cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pharmacokinetics of old, new, and yet-to-be-discovered antiepileptic drugs.

Summary: The pharmacokinetics of antiepileptic drugs have been investigated extensively during the last two decades. It has become evident that the therapeutic management of epileptic patients would be significantly improved with the elimination of the drawbacks associated with existing antiepileptic drugs. Based on the information accumulated to date, the following set of principles is proposed: (1) The requirement of central nervous system (CNS) penetration automatically creates vulnerability to CNS toxicity. (2) The narrower the therapeutic range of a given drug, the more limiting its pharmacokinetic properties become. (3) The requirements of chronic administration and compliance place narrow limits on the optimum half-life (24 h). (4) The practice of polytherapy and the potential for pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic interactions make it necessary to simplify metabolic schemes (i.e., use of meta-bolically directed design approaches). (5) New antiepileptic drugs have shown that widely different structures are associated with anticonvulsant properties–it becomes important to minimize toxicity and optimize pharmacokinetic characteristics early in the development of future antiepileptic drugs. (6) Yet-to-be-discovered antiepileptic drugs will probably include biotechnology-based pharmaceuticals. Such biologic agents as neuropeptides present a new set of pharmacokinetic requirements because they are generally receptor targeted, they do not cross absorption barriers easily, and they are labile and subject to degradation.
Explicit solutions for an optimal stock selling problem under a Markov chain model

Abstract This paper is concerned with explicit solutions for a classical optimal stock selling problem. In contrast to almost all market models treated in the literature, the underlying market is solely determined by a two-state Markov chain. Such Markov chain model is strikingly simple and yet appears capable capturing various market movements ranging from close-to-Brownian motion to no-so-Brownian ones. The purpose of this paper is to study the optimal selling rule under such a model and develop a set of analysis techniques useful for related optimal stopping problems. In this paper, the goal of the problem under consideration is to find an optimal stopping time to sell the stock so as to maximize an expected return. Explicit solutions to the associated variational inequalities are obtained. These solutions are given in terms of a set of threshold levels. Verification theorems are provided to justify their optimality. Finally, numerical examples are provided to illustrate the results.
Sol-gel-based template synthesis and Li-insertion rate performance of nanostructured vanadium pentoxide

The authors have prepared nanostructured electrodes of orthorhombic V{sub 2}O{sub 5} using the template synthesis method. These electrodes were used to investigate the effects of Li-ion diffusion distance and surface area on V{sub 2}O{sub 5} rate capability. Nanowires of V{sub 2}O{sub 5} were prepared by depositing a precursor into the pores of microporous polycarbonate filtration membranes. This procedure yielded an ensemble of 115 nm diam, 2 {micro}m long nanowires of C{sub 2}{sub 5} which protruded from a V{sub 2}O{sub 5} surface layer like the bristles of a brush. The galvanostatic discharge performance of these nanostructured V{sub 2}O{sub 5} electrodes was compared to a thin-film electrode of similar V{sub 2}O{sub 5} mass and geometric area. The Li{sup +} storage capacity of the thin-film electrode was equivalent to that of the nanostructured electrode at low (C/20) discharge rates. However, at a rate of 200 C, the nanostructured electrode delivered three times the capacity of the thin film electrode. Above 500 C the nanostructured electrode delivered four times the capacity of the thin-film control electrode.
Multiple Mode Exciton−Phonon Coupling: Applications to Photoluminescence in Oligothiophene Thin Films

The impact of exciton-phonon (EP) coupling including two or more vibrational modes on emission in herringbone aggregates with N molecules is investigated theoretically. When the total nuclear relaxation due to all modes is much smaller than the exciton band curvature at the band minimum, the effects of several modes are additive, with each mode contributing a single sideband to the emission spectrum in the limit of large N. Outside the weak coupling regime synergistic intermode effects arise. In particular, the presence of a strongly coupled mode enhances the sideband intensity of a weakly coupled mode. Applications are made to photoluminescence spectra of oligothiophene thin films.
Geomagnetic Variations with Periods from 13 to 30 Years

Harmonic analyses have been made of the geomagnetic horizontal component (H) and the vertical component (Z) from several observatories. These analyses indicate variations of tens of nanoteslas in the period range 13 to 30 years. The largest variation occurred for periods of approximately 25 years. For the pass band 13 to 30 years, several cases were found in which a group of neighboring observatories displayed similar variations. It is quite clear that the origin of these signals must be found in the core of the earth rather than outside the earth. The variations can not be explained by the westward drift of a core dynamo with a detailed fine structure. Hydromagnetic waves in the core offer a better explanation.
Recent developments in the study of the Upper Paleolithic of Vasco-Cantabrian Spain

