cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prices, Investment and Energy Efficiency: Evidence from China’s Industrial Firms

By incorporating energy-saving through both technology-embodied investment and embodied investment-specific technical change, as well as disembodied factor-neutral technical change into a dynamic stochastic general equilibrium (DSGE) model with heterogeneous investment, this paper deepens our understanding of the avenues through which firms adjust to rising energy prices. Using Chinese firm-level data from 1997-2004, we estimate a set of stylized facts regarding how firms of various ownership types respond to energy price changes. Through indirect inference, we then use these stylized facts to recover the key parameters in the DSGE model. The results show that within Chinese industry, in response to rising energy prices, state-owned enterprises, domestic non-state enterprises, and foreign-funded enterprises employ significantly different means to achieve their energy efficiency. Such differences can be substantially explained by government policy affecting energy pricing and the cost of investment finance across firms of different ownership types.
Voltage-Gated Potassium Channels (Kv10–Kv12)

What do life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias in humans and seizure-like behavior in fruit flies have in common? Both arise from defects in members of the whimsically named ether-a-go-go family of voltage-gated potassium channels. These channels fall into three categories known in mammals as Kv10, Kv11, and Kv12, reflecting a distant ancestral relationship to other voltage-gated channels of the Kv superfamily. In the heart, Kv11.1 (or hERG1) channels regulate ventricular repolarization. They are the targets of inherited and acquired long QT syndrome, which can lead to sudden cardiac death. In the nervous system, the functional roles of Kv10–12 channels are less well understood. This article focuses on the results of heterologous expression studies, which have provided novel insights into how these channels regulate membrane excitability, and serve as the foundation for future discoveries of their physiological roles in the nervous system.
Three Low-Tech Active Student Responding Strategies for Inclusive Online Teaching:

This article discusses how three low-tech instructional strategies, typically used in face-to-face teaching, can be successfully used in synchronous and asynchronous online instruction with student...
CometChip analysis of human primary lymphocytes enables quantification of inter-individual differences in the kinetics of repair of oxidative DNA damage

Although DNA repair is known to impact susceptibility to cancer and other diseases, relatively few population studies have been performed to evaluate DNA repair kinetics in people due to the difficulty of assessing DNA repair in a high-throughput manner. Here we use the CometChip, a high-throughput comet assay, to explore inter-individual variation in repair of oxidative damage to DNA, a known risk factor for aging, cancer and other diseases. DNA repair capacity after H2O2-induced DNA oxidation damage was quantified in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). For 10 individuals, blood was drawn at several times over the course of 4-6 weeks. In addition, blood was drawn once from each of 56 individuals. DNA damage levels were quantified prior to exposure to H2O2 and at 0, 15, 30, 60, and 120-min post exposure. We found that there is significant variability in DNA repair efficiency among individuals. When subdivided into quartiles by DNA repair efficiency, we found that the average t1/2 is 81 min for the slowest group and 24 min for the fastest group. This work shows that the CometChip can be used to uncover significant differences in repair kinetics among people, pointing to its utility in future epidemiological and clinical studies.
Negotiating the Double Mandate: Mapping Ethical Conflict Experienced by Practicing Educational Leaders

The purpose of this study was to capture and describe ethical conflict experienced by seasoned educational administrators. Narrative inquiry via electronic survey was conducted with 42 participants with follow-up interviews conducted with a smaller sample of purposefully-selected participants. Findings suggest that ethical conflict is inherent in the practice of educational leadership and is most often experienced in relation to colleagues when the ethics of justice and care collide. Moreover, leaders’ ability to mitigate conflict, which is exacerbated by institutional and external factors, is improved when coupled by longevity and diversity of leadership experiences. Finally, the role leadership preparation programs and in-service professional development play in building theoretical foundations and competence in applied ethical decision-making cannot be overestimated.
Robust Digital Watermarking Based on Key-Dependent Basis Functions

In this paper, we introduce the concept of key-dependent basis functions and discuss its applications to secure robust watermarking for copyright protection and to designing secure public black-box watermark detectors. The new schemes overcome a possible security weakness of global, non-adaptive schemes that apply watermark patterns spanned by a small number of publicly known basis functions. The watermark is embedded into the projections of an image onto the secret set of key-dependent functions (patterns). The robustness of the watermarking scheme with respect to filtering, lossy compression, and combinations of many other attacks is studied. Finally, we propose a candidate for a watermarking scheme that enables the construction of a secure public watermark detector.
Changes in Liver Metabolic Gene Expression after Radiation Exposure

The health of the liver, especially the rate of its metabolic enzymes, determines the concentration of circulating drugs as well as the duration of their efficacy. Most pharmaceuticals are metabolized by the liver, and clinically-used medication doses are given with normal liver function in mind. A drug overdose can result in the case of a liver that is damaged and removing pharmaceuticals from the circulation at a rate slower than normal. Alternatively, if liver function is elevated and removing drugs from the system more quickly than usual, it would be as if too little drug had been given for effective treatment. Because of the importance of the liver in drug metabolism, we want to understand any effects of spaceflight on the enzymes of the liver. Exposure to cosmic radiation is one aspect of spaceflight that can be modeled in ground experiments.
Psychosocial Impact of Monitoring Technology in Assisted Living: A Pilot Study

