cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A coordinating center in a clinical trial: The hypertension detection and followup program

Multicenter clinical trials are often larger and more complex than other methods of clinical inquiry. They tend to involve a number of research or clinical centers and several formal committees. In many of these trials a coordinating center is one of the participating organizational units. This article describes one such coordinating center, that of the Hypertension Detection and Follow-up Program (HDFP). In 1971 the HDFP Coordinating Center was established to assist in planning and implementing this National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)-sponsored, multicenter, community-based, randomized, controlled clinical trial. The HDFP Coordinating Center is a large, intricate organization comprised of personnel who perform a wide variety of functions. From 1972 to 1979 it supervised the adherence to a common protocol among the cooperating centers and reported the Program's progress to the various monitoring and review committees, the Steering Committee, and the NHLBI Program Office. The Program screened approximately 159,000 persons ages 30 to 69 years, identifying and following 10,940 hypertensive participants. It has been the responsibility of this Coordinating Center to institute, coordinate, and monitor the data-gathering activities of the study as a whole and to process, store, and analyze the large, multifaceted set of data that were collected.
EHSH1/Intersectin, a Protein That Contains EH and SH3 Domains and Binds to Dynamin and SNAP-25 A PROTEIN CONNECTION BETWEEN EXOCYTOSIS AND ENDOCYTOSIS?

In yeast two-hybrid screens for proteins that bind to SNAP-25 and may be involved in exocytosis, we isolated a protein called EHSH1 (for EH domain/SH3 domain-containing protein). Cloning of full-length cDNAs revealed that EHSH1 is composed of an N-terminal region with two EH domains, a central region that is enriched in lysine, leucine, glutamate, arginine, and glutamine (KLERQ domain), and a C-terminal region comprised of five SH3 domains. The third SH3 domain is alternatively spliced. Data bank searches demonstrated that EHSH1 is very similar to Xenopus and human intersectins and to human SH3P17. In addition, we identified expressed sequence tags that encode a second isoform of EHSH1, called EHSH2. EHSH1 is abundantly expressed in brain and at lower levels in all other tissues tested. In binding studies, we found that the central KLERQ domain of EHSH1 binds to recombinant or native brain SNAP-25 and SNAP-23. The C-terminal SH3 domains, by contrast, quantitatively interact with dynamin, a protein involved in endocytosis. Dynamin strongly binds to the alternatively spliced central SH3 domain (SH3C) and the two C-terminal SH3 domains (SH3D and SH3E) but not to the N-terminal SH3 domains (SH3A and SH3B). Immunoprecipitations confirmed that both dynamin and SNAP-25 are complexed to EHSH1 in brain. Our data suggest that EHSH1/intersectin may be a novel adaptor protein that couples endocytic membrane traffic to exocytosis. The ability of multiple SH3 domains in EHSH1 to bind to dynamin suggests that EHSH1 can cluster several dynamin molecules in a manner that is regulated by alternative splicing.
`Whiptail' in Cauliflower

SINCE 1939, several workers1,2 have shown that molybdenum is an essential element for crop plants, and in 1945 it was suggested by Davies3 in New Zealand that a deficiency of this element was responsible for the condition in brassicas known as ‘whiptail’.
Generation of Teflon-like layers on cellophane surfaces under atmospheric pressure non-equilibrium SF6-plasma environments

In this contribution a novel atmospheric pressure SF6–cold–plasma method is suggested for the conversion of cellophane surfaces into perfluorinated layers. This approach takes advantage of the efficiency of SF x , (x< 6 ) species generated in the discharge for oxygen extraction, dehydro-fluorination and fluorination reaction mechanisms. It was shown that relative surface atomic concentrations as high as 58% can be created under relatively short treatment times (5 minutes), and that CF2 groups are the dominant components of the plasma-generated surface layers. Surface morphology analysis by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) indicate that SF6–discharge environments selectively interact with the amorphous and crystalline zones of cellulose. Contact angle evaluations of plasma–exposed cellophane surfaces show an intense hydrophobic character, with contact angles as high as 120°. Potential applications of perfluorinated cellophane layers are suggested.
Seasonal covariation in progesterone and odorant emissions among breeding crested auklets (Aethia cristatella)

Crested auklets emit a citrus-like odorant that is seasonally modulated, suggesting that it is a secondary sexual trait. We hypothesized that expression of the chemical odorant is facilitated by steroid hormones, similar other secondary sexual traits in birds. Therefore we examined variation in concentrations of hormones in blood plasma and odor production during incubation and early chick rearing. A novel method was used to obtain and measure chemical emissions of crested auklets. Blood plasma samples were analyzed by radioimmunoassay. Progesterone was detected in all birds, and it varied during the breeding season. Octanal emissions covaried with progesterone levels in males but not in females. No seasonal patterns were detected in testosterone, estrogen or DHT, and these hormones were not detected in all breeding adults. Covariance of progesterone and octanal emissions in males suggests there could be at least an indirect relationship between odor emissions and steroid hormones in this species. Thus expression of the citrus-like odorant of crested auklets, like other secondary sexual traits in birds, could be regulated by steroid hormones.
DISTRIBUTION OF THE LYSOSOMAL ENZYME ARYL SULFATASE IN MURINE MAMMARY TISSUE THROUGH PREGNANCY, LACTATION, AND INVOLUTION

