cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Surveillance of Tobacco Industry Retail Marketing Activities of Reduced Harm Products

With the introduction of potential reduced exposure products (PREPs) and the interest in studying tobacco harm reduction, sound research and surveillance are needed to examine and understand the distribution and availability of PREPs in communities, as well as the tobacco industry's marketing practices surrounding these products. We examined the availability and marketing of PREPs in a national sample of tobacco retail stores. We also compared the price of PREPs to those of premium brand cigarettes and examined the distribution of PREPs in comparison with premium brand cigarettes by store type, urbanization, region, and race/ethnicity. We found that PREPs are not widely available, are priced similarly to leading cigarette brands, and have few promotional offers. We also found some significant differences in the distribution of PREPs and cigarettes, as well as in the distribution of Ariva and Omni, by store type and community demographics. The fact that this study used data collected nationally emphasizes the importance of these findings and helps shed some light on the tobacco industry's PREP marketing strategies. This study's national sample provides a unique perspective that needs to be replicated if and when other PREPs are widely marketed.
Cyto- and chemoarchitecture of basal forebrain cholinergic neurons in the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus).

Abstract The cyto- and chemoarchitecture of basal forebrain cholinergic neurons (BFCN) was investigated in the lower primate, the common marmoset ( Callithrix jacchus ). A large population of magnocellular, hyperchromic, and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT)-positive neurons was detected in the marmoset basal forebrain. The distribution of these neurons was similar to those in higher primates. Thus, ChAT-positive neurons were observed in the medial septum (Ch2), the vertical (Ch2) and horizontal (Ch3) limbs of the diagonal band of Broca, and the nucleus basalis of Meynert (Ch4). The Ch4 complex was relatively well differentiated and displayed distinct sectors. We detected anterior (Ch4a, with a medial and a lateral subdivision), intermediate (Ch4i, with a dorsal and a ventral subdivision), and posterior (Ch4p) sectors in the marmoset Ch4. The Ch4i was relatively small while the Ch4p was large. Similar to the rodent, the marmoset Ch1 extended quite a distance posteriorly, and the Ch4p displayed a major interstitial component distributed within the globus pallidus, its medullary laminae, and the internal capsule. Virtually all of the marmoset BFCN displayed acetylcholinesterase activity, and low affinity (p75 NTR ) and high affinity (Trk) neurotrophin receptor immunoreactivity. A majority contained immunoreactivity for calbindin-D 28K and calretinin. Many of the Ch4 neurons also displayed tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity. The BFCN lacked galanin immunoreactivity, but were innervated by galanin-positive fibers. None of the marmoset BFCN were NADPH- d -positive. Thus, the BFCN display major anatomical and biochemical differences in the marmoset when compared with higher primates. The marmoset BFCN also display many characteristics common to other primates. This fact, combined with the relatively short life span of the marmoset, indicates that this species may be ideal for studies of age-related changes in the BFCN.
CT-Based Muscle Attenuation May be Able to Account for Age- and Muscle-Specific Differences in Maximum Muscle Stress

In musculoskeletal modeling, isometric muscle strength has been primarily determined based on muscle size. Specifically, the maximum force a muscle can produce may be calculated as: Display Formula(1)FMAX=MMS×PCSA where FMAX is maximum isometric muscle force, MMS is maximum muscle stress, and PCSA is muscle physiological cross-sectional area. In general, modeling studies have selected a constant value of MMS, and applied it to all muscles in the model. However, the values reported in the literature for MMS vary widely [1, 2], from as little as 23 N/cm2 up to 137 N/cm2. Furthermore, MMS is likely lower in older adults than young adults, as age-related declines in muscle strength are significantly greater than declines in muscle mass [3], and the specific tension of gastrocnemius fascicles is 30% lower in elderly men than young men [4]. In addition, MMS is not constant between muscle groups. For example, the MMS of the elbow flexors is much greater than that of the elbow extensors [1], while the MMS of the ankle dorsiflexors is more than twice that of the ankle plantar flexors [5]. Thus, the use of a single constant for MMS in musculoskeletal models does not account for differences between individuals or muscle groups, and there is a need for a quantitative approach to assign different values of MMS to muscles in musculoskeletal models.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Thermoelectric properties of the semiconducting Chevrel phase Mo2Re4Se8

We have prepared and measured the electrical resistivity, Seebeck coefficient, and thermal conductivity of the Chevrel material Mo(2)Re(4)Se(8) in the 300-1000K temperature range.
Review Article: Topical Review of the WISC-R for Pediatric Neuroclinicians

This article will familiarize neuroclinicians with the WISC-R and with the results of countless research studies on this popular test of the intelligence of children and adolescents. In addition to a description of the WISC-R and its subtests, and a discussion of the WISC-R from a historical context, the article reviews research in the following areas: relationship of the WISC-R to Wechsler's preschool and adult scales; interpretation of verbal-performance IQ differences; clinical implications of scatter; relationship of an IQ score to present and future functioning; and comparison of IQs on the WISC-R with scores on other tests for children and adolescents.
Delayed 99mTC-Labeled Erythrocyte Scintigraphy in Patients with Lower Gastrointestinal Tract Hemorrhage: Effect of Positive Findings on Clinical Management