Abstract This is an updated review of recent (post-2004) developments in the study of the rich Upper Paleolithic (40–10 uncal. ka) record from the Spanish “wing” of the classic Franco-Cantabrian culture area, composed of the provinces of Asturias, Cantabria, Vizcaya, Guipuzcoa and northern Navarra. Numerous new/ongoing excavations, radiometric dating assays, paleoenvironmental, artifact and faunal analyses are summarized here and their implications for understanding the Middle–Upper Paleolithic transition and the succession of anatomically modern human adaptations in this narrow, mid-latitude strip bounded to the north by the Gulf of Gascony and to the south by the Cantabrian Cordillera. Constants in this record are the balance between regionally distinctive characteristics (in terms of ecology, faunas, artifacts, subsistence and art) and the reality of connections to the Upper Paleolithic cultures of France and the rest of Iberia; the role of the region as a glacial-age refugium; the fundamental continuity of human settlement with movements between the coastal lowlands and the adjacent montane interior; the intensification of subsistence through situational specialization and overall diversification, with periods of intensive demographic and environmental stress; underlying facts of lithology and the differential availability and utilization of flints and non-flint raw materials for different types of tools; the demographically critical role of intra- and extra-regional social networks within the context of valley-defined local band territories. The review proceeds along the lines of traditionally defined cultural traditions: Aurignacian sensu lato , Gravettian, Solultrean, Magdalenian and Azilian, although it is recognized that these are archeological constructs and that there is both considerable variability within each of these concepts and a considerable degree of similarity cross-cutting all of them.
Organelle Biogenesis: En BLOC Exchange for RAB32 and RAB38

Prominent subtypes of the genetic disorder Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome result from defects in a mysterious protein complex, BLOC-3. New work identifies BLOC-3 as a guanine nucleotide exchange factor for two RAB GTPases previously implicated in lysosome-related organelle biogenesis.
The TRY system -or- how to avoid testing student programs

This paper discusses TRY, a software package for the UNIX1 operating system that tests student programs. The motivation for developing the system is established by describing problems associated with traditional grading methods and electronic program submission. The design and use of the TRY system is discussed, along with the advantages it provides to both the student and the instructor.
Coordinating supply chains with competition: Capacity allocation in semiconductor manufacturing

Abstract This paper, motivated by the experiences of a major US-based semiconductor manufacturer, presents an integrated model of incentive problems arising in forecasting and capacity allocation. Our model involves multiple product managers and multiple manufacturing managers who forecast the means of their respective demand and capacity distributions. A central coordinator is responsible for allocating capacities to product lines. When these distributions are unknown to the central coordinator and capacity is scarce, the managers misrepresent their forecasts. A product manager inflates his forecast to gain a greater allocation of the capacity; a manufacturing manager deflates his forecast to cover for the uncertainties in production. We propose a game theoretic model and design a mechanism (a bonus scheme for all managers and an allocation rule to allocate realized capacity to the product managers) that elicits truthful reporting by all managers. The results herein show that the structure of the truth-eliciting bonus schemes is rather simple with easily calculable parameters. We also show that large classes of allocation rules, including the current allocation practice of the firm, are manipulable. A bonus is often required for elicitation of truthful information. We synthesize the implications of our results for the practitioners.
Anticipating a service experience

Abstract This paper explores the anticipations consumers have before service experiences. Consumers think ahead about future service experiences and may foresee problems or discomfort. This research examines the strategies consumers engage in to minimize the impact of these anticipated problems or discomforts. Qualitative interviews and the critical incident technique with a content analysis provide the tools of this study. In Study 1, planning and preparation, avoidance and adjustment, and seeking support emerge as three problem-solving behaviors. In Study 2, the same three problem-solving behaviors emerge, while a fourth category, gathering information, also appears. In addition, worry, as an emotional response to perceived risk, provides understanding to service anticipation issues. Social risk plays a particularly important role as well.
Changes in Intensity of Punishment: Effect on Running Behavior of Rats

Changing the strength of punishment produced only minor changes in rats' speed of running to food and shock at the goal of an alley. The persistence of running behavior after increased or decreased shock intensity is attributed to a stereotyped withdrawal response conditioned at the goal during initial punishment training.
A remote query magnetoelastic pH sensor

A remote query magnetoelastic pH sensor comprised of a magnetoelastic thick-film coated with a mass-changing pH-responsive polymer is described. In response to a magnetic query field the magnetoelastic sensor mechanically vibrates at a characteristic frequency that is inversely dependent upon the mass of the attached polymer layer. As the magnetoelastic sensor is magnetostrictive the mechanical vibrations of the sensor launch magnetic flux that can be detected remotely from the sensor using a pickup coil. The pH responsive copolymer is synthesized from 20 mol% of acrylic acid and 80 mol% of iso-octyl acrylate and then deposited onto a magnetoelastic film by dip-coating. For a 1 micrometer polymer coating upon a 30 micrometer thick Metglas [The Metglas alloys are a registered trademark of Honeywell Corporation. For product information see: http://www.electronicmaterials.com:80/businesses/sem/amorph/page5_1_2.htm.] alloy 2826MB magnetoelastic film between pH 5 and 9 the change in resonant frequency is linear, approximately 285 Hz/pH or 0.6%/pH. The addition of 10 mmol/l of KCl to the test solution decreases the sensitivity of the polymer approximately 4%.
Is it or isn’t it: Listeners make rapid use of prosody to infer speaker meanings

