cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Texture-based classification of ground-penetrating radar images

Image texture is one of the key features used for the interpretation of radar facies in ground-penetrating radar (GPR) data. Establishing quantitative measures of texture is therefore a critical step in the effective development of advanced techniques for the interpretation of GPR images. This study presents the first effort to evaluate whether different measures of a GPR image capture the features of the data that, when coupled with a neural network classifier, are able to reproduce a human interpretation. The measures compared in this study are instantaneous amplitude and frequency, as well as the variance, covariance, Fourier-Mellin transform, R-transform, and principle components (PCs) determined for a window of radar data. A 50-MHz GPR section collected over the William River delta in Saskatchewan, Canada, is used for the analysis. We found that measures describing the local spatial structure of the GPR image (i.e., covariance, Fourier-Mellin, R-transform, and PCs) were able to reproduce human interp...
MK-801 antagonizes methamphetamine-induced decreases in hippocampal and striatal corticosteroid receptors

Administration of methamphetamine (15 mg/kg) to adrenalectomized rats significantly decreased hippocampal type I and II corticosteroid receptors as well as type II receptors in the striatum. Type II receptors in the frontal cortex and hypothalamus were unaffected by methamphetamine administration. Pretreatment with MK-801, a non-competitive antagonist of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors, antagonized the methamphetamine-induced decrease in hippocampal and striatal corticosteroid receptors. These results are in agreement with previous studies demonstrating that some of the neurobiological effects of methamphetamine may be mediated via a mechanism involving excitatory amino acids.
SuperMalloc: a super fast multithreaded malloc for 64-bit machines

SuperMalloc is an implementation of malloc(3) originally designed for X86 Hardware Transactional Memory (HTM)@. It turns out that the same design decisions also make it fast even without HTM@. For the malloc-test benchmark, which is one of the most difficult workloads for an allocator, with one thread SuperMalloc is about 2.1 times faster than the best of DLmalloc, JEmalloc, Hoard, and TBBmalloc; with 8 threads and HTM, SuperMalloc is 2.75 times faster; and on 32 threads without HTM SuperMalloc is 3.4 times faster. SuperMalloc generally compares favorably with the other allocators on speed, scalability, speed variance, memory footprint, and code size. SuperMalloc achieves these performance advantages using less than half as much code as the alternatives. SuperMalloc exploits the fact that although physical memory is always precious, virtual address space on a 64-bit machine is relatively cheap. It allocates 2 chunks which contain objects all the same size. To translate chunk numbers to chunk metadata, SuperMalloc uses a simple array (most of which is uncommitted to physical memory). SuperMalloc takes care to avoid associativity conflicts in the cache: most of the size classes are a prime number of cache lines, and nonaligned huge accesses are randomly aligned within a page. Objects are allocated from the fullest non-full page in the appropriate size class. For each size class, SuperMalloc employs a 10-object per-thread cache, a per-CPU cache that holds about a level-2-cache worth of objects per size class, and a global cache that is organized to allow the movement of many objects between a per-CPU cache and the global cache using $O(1)$ instructions. SuperMalloc prefetches everything it can before starting a critical section, which makes the critical sections run fast, and for HTM improves the odds that the transaction will commit.
Shape effects in magnetic superconductors

Within the framework of a recent molecular-field theory of magnetic superconductors we analyze shape effects in magnetic superconductors. For ellipsoidal ferromagnetic superconductors we show: (a) Spontaneous magnetization develops in the direction of minimum demagnetization factor; (b) the upper transition temperature for coexistence of ferromagnetism and superconductivity is a monotonically decreasing function of the demagnetization factor; (c) the lower transition temperature for coexistence may disappear, or the transition may become continuous if the demagnetization factor is sufficiently large; and (d) the directional dependence of the upper and lower critical fields is drastically different from that found in ordinary type-II superconductors.
Multimodal semi-automated affect detection from conversational cues, gross body language, and facial features

We developed and evaluated a multimodal affect detector that combines conversational cues, gross body language, and facial features. The multimodal affect detector uses feature-level fusion to combine the sensory channels and linear discriminant analyses to discriminate between naturally occurring experiences of boredom, engagement/flow, confusion, frustration, delight, and neutral. Training and validation data for the affect detector were collected in a study where 28 learners completed a 32- min. tutorial session with AutoTutor, an intelligent tutoring system with conversational dialogue. Classification results supported a channel × judgment type interaction, where the face was the most diagnostic channel for spontaneous affect judgments (i.e., at any time in the tutorial session), while conversational cues were superior for fixed judgments (i.e., every 20 s in the session). The analyses also indicated that the accuracy of the multichannel model (face, dialogue, and posture) was statistically higher than the best single-channel model for the fixed but not spontaneous affect expressions. However, multichannel models reduced the discrepancy (i.e., variance in the precision of the different emotions) of the discriminant models for both judgment types. The results also indicated that the combination of channels yielded superadditive effects for some affective states, but additive, redundant, and inhibitory effects for others. We explore the structure of the multimodal linear discriminant models and discuss the implications of some of our major findings.
Constructing optimal virtual cellular networks for nonuniformly distributed base stations

