cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Antioxidant inhibits tamoxifen–DNA adducts in endometrial explant culture

Fresh human endometrial explants were incubated for 24h at 37 degrees C with either tamoxifen (10-100 micro M) or the vehicle (0.1% ethanol). Three metabolites namely, alpha-hydroxytamoxifen, 4-hydroxytamoxifen, and N-desmethyltamoxifen were identified in the culture media. Tissue size was limited but DNA adducts formed by the alpha-hydroxytamoxifen pathway were detected using authentic alpha-(deoxyguanosyl-N(2)) tamoxifen standards. Relative DNA-adduct levels of 2.45, 1.12, and 0.44 per 10(6) nucleotides were detected following incubations with 100, 25, and 10 micro M tamoxifen, respectively. The concurrent exposure of the explants to 100 micro M tamoxifen with 1mM ascorbic acid reduced the level of alpha-hydroxytamoxifen substantially (68.9%). The formation of tamoxifen-DNA adducts detectable in the explants from the same specimens exposed to 100 micro M tamoxifen with 1mM ascorbic acid were also inhibited. These results support the role of oxidative biotransformation of tamoxifen in the subsequent formation of DNA adducts in this tissue.
Fatal Mercuric Chloride Ingestion

(1981). Fatal Mercuric Chloride Ingestion. Clinical Toxicology: Vol. 18, No. 3, pp. 261-266.
Optical, electrical, and structural properties of sputtered aluminum alloy thin films with copper, titanium and chromium additions

Abstract Aluminum alloys containing copper, chromium, and titanium were sputter deposited with the goal of maintaining the high bulk reflectance of aluminum while providing surface topography more suited for optical applications. Films were deposited at room temperature with no additional thermal processing. Results show that copper solute addition generates films that maintain much of the bulk reflectance of pure aluminum while refining surface morphology to create a more specular surface consisting of smaller, more uniform grains. X-ray diffraction studies revealed that copper addition into the aluminum lattice caused both a reduction in the preferred orientation of the film and change in the lattice parameter. Copper concentrations of 1.0% at. and above led to spatial variation in copper content within the films. The addition of titanium and chromium to Al-1.0%Cu films caused further microstructure refinement. Al-2.0%Ti-1.0%Cu and Al-2.0%Cr-1.0%Cu exhibited reflectivity spectra that differ significantly in both inter- and intraband absorption from that of pure aluminum. A dielectric function model combining a surface effective medium and a bulk Lorentz–Drude layer was applied to all alloy films to understand the observed reflectivity. Excellent agreement has been shown between the measured resistivity values and those obtained from the Drude model.
Minimum Aberration Two-Level Fractional Factorial Split-Plot Designs with Hard to Change Factors

In this article we will consider industrial experiments in which some experimental factors have hard to change levels and others have levels which are easy to change. In such situations, fractional factorial split plot designs are often used where the hard to change factors are included as a subset of the whole plot factors and the easy to change factors make up the subplot factors. Here we consider the problem of finding two-level split plot designs which have minimum aberration among those designs which also minimize the number of level changes for the hard to change factors.
Theoretical study of the reaction of OH with HNO

Abstract A complete-active-space (CAS) multiconfiguration self-consistent field (MCSCF) wavefunction with a polarized correlation-consistent basis set was used to determine the stationary points on the OH + HNO potential energy surface. The single-point energies were determined with a multireference configuration interaction (MRCI) wavefunction consisting of single and double excitations from selected configurations chosen from the reference wavefunction. Saddle points were confirmed at the five-electron, five-active-orbital CASSCF level by calculating analytical second derivatives. Segments of the minimum-energy paths (MEPs) for the hydrogen abstraction reaction and for the radical addition to nitrogen were calculated. It was found that the zero-point energy contribution for the abstraction pathway increases as one moves away from the MCSCF saddle point toward the reactants. An evaluation of the MRCI energy and the MCSCF zero-point energy contribution on the MEP at a few points towards the reactants suggests that the true transition state is earlier than the computed MCSCF saddle point, and that abstraction occurs with little or no activation barrier. At the MRCI level, the maximum in the vibrationally adiabatic potential along the MEP for the addition of OH to the nitrogen of HNO occurs at 5.6 kcal mol −1 above the reactants and, like the abstraction, this structure is earlier than the MCSCF saddle point. The resulting product of the OH addition, HN(O)OH, is not expected to decompose to H + HONO because the barrier to H elimination (31.4 kcal mol −1 ) is significantly higher than the barrier for the reaction back to OH + HNO (20.3 kcal mol −1 ). Statistical rate calculations have been performed for the abstraction and addition reactions, and the results are fitted to standard three-parameter temperature-dependent rate expressions.
Isolation and concentration of Salmonellae with an immunoaffinity column.