This paper describes a study designed to assess some psychosocial impacts of monitoring technology in assisted living. Monitoring systems were installed in 15 assisted living units to track the activities of daily living (ADLs) and key alert conditions of residents. Activity reports and alerts were sent to professional caregivers who provided care to residents participating in the study. Residents (N= 15) were assessed using the Satisfaction With Life Scales (SWLS) instrument, professional caregivers (N= 7) were assessed using modified Caregiver Strain index (CSI) and Caregiver Burden Interview (CBI) instruments, before and after the installation of the monitoring system. Pre- and Post-installation scores of psychosocial assessment instruments were compared using t-test for means. A statistically significant increase was observed on SWLS results (p= 0.031). No significant changes in CSI and CBI scores were detected (p= 0.771 and 0.386 respectively). The results indicate that monitoring technologies could provide care coordination tools that may have a positive impact on users' quality of life.
Resolving Conflicts in Educational Game Design through Playtesting

The multidisciplinary nature of educational game design requires multidisciplinary teams for product development. Typically such teams consist of game designers, pedagogy experts, and content experts, each of whom must resolve significant and often fascinating ideological disagreements resulting from disparate disciplinary values, vocabulary, and culture. Game designers hope to create a highly interactive, compelling experience that is also fun to play. Pedagogy experts insist that the game must be an effective teacher. Content experts expect the game to include accurate, richly detailed content, ideally inspiring at least some of the passion they feel for their field of study. Game design teams that include experts in each of these areas face the challenge of coordinating their expertise to produce a product that ideally meets their respective priorities and criteria.
Characterization of Deformation and Failure Modes of Ordinary and Auxetic Foams at Different Length Scales

Sandwich panels with foam core have gained substantial importance in marine structures for the past several decades. However, designers of ships still lack the confidence in composites when compared to traditional structural materials such as aluminum or steel. As a result, composite structures tend to be overdesigned to provide added safety. While there have been numerous studies, most investigators treat the foam cores as made of homogeneous and isotropic materials. But at the length scale of the order of millimeter or smaller, foam is neither homogeneous nor isotropic. In this paper, we present some results of the characteristics of deformation and failure mechanism of polymer foam composites at different length scales. Central to this investigation is a multiscale digital speckle photography technique whereby we can measure detailed full deformation with spatial resolution ranging from centimeters to micrometers. We first investigate the size effect on the mechanical properties of polyurethane foams with and without nanoparticles, crack tip deformation field at different length scales, and the crack propagation characteristics in a foam. Then we present results for a newly created auxetic PVC foam composite. Auxetic materials have a negative Poisson's ratio rendering them to be more resistant to shear failure, indentation, and impact damages. We describe the manufacturing process of this material and demonstrate its advantageous properties as compared to the original foam.
CONCRETE ENCASED STEEL COLUMNS DESIGN TABLES

Tables for the design of columns composed of concrete-encased structural steel shapes are presented. The design loads and slenderness provisions fulfill the requirements of the American Concrete Institute Building Code (ACI 308-71). The tables include all A36 rolled shapes shown in the American Institute of Steel Construction Manual, with nominal depths from 6 to 14 in. and weights less than 114 lb/ft encased in lightweight concrete. Tables are both English and SI units.
Patent Holdouts and the Standard Setting Process

A patent holder whose patent is made public only after the relevant technology has been widely adopted can demand not only a royalty that reflects the intrinsic value of that technology but also a royalty that reflects the value of each infringing firm's technology-specific investments. This is the familiar patent holdout problem, and it particularly plagues the standard-setting process. Importantly, and the insight missed both in practice and in the literature today, the greater the number of patent holders in this holdout position, the less each can expect to earn from this tactic. That is, if fifteen patent holders can credibly threaten to shut an infringer for six months while that firm redesigns its products and services, the value associated with avoiding six months of disruption must be split fifteen ways. If three hundred patent holders can credibly make that threat, the pro rata share drops by a factor of twenty. More patents means less money per patent holder. Less money, in turn, means less of an incentive for a firm to strategically delay in the hopes of being a patent holdout, and less of an incentive for an accidental patent holdout to actually bring suit. In this eight-page magazine-style piece, I examine this dynamic and argue that firms can harness it as a way of protecting themselves from patent holdouts. If I am right here, my analysis has not only a practical payoff for firms hoping to implement patented technologies, but also some theoretical punch. After all, the conventional literature on the tragedy of the anti-commons asserts that resources will be inefficiently under-used in the face of too many overlapping patent rights. My point here is that some resources actually come into efficient use precisely because there are so many patent holders who each can plausibly veto a particular party's use.
Twelve months of nightly zolpidem does not lead to dose escalation: A prospective placebo-controlled study