Abstract Rationale and Objectives This study was performed to determine whether the results of delayed technetium 99m (99mTc)–labeled erythrocyte scintigraphy for lower gastrointestinal tract hemorrhage resulted in different clinical management and outcome from that in cases in which the results of initial scintigraphy were negative or equivocal. Materials and Methods The authors retrospectively reviewed all 398 99mTc–labeled erythrocyte scintigraphic studies obtained emergently for lower gastrointestinal tract hemorrhage at their institution between January 1, 1994, and December 7, 2001. Of 67 patients who underwent delayed studies, 37 had positive findings (average delay, 18.4 hours; range, 6–25 hours) and 30 had negative findings (average delay, 20.1 hours; range, 8–26 hours). Clinical management and outcome were compared between these two groups with respect to duration of hospitalization, volume of blood transfusion, mortality, and the percentage who were treated conservatively or referred for angiography, endoscopy, and/or surgery. Results Patients with positive delayed studies were referred more frequently for angiography than those with negative studies (35% vs 0%, P Conclusion Positive findings at delayed scintigraphy resulted in increased referrals for angiography but had no other effect on clinical course or outcome of lower gastrointestinal tract hemorrhage.
The complexity of fine motion planning

We study the complexity of fine motion planning for robots with position measurement and damping. A reduction from fine motion planning with position measurement only to the ``classical piano mover''s problem'''' is developed, thereby showing it to be feasible in polynomial time. We then show that deciding the existence of fine motion plans for robots with damping in three dimensional scenes is PSPACE-hard and, with a view to finding the cause for the jump in the complexity, we identify a restricted subclass of the PSPACE-hard problem that is PSPACE-complete. Finally, we show how to restrict this subclass to permit polynomial time algorithms for the problems in it.
A 5.5-kb Enhancer Is both Necessary and Sufficient for Regulation ofWnt-1Transcriptionin Vivo ☆

Wnt-1 encodes a secreted signaling molecule which is required for development of the midbrain and anterior hindbrain in the mouse. Wnt-1 expression is initiated early in the development of the central nervous system in a region predicted to give rise to the midbrain. Later in development Wnt-1 expression is restricted to regions of the forebrain, midbrain, and spinal cord. Previous studies identified a 5.5-kb enhancer in the Wnt-1 locus which is sufficient to activate transcription of a reporter gene in a pattern very similar to that of the endogenous Wnt-1 gene. Here we have assessed if this enhancer is an important component of the endogenous regulatory sequences of Wnt-1 by gene targeting and by testing if it is able to express Wnt-1 in a pattern which is sufficient to rescue the phenotype of loss of Wnt-1. Our results show that the 5.5-kb enhancer is both necessary and sufficient for Wnt-1 expression in vivo.
Small Angle Neutron Scattering Investigations of Melt Miscibility and Phase Segregation in Blends of Linear and Branched Polyethylenes as a Function of the Branch Content

We have performed a series of small angle neutron scattering (SANS) experiments on blends of linear and branched polyethylenes to investigate the level of branching that is required to phase separate the system. These results confirm that the mixtures are homogenous for all compositions when the branch content is low (i.e., 2. In each case, the resolution of conventional SANS pinhole cameras (Qmin ∼ 10-3 A-1) is adequate to determine the state of mixing, even for systems with large domains.
Religious Negativism and Fantasy Guilt

This literature review examines the nature of sexual fantasies and their impact (both negative and positive) on arousal. The effects of guilt and shame resulting from religious negativism—specifica...
Ribonucleic acid synthesis in vitro in nuclei isolated from the synchronously dividing Physarum polycephalum

Abstract DNA-dependent RNA polymerase (EC 2.7.7.6) was found in isolated nuclei of the synchronously dividing myxomycete Physarum polycephalum. The enzyme required Mg2+, all four nucleoside triphosphates, and intact DNA. Actinomycin was 100 times more inhibitory to the reaction in vitro than to RNA synthesis in vivo. The RNA synthesized in isolated nuclei did not appear to exceed sRNA in size. α-32P-labeled ATP was incorporated randomly into internucleotide linkages. Nuclei isolated at different times of the mitotic cycle exhibited a biphasic activity of RNA synthesis, with a premitotic and a postmitotic peak, similar to the synthesis of RNA in vivo.
Graves' disease and thymic hyperplasia.

