cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Curricular Interventions on Intended Second Year Re-Enrollment

Utilizing data from the national administration of a Cooperative Institutional Research Program (CIRP) baseline and follow-up survey of the first-year experience during the 2002–2003 academic year, this study explores the relationship between three curricular interventions—first-year seminars, service-learning, and learning communities—and the longitudinal process of first-to-second year retention. The findings from descriptive analyses showed that there are numerous positive relationships between these three interventions and integrative first-year experiences as defined by Tinto's (1987, 1993) longitudinal model of departure. Further, logistic regression suggests that service-learning courses have an indirect impact on the intent to re-enroll for a second year of college, while first-year seminars and learning communities may have an interactive relationship in their impact on the outcome measure.
An asymptotic estimate related to Selberg's sieve

Abstract Suppose 1 ≤ z1 ≤ z2 ≤ N, and let Λ i (d) = μ(d) max(log ( z i d ), 0) for i = 1, 2. We show that ∑ N⩽n ( ∑ d|n Λ 1 (d))( ∑ e|n Λ 1 (e)) = N log z 1 + O(N). We then use this to improve a result of Barban-Vehov which has applications to zero-density theorems.
Selecting initial reading instruction for high-risk children: A theoretical approach

What has been suggested is (1) that theoretical considerations in selecting an approach to beginning reading for individual children seen to be at-risk are important; (2) that we can be more selective in assigning initial reading programs for children; and (3) that analyses of the programs, of the children’s skills, and an awareness of the reading process can help in that selection. The prescriptive approach recommended here is one of approaching a task on which one expects the child to meet success, while, at the same time, confronting the weaker areas by breaking the difficult tasks into smaller, more elemental, prerequisite steps. The various analyses undertaken in this paper and the ensuing recommendations form only a part of—a first step toward—tailoring instruction to meet the competencies and deficits of the children predicted to be at-risk for reading failure. A competent teacher will go beyond the suggestions made in this paper; she will attend to the details in finding ways in which each child will learn, thus fostering the child’s own sense of mastery and achievement. As Gates so aptly put it in 1937: ... reading difficulties result from failure to recognize and make effective instructional adaptations to individual needs—both deficiencies and special abilities (p. 395). The challenge remains today.
The Impact of Technology and a No Remediation Policy on Non - Traditional Students

Abstract A Hunter College librarian, with public library experience, offered a series of drop-in workshops Saturday afternoons open to all students and questions regarding Web or Windows use in the academic year, 2000–2001. The intention of the workshops was to address the continuous needs of students lacking technological and informational literacy. The success of these workshops led to this investigation of the implications of 21st century technology on non-traditional students from the perspective of bibliographic instruction as well as reference desk service. The perspective is that of the urban educational environment of City University of New York and Hunter College. The histories of open admissions at CUNY and the current efforts to abolish remediation are examined.
Two-transistor Zeta-flyback DC-DC converter with reduced transistor voltage stress

A two-transistor Zeta-flyback DC-DC converter along with experimental results is introduced. The proposed converter topology is the extension of the single-transistor Zeta-flyback converter. With the incorporation of an additional transistor and two clamping diodes on the primary side of the transformer of the single-transistor Zeta-flyback converter, a two-transistor Zeta-flyback converter is proposed. High transistor voltage stress owing to the parasitic ringing seen in the single-transistor Zeta-flyback converter is reduced in the proposed converter. Furthermore, the voltage stresses of the transistors are reduced to the DC input voltage V I . Experimental results from a 10 V/30 W, 100 kHz laboratory prototype are presented.
The tetramer of borane and its heavier valence-isoelectronic analogs: M4H12 with M = B, Al, and Ga

Abstract Ab initio all-electron quantum mechanical methods were applied to the tetramers of borane (BH3) and its analogs in the periodic table, namely the molecules B4H12 (tetraborane (12) or (BH3)4), Al4H12 (tetraalane (12) or (AlH3)4), Ga4H12 (tetragallane (12) or (GaH3)4). Four closed-shell stationary points were found for each tetramer. In addition, the butterfly tetraborane (10) (B4H10) and its analogs tetraalane (10) (Al4H10) and tetragallane (10) (Ga4H10) were investigated at comparable levels of theory. Geometry optimizations were performed at correlated whenever practical, and at the Hartree-Fock level otherwise, using sizeable basis sets. In most cases, energetic information was obtained from correlated methods. It is confirmed that the most recent (1981) experimental structures for tetraborane (10) have an error for one of the bridging BH bond distances, as noted recently by Buhl and Schleyer. However, the other three experimental structures for B4H10 also have serious problems. Our results suggest that the molecular structures of butterfly M4H10, M = B, Al, Ga, are very similar. The structures of M4H12, M = B, Al, Ga, although still quite similar, show more variations. We found that the butterfly (12) structures, belonging to the point group C2v, are local minima at the SCF potential energy surfaces. The butterfly tetraborane (12) is energetically less stable than the butterfly tetraborane (10) plus molecular hydrogen. The butterfly tetraalane (12) is, in contrast, energetically more stable than the butterfly tetraalane (10) plus molecular hydrogen. The butterfly tetragallane (12) displays a third behavior - energetically comparably stable with the butterfly tetragallane (10) plus molecular hydrogen. In all cases electron correlation effects were found to stabilize the butterfly (10) structures more than the butterfly (12) structures.
Medial preoptic connections with the midbrain tegmentum are essential for male sexual behavior

