of continuum radiation, and the only significant spectral features are resonant absorption lines. A detailed plasma-radiation model was used to predict the spectrum in the region of the absorption lines, providing an estimate for the concentration of aluminum and copper in the plasma. This model was also used to estimate the temperature profile of the armature. A reasonable agreement between the model and the observed spectrum yielded a concentration of 10% aluminum and 10% copper in the armature, with a centerline plasma temperature of 20000 K. >
Development and evaluation of a mucoadhesive drug delivery system for dual-controlled delivery of nonoxynol-9

Abstract A mucoadhesive drug-delivery system (AmDDS) was developed using carbopol 934P to achieve dual-controlled delivery of N-9 and EDTA for enhanced fertility control. The effects of mucoadhesive polymers and calcium-related interaction on the residence characteristics of AmDDS within the vagina and the release kinetic profile of N-9 from AmDDS were investigated. Maximum adhesion force and work of adhesion shear derived from mucin-polymer interaction between AmDDS and lamb vaginal mucosa increased with increasing the carbopol 934P loading in AmDDS. The maximum adhesion force of AmDDS to lamb vaginal mucosa decreased with increasing pH of buffer in which polymer was dispersed. The mucoadhesive strength of AmDDS to lamb vaginal mucosa increased with EDTA, but decreased with calcium, indicating that divalent cations play an important role in mucus-carbopol adhesion. The amounts of N-9 released from AmDDS followed a profile, which was similar to a Q vs. t 1 2 pattern. The optimal loading dose of N-9 in AmDDS to achieve appropriate release of N-9 was of the order of 1.0%. The release flux was not affected by EDTA, but was reduced in the presence of calcium chloride. These results indicate that AmDDS seems suitable to achieve controlled release of N-9 for prolonged spermicidal action and enhanced fertility control.
The Application of an Improved Genetic Algorithm in the AUV Global Path Planning

AUV global path planning often achieves by genetic algorithm, due to genetic algorithm’s local search ability is limited, resulting in two limitations: large amounts of algorithmic operations to meet the expected effect; there are some peaks after the inheritance in the paths. Thus we propose non-uniform encoding obstacle avoidance operator node deletion operator and smoothing operator. The result proves that the improved Genetic Algorithm finds a comparatively better path, achieves rapid and smooth global path planning by avoiding obstacle deleting redundant nodes and smooth operation.