Abstract A visual world experiment examined the time course for pragmatic inferences derived from visual context and contrastive intonation contours. We used the construction It looks like an X pronounced with either (a) a H* pitch accent on the final noun and a low boundary tone, or (b) a contrastive L + H* pitch accent and a rising boundary tone, a contour that can support contrastive inference (e.g., It LOOKSL+H* like a zebraL-H%… (but it is not)). When the visual display contained a single related set of contrasting pictures (e.g. a zebra vs. a zebra-like animal), effects of LOOKSL+H* emerged prior to the processing of phonemic information from the target noun. The results indicate that the prosodic processing is incremental and guided by contextually-supported expectations. Additional analyses ruled out explanations based on context-independent heuristics that might substitute for online computation of contrast.
Behaviors and Attributions Family Views of Adolescent Psychopathology

This study examined the relationships betweenfamily members'internal images of their hospitalized adolescents and those adolescents' actual pathological behaviors during the months prior to hospitalization. Five categories of pathological behavior were rated for each adolescent. The images held by parents of the adolescents and the adolescents' self-images were assessed along six dimensions of individual and interpersonal functioning. Ratings of actual pathological behavior were correlated with perceived adolescent attributes for each rater (mother, father, and adolescent). In four categories, parent and adolescent correlations diverged markedly. Adolescents who were mostself-destructive or most suicidal saw themselves as alienated from their families and from their peers and as more compromised overall. The parents of these adolescents did not recognize these deficits in their children ' functioning. The parents of substance-abusing adolescents saw their children as markedly more impaired whereas these a...
Child support enforcement for teenage fathers: Problems and prospects

Data from the NLSY (National Longitudinal Survey of Labor Market Experiences-Youth Cohort) indicate that about 7.3 percent of teenage males become fathers and that very few of these fathers live with their children. Father absence and the concurrent increase in female-headed households are closely associated with the impoverishment of children. Most absent teen fathers never come into contact with the child support enforcement program, and the extent to which they financially support their children informally is not well understood. While the income of absent teen fathers is low in the teen years, it increases over time, as does the potential for collecting child support. Nevertheless, men who were absent teen fathers earn less in early adulthood than men who deferred parenting until age 20 or later and teen fathers who lived with their children. Early establishment of paternity and greater standardization in the treatment of adolescent fathers by the child support enforcement program are recommended. Further, the substantial and persistent income deficit experienced by adolescent fathers who live apart from their children raises an interesting dilemma. While children may benefit financially and psychosocially from living with two parents, the lower income of men who were absent teenage fathers may make them poor marital prospects. This raises doubts about the recent recommendations of some scholars that we should bring back the shotgun wedding.
Serotonin (5-HT) released by activated white blood cells in a biological fuel cell provide a potential energy source for electricity generation

Previous studies by our group have demonstrated the ability of white blood cells to generate small electrical currents, on the order of 1-3 microA/cm(2), when placed at the anode compartment of a proton exchange membrane (PEM) biological fuel cell. In this research study, an electrochemical technique is used to further investigate the electron transfer ability of activated white blood cells at interfacing electrodes in an attempt to elucidate the mechanism of electron transfer in the original biological fuel cell experiments. Cyclic voltammograms were obtained for human white blood cells using a three-electrode system. The working and counter electrodes were made from carbon felt and platinum, respectively, while the reference was a saturated calomel electrode (SCE). Oxidation peaks were observed at an average potential of 363 mV vs. SCE for the PMA/ionomycin activated white blood cells in glucose solution. However a corresponding reduction peak was not observed, suggesting irreversibility of the redox reaction. The cyclic voltammograms recorded for the white blood cells bear very close similarities to those of the neurotransmitter serotonin (5-HT). Serotonin released by white blood cells into the extracellular environment may be irreversibly oxidized at the working electrode in the cyclic voltammetry experiments and at the PEM biological fuel cell anode in our earlier electrochemical cell studies.
Changes in Study Strategies of Medical Students between Basic Science Courses and Clerkships Are Associated with Performance

