cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Scoring Bayesian networks of mixed variables

In this paper we outline two novel scoring methods for learning Bayesian networks in the presence of both continuous and discrete variables, that is, mixed variables. While much work has been done in the domain of automated Bayesian network learning, few studies have investigated this task in the presence of both continuous and discrete variables while focusing on scalability. Our goal is to provide two novel and scalable scoring functions capable of handling mixed variables. The first method, the Conditional Gaussian (CG) score, provides a highly efficient option. The second method, the Mixed Variable Polynomial (MVP) score, allows for a wider range of modeled relationships, including nonlinearity, but it is slower than CG. Both methods calculate log likelihood and degrees of freedom terms, which are incorporated into a Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC) score. Additionally, we introduce a structure prior for efficient learning of large networks and a simplification in scoring the discrete case which performs well empirically. While the core of this work focuses on applications in the search and score paradigm, we also show how the introduced scoring functions may be readily adapted as conditional independence tests for constraint-based Bayesian network learning algorithms. Lastly, we describe ways to simulate networks of mixed variable types and evaluate our proposed methods on such simulations.
An Investigation of Causality for Biot Models by Using Kramers-Krönig Relations

Kramers-Kronig integrals for the index of refraction are evaluated numerically to establish causality requirements between phase velocity and attenuation. Accuracy of numerical integrations is checked using a causal Biot (poro-elastic) model. A poroviscoelastic Biot model is developed for acoustic wave propagation in porous media, and it is demonstrated that the new model satisfies the causality principle. Non-causality of a Biot model with a slightly inelastic frame assumption is analyzed for different types of marine sediments. Acoustic pulse propagation in marine sediments is also formulated for poro-viscoelastic and slightly nonlinear Biot models, and resulting pulse shapes are compared.
An evaluation of longitudinal changes in serum uric acid levels and associated risk of cardio-metabolic events and renal function decline in gout.

Objective Gout patients have a high burden of co-morbid conditions including diabetes mellitus (DM), chronic kidney disease (CKD), and cardiovascular disease (CVD). We sought to evaluate the association between changes in serum uric acid (SUA) levels over time and the risk of incident DM, CVD, and renal function decline in gout patients. Methods An observational cohort study was conducted among enrollees of private health insurance programs in the US between 2004 and 2015. Gout patients were included on the index date of a SUA measurement ≥6.8 mg/dl. The exposure of interest was cumulative change in SUA levels from baseline. Hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for incident DM, incident CVD, and renal function decline (≥30% reduction in glomerular filtration rate) were derived using marginal structural models with stabilized inverse probability weights accounting for baseline confounders (age, gender, co-morbidities, co-medications) and time-varying confounders (serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, glycated hemoglobin). Results Among 26,341 patients with gout, the average age was 62, 75% were men, and the median baseline SUA was 8.6 mg/dl (interquartile range 7.7 to 9.5). The incidence rates/100 person-years (95% CI) were 1.63 (1.51–1.75) for DM, 0.77 (0.70–0.84) for CVD, and 4.32 (4.14–4.49) for renal function decline. The adjusted HR (95% CI) per 3 mg/dl reduction in SUA, corresponding on average to achieving the target level of <6 mg/dl in this population, was 1.04 (0.92–1.17) for DM, 1.07 (0.89–1.29) for CVD, and 0.85 (0.78–0.92) for renal function decline. Conclusions Reduction in SUA in patients with gout may be associated with a reduced risk of renal function decline, but not with DM or CVD.
Cell-Based Assays for Regulators of Tau Biology

Understanding the molecular mechanisms of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a challenging endeavor, namely, due to the fact that the disease only occurs in the central nervous system of elderly humans. Thus, model systems simply do not accurately portray this cellular landscape. While we cannot ask many mechanistic questions using the human brain as our test subject, cell culture techniques that have emerged at least provide us with the ability to pose fundamental biochemical questions, which may ultimately lead to translational outcomes for AD. In particular, the intracellular microtubule-associated protein tau that accumulates in AD is found in normal cells. Manipulating these cells may allow us to address basic questions about tau biology that would provide novel therapeutic strategies down the road. Here, we describe several techniques to explore tau cell biology using the Odyssey(®) Infrared Imaging system (Odyssey system) from LI-COR Biosciences. We provide a detailed protocol on how to perform a scalable drug screening assay called the In-Cell Western and follow-up these screens with standard Western analysis to confirm whether "hits" are valid by more traditional means. We provide some tips on where mistakes are most likely to occur, and we interpret our standard Western data, providing some estimation as to the composition of the banding pattern that is typical for this enigmatic protein.
Can the Energy of Fission Make a Grain of Sand Visibly Jump

The discovery of nuclear fission was one of the most dramatic scientific breakthroughs of the 20th century. Within a few years, the fantastic energy latent in the nuclei of atoms would be powering reactors and bombs, a development that fundamentally changed the relationship between physics and human affairs. To drive home the magnitude of this energy, authors of popular articles and books often present some superlative statistic such as how far you could drive your automobile with the energy available in a kilogram of uranium. Another example often quoted is that the energy released in the fission of a single nucleus of uranium is sufficient to make a grain of sand visibly jump. This image has an appealing simplicity, but is it true? This brief article investigates the issue.
Opinions, plans, and demographics of orthodontic residents: A follow-up study.

