cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Assessing risk of hospital readmissions for improving medical practice

We compare statistical approaches for predicting the likelihood that individual patients will require readmission to hospital within 30 days of their discharge and for setting quality-control standards in that regard. Logistic regression, neural networks and decision trees are found to have comparable discriminating power when applied to cases that were not used to calibrate the respective models. Significant factors for predicting likelihood of readmission are the patient’s medical condition upon admission and discharge, length (days) of the hospital visit, care rendered during the hospital stay, size and role of the medical facility, the type of medical insurance, and the environment into which the patient is discharged. Separately constructed models for major medical specialties (Surgery/Gynecology, Cardiorespiratory, Cardiovascular, Neurology, and Medicine) can improve the ability to identify high-risk patients for possible intervention, while consolidated models (with indicator variables for the specialties) can serve well for assessing overall quality of care.
Empirical approaches to information processing: Speed-accuracy tradeoff functions or reaction time — a reply

Abstract This papers prsents a reply to Schmitt and Scheirer's (1977) criticism of recent work using the speed-accuracy tradeoff methodology. Several factual and conceptual errors in Schmitt and Scheirer's reporting of the empirical speed-accuracy tradeoff papers on recognition memory are corrected and a short discussion of the speed-accuracy method is presented
A test of uniformities in the OSA‐UCS and the NCS

In the OSA-UCS (Optical Society of America–Uniform Color Scales), except for colors on the boundary of the three-dimensional solid (L, j, g), each color is surrounded by the 12 nearest neighboring colors that are supposed to be perceptually equally different (local uniformity). In the Swedish NCS (Natural Color System), colors are arranged so as to gradually vary in each of the three perceptual attributes: hue, ϕ; blackness, s; and chromaticness, c. The gradual change in an attribute may correspond to change of color difference from one to the next with a constant step (local uniformity). In each of these color-order systems, the uniformity was tested by a color-difference formula d based on color-component differences. When a coordinate is fixed (e.g., j in OSA-UCS, or c in NCS), d for neighboring pairs turned out fairly constant. However, systematic differences were found between d in one coordinate and d in another coordinate. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 28, 277–283, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/col.10162
G protein βγ directly regulates SNARE protein fusion machinery for secretory granule exocytosis

The activation of G protein–coupled receptors (GPCRs) can result in an inhibition of Ca2+-dependent hormone and neurotransmitter secretion. This has been attributed in part to G protein inhibition of Ca2+ influx. However, a frequently dominant inhibitory effect, of unknown mechanism, also occurs distal to Ca2+ entry. Here we characterize direct inhibitory actions of G protein βγ (Gβγ) on Ca2+-triggered vesicle exocytosis in permeable PC12 cells. Gβγ inhibition was rapid (<1 s) and was attenuated by cleavage of synaptosome-associated protein of 25 kD (SNAP25). Gβγ bound soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor (SNARE) complexes, and binding was reduced to SNARE complexes containing cleaved SNAP25 or by Ca2+-dependent synaptotagmin binding. Here we show inhibitory coupling between GPCRs and vesicle exocytosis mediated directly by Gβγ interactions with the Ca2+-dependent fusion machinery.
Theory and Reality in Allocating Federal Resources to Water Resources Development

: Federal spending on water resource development projects exceeds $10 billion annually. This paper examines the economic theory and practice on which the Federal water resource development plans are based. Existing theoretical and applied problems result in overinvestment. These include 1) no standard of value for the tradeoff of environmental objectives with economic objectives; 2) benefits based on “willingness to pay,” but beneficiaries pay only a fraction of a project's costs; 3) beneficiaries “shop around” among program purposes in order to reduce their commitments; and 4) benefit/cost (B/C) analyses are based on a discount rate, which is consistently below the Federal borrowing rate. Furthermore, the Government Accounting Office (GAO) frequently finds that the agency regulations are inadequate and result in inconsistent and questionable benefit computations. The President has proposed a series of water policy reforms, to reduce some of the apparent overinvestment in water resource development, but fundmental corrective action rests with the members of Congress.
Complications of Modern Diagnostic Cerebral Angiography in an Academic Medical Center