Mammary tissue from 44 primiparous mice at various stages of pregnancy, lactation, and involution were stained for aryl sulfatase (lysosomal marker enzyme) activity and prepared for electron microscopy. Stereological techniques were used to determine the distribution of lysosomes per unit of cytoplasmic area in mammary epithelial cells. The number of primary lysosomes (containing only enzyme) was stable throughout the study, except for a temporary increase following parturition. Secondary lysosomes (containing substrate undergoing active digestion) designated as either telolysosomes or dense bodies were more frequent in mammary epithelial cells from animals in the late involution and early pregnancy stages than in lactating animals. However, telolysosomes did increase temporarily at the onset of lactation and casein micelles were identified within secondary lysosomes throughout the lactation stage. The frequencies for endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus containing aryl sulfatase reaction product were highest in secretory cells, when these structures were predominant. Shifts in lysosomal populations throughout the study suggests that lysosomes may have an active role within the mammary epithelial cells during differentiation and secretion as well as during involution.
Cancer and humiliation: The "catch 22" of disease.

In the author's own words: I am a cancer patient involved in an agonizing struggle against disease. I decided to write about the humiliating aspects of cancer because I have experienced them firsthand. I know them all too well. I have incorporated my feelings about the humiliation of disease ... hoping they may help the reader better understand.
The scientific study of political leadership

This article presents a review of the book “The Scientific Study of Political Leadership,” by Glenn D. Paige.
Thermionic Power Generation from Reentry Vehicles

Theoretical and experimental analyses are presented which describe the operation and characteristics of a hypersonic plasma generator for reentry vehicles. In Section I, the principle of the generator operation is outlined, previous results are briefly reviewed, and supporting arc tunnel experimental data are included. In Section II, the ionization enhancement by nose cone cesium seeding of the flow field is analyzed with special attention given to the nonequilibrium chemical reaction between cesium atoms and ionized air species. Section III extends the results of the previous two sections to reentry applications using several typical ballistic and super-orbital reentry trajectories.
The American Achievement Ideology as Perceived by Urban African-American Students Explorations by Gender and Academic Program

A study was conducted to explore gender differences in the American achievement ideology among 148 gifted and nongifted African-American males and females in an urban school district. Also explored were the perceptions these students had regarding social, cultural, and psychological determinants of achievement and underachievement. Results did not indicate differential determinants of under-achievement by gender; however, statistically significant differences were found by academic program (gifted and nongifted). Gifted students expressed the greatest support for the achievement ideology. Implications are drawn and recommendations are offered for urban educators and those working with African-American children.
Some recent developments in finite element analysis

Abstract A survey of some recent results in the development of adaptive finite element software systems is presented. The points of view and terminology are those of an engineer-analyst and emphasis is on applications to structural stress analysis.
Radiative lifetimes in MoI using a novel atomic beam source

Abstract Radiative lifetimes of the 4d 5 (a 6 S)5pz 7 P o levels and the 4d 5 (a 6 S)5pz 5 P o levels in MoI are reported as follows: τ( z 7 P 4 O ) = 15.9 ns , τ( z 7 P 3 O ) = 17.0 ns , τ( z 7 P 2 O ) = 17.1 ns , τ( z 5 P 3 O ) = 22.3 ns , τ( z 5 P 2 O ) = 22.1 ns , and τ( z 5 P 1 O ) = 21.7 ns (±5%). The lifetimes are measured using time resolved laser induced fluorescence and a novel atomic beam source. This novel hollow cathode effusive beam source produces an intense beam of ground state Mo atoms and metastable Mo atoms. Our measurements on the z 7 P O levels are in agreement with earlier lifetime measurements. Our measurements on the z 5 P O levels are the first direct radiative lifetime measurements of these levels; the z 5 P O measurements are of particular interest because the a 5 S → z 5 P O multiplet is used to determine the solar abundance of Mo.
Growth, microstructure and electrical properties of sputter-deposited hafnium oxide (HfO2) thin films grown using a HfO2 ceramic target

