cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Community Resources and School Performance: The Northern Cheyenne Case

This research investigates the school performance of Indian students on the Northern Cheyenne reservation using both quantitative and qualitative data. Understanding influences on school performance is important since previous research established its impact on dropout behavior. Statistical analyses assess the relative effects of students' residence in reservation communities, the type of schools students attend (public. Catholic, or tribal), gender, family characteristics, and school experience variables. Findings reveal the importance of students' community residence for explaining performance levels at the two Indian schools, the tribally controlled and Catholic schools, and school experiences for understanding performance of the non-Indian public school students. Qualitative data on contextual factors for communities and schools help to explain how community characteristics such as population size, community access to the school, support for education, and traditional culture interact with the specific schools serving the community. This research suggests that contrary to conventional analyses of American Indian assimilation, the traditional culture, social resources, and interaction patterns of students' communities can have positive effects on students' schooling outcomes.
On multiple surface-plasmon-polariton waves guided by the interface of a metal film and a rugate filter in the Kretschmann configuration

Abstract The excitation of multiple surface-plasmon-polariton (SPP) waves—of different linear polarization states, phase speeds and spatial profiles—guided by the interface of a metal film and a rugate filter in the Kretschmann configuration was investigated. A plane wave of either of the two linear polarization states was made incident on the metal-capped rugate filter of finite thickness and the absorptances were calculated using a stable algorithm. The excitation of SPP waves was inferred by the presence of those peaks in the absorptance curves that were independent of the thickness of the rugate filter. The absorptance peaks representing the excitation of s-polarized SPP waves are narrower than those representing p -polarized SPP waves. For efficient excitation of multiple SPP waves, the metal film's thickness should be close to the penetration depth of the metal. The solution of a canonical boundary-value problem of SPP-wave propagation guided by a metal film, with a semi-infinite homogeneous dielectric material on one side and a semi-infinite rugate filter on the other side, reinforced the results obtained for the Kretschmann configuration. The thin metal film in the Kretschmann configuration may lead to coupling of its two interfaces.
Structural rearrangements in the membrane penetration protein of a non-enveloped virus

Non-enveloped virus particles (those that lack a lipid-bilayer membrane) must breach the membrane of a target host cell to gain access to its cytoplasm. So far, the molecular mechanism of this membrane penetration step has resisted structural analysis. The spike protein VP4 is a principal component in the entry apparatus of rotavirus, a non-enveloped virus that causes gastroenteritis and kills 440,000 children each year. Trypsin cleavage of VP4 primes the virus for entry by triggering a rearrangement that rigidifies the VP4 spikes. We have determined the crystal structure, at 3.2 A resolution, of the main part of VP4 that projects from the virion. The crystal structure reveals a coiled-coil stabilized trimer. Comparison of this structure with the two-fold clustered VP4 spikes in a approximately 12 A resolution image reconstruction from electron cryomicroscopy of trypsin-primed virions shows that VP4 also undergoes a second rearrangement, in which the oligomer reorganizes and each subunit folds back on itself, translocating a potential membrane-interaction peptide from one end of the spike to the other. This rearrangement resembles the conformational transitions of membrane fusion proteins of enveloped viruses.
The Mdm Network and Its Regulation of p53 Activities: A Rheostat of Cancer Risk

The potent transcriptional activity of p53 (Trp53, TP53) must be kept in check for normal cell growth and survival. Tumors, which drastically deviate from these parameters, have evolved multiple mechanisms to inactivate TP53, the most prevalent of which is the emergence of TP53 missense mutations, some of which have gain-of-function activities. Another important mechanism by which tumors bypass TP53 functions is via increased levels of two TP53 inhibitors, MDM2, and MDM4. Studies in humans and in mice reveal the complexity of TP53 regulation and the exquisite sensitivity of this pathway to small changes in regulation. Here, we summarize the factors that impinge on TP53 activity and thus cell death/arrest or tumor development.
Kelp versus coralline: cellular basis for mechanical strength in the wave-swept seaweed Calliarthron (Corallinaceae, Rhodophyta)1

Previous biomechanical studies of wave-swept macroalgae have revealed a trade-off in growth strategies to resist breakage in the intertidal zone: growing in girth versus growing strong tissues. Brown macroalgae, such as kelps, grow thick stipes but have weak tissues, while red macroalgae grow slender thalli but have much stronger tissues. For example, genicular tissue in the articulated coralline Calliarthron cheilosporioides Manza is more than an order of magnitude stronger than some kelp tissues, but genicula rarely exceed 1 mm in diameter. The great tissue strength of Calliarthron genicula results, at least in part, from a lifelong strengthening process. Here, a histological analysis is presented to explore the cellular basis for mechanical strengthening in Calliarthron genicula. Genicula are composed of thousands of fiber-like cells, whose cell walls thicken over time. Thickening of constitutive cell walls likely explains why older genicula have stronger tissues: a mature geniculum may be >50% cell wall. However, the material strength of genicular cell wall is similar to the strength of cell wall from a freshwater green alga, suggesting that it may be the quantity—not the quality—of cell wall material that gives genicular tissue its strength. Apparent differences in tissue strength across algal taxa may be a consequence of tissue construction rather than material composition.
The substrate specificity of alkaline phosphatase of rat kidney.