The medial preoptic area appears to play a major role in the control of sexual behavior. Efferents from the medial preoptic area course through the medial forebrain bundle to pass through and/or terminate in the dorsolateral and ventral tegmentum of the midbrain. Bilateral lesions of the dorsolateral tegmentum eliminate mating behavior in male rats, reproducing the effect of bilateral medial preoptic lesions. Sexual behavior is also eliminated when a preoptic lesion on one side of the brain is combined with a lesion of the dorsolateral tegmentum on the other side of the brain. In other words, asymmetric brain damage which bilaterally destroys the preoptic connections with the dorsolateral tegmentum eliminates male sexual behavior, and we conclude that the connections between these two regions are essential for copulation.
Is salvage cryoablation effective in patients with prostate cancer who have failed radiation therapy

Is salvage cryoablation effective in patients with prostate cancer who have failed radiation therapy?
Commentary on Paper by Aviva Gottlieb Zornberg

In this discussion, I stress two points. First, I have underlined the powerful understanding Dr. Zornberg brings to her exegesis of the book of Jonah via her competence as Biblical scholar, literary critic, and master of psychoanalytic theory. In her hands, Jonah becomes a fully minded person, not just a moral icon. Second, I have focused on her major thesis, that Jonah's need to escape, his repeated going down into and away from himself, evolves from his putative trauma, which is comprised of not only the horror of near death but also the shock of survival.
Timing of cholecystectomy for biliary pancreatitis: do the data support current guidelines?

Current guidelines suggest that cholecystectomy be performed within 2 weeks after discharge following an episode of biliary pancreatitis. We hypothesized that a high incidence of gallstone-related events is present within 2 weeks after discharge prior to cholecystectomy. Two hundred eighty-one patients who underwent cholecystectomy for biliary pancreatitis (January 1999–December 2005) were categorized into one of two groups: group A patients underwent cholecystectomy during index admission (n = 162), and group B patients underwent cholecystectomy following discharge from index admission (n = 119). Groups were comparable in demographics, comorbidities, and disease severity. Thirty-nine (32.8%) group B patients experienced pre-cholecystectomy gallstone-related events (including 16 cases of recurrent pancreatitis) after discharge. Recurrences (31.3%) occurred within 2 weeks after discharge. Endoscopic sphincterotomy protected against preoperative recurrent pancreatitis but was associated with a higher incidence of other gallstone-related events. Median total length of hospital stay was greater for group B than for group A [7 (range, 2–37) days vs. 5 (1–45) days, respectively, p = 0.00]. Current guidelines suggesting the appropriateness of waiting up to 2 weeks for cholecystectomy for biliary pancreatitis may place patients at unacceptably high risk for recurrence. Endoscopic sphincterotomy does not eliminate the risk of gallstone-related events.
More Than a Mouse Trap: Effective Business Models in a Digital World

An old automotive advertising campaign decried, “This is not your father's Oldsmobile,” as General Motors sought new market share and a turn from the past. The same approach could be taken to talk ...
A new SVM for scale, aspect, and depression angle tolerant IR object recognition

In most ATR applications, objects are not only present with thermal and aspect view angle variations, its size (range) also changes as the sensor approaches the target, and depression angle variations can exist. Therefore, it is important and realistic to know how to handle these variations. We apply our new SVRDM (support vector representation and discrimination machine) classifier to address these problems. The SVRDM classifier has good generalization (like the standard SVM does), and it has the added property of a good rejection ability. In other words, it not only gives very promising recognition results on the true target classes, it is also able to reject other unseen objects (referred to as confusers). We address the following variation issues: the scale range one SVRDM can recognize when trained on data at one or more ranges, the depression angle difference one SVRDM can recognize when trained on data at only one (or several) depression angles, and the number of aspect views needed to be included in the training set to handle recognition of targets with aspect variations, and the classification and rejection performance. Thus, our results are most unique and worthwhile but are not easily compared to prior work. Recognition and rejection test results are presented on both simulated and real infra-red (IR) data.
A Clustering Approach to Identify Intergenic Non-coding RNA in Mouse Macrophages