Introduction This study aimed to explore current orthodontic residents' demographics, their opinions on their residency and plans for the future and highlight secular changes since past surveys. Methods An anonymous 39-item institutional review board–approved survey was implemented at the 2018 Graduate Orthodontic Resident Program using an online survey tool and portable devices. Questions fit 3 categories: program, future goals, and demographics. Responses were analyzed to determine frequencies, means, and cross tabulations. Analyses of variance and chi-square were applied with significance defined as P Results Of the 489 attendees, 76% completed the survey; most were female (51%), white (60%), U.S. citizens (85%), single (63%), and very satisfied with their programs (54%). Tuition costs varied, but 18% of respondents paid >$80,000 annually. Orthodontic and total educational debts were significantly correlated (r = 0.704) and averaged $137,706 ± $127,380 and $323,071 ± $266,510, respectively. These debts were significantly lower (P Conclusions This survey provided current information on orthodontic residents' opinions, plans, and demographics. Comparisons with previous surveys showed increases in the number of female respondents, tuition costs, and educational debts and decreases in stipends. Orthodontics may be approaching a “bubble market” where the financial benefits do not outweigh specialty education costs.
A dataset of chest X-ray reports annotated with Spatial Role Labeling annotations.

Abstract In this paper, we present a dataset consisting of 2000 chest X-ray reports (available as part of the Open-i image search platform) annotated with spatial information. The annotation is based on Spatial Role Labeling. The information includes annotating a radiographic finding, its associated anatomical location, any potential diagnosis described in connection to the spatial relation (between finding and location), and any hedging phrase used to describe the certainty level of a finding/diagnosis. All these annotations are identified with reference to a spatial expression (or Spatial Indicator ) that triggers a spatial relation in a sentence. The spatial roles used to encode the spatial information are Trajector , Landmark , Diagnosis , and Hedge . In total, there are 1962 Spatial Indicator s (mainly prepositions). There are 2293 Trajector s, 2167 Landmark s, 455 Diagnosis , and 388 Hedge s in the dataset. This annotated dataset can be used for developing automatic approaches targeted toward spatial information extraction from radiology reports which then can be applied to numerous clinical applications. We utilize this dataset to develop deep learning-based methods for automatically extracting the Spatial Indicator s as well as the associated spatial roles [1] .
A Comparative Study of Hand-Gesture Recognition Devices for Games

Gesture recognition devices provide a new means for natural human-computer interaction. However, when selecting these devices to be used in games, designers might find it challenging to decide which gesture recognition device will work best. In the present research, we compare three vision-based, hand-gesture devices: Leap Motion, Microsoft’s Kinect, and Intel’s RealSense. The comparison provides game designers with an understanding of the main factors to consider when selecting these devices and how to design games that use them. We developed a simple hand-gesture-based game to evaluate performance, cognitive demand, comfort, and player experience of using these gesture devices. We found that participants preferred and performed much better using Leap Motion and Kinect compared to using RealSense. Leap Motion also outperformed or was equivalent to Kinect. These findings were supported by players’ accounts of their experiences using these gesture devices. Based on these findings, we discuss how such devices can be used by game designers and provide them with a set of design cautions that provide insights into the design of gesture-based games.
Petén, Guatemala, desde la colonización interna hacia migración transnacional: ¿Nuevos paradigmas para el siglo XXI? Petén, from internal colonization to transnational migration: new paradigms for the 21st century

Desde su integracion en el Estado guatemalteco, se ha tomado al departamento de Peten como unico, un lugar separado con el resto del pais en dinamicas socioeconomicas. Con la ¨colonizacion interna¨ en la segundaparte del siglo veinte, se ha fijado mas aun la identidad del petenero, lo cual indica a comunidades tradicionales con generaciones de conocimiento acumulado sobre el manejo de suelos tropicales. Con la creacion de la Reserva de la Biosfera Maya, (RBM), quedaron los peteneros como beneficiarios, y el pueblo q’eqchi’ quedo como inmigrante. Primero, este articulo rastrea los cambios en las identidades sociales en Peten, preguntando por que los peteneros son “como indigenas” y los q’eqchi’s han llegado a ser inmigrantes indigenas. Al hacerlo, rastree las diferencias entre las agencias nacionales y el tratamiento de las agencias internacionales del pueblo q’eqchi’ y el requerido por las convenciones legales. Segundo, sugiero que el estatus unico de Peten debido a su relativo aislamiento esta disminuyendo, mientras que su papel de enlace entre Mexico, Guatemala y Belice esta aumentando. La participacion petenera en migraciones transnacionales senala nuevas epocas con efectos inciertos en tenencia de tierra y conservacion ambiental.
An introduction to the many-facet Rasch model as a method to improve observational quality measures with an application to measuring the teaching of emotion skills

Abstract Recent reviews have called attention to limitations of existing observational measures of early childhood classroom quality, including low rater agreement, ceiling/floor effects, and imprecise estimation. We offer an introduction to the many-facet Rasch model (MFRM), discussing how it can be used to iteratively improve measures to address such limitations. We provide an example of applying the MFRM to develop the EMOtion TEaching Rating Scale (EMOTERS) in order to capture the practices that teachers use in support of children’s developing knowledge, expression, and regulation of emotion. The MFRM produced fine-grained statistics about how 23 raters scored 1609 10-minute video occasions from 18 classrooms with EMOTERS Version 6. Results were compared to traditional rater agreement and internal consistency statistics. With an eye toward continuous measure improvement, we discuss planned revisions of the EMOTERS as well as implications for the application of the MFRM to other measures.
Intrinsic osteoinductivity of PCL-DA/PLLA semi-IPN shape memory polymer scaffolds.

