cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Impact of a Universal Mental Health Intervention on Youth with Elevated Negative Affectivity: Building Resilience for Healthy Kids

In response to the rise in mental health needs among youth, a school-based resilience intervention was implemented for sixth graders at an urban middle school. The goal of this analysis is to examine improvements in key mental health parameters among students who endorsed negative affectivity at baseline. A total of 285 11–12-year-olds (72% white, 18% Hispanic, 55% female) participated in a single-arm, non-randomized 6-week 1:1 school-based coaching intervention, Healthy Kids. Youth completed validated surveys at baseline and 6-week follow-up assessing depression/anxiety symptoms, bullying, self-efficacy, academic pressure, grit, and resilience. Participants were determined to have elevated negative affectivity if they reported mild-to-severe symptoms for both depression and anxiety symptoms. General linear models examined differences between groups for each mental health parameter, as well as change in outcomes from baseline to follow-up. A third of participants (38%) at baseline endorsed negative affectivity. Youth who endorsed negative affectivity were more often female (71% vs 29%; p < 0.001) and identified as victims of cyberbullying (25% vs 8%; p < 0.001). Youth with baseline negative affectivity scored lower for self-efficacy (total 70.5 vs 86.8; p < 0.0001). Baseline negative affectivity was a significant moderator for change in mental health parameters. Post-intervention, those who endorsed baseline negative affectivity, medium effect sizes were observed for self-efficacy (g = 0.6; 95%CI 0.3, 0.9; p < 0.001) and anxiety symptoms (g = − 0.70; 95%CI − 1.0, − 0.4; p < 0.001). Among all youth, there were significant medium intervention effects in resilience (g = 0.5; 95%CI 0.3, 0.7; p < 0.001) and self-efficacy (g = 0.7; 95%CI 0.4, 0.9; p < 0.001). A universal resiliency program may improve self-efficacy and symptoms of anxiety among youth experiencing negative affectivity, while improving resilience and self-efficacy among all youth. Our findings suggest a universal school-based coaching program benefits all youth, while also specifically targeting the needs of youth with negative affectivity who are most at risk for mental health concerns.
Helly's Theorem and its Equivalences via Convex Analysis

Helly’s theorem is an important result from Convex Geometry. It gives sufficient conditions for a family of convex sets to have a nonempty intersection. A large variety of proofs as well as applications are known. Helly’s theorem also has close connections to two other well-known theorems from Convex Geometry: Radon’s theorem and Caratheodory’s theorem. In this project we study Helly’s theorem and its relations to Radon’s theorem and Caratheodory’s theorem by using tools of Convex Analysis and Optimization. More precisely, we will give a novel proof of Helly’s theorem, and in addition we show in a complete way that these three famous theorems are equivalent in the sense that using one of them allows us to derive the others.
Association of hydrophobic substances with hemin. Characterization of the reverse type I binding spectrum and its relationship to cytochrome P-450.

Abstract When hydrophobic compounds were added to a solution of protoferriheme, a reverse type I spectral change was produced when observed by difference spectroscopy. The spectrum has a peak at 422 nm and a trough at 387 nm, and the characteristics were dependent on the pH of the sample. An association constant for the complex could be determined and was also found to be pH sensitive, with the association constant dropping to zero at values below pH 7.0 and above pH 8.5. The determination of the δAbsmax for the ethylbenzene-hemin complex at various hemin concentrations indications monomeric heme to be the species responsible for binding the hydrocarbon with the concomitant generation of the reverse type I spectral change.
Proteoglycan composition in the human sclera during growth and aging.

Purpose Scleral proteoglycans were characterized from human donor eyes aged 2 months to 94 years to identify age-related changes in the synthesis and/or accumulation of these extracellular matrix components. Methods Newly synthesized proteoglycans (previously radiolabeled with 35SO4) and total accumulated scleral proteoglycans were extracted with 4 M guanidine hydrochloride and separated by molecular sieve chromatography on a Sepharose CL-4B column. The elution positions of newly synthesized and total accumulated proteoglycans were determined by assaying each fraction for radioactivity and glycosaminoglycans, respectively. Regression analyses were performed on the three major proteoglycan peaks to identify age-related changes in scleral proteoglycan composition. Scleral proteoglycans were further purified by anion-exchange chromatography and characterized by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and Western blot analyses. Results Human scleral proteoglycans were apparent as three major peaks after chromatography on Sepharose CL-4B. The two faster eluting peaks contained alternative forms of the cartilage proteoglycan, aggrecan, whereas the third peak contained the small proteoglycans biglycan and decorin. The relative percentage of newly synthesized and total accumulated aggrecan increased approximately two- to sixfold from infancy to 94 years. In contrast, the relative percentage of newly synthesized and total accumulated biglycan and decorin decreased by approximately 25%. Chromatography and Western blot results indicated that the absolute amounts of all three proteoglycans significantly increased in concentration within the sclera from birth to the fourth decade. Beyond the fourth decade, decorin and biglycan decreased in all scleral regions and were present in lowest concentrations by the ninth decade. In contrast, aggrecan, which was present in highest concentration in the posterior sclera, was not significantly reduced with increasing age. Conclusions The age-related changes in scleral proteoglycan composition observed in the present study are likely to contribute to the regional alterations in biomechanical properties of the sclera associated with growth and aging.
The Determinants of Foreign Investment Size: The Role of Parent Firm and National Distance