Purpose Catheter cerebral angiography and noninvasive cerebral imaging have steadily improved in the past several decades. Now, catheter angiography is frequently reserved for treatment planning. To remain relevant as a diagnostic modality, catheter angiography must be safe, even in critically ill patients. The present report describes the complication rate of catheter cerebral angiography performed by neurointerventional specialists at an academic medical center. Materials and Methods From July 2001 through June 2007, 3,636 diagnostic catheter cerebral angiograms were obtained at a large academic institution. Complication data were prospectively acquired according to institutional policy and New York Patient Occurrence Reporting and Tracking System criteria. Data collected included patient age, sex, indication for the procedure, operator, and nature of adverse event, including need for treatment. Clinical predictors of complications were evaluated with logistic regression. Results Among 3,636 diagnostic cerebral angiograms obtained in 6 years, there were 11 clinical complications (0.30%). One patient (0.03%) had magnetic resonance imaging–detected stroke with no apparent clinical deterioration. Iatrogenic dissections were seen in five arteries (0.14%). No patient developed neurologic symptoms. Nonneurologic complications occurred in five patients (0.14%) who had arteriotomy site–related complications: one femoral abscess, two occlusions of the femoral artery with leg ischemia requiring surgical revascularization, one dissection with pseudoaneurysm formation requiring percutaneous thrombin injection, and one retroperitoneal hemorrhage requiring transfusion. Three of these patients were treated with an arterial closure device. Age greater than 65 years was associated with development of complications ( P = .03). Conclusions Modern catheter cerebral angiography performed by neurointerventionalists is associated with a low complication rate of 0.30%, even in a highly complex patient population.
ELISA as a possible alternative to the neutralization test for evaluating the immune response to poliovirus vaccines

This review describes several enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) techniques proposed to replace the neutralization test for detecting neutralization-relevant antibodies to polioviruses in recipients of inactivated poliovirus vaccine and oral poliovirus vaccine, and for seroepidemiologic studies. Comparisons of results from ELISA and the neutralization test suggest that ELISA variants, based on the principle of blocking or binding inhibition that emulate the neutralization test, might offer an alternative to the neutralization test. However, to replace the neutralization test with ELISA would first require extensive studies with very large numbers of serum samples, including sera having low titers of neutralizing antibodies, in order to obtain reliable and statistically sound validation.
Spectrum congestion - Is it a technical problem?

Recent measurements find that 80% of WiFi devices crowd into the 2.4 GHz band, ignoring the greater bandwidth and reduced congestions available in the 5.8 GHz band. Even worse, within the 2.4 GHz band a few channels carry the majority of the traffic. This spectral crowding makes no technical sense when there are other channels and far less congested bandwidth available to these devices. The trend to congregate is observed with medical devices, which have expanded options and a clear mandate for reliability. Medical devices even have dedicated frequency bands, however, they concentrate on the most popular and crowded bands, along with a wide range of consumer devices.
Neonatal seizure: what is the cause?

A 7 day old girl presented with a one day history of decreased feeding, lethargy, and shaking of her extremities. She was born at term by normal vaginal delivery. She did not have a fever and there were no maternal risk factors for sepsis. She was hypotonic and minimally responsive on examination, with no signs of focal neurology. Urea, electrolytes, calcium, and glucose values were normal. She was started empirically on intravenous antibiotics and aciclovir after full septic screen. She was ventilated and given an infusion of midazolam because her generalised clonic seizures with apnoea failed to respond to intravenous phenobarbital. Her seizures finally responded and she was extubated after 24 hours; she was maintained on regular phenobarbital with good effect. Urgent neuroimaging (figs 1⇓ and 2⇓) was arranged because of her acute presentation with seizures and a history of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism in her mother and maternal uncle. Fig 1 Sagittal T1 weighted magnetic resonance image of the brain Fig 2 Axial T1 weighted magnetic resonance image of the brain ### 1 What are the causes of seizures in a neonate? #### Short answer Common causes of neonatal seizures include hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy, intracranial haemorrhage, intracranial infections, congenital cerebral malformations, metabolic disorders, and focal ischaemic stroke. #### Long answer Seizures are more common in the neonatal period than in any other time of life, with 80% occurring in the first week of life. This is because the immature …
Paramutagenicity of a p1 epiallele in maize

Complex silencing mechanisms in plants and other kingdoms target transposons, repeat sequences, invasive viral nucleic acids and transgenes, but also endogenous genes and genes involved in paramutation. Paramutation occurs in a heterozygote when a transcriptionally active allele heritably adopts the epigenetic state of a transcriptionally and/or post-transcriptionally repressed allele. P1-rr and its silenced epiallele P1-pr, which encode a Myb-like transcription factor mediating pigmentation in floral organs of Zea mays, differ in their cytosine methylation pattern and chromatin structure at a complex enhancer site. Here, we tested whether P1-pr is able to heritably silence its transcriptionally active P1-rr allele in a heterozygote and whether DNA methylation is associated with the establishment and maintenance of P1-rr silencing. We found that P1-pr participates in paramutation as the repressing allele and P1-rr as the sensitive allele. Silencing of P1-rr is highly variable compared to the inducing P1-pr resulting in a wide range of gene expression. Whereas cytosine methylation at P1-rr is negatively correlated with transcription and pigment levels after segregation of P1-pr, methylation lags behind the establishment of the repressed p1 gene expression. We propose a model in which P1-pr paramutation is triggered by changing epigenetic states of transposons immediately adjacent to a P1-rr enhancer sequence. Considering the vast amount of transposable elements in the maize genome close to regulatory elements of genes, numerous loci could undergo paramutation-induced allele silencing, which could also have a significant impact on breeding agronomically important traits.
Adolescent Immigrant Education: It Is About More Than Learning English

