cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Unpacking the relationship between existing and new measures of physiological synchrony and collaborative learning: a mixed methods study

Over the last decade, there has been a renewed interest in capturing twenty-first century skills using new data collection tools. In this article, we leverage an existing dataset where electrodermal activity (EDA) was used to identify markers of productive collaboration. The data came from 42 pairs of participants (N = 84) who had no coding experience and were asked to program a robot to solve a variety of mazes. Because little is known on how physiological synchrony relates to collaborative learning, we explored four different measures of synchrony: Signal Matching (SM), Instantaneous Derivative Matching (IDM), Directional Agreement (DA) and Pearson’s Correlation (PC). Overall, we found PC to be positively associated with learning gains (r = 0.35) and DA with collaboration quality (r = 0.3). To gain further insights into these results, we also qualitatively analyzed two groups and identified situations with high or low physiological synchrony. We observed higher synchrony values when members of a productive group reacted to an external event (e.g., following instructions, receiving a hint), oscillations when they were watching a video or interacting with each other, and lower values when they were programming and / or seem to be confused. Based on these results, we developed a new measure of collaboration using electrodermal data: we computed the number of cycles between low and high synchronization. We found this measure to be significantly correlated with collaboration quality (r = 0.57) and learning gains (r = 0.47). This measure was not significantly correlated with the measures of physiological synchrony mentioned above, suggesting that it is capturing a different construct. We compare those results with prior studies and discuss implications for measuring collaborative process through physiological sensors.
Optimal Design of Intelligent Analysis and Control System for Power Grid Operation and Maintenance

With the high-speed growth of Grid scale and the promotion of power system reform, the operation pressure of State Grid of China increases, which puts forward higher requirements for the lean management and control ability of power grid operation. In this paper, an optimal intelligent analysis and control system for power grid operation and maintenance has been designed, which further integrates the information of regulatory cloud, big data analysis, robot inspection, and transmission channel visual monitoring systems. It can be used for the management and control of business scenarios and equipment status information in the whole process of operation and maintenance. The system can provide an overall overview of the main grid operation information of the power grid on the macro level, display the situation and information of single equipment on the micro level. As a result, the designed system can well support the development of intelligent operation and inspection business at provincial and municipal levels, and promote the transformation of transportation inspection mode from business process driven to equipment state driven.
Analysis of five techniques for the internal representation of a digital image inside a quantum processor

In this paper, five techniques, for the representation of a digital image inside a quantum processor, are compared. The techniques are: flexible representation of quantum images (FRQI), novel enhanced quantum representation (NEQR), generalized quantum image representation (GQIR), multi-channel representation for quantum images (MCQI), and quantum Boolean image processing (QBIP). The comparison will be based on implementations on the Quirk simulator, and on the IBM Q Experience processors, from the point of view of performance, robustness (noise immunity), deterioration of the outcomes due to decoherence, and technical viability.
Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of therapeutic antibodies in tumors and tumor-draining lymph nodes

The signaling axis from the primary tumor to the tumor-draining lymph node (TDLN) has emerged as a crucial mediator for the efficacy of immunotherapies in neoadjuvant settings, challenging the primary use of immunotherapy in adjuvant settings. TDLNs are regarded as highly opportunistic sites for cancer cell dissemination and promote further spread via several primary tumor-dependent mechanisms. Lesion-level mixed responses to antibody immunotherapy have been traced to local immune signatures present in the TDLN and the organ-specific primary tumors that they drain. However, the pharmacokinetics (PK) and biodistribution gradients of antibodies in primary tumors and TDLNs have not been systemically evaluated. These concentration gradients are critical in ensuring adequate antibody pharmacodynamic (PD) T-cell activation and/or anti-tumor response. The current work reviews the knowledge for developing physiologically-based PK and pharmacodynamic (PBPK/PD) models to quantify antibody biodistribution gradients in anatomically distinct primary tumors and TDLNs as a means to characterize the clinically observed heterogeneous responses to antibody therapies. Several clinical and pathophysiological considerations in modeling the primary tumor-TDLN axis, as well as a summary of both preclinical and clinical PK/PD lymphatic antibody disposition studies, will be provided.
Understanding and controlling amyloid aggregation with chirality.

Abstract Amyloid aggregation and human disease are inextricably linked. Examples include Alzheimer disease, Parkinson disease, and type II diabetes. While seminal advances on the mechanistic understanding of these diseases have been made over the last decades, controlling amyloid fibril formation still represents a challenge, and it is a subject of active research. In this regard, chiral modifications have increasingly been proved to offer a particularly well-suited approach toward accessing to previously unknown aggregation pathways and to provide with novel insights on the biological mechanisms of action of amyloidogenic peptides and proteins. Here, we summarize recent advances on how the use of mirror-image peptides/proteins and d -amino acid incorporations have helped modulate amyloid aggregation, offered new mechanistic tools to study cellular interactions, and allowed us to identify key positions within the peptide/protein sequence that influence amyloid fibril growth and toxicity.
Normal weight obesity and unaddressed cardiometabolic health risk—a narrative review

