cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Frequency of Low-Risk Hospital Admissions for Heart Failure

Abstract Heart failure is one of the most common reasons for admission to acute care hospitals. A proportion of these admissions are probably low risk and could be managed in subacute care facilities, resulting in substantial cost savings. To investigate the proportion of low-risk hospital admissions for heart failure, all admissions for heart failure to Vanderbilt University Medical Center between July 1993 and June 1995 were identified (n = 743). One hundred twenty of these admissions were randomly selected, reviewed, and classified into a high-risk versus low-risk group on admission based on the severity of heart failure and the presence of life-threatening complications. Of the 120 admissions, 57 (48%) were classified as high risk based on the presence of moderate to severe heart failure for the first time or recurrent heart failure with a major complicating factor. Sixteen admissions (28%) were associated with adverse outcomes, including myocardial infarction in 5 (9%), intubation in 6 (11%), and death in 4 (7%). Sixty-three admissions (52%) were classified as low risk based on the presence of new-onset mild heart failure or mild to moderate recurrent heart failure with no complicating factors. Most of these admissions were for dyspnea without any life-threatening complication; 57 (91%) had no evidence of interstitial or alveolar pulmonary edema, and arterial oxygen saturation averaged 95 ± 3%. Only 3 of these low risk admissions (5%) were associated with an adverse cardiovascular event. None of the patients died. These data suggest that over half of the patients admitted for heart failure to an acute care facility are low risk and probably could be managed in a subacute care setting, resulting in large cost savings.
Examining novice teacher leaders’ facilitation of mathematics professional development

Abstract This paper reports on novice teacher leaders’ efforts to enact mathematics PD through an analysis of their facilitation in workshops conducted at their schools. We consider the extent to which teacher leaders facilitated the Problem-Solving Cycle model of PD with integrity to its key characteristics. We examine the characteristics they enacted particularly well and those that were the most problematic to enact. Facilitators were generally successful with respect to workshop culture and selecting video clips for use in the PD workshops. They had more difficulty supporting discussions to foster aspects of mathematics teachers’ specialized content knowledge and pedagogical content knowledge. We suggest a number of activities that may help to better prepare novice PD leaders to hold effective workshops. Furthermore, we conjecture that leaders of mathematics PD draw from a construct we have labeled Mathematical Knowledge for Professional Development (MKPD), and we posit some domains that may comprise this construct.
Targeted Therapies in Hematology and Their Impact on Patient Care: Chronic and Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Advances in the genetic and molecular characterizations of leukemias have enhanced our capabilities to develop targeted therapies. The most dramatic example of targeted therapy in cancer to date is the use of targeted BCR-ABL protein tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI), which has revolutionized the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Inhibition of the signaling activity of this kinase has proved to be a highly successful treatment target, transforming the prognosis of patients with CML. In contrast, acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is an extremely heterogeneous disease with outcomes that vary widely according to subtype of the disease. Targeted therapy with monoclonal antibodies and small molecule kinase inhibitors are promising strategies to help improve the cure rates in AML. In this review, we will highlight the results of recent clinical trials in which outcomes of CML and AML have been influenced significantly. Also, novel approaches to sequencing and combining available therapies will be covered.
Stage-specific assays to study biosynthetic cargo selection and role of SNAREs in export from the endoplasmic reticulum and delivery to the Golgi.

To analyze the role of coat protein type II (COPII) coat components and targeting and fusion factors in selective export from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and transport to the Golgi, we have developed three novel, stage-specific assays. Cargo selection can be measured using a "stage 1 cargo capture assay," in which ER microsomes are incubated in the presence of glutathione S-transferase (GST)-tagged Sar1 GTPase and purified Sec23/24 components to follow recruitment of biosynthetic cargo to prebudding complexes. This cargo recruitment assay can be followed by two sequential assays that measure separately the budding of COPII-coated vesicles from ER microsomes (stage 2) and, finally, delivery of cargo-containing vesicles to the Golgi (stage 3). We show how these assays provide a means to identify the snap receptor (SNARE) protein rBet1 as an essential component that is not required for vesicle formation, but is required for vesicle targeting and fusion during ER-to-Golgi transport. In general, these assays provide an approach to characterize the biochemical basis for the recruitment of a wide variety of biosynthetic cargo proteins to COPII vesicles and the role of different transport components in the early secretory pathway of mammalian cells.
A novel hypothesis concerning the mechanisms of activation, and of control, of periodontal bone loss.

