cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
SYNOPTIC CONTROLS ON PRECIPITATION IN THE VALLEY OF OAXACA, MEXICO

The valley of Oaxaca is an important agricultural centre in the highlands of southern Mexico. Precipitation is a major control on rain- fed agriculture. Daily, monthly, and annual precipitation in the valley of Oaxaca are linked synoptically to distinct meso- and large-scale patterns of atmospheric pressure and temperature. During the summer rainy season, daily precipitation in the valley coincides with lower atmospheric pressures over Mexico. Anomalous lows increase convergence and draw maritime air landward. From June through to September, monthly average 850 hPa level temperatures in the Mexico–USA border region are consistently higher during the valley's wettest years compared with dry years. This link with atmospheric temperatures in the border region suggests that precipitation in the valley of Oaxaca is affected by variations in the Mexico monsoon, a tongue of maritime air that is drawn up the Mexican west coast and into the south-west USA during summer. Precipitation in the valley of Oaxaca also varies according to the frequency and position of tropical storms and hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico and Pacific Ocean. Significant correlations between precipitation in the valley and storm frequency occur during August and September. Finally, El Nino–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) warm events are associated with dry conditions in the valley owing to a southward displacement of the Inter Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) during the low phase of the Southern Oscillation and diminished storm frequency in the Gulf of Mexico.
Occipital seizures and subcortical T2 hypointensity in the setting of hyperglycemia

Abstract Introduction Occipital lobe seizures are a recognized manifestation of diabetic nonketotic hyperglycemia, though not as common as focal motor seizures. Occipital lobe white matter T2 hypointensity may suggest this diagnosis. Methods We present a case of a 66-year-old man with hyperglycemia-related occipital lobe seizures who presented with confusion, intermittent visual hallucinations, and homonymous hemianopia. Results Magnetic resonance imaging showed subcortical T2 hypointensity within the left occipital lobe with adjacent leptomeningeal enhancement. These findings were transient with disappearance in a follow-up MRI. The EEG captured frequent seizures originating in the left occipital region. HbA1c level was 13.4% on presentation, and finger stick blood glucose level was 400 mg/dl. Conclusion Hyperglycemia should be considered in the etiology of differential diagnosis of patients with visual abnormalities suspicious for seizures, especially when the MRI shows focal subcortical T2 hypointensity with or without leptomeningeal enhancement.
Ferromagnetism in interstitially hardened austenitic stainless steel induced by low-temperature gas-phase nitriding

Interstitial hardening via low-temperature gas-phase nitriding of 316L austenitic stainless steel can induce ferromagnetism in the outer regions of the hardened “cases”. Magnetic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, electron backscatter diffraction, X-ray diffractometry and Auger electron spectroscopy revealed that the transition from paramagnetic to ferromagnetic behavior requires a critical nitrogen concentration of about 14 at.% in interstitial solid solution, which expands the lattice parameter of the austenite by about 5%.
Magnetostriction of Si-doped YIG at low temperatures

The magnetostriction of Fe2+ ions introduced by Si4+ in YIG, has been measured at low temperatures by means of strain gauges. It is substantially larger at 77°K than at 4°K. This is explained by electron migration at elevated temperatures, leading to a decrease in perturbing potential of the Si ions by a factor two.
The stable topological-hyperbolic space form problem for complete manifolds of finite volume

About fifteen years ago, A. Borel posed the following conjecture. Let M" be a closed aspherical manifold, i.e., rciM"=O for i > 1. If g: N",M ~ is a homotopy equivalence where N" is another manifold, then g is homotopic to a homeomorphism. A stable version of this conjecture for M R a closed nonpositively curved manifold was verified in [4, Corollary B]. Namely, if M" is a closed non-positively curved manifold and g: N " * M ~ is a homotopy equivalence where N" is a manifold, then
Framing and Sales Promotions: The Characteristics of a ″Good Deal″

Considers the differences between consumer perceptions of nonmonetary promotions such as free extra product and monetary promotions such as discounts and rebates. Reports on an experiment which found that monetary promotions did not have to be as large as nonmonetary promotions to be noticed by the consumer, and that large incentives make consumers sceptical. Concludes that the decision about which type of promotion to use depends on whether a price‐conscious or a premium product market segment is being sought.
The Effects of Parasitoids on Sympatric Host Races of Rhagoletis Pomonella (Diptera: Tephritidae)