In a cellular network, the cell size varies from area to area, and the base stations may not be uniformly distributed. For example, in a well-populated city, the cell size may be smaller than that in a rural area. It is harder to study the performance of a nonuniform cellular network. By imposing a virtual uniform cellular network on the nonuniform cellular network, some performance issues of the nonuniform network can be studied using the imposed virtual one. In the imposed virtual cellular network, each virtual cell cannot contain more than one base station. This paper has proposed algorithms to construct optimal virtual cellular networks for nonuniformly distributed base stations. The constructed virtual cellular networks are optimal in the sense that their corresponding uniform cell sizes reach the largest possible. The main advantage of constructing the optimal virtual cellular network is that the number of virtual cells required to cover the service area is minimized. The algorithm works for mesh networks as well as for honeycomb networks. On the basis of a novel concept, referred to as the projection locus, both kinds of optimal virtual cellular networks can be constructed in O(nlog n) time for n nonuniformly distributed base stations. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Incidence and clinical significance of late right heart failure during continuous-flow left ventricular assist device support.

Background Right heart failure (RHF) is an unresolved issue during continuous-flow left ventricular assist device (LVAD) support. Little is known about the incidence and clinical significance of late RHF during LVAD support. Methods Between May 2004 and December 2013, 336 patients underwent continuous-flow LVAD implantation. Of these, 293 patients (87%) discharged with isolated LVAD support were included in this study. Late RHF was defined as HF requiring re-admission and medical or surgical intervention after initial surgery. Results Late RHF occurred in 33 patients (11%) at a median of 99 days after discharge (range 19 to 1,357 days). Freedom from late RHF rates were 87%, 84% and 79% at 1, 2 and 3 years, respectively. RHF recurred in 15 patients. Three patients required right ventricular assist device insertion. Univariable Cox proportional hazards regression model showed diabetes mellitus (HR 2.05, 95% CI 1.03 to 4.06, p = 0.04), body mass index >29 (HR 2.47, 95% CI 1.24 to 4.94, p = 0.01) and blood urea nitrogen level >41 mg/dl (HR 2.19; 95% CI 1.10 to 4.36; p = 0.025) as significant predictors for late RHF. Estimated on-device survival rates at 2 years were 73% in the RHF group and 82% in the non-RHF group ( p = 0.20). However, overall survival at 2 years was significantly worse in patients who developed late RHF (60% vs 85%, p = 0.016). This reduction was mostly attributed to worse overall outcomes in the bridge-to-transplant (BTT) population. Conclusions Late RHF is common after continuous-flow LVAD implantation, but does not affect survival during LVAD support. However, it is associated with worse overall outcomes in the BTT population.
Learning bundles of stimuli renders stimulus order as a cue, not a confound

The order in which stimuli are presented in an experiment has long been recognized to influence behavior. Previous accounts have often attributed the effect of stimulus order to the mechanisms with which people process information. We propose that stimulus order influences cognition because it is an important cue for learning the underlying structure of a task environment. In particular, stimulus order can be used to infer a “stimulus bundle”—a sequence of consecutive stimuli that share the same underlying latent cluster. We describe a clustering model that successfully explains the perception of streak shooting in basketball games, along with two other cognitive phenomena, as the outcome of finding the statistically optimal bundle representation. We argue that the perspective of viewing stimulus order as a cue may hold the key to explaining behaviors that seemingly deviate from normative theories of cognition and that in task domains where the assumption of stimulus bundles is intuitively appropriate, it can improve the explanatory power of existing models.
Chiari I malformation in parturients.

Abstract Study Objective: To assess complications of regional as well as general anesthesia in parturients with Chiari I malformation. Design: Retrospective chart review Setting: Academic medical center Patients: All parturients in our institution who had the diagnosis of Chiari I malformation and delivered in our hospitals over a 50-year period. Main Results: 12 parturients delivered 30 babies. Three deliveries were facilitated with general anesthesia. Nine deliveries were facilitated with central axis anesthesia, six with epidural anesthesia, two with a single injection of a spinal anesthetic, and one with a continuous spinal catheter. The patient who received a continuous spinal catheter developed a postdural puncture headache that resolved with an epidural blood patch. None of the patients who received general, spinal, or epidural anesthesia for their deliveries developed symptoms or had exacerbation of preexisting symptoms of Chiari I malformation. Conclusions: General anesthesia, as well as spinal and epidural anesthesia, appeared to be safe and effective in our series of vaginal or cesarean delivery patients. The small number of patients in our series does not negate the cautious recommendations of others, but suggests that general anesthesia, as well as spinal or epidural anesthesia, can be used safely and effectively in these patients.
Affiliation Patterns Among Male Costa Rican Squirrel Monkeys