We tested the hypothesis that medical students change their study strategies when transitioning from basic science courses to clerkships, and that their study practices are associated with performance scores. Factor scores for three approaches to studying (construction, rote, and review) generated from student (n=150) responses to a questionnaire were correlated to examination and clinical performance scores. Composite factor scores were compared using a paired t-test and sign test to examine changes in study practices as students transitioned from basic science courses to clerkships. The construction approach to studying was more likely to have a positive and stronger relationship to examination scores in both courses and clerkships, but showed no significant associations with clinical performance scores. Our analyses indicated that students are more likely to increase their use of study practices associated with construction of knowledge as they transition from courses to clerkships. Although learning is a complex endeavor, students employing construction study strategies are more likely to outperform their peers who rely mostly on rote and review practices. Transitioning from basic science courses to the clerkships students tend to utilize more construction study practices suggesting that students are responsive to their learning environments when selecting study strategies.
Thermocapillary driven flow past the Marangoni instability

A frmdamentnl dimensionless number, is introduced for thermocapillary driven flows. Here Ma and Pr respectively denote thr iisiial Marangoni and Prandtl numbcrs. Thr significanceof this numbcrfor past Marangoni instabilities is demonstrated in terms of a projection met,liod involving t,hc Godunov discrctiaation for convective terms, as well as thr data available in the literature.
Integrated Management of Irrigation and Urban Storm-Water Infiltration

New microscale techniques have become available to assist urban designers in better water management. Urban water management has focused on two different areas: storm water and water supply. The focus of storm-water management is shifting toward low-impact development, which emphasizes better management of urban storm water through reductions in postdevelopment runoff by increasing on-site infiltration, while water supply planning has been enhanced by the emergence of end-use demand management, especially outdoor irrigation. Implementation of these two objectives requires examination of processes at smaller scales in order to evaluate changes being contemplated at a parcel level. A modeling approach is presented that incorporates decentralized options for management of both storm water and urban water supply. Management options that can be evaluated with this approach include restrictive irrigation policies and rainwater harvesting. A simpler model based upon Soil Conservation Service hydrology is then calibrated to the more complex model using a commercially available nonlinear optimizer. A method for comparison of costs and benefits from a consumer perspective is presented.
The gradient with respect to a symmetric matrix

The well-known formulas for gradient matrices can be applied only when the elements of the matrix are independent [1],[2]. In this note, the author derives gradient formulas for two important types of element dependency: symmetry and skew symmetry. Application is made to the sensitivity analysis of optimal estimation systems.
Basic Math in Monkeys and College Students

Adult humans possess a sophisticated repertoire of mathematical faculties. Many of these capacities are rooted in symbolic language and are therefore unlikely to be shared with nonhuman animals. However, a subset of these skills is shared with other animals, and this set is considered a cognitive vestige of our common evolutionary history. Current evidence indicates that humans and nonhuman animals share a core set of abilities for representing and comparing approximate numerosities nonverbally; however, it remains unclear whether nonhuman animals can perform approximate mental arithmetic. Here we show that monkeys can mentally add the numerical values of two sets of objects and choose a visual array that roughly corresponds to the arithmetic sum of these two sets. Furthermore, monkeys' performance during these calculations adheres to the same pattern as humans tested on the same nonverbal addition task. Our data demonstrate that nonverbal arithmetic is not unique to humans but is instead part of an evolutionarily primitive system for mathematical thinking shared by monkeys.
Structure of the Indonesian Emotion Lexicon

Based on a prototype approach to emotion concepts, two studies were conducted: (1) to identify the mental state words that Indonesian speakers are most certain name emotions (perasaan hati) and (2) to map the hierarchical and family-resemblance structure of the top 124 emotion concepts. As in an earlier study of emotion terms in American English (Shaver, Schwartz, Kirson, & O’Connor, 1987), cluster analysis of sorting data collected in Indonesia revealed five basic-level emotion categories: cinta (love), senang (happiness), marah (anger), kawatir/takut (anxiety/fear), and sedih (sadness). Also in line with the American results, the five basic-level categories formed two large categories at the superordinate level: positive emotions and negative emotions. Each of the five basic-level categories contained several subordinate-level categories, totaling 31 in all. The results suggest that the emotion lexicons, and corresponding conceptualizations of the emotion domain, in Indonesia and the U.S.A. are similar at the superordinate and basic levels but somewhat variable at the subordinate level. This outcome ‐ like other kinds of psychological research on emotions and emotion concepts ‐ suggests that the gross structure of representations of the emotion domain are similar worldwide, perhaps for biological reasons, but that different cultures make different fine-grained distinctions and emphasize different subordinate-level emotion concepts.
Antibacterial Role for Natural Killer Cells in Host Defense to Bacillus anthracis

