cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The BRISC-V Platform: A Practical Teaching Approach for Computer Architecture

Computer architecture lies at the intersection of electrical engineering, digital design, compiler design, programming language theory and high-performance computing. It is considered a foundational segment of an electrical and computer engineering education. RISC-V is a new and open ISA that is gaining significant traction in academia. Despite it being used extensively in research, more RISC-V-based tools need to be developed in order for RISC-V to gain greater adoption in computer organization and computer architecture classes. To that end, we present the BRISC-V Platform, a design space exploration tool which offers: (1) a web-based RISC-V simulator, which compiles C and executes assembly within the browser, and (2) a web-based generator of fully-synthesizable, highly-modular and parametrizable hardware systems with support for different types of cores, caches, and network-on-chip topologies. We illustrate how we use these tools in teaching computer organization and computer architecture classes, and describe the structure of these classes.
Longitudinal Changes in Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy in Pediatric Concussion: A Pilot Study

Background: Nearly 20% of US adolescents report at least one lifetime concussion. Pathophysiologic models suggest that traumatic biomechanical forces caused by rotational deceleration lead to shear stress, which triggers a neurometabolic cascade beginning with excitotoxicity and leading to significant energy demands and a period of metabolic crisis for the injured brain. Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H MRS) offers a means for non-invasive measurement of neurometabolic changes after concussion. Objective: Describe longitudinal changes in metabolites measured in vivo in the brains of adolescent patients with concussion. Methods: We prospectively recruited 9 patients ages 11 to 20 who presented to a pediatric Emergency Department within 24 h of concussion. Patients underwent MRI scanning within 72 h (acute, n = 8), 2 weeks (subacute, n = 7), and at approximately 1 year (chronic, n = 7). Healthy, age and sex-matched controls were recruited and scanned once (n = 9). 1H MRS was used to measure N-acetyl-aspartate, choline, creatine, glutamate + glutamine, and myo-inositol concentrations in six regions of interest: left and right frontal white matter, posterior white matter and thalamus. Results: There was a significant increase in total thalamus glutamate+glutamine/choline at the subacute (p = 0.010) and chronic (p = 0.010) time points, and a significant decrease in total white matter myo-inositol/choline (p = 0.030) at the chronic time point as compared to controls. Conclusion: There are no differences in 1H MRS measurements in the acute concussive period; however, changes in glutamate+glutamine and myo-inositol concentrations detectable by 1H MRS may develop beyond the acute period.
Understanding District Support for Leader Development and Success in the Accountability Era: A Review of the Literature Using Social-Cognitive Theories of Motivation.

As an intermediary between U.S. state and federal policy and the school, the school district, many scholars maintain, remains a key player in meeting the needs of school-level leadership. Moreover,...
REMOVED: Steady and unsteady flow simulation with SRH-2D

Abstract An unstructured mesh has been developed to simulate both steady and unsteady flow conditions over a spillway. Discretization has been done based on finite volume method for a two-dimensional depth averaged model. Different hydraulic parameters such as water depth profile, velocity, Froude number, shear stress were calculated and presented in detail for both scenarios. Finally, Normalized Shields distribution calculated wherein areas prone to deposition and erosion were estimated accordingly. SRH-2D Model were used as a hydrodynamic tool to investigate the effects of steady and unsteady state flow conditions overflown over the spillway of a dam. Flood plain delineation is crucial both at coastal areas as well as river neighborhood structures. In either case, it will give us a strong sense of buffer zone estimation. This buffer zone acts as a safety distance from the flood in case of water crises.
Phenotyping Nutritional and Antinutritional Traits

Evolution of nutrient-rich food systems to calorie-focused production agriculture has created serious agricultural and human health issues: marginalization of traditional agricultural crops, greater dependence of agricultural inputs, and creation of both energy and micronutrient malnutrition. To date more than half of global human populations are suffering numerous health problems associated with excess calories and lack of essential micronutrients. Pulse crops, in particular lentils, are promising crops not only to improve human health but also to reduce agricultural inputs toward greater agricultural sustainability. In this book chapter, human micronutrient malnutrition issues, suggestions to reduce micronutrient deficiencies, promise of pulse crops using lentil as an example, lentil’s micronutrient and antinutrient profiles, nutrient analytical procedures, and the needs to shift our thinking from calorie-focused to nutrient-focused approaches are also presented.
Slow spectral transfer and energy cascades in isotropic turbulence

A database of highly resolved direct numerical simulations of three-dimensional isotropic turbulence, with Taylor microscale Reynolds numbers ranging from , respond essentially instantly to changes at the large scale.
Review of interruptions in a pediatric subspecialty outpatient clinic

