Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Halting African American boys' progression from pre-K to prison: what families, schools, and communities can do!

F or the past 30 years, the United States has experienced a steady increase in the number of persons incarcerated in federal, state, and local prisons. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, the number of persons incarcerated in the United States almost tripled between 1980 and 1994. Between 1994 and 2008, this number continued to expand at a rate of 2.4% each year. With the widening trend toward privatization of prisons, the business of corrections has stood out as a reliable growth sector in the American economy. This industry thrives on a steady supply of African American males, who account for 10% of all youth but 60% of incarcerated youth under the age of 18. Incarceration is a much more common experience for African American males than White males. For example, White males are incarcerated at a rate of 8.5 per thousand, but that figure for African American males is 48.3 per thousand. The Department of Justice reported that in 2007 approximately 815,000 20to 50-year-old African American men were in U.S. jails. As a consequence of these high rates, the ‘‘school-to-prison’’ pipeline is often invoked as a metaphor to capture the seemingly inexorable progression of African American boys. African American men figure so prominently in the correctional system that the number of African American 4-year-old males can be used to model the number of people who will be incarcerated 15–20 years in the future. The rationale for this approach is that the more African American preschool males there are in the United States, the more prisons that will be needed when those young children become young adults. Of the approximately six hundred thousand 4-yearold African American males growing up in the United States in 2008, prisons are being planned to house 28,134 of them by 2029. the community
Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and Concurrent Bartonella Spp., Feline Immunodeficiency Virus, and Feline Leukemia Virus Infections in Cats from Grenada, West Indies

Abstract Toxoplasma gondii and Bartonella spp. are zoonotic pathogens of cats. Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukemia virus (FeLv) are related to human immunodeficiency virus, and human leukemia virus, respectively; all of these viruses are immunosuppressive. In the present study, the prevalence of antibodies to T. gondi, Bartonella spp. , FIV, as well as FeLv antigen were determined in sera from 75 domestic and 101 feral cats (Felis catus) from the Caribbean island of Grenada, West Indies. Using a modified agglutination test, antibodies to T. gondii were found in 23 (30.6%) of the 75 pet cats with titers of 1:25 in 1, 1:50 in 3, 1:400 in 4, 1:500 in 12, 1:800 in 2, and 1:1,600 in 1, and 28 (27.7%) of 101 feral cats with titers of 1:25 in 4, 1:50 in 7, 1:200 in 4, 1:400 in 1, 1:500 in 3, 1:800 in 2, 1:1,600 in 3, and 1:3,200 in 4. Overall, in both pet and feral cats, the seroprevalence increased with age. Antibodies to Bartonella spp. were found in 38 (50.6%) of the 75 pet cats and 52.4% of 101 feral cats. Antibodies to FIV were found in 6 domestic and 22 feral cats. None of the 176 cats was positive for FeLv antigen. There was no correlation among T. gondii, Bartonella spp. , and FIV seropositivity.
Automated complete slide digitization: a medium for simultaneous viewing by multiple pathologists

Developments in telepathology robotic systems have evolved the concept of a ‘virtual microscope’ handling ‘digital slides’. Slide digitization is a method of archiving salient histological features in numerical (digital) form. The value and potential of this have begun to be recognized by several international centres. Automated complete slide digitization has application at all levels of clinical practice and will benefit undergraduate, postgraduate, and continuing education. Unfortunately, as the volume of potential data on a histological slide represents a significant problem in terms of digitization, storage, and subsequent manipulation, the reality of virtual microscopy to date has comprised limited views at inadequate resolution. This paper outlines a system refined in the authors' laboratory, which employs a combination of enhanced hardware, image capture, and processing techniques designed for telepathology. The system is able to scan an entire slide at high magnification and create a library of such slides that may exist on an internet server or be distributed on removable media (such as CD‐ROM or DVD). A digital slide allows image data manipulation at a level not possible with conventional light microscopy. Combinations of multiple users, multiple magnifications, annotations, and addition of ancillary textual and visual data are now possible. This demonstrates that with increased sophistication, the applications of telepathology technology need not be confined to second opinion, but can be extended on a wider front. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of electric fields on the liftoff of nonpremixed turbulent jet flames

