cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pattern reversal visual evoked potentials in adults: variability with age

Purpose: Pattern reversal visual evoked potential (PRVEP) is an electrophysiological test for evaluating the visual pathway. This study measured the changes in the latencies and amplitudes of the PRVEP with age and gender in normal subjects. Methods: Healthy participants (n=81; 162 total eyes), between the ages of 20 and 92 years were recruited for the study. Stimulation was performed monocularly with a high-contrast (>50%) black-white checkerboard pattern with a check size of 30° at a reversal rate of 2 Hz, a band-pass of 1-100 Hz, a sweep of 250 msec and an average of 150 stimulations in a dark room. Mean and standard deviations for three latencies (N75, P100 and N145) and the amplitude (N75-P100) for each decade were measured. Results: There was a linear trend by age for all three latencies, indicating that the higher age groups had longer latencies. The latencies decreased in the 5th decade before increasing in the higher age groups. The amplitude of N75-P100 decreased with age. The P100 latencies were longer in males than females in all age groups and the difference increased with increasing age.
Feasibility of estimating volumetric breast density from mammographic x-ray spectra using a cadmium telluride photon-counting detector

PURPOSE Mammographic density of glandular breast tissue has a masking effect that can reduce lesion detection accuracy and is also a strong risk factor for breast cancer. Therefore, accurate quantitative estimation of breast density is clinically important. In this study, we investigate experimentally the feasibility of quantifying volumetric breast density with spectral mammography using a CdTe-based photon-counting detector. METHODS To demonstrate proof-of-principle, this study was carried out using the single pixel Amptek XR-100T-CdTe detector. The total number of x rays recorded by the detector from a single pencil-beam projection through 50%/50% of adipose/glandular mass fraction-equivalent phantoms was measured. Material decomposition assuming two, four, and eight energy bins was then applied to characterize the inspected phantom into adipose and glandular using log-likelihood estimation, taking into account the polychromatic source, the detector response function, and the energy-dependent attenuation. RESULTS Measurement tests were carried out for different doses, kVp settings, and different breast sizes. For dose of 1 mGy and above, the percent relative root mean square (RMS) errors of the estimated breast density was measured below 7% for all three phantom studies. It was also observed that some decrease in RMS errors was achieved using eight energy bins. For 3 and 4 cm thick phantoms, performance at 40 and 45 kVp showed similar performance. However, it was observed that 45 kVp showed better performance for a phantom thickness of 6 cm at low dose levels due to increased statistical variation at lower photon count levels with 40 kVp. CONCLUSION The results of the current study suggest that photon-counting spectral mammography systems using CdTe detectors have the potential to be used for accurate quantification of volumetric breast density on a pixel-to-pixel basis, with an RMS error of less than 7%.
A surgically treated unicameral (solitary) bone cyst of the talus with a 15-year follow-up

Abstract Unicameral bone cysts are uncommon in the foot. When they do occur, they must be differentiated from a variety of other benign lesions. The author describes a unicameral bone cyst of the talus, and its surgical management. The patient returned 15 years later with complaint of mild ankle joint arthrosis, although recurrence of the cyst was not demonstrated.
The Charism of 21st-Century Catholic Schools: Building a Culture of Relationships.

Catholic schools are called to embody an identity and charism that make a unique and meaningful contribution to our Church and society. In the article, the authors present a coherent and relevant framework for thinking about Catholic identity and charism in contemporary schools using relationships as the organizing principle. The authors assert that 21st-century Catholic schools can provide a much needed and appealing charism for today’s world by building a culture of relationships. The authors’ framework deals specifically with a student’s relationship with self, God, others, the local and world community, and creation, as well as a student’s ability to critique culture through the lens of faith. The framework draws on ecclesial documents, scholarship, and current educational practice.
SATURATED HYDROCARBONS AS DONORS IN ELECTRONIC ENERGY TRANSFER PROCESSES

Abstract Electronic energy transfer from saturated hydrocarbons (cyclohexane and heptane) to aromatic solutes (2,5-diphenyloxazole and p−xylene) has been studied using optical excitation at 1470 A. Evidence for the existence of two transferring states is presented. The shorter−lived state is definitely identified with the fluorescent state of the saturated hydrocarbon and is the precursor of a much longer−lived transferring state, tentatively suggested to be the triplet state. The gases O2, SF6, N2O and CO2 have been observed to strongly quench the donor fluorescent state and thereby the energy transfer process. These optical results are compared with those obtained using gamma ray excitation.
Circuit Techniques for Enhanced Channel Selectivity in Passive Mixer-First Receivers

Two techniques are proposed to enhance channel selectivity in passive-mixer first receivers. Positive capacitive feedback and/or a shunting notch provides steeper baseband, and thus RF, impedance roll-off and improved adjacent-channel linearity. The receiver operates at RF frequencies from 2-11GHz and achieves a blocker PldB compression of +1.8dBm and IIP3 of +20dBm for a blocker frequency-offset of 70MHz (BBBW=30MHz) at f RF =5GHz. The NF ranges from 9±ldB to 11±ldB over the frequency range of f RF =2-8GHz. The chip has been fabricated in a 130nm SiGe BiCMOS technology.
I like what I see: How CEO service on other firms’ boards influences R&D spending.