INTRODUCTION The objective of this study was to describe interruptions in the pediatric ambulatory setting and to assess their impact on perceived physician communication, patient satisfaction and recall of provided physician instructions. METHODS An observational study was performed at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Pediatric Gastroenterology clinic. Participation consisted of video recording the clinic visit and the caregiver completed post-visit surveys on communication and satisfaction. Video recordings were coded for interruptions, which were divided into 3 main categories: Visit Associated, Pediatric Associated, and Unanticipated. An interruption rate was calculated and correlated with the following outcome variables to assess the impact of interruptions: caregiver satisfaction, caregiver perception on the quality of physician communication, and caregiver instruction recall. RESULTS There were 675 interruptions noted in the 81 clinic visits, with an average of 7.96 (σ = 7.68) interruptions per visit. Six visits had no interruptions. The Patient was the most frequent interrupter. Significantly higher interruption rates occurred in clinic visits with younger patients (<7 years old) with most of the interruptions being Pediatric Associated interruptions. There was minimal correlation between the clinic visit interruption rate and caregiver satisfaction with the communication, caregiver perception of quality of communication, or caregiver instruction recall rate. CONCLUSION The effect of interruptions on the pediatric visit remains unclear. Interruptions may be part of the communication process to ensure alignment of the patient's agenda. Additional studies are needed to help determine the impact of interruptions and guide medical education on patient communication.
ENTREPRENEURIAL ACQUISITION: FOUNDER RETENTION POST ACQUISITION, ASSET OR LIABILITY?

A growing trend is the acquisition of startups as a source of competitive advantage. In this context, the presence of the founder creates a unique tension that must be considered. Employing a human capital we examine the impact the founders of acquired startups have on post-acquisition success, specifically on employee turnover. We analyze feedback from 369 employees of acquired startups. The findings indicate that levels of entrepreneurial culture and employee commitment post-acquisition are inversely related to employee turnover within the acquired firm. These relationships are found to be fully mediated by whether or not the founder is still in place.
Mental and Physical Health Consequences of Alcohol Use in Women

Chronic consumption of alcohol in levels typically consumed by alcoholic women clearly produces adverse health consequences, including a shorter life expectancy. The health consequences of alcohol use appear to depend on the characteristics of the person consuming the alcohol (genetic vulnerability to particular diseases, the particular point in the life span when the majority of the alcohol is consumed, and the pattern of consumption typical for that individual). For adolescence and young adulthood, emphasis is placed on increased rates of accidental and suicidal mortality. For middle age, breast cancer risk and risk for developing osteoporosis is discussed. Finally, use of alcohol alone and in combination with psychoactive drugs presents special problems for older women. Other specific adverse effects of alcohol are reviewed with respect to gender differences in cardiovascular, hepatological, and neuropathological outcome, as well as with respect to HIV/AIDS. Psychiatric comorbidity and domestic violence are also discussed with respect to gender differences.
Topography of the Escherichia coli ribosome: II. Preliminary sequence of 50 s subunit protein attack by trypsin and its correlation with functional activities

Abstract Roughly 50% of the proteins on the intact 50 s ribosomal subunit are attacked by trypsin in sequential fashion, similar to findings made previously with the 30 s subunit. However, the over-all sensitivity of this subunit to trypsin is lower than that found for the 30 s subunit. There is little change in the sedimentation rate of the 50 s particle even at the highest concentration of trypsin used, and very few of the trypsin-generated peptide fragments are spontaneously released from the subunit. With the 30 s subunit the change in sedimentation rate after trypsin attack is somewhat greater and from 50 to 90% of the peptide fragments are released from the trypsin-treated particle. Peptidyl transferase activity and the ability to bind chloramphenicol, both properties of the 50 s subunit, are lost in parallel and at the relatively early stages of trypsin attack. The present findings, when considered along with the previous results of others, suggest the possibility that one of two proteins in electrophoretic band P13 is the peptidyl transferase activity itself or a major contributor to the transferase site.
Preparation and properties of uniform colloidal metal phosphates: III. Cobalt(II) Phosphate☆☆☆

Spherical colloidal cobalt phosphate particles of narrow size distribution were prepared by aging solutions containing CoSO4 and NaH2PO4 in the presence of urea and sodium dodecyl sulfate. The so obtained solids were amorphous, but crystallized at ∼600°C, without changing the particle shape. The composition of the particles was identified as Co3(PO4)2 · xH2O (x = 3.4–3.7). Most of the bound water was released on calcination at 300°C without a change in the specific surface area of the powder.
On the effects of disturbances in nonlinear control

The control of a nonlinear system whose output is subject to an additive disturbance is considered. The main result is a simple parametrization of the set of all system responses that can be obtained through internally stable control of the given system. An internally stable implementation scheme is provided for each possible response. The class of achievable responses is determined by the numerator of a right coprime fraction representation of the system being controlled. >
Apparent age-related resistance of type II hippocampal corticosteroid receptors to down-regulation during chronic escape training

