cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Modeling and analyzing biomolecular networks

The authors argue for the need to model and analyze biological networks at molecular and cellular levels. They propose a computational toolbox for biologists. Central to their approach is the paradigm of hybrid models in which discrete events are combined with continuous differential equations to capture switching behavior.
Maternal cocaine addiction and fetal behavioral state. I: A human model for the study of sudden infant death syndrome.

Abstract Abnormalities of respiratory regulation, such as apnea and abnormal hypoxic arousal during sleep, are mechanistic in the pathophysiology of SIDS. In utero cocaine exposure is associated with poor head growth, abnormal neurodevelopment, and an increased incidence of sudden, unexplained death, suggesting that in utero cocaine exposure disrupts the central regulation of breathing. It is likely that this disruption is due to altered CNS maturation. Indeed, cocaine alters norepinephrine metabolism within the locus coeruleus, important in arousal from sleep, suggesting that the increased incidence of SIDS in cocaine exposed infants may be secondary to sleep-related deficits in arousal. Since components of fetal behavioural state organization reflect the successful integration of the Central Nervous System, have a specific developmental timetable, and can be studied by fetal ultrasound techniques, we developed a strategy for assessing the state organization of the fetus by ultrasound techniques. We hypothesize that fetal evaluation of state will be a marker of abnormal CNS maturation and a predictor of risk, i.e. abnormal neurodevelopent and/or state related arousal deficits predisposing the cocaine exposed neonate to SIDS. We propose that the study of in utero cocaine exposed fetuses will provide a human model for examining the pathophysiology of SIDS.
Purα, a Single-Stranded Deoxyribonucleic Acid Binding Protein, Augments Placental Lactogen Gene Transcription

Placental lactogen (PL) is thought to alter maternal metabolism to increase the pool of nutrients available for the fetus and to stimulate fetal nutrient uptake. The ovine (o) PL gene is expressed in chorionic binucleate cells (oBNC) and cis-elements located within the proximal promoter (-124 to +16 bp) are capable of trophoblast-specific expression in human (BeWo) and rat (Rcho-1) choriocarcinoma cells. Protein-DNA interactions were identified with oBNC nuclear extracts, and mutational analysis of these regions revealed a previously undefined cis-element from -102/-123 bp that enhances promoter activity in BeWo cells but not Rcho-1 cells. Characterization of this region identified the nucleotide sequence CCAGCA (-105/-110; o110) as the responsible cis-acting element. Southwestern analysis with this element identified a binding protein with an apparent M(r) of approximately 41,000. Expression screening of an ovine placental cDNA library identified six homologous cDNAs, which shared identity with human (97%) and mouse (95%) Pur alpha, a single-stranded DNA binding protein. The Pur alpha-o110 interaction was confirmed by electrophoretic mobility-supershift assays with oBNC and BeWo extracts but was absent with Rcho-1 extracts. Furthermore, overexpression of ovine Pur alpha enhanced transactivation of the oPL gene proximal promoter in both choriocarcinoma cell lines through this novel cis-element. This study identified a previously undefined cis-element, which interacts with Pur alpha to augment PL gene transcription.
Linking Population Processes and Ecosystem Processes Through Changes in Plant Chemistry

It’s refreshing to watch the ongoing synthesis between population-level processes and ecosystemlevel processes that is taking place in the ecological literature. After decades during which the two fields developed without adequate interaction, population ecology and ecosystem ecology are coming back together. And we shouldn’t be surprised; ecosystem ecology emerged in large part from studies of successional processes (Gleason 1926, Clements 1936), and Tansley (1935) was explicit in pointing out that ecosystems exist as interactions between organisms and the abiotic environment.
Acid-Base-Driven Multilevel Switching of Electronic Coupling in 2,4-Dimethylene Five-Member Heterocycles

The ground state multiplicity of 2,4-dimethylene five-member heterocycles is dependent on the protonation of the heteroatom. The relative singlet and triplet energy at π-CASSCF-optimized geometries varies and is dependent on the number of protons attached to the heteroatom. The 2,4-dimethylenecyclopentadiene anion (X = CH-) and the 2,4-dimethylenepyrrole anion (X = N-) are ground state singlets while the 2,4-dimethylenecyclopentadiene (X = CH2) and 2,4-dimethylenepyrrole cation (X = NH2+) are ground state triplets. The neutral 2,4-dimethylenepyrrole (X = NH) is a ground state triplet with a weaker preference than that calculated for the 2,4-dimethylenepyrrole cation. Similarly, the protonated 2,4-dimethylenefurane (X = OH+) is a strongly preferred ground state triplet while the neutral 2,4-dimethylenefurane (X = OH) has a weaker preference for the triplet ground state. Analogous relationships exist for the systems with the third-row elements. These properties of the 2,4-dimethylene five-member heterocycle...
Harm Reduction and NFL Drug Policy

