cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Association of arsenic exposure with smoking, alcohol, and caffeine consumption: data from NHANES 2005-2010.

Abstract Association of arsenic exposure with smoking, alcohol, and caffeine consumption was investigated. Data from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey for the years 2005–2010 were used for this investigation. Urinary levels of total arsenic (UAS) and dimethylarsonic acid (UDMA) were evaluated for children aged 6–12 years and adolescents and adults aged ≥12 years. Urinary levels of arsenobetaine (UAB) were evaluated for adolescents and adults only. Regression models were fitted for log transformed values of UAB, UAS, and UDMA. For the models for children, however, gender, race/ethnicity, SES, and fish/shell fish consumption during the last 30 days were the only independent variables that were included in the models. Nonsmokers were found to have higher levels of UAS and UDMA than smokers. Elevated levels of UAB, UAS, and UDMA were associated with higher amounts of daily alcohol consumption. The associations were in the opposite direction for daily caffeine consumption. Females were found to have statistically significantly lower adjusted levels of UDMA than males for those aged ≥12 years. Irrespective of age, those with unclassified race/ethnicity had the highest levels of UAB, UAS, and UDMA and non-Hispanic whites had the lowest levels. Adolescents had the higher levels of UAB, UAS, and UDMA than adults. Higher SES was associated with higher levels of UAB, UAS, and UDMA among adolescents and adults. Irrespective of age, fish consumption was associated with higher levels of UAB, UAS, and UDMA.
Problem-solving skills training as a supplement to behavioral parent training

This study evaluated the effectiveness of problem-solving training as an adjunct to parenting-skills training in a group program for self-referred parents concerned about child behavior problems. Fifty-three parents were randomly assigned to either parent training + problem-solving Training (n = 221), parent training + extra discussion (n = 16), or to a waiting list control group (n = 16). At posttest, both treatment groups demonstrated significant improvements in parenting behaviors as measured by a situation test of behavioral parenting skills, and by parent self-report of punitiveness. Both treatments also resulted in significant improvements in child behavior problems as measured by parent reports of three child behaviors of concern to them. On the other hand, only the parenting skills + problem solving-skills training program resulted in significant reductions in the intensity of the wider range of child behavior problems sampled by the Eyberg Child Behavior Inventory. Also, only the program with supplementary training in problem solving resulted in significant improvements in parent attitudes concerning the children's adjustment and character (Parent Attitudes Test), and concerning parents' own functioning in the parental role (Parenting Stress Index — Parent Domain). At 4- to 6-month followup, treatment gains were maintained in both treatment groups on four of seven outcome variables, but there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups. The implications of these results for preventive programs are discussed, as are the limitations of the study.
Effect of Agglomerate Size Distribution on Loose Packing Fraction

Discrete element modeling was used to establish the effects of size distribution on loose packing fraction during the fall of 5000 to 10 000 agglomerates. Monosized distributions exhibited slightly lower packing fraction than “narrow” distributions. However, broad distributions always produced the lowest packing fraction. The application of radius ratio rules had an effect opposite to that intended. Smaller fines had a disproportionately large effect on packing fraction, an effect attributed to gaslike behavior. Gravity-driven random packing in ceramic agglomerates was governed by a combination of “bridge” formation and kinetic agglomerate–agglomerate interactions, not by geometric constraints.
Three dimensional breast masses autodetection in cone beam breast CT

Cone Beam Breast CT (CBBCT) acquires 3D breast images without compression to the breast. More detailed and accurate information of breast lesions is revealed in CBBCT images. In our research, based on the observation that tumor masses are more concentrated than the surrounding tissues, we designed a weighted average filter and a threedimensional Iris filter to operate on the three-dimensional images. The basic process is: After weighted average filtering and iris filtering, a thresholding is applied to extract suspicious regions. Next, after morphological processing, suspicious regions are sorted based on their average Iris filter responses and the top 10 candidates are selected as detection results. The detection results are marked out and provided to radiologists as CAD system output. In our experiment, our method detects 12 mass locations out of 14 pathology-proven malignant clinical cases.
Klassika zhanra: The flamewar as a genre in the Russian blogosphere

Abstract Adopting Garces-Conejos Blitvich's (2010) genre approach to (im)politeness phenomena, this paper explores impoliteness as it emerges within a specific polylogous communicative event – the online flamewar. While scholars of CMC have referred to flaming as an essentially antisocial activity that negatively impacts Internet users ( Johnson et al., 2009 , Alonzo and Aiken, 2004 ), I show how a Russian-language flamewar contributes to sociability both on the micro level, by building alliances through the face-threatening ‘snub the other’ strategy, and on the macro level, by renewing the participants’ sense of belonging to a loosely delimited blogging community. The mechanics of the flamewar's progression, the impoliteness strategies employed therein, and the processes of escalation are highly recognizable to Russian-language bloggers, constituting the flamewar as a genre of social engagement. The flamewar-as-genre frames the core of the argument, in this case a debate on historical rights and discursive authority within a community with a strong sense of shared history, but a weak sense of common practice.
A comparative evaluation of glycosylated haemoglobin assays: feasibility of references and standards