We present a global clustering approach to identify putative intergenic non-coding RNAs based on the RNA polymerase II and Histone 3 lysine 4 trimethylation signatures. Both of these signatures are processed from the digital sequencing tags produced by chromatin immunoprecipitation, a high-throughput massively parallel sequencing (ChIP-Seq) technology. Our method compares favorably to the comparison method. We characterize the intergenic non-coding RNAs to have conservative promoters. We predict that these nc-RNAs are related to metabolic process without lipopolysaccharides (LPS) treatment, but shift towards developmental and immune-related functions with LPS treatment. We demonstrate that more intergenic nc-RNAs respond positively to LPS treatment, rather than negatively. Using QPCR, we experimentally validate 8 out of 11 nc-RNA regions respond to LPS treatment as predicted by the computational method.
Thermal Conductivities of Pure Metals at Low Temperatures. I. Aluminum

The thermal conductivities of three specimens of highly pure aluminum have been measured in the temperature range 2 to 20\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. All specimens showed maximum conductivities in the temperature range 14 to 17\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. The measured values are compared with the theory of Sondheimer. The number of effective conduction electrons per atom is found to be 0.061.
Homicide in Seattle’s Chinatown, 1900-1940: Evaluating the Influence of Social Organizations

This study extends the understanding of how features of Chinese social organization influenced patterns of homicide in Seattle from 1900 to 1940. The findings illustrate that generalizations about Chinese violence fit pre–World War II Seattle homicide data: (a) Chinese homicide rates were high as a result of conflict between tong organizations involved in the vice industry; (b) the timing of tong events was driven by disputes among organizational chapters in different cities; and (c) homicide rates unrelated to tong violence were relatively low but far higher than modern Asian rates. The findings suggest the importance of considering patterns of violence within particular ethnic groups to evaluate how ethnic social organizations influence violence.
Dynamic hydraulic flow stimulation on mitigation of trabecular bone loss in a rat functional disuse model

Abstract Bone fluid flow (BFF) has been demonstrated as a critical regulator in mechanotransductive signaling and bone adaptation. Intramedullary pressure (ImP) and matrix strain have been identified as potential generators to regulate BFF. To elevate in vivo oscillatory BFF using ImP, a dynamic hydraulic stimulation (DHS) approach was developed. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of DHS on mitigation of bone loss and structural alteration in a rat hindlimb suspension (HLS) functional disuse model. Sixty-one 5-month old female Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into five groups: 1) baseline control, 2) age-matched control, 3) HLS, 4) HLS + static loading, and 5) HLS + DHS. Hydraulic flow stimulation was carried out daily on a “10 min on–5 min off–10 min on” loading regime, 5 days/week, for a total of 4 weeks in the tibial region. The metaphyseal trabecular regions of the proximal tibiae were analyzed using μCT and histomorphometry. Four weeks of HLS resulted in a significant loss of trabecular bone, leading to structural deterioration. HLS with static loading alone was not sufficient to attenuate the bone loss. Bone quantity and microarchitecture were significantly improved by applying DHS loading, resulting increase of 83% in bone volume fraction, 25% in trabecular number and mitigation of 26% in trabecular separation compared to HLS control. Histomorphometry analysis on trabecular mineralization coincided with the μCT analysis, in which DHS loading yielded increases of 34% in histomorphometric BV/TV, 121% in MS/BS, 190% in BFR/BS and 146% in BFR/BV, compared to the HLS control. Overall, the data demonstrated that dynamic hydraulic flow loading has potentials to provide regulatory signals for mitigating bone loss induced by functional disuse. This approach may provide a new alternative mechanical intervention for future clinical treatment for osteoporosis.
Optimal design in axial motion for several frequency constraints

Governing equations for the optimal design of a rod with tip mass subject to several constraints on natural frequency are developed. The relation of this mass distribution to the globally optimum design for lowest frequency is discussed. A numerical example for two frequencies is presented. Some continuity results concerning the optimal mass distribution are presented.
High-frequency, low-crosstalk modulator arrays based on FTC polymer systems

A novel electro-optic polymer Furan TetraCyano Indane (FTC) has been utilised in the fabrication of low V/sub /spl pi//, high-speed travelling-wave Mach-Zehnder modulator arrays. The modulators were realised with microstrip transmission lines that were optimised resulting in a line loss of 3.64 dB/cm at 40 GHz. Mach-Zehnder modulators based on this design with 1.6 cm interaction length resulted in devices with V/sub /spl pi//<5 V and a reasonably fiat frequency response up to 40 GHz. Electrical crosstalk measurements were also conducted on adjacent modulators separated by 400 /spl mu/m in a modulator array. Without the implementation of any crosstalk reduction techniques, the measurement results indicated a crosstalk level of <-40 dB in the frequency band between 0 and 40 GHz. These impressive results were a consequence of the low dielectric constant of the polymer material at microwave frequencies and of the small lateral dimensions of the microstrip lines.
Asymmetric Induction during Yang Cyclization of α-Oxoamides: The Power of a Covalently Linked Chiral Auxiliary Is Enhanced in the Crystalline State

γ-Hydrogen abstraction has been revealed to be the primary photoprocess in the crystalline state of α-oxoamides through photochemical and X-ray structural studies. The outstanding ability of a covalent chiral auxiliary in generating asymmetric induction in the photoproduct β-lactam has been established with 10 examples. We have shown that the crystal lattice preorganizes the reactant molecules toward a single diastereomer of the β-lactam and prevents large motions of the 1,4-diradical intermediate that would result in the loss of stereochemical memory. A rare single-crystal-to-single-crystal transformation path of one of the examples investigated establishes the direct correlation between the stereochemistries of the reactant and the product.
Microtubule assembly dynamics: new insights at the nanoscale.