This article examines the U.S. National Football League's (NFL) policy on illicit psychoactive drugs from a harm reduction perspective. The NFL's policy reinforces the punitive tradition in U.S. drug policy. The policy features drug testing and requires abstinence from illegal drugs. The NFL punishes players with suspensions from employment and loss of pay. The harm reduction tradition does not require abstinence and counts lost employment as a form of harm to workers. The article analyzes three cases of player suspensions from a harm reduction perspective. An introductory proposal to reform the NFL's policy emphasizes intensive communication by the league with the community of stakeholders, including advertisers and the public. The article addresses both the league's need for public approval and the goal of reducing harm to its workers. Language: en
Making online training and support easier for everyone with viewlets

Online training and support objects can be difficult and time-consuming to create. Written words are often ignored by users who want someone to show them a procedure. Viewlets are compelling audio-visual "movies" that show how software or other computer technologies work. Additionally, Viewlets provide the opportunity for interactivity and simulation. They are easy and fast to create and enjoyable and instructive to view. The benefits of this are twofold: 1) Content authors save time/money when building support modules, 2) Support call volume decreases because Viewlets answer user-questions, precluding the need to use more expensive live phone assistance. This paper presentation will discuss how Viewlets are used at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.
Analysis of surfactant leaf damage using microscopy and its relation to glyphosate or deuterium oxide uptake in velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti)

Commercial formulations of glyphosate were compared for surfactant leaf damage and glyphosate uptake. The formulations (Roundup™ Ultra, Roundup™, and Touchdown™ were diluted with water to 12.5 g AI litre−1 and applied as 1-μl drops to the first leaf adaxial surface. Tissues at application sites were examined by light, fluorescence and scanning electron microscopy. At 24 h after treatment, tissue necrosis was clearly visible with Ultra and Roundup™, but not with Touchdown™. The application sites of Ultra and Roundup™, but not with Touchdown™. The application sites of Ultra and Roundup™ demonstrated a well-demarcated zone of injury showing extensive rupturing of cell membranes in both epidermal and mesophyll cells. Studies using blank formulations without glyphosate confirmed that tissue damage was caused by the surfactant formulants. Diluted formulations (12.5 g AI litre−1) spiked with a minimum of [14C-glyphosate were applied similarly. Time-course studies showed the fastest uptake with Ultra, followed by Roundup™ and Touchdown™. Mobilization of glyphosate away from the treated leaf was proportional to uptake. The use of a deuterium NMR method demonstrated that pretreatment of leaves with glyphosate formulations facilitated subsequent leaf loading of deuterium oxide. The extent of the latter correlated with leaf loading of glyphosate in formulations. These results indicate that the role of the surfactant is to overcome the leaf cuticle and membrane barriers to facilitate glyphosate entry into the leaf. © 1999 Society of Chemical Industry
Liquid water on Mars - An energy balance climate model for CO2/H2O atmospheres

A simple climatic model is developed for a Mars atmosphere containing CO2 and sufficient liquid water to account for the observed hydrologic surface features by the existence of a CO2/H2O greenhouse effect. A latitude-resolved climate model originally devised for terrestrial climate studies is applied to Martian conditions, with the difference between absorbed solar flux and emitted long-wave flux to space per unit area attributed to the divergence of the meridional heat flux and the poleward heat flux assumed to equal the atmospheric eddy heat flux. The global mean energy balance is calculated as a function of atmospheric pressure to assess the CO2/H2O greenhouse liquid water hypothesis, and some latitude-resolved cases are examined in detail in order to clarify the role of atmospheric transport and temperature-albedo feedback. It is shown that the combined CO2/H2O greenhouse at plausible early surface pressures may account for climates hot enough to support a hydrological cycle and running water at present-day insolation and visible albedo levels.
A prostaglandin-like fatty acid from a species in the cyperaceae

A C20 cyclic trihydroxy unsaturated fatty acid was isolated and characterized as a representative member of a group of oxygenated fatty acids from the aquatic sedge,Eleocharis microcarpa, Torr. Characterization of the compound as 11-hydroxy-14-(3,5-dihydroxy-2-methylcyclopentyl)-tetradec-9-ene-12-yneoic acid was accomplished by various chemical and spectral methods.
Model of San Francisco housing market

Abstract A model is described which is designed to predict the effects of public programs (zoning restrictions, code enforcement, taxation, subsidies, renewal and improvement projects) on the quality, quantity and location of city housing. The model simulates the interaction between public programs, the investment behavior of the private market, and the allocation decisions of the households. Results obtained by applying the model to earlier periods are provided.
A new pore-scale model for linear and non-linear heterogeneous dissolution and precipitation

