cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Families of children with autism: behaviors of children, community support and coping.

Background: The diagnosis of autism for children (from birth to age 21) continues to increase, with the current rate being 1 in 110 children in the US. Besides financial strain, families often experience reduced quality of life due to disruptive behaviors related to autism. Research indicates that social support for families of children with autism improves family coping and adaptation. Method: A descriptive, correlational, cross-sectional study was conducted with 38 parents of children with autism. Using the McCubbin and Patterson (1983) model of family behavior, associations among behaviors of children with autism, community support for family, and family coping were analyzed. Results: Findings of this study indicate an association between increased community supports and increased family coping strategies (r=.451; p=.005). Results also suggest the levels of disruptive behaviors associated with autism vary, community support can be but is not always helpful, and that the family’s ability to cope with th...
Storage and decomposition of particulate organic matter along the longitudinal gradient of an agriculturally-impacted stream

An agriculturally-impacted stream in northern Idaho was examined over a two-year period to determine seasonal and longitudinal patterns of the storage and decomposition of particulate organic matter. Biomass of benthic organic matter (BOM) was considerably less than values reported in the literature for comparable, undisturbed streams. Coarse, fine, and total benthic particulate organic matter were not correlated with parameters pertaining to stream size (e.g., stream order), but were correlated with sample site and amount of litterfall. The association of BOM with site and litterfall suggests that storage of particulate organic matter is a function of local characteristics rather than stream size. Low biomass of stored organic matter is a response to the low input of terrestrially-derived organic matter resulting from removal of climax vegetation.
Toward Columns and Channels from Torands and Molecular Coils

Self-assembled tubular structures capable of binding and conducting metal cations are of interest in the fabrication of permeation-selective membranes and the design of supramolecular devices, such as nanoscale transducers.1, 2, 3 Artificial ion-transport assemblies can also serve as models for investigating structure and function of natural transmembrane pores and channels, such as Gramicidin aggregates.4,5 Torands6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 are a recently explored class of relatively rigid, planar ligands capable of coaxial stacking; molecular coils 15,16 are analogous compounds capable of multiple-helical aggregation. Figure 1 shows the key compounds of interest in this chapter, which begins by reviewing the metal complexation and aggregation behavior of torand 1. The formation of double-helical metal complexes by molecular coils 3 and 4 is then discussed. The chapter concludes with the synthesis of triaryltorands (2) in a planned approach to novel tubular mesophases.1
PARATHYROID HORMONE DOES NOT INCREASE NEPHROGENOUS CYCLIC AMP EXCRETION BY THE DOG

The renal excretion of nephrogenous cyclic AMP (NcAMP) increases in response to parathyroid hormone (PTH) in man, and thereby serves as a test of parathyroid function. However, during studies of calcium-PTH interrelationships in dogs we observed no change in total urinary cAMP (UcAMP) excretion when endogenous plasma PTH levels were increased up to 10-fold. This study was designed to investigate the effects of physiologic and pharmacologic levels of PTH on NcAMP and UcAMP excretion in the dog. Maintaining plasma Ca 2 mg/dl below normal for 40 minutes caused an 8-fold increase in plasma PTH concentration, a 50% increase in the urinary fractional excretion of phosphate (FEP) but no changes in plasma cAMP levels or in UcAMP or NcAMP excretion. Infusion of a pharmacologic amount of parathyroid extract (15 U/min for 20 min) increased plasma cAMP 5-fold, UcAMP excretion 3-fold and FEP by 50% but was without effect on NcAMP excretion. We conclude that NcAMP excretion is not stimulated by PTH in the dog and thus ...
Reduction of Brain Calcium After Consumption of Diets Deficient in Calcium or Vitamin D

Rats fed diets deficient in calcium or vitamin D for 4 weeks displayed hypocalcemia, as indicated by a 50% reduction in serum calcium and a sevenfold elevation of serum parathyroid hormone. These treatments also decreased the calcium content of brain tissue. On a regional basis, this effect was greatest in the brain stem (24% decrease) and least in striatum (10% decrease). Subcellular analysis indicated that the depletion of brain calcium was greatest in the soluble and the microsomal fractions. Infusion of calcium solutions reversed the depletion of brain calcium produced by dietary deficiencies. In control rats, parathyroidectomy or infusion of parathyroid hormone did not alter the calcium content of brain tissue, although these treatments affected the levels of calcium in the serum. In general, these treatments had no effect on the magnesium content of serum or brain tissue. However, vitamin D deficiency did increase the magnesium content of the myelin and synaptosomal fractions. This increase was reversed by parathyroidectomy. These observations demonstrate that long-term hypocalcemia produces distinct changes in the localization of calcium and magnesium in brain tissue. Furthermore, these studies suggest that though brain calcium levels are influenced by serum concentrations, serum changes must be of large magnitude and long duration for brain calcium levels to be affected.
Enhancement of ultraviolet-induced mutation in bacteria by caffeine