Study objectives To assess hypnotic self-administration and likelihood of dose escalation over 12 months of nightly use of zolpidem versus placebo in primary insomniacs. Design Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical trial. Setting Outpatient with tri-monthly one-week, sleep laboratory assessments. Participants Thirty-three primary insomniacs, without psychiatric disorders or drug and alcohol abuse, 32-64 yrs old, 14 men and 19 women. Interventions Participants were randomized to take zolpidem 10 mg (n = 17) or placebo (n = 16) nightly for 12 months. In probes during month 1, 4, and 12, after sampling color-coded placebo or zolpidem capsules on 2 nights, color-coded zolpidem or placebo was chosen on 5 consecutive nights and 1, 2, or 3 of the chosen capsules (5 mg each) could be self-administered on a given choice night. Results Zolpidem was chosen more nights than placebo (80% of nights) and number of nights zolpidem was chosen did not differ over the 12 months. More zolpidem than placebo capsules were self-administered, and the total number of placebo or zolpidem capsules self-administered did not differ as a function of duration of use. In contrast, the total number of placebo capsules self-administered by the placebo group increased across time. The nightly capsule self-administration on zolpidem nights did not differ from that on placebo nights and neither nightly self-administration rates increased over the 12 months. An average 9.3 mg nightly dose was self-administered. Conclusions Zolpidem was preferred to placebo, but its self-administration did not increase with 12 months of use. Chronic hypnotic use by primary insomniacs does not lead to dose escalation.
How do attendings perceive housestaff autonomy? Attending experience, hospitalists, and trends over time.

BACKGROUND Graduated supervision is necessary for residents to progress to independence, but it is unclear what factors influence attendings' perception of housestaff autonomy. OBJECTIVE To determine if attending characteristics and secular trends are associated with variation in attendings' perception of housestaff autonomy. DESIGN Secondary data analysis of monthly survey data collected from 2001 to 2008. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS Attending hospitalists and nonhospitalists on teaching internal medicine services at an academic tertiary care center. MEASUREMENTS Attendings' perception of intern decision making and resident autonomy. RESULTS Response rate was 70% (514/738). Compared with early-career attendings, experienced attendings perceived more intern involvement in decision making (odds ratio [OR]: 2.16, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.17-3.97, P=0.013). Hospitalists perceived less intern involvement in decision making (OR: 0.19, 95% CI: 0.06-0.58, P=0.004) and resident autonomy (OR: 0.27, 95% CI: 0.11-0.66, P=0.004) compared with nonhospitalists. A significant interaction existed between hospitalists and experience; experienced hospitalists perceived more intern decision making (OR: 7.36, 95% CI: 1.86-29.1, P=0.004) and resident autonomy (OR: 5.85, 95% CI: 1.75-19.6, P=0.004) compared with early-career hospitalists. With respect to secular trends, spring season of the academic year was associated with greater perception of intern decision making compared with other seasons (OR: 1.94, 95% CI: 1.18-3.19, P=0.009). The 2003 resident duty-hours restrictions were associated with decreased perception of intern decision making (OR: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.29-0.87, P=0.014) and resident autonomy (OR: 0.49, 95% CI: 0.28-0.86, P=0.012). CONCLUSIONS Perception of housestaff autonomy varies with attending characteristics and time trends. Hospitalists perceive autonomy and clinical decision making differently, depending on their attending experience. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2013;8:292–297. © 2013 Society of Hospital Medicine
IL-17 sequestration via salivary gland gene therapy in a mouse model of Sjogren's syndrome suppresses disease-associated expression of the putative autoantigen Klk1b22.

IL-17 has a putative role in the pathophysiology of Sjogren’s syndrome (SS) and has been shown to be upregulated in the salivary glands of affected individuals. Sequestration of IL-17 with Adenoviral-mediated gene therapy has previously shown a benefit upon the SS-like phenotype in the Aec1/Aec2 mouse model. We sought to understand the proteomic consequences of IL-17 sequestration in the salivary gland of this mouse model as a means of illuminating the role of IL-17 in SS-like disease. Ultrasound-assisted gene transfer (UAGT) was utilized to express a fusion protein composed of the extracellular portion of the IL-17 receptor fused to fragment of crystallization (Fc) in the submandibular glands of Aec1/Aec2 mice at 8 weeks of age. After confirming expression of the fusion protein and local and systemic sequestration of IL-17, proteomic profiling was performed on submandibular glands of a treated cohort of Aec1/Aec2 animals relative to the background strain and sham-treated animals. The most notable proteomic signatures of IL-17 sequestration on SS-like disease-related proteins were Kallikrein-related peptidases, including the putative autoantigen Klk1b22. IL-17 sequestration also notably led to an isoelectric shift, but not a molecular weight shift, of Kallikrein-1, attributed to phosphorylation. Non-viral IL-17 sequestration gene therapy in the salivary gland is feasible and downregulates expression of a putative SS autoantigen in the Aec1/Aec2 mouse.
Vitamin D and Vascular Disease: The Current and Future Status of Vitamin D Therapy in Hypertension and Kidney Disease