Corticosteroids appear to modulate neuronal loss in the hippocampus during aging. However, there is a seeming paradox in the literature in that age-related neuronal loss develops more prominently during the later phases of the lifespan, whereas brain corticosterone receptors have been reported to decline with aging, an effect that might be anticipated to reduce the impact of corticosteroids on cell loss. In order to study the regulatory sensitivity of hippocampal corticosteroid receptors (HCSR) during aging, which could play a role in this apparent paradox, rats of 3 ages (4, 12, and 18 months old at the start of training) were given 6 months of chronic escape training using a mild footshock in a 2-way shuttle-escape task (4 hr/d, 5 d/week). Animals were killed either 1 d or 3 weeks following the 6 month training paradigm. Nontrained home cage controls also were maintained in parallel with each age group. Although previous studies have measured receptors in rats adrenalectomized 12 hr or more prior to death, rats intact at death were used in the present studies to avoid possible confounding effects from age differences in receptor up-regulation or response to surgery. Receptor capacity was analyzed with a saturation assay able to measure available type II HCSR in intact rats. Results showed that, in intact young-mature rats (10 months old at death), type II HCSR were down-regulated at 1 d, but not at 3 weeks, after the end of the 6 months of training. However, significant decreases in HCSR were not observed in late mid-aged (18-month-old) or aged (24-month- old) rats at the 1 d point, indicating apparent resistance to down- regulatory stimuli.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
The Origin of the Atmosphere and of the Oceans

The atmosphere of the Earth, its oceans as well as most carbon contained in its carbonates and in organic matter, seem to have been brought by a large bombardment of comets that lasted almost one billion years before diminishing drastically to its present-day value.
Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia: A Current Focus for Clinicians, Researchers, and Caregivers

Behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia are an important aspect of dementing illness. They represent a growing burden to caregivers and health care institutions and an increasing financial burden as the proportion of elderly patients, and consequently those with dementia, increases throughout the world. Behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia can be recognized and assessed using a number of rating scales. Management of the symptoms is then possible for the benefit of patients, family members, caregivers, and the health care system.
Lymph Node Biopsy, Dissection, and Staging Laparoscopy

Surgical staging of lymphatics has to some extent been replaced by sophisticated imaging studies or endoluminal ultrasound. It remains, however, one of the most sensitive and specific methods of staging malignancies, and there are still indications for its use. In particular for staging of lymphomas where tissue is helpful and for GI malignancies when imaging is indeterminate, endoscopic staging is a helpful minimally invasive option. It remains an important part of Urologic cancer treatments such as for prostate cancer and particularly for testicular cancers. It is widely practiced for GYN malignancies as well, and the robot has widened the pool of gynecologists able to perform laparoscopic retroperitoneal node dissections.
The Analysis of Vibrational Spectra of Species Adsorbed at the electrode-solution interface: A theoretical model for the effects of potential on the observed spectra

Abstract : Interactions of electroactive species and adsorbates with the solvent, electrolyte and electrode are observed in the situ infrared spectrum of the interface. The analysis of these spectra is usually difficult, and conventional normal coordinate analysis, while useful for simple molecular systems which are undisturbed by the environment, is not well suited for systems whose vibrational structure is perturbed by external forces. We have recently formulated a Taylor series in symmetry-adaptable spherical harmonic functions which has been applied successfully to account for spectral perturbations observed in an electromechanical system. In the method, an adsorbed molecule is described as the sum of pair-wise potential energy functions which operate between the bonded and non-bonded atoms. Perturbations are introduced by additional pair-wise terms operating between the perturbing force center and the specific atoms in the molecule. In many systems, Morse or Lennard-Jones potential energy functions may be used. Cartesian force constants, from which the vibrations of the system are determined, are calculated from expansion of the pair-wise potential functions to second order using the symmetry-adapted from the Taylor series. The elements of the cartesian force constant matrix have been derived for the general case. Keywords: Infrared spectroelectrochemistry.
Charge transfer in alloys: AgAu

The relationship of charge transfer in alloys to electronegativity, to relative pure-constituent Fermi energies, and to atomic volume is discussed. The importance of using comparable potentials for alloy calculations is emphasized. The results are illustrated by coherent-potential-approximation calculations for AgAu alloys using an $s\ensuremath{-}d$ model Hamiltonian. Charge transfer as a function of concentration and the assumed pure-metal Fermi-energy difference has been calculated self-consistently including the shift of the $d$-band energies resulting from the modified electron-electron Coulomb interaction. Renormalized-atom estimates are used for the Coulomb integrals which relate the shift in one-electron energies to the charge transfer. The result is in reasonable agreement with the charge transfer inferred from isomer-shift and x-ray-photoelectron-spectroscopy core-level-shift measurements. Using the proper charge transfer, the calculated optical-absorption edge agrees with ${\ensuremath{\epsilon}}_{2}$ experiments, and the self-consistently determined Fermi energy has the same qualitative concentration dependence as measured work-function differences for the alloy system.
Combined Effects of Temperature and Salinity on the Survival and Growth of the Larvae of Pandalus jordani (Decapoda: Pandalidae)