The addition of caffeine or theophylline to the growth medium of irradiatedE. coli B/rtry − resulted in a 10-fold or greater increase in the frequency oftry + mutants. These observations extend those ofWitkin (1958). Caffeine produced a slight reduction in the rate of RNA and protein synthesis, and a somewhat greater but temporary reduction in the rate of DNA synthesis. The analogue must be added immediately after UV-irradiation to produce its optimal effect, and the ability of an irradiated culture to respond to caffeine was lost completely after 20 min incubation in broth. Normal purine ribosides did not compete with caffeine. The optimal exposure time to caffeine was correlated with the time of DNA doubling, but marked increases of mutation frequency resulted when caffeine was present for 30 min in the absence of DNA synthesis. Incubation in caffeine before irradiation had no effect. Caffeine also reduced mutation frequency decline caused by incubation of irradiated bacteria in chloramphenicol. It is suggested that caffeine interfers with a “dark repair” enzyme system which removes a UV photoproduct (s) whose presence during DNA synthesis leads to mutation.
Mucinous syringometaplasia mimicked by a clear cell hidradenoma with mutinous change

An adnexal tumor with features of both clear cell hidradenoma and mucinous syringometaplasia is reported. The lesion occurred as a solitary, asymptomatic, slow growing nodule of 6-months duration on the anterior neck of a 55-year-old woman. Serous fluid could be expressed from a central skin opening. Histologically, there was a squamous-lined imagination with foci of mucin-ladcn cells. A ductal component with a variable admixture of mucinous cells merged with a nearby clear cell hidradenoma. Because clinicopathologic similarities exist between mucinous syringometaplasia and clear cell hidradenoma with mucinous change, thorough sectioning of mucinous syringo-metaplasia-like lesions is necessary to exclude an associated sweat gland neoplasm.
Behavioral investigation on the factors that determine adoption of an electronic toll collection system: Passenger car users

Abstract This paper describes the results of an investigation of the factors that shape the decision by passenger car users of a tolled facility to use an electronic toll collection (ETC) system. The paper is based on revealed data collected in the New York City area, that were analysed with the assistance of discrete choice models. The results provide insight into the nature of the underlying decision making process. A number of results stand out. The first one is that the time saved by using ETC at the toll booths does not play a statistically significant role in the decision to use ETC. This result is conceptually correct because: (1) the time saved at the toll booths when using ETC is a relatively small portion of the total travel time in the hyper-congested network in the New York City area and (2) the actual time saved is curtailed by upstream congestion that makes it difficult for drivers to reach the ETC-only toll booths, and by downstream congestion that frequently prevents driver from crossing the toll booths. The second set of results is related to the perceived financial benefits of using ETC. Two variables were found to play a significant role in increasing ETC use: the toll savings (the difference between cash and ETC tolls), and drivers’ awareness of the toll discounts offered. Other socio-economic attributes have a direct relationship with the likelihood of using ETC: the number of trips made through the facilities, auto ownership, college education, age, and income. The results also indicate significant differences by ethnicity as racial minorities (i.e., African–Americans and Hispanics) are less inclined to use ETC than Caucasians. From the policy standpoint, these results imply that in order to increase ETC use, the difference between cash and ETC tolls should be increased, and accompanied with outreach campaigns to raise awareness of the toll discounts available to ETC users. The underrepresentation of ethnic minorities should also be addressed by implementing specially designed outreach efforts to gain insight into the factors that shape their attitude toward ETC. Taken together, the results in the paper—and in a companion paper that focuses on freight users—provide clear suggestions that could be used to increase ETC use, and enable the transportation system to fully exploit the potential benefits of such an important technology.
Neural network-based prediction and optimization of estradiol release from ethylene-vinyl acetate membranes

Abstract Drug-delivery systems, with predictable delivery rates, were designed using an artificial neural network-based optimization algorithm. A two-chamber diffusion cell was used to study the permeation of estradiol through ethylene–vinyl acetate copolymer membrane. The explanatory variables were the vinyl acetate (VA) content of the membrane, poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)—solvent-composition, and membrane thickness. After deriving a neural network model to predict estradiol delivery rates as a function of these input variables, a constrained optimization procedure was applied to estimate the membrane/vehicle properties necessary to achieve a prescribed dosage. The results compared adequately well with experimental data with 71% of the data agreeing within one standard deviation. Input sensitivity analysis showed that at specific VA levels, drug delivery was more sensitive to changes in PEG compositions. The non-uniqueness of the inversion method and the accuracy of the procedure were investigated using neural network-based two-dimensional contour plots. The methodology proposed could be used to design customized polymer-based drug-delivery systems that meet specific end-user requirements.
Nd3+ Doped Fiber Laser With Integrated Acousto-Optic Mode-Locking

We describe the construction and operation of an FM mode-locked fiber laser using a large-diameter Nd3+ doped silica fiber with dielectric reflectors deposited directly onto the fiber ends and an integrated ZnO acousto-optic phase modulator clamped to the fiber. Optical pulses of less than 60 ps duration have been generated at 432.77 MHz with 400 mW of power to the transducer, and 300-400 ps pulses have been observed with only 4011,W of modulator power, correspond-ing to less than 130 wad of phase modulation.
Domestic terrorism: Notes on the state system of oppression∗

