cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Increased sphingoid base-1-phosphates and failure of neural tube closure after exposure to fumonisin or FTY720

BACKGROUND: Fumonisin B1 (FB1) is a mycotoxin produced by a common fungal contaminant of corn. Ingestion of FB1-contaminated food is associated with increased risk for neural tube defects (NTDs). FB1 induces NTDs in inbred LM/Bc mice. FB1 inhibits ceramide synthase in de novo sphingolipid biosynthesis, resulting in accumulation of sphinganine and sphinganine-1-phosphate (Sa1P). Sa1P functions as a ligand for a family of G protein-coupled S1P receptors. METHODS: Pregnant SWV and LM/Bc mice were treated with FB1 (20 mg/kg/day intraperitoneally on embryonic day (ED) 7.5–8.5) or the known S1P receptor agonist FTY720 (10 mg/kg/day oral gavage on ED 6.5–8.5). LC/MS was used to detect sphingoid base-1-phosphates in maternal blood spots, plasma, and embryonic tissue. Strain-specific SWV and LM/Bc mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) and serum free mouse embryo (SFME) neural progenitor cells were treated with FB1 (40 μM for 24 hr) and LC/MS was used to detect sphingoid base-1-phosphates. RESULTS: FTY720 induced NTDs in both the SWV and the LM/Bc strains of mice. Sphinganine-1-P (Sa1P) and FTY720-P were elevated in the blood spots and plasma of mice treated with FB1 or FTY720, respectively. FTY720-P was elevated in ED 9.5 exencephalic embryos. Sa1P was elevated in SFME and MEF cells treated with FB1, and Sa1P was higher in MEFs generated from the FB1-NTD–susceptible LM/Bc strain. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated sphingoid base-1-P after FB1 or FTY720 suggest a potential role for these bioactive lipid ligands and activation of S1P receptor signaling pathways in the failure of neural tube closure after FB1 or FTY720. Sa1P may represent a biomarker for FB1-NTD risk assessment. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mental Illness, Violence, and Risk Assessment: An Evidence-Based Review

The presumed link between violence and mental illness has long been an ongoing subject of investigation. Are the mentally ill more likely than those without mental illness to commit violent crimes? Can mental health and criminal justice professionals accurately assess the likelihood of violence? In the current review, we describe scientific evidence to explore these questions. This article is divided into three sections. The first examines the relationship between mental illness and violent behavior, drawing mostly on large-scale studies of the general population. The second explores assessment tools that have been employed to predict violent behavior among correctional and psychiatric populations. The third discusses the implications of this research for policy and practices regarding mental illness, violence, and risk assessment.
Corrigendum to “Efficient Computation of the Euclidean Distance Transform”

Abstract An algorithm for the distance transform of a binary image was presented in L. Boxer and R. Miller ( Comput. Vision Image Understand. 80 , 2000, 379–383). The algorithm was stated for the Euclidean metric. In this Corrigendum, we show that the algorithm of Boxer and Miller (2000) is correct for the L 1 “Manhattan” or “city block” metric; however, the algorithm is not correct for the general class of L p metrics, including the Enclidean metric.
Endocrine Factors Modulate the Phenobarbital-Mediated Induction of Cytochromes P450 and Phase II Enzymes in a Similar Strain-Dependent Manner

Abstract Phenobarbital (PB)-mediated induction of five forms of cytochrome P450 (CYP2B1, CYP2B2, CYP3A1, CYP2A1, and CYP2C6) and epoxide hydrolase is highly suppressed, at the transcriptional level, in Wistar Furth (WF) relative to Fischer 344 (F344) female rats. Either hypophysectomy or thyroid hormone depletion by methimazole largely reverses the suppression in WF animals. Here we show that this strain-dependent polymorphism and unusual endocrine regulation extend to PB induction of phase II enzymes UGT2B1 uridine diphosphate-glucuronosyl transferase (UDPGT), PB-inducible aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), and glutathione transferases Ya1 and Ya2 (GSTYa1 and GSTYa2). UDPGT, ALDH, GSTYa1, and GSTYa2 had mRNA levels induced by PB in a similar strain-dependent manner (F344>WF). The extent to which mRNA induction was favored in female F344 relative to female WF was gene dependent (UDPGT 5×; ALDH 15×; GSTYa1 2×; GSTYa2 3–5×). Again, thyroid suppression by methimazole treatment selectively enhanced mRNA induced levels in female WF animals to remove much of the strain difference. Since thyroid hormone action is linked to fatty acid (FA) homeostasis, we tested the possibility that FAs participate in this endocrine polymorphism by using three isocaloric diets: low fat (LFD), polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFAD), or saturated fatty acid (SFAD). The LFD suppressed PB-induction of CYP mRNA and protein in WF but not F344 rats. This had no parallel in phase II mRNA induction, possibly indicating that FA and thyroid hormone effects are uncoupled. We conclude that the PB-response mechanism for induction of multiple P450 and phase II genes share a pathway that has as a common feature the linkage between chemical stimulation and thyroid hormone suppression that is seen in female WF relative to female F344 rats but not in male rats.
Reduction of primary postoperative adhesion formation under calcium channel blockade in the rabbit.

