cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Statistical optimization of sampling plan and its relation to OPC model accuracy

In this paper, we seek a systematic strategy for creation of a wafer sampling plan and to determine the relationship between this plan and the OPC model accuracy. We start our study with the traditional error components analysis of wafer data. From this, we introduce our methodology of calculating the effective sample size based on each pattern and its error components. With all the error components separated, the confidence of the estimated mean can be calculated and, hence, an error bar can be added to each mean of the wafer data. This error bar is then used to determine which patterns are over-fitting and which patterns require an improved fit. We will present a method of providing an optimized and economical solution for wafer sampling. With this calculated error bar, the ultimate metric for OPC model accuracy will also be discussed.
Evaluation Theory and Practice: Insights and New Directions

This chapter offers a synthesis of the critical commentaries of each of the previous chapters, along with additional commentary on evaluation theory and practice.
Ethnic Disparities in Stroke and Hypertension Among Women: The BASIC Project

BACKGROUND Little data exist on stroke burden in Mexican-American (MA) women. The objective of this study was to characterize the burden of stroke in MA and non-Hispanic white (NHW) women and to compare this burden across ethnic groups. METHODS Cases of ischemic stroke and intracerebral hemorrhage among women (January 2000-December 2006) were identified as part of the Brain Attack Surveillance in Corpus Christi (BASIC) Project, a stroke surveillance study in a biethnic Texas community. Cumulative incidence of stroke among women was compared by ethnicity and age. Logistic regression was used to compare risk factors and age-adjusted use of antihypertensives between MA and NHW female stroke cases. RESULTS MA women had elevated stroke risk compared with NHW women at younger ages (ages 45-59: relative risk (RR) = 2.00 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.54-2.58); ages 60-74: RR = 1.57 (95% CI: 1.31-1.87); ages > or =75: RR = 1.13 (95% CI: 0.98-1.29)). Stroke severity and stroke type did not differ between ethnic groups. MA female stroke cases were more likely to have hypertension (odds ratio (OR) = 1.41 (95% CI: 1.11-1.80)), diabetes (OR = 3.54 (95% CI: 2.82-4.45)), and the presence of both risk factors (OR = 3.31 (95% CI: 2.61-4.21)) compared with NHW female stroke cases and were more likely to report use of antihypertensives (OR = 1.51 (95% CI: 1.10-2.06)). There was a trend toward greater hypertension awareness among MA female stroke cases (OR = 1.37 (95% CI: 0.98-1.91)). CONCLUSIONS MA women have increased risk of stroke at younger ages compared with NHW women. Reasons for this ethnic disparity, including an increased prevalence of hypertension and diabetes, should be explored.
RAHTM: routing algorithm aware hierarchical task mapping

The mapping of MPI processes to compute nodes on a supercomputer can have a significant impact on communication performance. For high performance computing (HPC) applications with iterative communication, rich offline analysis of such communication can improve performance by optimizing the mapping. Unfortunately, current practices for at-scale HPC consider only the communication graph and network topology in solving this problem. We propose Routing Algorithm aware Hierarchical Task Mapping (RAHTM) which leverages the knowledge of the routing algorithm to improve task mapping. RAHTM achieves high quality mappings by combining (1) a divide-and-conquer strategy to achieve scalability, (2) a limited search of mappings, and (3) a linear programming based routing-aware approach to evaluate possible mappings in the search space. RAHTM achieves 20% reduction in the communication time and 9% reduction in the overall execution time for three communication-heavy benchmarks scaled up to 16,384 processes on a Blue Gene/Q platform.
Simulating grain mass and nitrogen concentration in wheat

Abstract Crop simulation models are important tools to enhance our knowledge of plant processes and responses to the environment. The objective of this effort was to re-evaluate the algorithms in CERES-Wheat that simulate grain mass and grain nitrogen concentration, two primary determinants of grain end-use quality. Data from two contrasting wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars collected over three growing seasons with varying sowing dates and plant population densities were used in this study. Grain mass was simulated using a source–sink approach. The source was current dry matter production and translocation of stem reserves. The sink was the number of grains and a surrogate for cell division and cell expansion within each grain. Cell division and expansion were functions of temperature stress term and water stress during anthesis. The translocated stem reserves were a function of temperature, stage of plant development, and a measure of the sink demand. The nitrogen concentration algorithm was modified by making the minimum stover (above ground organs, not including the spike) nitrogen a cultivar dependent parameter, which would allow more or less nitrogen available for translocation depending upon the cultivar. It was assumed that there was a linear relationship between the number of aborted grains at the beginning of the linear grain filling period and the increase in grain nitrogen concentration. It was further assumed that an initial grain nitrogen mass at the beginning of the linear grain filling period was equal to the initial grain mass times the simulated actual nitrogen concentration of the above ground biomass. The root mean square error (RMSE) for grain mass for both cultivars was 2.9 and 3.0 mg for CERES-Wheat and the modified model, respectively. The advantage of the modified model is that it does not require a genetic coefficient to simulate grain mass as does CERES-Wheat. The RMSE for grain nitrogen concentration for both cultivars was 4.5 and 3.0 mg N g −1 DM for CERES-Wheat and the modified model, respectively. However, when the mean square error was divided into systematic and unsystematic errors, there were inconsistent results for grain mass and grain nitrogen concentration for the same model with different cultivars indicating a lack of plasticity of response. Incorporating this plasticity into future algorithms of key plant processes and further evaluations of the modified model in other wheat growing regions should be carried out to determine the robustness of these responses.
Distribution sensitivity analysis for stochastic programs with complete recourse