Abstract Twenty‐five years after the Watergate affair culminated in the resignation of Richard Nixon, the country continues to be animated by the spirit of scandal—even if the alleged offenses against William Jefferson Clinton involved sexual misconduct rather than illegal bombings, break‐ins, and other non‐"crimes and misdemeanors.” In this article, Noam Chomsky discusses a more basic threat to the Constitution than Watergate found in the pattern of FBI break‐ins and illegal actions first revealed to the public in 1973. (Illegal actions by the national police are known to have continued in the 1980s as a tactic used against activists in the Central America solidarity movement.) Not only does Chomsky locate a pattern in the FBI's actions since the founding of the Bureau, he discusses historical antecedents in the Alien and Sedition Acts, the judicial murder of the Haymarket anarchists, and the Palmer raids. For Chomsky, the real meaning of these actions is that the system routinely works to stifle dissent...
Fluid mechanics and cross-flow filtration: some thoughts

Abstract Most mass transfer models for describing polarization and fouling in porous membrane ducts require some knowledge of the fluid mechanics. Mass transfer correlations for porous membrane systems are usually borrowed from studies of flow in non-porous ducts. In this paper we show that friction coefficients are higher for flow in a duct with wall suction than without. We also show that the onset of turbulence is delayed from 2100 to about 4000 Reynolds number for flow in porous tubes with suction when compared to flow in non-porous tubes. In the laminar regime at a given axial Reynolds number increased suction results in a maximum value for the friction coefficient. Using a trajectory analysis, we have compared the performance of several commercial modules for capturing suspended particles from dilute solution. Under the assumptions of the theoretical models, and all things being equal (besides fractional recovery per unit length), tubular systems will capture more particles from dilute suspensions than slits with two porous walls.
Proportional EMG control of ankle plantar flexion in a powered transtibial prosthesis

The human calf muscle generates 80% of the mechanical work to walk throughout stance-phase, powered plantar flexion. Powered plantar flexion is not only important for walking energetics, but also to minimize the impact on the leading leg at heel-strike. For unilateral transtibial amputees, it has recently been shown that knee load on the leading, intact limb decreases as powered plantar flexion in the trailing prosthetic ankle increases. Not surprisingly, excessive loads on the leading, intact knee are believed to be causative of knee osteoarthritis, a leading secondary impairment in lower-extremity amputees. In this study, we hypothesize that a transtibial amputee can learn how to control a powered ankle-foot prosthesis using a volitional electromyographic (EMG) control to directly modulate ankle powered plantar flexion. We here present preliminary data, and find that an amputee participant is able to modulate toe-off angle, net ankle work and peak power across a broad range of walking speeds by volitionally modulating calf EMG activity. The modulation of these key gait parameters is shown to be comparable to the dynamical response of the same powered prosthesis controlled intrinsically (No EMG), suggesting that transtibial amputees can achieve an adequate level of powered plantar flexion controllability using direct volitional EMG control.
Spark counters as high-temperature neutron detectors

Abstract Cylindrical spark counters have been designed that employ boron nitride disks as converters and are capable of functioning as high level neutron detectors with a sensitivity of the order of 10 −7 counts per incident neutron. These detectors have shown linear response in neutron fluxes up to 10 10 n/cm 2 sec with argon filling. At higher radiation fields breakdown occurs in the detector, presumably due to the accompanying gamma ray field. The detectors have been operated at temperatures up to 550° C; above that temperature satisfactory performance appears to be inhibited by the low leakage resistance of available insulators. The detectors have a large signal amplitude and operate best with external voltage quenching.
Electric field-mediated transport of plasmid DNA in tumor interstitium in vivo.

Abstract Local pulsed electric field application is a method for improving non-viral gene delivery. Mechanisms of the improvement include electroporation and electrophoresis. To understand how electrophoresis affects pDNA delivery in vivo, we quantified the magnitude of electric field-induced interstitial transport of pDNA in 4T1 and B16.F10 tumors implanted in mouse dorsal skin-fold chambers. Four different electric pulse sequences were used in this study, each consisted of 10 identical pulses that were 100 or 400 V/cm in strength and 20 or 50 ms in duration. The interval between consecutive pulses was 1 s. The largest distance of transport was obtained with the 400 V/cm and 50 ms pulse, and was 0.23 and 0.22 μm/pulse in 4T1 and B16.F10 tumors, respectively. There were no significant differences in transport distances between 4T1 and B16.F10 tumors. Results from in vivo mapping and numerical simulations revealed an approximately uniform intratumoral electric field that was predominantly in the direction of the applied field. The data in the study suggested that interstitial transport of pDNA induced by a sequence of ten electric pulses was ineffective for macroscopic delivery of genes in tumors. However, the induced transport was more efficient than passive diffusion.
Compost, limestone, and gypsum effects on calcium and aluminum transport in acidic minespoil