Prior studies have explored the determinants of R&D investment, which is an important input to firm innovation processes. Most of the prior research has focused on the attributes of industries, fir...
Robotic vs. open cystectomy: How length-of-stay differences relate conditionally to age.

Abstract Objectives The length-of-stay (LOS) benefit of minimally invasive cystectomy varies in the published literature, potentially because of subgroup effects. Here, we investigated the effect of minimally invasive cystectomy on LOS among different age groups. Methods and materials Adult patients who underwent cystectomy (open or minimally invasive) from January 1, 2012, to December 31, 2016, were identified from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. Multivariable linear regression was used to evaluate the adjusted association between the surgical approach and LOS after stratifying patients by age (40–64, 65–79, and ≥80 years). A sensitivity analysis was performed after multiple imputation by using age as a continuous variable with a third-order polynomial term. Results Of the 5,561 patients identified, 640 underwent minimally invasive cystectomy and 4,921 had open cystectomy. The unadjusted analysis showed that minimally invasive cystectomy was associated with a shorter mean LOS compared with the open approach (8.0 vs. 9.7 days; P Conclusions Older patients may derive more LOS benefit from minimally invasive approaches than younger patients. Given the greater expense associated with the minimally invasive approach, an age-adapted strategy to using this technology may be reasonable.
The Causal Impact of Schooling on Children’s Development: Lessons for Developmental Science:

Entry into formal schooling is a signature developmental milestone for young children and their families and represents an important period of cognitive, social, and emotional development. Until re...
Demystifying terms for understanding bioelectrochemical systems towards sustainable wastewater treatment

Abstract Bioelectrochemical systems (BESs) have been intensively studied in the past decade, but precise understanding of BESs performance is hindered by unclear definition of several key parameters. Herein, we analyze and discuss three sets of terms about conversion efficiency, energy performance, and pilot scale. It is suggested that ‘Coulombic recovery’ can avoid the misleading results because of different organic removals, compared with ‘Coulombic efficiency.’ Power density is not a suitable term to describe energy performance of BESs, and energy production/consumption should be reported in the energy unit such as kWh. Pilot-scale BESs should meet several criteria, including hydraulic capacity, use of actual wastewater, non-laboratory condition, and long-term operation. Proper use of those terms is strongly encouraged and will be critically important to BESs research and development.
A 3′ UTR Single Nucleotide Polymorphism 829C→T in Dihydrofolate Reductase Gene Results in an Increase in DHFR Protein Level and MTX Resistance.

Dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) catalyzes the reduction of dihydrofolate to tetrahydrofolate (THF) required for the synthesis of thymidylate and purines. Methotrexate (MTX) acts as a tight-binding inhibitor of DHFR and remains an important chemotherapeutic agent for treatment of leukemias and lymphomas. Increased DHFR confers resistance to antifolates in target cells. A previously reported single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) 829C/C→829T/T (829C→T) found in the 3′- untranslated region of DHFR gene transcript (between the first and second polyadenylation site) was associated with higher expression of the DHFR transcript. The SNP was identified in 5.4% of the cases and 6.0% in the controls of Japanese patients with childhood leukemia/lymphomas (Goto et al. 2001, Clinical Cancer Research, Vol. 7, 1952-1956). The objective of the present study was to determine the role of the 3′ UTR SNP 829C→T in DHFR gene expression, DHFR protein level and resistance to MTX. The mutation 829C→T in the 3′ UTR of wild type DHFR was introduced by site directed mutagenesis and the mutant cDNA expressed in DHFR deficient CHO cells (DG-44), wild type DHFR and vector alone constructs were also transfected into DG44 as controls. After two weeks of selection in G418 containing media, several well-isolated surviving colonies were picked and expanded as cell lines in media containing G418. Real-time quantitative PCR was used to compare mRNA and genomic DNA level of the clones while Western blotting was used to compare the protein levels. MTX cytotoxicity assay was carried out in media lacking thymidine. Clones expressing the mutant 829C→T showed greater than two fold enhanced expression of DHFR transcripts as compared to wild type clones. Corresponding to the high mRNA levels, an increase in DHFR protein level was observed in the mutant clones without an increase in DHFR gene copy number. Cytotoxicity studies showed that cell lines with increased levels of DHFR were significantly more resistant to MTX than cells with wild type 3′ UTR. Of interest clonogenic efficiency of the mutants in medium lacking thymidine was greater than wild type and was directly proportional to the level of DHFR expressed in the clones. This study demonstrates that when SNP 829C→T is introduced in the 3′ UTR of wild type DHFR, the expression of the DHFR mRNA is enhanced with a corresponding increase in the protein level. The presence of a SNP 829C→T in patients with ALL may contribute to treatment failure, as MTX is a key drug in curative regimen for this disease. Future studies are directed toward determining the abundance of this SNP in other populations, and the correlation between this SNP and clinical methotrexate resistance and or decreased MTX toxicity.
Pneumococcal Epidural Abscess in an Asplenic Patient Presenting After Mild Hip Trauma.