Abstract In disagreement with the interpretation of previous histochemical findings, in vitro studies indicate that the alkaline phosphatases of rat kidney are not substrate specific. Kinetic analysis of the activity of phosphatase ( A ) supports the conclusion that the same enzyme attacks fructose 6-phosphate, Na β-glycerophosphate and phenyl phosphate. Phosphatase ( B ) attacks the aromatic phosphate ester as well as the polyglycol monophosphate esters. There is no evidence for a specific enzyme, distinct from phosphatases ( A ) and ( B ), which attacks aromatic esters. Possible reasons for the disparity between the results of this study and of previous histochemical studies are discussed. The need for caution in kinetic arguments concerning the unity or multiplicity of enzymes attacking the same substrate is emphasized.
Diet-induced obesity attenuates anticipation of food access in rats

Abstract Rats were housed in hanging cages and given ad lib access to food (control), ≈20 g food/day (lean), or a palatable high-fat diet (fat). After body weights diverged, rats were transferred to activity wheels. When food access was reduced to 2 h/day, all control and lean rats displayed anticipatory activity (AA), while only two of eight fat rats anticipated the meals. Baseline activity levels and nonanticipatory wheel running were only marginally reduced in fat rats. In a second experiment, conducted entirely in activity wheels, rats were maintained on curtailed food or a high-fat diet until body weights diverged. Food access was then reduced to 2 h/day and the diets were reversed. Lean rats given restricted access to the hight-fat diet gained weight and four of eight rats showed AA. Fat rats switched to chow lost weight and all eight rats displayed AA. The results indicate that body weight changes induced by diet manipulations result in a striking and rather selective reduction in the anticipation of daily meals. This effect is ascribed to a modulation of the output of a circadian pacemaker that entrains running-wheel activity to daily meals.
Insights Into Parturition Biology From Genetically Altered Mice

With the growing frequency of preterm birth, increased effort has been made to elucidate the physiology of normal and aberrant parturition. As with many developmental processes, the study of genetically altered mice has led to an increased understanding of mechanisms controlling the maintenance and resolution of pregnancy. Studies in genetically altered mice have implicated critical roles for both prostaglandin synthesis and degradation in luteolysis and the progression of labor. The importance of local modulation of progesterone activity to cervical ripening has also been demonstrated. Although a decline in levels of serum progesterone is a part of normal labor initiation in mice but not humans, murine labor without progesterone withdrawal has been reported in some cases. These findings emphasize the importance of other components of the parturition cascade that are shared in mice and humans and highlights the importance of an increased understanding of the physiology of mouse parturition.
Common Variants in the CD36 Gene Are Associated With Oral Fat Perception, Fat Preferences, and Obesity in African Americans

Animal studies show that CD36, a fatty acid translocase, is involved in fat detection and preference, but these findings have not been reported in humans. The objective of this study was to determine whether human genetic variation in 5 common CD36 polymorphisms is associated with oral fat perception of Italian salad dressings, self-reported acceptance of high-fat foods and obesity in African-American adults (n = 317). Ratings of perceived oiliness, fat content, and creaminess were assessed on a 170-mm visual analogue scale (VAS) in response to salad dressings that were 5%, 35%, and 55% fat-by-weight content. Acceptance of added fats and oils and high-fat foods was self-reported and anthropometric measures were taken in the laboratory. DNA was isolated from saliva and genotyped at 5 CD36 polymorphisms. Three polymorphisms, rs1761667, rs3840546, and rs1527483 were associated with the outcomes. Participants with the A/A genotype at rs1761667 reported greater perceived creaminess, regardless of the fat concentration of the salad dressings (P < 0.01) and higher mean acceptance of added fats and oils (P = 0.02) compared to those with other genotypes at this site. Individuals who had C/T or T/T genotypes at rs1527483 also perceived greater fat content in the salad dressings, independent of fat concentration (P = 0.03). BMI and waist circumference were higher in participants who were homozygous for a deletion (D/D) at rs3840546, compared to I/D or D/D individuals (P < 0.001), but only 2 D/D individuals were tested, so this finding needs replication. This is the first study to demonstrate an association between common variants in CD36 and fat ingestive behaviors in humans.
Land-Use History as Long-Term Broad-Scale Disturbance: Regional Forest Dynamics in Central New England

