cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Neo-Freudians

From the 1920s onward, the battle over the unconscious was being fought and lost in the fields of academic laboratory psychology in the United States. In the opening decades of the 20th century, first, the specter of Pavlov and then Watson began to dominate the academic laboratories with theories of learning and their emphasis on classical conditioning. In the 19-teens and twenties, Thorndike’s theory of selecting and connecting and Toleman’s conceptions of latent learning had their adherents, while Kohler’s studies of insight learning, which had suddenly burst upon the scene with the publication of The Mentality of Apes (1925)1 never made any impact among the experimentalists.
Responding to civilian bloodshed: Investigating the relationship between one-sided violence and aid

Do foreign aid flows respond to signals of need? This thesis explores the potential relationship between one-sided violence and foreign aid donations. I argue that one-sided violence operates as a signal to the international community, indicating that a state is in need of aid. Utilizing foreign aid as a means of understanding international response, I execute a series of empirical tests to establish if such a relationship can be confirmed. While conclusive determination of the relationship was not obtained, I provide the foundations for future avenues of research for one-sided violence and foreign aid.
Newton’s Method and the Gradient Method

One of the fundamental problems in optimization is that of developing computational procedures for finding extreme points of an objective function. The purpose of this book is to derive a class of iterative methods for obtaining these extreme points. We term these methods conjugate direction methods because of their geometric interpretation in the quadratic case. We concentrate on finding a minimum point x0 of a real-valued function f of n real variables. Obviously, maximum points of f are minimum points of –f We also extend our routines to yield saddle points of f In the main we consider unconstrained minimum problems. This specialization is not as restrictive as it may seem because constrained problems can be reduced to a sequence of unconstrained minimum problems by a method of multipliers or to a sequence of unconstrained saddle point problems involving Lagrangians. Applications of unconstrained methods to constrained problems will be given in special sections in the text.
The development characteristics of the discontinuous leader under the positive switching impulse with low rate of voltage rising

Discontinuous leader development is the most important discharge process under the application of the switching impulse voltage with the low rate of voltage rising, which is of great significance to study the external insulation characteristics of ultra-high voltage (UHV) large scale air gap. Based on the CMOS high-speed camera, a discharge test with different operating impulse voltage is carried out by constructing a comprehensive observation platform of rod-plate air gap discharge, and a clear discontinuous leader development process picture is captured. Moreover, the leader current, injection charge and leader channel unit length charge, and their characteristics of the change trend are also obtained. Further analysis based on the experimental results shows that the discontinuous leader development under the action of the impulse voltage with low rate of voltage rising has two different laws. Finally, this paper uses the thermodynamic equation, combined with the test results, the channel temperature changes in the discontinuous leader development stagnation stage were calculated. The results show that the leader channel temperature is still greater than 1500 K in the hundreds of microsecond time scales in the leader stagnation stage, and the subsequent leader can continue to develop on the original leader channel.
Parameters as interacting particles: long time convergence and asymptotic error scaling of neural networks

The performance of neural networks on high-dimensional data distributions suggests that it may be possible to parameterize a representation of a given high-dimensional function with controllably small errors, potentially outperforming standard interpolation methods. We demonstrate, both theoretically and numerically, that this is indeed the case. We map the parameters of a neural network to a system of particles relaxing with an interaction potential determined by the loss function. We show that in the limit that the number of parameters $n$ is large, the landscape of the mean-squared error becomes convex and the representation error in the function scales as $O(n^{-1})$. In this limit, we prove a dynamical variant of the universal approximation theorem showing that the optimal representation can be attained by stochastic gradient descent, the algorithm ubiquitously used for parameter optimization in machine learning. In the asymptotic regime, we study the fluctuations around the optimal representation and show that they arise at a scale $O(n^{-1})$. These fluctuations in the landscape identify the natural scale for the noise in stochastic gradient descent. Our results apply to both single and multi-layer neural networks, as well as standard kernel methods like radial basis functions.
Alternatives to Aging Alone?: "Kinlessness" and the Importance of Friends Across European Contexts.

Objectives Increasing numbers of older adults cross-nationally are without children or partners in later life and therefore likely have greater reliance on nonkin (e.g., friends). This pattern may be particularly pronounced in country contexts that emphasize friendship. This article hypothesizes that those who lack kin (e.g., children, partners) and/or who live in countries with a stronger emphasis on friendship have more friends in their networks. Although these hypothesized patterns are consistent with interdisciplinary literatures, they have not been tested empirically and therefore remain overlooked in current "aging alone" narratives. Method This study combines individual-level data from the Survey of Health, Ageing, and Retirement in Europe (Wave 6) with nation-level data from the European Values Survey to estimate multilevel negative binomial models exploring number of friends among those aged more than 50 years who lack kin across 17 countries. Results Older adults who lack kin or whose kin are unavailable report more friends in their networks, particularly in countries with a higher percentage of people who believe that friends are "very important" in life. Discussion This article challenges dominating assumptions about "aging alone" that rely heavily on lack of family as an indicator of "alone." Future studies of "kinlessness" should consider the extent to which friendship is correlated with lack of kin, particularly in more socioeconomically developed countries. Previous research on "aging alone" may have overestimated risk in more privileged countries that already emphasize friendship, but underestimated risk in family-centered countries where "kinlessness" and alternative sources of support are less common.
Abstract TMP48: Longitudinal Course of Depressive Symptoms Following Stroke: Preliminary Results From the Discharge Educational Strategies for Reduction of Vascular Events (DESERVE) Study