We report a unique presentation of an epidural abscess following mild trauma in a patient with asplenia. The patient reported subjective fever and marked pain along the right hip and flank, which are atypical locations for epidural abscess pain. A subsequent urinalysis showed leukocytes, and the diagnosis of an epidural abscess was missed until the patient presented over two weeks later with fever, spinal pain, leg weakness, and urinary incontinence. This report highlights the importance of heightened clinical suspicion of pneumococcal infections in asplenic patients with unexplained subjective fever. Cost-effective yet sensitive tests such as erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) can help guide further investigation of epidural abscesses in such patients. Blood and urine cultures may also be warranted. Early diagnosis of epidural abscesses is essential to ensure improved outcomes.
MRMC ROC analysis of calcification detection in tomosynthesis using computed super resolution and virtual clinical trials

Digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) reduces breast tissue overlap, which is a major limitation of digital mammography. However, DBT does not show significant improvement in calcification detection, because of the limited angle and small number of projections used to reconstruct the 3D breast volume. Virtual clinical trials (VCTs) were used to evaluate the benefits of computed super resolution (SR) and the optimal combination of the acquisition parameters to improve calcification detection in DBT. We simulated calcifications that were embedded into software breast phantoms. DBT projections of the breast phantoms with and without calcifications were synthesized. We simulated detector elements of 0.085 mm and reconstructed DBT images using 0.0425 mm and 0.085 mm voxels. Channelized Hotelling observers (CHOs) were trained and tested to simulate five virtual readers. Differences in area under the curve (AUC) between SR images and images synthesized with 0.085 mm voxels were calculated using the one-shot multiple-reader multiple-case receiver operator curve (MRMC ROC) methods. Our results show that the differences in AUC is approximately 0.10, 0.03 and 0.03 for DBT images simulated using calcifications sizes 0.001 mm3, 0.002 mm3, and 0.003 mm3, respectively. SR shows a substantial improvement for calcification detection in DBT. The impact of SR on calcification detection is more prominent for small calcifications.
ACR-ASTRO Practice Parameter for Image-guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT).

Aim/objectives/background The American College of Radiology (ACR) and the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) have jointly developed the following practice parameter for image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT). IGRT is radiation therapy that employs imaging to maximize accuracy and precision throughout the entire process of treatment delivery with the goal of optimizing accuracy and reliability of radiation therapy to the target, while minimizing dose to normal tissues. Methods The ACR-ASTRO Practice Parameter for IGRT was revised according to the process described on the ACR website ("The Process for Developing ACR Practice Parameters and Technical Standards," www.acr.org/ClinicalResources/Practice-Parametersand-Technical-Standards) by the Committee on Practice Parameters of the ACR Commission on Radiation Oncology in collaboration with the ASTRO. Both societies then reviewed and approved the document. Results This practice parameter is developed to serve as a tool in the appropriate application of IGRT in the care of patients with conditions where radiation therapy is indicated. It addresses clinical implementation of IGRT including personnel qualifications, quality assurance standards, indications, and suggested documentation. Conclusions This practice parameter is a tool to guide clinical use of IGRT and does not make recommendations on site-specific IGRT directives. It focuses on the best practices and principles to consider when using IGRT effectively, especially with the significant increase in imaging data that is now available with IGRT. The clinical benefit and medical necessity of the imaging modality and frequency of IGRT should be assessed for each patient.
The Challenges in ML-Based Security for SDN

Machine learning (ML) is gaining popularity in the network security domain as more network-enabled devices get connected, as malicious activities become stealthier, and as new technologies like Software Defined Networking (SDN) emerge. From the application layer, ML-based SDN security models control the routing/switching of an entire Software Defined Network. Compromising the models is hackers' desirable goal. Previous works have been done on either adversarial machine learning without the context of secure networking environment or on the general vulnerabilities of SDNs without much consideration of the defending ML models. Through examination of the latest ML-based SDN security applications, a good look at ML/SDN specific vulnerabilities accompanied by a successful attack on StratosphereIPS, this paper makes a case for more secure developments of ML-based SDN security applications.
The Surveyor and His Legal Equipment

There are many places at which the work of the Engineer and that of the Lawyer overlap, but possibly there is no department of his professional activities in which the Civil Engineer has more speci...
Using game theory to guide the classification of inhibitors of human iodide transporters