Normal weight obesity (NWO) is defined as having a normal body mass index (BMI), but a high body fat mass. There is growing interest in individuals with NWO, which is an underdiagnosed and understudied group, because of their increased risk for cardiometabolic morbidity and mortality. In this review, we summarized the definition, prevalence, etiology, pathophysiology, and cardiovascular outcomes seen in NWO. We have also summarized the available literature on interventions for NWO. There is a wide variation in the body fat percent cutoffs used to diagnose excess body fat. Hence, the prevalence rates of NWO vary between different populations and studies. It is estimated that about 30 million Americans have NWO and the worldwide prevalence ranges from 4.5% to 22%. Genetics, diet, and physical activity are related to NWO. However, etiological factors are not clear. Changes in body composition, inflammation, oxidative stress are present in NWO in comparison to normal weight lean (NWL) who have a normal BMI and normal body fat amount. Furthermore, cardiometabolic changes are observed and some are subclinical. Thus, screening for NWO will enhance the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease. Due to the use of various body fat percent cutoffs and methods to measure body fat, it is challenging to compare between studies. Researchers working in this field should ideally work towards developing standard body fat percent cutoffs for diagnosing NWO. There are many gaps in the literature on NWO unlike for overt obesity and future studies should explore the etiology, molecular mechanisms, and adipose tissue changes of NWO as well as conduct well planned and executed randomized controlled trials testing dietary, physical, and behavioral interventions for NWO in both males and females of different racial and age groups.
Rural Cancer Disparities: Understanding Implications for Breast and Cervical Cancer Diagnoses.

Background Rural populations experience several disparities, influenced by structural-, community-, and individual-level barriers, across the breast and cervical cancer continuum. Objectives This study seeks to identify structural-, community-, and individual-level barriers that affect rural populations across the cancer continuum, understand the role of nurses serving rural populations in breast and cervical cancer screening and diagnostics, and provide recommendations for working with rural patients. Methods This is a secondary analysis of qualitative interviews conducted with public health nurses serving rural populations. Findings Emergent themes indicate that rural populations experience barriers that affect disparities across the breast and cervical cancer continuum, including a changing healthcare landscape, access to cancer-focused care, access to insurance, collective poverty, and demographic factors. Nurses working with rural communities can address these disparities as they fulfill multiple roles and responsibilities.
Periconceptional Maternal Diet Characterized by High Glycemic Loading Is Associated with Offspring Behavior in NEST

Maternal periconceptional diets have known associations with proper offspring neurodevelopment. Mechanisms for such associations include improper energy/nutrient balances between mother and fetus, as well as altered offspring epigenetics during development due to maternal nutrient and inflammatory status. Using a comprehensive food frequency questionnaire and assessing offspring temperament with the Infant-Toddler Social and Emotional Assessment (n = 325, mean age = 13.9 months), we sought to test whether a maternal periconceptional diet characterized by high glycemic loading (MGL) would affect offspring temperament using adjusted ordinal regression. After limiting false discovery to 10%, offspring born to mothers in tertile 3 of glycemic loading (referent = tertile 1) were more likely to be in the next tertile of anxiety [OR (95% CI) = 4.51 (1.88-11.07)] and inhibition-related behaviors [OR (95% CI) = 3.42 (1.49-7.96)]. Male offspring were more likely to exhibit impulsive [OR (95% CI) = 5.55 (1.76-18.33)], anxiety [OR (95% CI) = 4.41 (1.33-15.30)], sleep dysregulation [OR (95% CI) = 4.14 (1.34-13.16)], empathy [6.68 (1.95-24.40)], and maladaptive behaviors [OR (95% CI) = 9.86 (2.81-37.18)], while females were more likely to exhibit increased anxiety-related behaviors [OR (95% CI) = 15.02 (3.14-84.27)]. These associations persisted when concurrently modeled with the maternal-Mediterranean dietary pattern. In a subset (n = 142), we also found MGL associated with increased mean methylation of the imprint control region of SGCE/PEG10. In conclusion, these findings highlight the importance of maternal dietary patterns on offspring neurodevelopment, offering avenues for prevention options for mothers.
Heat capacity of the frustrated magnetic pyrochlores Gd(2)Zr(2)O(7) and Gd(2)Hf(2)O(7).

The heat capacities of Gd2Zr2O7 and Gd2Hf2O7 both show sharp peaks in the vicinity of 0.77 K, consistent with the existence of long range magnetic order. They are superimposed in both cases on broader maxima centered at approximately 1 K, presumably due to short range spin correlations. Both compounds exhibit antiferromagnetic interactions, with Weiss constants of approximately −7 K. Comparisons are made to earlier results for the isomorphic compounds Gd2Ti2O7 and Gd2Sn2O7.
Materials for the study of deep-focus earthquakes (SECOND PAPER)

The present paper is supplementary to a previous publication under the same title, for which a list of errata is here given. The first paper has been translated into French by Professor E. Rothe, and is to be published by the Bureau Central Seismologique International. (The French publication will contain a travel-time chart for focal depth 600 km. in place of that for 400 km. given in the English paper.) At the request of Professor Rothe a more detailed account of the calculation of certain travel times was drawn up, which he has also translated, and which will appear as an additional note in the French publication. This additional note is given in English in the present paper. To this are added a new table (table 1, pp. 161-165 below) giving epicentral distance as a function of the travel time of P and of the focal depth, and a further discussion of methods for locating the epicenters of deep shocks.
Survival of adults with systemic sclerosis following lung transplantation: a nationwide cohort study.