Although the dynamic self-assembly behavior of microtubule ends has been well characterized at the spatial resolution of light microscopy (∼200 nm), the single-molecule events that lead to these dynamics are less clear. Recently, a number of in vitro studies used novel approaches combining laser tweezers, microfabricated chambers, and high-resolution tracking of microtubule-bound beads to characterize mechanochemical aspects of MT dynamics at nanometer scale resolution. In addition, computational modeling is providing a framework for integrating these experimental results into physically plausible models of molecular scale microtubule dynamics. These nanoscale studies are providing new fundamental insights about microtubule assembly, and will be important for advancing our understanding of how microtubule dynamic instability is regulated in vivo via microtubule-associated proteins, therapeutic agents, and mechanical forces.
Using reflective text to improve qualitative physics tutoring

In this work, we test whether administering an abstractive/reflective reading after physics tutoring will improve learning. The reading helps students compare similar aspects of previously tutored physics problems, and to abstract their commonalities. Either a non-reflective control reading, or one of two reflective readings with differing levels of textual cohesion, was administered to 99 students after tutoring with the Itspoke qualitative physics tutoring system. We found that reflective/abstractive text significantly improved learning for students with a moderate amount of motivation. We further found that high cohesion improved learning, but only for students with a sufficiently high level of prior knowledge. We interpret these results to mean that a reflective/abstractive text can usefully improve learning after tutoring with a physics tutoring system. However, this intervention may be most useful for students with low enough motivation not to spontaneously reflect, but not so low that they will not reflect when prompted.
Making a difference: goals for improving the health of women and children globally.

Each year more than 500000 women die from pregnancy-related causes and 11 million children aged less than 5 years die from causes that are mostly preventable. Are you aware of the work being done worldwide to change this? Is there anything you can do to help? In 2004 the World Health Organization (WHO) introduced millennium development goals for health priorities and included a focus on infectious diseases such as malaria tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS. Cardiovascular health cancer and diabetes were also targeted as health priorities as were environmental issues such as toxins tobacco poor sanitation and unsafe water supplies. Lifestyle issues such as hypertension malnutrition childhood obesity high-risk sexual behaviors and substance abuse were noted to be responsible for 33% of deaths worldwide. (excerpt)
Some comments on Wicksell's problem

Abstract In this paper we derive some properties of inverse estimators in the Wicksell unfolding problem, based on a regularized version of the inverse of the preconditioned operator. We focus on the integrated mean square error, data-driven selection of the regularization parameter, and asymptotic efficiency of linear functionals in the Hajek–LeCam sense.
Changes in functional vascularity and cell number following x-irradiation of a murine carcinoma

Abstract Post-irradiation changes in vascular function and cell number in the transplantable SCL carcinoma of AJ mice were examined Vascular volume/g tumor, as measured by 15 Cr-labeled red blood cell dilution, increased within 1 day after 1000 or 2000 rad and then decreased. The number of living cells/g tumor, estimated from single-cell preparations, declined to a minimum at day three post-irradiation with 1000 or 2000 rad. Calculation of vascularity on a per living cell basis indicated that the vascular volume increased to 197% and 286% of controls 3 days after irradiation with 1000 and 2000 rad, respectively. These data indicate that post-irradiation reoxygenation of hypoxic tumor cells may be caused by a decrease in oxygen consuming cells which is greater in magnitude than the corresponding decrease in functional vascularity.
Treatment of risk in environmental impact assessment

Risk assessment and environmental impact assessment have developed as separate traditions. While environmental impact assessment is a broad field that includes all activities that attempt to analyze and evaluate the effects of human and related actions on the environment, risk assessment has been concerned with the relatively well-defined regulatory problems and employs formal quantitative analysis of the probability of specific undesired events, such as cancer. Risk analytic approaches, particularly the explicit treatment of uncertainty, can significantly contribute to environmental assessments. This article discusses the type and sources of uncertainty in environmental assessments, techniques for their quantification, and ways to use uncertainty estimates to calculate probabilities of effects or probabilities of exceeding environmental standards and to determine the need for mitigation or additional research.
A Novel Silicone Magnetic Microsphere for Ligand-Targeted Drug Delivery