It is well-established that depression is common after stroke. Much less is known about the longitudinal course of depressive symptoms in stroke survivors. Data for this study came from the DESERVE...
The prevalence and correlates of eating disorders in adult emergency department patients.

OBJECTIVE This study describes the prevalence of eating disorders among adult patients who present to the emergency department for medical care and examines the relationship between eating disorders, depression, and substance use disorders. METHOD Emergency department patients aged 21-65 years (n = 1,795) completed a computerized questionnaire that included validated screening tools for eating disorders, risky drinking behavior, other substance use, and depression. Analyses were conducted comparing individuals who screened positive for an eating disorder with those who did not based on demographics (gender, age, race, income, education), body mass index (BMI), risky drinking behavior, other substance use, and depression. RESULTS Nearly 16% (15.9%) of all patients screened positive for an eating disorder regardless of their reason for presenting to the emergency department. Patients who screened positive for an eating disorder were significantly more likely to have a BMI > 30 (odds ratio [OR] = 2.68, confidence interval [CI] = 1.98, 3.62, p < .001), to also screen positive for depression (OR = 3.19, CI = 2.28, 4.47, p < .001) and to be female (OR = 2.37, CI = 1.76, 3.19, p < .001). No differences in the prevalence of positive screens for eating disorders were seen across age or racial groups, level of education or income, or for any of the included substance use variables. DISCUSSION Eating disorders are common among adult emergency department patients and are associated with high rates of comorbid depression and higher BMI. Given the significant morbidity and mortality associated with eating disorders, targeted screening may be warranted in the emergency department setting.
Evaluation of high-resolution satellite products for streamflow and water quality assessment in a Southeastern US watershed

Abstract Study region Seneca River Basin South Carolina, USA. Study focus This study focuses on evaluating different precipitation products on streamflow and water quality modeling. We used 13 years (2001–2014) of daily data from multiple precipitation products. The precipitation products are classified into three categories: (1) products based on observed precipitation data (rain gauges located within the study area and PRISM data), (2) five satellite-based precipitation products (3B42, 3B42RT, PERSIANN-CDR, PERSIANN, and GPCP-1DD); and (3) one Reanalysis product (CFSR). The Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) was calibrated and validated using these precipitation products against monthly observed streamflow, total nitrogen (TN) loads, and total phosphorus (TP) loads within the Seneca River Basin situated in northwest of South Carolina, USA. For each precipitation product, the best performing model parameters was determined using the Sequential Uncertainty Fitting Procedure (SUFP2). New hydrological insights for the region Results showed that the spatio-temporal pattern of precipitation products varies and further influenced the streamflow and water quality simulations. Most of the precipitation products achieved at least satisfactory performance (R2 > 0.50, NS > 0.50, and PBIAS ≥ ±15) for streamflow and water quality. PRISM product showed the best overall performance, followed by 3B42 and PERSIANN-CDR, whereas CFSR and PERSIANN products comparatively performed poorly for streamflow and water quality simulations. The uncertainty in the precipitation products was reflected in the streamflow that further affected the water quality simulations (TN and TP loads). In addition, this study showed that the parameter uncertainty significantly varies among precipitation products, leading to a considerable uncertainty in simulation results, especially for TN and TP. Our results suggest that using multiple precipitation products can increase the level of confidence in hydrologic model simulation, particularly in water quality modeling.
Adaptive Tracking Control of One-Dimensional Respiration Induced Moving Targets by Real-Time Magnetic Resonance Imaging Feedback

One of the main challenges in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) guided interventions is for an instrument to access and track a respiration-induced moving target inside the patient. In this article, we present a mechatronic system that demonstrates such capability for one-dimensional motion in phantom experiments. Our system consists of real-time sensing by MRI acquisition, detection, and localization, MRI-conditional instrument actuation by remotely and hydrostatically actuated fluid actuators, and adaptive control algorithms for tracking real-time measured respiratory motions subject to the sensing and actuation dynamics and uncertainties. Model-based simulations are performed to analyze the tracking performance pertaining to system parameters such as sensing latency and image tracking error. Experimental results obtained from moving phantoms are presented to demonstrate the control system's tracking performance.
Concept Maps as Assessments of Expertise: Understanding of the Complexity and Interrelationships of Concepts in Science:

Concept maps were created as one of six measures to identify exceptionally talented students during the Cultivating Diverse Talent in STEM (CDTIS) project, with the goal of identifying and nurturin...
Herbicide systems including linuron for Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri) control in sweetpotato