Objective Many transplant programs are hesitant to offer lung transplantation to patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) due to concerns about extrapulmonary involvement that might affect survival. The aim of this study was to determine whether adults with SSc have higher 1-year mortality rates after lung transplantation compared to those with interstitial lung disease (ILD) or pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) not due to SSc. Methods Using data provided by the United Network for Organ Sharing, we performed a retrospective cohort study of 229 adults with SSc, 201 with PAH, and 3,333 with ILD who underwent lung transplantation in the US between May 4, 2005 and September 14, 2012. We examined associations between diagnosis and 1-year survival after lung transplantation using stratified Cox models adjusted for recipient, donor, and procedure factors. Results Adults with SSc undergoing lung transplantation in the US had a multivariable-adjusted 48% relative increase in the 1-year mortality rate compared to those with non–SSc-related ILD (hazard ratio 1.48 [95% confidence interval 1.01–2.17]). However, we did not detect a difference in the risk of death at 1 year between those with SSc and those with non–SSc-related PAH (hazard ratio 0.85 [95% confidence interval 0.50–1.44]). Conclusion A diagnosis of SSc may confer an increased risk of death 1 year following lung transplantation compared to a diagnosis of ILD, but this risk is similar to that of PAH, a widely accepted indication for lung transplantation. Future work should identify modifiable risk factors that can improve transplant outcomes in this population.
Chest pain: current concepts and implications for critical care transport.

Reprint no. 74/1/106440 Introduction The care and transport of patients with chest pain has become an important part of the air medical industry. Many transport programs depend on "cardiacs" for the majority of their business. Although the etiology of a patient's chest pain is readily apparent in most cases, sometimes things are not always as they seem. As transport professionals, we have the responsibility to try to confirm that the initial diagnosis is correct and appropriate therapy is being delivered. Therefore, the first portion of this review focuses on the differential diagnosis of chest pain, emphasizing the conditions that present an immediate threat to life. Knowledge of this short but important differential will prove useful at some point in your career. The second part of this review discusses the presentation and treatment of acute ischemic cardiac syndromes.
Amino acid substitutions in the effector domain of the γ134.5 protein of herpes simplex virus 1 have differential effects on viral response to interferon-α

Abstract The γ 1 34.5 protein of herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) is a virus-encoded protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) regulatory protein that contributes to viral resistance to interferon. It functions to block the shutoff of protein synthesis mediated by the double-stranded RNA-dependent protein kinase. This requires the carboxyl terminus of the γ 1 34.5 protein to recruit PP1, forming a high-molecular-weight complex that dephosphorylates the α subunit of translation initiation factor eIF-2 (eIF-2α). In the present study, we introduced a series of point mutations into a region in the effector domain of the γ 1 34.5 protein, which is adjacent to the PP1-binding domain. Analysis of these mutants in virus-infected cells shows that Ser209Ala, Ser209Asp, Ser218Ala, or Trp219Tyr substitution does not affect viral response to interferon-α. In contrast, Arg215Leu or Ser218Asp substitution rendered the virus hypersensitive to interferon-α, which correlates with the inability of these γ 1 34.5 mutants to mediate dephosphorylation of eIF-2α. However, Arg215Leu or Ser218Asp substitution does not disrupt the formation of a high-molecular-weight complex required for eIF-2α dephosphorylation or binding of the γ 1 34.5 protein to PP1. These results suggest that concerted action of the PP1-binding domain and the effector domain of the γ 1 34.5 protein is required to confer HSV-1 interferon resistance.
The effect of bitter melon (Mormordica charantia) in patients with diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Mormordica charantia (bitter melon) has been investigated for lowering plasma glucose in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). Previous data has offered inconclusive and inconsistent results about the benefits of bitter melon in patients with DM. Our current project aims to determine whether bitter melon has a favorable effect in lowering plasma glucose in patients with DM. We searched PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library from inception to July 2013 without any language restrictions for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating bitter melon to no treatment in patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Study selection, data extraction and validity of each article were independently assessed by two investigators. Articles were appraised for proper random sequence generation, allocation concealment, blinding, selective reporting and completeness of outcomes reporting to assess the risk for biases. The glycemic results of each RCT were analyzed to yield weighted mean differences (WMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). A total of four RCTs, each with 40–66 participants, followed between 4 and 12 weeks were identified in this meta-analysis. Overall risk of bias for each article included was determined to be unclear. In total, 208 participants with type 2 DM (mean age of 56.5 years) were evaluated. Compared with no treatment, bitter melon did not significantly lower A1C (WMD −0.13%, 95% CI −0.41 to 0.16) nor fasting plasma glucose (FPG) 47 (WMD 2.23 mg dl−1, 95% CI −14.91 to 19.37). Bitter melon supplementation compared with no treatment did not show significant glycemic improvements on either A1c or FPG.
Changes in the Number of Lightning Deaths in the United States during the Twentieth Century