In this paper we study the stability of solutions to stochastic programming problems with complete recourse and show the Lipschitz continuity of optimal solutions as well as the associated Lagrange multipliers with respect to the parameters of the distribution function.
Solving related two- and three-dimensional linear programming problems in logarithmic time

Abstract Given n linear inequalities in three variables, we show how to construct a corresponding spherical subdivision using great circle arcs in time O( n log n ) and space O( n ). This subdivision in turn allows us to compute the point in space satisfying all inequalities and maximizing any desired linear objective function in time O (log n ).
An epigenetic perspective on the free radical theory of development

The development of organisms requires concerted changes in gene activity. The free radical theory of development proposes that oxygen serves as a morphogen to educe development by influencing the production of metabolic oxidants such as free radicals and reactive oxygen species. One of the central tenets of this theory is that these metabolic oxidants influence development by altering the antioxidant capacity of cells by changing their production of glutathione (GSH). Here we extend on these principles by linking GSH production and oxygen sensing in the control of gene expression to establish the epigenotype of cells during development. We prescribe this novel role to GSH and oxygen during development because these metabolites influence the activity of enzymes responsible for initiating and perpetuating epigenetic control of gene expression. Increased GSH production influences epigenetic processes including DNA and histone methylation by limiting the availability of S-adenosylmethionine, the cofactor utilized during epigenetic control of gene expression by DNA and histone methyltransferases. Moreover, the recent discovery of histone demethylases that require oxygen as a cofactor directly links epigenetic processes to oxygen gradients during development.
The Hopkins experience with lesions of the dorsal horn (Nashold's operation) for pain from avulsion of the brachial plexus.

Lesions of the dorsal horn (DREZ operation) have been reported to be useful in reducing pain secondary to avulsion of the brachial plexus. Ten patients had the DREZ operation for this condition at The
Computational toxicology as implemented by the U.S. EPA: providing high throughput decision support tools for screening and assessing chemical exposure, hazard and risk

Computational toxicology is the application of mathematical and computer models to help assess chemical hazards and risks to human health and the environment. Supported by advances in informatics, high-throughput screening (HTS) technologies, and systems biology, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency EPA is developing robust and flexible computational tools that can be applied to the thousands of chemicals in commerce, and contaminant mixtures found in air, water, and hazardous-waste sites. The Office of Research and Development (ORD) Computational Toxicology Research Program (CTRP) is composed of three main elements. The largest component is the National Center for Computational Toxicology (NCCT), which was established in 2005 to coordinate research on chemical screening and prioritization, informatics, and systems modeling. The second element consists of related activities in the National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory (NHEERL) and the National Exposure Research Laboratory (NERL). The third and final component consists of academic centers working on various aspects of computational toxicology and funded by the U.S. EPA Science to Achieve Results (STAR) program. Together these elements form the key components in the implementation of both the initial strategy, A Framework for a Computational Toxicology Research Program (U.S. EPA, 2003), and the newly released The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Strategic Plan for Evaluating the Toxicity of Chemicals (U.S. EPA, 2009a). Key intramural projects of the CTRP include digitizing legacy toxicity testing information toxicity reference database (ToxRefDB), predicting toxicity (ToxCast) and exposure (ExpoCast), and creating virtual liver (v-Liver) and virtual embryo (v-Embryo) systems models. U.S. EPA-funded STAR centers are also providing bioinformatics, computational toxicology data and models, and developmental toxicity data and models. The models and underlying data are being made publicly available through the Aggregated Computational Toxicology Resource (ACToR), the Distributed Structure-Searchable Toxicity (DSSTox) Database Network, and other U.S. EPA websites. While initially focused on improving the hazard identification process, the CTRP is placing increasing emphasis on using high-throughput bioactivity profiling data in systems modeling to support quantitative risk assessments, and in developing complementary higher throughput exposure models. This integrated approach will enable analysis of life-stage susceptibility, and understanding of the exposures, pathways, and key events by which chemicals exert their toxicity in developing systems (e.g., endocrine-related pathways). The CTRP will be a critical component in next-generation risk assessments utilizing quantitative high-throughput data and providing a much higher capacity for assessing chemical toxicity than is currently available.
Migrant and Seasonal Farmworker Food Insecurity: Prevalence, Impact, Risk Factors, and Coping Strategies

In the United States, nearly 15% of the general population is considered food insecure; ethnic minorities, particularly Latinos, experience disproportionately higher rates. Food insecurity is particularly endemic among the migrant and seasonal farmworker population. This article systematically reviews current knowledge related to the prevalence of food insecurity among migrant and seasonal farmworkers. The impact, risk factors, and coping strategies of food insecurity are also presented. The authors argue for targeted social work efforts at mezzo- and macrolevels and make recommendations aimed at the prevention and amelioration of food insecurity.
Research abstract: Engineering program management

