cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Edaphic factors associated with eleven species of Sagittaria (Alismataceae)

Abstract Soil from 69 populations of Sagittaria falcata, S. lancifolia, S. platyphylla, S. rigida, S. isoetiformis, S. papillosa, S. stagnorum, S. fasciculata, S. cristata, S. kurziana and S. subulata were analyzed for pH, phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg) and organic matter (OM). Significant intercorrelations were found between Ca, Mg and OM. Significant differences between means of one or more measured parameters were associated with differences in the distribution of all the taxa, suggesting a specificity for certain soils.
Migration in the Global Political Economy

Nicola Phillips (ed), MIGRATION IN THE GLOBAL POLITICAL ECONOMY, Boulder, CO and London, UK: Lynne Rienner Publishers, Inc, 2011 (International Political Economy Yearbook, Vol. 17), vi + 338pp., $6...
DNA synthesis in developing two-cell mouse embryos.

Abstract Mated CF1 (Carworth) female mice were sacrificed at 2 hr intervals between 29 and 43 hr after human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) administration. One- and two-cell eggs were incubated in [3H]thymidine for 1 hr. Labeled two-cell embryos were first observed at 31 hr and reached a maximum number at 35 hr. The S period is approximately 6 hr in duration. Although both blastomeres were labeled in most cases, embryos with only one labeled blastomere were more numerous at later times. In vitro labeling was corroborated by injecting [3H]thymidine directly into the isthmic portion of the oviduct. Embryos usually complete the second cleavage division 18–20 hr after onset of DNA synthesis. The cell cycle at the two-cell stage is thus characterized by a G1 of close to 1 hr, a 6 hr S, and a G2 of about 12 hr. Embryos developing in vitro frequently fail to progress beyond the two-cell stage. The block is not due to absence of DNA synthesis since these embryos were found to incorporate [3H]thymidine.
Sunspot cycle variations of ensemble-averaged active regions

We examine published sunspot and calcium plage areas for 1620 solar active regions between 1974 and 1985. With these data we study the properties of ensemble-averaged active regions. The average sunspot area per region, the average plage to sunspot area ratio, and the average plage intensity of regions all vary significantly with the sunspot cycle and in correlation with one another. The average plage area per region varies significantly but is uncorrelated with the sunspot cycle and with the other quantities. While the plage and sunspot areas and the plage intensities of individual active regions observed over a two-year period are strongly correlated, the relationship among these quantities appears to change over an 11-yr period. These results suggest the existence of some energetic connection between active region sunspot areas and plage intensities. Further, if energy balance between sunspot luminosity deficits and facular luminosity excesses holds, then standard models relating these quantities to sunspot and plage areas will have to be modified. Overall energy balance can neither be established nor ruled out.
Methamphetamine use parameters do not predict neuropsychological impairment in currently abstinent dependent adults

Methamphetamine (meth) abuse is increasingly of public health concern and has been associated with neurocognitive dysfunction. Some previous studies have been hampered by background differences between meth users and comparison subjects, as well as unknown HIV and hepatitis C (HCV) status, which can also affect brain functioning. We compared the neurocognitive functioning of 54 meth dependent (METH+) study participants who had been abstinent for an average of 129 days, to that of 46 demographically comparable control subjects (METH-) with similar level of education and reading ability. All participants were free of HIV and HCV infection. The METH+ group exhibited higher rates of neuropsychological impairment in most areas tested. Among meth users, neuropsychologically normal (n=32) and impaired (n=22) subjects did not differ with respect to self-reported age at first use, total years of use, route of consumption, or length of abstinence. Those with motor impairment had significantly greater meth use in the past year, but impairment in cognitive domains was unrelated to meth exposure. The apparent lack of correspondence between substance use parameters and cognitive impairment suggests the need for further study of individual differences in vulnerability to the neurotoxic effects of methamphetamine.
Abstract of discussion

As early as 1921 the writer has pointed out that the propagation of microseisms in Europe is clearly affected by boundaries of major geological units. For example, microseisms originating near Scandinavia are propagated far into Asia without much loss of energy, but their amplitudes decrease considerably in southerly directions where surface layers of different geologic age and with different elastic constants are passed by the waves. Similarly, microseisms are well propagated across large parts of the United States. On the other hand, records of microseisms produced by hurricanes in the Caribbean area and recorded there at the stations of the United States Navy Department show 3ui the amplitudes of the microseisms decrease rapidly from one island to another.
Buffering of index structures

Buffering the index structures is an important problem, because disk I/O dominates the cost of queries. In this paper, we compare existing algorithms for uniform, nonuniform static and nonuniform dynamic access patterns. We experimentally show that the LRU-2 method is better than the other methods. We also propose an efficient implementation of the LRU-2 algorithm. In the second part of the paper, we propose a new buffering algorithm for a distributed system where each machine has its own buffer. We show experimentally that this method performs better than other buffering techniques.© (2000) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
PHASE BEHAVIOR, ORDERING AND SELF-ASSEMBLY IN MONOLAYERS