Abstract Long-term changes in the number of lightning deaths from 1900 to 1991 have been examined for the contiguous United States. The population-normalized series revealed an exponential decrease in the number of deaths per million people. This exponential trend is also present in the decrease of the rural U.S. population for the period. The two datasets agree remarkably well and this suggests the downward trend in lightning deaths resulted to a large extent from the reduction of the rural population. Superimposed on the overall downward trend in lightning deaths were fluctuations of two or three decades in duration. The patterns of these fluctuations are paralleled by nationwide changes in thunder-day frequencies and average surface temperature values. Thus, it appears that the lightning death fluctuations are climatically induced.
Military Identity and Psychological Functioning: A Pilot Study

While previous research has examined the relationship between group identity and functioning, the presence of military identity and its effects are relatively unexplored. We created the Warrior Identity Scale to examine this aspect of postdeployment functioning using online surveys with veterans. Results indicate more symptomatic veterans displayed higher scores on subscales of interconnectedness and seeing the military as a family. Public and private military regard, however, correlated with perceived social support and positive affect. Our results support the importance of military identity in functioning and suggest further study is needed.
Autodetaching state of F - and autoionizing states of F

The collisional excitation method is used to excite an autodetaching state of ${\mathrm{F}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ and several autoionizing states of neutral F. The ${\mathrm{F}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ state lies at 14.85 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 0.04 eV above the neutral-fluorine ground state and has as its dominant configuration $2{p}^{4}(^{1}D)3{s}^{2}^{1}D$. The observed autoionizing states of fluorine have configurations $(^{1}D){\mathrm{nl}}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ and $(^{1}S){\mathrm{nl}}^{\ensuremath{'}\ensuremath{'}}$.
Hydrotropic extraction of bioactive limonin from sour orange (Citrus aurantium L.) seeds

Limonoids are potential bioactive compounds present only in citrus among fruits and vegetables. A new process for extraction of limonoid aglycones from sour orange (Citrus aurantium L.) seeds was investigated using aqueous hydrotropic solutions. The extraction efficiency was dependent on hydrotrope concentration, extraction temperature and percent of raw material loaded. Two hydrotropes such as sodium salicylate (Na-Sal) and sodium cumene sulphonate (Na-CuS) were studied using Box-Behnken experiment design. Response surface analysis (RSA) of data was performed to study the effect of parameters on extraction efficiency. Prominent limonoid aglycone such as limonin was extracted and quantified for process optimization. Both hydrotropes gave maximum limonin yield at 2 M concentration, extraction temperature of 45 °C and 10% solid loading. A maximum limonin yield of 0.65 mg/g seeds was obtained using Na-CuS whereas only 0.46 mg/g seed was obtained using Na-Sal. Using this process, the use of organic solvents can be reduced dramatically to keep the process environmental friendly for the extraction of bioactive compounds.
Differences Among Sexually Abused and Nonabused Youth Living With HIV

Risk behaviors were compared between sexually abused and nonabused youth living with HIV (YLH). Abused YLH were significantly more likely to have attempted suicide, to have been admitted into an alcohol and/or drug treatment program, and to have engaged in crack cocaine use than were nonabused YLH and had a greater number of sexual partners. A significantly higher proportion of abused YLH had been incarcerated in contrast to nonabused youth. There were also significantly greater conduct problems among abused YLH. Finally, abused YLH had significantly higher scores on positive action and social-support coping styles than nonabused youth. Consistent with previous research, abused youth are at higher risk for a variety of negative outcomes and are also similar in many respects to sexually abused youth who are not HIV-positive. The high frequencies of two positive styles of coping among abused YLH were also observed.
Servo Control of Multinozzle Ink-Jet Operating Point

Synchronous electrostatic ink-jet printing requires precise assembly of printhead components and maintenance of ink-jet parameters within a narrow operating range to ensure accurate drop placement and thus acceptable print quality. Multinozzle printing requires additional attention to and control of parameters that may create variations in nozzle-to-nozzle performance. Some ink-jet parameters can be controlled by careful machine design, precise machining of parts, accurate initial setup, and regulation of specific independently controllable parameters (e.g., ink temperature); other ink-jet properties, which depend upon complex interactions, cannot be controlled so easily. Rather, they must be controlled indirectly via a closed loop servo. A set of sensed parameters, controlling variables, and servo algorithms have been determined and demonstrated on an experimental multinozzle continuous ink-jet printer. This processor-based servo system has made reliable high-quality ink-jet microprinting possible in a machine application.
Synthesis of New Electrooptic Chromophores and Their Structure−Property Relationship†