Four assays; high pressure liquid chromatography, colorimetric with thiobarbituric acid, affinity columns, and microcolumn cation exchange were compared for (1) ability to discriminate between samples taken from diabetic and normal subjects; (2) correlation with each other; (3) stability over time at different temperatures; and (4) reproducibility between laboratories. The most discriminatory (10 samples from a diabetic and 10 samples from a normal group) was the microcolumn cation exchange method (t=5.25; p<0.001), but all were significantly different at p<0.005. The intra-assay coefficient of variation was 1%–6%, except for the affinity column method which was 13% in normal subjects. High pressure liquid chromatography was used as a reference and the other assays correlated well (r=0.93–0.99). Storage at-80 °C, -20 °C, 4 °C, and 24 °C showed marked differences. The thiobarbituric acid method results were stable except for 24 °C. Microcolumn cation exchange was labile under all conditions. Affinity column was stable for up to 15 days, only if samples were stored as whole blood. High pressure liquid chromatography showed an increase in haemoglobin A1a+b and a decrease in the haemoglobin A1c. Haemoglobin A1c was reproducible for 4 days when stored at 4 °C and up to 11 days when stored at -80 °C. Samples exchanged between centres at 4 °C and performed within 5 days by high pressure liquid chromatography for haemoglobin A1 and haemoglobin A1c correlated well (r=0.98 and 0.99). Samples exchanged between centres after storage (up to 40 days -80°C) correlated (r=0.99) by the thiobarbituric acid method. Thus, standards can be prepared for the thiobarbituric acid method and this method with high pressure liquid chromatography could be used to establish references for clinical assays.
A direct demonstration of the perforant pathway terminal zone in Alzheimer's disease using the monoclonal antibody Alz-50.

Abstract The perforant pathways links the entorhinal cortex with the hippocampal formation and provides this structure with its major cortical input. The cells of origin of the perforant pathway are destroyed in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and a marked depletion of glutamate, the putative neurotransmitter in its terminal zone, occurs. We report that the monoclonal antibody Alz-50 recognizes an antigen in the terminal zone of the perforant pathway in AD. This observation provides direct evidence for the involvement of the perforant pathway in AD, and demonstrates that Alz-50 can be used to study neural connectivity in AD brains.
Interactive evolution of XUL user interfaces

We attack the problem of user fatigue by using an interactive genetic algorithm to evolve user interfaces in the XUL interface definition language. The interactive genetic algorithm combines a set of computable user interface design metrics with subjective user input to guide the evolution of interfaces. Our goal is to provide user interface designers with a tool that can be used to explore innovation and creativity in the design space of user interfaces and make it easier for end-users to further customize their user interface without programming knowledge. User interface specifications are encoded as individuals in an interactive genetic algorithm's population and their fitness is computed from a weighted combination of user interface design guidelines and user input. This paper shows that we can reduce human fatigue in interactive genetic algorithms (the number of choices needing to be made by the designer), by 1) only asking the user to pick two user interfaces from among ten shown on the display and 2) by asking the user to make the choice once every t generations.
El saco vitelino y su contribución al desarrollo del saco amniótico antes de las 6 semanas de gestación: a propósito de un caso de aborto retenido

Resumen La expansion del saco amniotico entre las semanas 5 y 14 de gestacion se correlaciona con los cambios de la superficie embrionaria. En este trabajo describimos un embarazo de 6 semanas en el que las imagenes ecograficas demostraron los sacos amniotico y vitelino sin polo embrionario. Se especula sobre el mecanismo por el que puede acumularse liquido amniotico en ausencia de embrion.
A GRAVITATIONAL REFERENCE SENSOR FOR ADVANCED DRAG-FREE SATELLITES

Abstract LISA and the next generation of space-based laser interferometers require gravitational reference sensors (GRS) to provide distance measurements with picometer precision. To meet this goal, we describe a stand-alone GRS structure that has high sensitivity and easy integration with a satellite. The stand-alone GRS integrates balanced optical probing of the proof-mass position in its housing, and provides a correlated reference surface to an independent external interferometer. The use of optical sensing allows for a large gap between the proof-mass and housing, which is the best way to reduce many proof-mass disturbances.
Real-time Feedback Control of Reactive Ion Etching

Abstract This paper explores the application of modern feedback control technology to the regulation of the reactive ion etching (PIE)process. Currently, this process is run open-loop, except for a PID controller to regulate pressure. We investigate the utilityof additional measurements for the purpose of feedback control to improve process performance and robustness. First, wecompare a feedback controller that regulates Vbjas and chamber pressure to one that regulates Vbjas and fluorine. We show thatthe fluorine controller yields better control of etch rate; this result is to be expected since fluorine is more closely related to thechemical etching process than is pressure. Our second study compares various controllers that regulate Vbjas and fluorine usingthe conductance throttle and applied RF power. We show that multivariable feedback controllers that can compensate for processcoupling by coordinating control inputs have advantages over decentralized controllers consisting of two independent feedbackloops. Advantages gained are in terms of reducing process interaction while maintaining satisfactory speed of response, noiseattenuation, and sufficiently mild actuator activity. The paper is concluded with an interesting demonstration of feedback controlbeing used to force fluorine concentration and Vbjas to track desired trajectories.
Determinants of residential electricity consumption: Using smart meter data to examine the effect of climate, building characteristics, appliance stock, and occupants' behavior