Abstract A method for rapidly and selectively isolating Salmonellae from buffer solutions and concentrating the bacteria by a factor of ∼500 was developed. Anti- Salmonellae antibody was covalently linked to 40 μm polyacrylamide beads to prepare a solid phase with affinity for the bacteria. The beads were packed into 1-mm diameter glass tubes to form a column 20 μl in volume. Buffer containing Salmonellae at concentrations ranging from 10 2 to 10 6 /ml was pumped through the column to trap and concentrate the bacteria. At a flow rate of 50 μl/min, more than 95% of the bacteria introduced to the column were captured, while at 800 μl/min capture dropped to 32%. Specificity was high, with no detectable capture of Escherichia coli at a concentration of 10 5 /ml. Capture of more than 90% of Salmonellae in a 5-ml sample was achieved in 40 min by re-circulating the sample through the column at a flow rate of 500 μl/.
Foxa1 and Foxa2 are required for formation of the intervertebral discs.

The intervertebral disc (IVD) is composed of 3 main structures, the collagenous annulus fibrosus (AF), which surrounds the gel-like nucleus pulposus (NP), and hyaline cartilage endplates, which are attached to the vertebral bodies. An IVD is located between each vertebral body. Degeneration of the IVD is thought to be a major cause of back pain, a potentially chronic condition for which there exist few effective treatments. The NP forms from the embryonic notochord. Foxa1 and Foxa2, transcription factors in the forkhead box family, are expressed early during notochord development. However, embryonic lethality and the absence of the notochord in Foxa2 null mice have precluded the study of potential roles these genes may play during IVD formation. Using a conditional Foxa2 allele in conjunction with a tamoxifen-inducible Cre allele (ShhcreERT2), we removed Foxa2 from the notochord of E7.5 mice null for Foxa1. Foxa1−/−;Foxa2c/c;ShhcreERT2 double mutant animals had a severely deformed nucleus pulposus, an increase in cell death in the tail, decreased hedgehog signaling, defects in the notochord sheath, and aberrant dorsal-ventral patterning of the neural tube. Embryos lacking only Foxa1 or Foxa2 from the notochord were indistinguishable from control animals, demonstrating a functional redundancy for these genes in IVD formation. In addition, we provide in vivo genetic evidence that Foxa genes are required for activation of Shh in the notochord.
Human/nature relations in the Arctic: changing perspectives

Differing conceptions of the relationship between humans and the environment shape policies regarding Arctic development and protection. From the fifteenth century to the early twentieth century, conquest and colonization perspectives prevailed. While vestiges of these views still color Arctic policy, the dominant approach of governments today is balanced development. On the horizon, alternative conceptions are gradually changing both policy decisions and decision-making processes in the Arctic. These include sustainable and regenerative development, rational ecology, ecofeminism, and indigenous perspectives.
Convection in modulated thermal gradients and gravity: experimental measurements and numerical simulations

Abstract This paper presents an investigation on natural convection in a cavity with imposed modulated thermal gradients or modulated gravity forces. Numerical computations are presented, which are based on the finite element solution of the transient Navier–Stokes and energy balance equations, along with appropriate thermal boundary conditions or time-varying gravity forces. In parallel with numerical development, an experimental system is setup where oscillating wall temperatures are prescribed to produce modulated temperature gradients and the velocity fields are measured by a laser-based particle image velocimetry (PIV) system. Computed results compare well with experimental measurements for various conditions. With the mathematical model, so verified by experimental measurements, numerical simulations are carried out to study the effects of modulation frequency and Prandtl number on the fluid flow. Results show strong non-linear interaction in a fluid with a relative high Prandtl number within the intermediate range of modulated frequency. It is also found that for a fluid with a small Prandtl number typical of molten metals and semiconductor melts, modulated gravity and thermal gradients produce almost the same flow field both in structure and in magnitude.
Promoting Self-Determination Throughout the FBA/BIP Process

Student behavior that interferes with teaching and learning remains a major concern for educators. In-school and postschool outcomes for students with challenging behaviors are among the poorest. Many of these students require a functional behavioral assessment and intervention plan to become more successful. Externally-driven behavior change programs, however, may do little to increase students’ self-regulation or preparation for greater independence. The purpose of this article is to propose and describe an integrated approach and resources for addressing self-determination skills within the essential steps of the functional behavioral assessment and intervention plan to help educators better support student growth in both arenas.
Community-acquired infections among children in an urban environment: a 2-year prospective study in Liverpool, U.K.

Community-acquired infections are an important cause of admission of children to hsopital. We have made a 2-year prospective study of 1,599 children admitted with infection to the Royal Livepool Children's Hospital in order to determine the pattern of infections, their seasonal distribution and the role of the laboratory in isolating causative agents. Respiratory infections (32% cases) and gastroenteritis (28% cases) were the principal causes of admission. Of all admissions, 64% were children aged less than 1 year. Appropriate specimens were obtained and/or investigations made of 48% cases. Overall, a causative agent was determined in 21% cases. Individual pathogens showed marked seasonality. Respiratory syncytial virus, rotavirus and Shigella species were found more often in the winter months, while Salmonella species and adenovirus infections were most common in the summer. The results provide local data that is relevant to both public health and hospital planning. They also emphasise the need for continuing surveillance of community-acquired infections.
An Overview of Curriculum: The Theory and Practice:

Decision making, if it is to lead to school improvement, should be based on objective and quantifiable criteria. At present, these writers say, most curriculum decisions are made in a variety of wa...
The Gambler’s Fallacy and the Hot Hand: Empirical Data from Casinos