Several new high μβ chromophores have been synthesized. These chromophores were intentionally designed to study structure−property relationships. The synthetic strategy that was followed has been d...
Effects of feeding and starvation on proteolytic and tryptic activities in pyloric caecal tissues and duct fluids of the seastar Pisaster ochraceus

Pisaster ochraceus were collected at Post Point, Bellingham, Washington, USA, in 1980. Total protease and tryptic specific activities were measured in pyloric caecal tissues and pyloric duct fluids of fed and starved individuals. Feeding resulted in increased levels of total protease and tryptic activities, and led to an increase in the ratio of total protease to tryptic specific activity in pyloric caecal tissue and a decrease in that ratio in pyloric duct fluid, indicating a release of trypsin into the duct with feeding. Trypsin activity showed little variability in fed seastars, but was quite variable in starving individuals. Total proteolytic acitivity, unlike that of tryptic activity, was always present in both fed and starved seastars. This way indicate a much broader role of generalized proteases in the cells of the pyloric caecum (e.g. as lysosomal enzymes of absorptive cells) in comparison to tryptic enzymes.
A spatial model of mosquito host-seeking behavior.

Mosquito host-seeking behavior and heterogeneity in host distribution are important factors in predicting the transmission dynamics of mosquito-borne infections such as dengue fever, malaria, chikungunya, and West Nile virus. We develop and analyze a new mathematical model to describe the effect of spatial heterogeneity on the contact rate between mosquito vectors and hosts. The model includes odor plumes generated by spatially distributed hosts, wind velocity, and mosquito behavior based on both the prevailing wind and the odor plume. On a spatial scale of meters and a time scale of minutes, we compare the effectiveness of different plume-finding and plume-tracking strategies that mosquitoes could use to locate a host. The results show that two different models of chemotaxis are capable of producing comparable results given appropriate parameter choices and that host finding is optimized by a strategy of flying across the wind until the odor plume is intercepted. We also assess the impact of changing the level of host aggregation on mosquito host-finding success near the end of the host-seeking flight. When clusters of hosts are more tightly associated on smaller patches, the odor plume is narrower and the biting rate per host is decreased. For two host groups of unequal number but equal spatial density, the biting rate per host is lower in the group with more individuals, indicative of an attack abatement effect of host aggregation. We discuss how this approach could assist parameter choices in compartmental models that do not explicitly model the spatial arrangement of individuals and how the model could address larger spatial scales and other probability models for mosquito behavior, such as Levy distributions.
Results from TOTEM

The TOTEM experiment at the CERN LHC is focussed on the measurement of the elastic proton-proton scattering, the total pp cross-section, and all kinds of di ffractive phenomena. Detectors housed in "Roman Pots" which can be moved close to the out- going proton beams allow to trigger on elastic and diffractive protons and to determine their parameters like the momentum loss and the transverse momentum transfer. In ad- dition, charged particle detectors in the forward regions detect almost all inelastic events. Together with the CMS detector, a large solid angle is covered enabling precise studies of Min. Bias as well as Single Diffractive and Double Pomeron Interactions. The results will considerably help the interpretation of the Cosmic Ray Showers at highest energies and will give insight into the proton structure and the QCD theory of strong interactions. TOTEM measured the elastic pp- scattering over a large range of t (the squared momen- tum transfer) from 10 −3 - 4 GeV 2 . None of the considered models could yield a satisfac- tory fit over the complete range. However, the exponential slope at low |t|-values and the position of the diffractive minimum are well within the extrapolation from lower energies. The total pp cross-section has been determined in different ways from the extrapolation of the elastic scattering to t=0 (optical point) and the inelastic rate: (i) From the elastic scattering using the optical theorem and the CMS, (ii) luminosity independently, using the inelastic rate, elastic scattering and the optical theorem, (iii) � independently, by using elastic scattering, inelastic rate and the CMS luminosity. The results for the total cross- section obtained from the different methods are in excellent agreement with each other. First studies of the data on diffractive phenomena have been performed by correlating the momentum loss of the forward protons with the topology of the particle flux. The data look very promising and further studies will follow. Since the conference, data have also been taken with specialized optics to reach even lower |t|-values. A determination of the � value is now in reach. The TOTEM results and the ways how they have been obtained are described in the publications (1-8) listed below.
EVA encapsulants for pv modules: Reliability issues and current R&D status at NREL

Abstract We briefly summarize ethylene-vinyl acetate ( EVA ) reliability issues and report our R&D results. These results include EVA degradation effects, discoloration factors, approaches to mitigate the EVA discoloration, improved photostability of modified EVA formulations, and plans to identify the best encapsulation schemes and to develop appropriate methodologies for predicting service life of PV modules.
International Potpourri: Foreign Language for the Gifted and Talented in Arkansas.

