cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Challenging Old Assumptions: Preparing Teachers for Inner City Schools.

Abstract The demographics of urban schools in the United States with large numbers of poor children of color pose challenges for teacher educators, since the teaching profession is predominantly white and middle class. An analysis of journals and essays from an elementary teacher education course shows white prospective teachers' changing views about inner city schools with children of color. The article argues that fieldwork in these schools, when coupled with appropriate readings and discussions, offers possibilities for intervention in challenging prospective teachers' views of teaching in these contexts.
The inhibitory effect of 7-ketocholesterol on the cholesterol uptake by the arterial wall☆

Abstract The inhibitory effect of 7-ketocholesterol on the cholesterol uptake by arteries has been examined. Solubilized 7-ketocholesterol injected into hepatectomized rabbits failed to inhibit cholesterol uptake by their aortas in vivo . There was also no inhibition of cholesterol uptake when rabbit carotid artieries were perfused in vitro with plasma pooled from hepatectomized animals injected with solubilized 7-ketocholesterol. However, significant inhibition of cholesterol uptake by pig coronary arteries was demonstrated when these vessels were perfused with isologous plasma containing particulate 7-ketocholesterol. It was concluded that only particulate but not solubilized 7-ketocholesterol is responsible for the inhibition of cholesterol uptake by arteries. The results presented here are supported by the previous findings in the literature that suspended 7-ketocholesterol inhibits cholesterol uptake by cultured human fibroblasts.
The Control of Semaphorin-1a-Mediated Reverse Signaling by Opposing Pebble and RhoGAPp190 Functions in Drosophila

Transmembrane semaphorins (Semas) serve evolutionarily conserved guidance roles, and some function as both ligands and receptors. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the transduction of these signals to the cytoskeleton remain largely unknown. We have identified two direct regulators of Rho family small GTPases, pebble (a Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factor [GEF]) and RhoGAPp190 (a GTPase activating protein [GAP]), that show robust interactions with the cytoplasmic domain of the Drosophila Sema-1a protein. Neuronal pebble and RhoGAPp190 are required to control motor axon defasciculation at specific pathway choice points and also for target recognition during Drosophila neuromuscular development. Sema-1a-mediated motor axon defasciculation is promoted by pebble and inhibited by RhoGAPp190. Genetic analyses show that opposing pebble and RhoGAPp190 functions mediate Sema-1a reverse signaling through the regulation of Rho1 activity. Therefore, pebble and RhoGAPp190 transduce transmembrane semaphorin-mediated guidance cue information that regulates the establishment of neuronal connectivity during Drosophila development.
Multiple Molecular Chaperones Interact with Apolipoprotein B during Its Maturation THE NETWORK OF ENDOPLASMIC RETICULUM-RESIDENT CHAPERONES (ERp72, GRP94, CALRETICULIN, AND BiP) INTERACTS WITH APOLIPOPROTEIN B REGARDLESS OF ITS LIPIDATION STATE

The present study was undertaken to identify and characterize molecular chaperones that assist in the folding of apolipoprotein (apo) B, a secretory protein that requires assembly with lipids (lipidation) for its secretion. Both HepG2 cells, normally secreting full-length apoB (apoB-100), and C127 cells transfected to secrete truncated forms of apoB, apoB-41, apoB-29, and apoB-17, respectively, were employed. C127 cells were used to determine whether chaperone binding is dependent on apoB lipidation as they secrete both unlipidated and lipidated apoB forms despite their lack of microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP), which mediates lipidation of apoB in HepG2 cells. The endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-resident molecular chaperones GRP94, calreticulin, and ERp72 were co-immunoprecipitated with apoB-100 from HepG2 cell lysates following cross-linking of proteins in living cells. The same chaperones including BiP/GRP78 were also associated with all truncated forms of apoB. Sequential immunoprecipitation with antibodies to MTP and apoB revealed the presence of ternary complexes containing apoB-100, MTP, and ERp72. However, MTP is not obligatory for the binding of ERp72 as it was associated with all truncated forms of apoB in C127 cells that lack MTP. The interactions between apoB-100 and ERp72 or GRP94 persisted for at least 2 h following a 30-min pulse. Thus, BiP/GRP78, calreticulin, ERp72, and GRP94 may participate in critical steps in the folding of apoB before any substantial lipidation occurs. ERp72 and GRP94 may also mediate the folding of more advanced folding intermediates and/or target the misfolded underlipidated pool of apoB for degradation.
Burning your britches behind you: Can policy scholars bank on game theory?

