cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Multiplex Assessment of Serum Biomarker Concentrations in Well-Appearing Children With Inflicted Traumatic Brain Injury

Proper diagnosis of mild inflicted traumatic brain injury (ITBI) is difficult; children often present without a history of trauma and with nonspecific symptoms, such as vomiting. Previous studies suggest that biomarkers may be able to screen for brain injury in this population, but these studies focused on only a few biomarkers. We hypothesized that using multiplex bead technology we would be able to identify multiple differences in the serum biomarker profile between in children with ITBI and those without brain injury. We compared the concentrations of 44 serum biomarkers in 16 infants with mild ITBI and 20 infants without brain injury. There were significant group differences in the concentrations of nine of the 44 markers. Vascular cellular adhesion molecule (VCAM) (p < 0.00) and IL-6 (IL-6) (p < 0.00) had the most significant group differences; IL-6 was higher after ITBI, whereas VCAM was lower. Using VCAM and IL-6 in classification algorithms, we could discriminate the groups with a sensitivity and specificity of 87% and 90%, respectively. The results suggest significant changes in the serum biomarker profile after mild ITBI. Future research is needed to determine whether these biomarkers can screen for brain injury in infants with nonspecific symptoms.
The structure of subject matter content and its instructional design implications

This paper discusses the analysis of subject matter structure for purposes of designing instruction. The underlying assumption is that subject matter structures provide an important basis for deciding how to sequence and synthesize the “modules” of a subject matter area. Four types of fundamental structures are briefly described and illustrated: the learning hierarchy, the procedural hierarchy, the taxonomy, and the model. Then a theoretical framework is presented for classifying types of subject mater content — both “modules” and structures. Finally, some implications of these content classifications are discussed. The classification of “modules” is hypothesized to be valuable for prescribing strategies for the presentation of single “modules”, and the classification of structures is hypothesized to be valuable for prescribing strategies for selecting, sequencing, synthesizing, and summarizing related “modules”. The need to take into account more than one kind of structure in the process of instructional design is emphasized.
An Electrically Controlled MHD Viscous Coupler

ABSTRACT Electrical control of torque-speed characteristics can be made a feature of a viscous coupler, when it consists of a conducting, incompressible, fluid film between two closely spaced, rotating, insulated plates placed in an axial magnetic field. An analysis of the two-dimensional magnetohydro-dynamic flow in the film shows that the torque-speed relationship for each plate is a function of the Hartmann number, M (proportional to the magnetic field), and the current density in the film. If a voltage is applied between concentric electrodes which are located in the film, the torque-speed relationships are functions of the applied voltage and the applied magnetic field. For large Hartmann numbers, M greater than I, the output plate torque is linearly related to M. The overall efficiency of this coupler is, at its best, slightly greater than that of the ordinary viscous coupler.
Occurrence of bacterial resistance to arsenite, copper, and selenite in adverse habitats.

The effects of metal pollution on biotic communities has been extensively studied, particularly in the areas of ecotoxicology and species composition effects. Impact studies on bacterial communities have focused on adaptation via resistance mechanisms or biogeochemical cycling alterations. It has been shown that microbial communities in polluted environments are frequently resistant to higher levels of organics and metals than those in unimpacted areas. Increases in bacterial resistance to metals and metalloids has been attributed to selection and molecular mechanisms, such as gene transfer via plasmids. Relatively few natural environments have been surveyed for metal resistant bacterial populations, with most studies measuring mercury, lead or zinc resistance. Thus, the incidence of naturally-occurring and pollutant-related microbial resistance is poorly defined, as are the environmental factors which influence resistance. Elevated levels of arsenic, copper, and selenium have caused environmental impacts which are linked to agricultural, industrial, and municipal activities. The present study reports the incidence of aerobic heterotrophic bacterial resistance to arsenite, selenite and copper in a variety of habitats in the United States. These included soil, water, and sediments with know copper, arsenic, or selenium pollution, as well as control sites.
Partial pediculectomy in the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis: technical note.

Objective We note an additional pathological condition associated with lumbar spinal stenosis that may be responsible for significant postoperative pain. Recognizing that nerve roots are stretched around hypertrophic pedicles in some cases of spinal stenosis, we have altered our surgical management of these cases to address what may be a previously unrecognized but significant anatomic pathological finding. Surgical technique After ipsilateral posterior bony decompression of the spinal canal, the nerve root is examined as it courses around the pedicle. If the root appears stretched, the medial part of the pedicle is removed using first a diamond bit and then a curet. The nerve root is retracted and protected during this procedure. Results Inspection of the root after partial pediculectomy frequently reveals lateral movement of the root into space previously occupied by the pedicle. Anatomically, the nerve is better decompressed and free of obstruction. This technique adds little time to the overall duration of the operation. Conclusion Anatomic evidence obtained through intraoperative examination and preoperative imaging techniques indicates that partial pediculectomy may play a role in the treatment of some cases of lumbar stenosis.
Prognostic importance of ambulatory blood pressure recordings in patients with chronic kidney disease