THYMIC HYPERPLASIA in Graves’ disease (GD) is a known entity, but massive thymic hyperplasia in GD is a rare phenomenon described in few case reports, in which about half of the patients underwent unnecessary invasive diagnostic interventions to rule out a malignancy. In previous studies, the molecular pathogenesis of thymic hyperplasia in GD has been related to thyrotropin receptors (TSHR) in thymus tissue that can be engaged by the stimulating autoimmune antibodies present in GD. Furthermore, hyperthyroidism may have an independent, hyperplastic effect on thymic tissue that is evident from regression of thymic hyperplasia with appropriate medical or operative treatment of hyperthyroidism. Understanding the benign course of thymic hyperplasia in GD may prevent unnecessary operations on these patients.
Trans-Dominant Inhibition of Prion Propagation In Vitro Is Not Mediated by an Accessory Cofactor

Previous studies identified prion protein (PrP) mutants which act as dominant negative inhibitors of prion formation through a mechanism hypothesized to require an unidentified species-specific cofactor termed protein X. To study the mechanism of dominant negative inhibition in vitro, we used recombinant PrPC molecules expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells as substrates in serial protein misfolding cyclic amplification (sPMCA) reactions. Bioassays confirmed that the products of these reactions are infectious. Using this system, we find that: (1) trans-dominant inhibition can be dissociated from conversion activity, (2) dominant-negative inhibition of prion formation can be reconstituted in vitro using only purified substrates, even when wild type (WT) PrPC is pre-incubated with poly(A) RNA and PrPSc template, and (3) Q172R is the only hamster PrP mutant tested that fails to convert into PrPSc and that can dominantly inhibit conversion of WT PrP at sub-stoichiometric levels. These results refute the hypothesis that protein X is required to mediate dominant inhibition of prion propagation, and suggest that PrP molecules compete for binding to a nascent seeding site on newly formed PrPSc molecules, most likely through an epitope containing residue 172.
An Organizational Identity Approach to Strategic Groups

We argue that a firm forms three distinct relationships with strategic groups-identification, disidentification, and ambivalent identification. Firms can form any of these relationships with multiple strategic groups, and the set of these relationships comprises a firm's strategic group configuration SGC. We propose that the nature of a firm's identity influences the characteristics of its SGC. We demonstrate the implications of our model by exploring how a firm's strategic group configuration affects its information-seeking behaviors. Finally, we describe how the SGC framework offers several key implications for this field of research.
Gregariousness and sociality in spiny lobsters: implications for den habitation

Abstract Influences of shelter construction and conspecific attraction on den habitation by the spiny lobster, Panulirus interruptus Randall, were explored using field observations and laboratory experiments. Lobsters were often found aggregated in crevices of rocky reefs, with juveniles cohabiting more frequently than larger adults. No association was found between cohabitation and lobster gender. In laboratory tests, individual lobsters preferred large over small sized shelter, though preference was neither fully a consequence of outer shelter dimensions nor inner habitable space. Individual lobsters preferred only shelters suitable for future cohabitation and paired lobsters cohabited more often than expected by chance. Conspecific odor was attractive and caused aggregation; thus, results indicate an intrinsic gregariousness that structures den residency and lobster spatial distribution.
Superconductivity above 90 K in the square-planar compound system ABa2Cu3O6+x with A=Y, La, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Ho, Er and Lu.

Superconductivity has been found in the 90-K range in ABa2Cu3O(6 + x) with A = La, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Ho, Er, and Lu in addition to Y. The results suggest that the unique square-planar Cu atoms, each surrounded by four or six oxygen atoms, are crucial to the superconductivity of oxides in general. In particular, the high Tc of ABa2Cu3O(6 + x) is attributed mainly to the quasi-two-dimensional assembly of the CuO2-Ba-CuO(2 + x)Ba-CuO2 layers sandwiched between two A layers, with particular emphasis in the CuO(2 + x) layers. Higher-Tc oxides are predicted for compounds with bigger assemblies of CuO2 layers coupled by Ba layers.
Quantification of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate Penetration into the Skin and Underlying Tissues after Topical Application—Pharmacological and Toxicological Implications

Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is known to penetrate skin and cause cutaneous irritation. Some of these effects have been well-defined using bioengineering techniques. In this study, the ability of SLS to penetrate skin was quantified in a hairless rat model. In addition, local deep tissue penetration and systemic exposure to SLS were also evaluated to assess the toxic potential of topically applied SLS. SLS was observed to penetrate directly to a depth of about 5-6 mm below the applied site. Systemic redistribution was predominantly responsible in determining concentrations of SLS in tissues deeper than 5-6 mm. Epidermal concentrations of SLS after application of 1% (34 mM) aqueous SLS solution for 24 h were above the threshold levels which are known to evoke typical skin irritation responses. Deeper underlying tissues including dermis, subcutaneous, and muscle may also be exposed to high levels of SLS. Topically applied SLS was also observed in blood and contralateral tissues but the observed levels were not likely to elicit any systemic side effects at these doses. Traces of SLS were observed in tissues 7 days after single 24 h application of SLS, which supports the prolonged barrier disruption data generated using conventional bioengineering techniques. Cumulative treatment of SLS significantly increased the concentration of this compound in the underlying epidermis. The known preferential affinity of SLS for skin lipids and proteins was further confirmed by both in vitro and in vivo results. However, in vitro studies failed to predict the underlying tissue toxicity of SLS under the patch site when compared to the in vivo results. Such quantitative pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic correlations may be useful predictors for effective use of surfactants as penetration enhancers in cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and industrial applications.
Atrial-Esophageal Fistula after Atrial Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation

Atrial-esophageal fistula is a rare but often fatal complication of catheter radiofrequency ablation. Patients occasionally have bacteremia and have been misdiagnosed with endocarditis. Infectious diseases specialists are often consulted and need to be aware of this complication. We report a case of atrial-esophageal fistula after radiofrequency ablation that illustrates the salient features of this illness.
Glutenin Macropolymer in Salted and Alkaline Noodle Doughs