Natural killer (NK) cells have innate antibacterial activity that could be targeted for clinical interventions for infectious disease caused by naturally occurring or weaponized bacterial pathogens. To determine a potential role for NK cells in immunity to Bacillus anthracis, we utilized primary human and murine NK cells, in vitro assays, and in vivo NK cell depletion in a murine model of inhalational anthrax. Our results demonstrate potent antibacterial activity by human NK cells against B. anthracis bacilli within infected autologous monocytes. Surprisingly, NK cells also mediate moderate antibacterial effects on extracellular vegetative bacilli but do not have activity against extracellular or intracellular spores. The immunosuppressive anthrax lethal toxin impairs NK gamma interferon (IFN-γ) expression, but neither lethal nor edema toxin significantly alters the viability or cytotoxic effector function of NK cells. Compared to human NK cells, murine NK cells have a similar, though less potent, activity against intracellular and extracellular B. anthracis. The in vivo depletion of murine NK cells does not alter animal survival following intranasal infection with B. anthracis spores in our studies but significantly increases the bacterial load in the blood of infected animals. Our studies demonstrate that NK cells participate in the innate immune response against B. anthracis and suggest that immune modulation to augment NK cell function in early stages of anthrax should be further explored in animal models as a clinical intervention strategy.
Proton-induced transient depolarization in gallium phosphide and tellurium dioxide Bragg cells

Radiation-induced changes to the polarization states of light propagating in various photonic devices are observed. The nature of the polarization changes is reported for one particular photonic device—the acousto optic Bragg cell. A short description of the detection methodology used to quantify transient changes to the polarization states and to the degree of polarization in tellurium dioxide and gallium phosphide Bragg cells are presented. A discussion of the Stokes parameter analysis used to interpret the data is also presented.
The Relation between Decadal Variability of Subtropical Mode Water and the North Atlantic Oscillation

The Bermuda station ‘‘S’’ time series has been used to define the variability of subtropical mode water (STMW) from 1954 to 1995. This record, which shows decadal variability at a nominal period of about 12‐14 yr, has been used as a baseline for seeking correlation with large-scale atmospheric forcing and with decadal north‐south excursions of the Gulf Stream position defined by the subsurface temperature at 200-m depth. A common time period of 1954‐89 inclusive, defined by the data sources, shows a high degree of correlation among the STMW potential vorticity (PV), Gulf Stream position, and large-scale atmospheric forcing (buoyancy flux, SST, and sea level pressure). Two pentads with anomalously small and large STMW PV were further studied and composites were made to define a revised North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) index associated with the decadal forcing. During years of low PV at Bermuda, the NAO index is low, the Gulf Stream is in a southerly position, and the zero wind stress curl latitude is shifted south as are the composite extratropical winter storm tracks, in comparison to the period of high PV at Bermuda. Because the NAO, Gulf Stream separation latitude, and STMW PV variations are in phase with maximum annually averaged correlation at zero year time lag, the authors hypothesize that all must be either coupled with one another or with some other phenomenon that determines the covariability. A mechanism is proposed that could link all of the above together. It relies on the fact that during periods of high STMW PV, associated with a northerly Gulf Stream and a high NAO, one finds enhanced production of mode water in the subpolar gyre and Labrador Sea. Export of the enhanced Labrador Sea Water (LSW) component into the North Atlantic via the Deep Western Boundary Current can influence the separation point of the Gulf Stream in the upper ocean once the signal propagates from the source region to the crossover point with the Gulf Stream. If the SST signal produced by the 100-km shift of the Gulf Stream along a substantial (1000 km) length of its path as it leaves the coast can influence the NAO, a negative feedback oscillation may develop with a timescale proportional to the time delay between the change of phase of the air‐ sea forcing in the Labrador Basin and the LSW transient at the crossover point. Both a simple mechanistic model as well as a three-layer numerical model are used to examine this feedback, which could produce decadal oscillations given a moderately strong coupling.
Elasticity and Internal Friction of Polycrystalline Yttrium Oxide

Young's modulus and internal friction of polycrystalline yttrium oxide were determined from room temperature to 1658°C by sonic techniques. A linear relation was found between volume fraction porosity and Young's modulus at room temperature. The effect of porosity on room temperature internal friction is also discussed. Young's modulus decreased linearly with increasing temperature to 1000° to 1100°C, where a slight anomaly was observed accompanied by an internal friction peak. The modulus was again linear from 100° to 13500°C. Above this temperature a rapid decrease in elastic modulus occurred with a rapid increase in internal friction.
Microwave beamforming for non-invasive patient-specific hyperthermia treatment of pediatric brain cancer

We present a numerical study of an array-based microwave beamforming approach for non-invasive hyperthermia treatment of pediatric brain tumors. The transmit beamformer is designed to achieve localized heating—that is, to achieve constructive interference and selective absorption of the transmitted electromagnetic waves at the desired focus location in the brain while achieving destructive interference elsewhere. The design process takes into account patient-specific and target-specific propagation characteristics at 1 GHz. We evaluate the effectiveness of the beamforming approach using finite-difference time-domain simulations of two MRI-derived child head models from the Virtual Family (IT’IS Foundation). Microwave power deposition and the resulting steady-state thermal distribution are calculated for each of several randomly chosen focus locations. We also explore the robustness of the design to mismatch between the assumed and actual dielectric properties of the patient. Lastly, we demonstrate the ability of the beamformer to suppress hot spots caused by pockets of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain. Our results show that microwave beamforming has the potential to create localized heating zones in the head models for focus locations that are not surrounded by large amounts of CSF. These promising results suggest that the technique warrants further investigation and development. (Some figures in this article are in colour only in the electronic version)
Acoustic Scattering from Zooplankton and Micronekton in Relation to a Whale Feeding Site near Georges Bank and Cape Cod