Ambulatory systolic blood pressure (BP) correlates better with risk factors for progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) compared to clinic measured BP, but its role in predicting end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and death in patients with CKD is unknown. In a cohort study of 217 Veterans with CKD BP was measured by ambulatory monitoring and in the clinic. Twenty-four hour ambulatory BP was 133.5±16.6/73.1±11.1 mm Hg and clinic BP was 155.2±25.6/84.7±14.2 mm Hg. The composite renal end point of ESRD or death over a median follow-up of 3.5 years occurred in 75 patients (34.5%), death occurred in 52 patients (24.0%), and ESRD in 36/178 patients (20.2%). Thirty-nine patients died before reaching ESRD. One standard deviation (s.d.) increase in systolic BP increased the risk of composite outcome to 1.69 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.32–2.17) for standard clinic measurement and to 1.88 (95% CI 1.48–2.39) for 24 h ambulatory BP recording. One s.d. increase in 24 h ambulatory systolic BP increased the risk of ESRD to 3.04 (95% CI 2.13–4.35) and to 2.20 (95% CI 1.43–3.39) when adjusted for standard clinic systolic BP. Non-dipping was associated with increased risk of total mortality and composite end point. In patients with CKD, BPs obtained by ambulatory monitoring are a stronger predictor of ESRD or death compared to BPs obtained in the clinic. Systolic ambulatory BP and nondipping are independent predictors for ESRD after adjusting for clinic BP. However, adjustment for other risk factors for CKD progression removes the independent prognostic value of ambulatory BP.
Effect of Altitude on Energy Exchange Characteristics of Some Alpine Medicinal Crops from Central Himalayas

To explore the conservation and cultivation of endangered alpine medicinal crops at comparatively lower altitudes, a study on variations in morphological parameters and energy exchange characteristics was conducted on five herbaceous medicinal crops from the alpines of Central Himalayas. Plants of same age were selected from the alpine medicinal crop nursery, Tungnath (3600 m), and were planted at the nurseries at 2100 and 550 m altitudes. After well acclimatization at lower altitudes, plants were examined for morphological and energy exchange studies during their active growth period. The energy balance sheet of these plant species indicates that most of the energy absorbed by the leaves dissipates by re-radiation, transpiration and thermal conductance across leaf surfaces. All species maintained leaf temperature below the surrounding air temperature at all altitudes and therefore gained energy by convection of heat as well as by boundary layer thermal conduction. Leaf-to-air temperature difference, gain of energy by convection of heat and boundary layer thermal conduction was maximum at an altitude of 2100 m in all the species. Boundary layer thermal conductivity, boundary layer thickness, thermal conductivity of the leaf and therefore, total energy absorbed by the leaves of these species increase significantly with decreasing altitude. Leaf thickness significantly decreases with decreasing altitude, which in turn enhances total energy absorption (r = -0.975, P < 0.005) of the leaves in all the species. The results indicate that all these species absorb higher amount of energy at lower altitudes, which indicates their adaptability to warm temperatures at low altitudes (up to 550 m). Therefore, these species can be cultivated at relatively lower altitudes. However, a proper agronomic methodology needs to be developed for better yields.
Prognostic, therapeutic, and mechanistic implications of a mouse model of leukemia evoked by Shp2 (PTPN11) mutations

The SH2-containing tyrosine phosphatase Shp2 (PTPN11) is required for growth factor and cytokine signaling. Germline Shp2 mutations cause Noonan Syndrome (NS), which is associated with increased risk of juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML). Somatic Shp2 mutations occur in sporadic JMML and other leukemias. We found that Shp2 mutants associated with sporadic leukemias transform murine bone marrow cells, whereas NS mutants are less potent in this assay. Transformation requires multiple domains within Shp2 and the Shp2 binding protein Gab2, and is associated with hyperactivation of the Erk, Akt, and Stat5 pathways. Mutant Shp2-transduced BM causes a fatal JMML-like disorder or, less commonly, lymphoproliferation. Shp2 mutants also cause myeloproliferation in Drosophila. Mek or Tor inhibitors potently inhibit transformation, suggesting new approaches to JMML therapy.
Dynamic output feedback control of nimimum-phase nonlinear processes

Abstract This paper concerns the synthesis of dynamic output feedback controllers for minimum-phase nonlinear processes. The problem is addressed first for open-loop stable and then for general minimum-phase nonlinear processes, leading to one- and two-degree-of-freedom controllers, respectively. The synthesis of the controllers essentially involves combination of state feedback and state observers. An input/output interpretation of the resulting control structures illustrates the importance of alternative state—space realizations of the process inverse for the controller implementation. Internal stability conditions are derived for the closed-loop system. Simulation studies in a chemical reactor example illustrate the application of the control methodology developed.
A novel EF-hand protein, CRACR2A, is a cytosolic Ca2+ sensor that stabilizes CRAC channels in T cells.