Combining limestone (CaCO 3 ) application with compost or gypsum (CaSO 4 .2H 2 O) can substantially increase subsoil Ca and decrease subsoil Al saturation in highly weathered acidic soils because of increased Ca mobility and formation of nontoxic Al-organic matter complexes. However, little is known about the effect of these surface amendments on subsoil chemistry in acidic minespoils that are high in SO 4 . This study used small segmented laboratory columns to analyze the effect of surface incorporated compost, CaCO 3 , and gypsum on Ca and Al chemistry in the highly acidic minespoil material (pH 2.5) below the zone of incorporation. Compost did not affect subsoil Al and Ca chemistry but caused a small increase in subsoil pH. Because of the high acidity in the spoil material CaCO 3 solubility in the amended layer was high and was not increased by compost. Adding gypsum increased Ca leaching into the subsoil compared with CaCO 3 alone, but extractable Ca was higher only after extensive leaching. Increases in extractable Ca in the subsoil were strongly correlated to decreases in extractable Al and Fe, indicating cation-exchange processes. However, significant losses of Al in unamended spoil columns and the small impact of CaCO 3 and gypsum on total Al leaching indicated that Al chemistry was also influenced by a solid phase. Solubility calculations pointed to a jurbanitelike solid phase buffering Al activity in the subsoil, even after extensive leaching. Because of this buffering effect and the high acidity of the spoil material, none of the surface treatments would be expected to alleviate subsoil phytotoxicity in highly acidic minespoil material.
Lives Worth Living: The Great Fight for Disability Rights

directed by Eric Neudel, Storyline Motion Pictures, 2011 Political science is at its best when it illuminates contentious public issues. Political science teachers either superficially or criticall...
Calibration of Weigh-in-Motion Systems Through Dynamic Vehicle Simulation

This paper describes two methods for calibrating weigh-in-motion (WIM) systems with the aid of dynamic vehicle simulations. A modified version of the vehicle simulation model VESYM, named VESYMF, is used for predicting the dynamic axle load variation exerted by heavy vehicles at a WIM site. The first method uses test trucks performing controlled runs over a WIM system, while the second method relies on the consistent properties of the steering axle loads of traffic stream 5-axle tractor semi-trailer trucks such as the 3-S2. For the first method, test truck runs are performed at a number of replicate speeds and the WIM measurements of individual axles are plotted versus speed. For a given axle and speed, the variation in WIM measurements is equal to the precision of the WIM system. Combining this source of variation with the dynamics-induced variation calculated through VESYMF, gives the anticipated frequency distribution in WIM measurements for the pavement roughness at a site. This is used for estimating the probability of a particular WIM measurement, which in turn allows the calculation of the weighed average of the axle load WIM measurements obtained at different speeds. Calibration is effected by fitting a zero-intercept linear regression equation between the static and the average WIM axle load measurements. The second method is based on the consistent properties exhibited by the mean load of the steering axles of traffic-stream 3-S2 trucks. Its combined variance is calculated by adding the variance in static 3-S2 steering axle loads for traffic-stream vehicles to the other two components of variance described previously. This establishes a confidence interval for the mean of the WIM measurements of a number of 3-S2 steering axle loads. The feasibility of these two methods was demonstrated by field experimentation.
Regulation of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-1 Expression by Specificity Proteins 1, 3, and 4 in Pancreatic Cancer Cells

Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 (VEGFR1) is expressed in cancer cell lines and tumors and, in pancreatic and colon cancer cells, activation of VEGFR1 is linked to increased tumor migration and invasiveness. Tolfenamic acid, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, decreases Sp protein expression in Panc-1 and L3.6pl pancreatic cancer cells, and this was accompanied by decreased VEGFR1 protein and mRNA and decreased luciferase activity on cells transfected with constructs (pVEGFR1) containing VEGFR1 promoter inserts. Comparable results were obtained in pancreatic cancer cells transfected with small inhibitory RNAs for Sp1, Sp3, and Sp4 and all three proteins bound to GC-rich elements in the VEGFR1 promoter. These results show that VEGFR1 is regulated by Sp proteins and that treatment with tolfenamic acid decreases expression of this critical angiogenic factor. Moreover, in vitro studies in Panc-1 cells show that activation of VEGFR1 by VEGFB to increase mitogen-activated protein kinase 1/2 phosphorylation and cell migration on collagen-coated plates is also inhibited by tolfenamic acid. Thus, targeted degradation of Sp proteins is highly effective for inhibiting VEGFR1 and associated angiogenic responses in pancreatic cancer.
Batch-Load Authority Control Cleanup Using MarcEdit and LTI

Vendor sets of bibliographic records are readily available and must be loaded into our catalogs to provide patron access to the items used most. However, batch-load authority control can be an arduous process because bibliographic standards vary between sets. Librarians at Virginia Tech have implemented a process that includes authority control cleanup before batched bibliographic records are loaded into the catalog. This article describes the process used.
1H, 13C, 15N resonance assignments of murine hepatitis virus nonstructural protein 3a

Nonstructural protein (nsp) 3 is the largest of 16 nsps translated from the murine hepatitis virus (MHV) genome. The N-terminal most domain of nsp3, nsp3a, has been identified by reverse genetics as a likely binding partner of MHV nucleocapsid protein. Here we report the backbone and side chain resonance assignments of MHV nsp3a (residues 1-114).
A conformational change in cytochrome c of apoptotic and necrotic cells is detected by monoclonal antibody binding and mimicked by association of the native antigen with synthetic phospholipid vesicles