Survival and growth over an environmental range of temperature and salinities were examined in order to help assess the importance of these environmental factors in affecting the distribution, abundance and survival of larvae and provide greater understanding of factors affecting fluctuations in adult Pandalus jordani Rathbun population sizes. Larvae were shown to have a wide tolerance to salinity, especially in the early stages, but a relatively narrow tolerance to temperature. The optimal temperatures for survival, 8° to 11°C, were also optimal for growth as reflected by maximal growth increments and body size. It is therefore felt that fluctuations in temperature as seen within and between successive larval seasons would have profound effects on larval survival, growth rates and size at metamorphosis to the benthic juvenile phase.
Robustness Issues Concerning Dipole and Doublet Root Loci

A dipole consists of a pole-zero pair for which the distance between the pole and the zero is relatively small in comparison to the distance between the pole-zero pair and other poles and zeros of the system. Likewise, when two zeros (or two poles) are relatively isolated from other system poles and zeros, they are called a doublet. Characterizations are given for root loci in the neighborhoods of dipoles and doublets, and robustness issues are addressed. The net phase contribution ? net of other poles and zeros of the system plays a key role in the robustness of closed-loop poles in the neighborhoods of dipoles and doublets. Closed-loop uncertainty regions for dipoles are determined as a function of open-loop uncertainty regions and bounds on ? net . Expressions are developed for the worst-case ratio of closed-loop pole-zero distance to open-loop pole-zero distance, and design considerations for selecting adjustable parameters of a dipole are explored.
The effects of temperature and light on the carotenoids of seedlings grown from three corn hybrids.

Abstract Seedlings of three corn hybrids, U. S. 13, Indiana 252, and Indiana 909, were subjected to eight different sets of environmental conditions, and the relative proportions of lutein, β-carotene, violaxanthin, neoxanthin, and zeaxanthin were determined. No significant differences occurred between hybrids, but markedly significant differences were observed between environmental conditions. High light intensity and low temperatures tended to favor the accumulation of zeaxanthin. Changes in this pigment were often approximately equal and opposite to simultaneous changes in β-carotene. This suggested that these two pigments were either interconvertible or formed from a common precursor. Similar interrelationships were observed between lutein and violaxanthin. The results obtained support the interesting possibility that the carotenoids are chemically involved in metabolic functions in green leaves. It is suggested that the techniques developed provide a useful approach for future investigations on the physiological role of the carotenoids in leaves.
Algebra of currents and a low-energy theorem

By use of a modified Fubini-Furlan technique, it has been shown that a certain commutation relation among spatially integrated currents gives the low-energy Kroll-Ruderman theorem on the photo-production of a pion by nucleon.
Controlled Study of Psychologic Stress in a Dental Procedure

A video simulation of a dental procedure was used to induce psychologic stress. Skin conductance and self-ratings of discomfort of 28 men demonstrated a relationship between dental anxiety and the video simulation. Video-simulation dental procedures may be used to test hypotheses related to stress.
Effects of solar wind dynamic pressure and preconditioning on large geomagnetic storms

[1] We investigate the effects of solar wind dynamic pressure, Pdyn, and preconditioning in 88 large magnetic storms (Dst 15 nPa. We find that the preconditioning in multi-step Dst storms plays no significant role in strengthening the storm intensity, but increases the storm duration.
A comparative study of the conversion of testosterone to 17-beta-hydroxy-5-alpha-androstan-3-one (Dihydrotestosterone) by prostate and epididymis.

ABSTRACT The conversion of testosterone-1,2-3H to dihydrotestosterone-3H has been measured under standardized conditions in slices of various tissues from 11 species. In the rat, the highest rates of this conversion were observed in prostate, epididymis, seminal vesicle, penis, preputial gland and scrotum, the other tissues exhibiting much lower values. When the rate of dihydrotestosterone formation was compared in prostate from 9 species, the values observed varied from 569±69 μμmoles/100 mg tissue in the rat to immeasurably low levels in the bull (4±3 μμmoles/100 mg/hr), whereas this conversion was demonstrable in all epididymal tissues studied. Furthermore, dihydrotestosterone formation was measurable in all of the immature prostates studied, including that from calf, and in a variety of other tissues known to be under androgenic control—duck preen gland, the comb and wattle of the chicken, and the preputial gland of rat and mouse. Dihydrotestosterone formation was not demonstrated in any muscle tested...
Uncommon Solid Pancreatic Neoplasms: Ultrasound, Computed Tomography, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Features

This article reviews the ultrasound, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging features of rare solid tumors of the pancreas with attention to distinctive imaging appearances, which can help radiologists to discriminate between the different entities. Various uncommon solid pancreatic neoplasms, including exocrine and endocrine epithelial tumors, mesenchymal tumors, and metastases, are reviewed, with emphasis on key differential points, including morphologic features and patterns of contrast enhancement.
Circardian rhythms: Partners in time

The timeless gene is a second essential component of the circadian clock in Drosophila; its product interacts physically with the only other known clock component, the period gene product. Together they control the daily cycle of expression of their own and other loci.
Inflammation is a component of neurodegeneration in response to Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus infection in mice.