The calcium-binding protein CRACR2A positively regulates the activity of CRAC channels. CRACR2A is a ternary complex which binds to, and stabilizes, the interaction between STIM1 and Orai1, and disassociates as intracellular calcium levels rise.
Studies on the artificial feeding of the aphid Myzus persicae (Sulzer)—IV. Requirements for water-soluble vitamins and ascorbic acid

Abstract By means of growth experiments using synthetic diets from which individual vitamins were omitted, Myzus persicae was shown to require a dietary source of ascorbic acid and nine water-soluble vitamins: thiamin, riboflavin, nicotinic acid, pyridoxin, folic acid, calcium pantothenate, meso-inositol, choline, and biotin. In all cases the plant-reared mothers of experimental larvae were themselves maintained on the deficient diets for a few days preceding birth of experimental larvae, in order to deplete larvae of maternally derived stores of the particular vitamin being tested. Under these circumstances, deprivation of thiamin, nicotinic acid, and calcium pantothenate greatly reduced first-generation larval growth and prevented the development of mature adults. Individual omission of the other vitamins markedly reduced first-generation growth but did not prevent development to the adult stage. However, in experiments continued through the second generation, little growth occurred in the absence of any of the vitamins. Since anomalies which occurred in the dosage response to ascorbic acid suggested that this easily oxidized nutrient might be deteriorating in diets, a study was made of ascorbic acid loss from diet kept under various conditions approximating to those involved in experimental use and storage. Loss was rapid at experimental temperatures, less so under refrigeration at +5°C, and largely prevented by continuous frozen storage at −20°C. Considerable losses occurred if frozen storage was interrupted by thawing to room temperature for as little as an hour per day. These findings are discussed in relation to the importance of stringent care in the pre-experimental storage of diets that may contain labile nutrients.
Incidence and student response to faculty teaching norm violations

This chapter reports the results of research into how frequently students perceive faculty to engage in classroom improprieties and what they tend to do about it.
Elastic Scattering of 13.5- and 15-Mev Deuterons by Nuclei

15-Mev deuterons from the MIT Cyclotron were elastically scattered by a number of elements, including Al, Ti, Fe, Cu, Ni, Rh, Pd, Sn (natural and monoisotropic), Ta, Au, and Pb. The angular distributions were measured in the MIT cyclotron 24-in. scattering chamber, by means of a NaI(Tl) scintillation detector. The crystal was thick enough to stop 15-Mev deuterons but too thin to stop protons of the same energy, thus, permitting measurement of the ($d, d$) cross sections for light elements, where ($d, p$) reactions play an important role. The obtained distributions differ sharply from the Rutherford formula ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{\mathrm{C}}\ensuremath{\propto}{csc}^{4}(\frac{\ensuremath{\theta}}{2})$; most of them, especially those for medium and lighter elements, show pronounced diffraction-like maxima and minima.The energy of the beam was degraded to 13.5 Mev and the angular distributions for Ni, Sn (natural), and Au measured, showing the same general characteristics.
A Note on Bilateral Monopoly and the Optimum Location of Vertically Related Firms

This note considers Blair, Kaserman, and Romano's conclusion (1989) that the only optimal solution in the case of bilateral monopoly is the joint profit maximization solution and examines the pattern of industrial location under joint profit maximization.
Magnetic screening by a thin superconducting surface layer.

A solid may have a superconducting surface layer because of changes from the bulk in structure, atomic spacing, and composition. If fluxoids do not come into thermal equilibrium by penetration of the surface barrier, magnetic screening by the layer may simulate in part the diamagnetic susceptibility of a bulk superconductor if the layer thickness exceeds $\frac{{2\ensuremath{\lambda}}^{2}}{R}$, where $\ensuremath{\lambda}$ is the penetration depth and $R$ the radius of the cylindrical insulator. Thus the critical thickness for screening may be less than $\ensuremath{\lambda}$. Continuous coverage is not necessary for screening to obtain. It is essential to carry out a true Meissner cooling before identifying a material as a superconductor.
Fool's solitaire on graphs

In recent work by Beeler and Hoilman, the game of peg solitaire is generalized to arbitrary boards. These boards are treated as graphs in the combinatorial sense. Normally, the goal of peg solitaire is to minimize the number of pegs remaining at the end of the game. In this paper, we consider the open problem of determining the maximum number of pegs that can remain at the end of the game, under the restriction that we must jump whenever possible. In this paper, we give bounds for this number. We also determine it exactly for several well-known families of graphs. Several open problems regarding this number are also given.
A Nonhydrostatic Mesoscale Model Designed to Simulate Scale Interaction

Abstract A three-dimensional nonhydrostatic mesoscale model is presented that is designed to optimally represent the scale-interaction process among inertially balanced and unbalanced modes occurring within convective weather systems. Because scale-interaction simulations are long-term integrations that emphasize the evolution of the three-dimensional kinetic energy spectrum, the model is built to conserve enstrophy, as well as kinetic energy against numerical sources and sinks in three dimensions. A non-Boussinesq and quasi-compressible framework is employed to maintain applicability on meso-α and larger scales as well as for situations of relatively large local density variation. Sample integrations in two and three dimensions are presented that show enstrophy conservation to be effective in improving the prediction of nonlinear evolution as truncation errors act to force anomalous bifurcations from the physical solution.
Comparative Adenylic Acid Deaminase Activity in Choroid Plexus and Ciliary Process Tissue