Modern engineering practices are too multidisciplinary to be structured strictly on functional lines. The project approach to engineering management, which emerged in the 1960s, responds to the need for effective integration and execution of the many operations that come into play during a modern engineering program.
Resonant X-ray magnetic scattering in holmium

Abstract We review the results of resonant X-ray magnetic scattering experiments on the rare earth metal holmium. When the incident X-ray energy is tuned near the L 111 absorption edge, large resonant enhancements of the magnetic scattering and resonant integer harmonics are observed. These results are analyzed within the theory of X-ray resonance exchange scattering assuming electric dipole (2p → 5d) and quadrupole (2p → 4f) transitions among atomic orbitals.
The effects of inbreeding on performance traits of adult Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas)

Understanding the effects of inbreeding is critical to the long-term viability of shellfish breeding programs, especially as breeders attempt to develop selected lines in hatcheries with small effective population sizes. Inbreeding depression in shellfish is well documented among the offspring of selfed individuals and full-sib crosses. This study was conducted to determine if crossing more distantly related parents would result in measurable inbreeding depression of performance traits in adult Crassostrea gigas raised in a commercial intertidal growing environment. Families were created with expected inbreeding coefficients (F) of 0, 0.0625, and 0.203. Average family yield, individual growth rate, and survival were recorded after the first and second growing seasons. Significant inbreeding depression in yield, individual growth rate and survival was observed after the first growing season in families with F =0.203 (P 0.058). After two growing seasons, significant inbreeding depression of yield and individual growth rate was observed in families with F =0.0625 (P <0.01)and F =0.203 (P < 0.001). Significant depression of survival at harvest was observed only in families with F =0.203 (P =0.009). These results emphasize the importance of maintaining pedigree records in shellfish breeding programs to help avoid the deleterious effects of inbreeding depression, even among crosses of distantly related parents.
Impact of circulating concentrations of progesterone and antral age of the ovulatory follicle on fertility of high-producing lactating dairy cows

Dairy cow infertility negatively affects profit of dairy production enterprises around the world, and enhancing conception rates of dairy cows is a critical management issue to resolve. It appears that conception rates of dairy cows are attenuated due to reduced progesterone concentrations in circulation during growth of the ovulatory follicle. It is not clear how reduced progesterone influences fertility, but data presented in this brief review suggest that it can be somewhat reversed through increasing concentrations of progesterone during the growth of the ovulatory follicle before luteolysis. Ovsynch protocols may be utilised to enhance progesterone concentrations through the induction of an accessory corpus luteum (CL) following the initial gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) treatment. Cows at Day 13 of the oestrous cycle with a 7-day-old accessory CL had ~50% more progesterone at the time of prostaglandin injection of Ovsynch compared with cows with only a Day 13 CL. Ovsynch can consistently induce an accessory CL following the initial GnRH treatment if cows are on Days 6 or 7 of the oestrous cycle at the time of treatment. Pre-synchrony strategies are critical to enhance the probability that cows will be on Days 6 or 7 at first GnRH treatement of Ovsynch.
Community partnership to address snack quality and cost in after-school programs.

BACKGROUND Policies call on after-school programs (ASPs) to serve more nutritious snacks. A major barrier for improving snack quality is cost. This study describes the impact on snack quality and expenditures from a community partnership between ASPs and local grocery stores. METHODS Four large-scale ASPs (serving ˜500 children, aged 6-12 years, each day) and a single local grocery store chain participated in this study. The nutritional quality of snacks served was recorded preintervention (18 weeks spring/fall 2011) and postintervention (7 weeks spring 2012) via direct observation, along with cost/child/snack/day. RESULTS Preintervention snacks were low-nutrient-density salty snacks (eg, chips, 3.0 servings/week), sugar-sweetened beverages (eg, powdered-lemonade, 1.9 servings/week), and desserts (eg, cookies, 2.1 servings/week), with only 0.4 servings/week of fruits and no vegetables. By postintervention, fruits (3.5 servings/week) and vegetables (1.2 servings/week) were increased, whereas sugar-sweetened beverages and desserts were eliminated. Snack expenditures were $0.26 versus $0.24 from preintervention to postintervention. Partnership savings versus purchasing snacks at full retail cost was 24.5% or $0.25/serving versus $0.34/serving. CONCLUSIONS This innovative partnership can serve as a model in communities where ASPs seek to identify low-cost alternatives to providing nutritious snacks.
Magnetic resonance imaging as a sensor system for multiphase mixing

