cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Intimate partner violence and other partner-related factors: correlates of sexually transmissible infections and risky sexual behaviours among young adult African American women.

Background: Intimate partner violence and other partner-related factors have been associated with acquiring sexually transmissible infections (STIs) and engaging in risky sexual behaviour. The present study examined partner-related risk factors for STIs and risky sexual behaviours among an urban sample of African American women. Methods: African American women, between 18 and 29 years (n = 848), participated in the study at baseline. Participants completed a 40-min Audio Computer Assisted Survey Interview assessing sociodemographics, partner-related factors and HIV/STI-associated sexual risk behaviours. Subsequently, participants provided two vaginal swab specimens for STIs. Results: The findings indicated that risky sexual behaviours and STIs were prevalent in this sample: 35.6% reported a risky sexual partner, 65.4% reported inconsistent condom use and 17% tested positive for a laboratory-confirmed STI. Women reporting a history of intimate partner violence were more likely to report risky sexual partners (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.00; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.5–2.8), inconsistent condom use (AOR = 1.60; 95% CI = 1.1–2.3) and test positive for an STI (AOR = 1.46; 95% CI = 0.99–2.1). Women reporting high partner-related barriers to condom use were more likely to report risky sexual partners (AOR = 1.69; 95% CI = 1.2–2.3), inconsistent condom use (AOR = 2.13; 95% CI = 1.5–3.0) and test positive for an STI (AOR = 1.98; 95% CI = 1.3–3.0). Finally, women with older partners were more likely to report risky sexual partners (AOR = 1.53; 95% CI = 1.1–2.1) and test positive for an STI (AOR = 1.46; 95% CI = 1.0–2.2). Conclusions: This study examines partner-related risk factors for STIs and risky sexual behaviours among African American women. These findings underscore the need for combined intimate partner violence and HIV/STI prevention programs for this disproportionately affected high-risk group.
Thermally Cross-Linked Anion Exchange Membranes from Solvent Processable Isoprene Containing Ionomers

Random copolymers of isoprene and 4-vinylbenzyl chloride (VBCl) with varying compositions were synthesized via nitroxide-mediated polymerization. Subsequent quaternization afforded solvent processable and cross-linkable ionomers with a wide range of ion exchange capacities (IECs). Solution cast membranes were thermally cross-linked to form anion exchange membranes. Cross-linking was achieved by taking advantage of the unsaturations on the polyisoprene backbone, without added cross-linkers. A strong correlation was found between water uptake and ion conductivity of the membranes: conductivities of the membranes with IECs beyond a critical value were found to be constant related to their high water absorption. Environmentally controlled small-angle X-ray scattering experiments revealed a correlation between the average distance between ionic clusters and the ion conductivity, indicating that a well-connected network of ion clusters is necessary for efficient ion conduction and high ion conductivity.
Nonlocal approach to membrane stability under electrical stress

Existing models of membrane instability and breakdown under an applied voltage are critically examined. An alternative, speculative treatment of the electroelastic model is suggested, based on the assumption that spatial dispersion of the elastic moduli leads to their effective softening at short wave lengths. The model parameters describing this effect chosen to satisfy the condition that softening of the 'peristaltic' mode due to an applied voltage of 1 to 1.5 V leads to instability and breakdown. With these parameters we calculate the stretching diagram of the membrane and show that it agrees with existing measurements.© (1998) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Inhibition of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase obtained from guinea pig kidney by furoemide, naringenin and some other compounds

Abstract Inhibition of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11β-OHSD) can cause excess mineralocorticoid effects and hypokalemia. Several substances causing hypokalemia (glycyrrhizic acid in licorice and gossypol) inhibit this enzyme. We tested other compounds for activity to inhibit 11β-OHSD in guines pig kidney cortex microsomes with NADP a cofactor and cortisol as substrate. Furosemide was an inhibitor while bumetanide was not, indicating a mechanism for the increased K + excretion caused by furosemide compared with bumetanide. Naringenin (found in grapefruit juice), ethacrynic acid, and chenodeoxycholic acid had inhibitor IC 50 values similar to glycyrrhizic acid. We conclude that various compounds can inhibit this enzyme and may play a role in K + metabolism and adrenocorticosteroid action.
Design of a Hybrid Chemical/Electric Propulsion Orbital Transfer Vehicle

A hybrid chemical/electric propulsion orbital transfer vehicle was studied for a coplanar transfer from low Earth orbit to geosynchronous orbit. The goal of this study was to develop a strategy combining the two propulsion systems to reduce total radiation loads on the spacecraft and to provide attractive total trip times. Propulsion systems were sized based on current technology storable bipropellants for the chemical stage; three separate electric propulsion systems were considered for the low-thrust portion of the mission. The effect of the relative amounts of chemical propulsion on trip time, vehicle mass, and overall radiation dosage has been characterized. In addition, the effect of orbit inclination, the altitude for initiation of the chemical propulsive burns, and payload mass have been considered. Attractive options have been identified that are substantially lighter than a pure chemical system and that offer trip times and radiation loads substantially less than a pure electric system.
A further condition for mean-square periodic processes