We propose a method to examine structural and behavioral determinants of residential electricity consumption, by developing separate models for daily maximum (peak) and minimum (idle) consumption. We apply our method on a data set of 1628 households' electricity consumption. The results show that weather, location and floor area are among the most important determinants of residential electricity consumption. In addition to these variables, number of refrigerators and entertainment devices (e.g., VCRs) are among the most important determinants of daily minimum consumption, while number of occupants and high-consumption appliances such as electric water heaters are the most significant determinants of daily maximum consumption. Installing double-pane windows and energy-efficient lights helped to reduce consumption, as did the energy-conscious use of electric heater. Acknowledging climate change as a motivation to save energy showed correlation with lower electricity consumption. Households with individuals over 55 or between 19 and 35 years old recorded lower electricity consumption, while pet owners showed higher consumption. Contrary to some previous studies, we observed no significant correlation between electricity consumption and income level, home ownership, or building age. Some otherwise energy-efficient features such as energy-efficient appliances, programmable thermostats, and insulation were correlated with slight increase in electricity consumption.
The Internal Ultraviolet-Optical Color Dispersion: Quantifying the Morphological K-Correction

We present a quantitative measure of the internal color dispersion within galaxies, which quantifies differences in galaxy morphology as a function of observed wavelength. We apply this statistic to a sample of local galaxies with archival images at 1500 and 2500 A from the Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope and ground-based B-band observations in order to investigate how the internal dispersion between these colors relates to global galaxy properties (e.g., luminosity, color, and morphological type). In general, the dispersion in the internal galaxy colors correlates with transformations in the galaxy morphology as a function of wavelength; i.e., our internal color dispersion statistic quantifies the morphological K-correction. Mid-type spiral galaxies exhibit the highest dispersion in their ultraviolet-optical internal colors, which stems from differences in the stellar content that constitute the bulge, disk, and spiral-arm components. Irregular and late-type spiral galaxies show moderate internal color dispersion, although with lower values relative to the mid-type spirals. This implies that young stars generally dominate the ultraviolet-optical galaxy colors, modulo variations in the dust, gas, and stellar distributions. Elliptical, lenticular, and early-type spiral galaxies generally have low or negligible internal color dispersion, which indicates that the stars contributing to the ultraviolet-optical emission have a very homogeneous distribution. We discuss the application of the internal color dispersion to high-redshift galaxies in deep Hubble Space Telescope images. By simulating the appearance of the local galaxy sample at cosmological distances, many of the galaxies have luminosities that are sufficiently bright at rest-frame optical wavelengths to be detected within the limits of the currently deepest near-infrared surveys, even with no evolution. Under the assumption that the luminosity and color evolution of the local galaxies conform with the measured values of high-redshift objects, we show that galaxies' intrinsic internal color dispersion remains measurable out to z ~ 3.
Effective-charge theory and the electronic stopping power of solids

Electronic stopping powers $S$ of solids for penetrating ions are analyzed on the basis of effective-charge theory, and comprehensive comparisons are made to available data for random stopping. The effective projectile-ion charges ${Z}_{1}^{*}e$, extracted from the data agree to within experimental uncertainties with those calculated in a statistical model, for projectile atomic number ranging from ${Z}_{1}=1$ to ${Z}_{1}=92$ and for projectile velocity ${v}_{1}\ensuremath{\gtrsim}{v}_{0}\ensuremath{\equiv}\frac{{e}^{2}}{\ensuremath{\hbar}}$. The rise of ${Z}_{1}^{*}$ with ${v}_{1}$ fully accounts for an often-quoted apparent deviation of heavy-ion stopping power from the behavior expected in the limit ${v}_{1}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}0$. The Bloch and the ${Z}_{1}^{3}$ corrections to the usual formula for $S$ are calculated and found to make no appreciable contribution to presently available data, save possibly to one bromine datum. When ${v}_{0}\ensuremath{\lesssim}{v}_{1}\ensuremath{\lesssim}3{v}_{0}$ the analysis requires, and provides, an empirical velocity-dependent proton effective charge ${Z}_{p}^{*}e$. A theoretical account of ${Z}_{p}^{*}$ is given in terms of velocity and energy criteria for electron stripping. Thomas-Fermi densities for heavy ions are used to calculate ${Z}_{1}^{*}$. Our results lead to an interpolation linear in ${v}_{1}$ for the range $0\ensuremath{\le}{v}_{1}\ensuremath{\lesssim}{v}_{0}$ which gives satisfactory values for $S$ in this low-velocity regime.
Freezing the Master Production Schedule Under Demand Uncertainty