Research on decision making under uncertainty demonstrates that intuitive ideas of randomness depart systematically from the laws of chance. Two such departures involving random sequences of events have been documented in the laboratory, the gambler’s fallacy and the hot hand. This study presents results from the field, using videotapes of patrons gambling in a casino, to examine the existence and extent of these biases in naturalistic settings. We find small but significant biases in our population, consistent with those observed in the lab.
Direct measurement of the plasma screening length and surface potential near the lunar terminator

Direct measurement of the lunar dayside surface potential and screening length has been made by the suprathermal ion detector experiment (Side) near the terminator. In a region 20-30 deg from the terminator at the Apollo 14 and 15 sites the surface potential is found to be approximately 50 V negative, and the screening length to be about 1 km. This value of the screening length is more than 2 orders of magnitude greater than the solar wind 'Debye' length. The strong negative surface potential in this region may be due to enhanced temperature and density of the solar wind plasma.
Multiple Cooperating Robot Dynamics and Fuzzy Logic Control for Internal Force Minimization

This paper presents formulation and application of a strategy for control of two six degree-of-freedom robots carrying a common object in a cooperative mode. The paper focuses on control of internal forces that are generated when two or more robots carry an object in coordination. A combined position-force control scheme based on fuzzy logic is proposed. The controller scheme developed has been implemented successfully on two six degree-of-freedom ABB industrial robots. The simulations and the experiments performed demonstrate that the proposed control strategy is able to considerably decrease the internal forces.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Endoscopic treatment of advanced endometriosis with large endometriomata. Surgical technique

Advanced endometriosis is a common cause of infertility. It has traditionally been treated surgically by laparotomy. The surgeon had to cope mainly with adhesions, endometriotic implants and, quite often, endometriotic cysts of various diameters. In this study, we report our laparoscopic technique for treating advanced endometriosis with large endometriomata, using conventional instrumentation, and we discuss our main problems and our results. The study population consisted of 68 subfertile patients with large endometriomata who underwent laparoscopic removal of the cysts. The Infertility Clinic at the Alexandra Maternity Hospital, Athens, Greece, between January 1990 and October 1997. Laparoscopic excision of endometriotic cysts in subfertile women. Success of treatment modality; postoperative complications; postoperative cumulative pregnancy rates. The technique is described. Postoperative complications were minimal. Of the patients, 32 (47%) became pregnant during the 2-year postoperative follow-up period. The estimated cumulative pregnancy rates at 6, 12, 18 and 24 months were 22%, 35%, 45% and 47%, respectively. Our experience favours the use of traditional laparoscopic tools over laser treatment for the management of extensive endometriosis with endometriomata, since the results are similar to those observed after laser treatment, and the training of a larger number of physicians and availability of equipment are more readily achieved for the former method. Postoperative pregnancy rates are high.
Oxidation of the α3(βD311C/R333C)3γ Subcomplex of the Thermophilic Bacillus PS3 F1-ATPase Indicates That Only Two β Subunits Can Exist in the Closed Conformation Simultaneously

Abstract In the crystal structure of the bovine heart mitochondrial F1-ATPase (Abrahams, J. P., Leslie, A. G. W., Lutter, R., and Walker, J. E. (1994)Nature 370, 621–628), the two liganded β subunits, one with MgAMP-PNP bound to the catalytic site (βT) and the other with MgADP bound (βD) have closed conformations. The empty β subunit (βE) has an open conformation. In βT and βD, the distance between the carboxylate of β-Asp315 and the guanidinium of β-Arg337 is 3.0–4.0 A. These side chains are at least 10 A apart in βE. The α3(βD311C/R333C)3γ subcomplex of TF1 with the corresponding residues substituted with cysteine has very low ATPase activity unless it is reduced prior to assay or assayed in the presence of dithiothreitol. The reduced subcomplex hydrolyzes ATP at 50% the rate of wild-type and is rapidly inactivated by oxidation by CuCl2 with or without magnesium nucleotides bound to catalytic sites. Titration of the subcomplex with iodo[14C]acetamide after prolonged treatment with CuCl2 in the presence or absence of 1 mm MgADP revealed nearly two free sulfhydryl groups/mol of enzyme. Therefore, one pair of introduced cysteines is located on a β subunit that exists in the open or partially open conformation even when catalytic sites are saturated with MgADP. Since V max of ATP hydrolysis is attained when three catalytic sites of F1are saturated, the catalytic site that binds ATP must be closing as the catalytic site that releases products is opening.
Automated social hierarchy detection through email network analysis

This paper provides a novel algorithm for automatically extracting social hierarchy data from electronic communication behavior. The algorithm is based on data mining user behaviors to automatically analyze and catalog patterns of communications between entities in a email collection to extract social standing. The advantage to such automatic methods is that they extract relevancy between hierarchy levels and are dynamic over time.We illustrate the algorithms over real world data using the Enron corporation's email archive. The results show great promise when compared to the corporations work chart and judicial proceeding analyzing the major players.
Análisis coste-efectividad y coste-beneficio del tratamiento con bloqueadores beta de la insuficiencia cardíaca congestiva en España