Field studies were conducted to determine sweetpotato tolerance to and weed control from management systems that included linuron. Treatments included flumioxazin preplant (107 g ai ha–¹) followed by (fb) S-metolachlor (800 g ai ha–¹), oryzalin (840 g ai ha–¹), or linuron (280, 420, 560, 700, and 840 g ai ha–¹) alone or mixed with S-metolachlor or oryzalin applied 7 d after transplanting. Weeds did not emerge before the treatment applications. Two of the four field studies were maintained weed-free throughout the season to evaluate sweetpotato tolerance without weed interference. The herbicide program with the greatest sweetpotato yield was flumioxazin fb S-metolachlor. Mixing linuron with S-metolachlor did not improve Palmer amaranth management and decreased marketable yield by up to 28% compared with flumioxazin fb S-metolachlor. Thus, linuron should not be applied POST in sweetpotato if Palmer amaranth has not emerged at the time of application. Nomenclature: Flumioxazin; linuron; oryzalin; S-metolachlor; Palmer amaranth, Amaranthus palmeri S. Watson AMAPA
Communication Efficient Distributed Approximate Newton Method

In this paper, we develop a communication efficient second order distributed Newton-type algorithm. For communication efficiency, we consider a generic class of δ-approximate compressors (Karimireddy et al., 2019), which includes sign-based compression and top-k sparsification. We provide three potential settings where compression can be employed; and provide rate of convergence for smooth objectives. We show that, in the regime where δ is constant, our theoretical convergence rate matches that of a state-of-the-art distributed second order algorithm called DINGO (Crane and Roosta, 2019). This implies that we get the compression for free in this regime. The full paper can be found at https://tinyurl.com/ujnpt4c.
Batch Reading and Interrupted Interpretation of Digital Screening Mammograms Without and With Tomosynthesis.

Abstract Objective To compare batch reading and interrupted interpretation for modern screening mammography. Methods We retrospectively reviewed digital mammograms without and with tomosynthesis that were originally interpreted with batch reading or interrupted interpretation between January 2015 and June 2017. The following performance metrics were compared: recall rate (per 100 examinations), cancer detection rate (per 1,000 examinations), and positive predictive values for recall and biopsy. Results In all, 9,832 digital mammograms were batch read, yielding a recall rate of 9.98%, cancer detection rate of 4.27, and positive predictive values for recall and biopsy of 4.40% and 35.5%, respectively. There were 49,496 digital mammograms that were read with interrupted interpretation, yielding a recall rate of 11.3%, cancer detection rate of 4.44, and positive predictive values for recall and biopsy of 3.92% and 30.1%, respectively. Of the digital mammograms with tomosynthesis, 7,075 were batch read, yielding a recall rate of 6.98%, cancer detection rate of 5.37, and positive predictive values for recall and biopsy of 7.69% and 38.0%, respectively. Of the digital mammograms with tomosynthesis, 24,380 were read with interrupted interpretation, yielding a recall rate of 8.30%, cancer detection rate of 5.41, and positive predictive values for recall and biopsy of 6.52% and 33.3%, respectively. For both digital mammograms without and with tomosynthesis, recall rates improved with batch reading compared with interrupted interpretation (P Discussion Batch reading digital mammograms without and with tomosynthesis improves recall rates while maintaining cancer detection rates and positive predictive values compared with interrupted interpretation.
Growth factor-eluting hydrogels for management of corneal defects.

Abstract With 1.5–2.0 million new cases annually worldwide, corneal injury represents a common cause of vision loss, often from irreversible scarring due to surface corneal defects. In this study, we assessed the use of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) loaded into an in situ photopolymerizable transparent gelatin-based hydrogel for the management of corneal defects. In vitro release kinetics showed that, in regard to the total amount of HGF released over a month, 55 ± 11% was released during the first 24 h, followed by a slow release profile for up to one month. The effect of HGF was assessed using an ex vivo model of pig corneal defect. After three days of organ culture, epithelial defects were found to be completely healed for 89% of the corneas treated with HGF, compared to only 11% of the corneas that had fully re-epithelialized when treated with the hydrogel without HGF. The thickness of the epithelial layer was found to be significantly higher for the HGF-treated group compared to the group treated with hydrogel without HGF (p = 0.0012). Finally, histological and immunostaining assessments demonstrated a better stratification and adhesion of the epithelial layer in the presence of HGF. These results suggest that the HGF-loaded hydrogel system represents a promising solution for the treatment of persistent corneal defects at risk of scarring.
The Influence of Closing the Abdominal Donor-Site Superficial Fascial System in Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator Flap Breast Reconstruction.