The effect of electric fields on the liftoff of nonpremixed turbulent jet flames has been investigated by applying high-voltage alternate current (ac) to the nozzle of propane fuel. Flame liftoff velocities and liftoff heights were measured as functions of applied voltage and frequency. The fuel jet velocity at flame liftoff increased and flame liftoff height decreased with increasing voltage, implying that the range of flame stability can be extended with the ac charging. Meanwhile, the effect was minimal when applying direct current (dc). This stabilization effect with ac charging was also influenced by the frequency. As the applied voltage increased, a streamer corona was generated between the flame edge and the nozzle. When the jet velocity and, thus, the liftoff height becomes large, then the ac charging effect disappeared in such a way that the flame liftoff height became comparable to that of a free jet without applying voltage. The liftoff velocity was correlated linearly with voltage in the corona-free electric field enhanced regime.
Autonomy of Image and Use of Single or Multiple Sense Modalities in Original Verbal Image Production

The use of a single or of multiple sense modalities in the production of original verbal images as related to autonomy of imagery was explored. 72 college adults were administered Onomatopoeia and Images and the Gordon Test of Visual Imagery Control. A modified scoring procedure for the Gordon scale differentiated imagers who were moderate or low in autonomy. The two groups produced original verbal images using multiple sense modalities more frequently than a single modality.
Impact of Subacute Ruminal Acidosis (SARA) on Ruminal Microbiome, Lipopoly saccharide and Bioamine and Rumen Epithelial Health of Dairy Cows

Maximizing milk yield without impairing host health is a great challenge for dairy industry. However, the high concentrate feeding often unavoidably increases the risk of Subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) in dairy cows, characterized by periodic episodes of low ruminal pH. The economic costs caused by SARA are enormous, while its pathogenesis is not very clear. As the first and the main digestive compartment, the rumen health during SARA has received much research effort in recent years. There are increasing evidences showing that the effects of SARA on rumen are multifaceted and detrimental. To address this issue, this review summarized the impact of SARA induced by high-concentrate feeding on gastrointestinal microbiota, ruminal fermentation, and its role in damage to the ruminal epithelium and host function in dairy cows. Further experimental work is required to elucidate the mechanisms by which high-concentrate feeding induces ruminal epithelial barrier dysfunction, as well as the relationship between ruminal epithelial barrier dysfunction and high concentrate diet-induced metabolic disease, which seem to be of great importance for preventing these diseases.
Long-term tolerance to retinal ischemia by repetitive hypoxic preconditioning: role of HIF-1alpha and heme oxygenase-1.

PURPOSE To determine whether the duration of ischemic tolerance in the retina could be extended by repetitive presentations of the preconditioning stimulus and to begin to elucidate the mechanistic underpinnings of the resultant novel phenotype. METHODS Adult male Swiss-Webster ND4 mice were repeatedly preconditioned with systemic hypoxia (RHP) over 12 days; 4 weeks later, the mice were subjected to 30 minutes of unilateral retinal ischemia. Protection was quantified morphologically and functionally 1 week after ischemia by histologic analyses and scotopic electroretinography, respectively. Temporal expression patterns of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1alpha and heme oxygenase (HO)-1 were measured in response to RHP and after retinal ischemia by immunoblot analysis and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Morphologic and functional protection against ischemia-induced reductions in retinal layer thicknesses and layer cell counts, and a- and b-wave amplitudes, was documented for at least 4 weeks after RHP. There was no evidence of tissue injury or dysfunction by RHP alone. Temporally associated with this period of long-term tolerance (LTT) to retinal ischemia were sustained increases in retinal levels of HIF-1alpha and HO-1 protein lasting at least 1 and 4 weeks, respectively, after the last RHP stimulus. CONCLUSIONS A novel form of sustained retinal ischemic tolerance is described, wherein endogenous adaptive responses triggered by repeated hypoxia afford protection against injury many weeks after the preconditioning stimulus. HIF-1alpha-mediated, long-lasting increases in retinal HO-1 expression may contribute to the LTT phenotype. Further elucidation of the genetic and molecular basis of such adaptive plasticity could provide therapeutic targets for preventing and/or treating a variety of ischemic retinopathies.
Tactile-Based Pantomime Grasping: Knowledge of Results is Not Enough to Support an Absolute Calibration