Abstract Recent progress in our understanding of the properties of monolayers is linked to the development of techniques for their direct visualization. The use of such methods for the determination of phase diagrams of Langmuir monolayers, both pure substances and mixtures, is described. Complex optical textures — stripes, spirals, stars — have been observed that are related to those found in liquid crystals. Textures can persist when the monolayers are transferred to solid supports, allowing them to be studied by scanning probe microscopy. The transfer procedure can be employed to produce stable patterned surfaces.
Comparative replication kinetics of two cytopathic feline lentiviruses ex vivo

Feline immunodeficiency virus infection of cats provides a model to elucidate mechanisms of lentiviral pathogenesis. We isolated a non-domestic FIV from a Pallas' cat, FIV-Oma, which replicates in feline PBMCs and CRFK cells. To gain insights into FIV pathogenesis, we compared rates of viral replication and apoptosis of FIV-Oma with FIV-PPR in the MYA-1 T-cell line. To minimize heterogeneity of virus, infections were initiated with virus derived from molecular clones. Viral DNA and RNA levels, assessed by qPCR and qRT-PCR, apoptosis, and supernatant reverse transcriptase were slower in FIV-Oma infections. Immunostaining for cellular Gag showed that few cells were productively infected. The majority of cells infected with either virus instead became apoptotic. Apoptosis was detectable within 6 h PI, suggesting activation of a signaling pathway. We propose that apoptosis is due to interaction of virus with cells, and is the usual outcome of infection by cytopathic FIVs in these cells.
Improvement of spiral MRI with the measured k-space trajectory

The k-space trajectory of a spiral imaging sequence was measured with a self-encoding technique. The image quality improved dramatically when reconstructed with the measured k-space trajectory. There were substantial artifacts in images reconstructed with the derived k-space trajectory under the assumption of gradient system linearity. The results indicated the non-linearity of the gradient system and the effectiveness of the correction technique.
Transplant Immunology for Non‐Immunologist

Transplantation is the treatment of choice for end-stage kidney, heart, lung, and liver disease. Short-term outcomes in solid-organ transplantation are excellent, but long-term outcomes remain suboptimal. Advances in immune suppression and human leukocyte antigen matching techniques have reduced the acute rejection rate to <10%. Chronic allograft injury remains problematic and is in part immune-mediated. This injury is orchestrated by a complex adaptive and innate immune system that has evolved to protect the organism from infection, but, in the context of transplantation, could result in allograft rejection. Such chronic injury is partially mediated by anti-human leukocyte antigen antibodies. Severe rejections have largely been avoided by the development of tissue-typing techniques and crossmatch testing, which are discussed in detail. Further advances in the understanding of T- and B-cell immunology have led to the development of new immunomodulatory therapies directed at prolonging allograft survival, including those that decrease antibody production as well as those that remove antibodies from circulation. Further application of these immunomodulatory therapies has allowed expansion of the donor pool in some cases by permitting ABO-incompatible transplantation and transplantation in patients with preformed antibodies. Although vast improvements have been made in allograft survival, patients must remain on lifetime immunosuppression. Withdrawal of immunosuppression almost always ultimately leads to allograft rejection. The ultimate dream of transplant biologists is the induction of tolerance, where immune function remains intact but the allograft is not rejected in the face of withdrawn immunosuppression. This, however, has remained a significant challenge in human studies.
Shoemaker-Levy 9 and Plume-Forming Collisions on Earth

: Computational models for the July, 1994 collision of comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 with Jupiter have provided a framework for interpreting the observational data. Imaging, photometry, and spectroscopy data from ground-based, Hubble Space Telescope, and Galileo spacecraft instruments are consistent with phenomena that were dominated by the generation of incandescent fireballs that were ballistically ejected to high altitudes, where they formed plumes that subsequently collapsed over large areas of Jupiter's atmosphere. Applications of similar computational models to collisions into Earth's atmosphere show that a very similar sequence of events should take place for NEO impacts with energies as low as 3 megatons, recurring on 100 year timescales or less. This result suggests that the 1908 Tunguska event was a plume-forming atmospheric explosion, and that some of the phenomena associated with it might be related to the ejection and collapse of a high plume. Hazards associated with plume growth and collapse should be included in the evaluation of the impact threat to Earth, and opportunities should be sought for observational validation of atmospheric impact models by exploiting data already being collected from the natural flux of multikiloton to megaton sized objects that constantly enter Earth's atmosphere on annual to decadal timescales.
Structure and Function of Lipid-DNA Complexes for Gene Delivery

Owing to the rapid development of in vivo applications for nonviral gene delivery vectors, it is necessary to have a better understanding of how the structure-activity relationships of these lipid-DNA complexes are affected by their environment. Indeed, research in gene therapy first focused on in vitro cell culture studies to determine the mechanisms involved in the delivery of DNA into the cell. New biophysical techniques such as electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction have been developed to discern the structure of the lipid-DNA complex. However, further studies have revealed discrepancies between optimal lipid-DNA formulations for in vitro transfection and for in vivo administration of these vectors. Furthermore, some immune stimulatory effects have been associated with in vivo lipid-DNA administration. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge on in vitro and in vivo lipid-DNA complex transfections. New prospects of vectors for in vivo gene transfer are also discussed.
Efficient computation of force distributions for walking machines on rough terrain