Abstract Infection with the mosquito-transmitted Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEE) causes an acute systemic febrile illness followed by meningoencephalitis. In this communication we characterize the cytokine profile induced in the central nervous system (CNS) in response to virulent or attenuated strains of VEE using RNase Protection Assays. Virulent VEE causes an upregulation of multiple pro-inflammatory genes including inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). To determine if iNOS and TNF-α contribute to the neuropathogenesis of VEE infection, iNOS and TNF receptor knockout mice were used in VEE mortality studies and exhibited extended survival times. Finally, CNS tissue sections labeled for VEE antigen, and adjacent sections double-labeled for an astrocyte marker and apoptosis, revealed that apoptosis of neurons occurs not only in areas of the brain positive for VEE-antigen, but also in areas of astrogliosis. These findings suggest that the inflammatory response, which is in part mediated by iNOS and TNF-α, may contribute to neurodegeneration following encephalitic virus infection.
Long-term characterization of the Martian atmosphere and soil from cosmic ray effects in returned samples

Abstract Analyses of cosmic ray effects in returned Martian soil and rock samples may fundamentally increase our understanding of: (a) past climatic variations, (b) the characteristic erosion rate of rocks, and (c) the average redistribution rate for soils. The reason is that the Martian atmosphere is a selective mass filter for galactic cosmic rays with the specific nuclear effects produced in surface materials being quite dependent on the atmospheric shielding. Cosmic ray VH nuclei produce particle tracks in crystalline materials, while the protons produce spallation products that are easily detected as isotopic anomalies in noble gases in both crystalline materials and weathering products. The ratio of tracks/spallation products changes by five orders of magnitude for a three order of the atmospheric shielding averaged over the exposure age of crystalline fragments within a soil sample. In addition, the absolute abundance of spallation gases in windblown soils can be used to infer the globally averaged ratio of exposure age to soil deposit thickness. A layered soil sample may provide data on temporal variations in atmospheric shielding. Spallation products in rock samples that have been in a chemically or mechanically erosive environment can be used to infer the average erosion rate if enough time for secular equilibrium has elapsed. Finally, cores from rocks (∼10 cm deep) in an erosive environment can be used to infer the mean atmospheric shielding and the erosion rate over a time scale roughly two orders of magnitude less than the time scale for secular equilibrium of spallation gases, based on the decrease in nuclear particle track abundances with depth.
Pm37, a new broadly effective powdery mildew resistance gene from Triticum timopheevii.

Powdery mildew is an important foliar disease in wheat, especially in areas with a cool or maritime climate. A dominant powdery mildew resistance gene transferred to the hexaploid germplasm line NC99BGTAG11 from T. timopheevii subsp. armeniacum was mapped distally on the long arm of chromosome 7A. Differential reactions were observed between the resistance gene in NC99BGTAG11 and the alleles of the Pm1 locus that is also located on chromosome arm 7AL. Observed segregation in F2:3 lines from the cross NC99BGTAG11 × Axminster (Pm1a) demonstrate that germplasm line NC99BGTAG11 carries a novel powdery mildew resistance gene, which is now designated as Pm37. This new gene is highly effective against all powdery mildew isolates tested so far. Analyses of the population with molecular markers indicate that Pm37 is located 16 cM proximal to the Pm1 complex. Simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers Xgwm332 and Xwmc790 were located 0.5 cM proximal and distal, respectively, to Pm37. In order to identify new markers in the region, wheat expressed sequence tags (ESTs) located in the distal 10% of 7AL that were orthologous to sequences from chromosome 6 of rice were targeted. The two new EST-derived STS markers were located distal to Pm37 and one marker was closely linked to the Pm1a region. These new markers can be used in marker-assisted selection schemes to develop wheat cultivars with pyramids of powdery mildew resistance genes, including combinations of Pm37 in coupling linkage with alleles of the Pm1 locus.
Hormonal induction of lordosis and ear wiggling in rat pups: gender and age differences

To assess how early can estrogens induce female mating behaviors, rat pups 8–29 days old (D8–D29, respectively) were injected twice daily with estradiol benzoate (E) or oil (O) followed by progesterone (P) or oil, and then observed for the estrogen-dependent ear wiggling (EW) and lordosis in response to natural stimulation from male rats. In female pups treated with E + E + P, the incidence of EW appeared as early as D13 and increased gradually to reach maximum at D18, when all pups tested showed EW. EW also occurred in E + E + O females, but never in O + O + P females or in any E + E + P male. Lordosis in E + E + P, as well as E + E + O, female pups occurred later, starting at D15. O + O + P females or E + E + P males never display lordosis. To explore the possibilities that the age and gender differences are due to distribution and/or function of estrogen receptor-α (ERα) or progesterone receptor (PR), separate pups were used for immunocytochemical (ICC) staining of these receptors in the hypothalamic ventromedial nucleus (VMN). There was no age difference in female pups in the density of ERα or the induction of PR between D11/D12, when no sexual behavior was observed, and D19/D20, when almost all pups tested performed the behaviors. There were gender differences: male pups had less ERα than females at D19/D20, though not at D11/D12, and did not respond to E in the induction of PR in the VMN. These results show that ERs and their signaling systems in the VMN of rat pups are functional at least after D11 but only in females, and that the gender differences appeared to be due to differences in the molecular biology of ERα.
On models, modeling, and modelers in the environmental arena