Abstract Preliminary studies in a hamster model have demonstrated calcium channel blocking agents to be potent inhibitors of primary post-traumatic peritoneal adhesion formation. The present investigation was designed to extend these observations to an extensively studied model, the rabbit, and to evaluate the optimal route of administration of these drugs for intraabdominal surgery. Rabbits were subjected to a standardized traumatic lesion of the left uterine horn. Subsequently, animals were divided into the following treatment groups: subcutaneous vehicle control (n = 7), intraperitoneal (ip) vehicle control (n = 8), subcutaneous verapamil treatment (n = 6), low-dose (2.5 μg/kg/hr) ip verapamil treatment (n = 10), and high-dose ip (25 μg/kg/hr) verapamil treatment (n = 6). All animals were reexplored at 1 week postop for evaluation of adhesion formation (scale: 0 to 4+). Calcium channel blockade-treated animals formed significantly fewer adhesions (0.45) than controls (3.93) (P
Latent synaptic pathways revealed after tetanic stimulation in the hippocampus.

Synaptic plasticity may result from changes at existing synapses or from alterations in the number of functional synaptic connections1. In the hippocampus excitatory synaptic strength is persistently enhanced after tetanic stimulation2–5. Here we report that latent synaptic pathways may also become functional. Simultaneous intracellular recordings were made from pairs of CA3 pyramidal cells in slices from guinea pig hippocampus. After stimulating afferent fibres repetitively, polysynaptic excitatory pathways between previously unconnected cells became apparent. The efficacy of recurrent inhibitory circuits was also reduced. The loss of inhibitory control is of interest because latent excitatory pathways are revealed after pharmacological suppression of inhibition. This plasticity in local synaptic circuits leads to the emergence of synchronous firing in groups of CA3 cells. The formation of groups of associated cells and the ability of some cells to initiate synchronous firing in a larger cell group through recurrent pathways is reminiscent of several models of information storage and recall in the cortex6–10.
Teaching recursion using fractals in Prolog

Recursion has traditionally been a difficult concept for students to understand, both as a control structure and as an analytical tool. This paper explores recursion using Prolog (whose predominate control structure is recursion) and through fractals which possess a visually recursive form. We discuss several simple Turbo Prolog programs which demonstrate recursion graphically and whose resultant figures are fractals whose recursive nature is particularly easy to analyze in the Turbo Prolog environment.
Structural studies by nuclear magnetic resonance—XVI : Conformations and configurations of hydrazones

Abstract Conformations and configurations were assigned to several hydrazones of aldehydes and ketones from analysis of their 60-Mc NMR spectra. Azines and hydrazone dimers were found to be frequent contaminants of the hydrazones, especially after the hydrazones, or their solutions, were let stand at room temperature. From the vicinal spin-spin coupling constants, J H 1 H α , the following conclusions were reached regarding the relative stabilities of rotamers I and II: (a) ΔG° 40 for V a ⇄ VI was +400, +500 and +700 cal/mole for R equal to methyl, isopropyl and phenyl, respectively. (b) ΔG° 40 for VII ⇄ VIIIa was +200, +600 and +700 cal/mol for R equal to methyl, ethyl and isopropyl, respectively. Interpretation of the spin-spin coupling constants of the trans isomers (amino group trans to H 1 ) led to the conclusion that, whereas IX is the only significant rotamer of α,α-disubstituted acetaldehyde hydrazones, both X and XI—with a low barrier of interconversion between them—are significant rotamers of the α-monosubstituted compounds.
Program evaluation of e‐portfolios

This chapter provides a description of the various types of e-portfolios, a discussion of program development considerations, and an overview of e-portfolio evaluation models.
In situ vitrification: Pilot-scale development

Pacific Northwest Laboratory (PNL) is developing in situ vitrification (ISV) as an in-place stabilization technique for buried radioactive and hazardous chemical wastes. The process melts the wastes and surrounding soil to produce a durable glass and crystalline waste form. These in situ vitrification process development testing and product evaluation studies are being conducted for the U.S. Department of Energy. This report discusses the results of four ISV pilot-scale field tests simulating radioactive and hazardous waste site conditions. The primary objectives of the field tests were to: (1) demonstrate process scale-up from engineering-scale laboratory tests; (2) verify equipment performance of the power system, electrodes and off-gas system; (3) characterize the behavior of simulated wastes in the vitrified soil; (4) identify waste losses to the off-gas system; and (5) evaluate waste form durability. Test results have been encouraging. Process scale-up has been successfully demonstrated, with equipment and electrode performance equally as successful. The off-gas system effectively contained any volatile or entrained hazardous species. Vitrified soil analysis also indicated effective containment and a homogeneous distribution of nonradioactive radionuclide and hazardous waste simulants due to convective mixing during vitrification. Waste form leaching studies revealed that the ISV product has a durability similar to Pyrex® glass.
Genetic Relationships between Haploid and Triploid Targionia (Targioniaceae, Hepaticae).