Experimental screening of small molecules against human iodide transporter, NIS, remains challenging, noisy and costly. Machine learning classifiers trained with data from experimental screens may assist in the prioritization of molecules for the follow-up studies. Driven by the need for improving the accuracy of these classifiers and by the availability of two independently acquired experimental datasets, a new data aggregation method is proposed, implemented and cross-validated. By representing a machine learning process as a collaborative game, importance scores of training molecules can be computed from their marginal contributions to classifier's performance. Truncated Monte Carlo simulations were conducted to compute these marginal contributions for the classifiers of NIS inhibitors. In cross-validation experiments, Random forest and eXtreme Gradient Boosting Tree classifiers trained with the highly valuable molecules, achieved an accuracy between 83% and 88%, sensitivity between 90% and 92% and specificity between 73% and 86%. The proposed approach for data valuation may have practical applications for computational decision making in chemical, environmental, and biomedical sciences.
Controllable entangled-state distribution in a dual-rail reconfigurable optical network

The authors introduce a new quantum distribution network architecture enabling control of the propagation direction of an entangled state using linear-optical devices and phase shifters and offering reconfigurable connections between multiple quantum nodes.
Constructing racial literacy through critical language awareness: A case study of a beginning literacy teacher

Abstract This case study focuses on the relationship between critical language awareness and racial literacy. We explore how one White preservice teacher explored race and racism and engaged her young student, who identified as Black, in a discussion of “whiteness” and “blackness” in a literacy practicum. We focus on three literacy events (a journal entry about white privilege, a literacy lesson with her student, and a debriefing session with her colleagues) to answer our research questions: How does a literacy teacher bring a developing awareness of racism and white privilege to her literacy practices while learning to teach in a practicum? What tools and contexts support her work to analyze, critique and reconstruct her understandings? How might we understand the affordances and constraints of literacy practices? The findings of the study suggest the ways in which CLA works as a tool in breaking a silence about race, providing a diverse set of tools to do so. The case study we present has implications for researchers studying racial literacy through critical approaches to discourse as well as teacher educators and teachers developing practices of racial literacy.
A middle-distance look at root theory

About 30 years ago, Robin Brooks [B1] undertook a study of the coincidence equation f(x) = g(x) for maps f, g:X → Y . The focus of the subject, as initiated ten years earlier by Schirmer [S], was the determination of the minimum cardinality of the set of solutions to the equation f (x) = g(x) among all maps f , g homotopic to f and g respectively. Brooks observed that there are two natural special cases of the coincidence equation. In addition to the well-known fixed point equation f(x) = x, for which X = Y and g is the identity map, there is what he called the root equation f(x) = a for which g is the constant map g(x) = a ∈ Y . Thus, given a map f :X → Y and a point a ∈ Y , he investigated MR[f, a], the minimum cardinality of the set f (a) for all maps f ′ homotopic to f . Brooks’ original approach, which arose in the context of coincidence theory, was published in [BB] and subsequent papers and given an exposition in [K]. However, starting with [B2] (see also [BO]), Brooks presented an equivalent, but in some ways more convenient, approach to root theory based on covering space theory. The goals of this paper are to give a more complete account of Brooks’ covering space approach to root theory than can be found in [B2] and [BO] and to present arguments for some of the main results of the theory that are more direct than those currently in the literature. These arguments arose as the result of taking a fresh look at the subject of root theory independent of its background of coincidence theory and finding that some technical apparatus that is essential in the more general theory is unneccessary if one is concerned only with roots. It was a problem to decide how to present this material. On the one hand, because the results are already known, a detailed, formal exposition of the material didn’t seem justified. On the other hand, a mere listing of definitions and results would fail to elucidate the novel features of the covering space approach and the non-traditional arguments. If we think of root theory as an unfamiliar village that I am trying to describe to the reader, the detailed exposition would be like listing every
Ser-con-los-demás: Comunión cósmica en el "Cántico" de Ernesto Cardenal

Ernesto Cardenal, the Nicaraguan poet nominated for a Nobel Prize in Literature, is widely known for his studies on political themes, the revolution and the defense of Marxism. The sum of his work is reflected in more than 500 pages of his ;Cantico Cosmico ; where he intertwines his theme with science and religion. This article, arguments that in essence, the recurring theme in everything else, is the "Christ-centric" search as a link. Just like for the revolutionary, who understands the Marxist union as the social victory in his transcending formula of the self and uniting with another; likewise, for the priest rooted in the saying “Love thy neighbor like one's self” which proclaims solidarity and brotherhood as the most important human conquest. On the other hand, it's not Catholicism the only root it explores. In ;Cantico ; the tour of human history is demonstrated as open and permeated, to sidereal cultures and ancestral creeds. The theoretical points of science are the medium to present an aperture of ideas and emphasize that the communion of man is achieved only in the other, in a being-like-the-rest.
A Simplified Probability Equation for Gunshot Primer Residue (GSR) Detection