Background The superficial fascial system is routinely closed to alleviate tension at the abdominal donor site after harvest of the deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap (DIEP) for breast reconstruction. This is thought to decrease rates of wound dehiscence and improve contour postoperatively. There has been no comparative analysis on closure of the superficial fascial system and its effect on donor-site outcomes. Methods The authors retrospectively evaluated outcomes of DIEP flap breast reconstructions performed between 2017 and 2019. After May of 2018, the surgeons collectively agreed to stop closure of the superficial fascial system. All subsequent patients underwent closure of rectus abdominis fascia followed by skin closure. Patient demographic data and abdominal donor-site comorbidities were recorded between the superficial fascial system closure and no-superficial fascial system closure groups. Representative photographs of patients from the two groups were blindly assessed for scar appearance and contour using previously published grading scales. The results were compared. Results DIEP flap breast reconstruction was performed in 103 consecutive women. Among patients with abdominal donor-site reconstruction, 66 had superficial fascial system closure and 37 did not. There was not a significant difference in fat necrosis or wound dehiscence between the two groups (p = 0.29 and p = 0.39, respectively). Postoperative abdominal scar and contour were evaluated by 10 independent raters and showed no significant difference between the two groups. Conclusion Omission of superficial fascial system closure resulted in no difference in wound dehiscence or fat necrosis rates and aesthetic appearance of the abdominal scar and contour. Clinical question/level of evidence Therapeutic, III.
An evaluation of bacterial standards and disinfection practices used for the assessment and treatment of stormwater.

Publisher Summary This chapter presents an evaluation study of bacterial standards and disinfection practices used for the assessment and treatment of stormwater. The Environment Protection Agency's (EPA's) current emphasis on water-use attainability and risk assessment warrants the reevaluation of existing disinfection requirements and bacteriological criteria. Water quality and disinfection criteria based on human disease contraction potentials of pathogenic microorganisms are needed for stormwater as well as combination with stormwater (CSO). The results of some epidemiological studies strongly suggest that total coliform (TC) or fecal coliform (FC) indicators cannot be used to assess accurately the pathogenicity of recreational waters receiving stormwater from uncontaminated separate storm sewers or surface water runoff. Carefully planned strategy should be adopted for storm sewers containing evidence of human-fecal contamination to indicate the presence of illicit or inappropriate cross-connections. In stormwater outfalls where cross-connections are too numerous or too costly to be corrected, it is advisable to deal with the separate storm sewer system as a combined sewer system.
Recovery of intrinsic fluorescence from single-point interstitial measurements for quantification of doxorubicin concentration.

Background and Objective We developed a method for the recovery of intrinsic fluorescence from single-point measurements in highly scattering and absorbing samples without a priori knowledge of the sample optical properties. The goal of the study was to demonstrate accurate recovery of fluorophore concentration in samples with widely varying background optical properties, while simultaneously recovering the optical properties. Materials and Methods Tissue-simulating phantoms containing doxorubicin, MnTPPS, and Intralipid-20% were created, and fluorescence measurements were performed using a single isotropic probe. The resulting spectra were analyzed using a forward-adjoint fluorescence model in order to recover the fluorophore concentration and background optical properties. Results We demonstrated recovery of doxorubicin concentration with a mean error of 11.8%. The concentration of the background absorber was recovered with an average error of 23.2% and the scattering spectrum was recovered with a mean error of 19.8%. Conclusion This method will allow for the determination of local concentrations of fluorescent drugs, such as doxorubicin, from minimally invasive fluorescence measurements. This is particularly interesting in the context of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) treatment of liver cancer. Lasers Surg. Med. 45:542–550, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Boycott effect in magma chambers

[1] We investigate the plausibility of the stratified Boycott effect as a source of layering in magma chambers. Crystal settling within the magma chamber will generate buoyant fluid near the sloping sidewalls whose vertical ascent may be limited by the ambient stratification associated with vertical gradients in SiO2. The resulting flow may be marked by a layered structure, each layer taking the form of a convection cell spanning the lateral extent of the magma chamber. Using parameters relevant to magma chambers, we estimate that such convection cells would be established over a timescale of a month and have a depth on the order of 4m, which is roughly consistent with field observations of strata within solidified chambers.
COLONIC PERFORATION IN CROHN'S DISEASE

Abstract Three cases of acute, free perforation of the colon in Crohn's disease are described and their clinical and pathological features are detailed. Colonic perforation in Crohn's disease bears no definite relationship to obstruction or adrenocorticosteroid therapy. It may occur with or without toxic megacolon, and pathological study has not thus far suggested a common pathogenetic mechanism. Although free perforation has been considered to be extremely rare in Crohn's colitis, it is likely that this complication is more common than previously believed.
A DIVERSITY ACCOUNT OF BRYACEAE (BRYOPHYTA: MUSCI) OF NEPAL

Bryums are diverse mosses distributed widely throughout the country. The species diversity of Bryaceae which were documented in various periods has been presented here. This paper includes 82 species including three subspecies and five varieties under seven genera of the total recorded 1150 bryofloral species in Nepal so far. Besides published records, the field survey of the first author within last five years has also been included here. Key words: Bryoflora; cosmopolitan; diversity; distribution; species Journal of Natural History Museum Vol. 23, 2008 Page 19-26
Should Captive Sardines Be Compensated? Serving Customers in a Confined Zone