In ligand-targeted drug delivery, a carrier particle is conjugated with a ligand designed to bind specifically to a receptor expressed on the membrane of a chosen cell type. A therapeutic agent is adsorbed onto or absorbed within the carrier, and its release is often triggered by magnetic stimulation or other means. In this work, we present a novel silicone-magnetite microsphere as the drug carrier for ligand-targeted drug delivery. Each carrier contains up to 50% wt. magnetite nanoparticles (10nm diameter) each coated with a monolayer of an amine-functionalized silicone polymer for a total microsphere diameter scalable between 0.5-2.0 microns. The silicon matrix of this carrier facilitates compatibility with lipophilic drugs, the high magnetic content allows the potential for magnetically-stimulated drug release, and an abundance of primary amines within the matrix enables surface functionalization with a variety of ligands. We demonstrate the utility of these new microspheres for ligand-targeted drug delivery by binding folic acid to the microsphere surface, and explore targeting of malignant cells which overexpress folate binding protein. Binding in this study is verified via fluorescence microscopy of a tagged immunoassay.
Shuttle vectors developed from Streptococcus thermophilus native plasmid

Abstract pER8 (2.2 kb), a native plasmid of Streptococcus thermophilus ST108, was used to develop pMEU-series shuttle vectors. In addition to the replication function of the pER8, these vectors contain origin of replication and β-lactamase gene (bla) of Escherichia coli vector pUC18/19, the cat gene of pC194, and the pPV141-borne erm determinant of Staphylococcus hyicus ssp, chromogenes 3688. pMEU5a, pMEU5b, pMEU6a, and pMEU6b (all 5.7 kb in size) contain bla and erm markers, are capable of transforming E. coli and S. thermophilus at frequencies in the order of 105-106 and 103 colony forming units (CFU)/μg DNA, respectively, and are highly stable in the two host systems. pMEU9 and pMEU10 (both 6.9 kb) contain the cat marker in addition to the DNA elements found in pMEU5-6. These plasmids are also highly effective in transforming E. coli (at ca. 6 × 105 CFU/μg DNA) and S. thermophilus (ca. 103 CFU/μg DNA). Although expression of the resistance markers is not completely consistent, pMEU9 and pMEU10 remain important shuttle vectors for clonal selection by an insertional inactivation method.
Copper contamination of sandy soils and effects on young Hamlin orange trees.

During perennial tree production, soil properties are constantly affected by the type, rate and method of application of soil and/or foliar amendments. These amendments are applied repeatedly over a number of years as a part of routine production practices. In the case of amendments containing mobile elements, the residual effect is negligible. However, application of amendments containing immobile elements results in accumulation of those elements in the topsoil. This is usually the case with respect to trace metals such as Cu, Zn, Fe and Mn which are essential for plant growth. In the event of extreme deficiencies of these elements, growth and production are adversely affected. However, in perennial tree crops such as citrus, the quantity of trace metals removed in harvested fruit is extremely small (Smith 1966). Therefore, repeated applications of these trace metals over the years result in their buildup in the topsoil. A case in point is the buildup of Cu in many citrus grove soils in the central ridge area of Florida as a result of routine application of Cu at relatively high rates with fertilizers (Alva and Graham 1991). Copper deficiency related citrus dieback symptoms were observed as early as the 1840's (Smith, 1966). Experimental evidence of Grossenbacker (1916) and Floyd (1917) indicated that application of copper sulfate corrected dieback symptoms, therefore, application of copper sulfate became a routine practice in Florida citrus production during the early 1900's. By the early 1940's, application of Cu in routine citrus fertilization program was often as high as 34 kg/ha. In addition, the routine fungicide spray program added 9 kg Cu/ha annually. Repeated application of Cu in the above doses resulted in buildup of Cu causing Cu toxicity (Reuther and Smith, 1954). In order to meet the fruit quality standards, production practices of groves destined to fresh fruit market require more pesticide spray programs as compared to the groves destined to produce fruit for juice processing. As a result, Cu contribution through pesticide
Social Work and Medical Care: Electronic Reminders to Address Adherence

Social workers are often involved with patients and families around adherence, both to clinic appointments as well as to the medication regimen. An evidence-based practice project was created and implemented to determine the efficacy of electronic reminders such as text messaging on adherence. The implications of improving adherence can positively impact the patient on an individual level as well as reduce costs and increase revenue at a systems level.
Fostering Undergraduate Research Through Collaboration With Local Engineering Companies

This paper discusses the importance of introducing the undergraduate engineering student to research; it provides examples on how research has been integrated with the curriculum, and how the local engineering industry provides engineering research projects for the students. One research project includes the development of a test fixture to be used in determining the pull-out strength of screws in a biomaterials substrate. Another example presented is the development of a test configuration for determining the under water impact resistance of acoustic windows. Furthermore, a research project will be presented on the creation, testing and analysis of bone cement specimens. Through these projects students learn valuable skills such as performing literature review of a technical topic, developing a statement of work, establishing a research plan, learning appropriate software and hardware tools, carefully documenting their work, analyzing results, writing papers, and presenting their work at conferences. This paper provides details on how these skills are developed through the students’ research experiences and how they will benefit the students upon graduation. In order to expose a large number of undergraduate students to research it is helpful to develop some form of a mentoring program where students learn from each other. The paper describes how this mentoring program is organized and provides details of how the students interact with their peers, the faculty members and representatives from the local industry.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Protamine is an inhibitor of angiogenesis