Critics of game theory claim that it can be used to rationalize anything—even bank presidents setting their pants on fire in public. This article verifies the claim with a simple signalling model. The paper goes on to argue, however, that this criticsm is without force. Game theory is a toolbox for constructing useful models, rather than an empirically substantive theory; its power comes from imposing logical discipline upon the stories we tell.
The Private Sector on Public Land: Policy Implications of a SWOT Analysis of Banff National Park

Abstract Banff National Park located in the Canadian Rocky Mountains is in many ways a paradox: protected wilderness with a thriving private sector. While some argue that these are incompatible, others welcome the commercial presence within the park as a way to complement nature-based tourism and provide services for local residents in the town of Banff. The objective of this research is to use a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threat (SWOT) analysis to determine how to support the business sector in Banff National Park within a framework of national park regulations and the imperative need for sustainability.
Detergent-Treated Newcastle Disease Virus as an Agar Gel Precipitin Test Antigen

A soluble Newcastle disease virus (NDV) agar gel precipitin (AGP) antigen was prepared by treating 100-fold concentrated NDV with a nonionic detergent. Virus concentration prior to detergent treatment was best accomplished by ultracentrifugation or by a simple, less expensive, and more practical method involving acid (HCl) precipitation of NDV. Virus concentrated by polyethylene glycol precipitation was found to have a low antigen titer and was not considered suitable as an AGP antigen. Antigens derived from the LaSota, Roakin, and Texas GB strains formed at least two lines of identity in the AGP test as early as 24 hr after inoculation of the agar gels. Virus used for AGP antigen production could be grown in chicken embryos from an NDV-immune as well as susceptible breeder flock. The NDV AGP antigen was found to be stable after 20 consecutive freezing and thawing cycles and storage at -20 C or 4 C for at least 6 months. Detergent-treated NDV was used as an AGP test antigen to determine serum antibody responses of chickens following infection and vaccination. Hemagglutination-inhibition, virus neutralization, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay antibody production was also evaluated for comparative purposes. The AGP test was found to be useful as an aid in diagnosing field infections and assessing inactivated virus vaccination responses. These purposes were achieved by demonstrating an increase in the number of AGP positive chickens between preinfection and postinfection or vaccination bleedings. The ease of performance and low cost of the AGP test favors its use for screening large numbers of serum samples, perhaps in conjunction with a quantitative serological test.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Inductive character learning and classification with genetic algorithms

Adaptive-image learning and discrimination techniques using classifier systems are presented. The genetic algorithm (GA) is used for a learning strategy in the system. The proposed system learns arbitrary image objects without any prior knowledge of given images and recognizes them. The system also makes up for some general weak points that are present in most learning systems including conventional classifier systems. That is, first, in a learning system, forgetting of knowledge usually occurs if the knowledge is not used for a long time period. The system still maximizes adaptability, but it prevents the system from forgetting useful rules by using the 'no-unlearn' mode. Second, to improve large-class image classification and learning, a multiple sublength concept has been introduced to genetic algorithms. Third, a triggered GA, which plays an important role in distinguishing two or more similar images by eliminating generalists, is developed. >
Environmental Factors Influencing the Abundance of Enterococci in Gulf Coast Beach Waters

AbstractEnterococci concentrations in seawater samples collected in 2010 at a Gulf Coast beach in the afternoon were significantly lower (12 MPN/100 mL) compared with morning samples (172 MPN/100 mL). The factors affecting temporal differences of enterococci concentration in beach waters were studied through five laboratory experiments analyzing beach sands, solar radiation, salinity, and turbidity. Enterococci were found in beach sands at a geometric mean of 43 MPN per 100 g of sand, demonstrated the ability to persist for extended periods of time, and increased when incubated (geometric mean of 54 MPN per 100 g sand). Solar radiation inactivated large enterococci concentrations (≥24,196 MPN/100 mL) in as little as four hours in salinities ranging from 0 to 25 parts per thousand (ppt). Increased turbidity (70 and 140 NTU) hindered the effect of solar radiation, suggesting that near-shore turbidity may promote higher enterococci concentrations. The results indicate that enterococci replenishment alo...
Frequency and volume of resistance training: Effect on cervical extension strength

Quantification of cervical extension (CERV EXT) strength is complicated by the inability to stabilize the torso and isolate the CERV EXT muscles. A newly developed machine designed to stabilize the torso and isolate the CERV EXT muscles was used to evaluate the effect of frequency and volume of resistance training on CERV EXT strength. Fifty men (age, 26 +/- 9 years; height, 174 +/- 16 cm; weight, 74 +/- 9 kg) and 28 women (age, 30 +/- 9 years; height, 152 +/- 32 cm; weight, 62 +/- 7 kg) volunteered to participate. Subjects were randomly stratified to one of four training groups or a control group (CONT, n = 19) that did not train. Each training group exercised for 12 weeks as follows; once per week using one set of dynamic exercise (DYN 1x/wk, n = 14), once per week using one set of DYN and one set of maximal isometric (IM) exercise at eight angles through a 126 degrees-range of CERV EXT (DYN-IM 1x/wk, n = 16), DYN 2x/wk (n = 19), or DYN-IM 2x/wk (n = 10). Maximal IM torque was measured at eight angles initially and after 12 weeks of training. All training groups improved CERV EXT strength (p < or = 0.05) at all angles tested compared to the CONT except for DYN once per week at 0 degree of CERV flexion. A greater increase in strength was found when the groups that trained two times a week were compared to those that trained once per week.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
The life-extending gene Indy encodes an exchanger for Krebs-cycle intermediates