Abstract This research was part of the South Channel Ocean Productivity Experiment (SCOPEX), a multidisciplinary study to investigate the biological and physical processes associated with the very high annual springtime abundance of right whales ( Eubalaena glacialis ) in the Great South Channel off New England. Right whales appear to gather there in the spring because of the increased abundance of aggregations of their principal prey, the copepod Calanus finmarchicus . Observations of hydroacoustic scattering were made in relation to the hydrography, whale distributions, and other biological measurements in the vicinity of the Great South Channel during May 1986, March, April and May of 1988, and May and June of 1989. Copepods were detected (at 200 kHz) as a near-surface layer with strong diel changes. In 1989, a second frequency (120 kHz) was used to discriminate between copepod layers (which the 120 kHz detected only weakly) and other targets (which both frequencies detected). Acoustically distinct layers of zooplankton and micronekton were observed, which were often correlated in time and space with the copepod layers. Quantitative estimates derived from the acoustic data indicate that the abundance of zooplankton varied from 1–5 g wet weight m −3 to 18–25 g wet weight m −3 which correlates well with the abundances observed from MOCNESS tows. The acoustic data revealed a complex diel migration of two layers in addition to the copepods. Euphausiids (predominantly Meganyctiphanes sp.) were found in a layer above the bottom, and a mid-water layer may have been due to sand lance ( Ammodytes americanus ). The observed biological phenomena appeared to be related to the complex hydrography of the region. A surface thermal front existed at the northern entrance to the channel in 1988 and 1989, with colder vertically mixed water to the south and warmer stratified water to the north. A Fast Fourier Transform analysis for spectral composition and autocovariance shows (a) strong contrasts in the spectral density across one frontal feature (predominantly a salinity front) as opposed to away from the front, and (b) significant differences between those areas where a whale moved more rapidly (presumably searching for food) and where it spent more time (presumably or observably feeding). The behavior of whales, in particular the right whale, can be shown to be related to the spatial scales and abundance of their prey by the use of hydroacoustic estimates of target distribution and abundance.
Continuous-state system-reliability: an interpolation approach

Reliability theory has grown from binary-state systems to multi-state and continuous-state systems. However, structure functions for continuous systems cannot always be specified via a finite set of boundary points (minimal-paths and minimal-cuts in the binary case) as they can for discrete systems. The authors propose a process by which a structure function for a continuous system is built with limited input. This method is based upon scattered-data interpolation (SDI) to input data provided by the customer. The SDI technique is the Hardy multiquadric method. Guidance is given on appropriate choices for multiquadric parameters, and comparisons are made between SDI results and theoretical results for several continuous-model structure functions. The topic of how statistical-coherence can be assured in the resulting interpolation is explored.
HIV-1 Tat second exon limits the extent of Tat-mediated modulation of interferon-stimulated genes in antigen presenting cells.

We have shown that HIV-1 Tat interaction with MAP2K3, MAP2K6, and IRF7 promoters is key to IFN-stimulated genes (ISG) activation in immature dendritic cells and macrophages. We evaluated how Tat alleles and mutants differ in cellular gene modulation of immature dendritic cells and monocyte-derived macrophages and what similarities this modulation has with that induced by interferons. The tested alleles and mutants modulated to different degrees ISG, without concomitant induction of interferons. The first exon TatSF21-72 and the minimal transactivator TatSF21-58, all modulated genes to a significantly greater extent than full-length wild type, two-exon Tat, indicating that Tat second exon is critical in reducing the innate response triggered by HIV-1 in these cells. Mutants with reduced LTR transactivation had a substantially reduced effect on host gene expression modulation than wild type TatSF2. However, the more potent LTR transactivator TatSF2A58T modulated ISG expression to a lower degree compared to TatSF2. A cellular gene modulation similar to that induced by Tat and Tat mutants in immature dendritic cells could be observed in monocyte-derived macrophages, with the most significant pathways affected by Tat being the same in both cell types. Tat expression in cells deleted of the type I IFN locus or receptor resulted in a gene modulation pattern similar to that induced in primary immature dendritic cells and monocyte-derived macrophages, excluding the involvement of type I IFNs in Tat-mediated gene modulation. ISG activation depends on Tat interaction with MAP2K3, MAP2K6, and IRF7 promoters and a single exon Tat protein more strongly modulated the luciferase activity mediated by MAP2K3, MAP2K6, and IRF7 promoter sequences located 5′ of the RNA start site than the wild type two-exon Tat, while a cysteine and lysine Tat mutants, reduced in LTR transactivation, had negligible effects on these promoters. Chemical inhibition of CDK9 or Sp1 decreased Tat activation of MAP2K3-, MAP2K6-, and IRF7-mediated luciferase transcription. Taken together, these data indicate that the second exon of Tat is critical to the containment of the innate response stimulated by Tat in antigen presenting cells and support a role for Tat in stimulating cellular transcription via its interaction with transcription factors present at promoters.
MOLECULAR SYSTEMATICS OF MESOCESTOIDES SPP. (CESTODA: MESOCESTOIDIDAE) FROM DOMESTIC DOGS (CANIS FAMILIARIS) AND COYOTES (CANIS LATRANS)