The force distribution problem for legged vehicles on rough terrain is considered. A general formulation of the force distribution problem in which the feet contact the ground at arbitrary inclinations, is presented. Three techniques are used to solve the force distribution problem for three representative tasks. The Moore-Penrose pseudo-inverse, a numerical optimization scheme and an approximation to the optimal solution are described. The optimal scheme computes the forces which minimize the maximum ratio of tangential foot reaction force to foot normal force. The approximation is used to achieve certain desirable characteristics of the optimal scheme with considerably less computational resources.
On a common error in open and short circuit reliability computation

In reliability computations for complex systems subject to two kinds of failure, analysts sometimes underestimate system reliability by using a formula that actually applies only to certain simpler structures. This error occurs several times, for example, in an otherwise instructive paper by B.W. Jenney and D.J. Sherwin (ibid., vol.R-35, p.532-8, Dec. 1986). The purpose of this work is to describe the error, illustrate how it arises in practice, and offer a correction. >
Instruction set compiled simulation: a technique for fast and flexible instruction set simulation

Instruction set simulators are critical tools for the exploration and validation of new programmable architectures. Due to increasing complexity of the architectures and time-to-market pressure, performance is the most important feature of an instruction-set simulator. Interpretive simulators are flexible but slow, whereas compiled simulators deliver speed at the cost of flexibility. This paper presents a novel technique for generation of fast instruction-set simulators that combines the benefit of both compiled and interpretive simulation. We achieve fast instruction accurate simulation through two mechanisms. First, we move the time-consuming decoding process from run-time to compile time while maintaining the flexibility of the interpretive simulation. Second, we use a novel instruction abstraction technique to generate aggressively optimized decoded instructions that further improves simulation performance. Our instruction set compiled simulation (IS-CS) technique delivers up to 40% performance improvement over the best known published result that has the flexibility of the interpretive simulation. We illustrate the applicability of the IS-CS technique using the ARM7 embedded processor.
Stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 deficiency increases insulin signaling and glycogen accumulation in brown adipose tissue.

Stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD) catalyzes the synthesis of oleate (C18:1) and palmitoleate (C16:1), which are the main monounsaturated fatty acids of membrane phospholipids, triglycerides, wax esters...
Lynch syndrome: new tales from the crypt

Lynch syndrome is a hereditary disease that predisposes to cancer and is caused by germline mutations in DNA mismatch repair (MMR) genes.1 The disease is inherited in a classic Mendelian dominant way, but tumours act like a recessive disease—a somatic mutation is needed to inactivate the uninvolved allele. Individuals with Lynch syndrome are phenotypically normal at birth, but carry a silent germline mutation. At some point in the individual's development, the so-called second hit occurs, which initiates the progression towards neoplasia. In the case of familial adenomatous polyposis, the germline mutation occurs in the APC gene. A somatic mutation in the wild-type APC allele leads to the emergence of a dysplastic aberrant crypt focus, which is a very small adenoma. However, Lynch syndrome is different. The paired mutations do not create a neoplastic phenotype directly, but rather they create a deficiency in DNA MMR, which allows the accumulation of mutations and microsatellite instability.2
An overview of current and future treatment options for Sturge–Weber syndrome

Introduction: Sturge-Weber syndrome (SWS) presents in infancy with a facial port-wine birthmark associated with malformed leptomeningeal blood vessels and a choroid ‘angioma’ of the eye. It is a rare neurocutaneous disorder which occurs sporadically and is not inherited. Areas covered: Patients with SWS brain involvement have seizures, strokes and stroke-like episodes, and a range of the neurologic impairments. The mainstays of current treatment have included laser therapy for the birthmark, control of glaucoma through eye drops or surgery, and the use of anticonvulsants and low-dose aspirin. Surgical resection may be offered to those whose seizures are medically refractory. Endocrine, medical rehabilitation and cognitive co-morbidities are important to manage. SWS is not inherited, and the somatic mosaic mutation in the GNAQ gene, encoding the protein Gαq, has recently been identified. Impaired blood flow, coupled with impaired vascular innervation and function, contribute to neurologic deterioration ove...
CIRCULATION PROFILE OF TECHNETIUM-99m LABELED LIPOSOME ENCAPSULATED HEMOGLOBIN IN A 10% OR 50% RAT HYPOVOLEMIC SHOCK MODEL