Investment size has been overlooked by scholars who study foreign direct investment (FDI). This overlook hinders our understanding of globalization, because the study of investment size will shed light on how firms of different sizes develop and participate in the current trend of globalization, and on how entry barriers influence the pattern of FDI. To fill in the gap in the literature, we develop an economic model of foreign investment size. From this model, we predict the determinants of foreign investment size: it is positively related to parent firm size, while it follows an inverted U-shape relationship with national distances. Moreover, parent firm size and national distance also interact with each other to influence investment size. Our empirical analysis of Japanese FDI data from 1985 to 2003 supports our arguments.
Using Put Warrants to Reduce Corporate Financing Costs

We show that put warrants can reduce financing costs when managers know more about the firm's future prospects than do outside investors. Put warrants are shown to be an efficient security in eliminating adverse selection costs in that firms can credibly reveal favorable private information without having to resort to "money burning" or inefficient investment decisions. Among the model's implications are that (i) put warrants are effective whether or not they are attached directly to equity shares, (ii) the number of puts issued must exceed the number of new shares issued, and (iii) a ceiling exists on the amount of project financing that a firm can successfully raise. Additionally our analysis provides practical insights into how the size and exercise price of the put warrant offering affect issues such as corporate control and the probability of default.
Potential revenue from electrical energy storage in ERCOT: The impact of location and recent trends

This paper outlines the calculations required to estimate the maximum potential revenue from participation in arbitrage and regulation in day-ahead markets using linear programming. Then, we use historical Electricity Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) data from 2011–2013 to evaluate the maximum potential revenue from a hypothetical 32 MWh, 8 MW system. We investigate the maximum potential revenue from two different scenarios: arbitrage only and arbitrage combined with regulation. This analysis was performed for each load zone over the same period to show the impact of location and to identify trends in the opportunities for energy storage. Our analysis shows that, with perfect foresight, participation in the regulation market would have produced more than twice the revenue compared to arbitrage in the ERCOT market in 2011–2013. Over the last three years, there has been a significant decrease in the potential revenue for an energy storage system. We also quantify the impact of location on potential revenue.
Structural features of fibronectin synthetic peptide FN-C/H II, responsible for cell adhesion, neurite extension, and heparan sulfate binding.

Abstract FN-C/H II (KNNQKSEPLIGRKKT), a heparin-binding peptide derived from the COOH-terminal heparin-binding domain of fibronectin, mediates cell adhesion for a variety of cell types and promotes neurite outgrowth. By systematic amino acid substitution of synthetic peptide analogues of FN-C/H II, the basic structural features necessary for activity have been identified in the COOH-terminal residues LIGRKK. This biologically "active" sequence has been located in several other heparin/heparan sulfate-binding proteins and may represent a potential binding motif for sulfated polyanions. NMR structural studies indicate that the COOH-terminal segment of FN-C/H II displays significant multiple-turn or helix-like character suggesting that the RKK sequence may lie on the same surface of the protein, as opposed to alternating in an extended chain motif.
Robust and fast contrast inflow detection for 2D X-ray fluoroscopy

2D X-ray fluoroscopy is widely used in computer assisted and image guided interventions because of the real time visual guidance it can provide to the physicians. During cardiac interventions, acquisitions of angiography are often used to assist the physician in visualizing the blood vessel structures, guide wires, or catheters, localizing bifurcations, estimating severity of a lesion, or observing the blood flow. Computational algorithms often need to process differently to frames with or without contrast medium. In order to automate this process and streamline the clinical workflow, a fully automatic contrast inflow detection algorithm is proposed. The robustness of the algorithm is validated by more than 1300 real fluoroscopic scenes. The algorithm is computationally efficient; a sequence with 100 frames can be processed within a second.
Sober-Living Houses and Changes in the Personal Networks of Individuals in Recovery

Social networks are an important source of support for many people in recovery from alcohol abuse. The present study investigated the role of one particular source of support for recovery in changing the personal networks of people in recovery, sober-living houses. In a randomized, longitudinal design changes in the network size, heterogeneity, and composition of usual aftercare and sober-living home residents were examined. Beneficial changes were found, such as increases in the number of recovering alcoholics and overall network size among sober-living home residents, particularly those who stayed six months or longer. Networks also became more homogeneous with respect to non-drinking among residents. The importance of changes in networks is discussed as well as the need for network-level analyses of personal recovery networks.
Agroinoculation of the cloned infectious cDNAs of Lettuce chlorosis virus results in systemic plant infection and production of whitefly transmissible virions.