The genus Mesocestoides Vaillant, 1863 includes tapeworms of uncertain phylogenetic affinities and with poorly defined life histories. We previously documented 11 cases of peritoneal cestodiasis in dogs (Canis familiaris L.) in western North America caused by metacestodes of Mesocestoides spp. In the current study, DNA sequences were obtained from metacestodes collected from these dogs (n = 10), as well as proglottids from dogs (n = 3) and coyotes (Canis latrans Say, 1823 [n = 2]), and tetrathyridia representing laboratory isolates of M. corti (n = 3), and these data were analyzed phylogenetically. Two nuclear genetic markers, 18S ribosomal DNA and the second internal-transcribed spacer (ITS 2), were sequenced. Phylogenetic analysis of the 18S rDNA data recovered a monophyletic group composed of all samples of Mesocestoides spp., distinct from closely related outgroup taxa (Amurotaenia Akhmerov, 1941 and Tetrabothrius Rudolphi, 1819). Initial analysis of the ITS 2 data resolved 3 clades within Mesocestoides. Two proglottids from dogs formed a basal clade, a second clade was represented by tetrathyridial isolates, and a third clade included all other samples. Interpretation of these data from an apomorphy-based perspective identified 6 evolutionary lineages. We also assessed whether metacestodes from dogs (n = 4) are capable of asexual proliferation in laboratory mice. One tetrathyridial and 2 acephalic isolates from dogs proliferated asexually. Further investigation is warranted to determine which of the lineages represent distinct species and to determine the life history strategies of Mesocestoides spp.
Portion size of food affects energy intake in normal-weight and overweight men and women

Background: Large portions of food may contribute to excess energy intake and greater obesity. However, data on the effects of portion size on food intake in adults are limited. Objectives: We examined the effect of portion size on intake during a single meal. We also investigated whether the response to portion size depended on which person, the subject or the experimenter, determined the amount of food on the plate. Design: Fifty-one men and women were served lunch 1 d/wk for 4 wk. Lunch included an entree of macaroni and cheese consumed ad libitum. At each meal, subjects were presented with I of 4 portions of the entree: 500, 625, 750, or 1000 g. One group of subjects received the portion on a plate, and a second group received it in a serving dish and took the amount they desired on their plates. Results: Portion size significantly influenced energy intake at lunch (P < 0.0001). Subjects consumed 30% more energy (676 kJ) when offered the largest portion than when offered the smallest portion. The response to the variations in portion size was not influenced by who determined the amount of food on the plate or by subject characteristics such as sex, body mass index, or scores for dietary restraint or disinhibition. Conclusions: Larger portions led to greater energy intake regardless of serving method and subject characteristics. Portion size is a modifiable determinant of energy intake that should be addressed in connection with the prevention and treatment of obesity.
Health literacy and adherence to medical treatment in chronic and acute illness: A meta-analysis

Abstract Objective To use meta-analytic techniques to assess average effect sizes in studies of: (1) the correlation between patient health literacy and both medication and non-medication adherence, and (2) the efficacy of health literacy interventions on improving health literacy and treatment adherence. Methods PsychINFO and PubMed databases were searched (1948–2012). A total of 220 published articles met the criteria for inclusion; effect sizes were extracted and articles were coded for moderators. Results Health literacy was positively associated with adherence ( r =0.14), and this association was significantly higher among non-medication regimens and in samples with cardiovascular disease. Health literacy interventions increased both health literacy ( r =0.22) and adherence outcomes ( r =0.16). Moderator analyses revealed greater intervention efficacy when health literacy and adherence were assessed using subjective measures compared to objective measures. Health literacy interventions had a greater effect on adherence in samples of lower income and of racial-ethnic minority patients than in non-minority and higher income samples. Conclusion This is the first study to synthesize both correlational and intervention studies examining the relationship between health literacy and adherence to both medication and non-medication regimens. Implications These findings demonstrate the importance of health literacy and the efficacy of health literacy interventions especially among more vulnerable patient groups.
Beyond the Brady Bunch: Hybrid Families and Their Evolving Relationships With Early Childhood Educators