Foreign language “camps” and international festivals have become standard extracurricular activities in the U.S. The “International Potpourri” combined features of both. It was a two-week residential summer enrichment program held in 1986 and 1987 at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway, Arkansas for gifted and talented rising ninth and tenth graders. The purpose was to present the basics of French, German, Spanish and Japanese languages and cultures to superior students who had little or no previous foreign language study. This was accomplished through a variety of intensive activities centering on beginning conversation, songs, dances, craft and food workshops, field trips, travelogues and guest speakers. In addition, the participants engaged in discussion sessions with professional counselors, where the affective needs of the gifted and talented adolescent were addressed. This essay describes the program's successful marriage of two areas increasingly emphasized in Arkansas today: Gifted and Talented and Foreign Language Education.
Blood Pressure Responses of White Men With Hypertension to Two Low-Sodium Metabolic Diets With Different Levels of Dietary Calcium

Abstract Objective To compare the blood pressure responses of men with hypertension consuming low-sodium (Na) metabolic diets differing in dietary calcium (Ca) for two 6-week periods. Subjects White men who had hypertension, were nonsmokers, and were sedentary. Intervention This study consisted of two separate 6-week metabolic feeding periods. In the first period, a high-Ca group (n=6) was fed 1,400 mg Ca per day. In the second period, a low-Ca group (n=5) was fed 400 mg Ca per day. Both groups were fed 1,500 mg Na per day. Main outcome measures Blood pressure; urine and blood measured for electrolyte, calcitriol, renin, and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels. To measure typical nutrient intakes, 3-day dietary records were collected before the beginning of each treatment period. Statistical analyses performed Repeated-measures analysis of variance and split-plot analysis of variance were used to analyze, respectively, blood pressure responses and response variables over time. Results In both groups, serum Na level decreased ( P P P P P P P Applications Results of this study suggest that in the dietary management of hypertension it may be more important to focus on specific changes in a person's diet (eg, decreasing Na intake by 1,000 mg/day and increasing Ca intake by 400 mg/day) rather than setting specific levels of Na and Ca to be consumed. J Am Diet Assoc. 1995; 95:1280-1287.
Region-based scalable coding for video communications

This paper presents a region-based scalable coding technique that can be used in interactive transmission of images over networks. This method has a capability of near lossless coding for a specific region of interest (ROI), while the rest of the region is coded with a high quality lossy codec. The enhancement layers add refinement to the quality of the images that have been reconstructed using the basic layer of the intra frame. The proposed coding technique uses multiple quantizers with thresholds (QT) for layering and it creates a bit plane for each layer of both the intra and residual frames. The bit plane is then partitioned into sets of small areas to be coded independently. Run-length and entropy coding are applied to each of the sets to provide scalability for the entire image sets resulting in high picture quality in the end user-specified ROI. We tested this technique by applying it to various test image sequences and we consistently achieved a high level of performance.
Selecting stable mortars for lining intermediate ladles of continuous steel casting plants

The prolonged casting of killed carbon steel requires the use of high-alumina mortar VT-1, slaked with water; prolonged casting of rimmed and corrosive (manganese type) steels requires high-alumina mortar VT-1 slaked with orthophosphoric acid; the assembly of composite elongated nozzles in combination with batcher inserts for casting two or more heats of ordinary rimmed steels 08KP requires corundum type mortars (V-6).
Empirical water vapor continuum models for infrared propagation

The characterization of the water vapor continuum remains an important problem concerning infrared propagation in the atmosphere. Radiometric imaging within the atmosphere in the 8 to 12 micrometers and 3 - 5 micrometers regions, and eye safe lidar in the 2 micrometers and 1.6 micrometers window regions require accurate knowledge of the water vapor continuum. Although the physical nature of the continuum is a complex problem, the observed frequency, pressure and temperature dependence can be represented reasonably well by simple mathematical functions consistent with far wing theories. This approach is the basis for current models used in LOWTRAN/MODTRAN and for the models listed in the SPIE/ERIM EO/IR Systems Handbook (Volume 2 Chapter 1). However, these models are based solely on a limited, but high quality, data set collected by a spectrometer and White cell. Additional information on oxygen broadening and temperature dependence is available from numerous laser measurements of the water vapor continuum. A survey of relevant experimental data is made to determine the best available measurements of the water vapor continuum in various atmospheric window regions. Then the data are fit to an empirical model over the entire window region. A good fit is obtained for typical atmospheric conditions covering the 8 to 12 micrometers and 3 to 5 micrometers regions. No experimental data, covering atmospheric conditions, exist in the 2 micrometers and 1.6 micrometers regions. However, models can be proposed based on far wing extrapolations of the bordering vibrational water vapor bands.
All-optical switching using dispersive nonlinearities in InGaAs/GaAs single quantum well laser diodes

All optical switching due to nonlinear Fabry-Perot modulation has been obtained in laser diodes electrically biased below lasing threshold. The advantage of such devices over their passive counterparts is the realization of amplification of the input optical signal. This eliminates the problem of fan-out capabilities of all-optical switching devices. The mechanism for the nonlinear refraction arises through gain saturation by optical depletion of carriers.
Nucleophosmin Sets a Threshold for p53 Response to UV Radiation