Synergistic processes and complex webs of interconnected parameters that may never be completely understood drive some environmental phenomena that have been observed and those that are continuing at imperceptible rates. Discovery of the nature and significance of environmental phenomena often exposes the need for more discoveries to extend the depth of human understanding of past, present, and future processes. But ‘‘understanding’’ implies the acquisition and adequate processing of useful information. It is a requirement for sound decision making on environmental issues, and cost-effective implementation of high-utility options in environmental risk management. Unfortunately, even when data are available on a given environmental issue for location and time, such data may not always cover all relevant parameters at desirable spatial and/or temporal scales. Consequently, environmental policymakers, researchers, and others have adopted two primary philosophies that drive their favored approaches to addressing uncertainties in environmental analysis for decision making and program implementation. In the first approach, proponents argue that because models often do not represent reality due to insurmountable uncertainties, they should not be used pervasively in public policy-making except in cases in which they have been validated and verified with field data. Within the environmental policy-making context, this approach implies greater dependence on environmental monitoring data rather than on information generated by models. In the second approach, the use of physical and/or quantitative models to describe scenarios and generate data on likely events and processes is advocated. Frequently, these two end-member viewpoints often transform debates on environmental impact predictions into monitoring-versus-modeling controversies. Some modelers believe that every phenomenon or event can be quantitatively modeled and that measured data are not needed as a precondition for the use of predicted ~or rather, estimated! results. It is necessary to briefly comment on the utilities of these two extreme viewpoints and recommend hybrid approaches that are necessary to address some environmental issues. A model is a pattern, physical entity, or mathematical formulation that can represent an actual system, scenario, or object. Due to the fact that most models are commonly used in the predictive mode, they often differ in time and spatial scales from the objects or scenarios that they represent. For example, a physical model of the earth may be a geoid-shaped ~approximately spherical! object that is much smaller in dimensions than the earth. If this geoid is subjected to physical conditions that are similar to those in which the earth is believed to exist, then it may be possible to make some inferences about the expected behavior of the earth under
Fracture of a Commercial Zr 41.2 Ti 13.8 Cu 12.5 Ni 10.0 Be 22.5 Bulk-Metallic Glass

The fracture behavior of a commercial Zr41.2Ti13.8Cu12.5Ni10.0Be22.5 bulk-metallic glass (BMG) during the uniaxial compressive deformation was investigated. It was reported that fracture in this alloy causes a temperature rise, which is high enough to initiate a viscous flow in the vicinity of the fractured surface (the fracture-affected zone (FAZ)). Based on the finite-element analysis of the one-dimensional heat transfer from the fractured surface into the FAZ, it is estimated that the instant temperature rise during the fracture of the Zr41.2Ti13.8Cu12.5Ni10.0Be22.5 BMG alloy could reach as high as 2770 K.
Discovery of six short-period eclipsing binaries in the globular cluster M5

We report the identification of six short-period variables in the dense globular cluster MS. Our observations consist of multiple-epoch VI CCD images centred on the cluster and covering a 6.3 x 6.3 arcmin2 field. Of the six short-period variables, one is a possible blue straggler, four lie on the cluster main-sequence turn-off, and one is about 1 mag fainter than the main-sequence turn-off. The light curves of these six variables show that five of them are probably W UMa type contact eclipsing binaries and one of them is a semicontact Algol system. Owing to incomplete phase coverage, the type identification is fairly uncertain. The periods of these six interacting binaries are between 0.4 and 0.7 d. All six variables lie in the region beyond the 4r c radius, where r c is the cluster core radius of 24 arcsec. Using detailed artificial eclipsing binary star simulations, we have applied incompleteness corrections and estimate a total number of 11 short-period binaries in the region beyond 4r c. Adopting a flat period distribution and a contact binary lifetime of 3 Gyr, we estimate an overall primordial binary frequency of 28~~~8 per cent for the period range of 25 d to SSO yr. To make comparative studies of short-period main­ sequence eclipsing binaries (SPMSEB) in different globular clusters, we estimate that the specific frequency of SPMSEB is O.S per cent in MS, excluding the possible blue straggler, similar to the fraction of 0.6 per cent derived in M71 from the data published by Yan & Mateo.
Sub-millimeter imaging of brain-free water for rapid volume assessment in atrophic brains.