Engineering osteoinductive, self-fitting scaffolds offers a potential treatment modality to repair irregularly shaped craniomaxillofacial bone defects. Recently, we innovated on osteoinductive poly(e-caprolactone)-diacrylate (PCL-DA) shape memory polymers (SMPs) to incorporate poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) into the PCL-DA network, forming a semi-interpenetrating network (semi-IPN). Scaffolds formed from these PCL-DA/PLLA semi-IPNs display stiffnesses within the range of trabecular bone and accelerated degradation relative to scaffolds formed from slowly degrading PCL-DA SMPs. Herein, we demonstrate for the first time that PCL-DA/PLLA semi-IPN SMP scaffolds show increased intrinsic osteoinductivity relative to PCL-DA. We also confirm that application of a bioinspired polydopamine (PD) coating further improves the osteoinductive capacity of these PCL-DA/PLLA semi-IPN SMPs. In the absence of osteogenic supplements, protein level assessment of human mesenchymal stem cells (h-MSCs) cultured in PCL-DA/PLLA scaffolds revealed an increase in expression of osteogenic markers osterix, bone morphogenetic protein-4 (BMP-4), and collagen 1 alpha 1 (COL1A1), relative to PCL-DA scaffolds and osteogenic medium controls. Likewise, the expression of runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) and BMP-4 was elevated in the presence of PD-coating. In contrast, the chondrogenic and adipogenic responses associated with the scaffolds matched or were reduced relative to osteogenic medium controls, indicating that the scaffolds display intrinsic osteoinductivity.
WIRELESS INTELLIGENT STRUCTURAL HEALTH MONITORING SYSTEM

WIRELESS INTELLIGENT STRUCTURAL HEALTH MONITORING SYSTEM By Ashwin Belle A Thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master Computer Science at Virginia Commonwealth University. Virginia Commonwealth University, 2008 Major Director: Dr Ju Wang, Assistant Professor, Department of Computer Science Metal structures are susceptible to various types of damages, including corrosion, stress damage, pillowing deformation, cracks etc. These kinds of damages in the metal structures occur mainly due to operational conditions and exposure to the environment. Our research involves a portable integrated wireless sensor system with video camera and ultrasound capabilities which is being developed to investigate corrosion damage on real structures in real time. This system uses images of the metal surfaces, which are captured from an integrated wireless sensor and then quantified and analyzed using computational intelligence. The quantification of the obtained images is done with specialized component analysis software which enhances and performs wavelet transforms on the received images. Through this quantized analysis of the images we can detect and isolate regions of degradation on the metal surface. We believe that the final developed system will allow us to detect damage in metallic structures in its early stages, thereby ensuring proper safety and maintenance of its structural health. This system will further be targeted towards medical applications with capabilities of remote health monitoring. The initial target areas being bone structure and cancer detection and analysis. Applying such a wireless data capture system in these areas will reveal a broad spectrum of the usage of such an application system.
Growth cone behavior underlying the development of stereotypic synaptic connections in Drosophila embryos

Each muscle fiber in the segmented body wall of Drosophila larvae is innervated by anatomically stereotyped neuromuscular junctions. These synapses arise through the selective choices of motoneuronal growth cones at their peripheral targets. Using digital optical microscopy of staged intracellular dye fills, we have singly identified embryonic motoneurons and have examined individual growth cones when they contact and differentiate at the target cells. There is a precise connectivity between motoneuron and muscle fiber, which is the direct consequence of growth cone behavior. We have also found that Drosophila muscle fibers possess molecularly heterogeneous cell surfaces that may be involved in growth cone recognition of appropriate targets. Fasciclin III, a homophilic adhesion molecule, is coexpressed by several of the efferent growth cones and in a site-specific fashion by the target muscle fiber's membrane. The fasciclin III expression is transient, corresponding to the period in embryogenesis when the first neuromuscular contacts are made. Upon encountering the target cell surface, the growth cones can sprout stereotypically arrayed filopodial processes, orient along the anterior-posterior axis, and turn in predictable directions. Subsequently, terminal branches are established in a nonrandom order. These phenomena were found to occur in two motoneurons that innervate adjacent muscle fiber targets, and may be general features of neuromuscular synaptogenesis in Drosophila.
Feminine Genealogy, Matriarchy, and Utopia in the Fairy Tale of Marie-Catherine D'aulnoy