Managing the trade-off between achieving a stable master production schedule (MPS) and being responsive to changes in customer requirements is a difficult problem in many firms where providing a high level of customer service is viewed as an important competitive factor. One alternative for managing this trade-off is to freeze an agreed portion of the MPS. This paper investigates the impact of adjustments in the design parameters of MPS freezing methods on two performance measures (MPS lot-sizing cost and stability) under stochastic demand conditions in a rolling planning horizon environment given a service level target. Simulation experiments are reported which indicate that many of the conclusions regarding the design of MPS freezing methods obtained under deterministic demand conditions hold under stochastic demand.
High-power high-linearity flip-chip bonded modified uni-traveling carrier photodiode

We demonstrate a flip-chip bonded modified uni-traveling carrier (MUTC) photodiode with an RF output power of 0.75 W (28.8 dBm) at 15 GHz and OIP3 as high as 59 dBm. The photodiode has a responsivity of 0.7 A/W, 3-dB bandwidth > 15 GHz, and saturation photocurrent > 180 mA at 11 V reverse bias.
Perceived Social Support and Treatment Retention on an Inpatient Addiction Treatment Unit

The authors measured perceived social support among patients and their families as a predictor of retention in an inpatient addiction rehabilitation program. After detoxification from all substances of abuse, 66 sequentially admitted inpatients gave demographic and diagnostic information and completed scales of perceived social support from the program and their own families. Scales were completed at 7, 14, and 21 days. A total of 46 subjects completed the 21-day program, and 20 did not. Homeless status, initial weak perceived social support from family, and a relatively shorter history of crack-cocaine use were correlated with completion of the program. Patients with stronger connections to shelter and family were less likely to complete an inpatient addiction rehabilitation program. Patients who reported more years of crack-cocaine use were also less likely to complete the program. The authors discuss implications for treatment.
Critical Thinking Through Language

Author's summary.— Language teachers share with social science teachers an imperative responsibility for developing in their pupils the ability to combat propaganda through critical thinking. Language study, by making the student aware of the relativity of word meanings, helps him to detect perversions of language and of ideas.
Precepts and practices: Researching identity formation among indian hindu adolescents in the United States

The case of Indian Hindu adolescent youths in the United States reveals a range of variation in patterns of belief and behavior related to identity formation. Multidisciplinary and participatory methods for studying precepts and practices help expose social variation.
The Iraq War and the World Oil Economy

The invasion of Iraq has proved a disaster, one that was clearly foreseen. None of the reasons advanced for the action have turned out to be plausible, yet the administration evidently decided on this expensive and dangerous course early on. There are two stages in coming to terms with this: first to grasp what is at stake, second to understand the rationale for a military approach. We are not concerned with the second here. Our contention is that the first is far more complex and very possibly far more important than has generally been acknowledged in public discussion. Nothing less than the future management and control of the world energy market is at stake. It is not about who owns the oil; it is about who controls the market. In the transition from soon to be exhausted, non-renewable sources of energy, such as oil and gas, to alternative and renewable ones, the Middle East will play a crucial role. As a result it has become and will remain a major focus of conflict and diplomacy. We may all hope that conservation and alternative energy will eventually free the world from dependency on oil, but until that happens, the Middle East will be the central source. Yet, this, as we will argue in our final section, also opens up a new perspective for the Middle East.
Complement C3 participation in monocyte adhesion to different surfaces.

Abstract As part of an ongoing investigation into the role of the monocyte/macrophage in biocompatibility, a major goal is to identify the adhesion mechanisms that initiate and promote the observed in vivo morphologic progression of monocyte-to-macrophage-to-foreign body giant cell on biomaterials. We have exploited differently modified polystyrenes, specific component-depleted sera, and monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to leukocyte integrins to ask what adhesion mechanisms mediate human blood monocyte adhesion to different surfaces in vitro. Preliminary findings are that monocyte interactions with fluorinated, siliconized, nitrogenated, and oxygenated surfaces are reduced by 50-100% when complement component C3-depleted serum is used for adsorption; reductions vary with material surface properties. Adhesion is restored on all surfaces when C3-depleted serum is replenished with purified C3. Monocyte adhesion to serum-adsorbed surfaces is inhibited by mAbs to the leukocyte integrin beta subunit, CD18 (mAbs 60.3 and MHM23), and partially inhibited by a mAb to the alpha subunit, CD11b (mAb 60.1), suggesting adhesive interactions between adsorbed C3bi (the hemolytically inactive form of the C3b fragment) and the leukocyte integrin CD11b/CD18. However, adsorbed fibrinogen reduces the effectiveness of these mAbs, indicating that alternative adhesion mechanisms may operate depending on the propensities of critical adhesion-mediating components to be adsorbed onto different surfaces.
Tyrosinase activity in relation to plumage color in weaver birds (Steganura paradisaea)