A longevity gene called Indy (for 'I'm not dead yet'), with similarity to mammalian genes encoding sodium-dicarboxylate cotransporters, was identified in Drosophila melanogaster. Functional studies in Xenopus oocytes showed that INDY mediates the flux of dicarboxylates and citrate across the plasma membrane, but the specific transport mechanism mediated by INDY was not identified. To test whether INDY functions as an anion exchanger, we examined whether substrate efflux is stimulated by transportable substrates added to the external medium. Efflux of [14C]citrate from INDY-expressing oocytes was greatly accelerated by the addition of succinate to the external medium, indicating citrate-succinate exchange. The succinate-stimulated [14C]citrate efflux was sensitive to inhibition by DIDS (4,4'-di-isothiocyano-2,2'-disulphonic stilbene), as demonstrated previously for INDY-mediated succinate uptake. INDY-mediated efflux of [14C]citrate was also stimulated by external citrate and oxaloacetate, indicating citrate-citrate and citrate-oxaloacetate exchange. Similarly, efflux of [14C]succinate from INDY-expressing oocytes was stimulated by external citrate, alpha-oxoglutarate and fumarate, indicating succinate-citrate, succinate-alpha-oxoglutarate and succinate-fumarate exchange respectively. Conversely, when INDY-expressing Xenopus oocytes were loaded with succinate and citrate, [14C]succinate uptake was markedly stimulated, confirming succinate-succinate and succinate-citrate exchange. Exchange of internal anion for external citrate was markedly pH(o)-dependent, consistent with the concept that citrate is co-transported with a proton. Anion exchange was sodium-independent. We conclude that INDY functions as an exchanger of dicarboxylate and tricarboxylate Krebs-cycle intermediates. The effect of decreasing INDY activity, as in the long-lived Indy mutants, may be to alter energy metabolism in a manner that favours lifespan extension.
Dominant role of the GluR2 subunit in regulation of AMPA receptors by CaMKII

GluR1 and GluR2 subunits compose AMPA receptors (AMPARs) in the mature hippocampus, and both the GluR1 subunit and Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) are required for synaptic plasticity, memory and learning. Although GluR1 phosphorylationby CaMKII is preserved, the functional regulation of AMPARs by phosphorylation is lost in the presence of the GIuR2 subunit. Our findings define a previously unknown, dominant role of the GluR2 subunit in signaling mediated by CaMKII at AMPARs.
Prepulse rise time and startle reflex modification: different effects for discrete and continuous prepulses

The rise time of an auditory prepulse was varied to determine whether the onset transient of the prepulse is of primary importance in the modification of the acoustic startle reflex. In Experiment 1, 20-ms long discrete prepulses were presented at a lead time of 150 ms, and prepulse rise time was varied from 0.1 to 20 ms. Although all prepulses resulted in decreased response amplitude (inhibition of startle), varying rise time from 0.1 to 20 ms had no effect on reflex modification. These results suggest that the startle response is not sensitive to prepulse rise time changes in the range used here. In Experiment 2, continuous prepulses (in which lead time equals duration) were presented. Several of these prepulses had a lead time of 150 ms and rise times ranging from 0.1 to 150 ms, whereas others had a rise time of 0.1 ms and lead times of 50 to 150 ms. The results showed that only the fast-rising, 50-ms lead time prepulse decreased response amplitude, with the other prepulses having no effect on amplitude, relative to control responding. Rise time changes generally had no effect on responding, but responses were larger at longer lead times than at shorter lead times. Response probability was inhibited by fast-rising prepulses at lead times of 50 to 130 ms. Together with the results of Experiment 1, these findings suggest that startle reflex inhibition is determined by the onset of a prepulse, and that this inhibition is not sensitive to small changes in prepulse rise time. Also, startle reflex facilitation is determined by the steady-state portion of the prepulse, and this effect is sensitive to prepulse duration. The inhibitory and facilitatory effects combine to determine the amount and direction of reflex modification, and these effects have different time courses, suggesting different mechanisms. It is suggested that reflex modification is due to the activation of a transient system for startle inhibition and a sustained system for startle facilitation.
A fully integrated, high-throughput, multi-parametric flow cytometry chip using “microfluidic drifting” based three-dimensional (3D) hydrodynamic focusing

We have demonstrated a fully integrated, in-plane, single-layer flow cytometry chip device. The device includes fluidic components—a three-dimensional (3D) hydrodynamic focusing geometry based on the “microfluidic drifting” technique developed by our group, and a series of integrated optical fibers to allow the introduction of laser light and on-chip detection of various optical signals such as forward scattering (FSC), side scattering (SSC), and fluorescence. The “microfluidic drifting” technique and integrated optical fibers allow the entire device to be realized in a single, planar layout, which significantly reduces the device fabrication complexity and cost. The device was tested with a series of standard flow cytometry beads of difference size and fluorescent dye concentration.
ASYMMETRIC OR SYMMETRIC MITRAL LEAFLET TETHERING: PATTERN OF TETHERING AN IMPORTANT DETERMINANT OF ISCHEMIC MITRAL REGURGITATION