With the development of a proto-capitalist economy and court society, nobles, and particularly noble women who had just one generation earlier prospered in the salons, were losing their "place" in seventeenth-century France. Through an analysis of Madame d'Aulnoy's L'ile de la Felicite, Belle-Belle, ou le Chevalier Fortune, and L'oranger et l'abeille, I look at how d'Aulnoy creates utopic spaces based on notions of civility in order to provide a "place," or no-place (ou-topos) for those disenfranchised nobles. In brief, I show that within d'Aulnoy's tales are inscribed so many salon-like spaces which are structured in a matriarchal and utopic manner. The fairy tale as a genre furthermore creates "feminine genealogies" between Amazons and fairies of times past with the salon women of the first half of the seventeenth-century. At the same time that d'Aulnoy concerns herself with gender issues, she also proposes through her tales a rehabilitated model of the feudal state in which noble men and women are equal, implicitly criticizing a patriarchal monarchy. The very genre of the fairy tale, which historically legitimated the lineage of a noble family by posting a fairy at its origin, coincides with d'Aulnoy's gender and class interests.
Pentraxins and IgA share a binding hot-spot on FcαRI.

The pentraxins, C-reactive protein (CRP), and serum amyloid P component (SAP) have previously been shown to function as innate opsonins through interactions with Fcγ receptors. The molecular details of these interactions were elucidated by the crystal structure of SAP in complex with FcγRIIA. More recently, pentraxins were shown to bind and activate FcαRI (CD89), the receptor for IgA. Here, we used mutations of the receptor based on a docking model to further examine pentraxin recognition by FcαRI. The solution binding of pentraxins to six FcαRI alanine cluster mutants revealed that mutations Y35A and R82A, on the C-and F-strands of the D1 domain, respectively, markedly reduced receptor binding to CRP and SAP. These residues are in the IgA-binding site of the receptor, and thus, significantly affected receptor binding to IgA. The shared pentraxin and IgA-binding site on FcαRI is further supported by the results of a solution binding competition assay. In addition to the IgA-binding site, pentraxins appear to interact with a broader region of the receptor as the mutation in the C′-strand (R48A/E49A) enhanced pentraxin binding. Unlike Fcγ receptors, the H129A/I130A and R178A mutations on the BC-and FG-loops of D2 domain, respectively, had little effect on FcαRI binding to the pentraxins. In conclusion, our data suggest that the pentraxins recognize a similar site on FcαRI as IgA.
Implementation of joint moment constraints in synthesis of MCE positive time-frequency distributions

We present a method for imposing joint time-frequency moment constraints in the minimum cross-entropy (MCE) construction of positive time-frequency distributions. This method makes it possible to impose all joint moment constraints simultaneously. Necessary conditions on normalized joint moment constraints for an MCE solution to exist are provided. An example illustrating the performance of the algorithm is also given.
Immune cell cooperation, viruses, and antibodies to nucleic acids in new zealand mice.

The development of autoimmunity in New Zealand mice is related to genetic, immunologic, and viral factors. Evidence is presented to suggest that thymus-dependent immune functions may be depressed and bone marrow-dependent functions augmented in these mice. Antibodies to RNA and DNA appear spontaneously and can also be induced by treatment with rI·rC. Antibodies binding rI·rC-14C in human lupus sera, in NZB/NZW F1 (B/W) mice developing lupus, and in NZB, ALN, and ALN/NZB mice have greatest specificity for reovirus double-stranded RNA. Treatment of B/W mice with RNA and cyclophosphamide induces immunologic tolerance, and suppresses antibodies binding rI·rC-14C. During recovery, the specificity of the antibodies is unaltered. Induction of tolerance in this way prevents the accelerated formation of anti-RNA antibodies normally induced by MLV. This finding suggests that virus-accelerated and natural disease occur through a similar mechanism, and supports the hypothesis that viruses may act as antigenic stimuli for a genetically hyper-responsive antibody-producing system.
A Critical Look at SAS and SPSS-X: An Application in Hospitality using the Discriminant Procedure

During the “Research Seminars” roundtable held during the 1989 CHRIE Conference, the majority of the discussion groups cited the need for papers or presentations which would help fellow hospitality educators broaden their knowledge of research techniques, their applications, and their pitfalls. The work which follows seeks to develop a wider understanding of hospitality research by presenting a thoughtful critique of an advanced multivariate statistical technique: discriminant analysis.Additionally, since SAS and SPSS-X are thought to be the most popular statistical computer packages being used by hospitality researchers, the discriminant procedure will be undertaken using both programs. The outputs are compared, and the strengths as well as weaknesses of each program are highlighted. Lastly, this procedure will yield a model which differentiates or “discriminates” hospitality programs housed in various settings, such as home economics, etc.
Relaxin augments the inflammatory IL6 response in the choriodecidua