Remarkably close male bonding exists among Costa Rican squirrel monkeys, Saimiri oerstedi. In this population males were philopatric, exhibited no male-male within-troop aggression, and only very slight evidence for a dominance hierarchy. Juvenile, young and full adult males were spatially clumped in same-age male cohorts. A less intense, secondary association was also shown between the young and full adult male cohorts. These associations were most dense over a spatial scale of 5 m or less, but can also be detected in a 5-10 m distance from a focal male. Males also cooperated in 1) sexual investigation of females during the mating season, 2) aggressive interactions with males of neighboring troops, and 3) valiant defense of infants and subadults from potential predators. In contrast, the spatial association among adult females never exceeded random expectations and only a transitory period of cooperation was observed among mothers during the birth season. Furthermore, there was little evidence of bonds between the sexes. Seasonal variation in affiliation patterns was best explained by fluctuations in food availability and, secondarily, reproductive activity. These results are surprising both from the perspective of the general pattern of male affiliation among primates and the often marked aggression and dominance relationships among males documented in captive and wild populations of South American squirrel monkeys. The ultimate explanation is suggested to be the disparate distribution of fruit resources exploited by South and Central American squirrel monkeys, mediated by effects on female affiliation and dispersal patterns.
Effect of Packaging and Storage Time on Survival of Listeria monocytogenes on Kippered Beef Steak and Turkey Tenders

Abstract: The objective of our study was to determine effect of packaging method and storage time on reducing Listeria monocytogenes in shelf-stable meat snacks. Commercially available kippered beef steak strips and turkey tenders were dipped into a 5-strain L. monocytogenes cocktail, and dried at 23 °C until a water activity of 0.80 was achieved. Inoculated samples were packaged with 4 treatments: (1) vacuum, (2) nitrogen flushed with oxygen scavenger, (3) heat sealed with oxygen scavenger, and (4) heat sealed without oxygen scavenger. Samples were stored at 23 °C and evaluated for L. monocytogenes levels at 0, 24, 48, and 72 h. Initial levels (time 0) of L. monocytogenes were approximately 5.7 log CFU/cm2 for steak and tenders. After 24 h of storage time, a 1 log CFU/cm2 reduction of L. monocytogenes was observed for turkey tenders for all packaging treatments. After 48 h, turkey tenders showed >1 log CFU/cm2 reduction of L. monocytogenes for all packaging treatments except for vacuum, where only 0.9 log CFU/cm2 reduction was observed. After 72 h, reductions for all packaging treatments for turkey tenders ranged from 1.5 to 2.4 log CFU/cm2. For kippered beef steak, there was no interaction between the packaging treatments and all storage times (P > 0.05) whereas, time was different (P <0.05). For kippered beef steak, there was 1 log reduction of L. monocytogenes at 24 and 48 h of storage times at 23 °C for all packaging treatments and a 2.1 log CFU/ cm2 L. monocytogenes reduction at 72 h of storage time. Practical Applications: Processors of kippered beef steak and turkey tenders could use a combination of vacuum or nitrogen-flushing or heat sealed with an oxygen scavenger packaging methods and a holding time of 24 h prior to shipping to reduce potential L. monocytogenes numbers by ≥1 log. However, processors should be encouraged to hold packaged product a minimum of 72 h to enhance the margin of safety for L. monocytogenes control.
Novel Renewable Polyols Based on Limonene for Rigid Polyurethane Foams

Novel renewable polyols based on limonene were synthesized using thiol-ene “click” chemistry. These limonene based polyols were structurally characterized using wet methods (hydroxyl number, acid value and viscosity), gel permeation chromatography and spectroscopic methods. The results indicated that high yield of polyols from limonene based materials can be obtained using thiol-ene reaction. These limonene based polyols were used successfully for preparation of rigid polyurethane foams. These foams had regular shape cells and uniform cell size distribution. Thermal studies on these foams indicated that foams were thermally stable up to 250 °C. The glass transition temperature of the foams was higher than 200 °C. These rigid polyurethane foams had high compressive strength and the highest compressive strength of 195 kPa was observed. These foams have good physical–mechanical characteristics and could be suitable for all the applications of rigid polyurethane foams such as thermal insulation of freezers, storage tanks for the chemical and food industries, and packing materials for food industries.
An empirical analysis of national and local advertising effect on price elasticity

This paper investigates the interaction effect of advertising and price on the market share of a consumer nondurable product. We postulate a model in which local advertising is thought to primarily affect the consumers' purchase by making the demand more price sensitive, and national advertising to affect the consumers' preference, thus making the demand less price sensitive. Moreover, we hypothesize that local advertising interaction will have more immediate effect, while national advertising interaction will have longer term interaction effects. We apply these ideas empirically, and find support for our hypotheses. Thus, the interaction effect of advertising and price can be characterized by both increased and decreased price sensitivity, depending on the type of advertising. Moreover, these effects may be present simultaneously for the same product.
Inhibitory effect of neurotensin on gastric acid secretion in rats. Development of a bioassay model.