Abstract Pore-scale processes exert a strong control on the transport of reactants in porous media at the continuum scale. As such, pore-scale numerical models can offer a more quantitative understanding of the coupling between transport and reaction and yield parameterized constitutive equations to introduce pore-scale corrections into macroscopic (continuum) reactive transport models. In the present study, we present a new pore-scale model for the advection and diffusion of reactants in porous media with complex topologies. The model is based on the lattice Boltzmann method and couples a fluid flow solver to an optimal advection–diffusion transport model. Internal solid–fluid boundaries (grain boundaries) are explicitly part of the numerical domain, which allows the algorithm to solve for surface reactions independently from the surface shape and orientation of the grains. Thus, the approach is well suited for the treatment of heterogeneous reactions in complex pore structures. We present single and multispecies reactive transport applications of the model. In the first application we study the permeability change of a porous medium associated with a given porosity change during dissolution and precipitation using linear reaction kinetics. We show that, for a given porous medium, the correlation between porosity and permeability changes depends on the transport regime (the ratio of advective to diffusive transport) and the reaction rate. Finally, we carry out simulations of multispecies reactive transport, focusing on the case of calcium carbonate dissolution/precipitation. Our results highlight the difference between pH dependent and independent reaction rates for heterogeneous reactions in complex geometries at the pore scale.
Moderating variables of the sexual “victim to offender cycle” in males

Most existing research shows that outcomes after sexual abuse (i.e., behavioral, social, and psychological) are similar for men and women. The sexual abuse "victim to offender cycle" is one clear exception, in that it is reported with much greater frequency in men than in women. This comprehensive, critical review examines potential moderator variables of the sexual victim to offender cycle in sexually abused men. A conceptual model is presented, which integrates existing empirically-tested potential moderators of the victim to offender cycle into: (a) victim characteristics, (b) perpetrator characteristics, (c) abuse characteristics, (d) post-abuse factors, and (e) family factors. The literature preliminarily suggests that post-abuse masturbation, fantasy, and pleasure related to the abuse moderate the victim to offender cycle. Additionally, family factors, including parental loss, experiencing multiple forms of abuse, and family support moderate this outcome. Contrary to expectations, existing research does not indicate that the victim's relationship with the offender, perpetrator gender, victim's age at abuse onset, or penetration during abuse moderate the victim to offender cycle.
Does Democracy Matter?: Regime Type and Suicide Terrorism

This article conducts quantitative tests on the relationship between regime type and suicide terrorism for 1980 to 2003. We present the recently popularized argument that democracies are more likely to experience suicide terrorism and a new hypothesis that mixed regimes are especially likely to experience suicide terrorism. We offer several improvements in research design, including using more controls, the nation-year as the unit of analysis, and more appropriate statistical techniques. Using both Freedom House and Polity data, we find that in general, regime type is uncorrelated with suicide terrorism. We do find that there is a statistically significant interaction between regime type and the number of religiously distinct minorities at risk (MARs) with suicide terrorism, but the statistical significance of this finding is limited, and its substantive impact is marginal. We also find that national size, Islam, national experience with suicide terrorism, and global experience with suicide terrorism affe...
Loss of cyclophilin D reveals a critical role for mitochondrial permeability transition in cell death

Mitochondria play a critical role in mediating both apoptotic and necrotic cell death. The mitochondrial permeability transition (mPT) leads to mitochondrial swelling, outer membrane rupture and the release of apoptotic mediators. The mPT pore is thought to consist of the adenine nucleotide translocator, a voltage-dependent anion channel, and cyclophilin D (the Ppif gene product), a prolyl isomerase located within the mitochondrial matrix. Here we generated mice lacking Ppif and mice overexpressing cyclophilin D in the heart. Ppif null mice are protected from ischaemia/reperfusion-induced cell death in vivo, whereas cyclophilin D-overexpressing mice show mitochondrial swelling and spontaneous cell death. Mitochondria isolated from the livers, hearts and brains of Ppif null mice are resistant to mitochondrial swelling and permeability transition in vitro. Moreover, primary hepatocytes and fibroblasts isolated from Ppif null mice are largely protected from Ca2+-overload and oxidative stress-induced cell death. However, Bcl-2 family member-induced cell death does not depend on cyclophilin D, and Ppif null fibroblasts are not protected from staurosporine or tumour-necrosis factor-alpha-induced death. Thus, cyclophilin D and the mitochondrial permeability transition are required for mediating Ca2+- and oxidative damage-induced cell death, but not Bcl-2 family member-regulated death.
On imaginary fields, token transfers and floating codes in intelligent secondary memories

In analyzing two implemented intelligent secondary memories, CASSM and RAP, we recognize a common mechanism which is here called an imaginary field. The mechanism can be generalized to suggest further design possibilities. It further explains the complex and controversial CASSM mechanism, “pointer transfer” in terms of separate but related principles—imaginary fields, token transfers, and floating codes—such that further designs can utilize some or all of the techniques.
Beyond Light: Physical, Geological, and Geochemical Parameters as Possible Submersed Aquatic Vegetation Habitat Requirements