Many services are delivered to a (large) number of customers simultaneously within a confined zone (e.g., restaurants, resorts, trains, and airplanes). Under unexpected high demand, customers experience discomfort from two major sources: (a) the sardine effect that arises when too many customers (i.e., "sardines") compete for space and service resources; (b) the captivity effect that results from an exit cost incurred by customers who self-select to "escape" the unpleasant service. This paper investigates the optimal compensation and pricing policies under these two effects. We find that offering compensation to sardines can improve profit and social welfare. However, consumers do not benefit when compensated for the discomfort from crowding. This paper also provides insights by exploring the impact of changes in the two effects on price and profit.
Gastric K+-stimulated adenosine triphosphatase. Demonstration of an endogenous activator

A K’stimulated, ouabain insensitive ATPase activity associated with the apical and tubulovesicular membranes of the acid secreting cells of fundic mucosa from a number of different species has recently been reported [ 1,2] and has been strongly implicated to be involved in H+ transport [3-S]. During isolation of purified microsomal membrane vesicles enriched in K’stimulated ATPase from the fundus of various species, we observed that the degree of stimulation of the enzyme by K’ in the presence of gramicidin varied considerably from one preparation to another. The ionophore, gramicidin, has been shown to be very effective for maximal activation of the microsomal K+-stimulated ATPase [2] . The variability in enzymatic activity observed in presence of gramicidin indicated that there could be some dissociable regulatory factor(s) bound to the enzyme under in vivo conditions. The degree of dissociation of the factor(s) during isolation of the purified membranes might account for the variable activity of the enzyme. In this report, we present evidence that there is a heat-labile, non-dialysable and protease-sensitive activator in the soluble supernatant fraction from rabbit fundic mucosal cells, which markedly activates the K+-stimulated ATPase and pNPPase activities of rabbit, frog, and hog gastric microsomes. Furthermore, Ca2+ at low concentrations has been shown to obliterate the activating effects of the activator(s).
Sewage sludge-derived materials as efficient adsorbents for removal of hydrogen sulfide.

Sewage sludge-derived materials were used as adsorbents of hydrogen sulfide from moist air. The adsorbent obtained by carbonization at 950 °C has a capacity twice of that of coconut shell-based activated carbon. The capacity of the sludge-derived materials increases with increasing carbonization temperature. It is likely that during carbonization at 950 °C a mineral-like phase is formed that consists of such catalytically active metals as iron, zinc, and copper. The results obtained demonstrate that the presence of iron oxide significantly increases the capacity of commercial carbon and activated alumina. The sludge-derived adsorbents are efficient for hydrogen sulfide removal until the pore entrances are blocked with sulfur as the product of oxidation reaction. For materials in which the catalytic effect is predominant, hydrogen sulfide is adsorbed until all pores are filled with sulfur. There is also indication that chemisorption plays a significant role in the removal of hydrogen sulfide from moist air.
Interatomic potential for the Al-Cu system

An angular-dependent interatomic potential has been developed for the Al-Cu system based on existing embedded-atom method potentials for Al and Cu and fitting of the cross-interaction functions to experimental and first-principles data. The potential reproduces lattice parameters, formation energies, and elastic constants of the $\ensuremath{\theta}$ and ${\ensuremath{\theta}}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ phases of this system. It predicts the ${\ensuremath{\theta}}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ phase to be more stable than $\ensuremath{\theta}$ at 0 K but to become less stable at hight temperatures due to vibrational entropy. The temperate and entropy of this phase transformation are in good agreement with previous first-principles calculations [C. Wolverton and V. Ozoli\ifmmode \mbox{\c{n}}\else \c{n}\fi{}\ifmmode \check{s}\else \v{s}\fi{}, Phys. Rev. Lett. 86, 5518 (2001)]. The potential provides a reasonable description of the phase stability across the Al-Cu phase diagram, dilute heats of solution, and other thermodynamic properties. It has also been tested for generalized stacking fault energies in the presence of a copper layer embedded in Al. This configuration bears some resemblance to Guinier-Preston zones that strengthen Al-Cu alloys. The trends predicted by the potential for uniform shearing of this configuration are in agreement with results of first-principles density-functional calculations performed in this work. The potential is expected to be suitable for atomistic simulations of precipitation hardening of Al-Cu alloys.
Mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase-1 (MKP-1) in retinal ischemic preconditioning.