Neurotensin has been shown to inhibit gastric acid secretion when administered in pharmacological doses, but no information has been available concerning its possible dose-related effect during intravenous infusion. In this study, a dose-related and reversible inhibitory effect of neurotensin was demonstrated in pentobarbital-anesthetized female Sprague-Dawley rats. The rats underwent continuous gastric perfusion with saline, 1 ml/min, and intravenous infusion of both pentagastrin and neurotensin. Inhibition of acid secretion did not depend upon the occurrence of hypotension, and ranged from 35±7% of maximal acid output at 0.24 nmol/kg/hr to 60 ±10% at 7.2 nmol/kg/hr of neurotensin. Blood levels of C-terminal neurotensin-like immunoreactivity were proportional to the dose of peptide infused and were 52 fmol/ml during infusion of 0.24 nmol/kg/hr, a dose that significantly inhibited pentagastrin-induced acid secretion. Thus, a model has been developed to study the effect of neurotensin infusion on acid secretion; the concentration of plasma neurotensin-like immunoreactivity at which inhibition occurs in this model is similar to the concentration reported to occur after a nutrient stimulus.
A framework for audio analysis based on classification and temporal segmentation

Existing audio tools handle the increasing amount of computer audio data inadequately. The typical tape-recorder paradigm for audio interfaces is inflexible and time consuming, especially for large data sets. On the other hand, completely automatic audio analysis and annotation is impossible using current techniques. Alternative solutions are semi-automatic user interfaces that let users interact with sound in flexible ways based on content. This approach offers significant advantages over manual browsing, annotation and retrieval. Furthermore, it can be implemented using existing techniques for audio content analysis in restricted domains. This paper describes a framework for experimenting evaluating and integrating such techniques. As a test for the architecture, some recently proposed techniques have been implemented and tested. In addition, a new method for temporal segmentation based on audio texture is described. This method is combined with audio analysis techniques and used for hierarchical browsing classification and annotation of audio files.
Enhanced Antiscrapie Effect Using Combination Drug Treatment

Combination treatment with pentosan polysulfate and Fe(III)meso-tetra(4-sulfonatophenyl)porphine in mice beginning 14 or 28 days after scrapie inoculation significantly increased survival times. This increase may be synergistic, implying that the compounds act cooperatively in vivo. Combination therapy may therefore be more effective for treatment of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies and other protein-misfolding diseases.
Word Alignment for Languages with Scarce Resources

This paper presents the task definition, resources, participating systems, and comparative results for the shared task on word alignment, which was organized as part of the ACL 2005 Workshop on Building and Using Parallel Texts. The shared task included English-Inuktitut, Romanian-English, and English-Hindi sub-tasks, and drew the participation of ten teams from around the world with a total of 50 systems.
A note on the Delta Aurigid meteor stream

Abstract Seven doubly photographed meteors reported in the literature are shown to be members of the Delta Aurigids, which now appear to extend from September 29 to October 18. Visual observations from the second half of activity in 1980 reveal a zenith hourly rate of no more than 2 or 3. The mean orbital elements of the stream point to an unknown short period (115 years) retrogade comet as a parent.
Distal elements are critical for human CD34 expression in vivo.

The elements regulating gene expression in hematopoietic stem cells are still poorly understood. We previously reported that a 141-kilobase (kb) human CD34 transgene confers properly regulated human CD34 expression in transgenic mice. A construct with only the human CD34 promoter and 3′ enhancer region is not sufficient, suggesting that critical distal elements are necessary for expression of the human CD34 gene. To further localize such elements, we analyzed deletion constructs of the human CD34 gene and evaluated their function in transgenic mice. Constructs harboring as little as 18 kb of 5′ and 26 kb of 3′ human CD34 flanking sequence conferred human expression in tissues of transgenic mice with a pattern similar to that of the 141-kb human transgene. In contrast, a construct harboring 10 kb of 5′ and 17 kb of 3′ human CD34 flanking sequence gave no expression. These data demonstrate that regions between 10 to 18 kb upstream and/or 17 to 26 kb downstream of the human CD34 gene contain critical elements for human CD34 expression in vivo. Further functional analysis of these regions in transgenic mice will be crucial for understanding CD34 gene expression in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells.
ISSUE VERSUS IMAGE ORIENTATION AND EFFECTS OF POLITICAL ADVERTISING

Melding uses and gratifications and information-processing perspectives, an experiment was constructed to investigate how media channel and audience motivation for attending to a political advertisement govern the processing and effect of the ad. A 2×2 factorial design (N=153) was used. Subjects were instructed to attend to a political ad “to learn where the candidate stands on issues” (issue motivational set) or “to form an impression of the candidate's personality” (image motivational set). In addition, subjects either viewed a two-channel political television ad (audio-video condition) or listened only to the audio portion (audio-only condition). Subjects attending to learn issue information were most likely to become informed and were more confident in their learning than were subjects attending to form a personality impression. Those attending to form a personality impression paid greater attention to the video portion of the ad and had greater confidence in their recall of video information. They we...
Analysis of gp41 epitopes in model viral membranes to study HIV-1 neutralization