ABSTRACT An attempt was made to understand the physicochemical attributes that are the basis of physical differences between alkaline and salted noodle doughs. Flour and dough properties of one soft and three hard-grained wheat cultivars were observed. Doughs were made with either sodium chloride or sodium carbonate. Each formulation variant was tested at both high and low water additions. Samples for glutenin macropolymer (GMP) isolation were taken at selected noodle dough processing stages. When a 1.67% w/v Na2CO3 solution was used for mixograph testing, dough characteristics were radically altered and differences between cultivars were masked. In lubricated squeezing flow (LSF) testing, hard wheat noodle doughs had significantly (P < 0.01) longer relaxation times and higher % residual force values than soft wheat doughs in both the salted and alkaline variants. LSF maximum force and biaxial viscosity were significantly higher in alkaline doughs than salted. GMP extracted from alkaline doughs was gummy ...
On the equations of rolling motion of a ship with a flooded compartment

Abstract This paper deals with obtaining the governing equations of rolling motion of a ship with a flooded compartment. The equations of motion are obtained through the variational formulation in the form of Hamilton-Ostrogradskii equation by taking the ship, the fluid in the flooded compartment and the sea as a single mechanical system. Since no specification concerning ships or flooded compartments has been made, the obtained equations are applicable to any sea-going vessel. As an application, the equation of rolling motion of a ship with a prismatic flooded compartment is obtained by choosing a suitable velocity potential for the fluid motion in the compartment.
Facilities for the Supply of Kilowatts and Kilovars

IN determining a system's capacity requirements for supplying the electric load — kilowatts and kilovars under all conditions of operation throughout the year — a comprehensive capacity and load study is necessary. This was particularly emphasized by two operating experiences on the system of the Public Service Electric and Gas Company. The first episode was a system voltage disturbance which occurred on October 30, 1938, and the second a system shutdown which occurred as a result of a 132-kv bus fault at Roseland switching station on July 11, 1940. Investigations of these operations introduced the following subjects for consideration: 1. The proper kilowatt and kilovar loading of individual generators, considering their economy, thermal, and stability characteristics. 2. The amount and distribution of various forms of kilovar capacity throughout the system. 3. Certain improvements in system protection, particularly with respect to more rapid fault removal and the maintenance of adequate backup protection. 4. Installation of certain tap-changing-under-load equipment to maintain bus voltages within certain limits and to make all generator kilovar capacity available to the system at all times. 5. And finally a more thorough analysis of the kilowatt and kilovar loads on the system.
Diagnosis and management of pituitary tumors: recent advances

In recent years, the medical therapy for prolactinomas and GH-secreting adenomas has greatly improved due to the availability of new, highly effective, long-acting dopamine and somatostatin analogues. Although medical therapy has for some time been the first-line approach to prolactinoma management, the incidence of patients requiring surgery for resistance or intolerance/noncompliance is likely to decrease substantially with these new agents. Increasing efficacy and greater ease of administration of somatostatin analogues for GH, and for rare TSH, adenomas are also anticipated to lead to less reliance on surgery and radiation therapy as the primary therapy in these disorders. Although somewhat unclear at this time, GH antagonists hold promise for alternative or adjunct therapy for acromegaly. Given the significant morbidity and mortality associated with acromegaly, these advances are quite encouraging. Unfortunately, little if any progress has been made toward establishing an effective medical treatment for gonadotropin or nonsecreting tumors. However, new approaches to delivery of radiation therapy may reduce some of the inconvenience and risk of this treatment for patients when surgery alone is inadequate. In all of these disorders, the challenge to physicians and their patients remains one of choosing a rational combination of medical, surgical, and radiation therapy. Fortunately, for most patients, control, if not cure, of their pituitary adenoma is a reasonable expectation.
Lipid peroxidation and copper toxicity in rats

Pentane production was used as an index of lipid peroxidation in male rats fed either 0 or 1000 ppm copper in diets with and without vitamin E. Pentane production by vitamin E-deficient rats not fed copper was greater than that by vitamin E-supplemented rats not fed copper. Pentane production was low by all groups of rats. Copper-fed, vitamin E-deficient and vitamin E-supplemented rats produced more pentane than did respective controls not fed copper. After 9 weeks of feeding the diets, more pentane was produced by vitamin E-deficient than by vitamin E-supplemented rats following intraperitoneal injection of 5 mg of copper/kg of body weight, and vitamin E-deficient rats fed copper produced 5-fold more pentane than did those not fed copper. Thiobarbituric acid-reactants were highest in blood, kidney and liver from copper-fed rats. Lipid-soluble fluorophores in spleen were lowest in vitamin E-supplemented rats not fed copper and highest in copper-fed, vitamin E-deficient rats.
Stability of n-Si/CH3OH Contacts as a Function of the Reorganization Energy of the Electron Donor