Ischemic mitral regurgitation (IMR) results from mitral leaflet tethering from ischemic LV remodeling. Yet there is heterogeneity in correlating degree of tethering to the IMR severity. In addition to total tethering degree, pattern of tethering (asymmetric vs symmetric) may also influence IMR (
Induction of intracellular acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase activity in glioblastoma cells by lidocaine

The perturbation of cellular cholesteryl ester biosynthesis in glioblastoma C-6 cells by lidocaine was investigated. Lidocaine specifically inhibited the incorporation of radioactive oleic acid into cellular cholesteryl ester but had no significant effect on the incorporation of oleic acid into phosphatidylcholine. Oxygenated cholesterol-enhanced cholesteryl ester formation was less sensitive to lidocaine inhibition. Several other local anesthetics were compared. Lidocaine altered cholesteryl ester formation in time- and dose-dependent manners. Lidocaine was a powerful inhibitor initially and its potency declined with time. Lidocaine was capable of directly inhibiting acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT) activity in broken cell homogenates. The lidocaine-mediated inhibition of cellular cholesteryl ester formation triggered an enhanced intracellular ACAT activity that was not fully expressed in the presence of lidocaine. The activation of ACAT activity by lidocaine might represent a compensatory mechanism by which the inhibitory effect of lidocaine was partially overcome with time.
Inhibitors of Fibrin Cross-linking : Relevance for Thrombolysis

THE terminal stages of vertebrate blood clotting have been shown1–4 to proceed by the following steps:
The Müller-Lyer contrast illusion: a computational approach.

When a temporal delay is interposed between the contextual elements (wings) and the focal element (central axis) of the Muller-Lyer figures, the usual assimilation illusion changes to an illusion of contrast; that is, judged axis length is contrasted away from rather than assimilated toward the context provided by parallel extents between wings. Presentation time for the preceding contextual wings on the order of 1 sec or more was needed to produce contrast effects in judgments of the following focal axis (Experiment 3) and, given sufficient presentation time, these contrast effects were largely unaffected by the length of the temporal delay between contextual and focal elements, appearing equally strong for delays between 0 and 2 sec (Experiments 1 and 2). These results are consistent with a representational basis for these contrast effects that is high-level and long-lived. The Muller-Lyer contrast illusion may reflect the inadvertent error arising from basing judgments about particular objects on information about attribute differences among objects. Such judgmental errors may be the natural consequence of constrained computations that make explicit information required for certain common tasks, but at the expense of obscuring information required for less common tasks.
Inside and Outside: Teacher-Researcher Collaboration

In this paper, we discuss our approach to teacher-researcher collaboration and how it is similar and different from other models of teacher collaboration. Our approach to collaboration employed design experimentation (Brown, 1992; Design Based Research Collective, 2003) as a central method since it yields important findings for teachers' pedagogical practices and contributes to the research literature on teaching and learning. We use three key moments in our collaborative practice to highlight how our work impacted student thinking and learning and involved our own shifting identities as teachers and researchers. Key themes that were central to our joint work are discussed to demonstrate how we brought research and practice into regular dialogue. We argue that although this model is not necessarily supported by current institutional organization, it holds promise for ongoing professional development for teachers and researchers that can support building a culture of research-based practices in schools.
Visual persistence: effects of flash luminance, duration and energy.

Abstract Dark-adapted observers reported whether the offset of a test flash (30′ to the right of fixation) occurred before or after the onset of a probe flash (2°30′ to the left of fixation) as the interstimulus interval was varied. Visual persistence (the interstimulus interval at the point of subjeptive equality for test flash offset/probe flash onset) was found to decrease with either increases in flash duration or flash luminance. These effects were shown to be independent of differential visual latencies to the onsets of flashes. For equal-energy flashes (variable luminance and duration), persistence was constant up to 100 msec, and thereafter declined linearly with log flash duration, a result attributable to changes in the shape of the function relating persistence to flash duration at lower luminances. The systematic increase for equal-energy stimuli in the duration of the total visual response with increase in flash duration suggests a basis for the recent finding that at threshold equally-detectable stimuli of different durations are discriminable.
Are there high-risk groups among physicians that are more vulnerable to on-call work?

Abstract Background Work done in the emergency departments is one stressful aspect of physicians' work. Numerous previous studies have highlighted the stressfulness of on-call work and especially of night on call. In addition, previous studies suggest that there may be individual differences in adjusting to changes in circadian rhythms and on-call work. Objective The objective of this study was to examine whether physicians' on-call work is associated with perceived work-related stress factors and job resources and whether there are groups that are more vulnerable to on-call work according to sex, age, and specialization status. Methods This was a cross-sectional questionnaire study among 3230 Finnish physicians (61.5% women). The analyses were conducted using analyses of covariance adjusted for sex, age, specialization status, and employment sector. Results Physicians with on-call duties had more time pressure and stress related to team work and patient information systems compared with those who did not have on-call duties. In addition, they had less job control opportunities and experienced organization as less fair and team climate as worse. Older physicians and specialists seemed to be especially vulnerable to on-call work regarding stress factors, whereas younger and specialist trainees seemed vulnerable to on-call work regarding job resources. Conclusions Focusing on team issues and resources is important for younger physicians and trainees having on-call duties, whereas for older and specialists, attention should be focused on actual work load and time pressure.
Non-catalytic surfaces for metallic heat shields