Background The membrane proximal external region (MPER) of the HIV surface glycoprotein gp41 is the binding site for several potent broadly neutralizing antibodies. These antibodies recognize highly conserved linear peptide epitopes and antigens derived from this region have the potential to be important components of a vaccine directed against HIV-1. Highly conserved peptide epitopes for these antibodies are sterically obscured from the immune system by an intimate association with the viral membrane and by the presence of a large trimeric glycoprotein spike. As a result, previous attempts to immunize with linear peptides have failed to elicit broadly neutralizing antibodies.
A Block to Efficient Replication of Simian Immunodeficiency Virus in C8166 Cells Can Be Overcome by Duplication of the NF-kappaB Binding Site

Sequence analysis of the acutely lethal pbj14 strain of simian immunodeficiency virus (SIVpbj14) clone revealed among other differences from its less pathogenic counterparts a duplication of its binding site for nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) in its long terminal repeats (LTR). We have investigated whether introducing a similar duplication into the pathogenic molecular clone SIVmac239 would alter its biological properties. We compared an SIV which possessed 2 NF-κB sites to the wild type, a single NF-κB site virus, with respect to its ability to replicate in vitro in established CD4+ T cell lines, primary peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), and primary alveolar macrophages. The virus containing 2 NF-κB sites exhibited no apparent difference from wild type in established cell lines 174×CEM, MT-2 and MT-4, or in primary PBMC or tissue macrophage cultures. However, the 2 κB virus replicated well in the established cell line C8166, while the wild type, 1 κB virus replicated very poorly in this cell type, suggesting that duplication of the NF-κB site is capable of overcoming a block to efficient replication of SIVmac239 in C8166 cells. Interestingly, Em*, a macrophage tropic SIVmac that differs from SIVmac239 by 9 amino acids in the envelope region yet possesses only one NF-κB binding site, also replicates well in C8166. The data suggest that the replication of wild type SIVmac239 is restricted in C8166 cells, but that this restriction can be overcome either by changes in the LTR or by changes in the envelope region.
Risk of sperm competition does not influence copulatory behavior in the promiscuous meadow vole ( Microtus pennsylvanicus )

It is not clear whether males in all mammalian species adjust their copulatory behavior when faced with risk of sperm competition (RSC). Previous work on meadow voles, Microtus pennsylvanicus, indicated that males increase their sperm expenditure but not the number of ejaculations in the presence of odors of a conspecific male. The present study follows up on this work and asks whether male meadow voles modify any aspect of their copulatory behavior when they face a RSC. We examined 46 variables of copulatory behavior and found that the presence of odors from a conspecific male did not affect any of these variables. Thus, male meadow voles, unlike some other species of mammals, do not adjust their copulatory behavior when exposed to cues associated with an elevated RSC.
Mutual aid systems in the United States for chemical emergencies

Abstract This paper focuses on the diverse forms of interorganizational mutual aid systems established in American localities to cope with chemical emergencies of an acute nature. Factors underlying the development of such systems and the specific forms they assume are discussed as well as the components of these networks, problems encountered and the consequences of such systems for general emergency planning and the community as a whole.
The channel conductivity in n-type Si inversion layers at very low electron densities

For electron densities less than 7 × 1011 cm−2 the channel conductivity is activated with a T-independent activation energy for T ⪸ 1.3 K. For 0.5 < T < 1.3 T K the activation energy is strongly T-dependent and for 0.03 < T < 0.5 K the conductivity becomes almost T-independent but not density independent. Variable range hopping does not appear to dominate the conductivity at low temperatures.
Diversifying vancomycin via chemoenzymatic strategies.

The rapid diversification of glycopeptides via glycorandomization reveals that significantly diverse substitutions are tolerated and suggests there may be a synergistic benefit to the construction of mechanistically related natural product core scaffold fusions. This work also further highlights the utility of chemoenzymatic approaches to diversify complex natural product architectures.
Early Head Start MAP: Manualized Assessment of Progress

Nous presentons le systeme Early Head Start MAP. Le Early Head Start est un programme de prevention et d'aide gouvernementale a la petite enfance defavorisee aux Etats-Unis d'Amerique. Le MAP (Evaluation Manuelle de Programme, abrege MAP en anglais) est un protocole d'evaluation de programme tout nouvellement developpe pour le programme Early Head Start. Brievement, et plus specifiquement, le EHS est un programme de prevention pour les familles a bas revenus ayant des bebes, des petits enfants, et pour les femmes enceintes. Le protocole EHS MAP a ete concu pour etre incorpore dans le tissu du programme EHS, utilise par tous les employes de EHS avec le concours des familles participant au programme. En tant que tel, il sert a documenter le progres en cours des enfants et des familles pendant qu'elles sont inscrites au programme, ainsi que la fidelite des services qui sont offerts. Des resultats empiriques preliminaires sont presentes afin d'exemplifier la nature de l'efficacite et la fidelite des donnees qui peuvent etre obtenues avec ce systeme EHS MAP. Les implications pour effectuer une evaluation de programme sont discutees comme etant liees au service qu'offre le EHS.
The "wisdom" of lung surfactant: balancing host defense and surface tension-reducing functions.