Objetivo Los bloqueadores beta (BB) han demostrado ser eficaces en el tratamiento de la insuficiencia cardiaca congestiva (ICC). Este estudio lleva a cabo un analisis economico de anadir BB al tratamiento convencional de la ICC. Material y metodo Se incluyen estudios aleagestive heart failure in Spain: cost-efftorizados, con grupo control y doble ciego, que incluyeron 1.647 pacientes en tratamiento con bisoprolol, 3.034 con carvedilol, 2.432 con metoprolol y 6.807 con placebo. Se valoran los costes directos del tratamiento BB y de cada episodio de hospitalizacion. El coste-efectividad se valora como coste en euros por muerte evitada y el beneficio-coste como la diferencia entre costes de hospitalizacion y costes del BB. El estudio se realiza desde la perspectiva de un tercer pagador. Resultados Se incluyen 2 estudios con bisoprolol, 6 con carvedilol y 5 con metoprolol con un seguimiento medio de 13,5 meses. Carvedilol evita un 5,07% de las muertes por ano de tratamiento y es mas eficaz que bisoprolol (3,82% de muertes evitadas) y metoprolol (3,03%). El ratio costeefectividad (coste por muerte evitada y ano) fue 10.832 € para bisoprolol, 17.516 € para carvedilol y 16.664 € para metoprolol. El ratio coste-efectividad incremental de usar carvedilol oscila entre 12.631 € y 86.610 € por vida salvada. Todos los BB generan ahorro en los costes de hospitalizacion, pero solo bisoprolol tiene un beneficio neto. El indice beneficio-coste es 1,13 para bisoprolol, 0,26 para carvedilol y 0,59 para metoprolol. Conclusiones El uso de BB en el tratamiento de la ICC es una alternativa eficaz y coste-efectiva. Carvedilol es la alternativa mas eficaz y bisoprolol la mas coste-efectiva y con mayor beneficio-coste.
Recognizing mimicked autistic self-stimulatory behaviors using HMMs

Children with autism often exhibit self-stimulatory (or "stimming") behaviors. We present an on-body sensing system for continuous recognition of slimming activity. By creating a system to recognize and monitor stimming behaviors, we hope to provide autism researchers with detailed, quantitative data. In this paper, we compare isolated and continuous recognition rates of emulated autistic stimming behaviors using hidden Markov models (HMMs). We achieved an overall system accuracy 68.57% in continuous recognition tests. However, the occurrence of slimming events can be detected with 100% accuracy by allowing minor frame-level insertion errors.
Supramolecular Assembly of Poly(propyleneimine) Dendrimers Driven By Simple Monovalent Counterions

The self-assembly of semiglobular, positively charged poly(propyleneimine) (PPI) dendrimers with small monovalent counterions (e.g., Cl(-)) in water/acetone mixtures was investigated. We showed that PPI dendrimers can assemble into hollow, spherical, single-layered blackberry-type structures mediated by the presence of monovalent counterions. The effects on the assembly of changing the solvent polarity and adjusting the pH were further investigated to confirm the presence of electrostatic interactions and hydrogen bonding as the driving forces. Results showed that PPI dendrimers form stable, hollow spheres in 5-20% v/v acetone/water and that the size of the spheres decreases monotonically as the solvent polarity and/or the charge on the dendrimers (i.e., lower solution pH) increases. This is the first example to show that small monovalent counterions can trigger attraction among PPI dendrimers (or broadly defined polyelectrolytes) that is strong enough to bring them together to form large, stable supramolecular assemblies, which indicates that these organic macroions have similar solution behavior to more-well-defined inorganic molecular macroions.
Cities and Race: America's New Black Ghetto

Wilson asserts in the introduction of his Cities and Race: This book is about the contemporary plight of America's most impoverished urban communities: Black ghettos in the rust belt. The communiti...
N-tert-butyl-alpha-phenylnitrone protects against 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine-induced depletion of serotonin in rats.

The present study examined the effect of N-tert-butyl-alpha-phenylni- trone (PBN) on 3,4-methylenedioxmathamphetamine (MDMA)-induced depletion of serotonin in the CNS. Rats were treated with two concurrent injections of MDMA (20 mg/kg, s.c.), PBN (50-400 mg/kg dissolved in ethanol, 50 mg/ml of 25% ethanol, i.p.), saline or 25% ethanol, alone or in combination, 6 h apart, and sacrificed 5 days later. Rectal temperature was measured prior to and hourly following the drug injection for 5 h. Monoamine levels in the tissue were measured by HPLC. Density of the 5-HT transporters was assayed by ( 3 H)paroxetine binding. Rectal temperature of rats in- creased after MDMA, decreased after PBN, ethanol, PBN plus ethanol, and MDMA plus ethanol, and was not significantly altered after MDMA plus PBN. Levels of 5-HT and 5-HIAA in the frontal cortex, hippocampus, striatum, and brain stem of rats decreased significantly after MDMA or MDMA plus ethanol, but not after MDMA plus PBN, PBN plus ethanol (PBN dissolved in ethanol), or ethanol as compared to the saline controls. Levels of 5-HT and 5-HIAA in the brain tissues of rats treated with MDMA plus PBN were elevated as compared to those treated with MDMA plus saline. Similar results were observed in the density of 5-HT transporters in the frontal cortex and hippocampus. These results indicate that scavenging of free radicals of MDMA metabolites or reactive oxygen species by PBN and with lowering of body temperature protected against MDMA-induced depletion of serotonin transmitter. Synapse 31:169-177, 1999.
Social Construction, Gender/Sex Similarity and Social Interaction in Close Personal Relationships:

Participants maintained a social interaction diary, a variant of the Rochester Interaction Record, to describe their close personal relationships. Relationships were defined using relative frequency of contact with different individuals and via participants' descriptions of relational partners. Individuals with whom participants had more contact were more likely to be described as close friends than were individuals with whom participants had less contact. The results suggest that the characteristics of same-sex relationships depend less on the specific partners composing the relationship than do the characteristics of opposite-sex relationships. As hypothesized, the characteristics of close same-sex relationships did not differ from the characteristics of other same-sex relationships, although interactions with best friends were more intimate than interactions with other same-sex partners. In contrast, the characteristics of close opposite-sex relationships differed from the characteristics of other oppo...
Biology of Niesthrea louisianica (Hemiptera:Rhopalidae) on selected plants, and its potential for biocontrol of velvetleaf, Abutilon theophrasti (Malvaceae).

Large populations of Niesthrea louisianica Sailer affect the reproduction of velvetleaf, Abutilon theophrasti Medicus, a malvaceous weed found in cotton and soybean fields in west-central Mississippi. Development of the bug to adult was fastest in the laboratory on fresh fruiting structures of this plant, and of rose-of-Sharon, Hibiscus syriacus L., and prickly sida, Sida spinosa L. Development on okra, Ebelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench, was slower, and was not completed on bolls of cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L. Some development to adult occurred on water-soaked cotton seeds, but nymphal mortality and development time were greater than on water-soaked velvetleaf seeds. Nymphs could not complete development on velvetleaf seedlings or on damp or dry okra seeds. Water-soaked velvetleaf seeds were satisfactory for laboratory rearing of these insects. Greenhouse tests demonstrated that third instars significantly reduce production of velvetleaf buds, blooms, and fruits when caged over terminal flower buds for 2 weeks. Fifth instars caged over single half-grown fruits for 2 weeks caused fruit abortion. Seed germination was reduced 95 to 99% when nymphs were caged over full-size green fruits. A Telenomus sp. was reared from egg masses from velvetleaf and rose-of-Sharon. Leucostoma simplex (Fallen) was reared from adults, and two spider species were observed feeding on nymphs and adults in the field.
Effect of intra-arterial environment on endothelialization and basement membrane organization in polytetrafluoroethylene grafts

purpose To determine if a complete intra-arterial environment affects endothelialization rate and basement membrane organization in polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) grafts. method Thirty dogs underwent either infrarenal abdominal aorta PTFE interposition (12) or intraluminal stented (18) grafting. Grafts were explanted at 4 and 8 weeks and rate of endothelial ingrowth calculated. Endothelial cells were identified and basement membrane organization assessed using antibodies against endothelial cell-specific surface antigen CD31, type IV collagen, and laminin. results Endothelialization rates, expressed as percent graft surface area coverage per week, were 3.7%±0.62% (4-week control), 12.9%±0.58% (4-week stented), 4.2%±0.62% (8-week control), and 10.0%±0.54% per week (8-week stented grafts). Endothelial repaving rates were constant for control and increased in all stented grafts ( P conclusion Intra-arterial graft location is associated with early formation of an organized basement membrane and accelerated endothelialization in PTFE grafts.
Laparoscopic appendicectomy: an important skill for the gynaecologist

Objective To demonstrate that laparoscopy is an important skill for gynaecologists to acquire. Laparoscopy is now one of the most commonly performed gynaecological procedures, commonly as an investigative tool for acute or chronic pelvic pain. In Australia, thousands of these procedures are performed each year. Methods We outline here the main authors’ experience and teaching of his trainees, outlining the technique for the performance of this surgery, in three separate clinical entities. Conclusion The performance of laparoscopic appendicectomy is an important facet of gynaecological training and can be performed by all gynaecologists with basic laparoscopic training.
Dissolved manganese and silicic acid in the Columbia River plume: A major source to the California current and coastal waters off Washington and Oregon