ANALOGIES between the ciliary process production of aqueous humour and the choroid plexus production of cerebrospinal fluid have been reviewed quite extensively by Davson1. The presence of an adenosine triphosphate-activated 5-adenylic acid deaminase in purified preparations of hog and rabbit ciliary process tissue2,3 led to an interest in a similar system that might be present in choroid plexus tissue. It has, in fact, been shown by other investigators that 5-adenylic acid deaminase activity is present in preparations of whole dog brain4,5.
3-(Hydroxyacetyl)indole, a plant growth regulator from the oregon red alga Prionitis lanceolata

Abstract A plant growth regulatory substance, 3-(hydroxyacetyl)indole, and two related tryptophan metabolites have been isolated from the red marine alga Prionitis lanceolata. Their structures were determined by spectrochemical methods and comparisons to published data. We find that 3-(hydroxyacetyl)indole stimulates lettuce-seedling root growth, and report its first isolation from either a plant or marine source.
Dehalosilylation reactions involving E(sime3)3 and Ph2Incl. Synthesis and X-ray structures of [Ph2Ine(SiMe3)2]2 (E = P or As)

Abstract Combining P(SiMe3)3 or As(SiMe3)3 with Ph2InCl in a 1:1 mole ratio results in the elimination of Me3SiCl via a dehalosilylation reaction to yield [Ph2InP(SiMe3)2]2 (I) and [Ph2InAs(SiMe3)2]2 (II), respectively. X-ray structures were determined for I and II. The (InP)2 core of dimer I is planar, whereas in dimer II the (InAs)2 ring is slightly puckered.
Power and Conflict in the Age of Transparency. Edited by Bernard I. Finel and Kristin M. Lord. New York: Palgrave, 2000. 371p. $49.95.

According to editors Bernard I. Finel and Kristin M. Lord, â€œthe puzzle for analysts of international affairsâ€ in relation to transparency is not only how it has weakened states, â€œbut also how it has strengthened themâ€ (p. 2). Transparency, for them, is â€œa condition in which information about governmental preferences, intentions, and capabilities is made available either to the public or other outsidersâ€ (p. 3). This apparently increasing openness is the outcome of, among other things, emerging communication and information technologies, the widespread adoption of democratic institutions, and the global reach of mass media organizations. Although transparency is â€œtransforming international politicsâ€ (p. ix), it has been underassessed and, as such, Finel and Lord aim to examine â€œthe phenomenonâ€ in a â€œcomprehensive way and assess its impact on world security and diplomacyâ€ (p. 6).
Effects of peripheral immune activation on social behavior and adrenocortical activity in aggressive mice: Genotype-environment interactions

To explore genetic-developmental differences in the biobehavioral effects of induced illness, males from two lines of mice selectively bred for high or low levels of aggressive behavior were injected with endotoxin (Escherichia coli, LPS: 0.25 mg/kg, 1.25 mg/kg, or 2.5 mg, i.p.) or saline. Body temperature, weight, and locomotor activity were monitored immediately before and 8 and 24 hr after injection. Twenty-four hours after injection, social behaviors were assessed in a 10-min dyadic test, and hypothalamus, spleen, and serum were collected. In both lines, endotoxin treatment increased behavioral immobility (freezing) and decreased social exploration. Other effects showed line differences : Males from the high-aggressive line had a lower threshold to endotoxin-induced effects on body temperature, weight loss, spleen weight, and corticosterone. Social reactivity (startle response to mild social investigation) increased in the high-aggressive line and decreased in the low-aggressive line after treatment. In the high-aggressive line only, endotoxin decreased attack frequency and increased latency to attack. The interactions between selected line (genotype) and endotoxin treatment (environment) demonstrate that genetic-developmental differences in social and aggressive behavior may indicate the extent to which immune stimuli (e.g., bacteria, viruses, cytokines) function as biobehavioral stressors.
New fluorescent probes for super-resolution imaging

Fatigue-resistant, photoswitchable fluorescent proteins facilitate sub-diffraction-limit imaging of living cells with low light intensity.
Photolysis of caged Ca2+ but not receptor-mediated Ca2+ signaling triggers astrocytic glutamate release.