The probability of finding gunshot primer residue particles when only a portion of a specimen is to be searched is calculated exactly, without the use of a simplifying assumption made by previous authors. Probabilities obtained by the exact method are compared with those published previously.
The Budapest initiative for Open Access

"Scholarly publication is in a crisis : partially dominated by commercial interests in the form of oligopolies which don't have a great concern for scientists needs, the Republic of Sciences has been transformed into a scientific plutocracy where different forms of elitism and exclusion reign. The cost of scientific journals is by now out of range of the great part of the world and the less rich institutions in rich Countries. There are some palliative efforts like OSI eIFL. But against the intrigues of oligopolies, few solutions exist. Little commercial enterprises or learned societies with modest financial ambitions leave you in a sceptical attitude. The only feasible solution is to go at the base of the topic of scholarly publications and to build publication processes which answer in the best possible way to the needs of scientists, to the needs of research managers and to the needs of patrons and public requirements which support the great part of the world fundamental research. For scholarly communication, the best way to accomplish these different purposes is to put itself into open access, re-working the stages and the meanings of the different forms of evaluation which must accompany these communication flows. Open Society Institute, like other philantropic organizations, takes clearly sides in the field of open access scientific communication." The textual version of this speech at the Conference "Open Access to Scientific and Technical Information: State of the Art and Future Trends" was published in "Information Services and Use" vol. 23 (2003), issue 2-3, p. 171-173.
Efficient Noninferiority Testing Procedures for Simultaneously Assessing Sensitivity and Specificity of Two Diagnostic Tests

Sensitivity and specificity are often used to assess the performance of a diagnostic test with binary outcomes. Wald-type test statistics have been proposed for testing sensitivity and specificity individually. In the presence of a gold standard, simultaneous comparison between two diagnostic tests for noninferiority of sensitivity and specificity based on an asymptotic approach has been studied by Chen et al. (2003). However, the asymptotic approach may suffer from unsatisfactory type I error control as observed from many studies, especially in small to medium sample settings. In this paper, we compare three unconditional approaches for simultaneously testing sensitivity and specificity. They are approaches based on estimation, maximization, and a combination of estimation and maximization. Although the estimation approach does not guarantee type I error, it has satisfactory performance with regard to type I error control. The other two unconditional approaches are exact. The approach based on estimation and maximization is generally more powerful than the approach based on maximization.
Toll-like receptor-2 and toll-like receptor-4 expression on maternal neutrophils during pregnancy.

Nitsche JF, Jiang S-W, Brost BC. Toll-like receptor-2 and toll-like receptor-4 expression on maternal neutrophils during pregnancy. Am J Reprod Immunol 2010; 64: 427–434 Problem Toll-like receptors (TLR) are an important part of the innate immune system and are present in a variety of human tissues. Work investigating the role of the TLR in pregnancy has thus far focused on placental tissue; however, minimal data is currently available concerning TLR expression in other tissues. Unlike placental tissue, neutrophils are easily retrievable during pregnancy and thus allow assessment of TLR’s prior to delivery. Method of study Using real time quantitative PCR this study investigated whether TLR-2 and TLR-4 expression on maternal neutrophils is altered throughout gestation or at the time of labor. A group of 12 non-pregnant women and two groups of ten pregnant patients were enrolled and followed longitudinally, one group throughout gestation and one group throughout the third trimester. Results Although increased in the placenta, TLR2 and TLR4 expression on maternal neutrophils changes minimally throughout gestation. Conclusion There appears to be very little regulation of TLR2 and TLR4 at the mRNA level during normal pregnancy and labor. However, now that the normal values of TLR expression on maternal neutrophils have been determined it will be possible to compare them to those from pregnancies complicated by such conditions as preeclampsia, preterm labor, or preterm premature rupture of membranes.
Reliability physics and chemistry of thin and high-k gate oxides

The International Technology Roadmap for Semiconductors indicates that fundamental limits to downscaling will be reached by 2005. At the present time, there is therefore great technological interest in very thin SiO/sub 2/-based dielectrics as well as in "new" significantly higher dielectric constant (high-k) materials such as HfO/sub 2/, ZrO/sub 2/, and hafnium and zirconium silicates. These new oxides have considerable promise but many recent studies demonstrate that devices based upon these and other high-k oxides exhibit potentially serious reliability problems which are as yet poorly understood. This tutorial reviews recent work of a number of groups investigating dielectric charge trapping, interface traps, low channel mobilities, and other problems in new high-k oxide/silicon systems. This review ia integrated with a discussion of somewhat better understood problems in very thin SiO/sub 2/-based dielectric/silicon systems. This presentation also includes a comparison of atomic scale defects involved in hafnium oxide - hafnium silicate, zirconium oxide - zirconium silicate, and silicon dioxide based systems.
Alkaline Phosphatase Subunits and Their Dimerization In Vivo