Abstract Chronic inflammatory periodontitis fulfills the classical definition of an infectious disease in that it is a disease of the host caused by the activities of one or more parasites. Typically, the etiology of an infectious disease has been defined as the specific microbe which incites the disease process, even though the quality and nature of host responses to the pathogen may underlie much of the pathology seen. This approach in the study of the etiology of chronic periodontitis has not resulted in the identification of a single ‘periodontopathogen', but rather is leading to the realization that multiple sets of microbes may induce the same endpoint, albeit some possibly more efficiently than others. The premise of this paper is that a different view of the literature in the area, with the primary emphasis on the mechanisms of damage and resistance to periodontitis, reveals a probable commonality, rather than a plethora of diseases. The concept of a mechanism-based etiology, rather than of a microbe-based one, deserves consideration for this complex, host-parasite interaction. The novel hypothesis presented here is that the common virulence factor of chronic periodontitis is lipopolysaccharide (LPS), that the cnetral damaging mediator is a cyclooxygenase product of arachidonic acid (probably prostaglandin E 2 ), and that the critical resistance mechanism that limits disease activity is the effective, peripheral neutralization of LPS by emigrated polymorphonuclear neutrophils.
Degradation of bone structural properties by accumulation and coalescence of microcracks.

Failure of bone adaptation to protect the skeleton from fatigue fracture is common, and site-specific accumulation and coalescence of microcracking in regions of high strain during cyclic loading is considered a key factor that decreases the resistance of whole bones to fracture. We investigated the effect of cyclic fatigue loading on the monotonic structural properties of the rat ulna during accumulation and coalescence of microcracks. Cyclic end-loading of the ulna was performed at 4 Hz ex vivo at an initial peak strain of -6000 muepsilon to 20% loss of stiffness (n = 7) or 40% loss of stiffness (n = 7) bilaterally. A 0% loss of stiffness monotonically loaded control group (n = 7) was also included. Volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD), ultimate strength (F(u)), stiffness (S), and energy-to-failure (U) were determined in one ulna and in the contralateral ulna vBMD, cortical bone area (B.Ar), maximum and minimum second moments of inertia (I(MAX) and I(MIN)), microcrack density (Cr.Dn), microcrack mean length (Cr.Le), and microcrack surface density (Cr.S.Dn) were determined. In two additional groups of rats, cyclic end-loading of the ulna was also performed ex vivo unilaterally to 20% loss of stiffness (n = 10) and 40% loss of stiffness (n = 10) and then vBMD, F(u), S, U, B.Ar, I(MAX), and I(MIN) were determined bilaterally. Fatigue loading had incremental degradative effects on ulna structural properties. This decreased resistance to fracture was associated with accumulation and coalescence of branching arrays of microcracks within the cortex of the ulna. Microcracking was most prominent in the middiaphysis and corresponded to the region of the bone that fractured during monotonic structural testing. Fatigue loading influenced the relationship between bone cross-sectional geometry and vBMD and ulna structural properties. At 40% loss of stiffness, F(u), S, and U were all significantly correlated with cross-sectional bone geometry and vBMD, whereas this was not the case at 20% loss of stiffness and with the 0% loss of stiffness monotonic control ulnae. We also found a biologically significant individual animal effect. Larger ulnae required a higher number of load cycles for fatigue to develop, retained higher strength, and accumulated a greater amount of microcracking at the end of the cyclic fatigue testing. Small increases in bone size and density can substantially improve the resistance of whole bones to fracture as microcracking accumulates and coalesces during cyclic fatigue loading.
Millimeter-wave Imaging using Optical Upconversion Detectors

In previous publications, we have described a novel technique for millimeter-wave detection based on optical upconversion, carrier suppression, and photodetection. Using these techniques, we have been able to achieve NETD's as low as 1 K /√Hz in both 35 GHz and 95 GHz atmospheric transmission windows. These results were obtained without the use of millimeter-wave LNA's or cryogenic cooling, which have previously been requirements for reaching these performance levels. In this proceeding, we detail efforts to create a scanning single-pixel imager based on this detector technology. The configuration developed uses a larger 60 cm aperture in a Cassegrain configuration, which is mounted on a gimbal for far-field imaging. The described system has been used to collect data for perception experiments on the identification of small watercraft and some of the imagery collected in that experiment is presented herein. In addition, we discuss phenomenological observations noted during this data collection.
A METHOD OF TREATING PHOTOCHEMICAL TRIPLET QUENCHING DATA

Abstract— A modified Stern-Volmer plot method is proposed for treatment of quantum yield data where both reactive photoexcited singlet and triplet states are present in solution. The method may be applied when the reactions occurring are zeroth order in ground state photochemical substrate and allows the separation of singlet and triplet state contributions to the total quantum yield and the calculation of kinetic lifetimes without going to very high quencher concentrations. The method is illustrated through its application to literature data on the Type II photoelelimination reaction of 2-hexanone.
Augmentative and alternative communication applications for persons with severe congenital communication disorders: an introduction

Augmentative communication techniques are often used with persons who experience a wide range of congenital impairments, including cerebral palsy, mental retardation, autism, developmental verbal apraxia, and specific language disorders. This paper will discuss each of these impairments in terms of its etiology, prevalence, and associated communication characteristics. In addition, an overview of the major AAC issues related to each impairment will be discussed briefly.
Ovarian steroidogenic enzyme activities during the rat estrous cycle.