The species complex Targionia hypophylla–Targionia lorbeeriana includes a haploid and a triploid cytotype in Europe and the Atlantic islands. As shown by isozyme analysis, high levels of fixed heterozygosity and duplication of one of the chromosome sets characterize the triploids that are fertile. Hybridization between two haploids, followed by chromosome doubling and meiotic nondisjunction can explain triploidy. Both allopolyploidy and autopolyploidy are invoked for the origin of the triploid. The duplicated chromosome set most likely comes from the existing haploid that could be one of the putative parents. The morphological intergradation between the two cytotypes, their identical ecological requirements and sympatric distribution can be understood in the light of these data. A haploid Texan colony analyzed for comparison can be discarded as the other putative parent, which remains unknown. Moreover, three triploid African and Australasian colonies do not share the same duplicated genome as the triploi...
High-Temperature Static and Dynamic Reliability Study of 4H-SiC Vertical-Channel JFETs for High-Power System Applications

In this work we report the most recent high-temperature long-term reliability results of the 600 V/14 A, 4H-SiC vertical-channel junction field-effect transistors (VJFETs). Two groups (A and B) devices were subjected to different thermal and electrical stresses. One device (Group A) reached 12,000 hours of continuous switching without a single failure. Four devices in Group A were thermally stressed at 250 °C over 4,670 hours in air, for which standard deviation of the specific on-resistance (RONSP) in linear region at gate bias (VGS) of 3 V were
Genome Amplification and Long-Distance Movement Functions Associated with the Central Domain of Tobacco Etch Potyvirus Helper Component–Proteinase

The tobacco etch potyvirus (TEV) helper component-proteinase (HC-Pro, 460 amino acid residues) is a multifunctional protein involved in aphid-mediated transmission, genome amplification, polyprotein processing, and long-distance movement. To investigate the interrelationships between three of these functions, 25 alanine-scanning mutations affecting clusters of charged residues were introduced into the HC-Pro coding sequence. The resulting mutants were analyzed with respect to HC-Pro proteolytic activity in vitro, genome amplification in protoplasts, and long-distance movement in tobacco plants. Three classes of mutants were identified. Class I mutants (total of 17) were capable of genome amplification, long-distance movement, and HC-Pro proteolysis with efficiencies similar to parental virus. The class III mutant (total of 1) encoded a proteolytically debilitated HC-Pro and was replication-defective. Class II mutants (total of 7) encoded proteolytically active HC-Pro, but each exhibited a suppressed amplification phenotype that was characterized by a progressive shutoff during the course of infection in protoplasts. The class II mutants also exhibited defects in long-distance movement, accumulating to relative levels of 0 to 7.5% in noninoculated tissue. Wild-type HC-Pro supplied in trans was able to partially rescue the class II mutant amplification defects in protoplasts and long-distance movement defects in plants, although the extent of complementation of movement function varied for each mutant. Six of the seven class II mutations affected the central region of HC-Pro between residues 126 and 300, whereas only one affected the C-terminal proteolytic domain. These results indicate that the central region of HC-Pro is necessary for efficient genome amplification and long-distance movement, and that the one or more HC-Pro functions involved in these processes is at least partially trans-active. Additionally, the long-distance movement properties of a previously characterized HC-Pro-defective mutant (TEV-GUS/CCCE) were characterized further using grafted nontransgenic and HC-Pro-expressing transgenic plants. The results indicated that HC-Pro is required in both inoculated and noninoculated tissues to complement the TEV-GUS/CCCE movement defects.
7.2: High-field deuterium ion sources for neutron generators

It is generally accepted that active neutron interrogation is a reliable means of detecting the presence of shielded special nuclear material, in particular highly enriched uranium. We are facilitating the deployment of portable active neutron interrogation systems for field detection applications by developing a new atomic deuterium ion source for compact, accelerator-driven neutron generators. This ion source uses high electric fields at the surfaces of microfabricated tip arrays to produce atomic deuterium ions.
Changing agents of deforestation: From state-initiated to enterprise driven processes, 1970–2000

Abstract A meta-analysis of 268 case studies of tropical forest cover change indicates that deforestation shifted from a state initiated to an enterprise driven process between 1970 and 2000. During the 1970s state run road building and colonization programs opened up regions for settlement and deforestation throughout the tropics. By the 1990s these programs had all but disappeared. Meanwhile, enterprise driven processes, present in the 1970s, had both expanded and diversified by the 1990s. The implications of these findings for theories of forest cover change and for forest conservation policy are explored.
Randomized trial of IV valproate vs metoclopramide vs ketorolac for acute migraine