Abstract 1. 1. In male weaver birds ( Steganura paradisaea ) the nuptial plumage consists of black dorsal feathers with white breast and orange collar. The female is at all times grey-brown on the dorsal surface with white breast and is indistinguishable, w with respect to plumage color, from males when the latter are not in nuptial plumage. 2. 2. Measurements of tyrosinase in the skin from which feathers arise (feather tracts) were made in relation to sex and season. It was found that tyrosinase activity is low in feather tracts at all times, except that when the male enters nuptial plumage, the dorsal feather tracts show relatively high levels of this enzyme. 3. 3. In general, dorsal tracts show greater activity than ventral tracts; this difference is greatly accentuated in males entering nuptial plumage. 4. 4. Since the activity of feather tract tyrosinase appears to vary in accordance with gross changes in feather color, it is concluded that variations in the activity of this enzyme may play an important role in the hormonally regulated plumage cycles of male S. paradisaea .
On the aetiology of scombroid poisoning: cadaverine potentiation of histamine toxicity in the guinea-pig

Abstract The peroral toxicity of histamine in the guinea-pig is shown to be potentiated by simultaneous administration of cadaverine. Toxic effects are observed with relative cadaverine-histamine levels that are similar to those found in scombrotoxic fish. On the basis of currently available evidence, it seems likely that cadaverine, along with histamine, is of importance in the aetiology of scombroid poisoning.
Effects of ephedrine and phenylephrine on maternal and fetal atrial natriuretic peptide levels during elective cesarean section

The effects of ephedrine and phenylephrine on fetal and maternal plasma atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) concentrations were studied during 30 elective cesarean sections. After induction of spinal anesthesia, reductions from baseline maternal blood pressure were corrected with one of these pressor agents administered in a double-blinded, randomized manner. Immediately following delivery, umbilical artery (UA) ANP concentrations were significantly higher than umbilical vein (UV) concentrations (pg/ml) for both groups (ephedrine, 120.8 +/- 64.0 vs. 86.8 +/- 40.8, phenylephrine, 125.0 +/- 54.2 vs. 72.4 +/- 31.7), but there were no differences between groups for UA and UV ANP levels. Postpartum maternal ANP concentrations were significantly higher than baseline values in both groups, but again there were no differences between groups. Correlations between total doses of ephedrine or phenylephrine and UA or UV ANP levels did not reach significance. Postpartum maternal (MV2), UA, and UV blood gas variables (pH, PCO2, and PO2) were also not different between groups. These data suggest that effects of pressor doses of ephedrine (beta and alpha agonist) and phenylephrine (alpha agonist) on maternal and fetal ANP levels are not different. Therefore, 1) assuming these pressor drugs stimulate ANP release, this stimulation is not solely mediated by beta receptors and 2) to the extent that fetal ANP influences feto-placental circulatory homeostasis, the effects of ephedrine and phenylephrine on this regulatory mechanism do not appear to be different.
Solvent effects in coal desulphurization by chlorinolysis near ambient temperature

Abstract The effects of solvent, temperature and reaction time on the desulphurization efficiency of the low-temperature chlorinolysis process were studied. Certain trends in sulphur reduction, chlorine uptake and extraction yield for coals undergoing slurry-phase chlorine treatment were established. Methanol-based solvent systems were found to display remarkable capabilities in coal chlorinolysis both in terms of selective sulphur extraction and high yields of coal extracts.
The fine structure of the papillary region of the mouse enamel organ.

Abstract An electron microscopic investigation of the enamel organ elements overlying secretory and post-secretory ameloblasts of the mouse incisor was conducted with special attention focused on specializations of the cell surfaces and the occurrence of junctional complexes. In general it was found that this portion of the incisor enamel organ has several ultrastructural features commonly present within transport epithelia. These features are (1) modifications of the cell surface providing for an increased surface area, (2) extensive junctional complexes, (3) large numbers of well developed mitochondria, and (4) numerous cytoplasmic vesicles. All of these features appeared to reach a peak of development in that portion of the enamel organ overlying post-secretory ameloblasts. These findings support the concept that the enamel organ elements overlying post-secretory ameloblasts are engaged in some form of active transport.
Analyzing how travelers choose scenic routes using route choice models

Finding a scenic route between two locations is a common trip planning task, in particular for tourists and recreational travelers. For the automated computation of a scenic route in a trip planning system it is necessary to identify which attributes of a route and its surroundings are associated with attractive scenery. This study uses a route choice model, more specifically a Path Size Logit (PSL) model, to identify the relevant attributes and their relative importance. Three hypotheses are formulated and tested with three PSL models to understand the effects of different attributes on scenic route selection. The set of chosen scenic routes are based on various VGI (Volunteered Geographic Information) data that have been extracted for California as a study region. The results identify several variables of the surrounding environment as significant contributors to route scenery after controlling for road type.
A comparison of three velocity discretizations for the Vlasov equation