Enemy-free space is a potentially important factor affecting host plant use by phytophagous insects. In particular, escape from parasitoids, predators and competitors could mediate a successful host shift by compensating for decreased feeding performance on a new plant. Here I investigate the effects that two braconid wasp parasitoids (Opius lectus and Biosteres melleus) have on sympatric host races of Rhagoletispomonella (Diptera: Tephritidae) infesting apple (Malus pumila) and hawthorn (Crataegus spp.) at a field site near Grant, Michigan, USA. Levels of parasitoid attack were much lower for fly larvae infesting the derived host apple (13%) compared to the ancestral host hawthorn (46%). At least three factors con- tributed to apples being a relatively safe haven from parasitoids for maggots. First, apples were larger (mean fruit width = 5.2 cm) than hawthorns (mean width = 1.6 cm). Apples therefore provided greater physical protection for fly larvae than hawthorns because the ovipositors of female wasps were too short to reach a majority of maggots feeding within apples. Second, apples had an earlier fruiting phenology than hawthorns and the seasonal distribution of 0. lectus parasitoids was asynchronous with the development of larvae in apples. Third, hawthorn fruits were infested by various species of caterpillars (tortricids and an agonoxenid) and a curculionid weevil to a much greater degree than apples (65% compared to 11%). These heterospecific insects forced fly larvae to feed near the surface of hawthorn fruits where they were more prone to detection and attack from braconids (73% of larvae feeding in hawthorns with heterospecific insects were parasitized compared to 34% of larvae infesting hawthorns without caterpillars and weevils). Data from other
Probing ultracold collisional dynamics with frequency-chirped pulses

We report on the dynamics of ultracold collisions induced by near-resonant frequency-chirped light. A series of identical chirped pulses, separated by a variable delay, is applied to an ultracold sample of $^{85}\mathrm{Rb}$, and the rate of inelastic trap-loss collisions is measured. For small detunings of the chirped light below the atomic resonance, we observe that the rate of collisions induced by a given pulse can be increased by the presence of an earlier pulse. We attribute this to the enhancement of short-range collisional flux by the long-range excitation of atom pairs to an attractive molecular potential. For larger detunings and short delays, we find that a leading pulse can suppress the rate of collisions caused by a following pulse. This is due to a depletion of short-range atom pairs by the earlier pulse. Comparison of our data to classical Monte Carlo simulations of the collisions yields reasonable agreement.
Triplets after cloacal malformation repair.

Abstract Background: Patients with cloacal malformations at birth usually require multiple surgical procedures to correct their anatomic defects. In addition, many also have associated Mullerian anomalies. Those who conceive after repairs invariably are considered “high-risk” pregnancies and are considered poor candidates for maintaining multiple gestations. Further, because of the nature of their defects and their repairs, following such patients with multiple gestation presents unique challenges. Case: A 29-year-old multipara conceived triplets and delivered at 30 weeks with a good maternal and neonatal outcome. Conclusions: Patients with repaired cloacal abnormalities present unique challenges and risks compared to the general population with regard to the risks of multiple pregnancies.
Energetics of advanced integrated wastewater pond systems

An energy balance is presented for a second generation Advanced Integrated Wastewater Pond System (AIWPS) prototype at the University of California, Berkeley, Environmental Engineering and Health Sciences Laboratory in Richmond, California. Modifications were made to the existing 1.8 ML facultative pond in order to further optimize methane fermentation and to demonstrate the recovery of methane using a submerged gas collector. Methane production rates were determined over a range of in-pond digester loadings and temperatures. The feasibility of submerged gas collection was proven, and the advantages of in-pond digestion in terms of BOD 5 and VSS removal as well as biogas scrubbing were quantified. Biogas methane concentrations increased by more than 50% as the biogas emerged through the overlying water column and most of the carbon dioxide fraction was utilized by microalgae. Electrical power requirements for mixing two 0.1 hectare algal High Rate Ponds (HRPs) were measured over a range of channel depths and velocities, and electrical power requirements for daily recirculation pumping were also measured. Oxygenation and total treatment energy requirements for the second generation AIWPS prototype at Richmond were compared with oxygenation and total treatment energy requirements for the first generation AIWPS at St. Helena, California and for two mechanical wastewater treatment plants of comparable capacity and effluent quality at Pinole and Brentwood, California. Using preliminary methane production and recovery rates achieved at Richmond, the cogeneration potential was estimated and projected for larger second generation AIWPSs of 2 MLD and 200 MLD capacities. By incorporating methane recovery and electrical power generation together with efficient HRP mixing using paddle wheels, full-scale second generation AIWPSs will be able to produce as much energy as they require for primary and secondary treatment. Additional energy would be required to produce a tertiary disinfected effluent suitable for unrestricted reuse in California, including recreational and indirect potable reuse. The additional power requirements for complete algal harvest using dissolved air flotation (DAF) and filtration were estimated for second generation AIWPSs based on data collected at Richmond and Stockton, California, and the additional power requirements for final UV disinfection were estimated.
Predictions of cement microfracture under crowns using 3D-FEA.