In this case study, you are the associate superintendent and chief academic officer (CAO) of a large school district in the southwest. The case involves the complex issue of how to serve the burgeoning adolescent immigrant population in your school district. The study considers how a school that is situated in the heart of a Hispanic/Latino community can address the academic needs of adolescent newcomer immigrants, both collectively and individually, by making decisions informed by instructional experts. The institutional practices and policies of your school are steeped in memory-laden ways of behaving that have constrained its ability to always be responsive to the school community. You have been working for 4 years with a 2-year International Academy for high school students who are new to the United States and perform lower than the third-grade level on a placement test when they begin as students in the ninth grade. As you work with the school, issues about how decisions are made in the district and ...
Faculty and student engagement in the Argentine grassroots rebellion: toward a democratic and emancipatory vision of the university

Following Argentina’s economic collapse of December 2001, the authors examine the engagement of university faculty and students in various grassroots movements. Based on a qualitative study involving 24 formal structured interviews, 18 informal interviews, observation-based field work, and document analysis, the authors identify key forms of faculty and student engagement as well as the manner in which individuals discussed the relationship between universities and society. Findings are used to advance the idea of a more democratic and emancipatory vision of the contemporary university and build on the work of Boaventura de Sousa Santos. Throughout the article, the authors ground their discussion in international/comparative literature addressing globalization, neoliberalism, university reform, and social movements.
Natural gas hydrates occupying fractures: A focus on non-vent sites on the Indian continental margin and the northern Gulf of Mexico

Abstract We present a review of the geophysical and petrophysical properties of gas hydrate-filled fracture sites that are not associated with a gas vent or chimney from the Indian National Gas Hydrate Program Expedition 01 and the Gulf of Mexico Gas Hydrate Joint Industry Project Legs I & II. We analyzed logging-while drilling (LWD) resistivity images, well logs and coring information at eight of these sites and found in all cases that the gas hydrate-filled fractures occurred in fine-grained sediments, were near-vertical, and were generally oriented in the same direction at each site. In addition, resistivity was the only physical property always affected by presence of near-vertical gas hydrate-filled fractures, though in one case only the LWD resistivity image detected the presence of gas hydrate. Gas hydrate-filled fractures did not intersect the base of the gas hydrate stability zone at the location of the wellbore at any of the sites. We suggest that at non-vent/non-chimney sites the methane occupying the gas hydrate is likely produced microbially in situ and is not sourced from below.
Addressing human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome in advanced practice nursing education

Despite a number of professional meetings and policy statements recommending that advanced practice nurses be prepared to meet society's needs, relatively few graduate programs in nursing offer specific content related to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) pandemic. The need for advanced preparation in this area is highlighted by the fact that information about HIV infection and treatment of persons with HIV disease shifts rapidly, that more than 500,000 Americans have been diagnosed with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), and that the disease is the leading cause of death in the United States in persons 25 to 44 years old. Recommendations for how HIV/AIDS content can be incorporated into advanced-level education are presented.
MO‐D‐I‐609‐03: Fast Dynamic MR Imaging for Tracking Lung Tumor Motion During the Respiratory Cycle

Purpose: To compare two MR sequences, HASTE and trueFISP, to track lung tumor motion and to assess tumor conspicuity and image artifacts. Method and Materials: A lung tumor motion phantom, three healthy volunteers and two lung tumor patients were examined using a clinical 1.5-T scanner (Sonata, Siemens, Germany) with the following parameters: trueFISP (TE/TR 1.5/204.2ms; FA/55o; FOV/300×300; matrix/128×128; slice-thickness/5mm), and HASTE (TE/TR 25/800ms; FA/160o; FOV/325×400; matrix/123×256; slice-thickness/5mm). No contrast agent or gating was used. Parenchyma signal intensity, lung regions and diaphragm displacement were measured in three healthy subjects. Tumor displacement, tumor SNR and tumor-to-parenchyma CNR were calculated in the two lung tumor patients. Tumor conspicuity and imaging artifacts were evaluated in all subjects by two radiation oncologists. Results: HASTE visualized better in peripheral vessels, but blurred tumor and central vessels. TrueFISP visualized better in non-peripheral vessels, but demonstrated ghost artifacts in the phase-encoding direction. Relative to CT, both sequences showed high SNR and CNR in patient ♯1 with the metastatic adenocarcinoma (HASTE 42.26/24.48; trueFISP 37.72/17.41; CT 42.04/29.98), but reduced SNR and CNR in patient ♯2 with the primary squamous cell carcinoma adenocarcinoma (HASTE 24.51/4.81; trueFISP 8.54/1.73; CT 36.67/26.84). Conclusion: HASTE and trueFISP can both monitor lung tumor motion during free breathing. Tumor conspicuity and imaging artifacts depend upon the tumor type, size and location.
Fine structure of the aesthetasc hairs ofPagurus hirsutiusculus dana