Objective: We compared the efficacy of IV valproate with metoclopramide and with ketorolac in patients presenting to an emergency department (ED) with acute migraine. Methods: This was a double-blind comparative efficacy trial. Patients were randomized to 1,000 mg sodium valproate, 10 mg metoclopramide, or 30 mg ketorolac, each administered as an IV drip over 15 minutes. The primary outcome was improvement in headache by 1 hour, measured on a verbal 0 to 10 scale, at baseline and 60 minutes later. Important secondary outcomes included (1) need for rescue medication in the ED, and (2) sustained headache freedom. Results: Three hundred thirty patients were enrolled over 30 months beginning in October 2010. Baseline characteristics were comparable among the 3 arms. On the primary outcome, patients receiving IV valproate improved by a mean of 2.8 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.3, 3.3) on the 0 to 10 scale; those receiving IV metoclopramide improved by 4.7 (95% CI: 4.2, 5.2); and those receiving IV ketorolac improved by 3.9 (95% CI: 3.3, 4.5). On the secondary endpoints, 69% (95% CI: 60%, 78%) of patients receiving valproate required rescue medication, compared with 33% (95% CI: 24%, 42%) of metoclopramide patients and 52% (95% CI: 42%, 63%) of those assigned to ketorolac. Sustained headache freedom was achieved in 4% (95% CI: 0%, 7%) of those randomized to valproate, 11% (95% CI: 5%, 17%) of metoclopramide patients, and 16% (95% CI: 9%, 23%) receiving ketorolac. In the metoclopramide arm, 6% (95% CI: 3%, 12%) of patients reported feeling “very restless” after investigational medication administration. Conclusions: Valproate was less efficacious than either metoclopramide or ketorolac. Metoclopramide demonstrated superiority to ketorolac on several endpoints. Classification of evidence: This study provides Class I evidence that in ED patients with acute migraine, IV valproate is inferior to metoclopramide or ketorolac in improving headache outcomes.
Potent Mechanism-based Inhibitors for Matrix Metalloproteinases

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are zinc-dependent endopeptidases that play important roles in physiological and pathological conditions. Both gelatinases (MMP-2 and -9) and membrane-type 1 MMP (MMP-14) are important targets for inhibition, since their roles in various diseases, including cancer, have been well established. We describe herein a set of mechanism-based inhibitors that show high selectivity to gelatinases and MMP-14 (inhibitor 3) and to only MMP-2 (inhibitors 5 and 7). These molecules bind to the active sites of these enzymes, initiating a slow binding profile for the onset of inhibition, which leads to covalent enzyme modification. The full kinetic analysis for the inhibitors is reported. These are nanomolar inhibitors (Ki) for the formation of the noncovalent enzyme-inhibitor complexes. The onset of slow binding inhibition is rapid (k(on) of 10(2) to 10(4) M(-1) s(-1) and the reversal of the process is slow (k(off) of 10(-3) to 10(-4) s(-1)). However, with the onset of covalent chemistry with the best of these inhibitors (e.g. inhibitor 3), very little recovery of activity (<10%) was seen over 48 h of dialysis. We previously reported that broad spectrum MMP inhibitors like GM6001 enhance MT1-MMP-dependent activation of pro-MMP-2 in the presence of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-2. Herein, we show that inhibitor 3, in contrast to GM6001, had no effect on pro-MMP-2 activation by MT1-MMP. Furthermore, inhibitor 3 reduced tumor cell migration and invasion in vitro. These results show that these new inhibitors are promising candidates for selective inhibition of MMPs in animal models of relevant human diseases.
CRF receptors in the nucleus accumbens modulate partner preference in prairie voles

Recent evidence suggests a role for corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) in the regulation of pair bonding in prairie voles. We have previously shown that monogamous and non-monogamous vole species have dramatically different distributions of CRF receptor type 1 (CRF1) and CRF receptor type 2 (CRF2) in the brain, and that CRF1 and CRF2 receptor densities in the nucleus accumbens (NAcc) are correlated with social organization. Monogamous prairie and pine voles have significantly lower levels of CRF receptor type 1 (CRF1), and significantly higher levels of type 2 (CRF2) binding, in NAcc than non-monogamous meadow and montane voles. Here, we report that microinjections of CRF directly into the NAcc accelerate partner preference formation in male prairie voles. Control injections of CSF into NAcc, and CRF into caudate-putamen, did not facilitate partner preference. Likewise, CRF injections into NAcc of non-monogamous meadow voles also did not facilitate partner preference. In prairie voles, this CRF-facilitation effect was blocked by co-injection of either CRF1 or CRF2 receptor antagonists into NAcc. Immunocytochemical staining for CRF and Urocortin-1 (Ucn-1), two endogenous ligands for CRF1 or CRF2 receptors in the brain, revealed that CRF, but not Ucn-1, immunoreactive fibers were present in NAcc. This supports the hypothesis that local CRF release into NAcc could activate CRF1 or CRF2 receptors in the region. Taken together, our results reveal a novel role for accumbal CRF systems in social behavior.
Spatial Modeling in Environmental and Public Health Research

This paper has two aims: (1) to summarize various geographic information science methods; and (2) to provide a review of studies that have employed such methods. Though not meant to be a comprehensive review, this paper explains when certain methods are useful in epidemiological studies and also serves as an overview of the growing field of spatial epidemiology.
Transcriptional interaction between the promoters of the maize chloroplast genes which encode the β subunit of ATP synthase and the large subunit of ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase

The genes encoding the beta subunit of ATP synthase and the large subunit of ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase are located on opposite strands of the maize chloroplast genome. Their transcription start sites are separated by a 159 bp sequence that includes the promoters for both genes. The effects of deleting or modifying one of the two promoters on transcription from the adjacent, unaltered promoter were assessed in vitro using maize chloroplast extracts to transcribe cloned maize DNA templates. When the atpB promoter was disrupted by an 8 bp insertion, rbcL transcription was not altered. When the rbcL promoter was disrupted by a 2 bp insertion, atpB transcription decreased, whereas when the rbcL promoter region was deleted, atpB transcription increased. Activity of the atpB promoter was also reduced when the + 2 bp-rbcL promoter template was transcribed in vitro by Escherichia coli RNA polymerase. The changes in atpB transcriptional efficiency were only seen when the atpB and rbcL promoters were closely spaced on the same template molecule. These results established that the atpB and rbcL promoters interact in vitro in a cis and spacing dependent manner. The interaction may have physiological relevance in vivo.
Understanding device drivers in operating system/2

To meet its design goals for multitasking, Operating System/2™ requires a device driver architecture for interrupt-driven device management. A device driver in OS/2™ is affected by the new architecture both in its structure and in its relationship to the system. An OS/2 device driver contains components, such as the Strategy Routine and Hardware Interrupt Handler, which have well-defined responsibilities. The basic form of these components is a FAR CALL/FAR RETURN model. The operating system calls the device driver components to handle certain types of events, such as an application I/O request or a device interrupt. In responding to these events, an OS/2 device driver must cooperate with the operating system to preserve system responsiveness by helping to manage the multitasking of concurrent activities. Since OS/2 uses both the real mode and the protected mode of the system processor to support DOS and OS/2 applications, respectively, the components of an OS/2 device driver must execute in both modes. In this manner, an OS/2 device driver can be viewed as an installable extension of the Operating System/2 kernel. Comparisons between IBM Personal Computer DOS and Operating System/2 are drawn to illustrate differences between device management and device driver architecture.
Cardiovascular risk factors for physician-diagnosed lumbar disc herniation.

Abstract Background context Despite the high prevalence of lumbar disc disease among the general population, the determinants of this condition remain poorly understood. A recent hypothesis suggests that atherosclerotic vascular disease may play an important role in the etiology of this disorder. Purpose To explore the relationship between cardiovascular risk factors and the incidence of lumbar disc herniation. Study design/setting We prospectively examined the association between smoking, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes and self-reported lumbar disc herniation. The study was conducted among 98,407 female nurses who in 1976 were ages 30–55 years, free of cancer (except non-melanoma skin cancer), lumbar disc disease, and who responded to the 1992 questionnaire regarding whether or not a physician diagnosis of lumbar disc herniation had been made. Results During 16 years of follow-up (438,662 person-years), 2,727 nurses who were free of cancer reported a physician-diagnosed lumbar disc herniation that was confirmed either by computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. After adjusting for age, body mass index, smoking, vigorous or moderate exercise, employment status, having seen a physician in the last year, and each of the following other factors, the multivariate relative risk for diabetes was 1.52 (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.17 to 1.98); for hypertension it was 1.25 (95% CI, 1.11 to 1.41); for high cholesterol it was 1.26 (95% CI, 1.10 to 1.44), and for having a parent who had suffered a myocardial infarction before age 60 it was 1.13 (95% CI, 1.02 to 1.26). In these models, compared with never smokers, the relative risk for past smokers was 1.10 (95% CI, 1.00 to 1.20), for current smokers the risk increased with the number of cigarettes smoked per day. A decrease in risk occurred after cessation. Also in these models, we noted a significant trend of increasing risk with higher body mass index (p=.01). Conclusions Cardiovascular risk factors are significantly and independently associated with symptomatic lumbar disc herniation. These findings provide further confirmation that atherosclerosis may be involved in spinal disc degeneration. Modification of risk factors, particularly smoking, may also prove to be beneficial.
Finding one of a kind : advances in single-protein production

An ultimate goal for any protein production system is to express only the protein of interest without producing other cellular proteins. To date, there are only two established methods that will allow the successful expression of only the protein of interest: the cell-free in vitro protein synthesis system and the in vivo single-protein production (SPP) system. Although single-protein production can be achieved in cell-free systems, it is not easy to completely suppress the production of cellular proteins during the production of a protein of interest in a living cell. However, the finding of a unique sequence-specific mRNA interferase in Escherichia coli led to the development of the SPP system by converting living cells into a bioreactor that produces only a single protein of interest without producing any cellular proteins. This technology not only provides a new high expression system for proteins, but also offers a novel avenue for protein structural studies.
Dating Violence, Young African American Males, and Risk and Protective Factors: A Review of the Literature

This report examines the extant literature on dating violence, young African American males, and risk and protective factors. Studies have shown that correlates exist between community factors, parental discipline, and gender role beliefs in young African American males that place them at risk for dating perpetration. Studies have also shown that protective factors such as adequate adult supervision, social support, and problem-solving skills exist and can mitigate risk. Implications for research and programming are also discussed.
Targeted advertising on the Web with inventory management