Purpose The objective of this research study was to test the effects of (1) crown margin type, (2) cement type, (3) cement thickness, (4) loading direction, and (5) loading magnitude on stress levels and distributions within luting cement that might lead to cement microfracture using three-dimensional Finite Element Analysis techniques. Materials and Methods Thirty-two three-dimensional computer models, as well as models for standards, were generated for a mandibular first premolar. Crown preparations exhibited shoulder or chamfer margin configurations, and zinc phosphate, zinc polycarboxylate, glass ionomer, and resin cements were used in thicknesses of 25 or 100 μm. Modeled crowns were loaded axially or obliquely at 10 and 100 MPa. Areas and levels of stress concentrations within the cement were determined. Results Stresses in the cement were low for all situations except 100 MPa oblique stressing. Stresses at the margins of crowns with chamfer marginal configuration were higher than those with shoulder margins. Stresses under oblique stressing were 10 to 150 times higher than under axial stressing. Except for Zn phosphate cement, cement thickness minimally affected stress levels and distributions. Greater stresses were found in cements with the greater Young's modulus. Conclusions Although the chamfer margin design could lead to greater stresses near the margins that places the cement at risk for microfracture and possible crown failure, glass-ionomer and composite resin cements have more favorable mechanical properties for resisting microfracture.
On the nonexistence of certain ideal forming operations for extrusion and drawing dies

It is shown that an ideal forming operation for an extrusion or drawing die shrinks not only the cross-sectional area but also the perimeter. It follows that for any billet shape there are product cross-sections which can be produced by extrusion or drawing dies but not by ideal forming operations.
Parent-reported social support for child's fruit and vegetable intake: validity of measures.

Abstract Objective To develop and validate measures of parental social support to increase their child’s fruit and vegetable (FV) consumption. Design Cross-sectional study design. Setting School and home. Participants Two hundred three parents with at least 1 elementary school-aged child. Main Outcome Measure Parents completed a questionnaire that included instrumental social support scale (ISSPS), emotional social support scale (ESSPS), household FV availability and accessibility index, and demographics. Analysis Exploratory factor analysis with promax rotation was conducted to obtain the psychometric properties of ISSPS and ESSPS. Internal consistency and test-retest reliabilities were also assessed. Results Factor analysis indicated a 4-factor model for ESSPS: positive encouragement, negative role modeling, discouragement, and an item cluster called reinforcement. Psychometric properties indicated that ISSPS performed best as independent single scales with α = .87. Internal consistency reliabilities were acceptable, and test-retest reliabilities ranged from low to acceptable. Correlations between scales, subscales, and item clusters were significant ( P Conclusions and Implications The ISSPS and ESSPS subscales demonstrated good internal consistency reliability and are suitable for impact assessment of an intervention designed to target parents to help their children eat more fruit and vegetables.
Stimulation of Gonadotrophin Secretion in the Chick

The drug, l-(p-2-diethylaminoethoxyphenyl)- l-phenyl-2-p-methoxyphenol ethanol (MER-25), has been reported to be an estrogen antagonist and to have no androgenic or gonadotrophic properties. Under our experimental conditions, we failed to find evidence for antagonism of endogenous estrogens when the drug was administered to brown Leghorn pullets. Significant gonadal stimulation and comb growth were observed in treated pullets and cockerels, but no comb growth was observed in treated capons. Pituitaries from MER-treated pullets caused significant testicular hypertrophy when assayed on baby chicks. It was concluded that MER-25 stimulated the production of endogenous gonadotrophic hormones.(Endocrinology 77: 756, 1965)
Influence of glycosaminoglycan content on mass transfer behavior of porcine artery wall. Part 2. Differences in mass transfer rates related to variations in glycosaminoglycan content.

Abstract It has been suggested that the glycosaminoglycans (GAG) influence atherogenesis by regulating the permeability of the arterial wall. For this reason, a study has been made of the diffusive transport of Ca 2+ and water across the in vitro porcine artery wall, where particular attention was focused on the influence of GAG content and distribution within the wall on the transport properties. The radioisotopes 45 Ca and 3 HHO were used to measure the tracer-diffusion flux in a stirred, two chamber diffusion cell. GAG were isolated, fractionated using a cetyl pyridinium chloride-cellulose column procedure, and assayed using a colorimetric carbazole reaction for uronic acid. The biochemical analyses showed that the pulmonary artery contains significantly more hyaluronic acid and dermatan sulfate than found in two locations in the thoracic aorta. In addition, a significant regression was found for the diffusion coefficient of 45 Ca 2+ (99% level) and 3 HHO (95% level) versus specific GAG fractions. The regression indicated an increase in permeability with increase in the ratio of sulfated : nonsulfated GAG.
Gender-specific relationship between serum uric acid level and atrial fibrillation prevalence.