Protamine is shown to be a specific inhibitor of angiogenesis. The compound inhibits the capillary proliferation observed in embryogenesis, inflammation, certain immune reactions and the growth of solid tumours.
Rockwood and Green’s fractures in adults, fifth edition: Robert W. Bucholz and James D. Heckman. Philadelphia, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2001, 2,512 pp., $375.00

Abstract Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic and Related surgery, Vol 18, No 6 (July-August), 2002: pp 676–677
Enzyme immunoassay for antibodies to native DNA

An enzyme immunoassay was developed to detect antibodies to native DNA; DNA coating conditions that maximized sensitivity, specificity, and reproducibility were selected. Sera of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) were positive more frequently by this immunoassay than by the Crithidia luciliae assay or by counterimmunoelectrophoresis. By enzyme immunoassay, 94% of sera with active SLE and 70% of sera from patients with inactive SLE were positive, as were 16% from those suspected of having SLE, and 2.5% of normal persons. Specificity for native DNA was shown for both SLE and normal sera by inhibition studies and by S1 nuclease treatment of polystyrene-bound native DNA. The enzyme immunoassay correlated more with serum hemolytic complement levels than did the other 2 assays, suggesting that it detects biologically more relevant anti-DNA antibodies than do the other 2 tests.
Endogenous testosterone and competition: the effect of “fasting”

Salivary testosterone was measured among male college wrestlers (n = 12), some of whom fasted before their matches while others did not. Nonfasting wrestlers had increasing testosterone on the day of their match, whereas fasting wrestlers had decreasing testosterone. Apparently, fasting perturbs the normal pattern of testosterone fluctuation associated with competition. As used here, the term "fasting" does not necessarily imply 100% abstinence from nourishment.
The Impact of Collective Efficacy on Risks for Adolescents' Perpetration of Dating Violence

Given prevalence rates and negative consequences that adolescents’ perpetration of dating violence may have on an individual’s well-being and future relationships, it is imperative to explore factors that may increase or reduce its occurrence. Thus, we aimed to identify how multiple contextual risk factors (individual, family, schools, and neighborhoods) were related to adolescents’ perpetration of dating violence over a 6 year period. Then, we assessed how neighborhood collective efficacy, an important predictor of urban youths’ well-being, buffered the relationship between each of the risk factors and adolescents’ perpetration of dating violence. Three waves of data from the Welfare, Children, and Families: A Three-City Study were used (N = 765; Ages 16–20 at Wave 3). The sample is 53 % female, 42 % African-American, and 53 % Hispanic. For the total sample, drug and alcohol use, low parental monitoring, academic difficulties, and involvement with antisocial peers were significant early risk factors for perpetration of dating violence in late adolescence. Risk factors also varied by adolescents’ race and sex. Finally, perceived neighborhood collective efficacy buffered the relationship between early academic difficulties and later perpetration of dating violence for Hispanic males. These results imply that multiple systems should be addressed in dating violence prevention programs.
Astrophysical Tests of Extra Dimensional Models

We investigate the possibility that astrophysical observations can be used to test models which predict the existence of extra spatial dimensions. The particular systems of an exploding primordial black hole in the presence of an extra dimension and a binary black hole/neutron star system in the Randall-Sundrum 2 model are considered.
Effect of hydraulic and organic overloading on thermophilic downflow stationary fixed film (DSFF) reactor

Tests to determine the stability of thermophilic DSFF reactors using bean blanching waste as substrate, showed them to become unstable at 30 to 40 kg/m3/day whether hydraulically or organically overloaded. This level is significantly less than mesophilic reactors could handle (90 kg/m3/day).
Conducting pediatric psychosocial assessments: guiding treatment or creating blind spots.

(1999). CONDUCTING PEDIATRIC PSYCHOSOCIAL ASSESSMENTS: Guiding Treatment or Creating Blind Spots. Pediatric Hematology and Oncology: Vol. 16, No. 2, pp. 93-94.
Preparation of first-row transition metal oxyfluorides of the composition MOF

Abstract Two new transition metal oxyfluorides of composition MOF that possess a rutile-type structure have been prepared at 995–1300°C under high pressures (1 to 65 kbar). These products, TiOf and VOF, and the previously reported FeOF, were obtained as small single crystals which have been characterized by X-ray crystallographic studies and by electrical and magnetic measurements.
Small Business Lending and Bank Consolidation: Is There Cause for Concern?