The autocorrelation function R(τ) of a random process is constrained to satisfy the condition |R(τ)| ≤ R(0). The process is shown to belong to a special class of mean-square periodic processes if there exists τ such that R(τ) = - R(0).
Calcium homeostasis and bone pathology in magnesium deficient rats

Calcium homeostasis and bone pathology were studied in weanling rats fed a low (70 ppm) magnesium diet for 2–21 days. The rats developed significant, progressive hypercalcemia after 6 days on the diet. The increase in blood calcium was accompanied by progressive hypoactivity of the parathyroid gland (PTG), as determined by histologic and morphometric analyses. Thus hyperactivity of the PTG could not have been responsible for the hypercalcemia observed. Histologic examination of femora and humeri from magnesium-deficient rats showed progressive subperiosteal hyperplasia, consisting of undifferentiated osteoprogenitor cells and fibrous tissue, after 7 days of deficiency. The presence of unmineralized osteoid tissue in the metaphyses indicated that mineralization was not proceeding normally. The alterations in differentiation of osteoprogenitor cells, together with the failure of mineralization, resulted in significantly lower rates of bone formation (as measured by fluorochrome labeling) in the magnesium-deficient rats. Basophilic cementing lines and inactive osteocytes in the cortices of bones from magnesium-deficient rats indicated that bone resorption was also severely reduced in magnesium deficiency. We postulate that bone magnesium depletion (66% by day 21) has a direct negative effect on osteoblastic and osteocytic activity, and may explain, in part, the decreased responsiveness of bone to parathyroid hormone (PTH) that has been observed in magnesium-deficient animals.
Generalization of above/below, right/left effects to compass directions and natural stimuli

In two experiments subjects decided whether a sentence correctly described the locations of two states of the United States or correctly described the locations of two symbols presented above it. Sentences involved either spatial relations (right, left, above, and below) or compass relations (east, west, north, and south). For vertically aligned symbols, both “above” and “north” were responded to faster than “below” and “south.” For vertically aligned states, however, this effect was present only for true statements. For horizontally aligned stimuli, “right” and “east” were faster than “left” and “west” with the perceptually available symbols but not with memorized states. These findings were discussed in terms of the Clark and Chase (1972) model of picture-sentence verification processes.
Vagus nerve stimulation: a new tool for brain research and therapy∗

Biological psychiatry has a long history of using somatic therapies to treat neuropsychiatric illnesses and to understand brain function. These methods have included neurosurgery, electroconvulsive therapy, and, most recently, transcranial magnetic stimulation. Fourteen years ago researchers discovered that intermittent electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve produces inhibition of neural processes, which can alter brain electrical activity and terminate seizures in dogs. Since then, approximately 6000 people worldwide have received vagus nerve stimulation for treatment-resistant epilepsy. We review the neurobiology and anatomy of the vagus nerve and provide an overview of the vagus nerve stimulation technique. We also describe the safety and potential utility of vagus nerve stimulation as a neuroscience research tool and as a putative treatment for psychiatric conditions. Vagus nerve stimulation appears to be a promising new somatic intervention that may improve our understanding of brain function and has promise in the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders.
The influence of the tube and particle diameters at constant ratio on heat transfer in packed beds

Abstract The influence of changing the tube and particle diameters simultaneously at fixed tube-to-particle diameter ratio N, on the pseudo-homogeneous heat transport parameters, was studied in experiments in wall-heated packed beds. The packings used were porous ceramic, nylon and steel spheres. Three columns of different diameters were used at a ratio of N=8. Two sets of experiments were carried out, between which the data acquisition system was changed and several pieces of equipment refurbished. Experiments were also carried out with nylon spheres at N=4, using four columns of different diameters. The effective radial thermal conductivities (λr) for each conductivity packing were in excellent agreement, for both the cases N=8 and N=4, thus supporting the hypothesis that λr should depend only on the ratio N and not on the tube and particle diameters individually. The apparent wall heat transfer coefficients (αw) were in very good agreement for all four columns for N=4. For N=8 the αw values in the largest and smallest columns for each packing were in good agreement. The αw values obtained from the intermediate diameter column were systematically higher in almost all cases. Comparisons with earlier experiments in the same column suggested that the values from the present work were too high and that αw also depends only on the ratio N of tube to particle diameters.
EPR Spectrum of Kr2F

Abstract An intense EPR spectrum observed in UV-irradiated solid Kr/CF3OF solutions at 10 K shows anisotropic hyperfine interactions of a single unpaired electron with one nuclear spin of 1 2 and (using isotopically enriched 83Kr) two equivalent spins of 9 2 . The spectrum is attributed to the linear radical KrFKr having a 2Σu ground state.
Anisotropic local correlations and dynamics in a relaxor ferroelectric.