The magnitude of the atom recombination coefficients needed for metal heat shield surfaces on Shuttle-type vehicles is analyzed and discussed. Prior work which identifies surfaces having low catalytic activity is reviewed. Arc tunnel tests to evaluate catalytic activity are described and the difficulties of such tests are discussed. Results are presented which show major differences between atom recombination and atom exchange from molecules. Results of surface analysis show that bulk and surface composition of a coating are different.
The role of protein kinase C activation in diabetic nephropathy

Diabetic nephropathy is the leading cause of end-stage renal disease worldwide and an independent risk factor for all-cause and cardiovascular mortalities in diabetic patients. New insights into the molecular mechanisms that underlie the development and progression of microvascular complications of diabetes including nephropathy are emerging rapidly from experimental and clinical studies. Chronic hyperglycemia is a major initiator of diabetic microvascular complications. Activation of diacylglycerol (DAG)-protein kinase C (PKC) pathway, enhanced polyol pathway, increased oxidative stress, and overproduction of advanced glycation end products have all been proposed as potential cellular mechanisms by which hyperglycemia induces diabetic vascular complications. The DAG-PKC pathway contributes to vascular function in many ways such as the regulation of endothelial permeability, vasoconstriction, extracellular matrix synthesis/turnover, cell growth, angiogenesis, cytokine activation, and leukocyte adhesion. We will briefly review the current knowledge base regarding the pathogenic role for the activation of DAG-PKC pathway in diabetic nephropathy and other microvascular complications of diabetes. The results from animal studies and key clinical studies investigating specific effects of the PKC isoforms on the renal and other vascular tissues to induce diabetic complications are also reviewed.
Intraspecific variability and genetic structure in Meloidogyne chitwoodi from the USA

Meloidogyne chitwoodi is a quarantine pathogen and a severe problem of potato. Intraspecific variation and genetic structure are not well characterised for M. chitwoodi, but are critical to avoid misidentification and to optimise management strategies. The objective of this study was to analyse the morphological and molecular variation of four M. chitwoodi isolates, representing all races and pathotypes currently known in the USA. Despite statistically significant morphological variation among adult females, morphometrics were not able reliably to distinguish M. chitwoodi isolates. In contrast to morphology, molecular traits that are determined by nuclear ribosomal genes were stable across all isolates. Malate dehydrogenase, esterase and superoxide dismutase isozyme phenotypes were conserved in all isolates, which is an important finding for diagnostics. To gain insight into the genetic structure of M. chitwoodi, we analysed a mitochondrial DNA segment including a partial region of COII, tRNA-His and 16S rRNA genes. Genetic structure was weak and marked by high haplotype and low nucleotide diversity. We found a high level of mitochondrial heteroplasmy in M. chitwoodi. Taken together, our results indicate that there is significant intraspecific morphological and molecular variation in M. chitwoodi. Consequences for resistance breeding in potato and directions for phylogeographic studies to trace the origin of M. chitwoodi are discussed.
Heart Rate Dynamics in Low Risk Human Fetuses

Evaluation of nonlinear heart rate (HR) dynamics has received considerable attention in the pediatric literature because such analyses not only provide insight into underlying control mechanisms, but may also help to differentiate between normal and abnormal infants. The purpose of this study was to determine, in eight low risk human fetuses, if nonlinear HR dynamics could be identified by analyzing the dispersion of interbeat intervals at slow (Ds) and fast (Df) HRs. The fetal cardiac electrical signal was captured transabdominally at a resolution of ±1 ms. To test the null hypothesis, that the time series is the result of a linear stochastic process, Ds and Df for the original time series were compared with the values calculated for three linear models. The linear models were constructed to preserve the major statistical properties of the original time series, including the mean, SD, and the Fourier power spectrum. For each fetus, there was no evidence of nonlinear cardiac dynamics based on analyses of Ds and Df. In contrast, the distribution of adjacent R-R intervals and the pattern of change across three successive interbeat intervals both revealed significant nonlinearities in HR control in each fetus. If the difference between normal and abnormal infants is the result of aberrant control of nonlinear processes, then our findings indicate that parameters which describe the nonlinearity may be more useful then Ds and Df in assigning a risk status.
Primary Care Physicians' Response to Domestic Violence: Opening Pandora's Box