Astrocytes in hippocampal slices can dynamically regulate synaptic transmission in a process mediated by increases in intracellular Ca2+. However, it is debated whether astrocytic Ca2+ signals result in release of glutamate. We here compared astrocytic Ca2+ signaling triggered by agonist exposure versus photolysis side by side. Using transgenic mice in which astrocytes selectively express the MrgA1 receptor, we found that receptor-mediated astrocytic Ca2+ signaling consistently triggered neuronal hyperpolarization and decreased the frequency of miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs). In contrast, photolysis of caged Ca2+ (o-nitrophenyl–EGTA) in astrocytes led to neuronal depolarization and increased the frequency of mEPSCs through a metabotropic glutamate receptor-mediated pathway. Analysis of transgenic mice in which astrocytic vesicular release is suppressed (dominant-negative SNARE mice) and pharmacological manipulations suggested that glutamate is primarily released by opening of anion channels rather than exocytosis. Combined, these studies show that photolysis but not by agonists induced astrocytic Ca2+ signaling triggers glutamate release.
Hurricane Katrina storm surge delineation: implications for future storm surge forecasts and warnings

The storm surge in coastal Mississippi caused by Hurricane Katrina was unprecedented in the region. The height and geographic extent of the storm surge came as a surprise to many and exceeded pre-impact surge scenarios based on SLOSH models that were the basis for emergency preparedness and local land use decision-making. This paper explores the spatial accuracy of three interpolated storm surge surfaces derived from post-event reconnaissance data by comparing the interpolation results to a specific SLOSH run. The findings are used to suggest improvements in the calibration of existing pre-event storm surge models such as SLOSH. Finally, the paper provides some suggestions on an optimal surge forecast map that could enhance the communication of storm surge risks to the public.
Principles for Physical-Based Gridding of Package Structures

We describe a number of rules for gridding packaging structures for subsequent electromagnetic analysis. The rules are based upon conductor proximity and other physical effects. Difficulties in developing the associated gridding algorithms are discussed and examples are presented.
Supernova neutrinos: Review

Abstract This review discusses the role of neutrinos in the dynamics of supernovae. Neutrinos not only provide an essential probe into the core collapse mechanism, but also probably play an active role in the explosion mechanism. The time history of the neutrino fluences and their spectral shapes are affected by such physics as the nuclear equation of state and convection modeling. In turn, neutrinos play an active role in depositing energy in the region behind the outgoing shock wave and in the potential formation of heavy nuclei via r-process nucleosynthesis.
Models for thrombin generation and risk of disease.

Summary Computational models can offer an integrated view of blood clotting dynamics and may ultimately be instructive regarding an individual's risk of bleeding or clotting. Appropriately, developed and validated models could allow clinicians to simulate the outcomes of therapeutics and estimate risk of disease. Computational models that describe the dynamics of thrombin generation have been developed and have been used in combination with empirical studies to understand thrombin dynamics on a mechanistic basis. The translation of an individual's specific coagulation factor composition data using these models into an integrated assessment of hemostatic status may provide a route for advancing the long-term goal of individualized medicine. This review details the integrated approaches to understanding: (i) What is normal thrombin generation in individuals? (ii) What is the effect of normal range plasma composition variation on thrombin generation in pathologic states? (iii) Can disease progression or anticoagulation be followed by understanding the boundaries of normal thrombin generation defined by plasma composition? (iv) What are the controversies and limitations of current computational approaches? Progress in these areas can bring us closer to developing models that can be used to aid in identifying hemostatic risk.
Length and spacing of the tube feet in crinoids (echinodermata) and their role in suspension-feeding

The morphology of the primary tube feet in 15 species of comatulid (unstalked) crinoids from coral reefs in the Palau Islands and Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef, was investigated using close-up underwater photographs of the tube feet taken in the natural habitat. Measurements of length of the tube feet and their spacing along the pinnule were taken from these photographs. Tube feet of species of the family Comasteridae have a mean length of 0.75 mm and a mean spacing of 6 tube feet mm-1. Tube feet of non-comasterid species occurring in the same environments have a mean length of 0.55 mm and a mean spacing of about 8 tube feet mm-1. The relationship between spacing and length of the tube feet is highty significant for both the Palau and Lizard Island samples (P<0.01). Species having longer and more widely spaced tube feet live partly concealed within the infrastructure of the reef and hold the arms and pinnules in a multidirectional posture. Species having shorter and more closely spaced tube feet perch on top of reef pinnacles or alcyonarians and form planar filtration fans normal to unidirectional currents or wave oscillations. Longer and more widely spaced tube feet in species dwelling within the reef infrastructure provide more efficient filtration in the slow, meandering flow prevailing there. Closer spacing of the tube feet in species exposed to near-mainstream flow provides a more efficient filtration mechanism at higher flow velocities. Reduced length of the tube feet in these species may be a consequence of closer spacing of the pinnules. Differentiation of these co-occurring species in spacing and length of the tube feet implies differentiation in food particles captured. This may in some cases constitute resource partitioning. Most species which overlap in living habits are significantly different in spacing and length of the tube feet.
ENHANCING ORGANISATIONAL INFORMATION FLOW AND KNOWLEDGE CREATION IN RE-ENGINEERING SUPPLY CHAIN SYSTEMS: AN ANALYSIS OF THE U.S. AUTOMOTIVE PARTS AND SUPPLIES MODEL

The ongoing initiative of business process re-engineering in organisations has largely been attributed to innovations in information technologies that have enabled firms to increase productivity in their operations. The following paper addresses essential concepts in supply chain networks and describes the systems approach the U.S. automotive industry has implemented to augment their supply chain management initiatives. The focus of re-engineering the supply chain is enhanced data capture and analysis of activities in various segments of the chain which augments organisational information flow and knowledge generation resulting in communication of proactive decision making throughout the supply network to maintain operational efficiency.
The SED heuristic for morpheme discovery: a look at Swahili