Relaxor ferroelectrics have been a focus of intense attention due to their anomalous properties, and understanding the structure and dynamics of relaxors has been one of the long-standing challenges in solid-state physics. We investigate the local structure and dynamics in 75%${\mathrm{PbMg}}_{1/3}{\mathrm{Nb}}_{2/3}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}$-25%${\mathrm{PbTiO}}_{3}$ using molecular dynamics simulations and the dynamic pair distribution function technique. We show that relaxor transitions can be described by local order parameters. The relaxor phase is characterized by the presence of highly anisotropic correlations between the local cation displacements that resemble the hydrogen bond network in water. This contradicts the current model of polar nanoregion inside a nonpolar matrix. We therefore suggest a new model of a homogeneous random network of anisotropically coupled dipoles.
Covaluation and Unexpected BT Effects

It is argued that binding theory (BT) must recognize two types of covaluation: the familiar type, which holds between two NPs when they have the same semantic value, and a new type, which holds between two NPs when one of them denotes an attitude holder and the other the 'self' of the attitude holder. This is shown to account for the acceptability of 'de re' reflexive pronouns and unacceptability of some 'de re' non-reflexive pronouns. Alternative theories, which attempt to preserve the standard BT, are also discussed.
The gut or the brain?—gastrointestinal misdiagnoses of infantile brain tumors

Purpose Central nervous system tumors account for the largest number of cancer deaths in childhood. Brain tumors in infants less than 3 years of age are rare; symptoms and signs are often non-specific. Patent anterior fontanelles/unfused cranial sutures in infants can accommodate rising intracranial pressure without acutely compromising the neurological status. We hypothesize that vomiting as the initial symptom, in infants with brain tumors, can possibly lead to extensive gastrointestinal evaluation, delaying the diagnosis of intracranial pathology.
Do casinos enhance crime

Abstract This article analyzes the possible impact of the 1978 introduction of casino gambling in Atlantic City on crime in that region. Pooled time-series cross-sectional data from sixty-four localities for the years 1972 to 1984 were used to investigate four types of property crimes and total violent crimes. The results suggest spatial crime spill-over from Atlantic City, where violent crime diminished most rapidly, followed by robberies and auto thefts. Larcenies declined least rapidly. The greatest postcasino crime increase was observed for violent crimes and auto thefts and the least for burglaries. A one percent increase in the distance from Atlantic City was associated with greater reduction in all crimes than was a one percent increase in police outlays.
Electrical Transport in nGe-pGaAs Heterojunctions†

A multi-step recombination-tunnelling model, similar to that used to describe the excess current in tunnel diodes, is developed to explain the observed electrical characteristics of nGe-pGaAs heterodiodes. Two different, but quite similar models are used to qualitatively describe the observed forward and reverse characteristics. Quantitative agreement with the experimental characteristics of the many devices presented is obtained by an empirical modification of the resulting equations. The lack of minority carrier injection in these devices is in agreement with the proposed model.
Theoretical and Experimental Studies of CO2 and H2 Separation Using the 1-Ethyl-3-methylimidazolium Acetate ([emim][CH3COO]) Ionic Liquid

The performance of [emim][CH(3)COO] ionic liquid (IL) to separate mixtures of CO(2) and H(2) is studied using both classical and ab initio simulation methods and experiments. Simulations show that H(2) solubility and permeability in [emim][CH(3)COO] are quite low with Henry's law constants about 1 × 10(4) bar and permeabilities in the range 29-79 barrer at 313-373 K. In the case of CO(2) absorption in [emim][CH(3)COO], ab initio molecular dynamics simulations predict two types of CO(2) absorption states. In type I state, CO(2) molecules interact with the [CH(3)COO](-) anion through strong complexation leading to high CO(2) solubility. The C atom of CO(2) is located close to the O atoms of the [CH(3)COO](-) anion with an average distance of about 1.61 A. The CO(2) bond angle (θ(OCO)) is about 138°, significantly perturbed from that of an isolated linear CO(2). In type II state, the CO(2) molecule maintains a linear configuration and is located at larger separations (>2.2 A) from the [CH(3)COO](-) anion. The weaker interaction of CO(2) with the [CH(3)COO](-) anion in type II state is similar to the one observed when CO(2) absorbs in [bmim][PF(6)]. Simulations further demonstrate that the [emim](+) cation competes with CO(2) to interact with the [CH(3)COO](-) anion. The predicted high CO(2) permeability and low H(2) permeability in [emim][CH(3)COO] are also verified by our experiments. The experimental CO(2) permeability in [emim][CH(3)COO] is in the range of 1325-3701 barrer, and high experimental CO(2)/H(2) permeability selectivities of 21-37 at 313-373 K are observed. We propose that by replacing [emim](+) cation with 1-butyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium ([PY(14)](+)) further enhancement of CO(2) solubility in [PY(14)][CH(3)COO] IL will be obtained as well as good performance to separate CO(2) and H(2).
Electrocardiographic and hemodynamic effects of cisapride alone and combined with erythromycin in anesthetized dogs.