Demographic shifts, global migration, and increasing mainstream acceptance of individuality and self-determination for all have led to unprecedented changes in family and community structures over the past 50 years. Civil rights movements around the world have worked to secure the rights of all individuals, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, sexuality, or ability. While many injustices remain, these positive developments mean today's families are more diverse than ever before. In an era where more parents work outside of the home, more families reflect various racial and ethnic backgrounds, and more families are composed of individuals other than a mother, father, and children, societies and governments must adapt to these changing demographics. Schools and educators should get to know the families they serve and ensure that services are as inclusive as possible of differing linguistic, physical, or ethnic realities. This cultural richness can be a boon to any community.
A framework for identification of brain network dynamics using a novel binary noise modulated electrical stimulation pattern

Modeling and identification of brain network dynamics is of great importance both for understanding brain function and for closed-loop control of brain states. In this work, we present a multi-input-multi-output (MIMO) linear state-space model (LSSM) to describe the brain network dynamics in response to electrical stimulation. The LSSM maps the parameters of electrical stimulation, such as frequency, amplitude and pulse-width to recorded brain signals such as electrocorticography (ECoG) and electroencephalography (EEG). Effective identification of the LSSM in open-loop stimulation experiments, however, is strongly dependent on the open-loop input stimulation design. We propose a novel input design to accurately identify the LSSM by integrating the concept of binary noise (BN) with practical constraints on stimulation waveforms. The designed input pattern is a pulse train modulated by stochastic BN parameters. We show that this input pattern both satisfies the necessary spectral condition for accurate system identification and can incorporate any desired pulse shape. Using numerical experiments, we show that the quality of identification depends heavily on the input signal pattern and the proposed binary noise modulated pattern achieves satisfactory identification results, reducing the relative estimation error more than 300 times compared with step sequence modulated, single-sinusoid modulated and multi-sinusoids modulated input patterns.
Applications of Gage Reproducibility & Repeatability (GRR): Understanding and Quantifying the Effect of Variations from Different Sources on a Robust Process Development

During process development, it is always a debatable issue whether the variation in analytical results is due to the measurement system (MS) or due to the process. The best approach is to quantify total variation coming from the MS prior to any process improvement activity. This quantification is done by “Gage Reproducibility & Repeatability” (GRR). This article describes the usage of GRR for quantifying variation from various sources and selecting a suitable MS for the analysis. In this study, two instruments, a potentiometer and ultra high pressure liquid chromatography (UPLC), were evaluated for the assay measurement of a key starting material (KSM) supplied by a vendor. As a result of the GRR study, it was found that the potentiometer was not a suitable instrument, because of the high variation contributed by it, whereas UPLC was found to be suitable, because of the insignificant variation contributed by it towards the assay. In addition to this, it was also observed that the variation contributed by ...
The Ohio Judicial Council: Studies and Reports

On April 6,1923, the Ohio legislature passed an act creating a Judicial Council charged with making a continuous study of the organization, rules, and methods of practice of the courts of that state, the work accomplished, and the results produced by the judicial system and its various parts. Hampered by a lack of funds during its first years of life, this body seemed destined to languish and waste away. In 1929, however, all was changed, for in that year the Council succeeded in arranging with the Institute of Law of the Johns Hopkins University for a three-year study of judicial administration in Ohio. This survey, which represented the first of a series of state-wide studies of “law-in-action” contemplated by the Institute of Law, proposed not only to organize technical research in connection with the actual operation of the courts, but to go beyond this and look into causes and effects of law administration in the social process. More specifically, it proposed, among other things: (1) to study the trends of litigation and ascertain its human causes and effects; (2) to study the machinery and functioning of the various agencies and offices which directly or indirectly have to do with the administration of law; (3) to locate precisely and definitely the reasons for delays, expenses, and uncertainty in litigation; (4) to institute a permanent system of judicial records and statistics which would automatically provide information now secured only after great labor; (5) to detect the points at which changes in substantive law would contribute markedly to social justice; and (6) to consider the results of the aforesaid analyses and make recommendations based thereon.
Modeling Math Growth Trajectory—An Application of Conventional Growth Curve Model and Growth Mixture Model to ECLS K-5 Data

To model students’ math growth trajectory, three conventional growth curve models and three growth mixture models are applied to the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study Kindergarten-Fifth grade (ECLS K-5) dataset in this study. The results of conventional growth curve model show gender differences on math IRT scores. When holding socio-economic status (SES) constant, gender differences reduced on the mean start IRT scores, growth rate, and acceleration rate. Growth mixture modeling applied to ECLS K-5 children reliably identified three classes of children based on their math growth trajectories. Growth mixture modeling results indicate that gender differences are different depending on different math development classes. After controlling for SES, growth mixture modeling results show that gender differences on the mean start IRT scores, linear growth rate, and quadratic growth rate reduced in all subpopulations. Growth mixture modeling result also show that after controlling for gender, the effects of SES on math development are different in different subpopulations.