the mixture of lipids and proteins that comprises pulmonary surfactant is both complex and multifunctional. Although surfactant was originally identified as a lipoprotein complex that reduces surface tension at the air-liquid interface of the lung ([4][1], [20][2]), both in vitro and in vivo studies
In Search of a "Good College": Decisions and Determinations Behind Asian American Students' College Choice

Through in-depth interviews, 14 Asian American college students at an elite, private Northeastern US university were asked to describe their experiences and relationships with family, friends, teachers, and counselors during their college-choice process. The results suggest that students considered their social networks, especially family and peers, to be most important in making decisions about where to apply and attend. The type of support students received from high school guidance counselors mainly depended on the kind of secondary school they attended. Students also relied on external sources of information provided by various media outlets. Implications of the findings for conceptualizing access and choice in higher education for Asian American students are discussed and recommendations for future research and practice are offered.
The common African American polymorphism SCN5A-S1103Y interacts with mutation SCN5A-R680H to increase late Na current.

The common polymorphism SCN5A-S1103Y (∼13% allelic frequency in African Americans) is a risk factor for arrhythmia, sudden unexplained death (SUD), and sudden infant death syndrome. Prompted by a c...
On the fundamental theory of nonlinear second order stochastic boundary value problems

A study of nonlinear second order stochastic boundary value problems (SBVP for short) is initiated through sample calculus approach. A basic existence result for bounded nonlinearities is established. The method of upper and lower solution processes and a general existence theorem are established. After proving the stochastic version of the needed maximum principle , the monotone iterative technique is developed which yields existence of muptiple solution processes of SBVP. Finally , by developing a stochastic comparison result, the important problem of finding error estimates between the sample solutions of SBVP and the solutions of corresponding deterministic BVP, is considered
Keeping the Peace after Secession Territorial Conflicts Between Rump and Secessionist States

Secession is an attempt to resolve a domestically based territorial dispute by dividing a country's homeland territory into new, secessionist (e.g., Eritrea) and rump (e.g., Ethiopia) states. Yet, the secession may not have resolved the original dispute to the states' satisfaction. In the aftermath of a secession, the leader of the rump state is motivated to use force by the benefits of retaking (some of) the land lost to the secessionist state, while the secessionist state's leader is motivated by the benefits of acquiring even more land. The peaceful versus violent secession process further affects whether these desires escalate into the use of force. The results—based on the examination of the consequences of all twentieth-century secessions—reveal that ethnically based territorial disputes play a much greater role in conflict onset than do their economically or strategically based counterparts and that peaceful secessions lead to peaceful relations.
Mobilizing Minority Communities: Social Capital and Participation in Urban Neighborhoods

The debate over social capital and civil society has focused largely on broad-brush assessments of participation in America and on what various measures of involvement in social and political life ...
Using critical incident reflections: a self-study as a mathematics teacher educator

In this paper, I report the results of a 4-year study into how my students learn to become mathematics teachers during the combined 15-week methods and field placement course I teach. At the start of most weekly methods class meetings, groups of three or four students reported their critical incidents to each other, and then chose one incident to report to the whole class. Each student then submitted a written report of 10 critical incidents for grading. At the end of each semester, I administered a questionnaire about the usefulness of each of the elements of the course. Using these two main data sources, along with my own personal reflections on the course, this paper answers the question “What are the critical incidents preservice teachers encounter during their field experience, and what do they learn about teaching for understanding through reflecting on those critical incidents?” My analysis of the students’ incident reports found that the issues raised focused on four main areas: teaching and classroom management; student factors such as pre-requisite knowledge, understanding, resistance and motivation; issues concerning relationships with colleagues, students and parents; and school organizational issues such as policies and access to resources. Their learning about teaching for understanding focused on three broad areas: the conditions necessary to teach for understanding; facilitators of teaching for understanding; and barriers to teaching for understanding. The paper concludes with a discussion of the lessons learned about fostering reflection in novice teachers, and suggestions for further research.
Effects of dietary vegetable, animal and marine lipids on muscle lipid and hematology of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

The effects of dietary vegetable and animal fats on the growth, nutrition, and tissue lipid profiles of rainbow trout raised to market size on a commercially available diet were examined. Rainbow trout of 80 g mean initial weight were fed pellets prepared according to Oregon Moist Pellet (OMP) specifications for 20 weeks. Salmon oil (OMP-1), soybean oil (OMP-2), linseed oil (OMP-3), chicken fat (OMP-4), pork lard (OMP-5) and beef tallow (OMP-6) were used for the lipid component of the diets. No differences in feed conversion or growth rate were observed across diet groups. Hematological tests revealed oxidative stress caused by the OMP-1 diet, as measured by hemolysis, while hematocrit and percent hemoglobin values fell within a narrow range across diet groups. Only 10–12% of lipid in trout on diets OMP-2–6 was deposited as 20:5n−3 plus 22:6n−3 despite the availability of dietary precursor (18:3n−3) to further elongate and desaturate to 20:5n−3 and/or 22:6n−3. Dietary ratios of 20:120:1, ranging from 0.6 to 0.8, also were modified to 0.5 in the muscle tissue of trout on all diets. This consistent pattern suggests that a physiologically optimum level of long chain fatty acids is maintained in rainbow trout.
De novo mutations discovered in 8 Mexican American families through whole genome sequencing