The circulation kinetics and organ biodistribution of liposome encapsulated hemoglobin (LEH) was determined non-invasively in hypovolemic rats using a technetium-99m (Tc-99m) liposome labeling procedure. Rats with an indwelling catheter had either 10% or 50% of their blood volume removed and replaced with an equal volume of LEH labeled with Tc-99m (Tc-99m LEH). Mean arterial pressures and heart rates were monitored throughout the experiment. Gamma camera images were acquired during the first 90 minutes following infusion of the Tc-99m LEH and at 20 hours post-infusion. Blood capillaries were drawn at various times to monitor Tc-99m activity and the amount of LEH remaining in circulation. There were significant differences in the kinetics and biodistribution for the two groups. In the 10% group, the LEH was removed quickly from circulation with only 0.9% remaining at 20 hours, while the 50% group had 51.2% at 20 hours. The liver and spleen were the major organs responsible for LEH clearance. The 20 hour bi...
Optimal design of low order controllers satisfying sensitivity and robustness constraint

The set of all stabilizing controllers of a given low order structure that guarantee specifications on the gain margin, phase margin and a bound on the sensitivity corresponds to a region in n-dimensional space defined by the coefficients of the controllers. For several practical criteria defined in the paper it is shown that the optimal controller lies on the surface of that region. Moreover, it is shown how to reduce that region to avoid actuator saturation during operation.
IS THE ST. LOUIS REDEVELOPMENT PROGRAM FISCALLY BENEFICIAL

ABSTRACT: St. Louis is one of many U.S. cities suffering from urban decay and fiscal crisis. To resolve these problems, the city has adopted a redevelopment program under Missouri State Statute 353. This Chapter 353 program grants private developers 25 years of tax abatement for making property improvements and permits them to accumulate property through the exercise of eminent domain. The program includes the city's entire central business district and has been extended to cover residential areas. This article discusses the research study on which this Chapter 353 program was based, points out a number of serious problems, and concludes that the program may, in fact, further reduce the city's fiscal integrity.
Constitutive and Inducible Green Fluorescent Protein Expression in Bartonella henselae

The green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene was expressed on a plasmid in B. henselae, and GFP-expressing bacteria were visualized by fluorescence microscopy. HEp-2 cells infected with GFP-expressing bacteria were separated from uninfected cells with a fluorescence activated cell sorter. Promoter fusions of B. henselae chromosomal DNA to gfp were examined by flow cytometry, and a B. henselae groEL promoter fusion which induced expression at 37°C was isolated.
Si doped GaAs/AlGaAs terahertz detector and phonon effect on the responsivity

Terahertz detection capability of an n-type heterojunction interfacial work function internal photoemission (HEIWIP) detector is demonstrated. Threshold frequency, f0, of 3.2 THz (93 lm) was obtained by using n-type GaAs emitter doped to 1 · 10 18 cm � 3 and Al0.04Ga0.96As single barrier structure. The detector shows a broad spectral response from 30 to 3.2 THz (10–93 lm) with peak responsivity of 6.5 A/W at 7.1 THz under a forward bias field of 0.7 kV/cm at 6 K. The peak quantum efficiency and peak detectivity are � 19% and � 5.5 · 10 8 Jones, respectively under a bias field of 0.7 kV/cm at 6 K. In addition, the detector can be operated up to 25 K.
Molecular landscape of pancreatic cancer: implications for current clinical trials

Despite recent improvements, overall survival for advanced adenocarcinoma of the pancreas continues to be poor. In comparison to other tumor types that have enjoyed marked survival benefit by targeting aberrant cell signaling pathways, standard of care treatment for pancreatic cancer is limited to conventional cytotoxic chemotherapy. Multiple pathway aberrations have been documented in pancreatic cancer. A review of the COSMIC database reveals that most pancreatic cancers contain somatic mutations, with the five most frequent being KRAS, TP53, CDKN2A, SMAD4, and ARID1A, and multiple other abnormalities seen including, but not limited to, mutations in STK11/LKB1, FBXW7, PIK3CA, and BRAF. In the era of tumor profiling, these aberrations may provide an opportunity for new therapeutic approaches. Yet, searching clinicaltrials.gov for recent drug intervention trials for pancreatic adenocarcinoma, remarkably few (10 of 116 (8.6%)) new study protocols registered in the last three years included a molecular/biomarker stratification strategy. Enhanced efforts to target subsets of patients with pancreatic cancer in order to optimize therapy benefit are warranted.
Drug-Induced Metabolic Acidosis.

Metabolic acidosis could emerge from diseases disrupting acid-base equilibrium or from drugs that induce similar derangements. Occurrences are usually accompanied by comorbid conditions of drug-induced metabolic acidosis, and clinical outcomes may range from mild to fatal. It is imperative that clinicians not only are fully aware of the list of drugs that may lead to metabolic acidosis but also understand the underlying pathogenic mechanisms. In this review, we categorized drug-induced metabolic acidosis in terms of pathophysiological mechanisms, as well as individual drugs’ characteristics.
“Riding Bareback”: Factors Involved in the Development of a Bareback Identity