Mixing in a multicomponent batch system was evaluated by magnetic resonance images. The system was a 10% carbon black powder suspended in aqueous solution. The factors in this study were surfactant type (neodol 23-5 and sodium dodecyl sulfate) at two levels: 1 and 0.1%. Water (0% surfactant) was used as the control. In addition to surfactant type and level, the third factor was mixing mode: with vortex and without vortex motion. These conditions were displayed at 180 and 60 rpm impeller speed respectively. The type of surfactant did not yield significantly different results in terms of mixing effectiveness. The rate of mixing, as characterized by first-order rate constants, was statistically different as a function of mixing mode, level of surfactant and the interaction of these factors. The extent of mixing, characterized by a normalized mean signal intensity, was also statistically different as a function of the same factors and interaction. The incorporation of air and subsequent release of air was described by the volume change of the mixture as a function of time.
A timed intravenous pentylenetetrazol infusion scizure model for quantitating the anticonvulsant effect of valproic acid in the rat

Abstract A convulsive seizure model that utilizes timed intravenous infusions of pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) was developed to quantitate the magnitude of anticonvulsant effect in individual rats. PTZ was infused through an indwelling jugular vein catheter, and the threshold dose of PTZ was calculated from the time needed to produce clonic convulsions, the body weight of the animal, and the rate of infusion of the convulsant. The threshold dose of PTZ was determined in all animals 48 hr before and 15 min after anticonvulsant treatment. From theoretical considerations, the magnitude of anticonvulsant effect was defined as the logarithm of the posttreatment to pretreatment PTZ threshold dose ratio (log DR). The PTZ threshold was found to be insensitive to the rate of PTZ infusion and the body weight of the animal. Furthermore, the PTZ pretest did not influence the results of the posttest in animals treated with saline, and the interanimal variability in the PTZ threshold was found to be low (coefficient of variation of 12.2%). The PTZ infusion model was tested in a preliminary dose-response study of the anticonvulsant valproic acid (VPA). The ED50 for VPA determined with PTZ infusion technique (76.1 ± 9.0 mg/kg) was in good agreement with a previous study that used the classical subcutaneous PTZ test. Since anticonvulsant effect is measured in individual, as opposed to groups, of animals, the PTZ infusion procedure may offer distinct advantages in the study of the pharmacodynamics of anticonvulsant compounds.
Influence of N and K fertilization and growth temperature on 13C/12C ratios of timothy (Phleum pratense L.).

Measurements have been reported of carbon isotope ratios of timothy grown at different temperatures and with varying nitrogen and potassium supplies. Both total plant tissue and extracted plant tissue have been analyzed. The 13C/12C ratios were found to vary both with temperature and with nutrient level; the highest values of δ13C were found under the most optimum growth conditions.
Inhibition of microbial growth in chub-packed ground beef by refrigeration (2°C) and medium-dose (2.2 to 2.4 kGy) irradiation

Abstract Two studies were conducted to monitor microbial growth in chub-packed ground beef. In the first study, the effect of storage temperatures (2 and 7°C) on chubs was examined for up to 18 days. Storage of chubs at 2°C slowed microbial growth such that total counts exceeded 7.5 log 10 cfu/g within 10 days compared to within 4 days for chubs stored at 7°C. Microbial counts ≥7.5 log 10 cfu/g were associated with off-odors and samples were considered spoiled. The predominant microbes were homofermentative lactococci, although a gas-producing bacterium, Hafnia alvei , was prevalent in one of three trials. In the second study, medium dose (2.2 to 2.4 kGy) X-ray irradiation extended the shelf-life of chub-packed ground beef at 2°C by approximately 14 days. Microbial counts on irradiated ground beef did not exceed 7.5 log 10 cfu/g during 34 days of storage, while this level was reached in non-irradiated chubs by day 13. The predominant microbes on both non-irradiated and irradiated chubs were homofermentative lactococci; H . alvei was not isolated in the second study. These data indicated that refrigerated (2°C) storage significantly delayed microbial spoilage in chub-packed ground beef, and that spoilage was further delayed when refrigerated (2°C) ground beef chubs were exposed to medium dose irradiation.
Generalized Orbitals under the Influence of 2D Central and Noncentral Forces

In polar coordinate system, we consider fifteen classes of forces resulting in unlimited undiscovered orbitals. The classic conic orbits are one of the special subclasses of the fifteen classes. Among the rest of the forces, we show a few instances displaying typical fresh orbitals. Aside from the common theoretical foundation, the specifics of the orbitals are given by the solution of corresponding equations of motion. These are coupled nonlinear differential equations. Solving these equations numerically, utilizing a Computer Algebra System such as Mathematica is conducive to the orbits. Simulation of the orbitals provides a visual understanding about the motion under the influence of the generalized noncentral forces.
Kainate induces rapid redistribution of the actin cytoskeleton in ameboid microglia.