Abstract Intrauterine infection frequently leads to preterm birth (PTB), with the pathophysiology involving activation of the innate immune system and its associated inflammatory response. The choriodecidua produces relaxin (RLN) and elevated levels are associated with preterm premature rupture of the fetal membranes. However, it is not increased in bacterially-mediated PTB, but may act as an endogenous sterile inflammatory mediator. Elevated systemic RLN levels from the corpus luteum are also associated with PTB, but the mechanism is unknown. In clinical obstetrics, intrauterine inflammation or infection can coexist with elevated RLN. Therefore, in this study, we further characterized the effects of RLN alone or together with an inflammatory mediator on the production of IL1B, CSF2 (GM-CSF), IL6, IL8 and TNF, from chorionic cytotrophoblasts (CyT), decidual fibroblasts (DF) and stromal cells (DSC), using interleukin-1 beta (IL1B) to mimic sterile inflammation or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for bacterial infection. Endogenous differences between the cells showed that the CyT expressed more RLN, its receptor RXFP1 and the RXFP1 splice variant D. CyT also showed the most robust cAMP response to RLN with increased IL6 secreted after 4 h, preceded by increased transcription at 1 h, likely due to activation of RXFP1 and cAMP. When all cell types were treated with IL1B and RLN, RLN augmented secretion of IL6 and IL8 from CyT and DF, but not DSC. Similarly, RLN augmented LPS-induced IL6 secretion from CyT and DF. Despite the structural similarity between TLR4 and RXFP1, blocking TLR4 in CyT had no effect on RLN-induced IL6 secretion, suggesting specific activation of RXFP1. Thus, we have shown that in the presence of a low level of intrauterine inflammation/infection, elevated RLN could act on the CyT and DF to augment the inflammatory response, contributing to the pathophysiology of PTB. Summary RLN augments the inflammatory responses induced by IL1B or LPS in chorionic cytotrophoblasts and decidual fibroblasts.
Spectroscopic properties of conjugated metalcarbon multiple bonds: synthesis and absorption spectra of the “dialkylidynes” (RO)3WCCW(OR)3 (OR = OCMe3, OCMe2CF3, OCMe2Et)

Abstract “Dialkylidyne” (μ-dicarbido) complexes (RO)3WCCW(OR)3 (Or = OCMe3, 1; OCMe2CF3, 2; OCMe2Et, 3) have been synthesized. A single crystal X-ray diffraction study performed on the t-butoxy complex 1 demonstrates that the molecule exists in staggered D3d form in the solid state at − 50°C. Complex 1 cyrstallizes in the rhombohedral space group R 3 , a = 11.301(4) A, α = 52.93(3)°, Z = 1. Data were collected in the ω−2θ mode and refined to R = 0.039 and Rw = 0.055. Absorption spectra of 1–3 in 2-methylpentane show a surprisingly large number of transitions as compared to the alkylidyne Me3CCW(OCMe3)3 and the triply bonded dimer W2(OCMe3)6; while assigning the bands is not currently feasible due to the three-fold symmetry of the molecules, these observations suggest that the π clouds in 1–3 are conjugted in the excited state rather than localized.
QoS Auditing for Evaluation of SLA in Cloud-based Distributed Services

Given cloud-based realization of a distributed system S, QoS auditing enables risk analysis and accounting of SLA violations under various security threats and resource depletions faced by S. The problem of QoS failures and security infringements arises due to the third-party control of cloud resources and components that are used in realizing the application-oriented service exported by S. The less-than-100% trust between the various sub-systems of S is a major issue that necessitates a probabilistic analysis of the application behavior relative to the SLA negotiated with S. In this light, QoS auditing allows reasoning about how good the SLA is complied by S in the face of hostile environment conditions. The paper describes case studies of CDN and replicated web service realized on a cloud.
On the Effectiveness of Set Covering Formulations for the Vehicle Routing Problem with Time Windows

The Vehicle Routing Problem with Time Windows VRPTW is one of the most important problems in distribution and transportation. A classical and recently popular technique that has proven effective for solving these problems is based on formulating them as a set covering problem. The method starts by solving its linear programming relaxation, via column generation, and then uses a branch and bound strategy to find an integer solution to the set covering problem: a solution to the VRPTW. An empirically observed property is that the optimal solution value of the set covering problem is very close to its linear programming relaxation which makes the branch and bound step extremely efficient. In this paper we explain this behavior by demonstrating that for any distribution of service times, time windows, customer loads, and locations, the relative gap between fractional and integer solutions of the set covering problem becomes arbitrarily small as the number of customers increases.
Implementation of a modified Richardson-Lucy method for image restoration on a massively parallel computer to compensate for space-variant point spread of a charge-coupled-device camera

Several imaging devices are characterized by a space-variant point-spread function (PSF), such as the wide-field/planetary camera of the Hubble Space Telescope (HST). Several techniques for image recovery that use data from such imagers approximate the space-variant PSF by a space-invariant PSF. A modified Richardson-Lucy method is implemented that accommodates the space-variant PSF of the HST as well as corrections for background counts, nonuniform flat field, and readout noise. The implementation runs on the DEC mppl2000 Sx/Model 200 massively parallel computer. Restorations of simulated HST images are obtained with a space-variant PSF and, for comparison, with a space-invariant approximation. Results of these processing methods are compared, and it is found that a residual artifact appears in restorations when a space-invariant PSF is used owing to the mismatch of the PSF kernel used in the restoration and the space-variant one underlying the image acquired with the telescope. This residual artifact is effectively eliminated when the processing is based on the space-variant PSF.
Ethanol increases fetal human neurosphere size and alters adhesion molecule gene expression.