This paper describes a heuristic for morpheme- and morphology-learning based on string edit distance. Experiments with a 7,000 word corpus of Swahili, a language with a rich morphology, support the effectiveness of this approach.
Center-Based Preschool and School Readiness Skills of Children From Immigrant Families

Research Findings: Children from immigrant families are more likely than children of native parents to start school with fewer of the academic skills that are important for long-term success, although evidence on behavioral skills is mixed. Center-based early education and care (EEC) programs, which have been linked to improvements in academic functioning in disadvantaged samples, may serve as a potent resource for children from immigrant families, but important questions remain about their benefits and drawbacks for academic and behavioral outcomes across the diverse population of children from immigrant families. Using data from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Birth Cohort (N ≈ 6,550), this study examined prospective associations between center-based EEC at age 4 and school readiness skills at age 5 among children from immigrant families. Practice or Policy: The results suggest that center-based EEC is associated with heightened math, reading, and expressive language skills and also with lower p...
Evidence for a radical mechanism in monolayer formation on silicon ground (or scribed) in the presence of alkyl halides

After silicon is ground under 1-chlorooctane, 1-bromooctane, or 1-iodooctane, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy reveals monolayer quantities of carbon on the resulting particles, which have nanometer to micron dimensions. Previously, it had been proposed that monolayer formation from alkyl halides on scribed, and presumably ground, silicon proceeds via a radical mechanism. This paper contains direct chemical evidence for this radical mechanism by showing the expected combination and disproportionation products from alkyl radicals, which had been predicted as intermediates in monolayer formation (Chem. Mater. 2002, 14, 27-19). For example, when silicon is ground in a ca. 50:50 mixture of 1-iodoheptane and 1-iodooctane, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry shows the appearance of the expected disproportionation products: 1-heptene, heptane, 1-octene, and octane. In addition, the combination products tetradecane, pentadecane, and hexadecane are also present in a ca. 1:2:1 ratio, as expected.
HNO induces DNA deletions in the yeast S. cerevisiae.

Abstract HNO is genotoxic but its mechanism is not well understood. There are many possible mechanisms by which HNO can attack DNA. Since HNO is electrophilic, it may react with exocyclic amine groups on DNA bases and through a series of subsequent reactions form a deaminated product. Alternatively, HNO may induce radical chemistry through O2-dependent (or possibly O2-independent) chemistry. In cell free systems, experiments have shown that HNO does react with DNA, resulting in base oxidation and strand cleavage. In this study, we used a whole-cell system in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae to study the mechanism of HNO induced DNA damage with Angeli's salt as HNO donor. The yeast DEL assay provided a measure of intrachromosomal recombination leading to DNA deletions. We also examined interchromosomal recombination leading to genomic rearrangements and used the canavanine (CAN) assay to study induction of forward point mutations. HNO was a potent inducer of DNA deletions and recombination but it was negative for induction of point mutations. This suggests that HNO causes DNA strand breaks rather than base damage. Genotoxicity was observed under aerobic and anaerobic conditions and NAC protected against HNO induced DNA deletions. Since HNO is genotoxic under anaerobic conditions, NAC probably protected against radicals generated by HNO independent of oxygen.
Hormonal Contraception and Risk of Psychiatric and Other Noncommunicable Diseases in HIV-Infected Women

Abstract Background: Hormonal contraception use is common among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected women. Risk of psychiatric and other noninfectious complications of hormonal contraception use has not been described in this population. Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study of HIV-infected women receiving care in Tennessee from 1998 to 2008 to examine the risks of incident psychiatric and other noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), including cardiovascular, hepatic, renal, and malignant diseases, and hormonal contraception use, including depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) and combined estrogen- and progestin-containing hormonal contraceptives. We used marginal structural models with inverse probability weights to account for time-varying confounders associated with hormonal contraception use. Results: Of the 392 women included, 94 (24%) used hormonal contraception during the study period. Baseline psychiatric disease was similar between women who received and did not receive hormona...
Effects of carbamazepine on self-administration of intravenously delivered cocaine in rats