When determining the suitability of a certain area as a habitat for submersed aquatic vegetation (SAV), light and parameters that modify light (epiphytes, total suspended solids, chlorophyll concentration, nutrients) are the first factors to be taken into consideration. As a result, in the past 10 years, light has been the major focus of SAV research. Even so, we are still unable to explain why SAV often occurs in one area but is absent just a few meters away. Recent studies have shown that SAV may not occur in areas where light levels are adequate but other parameters like wave energy and sulfide concentrations are excessive. It is time to look beyond light when determining SAV habitat requirements. This paper summarizes the impact that physical (waves, currents, tides, and turbulence), geological (sediment grain size and organic matter), and geochemical (mainly sulfide) parameters may have on SAV habitat suitality. Light remains an integral part of the discussion but the focus shifts from maximum depths of distribution (determined mainly by light) to the range SAV can colonize between the maximum and minimum depths of distribution (determined mainly by physical forces). This paper establishes minimum depths of occurrence resulting from the effects of tides and waves, preferred ranges in particle size, organic content, and sulfide, as well as lilfide, as well as limits on currents and waves as related to the capacity to stay rooted at one extreme and diffusive boundary layer constrains at the other.
Inhibition of epoxide hydrolases and glutathione S-transferases by 2-, 3-, and 4-substituted derivatives of 4'-phenylchalcone and its oxide.

Abstract 4′-Phenylchalcones, chalcone oxides, and related compounds were synthesized and tested as inhibitors of cytosolic epoxide hydrolase, microsomal epoxide hydrolase, and glutathione S-transferases from mouse and rat liver. Several compounds were more potent inhibitors of the cytosolic epoxide hydrolase than the parent 4′-phenylchalcone oxide while large substituents in the 4- and especially the 2-position caused a reduction in inhibition. The chalcone oxides showed selectivity as inhibitors of the cytosolic epoxide hydrolase acting on trans-stilbene oxide, while chalcones were inhibitors of cytosolic glutathione S-transferase acting on cis-stilbene oxide. Data are consistent with the hypothesis that much of the inhibition of the glutathione S-transferase is caused by the glutathione conjugate of the chalcone.
A thermodynamic framework for the magnesium-dependent folding of RNA.

The goal of this review is to present a unified picture of the relationship between ion binding and RNA folding based on recent theoretical and computational advances. In particular, we present a model describing how the association of magnesium ions is coupled to the tertiary structure folding of several well-characterized RNA molecules. This model is developed in terms of the nonlinear Poisson-Boltzmann (NLPB) equation, which provides a rigorous electrostatic de- scription of the interaction between Mg 2 and specific RNA structures. In our description, most of the ions surrounding an RNA behave as a thermally fluctuating ensemble distributed according to a Boltzmann weighted average of the mean electrostatic potential around the RNA. In some cases, however, individual ions near the RNA may shed some of their surrounding waters to optimize their Coulombic interactions with the negatively charged ligands on the RNA. These chelated ions are energetically distinct from the surrounding ensemble and must be treated explicitly. This model is used to explore several different RNA systems that interact differently with Mg 2 . In each case, the NLPB equation accurately describes the stoichiometric and energetic linkage between Mg 2 binding and RNA folding without requiring any fitted parameters in the calculation. Based on this model, we present a physical description of how Mg 2 binds and stabilizes specific RNA structures to promote the folding reaction. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 69: 118 -136, 2003
Pollen competition and environmental effects on hybridization dynamics between Phlox drummondii and Phlox cuspidata

Pollen competition between species strongly influences hybridization dynamics in plants. By performing single- and mixed-donor pollinations, we show that soil Ca alters the outcome of interspecific pollen competition in the annual Phlox hybrid system of Phlox cuspidata and P. drummondii. In the absence of interspecific pollen competition, heterospecific pollen siring success of both species was influenced most strongly by the maternal growth environment, such that hybridization was facilitated when heterospecific pollen was deposited on stigmas of maternal plants growing in high Ca soils. When heterospecific pollen was forced to compete against conspecific pollen, however, the maternal growth environment did not influence hybridization, but the environmental origin of heterospecific pollen did, and this effect depended on the maternal species. Pollen of P. drummondii was more effective at outcompeting P. cuspidata pollen and preventing hybridization in P. drummondii dams when P. cuspidata pollen was derived from low Ca. Pollen competition within pistils of P. cuspidata was unaffected by pollen Ca environment. In situations in which P. cuspidata grows in lower soil Ca than P. drummondii, as has been documented in one population, these results suggest that the competitive ability of heterospecific pollen will be diminished by environmental effects of soil Ca. Thus, the environment in which pollen develops can influence interspecific pollen competition and hybridization frequency.
Sepsis resuscitation bundle compliance in septic shock: improves survival and yet better late than never

Improvements in survival for acute myocardial infarction, trauma, and stroke have been realized through continuous quality improvement (CQI) initiatives that include early identification and implementation of time-sensitive therapies at the earliest stage of disease presentation. In addition, challenges in the management of severe sepsis and septic shock remain in regards to implementation of an early sepsis resuscitation bundle (RB) in order to maximize outcome benefit. We examined the impact of a hospital-wide CQI initiative on septic RB compliance and outcome and investigated the mortality benefits beyond the 6-hour recommendation period.
Epac2 induces synapse remodeling and depression and its disease-associated forms alter spines.