Riding Bareback”: Factors Involved in the Development of a Bareback Identity By Scott C. Musgrove, M.A. Researchers in the area of HIV prevention have long been aware of the rising incidence of unprotected sex among men who have sex with men (MSM). In recent years researchers have witnessed the emergence of the behaviors, attitudes and practices that discriminate between those of the MSM community who strictly and consistently adhere to safer sex practices, those who inconsistently practice safer sex, and those who eschew protected sex altogether. Understanding the factors that motivate the development and adoption of a “barebacker identity” in spite of serious potential for HIV infection may well help support the efforts of public agencies to provide effective psycho-education and intervention efforts designed to curb HIV transmission. This quantitative study looked at factors that motivate the adoption of a “bareback identity” and hypothesized that the predominant features in the decision to bareback were innately tied to a man’s sense of autonomy regarding his sexuality, a reaction against his perceived loss of freedom in the expression of his sexuality, a weighted alignment with male role norms, and internalized impact of his beliefs about his sexuality. The use of four inventories to ascertain these factors analyzed with survey participants’ assertion of a “bareback identity” found no significant correlation.
Modulation of ETB receptor-induced arginine-vasopressin secretion by N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-dependent mechanisms in hypothalamo-neurohypophysial explants

The endothelins (ETs) stimulate the secretion of arginine-vasopressin (AVP) in vivo and in vitro. The activation of hypothalamic ET(B) receptors increases AVP release, but the neurotransmitters mediating these responses are not known. In the compartmentalized hypothalamo-neurohypophysial explant model, the overall basal release of AVP was 53+/-17 pg x h(-1) x PP(-1) (where PP is posterior pituitary). ET(B) receptor activation in hypothalamic sites by 1 nM IRL1620 dose-dependently increased AVP secretion, with a maximal response of 340+/-70% of basal x h(-1) x PP(-1), whereas 1 nM ET-1, the ET(A) receptor-selective agonist, inhibited AVP release to 44+/-8% x h(-1) x PP(-1). Addition of MK801 along with IRL1620 inhibited AVP release to a value no different from basal (122+/-41% x h(-1) x PP(-1)). In contrast, 10 microM DNQX [6,7-dinitroquinozaline-2,3-(1H,4H)-dione] did not block ET(B) receptor-induced AVP release (326+/-73% x h(-1) x PP(-1)), and nor did non-selective alpha-adrenergic receptor antagonism. The GABA(A) (where GABA is gamma-aminobutyric acid) receptor agonist muscimol (10 microM) inhibited AVP release in response to IRL1620 (127+/-30% x h(-1) x explant(-1)). These data suggest that AVP release induced by activation of hypothalamic ET(B) receptors is mediated by a hypothalamic N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor-mediated mechanism. In turn, the local release of GABA associated with NMDA activation may exert an inhibitory influence and dampen the AVP secretory response.
So-called possession in pre-Christian Greece.

In 1909 Julius Tambornino published what has remained the standard collection of material relevant to the belief in demonic possession in pagan and Christian antiquity.1 The views advanced by Tambornino have been generally accepted. As H. J. Rose puts it: " That a human being might become possessed by a supernatural power was a fairly common ancient belief. The effect might be a prophetic frenzy, as in the case of the Pythia; such a person was EV0EoE. It might also be some terrifying disease, as epilepsy.... Later, under Oriental influence (cf., e.g., the numerous references to demoniacs in the New Testament), the belief grew stronger and commoner, and mentions of magical cures and the activity of exorcists, pagan and Christian, are extremely frequent." 2 " Possessed" (like besessen, possede) is used by extension to describe one who is mad, or even under unusual compulsion from an idea or passion, but in the strict sense it refers to a person who has been entered by an alien being who assumes control of him, as we know the phenomenon from late antiquity and the Middle Ages.3 It has been generally agreed that, although a belief in possession in the strict sense was not common among the enlightened in Greek antiquity, the belief itself was ancient, and persisted as a folk belief either from pre-Greek times or from its introduction in the seventh century B.C. or thereabouts.4
Are we measuring blood pressure correctly in children, particularly in obesity?

Body size is recognised as the highest correlate to blood pressure in childhood, leading the US National Institutes of Health sponsored Task Forces on Blood Pressure in Children and Adolescents to base their standard blood pressure tables on age, gender and height, with the understanding that increased levels of blood pressure result primarily from increases in weight. Because of the known tracking of blood pressure through childhood and into adult life, it is generally believed that early identification of hypertension in children can lead to introduction of antihypertensive strategies to reduce blood pressure levels and prevent or reduce hypertension-related cardiovascular disease. Thus, it makes sense to regularly measure blood pressure in overweight and obese children and to ensure that the definitions for hypertension are valid. The paper by Wirix et al 1 is an important reminder of two issues currently associated with blood pressure measurement in childhood. The first is whether the protocols used to diagnose hypertension are reliable, accurate and standardised across research studies and clinical practice. Most physicians follow the definitions of hypertension developed by the US Expert Task Force panels, beginning in 1977. Despite these definitions being arbitrary, that is, primarily based on expert consensus because of a lack of available evidence from long-term outcome studies, most would agree that higher levels of blood pressure suggest a …
Conceptual Limitations in Curricular Presentations of Area Measurement: One Nation's Challenges.