Over the past decade, vitamin D has generated considerable interest as potentially having important effects on the vasculature and the kidney. Animal and human data indicate that vitamin D suppresses the activity of the renin-angiotensin system and improves endothelial function. Observational studies in humans suggest that low 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) levels are associated with a higher risk of hypertension. However, findings from randomized trials of vitamin D supplementation (with cholecalciferol or ergocalciferol) to lower blood pressure are inconsistent, possibly stemming from variability in study population, sample size, vitamin D dose, and duration. Supplementation with activated vitamin D (i.e., 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D or analogues) in patients with chronic kidney disease reduces urine albumin excretion, an important biomarker for future decline in renal function. These studies are reviewed, with special emphasis on recent findings. Definitive studies are warranted to elucidate the effects of vitamin D supplementation on mechanisms of hypertension and kidney disease.
Evidence for genetic relationship between RNA and DNA viruses from the sequence homology of a putative polymerase gene of Bluetongue virus with that of vaccinia virus: conservation of RNA polymerase genes from diverse species

Abstract The nucleotide sequence of segment 1 of the double stranded RNA genome of bluetongue virus serotype 10 (BTV-10), encoding the largest viral core protein, VP1, has been determined. Linear sequence analysis of the predicted amino acid sequence of the 149-K Da protein, a putative component of the viral RNA-directed RNA polymerase, revealed extensive homology with the vaccinia virus 147K Da DNA-directed RNA polymerase subunit. Similar homologies were detected between the VP1 polypeptide and the beta chain subunit of Escherichia coli and common tobacco chloroplast RNA polymerases, yeast RNA polymerase II and III and fruit fly polymerase II.
Hyperenergetic manned aerospacecraft propelled by intense pulsed microwave power beam

The objective of this research was to exploit wireless power transmission (microwave/millimeter)--to lower manned space transportation costs by two or three orders of magnitude. Concepts have been developed for lightweight, mass-producible, beam-propelled aerospacecraft called Lightcraft. The vehicles are designed for a 'mass-poor, energy-rich' (i.e. hyper-energentic flight infrastructure which utilizes remote microwave power stations to build an energy-beam highway to space. Although growth in laser power levels has lagged behind expectations, microwave and millimeter-wave source technology now exists for rapid scaling to the megawatt and gigawatt time-average power levels. The design exercise focused on the engine, structure, and receptive optics requirements for a 15 meter diameter, 5 person Earth- to-moon aerospacecraft. Key elements in the airbreathing accelerator propulsion system are: a) a 'flight-weight' 35GHz rectenna electric powerplant, b) microwave-induced 'Air Spike' and perimeter air-plasma generators, and c) MagnetoHydroDynamic-Fanjet engine with its superconducting magnets and external electrodes.
Computer simulation of electron thermalization in CsI and CsI(Tl)

A Monte Carlo (MC) model was developed and implemented to simulate the thermalization of electrons in inorganic scintillator materials. The model incorporates electron scattering with both longitudinal optical and acoustic phonons. In this paper, the MC model was applied to simulate electron thermalization in CsI, both pure and doped with a range of thallium concentrations. The inclusion of internal electric fields was shown to increase the fraction of recombined electron-hole pairs and to broaden the thermalization distance and thermalization time distributions. The MC simulations indicate that electron thermalization, following γ-ray excitation, takes place within approximately 10 ps in CsI and that electrons can travel distances up to several hundreds of nanometers. Electron thermalization was studied for a range of incident γ-ray energies using electron-hole pair spatial distributions generated by the MC code NWEGRIM (NorthWest Electron and Gamma Ray Interaction in Matter). These simulations revealed ...
Traditional fit indices utility in new psychometric model: cognitive diagnostic model

Among compensatory cognitive diagnostic models (CDMs), the compensatory reparameterised unified model (CRUM) has shown an accurate item parameter recovery in simulation studies. This article presents the results of multiple simulation studies examining the performance of the commonly used relative fit indices in determining the model to data fit for CRUM. Its objectives were two-fold: first, to provide a degree of assurance for CRUM’s plausible accuracy in practice, and second, to provide a direction for future research. We evaluated the sensitivity of the AIC, BIC, and ssaBIC in identifying model misfit/selection for six sample sizes of 10,000, 5,000, 1,000, 500, 100, and 50 with various test length/number of attribute under two extreme Q-matrix misspecifications – over-fit and complete reverse Q-matrices. The results indicated that the BIC and AIC indices performed similarly for larger datasets (N ≥ 500) but varied for smaller datasets (N < 500) – suggesting a superior performance for BIC.
Energy splitting of the ground-state doublet in the nucleus 229Th.