This study shows that Epac2, a cAMP-activated Rap-GEF, acts downstream of D1/D5 dopamine receptor signaling to regulate dendritic spines and synaptic transmission. The authors also show that rare mutations of the EPAC2 gene that are associated with autism cause defects in Epac2-mediated spine remodeling. Dynamic remodeling of spiny synapses is crucial for cortical circuit development, refinement and plasticity, whereas abnormal morphogenesis is associated with neuropsychiatric disorders. We found that activation of Epac2, a PKA-independent cAMP target and Rap guanine-nucleotide exchange factor (GEF), in cultured rat cortical neurons induced spine shrinkage, increased spine motility, removed synaptic GluR2/3-containing AMPA receptors and depressed excitatory transmission, whereas its inhibition promoted spine enlargement and stabilization. Epac2 was required for dopamine D1-like receptor–dependent spine shrinkage and GluR2 removal from spines. Epac2 interaction with neuroligin promoted its membrane recruitment and enhanced its GEF activity. Rare missense mutations in the EPAC2 (also known as RAPGEF4) gene, previously found in individuals with autism, affected basal and neuroligin-stimulated GEF activity, dendritic Rap signaling, synaptic protein distribution and spine morphology. Thus, we identify a previously unknown mechanism that promotes dynamic remodeling and depression of spiny synapses, disruption of which may contribute to some aspects of disease.
Wave morphologies on the surfaces of GaAs and Ga0.65Al0.35As grown LPE

It is important to understand and hence have the means to control the intrinsic morphologies of materials grown by the LPE process. This is particularly so if the method is utilized to make devices, which, for efficient operation rely upon planar interfaces between the layers of a multilayer structure. The double heterostructure laser is such a device and the materials with which this paper is concerned are commonly used in the fabrication of this device. The particular morphology with which this paper is concerned is that of waves on the surfaces of grown layers. A brief discussion will be presented of the distinction between waves and terraces, or microfacets. An LPE system will be described in which the growth rate is essentially time independent. In this apparatus layers of both GaAs and Ga0.65Al0.35As have been grown both on nominal (100) substrates and on substrates 1° off that orientation at a range of growth rates. The wavelength of the surface waves has been found to be proportional to the reciprocal of the square root of the growth rate. The observed wavelengths vary in the range between 40 μm at a growth rate of 0.7x10-7 cm s-1 and 6 μm at 1.8x10-6 cm s-1. On (100) substrates it is observed that terraces and waves may coexist. The terrace edges are lines of intersection of the mean plane of the surface with the singular surface. The waves are found to be parallel to the terraces. This may be either due to the terraces presenting a regular series of initial perturbations to the equilibrium form of the surface or due to the strong anisotropy in the surface tension near a singularity. First order morphological stability theory has been applied to the situation. This confirms the observed dependence of wavelength on growth rate and gives a reasonable agreement with the constant of proportionality which has been observed.
Treatment of stage IE primary lymphoma of bone.

Abstract Purpose: A retrospective analysis was performed to assess the efficacy of various treatments of Stage 1E primary non-Hodgkins lymphoma of bone. Methods and Materials: Sixty-three patients with Stage IE primary non-Hodgkins lymphoma of bone (single osseous focus) were seen at our institution between the years 1970 and 1989. Information was obtained regarding each patients' presentation and clinical course. The histology was reviewed in all patients. Modern immunohistochemical stains were performed on each case with available paraffin-embedded tissue. Results: The histologic classification of the tumors was as follows: 43 diffuse large cell, 13 diffuse mixed cell, 3 small noncleaved, and 4 unclassified. The most common presenting symptom was pain (97%) and the following bony sites were involved: 36 long bone, 9 flat bone, 13 spine, and 5 pelvis. Of the 63 cases, 50 were treated with radiation alone, 10 with chemotherapy and radiation, 2 with chemotherapy alone, and 1 with surgery alone. Univariate analysis revealed a suggestion of an improved 5-year disease-free survival for patients treated with chemotherapy and radiation vs. radiation alone (90% vs. 57% respectively, p = .08). Multivariate analysis (controlling for extent of initial evaluation, extent of pathological evaluation and other potential prognostic factors) showed that neither treatment resulted in superior outcome with respect to disease-free survival, disease specific survival, or overall survival, however, doses of radiation greater than 4000 cGy resulted in improved overall survival compared to lower doses ( p = 0.01). Conclusion: This study supports the use of primary RT (> 4000 cGy) for Stage IE PLB, however, the addition of chemotherapy to the radiotherapeutic management may decrease the initial relapse rate of some patients. Future studies should address this question.
The nature of thinking behavior in obese humans

The thinking behavior of obese subjects was investigated using a divergent thinking task. Results showed that obese subjects spent less time and gave fewer responses than nonobese subjects. Furthermore, qualitative differences in responses were observed between obese and nonobese subjects. These findings suggest that obese subjects have a more limited cognitive repertoire than nonobese subjects.
Multifocal Educational Policy Research: Toward a Method for Enhancing Traditional Educational Policy Studies