The cardiovascular effects of cisapride administered intravenously at escalating doses with and without pretreatment with erythromycin were evaluated in morphine/chloralose anesthetized dogs. Dogs were instrumented to permit simultaneous recording of ECGs, left ventricular (LVP) and aortic (AoP) pressures, as well as programmed electrical stimulation (PES). Escalating intravenous doses of cisapride from 2 to 8 mg/kg (four times the recommended therapeutic dose) increased the heart rate (HR) and prolonged the corrected QT interval (QTc) (p<0.05) compared to controls. Pretreatment with erythromycin failed to enhance the effect of cisapride on either HR or QTc. Cisapride with or without erythromycin pretreatment had no effect on AoP, but depressed indices of left ventricular contractility (dP/dt max decreased while PEP/ET increased) compared to controls. No dogs developed spontaneous arrhythmias, and arrhythmias were not inducible by PES. Cisapride with or without erythromycin pretreatment altered the orientation of the T-wave vector (p<0.05) compared to controls, indicating a primary effect of cisapride on ventricular repolarization. The QTc and T wave changes observed were consistent with the known action of cisapride on canine lKr channels.
Dietary change and obesity associated with glucose intolerance in Alaska Natives.

Abstract Objective To investigate frequency of food intake, body weight, and glucose intolerance in Alaska Natives. Design Height, weight, and random blood glucose levels were measured and a frequency-of-food-intake questionnaire was obtained. This questionnaire classified persons as consumers of indigenous foods or nonindigenous foods within three food groups. Those with a random blood glucose measurement ≥6.72 mmol/L received an oral glucose tolerance test. Setting Community screening in 15 villages in Alaska. Subjects Nutrition screenings were done for 1,124 Alaska Native residents aged 20 years or older. An oral glucose tolerance test was done for 202 subjects. Outcomes measured Subjects were classified as consumers of indigenous or nonindigenous foods within three food groups. A diagnosis of non–insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) was made on the basis of World Health Organization criteria. A determination of overweight was made on the basis of National Center for Health Statistics criteria. Statistical analysis A χ 2 test with Yates correction, t test, and linear regression, with two-sided P values. Results Athabascan Indians had twice the rate of NIDDM as Yup'ik Eskimos with significantly higher frequency of non-indigenous food intake, plus lower frequency of indigenous carbohydrate and fat intake. Subjects ≤30 years old consumed significantly more nonindigenous protein and fat and low-nutrient-density carbohydrates than those ≥60 years old. Persons who had glucose intolerance reported significantly greater consumption of nonindigenous protein and less seal oil. Incidence of overweight was significantly higher than was found 25 years ago. Participants with glucose intolerance were significantly more overweight than others. Conclusion A pattern of increased frequency of non-indigenous protein, low-nutrient-density carbohydrate, and fat intake with less indigenous carbohydrate and fat consumption was found in subjects ≤30 years old and in association with the higher rate of NIDDM found in the Athabascan Indians. Persons with glucose intolerance were significantly more overweight than others. Applications Although the nutritional value of indigenous foods for reducing disease risk should be promoted, nutrition education, especially among young adults, should also include building skills to select and prepare nonindigenous foods to attain a healthful diet. Although snacking is a concern, dietary fat was the most significant factor in obesity and NIDDM. J Am Diet Assoc. 1995; 95:676-682 .
An algorithm to prioritize road network restoration after a regional event

Transportation networks are one of several critical infrastructures first responders rely upon in order to deliver emergency services. However, there is no guarantee that a transportation network will be fully operational following a regional event such as a hurricane or earthquake. Emergency planning and response tools must explicitly integrate this possibility to ensure the completeness of the risk assessment process. This paper examines the elevated vulnerability a community is exposed to when disruptions in a transportation network slow emergency response. An average weighted vulnerability metric is defined to favor a network clearing strategy that quickly restores emergency response times to their nominal levels. This metric is incorporated into an algorithm to prioritize network restoration, so that the individuals that may require assistance are not exposed to prolonged periods of heightened response times. The utility of the approach is illustrated through a series of examples. Our results demonstrate that the approach can offer systematic guidance to reduce emergency response times after a partial or complete outage of a transportation network.
Maintenance of thyroid function in newts with transplanted pituitary glands.