Summary form only given. Three different methods of velocity discretization for the Vlasov equation are compared for use in the numerical solution of the one-dimensional Vlasov equation. The first method is a simple central difference on a uniform grid in velocity space; with this method the evaluation of the right hand side of the Vlasov equation requires 8 floating point operations per degree of freedom. The other two methods are weighted residuals methods based on Hermite polynominals: the first of these is based on expansion functions and identical weight functions; the second Hermite based method uses expansion functions and different weight function. These two methods require 12 and 8 floating point operations per degree of freedom respectively. Thus all three methods require the same order of computational work, however, for finite numbers of degrees of freedom the finite difference method conserves only particles, the symmetric Hermite method conserves either particles or momentum, while the asymmetric Hermite method conserves particles, momentum, and energy. The two Hermite methods also exactly recover the Hermite moments of the free streaming solution of the Vlasov equation, and the asymmetric Hermite method exactly solves the spatially uniform Vlasov-Ampere equations (exact plasma oscillations). When used to compute the growth rates of unstable plasma equilibria the finite difference method shows only algebraic convergence, while both Hermite based methods show spectral convergence, with the error decay rate for the asymmetric Hermite method larger than for the symmetric Hermite.
Helminth parasites of northern spotted owls (Strix occidentalis caurina) from Oregon.

Helminth parasites are reported for the first time from northern spotted owls. Seventyone percent of a sample of Strix occidentalis caurina from western Oregon was infected. Nematodes (Porrocaecum depressum, Capillaria falconis, Microtetrameres sp. and Synhimantus hamatus) were the most prevalent parasites although cestodes (Paruterina rauschi) and acanthocephalans (Centrorhynchus conspectus) were also represented. There was an association between components of this helminth fauna and the diet of spotted owls which is dominated by small rodents. The occurrence of P. rauschi rather than P. candelabraria in this geographic region and host-species may provide additional support for recognition of a parapatric distribution in the ranges of Paruterina spp. among strigiforms in the Nearctic.
Coordinate regulation of glucocorticoid receptor and c-jun mRNA levels: evidence for cross-talk between two signaling pathways' at the transcriptional level.

Autologous regulation of steroid receptors by their cognate ligands has been demonstrated for a number of nuclear receptor family members. To determine the molecular mechanism for glucocorticoid receptor (GR) autoregulation, the expression of glucocorticoid receptor mRNA and protein levels were examined in the mouse AtT-20 pituitary tumor cell line. The expression of c-jun and c-fos mRNA and protein was also examined in the same cell extracts. A rapid down-regulation of the GR protein was observed after treatment with the glucocorticoid analog, triamcinolone acetonide (TA). An oscillatory, parallel regulation of both GR and c-jun mRNA levels occurred. In contrast, POMC mRNA levels remained at a stable, low level during chronic TA treatment. Dose-response analyses also revealed a coordinate down-regulation of GR and c-jun (but not POMC or c-fos) mRNA levels. FOS protein levels were unaffected by TA treatment. Surprisingly, JUN protein levels were increased by TA, even when the c-jun mRNA levels were decrea...
An efficient tree-based computation of a metric comparable to a natural diffusion distance

Abstract Using diffusion to define distances between points on a manifold (or a sampled data set) has been successfully employed in various applications such as data organization and approximately isometric embedding of high dimensional data in low dimensional Euclidean space. Recently, P. Jones has proposed a diffusion distance which is both intuitively appealing and scales appropriately with increasing time. In the first part of our paper, we present an efficient tree-based approach to computing an approximation to Jonesʼs diffusion distance. We also show our approximation is comparable to Jonesʼs distance. Neither Jonesʼs distance, nor our approximation, satisfies the triangle inequality; in particular, in the case of heat flow on R n , Jonesʼs separation distance gives a scaled square of the Euclidean distance. In the second part of our paper, we present a general construction to obtain an “almost” metric from a general distance. We also discuss a numerical procedure to implement our construction. Additionally, we show that in the case of heat flow on R n , we recover (scaled) Euclidean distance from Jonesʼs distance.
Pluto's light curve in 1933–1934

Abstract The Pluto–Charon system has complex photometric variations on all time scales; due to rotational modulations of dark markings across the surface, the changing orientation of the system as viewed from Earth, occultations and eclipses between Pluto and Charon, as well as the sublimation and condensation of frosts on the surface. The earliest useable light curve for Pluto is from 1953 to 1955 when Pluto was 35 AU from the Sun. Earlier data on Pluto has the potential to reveal properties of the surface at a greater heliocentric distance with nearly identical illumination and viewing geometry. We are reporting on a new accurate photographic light curve of Pluto for 1933–1934 when the heliocentric distance was 40 AU. We used 43 B-band and V-band images of Pluto on 32 plates taken on 15 nights from 19 March 1933 to 10 March 1934. Most of these plates were taken with the Mount Wilson 60″ and 100″ telescopes, but 7 of the plates (now at the Harvard College Observatory) were taken with the 12″ and 16″ Metcalf doublets at Oak Ridge. The plates were measured with an iris diaphragm photometer, which has an average one-sigma photometric error on these plates of 0.08 mag as measured by the repeatability of constant comparison stars. The modern B and V magnitudes for the comparison stars were measured with the Lowell Observatory Hall 1.1-m telescope. The magnitudes in the plate's photographic system were converted to the Johnson B- and V-system after correction with color terms, even though they are small in size. We find that the average B-band mean opposition magnitude of Pluto in 1933–1934 was 15.73 ± 0.01 , and we see a roughly sinusoidal modulation on the rotational period (6.38 days) with a peak-to-peak amplitude of 0.11 ± 0.03 mag . With this, we show that Pluto darkened by 5% from 1933–1934 to 1953–1955. This darkening from 1933–1934 to 1953–1955 cannot be due to changing viewing geometry (as both epochs had identical sub-Earth latitudes), so our observations must record a real albedo change over the southern hemisphere. The later darkening trend from 1954 to the 1980's has been explained by changing viewing geometry (as more of the darker northern hemisphere comes into view). Thus, we now have strong evidence for albedo changes on the surface of Pluto, and these are most easily explained by the systematic sublimation of frosts from the sunward pole that led to a drop in the mean surface albedo.
Balance as bias: global warming and the US prestige press☆