The thin-walled aesthetasc pegs on the antennules of a small hermit crab,Pagurus hirsutiusculus, were studied by light and electron microscopy. The lumen of each aesthetasc was found to be filled with the dendrites of 300–500 bipolar neurons whose cell bodies lie beneath the base of the aesthetasc. These dendrites are ciliary in nature, having well developed basal bodies and rootlets.
Graphene Spreads the Heat

The reliability and speed of electronic and optoelectronic devices strongly depend on temperature ( 1 , 2 ). Materials with very high thermal conductivities are required to spread the heat generated locally in such devices ( 2 ). Bulk copper, which is widely used as heat spreader in computers, has a thermal conductivity of ∼400 W m−1 K−1 at room temperature, but copper thin films, used as electrical interconnects, can have lower thermal conductivity (below 250 W m−1 K−1) ( 3 ). The search is thus on for materials with thermal conductivities higher than that of copper. On page 213 of this issue, Seol et al. ( 4 ) report that single monolayers of graphite (graphene) in contact with silicon dioxide (SiO2) has a thermal conductivity of ∼600 W m−1 K−1.
Role of a child advocate in the selection of donors for pediatric bone marrow transplantation.

FROM A MEDICAL-LEGAL POINT OF VI[EW, pediatric bone marrow transplantation may be complicated when the sibling donor, as well as the recipient, is a minor. A conflict of interest arises when parents are asked to give informed consent for both donor and recipien t . Strongly motivated to cure their sick child, parents might not adequately consider the interests of the donor, their healthy child, who must undergo the risk of anesthesia and the pain Of marrow harvest. In 1976, prior to beginning a bone marrow transplantation program at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, the transplant physicians requested the Administrative Judge of the Philadelphia Family Court to assist in developing a judicial procedure optimally responsive to the medical and legal interests of those involved.
Peripheral integrated status display

Abstract Much effort has been directed towards the creation of effective integrated displays for vehicle or system control. These efforts have generally been aimed at ‘primary’ instruments or indices of system performance, and only comparatively recently have secondary indices received similar attention. Each group of indices, however, has generally been kept separate, resulting in systems having multiple nonintegrated integrated displays. A method is proposed whereby these may be combined within a single instrument or ‘integrated’ integrated display. This method is based on the use of spatial cues created by regular versus irregular polygons. A major question at issue is whether such a display constitutes a single integrated shape or merely an assembly of subshapes that are serially scanned.
A Maximum Likelihood Approach to Estimation of Vector Velocity in Doppler Radar Networks

In this paper, a vector velocity estimation approach based on the maximum likelihood technique operating on moment data within the overlapping area of a network of Doppler radars is presented. The relationships between the estimated vector velocity, the statistics of the measured signal, the characteristics of the observing geometry and volume, and the hardware and signal processing parameters are all derived. The most relevant error sources to the network measurements are derived and incorporated into the overall estimation process. The relationship between the measurement and estimation errors is identified, and exploited, so that estimation performance can be measured and, if necessary, improved through the means of error norm minimization. Techniques for mitigating errors in the synthesized reflectivity and velocity folding are presented as well. Results with error metrics are shown for several typical weather observation scenarios that include error sources and simulated data. Finally, it is shown how the technique may be used to provide useful information for the design and intercomparison of various Doppler radar network geometries.
Maternal mental representations of the child in an inner-city clinical sample: Violence-related posttraumatic stress and reflective functioning

Parental mental representations of the child have been described in the clinical literature as potentially useful risk-indicators for the intergenerational transmission of violent trauma. This study explored factors associated with the quality and content of maternal mental representations of her child and relationship with her child within an inner-city sample of referred, traumatized mothers. Specifically, it examined factors that have been hypothesized to support versus interfere with maternal self- and mutual-regulation of affect: posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and maternal reflective functioning (RF). More severe PTSD, irrespective of level of RF, was significantly associated with the distorted classification of non-balanced mental representations on the Working Model of the Child Interview (WMCI) within this traumatized sample. Higher Levels of RF, irrespective of PTSD severity, were significantly associated with the balanced classification of maternal mental representations on the WMCI. Level of maternal reflective functioning and severity of PTSD were not significantly correlated in this sample. Clinical implications are discussed.
Microbial bile acid metabolic clusters: the bouncers at the bar.