This article emerges from a perception of educational policy studies as restrained in its theoretical and methodological tools. It is argued that because most educational policy studies take place within a traditional rationalist frame, the findings of these studies do not provide a comprehensive understanding of the policy problems being researched and, thus, should not be used as the sole basis for making educational policy. In response to this problem, the author argues in favor of, describes a procedure for, and demonstrates the utility of using more than one theoretical frame in educational policy research. As a means of illustrating this process, traditional and critical theories and methods are used to examine and analyze the same issue: the relationship between parental involvement policy and the participation of Mexican-American mothers from a low-income community in their children's education. This bitheoretical process, it is argued, reveals not only a fuller portrait but also the narrowness an...
Long Live the Exit Poll

We discuss the history of the exit poll as well as its future in an era characterized by increasingly effective and inexpensive alternatives for obtaining information. With respect to the exit poll's future, we identify and assess four purposes it might serve. We conclude that the exit poll's most important function in the future should, and probably will, be to provide information about the administration of the franchise and about the voter's experience in casting a ballot. The nature of this purpose suggests that it may make sense for academic institutions to replace media outlets as the primary implementers of exit polls.
Cost Analysis of the X-code Double Parity Array

The popular RAID5 disk arrays tolerate a single disk failure by using a parity code to reconstruct the contents of a failed disk on demand, but are susceptible to data loss if a second disk fails. The rebuild process which systematically reconstructs the contents of a failed disk on a spare disk may be unsuccessful due to media failures or a second disk failure. Two disk failure tolerant arrays dealing with both problems can be implemented using Reed-Solomon codes or multiple parity schemes such as EVENODD, RDP, X- code, and RM2. All methods incur the minimum level of redundancy in disk accesses and also capacity overhead (except RM2). An appropriate choice of symbol sizes in EVENODD and RDP results in the same access pattern as RAID6 and little disk load imbalance in degraded mode. In this study we consider the load increase and imbalance of the X-code method, since other methods were investigated in previous studies. We derive a general expression for disk loads and present graphs to quantify the load imbalance.
Development of Vocabulary in Spanish-Speaking and Cantonese-Speaking English Language Learners.

This study examines vocabulary growth rates in first and second languages for Spanish-speaking and Cantonese-speaking English language learners from kindergarten through second grade. Growth-modeling results show a within-language effect of concepts about print on vocabulary. Language exposure also had an effect on English vocabulary: earlier English exposure led to larger English vocabulary in kindergarten. There was no interference of early English exposure on native-language vocabulary. Moreover, Cantonese-speaking children had higher English expressive vocabulary scores than Spanish-speaking children and this difference remained for the 3 years. In contrast, although there were no significant differences in first language vocabulary at the start of kindergarten, Spanish-speaking children had steeper growth rates in first-language vocabulary than Cantonese-speaking children, after controlling for language of instruction and first-language concepts about print.
A holographic radio camera technique for the three-dimensional reconstruction of ionospheric inhomogeneities

Abstract A technique for the three-dimensional reconstruction of ionospheric inhomogeneities is presented. The technique utilizes a ground based, sparsely filled antenna array to observe VHF or SHF transmissions from an orbiting or geostationary satellite. Amplitude and phase measurements at each array element provide a sampling of the diffraction pattern caused by the inhomogeneities. Image reconstruction is achieved digitally by inverse propagation using Fourier optical techniques in a computational analogue of an optical imaging process similar to that involved in holography. The paper discusses the theory of the technique, practical considerations involved in its implementation, and the design of a demonstration experiment. Computer simulations of the experiment using idealized models of the irregularities are presented.
Six problems for causal inference from fMRI

Neuroimaging (e.g. fMRI) data are increasingly used to attempt to identify not only brain regions of interest (ROIs) that are especially active during perception, cognition, and action, but also the qualitative causal relations among activity in these regions (known as effective connectivity; Friston, 1994). Previous investigations and anatomical and physiological knowledge may somewhat constrain the possible hypotheses, but there often remains a vast space of possible causal structures. To find actual effective connectivity relations, search methods must accommodate indirect measurements of nonlinear time series dependencies, feedback, multiple subjects possibly varying in identified regions of interest, and unknown possible location-dependent variations in BOLD response delays. We describe combinations of procedures that under these conditions find feed-forward sub-structure characteristic of a group of subjects. The method is illustrated with an empirical data set and confirmed with simulations of time series of non-linear, randomly generated, effective connectivities, with feedback, subject to random differences of BOLD delays, with regions of interest missing at random for some subjects, measured with noise approximating the signal to noise ratio of the empirical data.
Microstructural Evolution of Multilayered Oxide Scales on Stainless Steels