Microglia are key mediators of the immune response in the central nervous system (CNS). They are closely related to macrophages and undergo dramatic morphological and functional changes after CNS trauma or excitotoxic lesions. Microglia can be directly stimulated by excitatory neurotransmitters and are known to express many neurotransmitter receptors. The role of these receptors, however, is not clear. This study describes the microglial response to the glutamate receptor agonist kainate (KA) and shows via immunochemistry that the α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionate (AMPA)-type glutamate receptor subunit GluR1 is present on cultured microglia. In the presence of 100 μM or 1 mM KA, cultured microglia underwent dramatic morphological and cytoskeletal changes as observed by time-lapse photography and quantitative confocal analysis of phalloidin labeling. KA-stimulated microglia showed condensation of cytoplasmic actin filaments, rapid de- and repolymerization, and cytoplasmic redistribution of condensed actin bundles. Rearrangement of actin filaments—thought to be involved in locomotion and phagocytosis and to indicate an increased level of activation (for reviews see Greenberg [ 1995] Trends Cell Biol. 5:93–99; Imai and Kohsaka [ 2002] Glia 40:164–174)—was significantly increased in treated vs. control cultures. Morphological plasticity and membrane ruffling were also seen. These findings suggest direct microglial excitation via glutamate receptor pathways. Thus, neurotransmitter release after brain or spinal cord injury might directly modulate the inflammatory response. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
BUOYANCY-INDUCED LAMINAR CONVECTIVE ROLLS IN RECTANGULAR GEOMETRY

When an unstable vertical temperature gradient is imposed either in a cavity or in a duct with an axial flow, buoyancy-induced convective rolls are formed under supercritical conditions. The present study focuses on the interaction between thermofluid and geometric conditions through linear stability, finite amplitude, and numerical analyses, with emphases on the effect of the aspect ratio of rectangular geometry. The difference in the formation of convective rolls is discussed between natural convection in a cavity and mixed convection in a duct.
Ultrasonic production and its reception in some neotropical Tettigoniidae.

Ultrasonic production and its reception in four species of neotropical grasshoppers were studied. Phlugis sp. 1 and P. sp. 2 moved the forewings at the rate of 35 to 40 and 40 to 45/sec and produced sounds by closing motion of the wings. The stridulatory sounds dominantly included 44–50 and 46–56 kc/s, respectively. The audible components were scarcely included. The rate of tooth-pulses which were caused by impact between the teeth and the scraper was about 650/sec for P. sp. 1 and about 800/sec for P. sp. 2. The intensity of the stridulation was 100 to 110 dB (re 0·0002 dyn/cm2) at about 10 cm from the dorso-lateral side of the insect. Drepanoxiphus modestus (Bruner) emitted stridulatory sounds by closing the forewings. As distinct from Phlugis, the tooth-pulses fused each other into a pure tone pulse of 22–24 kc/s. The intensity was 98 to 102 dB at 10 cm distance. Conocephalus saltator (Saussure) moved the wings at a rate of 30/sec and made sounds by both opening and closing movements of the forewings. The sound produced by opening the wings was about 20 dB less intense than that by closing and strongly included the frequencies 18–42 kc/s, whereas the dominant frequencies of the sound during closing was about 40 and 60–66 kc/s. The optimum sensitivity of the tympanic organs of these species was between 20 and 25 kc/s. The minimum threshold was about 30 dB for C. saltator and about 40 dB for the other three species. In all four species, the central auditory large fibres which lie between the brain and metathoracic ganglion received excitatory input from the ipsilateral tympanic nerve and inhibitory input from the contralateral tympanic nerve.
Response Patterns Along an Isofrequency Contour in Cat Primary Auditory Cortex (AI) to Stimuli Varying in Average and Interaural Levels

The topographical response of a portion of an isofrequency contour in primary cat auditory cortex (AI) to a series of monaural and binaural stimuli was studied. Responses of single neurons to monaural and a matrix of binaural characteristic frequency tones, varying in average binaural level (ABL) and interaural level differences (ILD), were recorded. The topography of responses to monaural and binaural stimuli was appreciably different. Patches of cells that responded monotonically to increments in ABL alternated with patches that responded nonmonotonically to ABL. The patches were between 0.4 and 1 mm in length along an isofrequency contour. Differences were found among monotonic patches and among nonmonotonic patches. Topographically, activated and silent populations of neurons varied with both changes in ILD and changes in ABL, suggesting that the area of responsive units may underlie the coding of sound level and sound location.
Abnormal amino acid concentrations in plasma and urine of experimentally diabetic dogs

Free amino acid concentrations have been determined in plasma and urine of nonketotic, severely diabetic dogs and age-matched normal controls. Plasma from fasted (as well as fed) diabetics contained supranormal concentrations of several amino acids, including the branched-chain amino acids. In contrast to other species, however, the concentration of only one plasma amino acid (tryptophan) was subnormal in fasted diabetic dogs. Urine collected at the same time showed that the excretion of most amino acids was not abnormal in diabetes. Urinary concentrations of some amino acids were not abnormal despite supranormal levels in plasma. Nevertheless, eight of the 21 amino acids studied reached concentrations significantly greater than normal in the urine of diabetic dogs. Six of the eight amino acids (arginine, histidine, phenylalanine, tyrosine, tryptophan, glutamic acid) showed elevated concentrations in urine even though their plasma concentrations were not elevated. The observed disturbance in the urine/plasma ratio of certain amino acids suggests a possible defect in the renal handling of amino acids in diabetes.
Teacher culture and children's voices in an urban kindergarten center