Human land-use activities differ from natural disturbance processes and may elicit novel biotic responses and disrupt existing biotic-environmental relationships. The widespread prevalence of land use requires that human activity be addressed as a fundamental ecological process and that lessons from investigations of land-use history be applied to landscape conservation and management. Changes in the intensity of land use and extent of forest cover in New England over the past 3 centuries provide the opportunity to evaluate the nature of forest response and reorganization to such broad-scale disturbance. Using a range of archival data and modern studies, we assessed historical changes in forest vegetation and land use from the Colonial period (early 17th century) to the present across a 5000 km2 area in central Massachusetts in order to evaluate the effects of this novel disturbance regime on the structure, composition, and pattern of vegetation and its relationship to regional climatic gradients. At the time of European settlement, the distribution of tree taxa and forest assemblages showed pronounced regional variation and corresponded strongly to climate gradients, especially variation in growing degree days. The dominance of hemlock and northern hardwoods (maple, beech, and birch) in the cooler Central Uplands and oak and hickory at lower elevations in the Connecticut Valley and Eastern Lowlands is consistent with the regional distribution of these taxa and suggests a strong climatic control over broad-scale vegetation patterns. We infer from historical and paleoecological data that intensive natural or aboriginal disturbance was minimal in the Uplands, whereas infrequent surface fires in the Lowlands may have helped to maintain the abundance of central hardwoods and to restrict the abundance of hemlock, beech, and sugar maple in these areas. The modern vegetation is compositionally distinct from Colonial vegetation, exhibits less regional variation in the distribution of tree taxa or forest assemblages defined by tree taxa, and shows little relationship to broad climatic gradients. The homogenization of the vegetation, disruption of vegetation-environment relationships, and formation of new assemblages appear to be the result of (a) a massive, novel disturbance regime; (b) ongoing low-intensity human and natural disturbance throughout the reforestation period to the present; (c) permanent changes in some aspects of the biotic and abiotic environment; and (d) a relatively short period for forest recovery (100–150 years). These factors have maintained the regional abundance of shade intolerant and moderately tolerant taxa (for example, birch, red maple, oak, and pine) and restricted the spread and increase of shade-tolerant, long-lived taxa such as hemlock and beech. These results raise the possibility that historical land use has similarly altered vegetation-environment relationships across broader geographic regions and should be considered in all contemporary studies of global change.
Altered Hox expression and segmental identity in Mll -mutant mice

THE mixed-lineage leukaemia gene (MLL/HRX/ALL-1) is disrupted by chromosomal translocation in human acute leukaemias that often display mixed lymphoid–myeloid phenotypes and present in infancy1–4. MLL possesses a highly conserved SET domain also found in Drosophila trithorax (trx) and Polycomb group (Pc-G) genes, which are known to regulate homeotic genes (HOM-C) in a positive or negative fashion, respectively5. Mll was targeted in mice by homologous recombination in embryonic stem (ES) cells to assess its role in pattern development. Mll heterozygous (+/−) mice had retarded growth, displayed haematopoietic abnormalities, and demonstrated bidirectional homeotic transformations of the axial skeleton as well as sternal malformations. Mll deficiency (−/−) was embryonic lethal. Anterior boundaries of Hoxa-7 and Hoxc-9 expression were shifted posteriorly in Mll +/− embryos, but their expression was abolished in Mll −/− embryos. Thus Mll is required for proper segment identity in mammals, displays haplo-insufficiency, and positively regulates Hox gene expression.
Lifestyle characteristics assessment of Japanese in Pittsburgh, USA.

Lifestyle-related chronic diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disease are the greatest public health concerns. Evidence shows Japanese immigrants to a westernized environment have higher incidence of lifestyle-related diseases. However, little is known about lifestyle characteristics related to chronic diseases for Japanese in a westernized environment. This study is examining the gap in lifestyle by comparing the lifestyle prevalence for Japanese in the US with the Japanese National Data (the National Health and Nutrition Survey in Japan, J-NHANS) as well as the Japan National Health Promotion in the twenty-first Century (HJ21) goals. Japanese adults were surveyed in Pittsburgh, USA, regarding their lifestyle (e.g., diet, exercise, smoking, stress, alcohol, and oral hygiene). The prevalence was compared with J-NHANS and HJ21 goals. Ninety-three responded (response rate; 97.9%). Japanese men (n = 38) and women (n = 55) in Pittsburgh smoke less than Japanese in Japan (P < 0.001 for both genders). Japanese in Pittsburgh perform less physical activity in daily life and have lower prevalence of walking more than 1 h per day (P < 0.001 for both genders). Japanese women in Pittsburgh have significantly higher prevalence of stress than in Japan (P = 0.004). Japanese men in Pittsburgh do not reach HJ21 goal in weight management, BMI, use of medicine or alcohol to sleep, and sleep quality. Japanese women in Pittsburgh do not reach HJ21 goal in weight management and sleep quality. In conclusion, healthy lifestyle promotion including exercise and physical activity intervention for Japanese living in a westernized environment is warranted.
Multicompartmental analysis of tracer clearance and its application to cerebral blood flow measurement