Colonization resistance refers to the ability of the colonic microbiota to prevent invasion by pathogens including Clostridium difficile. In a recent article, Buffie et al. (2014) have demonstrated that a single metabolic cluster present in the normal, colonic microflora is responsible for preventing C. difficile invasion of healthy hosts.
A study of robust active queue management schemes for correlated traffic

Random Early Detection detects the presence of congestion by measuring the exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA) of the queue length against two thresholds. Recently, rate-based packet marking schemes, like Adaptive Virtual Queue, have shown that they are more flexible in detecting and dealing with congestion as compared to schemes based on EWMA of queue length. In this paper we shed light on the operation of distributed local Active Queue Management (AQM) schemes by decomposing them based on their logical functions and by studying them as a combination of a measurement module and a control module. We also exploit the presence of strong correlation in network traffic in order to formulate a generalized Predictive AQM (PAQM) scheme. For this, we extend the calculation of the EWMA by including a term that represents the future traffic intensity. We compare the performance of our generalized predictive AQM scheme with a pure rate-based packet marking scheme. We study the performance of PAQM for various combinations of predictors and controllers with respect to robustness, end-to-end delay jitter, goodput and linkutilization. We present the goodput results purely with the intention that increased robustness is not at the expense of decreased goodput. Based on the simulation results, we have the following observations: (i) for proper selection of the weight of future observations, PAQM schemes achieve better delay bounds than the traditional (non-PAQM) ones. (ii) AQM schemes with stochastic based traffic prediction are usually more robust when the control is based on EWMA of queue length. Similarly, AQM schemes with traffic prediction based on finite impulse response filters are more robust when the control is based on fixed queue occupancy.(iii) More robust AQM schemes usually have higher goodput for comparable average queueing delay values, (iv) excessive dependence on predicted future arrivals always results in deterioration of performance. This sets a bound on the optimistic performance of AQM schemes even when using prediction.
Gaps in the ARB Knowledge Base: Are ARBs Effective Anti–Atrial Fibrillation Agents?

The impact of atrial fibrillation (AF) on the overall health of the patient is underestimated by many health care practitioners. Aging is the most important pathogenetic factor for this disease and, with the aging of the population, AF will soon reach epidemic levels. Although the surface electrocardiograph indicates the presence of this arrhythmia, there are numerous mechanisms that could be causing it. Therefore, the clinician has to choose which intervention might be best. However, currently available therapeutics, both pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic, are inadequate. This paper will discuss the clinical impact of AF, its various treatment options, how inhibitors of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) can impact atrial electrophysiology, and therapeutic evidence to support the use of RAAS modulation in AF.
Predictive accuracy of transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy: correlations to matched prostatectomy specimens.

Objectives. To characterize observed differences in Gleason score between prostate biopsy and corresponding radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) specimens. Methods. One hundred consecutive clinically localized prostate cancers diagnosed by transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy (TRUS-Bx) and treated with RRP were reviewed. All specimens were evaluated in blinded review by a single expert uropathologist and contrasted with the initial histologic analysis, performed by multiple pathologists. Results. Mean Gleason score of TRUS-Bx specimens for blinded review and at initial evaluation were 6.6 ± 0.1 and 6.0 ± 0.1 (P < 0.001). Corresponding RRP values were 6.8 ± 0.1 and 6.5 ± 0.1 (P < 0.03). Differences in Gleason score between TRUS-Bx and RRP at initial evaluation were significant (P < 0.02), but not in blinded review (P = NS). In blinded review, TRUS-Bx correctly predicted RRP histology for 88% of men with lesions scored as Gleason 5 to 7 and 41% of men with well- (Gleason score of 2 to 4) or poorly differentiated (Gleason score of 8 to 10) lesions (P < 0.01). Conclusions. TRUS-Bx does not accurately reflect RRP histology when predicting well- or poorly differentiated lesions. Prostate cancer treatment algorithms should not be predicated upon biopsy histology alone. Histologic interpretation is more accurate and precise when performed by a single experienced uropathologist.
FEM analysis of inverter-induction motor rotor conduction losses

A direct method to simulate the steady-state stator and rotor currents in an inverter-induction machine of known geometry and winding design is developed, and the FEM (finite element method) analysis of the skin effect problem is used to determine the variation of rotor resistance with rotor current frequency. The rotor conduction loss can be calculated from these two sets of information. The total losses incurred for a particular mode of inverter operation are determined both experimentally and using the analytical procedure developed here. The total calculated loss is only 3.5% greater than the measured amount, which confirms the validity of the theory developed and its computer implementation. Furthermore, experimental and simulation results of the standstill condition with sinusoidal input were also found to be in close agreement. Finally, the proposed procedure yields information on the instantaneous current distribution throughout the machine, which permits the accurate determination of the flux pattern and optimization of the lamination design. >
Reduced low birth weight for teenagers receiving prenatal care at a school-based health center: Effect of access and comprehensive care