The energy splitting of the $^{229}\mathrm{Th}$ ground-state doublet is measured to be $7.6\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.5\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{eV}$, significantly greater than earlier measurements. Gamma rays produced following the alpha decay of $^{233}\mathrm{U}$ ($105\text{ }\text{ }\ensuremath{\mu}\mathrm{Ci}$) were counted in the NASA/electron beam ion trap x-ray microcalorimeter spectrometer with an experimental energy resolution of 26 eV (FWHM). A difference technique was applied to the gamma-ray decay of the 71.82 keV level that populates both members of the doublet. A positive correction amounting to 0.6 eV was made for the unobserved interband decay of the 29.19 keV state ($29.19\ensuremath{\rightarrow}0\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{keV}$).
Treble dodging minor methods: ringing the cosets, on six bells

Abstract A general theory is developed to analyze Treble Dodging methods, for change ringing extents, on n≡2 (mod 4) bells, and then specialized to six bells, by means of Schreier right coset graphs of comparatively low order. The theory is then applied to the eight Treble Bob Minor methods, the six Delight Minor methods, and the fifteen Surprise Minor methods that appear in the book Diagrams. In each case all possible extents of the form [W(P,B)]m are obtained and exhibited, where P and B denote the plain and bob leads, respectively, and W(P,B) is a word in these two letters. This application is then extended to all 152 Treble Dodging methods appearing in Collection of Minor Methods, Fifth Edition and beyond, to the classification and construction of additional Treble Dodging minor methods, as appearing in Collection of Minor Methods, Sixth Edition and in Treble Dodging Minor Methods.
Industrial wastewater treatment for reuse with reverse osmosis

Abstract This paper discusses the use of RO for industrial wastewater reclamation for its reuse. The performance of RO pilot plants processing several industrial wastewaters is outlined. The operating problems and pretreatment requirements are described. The potential benefits resulting from reusing wastewaters from selected industrial processes are shown.
Alteration of ferrihydrite reductive dissolution and transformation by adsorbed As and structural Al: Implications for As retention

Abstract Reduction of As(V) and reductive dissolution and transformation of Fe (hydr)oxides are two dominant processes controlling As retention in soils and sediments. When developed within soils and sediments, Fe (hydr)oxides typically contain various impurities—Al being one of the most prominent—but little is known about how structural Al within Fe (hydr)oxides alters its biotransformation and subsequent As retention. Using a combination of batch and advective flow column studies with Fe(II) and Shewanella sp. ANA-3, we examined (1) the extent to which structural Al influences reductive dissolution and transformations of ferrihydrite, a highly reactive Fe hydroxide, and (2) the impact of adsorbed As on dissolution and transformation of (Al-substituted) ferrihydrite and subsequent As retention. Structural Al diminishes the extent of ferrihydrite reductive transformation; nearly three-orders of magnitude greater concentration of Fe(II) is required to induce Al-ferrihydrite transformation compared to pure two-line ferrihydrite. Structural Al decreases Fe(II) retention/incorporation on/into ferrihydrite and impedes Fe(II)-catalyzed transformation of ferrihydrite. Moreover, owing to cessation of Fe(II)-induced transformation to secondary products, Al-ferrihydrite dissolves (incongruently) to a greater extent compared to pure ferrihydrite during reaction with Shewanella sp. ANA-3. Additionally, adsorption of As(V) to Al-ferrihydrite completely arrests Fe(II)-catalyzed transformation of ferrihydrite, and it diminishes the difference in the rate and extent of ferrihydrite and Al-ferrihydrite reduction by Shewanella sp. ANA-3. Our study further shows that reductive dissolution of Al-ferrihydrite results in enrichment of Al sites, and As(V) reduction accelerates As release due to the low affinity of As(III) on these non-ferric sites.
Centrifugal Materials Processing

This is a brief review of the influence of centrifugation on materials processing. The emphasis in this summary is on papers presented at the Third International Workshop on Materials Processing at High Gravity. This highly successful meeting was held June 2–8, 1996 on the campus of Clarkson University in Potsdam, New York, under the sponsorship of Corning Corporation and the International Center for Gravity Materials Science and Applications. The present volume constitutes the proceedings of this workshop.
Nightmares and anxiety in elementary-aged children: is there a relationship.

Objective To determine whether a relationship exists between children’s anxiety level and nightmare occurrence. Method A total of 60 kindergarten, second and fourth grade school children and their parents completed questionnaires assessing nightmare occurrence and anxiety. Results According to parental report, children who experience nightmares have significantly higher levels of anxiety than children who do not experience nightmares. The results also indicate a relationship between nightmare distress and trait anxiety. Conclusion These findings suggest that anxiety issues should be considered in children who are experiencing nightmares.
The influence of diphenylhydantoin (Dilantin) on the development of atherosclerosis in rabbits

Summary Daily oral administration of Dilantin to rabbits for 30 days resulted in a significant reduction of aortic concentrations of cholesterol and phospholipids, and an increase in triglyceride concentration. On the other hand, no significant changes in concentrations of these lipids were noted in the liver and plasma. Daily oral administration of Dilantin to rabbits receiving an atherogenic diet for periods up to 135 days resulted in an acceleration in the development of atherosclerosis in these rabbits.
Bispectral analysis: an objective method of assessing anesthetic depth.