A new algorithm for computing cerebral blood flow is shown to overcome compartmental slippage and unstability problems associated with the conventional bicompartmental analysis. The tracer clearance curve is decomposed into a nonnegative linear combination of predetermined flow components. A weighted average of flows above (below) a fixed threshold yields the gray (white) matter flow. The accuracy and the stability of the new algorithm are analyzed by Monte-Carlo simulations, determining the effect of factors such as random error in tracer concentration, gray-white flow difference, tissue content of gray matter, and end-fit time. While the new algorithm requires 50-100% more CPU time and memory space than the bicompartmental method, its accuracy and stability is superior, especially as the conditions of the measurement deteriorate. The results suggest that more than twofold error reduction in measuring the blood flow in pathological brain tissue is possible.
Cerebral blood flow and carbon dioxide reactivity in neonates during venoarterial extracorporeal life support.

Objectivesa) To determine if cerebral blood flow is symmetric after internal carotid artery and ipsilateral internal jugular vein ligation in infants during venoarterial extracorporeal life support. b) To determine the cerebral CO2 reactivity (open triangle cerebral blood flow/open triangle torr CO2
THE MIRADOR IN ABBASID AND HISPANO-UMAYYAD GARDEN TYPOLOGY

Madinat al-Zahra) , the most outstanding example of Hispano-Umayyad palace architecture, was built on the slope of a mountain west of Cordoba in order to exploit the views this elevated site offered. Along with the ring of suburban palaces surrounding the Umayyad capital of Cordoba, Madinat al-Zahra) has often been compared to Abbasid Samarra, a 35-kilometer stretch of palaces built in the middle of the ninth century along the Tigris River outside of Baghdad. When the Umayyad caliphs in Syria were overthrown by the Abbasids in the middle of the eighth century, the surviving Umayyad claimant to the caliphate fled to al-Andalus and established a kingdom with Cordoba as its capital. In addition to urban building projects such as the monumental mosque, the Umayyad princes built palatial villas, called qusuir (sg. qasr) or munan (sg. munya), in the countryside around the city. One of the last of these, Madinat al-Zahra), was a city in its own right. Madinat al-Zahra) is located seven kilometers west of Cordoba. It was begun in 936 by 'Abd al-Rahman al-Nasir; construction continued throughout his reign and that of his son al-Hakam. At the latter's death in
Tl2−xCdxBa2CuO6+δ: Varition of Tc with cadmium substitution

Abstract The compositions Tl2−xCdxBa2CuO6+δ have been prepared in the range of x=0 to 0.7 using either BaO or BaO2 as sources of barium and oxygen. The materials are superconducting with Tc varying smoothly as x increases. When the materials is prepared using BaO2 as the Ba source, Tc falls progressively from 92 K to 0 K as x proceeds from 0 to 0.5. When BaO is the Ba source, however, Tc rises from 65 K (x=0) to 90 K (x=0.2) before falling to 0 K at x=0.7. These behaviors indicate 1) that Tc is very sensitive to the average Cu oxidation state (hole concentration), 2) that the hole concentration can be adjusted either by oxygen excess (δ) or by cation doping (x). Metallic behavior is observed in the region x>62;0.6. High resolution electron microscopy, X-ray microanalysis and a structural refinement based on neutron powder diffraction data for Tl1.75Cd0.25Ba2CuO6+δ (14/mmm a=3.851(1) A, c=23.313(8) A) confirm Cd2+ substitutes exclusively for thallium. A comparison with the structure of Tl2Ba2CuO6+δ shows a decrease in the Cu-O bond length correlating with oxidation of the CuO2 sheet. An increase in the c-axis results from the substitution of the larger Cd2+ for Tl3+. X-ray absorption measurements suggest this substitution has no effect on the average oxidation state of the thallium in these materials.
RNase MRP RNA and human genetic diseases

RNase MRP RNA is the RNA subunit of the RNase mitochondrial RNA processing (MRP) enzyme complex that is involved in multiple cellular RNA processing events. Mutations on RNase MRP RNA gene (RMRP) cause a recessively inherited developmental disorder, cartilage-hair hypoplasia (CHH). The relationship of the genotype (RMRP mutation), RNA processing deficiency of the RNase MRP complex, and the phenotype of CHH and other skeletal dysplasias is yet to be explored.
Fumonisin B1-induced cell death in Arabidopsis protoplasts requires jasmonate-, ethylene-, and salicylate-dependent signaling pathways