Abstract Purpose To examine and compare access to care, comprehensiveness of care, and birth outcomes for teenagers receiving prenatal care in comprehensive adolescent pregnancy programs (CAPPs) in two different settings: school-based vs. hospital-based. Methods Retrospective cohort study using existing data sources: medical records and birth certificates. Using school rosters and hospital clinic databases, we identified pregnant adolescents ≤ 18 years old who delivered a baby between July 1, 1995 and August 30, 1997 and who received prenatal care in a school-based CAPP (SB-CAPP) or hospital-based CAPP (HB-CAPP). Process of care measures (prenatal care adequacy and comprehensive care) and outcomes (low birth weight) were examined by site of care. Logistic regression models were computed to predict the odds of low birth weight by site of prenatal care, adjusting for prenatal care adequacy, comprehensive care, and possible confounders including baseline maternal characteristics. Results Three-hundred-ninety eligible teens were identified. Mean age was 15.9 years, 93% were African-American, 84% in school, 13% had a prior birth, and 11% were cigarette smokers. Teens receiving care in the SB-CAPP were significantly younger and more likely to be in school than those in the HB-CAPP. Overall, the two groups had similar low rates of prenatal care adequacy, but compared with teens in the SB-CAPP, those in the HB-CAPP were 1.5 times less likely to receive comprehensive care. Logistic regression analyses adjusting for baseline maternal differences showed that HB-CAPP teens were more than three times as likely to deliver a low birth weight infant compared with SB-CAPP teens (AOR 3.75; 95% CI 1.05–13.36). The increased odds of low birth weight for HB-CAPP teens attenuated when prenatal care was adequate and comprehensive (AOR-HB-CAPP: 2.31, 95% CI 0.65–8.24). Conclusions School-based prenatal care was associated with significantly lower odds of low birth weight compared with HB-CAPP care. Although selection bias may be a factor in this observational study, our findings suggest that these improved birth outcomes may be mediated through prenatal care adequacy and provision of comprehensive care.
Graphite composites with advanced resin matrices

The effect of processing variables on the flammability and mechanical properties for state-of-the-art and advanced resin matrices for graphite composites were studied. Resin matrices which were evaluated included state-of-the-art epoxy, phenolic-novolac, phenolic-xylok, two types of bismaleimides, benzyl, polyethersulfone, and poly(p-phenylene sulfone). Comparable flammability and thermochemical data on graphite-reinforced laminates prepared with these resin matrices are presented, and the relationship of some of these properties to the anaerobic char yield of the resins is described.
Methylene blue provides behavioral and metabolic neuroprotection against optic neuropathy.

Methylene blue (MB) is a diaminophenothiazine with potent antioxidant and unique redox properties that prevent morphologic degenerative changes in the mouse retina induced by rotenone, a specific mitochondrial complex I inhibitor. This study evaluated pigmented rats to determine whether MB’s neuroprotective effects against rotenone-mediated retinal neurotoxicity have functional relevance and whether these effects are mediated by an improvement in neuronal energy metabolism in vivo. Visual function was behaviorally assessed by determining differences in the illuminance sensitivity threshold pre- and post-bilateral intravitreal injection of rotenone (200 μg/kg) or rotenone plus MB (70 μg/kg). Retinal degeneration was morphologically studied using unbiased stereological tools. Changes in histochemically determined cytochrome oxidase activity in the visual pathway were used to evaluate the impact of treatments on neuronal energy metabolism. Rotenone induced a 1.4 log unit increase in the illumination threshold compared to baseline, as well as a 32% decrease in ganglion cell layer cell (GCL) density, and a 56% decrease in GCL layer + nerve fiber layer thickness. Co-administration of MB prevented the changes in visual function and the retinal histopathology. Furthermore, rotenone induced a functional deafferentation of the visual system, as revealed by decreases in the metabolic activity of the retina, superior colliculus, and visual cortex. These metabolic changes were also prevented by MB. The results provided the first demonstration of MB’s behavioral and metabolic neuroprotection against optic neuropathy, and implicate MB as a candidate neuroprotective agent with metabolic-enhancing properties that may be used in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases associated with mitochondrial dysfunction.
Radius of Curvature and Entraining Velocity of Cam Follower Mechanisms

A general procedure for determining the equivalent radius of curvature and entraining velocity of various oscillating and reciprocating cam and follower mechanisms has been developed. This procedure requires as input the motion of the follower, i.e., the lift curve, the angular velocity of the cam and the basic geometry of the cam and follower mechanism. The radius of curvature of the cam at the point of contact was determined using the method of kinematic coefficients. A vector loop superimposed on the cam and follower was used to determine the entraining velocity of the mechanism at the point of contact. Presented at the 51st Annual Meeting in Cincinnati, Ohio May 19–23, 1996
Definable incompleteness and Friedberg splittings

We define a property R ( A 0 , A 1 ) in the partial order of computably enumerable sets under inclusion, and prove that R implies that A 0 is noncomputable and incomplete. Moreover, the property is nonvacuous. and the A 0 and A 1 which we build satisfying R form a Friedberg splitting of their union A , with A 1 prompt and A promptly simple. We conclude that A 0 and A 1 lie in distinct orbits under automorphisms of , yielding a strong answer to a question previously explored by Downey, Stob, and Soare about whether halves of Friedberg splittings must lie in the same orbit.
Control of cell migration using a conducting polymer device