Background: Although various kinds of cardiovascular risk factors have been reported to be associated with atrial fibrillation (AF), the relationship between serum uric acid level and AF has not been fully examined. Methods and Results: Data were collected from a single hospital-based cohort in the Shinken Database 2004-2008 (n=11,123), and consisted of serum uric acid level for 7,155 patients. The association between serum uric acid level and AF prevalence was evaluated on logistic regression. Uric acid significantly increased the crude AF prevalence in both men and women (both, P<0.001). The odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95%CI) in the highest tertile compared with the lowest one were 3.368 (2.478-4.578) and 1.408 (1.169-1.695) in women and men, respectively. Uric acid was also significantly associated with other various cardiovascular risk factors for AF. Even after the multivariate model was adjusted using these variables, the effect of uric acid on AF was independent in women (OR, 1.888; 95%CI: 1.278-2.790), but not in men. Conclusions: Reflecting the composite of various cardiovascular risk factors, serum uric acid level was apparently associated with AF prevalence. The independent association in women might imply some sex-specific mechanisms. The results should be confirmed in prospective studies. (Circ J 2012; 76: 607-611)
Natural selection by avian predators on size and colour of a freshwater snail (Pomacea flagellata)

We identify two avian predators of the Neotropical apple snail, Pomaceaflagellata, and estimate the strength, direction and form of multivariate natural selection by these predators on size and colour of snail shells. Limpkins are tactile predators and act as agents of disruptive selection on snail size, selecting average-sized snails disproportionately more often than small or large snails (y = 0.39, SE = 0.08). In addition, we were able to identify variation in handling behaviours and snail size selection among individual limpkins. Individual limpkins showed preferences for snails of different sizes and punctured the snail shells opposite the aperture mainly when handling large snails. Snail kites are visual predators and seem to be agents of directional selection against lighter coloured snails (β= 0.66, SE = 0.33). The ecological interaction between the apple snail and its predators provides a powerful system to further explore the role of predation in determining evolutionary changes in snail behaviour, morphology and life history.
Preprocedural planning for endovascular stent-graft placement

Endovascular stent grafts have become a viable treatment for aortic thoracic and abdominal aneurysms in both elective and emergent situations. Computed tomographic (CT) angiography is the primary tool for determining eligibility for this procedure. This article discuses the preprocedural evaluation of an endovascular stent candidate. Evaluation begins with identification of the aneurysm pathology and its relationship to treatment efficacy. The radiologist must evaluate the aneurysm geometry for compatibility with stent hardware. Aneurysm features that suggest a contraindication must be recognized. Procedures that involve a combination of endovascular stenting and surgical revascularization are discussed so that the reader understands the limits of stent eligibility. Vascular access for stent placement must also be evaluated for the ability to accommodate stent delivery. The radiologist also must be familiar with CT imaging protocols and alternative methods of imaging that can evaluate stent feasibility. The utility of three-dimensional processing is discussed.
Shear creep deformation in polysynthetically twinned (PST) Ti–47Al–2Nb–2Cr with 〈110〉 and 〈112〉 orientations

Abstract Stress and temperature change creep experiments under a compression shear stress state were conducted on polysynthetically twinned (PST) crystals prepared from a cast and HIPed Ti–47Al–2Cr–2Nb alloy. Specimens with 〈110〉 and 〈112〉 directions parallel to the principle resolved shear stress were deformed and the deformation characteristics are compared. Transient creep of the PST crystal after stress and temperature changes (at 9.5–34 MPa and 760–806°C) exhibited `normal' behavior and indicates Class M type creep deformation in TiAl. The stress exponent n changes from 3.1 to 5.3 with increasing strain. The activation energy Q =137 kJ mol −1 at 28 MPa for the 〈110〉 PST indicates that dislocation glide aided by pipe diffusion is a likely mechanism of creep deformation in this deformation regime. The activation energy (185 kJ mol −1 at 13 MPa) of the 〈112〉 PST is higher than the 〈110〉 PST crystal, but primary creep in the 〈112〉 direction occurs much faster than for the 〈110〉 direction at a higher stress. Primary creep at 9.5 MPa in the 〈112〉 direction caused a 25% refinement of lamellar spacing that hardened the microstructure, indicating that mechanical twinning parallel to the lamellar planes provided an easy initial deformation path during primary creep. At strains near 1%, the creep strength of the two orientations becomes similar.
Paraneoplastic limbic encephalopathy

Paraneoplastic limbic encephalopathy (PLE) is a remote, nonmetastatic complication of carcinoma. Neuropsychiatric symptoms consists of cognitive, affective, and behavioral changes that can predate the diagnosis of carcinoma by as much as 6 years. The most striking feature is the development of an amnestic syndrome without generalized intellectual decline. We report a case of PLE, including neuropsychological test results, and review the features of similar cases in the literature. The postulated causes and clinical implications of PLE are discussed.
Use of thermospray liquid chroamtography—mass spectrometry for characterization of reactive metabolites of 3′-hydroxyacetanilide, an on-hepatotoxic regioisomer of acetaminophen

3'-Hydroxyacetanilide (AMAP) is a non-hepatotoxic regioisomer of acetaminophen that nonetheless does form reactive metabolites that are trapped as glutathione thioether adducts. These reactive intermediates are, 4-acetamido-o-benzoquinone, 2-acetamido-p-benzoquinone and N-acetyl-3-methoxy-p-benzoquinone. Thermospray liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (TSP LC-MS) was used to characterize products of reactions of these reactive compounds with cysteine or N-acetyl-cysteine. The TSP spectra of the mono- and bis-thioether adducts showed protonated molecular ions and characteristic fragmentation patterns. The chromatographic resolution together with the MS selectivity allowed for unequivocal identification of these conjugates in the urine of mice treated with AMAP.
Public Housing Residents Making Their Courtyard Safe From Drugs