Abstract Hafnium oxide (HfO2) thin films have been made by radio-frequency (rf) magnetron-sputtering onto Si(1 0 0) substrates under varying growth temperature (Ts). HfO2 ceramic target has been employed for sputtering while varying the Ts from room temperature to 500 °C during deposition. The effect of Ts on the growth and microstructure of deposited HfO2 films has been studied using grazing incidence X-ray diffraction (GIXRD), and high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (HR-SEM) coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS). The results indicate that the effect of Ts is significant on the growth, surface and interface structure, morphology and chemical composition of the HfO2 films. Structural characterization indicates that the HfO2 films grown at Ts 200 °C are nanocrystalline. An amorphous-to-crystalline transition occurs at Ts = 200 °C. Nanocrystalline HfO2 films crystallized in a monoclinic structure with a (−1 1 1) orientation. An interface layer (IL) formation occurs due to reaction at the HfO2–Si interface for HfO2 films deposited at Ts > 200 °C. The thickness of IL increases with increasing Ts. EDS at the HfO2–Si cross-section indicate that the IL is a (Hf, Si)–O compound. The electrical characterization using capacitance–voltage measurements indicate that the dielectric constant decreases from 25 to 16 with increasing Ts. The current–voltage characteristics indicate that the leakage current increases significantly with increasing Ts due to increased ILs.
QuizPower: a mobile app with app inventor and XAMPP service integration

This paper details the development of a mobile app for the Android operating system using MIT App Inventor language and development platform. The app, Quiz Power, provides students a way to study course material in an engaging and effective manner. At its current stage the app is intended strictly for use in a mobile app with App Inventor course, although it provides the facility to be adapted for other courses by simply changing the web data store. Development occurred during the spring semester of 2013. Students in the course played a vital role in providing feedback on course material, which would be the basis for the structure of the quiz as well as the questions. The significance of the project is the integration of the MIT App Inventor service with a web service implemented and managed by the department.
Competitive Interactions between Age-0 Bighead Carp and Paddlefish

Abstract The effects of bighead carp Hypophthalmichthys nobilis on native planktivores in the USA is unknown. The objectives of this study were to experimentally test for competitive interactions between age-0 bighead carp and age-0 paddlefish Polyodon spathula. Differences among water chemistry variables, invertebrate densities, and relative growth of fish were assessed in mesocosms. Water chemistry variables were similar among treatments throughout the experiment and only exhibited a temporal effect. Zooplankton density declined in mesocosms after fish were introduced. In general, zooplankton densities did not differ among treatments but did differ from the control. The relative growth of paddlefish was negative in the paddlefish and paddlefish–bighead carp treatments. The relative growth of bighead carp was negative in the bighead carp treatment but positive in the paddlefish–bighead carp treatment. Age-0 paddlefish exhibited the greatest decrease in relative growth in mesocosms with bighead carp. Bigh...
Submillimetre-wavelength measurement of solar radiation.

The results are given of a preliminary analysis of the data obtained from the measurement of the submillimetre-wave length solar radiation at Kitt Peak Observatory using an interference spectrometer which was built at The Ohio State University Antenna Laboratory.
Reduced nicotine product standards for combustible tobacco: building an empirical basis for effective regulation.

Introduction Both the Tobacco Control Act in the U.S. and Article 9 of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control enable governments to directly address the addictiveness of combustible tobacco by reducing nicotine through product standards. Although nicotine may have some harmful effects, the detrimental health effects of smoked tobacco are primarily due to non-nicotine constituents. Hence, the health effects of nicotine reduction would likely be determined by changes in behavior that result in changes in smoke exposure.
Clash of resource use regimes in Colonial Assam: A nineteenth‐century puzzle revisited

In the nineteenth‐century the British colonial government in Assam tried to change the land titles of Assamese peasants from annual leases to decennial leases. But Assamese peasants mostly abandoned their claim to their land after a single harvest. The peasants’ behaviour gives a clue to the impact of the colonial land settlement project whose major effect was to eliminate the access of shifting cultivators and hunter‐gatherers of the Brahmaputra Valley and the surrounding hills to most natural resources. The major beneficiary of land settlement were the tea planters. The behaviour of the Assamese peasant reflected the habits formed by the old resource use regime.
Synthesis and proton nuclear magnetic resonance studies on divinyl- and methylvinylcadmium and methylvinylmercury

Abstract Divinylcadmium was synthesized by group exchange between Hg (CHCH 2 ) 2 and Cd(CH 3 ) 2 . Pure divinylcadmium is a colorless, crystalline solid which can be sublimed under high vacuum. It is soluble in ethers but is sparcely soluble in hydrocarbons. The proton NMR spectra of ether and hydrocarbon solutions of Cd(CHCH 2 ) 2 do not show 111 Cd or 113 Cd coupling. This has been interpreted as indicating rapid vinyl group exchange. Investigation of mixtures of Cd(CHCH 2 ) 2 /Cd(CH 3 ) 2 show slow methyl group exchange between Cd(CHCH 2 )(CH 3 ) and Cd(CH 3 ) 2 , while vinyl group exchange appears to remain rapid since no CdH coupling is observed.
A theory of belief for scientific refutations