Companies that maintain Web sites can make considerable revenue by running advertisements, and they therefore compete to attract advertisers. The ability to deliver high click-through rates on a site can attract advertisers and, under an appropriate pricing model, can also increase revenue directly. Consequently, companies can benefit from delivery systems that display advertisements selectively to those visitors most likely to click though. To satisfy contractual obligations, however, these systems must simultaneously manage inventory. We developed a delivery system that maximizes click-through rate given inventory-management constraints in the form of advertisement quotas. The system uses predictive segments in conjunction with a linear program to perform the constrained optimization. Using a real Web site (msn.com), we demonstrated the efficacy of the system. We can generalize our system to find revenue-optimal advertisement schedules under a wide variety of pricing models.
Electric-field-controlled photoluminescence of CdSe nanocrystal-doped SiO2 on Si

Abstract Dense-packed CdSe nanoclusters synthesized by sequential ion implantation of Cd + and Se + in thermally grown SiO 2 are subjected to high electric field strengths in a metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) structure. The nanocrystal-containing device shows efficient CdSe band-edge photoluminescence (PL) when excited by a cw-HeCd laser operating at a wavelength of 442 nm at room temperature. An effective PL quenching and enhancement has been observed. Depth-resolved μ-PL measurements reveal an exponential decrease, which is depth-correlated with a layer of nanoparticles near the surface, whereas the optical non-linearity of the PL increases in parallel. The PL spectra and particle size distribution suggest an energy transfer from the nanoscopic to adjacent large particles. It can be concluded from these results that charge injection into the near-surface region of the nanocluster/SiO 2 system might be the reason for the asymmetric and hysteretic electro-optic response.
The neuropharmacology of schistosomes

Abstract The schistosomal nervous system uses some of the same neurotransmitters as the vertebrate system, but significant differences exist with respect to neurotransmitter metabolism and receptor specificity. The cholinergic system has been most extensively studied, and the serotoninergic system has also been examined carefully; catecholamines and benzodiazepines also seem to affect nervous system function. The objective of this work has been to determine whether neuroactive drugs could be used to disrupt the parasites' physiology sufficiently to have therapeutic impact, while avoiding toxic effects on the host nervous system. Promising findings have been made, suggesting that the unique properties of the schistosomal nervous system might be exploited to therapeutic advantage.
Gluon production of gauge bosons

We determine the contribution to $\mathrm{pp}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}ZZ+X$ from $\mathrm{g}\mathrm{l}\mathrm{u}\mathrm{o}\mathrm{n}\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}+\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}\mathrm{g}\mathrm{l}\mathrm{u}\mathrm{o}\mathrm{n}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\mathrm{ZZ}$ by evaluating the relevant box diagrams.
Spatial organization of neurochemically classified interneurons of the goldfish retina-I. Local patterns.

Certain interneurons in the goldfish retina are uniquely specifiable by their abilities to take up exogenously supplied [3H]gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), [3H]glycine, [3H]dopamine of [3H]serotonin al low micromolar concentrations. Each ligand labels one or two unique populations of interneurons yielding six cell types characterized by soma location, soma size, level and form of dendritic arborization, and local spatial patterning. This report summarizes these qualitative features and provides quantitative evidence on the size and spatial distributions of : (1) GABA-ergic horizontal cells, (2) GABA-ergic amacrine cells, (3) glycinergic amacrine cells; (4) glycinergic interplexiform cells; (5) dopaminergic interplexiform cells; and (6) indoleaminergic amacrine cells.
Decategorizing health services: interim findings from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's Child Health Initiative

Although results from the evaluation are preliminary thus far, certain tentative conclusions can be reached. First, both care coordination on a small scale and the production of community health report cards are achievable within the relatively short life of a foundation grant. Moreover, both efforts can result in tangible improvements for children and their families. Report cards associated with the initiative have made children's issues more prominent and appear to have led many community leaders to focus greater attention on children's needs. Likewise, many of the care coordination systems developed under the initiative have produced real change for children and their families by guiding them to needed health care and other services. It is important, however, to keep these accomplishments in perspective. While of significant benefit to demonstration communities, the monitoring and care coordination components of this initiative are not unique. A large number of communities have adopted monitoring and reporting programs in recent years. Similarly, care coordination efforts are well established in many communities. What is unique about the RWJF initiative is its attempt at decategorization, and much less progress has been demonstrated for this component. The less-than-hoped-for progress in implementing decategorization at the original sites appears to be the product of a number of interrelated factors. These include an absence of existing models and appropriate technical assistance; political difficulties in gaining cooperation from multiple local agencies involved in service provision; limited progress in establishing needed connections with the state and federal agencies that have authority over categorical programs; and difficulties in implementing major programatic changes when the health care system itself is undergoing rapid change. In combination, these barriers have proven to be largely insurmountable for the originally funded sites, although it is too early in the project to determine which of these factors is predominantly responsible for the lack of success. Whether the newer sites can learn from the experience of the first group and adapt strategies to overcome the multiple hurdles involved remains to be seen. Decategorization is a tool that has the potential to rationalize a fragmented service system by facilitating the coordination of services, especially for children and families with multiple needs. The need for decategorization of funds will not disappear, even if the federal government chooses to combine more of its grant programs to the states into block grants.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Tyrosine Hydroxylase and Regulation of Dopamine Synthesis