ABSTRACT This pilot study examines how children and their caretakers who live in public housing experience and manage drug activities that surround them. Consistent with social disorganization/collective efficacy models and defensible space theory, findings from 2 focus groups suggest that monitoring children, shared values about parenting, and screening strangers entering the community helped residents establish a safe environment with healthy principles. Residents insulated their courtyard neighborhood from outside public housing residents, presumably to minimize competition over resources and restrict what they see as negative influences. Social work community practitioners need to tap into the collective efficacy of these vital neighborhoods to help the broader public housing community.
Aspiration during induction of anaesthesia in patients with colon interposition.

The risk of aspiration during induction of anaesthesia in patients with oesophageal disease is not well defined, and controversy exists with respect to patients who have undergone pharyngeal-gastric colon interposition. Excellent gastrooesophageal competence has been documented in many of these patients, and propulsive peristalsis has been demonstrated in interposed colonic segments, suggesting that aspiration risk is low. This report, however, describes recent anaesthetic experiences in two patients with colon interpositions and shows that these patients may have markedly redundant interposed segments that retain food or other particulate residue and, thus, present a significant risk of paniculate aspiration. Awake intubation may be the best approach to avoid aspiration in these patients.
Toward a theory of culturally relevant critical teacher care: African American teachers’ definitions and perceptions of care for African American students

Growing research evidence on the ethic of care suggests that caring should be an integral part of the pedagogical methods implemented in schools. However, the colour blind ‘community of care’ often described in the literature does not disaggregate lines of ethnicity or race and much of this existing literature concerns elementary‐ and middle‐school students. This phenomenological study examined teacher care for African American secondary students, through a theoretical lens of critical race and care theory, as it was represented through the counter stories of eight ‘successful’ African American teachers. Findings revealed that teachers’ definitions and perceptions of care reflected a blend of traditional care literature, critical race theory and the literature on African American teachers before and after the US Supreme Court’s landmark Brown decision on integration. Findings also reveal the possibility of a pedagogy that I refer to as ‘culturally relevant critical teacher care’.
The case for a configure-and-execute paradigm

Tomorrow's silicon chips will hold more transistors than most embedded system designers could possibly use under the prevalent "describe-and-synthesize" design paradigm. Many have thus re-proposed the once popular "capture-and-simulate" paradigm, wherein pre-designed Intellectual Property software and hardware components are connected and co-simulated, to reduce this gap. However, major hurdles limit this paradigm to only very high-cost embedded systems. In this paper, we describe those hurdles and present a case for a new "configure-and-execute" paradigm for mainstream embedded systems, based on the idea of deconstructing rather than constructing systems, which takes advantage of the surplus transistors in a way that can overcome the hurdles and significantly reduce time-to-market.
Morphine analgesia potentiated but tolerance not affected by active immunization against cholecystokinin

Administration of cholecystokinin was recently found to attenuate opiate analgesia. In the present study, the role of endogenous cholecystokinin in opiate analgesia was examined. Endogenously released cholecystokinin was sequestered by antibodies to cholecystokinin developed in response to an active immunization procedure. Morphine analgesia was potentiated and prolonged in rats immunized against cholecystokinin. The rate of development of morphine tolerance, however, was not affected by the antibodies. Endogenous cholecystokinin appears to function as a short-term modulator of opiate action.
Compact Semiconductor Bioluminescence Bio-sensors

We present design of bioluminescence detection systems using semiconductor detectors for rapid parallel diagnostic assays. Bioluminescence emission detection of 109photons/sec was demonstrated using Silicon detectors. Improved GaAs-based bio-sensors were designed for improved detection sensitivity.
Endoscopic placement of collagen at the lower esophageal sphincter to inhibit gastroesophageal reflux: a pilot study of 10 medically intractable patients

Ten highly symptomatic and medically refractory refluxing patients were treated with a new endoscopic technique to decrease gastroesophageal reflux. Cross-linked bovine dermal collagen was injected beneath the mucosa in the area of the lower esophageal sphincter through a 23 gauge needle-tipped catheter. A mean volume of 85 ml of implant was injected in 0.5- to 4-ml increments over 3 to 10 injection sessions. All patients developed objective evidence of decreased reflux by one or more parameters. Nine out of 10 patients had decreased symptoms, and 8 of 9 patients had an increase in lower esophageal pressure after implant injection. Endoscopic implant treatment resulted in statistically significant improvement in symptom scores (p
Peramivir for the treatment of influenza