Predictions of the Marcus/Gerischer theory for photoelectrode stability have been investigated experimentally for n-Si/CH_3OH photoelectrochemical cells. Specifically, a semiconductor electrode is predicted to be more stable if the reorganization energy of the stabilizing agent is decreased (in the normal region of the Marcus behavior), thereby increasing the rate of minority carrier capture by the stabilizer. This prediction was quantified experimentally by monitoring the branching ratio between two competing reactions at a semiconductor/liquid interface: hole transfer from a Si photoanode to the electron donor in solution vs passivation of the Si photoanode through hole transfer to water. Deliberate addition of water to n-Si/CH_3OH contacts provided a constant, known passivation pathway that competed with charge transfer to the stabilizing agent. Dimethylferrocene (Me_2Fc), ruthenium(II) pentaamrnine 4,4'-bipyridine (Ru(NH_3)_5(4,4'-bpy)^(2+)), and cobalt(II) tris( 2,2'-bipyridine) (Co(2,2'-bpy)_3^(2+)) provided three outer sphere electron donors with very similar standard electrochemical potentials but varying solvent reorganization energies. At constant electron donor concentration, constant driving force for reaction, constant photocurrent density, and constant water concentration in CH_3-OH, the stability of n-Si photoelectrodes decreased in the order Me_2Fc^(+/0) > Ru(NH_3)_5(4,4'-bpy)^(3+/2+) > Co(2,2'-bpy)_3^(3+/2+). This observation can be consistently explained through the theoretically predicted influence of the minority carrier acceptor reorganization energy on the interfacial charge transfer rate constant.
Activated macrophage-like THP-1 cells modulate anulus fibrosus cell production of inflammatory mediators in response to cytokines.

Study design Anulus fibrosus (AF) cells obtained from patients undergoing surgery were cocultured with macrophage-like cells and production of inflammatory mediators was analyzed by quantitative assay. Objective To investigate the role of macrophages in AF cell production of inflammatory mediators by cytokines stimulation. Summary of background data Discogenic pain caused by anular disruption is an important cause of low back pain and recent studies show the presence of macrophages in symptomatic discs but not in normal and aging discs. We hypothesize that macrophages play a major role in development of symptomatic disc. Methods Human AF cells were cocultured with phorbol myristate acetate stimulated macrophage-like THP-1 cells. The conditioned medium from cells cultured alone or in coculture was assayed for cytokines by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and nitric oxide (NO) by the Greiss method. Using the same outcome measures, comparisons of cell response to cytokines were made among macrophage-like cells, naive AF cells, and macrophage exposed AF cells. RESULTS.: Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, interleukin (IL)-8, IL-6, and NO (TNF-alpha: 1.45 +/- 0.29 ng/mL, IL-8: 97.02 +/- 7.94 ng/mL, IL-6: 33.40 +/- 3.55 ng/mL, NO: 8.42 +/- 0.78 micromol/L) were secreted in much greater amounts by cells maintained in coculture compared to macrophages (TNF-alpha: 0.78 +/- 0.12 ng/mL, IL-8: 58.04 +/- 4.44 ng/mL, IL-6: 0.14 +/- 0.03 ng/mL, NO: 0.30 +/- 0.08 micromol/L) or AF cells cultured alone. In addition, IL-6 secretion from AF cells in response to TNF-alpha was up-regulated by coculture, however, IL-6 secretion in response to IL-1 beta was downregulated in a dose-dependent manner. Coculture with macrophages also up-regulated AF cell secretion of IL-8 dose-dependently and downregulated NO to TNF-alpha or IL-1beta stimulation. Conclusion We conclude that exposure to macrophages, as can be expected after anular injury, can result in enhanced response to local inflammation. Although changes were observed in all inflammatory mediators after macrophage exposure, the most significant change was observed in IL-6 and IL-8, implicating these mediators in development of symptomatic disc.
Comparison of three methods for measuring the time spent in physical activity

AINSWORTH, B. E., D. R. BASSETT, JR., S. J. STRATH, A. M. SWARTZ, W. L. O’BRIEN, R. W. THOMPSON, D. A. JONES, C. A. MACERA, and C. D. KIMSEY. Comparison of three methods for measuring time spent in physical activity. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc., Vol. 32, No. 9, Suppl., pp. S457–S464, 2000.PurposeThree m
Towards Formal Verification of Role-Based Access Control Policies

Specifying and managing access control policies is a challenging problem. We propose to develop formal verification techniques for access control policies to improve the current state of the art of policy specification and management. In this paper, we formalize classes of security analysis problems in the context of role-based access control. We show that in general these problems are PSPACE-complete. We also study the factors that contribute to the computational complexity by considering a lattice of various subcases of the problem with different restrictions. We show that several subcases remain PSPACE-complete, several further restricted subcases are NP-complete, and identify two subcases that are solvable in polynomial time. We also discuss our experiences and findings from experimentations that use existing formal method tools, such as model checking and logic programming, for addressing these problems.
Automated registration of breast lesions in temporal pairs of mammograms for interval change analysis--local affine transformation for improved localization.