Following ablation of the hypophysis newts [ Triturus ( Diemictylus, Notophthalmus ) viridescens ] showed inhibition of molting, loss of appetite, and a high mortality rate. Animals with the pituitary gland transplanted to lie subcutaneously beneath the lower jaw, ate heartily and had a negligible mortality. Superficially they were indistinguishable from intact control newts except for a melanistic response indicating an elevated production of intermedin by the transplanted pars intermedia. From one group of eight animals that had been maintained in very good condition for 4 months after transplantation of the hypophysis, the gland was ablated from its transplanted position and within 3 weeks the animals gave the typical responses to hypophysectomy. Uptake and retention of 131 I by the thyroid was the same in newts with transplanted hypophyses as in control animals, but 131 I was lost more quickly from the thyroids of hypophysectomized animals. It appears, then, that in this form production of thyroid-stimulating hormone is either not controlled by the hypothalamus or that the hypothalamus discharges enough of a thyrotropic releasing factor to act through the general blood stream making the mediation of an hypothalamo-hypophyseal portal system unnecessary.
Synthesis of messenger and ribosomal RNA precursors in isolated nuclei of the cellular slime mold Dictyostelium discoideum.

Abstract When incubated with all four ribonucleoside triphosphates, isolated nuclei of the cellular slime mold, Dictyostelium discoideum , will synthesize RNA linearly for 10 to 50 minutes, depending on the salt concentration of the reaction. A fraction (10 to 30%) of the RNA labeled in isolated nuclei binds to immobilized polyuridylic acid. By the following criteria this RNA species is identical to the messenger RNA precursor characterized in whole cells: (a) both contain polyadenylic acid sequences of identical size; (b) they have the same base composition; (c) they have the same mean size as determined by dimethylsulfoxide—sucrose centrifugation; (d) they renature to excess nuclear DNA with similar kinetics; and (e) synthesis of both RNAs is resistant to 2 to 3 μg of actinomycin D/ml. Two independent RNA polymerase activities appear to synthesize poly(A)-containing RNA in isolated nuclei. One is equally active at 0.01 m -KCl and 0.25 m -KCl and is resistant to α-amanitin; the other is considerably more active at the higher salt concentration and is sensitive to α-amanitin. By the criteria of sedimentation coefficients, base composition and sensitivity of synthesis to actinomycin D, the remainder (70 to 90%) of the RNA synthesized by isolated nuclei was identical to cellular ribosomal RNA or its precursors.
Intersatellite radiometric calibration for a satellite radar scatterometer

After the launch of NASA's SeaWinds radar scatterometer on the QuikSCAT satellite in 1999, a radiometer function, known as the QuikSCAT Radiometer - QRad, was implemented in the Science Ground Data Processing Systems to allow the measurement of the earth's microwave brightness temperature (Tb) using the radar system noise temperature [1, 2]. This paper will describe an inter-satellite radiometric calibration technique to validate the QRad brightness temperature algorithm and the QuikSCAT L2A Tb product. This approach allows the inter-comparison of two satellite sensors (radiometers) that have significant differences in their designs. To assess the quality of the QRad instrument, we compare its Tb measurements with the near simultaneous and collocated ocean brightness temperature observations from WindSat on the Coriolis Satellite, which serves as the brightness temperature calibration standard. Since the QRad and WindSat instruments were of different designs, brightness temperature normalizations were made for WindSat before comparison to account for expected differences in Tb because of incidence angle and channel frequency differences. Brightness temperatures for nine months during 2005 and 2006 were spatially collocated for rainfree homogeneous ocean scenes (match-ups) within 1° latitude x longitude boxes and within a ± 60 minute window. To ensure high quality comparison, these collocations were quality controlled and edited to remove non-homogenous ocean scenes and/or transient environmental conditions, including rain contamination. WindSat and QRad Tb's were averaged within 1° boxes and were used for the radiometric inter-calibration analysis on a monthly basis. Results show that QRad radiometric calibration is stable in the mean over the yearly seasonal cycle.
Peer-, self-, and test-ratings of creativity.

Peer-, self-, and test-ratings of creativity were obtained from 17 physically disabled Ss. The tests were preferences for polygons varying in complexity-simplicity, and a true-false, 30-item, paper-and-pencil personality measure of creativity. Spearman rank order correlations showed that peer ratings were significantly correlated with all the other three creativity measures, and self ratings were also significantly correlated with polygon preference. There was no significant relationship between the two creativity tests. Peer- and self-ratings were surprisingly effective in the present sample.
Use of a questionnaire to screen for frailty in the elderly: an exploratory study.

Background and aims: In a pilot study of community-dwelling geriatric clinic patients (N=48, aged 63–90) we examined the use of a questionnaire to classify frailty status by comparing it with standardized markers of frailty. The questionnaire, developed by Strawbridge et al. in 1998, defines frailty as difficulty in more than one of four domains of functioning: physical, cognitive, sensory, and nutritive. Methods: Subjects were classified as frail or not frail by questionnaire and assignment was compared with testing of physical and cognitive measures in cross-sectional analysis. Demographic variables, functional inventories, physical activity levels, clinician impression of frailty, and 3-year health outcomes were also examined. Results: Thirty-three percent of subjects were classified as frail. Frailty classification by the Strawbridge questionnaire was correlated to Timed Up and Go and repetitive Sit-to-Stand tests, bimanual dexterity and cognitive tests. A discrepancy was found between assignment of cognitive difficulty, by questionnaire and cognitive performance. When overall Strawbridge frailty scores were modified to account for those with poor cognitive performance who did not report cognitive difficulty, the prevalence of frailty increased to 42%. At 3-year follow-up, the modified Strawbridge frailty classification (p<0.05) and clinician impression of frailty (p<0.01) were both significant predictors of death and institution-alization combined. Conclusions: This study serves as an initial inquiry into the potential validity and utility of the Strawbridge frailty questionnaire as a simple screening tool to identify patients who may warrant detailed functional testing.
Treating nicotine dependence during pregnancy and postpartum: understanding clinician knowledge and performance.