Abstract We have correlated the concentrations of serum LH, estradiol and progesterone with the activities of 2 ovarian steroid biosynthetic enzymes during the rat estrous cycle. Ovarian 3 β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase isomerase (3-βHSD) activity decreased from 29 ± 6 nmol/mg protein/ min (mean ± SEM) in diestrus, to 7 ± 0.4 nmol/mg protein/min in late proestrus (p
Voices in text, mind, and society: Sociohistoric accounts of discourse acquisition and use

Abstract Voice is often represented either expressively as personal and individualistic or socially as a discourse system. Drawing on sociohistoric theory (particularly Voloshinov and Bakhtin), in this article, I argue for a third view in which voice is simultaneously personal and social because discourse is understood as fundamentally historical, situated, and indexical. Specifically, I explore three key ways that voice may be understood from this perspective: voice as a typification linked to social identities; voice as the reenvoicing of others' words in texts (oral and written) through processes of repetition and presupposition; and finally, voice as it is linked to the situated production of persons and social formations. All three are central to discourse acquisition and use in general and to literate activity in particular. Finally, I conclude by considering the implications of this theoretical perspective for second language writing pedagogies.
Operant behavior in the great horned owl

An apparatus and method successful in producing free operant behavior in a Great Homed Owl are described. Key pecking responses were reinforced with balls of ground beef. Some sample data are shown.
Auxin and cyclic 3′,5′-adenosine monophosphate during the isolation of chromatin from avena coleoptiles: Effects on cell free RNA synthesis

Summary Chromatin from dark grown oat coleoptiles isolated in the presence of indole acetic acid (IAA) or cyclic 3′,5′-adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) exhibits a large increase in RNA synthesis over that of chromatin isolated in their absence. The stimulatory effect on RNA synthesis is specific for cAMP since other nucleotides in the isolation medium have no effect on RNA synthesis. Combinations of IAA and cAMP at optimum and suboptimum concentrations in the isolation medium do not result in an additive or synergistic enhancement of RNA synthesis.
Parametric Instability and Anomalous Heating Due to Electromagnetic Waves in Plasma

Experimental results are presented which verify the fundamental aspects of the parametric instability of whistler waves. The accompanying fast heating of plasma is interpreted to be due to anomalous absorption.
PROBLEMATIZING A PALESTINIAN DIASPORA

The year 1948 marks the beginning of al-ghurba (exile or diaspora) and al-nakba (disaster or calamity), words intensely resonant in the Palestinian lexicon. After this decisive date, one can affix “pre-” or “post-” as markers of an apocalyptic moment. In this cultural and political orbit, a new spatial world took shape. Violently crafted and maintained borders that locked Palestinians in and kept them out became features of quotidian life. In 1948, through a combination of expulsion and flight, around 750,000 Palestinians became refugees in neighboring Arab countries. About 100,000 Palestinians remained in their homeland. The core issue, however, is not conditions of departure but denial of an internationally recognized right of return, as elaborated in United Nations General Assembly Resolution 194.
Microcomputer information center and showroom: The creation of a microcomputer store

THE NEED FOR microcomputer support on the college college campus has grown and undergone changes since first becoming evident a few years ago. At first, a few pioneering users came to User Services for help with BASIC programs or a communications package that they were using on their microcomputer system. They understood if the staff could not supply an answer to their questions. As time went by, more users acquired personal computers and needed more extensive support. These users were now doing more important computing on these microcomputers and felt that User Services was the source for answers to their questions.At Louisiana State University, we have seen the need for microcomputer support grow in just such a way. The various services that the users require have caused User Services to diversify its efforts in the microcomputer area. Microcomputer help is now readily available through User Services. From configuring systems to solving the toughest communications problems, as well as evaluating hardware and software and performing our own research, microcomputer support is a real and welcome service provided by User Services.This paper describes the evolution of microcomputer services at Louisiana State University, from the overwhelming response to a Microcomputer Showroom to the creation of a Microcomputer Store.
Dynamics and stability of legged locomotion in the horizontal plane: a test case using insects

Motivated by experimental studies of insects, we propose a model for legged locomotion in the horizontal plane. A three-degree-of freedom, energetically conservative, rigid-body model with a pair of compliant virtual legs in intermittent contact with the ground allows us to study how dynamics depends on parameters such as mass, moment of inertia, leg stiffness, and length. We find periodic gaits, and show that mechanics alone can confer asymptotic stability of relative heading and body angular velocity. We discuss the relevance of our idealized models to experiments and simulations on insect running, showing that their gait and force characteristics match observations reasonably well. We perform parameter studies and suggest that our model is relevant to the understanding of locomotion dynamics across species.
Affect covariation in marital couples dealing with stressors surrounding prostate cancer

Background: Consistent with a dyadic perspective to coping with chronic illness, couples may experience covariation in their daily affective experiences, particularly as they deal w
Seams and Wedges in Plastering : A 3-D Hexahedral Mesh Generation Algorithm