Background: Ethanol (ETOH) consumption by pregnant women can result in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). To date, the cellular targets and mechanisms responsible for FASD are not fully characterized. Our aim was to determine if ETOH can affect fetal human brain-derived neural progenitor cells (NPC). Methods: Neural progenitor cells were isolated by positive selection from normal second trimester fetal human brains (n = 4) and cultured, for up to 72 hours, in mitogenic media containing 0, 1, 10, or 100 mM ETOH. From 48 to 72 hours in culture, neurospheres generated in these conditions were filmed using time-lapse video microscopy. At the end of 72 hours, neurosphere diameter and roundness were measured using videographic software. Mitotic phase analysis of cell-cycle activity and apoptotic cell count were also performed at this time, by flow cytometry using propidium iodide (PI) staining. Real-time PCR was used to estimate expression of genes associated with cell adhesion pathways. Results: Neurosphere diameter correlated positively (r = 0.87) with increasing ETOH concentrations. There was no significant difference in cell-cycle activity and no significant increase in apoptosis with increasing ETOH concentrations. Time-lapse video microscopy showed that ETOH (100 mM) reduced the time for neurosphere coalescence. Real-time PCR analysis showed that ETOH significantly altered the expression of genes involved in cell adhesion. There was an increase in the expression of α and β Laminins 1, β Integrins 3 and 5, Secreted phosphoprotein1 and Sarcoglycan e. No change in the expression of β Actin was observed while the expression of β Integrin 2 was significantly suppressed. Conclusions: ETOH had no effect on NPC apoptosis but, resulted in more rapid coalescence and increased volume of neurospheres. Additionally, the expression of genes associated with cell adhesion was significantly altered. ETOH induced changes in NPC surface adhesion interactions may underlie aspects of neurodevelopmental abnormalities in FASD.
The Role of Personality and Career Decision-Making Self-Efficacy in the Career Choice Commitment of College Students:

This study investigated the effects of personality and career decision-making self-efficacy on progress in career choice commitment in a sample of 184 college students. It was hypothesized that self-efficacy would mediate the relationship between neuroticism and extraversion and career choice commitment. Results revealed significant differences between White students and a composite group of students of color on the study variables. For White students, self-efficacy fully mediated the relationship between extraversion and career choice commitment, whereas for students of color, a partially mediated model fit the data in which neuroticism and extraversion were related to career choice commitment directly and indirectly through self-efficacy. The results of this study are discussed in terms of the implications they might have for career theory and research.
Extinction of R-S associations and performance on recall trials without informative feedback

The present study was concerned with the systematic increase in the number of correct responses which typically occurs over a series of unreinforced recall trials in paired-associate learning. In particular, the hypothesis that backward associations account for this increase was tested. There were two groups of 20 S s under each of the A-B, C-D and A-B, C-B paradigms. One group in each of the paradigms was presented with the A items during a series of eight recall trials and was required to recall the B items; the other two groups were presented with the B items and were asked to recall the A items. Since the A-B, C-B paradigm is known to cause retroactive inhibition of backward associations, it was expected the A-B, C-B groups would not demonstrate an increase in performance over the unreinforced recall trials. This expectation was not confirmed; all groups showed a significant increase in the number of correct responses over the eight recall trials. Analysis of the details of performance suggested that (a) the improvement occurs mainly because of an increasing availability of responses, (b) in the A-B, C-D paradigm there is no retention loss when all responses are recovered, and (c) that backward and forward associations are interrelated in verbal learning so that extinguishing one weakens the other.
Digital Simulation Algorithms Using Parallel Processing

Algorithms are presented which reduce the computation time per integration step compared to the more common methods. This is accomplished by using only algorithms which permit the simultaneous calculation of x and f(x) where x = f(x). These results are important not only in the field of digital simulation, but also in realizing dynamic controllers/estimators digitally, e.g., realizing a nonlinear observer.
Potential drop along carbon nanotube devices with current flow

Abstract Electronic transport in carbon nanotube devices is calculated self-consistently and characterized by potential profile, using a non-equilibrium Green function approach. We study the potential drop along structures with two types of scatters: randomly disordered, and nanotube ‘heterojunctions’. While perfectly conducting tubes have a flat potential along the tube axis, all the potential drop taking place at the contacts, highly disordered tubes display a linear potential drop profile, showing diffusive conducting behavior. For a heterojunction in which three metallic tubes are connected by topological defects, the potential drop takes place also at the defect located interfaces. Reference is also made to experimental results and applications.
EDTA chelation and zinc antagonism with cadmium in sediment: effects on the behavior and mortality of two infaunal amphipods

The two species of infaunal amphipod crustaceans Rhepoxynius abronius (Phoxocephalidae) and Eohaustorius sencillus (Haustoriidae) are characteristic of nearshore sandy bottoms along the California (USA) coast, and are highly sensitive to moderate levels of heavy metals. In laboratory experiments, both zinc and the chelator EDTA increased the survival of amphipods in sediment containing otherwise lethal levels of cadmium (8.5 μg g-1), which are representative of moderately polluted environments. In simple choice experiments, amphipods prefer sediment with complexed cadmium. The behavioral and survival patterns of both species were similar in the experiments. EDTA prevented about 50% of the added cadmium from initially being incorporated into the sediment, and increased the rate of cadmium released from the sediment. These data illustrate the limitations of operational definitions of chemical analyses, since weak-acid (0.5 N HCl) leaches that were intended to provide an estimate of the “biologically available” metal concentrations extracted both toxic and EDTA-complexed cadmium species and did not account for their antagonistic interctions with zinc.
Functional modulation of IGF-binding protein-3 expression in melanoma.