Abstract This study investigated the relationship of clinicians’ knowledge of treatments for nicotine dependence during pregnancy and postpartum and explored what provider characteristics are associated with knowledge levels. Survey data from community health center (CHC)-based prenatal, pediatric (PED), and WIC program (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children) providers participating in a randomized clinical study were used. Providers reported low awareness of the health risks of smoking to the developing fetus/child of pregnant and postpartum women and of the effectiveness of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) for doubling quit rates. Obstetric (OB) and WIC providers were more aware than PED providers that provider-delivered interventions are effective. Confidence in using counseling steps was significantly associated with general and NRT-related knowledge. NRT-related knowledge, but not general knowledge, was associated with higher performance of intervention steps. Educational programs targeting OB, WIC, and PED providers’ knowledge about effective smoking cessation counseling strategies and their confidence in being effective with patients are needed.
Understanding and addressing the achievement gap through individualized instruction and formative assessment

This article synthesizes findings regarding the development of competence and learned helplessness and factors influencing persistence and intrinsic motivation, suggests the process through which small differences in early achievement are magnified by the current structure of schools, and reviews evidence suggesting that the characteristics of a specific type of individualized instruction and assessment system may be especially suited to remediate these differences. Age‐graded schools and group tests label students as ‘below’ and ‘above’ average, inadvertently demoralizing below‐average students, depressing effort and achievement, and perpetuating the gap in achievement between poor students and their more affluent peers. Analysis of the research literature suggests that the psychological experience of school for both high and low achieving students may be altered through a structure where instruction is individualized, students are challenged at their own levels, and each student receives objective asses...
Interference and auditory short-term memory in the bottlenosed dolphin

Interference in auditory short-term memory in the bottlenosed dolphin,Tursiops truncatus (Montagu), was studied using a delayed matching-to-sample task. At each trial, one of two sample sounds, chosen randomly, was projected underwater for 4 sec and then, after a variable delay interval, both sounds were presented. A response to the sound matching the initial sample was reinforced. Correct matching was significantly reduced following short intervals between trials in combination with long delays after the sample (proactive interference), or when a near continuous irrelevant sound was inserted into the delay interval (retroactive interference). There was rapid habituation to interference if the irrelevant sound was short in duration relative to the delay interval. For both proactive and retroactive interference, the errors were predominantly responses to the sample sound appropriate to the prior trial rather than to the current trial, indicating that memory for the relative recency of events (temporal memory) was degraded by interference. When interference was deleted or minimized, temporal memory remained nearly perfect over 30-sec delay intervals, the longest tested. The importance of distinguishing between temporal memory and nontemporal, or event, memory in different forms of the delayed matching task was emphasized.
Gray matter deficits in young onset schizophrenia are independent of age of onset

This study examined whether the degree of brain dysmorphology observable in adulthood was related to onset age of schizophrenic symptoms. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans were acquired in 57 men with schizophrenia, whose age at MRI was 19–53 years, and whose symptom onset ranged from age 7 to 29 years; all were inpatients in a state hospital. Volumes of intracranial space, cortical gray matter (GM) and white matter (WM), and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in lateral and third ventricles and cortical sulci were derived from MRI scans and corrected by regression analysis for variations attributable to age and head size, quantified in a control sample of healthy community volunteers. The schizophrenic patients had larger volumes of cortical and ventricular CSF and smaller volumes of cortical GM but not WM than age-matched controls, whether or not volumes were adjusted for head size and age norms. Age of onset did not correlate with any of the five age-adjusted brain measures. Neither current age, length of illness, nor symptom severity correlated with age-normalized volumes of cortical GM, sulcal CSF, or ventricular CSF. These observations are consistent with the theory that brain structure deficits 1) first develop prior to symptom onset (perhaps during the prenatal and/or early childhood process of GM development); 2) probably establish a vulnerability to subsequent dysfunctionality; but 3) are nonprogressive.
The surface ace plasmon resonance effect in holography

A hologram has been made using a surface plasmon resonance wave as the reference beam. The surface wave was stimulated on a 1200-line/mm aluminum reflection grating that was coated with a thin layer of high-resolution photographic emulsion. Experimental results are presented.
Discrimination in speech and nonspeech modes