A pool of alkaline phosphatase subunits has been found in cells of Escherichia coli which are actively synthesizing the enzyme. The radioactive subunits from pulse-labeled cells were specifically recognized by their capacity to produce, upon incubation with Zn++ and nonradioactive monomers, radioactive dimers with the characteristics of alkaline phosphatase. The pool of subunits was larger (10 times or more) than the amount expected to be bound to ribosomes and was bound to a rapidly sedimentable fraction from which 60% was released by ribonuclease. In a culture pulse-labeled for one-third (8 sec) of the enzyme synthetic time, the pool of radioactive monomers was 81% of the radioactive enzyme and was totally (98%) in the endoplasm. The size of the pool was increased by decreasing the dimerization rate without affecting protein synthesis. This was achieved by decreasing Zn++ in the growth medium. It was found that the cells contained a full complement of monomers, although the level of active enzyme was low. A process subsequent to the release of the monomers from the ribosomes was found to be limiting the formation of the finished enzyme. This process affects the level of the pool of monomers independently from their synthesis.
Developing financial management training in low-income communities: Assessing needs and community practice implications

Abstract As welfare policy contractions and declines in real wages have placed severe financial pressures on low-income families, programs to improve financial management practices and to help the poor accumulate assets have grown. This article examines the need for such programs and the implications associated with implementing two prominent training strategies-one that focuses solely on financial management training and another that combines such training with savings incentives. Based on data from a large financial management training program, we find that knowledge deficits about basic financial issues are substantial, and that the type of financial training program offered has important implications with respect to the subgroups of low-income people likely to be served within a community. We discuss program issues critical to the implementation of such programs in low-income communities, with a focus upon more carefully attending to their participant empowerment and community development potential.
Race, conventional crime, and criminal justice: The declining importance of skin color

Blacks in the United States are arrested, prosecuted, convicted, and incarcerated in numbers disproportionate to their percentage of the population. One explanation is that racial discrimination against Blacks pervades the American system of criminal justice. This study examined the nature and extent of racial discrimination in the criminal justice system by evaluating five propositions using data from extant literature. Little evidence was found to support the allegation that the criminal justice system systematically discriminates against Blacks.
Low—Energy electron—Collision cross—Section data: Part II: Electronic—Excitation cross sections

Presented here are graphical displays and tables of selected experimental data on cross sections for electronic excitation of some 20 atomic and molecular targets important in acronomy, astrophysics, and plasma physics. Values for both leveland line excitation are given as functions of energy of the impacting electron. Criteria for data selection are discussed. The literature available through December 1968 has been searched.
Mapping Between Data Sources on the Web

The data mapping problem is to discover effective mappings between structured representations of data. These mappings are the basic glue for facilitating large-scale ad-hoc information sharing between autonomous peers in a dynamic environment. Automating their discovery is one of the fundamental unsolved challenges for information integration and sharing on the Web. We outline a general approach to automating the discovery of mappings between relational data sources which leverages new perspectives on the data mapping problem and report on a prototype implementation. Our approach utilizes heuristic search within a space delineated by basic relational transformation operators. A further novelty of our approach is that these operators include data to metadata transformations (and vice versa), allowing a generalization of previous solutions such as token-based schema matching.
GOSSIB vs. IP traceback rumors

To identify sources of distributed denial-of-service attacks, path traceback mechanisms have been proposed. Traceback mechanisms relying on probabilistic packet marking (PPM) have received most attention, as they are easy to implement and deploy incrementally. We introduce a new concept, namely Groups Of Strongly SImilar Birthdays (GOSSIB), that can be used by to obtain effects similar to a successful birthday attack on PPM schemes. The original and most widely known IP traceback mechanism, compressed edge fragment sampling (CEFS), was developed by Savage et al. (2000). We analyze the effects of an attacker using GOSSIB against CEFS and show that the attacker can seed misinformation much more efficiently than the network is able to contribute real traceback information. Thus, GOSSIB will render PPM effectively useless. It can be expected that GOSSIB has similar effects on other PPM traceback schemes and that standard modifications to the systems will not solve the problem.
Distribution of Early, Middle, and Late Noachian cratered surfaces in the Martian highlands: Implications for resurfacing events and processes