The spatial distributions of dissolved manganese and nutrients were examined in the Columbia River plume off Oregon and Washington during the summer of 2004 and 2005 as part of the River Influence on Shelf Ecosystems (RISE) program. Factors influencing the hydrochemical characteristics of the freshly formed and aged Columbia River plume were investigated. Hydrographic data and nutrient concentrations were used to delineate three distinct water sources for the Columbia River Plume: California Current surface water, coastal upwelled water, and Columbia River water. The warm, intermediate salinity, nutrient poor California Current water contains low levels of dissolved manganese (<5 nM) and silicic acid (<5 μM), and is depleted in nitrate. The cold, high salinity, nutrient rich, freshly upwelled water is highly variable (2–20 nM) in dissolved manganese and can be as high as ∼45 μM in silicic acid and ∼30 μM nitrate. The variable Columbia River has summer temperatures ranging from ∼13 to 24 °C, high silicic acid concentrations (ranging from ∼120 to 200 μM), and lower nitrate concentrations (ranging from ∼ 2t o 20 μM). During the summer, the concentrations of silicic acid and dissolved manganese can exceed 100 μM and 200 nM, respectively, in near-field Columbia River plumes. These values are markedly greater than those of surface coastal waters (even during upwelling conditions). As the plume advects and mixes, the concentrations of these two constituents remain relatively high within plume waters. The concentrations of dissolved manganese in the near-field plume vary with tidal amplitude, exhibiting much higher concentrations for a given salinity during spring tides than during neap tides. For example, the Columbia River plume at a salinity of 20 has a concentration of dissolved manganese of ∼240 nM during spring tides, as compared to only ∼60 nM during low amplitude tides. Silicic acid concentrations in the near-field plume remain relatively constant throughout the tidal month. Calculations indicate there is roughly an equivalent yearly delivery of dissolved manganese and silicic acid to the coastal waters off Oregon and Washington by upwelled waters and by the Columbia River plume.
Determination of element locations in a circular array from measurements in the Fresnel region

The electrical locations of the elements in a large circular array are determined from phase measurements in the Fresnel region. A closed-form solution for the element phase center locations is presented which contains the required range correction. The technique is applied to a 108-element, L-band circular array of log-periodic dipoles. It is shown that coupling between the elements and the array structure almost completely obscures frequency dependent effects.
Editorial: A Message from the New Editor-in-Chief

1045-9219/06/$20.00 © 2006 IEEE Published by the IEEE Computer Society For information on obtaining reprints of this article, please send e-mail to: tpds@computer.org. I T is a great privilege and honor to serve as the Editor-in-Chief (EIC) of the IEEE Transactions on Parallel and Distributed Systems (TPDS). TPDS is a relatively young journal that started in 1990, yet it has become the premier outlet for research publications in the parallel and distributed processing area. The credit for this accomplishment goes to all the four previous EICs, associate editors, reviewers, and the authors who submitted their papers to TPDS for publication. Currently, the first review turn around time for a submission is below six months, meaning that a paper can get accepted for TPDS as fast as a conference. At the same time, a paper submitted to TPDS can go through minor or major revision and, finally, get accepted, which is not possible in conferences. The timely review and publication of papers in TPDS is now possible because of the combined effort of the last EIC, Pen-Chung Yew, and his staff. While I am assuming the EIC job in a very comfortable position with regard to visibility and publication timing, there are a few challenges that need our urgent attention. TPDS was born while research in the area of parallel processing was at its peak. Also, the competition with other journals and conferences was not that fierce. Now, we need to take a closer look at the scope of TPDS and revise it to include emerging areas, technological advancements, and experimental results in the systems area to boost the number of submissions. I shall invite well-recognized researchers to organize special issues and appoint some of them to the editorial board. I also plan to appoint an associate Editor-in-Chief to help me in various areas. In order to reduce the delay in publication further, I would urge the associate editors to administratively reject submissions if the research is outdated, and cut down on major revisions, recommending some of them for new submission after revision. I would urge understanding on the part of authors if they are advised to do so. I would also request the associate editors to review some papers themselves instead of waiting for the reviewer’s response indefinitely. The TPDS staff will closely monitor the review time of a paper and bring it to our attention if such an action is needed. An IEEE Transactions cannot gain a good reputation without the active support and participation of the research community in the area. I invite you to send me your suggestions to further enhance the quality and visibility of the TPDS. I look forward to working with you during the next two years to take TPDS to the next level of excellence.
Management of multifactorial idiopathic epilepsy in EL mice with caloric restriction and the ketogenic diet: role of glucose and ketone bodies

The high fat, low carbohydrate ketogenic diet (KD) was developed as an alternative to fasting for seizure management. While the mechanisms by which fasting and the KD inhibit seizures remain speculative, alterations in brain energy metabolism are likely involved. We previously showed that caloric restriction (CR) inhibits seizure susceptibility by reducing blood glucose in the epileptic EL mouse, a natural model for human multifactorial idiopathic epilepsy. In this study, we compared the antiepileptic and anticonvulsant efficacy of the KD with that of CR in adult EL mice with active epilepsy. EL mice that experienced at least 15 recurrent complex partial seizures were fed either a standard diet unrestricted (SD-UR) or restricted (SD-R), and either a KD unrestricted (KD-UR) or restricted (KD-R). All mice were fasted for 14 hrs prior to diet initiation. A new experimental design was used where each mouse in the diet-restricted groups served as its own control to achieve a 20–23% body weight reduction. Seizure susceptibility, body weights, and the levels of plasma glucose and β-hydroxybutyrate were measured once/week over a nine-week treatment period. Body weights and blood glucose levels remained high over the testing period in the SD-UR and the KD-UR groups, but were significantly (p < 0.001) reduced in the SD-R and KD-R groups. Plasma β-hydroxybutyrate levels were significantly (p < 0.001) increased in the SD-R and KD-R groups compared to their respective UR groups. Seizure susceptibility remained high in both UR-fed groups throughout the study, but was significantly reduced after three weeks in both R-fed groups. The results indicate that seizure susceptibility in EL mice is dependent on plasma glucose levels and that seizure control is more associated with the amount than with the origin of dietary calories. Also, CR underlies the antiepileptic and anticonvulsant action of the KD in EL mice. A transition from glucose to ketone bodies for energy is predicted to manage EL epileptic seizures through multiple integrated changes of inhibitory and excitatory neural systems.
Effects of voice timbre and accompaniment on working memory as measured by sequential monosyllabic digit recall performance.