De novo mutations enrich the sequence diversity and carry the clue of evolutional selection. Recent studies suggest the de novo mutations could be one of the risk factors for complex diseases. We conducted a survey of de novo mutations using the whole genome sequence data but only available on the odd autosomes of Mexican American families provided by Genetic Analysis Workshop 18. We extracted 8 three-generation families who have sequencing data available from 20 large pedigrees. By comparing the known single nucleotide variants (SNVs) in dbSNP129 and the de novo variants transmitted in the Mexican American families, we were able to estimate a de novo mutation rate of 1.64(±0.42) × 10−8 per position per haploid genome. This result is consistent with the estimates in literature that required many extensive validation efforts, such as genotyping and further resequencing. Our analysis suggests the importance of using family samples for studying rare variants.
A Lagrange multiplier stationarity test using covariates

Abstract A stationarity test based on the Lagrange multiplier using covariates is proposed. The tests are shown to have more power than standard Lagrange multiplier tests if the covariates are highly correlated with the stationary part of the data.
Quantitative assessment and optimization of parameters for pyrolysis of bacteria with gas chromatographic analysis

Abstract Chemotaxonomic information can be extracted from microorganisms through gas chromatographic characterization of pyrolysate which is influenced by pyrolysis time and temperature, gas atmosphere for pyrolysis, and others. The quantitative effects of these parameters were determined using a pyrolysis gas chromatographic instrument equipped with a flame ionization detector. Repeatability of peak heights from the pyrolysis of Micrococcus luteus ranged from 4 to 29% relative standard deviation with an average value of 14% R.S.D. Volatile components with retention times below 5 min increased in peak height 10-fold or more as pyrolysis temperature was increased from 350 to 650 °C and was understood as increased pyrolysis yield. Response was decreased through increases in gas flow through the pyrolysis chamber. The total mass of all volatile compounds formed in pyrolysis of bacteria was 1.1 × 10−6 g while the organic mass from the bacteria was ∼3.9 × 10−4 g. Thus, the conversion of bacterial mass into chromatographic response was 0.28%. Chromatographic profiles of pyrolysates from three bacterial strains were analyzed to find peaks that were distinctive of each bacterial strain and might be tentatively classified as biomarkers.
Localized bond model for molecular energy to fourth order in perturbation theory

The localized bond model of Malrieu, Diner, and Claverie is extended to fourth order in perturbation theory. Single, double, triple, and quadruple replacements from the doubly occupied bonding reference function are included utilizing a symmetric form of diagrammatic perturbation theory. The fourth order theory derived executes on a computer as quickly as does the third order theory. Results are examined utilizing the Pariser–Parr–Pople and CNDO/2 model Hamiltonians, and are compared with third order results and with either exact results where they are known, or with a configuration interaction of all singles and doubles. The influence of the initial hybridization, localization, and bond polarization is discussed. In general, the fourth order corrections are of comparable size to third order. Improvement in results appears to be marginal in the Nesbet–Epstein scheme in passing to fourth order because of the oscillating nature of the series; for Moller–Plesset theory errors are approximately halved. The relative energies as a function of modest geometry change about minima is about the same at third order as it is at fourth for most cases examined.
The effects of bone cement powder on human adherent monocytes/macrophages in vitro

This study reports the effects of Simplex bone cement powder (BC) on the proliferation and production of bone resorbing factors in vitro by human adherent monocytes/macrophages. Adherent peripheral blood cells were isolated from seven healthy individuals and exposed to a dispersion of BC powder (1 mg/mL), phytohemagglutinin (PHA, 40 μg/mL), or medium alone at different periods of cell incubation (days 0–2, 0–7, 5–7, or 10–12). Cell proliferation was quantified by incorporation of 3H-thymidine uptake. Culture supernatants were evaluated for levels of interleukin 1-like activity (IL-1) by murine thymocyte proliferation assay, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) by radioimmunoassay, lysosomal enzyme activity (N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase and β-glucuronidase) using fluorometry, and collagen and casein degrading activity using radioactive substrates. Human adherent peripheral blood cells showed a proliferative response to PHA that coincided with cell maturation; BC did not inhibit PHA-induced cell proliferation of either adherent or nonadherent blood cells, indicating the non-toxic nature of these particles at the concentrations tested. BC stimulated increased release of the lysosomal enzyme N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase; the levels of PGE2, IL-1, collagenase, and caseinase were unchanged. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Indices of in vivo and in vitro thyroid hormone metabolism in iron-deficient rats