[1] Most of the geomorphic changes on Mars occurred during the Noachian Period, when the rates of impact crater degradation and valley network incision were highest. Fluvial erosion around the Noachian/Hesperian transition is better constrained than the longer-term landscape evolution throughout the Noachian Period, when the highland intercrater geomorphic surfaces developed. We interpret highland resurfacing events and processes using a new global geologic map of Mars (at 1:20,000,000 scale), a crater data set that is complete down to 1 km in diameter, and Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter topography. The Early Noachian highland (eNh) unit is nearly saturated with craters of 32–128 km diameter, the Middle Noachian highland (mNh) unit has a resurfacing age of ~4 Ga, and the Late Noachian highland unit (lNh) includes younger composite surfaces of basin fill and partially buried cratered terrain. These units have statistically distinct ages, and their distribution varies with elevation. The eNh unit is concentrated in the high-standing Hellas basin annulus and in highland terrain that was thinly mantled by basin ejecta near 180° longitude. The mNh unit includes most of Arabia Terra, the Argyre vicinity, highland plateau areas between eNh outcrops, and the Thaumasia range. The lNh unit mostly occurs within highland basins. Crater depth/diameter ratios do not vary strongly between the eNh and mNh units, although crater losses to Noachian resurfacing appear greater in lower lying areas. Noachian resurfacing was spatially non-uniform, long-lived, and gravity-driven, more consistent with arid-zone fluvial and aeolian erosion and volcanism than with air fall mantling or mass wasting.
Design and characterization of a microheater array device fabricated with SwIFT-Lite™

A microheater array device is designed and fabricated using the SwIFT-LiteTM process at Sandia National Laboratories. The device contains 18 individually controllable microheaters in a 3×6 array on a silicon substrate. The microheater array device was designed for use as a biosensor platform with a waveguide for real-time detection of DNA hybridization and melting as well as microfluidics for sample delivery. The design process including modeling, fabrication, and characterization of the heaters and waveguide is detailed. A FRET (florescence resonance energy transfer) system for DNA melting experiments is described, and the associated surface chemistry and microfluidic systems are discussed.
Intraventricular infusion of antagonists of IL-1 and TNFα attenuates neurodegeneration induced by the infection of Trypanosoma brucei

Abstract Infection of Trypanosoma brucei causes specific patterns of neurodegeneration in association with chronic expression of proinflammatory cytokines in the brain. To investigate whether the induction of proinflammatory cytokines contributed to the observe pathology in this disease, we infected rats with T. brucei and treated them with intracerebral infusion of the cytokine antagonists interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) and/or soluble type-I receptor of the tumor necrosis factor (sTNFr1). Infusion of IL-1ra, not sTNFr1, restored the reduction of body weight gain induced by the infection. Infusion of IL-1ra+sTNFr1 reduced the expression of IL-1β and the cytokine response gene IκBα, but not TNFα. Infusion of sTNFr1 reduced trypanosome-induced neurodegeneration. Further reduction of neurodegeneration was seen after IL-1ra+sTNFr1 infusion. Infusion of IL-1ra alone, however, did not significantly affect the patterns of neurodegeneration. These results suggest that TNFα is a major mediator for trypanosome-induced neurodegeneration although its neurotoxic effects can be augmented by IL-1.
Human Fetal Hemoglobin Expression Is Regulated by the Developmental Stage-Specific Repressor BCL11A

Differences in the amount of fetal hemoglobin (HbF) that persists into adulthood affect the severity of sickle cell disease and the beta-thalassemia syndromes. Genetic association studies have identified sequence variants in the gene BCL11A that influence HbF levels. Here, we examine BCL11A as a potential regulator of HbF expression. The high-HbF BCL11A genotype is associated with reduced BCL11A expression. Moreover, abundant expression of full-length forms of BCL11A is developmentally restricted to adult erythroid cells. Down-regulation of BCL11A expression in primary adult erythroid cells leads to robust HbF expression. Consistent with a direct role of BCL11A in globin gene regulation, we find that BCL11A occupies several discrete sites in the beta-globin gene cluster. BCL11A emerges as a therapeutic target for reactivation of HbF in beta-hemoglobin disorders.
Life History and Biology of Echocerus Cornutus (Fab.)

Echocerus cornulus a cosmopolitan bran beetle is found injuring cereal products. A description is given of the various stages of the insect together with notes on life history and food habits. Results of experiments to test the attraction of water for these insects and the effect of air-tight sealing on the life of the insect, and the effect of humidity on the rate of development, are given.
Real-Time Community Question Answering: Exploring Content Recommendation and User Notification Strategies

Community-based Question Answering (CQA) services allow users to find and share information by interacting with others. A key to the success of CQA services is the quality and timeliness of the responses that users get. With the increasing use of mobile devices, searchers increasingly expect to find more local and time-sensitive information, such as the current special at a cafe around the corner. Yet, few services provide such hyper-local and time-aware question answering. This requires intelligent content recommendation and careful use of notifications (e.g., recommending questions to only selected users). To explore these issues, we developed RealQA, a real-time CQA system with a mobile interface, and performed two user studies: a formative pilot study with the initial system design, and a more extensive study with the revised UI and algorithms. The research design combined qualitative survey analysis and quantitative behavior analysis under different conditions. We report our findings of the prevalent information needs and types of responses users provided, and of the effectiveness of the recommendation and notification strategies on user experience and satisfaction. Our system and findings offer insights and implications for designing real-time CQA systems, and provide a valuable platform for future research.
Comparison between circular and square coils for use in Wireless Power Transmission