Si containing stainless steels form complex oxide scales during high temperature oxidation at 900°C. These scales consist of an outer iron chromium manganese spinel layer, an intermediate Cr 2 O 3 (chromia) layer and an inner SiO 2 (silica) layer. During isothermal oxidation, alloys exhibit minimum weight gain when the inner silica layer is continuous, due to its effectiveness as a diffusion barrier. This continuous silica scale can be formed in a short time only by a combination of fine alloy grain size and high silicon content. However, formation of a continuous silica layer may lead to scale spallation on cooling, thus having a deleterious effect on the oxidation resistance of the alloy.
Elevated CO2 and the magnitude and seasonal dynamics of root production and loss in Betula papyrifera

The impact of elevated atmospheric CO2 on belowground plant growth is poorly understood relative to its effects on aboveground growth. We carried out a study of the seasonal dynamics of gross root production and death to determine how elevated CO2 affected the dynamics of net and gross root production through a full growing season. We quantified gross root production and root loss from sequential, in situ images of fine roots of t Betula papyrifera in ambient (375 ppm.) and elevated (700 ppm) CO2 atmospheres from 2 weeks following germination through leaf senescence. We found that elevated CO2 led to increases in the magnitude of cumulative gross production (ΣP) and cumulative gross loss (ΣL) of roots. However, the effect of elevated CO2 on these processes was seasonally dependent. Elevated CO2 led to greater levels of enhancement in ΣP early in the growing season, prior to maximum standing root length (NP). In contrast, elevated CO2 led to greater levels of enhancement in ΣL in the last half of the growing season, after maximum NP had been reached. This difference in the timing of when elevated CO2 affects ΣP and ΣL led to a transitory, early enhancement in NP. By the end of the growing season, there was no significant effect of elevated CO2 on NP, and ΣP was 87% greater than NP for ambient CO2 and 117% greater in elevated CO2. We conclude that static assessments of belowground productivity may greatly underestimate gross fine root productivity and turnover and this bias can be exaggerated with elevated CO2.
Transductive learning via spectral graph partitioning

We present a new method for transductive learning, which can be seen as a transductive version of the k nearest-neighbor classifier. Unlike for many other transductive learning methods, the training problem has a meaningful relaxation that can be solved globally optimally using spectral methods. We propose an algorithm that robustly achieves good generalization performance and that can be trained efficiently. A key advantage of the algorithm is that it does not require additional heuristics to avoid unbalanced splits. Furthermore, we show a connection to transductive Support Vector Machines, and that an effective Co-Training algorithm arises as a special case.
Impact of severe chronic kidney disease on outcomes of infrainguinal peripheral arterial intervention

Objective Patients with severe chronic kidney disease (CKD) and peripheral vascular disease are at increased risk of major adverse limb events (MALEs) and death; however, patients with end-stage renal disease have been excluded in current objective performance goals. We evaluated the effect of severe (class 4 and 5) CKD on outcomes after infrainguinal endovascular arterial interventions. Methods All primary peripheral vascular interventions (PVIs) performed at a single institution (January 2002 through December 2009) were included. End points were defined by Society for Vascular Surgery objective performance goals for critical limb ischemia (CLI), which include all-cause mortality, reintervention, and composite end points of death or amputation and MALEs (reintervention or amputation). Univariate and multivariable analysis was used to examine the effect of severe CKD on study end points. Results A total of 879 PVIs were performed, with severe CKD in 125 (14%). Severe CKD patients were significantly ( P P = .2). Severe CKD predicted perioperative (30-day) reintervention (odds ratio [OR], 2.3; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.5-4; P = .05), amputation or death (OR, 3.1; 95% CI, 1.1-9; P = .04), and MALEs (OR, 2.8; 95% CI, 1.3-6.1; P = .04), which was independent of CLI in multivariable regression analysis. On Kaplan-Meier analysis, severe CKD was significantly (log-rank P P = .23). Risk-adjusted (age, CLI, diabetes, coronary artery disease) Cox proportional hazards regression showed that severe CKD increased the risk of late mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 2.4; 95% CI, 1.8-3.2; P P = .02), and death or amputation (HR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.3-2.4; P = .04), without increasing the risk of late reinterventions or MALEs. Conclusions CKD independently predicts early and late adverse events after a PVI, in particular, excessive mortality. CKD should figure prominently in clinical decision making for patients with peripheral vascular disease.
Modified Therapeutic Community for Mentally Ill Chemical “Abusers”: Background; Influences; Program Description; Preliminary Findings

This paper briefly surveys the literature that addresses the problem of co-occurring mental and "substance abuse disorders." It discusses several convergent influences on the development of modified therapeutic community (TC) approaches. The paper describes in some detail the modified TC program for mentally ill chemical "abusers" (MICAs). The paper also summarizes research data that establish positive retention rates and significant in-treatment change to support the effectiveness of the modified TC and to underscore the limited effect of treatment-as-usual approaches. Treatment approaches must be comprehensive, multidimensional, of relatively long duration, and must systematically address the interrelated problems of mental illness and substance use.
A new perspective on terahertz image reconstruction based on linear spectral unmixing