Abstract Carbamazepine (Tegretol) is widely used therapeutically as an anticonvulsant. Based on an hypothesis that links electrical kindling in the limbic system (leading to seizures) to reverse tolerance or sensitivity to cocaine's effects, carbamazpine is being tested as a treatment for human cocaine users. The purpose of this experiment was to examine the effects of carbamazepine on intravenous cocaine self-administration in rats. Rats self-administered intravenously delivered cocaine (0.2 mg/kg) under a fixed-ratio 4 schedule. When cocaine injections reached stable levels, carbamazepine was mixed with the rats' food for 8 days. Three doses of carbamazepine were tested (80, 120, and 160 mg/kg) in different groups of 5 rats each. The rats were later separated into groups with a high (>750 infusions) and a low (500–750 infusions) cocaine baseline. Two control groups of 5 rats each received carbamazepine treatments (120 or 160 mg/kg) and self-administered an orally delivered solution of glucose and saccharin (G+S). At the highest carbamazepine dose in the high cocaine baseline group, carbamazepine reduced cocaine infusions by at least 50 percent and food intake by approximately 25 percent during the 8 days of treatment. Cocaine infusions returned to baseline within 24 hr after the regular diet was restored. Carbamazepine had a minimal effect in groups of rats with lower cocaine baselines. Responding reinforced by the G+S solution was reduced by both the 120 and 160 mg/kg carbamazepine doses. Water intake was not systematically affected by the addition of carbamazepine to the food; however, activity measures were significantly lower in some groups at the higher carbamazepine doses. The results of this experiment indicate that the combination of a high dose of carbamazepine combined with a high rate of cocaine self-administration not only reduced cocaine intake, but it resulted in convulsions and death in some animals. These data suggest that carbamazepine is not likely to be the drug of choice for cocaine abuse treatment.
Does 9-11 Portend a New Paradigm for Cities?

This essay suggests that 9-11 constitutes a critical event for urban scholars because it encapsulated and catalyzed a trend toward urban-based terror that had been building for a decade or more. Th...
The interpretation of lead-age discrepancies by acid-washing experiments

Powdered samples for which isotopically controlled age determinations were available have been subjected to mild acid washes. Correlations were obtained between the age patterns of the samples and the isotopic composition of lead in the bulk samples and the acid washes. The bearing of these data on the problem of U/Pb, Pb/Pb and Th/Pb age discrepancies is discussed. The amount of loss of various lead isotopes from a mineral is not necessarily proportional to their abundances in a given sample at present.
Brief Control-relevant experiment design for multivariable systems described by expansions in orthonormal bases

The problem of control-relevant experiment design is considered. We first develop the problem in abstract form as an optimization of an unspecified closed-loop performance index. Then, we make the problem specific by considering systems that can be described via a finite expansion of orthonormal bases and designing the controller by specifying the closed-loop system's sensitivity function. Although the resulting optimization problem is nonconvex and may admit local solutions, simulations of high-purity binary distillation columns are presented to demonstrate that significant improvements in controller performance may be obtained even by using the local solution.
SISTER M. MADELEVA WOLFF, C.S.C.

Sister M. Madeleva Wolff, C.S.C., teacher, essayist, poet, and college administrator, through her creative ability and innovative practices made possible major contributions to Catholic education in her lifetime. Without her strong personality and boundless energy, many of her dreams for an ideal college curriculum would not have come to fruition. Her most significant legacy, the Graduate School of Theology, afforded for the first time the opportunity for the laity and religious women to study theology at the graduate level. She served as president of St. Mary’s College, Notre Dame, Indiana, from 1934 to 1961.
An 18-year-old with nephrotic syndrome and chest pain: Answers

A two-view chest radiograph showed bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy, a normal heart silhouette, and no pleural effusions or focal pulmonary consolidations. Abdominal ultrasound and computed tomography (CT) with radiocontrast revealed lymphadenopathy throughout his chest and abdomen. These findings were confirmed by whole-body positron emission tomography (PET) /CT, which showed mul t ip le fludeoxyglucose (FDG)-avid lesions above and below the diaphragm and a hypermetabolic lesion in the femoral neck. Nodular sclerosis-type classical Hodgkin’s lymphoma (HL) was diagnosed by excisional lymph node biopsy. A bone marrow biopsy was positive for HL, and he was diagnosed with stage IV HL with B symptoms (night sweats and fevers). Serum and tissue in situ hybridization testing for the EpsteinBarr virus (EBV) was negative, ruling out any association of the virus with his lymphoma. He was treated with four cycles of BEACOPP (bleomycin, etoposide, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, procarbazine, and prednisone). There was no sign of persistent disease at the end of chemotherapy. He remains on tacrolimus for his previous diagnosis of nephrotic syndrome (NS), which has remained in remission.
Tumor angiogenesis as a predictor of recurrence in stage Ib squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix

Objective To explore the possibility of using histologic microvessel count of sections from the tumor to predict recurrence of stage Ib squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix. Methods Tumor sections from 22 patients (11 patients free of disease after 3 years and 11 patients with recurrence) were stained histoimmunochemically for factor VIII-related antigens. Vessel counting in the most active area of angiogenesis was performed by two pathologists on a x 200 microscopic field (0.739 mm 2 ) without knowledge of the patients' outcome. To predict recurrence, vessel count was compared with age, tumor size, tumor grade, lymph-vascular invasion, duration of follow-up, and type of therapy. Results Only high microvessel count (mean 19.9, range 7–43, versus mean 30.1, range 17–78; P P Conclusion High microvessel count in tumors may be used to predict recurrence in stage Ib squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix.
Regional differences in resting extracellular potassium levels of rat brain.