Abstract Discrimination of second-formant transitions was measured under two conditions: when, as the only variation in two-formant patterns, these transitions were responsible for the perceived distinctions among the stop-vowel syllables [bae], [dae], and [gae]; and when, in isolation, they were heard, not as speech, but as bird-like chirps. The discrimination functions obtained with the synthetic syllables showed high peaks at phonetic boundaries and deep troughs within phonetic classes; those of the non-speech chirps did not. Reversal of the stimulus patterns, producing vowel-stop syllables in the speech context and mirror-image chirps in isolation, affected the speech and nonspeech functions differently. An additional non-speech condition, presentation of the transitions plus the second-formant steady state, yielded data similar to those obtained with the transitions in isolation. These results support the conclusion that there is a speech processor different from that for other sounds.
SHORT-TERM TREATMENT OUTCOME USING PARENTS AS CO-THERAPISTS FOR THEIR OWN AUTISTIC CHILDREN

This study evaluates the effects of Schopler and Reichler's developmental treatment for autistic children, which uses parents as co-therapists. Fifteen children were followed during waiting and treatment periods. Direct behavioral observations, a blind rating of family stress based on interviews with mothers and two questionnaires were used to assess outcome. All data were collected during home visits. Significant treatment effects were found for appropriate child behavior and parental involvement. Treatment effects were not shown for inappropriate child behavior and the measure of family stress and adaptation. Data are presented which suggest a positive change with treatment in parent-child interaction patterns. A lack of change in independent play is noted. Questionnaire responses indicated that parents saw the treatment as helpful. The results are discussed in terms of their implications for treatment, prognosis and future outcome research.
In search of a unifying theory for image interpretation

Summary form only given, as follows. Image interpretation, which is effortless and instantaneous for human beings, is the grand challenge of computer vision. The dream is to build a "description machine" which produces a rich semantic description of the underly
Civic Capacity in Educational Reform Efforts: Emerging and Established Regimes in Rust Belt Cities:

Using urban regime theory, the article examines two Rust Belt cities that tried to break the cycle of social reproduction in their communities by reforming their schools. The article contributes to the development of urban regime theory by comparing an emerging regime to an established regime. The comparison highlights the interdependent nature of regimes’ engagement, purpose, and civic capacity.
An interdisciplinary approach to studying and improving terrorism analysis

The analysis of terrorism information requires sound human judgment amplified by well-integrated technical capabilities in the context of an intelligence mission. To that end, we present the first phase of our work to establish a methodology suitable for the study of terrorism analysis. We present an interdisciplinary approach built on a synthesis of engineering, cognitive, and mission perspectives that is intended to double the analytic capacity of a typical analyst. Our research methodology is based on the concept of analytic exercises, in which subjects function as analysts solving complex, realistic terrorism problems. The data we collect is used to identify effective work patterns and inform the design of analytic tools that overcome cognitive impediments to high-quality analysis.
Gender-based differences in rats after chronic dietary exposure to genistein.

Gender-based differences can be observed from pharmacokinetic, behavioral, or anatomical assessments. No single assessment tool will provide a complete answer, but the use of a variety of indices, ...
Ultraviolet Sensor Based on a Silica Optical Microresonator

It is well known that exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light can result in various physical and psychological diseases. Therefore, there is a strong demand for a reliable sensor to monitor UV exposure levels in the physiologically relevant intensity ranges of mW/cm2. Here, we demonstrate a UV sensor based on a silica whispering gallery mode microresonator. This UV sensor works over physiologically relevant intensity ranges with linear performance both in the forward and backward operating directions, with very high signal-to-noise ratio that can be utilized in monitoring the UV exposure for various applications.
Phytoestrogen supplementation and endometrial cancer.

Abstract BACKGROUND: Phytoestrogens are increasingly used by patients as “natural” alternatives to hormone replacement. Attention in scientific and lay literature has focused on their potential to prevent menopausal symptoms, bone loss, heart disease, or breast cancer. Less is known about effects on the endometrium, specifically, whether prolonged exposure to phytoestrogens could promote hyperplasia or neoplasia, as does unopposed estrogen. CASE: We report the case of a woman diagnosed with grade 1 endometrioid adenocarcinoma of the endometrium whose history was notable for extensive use of supplemental phytoestrogens. CONCLUSION: The effects of phytoestrogens on endometrial tissue are not known. Given their increasing popularity and availability in concentrated form as dietary supplements, additional research is warranted before we can counsel our patients regarding the safety of such supplements.
Vasotocin maintains multiple call types in the gray treefrog, Hyla versicolor.