Because of their unique capabilities, terahertz waves have demonstrated great potential in the concealed objects detection. However, the limitations in terahertz wave generation/detection devices and the disturbance from the pervasive water molecule absorption have hindered its wide deployment. Terahertz image reconstruction refers to the technique that extracts useful information from raw data to produce a meaningful image. In this paper, we present a new perspective of this technique. By defining the term differential spectrum as the difference between the transmitted spectrum and the received spectrum of the terahertz wave, we model the overall absorption effect as a linear combination of the differential spectrum of individual substance. Hence, a linear unmixing algorithm can be used to separate the overlapped substances represented by their weights, producing several image planes associated with each of the substances in the image scene. Experimental results have shown that the proposed algorithm can generate cleaner and sharper images compared to existing approaches. In addition, the object recognition process is inherent in the unmixing procedure thus making object detection and recognition easier.
The Potential for Directing Study in Combined Reading and Writing Activity.

An experiment investigated the memorial effects of three different writing tasks and worksheet exercises assigned as study activities to accompany reading. High school boys and girls read and recalled a pretreatment target text and then read a sequence of topically related passages and reacted to each by paraphrasing, formulating questions, comparing and contrasting, or completing matching exercises on worksheets. Afterward, the students again recalled the target text. A comparison of information given in retelling the target text before and after performing the study tasks indicated that quality of inferences differed according to assigned writing task. Writing questions and compare-contrast statements resulted in the generation of significantly more new information, and writing questions resulted in the recall of proportionall y more superordinate information. The results are explained as stemming from the organizing requirements of writing.
Modernizing Bo¨hm-Bawerk's theory of interest

In 1690, John Locke proclaimed, “Whatsoever [anyone]; removes out of the State that Nature hath provided … hath mixed his Labour with, and joyned to it something that is his own, and thereby makes it his Property.” Ever since this dictum was pronounced philosophers, economists, and, especially, capital theorists have been embarrassed by the virtually universal disregard of it in practice. At the very inception of economic theorizing, Ricardo declared that explaining the division of the national income into wages, rents, and interest was “the principal problem in Political Economy.” He proposed an ingenious explanation, but was far from settling the matter. Some fifty years later, Marx, building on Ricardo's concept of value, brought the debate to a sharp focus; after him, it became largely an argument between Marxists and everyone else. Put starkly, Marx defined the value of any good or service to be the amount of labor required to produce it. Since a worker and his family can be supported for a year by the product of a good deal less than a full year's labor, this definition implies a gap between the value of a year's labor and the value of its products. Owners of land and capital are only too glad to close the gap by claiming the “surplus value.” Marx's diagnosis of the nature and origin of surplus value became the focus of discussions of the distribution of income for most of the following century.
Testing a neutrino mass generation mechanism at the Large Hadron Collider

The Large Hadron Collider could be a discovery machine for the neutrino mass pattern and its Majorana nature in the context of a well-motivated TeV scale Type II seesaw model. This is achieved by identifying the flavor structure of the lepton-number violating decays of the charged Higgs bosons. The observation of either H{sup +}{yields}{tau}{sup +}{nu} or H{sup +}{yields}e{sup +}{nu} will be particularly robust to determine the neutrino spectra since they are independent of the unknown Majorana phases, which could be probed via the H{sup ++}{yields}e{sub i}{sup +}e{sub j}{sup +} decays. In a less favorable scenario when the leptonic channels are suppressed, one needs to observe the decays H{sup +}{yields}W{sup +}H{sub 1} and H{sup +}{yields}tb to confirm the triplet-doublet mixing that implies the Type II relation. The associated production H{sup {+-}}{sup {+-}}H{sup {+-}} is crucial in order to test the triplet nature of the Higgs field.
Vascular morphogenesis: tales of two syndromes

Advances in our understanding of fundamental biological processes can be made by the analysis of defects manifested in inherited diseases. The genes responsible for these genetic syndromes often encode proteins that act at critical points of the pathways that control biological processes such as cell proliferation, cell–cell communication, cellular differentiation, and cell death. This approach has lead to the discovery of novel gene products and/or biochemical pathways involved in disease, genes that in turn play a fundamental role in normal biological processes. This forward genetic approach, focusing on Mendelian disorders of vascular anomalies, has been particularly fruitful for the study of genetic regulation of angiogenesis. This review summarizes the ongoing saga of two genetic syndromes involving disruption of normal vascular morphogenesis. Each inherited disorder involves the focal development of a distinct vascular anomaly. In hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT), the hallmark vascular lesion is termed an arteriovenous malformation, which involves the direct communication of an artery with a vein (arteriovenous shunt), without an intervening capillary bed. For cerebral cavernous malformations (CCM), the lesions are grosslydilated, closely-packed, capillary-like sinusoidal chambers. The autosomal dominant mode of inheritance of each of these distinct syndromes suggested that the underlying genes might regulate critical aspects of vascular morphogenesis. Emerging but intriguing tales are being told by the genes (and their protein products) mutated in these disorders.