Peramivir (BioCryst Pharmaceuticals) is a novel investigational intravenous neuraminidase inhibitor that exhibits potent antiviral activity against influenza A and B viruses. Peramivir is created by a structure-based drug design and consists of a cyclopentane backbone with a positively charged guanidinyl group and lipophilic side chains. Peramivir was made available in the USA through the Emergency Investigational New Drug regulations and under an Emergency Use Authorization for hospitalized patients with known or suspected influenza during the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic. In trials involving ambulatory adult subjects, intravenous peramivir is safe and has a pharmacokinetic profile that supports once-daily dosing. The drug is licensed in Japan and South Korea and is currently undergoing Phase III trials in the USA. Viral resistance mechanisms to peramivir have not been fully delineated and ongoing surveillance is important. Given the serious health threat of influenza at all ages and limitations in vaccine delivery, peramivir is a promising addition to the currently limited treatment options for the treatment of severe influenza infection.
Effects of Journalistic Adjudication on Factual Beliefs, News Evaluations, Information Seeking, and Epistemic Political Efficacy

A frequent critique of contemporary journalism is that journalists rarely adjudicate factual disputes when covering politics; however, very little research has been done on the effects of such passive journalism on audiences. This study tests effects of active adjudication versus “he said/she said” journalism on a variety of outcomes, finding that adjudication can correct factual beliefs, increase perceived news quality, satisfy perceived informational needs, and increase the likelihood of future news use. However, for readers who were less interested in the issues under dispute, adjudication also reduced epistemic political efficacy, which is confidence in one's ability to find the truth in politics.
Using stålmarck’s algorithm to prove inequalities

Stalmarck’s 1-saturation algorithm is an incomplete but fast method for computing partial equivalence relations over propositional formulae. Aside from anecdotal evidence, until now little has been known about what it can prove. In this paper we characterize a set of formulae with bitvector-inequalities for which 1-saturation is sufficient to prove unsatisfiability. This result has application to fast predicate abstraction for software with fixed-width bit-vectors.
Action Research and Response to Intervention: Bridging the Discourse Divide

Abstract The purpose of this article is to define and clarify the process of instructional problem-solving using assessment data within action research (AR) and Response to Intervention (RtI). Similarities between AR and RtI are defined and compared. Lastly, specific resources and examples of the instructional problem-solving process of AR within classrooms and schools to implement RtI are provided.
A Discussion of Regulatory Requirements and Air Dispersion Modeling Approaches Applicable to U.S. Chemical Demilitarization Facilities

Owners of hazardous waste treatment, storage, and disposal facilities, and certain major air pollution sources, must conduct several separate ambient air dispersion modeling analyses before beginning construction of new facilities or modifying existing facilities. These analyses are critical components of the environmental permitting and facility certification processes and must be completed to the satisfaction of federal, state, and local regulatory authorities. The U.S. Army has conducted air dispersion modeling for its proposed chemical agent disposal facilities to fulfill the following environmental regulatory and risk management requirements: (1) Resource Conservation and Recovery Act human health and ecological risk assessment analysis for the hazardous waste treatment and storage permit applications, (2) Quantitative Risk Assessment to support the site-specific risk management programs, and (3) Prevention of Significant Deterioration ambient air impact analysis for the air permit applications. The purpose of these air dispersion modeling studies is to show that the potential impacts on human health and the environment, due to operation of the chemical agent disposal facilities, are acceptable. This paper describes and compares the types of air dispersion models, modeling input data requirements, modeling algorithms, and approaches used to satisfy the three environmental regulatory and risk management requirements listed above. Although this paper discusses only one industry (i.e., chemical demilitarization), the information it contains could help those in other industries who need to communicate to the public the purpose and objectives of each modeling analysis. It may also be useful in integrating the results of each analysis into an overarching summary of compliance and potential risks.
Federated Access to Heterogeneous Information Resources in the Neuroscience Information Framework (NIF)

The overarching goal of the NIF (Neuroscience Information Framework) project is to be a one-stop-shop for Neuroscience. This paper provides a technical overview of how the system is designed. The technical goal of the first version of the NIF system was to develop an information system that a neuroscientist can use to locate relevant information from a wide variety of information sources by simple keyword queries. Although the user would provide only keywords to retrieve information, the NIF system is designed to treat them as concepts whose meanings are interpreted by the system. Thus, a search for term should find a record containing synonyms of the term. The system is targeted to find information from web pages, publications, databases, web sites built upon databases, XML documents and any other modality in which such information may be published. We have designed a system to achieve this functionality. A central element in the system is an ontology called NIFSTD (for NIF Standard) constructed by amalgamating a number of known and newly developed ontologies. NIFSTD is used by our ontology management module, called OntoQuest to perform ontology-based search over data sources. The NIF architecture currently provides three different mechanisms for searching heterogeneous data sources including relational databases, web sites, XML documents and full text of publications. Version 1.0 of the NIF system is currently in beta test and may be accessed through http://nif.nih.gov.
Transaction recovery in federated autonomous databases