Introduction Cerebral atrophy occurs in healthy aging, and in disease processes such as multiple sclerosis (MS), it correlates with disability accumulation. Imaging measurements of brain atrophy are commonly based on tissue segmentation, which is susceptible to classification errors and inconsistencies. High-resolution imaging techniques with strong contrast between brain parenchyma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) might allow fully automated, rapid, threshold-based determination of the free water in the brain. We hypothesized that total brain-free-water (BFW) volume and BFW volume expressed as a normalized fraction of the intracranial volume (“BFW fraction”), determined from heavily T2-weighted images, would be useful surrogates for cerebral atrophy and therefore would correlate with clinical measures of disability in MS.
Range of Influence of Physical Impairments in Wavelength-Division Multiplexed Systems

In wavelength-division multiplexed (WDM) systems, system performance is adversely affected by severe physical impairments due to fiber loss, dispersion and nonlinearity. Fiber modeling is a prerequisite for the development of physical impairment mitigation techniques to improve system performance. The distance between two interacting symbols in time and wavelength, i.e., the range of influence (RoI) of each physical impairment, plays an important role in the development of these mitigation techniques. This paper develops a two-dimensional (time and wavelength) discrete-time input-output model of WDM systems based on the Volterra series transfer function (VSTF) method. This model takes into account multiple channel effects, fiber loss, and frequency chirp, which are ignored in the current literature. Furthermore, with this model we define coefficients that capture intersymbol interference (ISI), self phase modulation (SPM), intrachannel cross phase modulation (IXPM), intrachannel four wave mixing (IFWM), cross phase modulation (XPM) and four wave mixing (FWM) to characterize the impact of these impairments individually on the system output. By investigating these impairment coefficients, the RoIs for different physical impairments are determined.
Theoretical studies of CO adsorption on H-ZSM-5 and hydrothermally treated H-ZSM-5

Abstract The adsorption of CO on H-ZSM-5 and hydrothermally treated H-ZSM-5 is studied by means of quantum mechanical calculations. Good agreement with experimental FTIR data is established. The Al(OH) 3 dimer is found to account for the new bands that appear in the hydroxyl region of the FTIR spectra of H-ZSM-5 as a result of hydrothermal treatment. Effects of electron correlation (investigated through second-order Moller–Plesset perturbation and density-functional theory) are compared with Hartree–Fock results. Red shifts in the stretching frequency of bridging OH groups due to the CO interaction are best described by the density-functional approach. Frequency shifts are found to correlate with changes in local geometry.
Measurement of Total and Bioactive Interleukin‐2 in Tissue Samples by Immunoaffinity–Receptor Affinity Chromatography

The detection and measurement of cytokines is an important issue in the clinico-pathological diagnosis of several clinical entities, including organ transplant rejection. Existing techniques, although sensitive, measure only total cytokine concentrations and cannot measure bioactivity. A chromatographic system combining immunoaffinity chromatography with an immobilized receptor detection cartridge has been developed for measuring total and bioactive interleukin (IL)-2 concentrations in tissue extracts prepared from biopsy materials taken from renal transplant recipients during both rejection and drug-induced nephrotoxic episodes. The technique employs a short high-pressure chromatography column packed with antibody-coated glass beads for the initial analyte separation and concentration, followed by detection of bioactive molecules through their interactions with specific, immobilized receptors. This system compares favourably with both conventional bioassays and immunoassays for measuring IL-2 in tissue samples. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
One federal policy, four different policy contexts: An examination of agri-environmental policy implementation in the Midwestern United States

Much research attention has been given to devolved environmental policies and variation in state adoption of environmental policies. Less attention has been paid to variation in top-down federal policies, including in the agri-environmental arena. The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) is the largest working land conservation program in the United States, incentivizing the adoption of conservation practices on active agricultural land through cost-share and technical assistance. While the program is federal, state offices of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) are charged with implementing the program in their state. Qualitative interviews (n = 26) were conducted with NRCS personnel in four Midwestern states to explore similarities and differences between state administrative outputs. Program outputs are determined through a mixture of national, state, and local administrative processes and are driven by dissimilarities in state resource concerns and agricultural systems. The process by which farmers apply for cost-share funding through EQIP is largely the same across states, but states vary in several important outputs, especially resource and conservation practice priority, as well as state and local partnerships. Outreach methods do not tend to vary between states; NRCS districts typically rely on passive recruitment and word-of-mouth recruitment. Divergence in state EQIP outputs constitute a significant difference in the policy context in which farmers make conservation decisions in the Midwest, which has implications for research concerning farmer behavior. While federal policies implemented across the states offer some level of consistency in the setting in which individual land managers make decisions, variation may still exist in many policies that results in different policy outputs.
Atlas-based segmentation of deep brain structures using non-rigid registration