Abstract Educational theorists commonly agree that differences between children's and teachers' communication styles contribute to poor academic performance among minority children. Yet school policies and pedagogical practices based on a cultural deficiency explanation for school failure continue to persist. This article, explores why and how interactional misunderstandings are interpreted by teachers and administrators as student deficiencies. This discussion is based on an ethnographic case study of the ways that particular attitudes and pedagogical practices were played out in a kindergarten center serving predominately African American children. The study suggests that adoption of pedagogy responsive to children's cultural styles encompasses a complex array of social, cultural, and political factors that are inevitably reflected in teachers' and district officials' attitudes, values, beliefs, and practices regarding minority children.
The Role of Ondansetron in the Treatment of Schizophrenia

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy of ondansetron for the treatment of schizophrenia.Data Sources:Searches of MEDLINE (1950–March 2010) and Google Scholar were performed. Key search terms included ondansetron, Zofran, serotonin antagonists, 5-HT, serotonin receptor, and schizophrenia.Study Selection and Data Extraction:All articles published in English identified from the data sources were evaluated. All studies and case reports evaluating ondansetron for the treatment of schizophrenia were reviewed.Data Synthesis:Six clinical trials, including 3 double-blind, randomized trials, and 2 case reports pertinent to ondansetron use in schizophrenia, were identified. Ondansetron daily doses ranged from 4 to 16 mg, with doses administered once or twice daily. Ondansetron was used as monotherapy in 3 trials and as an adjunct to therapy with clozapine, haloperidol, or risperidone, respectively, in 3 trials. Studies were of varying durations, ranging from a single-dose study with a 3-hour follow-up to three 12-week ...
Route selection by rats and humans in a navigational traveling salesman problem.

Spatial cognition is typically examined in non-human animals from the perspective of learning and memory. For this reason, spatial tasks are often constrained by the time necessary for training or the capacity of the animal’s short-term memory. A spatial task with limited learning and memory demands could allow for more efficient study of some aspects of spatial cognition. The traveling salesman problem (TSP), used to study human visuospatial problem solving, is a simple task with modifiable learning and memory requirements. In the current study, humans and rats were characterized in a navigational version of the TSP. Subjects visited each of 10 baited targets in any sequence from a set starting location. Unlike similar experiments, the roles of learning and memory were purposely minimized; all targets were perceptually available, no distracters were used, and each configuration was tested only once. The task yielded a variety of behavioral measures, including target revisits and omissions, route length, and frequency of transitions between each pair of targets. Both humans and rats consistently chose routes that were more efficient than chance, but less efficient than optimal, and generally less efficient than routes produced by the nearest-neighbor strategy. We conclude that the TSP is a useful and flexible task for the study of spatial cognition in human and non-human animals.
Movement and Recolonization of Potomac Sculpin in a Virginia Stream

Abstract Movement patterns of benthic fishes have not been widely studied, but an understanding of those movement patterns may be necessary in assessing the full effects of habitat fragmentation and the need to restore connectivity in fragmented watersheds. We evaluated nonspawning movement of 3,353 marked Potomac sculpin Cottus girardi over a 1-year period on a 3.14-km segment of a third-order stream. In addition, we conducted a fish removal experiment at the pool–riffle sequence scale (90 m) to evaluate the effects of fish density on movement and recolonization rates. The majority of recaptured Potomac sculpin stayed within 30 m of their original capture location throughout the study (81% at 30 d; 64% at 75 d; 53% at 363 d). Upstream (US) movement was greater than downstream (DS) movement at 30 d (US 17%; DS 3%), 75 d (US 30%, DS 6%) and 363 d (US 32%, DS 15%). After 75 d, 10% of the fish that moved upstream moved more than 250 m (21% after 363 d). The maximum distance moved was 1,711 m in 75 d. There w...
Enhanced visual error in a coordinated pinch task

Our previous work has shown that visual distortion of subject-controlled goals can be used to manipulate force production and movement distance. Thus, visual distortion may be a helpful addition to robotic rehabilitation for brain-injured and stroke patients. In this work, we investigated the effects of distortion on unimpaired subjects learning a two-finger coordinated pinch task. Rather than distorting the subject's goal, we enhanced the apparent error attributable to one or both fingers. Distortion affected the distribution of attention between the two fingers; when the error enhancement was given to one finger, the performance of that finger improved relative to the other. This result indicates that enhanced visual error could be used to manipulate the performance and the coordination pattern between fingers to achieve desired movements during rehabilitation
Both U2 snRNA and U12 snRNA are required for accurate splicing of exon 5 of the rat calcitonin/CGRP gene