ABSTRACTResearch has found that elementary students face five main challenges in learning area measurement: (1) conserving area as a quantity, (2) understanding area units, (3) structuring rectangular space into composite units, (4) understanding area formulas, and (5) distinguishing area and perimeter. How well do elementary mathematics curricula address these challenges? A detailed analysis of three U.S. elementary textbook series revealed systematic deficits. Each presented area measurement in strongly procedural terms using a shared sequence of procedures across grades. Key conceptual principles were infrequently expressed and often well after related procedures were introduced. Particularly weak support was given for understanding how the multiplication of lengths produces area measures. The results suggest that the content of written curricula contributes to students’ weak learning of area measurement.
Acceleration sensing glove (ASG)

A glove with 2-axis accelerometers on the finger tips and back of the hand has been built using commercial-off-the-shelf components. Taking advantage of gravity induced acceleration offsets, we have been able to identify pseudo static gestures. We have also developed software that allows the glove to be used as a mouse pointing device for a Windows 95 or NT machine.
The optimal crowd learning machine

Any family of learning machines can be combined into a single learning machine using various methods with myriad degrees of usefulness. For making predictions on an outcome, it is provably at least as good as the best machine in the family, given sufficient data. And if one machine in the family minimizes the probability of misclassification, in the limit of large data, then Optimal Crowd does also. That is, the Optimal Crowd is asymptotically Bayes optimal if any machine in the crowd is such. The only assumption needed for proving optimality is that the outcome variable is bounded. The scheme is illustrated using real-world data from the UCI machine learning site, and possible extensions are proposed.
Effect of fat sources and combinations on starter pig performance, nutrient digestibility and intestinal morphology.

Three growth trials and one digestion trial were conducted to compare the effect of dietary fat sources and combinations on starter pig performance, nutrient digestibility and intestinal morphology. Growth trials 1 and 2, utilizing a total of 324 weanling pigs (21 +/- 3 d), were conducted to determine the influence of addition of soybean oil, coconut oil, choice white grease, 50% soybean oil: 50% coconut oil or 50% choice white grease: 50% coconut oil on starter pig performance. Diets were supplemented with 10% fat for the first 2 wk of the study and with 5% for the final 3 wk. The third growth trial, utilizing a total of 210 weanling pigs, was conducted to evaluate the effects of addition of soybean oil, coconut oil, 50% soybean oil: 50% coconut oil, 75% soybean oil: 25% coconut oil or 25% soybean oil: 75% coconut oil on starter pig performance and nutrient digestibility. Average daily gain and feed/gain were not changed during wk 0 to 2, but they were improved from 3 to 5 wk postweaning when fat was added to the diets. The combination of 50% soybean oil and 50% coconut oil resulted in higher ADG than the other fat combinations. A digestion trial utilizing 24 weanling pigs (21 +/- 3 d) was conducted to evaluate the effects of soybean oil, coconut oil, or combination of soybean oil and coconut oil on morphology of the small intestine and ileal and total tract apparent digestibilities of individual fatty acids, total fatty acids, N, DM and GE from d 5 to 8 postweaning. Pigs fed the combination of soybean oil and coconut oil tended to have increased (P less than .08) villus height compared with pigs fed soybean oil or coconut oil alone. Micrographs revealed intestinal morphology with long, round villi when this combination of oils was fed. These trials demonstrated that a combination of soybean oil and coconut oil improved (P less than .05) pig growth performance over coconut oil alone or with added choice white grease and tended to improve (P less than .12) ileal digestibility of medium-chain fatty acids (less than or equal to 14 C) compared to diets without added fat or containing soybean oil or coconut oil alone.
Sex and Gender Differences in Sleep Disorders: An Overview

Abstract Both normal sleep physiology and sleep disorders have gender-specific features. Gender bias in medicine has resulted in women not being diagnosed in a timely manner with such serious disorders as obstructive sleep apnea and has led to misdiagnosis of primary sleep disorders as depression. Below we highlight the specific diagnostic, therapeutic, and epidemiologic aspects of sleep disorders in women. The first section is about the unique presentation of insomnia throughout a woman’s life span with specific pharmacological considerations when dealing with sedative hypnotics. The second section is on the symptomatology of sleep apnea in women and the impact it has on their health, particularly during pregnancy as well as that of other sleep related breathing disorders. The third section is on Restless Legs Syndrome and its relationship with pregnancy and lastly we discuss the impact of shift work on women’s health particularly in relation with gynecological cancers.
Observations on AMBER Force Field Performance under the Conditions of Low pH and High Salt Concentrations.