Transaction management for federated database systems (FDBSs), where each participating DBMS is autonomous, supports global transactions that can access more than one database. A number of concurrency control algorithms exist for the failure-free environment. Handling transaction failure, due to concurrency control or site related reasons, becomes especially difficult in the presence of autonomy. Due to local autonomy, carrying out 2-phase commit may not be possible. This can be simulated by providing a server on top of the pre-existing DBMS at each site, which is responsible for submitting the local operations to the associated DBMS and communicating with the transaction's originating site. In this paper we formalize the problem of ensuring transaction consistency in an FDBS environment in the presence of failure. The key problem is that due to autonomy, the local DBMS and FDBS may have different views of an execution sequence generated at a site.Local recoverability is identified as the property of local execution sequences necessary for correctness. The other main problem is of guaranteeing that the various locally recoverable histories are consistent with each other. These identified properties are necessary and sufficient conditions for the correctness of FDBS recovery algorithms, and can be used to evaluate the correctness of the proposed algorithms. This paper also presents an FDBS recovery algorithm that has been proved to be correct. Formal proofs of all properties and a comparison of different algorithms are provided.
ESL Reading: Schema Theory and Standardized Tests

U The term schema refers to the mental organization of an individual's past experience (Bartlett, 1932). Schema theory, based on the psycholinguistic model of reading (Coady, 1979), views reading as an interaction between the readers' background knowledge and the reading text. As Pearson-Casanave (1984) points out, the text does not carry meaning; it provides clues that enable readers to construct meaning from existing knowledge. The text activates and builds on existing schemata. In other words, as we read, we make assumptions about the information according to existing schemata. Schema theory and research (Aron, 1986; Carrell, 1984, 1987; Carrell & Eisterhold, 1983; Johnson, 1981, 1982; Nelson, 1987; Obah, 1983) demonstrate that students' reading comprehension is higher when reading about their native culture. However, on standardized tests such as the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), Michigan Test of English Language Proficiency, ALIGU (American Language Institute, Georgetown University), and the Graduate Record Exam, students are asked to read passages that are probably not related to their native culture. This research asks, Will the improved reading comprehension skills acquired by using reading passages on native culture transfer to improved performance on reading passages on standardized reading tests?
Production of tunable monochromatic x rays by the Vanderbilt free-electron laser

Sustained/long duration X-ray output has been demonstrated emanating from the monochromatic X-ray beamline of the Vanderbilt Free-Electron Laser. Tunable, pulsed monochromatic X-rays ranging in energy from 14 - 18 keV are produced by inverse Compton scattering created by the counter propagation of the FEL e-beam and its own infrared beam. These beams are focused and optimized at an interaction zone between the linac and the wiggler where they are brought into coalignment. The X-rays produced exit the beamline through a beryllium window and are directed onto mosaic crystals which divert the beam to an imaging laboratory on the floor above the vault. The initial application of these X-rays is directed toward human imaging, specifically for the diagnosis of breast diseases including cancer. The characteristics of the X-rays are such that they can be used in standard geometry monochromatic imaging, CT like images of the breast using a rotating mosaic crystal 'optic,' time-of-flight imaging and phase contrast images. Eventual extension to other portions of the body, cell biology and material sciences are already anticipated.© (1999) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Surgical removal of a choroid plexus adenoma using the argon beam coagulator: technical case report

Objective and importance Choroid plexus tumors may be extremely vascular, limiting surgical resection. A case of a choroid plexus adenoma is presented in which the argon beam coagulator (System 6500; ConMed Corp., Utica, NY) was used as a surgical adjunct. Clinical presentation A 12-year-old male patient with a giant tumor of the lateral ventricle presented with visual loss and was found to have a large intraventricular tumor. At surgery, the tumor was extremely vascular, and the pathological finding was consistent with a choroid plexus adenoma. Technique Because of its vascularity, the tumor was resected in stages with the aid of the argon beam coagulator. Conclusion We conclude that this device may have application in selected neurosurgical operations.
Enthalpy-of-formation data on compounds of uranium with groups VA and VIA elements

Abstract Enthalpy-of-formation data ( ΔH f 0) were obtained by means of direct-reaction calorimetry on the following compounds: UP, UP 1.33 , UAs, UAs 1.33 , USb, USb 1.33 , USb 2 , US, US 1.5 , USe, USe 1.33 , UTe and UTe 1.33 . A preliminary value also was obtained for UBi 1.33 . Within each group the ΔH f 0 values show a systematic decrease with increasing U-X distance and, given equivalent U-X distances, the UX(VI) compounds have higher ΔH f 0 values than those of the UX(V) compounds.
Word identification and eye fixation locations in visual and visual-plus-auditory presentations of spoken sentences.