Bispectral analysis is an advanced signal processing technique that measures the frequency, amplitude, and interaction (coherence) of waveforms of the electroencephalogram (EEG). Research has described features of the combined waveforms that best correlate with clinical end points under a variety of anesthetic conditions. The bispectral analysis monitor currently available measures the hypnotic effect of anesthetic and sedative agents on the brain and records a single number that ranges from 0 (absence of brain activity) to 100 (completely awake). The BIS monitor provides a continuous measurement of the hypnotic state or state of consciousness, awareness, and recall. Barnett et al 1 first reported the use of bispectral analysis of EEGs in 1971. Ning and Bronzino 2 noted changes in the bispectrum of the rat EEG during various vigilance states. Sigl and Chamoun 3 introduced the detailed principle and concept of bispectral analysis in 1994. This analytic technique is also known as a core technology of the bispectral index system (BIS) monitor (Aspect Medical Systems, Natick, MA). Although bispectral analysis involves complicated mathematics, today’s computers are powerful enough for real-time bispectral analysis of EEG data. A BIS sensor is required for obtaining the brain activity signal from a patient. The sensor is usually a 1-piece sensory strip that has location markers to facilitate placement. The sensor is connected to the monitor using a patient interface cable. The monitor then begins checking the impedance of each element of the sensor. After all impedances are acceptable, measuring brain activity begins. The monitor reveals a graphic indicating the trend of the BIS, and a BIS number appears to the left of the screen (Figs 1, 2). The BIS number is calculated based on 15 to 30 seconds of EEG data that result in delayed responses during rapidly changing anesthetic states, such as induction and emergence. Bispectral awareness numbers vary, and no set recommendation can be made for all patients under all conditions. In general, values below 60 are expected for unconscious patients, and values below 70 are expected in patients who are at low risk of recall under general anesthesia. Studies using the BIS monitor for sedation have found values between 70 to 80 to generally correlate with eyelid ptosis and patient response only to loud or repeated calling of their name or mild prodding or shaking.4,5
Is magnetic resonance imaging a useful aid in confirming the diagnosis of nonmetastatic gestational trophoblastic neoplasia

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the pelvis was performed in 25 patients with rising or persistently elevated levels of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) after hydatidiform mole evacuation to determine whether this type of imaging would help confirm a diagnosis of neoplasia based on hCG measurement alone. All patients had low risk disease. The images were assessed for the presence of a myometrial mass, increased uterine vascularity, increased myometrial signal and the integrity of the junctional zone. A myometrial mass was present significantly more frequently in patients with high hCG compared to those with low hCG ( P = 0.017). The junctional zone also was disrupted more frequently in patients with an hCG greater then 1500 mIU/ml although this finding is not specific for trophoblastic neoplasia. There was no correlation of the presence of vascularity or of increased myometrial signal with the level of hCG. Patients with an hCG of less than 700 mIU/ml showed only occasional MRI abnormality. One patient with an abnormal MRI during an hCG plateau achieved spontaneous regression. MRI frequently shows abnormalities of uterine architecture, but provides no superior clinical information than sequential hCG. The MRI appearance may be abnormal with spontaneous hCG remission while at persistent low levels of hCG when chemotherapy is clearly indicated the MRI appearances of the uterus show no abnormality.
Distribution of Rb, Sr and Ni in igneous rocks, central and western Aleutian Islands, Alaska☆

Abstract New analyses of Rb, Sr and Ni in 64 igneous rocks from the Aleutian Islands reveal the following geochemical characteristics: 1. (1) trends of increasing Rb content, Rb/Sr, and K/Sr and decreasing K/Rb in the sequence basalt-andesite-dacite; 2. (3) low Rb content and high K/Rb (always > 300); 3. (3) Sr content approximately equal in the three major rock types on the average; and 4. (4) generally low Ni content ( Calculations of the fractionation of K, Rb, Sr and Ni during partial melting of several ultramafic and mafic assemblages indicate the following: 1. (1) if andesite is derived directly from mantle peridotite by hydrous partial melting, the extent of melting must be small ( 2. (2) The average composition of six Aleutian basalts with tholeiitic affinities can be closely matched by about 30 per cent partial melting of a high-pressure, hydrous assemblage (garnet amphibolite) with the major- and trace-element chemistry of oceanic tholeiite. 3. (3) The KRbSr distribution observed in the entire spectrum of Aleutian rocks can be approximated by 1–30 per cent partial melting of altered oceanic tholeiite in a high pressure, anhydrous assemblage (garnet granulite). The exact means of deriving Ni-poor rocks from this assemblage is not clear, but several possibilities exist.
Crustal pattern and mineralisation of the Mediterranean frameland

The Mediterranean depression is part of a global belt of deformation approximately along the fortieth parallel. This depression is regarded as the result of immense en echelon displacements between the Eurasian and Afro-Arabian geoplatforms. Opposing north-south directed movements of the two platforms contributed towards a complex fracture pattern. Associated with the fracture pattern is the prolific lead-zinc-barium-fluorine-mercury-gold mineralisation of the Eurasian global belt of deformation, including the Mediterranean. Mineralisation is thought to be due to the mobilisation and remobilisation of these and other metals incompatible with the deeper layers of the Earth which were enriched in the primeval crust. Evaporite and oil deposits are important for the mobilisation of the ore-forming metals.
Nimbus-7 CZCS: confirmation of its radiometric sensitivity decay rate through 1982