Objective. —To explore primary care physicians' experiences with domestic violence victims to determine the barriers to problem recognition and intervention in the primary care setting. Design. —Ethnography, a qualitative research method involving the use of open-ended, semistructured interviews. Setting. —An urban health maintenance organization serving a predominantly white, middle-income population. Participants. —Thirty-eight physicians, predominantly family practitioners (89%), were interviewed. Results. —Analysis of the interviews revealed that physicians found exploring domestic violence in the clinical setting analogous to "opening Pandora's box." Their issues include lack of comfort, fear of offending, powerlessness, loss of control, and time constraints. Conclusion. —This study revealed several barriers that physicians perceived as preventing them from comfortably intervening with domestic violence victims. These issues need to be addressed in training programs. Further studies should be done to assess generalizability of these findings to other groups of physicians. ( JAMA . 1992;267:3157-3160)
ICP-based approaches for 3D ear recognition

We present results of the largest experimental investigation of 3D ear biometrics to date. ICP-based approaches are carefully explored, and the best rank one recognition rate achieves 98.8%. Only 4 cases out of 302 are incorrectly matched. This result is encouraging in that it suggests the uniqueness of the human ear and its potential applicability as a biometric.
The human-animal interface of domestic livestock management and production and its relationship to brucellosis in the country of Georgia 2010: a rapid assessment analysis.

Abstract Context Brucellosis is endemic in the country of Georgia, with the highest incidence of disease in the east of Georgia, in the Kakheti region – which is also home to the majority of sheep and a large portion of the national cattle herd (two species that are natural hosts of zoonotic Brucella spp.). Objective Our purpose was to understand the ruminant livestock management and dairy production as well as the sociological factors in order to relate it to the disease ecology of brucellosis and to understand the framework that contributes too brucellosis transmission in the region. Methods In 2010, we examined the aspects of livestock management and production through the use of a semi-structured questionnaire that was administered to 198 villagers and 41 key informants (physicians, veterinarians, dairy production specialists, and laboratory personnel) who were identified by convenience sampling. Results were primarily qualitative, but some were quantified to reveal trends and compared with non-parametric tests. Results We found that animals are managed at the village level. Male villagers take turns shepherding and herding on both summer pastures (highlands) and winter pastures (lowlands or around the village). Men also do all the sheep-dairy production. Women care for milk cattle as well as make the dairy products from cow milk. Of the households that own livestock, 28% own sheep (50 per flock) and 96% own cattle (3 per herd). The northern-most part of Kakheti (Akhmeta) has the widest distribution of its cheese; the guda cheese from this area is sold all over Kakheti and central Georgia. Typically, cheese is aged in 20% brine for 3 d (white cheeses) or 21 d (guda cheeses). In addition, raw milk is used for cheese production and heating the milk is believed to decrease the quality of the final product. Conclusions Interventions at the animal level will be best carried out in the fall when animals return to winter pastures. Under-employed private veterinarians would be available for extension work and contact with local villagers. Control will be best achieved at the animal level because the local people have a social and cultural resistance to the use of heated or pasteurized milk for cheese production.
B-spline compound strip analysis of stiffened plates under transverse loading

Abstract An improved compound strip method based on the unequally spaced cubic B-spline is presented. The in-plane displacements are also incorporated in this approach to analyze the concentrically and eccentrically stiffened plates. Several of the available theoretical, experimental, and numerical results have been compared with those obtained from the proposed method. The accuracy and efficiency of this method is verified.
Particle-plus-core and doorway states in 207Pb☆

Abstract The particle-core coupling model is used to calculate the spreading of single particle strength in 207Pb based on coupling of single particles to the ground state and first excited state (2+) of 206Pb. The particle-plus-2+-excited core states are interpreted as doorway states.
Pharmacological discrimination between muscarinic receptor signal transduction cascades with bethanechol chloride

1. Muscarinic agonist specificity is limited, making it difficult to match receptor subtypes with signal transduction cascades that mediate ion channel modulation. We have characterized the inhibitory effects of two muscarinic agonists, oxotremorine-M (Oxo-M) and bethanechol chloride (BeCh), on Ca(2+) currents in neonatal rat superior cervical ganglion neurons. 2. Oxo-M-mediated (10 micro M) inhibition occurred via two signaling pathways. The first pathway inhibited whole cell peak currents, consisting primarily of N-type current, but not FPL 64176-induced, long-lasting tail currents, comprised entirely of L-type current. Inhibited currents displayed slowed activation kinetics and voltage dependence, characteristics of membrane-delimited inhibition. Current inhibition was blocked by the selective M(2) receptor antagonist, methoctramine (METH; 100 nM), or following pertussis toxin (PTX) pretreatment. 3. Activation of the second pathway inhibited both peak and long-lasting tail currents. This pathway was voltage-independent, PTX-insensitive, but sensitive to internal Ca(2+) chelator concentration. Muscarinic toxin 7 (MT-7, 100 nM), an irreversible M(1) receptor antagonist, eliminated this inhibition. Oxo-M (100 micro M) decreased L- and N-type channel activities in cell-attached patches, indicating that a diffusible second messenger is involved. 4. BeCh (100 micro M) also inhibited whole cell currents via the membrane-delimited pathway. Blocking M(4) receptors with 100 nM pirenzepine (in the presence of MT-7) had no effect, while antagonizing M(2) receptors with METH abolished inhibition. Concentrations of BeCh as high as 3 mM failed to inhibit either peak or long-lasting tail currents following PTX pretreatment. 5. These results indicate that BeCh may be an effective tool for selectively activating M(2) receptor stimulation of the membrane-delimited pathway.
Reciprocal rhythm exhibiting blocked reciprocal beats, retrograde block with reverse Wenckebach periods and A-V dissociation.