Abstract This paper demonstrates that US prestige-press coverage of global warming from 1988 to 2002 has contributed to a significant divergence of popular discourse from scientific discourse. This failed discursive translation results from an accumulation of tactical media responses and practices guided by widely accepted journalistic norms. Through content analysis of US prestige press—meaning the New York Times , the Washington Post , the Los Angeles Times , and the Wall Street Journal —this paper focuses on the norm of balanced reporting, and shows that the prestige press's adherence to balance actually leads to biased coverage of both anthropogenic contributions to global warming and resultant action.
Assessment and treatment of challenging behaviour for individuals with intellectual disability: a research review.

Background Challenging behaviour is frequently associated with the presence of intellectual disability. If not effectively treated, chronic challenging behaviour can negatively impact a variety of quality of life outcomes for individuals with intellectual disability. Methods and Results We review the current status of research relating to the assessment and treatment of challenging behaviour for people with intellectual disability. We briefly review the history of interventions for challenging behaviour that led to the development of function-based approaches widely in use today. We then discuss the various operant functions of challenging behaviour, functional behaviour assessment technologies and reinforcement-based interventions. Conclusions We conclude with a discussion of future directions that include models of prevention, ecological validity of assessment procedures and the widespread use of comprehensive behavioural support programmes.
Beamforming in wireless relay networks

This paper is on relay beamforming in wireless networks, in which the receiver has perfect information of all channels and each relay knows its own channels. Instead of the commonly used total power constraint on relays and the transmitter, we use a more practical assumption that every node in the network has its own power constraint. A two-step amplify-and-forward protocol with beamforming is used, in which the transmitter and relays are allowed to adaptively adjust their transmit power and directions according to available channel information. The optimal beamforming problem is solved analytically. The complexity of finding the exact solution is linear in the number of relays. Our results show that the transmitter should always use its maximal power and the optimal power used at a relay is not a binary function. It can take any value between zero and its maximum transmit power. Also, interestingly, this value depends on the quality of all other channels in addition to the relaypsilas own ones. Despite this coupling fact, distributive strategies are proposed in which, with the aid of a low-rate broadcast from the receiver, a relay needs only its own channel information to implement the optimal power control. Simulated performance shows that network beamforming achieves full diversity and outperforms other existing schemes.
The talk show uploaded: YouTube and the technicity of the body

The dramatic success of YouTube and related internet sites in recent years has led to a shift in public interaction with many television programs, including popular and controversial television talk shows, such as Peruvian Laura Bozzo's Laura en America. While television talk shows and other media have long participated in the production and circulation of racial, national, and class-based stereotyped images, the interplay between television, YouTube and independent internet use allows for new modes of engagement between embodied subjects and digital images. Through analysis of uploaded clips of Laura Bozzo's show, homemade videos and user commentary, this article addresses changes and continuities in the structure of interpellation, through which identities circulate via popular Spanish language internet media. Building upon recent work by Mark Hansen regarding corporeal technicity, the article suggests that contemporary internet use blurs the contours of the stereotyped media image, and harnesses the us...
Ownership structure and voting on antitakeover amendments

Abstract Theory suggests that shareholders who own blocks of stock have a stronger incentive to invest in voting on corporate issues than nonblockholders. Our evidence indicates that institutional investors and other blockholders vote more actively on antitakeover amendments than nonblockholders, and opposition by institutions is greater when the proposal appears to harm shareholders. Our evidence suggests that institutions that are less subject to management influence, such as mutual funds, foundations, and public-employee pension funds, are more likely to oppose management than banks, insurance companies, and trusts, which frequently derive benefits from lines of business under management control.
The pathophysiological role of peroxynitrite in shock, inflammation, and ischemia-reperfusion injury