ABSTRACT Tactile-based pantomime-grasping requires that a performer use their right hand to ‘grasp’ a target previously held in the palm of their opposite hand – a task examining how mechanoreceptive (i.e., tactile) feedback informs the motor system about an object property (i.e., size). Here, we contrasted pantomime-grasps performed with (H+) and without (H−) haptic feedback (i.e., thumb and forefinger position information derived from the grasping hand touching the object) with a condition providing visual KR (VKR) related to absolute target object size. Just-noticeable-difference (JND) scores were computed to determine whether responses adhered to – or violated – Weber's law. JNDs for H+ trials violated the law, whereas H− and VKR trials adhered to the law. Accordingly, results demonstrate that haptic feedback – and not KR – supports an absolute tactile-haptic calibration.
Histologic and immunohistochemical study comparing xanthoma disseminatum and histiocytosis X.

BACKGROUND AND DESIGN As xanthoma disseminatum and histiocytosis X share clinicopathologic features, difficulties in diagnosis can arise. The use of immunocytochemical markers for S100 protein, factor XIIIa, lysozyme, alpha 1-antitrypsin, for adherence of peanut agglutinin and of antibodies LN3 (HLA-DR), Leu-M1 (CD15), QBEnd/10 (CD34), MAC 387, and KP1 (CD68) as an aid to conventional histology has been studied in routinely fixed skin biopsy specimens from seven patients with xanthoma disseminatum and 12 patients with histiocytosis X. RESULTS Typically xanthoma disseminatum occurs in discrete foci below an intact epidermis with individual cells set within a delicate fibrillary connective tissue stroma. In contrast, histiocytosis X usually occurs as a diffuse lichenoid infiltrate that can extend to deeper tissues. Epidermal invasion is common and the cells tend to lie free separated by edema fluid. Characteristic histiocytosis X cells are ovoid with an indented or kidney-shaped nucleus that occupies half or more of the cell. Xanthoma disseminatum cells differ in showing irregular scalloped borders, a more extensive cytoplasm, and an ovoid vesicular nucleus. Most xanthoma disseminatum cells labeled strongly for factor XIIIa and with KP1; a few cells labeled only weakly with peanut agglutinin. In contrast, most histiocytosis X cells labeled for S100 protein and with LN3 and peanut agglutinin. All the other markers remained negative in both conditions and were thus noncontributory for differentiating xanthoma disseminatum from histiocytosis X. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that the differences in labeling patterns are a useful aid to histologic diagnosis of histiocytosis X and xanthoma disseminatum and they also reflect their separate histiogenesis.
Suffering in silence: a qualitative meta-data-analysis of postpartum depression.

In this article, we apply a relational lens to a grounded theory meta-data-analysis of qualitative studies on postpartum depression (PPD) conducted between 1999 and 2005. Women in all studies report feeling that they have failed to live up to cultural standards for a "good mother. " Central to this experience is a sense that these negative feelings could not be spoken. The analysis shows how constructions of motherhood and the reactions of others combine with feelings of incompetence to precipitate isolation from others. Women survive depression through support that validates their experience and promotes eventual reconnection with others. Conclusions emphasize the need for persons trained to facilitate relational connection to develop interventions that address the interpersonal contexts of PPD.
Effect of eastern oysters (Crassostrea virginica) on sediment carbon and nitrogen dynamics in an urban estuary.