We have established an Arabidopsis protoplast model system to study plant cell death signaling. The fungal toxin fumonisin B1 (FB1) induces apoptosis-like programmed cell death (PCD) in wild-type protoplasts. FB1, however, only marginally affects the viability of protoplasts isolated from transgenic NahG plants, in which salicylic acid (SA) is metabolically degraded; from pad4-1 mutant plants, in which an SA amplification mechanism is thought to be impaired; or from jar1-1 or etr1-1 mutant plants, which are insensitive to jasmonate (JA) or ethylene (ET), respectively. FB1 susceptibility of wild-type protoplasts decreases in the dark, as does the cellular content of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, a light-inducible enzyme involved in SA biosynthesis. Interestingly, however, FB1-induced PCD does not require the SA signal transmitter NPR1, given that npr1-1 protoplasts display wild-type FB1 susceptibility. Arabidopsis cpr1-1, cpr6-1, and acd2-2 protoplasts, in which the SA signaling pathway is constitutively activated, exhibit increased susceptibility to FB1. The cpr6-1 and acd2-2 mutants also constitutively express the JA and ET signaling pathways, but only the acd2-2 protoplasts undergo PCD in the absence of FB1. These results demonstrate that FB1 killing of Arabidopsis is light dependent and requires SA-, JA-, and ET-mediated signaling pathways as well as one or more unidentified factors activated by FB1 and the acd2-2 mutation.
Can Child Development Accounts be inclusive? Early evidence from a statewide experiment

Abstract A key objective of Child Development Accounts (CDAs) is to increase college completion rates among disadvantaged youth by helping families accumulate assets for college and by encouraging youth to see themselves as college bound. While the major asset-building programs in the United States almost exclusively benefit socioeconomically advantaged individuals, CDAs explicitly aim to facilitate account holding and asset accumulation by disadvantaged families. But can CDAs meet the goal of being inclusive? This research uses data from a large CDA experiment with probability sampling and random assignment to examine early savings outcomes. Findings indicate that CDAs improve outcomes for diverse demographic groups and sometimes have greater impacts on disadvantaged children than advantaged children. Features like automatic account opening and automatic initial deposits, which are uncommon in other asset-building programs, extend the opportunities and benefits of asset accumulation to disadvantaged families.
Solid residues from Ruminococcus cellulose fermentations as components of wood adhesive formulations

Residues from the fermentation of cellulose by the anaerobic bacteria Ruminococcus albus (strain 7) or Ruminococcus flavefaciens (strains FD-1 or B34b) containing residual cellulose, bacterial cells and their associated adhesins, were examined for their ability to serve as components of adhesives for plywood fabrication. The residues contained differing amounts of protein (0.4-4.2% of dry weight), but the ratios of monosaccharides recovered following two-stage treatment of the residue with detergent (pH 7) and TFA were similar for all three strains (0.71 glucose:0.18 xylose:0.08 mannose:0.02 galactose), suggesting similarities in exopolysaccharide composition. Three-ply aspen panels prepared with fermentation residues (FR) displayed better shear strength and wood failure under dry conditions than following a vacuum/pressure/soak/dry treatment, but adhesive properties were inferior to those prepared with conventional phenol-formaldehyde (PF) adhesives. However, panels prepared by incorporating the R. albus 7 FR into PF formulation, at 73% by weight of the total adhesive, exhibited shear strength and wood failure similar to that obtained with PF adhesive alone. Use of residues from fermentations by these bacteria as components of adhesives may add value to biomass fermentations aimed primarily at producing ethanol and other chemical products.
Association of intraleukocytic Plasmodium falciparum malaria pigment with disease severity, clinical manifestations, and prognosis in severe malaria.

Peripheral parasite density of Plasmodium falciparum is used as an indicator of malaria disease severity, but does not quantify central sequestration, which is important in the pathogenesis of severe disease. Malaria pigment, recognizable within the cytoplasm of phagocytic cells by light microscopy may represent a peripheral marker for parasite biomass. One hundred seventy-two index cases of severe malaria and 172 healthy age-, residence-, and ethnicity-matched controls with uncomplicated malaria in Bandiagara, Mali were analyzed prospectively for presence of malaria pigment. The presence of polymorphonuclear cell (PMN) and monocyte pigment was strongly associated with severe disease compared with uncomplicated malaria. Total PMN pigment burden in children with severe malaria was higher in those with cerebral manifestations and with combined cerebral manifestations and severe anemia (hemoglobin 5 g/dL) but was not associated with hyperparasitemia (> 500,000 asexual forms/mm 3 ). Additionally, pigmented PMNs/mm 3 was associated with a fatal outcome in patients with severe malaria. This study validates the presence of malaria pigment in monocytes and neutrophils as a marker for disease severity, and demonstrates that pigmented neutrophils are associated with cerebral malaria and with death in children with severe malaria.
A New and Improved Perfect Space-Time Code for 5×5 MIMO Channels

A perfect space-time code can provide the optimal performance in many theoretical and practical aspects. For example, a perfect space-time code can utilize the full coding rate to achieve the maximum throughput of a MIMO channel. The property of non-vanishing determinant provides the optimal tradeoff between spatial diversity and multiplexing. On the practical side, each information symbol can be encoded without the necessity of extra energy. The RF power amplifier can also be simplified based on the uniform average power of transmission over all transmit antennas and time slots. This paper proposes a new perfect space-time code for 5×5 MIMO channels. The new design can yield an improved minimum determinant over QAM.
EMG sliding mode finger joint synergy control of a dexterous artificial hand

From observation of human data, a set of sinusoidal trajectories were developed to mimic the human motion of unscrewing a bottle cap with the thumb and index finger. These trajectories were then implemented on a dexterous robotic hand in the form of a robustly stable sliding mode control algorithm. With the developed synergies, a single myoelectric input was used to control multiple finger joints simultaneously. This controller was then compared to a one degree of freedom prosthetic hand also under sliding mode control. The two hands were used to complete an unscrewing task as quickly as possible. The synergy controller produced a statistically significant reduction in task completion time and also reduced the required workspace.
Health consequences of intimate partner violence.