Molecular dynamics simulations have become an important tool for the study of structures, dynamics, and functions of biomolecules. Time scales and force field accuracy are key factors for the reliability of these simulations. With the advancement of computational platforms and simulation technologies, all-atom simulations of proteins in explicitly represented aqueous solutions can reach as long as milliseconds. However, there are indications of minor force field flaws in literature. In this work we present our observations on force field accuracy under uncommon conditions. We performed molecular dynamics simulations of BBL refolding in aqueous solutions of acidic pH and high salt concentrations (up to 6 M) with the AMBER99SB-ILDN force field for a microsecond time scale. The reliability of the simulations relies on the accuracy of the physical models of protein, water, and ions. Our simulations show the same trend as experiments: higher salt concentration facilities refolding. However, we have observed th...
Narratives of Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment and Their Caregivers

The design of assistive technology is dictated by the narratives surrounding a particular impairment and its impact on one's life. This in turn affects the perceptions of the users - both the role of technology as well as their own sense of identity. In the case of those with a mild cognitive impairment, a precursor to dementia, home-based technologies that are disability and change focused shape the identity of the very people they are to help - reifying their dependency and their loss of self. With this study, we set out to better understand the narratives of people living with a mild cognitive impairment as well as their partners that live with them and provide care. Within this investigation, we uncovered the predominance of a disease-focused narrative - one that laments loss of identity and the struggles of daily care. However, we also uncovered a different narrative centered on the role of technology to provide support within the dyads' life. These technology narratives were evidence of a need to support the biopsychosocial aspects of autonomy for both parties and improved relationships. We use our findings to further discuss the driving force behind design goals for home-based technologies for those with a mild cognitive impairment.
Preoperative Anemia in Cardiac Operation: Does Hemoglobin Tell the Whole Story?

Background Preoperative anemia, defined by hemoglobin level, is associated with elevated risk after cardiac operation. Better understanding of anemia requires characterization beyond this. This investigation focuses on red cell size and its association with patient characteristics and outcomes after cardiac operation. Methods From January 2010 to January 2014, 10,589 patients underwent elective cardiac operations at Cleveland Clinic. Anemia was characterized as normocytic, microcytic, or macrocytic based on mean corpuscular volume (MCV). Models for hospital complications were developed using multivariable logistic regression. Other outcomes were postoperative transfusion and intensive care unit (ICU) and postoperative hospital lengths of stay. Results A total of 2,715 patients (26%) were anemic. Of these, 2,365 (87%) had normocytic, 219 (8.1%) microcytic, and 131 (4.8%) macrocytic anemia. Non-anemic patients (n = 2,041, 26%) received transfusions compared with 1,553 (66%) normocytic, 148 (68%) microcytic, and 97 (74%) macrocytic anemia patients. Patients with normocytic or macrocytic anemia had more renal failure (normocytic: odds ratio (OR) 1.9, macrocytic: OR 3.5), other complications (normocytic: OR 1.3, macrocytic: OR 2.2) and death (normocytic: OR 2.0, macrocytic: OR 6.2) than non-anemic patients; patients with microcytic anemia had fewer reoperations (OR 0.35) and less postoperative atrial fibrillation (OR 0.50). Anemic patients experienced longer ICU (27 versus 48 hours, p p Conclusions Cardiac surgical patients are often anemic. Demographic characteristics, comorbidities, and outcomes are dissimilar according to red cell size. Patients with microcytic anemia had the lowest hemoglobin levels, yet the best clinical outcomes among anemic patients. MCV from the standard complete blood count adds additional information beyond hemoglobin for targeted intervention.
Does transition of urinary incontinence from one subtype to another represent progression of the disease

Mixed urinary incontinence (UI) is, on average, more severe than urgency UI or stress UI. We tested the hypothesis that mixed UI is a more advanced stage of UI by comparing transition probabilities among women with stress, urgency, and mixed UI. We used data from the General Longitudinal Overactive Bladder Evaluation Study-UI, which included community-dwelling women, aged 40+ years, with UI at baseline. Study participants completed two or more consecutive bladder health surveys every 6 months for up to 4 years. Using sequential 6-month surveys, transition probabilities among UI subtypes were estimated using the Cox-proportional hazards model, with the expectation that probabilities from stress or urgency UI to mixed UI would be substantially greater than probabilities in the reverse direction. Among 6,993 women 40+ years of age at baseline, the number (prevalence) of women with stress, urgency, and mixed UI was 481 (6.9%), 557 (8.0%), and 1488 (21.3%) respectively. Over a 4-year period, the transition probabilities from stress UI (34%) and urgency UI (27%) to mixed UI was significantly higher than probabilities from mixed to stress UI (6%) or to urgency UI (rate = 9%). The adjusted transition hazard ratio for stress UI and urgency UI was 2.06 (95% CI: 1.73-2.92) and 1.85 (95% CI: 1.63-2.57) respectively compared with mixed UI. The substantially higher transition from stress UI and urgency UI to mixed UI supports the hypothesis that mixed UI might represent a more advanced stage of UI that may have implications for understanding disease progression.
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation directed to a seizure focus localized by high-density EEG: A case report

Abstract We demonstrate feasibility of using high-density EEG to map a neocortical seizure focus in conjunction with delivery of magnetic therapy. Our patient had refractory seizures affecting the left leg. A five-day course of placebo stimulation followed a month later by active rTMS was directed to the mapped seizure dipole. Active rTMS resulted in reduced EEG spiking, and shortening of seizure duration compared to placebo. Seizure frequency, however, improved similarly in both placebo and active treatment stages. rTMS-evoked EEG potentials demonstrated that a negative peak at 40 ms - believed to represent GABAergic inhibition - was enhanced by stimulation.
Reconsidering Strategic Corporate Social Responsibility: Public Relations and Ethical Engagement of Employees in a Global Economy