In order to design a Wireless Power Transfer (WPT) system, it is of great benefit to know how to shape the coils. The total passive energy storage requirements have been analytically derived for Series-Series (SS) and Series-Parallel (SP) compensation techniques for circular and square WPT systems. Additionally, mutual coupling (and thus maximum power transfer) is compared between the two geometries. It can been seen that circular geometries offer better coupling in perfect alignment while square types are better under misalignment and when one coil passes over the other coil.
Implications from the motion of outer belt asteroids

Abstract A principal feature of the asteroidal distribution is the rapid truncation of its population outward from ∼3.4 AU. This paper presents further evidence, based on the motion and distribution of certain minor planets with large semimajor axes, that this truncation cannot be strictly the result of gravitational perturbations of the major planets even acting over times of ∼10 9 years. The motion of other outer asteroids sets a probable upper limit of 0.081 on Jupiter's eccentricity.
Nitric acid oxidation of carbon fibers and the effects of subsequent treatment in refluxing aqueous NaOH

Abstract Nitric acid oxidation effectively created acidic functional groups on PAN-based high-strength carbon fibers. The acidic capacities of carbon fibers increased with oxidation time. Typically, 60 minutes of oxidation created 60 μeq acidic functional groups on each gram of carbon fibers. Nitric acid oxidation also caused tensile strength decreases and fiber weight losses. By treating fibers in refluxing aqueous NaOH after nitric acid oxidation, a weakly bound layer of partially oxidized graphitic fragments was removed and this caused higher weight losses. This treatment also removed a source of interference in later analyses. The effects of aqueous NaOH treatment after oxidation on the mechanical properties (tensile strength, Izod IS, IFSS, and ILSS) of fibers and their composites were also investigated.
On the existence and separation of the follicle stimulating hormone releasing hormone from the luteinizing hormone releasing hormone.

Porcine hypothalamic fragments were extracted by 2M AcOH at 4°C, and the extractives were subsequently processed in the presence of one protease inhibitor and one anti-oxidant. Gel filtration was performed on Bio-Gel P-2, and supplementary [3H]-LHRH and [14C]- <GluOH were used. The fractions of elution were assayed for both LH- and FSH-releasing activities and for radioactivities. An entity which unambiguously released FSH was separated from [3H]-LHRH, and was differentiated from [14C]- <GluOH and N-Ac-AspOH. This entity may be presumed to be FSHRH, and if so, it may have a molecular weight larger than that of the decapeptide, LHRH.
Anisotropic diffusion on sub-manifolds with application to Earth structure classification

Abstract We introduce a method to re-parameterize massive high dimensional data, generated by nonlinear mixing, into its independent physical parameters. Our method enables the identification of the original parameters and their extension to new observations without any knowledge of the true physical model. The suggested approach in this paper is related to spectral independent components analysis (ICA) via the construction of an anisotropic diffusion kernel whose eigenfunctions comprise the independent components. However, we use a novel anisotropic diffusion process, utilizing only a small observed subset Y ¯ , that approximates the isotropic diffusion on the parametric manifold M X of the full set Y. We employ a Nystrom-type extension of the independent components of Y ¯ to the independent components of Y, and provide a validation scheme for our algorithm parameters choice. We demonstrate our method on synthetic examples and on real application examples.
[Ca2++Mg2+]-dependent ATPase activity in rat pineal gland

Abstract [Ca 2+ +Mg 2+ ]-dependent ATPase activity in the pineal gland of the rat was examined. The enzyme possesses an apparent K m (Ca 2+ ) of 0.23 μM, and moderately high affinity for Mg 2+ and ATP ( K m = 53.2 μ M and K m = 86.4 μ M, respectively). The ATPase activity is sensitive to low concentrations ( I 50 approximately 1 μM) of vanadate, which specifically inhibits Ca 2+ -ATPase in the plasma membranes of the erythrocyte, cardiomyocytes and synapses. The calmodulin antagonist trifluoperazine reduced significantly Ca 2+ -stimulated, Mg 2+ -dependent ATP hydrolysis. The [Ca 2+ +Mg 2+ ]-dependent ATPase in rat pineal gland exhibits very high affinity for Ca 2+ , is highly vanadate sensitive and appears to require calmodulin. The enzyme is similar to the Ca 2+ -ATPase of the erythrocyte, cardiomyocytes and synaptic plasma membranes. These new findings may help to elucidate the mechanisms of intracellular calcium homeostasis and the effect of the enzyme on the synthesis of melatonin in the pineal gland.