A probability function \(\mathbb{P}\) on an algebra of events is assumed. Some of the events are scientific refutations in the sense that the assumption of their occurrence leads to a contradiction. It is shown that the scientific refutations form a a boolean sublattice in terms of the subset ordering. In general, the restriction of \(\mathbb{P}\) to the sublattice is not a probability function on the sublattice. It does, however, have many interesting properties. In particular, (i) it captures probabilistic ideas inherent in some legal procedures; and (ii) it is used to argue against the commonly held view that behavioral violations of certain basic conditions for qualitative probability are indicative of irrationality. Also discussed are (iii) the relationship between the formal development of scientific refutations presented here and intuitionistic logic, and (iv) an interpretation of a belief function used in the behavioral sciences to explain empirical results about subjective, probabilistic estimation, including the Ellsberg paradox.
Pertussis toxin blocks a late inhibitory postsynaptic potential in hippocampal CA3 neurons

These experiments show that a synaptic response, namely the late inhibitory postsynaptic potential (IPSP) of hippocampal CA3 neurons of rats, is blocked by pertussis toxin, an inactivator of several GTP-binding proteins (G-proteins) excluding the G-protein that stimulates adenylyl cyclase. This blockade occurred without a similar effect upon either the mossy fiber-evoked EPSP or the early (GABAa-mediated) IPSP. The toxin also blocked the response to baclofen, an agonist for a putative receptor (GABAb) mediating the late IPSP, but did not affect the response to THIP, an agonist for the receptor (GABAa) mediating the early IPSP. It is proposed that a pertussis toxin-sensitive G-protein controls the conductance of the late IPSP.
Kemetic Orthodoxy: Ancient Egyptian Religion on the Internet — A Research Note

In a recent essay, Dawson (2000) has called for empirical studies of religion in cyberspace. This article contributes one case study toward this larger project, an examination of Kemetic Orthodoxy, an Egyptian revival religion that has developed a following largely through communication on the Internet. Most of the people who become members of Kemetic Orthodoxy learn about this faith, meet other believers, convert and worship online. As Dawson (1998) expects of religious compatible with the Internet, Kemetic Orthodoxy is monistic, tolerant, organizationally open, and experientially oriented, but contrary to his expectations, Kemetic Orthodoxy is based on ritual authority and stresses tradition more than individualism. Like Wicca, Kemetic Orthodoxy is a religion of late modernity
In vitro electroporation of the lower rhombic lip of midgestation mouse embryos.

The rhombic lip is an embryonic neuroepithelium located in the hindbrain at the junction between the neural tube and the roofplate of the fourth ventricle (reviewed in 1). The rhombic lip can be subdivided into the upper rhombic lip (URL) which encompasses rhombomere 1 (r1) and generates neurons of the cerebellum and the lower rhombic lip (LRL) which gives rise to diverse neuronal brainstem lineages 2-4. LRL derivatives include the auditory neurons of the cochlear nuclei and those of the precerebellar nuclei that are involved in regulating balance and motor control 5-8. Neurogenesis from the LRL occurs over a large temporal window that encompasses embryonic days (E) 9.5-16.55, 9. Different neuronal lineages emerge from the LRL as postmitotic cells (or are born) during distinct developmental days during this neurogenic window. Electroporation of gene expression constructs can be used to manipulate gene expression in LRL progenitors and can potentially change the fate of the neurons produced from this region 10-12. Altering gene expression of LRL progenitors in the mouse via in utero electroporation has been highly successful for manipulating lineages born on embryonic day E12.5 or later 10, 12-14. In utero electroporations prior to E12.5 have been unsuccessful primarily due to the lethality associated with puncturing the fourth ventricle roofplate, a necessary step in delivering exogenous DNA that is electroporated into the LRL. However, many LRL derived lineages arise from the LRL earlier than E12.5 9. These earlier born lineages include the neurons that comprise the lateral reticular, external cuneate, and inferior olivary nuclei of the precerebellar system which function to connect inputs from the spinal cord and cortex to the cerebellum 5. In order to manipulate expression in the LRL of embryos younger than E12.5, we developed an in vitro system in which embryos are placed into culture following electroporation. This study presents an efficient and effective method for manipulating the gene expression of LRL progenitors at E11.5. Embryos electroporated with green fluorescent protein (GFP) driven from the broadly active CAG promoter reproducibly expressed GFP after 24 hours of culture. A critical aspect of this assay is that gene expression is only altered because of the expression of the exogenous gene and not because of secondary effects that result from the electroporation and culturing techniques. It was determined that the endogenous gene expression patterns remain undisturbed in electroporated and cultured embryos. This assay can be utilized to alter the fate of cells emerging from the LRL of embryos younger than E12.5 through the introduction of plasmids for overexpression or knock down (through RNAi) of different pro-neural transcription factors.
Gross Anatomy Forums: Synthesizing, Assimilating, and Applying Clinical Anatomy