Summary Intimate partner violence, which describes physical or sexual assault, or both, of a spouse or sexual Intimate, is a common health-care issue. In this article, I have reviewed research on the mental and physical health sequelae of such violence. Increased health problems such as injury, chronic pain, gastrointestinal, and gynaecological signs including sexually-transmitted diseases, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder are well documented by controlled research in abused women in various settings. Intimate partner violence has been noted in 3–13% of pregnancles in many studies from around the world, and is associated with detrimental outcomes to mothers and infants. I recommend increased assessment and interventions for intimate partner violence in health-care settings.
Sharing classifiers among ensembles from related problem domains

A classification ensemble is a group of classifiers that all solve the same prediction problem in different ways. It is well-known that combining the predictions of classifiers within the same problem domain using techniques like bagging or boosting often improves the performance. This research shows that sharing classifiers among different but closely related problem domains can also be helpful. In addition, a semi-definite programming based ensemble pruning method is implemented in order to optimize the selection of a subset of classifiers for each problem domain. Computational results on a catalog dataset indicate that the ensembles resulting from sharing classifiers among different product categories generally have larger AUCs than those ensembles trained only on their own categories. The pruning algorithm not only prevents the occasional decrease of effectiveness caused by conflicting concepts among the problem domains, but also provides a better understanding of the problem domains and their relationships.
Perioperative hemodynamic optimization: a revised approach ☆

Contemporary data suggest that approximately 18% of patients undergoing surgery will develop a major postoperative complication, and 3% to 5% will die prior to hospital discharge. Patients who develop a postoperative complication are at an increased risk of long-term mortality. Multiple studies have shown that perioperative hemodynamic optimization reduces the risk of postoperative complications and death in elective noncardiac surgical patients.
A formulae-as-type notion of control

The programming language Scheme contains the control construct call/cc that allows access to the current continuation (the current control context). This, in effect, provides Scheme with first-class labels and jumps. We show that the well-known formulae-as-types correspondence, which relates a constructive proof of a formula a to a program of type a, can be extended to a typed Idealized Scheme. What is surprising about this correspondence is that it relates classical proofs to typed programs. The existence of computationally interesting “classical programs” —programs of type a, where a holds classically, but not constructively — is illustrated by the definition of conjunctively, disjunctive, and existential types using standard classical definitions. We also prove that all evaluations of typed terms in Idealized Scheme are finite.
Pathogenesis of abdominal aortic aneurysms: A multidisciplinary research program supported by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute******

cert with several related NHLBI research programs, theyaddress the etiology, pathophysiology, and clinical pro-gression of AAAs with an assortment of scientificapproaches and experimental strategies (Table). TheNHLBI held a meeting of Principal Investigators inBethesda, Md, on April 10 and 11, 2000, to establish con-sensus on current research needs, identify additionalavenues for collaboration between individuals working indiverse fields, and maximize the overall impact of theaneurysm research program. The purpose of this report isto summarize the information and perspectives discussedat that meeting for the wider community of vascular sur-geons, biologists, and basic scientists, according to fourbroad areas of research: (1) proteolytic degradation of aor-tic wall connective tissue, (2) inflammation and immuneresponses, (3) biomechanical wall stress, and (4) molecu-lar genetics.
The ModuleC network architecture: a novel paradigm of computing through information appliances

This paper presents the ModuleC network architecture for information appliances (e.g., televisions, stereos, and VCRs). ModuleC reverses the PCMCIA (PC card) paradigm and places the computing and networking platform on a small form factor card that externally connects to peripherals and appliances. ModuleC-equipped information appliances provide the ability to move information both within the home, e.g., between different appliances, and between the home and the outside world. This connectivity not only provides a means for exchanging application-specific information-it also provides a vehicle for replacing and upgrading the appliance software. Essentially, this platform is a footing part way between the PC ($1000-$2000) and the embedded computer ($1-S10); in particular, it brings to the embedded environment the network access and dynamic programmability features of the PC.
From the lab to the world: lessons from extending a pointing technique for real-world use

We present the Pointing Magnifier as a case study for understanding the issues and challenges of deploying lab-validated pointing facilitation techniques into the real world. The Pointing Magnifier works by magnifying the contents of an area cursor to allow for selection in a magnified visual and motor space. The technique has been shown in prior lab studies to be effective at reducing the need for fine pointing for motor-impaired users. We highlight key design and technical challenges in bringing the technique, and such techniques in general, from the lab to the field.
Imaging diagnosis—muscular hypertrophy of the small intestine and pseudodiverticula in a horse