IGF-binding protein-3 (IGFBP3) is a member of the IGFBP family, which regulates mitogenic and antiapoptotic effects of IGFs. In this report we evaluated the role of IGFBP3 in melanoma. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), western blot, and ELISA analyses indicated a significant downregulation of IGFBP3 expression in melanoma cell lines as compared with a normal melanocyte cell line. Melanoma cell lines treated with the demethylating agent 5-AZA-2′-deoxycytidine reexpressed IGFBP3 at the mRNA and protein levels. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays revealed enrichment of acetylated histones H3 and H4, and H3 di- and tri-methylated lysine 4 on the unmethylated IGFBP3 promoter. The IGFBP3 promoter region was highly methylated in human melanoma samples as compared with normal nevi. Overexpression of IGFBP3 in melanoma cells in vitro suppressed tumor cell survival, induced apoptosis, reduced colony formation and invasion, and induced expression of the proapoptotic genes p21, PUMA, and BAX. IGFBP3 overexpression also resulted in cleavage of caspase 3 and reduced expression of phosphorylated AKT. Stable overexpression of IGFBP3 suppressed tumor cell growth in vivo. Our study results indicate that silencing of IGFBP3 in melanoma is due to the methylation of its promoter, and that overexpression of IGFBP3 induces apoptosis and suppresses cell survival and growth.
Porphyrins with Exocyclic Rings. 13.1 Synthesis and Spectroscopic Characterization of Highly Modified Porphyrin Chromophores with Fused Acenaphthylene and Benzothiadiazole Rings

As part of a survey on the influence of fused aromatic rings on the porphyrin chromophore, a series of novel structures with fused acenaphthylene or benzothiadiazole rings have been synthesized. Base-catalyzed condensation of 1-nitroacenaphthylene or 4-nitrobenzothiadiazole with esters of isocyanoacetic acid afforded good yields of the annelated pyrroles 5 and 28. Cleavage of the ester moieties with KOH in refluxing ethylene glycol gave the unsubstituted heterocycles, and subsequent condensation with 2 equiv of acetoxymethylpyrroles 9 in acetic acid/ethanol produced the modified tripyrranes 12 and 31. Tripyrranes with terminal tert-butyl ester units were treated with TFA and condensed with 3,4-diethyl-2,5-pyrroledicarboxaldehyde 13 in dichloromethane to give, following oxidation with DDQ, the corresponding π-extended porphyrins 14 and 32. Acenaphthoporphyrins 14 showed unique UV−vis spectra with a triply split Soret band region and a relatively strong band near 660 nm. Strongly red-shifted absorptions wer...
Toward a Neuroscience of Empathy: Integrating Affective and Cognitive Perspectives

Empathy is a process essential for mitigation of human suffering and for the creation and long-term stability of social bonds. Although it has recently become the focus of intensive study after decades of neglect, models of empathy emerging from cognitive neuroscience, affective neuroscience, and functional imaging studies show considerable confusion about defining empathy and widespread differences of opinion about the cognitive vs. affective dimensions to empathy. Human empathy probably reflects variable admixtures of more primitive affective resonance mechanisms, melded with developmentally later-arriving theory of mind and perspective taking. This integration of primitive with more cognitive mechanisms occurs under the “supervision” of a motivated valuing of another sentient creature, a supervision that underlines intrinsic ties between empathy and attachment processes. We know little, however, about how more primitive resonance-induction mechanisms centrally involved in attachment connect development...
The effect of the level of dietary corn oil on mouse skin carcinogenesis

Abstract To investigate the effects of two levels of dietary corn oil on tumorigenesis, semipurified diets containing 5% or 10% corn oil were fed during the promotion stage of a mouse skin carcinogenesis model. Sencar mice were initiated with 10 nmol dimethylbenz[3.]anthracene (DMBA) and promoted with either 1 μg 12‐O‐tetradecanoylphorbol‐13‐acetate (TPA) or 40 mg benzoyl peroxide twice weekly for 24 or 52 weeks, respectively. No significant differences in kilocalories of food consumed or body weights were observed between the diet groups during the study. Fatty acid profiles of the epidermal phospholipids reflected dietary fat intake. For example, high levels of linoleate and low levels of arachidonate were found in the phosphatidylcholine fraction from mice fed the 10% corn oil diet compared with 5% corn oil. When the diets were fed during TPA promotion, the papilloma incidence after 11 weeks of treatment for the 5% corn oil group was 77% and 37% for the 10% corn oil group. By 15 weeks of TPA treatment,...
Chemotherapy: continued lack of progress in SCLC.