Two classes of spliceosome are present in eukaryotic cells. Most introns in nuclear pre-mRNAs are removed by a spliceosome that requires U1, U2, U4, U5, and U6 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein particles (snRNPs). A minor class of introns are removed by a spliceosome containing U11, U12, U5, U4atac, and U6 atac snRNPs. We describe experiments that demonstrate that splicing of exon 5 of the rat calcitonin/CGRP gene requires both U2 snRNA and U12 snRNA. In vitro, splicing to calcitonin/ CGRP exon 5 RNA was dependent on U2 snRNA, as preincubation of nuclear extract with an oligonucleotide complementary to U2 snRNA abolished exon 5 splicing. Addition of an oligonucleotide complementary to U12 snRNA increased splicing at a cryptic splice site in exon 5 from <5% to 50% of total spliced RNA. Point mutations in a candidate U12 branch sequence in calcitonin/CGRP intron 4, predicted to decrease U12-pre-mRNA base-pairing, also significantly increased cryptic splicing in vitro. Calcitonin/CGRP genes containing base changes disrupting the U12 branch sequence expressed significantly decreased CGRP mRNA levels when expressed in cultured cells. Coexpression of U12 snRNAs containing base changes predicted to restore U12-pre-mRNA base pairing increased CGRP mRNA synthesis to the level of the wild-type gene. These observations indicate that accurate, efficient splicing of calcitonin/CGRP exon 5 is dependent upon both U2 and U12 snRNAs.
Novel liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry method shows that vitamin E deficiency depletes arachidonic and docosahexaenoic acids in zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos.

To test the hypothesis that embryogenesis depends upon α-tocopherol (E) to protect embryo polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) from lipid peroxidation, new methodologies were applied to measure α-tocopherol and fatty acids in extracts from saponified zebrafish embryos. A solid phase extraction method was developed to separate the analyte classes, using a mixed mode cartridge (reverse phase, π–π bonding, strong anion exchange), then α-tocopherol and cholesterol were measured using standard techniques, while the fatty acids were quantitated using a novel, reverse phase liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS) approach. We also determined if α-tocopherol status alters embryonic lipid peroxidation products by analyzing 24 different oxidized products of arachidonic or docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids in embryos using LC with hybrid quadrupole-time of flight MS. Adult zebrafish were fed E− or E+ diets for 4 months, and then were spawned to obtain E− and E+ embryos. Between 24 and 72 hours post-fertilization (hpf), arachidonic acid decreased 3-times faster in E− (21 pg/h) compared with E+ embryos (7 pg/h, P<0.0001), while both α-tocopherol and DHA concentrations decreased only in E− embryos. At 36 hpf, E− embryos contained double the 5-hydroxy-eicosatetraenoic acids and 7-hydroxy-DHA concentrations, while other hydroxy-lipids remained unchanged. Vitamin E deficiency during embryogenesis depleted DHA and arachidonic acid, and increased hydroxy-fatty acids derived from these PUFA, suggesting that α-tocopherol is necessary to protect these critical fatty acids.
Presettlement Piedmont Forests: Patterns of Composition and Disturbance in Central Georgia

Abstract The pre-European impact of natural and human disturbance on the forests of the southeastern piedmont is poorly understood, particularly since nearly all forests were cleared from this region during the colonial period. To uncover the character of historical disturbance processes in the piedmont, this study examines the environmental controls of presettlement species distribution through the analysis of land-survey records from central Georgia. Ordination of witness trees by detrended canonical correspondence analysis in conjunction with interpretation of spatial patterns of species occurrence suggest that topography and soil texture had important direct influences on forest composition. Beyond such direct effects, however, these environmental factors better reflect a fuel moisture gradient as a primary control of species' distribution in the landscape. Pine, the most abundant taxon in the survey records (27 percent), occurred primarily on dry uplands that were prone to frequent burning. Fire-tole...
Bedside nursing research. A new category of research

A new category of clinical nursing research, labeled "bedside nursing research," is proposed and described in this article. Justification for this research category is based on its particular characteristics, such as its narrow focus on direct care procedures that have well-defined parameters and the patient outcomes of those procedures. Findings from this type of research have high clinical relevance and can directly influence nursing practice at the study site.
Shamans' Pragmatic Gendered Negotiations with Mapuche Resistance Movements and Chilean Political Authorities

In this article, I look at the ways in which gendered national discourses and the discourses of Mapuche resistance movements coerce and construct shamans (machi) and the ways in which machi appropriate, transform, and contest these images. I explore the contradictions between machi’s hybrid practices and their traditional representations of self and why they choose to represent themselves as they do. My interest lies in the ways in which studying gendered representations by and about machi, especially machi’s nonideological political practices, can contribute to current discussions of power and resistance, agency and structure, and the practice of power itself. Recent anthropological work has focused on the particular historical, social, political, and economic contexts shaping how and why indigenous groups decide to protect and promote particular images of themselves. I focus not on the community politics in which machi are involved, but on machi’s public faces in relation to national political figures a...
Thermo-mechanical coupling and size effects in micro and nano resonators

Existing models for thermoelastic damping consider geometric size effects only, the focus of this study is on tuning of thermoelastic damping with mechanical strain, which reduces both relaxation rate and thermal conductivity at the nanoscale. We developed a model that accounts for the contribution of tensile force and thermal conductivity in a clamped-clamped configuration nano-resonator. Experimentally measured thermal conductivity is then coupled with the model suggests the existence of a critical length scale (inversion point) below which quality factor increases with increase in thickness and vice versa. The nanoscale strain-thermal conductivity coupling is found to be most effective at and around this inversion point.
Comparative Diagnostic Test Characteristics of Oscillometric and Doppler Ultrasonographic Methods in the Detection of Systolic Hypertension in Dogs