Control of cell migration is receiving a great deal of attention due to its relevance to the engineering of tissues. Here we report a device that contains a conducting polymer stripe and achieves a continuum of microenvironments for cell growth under the influence of an applied bias. Marked differences are observed in the migration behaviour of bovine aortic endothelial cells (ECs) as a function of location along the polymer stripe, and a 3-fold variation is achieved in EC migration speed and directional persistence time. Moreover, the device induces directional cell migration along the conducting polymer stripe. A gradient in adsorbed fibronectin indicates that a spatial variation in cell adhesion is at play. The ability to control cell migration behaviour using external electrical stimuli highlights the potential of using conducting polymers as “active” substrates for the non-invasive control of cell behaviour.
Fast radio bursts: constraints on the dispersing medium

Fast radio bursts appear to exhibit large dispersion measures, typically exceeding any expected galactic interstellar contribution, especially along the moderate to high-galactic-latitude directions in which such events have been most often observed. The dispersions have been therefore interpreted as extragalactic, leading to the inference that the sources of the bursts are at Gpc distances. This then implies that the bursts are extremely energetic events, originating from quite small volumes (due to the millisecond burst durations). To circumvent the energetic difficulties, Loeb, Shvartzvald, & Maoz (2014) propose that the bursts are produced by flares near the surfaces of M stars or contact binaries within a local volume of the galaxy. Most of the dispersion would then occur in the overlying stellar coronae. With the dispersion concentrated in a relatively high density region, the quadratic dispersion approximation breaks down as the plasma frequency is comparable to (although less than) the propagation frequency. The observed dispersion curves are closely quadratic, however, consistent with a low density medium, ruling out this model. Because any model invoking local galactic sources would require a concentrated high density dispersing medium, it appears highly likely that the dispersions occur in the intergalactic medium. This medium, probably containing most of the baryon content of the universe, is expected to be highly structured on large scales. Hot gas within clusters and especially groups of galaxies may contribute significantly to the observed dispersion. Optical and X-ray observations, including redshifts and combined with cosmological dispersion measures, can probe the distribution of the IGM and determine how much of it lies outside the X-ray luminous concentrations seen in clusters and groups.
Multipath Directivity and Spatial Selectivity in Three-Dimensional Wireless Channels

A generalized definition is presented of multipath angular spread, used to study the spatial correlation of the signal envelope in a three-dimensional wireless channel, both in the cases of a three-dimensional and a horizontal travel direction. Previous results from two-dimensional modeling are shown to be a special case of this general analysis when the multipath power and the travel direction are confined to a single plane in space. The results show that the main lobe of the spatial correlation of the signal envelope at a given distance has an approximately Gaussian dependence on the three-dimensional multipath directivity metric proposed in this paper, for both cases for the travel direction.
A comparison of entry consistency and lazy release consistency implementations

This paper compares several implementations of entry consistency (EC) and lazy release consistency (LRC), two relaxed memory models in use with software distributed shared memory (DSM) systems. We use six applications in our study: SOR, Quicksort, Water, Barnes-Hut, IS, and 3D-FFT. For these applications, EC's requirement that all shared data be associated with a synchronization object leads to a fair amount of additional programming effort. We identify, in particular, extra synchronization, lock rebinding, and object granularity as sources of extra complexity. In terms of performance, for the set of applications and for the computing environment utilized neither model is consistently better than the other. For SOR and IS, execution times are about the same, but LRC is faster for Water (33%) and Barnes-Hut (41%) and EC is faster for Quicksort (14%) and 3D-FFT (10%).
Spatial-Temporal Studies of Membrane Dynamics: Scanning Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy (SFCS)

Giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) have been widely used as a model membrane system to study membrane organization, dynamics, and protein-membrane interactions. Most recent studies have relied on imaging methods, which require good contrast for image resolution. Multiple sequential image processing only detects slow components of membrane dynamics. We have developed a new fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) technique, termed scanning FCS (i.e., SFCS), which performs multiple FCS measurements simultaneously by rapidly directing the excitation laser beam in a uniform (circular) scan across the bilayer of the GUVs in a repetitive fashion. The scan rate is fast compared to the diffusion of the membrane proteins and even small molecules in the GUVs. Scanning FCS outputs a "carpet" of timed fluorescence intensity fluctuations at specific points along the scan. In this study, GUVs were assembled from rat kidney brush border membranes, which included the integral membrane proteins. Scanning FCS measurements on GUVs allowed for a straightforward detection of spatial-temporal interactions between the protein and the membrane based on the diffusion rate of the protein. To test for protein incorporation into the bilayers of the GUVs, antibodies against one specific membrane protein (NaPi II cotransporter) were labeled with ALEXA-488. Fluorescence images of the GUVs in the presence of the labeled antibody showed marginal fluorescence enhancement on the GUV membrane bilayers (poor image contrast and resolution). With the application of scanning FCS, the binding of the antibody to the GUVs was detected directly from the analysis of diffusion rates of the fluorescent antibody. The diffusion coefficient of the antibody bound to NaPi II in the GUVs was approximately 200-fold smaller than that in solution. Scanning FCS provided a simple, quantitative, yet highly sensitive method to study protein-membrane interactions.
Calculation of Mueller matrices and polarization signatures for a slab of random medium using vector radiative transfer