This paper describes mesh correction techniques necessary for meshing an arbitrary volume with a completely hexahedral mesh. Specifically, it describes seams and wedges, mechanisms that overcome major hurdles encountered in the preliminary work on the plastering algorithm. The plastering algorithm iteratively projects layers of elements inward from a quadrilateral discretization of the volume's bounding faces. Seams and wedges resolve incompatibilities in the mesh and in the progressing boundary, thus ensuring the correct formation of a hexahedral mesh from the plastering algorithm.
Infra-red and Raman spectra ot the diazines

Abstract Rather complete infra-red and Raman data are presented for pyrazine, pyrimidine, and pyridazine. For pyrazine the data can be interpreted well in terms of D 2 h symmetry. All but two of the fundamental frequencies are located. For both pyrimidine and pyridazine the complete set of fumdamental frequencies has probably been selected essentially correctly, but the low symmetry often prevents a dependable assignment of a given frequency to a specific vibration.
Effects of Cr intermediate layers on CoCrPt thin film media on NiAl underlayers

Sputter-deposited NiAl underlayers can induce better in-plane c-axis textures in the overlying CoCrPt films and have a smaller grain size than Cr underlayers. However, it is found that the CoCrPt/NiAl films on glass substrates have on lower coercivity values than the CoCrPt/Cr films. A scheme which inserts a Cr intermediate layer, about 2.5 nm thick, between the CoCrPt and NiAl layers is found to greatly improve the in-plane magnetic properties of the CoCrPt/NiAl films. The existing (10.
Development of reduced-order models for aeroelastic analysis and flutter prediction using the CFL3Dv6.0 code

A reduced-order model (ROM) is developed for aeroelastic analysis using the CFL3D version 6.0 computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code, recently developed at the NASA Langley Research Center. This latest version of the flow solver includes a deforming mesh capability, a modal structural definition for nonlinear aeroelastic analyses, and a parallelization capability that provides a significant increase in computational efficiency. Flutter results for the AGARD 445.6 Wing computed using CFL3D v6.0 are presented, including discussion of associated computational costs. Modal impulse responses of the unsteady aerodynamic system are then computed using the CFL3Dv6 code and transformed into state-space form. Important numerical issues associated with the computation of the impulse responses are presented. The unsteady aerodynamic state-space ROM is then combined with a state-space model of the structure to create an aeroelastic simulation using the MATLAB/SIMULINK environment. The MATLAB/SIMULINK ROM is used to rapidly compute aeroelastic transients including flutter. The ROM shows excellent agreement with the aeroelastic analyses computed using the CFL3Dv6.0 code directly.
Apparatus for the investigation of heavy ion induced reactions

Abstract An integrated system for studying nuclear reaction mechanisms is described, including detection and identification of particles, and analysis and storage of data. Reaction products ranging from protons to fission fragments are identified and their energies are measured. Observations are made with 1° angular resolution at any angle from 8 1 2 ° to 171 1 2 ° . Without loss of vacuum the detectors may be moved or calibrated and the target may be changed. By a combination of photographic recording and multichannel analysis, products with cross-sections ranging down to fractions of a millibarn can be measured in the presence of products having large cross-sections. Examples are shown of spectra of protons, alpha particles, fission fragments and fragments ranging from lithium to magnesium produced by heavy ion bombardment.
Infectivity ofTrichinella spiralis (nematoda) muscle larvae in normal-vs. Alloxan-treated rats

Es wird gezeigt, dass kein signifikanter Zusammenhang zwischen Hyperglycamie, Erschopfung des Muskelglykogens und Anzahl der Larven vonTrichinella spiralis im Zwerchfell mannicher Albinoratten besteht.
Interfacial Structure in Heteroepitaxial Silicon on Sapphire

Several distinct structural models have been proposed for the interface in heteroepitaxial silicon on sapphire based on transmission electron microscopy observations. These models fall conveniently into three groups according to the mechanism whereby misfit is accommodated. In coherent models misfit is accommodated by twins, in semicoherent models by arrays of misfit dislocations, and in incoherent models by mixed-mode aluminosilicate bonding at the interface. It is shown that particular specimen geometries or imaging modes are common to each group. Possible explanations for the controversy are proposed in terms of inherent ambiguities in the interpretation of electron microscope images of heterophase boundaries.
Temporal determinants of the form of the spatial contrast threshold MTF

Abstract Much of the apparent variation of sensitivity of narrowly-tuned psychophysical channels indicated by the shape of the spatial MTF for continuously-presented gratings can be accounted for by temporal mechanisms common to all the channels. The model presented here implies that the channels detecting at low spatial frequencies are equal in peak sensitivity. The predictions of the model are supported by previous experiments involving temporally modulated spatial gratings. As the model predicts, sensitivity to low-spatial-frequency gratings was enhanced by tracking a target spot moving across the display while sensitivity to high-spatial-frequency gratings was reduced.
The diagnosis and management of anterior scleritis.