Comparison of test characteristics allows a clinician to choose the optimal diagnostic test method for an individual patient. This study assessed the comparative test characteristics of noninvasive (NI) blood pressure measurement methods (oscillometric and Doppler) and used this information to develop optimal cutoff values for diagnosis of systolic hypertension in dogs by these NI methods. Simultaneous NI (oscillometric or Doppler methods) and invasive (arterial puncture [AP]) systolic blood pressure (SBP) measurements were obtained prospectively from normal dogs and dogs suspected of having systemic hypertension based on clinical signs. Oscillometric SBP readings were obtained from the distal hind limb (Osc-L, n = 54) or the proximal tail (T. n = 27). Doppler BP measurements were obtained using a forelimb cuff (n = 57). AP-SBP was categorized as hypertensive if > or = 160 mmHg, and sensitivity (Se). specificity (Sp), and likelihood ratios (LR) were calculated for diagnostic cutoff values ranging from 130 to 220 mmHg. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves were analyzed to determine optimal cutoff values for diagnosis of AP-SBP > or = 160 mmHg. Optimal NI SBP cutoff values considered to reflect AP values > or = 160 mmHg were: Osc-L = 160 mmHg (Se: 65%, Sp: 85%. LR = 4.33: 1), Osc-T = 150 mmHg (Se: 84%, Sp: 75%, LR = 3.36: 1), and Doppler = 160 mmHg (Se: 71%,
Anthropometric 3D Face Recognition

We present a novel anthropometric three dimensional (Anthroface 3D) face recognition algorithm, which is based on a systematically selected set of discriminatory structural characteristics of the human face derived from the existing scientific literature on facial anthropometry. We propose a novel technique for automatically detecting 10 anthropometric facial fiducial points that are associated with these discriminatory anthropometric features. We isolate and employ unique textural and/or structural characteristics of these fiducial points, along with the established anthropometric facial proportions of the human face for detecting them. Lastly, we develop a completely automatic face recognition algorithm that employs facial 3D Euclidean and geodesic distances between these 10 automatically located anthropometric facial fiducial points and a linear discriminant classifier. On a database of 1149 facial images of 118 subjects, we show that the standard deviation of the Euclidean distance of each automatically detected fiducial point from its manually identified position is less than 2.54 mm. We further show that the proposed Anthroface 3D recognition algorithm performs well (equal error rate of 1.98% and a rank 1 recognition rate of 96.8%), out performs three of the existing benchmark 3D face recognition algorithms, and is robust to the observed fiducial point localization errors.
Signs of Mental Activity: An Essential Guidebook

Event Related Potentials: A Methods Handbook. Todd C. Handy (Ed.). 2005. Cambridge, MA: Bradford/MIT Press, 404 pp., $60.00.The dramatic increase in interest in functional magnetic resonance imaging in recent years has been accompanied by a wealth of literature on the scientific foundations of the procedure and the highly complex methodological issues that must be considered during experimental design and data analysis. To some extent, progress in this exciting area has eclipsed significant developments in other areas of neuroimaging, particularly the “neuromagnetic” approaches that study time-locked brain electrical potentials or magnetic field changes produced in the course of processing perceptual, cognitive, and motor events. However, there has been increasing recognition that the study of event-related electrical potentials and neuromagnetic responses remains a critical complement to “hemodynamic” approaches because of their exquisite temporal resolution and because they provide a more direct index of neural activity related to stimulus events than procedures dependent on the coupling of brain activity with cerebral blood flow. In this context, Event Related Potentials: A Methods Handbook, edited by Todd C. Handy, represents an important and long overdue handbook. It provides practical and concise information on ERP methods that is comparable to literature available for fMRI techniques.
Coffeehouse as Classroom: Examination of a New Style of Active Learning Environment

This chapter explores whether a new learning space, designed to be more like a cafe than a classroom, provides an environment that facilitates active and collaborative learning.
Notes on the retinae of two opossum genera

In Didelphis virginiana and Marmosa mexicana the retina is sauropsidan in type and the eye as a whole is markedly adapted for scotopic vision. The superior half of the fundus of Didelphis is occupied by a tapetum lucidum of the retinal type, formed by the enlarged pigment epithelial cells which are devoid of pigment and packed with reflective particles of unknown composition. Such a tapetum is unique among mammals—in all known sub-mammalian retinal tapeta the reflective material is guanin and is occusible in bright light by migratory fuscin. The retinal capillaries in Didelphis extend to the external limiting membrane, apparently in adaptation to the low permeability of the dense tapetum. Only four other mammals are known to have such capillaries and no inclusive explanation seems to hold for all. Didelphis possesses an ‘area centralis of sensitivity’ associated with the tapetum. Both genera have abundant rods and scanty cones, of three types. The oil droplets of the droplet-bearing single cones and the double cones are colorless and the double cone contains only one, not two as reported by O'Day for other marsupials; nor are the members of the double cone ever alike in size and form. Opossum double cones are thus perfectly orthodox; primitive placental mammals should be examined for double cones and oil droplets.