A 14-year-old Thoroughbred gelding was presented for chronic colic and weight loss. Transcutaneous and transrectal abdominal ultrasonography revealed distended, thickened small intestine with primary thickening of the muscularis and a focally more thickened loop with an echoic structure crossing the wall from the mucosa to the serosa. Visualization of diffuse thickening of the muscularis (muscular hypertrophy of the small intestine) and a focal lesion (pseudodiverticulum) helped clinicians make informed decisions. This case illustrates the importance of transabdominal and transrectal ultrasonography in horses with chronic colic and the relevance of considering the abnormalities in layering pattern of the intestinal wall.
Modeling of the transverse delays in modulation-doped heterojunction field-effect transistors

The authors have developed a computer-efficient algorithm and the related CAD oriented software to calculate the transverse propagation delay in a MODFET. The model has been used to study the dependence of these delays on the various MODFET parameters. The results can be utilized for the optimization of high-speed circuits. >
Effects of PPARγ and Combined Agonists on the Urinary Tract of Rats and Other Species

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Characterization of underground cable incipient behavior using time-frequency multi-resolution analysis and artificial neural networks

This paper presents preliminary work of a research project with a long-term goal to develop an on-line, non-destructive underground cable monitoring system that can not only detect incipient faults but also predict the remaining life of the cable lateral. The results presented in this paper help identify and characterize possible incipient faults occurring in underground cable laterals being monitored on-line. In this paper, two experimental setups designed and deployed for on-line monitoring of underground cable lateral to record data are presented. An analysis procedure of the recorded data implementing a time-frequency multi-resolution technique is presented. The results of using an artificial neural network for pattern identification of the recorded data are also presented.
Excited-state dynamics of monomeric and aggregated carotenoid 8'-apo-β-carotenal.

Excited-state properties of monomeric and aggregated carbonyl carotenoid 8′-apo-β-carotenal were studied by means of femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy. For monomers, the polarity-dependent behavior characteristic of carotenoids with conjugated carbonyl group was observed. In n-hexane the S1 lifetime is 25 ps, but it is shortened to 8 ps in methanol. This shortening is accompanied by the appearance of new spectral bands in transient absorption spectrum. On the basis of analysis of the transient absorption spectra of monomeric 8′-apo-β-carotenal in n-hexane and methanol, we propose that the polarity-induced spectral bands are due to the S1(Ag–)–S3(Ag+) transition, which is enhanced upon breaking the symmetry of the molecule. This symmetry breaking is caused by the conjugated carbonyl group; it is much stronger in polar solvents where the S1 state gains significant charge-transfer character. Upon addition of water to methanol solution of 8′-apo-β-carotenal we observed formation of aggregates char...
Population Fluctuations of the European Corn Borer, Pyrausta Nubilalis, at Waseca, Minnesota, 1948 to 1957

The abundance of the various stages in the borer population fluctuated in a random manner. Young larvae always suffered high mortality and few of them reached maturity, even under the most favorable conditions. Of the biological events recorded, percent of summer pupation showed the greatest variability, hence might be a more important determinant of the direction and magnitude of borer-population fluctuations than the larval mortality. The quantitative relationships of the summer and fall populations in a given year are affected by the size of the first-generation population, the amount of summer pupation, and the favorability of the environment for development and survival of the second generation. A summer mature larval population of any given size might give rise to a fall population many times larger, or to one only a fraction of the original size. Fluctuations of the populations of different life stages followed different patterns, so that the mean interval between two successive peaks of abundance was not the same for all stages. Fluctuation of all stages within years and between years was so haphazard as to suggest an independence of each other and a dependence upon the equally haphazard vagaries of the weather. The population dynamics of the species in southern Minnesota suggest that here it is occupying a fringe area in its distribution, where the relatively harsh climate produces random fluctuation at a relatively low level of abundance. Competetive mechanisms seem not to have been important in determining either the population levels or their fluctuations.
Probing the effectiveness of spectroscopic reporter unnatural amino acids: a structural study.