IntroductionAnterior scleritis remains a therapeutic challenge for ophthalmologists. The advent of more potent immunosuppressive agents and the improved diagnosis of underlying systemic autoimmune conditions have produced more effective treatments for scleritis, thereby limiting both ocular and syst
Martian cratering II: Asteroid impact history

This paper considers the extent to which Martian craters can be explained by considering asteroidal impact. Sections I, II, and III of this paper derive the diameter distribution of hypothetical asteroidal craters on Mars from recent Palomar-Leiden asteroid statistics and show that the observed Martian craters correspond to a bombardment by roughly 100 times the present number of Mars-crossing asteroids. Section IV discusses the early bombardment history of Mars, based on the capture theory of Opik and probable orbital parameters of early planetesimals. These results show that the visible craters and surface of Mars should not be identified with the initial, accreted surface. A backward extrapolation of the impact rates based on surviving Mars-crossing asteroids can account for the majority of Mars craters over an interval of several aeons, indicating that we see back in time no further than part-way into a period of intense bombardment. An early period of erosion and deposition is thus suggested. Section V presents a comparison with results and terminology of other authors.
Appendectomy and subsequent cancer risk

Abstract Although earlier epidemiologic studies reported a positive association between appendectomy and certain cancers, interest was limited due to lack of confidence in the study findings. However, recent morphologic studies on the immune structure of the vermiform appendix in the rabbit and man argue for a reevaluation of the appendectomy-cancer association. This paper reviews briefly the morphologic and epidemiologic literature on the subject to date. The validity of the earlier epidemiologic findings is discussed and avenues for further research assessing the relationship of appendectomy to subsequent cancer risk are proposed.
Spontaneous unit activity of neurons within the dorsal raphe nucleus of the neonatal rat

Abstract Extracellular recordings were made of spontaneously active neurons in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) of neonatal rats. The firing pattern and rate of these neurons were similar to those characterized for 5-HT-containing cells in the DRN of adult rats. Neonatal DRN cells were also inhibiteby small systematic doses of LSD, as previously described for 5-HT-containing DRN neurons in adult rats. These results indicate that DRN neurons in neonatal rats are physiologically active and display many characteristics similar to mature 5-HT-containing DRN neurons.
Potassium Sorbate Dip as a Method of Extending Shelf Life and Inhibiting the Growth of Salmonella and Staphylococcus aureus on Fresh, Whole Broilers

In two separate plant studies, the refrigerated shelf life of fresh whole broilers at 3 C was extended by dipping freshly chilled carcasses in a 5% (w/w) solution of potassium sorbate for 1 min. After 7 days, control birds had odor and slime formation and psychrotrophic counts of greater than 10(7)/cm2. Sorbate treated birds showed no spoilage until the 14th or 15th days. Dipping in sorbate also reduced the growth of Salmonella and Staphylococcus aureus inoculated onto the broiler carcasses. This study confirmed earlier findings that sorbate is effective in controlling growth of spoilage organisms associated with fresh poultry.
A Resistance-Integral Natural-Coordinate Method for Diffusive Transport

Numerical models of diffusive transport, commonly considered as approximate solvers of the partial differential equation, focus on evaluation of gradients at a point. Gradient-approximation inaccuracies manifest themselves as errors in conductances and capacitances that enter into matrices that are finally solved. In turn, these errors arise from a lack of consideration of flow geometry in the point’s vicinity. In order to improve accuracy, flow geometry may be incorporated into evaluation of conductances and capacitances by choosing segments of flow tubes as volume elements. Flow tubes, inherent in the initial conditions, can be generated using appropriate interpolation schemes that are built into contouring algorithms. The principal task is to structure contouring tools in such a way as to generate information to facilitate accurate evaluation of conductances and capacitances. The logical framework of this novel approach is founded on the contributions of Maxwell, who visualized a flow domain as a collection of flow tubes, Ohm, who introduced the notion of resistance of a finite body, and Fick, who introduced a differential equation for diffusive flow through a tube of non-uniform cross section. Computer-graphics capability to implement this approach has become available only over the past two decades. Casting aside the notion of a point, the new paradigm is to evaluate flow-resistance over finite distances. The method suggested is referred to as a Resistance-Integral Natural-Coordinate Method (RINC). Formulated from first principles, this method dispenses with the differential equation as an intermediary to formulate the numerical equations. It proceeds directly from the physical problem to its numerical representation.
Surface Elevation and Strain in Ion Implanted GaN

We report on the investigation of X-ray strains and surface elevation of ion-implanted GaN as a function of ion fluence. Si, Mg and Ar ion implantation are examined. A continuous increase in lattice constants, a and c occur for doses up to near 1 × 1015/cm2. At higher doses there emerges a volume expansion of the GaN perpendicular to the surface which is an order of magnitude larger than any observed out-of-plane change in strain. The rapid expansion correlates with the onset of GaN amorphization. Transmission electron microscopy indicates that cavities form after 5 × 1016/cm2, 100 keV Ar+ implantation. For low temperature implantation, the cavities lie near the peak of the ion range For room temperature implantation, the cavities coalesce at the surface and push out the GaN perpendicular to the surface. AFM measurements confirm the presence of large bumps on the surface. The very high dose ion implantation have important consequences to etching rates of GaN and to the ability to produce n+, but not p+ doping with ion implantation.
Video News Shot Labeling Refinement via Shot Rhythm Models