By flow cytometry, a conformational change in mouse cytochrome c (cyt c) of apoptotic and necrotic T hybridoma cells was detected using a monoclonal antibody (mAb) that recognizes the region around amino acid residue 44 on a non-native form of the protein. The conformational change in cyt c is an early event in apoptosis, which can be identified in pre-apoptotic cells that are negative for other indicators of apoptosis. Since the mAb did not bind fixed and permeabilized live cells and did not immunoprecipitate soluble cyt c extracted with detergent from dead cells, it appears to recognize cyt c bound in a detergent-sensitive complex to other cellular components. Coincidentally, the mAb was also shown by competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to bind cyt c associated with synthetic phosphatidic acid vesicles. This suggests that the conformational change of cyt c in dying cells could be due to its association with intracellular membranes that are, perhaps, altered in cell death. By immunofluorescent ...
Frequently missed fractures in children (value of comparative views)

Fractures in infants and children are different to those seen in adults. Many are very subtle and difficult to detect with certainty. Furthermore, variations in bone contour and epiphyseal plate configuration are endless and at first may suggest pathology. Comparative views are therefore invaluable and are emphasized throughout this communication, which deals with: (1) plastic bending fractures, (2) hairline fractures, (3) impaction fractures, (4) subtle epiphyseal–metaphyseal Salter–Harris fractures, and (5) subtle angle buckle fractures. Helpful points to assist one in detecting these fractures are presented.
Gain-scheduled control of multi angle phase shift modulated dual active bridge series resonant DC/DC converters

This paper describes a feedback control approach for dual active bridge series resonant converters that makes use of gain-scheduling to improve the dynamic response of such topologies. The proposed approach uses recently developed small signal models to allow the dual active bridge series resonant converter to maintain phase margin and gain margin requirements over the entire operating range. The proposed method and its application are described, and a controller design example and experimental results are provided for a prototype 1 kW dual active bridge series resonant converter. Verification that the controller satisfies the design constraints is presented, and the gain-scheduling controller performance is compared to that of a constant gain feedback controller.
Participation, Hybridity, and Carnival: A Situated Analysis of a Dynamic Literacy Practice in a Primary-Grade English Immersion Class:

This article examines native Spanish-speaking students' participation in a dynamic literacy practice in a primary-grade English immersion class established by Proposition 227, the California voters...
Decaying states as complex energy eigenvectors in generalized quantum mechanics

The problem of particle decay is reexamined within the Hamiltonian formalism. By deforming contours of integration, the survival amplitude is expressed as a sum of purely exponential contributions arising from the simple poles of the resolvent on the second sheet plus a background integral along a complex contour GAMMA running below the location of the poles. One observes that the time dependence of the survival amplitude in the small time region is strongly correlated to the asymptotic behaviour of the energy spectrum of the system; one computes the small time behavior of the survival amplitude for a wide variety of asymptotic behaviors. In the special case of the Lee model, using a formal procedure of analytic continuation, it is shown that a complete set of complex energy eigenvectors of the Hamiltonian can be associated with the poles of the resolvent of the background contour GAMMA. These poles and points along GAMMA correspond to the discrete and the continuum states respectively. In this context, each unstable particle is associated with a well defined object, which is a discrete generalized eigenstate of the Hamiltonian having a complex eigenvalue, with its real and negative imaginary parts being the mass and half width ofmore » the particle respectively. Finally, one briefly discusses the analytic continuation of the scattering amplitude within this generalized scheme, and notes the appearance of ''redundant poles'' which do not correspond to discrete solutions of the modified eigenvalue problem.« less
Calculating voter turnout in U.S. House primary elections

Abstract Using original data, this research note computes improved turnout statistics for closed primary elections to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1992 and 1994. These data are compared to earlier estimates of primary turnout that used a substitute measure. We find that the previous measure overestimated turnout in both election cycles, particularly in Democratic primaries. As a result, studies of House primary election turnout need to be reexamined in light of these findings. Future research ought to rely on the new measure used here to more accurately assess the influences on turnout in states with party registration.
Antitumor efficacy, tumor distribution and blood pharmacokinetics of chitosan/glyceryl-monooleate nanostructures containing paclitaxel.