Lettuce chlorosis virus (LCV) is a single stranded, positive strand RNA virus that is solely transmitted by specific whitefly vectors (Bemisia tabaci biotypes A and B) but not by mechanical leaf-rub inoculation. The roles of viral encoded proteins involved in the infection cycle of LCV have not yet been characterized due to the lack of reverse genetic tools. We present here a report of the successful development of an Agrobacterium-mediated inoculation system for the cloned cDNA constructs of LCV. The cDNAs of both LCV RNAs 1 and 2 were engineered into binary vectors in which the expression of LCV RNAs was regulated under a Cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) 35S promoter. In addition, by engineering the sequence elements of the Hepatitis delta virus ribozyme and the nopaline synthase 3′ untranslated region immediately downstream of the last nucleotide of LCV RNAs 1 and 2 in the binary vector constructs, the in planta produced LCV transcripts were expected to bear authentic 3′ termini. Both constructs were transformed into Agrobacterium tumefaciens cells and infiltrated in Nicotiana benthamiana plants. Three to four weeks post-agroinoculation, the N. benthamiana plants developed typical interveinal chlorosis and LCV infection was detected in the systemic leaves by reverse transcription-PCR. Virions purified from the LCV-infected N. benthamiana plants were flexuous rod-shaped and were transmissible by both B. tabaci biotypes A and B following membrane feeding. These results support the conclusion that Agrobacterium-mediated inoculation of LCV binary vectors in N. benthamiana plants results in LCV infection and the production of biologically active, whitefly transmissible virions. This system represents an important tool for use with reverse genetics designed for the study of LCV gene functions.
Evaluation of a mini-cascade impactor for sampling exposure chamber atmospheres

Andersen 4-stage mini-cascade impactors, designed primarily for personnel dosimetry, were tested for suitability of characterizing solid-particle aerosols within inhalation exposure chambers. Performances were assessed by comparing their particle-size separating capabilities against cyclone separators and Andersen 8-stage ambient cascade impactors. Data reveal excellent agreement between respirable (ACGIH) mass fractions, and mass median aerodynamic diameters, measured with the mini-samplers and the larger laboratory cascade impactors. Cyclone data did not correlate as well. Findings indicate that where accurate particle characterization at low sampling flow rates is desired, compact mini-cascade impactors are appropriate instruments.
Structure-function sum rules for systems with large scattering lengths

We use a dispersion relation in conjunction with the operator product expansion (OPE) to derive model independent sum rules for the dynamic structure functions of systems with large scattering lengths. We present an explicit sum rule for the structure functions that control the density and spin response of the many-body ground state. Our methods are general, and apply to either fermions or bosons which interact through two-body contact interactions with large scattering lengths. By employing a Borel transform of the OPE, the relevant integrals are weighted towards infrared frequencies, thus allowing for greater overlap low energy data. Similar sum rules can be derived for other response functions. The sum rules can be used to extract the contact parameter introduced by Tan, including universality violating corrections at finite scattering lengths.
Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis of Inferior Vena Cava Thrombosis in a 13-Day-Old Neonate and Review of Literature

Complete inferior vena cava thrombosis (IVC) in neonates is uncommon, but may cause significant morbidity. A 13-day-old neonate suffered IVC thrombosis secondary to antithrombin III deficiency, possibly contributed to by a mutation in the methyl tetrahydrofolate reductase gene. Catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA, Alteplase) was used successfully to treat extensive venous thrombosis in this neonate without complications. We also review the literature on CDT for treatment of IVC thrombosis in critically ill neonates and infants.
Measuring the error between actual and estimated atmospherics and the effect on estimating reflectance profiles

Accurate target detection and classification of hyperspectral imagery require that the measurement by the imager matches as closely as possible the known “true” target as collected under controlled conditions. Therefore, the effect of the radiation source and the atmosphere must be factored out of the result before detection is attempted. Our objective is to investigate the relationship between uncertainty in the estimation of target spectra and uncertainty in the estimation of atmospherics. We apply a range of atmospheric profiles to a MODTRAN-based prediction of the radiative transfer effect. These profiles are taken from known distribution percentiles as obtained from historic meteorological measurements at the chosen site. We calculate the change in radiative transfer effects as measured by the Euclidean distance, given the range of atmospheric conditions in the historic profile, and show that changes in the atmospheric assumptions change the total transmission, spectral radiance, and estimated reflectance.
Mercury Removal from Acidic Waste Solutions Using a Thiol Functional Organo‐ceramic Adsorbent