We present a three-step post-processing method for increasing the precision of video shot labels in the domain of television news. First, we demonstrate that news shot sequences can be characterized by rhythms of alternation (due to dialogue), repetition (due to persistent background settings), or both. Thus a temporal model is necessarily third-order Markov. Second, we demonstrate that the output of feature detectors derived from machine learning methods (in particular, from SVMs) can be converted into probabilities in a more effective way than two suggested existing methods. This is particularly true when detectors are errorful due to sparse training sets, as is common in this domain. Third, we demonstrate that a straightforward application of the Viterbi algorithm on a third-order FSM, constructed from observed transition probabilities and converted feature detector outputs, can refine feature label precision at little cost. We show that on a test corpus of TRECVID 2005 news videos annotated with 39 LSCOM-lite features, the mean increase in the measure of Average Precision (AP) was 4%, with some of the rarer and more difficult features having relative increases in AP of as much as 67%.
Gonadotrope function in ovariectomized ewes actively immunized against gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH).

The gonadotrope cells of the ovine anterior pituitary were insulated from hypothalamic inputs by imposing an immunologic barrier generated by active immunization of ovariectomized ewes against gonad otropin-rel easing hormone (GnRH) conjugated to keyhole limpet bemocyanin (KLH) through a p-aminopbenylacetic acid bridge. All GnRH-KLH animals immunized developed titers of anti-GnRH that exceeded 1:5000. The antisera were specific for GnRH and cross-reacted with GnRH agonists modified in position 10 to an extent that was less than 0.01%. Ewes actively immunized against GnRH-KLH displayed levels of basal and GnRH agonist-induced gonadotropin secretion that were markedly lower (p<0.05) than comparable parameters in ewes actively immunized against KLH. In contrast, basal and thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH)-induced prolactin (PRL) secretion were not compromised by active immunization. Immunization against the GnRH-KLH conjugate, but not KLH alone, prevented expression of the positive feedback response to exogenous estradiol (E2). Pituitary stores of immunoactive luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) were significantly (p<0.001) reduced in ewes immunized against GnRH-KLH but stores of PRL were not affected by such immunization. Further, the biopotency of the residual LH stores in tissue of animals from the anti -GnRH group was significantly (p<0.05) lower than LH biopotency in anti-KLH animals. Serum levels of LH in anti-GnRH ewes were restored by circhoral administration of a GnRH agonist that did not cross-react with the antisera generated. Pulsatile delivery of GnRH agonist in anti-GnRH ewes significantly (p<0.O5) elevated serum LH within 48 b and reestablished LH levels comparable to anti-KLH ewes within 6 days of treatment. These data indicate that active immunization against GnRH-KLH conjugate establishes a selective immunologic barrier between the anterior pituitary and hypothalamus. The functional integrity of the gonadotrope cells is markedly reduced without compromising mammotrope function. The antigonadotrope effect of active immunization against GnRH-KLH can be reversed by pulsatile administration of GnRH agonists that do not cross-react with the antisera produced.
Association of Insulin Resistance with Distance to Wealthy Areas The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis

Little is known about environmental determinants of type 2 diabetes. The authors hypothesized that insulin resistance is positively related to distance to a wealthy area and to local neighborhood poverty. Data were derived from The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis, a study of adults aged 45-84 years in six US locales, and the 2000 US Census. The homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) index was used to measure insulin resistance. Linear regression was used to estimate associations between area characteristics and insulin resistance after adjustment for age, sex, income, education, and race/ethnicity and for the potential mediators diet, physical activity, and body mass index (n = 4,821). Among persons not treated for diabetes, distance to a wealthy area was associated with HOMA independent of local poverty and person-level covariates: per 4.4-km change, the relative increase in HOMA was 13% (95% confidence interval: 7%, 19%), similar to the effect of a body mass index increase of 1.7 kg/m(2) on HOMA. This association was reduced after adjustment for physical activity, diet, and body mass index (relative increase = 9%, 95% confidence interval: 3%, 15%). Local neighborhood poverty was also positively, but more weakly associated with insulin resistance, with no association after adjustment for race/ethnicity. This study shows that proximity to resources in high-income areas is related to insulin resistance.
Yeast two-hybrid junk sequences contain selected linear motifs

Yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) screenings result in identification of many out-of-frame (OOF) clones that code for short (2-100 amino acids) peptides with no sequence homology to known proteins. We hypothesize that these peptides can reveal common short linear motifs (SLiMs) responsible for their selection. We present a new protocol to address this issue, using an existing SLIM detector (TEIRESIAS) as a base method, and applying filters derived from a mathematical model of SLiM selection in OOF clones. The model allows for initial analysis of likely presence of SLiM(s) in a collection of OOF sequences, assisting investigators with the decision of whether to invest resources in further analysis. If SLiM presence is detected, it estimates the length and number of amino acid residues involved in binding specificity and the amount of noise in the Y2H screen. We demonstrate that our model can double the prediction sensitivity of TEIRESIAS and improve its specificity from 0 to 1.0 on simulated data and apply the model to seven sets of experimentally derived OOF clones. Finally, we experimentally validate one SLiM found by our method, demonstrating its utility.
Some Properties of the Scrapie Agent and Its Behavior in Mice