Small banks are a major source of credit for small businesses. As banking consolidation continues, will a resulting decline in the presence of small banks adversely affect the availability of that credit?
A hardware/software codesign senior capstone design project in computer engineering

This paper describes a senior capstone design project in computer engineering that incorporates the concept of hardware/ software codesign. Details of the project, required infrastructure and tools, and results of the first implementation of this project are described.
A Time-Domain Layered Finite Element Reduction Recovery (LAFE-RR) Method for High-Frequency VLSI Design

A fast and high-capacity electromagnetic solution, time-domain layered finite element reduction recovery (LAFE-RR) method, is proposed for high-frequency modeling and simulation of large-scale on-chip circuits. This method rigorously reduces the matrix of a multilayer system to that of a single-layer system, regardless of the problem size. More importantly, the matrix reduction is achieved analytically, and hence the CPU and memory overheads are minimal. The recovery of solutions in all other layers involves only forward and backward substitution of matrices of single-layer size. The memory cost is also modest-requiring only the memory needed for the factorization of two sparse matrices of half-layer size. The superior performance applies to any arbitrarily shaped multilayer structure. Numerical and experimental results are presented to demonstrate the accuracy, efficiency, and capacity of the proposed method.
Modeling and evaluating energy-performance efficiency of parallel processing on multicore based power aware systems

In energy efficient high end computing, a typical problem is to find an energy-performance efficient resource allocation for computing a given workload. An analytical solution to this problem includes two steps: first estimating the performances and energy costs for the workload running with various resource allocations, and second searching the allocation space to identify the optimal allocation according to an energy-performance efficiency measure. In this paper, we develop analytical models to approximate performance and energy cost for scientific workloads on multicore based power aware systems. The performance models extend Amdahl's law and power-aware speedup model to the context of multicore-based power aware computing. The power and energy models describe the power effects of resource allocation and workload characteristics. As a proof of concept, we show model parameter derivation and model validation using performance, power, and energy profiles collected on a prototype multicore based power aware cluster.
The current state of digital reference: validation of a general digital reference model through a survey of digital reference services

This paper describes a study conducted to determine the paths digital reference services take through a general process model of asynchronous digital reference. A survey based on the general process model was conducted; each decision point in this model provided the basis for at least one question. Common, uncommon, and wished-for practices are identified, as well as correlations between characteristics of services and the practices employed by those services. Identification of such trends has implications for the development of software tools for digital reference. This study presents a snapshot of the state-of-the-art in digital reference as of late 2001-early 2002, and validates the general process model of asynchronous digital reference.
Personality traits as a potential predictor of willingness to undergo various orthodontic treatments

ABSTRACT Objective: To establish an association between patient personality traits and potential willingness to undergo various orthodontic treatments. Materials and Methods: One hundred adolescent individuals aged 12–16 years completed an anonymous electronic questionnaire via Survey Monkey. The 24-item questionnaire contained three major sections: patient demographics, a modified Big Five Inventory (BFI)-10 personality index, and a willingness to undergo treatment assessment. Multiple-variable linear regression analyses were used to determine the associations among age, gender, ethnicity, and the five personality traits simultaneously with willingness to undergo treatment. Statistical significance was set at P ≤ .05. Results: Ninety-six of the 100 individuals were included in the statistical analysis. Age, ethnicity, and gender failed to correlate with potential willingness to undergo orthodontic treatment. Several personality dimensions within the modified BFI-10 (agreeableness, conscientiousness, and ...
NAATs to diagnose Chlamydia trachomatis genital infection: a promise still unfulfilled

Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) have created a revolution in our ability to diagnose chlamydial infections. They are markedly more sensitive (while maintaining exquisite specificity) than previously used tests. They can be used with noninvasively collected specimens (first-catch urine for men or women and vaginal swabs from women). This allows their use in screening asymptomatic individuals who represent the bulk of prevalent infections. Mishandling of urine specimens can lead to false-negative results and few are aware of that potential for getting incorrect results. The leading deterrent to the acceptance of NAATs has been their perceived cost. This is based on the purchase price of tests and fails to consider the total cost of testing, which also includes costs of specimen collection, where NAATs have a major advantage.
A Multi-Level Algorithm For Partitioning Graphs

The graph partitioning problem is that of dividing the vertices of a graph into sets of specified sizes such that few edges cross between sets. This NP-complete problem arises in many important scientific and engineering problems. Prominent examples include the decomposition of data structures for parallel computation, the placement of circuit elements and the ordering of sparse matrix computations. We present a multilevel algorithm for graph partitioning in which the graph is approximated by a sequence of increasingly smaller graphs. The smallest graph is then partitioned using a spectral method, and this partition is propagated back through the hierarchy of graphs. A variant of the Kernighan-Lin algorithm is applied periodically to refine the partition. The entire algorithm can be implemented to execute in time proportional to the size of the original graph. Experiments indicate that, relative to other advanced methods, the multilevel algorithm produces high quality partitions at low cost.
Narratives of American Politics