BACKGROUND Information is often paired with music in an attempt to facilitate recall and enhance learning. However, there is a lack of basic research investigating how music carrying information might facilitate recall and subsequent learning. OBJECTIVE The purpose of the current study was to determine the effects of voice timbre and accompaniment on working memory as measured by recall performance on a sequential digit recall task. Specific research questions were as follows: (a) How might female and male voice timbres affect serial recall? (b) How might piano, guitar, and no accompaniment affect serial recall? (c) Do music majors have enhanced recall accuracy when compared to nonmusic majors? METHODS The recall of information paired with six different melodies was tested on 60 university students. Melodies were composed and recorded using female and male voices with three levels of accompaniment: guitar, piano, and no accompaniment. RESULTS Participants had more accurate recall during the male voice and piano and no accompaniment conditions and least accurate recall during the female voice and guitar accompaniment conditions. CONCLUSIONS As participants had most accurate recall during the male voice and with piano or no accompaniment, clinicians are encouraged to consider using no accompaniment or piano accompaniment when initially teaching social and academic information paired with music for later recall. When possible, vocal timbre (i.e., the potential benefit of male voicing) should also be considered. Implications for clinical practice, limitations of the study, and suggestions for future research are provided.
Characteristics of test anxiety among medical students and congruence of strategies to address it

Introduction : Medical students may experience test anxiety associated with ‘high stakes’ exams, such as Step 1 of the United States Medical Licensing Examination. Methods : We collected qualitative responses about test anxiety at three points in time from 93 second-year medical students engaged in studying for and taking Step 1. Results : Causes of test anxiety as reported by students were related to negative self-talk during preparation for the exam. Effects of anxiety had to do with emotional well-being, cognitive functioning, and physical well-being. Strategies included socializing with others and a variety of cognitive and physical approaches. Comparison of individuals’ strategies with causes and effects showed some congruence, but substantial incongruence between the types of strategies chosen and the reported causes and effects of test anxiety. Discussion : Students’ adoption of a ‘menu’ of strategies rather than one or two carefully selected strategies suggest inefficiencies that might be addressed by interventions, such as advisor-directed conversations with students and incorporating student self-assessment and strategies for managing anxiety within courses on test-taking. Such interventions are in need of further study. An annotated list of evidence-based strategies would be helpful to students and educators. Most important, test anxiety should be viewed by medical educators as a ‘real’ experience, and students would benefit from educator support. Keywords: test anxiety; high-stakes exams; test-taking; medical students (Published: 13 August 2014) Citation: Med Educ Online 2014, 19 : 25211 - http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/meo.v19.25211
VBR MPEG video coding with dynamic bandwidth renegotiation

A scheme for VBR video coding is proposed where encoding bandwidth can be renegotiated between the encoder and the network during the duration of a call. Renegotiation can be initiated by either the encoder or the network. The encoder's bandwidth requirement is characterized by a usage parameter control (UPC) set consisting of peak rate, burst length and sustained rate. An adaptive encoder rate-control algorithm at the network interface card (NIC) computes the necessary UPC parameters to maintain the user specified quality-of-service (QoS). The network may, optionally, set a lower UPC value to deal with congestion. Simulation results are given for a rate-controlled VBR video encoder operating through an ATM network interface which supports dynamic UPC. These results suggest that dynamic band-width renegotiation could provide significant quality gains and/or bandwidth savings with graceful degradation during renegotiation transients, even in the presence of relatively large feedback delay.
Verifying High-Confidence Interactive Systems: Electronic Voting and Beyond

Human interaction is central to many computing systems that require a high level of assurance. We term such systems as high-confidence interactive systems. Examples of such systems include aircraft control systems (interacting with a pilot), automobiles with self-driving features (interacting with a driver), medical devices (interacting with a doctor), and electronic voting machines (interacting with a voter). A major challenge to verifying the correct operation of such systems is that it is difficult to formally specify the human user’s view of correct operation and perception of the input/output interface. In this paper, we describe a promising approach towards addressing this challenge that combines formal verification with systematic testing by humans. We describe an illustrative application of this approach to electronic voting in the U.S., and outline directions for future work.
Emotion-focused treatments for anorexia nervosa: a systematic review of the literature