We previously described the phenomenon of retinal ischemic pre-conditioning (IPC) and we have shown the role of various signaling proteins in the protective pathways, including the mitogen-activated protein kinase p38. In this study we examined the role in IPC of mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase-1 (MKP-1), which inactivates p38. Ischemia was produced by elevation of intraocular pressure above systolic arterial blood pressure in adult Wistar rats. Preconditioning was produced by transient retinal ischemia for 5 min, 24 h prior to ischemia. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) to MKP-1 or a control non-silencing siRNA, was injected into the vitreous 6 h prior to IPC. Recovery was assessed by electroretinography (ERG) and histology. The a-and b-waves, and oscillatory potentials (OPs), measured before and 1 week after ischemia, were then normalized relative to pre-ischemic baseline, and corrected for diurnal variation in the normal non-ischemic eye. The P2, or post-photoreceptor component of the ERG (which reflects function of the rod bipolar cells in the inner retina), was derived using the Hood-Birch model. MKP-1 was localized in specific retinal cells using immunohistochemistry; levels of mitogen-activated protein kinases were measured using Western blotting. Injection of siRNA to MKP-1 significantly attenuated the protective effect of IPC as reflected by decreased recovery of the electroretinogram a and b-waves and the P2 after ischemia. The injection of siRNA to MKP-1 reduced the number of cells in the retinal ganglion cell and outer nuclear layers after IPC and ischemia. Blockade of MKP-1 by siRNA also increased the activation of p38 at 24 h following IPC. MKP-1 siRNA did not alter the levels of phosphorylated jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) or extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) after IPC. The results suggest the involvement of dual-specificity phosphatase MKP-1 in IPC and that MKP-1 is involved in IPC by regulating levels of activated MAPK p38.
50 KW Class Krypton Hall Thruster Performance

The performance of a 50-kilowatt-class Hall thruster designed for operation on xenon propellant was measured using kryton propellant. The thruster was operated at discharge power levels ranging from 6.4 to 72.5 kilowatts. The device produced thrust ranging from 0.3 to 2.5 newtons. The thruster was operated at discharge voltages between 250 and 1000 volts. At the highest anode mass flow rate and discharge voltage and assuming a 100 percent singly charged condition, the discharge specific impulse approached the theoretical value. Discharge specific impulse of 4500 seconds was demonstrated at a discharge voltage of 1000 volts. The peak discharge efficiency was 64 percent at 650 volts.
Manganese-chalcocarbonyl bond strengths from threshold photoelectron photoion coincidence spectroscopy

The dissociation kinetics of CpMn(CO)2CX (X = S, Se) complexes have been investigated by threshold photoelectron photoion coincidence (TPEPICO) spectroscopy. Energy-selected CpMn(CO)2CX+ ions sequentially lose the two carbonyl and chalcocarbonyl ligands upon photoionization. The resulting asymmetric time-of-flight peak shapes and breakdown diagrams were simulated, and the following 0 K appearance energies were determined for the fragment ions: CpMn(CO)CS+, 8.79 ± 0.05 eV; CpMnCS+, 9.42 ± 0.05 eV; CpMn+, 11.53 ± 0.05 eV; CpMn(CO)CSe+, 8.70 ± 0.05 eV; CpMnCSe+, 9.39 ± 0.05 eV; and CpMn+, 12.05 ± 0.05 eV. These values, combined with the adiabatic ionization energies, yield Mn−CO bond energies in CpMn(CO)2CX+ (X = S, Se) and CpMn(CO)CX+ (1.20 ± 0.06, 0.63 ± 0.07 eV and 1.08 ± 0.06, 0.72 ± 0.07 eV, respectively) and Mn−CX bond energies in CpMnCX+ (X = S, Se, 2.12 ± 0.07 and 2.66 ± 0.07 eV, respectively).The 0 K heats of formation of the neutral and ionic species were determined using the heats of formation of...
Phenol antioxidant quantity and quality in foods : Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables in the diet have been found in epidemiology studies to be protective against several chronic diseases. Epidemiological evidence suggests that flavonoid consumption in the diet is protective against heart disease. Phenols in 23 vegetables have been measured by extraction with and without acid hydrolysis to determine the percent of conjugated and free phenols. Phenols were measured colorimetrically using the Folin−Ciocalteu reagent with catechin as the standard. The extracts' antioxidant quality was assayed by the inhibition of lower density lipoprotein oxidation mediated by cupric ions. Vegetables had antioxidant quality comparable to that of pure flavonols and were superior to vitamin antioxidants. The phenol antioxidant index, measuring both the quantity and the quality of antioxidants present, was used to evaluate 23 vegetables. Isolated lower density lipoproteins from plasma spiked with two vegetable extracts were enriched with phenol antioxidants and showed decreased oxidizabilit...
LACK OF EVIDENCE FOR CRANIO-FACIAL DYSMORPHISM IN CHILDREN WITH AIDS

We have evaluated 30 children with HIV infection ranging in age from 4-1/2 months to 8-1/2 years, and 30 controls matched for age, sex, and race/ethnicity for growth, head size, craniofacial dysmorphism, dermatoglyphics and other physical features. All patients and their mothers were serologically positive for HIV-antibody. Aside from growth failure and microcephaly (which are attributable to chronic infections and central nervous system lesions in AIDS patients) there were no significant differences in clinical findings (including dermatoglyphics) between patients and controls. A previous report describing craniofacial dysmorphism in children with AIDS noticeably lacked in comparison with normal controls. We conclude that although there is evidence for intrauterine transmission of HIV infection causing immunological impairment, there is no evidence for “embroypathy”.
Vernier discrimination with sequentially-flashed lines: Roles of eye movements, retinal offsets and short-term memory