The X-ray crystal structures of superfolder green fluorescent protein (sfGFP) containing the spectroscopic reporter unnatural amino acids (UAAs) 4-cyano-l-phenylalanine (pCNF) or 4-ethynyl-l-phenylalanine (pCCF) at two unique sites in the protein have been determined. These UAAs were genetically incorporated into sfGFP in a solvent-exposed loop region and/or a partially buried site on the β-barrel of the protein. The crystal structures containing the UAAs at these two sites permit the structural implications of UAA incorporation for the native protein structure to be assessed with high resolution and permit a direct correlation between the structure and spectroscopic data to be made. The structural implications were quantified by comparing the root-mean-square deviation (r.m.s.d.) between the crystal structure of wild-type sfGFP and the protein constructs containing either pCNF or pCCF in the local environment around the UAAs and in the overall protein structure. The results suggest that the selective placement of these spectroscopic reporter UAAs permits local protein environments to be studied in a relatively nonperturbative fashion with site-specificity.
The effect of ultraviolet B radiation treatments on calcium excretion and vitamin D metabolites in kidney stone formers

Several factors could explain the effect of warm, sunny weather on kidney stone formation. To determine the role of sun exposure, we used a light box to administer artificial ultraviolet B radiation during the winter months in New York City. Eleven male stone formers and 7 age- and sex-matched controls received 10 UVB light exposures over a two-week period while maintaining a 400 mg calcium diet. 25-OH vitamin D levels increased significantly (p less than 0.001) in both patients (25.9 +/- 9.8 to 51.6 +/- 14.1 ng/ml) and controls (21.3 +/- 7.1 to 49.6 +/- 3.1 ng/ml). However, 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D levels rose in the patients (50.8 +/- 14.8 to 55.9 +/- 13.1 pg/ml) but fell (60.1 +/- 6.5 to 49.4 +/- 3.1 pg/ml) in the controls. Only 2 of the 11 patients but all of the controls demonstrated this down regulation of 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D levels (p less than 0.002). 24,25 dihydroxyvitamin D levels tended to rise in both groups but parathyroid hormone levels were unchanged. There was a trend, which did not reach statistical significance, for parameters of calcium excretion to increase after UVB radiation. 24-hour urinary calcium excretion rose 24% from 140 to 173 mg in the patients and 31% from 113 to 148 mg in the controls. The ratio of calcium/creatinine following a one gram calcium load showed a small increase after UVB radiation from 0.17 to 0.20 in patients and 0.118 to 0.124 in the controls. However, no correlation could be discerned between changes in vitamin D metabolite concentrations and changes in urinary calcium.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Right ventricular hypertrophy long after reversal of severe pressure overload in cats

To test the hypothesis that alterations in ventricular size and function may persist long after reversal of a severe pressure overload, right ventricular (RV) hypertrophy was produced in cats by ab...
Scientific Conversations

Just as I rejected some concepts of my mentors' generation, my students are rejecting some of mine. The Web extra at https://youtu.be/cAww0Tv-ftk is an audio recording of author David Alan Grier expanding on his Errant Hashtag column, in which he discusses the knowledge that only emerges in conversations with the larger scientific community.
Distributed Modal Logic

Modal logics typically have only one domain of discourse—i.e., the collection of worlds or states. For distributed computing systems, however, it makes sense to have several collections of worlds and to relate one domain’s local worlds to another’s using either relations or special maps. To this end, we introduce distributed modal logics. Distributed modal logics lift the distribution structure of a distributed system directly into the logic, thereby parameterizing the logic by the distribution structure itself. Each domain supports a “local logic” (which can itself be a modal logic). The connections between local logics are realized as “distributed modal connectives” where these connectives take propositions in one logic to propositions in another. Weak distributed logic systems require neighborhood semantics and, hence, the connection between domains becomes a neighborhood map linking each world in one domain to a collection of neighborhoods in another domain. In sufficiently strong distributed logic systems, the maps may be Kripke relations linking worlds from two different domains. We briefly illustrate distributed modal logics with the outline of a security verification for a hardware distributed system (i.e., a system-on-a-chip) with components that must be woven into proofs of security statements. Distributed modal logics also support probabilistic systems using stochastic relations.
Processing the Spanish imperfect subjunctive: Depth of processing under different instructional conditions

This study aimed to examine 88 intermediate learners of second language Spanish’ depth of processing under different types of instruction when being exposed to a complex grammar form, the imperfect subjunctive, on a reading task. Depth of processing was measured by employing think-aloud protocols. Due to the absence of reactivity, six silent and think-aloud conditions were merged into three experimental ones differing in explicitness. The study followed a pre-, post-, and delayed test design with 2 weeks between tests, which consisted of interpretation, controlled-production, and comprehension tests. Overall, results showed that participants in the more explicit condition produced more instances of processing, and that deeper processing correlated with a more accurate production of the target form and with a higher comprehension of the reading passage.
Prototyping application in design and manufacturing

In today's global economy, a country's economy is highly dependent on the development of new products. These products have to be innovative and their life cycle from design to manufacturing must be short. As the direct result of this global competition, the industry is required to apply new methods and techniques such as Rapid Response Manufacturing to shorten the design and manufacturing time. Rapid Manufacturing (KM) is a new manufacturing category which can improve manufacturers? flexibility and speed to cope with today's competitive market and product variety. Rapid Prototyping (RP) and Rapid Tooling (KT) are two important techniques that support the Rapid Manufacturing process. Reverse Engineering (KE) is among important design methodologies which utilizes RM. In this article the use and the application of rapid prototyping is discussed for integrated design concept analysis and manufacturing verification.