This article is an extended review essay that classifies the main literatures on American politics, somewhat unconventionally, in terms of four distinct narrative modes: comedy, romance, tragedy, and irony. The four modes are differentiated by their internal construc tion and external social message. The central assertion is that there are standardized trajectories inherent to many of the empirical analyses we advance, which can be used to understand ongoing debates in the field. Perceiving inherent harmony or discord, empha sizing the exalted or the mundane, projecting achievement or frustration, the various narratives of American politics present con trasting interpretations regarding regime tensions and prospects. The more that political scientists become conscious of the forms and limits of the models employed, the more sophisticated we can be at developing and debating them. magine, if you would, a hypothetical situation in which the U.S. federal deficit has finally reached such alarming heights that it portends regime crisis. Financial markets are disturbed by the threat of higher interest rates; ben eficiaries of government services fear drastic cuts in spend ing; everyone worries that their taxes might rise. The politicians responsible for handling this crisis know that all potential solutions involve severe costs, both to announced national goals and to powerful constituency interests. In reaction, a special commission is formed, comprised of Democrats and Republicans, liberals and
Object individuation in young infants: Further evidence with an event‐monitoring paradigm

Recent results indicate that, when tested with an event-monitoring task, 7.5- and 9.5-month-olds give evidence that they can individuate objects in different-objects occlusion events – events in which two distinct objects appear successively on either side of an occluder (Wilcox and Baillargeon, in press). The present research sought to confirm and extend these findings. The experiments examined 7.5- and 4.5-month-olds’ ability to correctly interpret a different-objects (ball-box condition) and a same-object (ball-ball condition) occlusion event. The infants in the ball-box condition saw a test event in which a ball disappeared behind the left edge of a screen; after a pause, a box emerged from behind the screen's right edge. For half of the infants (wide-screen event), the screen was wide and could occlude the ball and box simultaneously; for the other infants (narrow-screen event), the screen was narrow and should not have been able to occlude the ball and box at the same time. The infants in the ball-ball condition saw identical wide- and narrow-screen events except that the ball appeared on both sides of the screen. The infants in the ball-box condition looked reliably longer at the narrow- than at the wide-screen event, whereas those in the ball-ball condition tended to look equally at the events. These results suggest that the ball-box infants (a) were led by the featural differences between the ball and box to view them as distinct objects; (b) judged that the ball and box could both be occluded by the wide but not the narrow screen; and (c) were surprised in the narrow-screen event when this judgment was violated. In contrast, the ball-ball infants (a) assumed, based on the featural similarities of the balls that appeared on either side of the screen, that they were one and the same ball, and (b) realized that the ball could be occluded by either the wide or the narrow screen. These results indicate that, by 4.5 months of age, infants are able to use featural information to correctly interpret different-objects and same-object occlusion events. These findings are discussed in the context of the newly-drawn distinction between event-monitoring and event-mapping paradigms (Wilcox and Baillargeon, in press).
Increasing self-awareness among older drivers: The role of self-screening

Abstract Introduction Self-screening by older drivers has shown considerable promise for increasing self-awareness about functional abilities associated with safe driving. The purpose of this study was to improve upon existing self-screening instruments by focusing entirely on “health concerns” that affect driving – that is, the symptoms that people experience due to medical conditions and the medications used to treat them – rather than the medical conditions or medications themselves. Method A computer-based, easy-to-use self-screening instrument for older drivers was developed to provide individualized feedback intended to increase self-awareness about declines in driving-related abilities, as well as suggestions for behavioral changes or safety tips to maintain safe driving, further evaluation from a physician/health professional, and vehicle modifications to help compensate for driving-related declines. Results This paper describes the development of the self-screening instrument and summarizes findings relative to increasing self-awareness among older drivers. This research represents an important first step in improving self-awareness among older drivers through self-screening.
Plane turbulent buoyant jets. Part 2. Turbulence structure

The turbulence structure of a plane vertical buoyant jet in the transition state from jet-like to plume-like growth is the object of this investigation. The ambient fluid is of uniform density and motionless except for the flow induced by the jet. An analysis of the turbulence energy equation reveals that the production of turbulent energy by the buoyancy forces relative to the production by the shear stress increases as the jet Richardson number increases, and becomes constant for a plume-like buoyant jet. A systematic set of experiments was carried out to examine the turbulence structure for a wide range of initial Richardson numbers, extending from a value appropriate to a jet-like flow (very close to zero) to that appropriate for a plume-like flow (approximately 0·6). Fast-response thermistors and a laser-Doppler velocimeter were used to measure the buoyant jet's temperature and velocity respectively. The temperature and velocity data were recorded magnetically in digital form and subsequently processed to extract both mean and fluctuating values. The turbulence intensity and the probability density distribution of the temperature and velocity fluctuations, the maximum and minimum temperature, the intermittency, and the frequency of crossing of the hot/cold and the cold/hot interface of a buoyant jet were investigated. It was determined that the intensity of temperature and velocity fluctuations increases with increasing Richardson number. An explanation is suggested for the large-scale vortices observed in a plume.