One of the most challenging learning issues medical students face is connecting basic science content with clinical significance, especially early in the curriculum. To facilitate students in the process of learning to use anatomical knowledge in a clinically useful way, we have introduced a number of forum sessions (FS) into the anatomy curriculum. Each FS is centered around 12–20 clinical scenarios with follow-up questions. Students are asked to construct answers to the questions. During the FS, students are called upon to present their responses. Survey results suggest that students find the forum sessions to be a valuable resource.
Assessment of species Limits Among YeLLow-breAsted meAdowLArks (Sturnella spp.) Using mitochondriAL And sex-Linked mArkers

Abstract The yellow-breasted meadowlarks have endured more than a century of debate over species limits and patterns of diversity, ending with the current recognition of two species, the Eastern and Western meadowlarks (Sturnella magna and S. neglecta), by most authorities. Recently, it has been suggested that a form of the Eastern Meadowlark from the desert Southwest of the United States and northern Mexico is a distinct taxon, Lilian's Meadowlark (S. lilianae). We gathered sequence data from the mitochondrial genes cytochrome b and ND2 and from an intron of the sex-linked gene aconitase 1, from samples of all three forms from across their ranges. By genealogical concordance, these data strongly support the existence of three differentiated, historically isolated lineages. We recommend species recognition for S. lilianae (including the Mexican form auropectoralis), and note that its distributional limits in Mexico require clarification. Finally, we note that Z-linked nuclear markers may be particularly u...
Outcomes after cardiac arrest in an adult burn center.

Abstract Objective Adult burn patients who experience in-hospital cardiac arrest (CA) and undergo cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) represent a unique patient population. We believe that they tend to be younger and have the added burden of the burn injury compared to other populations. Our objective was to determine the incidence, causes and outcomes following cardiac arrest (CA) and cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) within this population. Methods We conducted a retrospective review at the US Army Institute of Surgical Research (ISR) burn intensive care unit (BICU). Charts from 1st January 2000 through 31st August 2009 were reviewed for study. Data were collected all on adult burn patients who experienced in-hospital CA and CPR either in the BICU or associated burn operating room. Patients undergoing CPR elsewhere in our burn unit were excluded because we could not validate the time of CA since they are not routinely monitored with real-time rhythm strips. The study population included civilian burn patients from the local catchment area and burn casualties from the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, but patients with do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders were excluded. Results We found 57 burn patients who had in-hospital CA and CPR yielding an incidence of one or more in-hospital CA of 34 per 1000 admissions (0.34%). Fourteen of these patients (25%) survived to discharge while 43 (75%) died. The most common initial cardiac rhythm was pulseless electrical activity (50.9%). The most common etiology of CA among burn patients was respiratory failure (49.1%). The most significant variable affecting survival to discharge was duration of CPR ( P Conclusions CPR in burn patients is sometimes effective, and those patients who survive are likely to have good neurological outcomes. However, prolonged CPR times are unlikely to result in return of spontaneous circulation and may be considered futile. Further, those who experience multiple CA are unlikely to survive to discharge.
Organization of macroalgal assemblages in the Northeast Pacific: the assumption of homogeneity and the illusion of generality

Evidence for the geographic generality of the causes of intertidal zonation and the indirect effects of a ‘keystone’ predator, the sea otter, on subtidal kelp assemblages was examined. Most research on intertidal algal assemblages has been done at a few protected sites where zonation is distinct. Surveys of wave-exposed intertidal sites in central and northern California show that assemblage structure is highly variable. This indicates that our present understanding of assemblage organization, including the effects of mussel-algal interactions, may not be widely applicable. Surveys of kelp forest habitat along the entire coast of California suggest that deforestation by sea urchins is uncommon in the absence of sea otters. These examples indicate that the generality of commonly accepted causes of algal assemblage structure in the Northeast Pacific may be an illusion based on assumptions of environmental homogeneity.
Cooperative Teaching A Model for General and Special Education Integration

A variety of social and educational forces are resulting in significant changes in the traditionally dichotomous relationship between general and special education. One service delivery model that may be especially useful for reducing the gap between the two delivery systems is cooperative teaching, in which general and special educators work in a systematic and coordinated fashion in educationally integrated settings. This article describes cooperative teaching and outlines various arrangements through which it might be implemented.
Subsonic propagation of a crack parallel to the boundary of a half-plane