Oyster reefs have declined globally. Interest in their restoration has motivated research into oyster-mediated ecosystem services including effects on biodiversity, filtration, and nitrogen (N) cycling. Recent evidence suggests oysters may promote denitrification, or anaerobic respiration of nitrate (NO3-) into di-nitrogen gas, via benthic deposition of carbon (C) and N-rich biodeposits. However, the mechanisms whereby biodeposits promote N transformations prerequisite to denitrification (e.g., mineralization and nitrification) are unclear. Previous research has also not measured oysters' influence on N cycling in urbanized areas. In May 2010 we deployed eastern oysters (Crassostrea virginica) in mesh cages above sand-filled boxes at four sites across a nutrient gradient in Jamaica Bay, New York City (New York, USA). Oysters were arranged at four densities: 0, 40, 85, and 150 oysters/m2. For 17 months we measured water-column nutrients and chlorophyll a, every two weeks to monthly. Every two months we measured sediment ash-free dry mass (AFDM), exchangeable ammonium (NH4+), ammonification, nitrification, denitrification potential (DNP), and NO3- and C limitation of DNP. Oysters increased sediment AFDM at three of four sites, with the greatest increase at high density. Oysters did not affect any N pools or transformations. However, variation among sites and dates illustrated environmental drivers of C and N biogeochemistry in this urban estuary. Overall, nitrification was positively related to net ammonification, water column NH4+, and sediment NH4+, but was not correlated with DNP. Denitrification was consistently and strongly NO3- limited, while C was not limiting or secondarily limiting. Therefore, the oyster-mediated increase in AFDM did not affect DNP because C was not its primary driver. Also, because DNP was unrelated to nitrification, it is unlikely that biodeposit N was converted to NO3- for use as a denitrification substrate. Predicting times or sites where denitrification is driven by the C and N species originating from oyster biodeposits remains a challenge under eutrophic conditions. Towards this goal, we synthesized our conclusions with literature predictions in a conceptual model for pathways whereby oysters might influence C and N dynamics differently in oligotrophic relative to eutrophic ecosystems.
Alteration of BMP-4 and Runx2 expression patterns in mouse temporomandibular joint after ovariectomy.

OBJECTIVE Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) includes a number of clinical conditions involving the masticatory musculature or the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and associated structures. Previous studies have shown the presence of high-affinity estrogen receptors in the TMJ articular cartilage. The aim of this study was to evaluate the developmental changes in mouse TMJ under estrogen deficiency. MATERIALS AND METHODS Four-month-old ovariectomized mice were killed after certain weeks. We examined the significant alterations of the expression patterns of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-4, Runx2, and bone sialoprotein (BSP) after ovariectomy. RESULTS In the control group, BMP-4, Runx2, and BSP expressions showed no definite difference at any stage. In the ovariectomy group, the intensity of BMP-4 and Runx2 expression increased after ovariectomy. BSP immunoreactivity, however, increased slightly at 2 weeks but then decreased gradually. CONCLUSIONS Estrogen plays important roles in the metabolism and maintenance of TMJ via regulations of signaling molecules such as BMP-4, Runx2, and BSP. Our results suggest that estrogen deficiency is a candidate cause of TMD. This study revealed further osteogenetic properties of estrogen that may be useful in the clinical treatment and prevention of TMD.
The Use of Field Experiments in Environmental and Resource Economics

Field experiments provide a useful way to address a number of important issues in environmental and resource economics. This article provides a review of studies that have used field experiments to inform (1) benefit–cost analysis and (2) efforts to promote resource conservation. In these areas, scholars have used field experiments to test existing theories, inform the development of new theories, and guide policymakers. After summarizing these contributions, we discuss new directions for the use of field experiments in environmental and resource economics.
The Effect of Individual Differences, Tasks, and Decision Models on User Acceptance of Decision Support Systems