Peroxynitrite is a reactive oxidant produced from nitric oxide (NO) and superoxide, which reacts with proteins, lipids, and DNA under conditions of inflammation and shock. Here we overview the role of peroxynitrite in circulatory shock and inflammation. Immunohistochemical and biochemical evidence demonstrate production of peroxynitrite in endotoxic and hemorrhagic shock, chronic bowel inflammation, and in various forms of ischemia-reperfusion injury. The reactivity and decomposition of peroxynitrite is determined by the chemical environment, and the ratio of superoxide versus NO. Peroxynitrite can initiate toxic oxidative reactions in vitro and in vivo. Initiation of lipid peroxidation, direct inhibition of mitochondrial respiratory chain enzymes, inactivation of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, inhibition of membrane Na+/K+ ATP-ase activity, inactivation of membrane sodium channels, and other oxidative protein modifications contribute to the cytotoxic effect of peroxynitrite. In addition, peroxynitrite is a potent trigger of DNA strand breakage, with subsequent activation of the nuclear enzyme poly-ADP ribosyl synthetase, with eventual severe energy depletion of the cells. Pharmacological evidence suggests that the peroxynitrite-poly-ADP ribosyl synthetase pathway importantly contributes to the cellular injury in endotoxic shock, inflammatory pancreatic islet cell destruction, and central nervous system ischemia. The proposal that peroxynitrite is a major cytotoxic mediator would change the interpretation of previous data on the effects of NO donors, NO synthase inhibitors, and superoxide neutralizing strategies in shock and inflammation.
Evaluation of two brief and reliable estimates of the WAIS-R.

Performance of 200 mixed neuropsychiatric patients on the WAIS-R were compared to the summary scores for Kaufman's Brief Intelligence Test (K-BIT) and a seven subtest short form of the WAIS-R. Correlations between verbal, nonverbal, and composite of the full WAIS-R with the K-BIT were significantly lower than the correlations with the WAIS-R short form. The percentage of cases on the short forms that fell within 5 points of the full WAIS-R was higher for the seven subtest version of the WAIS-R than the K-BIT. Specifically, Verbal, Nonverbal/Performance, and Composite/Full Scale scores on the WAIS-R short form fell within 5 points for 89%, 74%, and 92% of the cases while on the K-BIT only 52%, 40%, and 50% fell within 5 points.
African‐American and the expatriates in Ghana black radical tradition

(1999). African‐American and the expatriates in Ghana black radical tradition. Souls: Vol. 1, No. 4, pp. 64-71.
NONLINEAR INTERACTIONS OF POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE ENERGY MODES IN RAREFIED PLASMAS. I.

Abstract The nonlinear interactions of electrostatic modes in a plasma are studied within the framework of the weak-turbulence approximation. It is shown that the multi-wave interaction (resonant mode-mode coupling) can be explosively unstable when, for Σj=1n kj = 0 and Σj=1nωkj = 0, we also have S1 = S2 = … = Sn, where S j = ( ∂ϵ ∂ω k j ) /| ∂ϵ ∂ω k j | , n being the number of interacting waves and ϵ the dielectric constant. Significant examples are analyzed with special consideration for that of a plasma with a loss-cone distribution in a strong magnetic field B. This in fact can have positive and negative energy modes, for which unstable three-wave interactions can occur with growth rates which are appreciable for rather modest intensities. The modes considered are of flute type, with k · B = 0, so that convection along the lines of force does not affect the validity of the above results. A nonlinear mechanism of the type analyzed here can provide a possible explanation of the bursts of radiation often associated with low-density mirror confined plasmas.
Effect of cavitation conditions on amorphous metal synthesis

Abstract Acoustic cavitation is an effective means of concentrating energy and can be used to drive a variety of chemical reactions. By changing the experimental parameters that control conditions during bubble collapse, different chemical environments can be created. The sonochemical reactions associated with metal carbonyls in alkane solvents are quite diverse and illustrate this phenomena. For example, ultrasonic irradiation of iron pentacarbonyl (Fe(CO)5) under weak cavitation conditions initiates ligand substitution and cluster formation reactions. In contrast, under conditions that maximize the cavitational heating (for example, Ar, low vapour pressures, low ambient temperatures), the primary Fe(CO)5 reaction is metal powder formation. The powder synthesized during sonolysis is amorphous and has unusual magnetic and catalytic properties. This amorphous iron powder is formed from the enormous heating and cooling rates generated during acoustic cavitation.
Dynamic sets for search

The success of the proposed information highway hinges partly on solving the problem of locating useful objects out of the terabytes of data available. Therefore, a wide area data storage system (WADSS) must provide supporl for search. We view search as a directed iterative process; at each stage a query is run on a set of objects to reduce the focus to a more interesting subset. Search through a WADSS differs from search through a (distributed) database in that users are willing to trade consistency for performance. For instance, a user would be satisfied if a query were to miss some relevant objects, include irrelevant ones, or obtain out-of-date objects as long as the objects are returned promptly. Moreover, queries in a WADSS maybe long-running, execute over geographically distant repositories, and may be prematurely aborted by the user. A key question is “What is the meaning of a set in this context?”
Beratungsindividualisierung in der Finanzdienstleistungsbranche Umsetzungskonzepte und rechtliche Rahmenbedingungen

Advisory Individualisation in the Financial Services Sector — Implementation Concepts and Legal Requirements