Aims: This investigation compared the tumor distribution, efficacy, blood pharmacokinetic parameters and hematological alterations following treatment with chitosan/glyceryl-monooleate (GMO) nanostructures containing paclitaxel (PTX) to a conventional formulation of PTX (Taxol®) in BALB/c female mice. Materials & methods: The tumor and blood concentrations of PTX were evaluated by HPLC and the pharmacokinetic parameters were determined through noncompartmental methods. Tumor development was evaluated by histopathological methods and hematological composition was monitored through differential white blood cells counts. Results: Lower localized or intravenous doses of PTX-chitosan/GMO nanostructures significantly increased the antitumor activity of paclitaxel. The tumor distribution studies showed effective concentrations in the tumors with the chitosan/GMO formulation while systemic blood levels remained lower than after administration of the conventional formulation. Conclusion: Delivery systems consistin...
Markov random fields with efficient approximations

Markov Random Fields (MRFs) can be used for a wide variety of vision problems. In this paper we focus on MRFs with two-valued clique potentials, which form a generalized Potts model. We show that the maximum a posteriori estimate of such an MRF can be obtained by solving a multiway minimum cut problem on a graph. We develop efficient algorithms for computing good approximations to the minimum multiway, cut. The visual correspondence problem can be formulated as an MRF in our framework; this yields quite promising results on real data with ground truth. We also apply our techniques to MRFs with linear clique potentials.
Prostate brachytherapy in men with gland volume of 100cc or greater: Technique, cancer control, and morbidity.

Abstract Purpose To determine the outcomes of prostate seed implantation in men with prostate volume (PV) of 100 cc or greater (PV100). Methods A total of 2051 men with localized prostate cancer were treated with permanent prostate brachytherapy of whom 34 (1.7%) had PV100 (mean, 126.2; range, 100–205 cc). The PV100 patients were older (mean, 69 vs. 66 years; p = 0.031), had higher initial prostate-specific antigen level (20.4 vs. 9.6 ng/mL, p Results The BFFF at 10 years was no different between PV100 and smaller glands (82.4% vs. 84.5%, p = 0.71). At last followup, mean International Prostate Symptom Score for PV100 increased from 8.5 to 9.1 against 7.4 to 9.2 for smaller glands (p = 0.935). Urinary retention rates were higher for PV100 (6/34, 17.6% vs. 148/2017, 7.3%; odds ratio, 2.71; 95% confidence interval, 1.1–6.6; p = 0.038). Postimplant transurethral resection of the prostate was performed in none of the 34 patients with PV100 against 66 of the 2017 patients (3.3%, p Conclusion This study demonstrates the feasibility of implanting patients with PV100. Very large PV does not influence bFFF. Although urinary retention rates were higher, the long-term urinary symptoms were no different between the two groups. Requirement for transurethral resection of the prostate was no higher in patients with PV100. Radiation proctitis rates were similar for both.
Mutagenic replication in a human cell extract of DNAs containing site- specific and stereospecific benzo(a)pyrene-7,8-diol-9,10-epoxide DNA adducts placed on the leading and lagging strands

The environmental carcinogen benzo( a )pyrene-7,8-diol-9,10-epoxide (BPDE) forms DNA adducts with unique stereochemistries that may have divergent biological fates, depending on how they are processed within a cell. To investigate the effect of DNA bulky adduct stereoisomerism on the mutagenic outcome of translesion DNA replication in a human cell extract, oligonucleotides were synthesized that contained (+)- and (-)- anti-cis -BPDE enantiomers on N6 adenine at position 2 of the human N-ras 61 codon. Both the nonadducted and BPDE-adducted oligonucleotides were introduced into two double-stranded vectors, replicative forms M13mp2SVoriL and M13mp2SVoriR, which contain SV40 origins of replication in two different orientations relative to the adduct insertion site. Nonadducted and adduct-containing vector DNA constructs were replicated in HeLa cytoplasmic extracts and then screened in bacteria for base substitutions at the adduct site. The mutation frequencies for the adducted DNAs were at least 10 times higher than for the nonadducted DNA and ranged from 5.5 × 10-4 to 1.5 × 10-3. The (-)- anti-cis enantiomer was more than twice as mutagenic as the (+)-enantiomer. All three possible base mutations were present, with the A→G being the predominant one. No dramatic differences in replication fidelity were found when the adducts were placed on the leading versus the lagging strand of the vector.
Using behavioral economics to promote physical activity

Behavioral economics is a relatively new field of economics that uses experimental techniques to produce insights about human decision-making. One of its key findings is that people's preferences for actions are not absolute, but rather relative to some anchor point, and can therefore be influenced by changing the anchor. Anchor points can be social norms, habits acquired in childhood, or a cultural frame-whether physical activity is presented as fun or as drudgery. Physical activity promotion can benefit by intervening on these anchors, but doing so is most effective when it is undertaken for society as a whole. Behavioral economics accordingly suggests that physical activity promotion should incorporate attempts at a cultural shift to support individual health-promotion efforts.
Drinking Water Infrastructure and Environmental Disparities: Evidence and Methodological Considerations

Potable drinking water is essential to public health; however, few studies have investigated income or racial disparities in water infrastructure or drinking water quality. There were many case reports documenting a lack of piped water or serious water quality problems in low income and minority communities, including tribal lands, Alaskan Native villages, colonias along the United States-Mexico border, and small communities in agricultural areas. Only 3 studies compared the demographic characteristics of communities by the quality of their drinking water, and the results were mixed in these studies. Further assessments were hampered by difficulties linking specific water systems to the sociodemographic characteristics of communities, as well as little information about how well water systems operated and the effectiveness of governmental oversight.
Etomidate Use for Cushing's Syndrome Caused by an Ectopic Adrenocorticotropic Hormone–Producing Tumor