The two lines of a vertical vernier target were sequentially flashed (2 msec/line; 0.2–800 msec dark interval) while the subject tried to maintain an earlier position of fixation in total darkness. Vernier discrimination deteriorates with increasing dark interval: acuity threshold increases from 29″–26′; constant error generally increases. The errors are a joint result of: (1) displacements between the retinal images of the two lines that are not present in the target; these are produced by involuntary eye movements in the dark interval and (2) deterioration of memory for spatial location signalled by the first line flashed. The entire contribution of involuntary eye movements is due to its effect on retinal offset; extraretinal signals related to involuntary changes in eye position during the dark interval do not influence the discrimination at any dark interval. A systematic influence of eye-movement-produced retinal offset is measured even for the shortest dark interval of 0.2 msec (2.2 msec between centers of flashes). Memory deterioration predominates in determining both constant and variable errors with brief dark intervals; eye-movement-produced retinal offset increases in significance at longer ones. The course of memory deterioration is consistent with a random walk model. At the shortest dark interval acuity was affected by the vertical separation between the two lines of the vernier target; at longer dark intervals this influence was obscured by the eye-movement-produced increases in retinal distance and memory deterioration.
Amniotic Band Sequence

After completing this article, readers should be able to: 1. Identify the clinical spectrum of defects seen in amniotic band sequence. 2. Describe possible mechanisms involved in the formation of defects. 3. Formulate a differential diagnosis for amniotic band sequence. Amniotic band sequence (OMIM #217100) comprises a broad clinical spectrum of defects that includes disruptions, deformations, and malformations. Disruptions may be caused by adhesions or constrictions by amniotic bands of structures programmed to develop normally. Deformations may result from distortion of embryologically normal structures. Amnion rupture may lead to oligohydramnios, which results in fetal constraint and tethering of fetal parts that may cause vascular engorgement, hemorrhage, edema, and tissue necrosis. Malformations may result from the presence of amniotic bands in the early embryonic period that interfere with normal embryogenesis. Amniotic band sequence is also known as amnion rupture sequence, ADAM complex (amniotic deformities/adhesions/mutilations), amniotic band disruption complex, congenital constricting bands, terminal transverse defects, and Streeter anomaly. Amnion rupture sequence has been described clinically as rupture of the amnion followed by encircling of developing structures by strands of amnion. These may vary from constricting bands to limb reduction defects. In addition, deformational defects such as scoliosis or talipes equinovarus may seen. Thoracoabdominoschisis, facial clefts, and encephaloceles also may be associated with amniotic adhesions, ruptured amnion, and amputation defects, and this has been referred to as the Limb Body Wall Complex (LBWC). Several reports regarding the incidence of amniotic band sequence have been cited in the literature. A frequency of 1 in 1,000 for congenital ring constrictions and amputations was reported by Baker and Rudolf. (1) The frequency of amniotic bands has been estimated to range from 1 in 1,234 to 15,000 live births, (2) but may be up to 1 in 56 in previable fetuses. (3) The incidence …
Planetary boundary layer of equatorial waves and critical latitude

The boundary-layer solutions for oscillatory interior flow in a neutral fluid show that, away from the critical latitude, the planetary boundary-layer flow is composed of two vertically propagating waves; one is of shorter vertical wavelength and attenuates faster with height while the other is of longer wavelength and attenuates slowly with height. At the critical latitude, the longer wave is of the nature of an inertial oscillation and penetrates the entire depth of the fluid and gives rise to a rather stronger (but finite) vertical motion than in the surroundings at great height, but below 2 km this difference is not very great. In general, the vertical velocity of the boundary-layer flow depends on both the vorticity and the divergence of the interior flow, and the influence of the former is to intensify while that of the latter is to diminish the existing vertical motion.
Extraction studies on the nature of the bonding in filler-reinforced elastomers

Particles of iron oxide were blended into samples of cis-1,4-polybutadiene and polyisobutylene, and portions of both the unfilled polymers and the resulting polymer-filler mixtures were cured with benzoyl peroxide. The filled networks were cloudy, but strips extracted using a toluene-hydrochloric acid mixture became as clear as the unfilled networks, suggesting effective removal of the filler particles. Measurements of equilibrium swelling and stress-strain isotherms in elongation were carried out on the unfilled elastomers, and on the filled ones both before and after extraction, in order to study the nature of the bonding between the filler particles and the polymer chains. There were no significant differences between the degrees of equilibrium swelling and the stress-strain isotherms of the unfilled networks and the corresponding properties of the previously-filled networks after the filler particles had been removed. This suggests that the bonding between the filler particles and the elastomer chains in these systems is primarily physical rather than chemical.
The dimensions and measurement of school culture