Analysis of interval change is important for mammographic interpretation. The aim of this study is to evaluate the use of an automated registration technique for computer-aided interval change analysis in mammography. Previously we developed a regional registration technique for identifying masses on temporal pairs of mammograms. In the current study, we improved lesion registration by including a local alignment step. Initially, the lesion position on the prior mammogram was estimated based on the breast geometry. An initial fan-shaped search region was then defined on the prior mammogram. In the second stage, the location of the fan-shaped region on the prior mammogram was refined by warping, based on an affine transformation and simplex optimization in a local region. In the third stage, a search for the best match between the lesion template from the current mammogram and a structure on the prior mammogram was carried out within the search region. This technique was evaluated on 124 temporal pairs of mammograms containing biopsy-proven masses. Eighty-seven percent of the estimated lesion locations resulted in an area overlap of at least 50% with the true lesion locations and an average distance of 2.4±2.1 mm between their centroids. The average distance between the estimated and the true centroid of the lesions on the prior mammogram over all 124 temporal pairs was 4.2±5.7 mm. The registration accuracy was improved in comparison with our previous study that used a data set of 74 temporal pairs of mammograms. This improvement in accuracy resulted from the improved geometry estimation and the local affine transformation.
Stoichiometry of maltodextrin-binding sites in LamB, an outer membrane protein from Escherichia coli.

The authors have directly measured the stoichiometry of maltodextrin-binding sites in LamB. Scatchard plots and computer fitting of flow dialysis (rate-of-dialysis) experiments clearly establish three independent binding sites per LamB trimer, with a dissociation constant of approximately 60 {mu}M for maltoheptaose. The current model for LamB's function as a specific pore is discussed with respect to the symmetry in LamB's kinetic properties and the implications of their results.
Bureaucratic Politics and Overseas Investment by Chinese State-Owned Oil Companies: Illusory Champions

From the state-centered perspective, China9s hunt for foreign energy deals has generated increasing uneasiness in international relations. By exploring Chinese national oil companies9 overseas expansion, this study finds that Chinese bureaucratic fragmentation in the context of the state9s changing relationship with state-owned enterprises has greater impact on firms9 offshore ventures than the state-centered perspective contends.
Punitive discipline and child behavior problems in Chinese-American immigrant families: The moderating effects of indigenous child-rearing ideologies

In a sample of 107 Chinese immigrant families we examined whether cultural child-rearing beliefs moderated the association between parents’ use of punitive discipline and children’s behavioral adjustment. Immigrant parents and their children aged 7 to 17 years completed measures of parental discipline and child behavior problems. Parents also reported on indigenous Chinese child-rearing ideologies regarding shaming and training as strategies for raising competent and moral children. Results of hierarchical regression models conducted with parent-reported data indicated that the negative effects of punitive discipline on child behavior problems were not apparent when parents adhered to training and shaming ideologies. However, the buffering effects of training ideologies were more robust and consistent than shaming. The findings provide some evidence that the discipline—behavior problem link may be moderated by cultural context of caregiver psychology which shapes the meaning and implications of parental b...
Magnesium utilization survey in selected patients with diabetes

Abstract Patients with diabetes mellitus were surveyed to determine magnesium utilization and supplementation patterns and the extent to which these patterns correlate with American Diabetes Association (ADA) consensus panel recommendations. Participating ADA member physicians were asked to enroll five or more patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM, or type I diabetes) or non—insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM, or type II diabetes) who were not currently receiving magnesium supplementation and who they believed required or could benefit from oral magnesium chloride administration. Data were then collected regarding specific patient characteristics (ie, current diabetes therapy and glucose control); concomitant diseases and cardiovascular medications; baseline serum magnesium level, if measured before initiating magnesium chloride supplementation; and magnesium chloride dosage and duration. A total of 199 patients with diabetes began treatment with magnesium chloride supplementation after enrollment by a specialist. The mean baseline serum magnesium level for patients with IDDM was 1.48 mg/dL and for patients with NIDDM was 1.4 mg/dL (normal range, 1.80 to 2.40 mg/dL). No differences in mean serum magnesium levels were observed between men and women and between those with IDDM and those with NIDDM. Glucose control, as measured by glycosylated hemoglobin A 1c , did not correlate with magnesium serum levels. A concomitant cardiovascular disease was present in 70% of patients. In 78.3% of patients, supplementation was initiated because of low serum magnesium levels; in 21.7%, magnesium chloride therapy was initiated empirically. No correlation was found between serum magnesium levels and the prescribed dosage or the recommended duration of magnesium therapy. Patterns of magnesium utilization among survey respondents generally followed ADA consensus panel recommendations. A majority of diabetic patients who were given magnesium chloride supplementation had concomitant cardiovascular disease. Primary care physicians and cardiologists who treat large numbers of patients with diabetes and cardiovascular disease should be knowledgeable of the ADA consensus report because of the high prevalence of hypomagnesemia and because of the consequences of magnesium deficiency in these high-risk groups. To achieve successful long-term maintenance in these patients, additional physician education appears to be necessary regarding initial dosing strategies and recommended duration of supplementation.
The differential effects of pp120 (Ceacam 1) on the mitogenic action of insulin and insulin-like growth factor 1 are regulated by the nonconserved tyrosine 1316 in the insulin receptor.