Abstract The extracellular potassium concentration in the cerebral cortex of the mammalian brain has been repeatedly reported to be approximately 3.0 mM. We have made detailed measurements with potassium-selective microelectrodes and have found significantly lower extracellular potassium concentrations in unstimulated rat brain caudate and thalamus (1.9–2.5 mM) when compared to cortex and cerebral spinal fluid (3.0–3.5 mM). These regional differences may be caused by variations in spontaneous activity of neurons, regional permeability differences in endothelial cells of brain capillaries to potassium, or caused by variations in uptake by glia.
Ensuring Employment Equity: Are Federal Diversity Programs Making a Difference?

Abstract In the last two decades, many public sector agencies have instituted a wide array of “managing diversity” programs designed to remove barriers to the full participation of women and people of color. Meanwhile, agencies are also increasingly responding to pressure to develop measures to monitor performance of all of their programs. Yet there have been few efforts in place to measure the effectiveness of diversity management programs. This article argues that such an evaluation is essential, and offers a preliminary governmentwide estimation of the success federal agencies have had in breaking down these barriers. We found, for the most part, that there is little evidence that broad‐based diversity programs, nor any of their programmatic components, have created a more equitable work environment for women or people of color. We then examine the programs at two federal agencies with significant diversity efforts, in depth, and find again that the results have been mixed. While not meant to be the fi...
The Political Resource Curse An Empirical Re-evaluation

Extant theoretical work on the political resource curse implies that dependence on resource revenues should decrease autocracies’ likelihood of democratizing but not necessarily affect democracies’ chances of survival. Yet most previous empirical studies estimate models that are ill-suited to address this claim. We improve upon previous studies, estimating a dynamic logit model using data from 166 countries, covering the period from 1816 to 2006. We find that an increase in resource dependence decreases an autocracy’s likelihood of being democratic over both the short term and long term but has no appreciable effect on democracies’ likelihood of persisting.
Risk-Based Prioritization of Terrorist Threat Mitigation Measures on Bridges

This paper describes a risk-based methodology developed to facilitate prioritization of terrorist threat mitigation strategies on individual bridges. Numerous risk-based methods have been used for prioritization among a group of bridges or other assets. However, this methodology is unique in that it is specifically designed to focus on a single bridge and the risk associated with each of its many individual structural components. “Risk,” as discussed herein, describes the relative potential for a terrorist attack against a specific component and the associated consequence from the attack. It is based on such factors as the component’s importance to overall structural stability, its location and thus accessibility to terrorists, and its resistance to the specific threat. The component-specific risk factors and their modifying attributes are described. The result of the methodology is a rank-ordered list of components most at risk to an attack, allowing prioritization and optimization of the mitigation desi...
Minireview: A Tiny Touch: Activation of Cell Signaling Pathways with Magnetic Nanoparticles

Magnetic nanoparticles can be coated with specific ligands that enable them to bind to receptors on a cell’s surface. When a magnetic field is applied, it pulls on the particles so that they deliver nanoscale forces at the ligand-receptor bond. It has been observed that mechanical stimulation in this manner can activate cellular signaling pathways that are known as mechanotransduction pathways. Integrin receptors, stretch-activated ion channels, focal adhesions, and the cytoskeleton are key players in activating these pathways, but there is still much we do not know about how these mechanosensors work. Current evidence indicates that applied forces at these structures can activate Ca2+ signaling, Src family protein kinase, MAPK, and RhoGTPase pathways. The techniques of magnetic twisting and magnetic tweezers, which use magnetic particles to apply forces to cells, afford a fine degree of control over how cells are stimulated and hold much promise in elucidating the fundamentals of mechanotransduction. The...
EpCAM modulates NF-κB signaling and interleukin-8 expression in breast cancer.

EpCAM is a 40-kD type I transmembrane protein that is overexpressed in human epithelial cancers, and is currently the target of molecular therapy based on its overexpression at the cell surface. Recently, we and others have demonstrated a role for EpCAM in cell signaling and carcinogenesis, and EpCAM expression appears to promote breast cancer invasion. Interleukin-8 (IL-8/CXCL-8) is an inflammatory cytokine that has recently been shown to modulate breast cancer invasion and angiogenesis. In preliminary experiments we identified a correlation between EpCAM and IL-8 expression in primary human breast cancers. Specific ablation of EpCAM in breast cancer cell lines results in decreased IL-8 expression, and IL-8 contributes to EpCAM-dependent breast cancer invasion. Specific ablation of EpCAM is also associated with decreased nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) transcription factor activity, decreased phosphorylation of the NF-κB family member RELA, and increased IκBα protein expression. EpCAM modulates IL-8 expression at baseline, and following IL-1β stimulation, which is known to be a potent inducer of NF-κB in breast cancer. In functional rescue experiments, specific ablation of RELA, or forced expression of the NF-κB inhibitor protein IκBα prevented EpCAM-dependent rescue of IL-8 promoter activity. These studies demonstrate for the first time that EpCAM can modulate NF-κB transcription factor activity and IL-8 expression in breast cancer, and confirm the role of EpCAM signaling in modulating breast cancer invasion. Further study is required to define the molecular mechanism(s) of EpCAM signaling in breast cancer, and to direct the rational development of molecular therapies targeting EpCAM.