The present review explores emotion-focused treatments for anorexia nervosa (AN). We conducted a systematic literature search across key databases (PsychINFO, PubMed/Medline, and Web of Science) prior to September 2015. Twenty studies were selected for systematic review. The present review found initial evidence supporting the acceptability and feasibility of emotion-focused treatments for AN. Although preliminary results are promising, further controlled studies are necessary to establish the efficacy of emotion-focused treatments for AN. Future controlled trials should compare emotion-focused treatments against each other and against other AN treatments. Future studies should also examine the mechanisms of action for the emotion-focused treatments and treatment moderators.
The Federal Reserve: Reality Trumps Rhetoric

Robert Higgs (1987) has made of brilliant career of showing how the state makes good use of crises both real and perceived by centralizing and accumulating power to itself. The advent of the Federal Reserve is quintessential example of this phenomenon of political economy. The Panic of 1907 opened the door for the creation of a central bank, as various bankers, intellectuals, and politicians cited the Panic to make a case for the benefits of central banking. Beginning with the now modest claim that a central bank would make financial panics obsolete by ensuring an elastic currency, over the past 100 years, Fed rhetoric has escalated so that the masses are now assured that our central bank is absolutely indispensable for the smooth functioning of the entire social economy. In light of the history of Federal Reserve activity and its consequences, Fed rhetoric was wrong at every point. Rather than promoting stability, Federal Reserve monetary policy has resulted in economic destruction: massive price inflation, the consequential withering away of the dollar’s purchasing power, and the worst financial panics and depressions in the history of the United States.
Effects of Sweeping Jet Actuator Parameters on Flow Separation Control.

A parametric experimental study was performed with sweeping jet actuators (fluidic oscillators) to determine their effectiveness in controlling flow separation on an adverse pressure gradient ramp. Actuator parameters that were investigated include blowing coefficients, operation mode, pitch and spreading angles, streamwise location, aspect ratio, and scale. Surface pressure measurements and surface oil flow visualization were used to characterize the effects of these parameters on the actuator performance. 2D Particle Image Velocimetry measurements of the flow field over the ramp and hot-wire measurements of the actuator's jet flow were also obtained for selective cases. In addition, the sweeping jet actuators were compared to other well-known flow control techniques such as micro-vortex generators, steady blowing, and steady vortex-generating jets. The results confirm that the sweeping jet actuators are more effective than steady blowing and steady vortex-generating jets. The results also suggest that an actuator with a larger spreading angle placed closer to the location where the flow separates provides better performance. For the cases tested, an actuator with an aspect ratio, which is the width/depth of the actuator throat, of 2 was found to be optimal. For a fixed momentum coefficient, decreasing the aspect ratio to 1 produced weaker vortices while increasing the aspect ratio to 4 reduced coverage area. Although scaling down the actuator (based on the throat dimensions) from 0.25 inch x 0.125 inch to 0.15 inch x 0.075 inch resulted in similar flow control performance, scaling down the actuator further to 0.075 inch x 0.0375 inch reduced the actuator efficiency by reducing the coverage area and the amount of mixing in the near-wall region. The results of this study provide insight that can be used to design and select the optimal sweeping jet actuator configuration for flow control applications.
THERMOREGULATORY ROLE OF THE UNFEATHERED HEAD AND NECK IN MALE WILD TURKEYS

ABsTmAcr.-The brightly colored, unfeathered heads and necks of male Wild Turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) are generally thought to function in sexual selection. However, studies in other bird species have suggested that uninsulated body regions may serve an important role in heat dissipation. I test the heat-dissipation hypothesis in Wild Turkeys by experimentally reinsulating the heads and necks of Wild Turkeys as though they were feathered. The oxygen consumption, thermal conductance, cooling capacity, surface temperatures, and core temperature of control and reinsulated Wild Turkeys were compared at 00, 220 and 35?C. Head insulation resulted in significantly increased rates of oxygen consumption, higher body temperatures, and decreased cooling capacities at 35?C, but had no significant effect at the other temperatures tested. It appears that behavioral changes at low temperatures, such as tucking the head under the back feathers, effectively prevent the heat loss that would otherwise be caused by the absence of feathers. However, if the head were feathered, turkeys at high temperatures would be unable to dissipate sufficient heat to maintain thermeostasis. Thus, given this finding for Wild Turkeys, it can no longer be said that in all cases bare heads in birds have evolved by sexual selection alone. Loss of head and neck feathering in Wild Turkeys and other birds may have allowed these species to take advantage of regions in time and space that previously were unexploitable due to the dangers of hyperthermia. Received 22 June 1994, accepted 27 January 1995.
Phase Spectroscopy of Atmospheric Gases across a 2-km Open-Air Path by Dual-Comb Spectroscopy

Phase spectroscopy of CO2, CH4 and H2O is demonstrated across a 2-km long atmospheric path and a 7 THz bandwidth. Turbulence-induced phase noise is mitigated through acquisition of individual spectra within 0.13 seconds and phase correction.
Study on Relationship of Sexual Transmission of AIDS Among Different Populations

Sexual transmission has become the main route of transmission of ADIS in China.The AIDS from high-risk groups with vulnerable populations to the general population has become a major problem.We investigate the sexual behavior characteristics of high-risk groups so as to provide an information and scientific basis for taking targeted prevention and control measures.The sexual behavior characteristics of AIDS and the situation of HIV infection in different populations are summarized as follows.