Tyrosine hydroxylase is the rate-limiting enzyme of catecholamine biosynthesis; it uses tetrahydrobiopterin and molecular oxygen to convert tyrosine to DOPA. Its amino terminal 150 amino acids comprise a domain whose structure is involved in regulating the enzyme’s activity. Modes of regulation include phosphorylation by multiple kinases at 4 different serine residues, and dephosphorylation by 2 phosphatases. The enzyme is inhibited in feedback fashion by the catecholamine neurotransmitters. Dopamine binds to TyrH competitively with tetrahydrobiopterin, and interacts with the R domain. TyrH activity is modulated by protein-protein interactions with enzymes in the same pathway or the tetrahydrobiopterin pathway, structural proteins considered to be chaperones that mediate the neuron’s oxidative state, and the protein that transfers dopamine into secretory vesicles. TyrH is modified in the presence of NO, resulting in nitration of tyrosine residues and the glutathionylation of cysteine residues.
The Influence of Indian Ocean Atmospheric Circulation on Warm Pool Hydroclimate During the Holocene Epoch

Existing paleoclimate data suggest a complex evolution of hydroclimate within the Indo-Pacific Warm Pool (IPWP) during the Holocene epoch. Here we introduce a new leaf wax isotope record from Sulawesi, Indonesia and compare proxy water isotope data with ocean-atmosphere general circulation model (OAGCM) simulations to identify mechanisms influencing Holocene IPWP hydroclimate. Modeling simulations suggest that orbital forcing causes heterogenous changes in precipitation across the IPWP on a seasonal basis that may account for the differences in time-evolution of the proxy data at respective sites. Both the proxies and simulations suggest that precipitation variability during the September-November (SON) season is important for hydroclimate in Borneo. The preeminence of the SON season suggests that a seasonally lagged relationship between the Indian monsoon and Indian Ocean Walker circulation influences IPWP hydroclimatic variability during the Holocene.
Problem-solving skills training for mothers of children recently diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder: A pilot feasibility study:

Problem-solving skills training is an intervention designed to teach coping skills that has shown to decrease negative affectivity (depressive symptoms, negative mood, and post-traumatic stress symptoms) in mothers of children with cancer. The objective of this study was to see whether mothers of children recently diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder would be receptive to receiving problem-solving skills training (feasibility trial). Participants were recruited from a local outpatient developmental clinic that is part of a university department of pediatrics. Participants were to receive eight 1-h sessions of problem-solving skills training and were asked to complete assessments prior to beginning problem-solving skills training (T1), immediately after intervention (T2), and 3 months after T2 (T3). Outcome measures assessed problem-solving skills and negative affectivity (i.e. distress). In total, 30 mothers were approached and 24 agreed to participate (80.0%). Of them, 17 mothers completed problem-solving skills training (retention rate: 70.8%). Mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder who completed problem-solving skills training had significant decreases in negative affectivity and increases in problem-solving skills. A comparison to mothers of children with cancer shows that mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder displayed similar levels of depressive symptoms but less negative mood and fewer symptoms of post-traumatic stress. Data suggest that problem-solving skills training may be an effective way to alleviate distress in mothers of children recently diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Data also suggest that mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder were moderately receptive to receiving problem-solving skills training. Implications are that problem-solving skills training may be beneficial to parents of children with autism spectrum disorder; modifications to improve retention rates are suggested.
Cooperating with Smartness: Using Heterogeneous Smart Antennas in Ad-Hoc Networks

The ability of smart antennas to improve performance in a typically constrained ad-hoc network environment, has helped them garner significant attention over the last few years. However, not much light has been shed on wireless ad-hoc networks that have nodes with varying antenna capabilities. While homogeneous ad-hoc networks with all nodes having the same antenna capabilities will have certain applications, we argue that ad-hoc networks with nodes having heterogeneous antenna capabilities are more likely to be the norm due to a variety of motivating factors. In the context of such heterogeneous smart antenna networks (HSANs), we investigate and motivate the need for a simple form of node cooperation called retransmit diversity. We show that while such a simple form of node cooperation cannot bring significant benefits to homogeneous omni-directional and smart antenna networks, they can bring several folds improvement to heterogeneous smart antenna networks. We then present several key properties pertaining to node cooperation in HSANs. In the process, we identify a fundamental trade-off between exploiting smart antenna gain and cooperation gain, that undermines the ability of HSANs to leverage node cooperation to their maximum potential. To address this tradeoff, we then present an adaptive cooperation mechanism and incorporate this mechanism through the design of a simple but efficient MAC protocol. The performance of the MAC protocol is evaluated through ns2 simulations.
NEGOTIATING LAW AND CUSTOM: JUDICIAL DOCTRINE AND WOMEN'S PROPERTY RIGHTS IN UGANDA