Discussion and summaryThe agent isolated by Chandler in mice inoculated intracerebrally with brain tissue from goats affected with experimental scrapie can be passed serially in mice by this route. In the Rocky Mountain Laboratory stock of Swiss mice it causes a relentlessly progressive, and invariably fatal, disease of the central nervous system, usually after an incubation period of 4 to 5 months. The disease is characterized clinically by incoordination of gait, muscular atrophy, and drowsiness and neuropathologically by prominent astrocytosis, degeneration of neurons, and spongy alteration of the neuroparenchyma.That the agent causing this disease in mice is the transmissible agent of scrapie may be questioned. At present, identification of the scrapie agent can be made only by observing its pathogenic capacity in susceptible sheep and goats. In these hosts it induces a distinctive clinicopathologic picture whose essential features also characterize the infection in mice. Thus, the long incubation per...
Providing the providers - remedying Africa's shortage of health care workers.

There is a critical shortage of health care workers in many parts of the world, and Africa has been hit the hardest by the crisis. Dr. Pooja Kumar discusses the ways in which African countries have begun attacking the problem.
Design of mutually interacting multi-directional transducer configurations on a surface acoustic wave device for enhanced biosensing

Transducers used in biosensing applications are plagued by biofouling, which refers to the binding of nonspecific proteins to the device surface resulting in a compromise of the device sensitivity and selectivity. Acoustic streaming, resulting from high intensity sound waves, has the potential to address the issue of biofouling elimination in biosensors. Multi-directional transducers have the capability of achieving the dual objectives of biosensing and non-specifically bound protein removal for improved sensor performance. Also, focused interdigital transducers (IDTs) have the potential for acoustic energy focusing, thereby increasing the intensity of acoustic streaming. We have identified that various crystallographic orientation allow the propagation of different modes thereby rendering them suitable for different applications. For example, in Langasite, shear horizontal modes propagate along (0, 22, 90) Euler direction while mixed modes with prominent surface normal component are obtained along (0, 22, 0) direction. Thus, the (0, 22, 90) and (0, 22, 0) directions are suitable for biosensing and is suited for removal of NSB founding proteins from device surface. In this work, we investigate a Langasite based biosensor with a mutually interacting multidirectional IDT configuration along the two identified Euler directions for enhanced biosensor performance. Uniform IDTs (U-IDTs) are employed in the (0, 22, 90) direction while focused IDTs (F-IDTs) are placed along the (0, 22, 0) direction. The enhancement in sensor performance was analyzed in terms of device sensitivity and acoustic streaming force. Our results indicate that the streaming force and the sensitivity for the device with the mutually interacting U-IDTs/F-IDTs are significantly higher when compared to uniform unidirectional IDTs. Thus, the Langasite based device with mutually interaction U-IDTs and F-IDTs represents a significant enhancement over the conventional SAW device having uniform IDTs and is better suited for biosensing applications. This work broadly applies to all transducers used for biological species sensing that suffer from fouling and non-specific binding of protein molecules to the device surface.
Cloning and Characterization of scon-3+, a New Member of the Neurospora crassa Sulfur Regulatory System

The sulfur regulatory system of Neurospora crassa consists of a group of sulfur-regulated structural genes (e.g., arylsulfatase) that are under coordinate control of the CYS3 positive regulator and sulfur controller (SCON) negative regulators. Here we report on the cloning of scon-3+, which encodes a polypeptide of 171 amino acids and is a Skp1 family homolog. Repeat-induced point mutation of scon-3+ resulted in a phenotype of constitutive expression of arylsulfatase, a phenotype consistent with other sulfur controller mutants. Northern analysis indicated that, unlike other members of the sulfur regulatory system, expression of scon-3+ is not under the direct control of the CYS3 transcriptional activator. In particular, scon-3+ mRNA was detectable under sulfur repressing or derepressing conditions in a Δcys-3 mutant. In yeast, Skp1p and an F-box protein binding partner are core constituents of a class of E3 ubiquitin ligases known as SCF complexes. The N. crassa negative regulator SCON2 contains an F-box motif essential for the operation of the sulfur regulatory system and suggests a role for an SCF complex in the N. crassa sulfur regulatory system. A crucial set of experiments, by using a yeast two-hybrid approach with confirming coimmunoprecipitation assays, demonstrated that SCON3 interacts with SCON2 in a manner dependent upon the F-box motif of SCON2. The protein-protein interaction detected between SCON2 and SCON3 represents the initial demonstration in a filamentous fungus of functional interaction between putative core components of a SCF complex.
Progesterone reverses the spatial memory enhancements initiated by tonic and cyclic oestrogen therapy in middle-aged ovariectomized female rats