Objective:To report the preparation and use of etomidate in a patient with Cushing's syndrome caused by an ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)–producing tumor.Case Summary:A 73-year-old man with a 5 year history of prostate cancer was admitted for symptoms consistent with Cushing's syndrome. He was started on oral metyrapone for elevated serum cortisol. ACTH, and 24 hour urinary unbound cortisol levels. Shortly after starting metyrapone, he was transferred to the medical intensive care unit for new-onset atrial fibrillation, neutropenic fever, and respiratory failure. A nasogastric tube could not be inserted to administer metyrapone. Intravenous etomidate 4 mg/h (0.06 mg/kg/h) was initiated to decrease cortisol production and provide sedation for mechanical ventilation. Despite supportive treatment, the patient died from multiple organ dysfunction.Discussion:For patients exhibiting signs and symptoms of Cushing's syndrome who have no enteral access, administering etomidate intravenously may be a vi...
Planning for Incident Response

What should you do? A hacker has penetrated your network and turned a server into a bot. You have a choice of closing the firewall down, closing the inner network down, closing the server down, or keeping everything up. Except the last, each of these might stymie the attacker, but what is it also doing to your organization’s business?
Acquiring tactile data for the recognition of planar objects

Model-based recognition of objects by robot systems requires the acquisition of new data when the old data are insufficient in number or quality to uniquely identify the object(s) under investigation. In particular, the initial data set can often be interpreted in several, ambiguous ways. This paper proposes a framework for the acquisition of new data in the tactile domain, concentrating upon the case of two-dimensional objects that are modelled as polygons confined to a plane. A computationally feasible method is presented for finding linear paths for a tactile sensor so that effective data acquisition can occur. Also presented is a representation of the ambiguity present in the data, and how this ambiguity can be reduced and analysed.
Proof that Timing Requirements of the FDDI Token Ring Protocol are Satisfied

The fiber distributed data interface (FDDI) is an ANSI draft proposed standard for a 100 Mbit/s fiber-optic token ring. The FDDI timed token access protocol provides dynamic adjustment of the load offered to the ring, with the goal of maintaining a specified token rotation time and of providing a guaranteed upper bound on time between successive arrivals of the token at a station. FDDI also provides automatic recovery when errors occur. The bound on time between successive token arrivals is guaranteed only if the token rotates quickly enough to satisfy timer requirements in each station when all ring resources are functioning properly. Otherwise, recovery would be initiated unnecessarily. The purpose of this paper is to prove that FDDI timing requirements are satisfied, i.e., the token rotates quickly enough to prevent initiation of recovery unless there is failure of a physical resource or unless the network management entity within a station initiates the recovery process.
Gas phase study of the reactivity of optical coating materials with hydrocarbons using a compact EUV laser

We have conducted single photon ionization mass spectroscopy studies of the chemical reactivity of Sim/Tim/Hfm/Zrm/RumOn, metal oxide nanoclusters. The results are relevant to the carbon contamination of capping layers in extreme ultraviolet (EUV) reflective coatings.
Philosophy Pursued Through Empirical Research: Introduction to the Special Issue

Many scholars have pursued philosophical inquiry through empirical research. These empirical projects have been shaped—to varying degrees and in different ways—by philosophical questions, traditions, frameworks and analytic approaches. This issue explores the methodological challenges and opportunities involved in these kinds of projects. In this essay, we briefly introduce the nine projects featured in this issue and then address two key questions: First, how do these diverse contributors understand their empirical research as a mode of philosophical inquiry? And, second, what is the value in engaging in empirical research oneself, as opposed to drawing on the empirical work of others? As the essays in this issue demonstrate, there is no single answer to these questions. Our hope is that these guiding questions—and the diverse and divergent answers offered within this special issue—might demonstrate the live and pressing methodological questions involved in integrating empirical research and philosophical inquiry.
What is the Nature of a Post-Materialist Paradigm? Three Types of Theories.

What does it mean to have a post-materialist theory? I propose that there are three classes or categories of theories. (1) Type I post-materialist theories : neo-physical theories that are derived from materialist theories, where the materialist theories are still seen as primary and are viewed as being fundamentally necessary to create "non-material" (yet physical) phenomena such as consciousness. (2) Type II post-materialist theories : post-materialist theories of consciousness existing alongside materialist theories, where each class of theories are seen as primary and are viewed as not being derivable from (i.e. are not reducible to) the other And (3) Type I post-materialist theories : where materialist theories are derived from, and are a subset of, more inclusive post-materialist theories of consciousness; here post-materialist theories are seen as primary and are viewed as the ultimate origin of material systems. Type I theories are the least controversial, Type III are the most controversial. The three types of theories are considered in the context of the history of the emergence of post-materialist science.
Layered-to-Rock-Salt Transformation in Desodiated NaxCrO2 (x 0.4)