A two-dimensional steady-state model problem on a half-plane with a semi-infinite crack propagating at constant speed parallel to the boundary of the half-plane is considered. The crack faces are subjected to normal and tangential loads, while the boundary of the half-plane is free of traction. The problem is formulated as an order-2 vector Riemann-Hilbert problem and then reduced to a system of singular integral equations in a semi-infinite segment with respect to the derivatives of the displacement jumps. The solution to the system of integral equations is represented in a series form in terms of an orthonormal basis of the associated Hilbert space, the orthonormal Jacobi polynomials. The coefficients of the expansions solve an infinite system of linear algebraic equations of the second kind. The stress intensity factors and the weight functions are determined and computed. The Griffith energy criterion is applied to derive a crack growth criterion in terms of the KI -a ndKII-stress intensity factors, the crack speed, the shear and dilatational waves speeds and the Griffith material constant.
Randomized load balancing for tree-structured computation

Studies the performance of a randomized algorithm for balancing load across a multiprocessor executing a dynamic irregular task tree. Specifically, we show that the time taken to explore a task tree is likely to be within a small constant factor of an inherent lower bound for the tree instance. Our model permits arbitrary task times and overlap between computation and load balance, and thus extends earlier work (R.M. Karp and Y. Zhang, 1988) which assumed fixed cost tasks and used a bulk synchronous style in which the system alternated between distinct computing and load balancing steps. Our analysis is supported by experiments with application codes, demonstrating that the efficiency is high enough to make this method practical. >
Do the designated drivers of college students stay sober

Problem: By numerous accounts, alcohol abuse is considered the number one drug problem facing young people today. Alcohol consumption and its negative consequences, especially those due to drinking and driving, continue to have devastating effects on the college student population. Method: This field study examined the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels of male and female designated drivers (DD), non-DD, and their respective passengers as they were leaving drinking establishments in a university town. Also investigated were the effects of group size and gender on DD use. Results: A 2 Gender2 Driver type (DD vs. non-DD) analysis of variance (ANOVA) for BAC indicated significant main effects for Gender and Driver type, with higher BAC for men and non-DD (p’s<.001). A significant GenderDriver type interaction (p<.05) was primarily due to female DD having lower BAC than male DD. In addition, larger groups were more likely to have a DD. Impact on Industry: Results indicate that the success of DD programs may be influenced by group size and a DD’s gender. While larger groups are more likely to have a DD, students riding home with a male DD may still be at risk for the negative consequences of drunk driving. D 2003 National Safety Council and Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Perceptions of and Preferences for Skin Color, Black Racial Identity, and Self‐Esteem Among African Americans

The purpose of the present study was to examine the role of skin color (i.e., lightnessdarkness), as it pertains to racial identity development theory and self-esteem among 113 African American college students of various skin colors. Findings revealed that the sample preferred skin color of a medium tone, rather than exhibiting self-preference for either lighter or darker skin tones. There was also a significant relationship between one’s perceptions of and preferences for his or her skin color and the skin tones idealized by others (e.g., opposite gender, family). Lighter skin color was positively related to higher levels of racial identity attitudes (immersion/emersion); the more satisfied darker skinned individuals were with their skin color, the lower their self-esteem, and gender differences existed in perceptions of others’ preferences for skin color. Implications of this study for providing therapeutic clinical services and fostering the healthy psychological development of African American men, women, and children are discussed.
Breast cancer detection based on ultrasound B-scan texture analysis and patient age information

We apply the fractional differencing autoregressive moving average (FARMA) model for ultrasonic breast tissue characterization using RF echo signals. We present estimation techniques to extract the model parameters, namely features, for classification purposes and tissue characterization. Along with the model parameters, we use patient age information as an additional feature to improve ROC results. We evaluate the performance of the proposed method using in vivo ultrasound breast images with benign and malignant tumors.
The relationship between suicidal thinking and dating violence in a sample of adolescent abortion patients.

Background: The relationship between suicidal thinking and adolescent dating violence has not been previously explored in a sample of adolescent abortion patients. Aims: This paper highlights a study where the relationship between dating violence and severity of suicidal thinking was examined in a sample of 120 young women ages 14-21 seeking to terminate an unintended pregnancy. Methods: The Multidimensional Adolescent Assessment Scale and the Conflict in Adolescent Relationships Scale was used to gather information about psychosocial problems and dating violence so that the relationship between the two problems could be examined, while controlling for the other psychosocial problems. Results: The results suggest that dating violence was related to severity of suicidal thinking, and that the magnitude of this relationship was moderated by the severity of problems with aggression. Conclusions: Specifically, as the severity of participant's general problems with aggression increased, the magnitude of the relationship between dating violence and severity of suicidal thinking increased. Limitations of the study and implications for practice are discussed.
Innate Immunity and Inflammatory Response to Trichomonas vaginalis and Bacterial Vaginosis: Relationship to HIV Acquisition