pp120 (Ceacam 1) undergoes ligand-stimulated phosphorylation by the insulin receptor, but not by the insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-1R). This differential phosphorylation is regulated by the C terminus of the β-subunit of the insulin receptor, the least conserved domain of the two receptors. In the present studies, deletion and site-directed mutagenesis in stably transfected hepatocytes derived from insulin receptor knockout mice (IR−/−) revealed that Tyr1316, which is replaced by the nonphosphorylatable phenylalanine in IGF-1R, regulated the differential phosphorylation of pp120 by the insulin receptor. Similarly, the nonconserved Tyr1316 residue also regulated the differential effect of pp120 on IGF-1 and insulin mitogenesis, with pp120 downregulating the growth-promoting action of insulin, but not that of IGF-1. Thus, it appears that pp120 phosphorylation by the insulin receptor is required and sufficient to mediate its downregulatory effect on the mitogenic action of insulin. Furthermore, the current studies revealed that the C terminus of the β-subunit of the insulin receptor contains elements that suppress the mitogenic action of insulin. Because IR−/− hepatocytes are derived from liver, an insulin-targeted tissue, our observations have finally resolved the controversy about the role of the least-conserved domain of insulin and IGF-1Rs in mediating the difference in the mitogenic action of their ligands, with IGF-1 being more mitogenic than insulin.
Modified aqueous drainage implants in the treatment of complicated glaucomas in eyes with pre-existing episcleral bands

Abstract Objective Control of intraocular pressure (IOP) after retinal surgery with scleral band placement may be problematic. In this study, outcome after silastic drainage implant placement is reviewed. Design/participants A retrospective chart review of 11 eyes in 11 patients with severe glaucoma after multiple surgeries, including scleral buckle procedures. Intervention Patients received silastic drainage implant surgery, either a long Krupin Denver valved implant (7) or a trimmed Baerveldt seton (4). Main outcome measures Vision, IOP, and need for further glaucoma medication or glaucoma surgery were measured. Results One- and 2-year life-table success rates (either complete or qualified success) were 82% and 73%, respectively, defining success as final IOP of 21 mmHg or less without need for further glaucoma surgery and no loss of visual acuity. Half of the successful eyes required antiglaucoma medication. Conclusions Silastic drainage implants may be a viable option in the treatment of complicated glaucoma after retinal surgery.
AUFLIC: an accelerated algorithm for Unsteady Flow Line Integral Convolution

UFLIC (Unsteady Flow Line Integral Convolution) is an effective texture synthesis technique to visualize unsteady flow with enhanced temporal coherence, but it is time-consuming to generate. This paper presents an accelerated algorithm, called AUFLIC (Accelerated UFLIC), to speed up the UFLIC generation. Our algorithm saves, re-uses, and updates pathlines in the value scattering processes. A flexible seeding strategy is introduced so that a seed particle may be directly extracted from the previous scattering processes to make best use of the saved pathline so as to reduce computationally expensive pathline integration calculations. A dynamic activation-deactivation scheme is employed to maintain the fewest necessary pathlines. Avoiding excessive pathlines achieves acceleration and nearly-constant memory consumption. With very low memory cost, AUFLIC cuts UFLIC generation time nearly in half without any image quality degradation.
Reduced recruitment performance in natural populations of anadromous salmonids associated with hatchery-reared fish

We found a negative relationship between the reproductive performance in natural, anadromous populations of steelhead trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), coho salmon (O. kisutch), and Chinook salmon (O. tshawytscha), and the propor- tion of hatchery fish in the spawning population. We used intrinsic productivity as estimated from fitting a variety of re- cruitment models to abundance data for each population as our indicator of reproductive performance. The magnitude of this negative relationship is such that we predict the recruitment performance for a population composed entirely of hatch- ery fish would be 0.128 of that for a population composed entirely of wild fish. The effect of hatchery fish on reproductive performance was the same among all three species. Further, the impact of hatchery fish from ''wild type'' hatchery brood- stocks was no less adverse than hatchery fish from traditional, domesticated broodstocks. We also found no support for the hypothesis that a population's reproductive performance was affected by the length of exposure to hatchery fish. In most cases, measures that minimize the interactions between wild and hatchery fish will be the best long-term conservation strategy for wild populations. Resume´ : Nous observons une relation negative entre la performance reproductive de populations naturelles de truites arc- en-ciel anadromes (Oncorhynchus mykiss), de saumons coho (O. kisutch) et de saumons chinook (O. tshawytscha )e t la proportion de poissons de pisciculture dans les populations de reproducteurs. Nous utilisons la productiviteintrinseque esti- mee en ajustant une varietede modeles de recrutement aux donnees d'abondance de chaque population comme indice de performance reproductive. L'importance de cette relation negative est telle que nous predisons que la performance du re- crutement dans une population composee entierement de poissons de pisciculture serait de 0,128 celle d'une population composee totalement de poissons sauvages. L'effet des poissons de pisciculture est le meme chez les trois especes. De plus, l'impact des poissons de pisciculture provenant de stocks reproducteurs de pisciculture de « type sauvage » n'est pas moins negatif que celui des poissons de pisciculture de stocks reproducteurs traditionnels et domestiques. Nous ne trouvons aucun appui a l'hypothese qui veut que la performance reproductive d'une population soit affectee par la duree de son ex- position aux poissons de pisciculture. Dans la plupart des cas, les mesures qui minimisent les interactions entre les pois- sons sauvages et les poissons de pisciculture constituent la meilleure strategie de conservation a long terme pour les populations sauvages. (Traduit par la Redaction)
Single molecule analyses of the conformational substates of calmodulin bound to the phosphorylase kinase complex