The rates of decay in radiometric sensitivities of channels 1, 2, and 3 of the Nimbus-7 Coastal Zone Color Scanner (CZCS) have been determined using data from the clear water masses of the NE Pacific central gyre. Gain correction coefficients g(λ,N) are presented as linear functions of Nimbus-7 orbit number N, which are, valid through 1982. Internal consistency in the present analysis and comparison with previously published results suggest that corrected radiances are precise within ∼5%.
Isolating samples in the chamber of a steam‐formaldehyde sterilizer

The construction and use of an electrically operated closure device, together with a control system, for securing samples from a non-inflammable atmosphere is described. An outline of the device for use with a low temperature steam-formaldehyde (LTSF) sterilizer is given.
Proportional likelihood ratio models for mean regression

The proportional likelihood ratio model introduced in Luo & Tsai (2012) is adapted to explicitly model the means of observations. This is useful for the estimation of and inference on treatment effects, particularly in designed experiments and allows the data analyst greater control over model specification and parameter interpretation.
Ladies and Gentlemen, Women and Men: A Study of the Connotations of Words Indicating Gender.

Lakoff's hypothesis about the connotations of the words “lady” and “woman” was investigated by asking college students to rate these words, as well as the masculine words “gentleman” and “man,” on ...
Adaptive Bayesian inference in the Gaussian sequence model using exponential-variance priors

Abstract We revisit the problem of estimating the mean of an infinite dimensional normal distribution in a Bayesian paradigm. Of particular interest is obtaining adaptive estimation procedures so that the posterior distribution attains optimal rate of convergence without the knowledge of the true smoothness of the underlying parameter of interest. Belitser & Ghosal (2003) studied a class of power-variance priors and obtained adaptive posterior convergence rates assuming that the underlying smoothness lies inside a countable set on which the prior is specified. In this article, we propose a different class of exponential-variance priors, which leads to optimal rate of posterior convergence (up to a logarithmic factor) adaptively over all the smoothness levels in the positive real line. Our proposal draws a close parallel with signal estimation in a white noise model using rescaled Gaussian process prior with squared exponential covariance kernel.
Concerning the origin of evershed motion in sunspots

The non-linear, partial differential equations of magnetohydrodynamics are iterated simultaneously by computer to determine the time development of a single sunspot. Axisymmetry and incompressibility are assumed. The initial conditions are (1) zero velocity everywhere, and (2) the magnetic-field distribution of a ring current embedded in the photosphere. The initial magnetic field is then allowed to relax by magnetic diffusion and by the creation of a velocity field. It is shown that (1) Evershed motion outward from the sunspot will develop from a wide range of reasonable initial parameters, and (2) the growth rate of the magnetic configuration depends on the strength of the initial magnetic field.
Synthesis, Structure−Activity Relationships, and Drug Resistance of β-d-3‘-Fluoro-2‘,3‘-Unsaturated Nucleosides as Anti-HIV Agents

Our recent studies demonstrated that d- and l-2‘-fluoro-2‘,3‘-unsaturated nucleosides (d- and l-2‘-F-d4Ns) display moderate to potent antiviral activities against HIV-1 and HBV. As an extension of these findings, β-d-3‘-fluoro-2‘,3‘-unsaturated nucleosides were synthesized as potential antiviral agents. The key intermediate (2S)-5-(1,3-dioxolan)-1-benzoyloxy-3,3-difluoropentan-2-ol 6 was prepared from 2,3-O-isopropylidene-d-glyceraldehyde 1, which was converted to 5-O-benzoxy-d-2-deoxy-3,3-difluoropentofuranosyl acetate 7 by the ring-closure reaction under acidic conditions. The acetate 7 was condensed with silylated purine and pyrimidine bases, which produced the α and β isomers. The 3‘,3‘-difluoro nucleosides were then treated with t-BuOK to give the desired 3‘-fluoro-unsaturated nucleosides. We studied the structure−activity relationships of d-3‘-fluoro-2‘,3‘-unsaturated nucleosides against HIV-1 in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells, from which we found that the cytosine derivative 26 was the mo...
Basic properties of refined, bleached and deodorized soybean oil–butanol blends

Basic properties are reported for a previously undocumented biofuel mixture of refined, bleached and deodorized soybean oil–butanol and its pure components according to ASTM standards. Kay’s mixing rule was used to predict relative density and higher heating values based on mixture composition while the Grunberg–Nissan approach was used to predict the viscosity–composition relationship. Absolute average deviation values of .994 and >.97 from linear regression. Viscosity exhibited an exponential relationship with temperature. The Andrade equation was shown to be the appropriate representation with absolute average deviation values <1.25%. Cloud point, pour point and cold filter plugging point were measured. Increasing the concentration of butanol decreased the cloud point, pour point, and cold filter plugging point. Cloud point and cold filter plugging point experienced the most significant change at butanol concentrations <25%. Values stayed almost constant for concentrations beyond that. The pour point continued to decrease with increasing butanol concentrations.
Methionine metabolism in apple tissue in relation to ethylene biosynthesis