O3 layered sodium transition metal oxides (i.e., NaMO2, M = Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni) are a promising class of cathode materials for Na-ion battery applications. These materials, however, all suffer from severe capacity decay when the extraction of Na exceeds certain capacity limits. Understanding the causes of this capacity decay is critical to unlocking the potential of these materials for battery applications. In this work, we investigate the structural origins of capacity decay for one of the compounds in this class, NaCrO2. The (de)sodiation processes of NaCrO2 were studied both in situ and ex situ through X-ray and electron diffraction measurements. We demonstrate that NaxCrO2 (0 < x < 1) remains in the layered structural framework without Cr migration up to a composition of Na0.4CrO2. Further removal of Na beyond this composition triggers a layered-to-rock-salt transformation, which converts P′3-Na0.4CrO2 into the rock-salt CrO2 phase. This structural transformation proceeds via the formation of a...
Understanding the Distinct Function of the Combatant Status Review Tribunals: A Response to Blocher

This article addresses the limited and distinct function of the Combatant Status Review Tribunal's established by the Department of Defense to review enemy combatant designations. It explains how the predicate legal determinations made by the United States with regard to the conflict in Afghanistan and the conflict with al Qaeda prevent these tribunals from considering whether individuals captured by the United States qualify as prisoners of war. This does not, however, render the function of these review tribunals illegitimate.
Identifying Policy Approaches to Reduce Medicaid Births and Costs by Examining Cross County Variation in Michigan

ABSTRACT The share of births financed by Medicaid has been steadily rising in Michigan, contributing to growing program costs. This paper identifies policy approaches that could reduce Medicaid bir...
The effect of antidepressants on fertility.

Background Information on the effects of different pharmaceuticals on fertility is sparse. Human and animal models indicate that antidepressant use could have a negative effect on fertility through alteration of levels of the neurosteroid, allopregnanolone. Objective The objective of this study is to assess the effects of antidepressants on the natural fertility in women. Study Design A secondary analysis of data from Time to Conceive, a prospective cohort study, was conducted. Women ages 30 to 44 years without a history of infertility, early in their attempts to conceive, were followed with standardized pregnancy testing until pregnancy was detected. Medication use was assessed at enrollment, daily for up to 4 months, and then monthly. For this analysis, discrete time regression models were created to calculate the association between antidepressant use and fecundability. Potential confounders—age, body mass index, caffeine, alcohol use, and education—were included in all models. Results Ninety-two (9.6%) of 957 women reported antidepressant use while attempting to conceive. Women taking antidepressants were more likely to be non-Hispanic Caucasian (91% vs 75%, P P Conclusion Our data suggest that antidepressants may reduce the probability of a woman with a history of depression to conceive naturally. Future studies are needed to differentiate the extent to which this association is due to the antidepressant itself versus the underlying depression.
Concentration of Methyl Parathion from Penncap-M in Pollens of Various Lipid and Oil Contents

Samples of hand-collected pollens ( Franseria confertiflora , Cupressus arizonica , and Helianthus annuus ), a bee-collected pollen ( Taraxacum officinale ), and the extracted lipids (chloroform-methanol, 2:1) from H. annuus and T. officinale were exposed to fumes of methyl parathion [ O , O -dimethyl O - ( p -nitrophenyl) phosphorothioate] from Penncap-M capsules. Amounts of methyl parathion absorbed were quantitatively determined by gas-liquid chromatography. The pollens generally absorbed methyl parathion in amounts related to their lipids and ether-extractables content. The extracted lipids absorbed two to three times as much methyl parathion as did the intact pollens. Slender ragweed pollen, Franseria confertiflora , did not accumulate as much methyl parathion as the other pollens. In Penncap-M-treated fields, pollens of certain plants may become toxic to pollen-eating and pollen-collecting insects, due to pesticide absorption by lipids, but some pollens may be less hazardous than others, due to differential absorption.
Epidemiologic Comparison of Pitching Mechanics, Pitch Type, and Pitch Counts Among Healthy Pitchers at Various Levels of Youth Competition

Purpose To determine differences among healthy pitchers at various levels of competition regarding pitching history, pitching mechanics, and prevalence of breaking pitches. Methods Demographic, anthropometric, pitching history, and kinematic data were collected on healthy youth pitchers using dual orthogonal high-speed video analysis. Players were grouped by maturity level (9 to 12 [prepubescent], 13 to 15 [pubescent], 16 to 17 [mature], and 18 to 22 years [adult]). Groups were compared regarding pitch counts, pitching mechanics, and use of breaking pitches. Mechanics were assessed for favorable observational parameters (e.g., closed foot orientation at foot-strike) and measurable parameters at cocking, foot-strike, and ball release (e.g., knee flexion). Results Two hundred ninety-five pitchers were included. Sixty-three were 9 to 12, 130 were 13 to 15, 78 were 16 to 17, and 24 were 18 to 22 years of age. Older pitchers threw more pitches per game (41, 52, 69, and 50 by age group; P P = .017), and per year (901, 1,343, 2,064, and 1,302; P Conclusions As pitchers age, they throw more pitches per game, per season, and per year and are more likely than younger pitchers to violate pitch count recommendations. Older pitchers tend to pitch with improved mechanics and velocity. The proportion of pitchers throwing breaking pitches increases with age, with the greatest increase occurring between ages 12 and 13. Level of Evidence Level II, cross-sectional study.