The four integral δ subunits of the phosphorylase kinase (PhK) complex are identical to calmodulin (CaM) and confer Ca2+ sensitivity to the enzyme, but bind independently of Ca2+. In addition to binding Ca2+, an obligatory activator of PhK's phosphoryltransferase activity, the δ subunits transmit allosteric signals to PhK's remaining α, β, and γ subunits in activating the enzyme. Under mild conditions about 10% of the δ subunits can be exchanged for exogenous CaM. In this study, a CaM double-mutant derivatized with a fluorescent donor–acceptor pair (CaM-DA) was exchanged for δ to assess the conformational substates of PhKδ by single molecule fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) ±Ca2+. The exchanged subunits were determined to occupy distinct conformations, depending on the absence or presence of Ca2+, as observed by alterations of the compact, mid-length, and extended populations of their FRET distance distributions. Specifically, the combined predominant mid-length and less common compact conformations of PhKδ became less abundant in the presence of Ca2+, with the δ subunits assuming more extended conformations. This behavior is in contrast to the compact forms commonly observed for many of CaM's Ca2+-dependent interactions with other proteins. In addition, the conformational distributions of the exchanged PhKδ subunits were distinct from those of CaM-DA free in solution, ±Ca2+, as well as from exogenous CaM bound to the PhK complex as δ′. The distinction between δ and δ′ is that the latter binds only in the presence of Ca2+, but stoichiometrically and at a different location in the complex than δ.
Absence of dopaminergic neuronal degeneration and oxidative damage in aged DJ-1 -deficient mice

Parkinson's disease is the most common movement disorder characterized by dopaminergic dysfunction and degeneration. Loss-of-function mutations in the DJ-1 gene have been linked to autosomal recessive forms of early-onset familial Parkinson's disease. DJ-1 is thought to play roles in protection of cells against oxidative stress and in maintenance of the normal dopaminergic function in the nigrostriatal pathway. Here we investigate the consequence of both DJ-1 inactivation and aging in mice. We found that DJ-1-/- mice at the age of 24–27 months have normal numbers of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra and normal levels of dopamine and its major metabolites in the striatum. The number of noradrenergic neurons in the locus coeruleus is also unchanged in DJ-1-/- mice. Moreover, there is no accumulation of oxidative damage or inclusion bodies in aged DJ-1-/- brains. Together, these results indicate that loss of DJ-1 function alone is insufficient to cause nigral degeneration and oxidative damage in the life span of mice.
Power Parity and Lethal International Violence, 1969–1973:

Among students of international politics, there is little consensus concerning the nature of the relationship between dyadic power distributions and the likelihood of interstate violence: there may be no relationship, a positive relationship, or a negative relationship. This study hypothesized that lethal international violence between pairs of contiguous nation-states was more probable if the two states were equally powerful. Using the technique of pattern recognition, the hypothesis was tested—and substantiated—for the period 1969–1973. Furthermore, a discriminant function based on four indicators of national power (area, GNP, military manpower, and defense expenditures) appears to be a potentially useful predictor of lethal interstate violence.
Biomedical and Biotechnological Applications of Elastin-Like Polypeptides

Elastin‐like polypeptides (ELPs) are a unique class of genetically encoded biopolymers with tunable thermosensitivity and biocompatibility. This review provides an introduction to ELPs and an overview of their design and synthesis. It also discusses applications of these polypeptides for drug delivery, tissue engineering, protein purification, and biosensing.
Decoding Algorithms for Brain–Machine Interfaces

Brain–machine interfaces (BMIs) are a bridge by which neural activity from the brain can interact with the external world and sensory information may be returned to the brain. In the case of damage along the pathway between the brain and the peripheral muscles in the upper limbs, a motor BMI can bridge the gap and restore a level of interaction with the external world via direct neural control of the motion of computer cursors or robotic arms. Essentially, motor BMIs are constructed by learning a functional model that maps observed neural activity into the kinematic or dynamic variables of continuous movements. This chapter discusses the principles for model estimation relevant to BMIs as well as coverage of successful implementations. Although neural signals relevant to motor control range from populations of single units, local field potentials, electrocorticography (ECoG), or electroencephalogram (EEG), this chapter specifically reviews the methods and models that use a population of single-unit activity, where action potential timings from a single cell have been resolved and are used in estimating continuous kinematic variables. Chapter 10.1007/978-1-4614-5227-0_10 provides coverage of other instances of brain–computer interfaces. After an introduction to the BMI setting, modeling approaches and challenges are emphasized, along with a detailed coverage of the most common BMI approaches: from the population vector algorithm, based on individual neuron tuning, to optimal linear filters through statistical methods such as Kalman and Bayesian filters.