Most women contract HIV-1 through sexual intercourse with an infected partner. Highly prevalent, unreported and often asymptomatic lower genital tract infections, including bacterial vaginosis (BV) and trichomoniasis (Trichomonas vaginalis- TV), increase a woman's susceptibility to HIV-1 genital infection, given an exposure. A review of the literature from 1989 to the present was conducted. This article will review potential mechanisms by which BV and TV serve as HIV-1-enhancing cofactors including (i) initiation of a clinical or subclinical mucosal inflammatory response, (ii) alteration of innate mucosal immunity, (iii) alteration of normal vaginal microflora and pH, and (iv) weakening or breach of intact cervico-vaginal mucosa. The transmission of HIV-1, in the absence of cofactors, is poorly efficient. Understanding the mechanisms by which these infections enhance HIV-1 acquisition is important to designing effective, safe and evidence-based prevention modalities.
The Effect of Reporting Procedure on the Stabilized Retinal Image

Summary Using Pritchard's technique, the frequency and duration of total disappearance of stabilized images were compared using two reporting procedures: i.e., (a) a running commentary and (b) only “off” or “on.” Two target figures were employed: a simple triangle and a five-by-five grid of squares. The incidence and duration of complete disappearance was (a) less with the commentary than with the off-on procedure and (b) less with the grid than with the triangle. Hypotheses to account for the differences are discussed.
Functional tricuspid regurgitation and right ventricular dysfunction in pulmonary hypertension.

Abstract This study examined the effects of tricuspid regurgitation (TR) on the relation between right ventricular (RV) ejection fraction and mean pulmonary pressure. The significant inverse relation between RV ejection fraction and pulmonary artery pressure for the entire group (n = 95, r = −0.38, p
Soil chemical and microbiological properties in hay production systems: residual effects of contrasting N fertilization of swine lagoon effluent versus ammonium nitrate

This study characterized soil chemical and microbiological properties in hay production systems that received from 0 to 600 kg plant-available N (PAN) ha−1 year−1 from either swine lagoon effluent (SLE) or ammonium nitrate (AN) from 1999 to 2001. The forage systems contained plots planted with bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon L.) or endophyte-free tall fescue (Festuca arundinaceae Schreb.). In March 2004, the plots were sampled for measurements of a suite of soil chemical and microbiological properties. Nitrogen fertilization rates were significantly correlated with soil pH and K2SO4-extractable soil C but not with total soil C, soil C/N ratio, electrical conductivity, or Mehlich-3-extractable nutrients. Soil supplied with SLE had significantly lower Mehlich-3-extractable nutrients than the soil supplied with AN. Two indicators of soil N-supplying capacity (potentially mineralizable N and amino sugar N) varied with plant species and the type of N fertilizer. However, they generally peaked at an application rate of 200 or 400 kg PAN ha−1 year−1. Soil microbial biomass C also peaked at an application rate of 200 or 400 kg PAN ha−1 year−1. Nitrification potential was significantly higher in soil supplied with AN than in the unfertilized control but was similar between SLE-fertilized and unfertilized soils. Our results indicated that an application rate as high as 600 kg PAN ha−1 year−1 did not benefit soil microbial biomass, microbial activity, and N transformation processes in these forage systems.
Software synthesis of process-based concurrent programs

We present a Petri net theoretic approach to the software synthesis problem that can synthesize ordinary C programs from process-based concurrent specifications without the need for a run-time multi-threading environment. The synthesized C programs can be readily retargeted to different processors using available optimizing C compilers. Our compiler can also generate sequential Java programs as output, which can also be readily mapped to a target processor without the need for a multi-threading environment. Initial results demonstrate significant potentials for improvements over current run-time solutions.
Empirical study of IEEE 802.15.4 mutual interference issues

IEEE 802.15.4 is an emerging standard developed for applications demanding low power, low data rates and functioning within a short range in the 2.4 GHz industrial scientific and medical band. It finds its application in residential, commercial and industrial, sensing, automation and control. With its ability to support a variety of applications, it is possible for there to be collocated and uncoordinated IEEE 802.15.4 networks. Since these devices are not coordinated, they may interfere with each other's operational performance. The research presented in this paper examines the impact of collocated IEEE 802.15.4 devices on each other by observing the effect of the interfering device on the desired device in terms of packet error rate. Coexistence between these devices is said to be impaired if an overlap between the packets causes a desired packet to be received in error or to be lost. The packet error rate is an important measures of performance (MoP) which is computed based on the packet overlap factor. The relationship of packet error rate with signal to interference ratio and effect of frequency offset are presented.
Applicant Quality: Exploring the Differences Between Organizational and Third-Party Websites

Few studies have assessed the differences between organizational and third-party websites, especially with regards to applicant quality. Organizational websites are hypothesized to bring in higher quality applicants than third-party websites because of the amount of organization-specific information they contain. This study assesses perceived differences between web recruitment sources in applicant quality using a convenience sample of resumes from job applicants from a midsize company. Resumes were rated by human resource personnel in terms of applicant quality. The organizational website contained higher quality applicants on average compared to four third-party website sources.
Test-first Java concurrency for the classroom