Abstract Iron deficiency impairs thermoregulation, partially through altering the conversion of thyroxine (T 4 ) to triiodothyronine (T 3 ). We studied the distribution and excretion of 125 I-T 4 and the hepatic thyroid hormone receptor concentrations to determine the in vivo relationships between hepatic deiodinase activity and disposition of T 4 in iron deficiency. Male weanling Sprague-Dawley rats were placed on either iron-sufficient (CN, 35 ppm Fe, n=7) or iron-deficient (ID, } 5 ppm Fe, n=7) diets. A third group was pair-fed (PF, n=6) the CN diet in amounts equal to that of matched ID rats. Following 6–7 weeks of dietary treatment, animals were anesthetized and cannulas were placed in the right jugular vein and the bile duct. A 20 μCi bolus of 125 I-T 4 was infused into the jugular vein. Bile samples were obtained at timed intervals. Animals were killed after 2h and organs were removed for determination of labeled hormone content. There was no effect of iron status on bile flow rate, and there was no change in bile flow rate throughout the 2h period. Tracer distribution was unaffected by iron deficiency. The percent of 125 I-T 4 dose in heart, kidney and brown adipose tissue after 2h was similar in ID and CN rats (p>0.05 by ANOVA). The rate of hormone excretion into bile was slightly elevated in ID rats. In a second study, thyroid hormone binding by nuclear receptors tended to be lower in ID rats when compared to CN controls. These results suggest that the metabolism of T 4 is altered in iron deficiency and that ID rats are functionally hypothyroid. Future studies are required to further clarify the effects of iron deficiency on thyroid hormone metabolism.
In situ forces in the anterior cruciate ligament and its bundles in response to anterior tibial loads

The anterior cruciate ligament has a complex fiber anatomy and is not considered to be a uniform structure. Current anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions succeed in stabilizing the knee, but they neither fully restore normal knee kinematics nor reproduce normal ligament, function. To improve the outcome of the reconstruction, it may be necessary to reproduce the complex function of the intact anterior cruciate ligament in the replacement graft. We examined the in situ forces in nine human anterior cruciate ligaments as well as the force distribution between the anteromedial and posterolateral bundles of the ligament in response to applied anterioi tibial loads ranging from 22 to 110 N at knee flexion angles of 0–90°. The analysis was performed using a robotic manipulator in conjunction with a universal force-moment sensor. The in situ forces were determined with no device attached to the ligament, while the knee was permitted to move freely in response to the applied loads. We found that the in situ forces in the anterior cruciate ligament ranged from 12.8 ± 7.3 N under 22 N of anterior tibial load applied at 90° of knee flexion to 110.6 ± 14.8 N under 110 N of applied load at 15° of flexion. The magnitude of the in situ force in the posterolateral bundle was larger than that in the anteromedial bundle at knee flexion angles between 0 and 45°, reaching a maximum of 75.2 ± 18.3 N at 15° of knee flexion under an anterior tibial load of 110 N. The magnitude of the in situ force in the posterolateral bundle was significantly affected by knee flexion angle and anterior tibial load in a fashion remarkably similar to that seen in the anterior cruciate ligament. The magnitude of the in situ force in the anteromedial bundle, in contrast, remained relatively constant, not changing with flexion angle. Significant differences in the direction of the in situ force between the anteromedial bundle and the posterolateral bundle were found only at flexion angles of 0 and 60° and only under applied anterior tibial loads greater than 66 N. We have demonstrated the nonuniformity of the anterior cruciate ligament under unconstrained anterior tibial loads. Our data further suggest that in order for the anterior cruciate ligament replacement graft to reproduce the in situ forces of the normal anterior cruciate ligament, reconstruction techniques should take into account the role of the posterolateral bundle in addition to that of the anteromedial bundle.
A systematic framework for the design of reduced-order models for signal transduction pathways from a control theoretic perspective

Systematic study of cellular signaling pathways facilitates improved understanding of processes including cell proliferation, metabolism and embryonic development. Key cell signaling pathway characteristics, such as transduction, amplification, feedback, and filtering display striking similarities to that of a control system. This leads us to believe that a control theoretic analysis of these pathways could enable a systems level understanding and help identify the role of individual modules in controlling the overall cellular behavior. Towards this end, this paper presents a framework with a step-by-step bottom-up methodology to guide the development of modular reduced-order signaling pathway components that collectively predict key observations and yet are simple. Critical steps of this iterative method include (1) modification of the pathway structure by addition and/or deletion of key nodes and/or arcs, (2) critical evaluation of multiple functional forms for fluxes and (3) estimation of the pathway model parameters. The parameter estimation minimizes the mismatch between the desired behavior and the predicted behavior using a hybrid procedure that involves a genetic algorithm to identify interesting regions in the parameter-space that are further explored using a local optimizer. The utility of this framework has been demonstrated by developing a reduced-order model for the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway in mouse NIH-3T3 fibroblasts. The reduced-order model, consisting of five ordinary differential equations and 16 parameters, quantitatively predicts the bistable and proportional MAPK responses to the PDGF stimulus at different levels of MAP kinase phosphatase (MKP).