Abstract A case of reciprocal rhythm with blocked reciprocal beats, retrograde block with reverse Wenckebach periods and runs of A-V dissociation due to rheumatic activity is presented. An analysis of the disturbed conduction phenomena is made with references to other similar reports in the literature.
Continuous Time Neural Networks

Analog optical neural networks permit us to assemble continuous - input, continuous-output systems. These can have great advantages relative to their digital counterparts.
Variability of Lyman-alpha and the ultraviolet continuum of 3C 446

IUE observations have been conducted over the 1230-3175 A range for the violently variable quasar 3C 446, beginning in June 1980, at intervals of 1.2, 2.2, 0.5, and 0.4 yr. Strong absorption of the continuum was found below 1830 A, probably corresponding to a Lyman edge at z of 1.00 + or - 0.01. The absence of Mg II 2798 A absorption implies that the column density is in the lower end of the range, unless the gas is metal-poor. The Lyman-alpha emission line was detected in five spectra; relative to the number of ionizing protons, the line strengths are the same as in normal quasars, and line equivalent widths are small due to the continuum's rise redward of 912 A, which is much steeper than in normal quasars. The Lyman-alpha line and the nearby continuum vary so as to maintain constant equivalent width.
Spontaneous ventriculostomy in a patient with obstructive hydrocephalus.

Background. Spontaneous ventriculostomy related to progressive obstructive hydrocephalus is rare. Radiologic demonstration of such a phenomenon can be delineated with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and cine MRI.
Fire-cracked rock features on sandy landforms in the Northern Rocky Mountains: Toward establishing reliable frames of reference for assessing site integrity

In cool coniferous forest settings of the Northern Rocky Mountains, well-preserved fire-cracked rock (FCR) features within 30 cm of the surface on ostensibly stable, sandy upland landforms date to the last six millennia. Isolated FCR and artifacts sometimes extend a meter or more below surface, which is suggestive of in situ burial. A paucity of intact features in the lower solum, however, is consistent with the downward migration of deeply buried artifacts by biomechanical processes, especially floralturbation. Moreover, an absence of credible sediment source areas usually precludes colluvial deposition, and results of grain-size analysis reported herein are inconsistent with eolian deposition. Site disarticulation rates tend to be faster on landforms in warmer forested regions of south-central North America, given that most intact FCR features there date only to the last two millennia. The very presence of millennia-old FCR features in these diverse settings, however, is a testament to their durability and utility as measures of site integrity. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Granular Material Radial Deformation Measurements with a Circumferential Extensometer in Repeated Load Triaxial Testing

Determination of both axial and radial specimen strains in a repeated load triaxial test is essential for properly characterizing the directional dependency of resilient granular material behavior. Radial deformation measurement is not yet included in the standard AASHTO test procedure. The method of measuring radial strains adopted in this study emphasizes the use of a contact-type specimen instrumentation technique with a circumferential chain extensometer. The circumferential extensometer was successfully used in repeated load triaxial testing to measure radial strains of three aggregate samples with different material types and properties. The accuracy of the measuring system was within 10-5 (in strains) when the smallest strains recorded were on the order of 10-4. Nonlinear stress-dependent models for properly characterizing the anisotropic granular material stiffnesses were developed from measured axial and radial strains. The vertical/horizontal stiffness ratios in the triaxial sample consistently ...
An Isocratic HPLC Method for the Determination of Cephalosporins in Plasma

Abstract An isocratic reversed-phase liquid chromatographic method for the determination of eight cephalosporins in human plasma using UV detection at 254 nm is described. Plasma proteins were precipitated using acetonitrile prior to injection of a 10 μl aliquot onto an octadecylsilane column. The mobile phases consisted of 6–11% acetonitrile in sodium dihydrogen phosphate (0.01M). The minimum detectable limit for each drug was less than 1 γg/ml of plasma. Possible interference from other drugs which might be administered concurrently is discussed. The reproducibility and precision of the method for cephalosporin assay are shown from the analysis of plasma containing 5–500 γg/ml of plasma. The chromatographic behavior of the eight cephalosporins was examined by varying mobile phase conditions.
Iterations of lament: Anachronism and affect in a Shi‘i Islamic revival in Turkey

Many Alevis in Turkey today view their community's traditions of ritual weeping as anachronistic in the modern world. In this article, I situate such sensibilities within a political context in which Turkish state agencies have vigorously regulated norms of public affect. I describe the efforts of one Alevi group to counter such sensibilities by cultivating a susceptibility to affective excitation in line with Shi‘i traditions of lamentation. The group's practices are exemplary of many Islamic revival movements, which aim simultaneously to spread a religious message and to transform the affective conditions in which that message might be received.
Dopamine transporter DAT and receptor DRD2 variants affect risk of lethal cocaine abuse: a gene–gene–environment interaction