Because activation of p53 can trigger cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, it is necessary for a cell to suppress this activation until it is absolutely required for survival. The mechanisms underlying this important regulatory event are poorly understood. Here we show that nucleophosmin (NPM) acts as a natural repressor of p53 by setting a threshold for p53 activation in response to UV radiation. NPM binds to the p53 N terminus and inhibits p53 transcriptional activity by more than 70%. Our data indicate that the levels of NPM in a cell determine the UV dose at which the tumor suppressor p53 can be phosphorylated on Ser15. Moreover, we show that NPM is a substrate for the UV-activated protein kinase ATR and inhibits the UV-induced p53 phosphorylation at Ser15. In addition, NPM forms a complex with p53 and ATR in vivo. These data suggest that NPM is an early responder to DNA damage that prevents premature activation of p53. In normal cells, NPM could contribute to suppressing p53 activation until its functions are absolutely required while in cancer cells overexpression of NPM could contribute to p53 inactivation and tumor progression.
Achilles tendon allograft for augmentation of the Hanssen patellar bone grafting

Severe patellar bone loss precludes the insertion of another patellar implant in revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and weakens the attachment of the patella to the quadriceps tendon. Hanssen described securing a tissue flap to the patellar rim allows the delivery of cancellous bone graft into the patellar bone defect. The purpose of this study is to describe the surgical technique and early clinical results of a modified Hanssen patelloplasty with an Achilles tendon allograft. The modified technique described in three patients undergoing revision TKA aims to augment the extensor mechanism by securing an Achilles tendon allograft to the proximal part of the patellar tendon and the distal quadriceps tendon using mattress sutures. This serves to reinforce the extensor mechanism and decrease the risk of a tear of its patellar attachment. The patellar bone defect is grafted using corticocancellous bone chips. Over a 12- to 48-month follow-up, all reconstructions healed with an increase in patellar bone thickness. No patient had any extensor lag, and all patients achieved 110°–125° of flexion. The Western Ontario and McMaster University knee scores improved from 53 (23–88) preoperatively to 88.5 (66–100) at last follow-up, with no reported complications. Augmentation of the extensor mechanism with an Achilles tendon allows for early mobilization and excellent postoperative range of motion in patients with large patella bone defects and imminent patella fracture. IV.
Beam quality of acousto-optic frequency shifters

The beam quality of the diffracted wave from a bulk acousto-optic frequency shifter has been accurately measured. High accuracy in measuring the output-phase profile was achieved by a unique utilization of heterodyne interferometry. Results for glass and PbMoO(4) deflectors show no discernible beam-quality degradation attributible to the acousto-optic interaction to within 0.01 wave rms at 647.1 nm.
Charge-exchange spin-dipole and quasifree excitations in p-shell nuclei

Abstract We have measured (p,n) differential cross sections and ( p , n ) spin observables at E p = 186 MeV on p-shell nuclei, 6,7 Li, 10,11 B and 12,13 C, using the neutron time-of-flight facilities at the Indiana University Cyclotron Facility. Cross section data were measured between θ lab = 0° and θ lab = 50° in 5° steps. Spin observables D NN , A y and P were measured at θ lab = 15° and 20°. Data for low-lying states and giant resonances in the nuclear sector and excitation of the quasifree have been obtained. Using a multipole decomposition analysis, results for the giant spin-dipole resonances are presented and compared with distorted-wave impulse approximation calculations. Contributions of the quasifree excitation in the giant resonance region are estimated. An analysis of the quasifree cross section is presented. Results of the location of the quasifree peak as a function of momentum transfer differ from similar (p,n) results obtained at E p = 495 MeV.
Hepatocyte signaling through CXC chemokine receptor-2 is detrimental to liver recovery after ischemia/reperfusion in mice.

CXC chemokines and their receptor, CXC chemokine receptor-2 (CXCR2), are important components of the hepatic inflammatory response to ischemia/reperfusion (I/R). However, direct effects of CXC chemokines on hepatocytes during this response have not been studied. Wild-type and CXCR2−/− mice were subjected to 90 minutes of partial hepatic ischemia followed by up to 96 hours of reperfusion. CXCR2−/− mice had significantly less liver injury at all reperfusion times compared with wild-type mice. Early neutrophil recruitment (12 hours) was diminished in CXCR2−/− mice, but within 24 hours it was the same as that of wild-type mice. Hepatocyte proliferation and regeneration was accelerated in CXCR2−/− mice compared with wild-type mice. These effects were associated with increased activation of nuclear factor κB and signal transducers and activators of transcription-3, despite there being no difference in the expression of proliferative factors such as tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin-6, and hepatocyte growth factor. To establish whether the accelerated proliferation and regeneration observed in CXCR2−/− mice was due to effects on hepatocytes rather than just a generalized decrease in acute inflammatory injury, mice were treated with the CXCR2 antagonist, SB225002, after neutrophil recruitment and injury were maximal (24 hours after reperfusion). SB225002 treatment increased hepatocyte proliferation and regeneration in a manner identical to that observed in CXCR2−/− mice. Treatment of primary wild-type hepatocytes with macrophage inflammatory protein-2 revealed that low concentrations protected against cell death, whereas high concentrations induced cell death. These effects were absent in hepatocytes from CXCR2−/− mice. Conclusion: Our data suggest that hepatocyte CXCR2 regulates proliferation and regeneration after I/R injury and reveal important differences in the role of this receptor in liver regeneration and repair induced under different conditions that may be related to ligand concentration. (HEPATOLOGY 2008.)
Money Talks: Revealing and Concealing Financial Information in Families