This chapter explores the range of ethical dilemmas common to public relations practitioners in an era that increasingly focuses on corporate social responsibility. I argue that, ironically, rather than reducing ethical challenges for public relations, recent iterations of CSR — such as strategic CSR — further complicate the roles and responsibilities of practitioners toward a greater range of stakeholders. In particular, I explain how strategic CSR rearticulates the common economics/ethics bind that has plagued public relations practitioners for years. Finally, I propose that scholars and practitioners focus less on the external stakeholders emphasized in strategic CSR and more on the ethical engagement of employees, including practices of alignment, dialogic communication, transparency, participation, courage, and accountability.
Environmental governance in the SPDC’s Myanmar

Environmental transition in Burma/Myanmar continues while political transition faces deadlock. Much of the literature and news reports focus on a narrow sense of political transition (power transfer) without paying attention to other areas, such as economic and environmental transition. In developing countries such as Burma, politics is mainly about control over land and natural resources. In short, environmental transition is no less important than political transition, which is conceived predominantly as the transfer of power from the military to a civilian government. This paper draws attention to environmental transitions and issues under the SPDC’s rule in Burma.
Building learning cultures in the child welfare workforce

Abstract Creating organizational change, including implementing evidence based practices, requires agencies to have supportive learning cultures. Despite ongoing efforts to implement best practice, translation of practice principles to child welfare practice is inconsistent; some research suggests this is in part due to organizational barriers. According to Organizational Theory, organizations are governed by their culture and climate. If agencies seek to advance evidence based practices, creating a learning culture is one way to form a supportive context for this work. This study explored the relationship of supervisory processes such as reflective supervision and group supervision to the degree to which staff observed a learning culture. Findings suggest workers who report high levels of reflective supervision and those who participated in group supervision, reported experiencing a higher level of learning culture. Findings offer implications for ways organizations can adapt supervisory procedures to create a culture that is theoretically consistent with best practices.
Studies Directed toward the Synthesis of the Unusual Antileukemic Diterpene Jatrophatrione. 2. Functionalization of Advanced Polycyclic Precursors to the 9-Epi and 8,9-Dehydro Congeners.

The synthesis of highly functionalized [5.9.5]tricyclic systems closely related to jatrophatrione (1) and 9-epijatrophatrione (2) is described. The first set of experiments provides a route to the conjugated 7-methylene ketones 8 and 9, both of which resist migration of the exocyclic double bond to a position internal to the ring. Subsequent dihydroxylation studies define a convenient pathway from 3 to triketone 20, which has yet to exhibit a tendency to undergo appropriate dehydration at the tertiary carbinol center. The presence of a carbonyl group in ring C was shown not to be contributory to this low reactivity. Finally, a protocol involving formation of a bromo oxetane with subsequent introduction of a C8−C9 double bond and Grob fragmentation has shown promise for arrival at 1 and/or 2 by making available the diene 36.
PROGRESS ON SOME PROBLEMS ABOUT GROUP ACTIONS

At the 1983 Antwerp conference, I raised a number of open questions concerning group actions on rings; these problems were discussed in detail in [M84]. In the intervening four years, progress has been made on a number of these questions, and that is what I wish to report on now. I also hope that this report will stimulate interest in the remaining unsolved problems.
Assessing Perceived Success in Valued Living in Individuals With Long-Term Physical Health Conditions.

Objective: To evaluate the reliability and validity of a brief measure of successful aging in a sample of adults with long-term health conditions. Method: The brief (eight-item) version of the valu...
White Christian Privilege: The Illusion of Religious Equality in America: by Khyati Y. Joshi, New York University Press, New York, 2020, x + 282 pp., US$28.00 (hardback) ISBN 978-1-4798-4023-6

As I write this review, I am on a break between the fall and spring semesters at the two universities where I teach. At each institution, following a convention that is common in the United States,...
IdeaGens: A Social Ideation System for Guided Crowd Brainstorming

Many crowd ideation systems seek to gather scores of ideas from people online. However, this often leads to many bad ideas and duplication. A dedicated facilitator who guides exploration of the solution space is a common and effective strategy for optimizing ideation in face-to-face brainstorming, but has not yet been explored in computer-supported crowd ideation. We introduce IdeaGens, a social ideation system for guided crowd brainstorming. IdeaGens divides the crowd into ideation and synthesis tasks, and enables efficient data-driven facilitation of the crowd’s ideation. This work can inform general strategies for shepherding the crowd to produce better results for complex collaborative tasks.
A Review of: “Loewenthal, D., & House, R. (Eds.). (2010). Critically Engaging CBT.”

This edited book takes on the task of engaging CBT, first by a set of eight authors from outside the CBT camp and then, in rejoinder, by three within. Although the task was to seek areas of possibl...