Abstract The current focus on the idea that schools should be communities rather than only educational institutions is just beginnning to generate research. This chapter considers community as an expression of positive school culture, thus it is focused on past and current thinking and research about school culture. Specifically, it presents a new measure, the School Culture Scale (SCS), and results from two studies. Arguments are made that the concept of school culture as operationalized by the SCS should be beneficial in planning and evaluating school reform efforts, especially those with the goal of building a school community. Although the SCS was designed using American samples, it should be easily adapted for European schools and perhaps those in more diverse cultures since the theory, practice, and qualitative research of the Just Community on which it is based have proven they can be exported with some adaptations.
Social responsibility and global pharmaceutical companies.

David Resnik accurately describes the problem faced by developing countries in securing affordable drugs aimed at their particular disease burden. I am however skeptical of the solution he describes which appeals to the respective `social responsibilities of global pharmaceutical companies and developing countries. I am not persuaded we can derive his claims about such responsibilities in the way he does or that appealing to them solves the problems of commitment and enforcement that must be addressed in any realistic solution. I offer some reasons for that skepticism realizing full well that my brief remarks cannot do justice to his view. Global pharmaceutical companies he argues have `social responsibilities - presumably moral not legal responsibilities - to the developing world. These responsibilities can be exercised by investing in research and development for diseases affecting developing countries or by offering drug discounts and drug giveaways that make necessary drugs more affordable. In return developing countries have a `social responsibility to respect pharmaceutical property rights especially those recognized in international treaties. Of course if they have signed such treaties their responsibilities are legal; if they have not (though Resnik is claiming they should) then these social responsibilities presumably are just moral. (excerpt)
Network considerations for distributed multimedia object composition and communication

Terminology is defined, and issues related to providing temporal data integration in a distributed environment are identified. Current technological approaches to the issues are reviewed, and the state of the art is assessed. A unified model for synchronization at three levels, based on previously reviewed approaches, is presented. Directions for future efforts are indicated. >
Are we missing an opportunity to teach future physicians about female pelvic floor disorders

Introduction and hypothesis Many physicians in primary care and medical/surgical specialties will care for female patients with pelvic floor disorders (PFD).
Micelle polymers, polymer surfactants and dendrimers as pseudo-stationary phases in micellar electrokinetic chromatography

Several authors have recently reported the use of micelle polymers, polymer surfactants and dendrimers as pseudo-stationary phases in electrokinetic chromatography. These reports have demonstrated the effectiveness of these phases for a variety of applications, including the separation and analysis of hydrophobic compounds and chiral compounds and the application of mass spectrometric detection. This review covers developments in this area since the first introduction of polymeric pseudo-stationary phases in 1992. The use of polymeric micelles in electrokinetic chromatography is compared briefly with capillary electrochromatography. Some thoughts on future directions in this area are presented.
Magical misfortune in Locorotondo

In this article I describe and discuss magical causes of misfortune in the southern Italian town of Locorotondo, interpreting them as one of several possible sets of elaborating symbols that local peasants use to conceptualize and understand misfortune. These causes have various moral implications, and they reflect significant values emerging from local historical experience. [Italy, magic, misfortune, values, peasants, symbolism]
Scalability and Performance of Data-Parallel Pressure-Based Multigrid Methods for Viscous Flows

A full-approximation storage multigrid method for solving the steady-state 2-dincompressible Navier?Stokes equations on staggered grids has been implemented in Fortran on the CM-5,using the array aliasing feature in CM-Fortran to avoid declaring fine-grid-sized arrays on all levels while still allowing a variable number of grid levels. Thus, the storage cost scales with the number of unknowns,allowing us to consider significantly larger problems than would otherwise be possible. Timings over a range of problem sizes and numbers of processors, up to 4096 × 4096 on 512 nodes, show that the smoothing procedure, a pressure-correction technique, is scalable and that the restriction and prolongation steps are nearly so. The performance obtained for the multigrid method is 333 Mflops out of the theoretical peak 4 Gflops on a 32-node CM-5. In comparison, a single-grid computation obtained 420 Mflops. The decrease is due to the inefficiency of the smoothing iterations on the coarse grid levels. W cycles cost much more and are much less efficient than V cycles, due to the increased contribution from the coarse grids. The convergence rate characteristics of the pressure-correction multigrid method are investigated in a Re = 5000 lid-driven cavity flow and a Re = 300 symmetric backward-facing step flow, using either a defect-correction scheme or a second-order upwind scheme. A heuristic technique relating the convergence tolerances for the coarse grids to the truncation error of the discretization has been found effective and robust. With second-order upwinding on all grid levels, a 5-level 320× 80 step flow solution was obtained in 20 V cycles, which corresponds to a smoothing rate of 0.7, and required 25s on a 32-node CM-5. Overall, the convergence rates obtained in the present work are comparable to the most competitive findings reported in the literature.