Financial knowledge is essential for becoming a productive member of society, yet little is known about how parents communicate with their children about finances. Using a communication privacy management framework (Petronio, 2002), this study examined, through face-to-face, semi-structured interviews of 23 parents, what financial issues parents shared with their children and why parents chose to reveal or conceal this information. Interviews identified that parents relied on privacy boundaries and rules when determining whether to disclose private information to their children. If parents perceived more risks from the disclosure than rewards, or that talking about money was culturally unacceptable, they did not disclose. This study extends research on parent-child communication about money and offers practical implications for discussing a taboo topic.
Heat-induced changes in intracellular Na+, pH and bioenergetic status in superfused RIF-1 tumour cells determined by 23Na and 31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

The acute effects of hyperthermia on intracellular Na+ (Na), bioenergetic status and intracellular pH (pHi) were investigated in superfused Radiation Induced Fibrosarcoma–1 (RIF-1) tumour cells using shift-reagent-aided 23Na and 31P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Hyperthermia at 45°C for 30 min produced a 50% increase in Na, a 0.42 unit decrease in pHi and a 40–45% decrease in NTP/Pi. During post-hyperthermia superfusion at 37°C, pHi and NTP/Pi recovered to the baseline value, but Na initially decreased and then increased to the hyperthermic level 60 min after heating. Hyperthermia at 42°C caused only a 15–20% increase in Na. In the presence of 3 µM 5-(N-ethyl-N-isopropyl)amiloride (EIPA), an inhibitor of the Na+/H+ exchanger, the increase in Na during 45°C hyperthermia was attenuated, suggesting that the heat-induced increase in Na was mainly due to an increase in Na+/H+ anti-porter activity. EIPA did not prevent hyperthermia-induced acidification. This suggests that pHi is controlled by ...
Partial Molar Volumes and Refractions of Aqueous Solutions of Fructose, Glucose, Mannose, and Sucrose at 15.00, 20.00, and 25.00 °C

The partial molar volumes and refractions of aqueous solutions of fructose, glucose, mannose and sucrose were determined at 15.00, 20.00 and 25.00 °C over a wide concentration range. A model is proposed to describe the deviations of the partial molar volumes at higher concentrations from those at infinite dilution. In addition, the partial molar volumes of the sugars at infinite dilution were fit to quadratic relations in temperature.
Polyaldehydes: Introduction and Brief History

Abstract Aldehyde polymers were prepared long before the true nature of a macromolecule was recognized. Polyaldehydes made important contributions in crucial phases of the development of our knowledge of polymers. They have the distinction of providing several first discoveries that added to the understanding of addition polymerization and to the determination of the structure of polymers.
Does Division Multiply Desert

It seems plausible that (i) how much punishment a person deserves cannot be affected by the mere existence or nonexistence of another person. We might have also thought that (ii) how much punishment is deserved cannot increase merely in virtue of personal division. I argue that (i) and (ii) are inconsistent with the popular belief that, other things being equal, when people culpably do very wrong or bad acts, they ought to be punished for this�even if they have repented, are now virtuous, and punishing them would benefit no one. Insofar as we cannot deny (i), we are either forced to abandon the popular belief in desert, or else allow that personal division could, as I put it, �multiply desert.� Some may not find the latter, considered by itself, troubling. But I argue that the thesis that division multiplies desert faces a potentially serious problem, which arises in the context of personal fusion. It is difficult to see how to maintain a particular family of desert views in light of the cases here presented.
Requirements for water assessment tools: An automotive industry perspective

Water availability is one of the greatest global sustainability challenges. Water is not available in adequate quantity and quality in many areas and water shortfalls are expected to increase. Businesses are facing water-related challenges due to inadequate water availability and poor resource management. Identifying and quantifying impacts is key to enabling companies to make effective management decisions. Several water assessment tools have been developed to help companies understand the complex nature of water challenges; however, there remain significant gaps in the datasets and inconsistencies in measurement and reporting of geographic water shortfalls. There is a need for more complete datasets containing information on water withdrawal and discharge, freshwater availability and depletion (spatially and temporally), water quality monitoring, reuse and recycling. We discuss four of the available water assessment tools (Global Water Tool, India Water Tool, Water Risk Filter and Aqueduct) and highlight those elements most critical to water-related business decisions.