The neuropeptide arginine vasotocin (AVT) influences vocalizations in some anuran amphibians but it is unknown whether AVT alters all vocal behaviors of a species similarly. We first characterized the vocal repertoire of male gray treefrogs (Hyla versicolor). Three different call types were distinguished by unique sets of temporal and spectral features. Second, we examined the effects of AVT on each call type by injecting frogs with either AVT (100 μg; intraperitoneal) or saline and recording subsequent behavior. In the field, AVT maintained advertisement calling, whereas calling ceased in saline-injected animals. Advertisement call rate in AVT-injected males fell significantly and dominant frequency of the call was significantly higher. In the laboratory, AVT induced advertisement calling in males that were not initially vocalizing and dominant frequency was also significantly higher in these males. AVT maintained aggressive calling similarly but the characteristics of aggressive calls were not altered by AVT. There were no significant differences in release call behavior between AVT- and saline-injected groups; however, release call duration decreased significantly in AVT-injected animals, compared with preinjection values for the same animals. The effects of AVT on vocal behavior in this species are therefore not the same for each call type. AVT may act at more general motivational levels in the central nervous system and other neural or endocrine factors may control choice of call type and direct motor output.
Cenozoic right-slip faulting along the eastern margin of the Pamir salient, northwestern China

The Pamir salient defines the western end of the Himalayan-Tibetan orogen and has overthrust the Tarim-Tajik basin to the north by ∼300 km along a late Cenozoic, south-dipping intracontinental subduction zone. Field mapping, structural measurements, and analysis of mesoscale structures along a 32-km-long reach of the Yarkand River document the tectonic evolution of the east flank of this salient, between the North Pamir to the west and the Western Kunlun Shan to the east. The study area is cut by a set of four, north-northwest–striking, steeply dipping brittle faults. Microstructures and asymmetric outcrop- to map-scale folds indicate right slip along these faults. Between these structures, fault-bounded panels of Phanerozoic strata are deformed by en echelon folds with axes that trend more westerly than the adjacent faults, consistent with dextral transpression. The fault system described here extends for ∼350 km along the eastern flank of the Pamir salient. Transpressional right slip along this set of faults, here called the Kashgar-Yecheng transfer system, appears to have accommodated late Cenozoic separation of the North Pamir from the Western Kunlun Shan during south-directed intracontinental subduction beneath the leading edge of the Pamir salient. Correlation of major faults suggests total slip along the Kashgar-Yecheng transfer system is likely on the order of ∼280 km. This offset estimate implies long-term slip rates of 7–15 mm/a along the Kashgar-Yecheng transfer system when combined with previous sedimentologic, stratigraphic, and thermochronologic data that indicate deformation along the east flank of the Pamir started between the late Eocene and early Miocene. These results imply that the first-order structures on the western and eastern flanks of the Pamir are asymmetric: previous work has shown that deformation in the west was accommodated by anticlockwise vertical axis rotation of the Pamir over the eastern margin of the Tajik basin. This rotation is generally interpreted to reflect northwest-directed radial thrusting, in contrast to the transpressional right-slip transfer faulting on the east side reported here.
The Lymphangiogenic Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors VEGF-C and -D Are Ligands for the Integrin α9β1

Mice homozygous for a null mutation of the integrin α9 subunit die 6–12 days after birth from bilateral chylothoraces suggesting an underlying defect in lymphatic development. However, until now the mechanisms by which the integrin α9β1 modulates lymphangiogenesis have not been described. In this study we show that adhesion to and migration on the lymphangiogenic vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF-C and -D) are α9β1-dependent. Mouse embryonic fibroblasts and human colon carcinoma cells (SW-480) transfected to express α9β1 adhered and/or migrated on both growth factors in a concentration-dependent fashion, and both adhesion and migration were abrogated by anti-α9β1 function-blocking antibody. In SW-480 cells, which lack cognate receptors for VEGF-C and -D, both growth factors induced α9β1-dependent Erk and paxillin phosphorylation. Human microvascular endothelial cells, which express both α9β1 and VEGF-R3, also adhered to and migrated on both growth factors, and both responses were blocked by anti-α9β1 antibody. Furthermore, in a solid phase binding assay recombinant VEGF-C and -D bound to purified α9β1 integrin in a dose- and cation-dependent fashion showing that VEGF-C and VEGF-D are ligands for the integrin α9β1. The interaction between α9β1 and VEGF-C and/or -D may begin to explain the abnormal lymphatic phenotype of the α9 knock-out mice.
Self-organizing approximation for controllable nonaffine systems

Adaptive nonlinear control methods for controllable nonaffine systems typically use approximators with predefined basis functions, which require significant on-line computation and memory for applications with high state dimensions. In order to address this issue, self-organizing approximators have been introduced that define the basis set during system operation. All existing self-organizing results in the literature are trajectory-based in the sense that new locally supported basis elements were defined along the trajectory when existing basis elements were insufficiently excited. Recently, performance dependent self-organizing approximators were introduced that only define new basis elements when necessary to achieve a prespecified performance objective. In this article, the self-organizing approach uses a state estimator, which monitors the state estimation performance and adds basis elements only as needed to achieve a prespecified state estimation error specification. The dynamic inversion control approach applied to the approximation-based state estimator is shown to achieve bounded tracking errors determined by the designer's specification.