Deep brain structures are frequently used as targets in neurosurgical procedures. However, the boundaries of these structures are often not visible in clinically used MR and CT images. Techniques based on anatomical atlases and indirect targeting are used to infer the location of these targets intraoperatively. Initial errors of such approaches may be up to a few millimeters, which is not negligible. E.g. subthalamic nucleus is approximately 4x6 mm in the axial plane and the diameter of globus pallidus internus is approximately 8 mm, both of which are used as targets in deep brain stimulation surgery. To increase the initial localization accuracy of deep brain structures we have developed an atlas-based segmentation method that can be used for the surgery planning. The atlas is a high resolution MR head scan of a healthy volunteer with nine deep brain structures manually segmented. The quality of the atlas image allowed for the segmentation of the deep brain structures, which is not possible from the clinical MR head scans of patients. The subject image is non-rigidly registered to the atlas image using thin plate splines to represent the transformation and normalized mutual information as a similarity measure. The obtained transformation is used to map the segmented structures from the atlas to the subject image. We tested the approach on five subjects. The quality of the atlas-based segmentation was evaluated by visual inspection of the third and lateral ventricles, putamena, and caudate nuclei, which are visible in the subject MR images. The agreement of these structures for the five tested subjects was approximately 1 to 2 mm.
The Impact of Number of Adults on Instruction: Implications for Co-Teaching

Common approaches to inclusive education (e.g., co-teaching or team teaching) are based in part on an assumption that when more than one adult or professional are present in a classroom, rates of effective instructional practices and appropriate (i.e., positive) feedback can improve for students who need them most. In this preliminary study, the authors examined teacher–student interactions in a matched set of classrooms in which either one adult or more than one adult were present. The authors present the results of their analyses of teachers’ rates of (a) positive and negative feedback, and (b) opportunities to respond, as well as their time spent one-on-one or in small groups with individual, target students. The authors also examine students’ percentage of time engaged and rates of disruption. In addition, the authors discuss limitations and implications for the increased use of co-teaching as a service delivery model.
Measurement and continuous improvement of software reliability throughout software life-cycle

Abstract Software reliability is one of the most important aspects of software quality. However, most of the existing techniques focus on the system testing and other late stages of development life-cycle. Therefore, they are not effective for early problem identification and reliability improvement. This paper describes our recent work in establishing predictive linkage between software reliability and other entities that we can measure and control early in the development cycle, and using such predictive relations to drive continuous reliability improvement.
Total synthesis of slow reacting substances (SRS's): 6-epi-leukotriene C and 6-epi-leukotriene D

Abstract 6- Epi -leukotrienes C and D (3 and 4) have been synthesized unambiguously via the 5( S ), 6( R )-epoxide (5,6- cis ) which is isomeric with leukotriene A. These 6- epi -leukotrienes are less active (especially 4) than leukotrienes C and D (1 and 2) and have not been found in substantial quantity in natural SRS sources.
Niche divergence by deep-sea octocorals in the genus Callogorgia across the continental slope of the Gulf of Mexico.

Environmental variables that are correlated with depth have been suggested to be among the major forces underlying speciation in the deep sea. This study incorporated phylogenetics and ecological niche models (ENM) to examine whether congeneric species of Callogorgia (Octocorallia: Primnoidae) occupy different ecological niches across the continental slope of the Gulf of Mexico (GoM) and whether this niche divergence could be important in the evolution of these closely related species. Callogorgia americana americana, Callogorgia americana delta and Callogorgia gracilis were documented at 13 sites in the GoM (250-1000 m) from specimen collections and extensive video observations. On a first order, these species were separated by depth, with C. gracilis occurring at the shallowest sites, C. a. americana at mid-depths and C. a. delta at the deepest sites. Callogorgia a. delta was associated with areas of increased seep activity, whereas C. gracilis and C. a. americana were associated with narrow, yet warmer, temperature ranges and did not occur near cold seeps. ENM background and identity tests revealed little to no overlap in ecological niches between species. Temporal calibration of the phylogeny revealed the formation of the Isthmus of Panama was a vicariance event that may explain some of the patterns of speciation within this genus. These results elucidate the potential mechanisms for speciation in the deep sea, emphasizing both bathymetric speciation and vicariance events in the evolution of a genus across multiple regions.
An Ecological Framework for Sexual Minority Women’s Health: Factors Associated With Greater Body Mass

In recent years, many studies have focused on the body of sexual minority women, particularly emphasizing their larger size. These studies rarely offer theoretically based explanations for the increased weight, nor study the potential consequences (or lack thereof) of being heavier. This article provides a brief overview of the multitude of factors that might cause or contribute to larger size of sexual minority women, using an ecological framework that elucidates upstream social determinants of health as well as individual risk factors. This model is infused with a minority stress model, which hypothesizes excess strain resulting from the stigma associated with oppressed minority identities such as woman, lesbian, bisexual, woman of color, and others. We argue that lack of attention to the upstream social determinants of health may result in individual-level victim blaming and interventions that do not address the root causes of minority stress or increased weight.