Abstract A comparison of the rate of ethylene production by apple fruit to the methionine content of the tissue suggests that the sulfur of methionine has to be recycled during its continuous synthesis of ethylene. The metabolism of the sulfur of methionine in apple tissue in relation to ethylene biosynthesis was investigated. The results showed that in the conversion of methionine to ethylene the CH 3 S-group of methionine is first incorporated as a unit into S -methylcysteine. By demethylation, S -methylcysteine is metabolized to cysteine. Cysteine then donates its sulfur to form methionine, presumably through cystathionine and homocysteine. This view is consistent with the observation that cysteine, homoserine and homocysteine were all converted to methionine, in an order of efficiency from least to greatest. For the conversion to ethylene, methionine was the most efficient precursor, followed by homocysteine and homoserine. Based on these results, a methionine-sulfur cycle in relation to ethylene biosynthesis is presented.
Metallographic studies of archeological metal artifacts from South Arabia

Abstract Metallographic studies have been made of archeological metal artifacts excavated from the ruins of the city of Timna', the capital of the pre-Islamic Kingdom of Qataban in South Arabia. The studies were conducted primarily by means of optical metallographic techniques and chemical analyses. The microstructures of several artifacts, and the metals or alloys used by the ancient Timna' metalsmiths to make the artifacts, are described. Interpretations of microstructural and other observations relative to the source of raw materials and the methods of manufacturing employed by the metalsmiths are included in a discussion of the studies.
Impact of estrogen receptor alpha and beta agonists on delayed alternation in middle-aged rats

Abstract Estrogens act in the adult brain to modulate cognition, enhancing performance on some learning tests and impairing performance on others. Our previous research has revealed an impairing effect of chronic 17β-estradiol treatment in young and aged rats on a prefrontally-mediated working memory task, delayed spatial alternation (DSA). Little is known about the mechanisms of these impairing effects. The current study examined the effects of selective estrogen receptor (ER) α or ERβ activation on DSA performance in middle-aged female rats. Ovariectomized 12 month old Long–Evans (LE) rats were treated by subcutaneous injection with the ERα agonist propyl pyrazole triol (PPT) or the ERβ agonist diarylpropionitrile (DPN) at 0.02, 0.08, or 0.20 mg/kg/day, or with oil vehicle and tested on an operant variable delay DSA task. A 17β-estradiol group (10% in cholesterol) was included as a positive control group. We replicated our previous finding of a 17β-estradiol induced deficit on DSA performance and this effect was paralleled by low dose (0.02 mg/kg/day) DPN treatment. Higher doses of DPN failed to produce a significant change in performance. The highest dose of PPT (0.20 mg/kg/day) also impaired performance, but this effect was subtle and limited to the longest delay during the final block of testing. These data confirm our earlier findings that chronic 17β-estradiol treatment has an impairing effect on the DSA task, and suggest that ERβ activation may underlie the deficit.
Comment on "Evidence for Positive Epistasis in HIV-1"

Bonhoeffer et al. (Reports, 26 November 2004, p. 1547) presented evidence for positive epistasis in a clinical data set of HIV-1 mutants and corresponding fitness values. We demonstrate that biases in the original and simulated data sets may lead to erroneous evidence for epistasis. More rigorous statistical tests must be used to account for such biases before one can infer epistasis.
Thallium in the Carlin-type gold deposits

Abstract Five Carlin-type sediment-hosted precious metals deposits from the western United States have been analyzed for Tl, Rb, K, Sr, Au, and Ag, and the relationship between Tl, Rb, and K in mineralized and unmineralized rocks has been studied. The Carlin-type gold deposits studied include Carlin, Alligator Ridge, and Jerritt Canyon deposits of Nevada, Mercur deposit of Utah, and North Moccassin deposits of Montana. The mineralized rocks of all five deposits contain significantly high contents of Tl and low K/Tl and high Tl/Sr ratios. The oxidized mineralized rocks of the Carlin and Mercur deposits have higher contents of Tl than carbonaceous rocks while siliceous rocks from most of the deposits contain the lowest Tl concentrations. The K/Tl ratio and the relationship between Tl, Rb, and K can be used to separate mineralized and unmineralized rocks into two distinct populations in order to outline, successfully, potential mineralized areas. The data presented in this paper suggest that Tl is probably a more useful indicator element than Au and other associated elements, at least under certain situations.
Fluorescence lifetimes of α- and β-carotenes

Abstract The fluorescence lifetimes of α- and β-carotenes are both measured by a streak camera technique to be 55±10 ps at a concentration of 6·10 −2 M in chloroform. Carotenes are present in chloroplasts at approximately this concentration.