The Mueller matrix which characterizes a slab of random medium containing spherical particles is calculated by using the vector radiative transfer theory. The vector radiative transfer equation is solved for arbitrarily polarized incident waves. The background refractive index of the slab is allowed to be different from the surrounding media. The scattering specific intensities for four independent polarized incident waves are calculated and used to construct the Mueller matrix, which contains multiple scattering due to the randomly distributed particles governed by the vector radiative transfer theory. The calculated are found to be symmetrical, and there are eight nonvanishing matrix elements. Polarization signatures are obtained in the backscattering direction from the Mueller matrix of the reflection side. >
Expression of the pro-angiogenic factors vascular endothelial growth factor and interleukin-8/CXCL8 by human breast carcinomas is responsive to nutrient deprivation and endoplasmic reticulum stress

The expression of pro-angiogenic cytokines, such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and interleukin-8/CXCL8 (IL-8), plays an important role in tumor growth and metastasis. Low oxygen tension within poorly-vascularized tumors is thought to be the prime stimulus causing the secretion of VEGF. The expression of IL-8 by solid tumors is thought to be primarily due to intrinsic influences, such as constitutive activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB). However, VEGF expression is responsive to glucose deprivation, suggesting that low concentrations of nutrients other than oxygen may play a role in triggering the pro-angiogenic phenotype. Glucose deprivation causes endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and alters gene expression through the unfolded protein response (UPR) signaling pathway. A branch of the UPR, known as the ER overload response (EOR), can cause NF-κB activation. Thus, we hypothesized that treatments that cause ER stress and deprivation of other nutrients, such as amino acids, would trigger the expression of angiogenic cytokines by breast cancer cell lines. We found that glutamine deprivation and treatment with a chemical inducer of ER stress (tunicamycin) caused a marked induction of the secretion of both VEGF and IL-8 protein by a human breast adenocarcinoma cell line (TSE cells). Glutamine deprivation, glucose deprivation and several chemical inducers of ER stress increased VEGF and IL-8 mRNA expression in TSE and other breast cancer cell lines cultured under both normoxic and hypoxic conditions, though hypoxia generally diminished the effects of glucose deprivation. Of all amino acids tested, ambient glutamine availability had the largest effect on VEGF and IL-8 mRNA expression. The induction of VEGF mRNA expression, but not IL-8, was sustained and closely corresponded with the upregulated expression of the ER stress-responsive genes glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) and growth arrest and DNA damage inducible gene 153 (GADD153). These results suggest that nutrient deprivation within the solid tumor microenvironment might contribute to the activation of a pro-angiogenic phenotype. The angiogenic switch may act to increase blood supply in response to nutrient deprivation as well as hypoxia.
Unified Static Scheduling on Various Models

Given a behavioral description of an algorithm represented by a data-flow graph, we show how to obtain a rote-optimal static schedule with the minimum unfolding factor under two timing models, integral grid model and fractional grid model, and two design styles for each model, pipelined design and non-piplined design. We present a simple and unified approach to deal with the four possible combinations. A unified polynomial-time scheduling algorithm is presented, which works on the original data-flow graphs without really unfolding. The values of the minimum rate-optimal unfolding factors for all the four combinations are also derived.
Digital memory-based predistortion

A predistortion algorithm based on a memory-based power amplifier model (PA) is presented. The algorithm was tested using a PA measurement system. The predistortion techniques are based on the filtered tapped delay line (TDL) model. Memoryless predistortion techniques are also presented to show the benefits of the memory-based predistortion approach. Memoryless predistortion reduces third order IM by 5-8 dB, while memory-based predistortion reduces third order IM by 18-20 dB.
Investigation of possible sources of 1/f noise in irradiated n-channel power MOSFETs

1/f noise in irradiated n-channel power MOSFETs is compared to interface- and oxide-trapped charge densities. The noise follows the bias dependences predicted by an equation based on the number fluctuation model derived for noise in the saturation region. The magnitude of the noise switched between two distinct levels when the bias was reversed during post-irradiation annealing. The noise did not correlate well with interface traps or oxide trapped charge. Border traps provide a reasonable explanation, with charge compensation being an important effect. During positive-bias annealing, near-interfacial traps are compensated and no longer contribute to the 1/f noise. However, when the bias is reversed, the traps are decompensated and the noise increases again. >