In this study, we investigated where people look on talkers’ faces as they try to understand what is being said. Sixteen young adults with normal hearing and demonstrated average speechreading proficiency were evaluated under two modality presentation conditions: vision only versus vision plus lowintensity sound. They were scored for the number of words correctly identified from 80 unconnected sentences spoken by two talkers. The results showed two competing tendencies: an eye primacy effect that draws the gaze to the talker’s eyes during silence and an information source attraction effect that draws the gaze to the talker’s mouth during speech periods. Dynamic shifts occur between eyes and mouth prior to speech onset and following the offset of speech, and saccades tend to be suppressed during speech periods. The degree to which the gaze is drawn to the mouth during speech and the degree to which saccadic activity is suppressed depend on the difficulty of the speech identification task. Under the most difficult modality presentation condition, vision only, accuracy was related to average sentence difficulty and individual proficiency in visual speech perception, but not to the proportion of gaze time directed toward the talker’s mouth or toward other parts of the talker’s face.
The proximal 350 bp of 5'-flanking sequence of the human α-subunit glycoprotein hormone gene functions in the pituitary gland, but not the placenta, in transgenic mice.

To understand better the minimal DNA sequence requirements for regulated expression of the human α-subunit glycoprotein hormone gene (Hα), two lines of transgenic mice were constructed that contained a fusion gene (Hα-350CAT) consisting of only 350 bp of 5′-flanking sequence of Hα linked to the bacterial gene encoding chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT). CAT activity was detectable in pituitary, but not in brain, heart, kidney, liver, lung, pancreas, or spleen in transgenic mice. Gonadectomy increased (p<0.05) CAT activity in the pituitaries of males (6.5±1.4% conversion/μg protein; mean ± SEM) and females (14.5±4.2) compared to intact males (1.2±0.3) and females (6.7±1.0). In addition, administration of a GnRH antagonist (antide; 60 μg/injection; one injection every other day) for 10 d to gonadectomized animals decreased (p<0.05) CAT activity in males (3.5±0.8) and females (2.9±0.5) compared to gonadectomized animals that received saline. Antide also reduced (p<0.05) serum concentrations of luteinizing hormone in gonadectomized males and females compared to gonadectomized animals that received saline. Surprisingly, CAT activity in the placenta of Hα-350CAT transgenic mice was not detectable (<3 SD above the mean of CAT activity in placenta from nontransgenic mice;n=77). Thus, expression of the human α-subunit promoter in the placenta of transgenic mice appears to require DNA sequences upstream of the proximal 350 bp of 5′-flanking sequence, whereas the proximal 350 bp of the human α-subunit gene contains sufficient DNA sequence to target pituitary-specific expression and confer responsiveness to gonadal hormones and GnRH.
Correspondence between physiological and self-report measures of emotion dysregulation: A longitudinal investigation of youth with and without psychopathology

Background: Several theoretical perspectives suggest that emotion dysregulation is a predisposing risk factor for many psychiatric disorders. Yet despite a rapidly evolving literature, difficulties with emotion regulation (ER) are often measured inconsistently across studies, with little regard to whether different approaches capture the same construct. In this study, we evaluate the correspondence between two widely used measures of emotion dysregulation that cut across self-report and physiological levels of analysis. Our objectives were to (1) evaluate whether youth self-reports of ER difficulties correspond with physiological measures of emotion dysregulation collected at baseline and during sad emotion induction, and (2) validate the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS) in a youth sample. Method: We measured emotion dysregulation among a sample of youth with depression, conduct problems, comorbid depression/conduct problems, or no psychiatric condition. Youth were assessed initially at ages 8‐12 (Year 1) and followed up at Years 2 and 3. Respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA), a widely used physiological index of emotion regulation, was measured across all three years during sad emotion induction. At Year 3, the DERS was also administered. Results: Multilevel modeling analyses indicated that slopes in RSA collected across the three assessments were associated with later self-reported ER abilities at the transition into adolescence. These findings were replicated across contexts (baseline and emotional challenge), suggesting that adolescents whose physiological responding to emotional challenge improves also experience fewer difficulties with emotion regulation as they mature. Keywords: Emotion dysregulation, psychopathology, respiratory sinus arrhythmia, Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale. Abbreviations: RSA, Respiratory sinus arrhythmia; DERS, Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale; HLM � , Hierarchical Linear Modeling; ER,
Transmission Electron Microscopic Study of Antibiotic Action on Klebsiella pneumoniae Biofilm

The penetration of ampicillin and ciprofloxacin through biofilms formed by Klebsiella pneumoniae was confirmed by transmission electron microscopic observation of antibiotic-affected cells at the distal edge of the biofilm. Because the bacteria nevertheless survived antibiotic treatment, some protective mechanism other than inadequate penetration must have been at work in the biofilm.
The information capacity of visual attention

Is visual attention mediated by a general-purpose processor with a small data capacity? Such an attentive processor could perform a wide range of transformations upon a small amount of image data. We suggest that this limited capacity corresponds to a fixed amount of information, measured in bits. We measure how much information an observer's attention can handle by measuring how much we can restrict display information without impairing the observer's performance. The attentive visual tasks we study are the detection of a stationary dot in a field of moving dots, and the detection of a static square in a field of flashing squares. Performance of these tasks is perfect up to a critical number of elements (the span of attention) and then falls as the number of elements increases beyond this critical number. The display information required for unimpaired performance in each of these tasks is low; the results indicate that visual attention processes only 30 to 60 bits of display information.