Past studies suggested that decis ion support systems (DSS ) must be an “enabling” system aiming to enhance users’ capabilities and to leverage their skills and intelligence . This suggests that users be the center of DSS and users’ characteristics be an important factor of explaining their DSS acceptance behavior. Since DSS are aimed to work in semi -structured and unstructured task environment, perceived task complexity can be used to explain users’ willingness to accept DSS. Further, several studies also used decision models for investigati ng users’ DSS acceptance behavior. We argue that nature of DSS (based on their underlying decision models) and its interaction with individual differences also play important roles on users’ DSS acceptance behavior. With the conjecture that users’ DSS acce ptance behavior directly affects the DSS usage and DSS success, our research question focuses on how do individual differences influence users’ DSS acceptance behavior with consideration of task characteristics and nature of the DSS . The contribution of th is paper is multifold. First, we extend the existing understanding of effects of individual differences on users’ DSS acceptance behavior. Second, we extend two major measurements of cognitive styles ( GEFT - Group Embedded Figures Test and MBTI - Myers -Bri ggs Type Indicator ) for individual differences in the context of DSS. Third, we investigate multiple task complexities and multiple DSS models. Hypotheses are developed and will be tested with an experiment of 300 plus subjects.
Chemical and toxicological assessment of a full‐scale biosolid compost

The impact of a full‐scale biosolid composting plant on the fate of a broad range of priority organic pollutants was investigated. Chemical analysis was performed at different steps of the process during two seasons. Simultaneously, the toxicological quality was assessed using estrogen α‐, dioxin‐, and pregnane X‐receptor reporter cell lines. Mass‐balance calculation highlighted the removal of easily degradable pollutants during composting. The important variations observed for each compound and for the two seasons might be explained by pollutant‐fate dependency on process parameters like temperature. The final compost displayed low pregnane X activity but high estrogenic activity. The dioxin‐like activity stayed constant through the process. The chemical and toxicological results highlight the importance of combining both approaches to accurately assess the compost quality. Such compilation of data on full‐scale processes may be also very helpful for the environmental risk assessment of new organic waste disposal practices. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2012; 31: 2748–2756. © 2012 SETAC
Understanding and reduction of degradation phenomena in SiC power devices

Impacts of extended defects on performance and reliability of SiC power devices are reviewed. Threading dislocations in the state-of-the-art SiC wafers do not work as the major leakage paths and macroscopic defects generated during epitaxial process are more harmful. A basal plane dislocation is a killing defect in SiC bipolar devices because a Shockley-type stacking fault (SSF) is expanded from the dislocation when the electron-hole recombination energy is given. After classification of SSF-expansion patterns, the major types of SSFs (triangular-shaped and bar-shaped SSFs) and their origins are identified. Based on these understandings, two approaches to eliminate the “bipolar degradation” in SiC devices are presented. In particular, it is demonstrated that a “recombination-enhancing layer” is effective for substantial reduction of bipolar degradation in SiC devices.
Rate of reduction of heart rate variability during exercise as an index of physical work capacity

Breathing rates during physical exercise suggest that, during these conditions, the high‐frequency (HF) bandwidth of heart rate variability (HRV) analysis should be extended beyond conventional guidelines. However, there has been little investigation of the most appropriate choice of HF bandwidth during exercise. HRV analysis was performed in 10 males and six females during progressive bicycle exercise. Cardiac cycle (RR) interval and breath‐by‐breath respiratory data were simultaneously recorded. HRV powers were determined for the band‐limited ranges 0.04–0.15 Hz [low‐frequency (LF)], 0.15–0.4 Hz (HF0.4) and 0.15−bf Hz (HFbf, where bf represents maximum breathing frequency). Mono‐exponential functions described the relationship between HRV and work rate for each bandwidth (r=0.92–0.95) and were used to calculate the “HRV decay constant” (work rate associated with a 50% reduction in HRV power). The HRV decay constants for each bandwidth were linearly related to maximal work rate (r>0.71; P<0.001) and were substantially greater in males than in females (P<0.001). There was a significant difference between the HRV decay constants for HF0.4 and HFbf (P<0.005) in both genders. The HRV decay constants for the LF and HFbf bandwidths appear to provide an indication of work capacity from submaximal exercise, without prior assumption regarding heart rate and its relationship with work rate.