Since the promulgation of Uganda's new constitution in 1995, the Law Reform Comission (LRC) has had the task of revising statutory laws to conform to the new constitution. One focal point has been the drafting of a Domestic Relations Bill. The bill proposes significant changes in women's legal status within the institutions of marriage and succession. Under the new statute, for example, women would gain joint marital property rights over any assets acquired during the course of marriage. Women could use the law to challenge husbands who seek to sell property or shift assets among their wives. The bill also proposes that when a married person dies intestate, the suviving spouse(s) should be appointed administrator to the estate, unless the courts have good reason not to do so. This should facilitate widows who seek to protect their assets from relatives who perceive in death opportunities to grab property. Not suprisingly, publication of the bill generated considerable outrage among men who perceive the extension of property rights to women as a direct threat to a natural social order privileging male authority.
Effect of Solvent Polarity on the Fluorescence Emission Spectra of Select Five- and Six-Ring Pyrene Derivatives

The fluorescence properties of dibenzo[def,p]chrysene, benzo[rst]pentaphene, and anthranthrene dissolved in eleven organic non-electrolyte solvents are reported. Measurements indicate that both dibenzo[def,p]chrysene and benzo[rst]pentaphene exhibit probe character, as evidenced by the selective enhancement of the intensity of vibronic band I relative to band II with increased solvent polarity. Emission ratios of anthranthrene remained nearly constant, irrespective of solvent polarity. These results, combined with previously reported data for benzo[ghi]perylene, benzo[a]pyrene, benzo[e]pyrene, and dibenzo[a,e]pyrene, are used to examine molecular structure-probe character correlations of select five- and six-ring pyrene derivatives.
Compact EEPROM-based Weight Functions

We are focusing on the development of a highly compact neural net weight function based on the use of EEPROM devices. These devices have already proven useful for analog weight storage, but existing designs rely on the use of conventional voltage multiplication as the weight function, requiring additional transistors per synapse. A parasitic capacitance between the floating gate and the drain of the EEPROM structure leads to an unusual I-V characteristic which can be used to advantage in designing a compact synapse. This novel behavior is well characterized by a model we have developed. A single-device circuit results in a 1-quadrant synapse function which is nonlinear, though monotonic. A simple extension employing 2 EEPROMs results in a 2 quadrant function which is much more linear. This approach offers the potential for more than a ten-fold increase in the density of neural net implementations.
Design and testing of a flywheel battery for a transit bus

The University of Texas at Austin Center for Electromechanics (UT-CEM) has designed and tested a flywheel energy storage system conventionally referred to as a flywheel battery (FWB) for power averaging on a hybrid electric transit bus. The system incorporates a high speed (40,000 rpm) 150 kW permanent magnet motor generator with magnetic bearings to levitate a 2 kWh composite flywheel. This paper summarizes: design goals, required operating parameters, system design, analysis completed prior to fabrication, and initial performance testing completed in the laboratory. The paper includes information on the motor/generator, power electronics, magnetic bearing sensors and controls, and FWB subsystems (including containment). Finally, recommendations for continued testing are made along with recommendations for improvements to the existing design.
Prevalence and correlates of autism in a state psychiatric hospital

This study estimated the ASD prevalence in a psychiatric hospital and evaluated the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS) combined with other information for differential diagnosis. Chart review, SRS and clinical interviews were collected for 141 patients at one hospital. Diagnosis was determined at case conference. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to evaluate the SRS as a screening instrument. Chi-squared Automatic Interaction Detector (CHAID) analysis estimated the role of other variables, in combination with the SRS, in separating cases and non-cases. Ten percent of the sample had ASD. More than other patients, their onset was prior to 12 years of age, they had gait problems and intellectual disability, and were less likely to have a history of criminal involvement or substance abuse. Sensitivity (0.86) and specificity (0.60) of the SRS were maximized at a score of 84. Adding age of onset 80 increased specificity to 0.90 but dropped sensitivity to 0.79. Undiagnosed ASD may be common in psychiatric hospitals. The SRS, combined with other information, may discriminate well between ASD and other disorders.
Observational Constraints on Coronal Heating Models Using Coronal Diagnostics Spectrometer and Soft X-Ray Telescope Data

We have constructed a multithermal diUerential emission measure distribution for several pixels along a relatively isolated coronal loop on the southwest limb of the solar disk using spectral line data from the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory coronal diagnostics spectrometer (CDS) and broadband data from the Yohkoh soft X-ray telescope. The temperature distributions are clearly inconsistent with isothermal plasma along either the line of sight or the length of the loop. These conclusions disagree with some recent results that used an isothermal approximation derived from narrowband —lter ratios to calculate loop temperature pro—les. The diUerences between their results and ours could be attributed to pixel
Coordination for Control in Steel Processing

A body of theory has been developed regarding multilevel coordination [1]. With applications sparse, the objective of this work is to relate and interpret a portion of the theory for control for the class of complex processes with sequential subprocesses. An example is formulated utilizing the Hot Strip Mill, including modification of current operating practice motivated by the coordination philosophy.