Chemotherapy options for patients with extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) are limited. A recent phase III trial assessed the combination of carboplatin and pemetrexed but this regimen produced inferior survival results compared with the standard carboplatin and etoposide regimen. The combination of carboplatin and etoposide remains the standard first-line chemotherapy option for the treatment of patients with extensive-stage SCLC.
Using an Internal Control Index to Evaluate the Internal Control Procedures of Churches

ABSTRACT This article contains a self test questionnaire that can be used to evaluate the internal control practices of your church. The questionnaire was tested by mailing a survey questionnaire to a stratified random sample of 500 churches selected from the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. The sample was stratified to reflect the five largest religious denominations, based upon total membership in the United States, according to the National Council of Churches. The questionnaire contained 28 questions designed to ascertain the utilization of internal control practices in relation to church denomination and size. A response rate of 38 percent was obtained. One way analysis of variance using the Scheffe test was performed to determine any significant differences in utilization of internal control practices as regards denomination and church size. The results of the analysis indicate that religious denomination and church size do influence internal control procedures used by churches but not sign...
Rate controlling reactions in fixed nitrogen conversion to N2

Staged combustion approaches are used for controlling the emissions of NO x from combustion systems. Previous results 1 have shown that the rate of conversion of total fixed nitrogen (TFN) species to N 2 in the fuel rich combustion of methane with air can be accelerated towards equilibrium by increasing the temperature. The shift observed in the rate controlling mechanism for N 2 formation from second order rate law behavior for TFN to first order decay of HCN after about 50–75 msec at 1850–1950 K suggested that the replenishment of the pool of free radical chain carriers (O+H+OH) in that reaction time range should be effective for accelerating the reaction. In the present work, this concept was studied both experimentally and theoretically. The experimental approach was to inject O 2 about 50–100 msec downstream from the flame zone, in sufficiently low amouts not to alter bulk concentrations or temperature and flow fields. Typically, injection of 0.5% O 2 based on total gas flow was shown to reduce TFN concentrations by 15–25%, between 1850 K and 1950 K. A detailed kinetic model of fixed nitrogen reactions decoupled from fuel oxidation produced predictions in good agreement with the experimental results for the dominant cyanide species. The agreement for amines and NO was affected by neglecting reactions of NO with hydrocarbon free radicals in the reaction mechanism. An analysis of the potential N 2 forming reactions indicates that the reaction: NO+N→N 2 +O is the dominant path for N 2 formation under high temperature, fuel rich conditions.
Confocal Micro-Raman Characterization of SiC Epilayers

The large visible optical penetration depth makes it difficult to isolate the Raman signals of SiC epilayers from those of the substrates such as SiC, sapphire and Si when visible laser lines are used. In this work, confocal micro-Raman was used to characterize 3C, 4H and 6H SiC layers on different substrates with enhanced lateral resolution (˜ 0.8 μm) and depth resolution (˜ 2 μm). Both lateral and depth variation of the free electron concentration and scattering time were measured from n − SiC epi layers on n + SiC substrates and from H + implanted SiC. A defect mode induced by oxidation process was also analyzed as function of the depth and the lateral position.
Relation between ultrastructure and viability of frozen-thawed Chinese hamster tissue-culture cells.

Abstract Electron microscopic examination of Chinese hamster tissue-culture cells showed that freezing and thawing result in structural alterations, the type and magnitude of which depend on the cooling and warming velocities used. Cells suspended in Hanks balanced salt solution and cooled to −196 °C at rates exceeding the survival optimum exhibit different patterns and extents of ultrastructural alterations than do cells cooled or warmed at rates lower than optimum. Even though the addition of 0.4 M dimethyl sulfoxide confers some protection, in terms of survival, it does not prevent structural alterations. The types of alterations, however, differ from those found in cells frozen in Hanks alone. Freeze-thaw treatments producing similar percentages of cell survival do not necessarily cause similar structural alterations, nor is there a simple correlation between structural alterations and survival.
Surface Oxidation under Ambient Air—Not Only a Fast and Economical Method to Identify Double Bond Positions in Unsaturated Lipids But Also a Reminder of Proper Lipid Processing

A simple, fast approach elucidated carbon–carbon double bond positions in unsaturated lipids. Lipids were deposited onto various surfaces and the products from their oxidation in ambient air were observed by electrospray ionization (ESI) mass spectrometry (MS). The most common oxidative products, aldehydes, were detected as transformations at the cleaved double bond positions. Ozonides and carboxylic acids were generated in certain lipids. Investigations of the conditions controlling the appearance of these products indicated that the surface oxidation depends on light and ambient air. Since the lipid oxidation was slower in a high concentration of ozone, singlet oxygen appeared to be a parallel oxidant for unsaturated lipids. The 3-hydroxyl group in the sphingoid base of sulfatides offered some protection from oxidation for the Δ4,5-double bond, slowing its oxidation rate relative to that of the isolated double bond in the N-linked fatty acyl chain. Direct sampling by thin-layer chromatography (TLC)-ESI-...