Epistatic gene–gene interactions could contribute to the heritability of complex multigenic disorders, but few examples have been reported. Here, we focus on the role of aberrant dopaminergic signaling, involving the dopamine transporter DAT, a cocaine target, and the dopamine D2 receptor, which physically interacts with DAT. Splicing polymorphism rs2283265 of DRD2, encoding D2 receptors, were shown to confer risk of cocaine overdose/death (odds ratio ∼3) in subjects and controls from the Miami Dade County Brain Bank.1 Risk of cocaine-related death attributable to the minor allele of rs2283265 was significantly enhanced to OR=7.5 (P=0.0008) in homozygous carriers of the main 6-repeat allele of DAT rs3836790, a regulatory VNTR in intron8 lacking significant effect itself. In contrast, carriers of the minor 5-repeat DAT allele showed no significant risk (OR=1.1, P=0.84). DAT rs3836790 and DRD2 rs2283265 also interacted by modulating DAT protein activity in the ventral putamen of cocaine abusers. In high-linkage disequilibrium with the VNTR, DAT rs6347 in exon9 yielded similar results. Assessing the impact of DAT alone, a rare DAT haplotype formed by the minor alleles of rs3836790 and rs27072, a regulatory DAT variant in the 3′-UTR, occurred in nearly one-third of the cocaine abusers but was absent in African American controls, apparently conferring strong risk. These results demonstrate gene–gene–drug interaction affecting risk of fatal cocaine intoxication.
Crime-victim evaluation of police investigative performance

The purpose of this study was to determine whether demographic characteristics of victims and the nature of the police investigative response were related to victim satisfaction. The data were obtained through self-administered questionnaires completed by a random sample of 436/685 (64 percent) crime victims in a medium-sized midwestern city. Respondents were victims of personal (N=79), serious property (N=165), and minor property crimes (N=192). Analysis showed that the education, gender, and income of the victims were not related to satisfaction for any of the crime-victim categories. Younger victims were less likely to be satisfied than older victims but only in the case of serious property crimes. Expectation of response time was most strongly related to victim satisfaction in serious (personal and property) offenses; victims who reported a faster than expected response time were more likely to be satisfied than those who reported a slower than expected response time. When there was a high degree of investigative effort, victims in both property-crime categories were more likely to be satisfied than when the effort was minimal. Police professionalism had the greatest effect on victim satisfaction; a high degree of professionalism was positively related with satisfaction for all crime types. The findings generally show that the type of criminal victimization is an important consideration in victim evaluation research.
Sharing introductory programming curriculum across disciplines

Originally there was one computing curriculum, computer science, which provided a "one-size-fits-all" education in programming and computing in general. Today, computing education has diverged into an array of sub-discipline areas as educators try to meet the changing computing needs of business and industry. Information technology, software engineering, computer engineering, and information systems have emerged from computer science as distinct computing disciplines. Plus, additional "micro-disciplines" are quickly emerging: games and networking from information technology, for example.The foundation skill for all computing disciplines is programming. However as computing technologies advance, discipline-specific differences increase. Each computing sub-discipline needs to approach programming from a slightly different viewpoint to meet student expectations of being highly marketable and employer expectations of quick productivity. How can colleges and universities economically meet the competing demands for a focused computing education while maintaining a strong foundation in programming fundamentals.This paper discusses how an introductory programming sequence can be designed with a common base to support multiple computing sub-disciplines as well as differentiated to address the specific, focused needs of a given sub-discipline. We identify both commonalities that support economy of scale and important differences that distinguish sub-discipline curricula.
Overcoming Roadblocks to Innovation: Three Case Studies at the California Department of Transportation

This paper examines the experience of the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) in three recent innovations developed at its Division of Research and Innovation. Although these innovations promised significant returns on investment, their deployment faced serious challenges, which motivated this research. A literature review was conducted and professionals were interviewed to analyze the roadblocks. The innovations, roadblocks, successful mitigation measures, and lessons learned in each case are presented. The first case is Sensys, a compact, low-cost, wireless traffic-sensing system that can replace more expensive inductive loops. The second case is the Construction Analysis for Pavement Rehabilitation Strategies software, which simulates highway construction and traffic activities at construction zones and predicts traffic delays associated with simulation scenarios, to optimize construction timing and quality and minimize construction costs and effect on traffic. The third case is the Bals...
Omaha terminology and unilateral marriage on the Sepik

This paper examines the often-proposed hypothesis that Omaha terminologies and unilateral marriage are necessarily associated. It does so by means of ethnographic evidence from three culturally similar societies of the Middle Sepik region of New Guinea, each of which is characterized by a kinship terminology classifiable as “Omaha.” None of these societies practices unilateral marriage in the conventional sense, and there are important differences in social structure among them that cannot be derived from the Omaha label. An explanation for why the label has no predictive value is offered. [Omaha terminologies, unilateral marriage, symmetrical/asymmetrical marriage relationships, kinship, kwoma, Abelam, latmul]