While some research has indicated that ovarian hormone therapy (HT) benefits memory and decreases risk of Alzheimer's disease in menopausal women, several newer studies have shown null or detrimental effects. Despite the null and negative cognitive findings, the numerous studies showing positive effects beg the question of what factors determine whether HT acts as a neuroprotectant or a risk factor for brain functioning. Using middle-aged female rats, we directly compared six HTs. We evaluated the effects of ovariectomy, tonic low-dose, tonic high-dose and biweekly cyclic estradiol treatment, as well as whether progesterone altered the effectiveness of any one of these oestrogen regimens. Animals were tested on spatial and complex cued (intramaze patterns) reference memory using variants of the Morris maze. The tonic low-dose and cyclic estradiol treatments improved spatial performance, while the addition of progesterone reversed these beneficial cognitive effects of estradiol. Additionally, all groups learned to locate the platform on the cued task; however, an egocentric circling strategy was used with sham ovary-intact and hormone-replacement groups showing the most efficient search strategy. Although the question of memory retention 8 weeks after the first cognitive assessment was addressed, a large number of animals died between the first and second test, rendering the retest uninterpretable for many group comparisons. Specifically, both doses of tonic estradiol dramatically increased the number of deaths during the 17-week experiment, while the cyclic estradiol treatment did not. Progesterone decreased the number of deaths due to tonic estradiol treatment. Our findings suggest that the dose of estradiol replacement as well as the presence of progesterone influences the cognitive outcome of estradiol treatment. Further, there appears to be a dissociation between HT effects on cognition and mortality rates.
Generalizing the Partial Global Planning Algorithm

The distributed coordination problem can be described as "how should the local scheduling of activities at each agent be affected by non-local concerns and constraints?" Partial global planning (PGP) is a flexible approach to distributed coordination that allows agents to respond dynamically to their current situation. It is based on detecting relationships in the computational goal structures of the distributed agents. However, the detailed PGP mechanisms depend on the existence and availability of certain characteristics and structures that are idiosyncratic to the Distributed Vehicle Monitoring Testbed (DVMT). Generalized Partial Global Planning tries to extend the PGP approach by communicating more abstract and hierarchically organized information, detecting in a general way the coordination relationships that are needed by the partial global planning mechanisms, and separating the process of coordination from local scheduling. This new characterization of partial global planning has less communication overhead and can be more easily adapted and extended to new styles of problem solving and new multi-agent environments that have different characteristics from the original DVMT. This paper first describes the coordination problem as it was viewed by the PGP algorithm, and then extensions to that problem. It then briefly describes our model of task structures and coordination relationships. Finally, we show how the PGP algorithm, as an example, can be described using our method.
The social production of abjection. Desire and silencing among transgender Tongans

This paper contributes to the recent efflorescence of detailed analyses of transgender categories of various types around the world including Polynesian societies. However my analysis departs from well-trodden territory in that it explores the link between on the one hand forbidden emotional and sexual attachments and on the other hand structures of marginality exclusion and abjection with which few scholars who have explored comparable phenomena have grappled directly. Yet the social structures and dynamics that engender abjection are the subject of notable anxiety for my leiti informants. Indeed early in my fieldwork I was struck by the frequency with which they expressed concerns about their relationship to their sisters (that is female siblings and cousins) a relationship that is consequential for all Tongan males but one of the main sources of moral abjection and social marginalisation for transgender males. My surprise was compounded by the ethnographic silence about these concerns in the literature on Western Polynesian transgenderism. Anthropologists who have written on transgenderism in Polynesian societies have provided useful insights into how transgender persons represent and enact various aspects of masculinity or femininity but have glossed over transgender subjectivity and the role of kinship relations love relations and sexual and other desires in the formation of this subjectivity. Further afield we know little about transgender persons negotiations of the social tensions between kinship and desire in any society. (excerpt)
Partial characterization of a novel mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase activator in airway smooth-muscle cells.

We demonstrated previously that in bovine tracheal myocytes, pretreatment with either forskolin or histamine significantly reduces both platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)– and epidermal growth factor– induced Raf-1 activation but fails to inhibit extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activation substantially, evidence of a Raf-1–independent ERK activation pathway. To identify Raf-1–independent upstream signaling intermediates of mitogen-activated protein kinase/ERK kinase-1 (MEK1), the dual-function kinase required and sufficient for ERK activation in these cells, lysates from forskolin and PDGF-treated bovine tracheal myocytes were resolved using ion exchange chromatography. Kinase activity for MEK1 was assessed by in vitro phosphorylation assay. In all experiments, the major peak of MEK1 phosphorylation activity was detected in fractions 18 through 26 (80 to 160 mM NaCl), with the peak fraction eluting at a NaCl concentration of 140 mM. The ability of these fractions to activate MEK1 was confir...