Concurrent programming is becoming more important due to the growing dominance of multi-core processors and the prevalence of graphical user interfaces (GUIs). To prepare students for the concurrent future, instructors have begun to address concurrency earlier in their curricula. Unfortunately, test-driven development, which enables students and practitioners to quickly develop reliable single-threaded programs, is not as effective in the domain of concurrent programming. This paper describes how ConcJUnit can simplify the task of writing unit tests for multi-threaded programs, and provides examples that can be used to introduce students to concurrent programming.
Extensible Pre-authentication Kerberos

Kerberos is a well-established authentication system. As new authentication methods arise, incorporating them into Kerberos is desirable. However, extending Kerberos poses challenges due to a lack of source code availability for some implementations and a lengthy standardization process. This paper presents Extensible Pre-Authentication in Kerberos (EPAK), a Kerberos extension that enables many authentication methods to be loosely coupled with Kerberos, without further modification to Kerberos. To demonstrate the utility of the framework, two authentication methods for open systems are presented that have been implemented as Kerberos extensions using EPAK. These extensions illustrate the flexibility EPAK brings to Kerberos while maintaining backwards compatibility.
Enzymatic AND-gate based on electrode-immobilized glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase: Towards digital biosensors and biochemical logic systems with low noise

Electrode-immobilized glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase is used to catalyze an enzymatic reaction which carries out the AND logic gate. This logic function is considered here in the context of biocatalytic processes utilized for the biocomputing applications for "digital" (threshold) sensing/actuation. We outline the response functions desirable for such applications and report the first experimental realization of a sigmoid-shape response in one of the inputs. A kinetic model is developed and utilized to evaluate the extent to which the experimentally realized gate is close to optimal.
The Golden Metwand': The Measure of Justice in Shakespeare's Measure for Measure

Measure for Measure, one of Shakespeare's problem plays, is a dark comedy depicting Duke Vincentio's effort to restore respect for the law after a period of lax enforcement. Peopled with a wide variety of law-enforcers and law-breakers, the play implicates numerous legal issues and has consequently attracted the attention of lawyers and judges. In the eighteenth century Sir William Blackstone contributed notes on the play, while in the twentieth century judges have quoted from it in their judicial opinions. Like all good legal dramas, Measure for Measure ends with a trial scene, but - as we would expect from Shakespeare - one with an unusual twist. When charges of corruption are brought against Angelo, the deputy appointed to enforce the law, the Duke orders an immediate trial: Come, cousin Angelo / In this I'll be impartial; be you judge / Of your own cause. When the deputy's guilt is disclosed, the Duke commands that he suffer the punishment he intended for others - measure for measure, putting the Bible-conscious play-goer in mind of the passage: Judge not, that ye be not judged. / For with what judgement ye judge, ye shall be judged, and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you againe. By ordering Angelo to be the judge of his own cause, the Duke is inviting the deputy to measure out his own punishment. And Shakespeare is forcing us all to confront the difficulty of doing earthly justice.
Lawyers are Professional Writers

When you became a lawyer, you became a professional writer -- paid to produce high-level written work. This piece makes that point and suggests ways lawyers can behave like professional writers.
Abstract 498: A Single Nucleotide Polymorphism in the CDKN1B Gene is Associated With Carotid Plaque Progression

Objective: Studies suggest that a SNP in the promoter region of the CDKN1B gene (-838 C>A; rs36228499), a cell cycle inhibitor, may be associated with decreased vascular SMC proliferation and increased risk of MI. Our objective was to test the hypothesis that the -838A allele is associated with decreased carotid plaque progression. Methods: 214 AIM-HIGH participants underwent annual carotid MRI over 2 years using a standardized protocol. Images were analyzed by Core Lab reviewers blinded to the genotyping results. Plaques with ulceration or hemorrhage were excluded as these local features may contribute excess variability or override genotype. Changes in wall thickness (WT) and lumen, wall, fibrous tissue and total vessel volumes were measured. Associations between number of A alleles and remodeling patterns were tested using linear regression. Results: Of the 214 subjects, 161 had suitable MRI and genotype data available for analysis. There was a significant trend toward less growth (more regression) in ...
Patient Reported Outcomes at the Crossroads of Clinical Research and Informatics

Patient reported outcomes (PROs) provide a new dimension of patient narrative to clinical care. PROs are structured representations of the PROs patient's voice that appeal to clinical values of aut...
Sonographic Detection of Cervical Carcinoma With Metastases

Cervical cancer is not considered to be a highly prevalent carcinoma, as there are more cases of pre-cancer detected than invasive cases. It is also on the decline due to the use of routine Papanic...
“Personal Preference” as the New Racism Gay Desire and Racial Cleansing in Cyberspace

In this article, I examine how race impacts online interactions on one of the most popular online gay personal websites in the United States. Based on 15 in-depth interviews and an analysis of 100 ...