Abstract Removal of mercury from highly acidic (1–2 M acid concentrations) waste solutions using a novel thiol‐functionalized organo‐ceramic adsorbent (SOL‐AD‐IV) has been investigated. The viability of mercury extraction was tested by employing Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory (INEEL) aluminum calcine and sodium bearing waste (SBW) surrogates. A maximum equilibrium uptake capacity of 740 mg/g in the 1–2 M acid concentrations was found, indicating a 1:1 adsorption ratio between Hg(NO3)2 0 and thiol (SH). Loss of uptake activity due to high contents of aluminum, nitrate, and hydrogen ions was not evident. Over 99.7 wt% extraction efficiency was observed up to 4 M HNO3 solutions. Rapid kinetics were observed with an extraction efficiency of >91 wt% within 5 min of reaction time. Dynamic adsorption of mercury on a fixed bed demonstrated a removal capacity of 680 mg/g and effluent concentrations as low 0.005 mg/L. Results showed applicability of this material for effective removal of me...
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DRUGS AND MYORELAXANTS: Pharmacology and Clinical Use in Musculoskeletal Disease

Anti-inflammatory agents and myorelaxants are the cornerstone of pharmacologic management of musculoskeletal disease. Combinations of these drugs are recommended for the treatment of muscle spasm and injury, whereas anti-inflammatory agents alone are used to treat inflammatory pain such as rheumatoid arthritis. Choosing the most effective regimen for patients with pain can be difficult. This article reviews the pharmacology and clinical use of these agents to define how to use these medications better.
Some extensions of Babinet's principle in electromagnetic theory

The concept of resistive and conductive sheets provides a meaningful extension of Babinet's principle to surfaces which are no longer perfect. The complementary problems are described, and the appropriate field relations derived.
Implications of using broadband photometry for compositional remote sensing of icy objects

The validity and limitations of assuming bright surfaces are icy and dark surfaces are stony are investigated, and the limitations of JHK colorimetry for distinguishing icy versus stony objects are studied. The broadband JHK reflectances of a large range of minerals and mineral assemblages were computed, the visual albedo obtained, and the J-H and H-K colors computed. Visual reflectance was found to vary easily from 0.15 to 1.0 when the surface contains 99 percent or more water by weight. The effect of varying particulate weight fraction and grain size are described. Visual albedo is found to give no indication of the purity of an icy surface. The JHK colors of an ice and particulate mixture can fall anywhere in the classical J-H versus H-K diagram, and thus the diagram cannot be used to distinguish a predominantly rock surface from a predominantly ice one in a specific case, except where both J-H and H-K colors are less than about -0.2.
Theoretical consideration of the effect of drug holidays on BMD and tissue age

Summary It has been suggested that some patients undergoing prolonged treatment for osteoporosis with anti-resorptive agents may benefit from discontinuing treatment. Here we use a computer simulation of bone cell activity to estimate changes in bone mineral density (BMD) and tissue age when treatment is discontinued.
Aggregate Input-Output Models of Neuronal Populations

An extraordinary amount of electrophysiological data has been collected from various brain nuclei to help us understand how neural activity in one region influences another region. In this paper, we exploit the point process modeling (PPM) framework and describe a method for constructing aggregate input-output (IO) stochastic models that predict spiking activity of a population of neurons in the “output” region as a function of the spiking activity of a population of neurons in the “input” region. We first build PPMs of each output neuron as a function of all input neurons, and then cluster the output neurons using the model parameters. Output neurons that lie within the same cluster have the same functional dependence on the input neurons. We first applied our method to simulated data, and successfully uncovered the predetermined relationship between the two regions. We then applied our method to experimental data to understand the input-output relationship between motor cortical neurons and 1) somatosensory and 2) premotor cortical neurons during a behavioral task. Our aggregate IO models highlighted interesting physiological dependences including relative effects of inhibition/excitation from input neurons and extrinsic factors on output neurons.
How Are Businesses Responding to Minnesota’s Tax-Free Zone Program?

In 2003, Minnesota enacted a tax-free-zone economic development program, Job Opportunity Building Zone (JOBZ), that is of a longer term and more generous than most similar state programs. In this article, the authors analyze publicly available data on the new investments in capital and labor that Minnesota businesses report making in response to the program. The authors find that businesses signing deals in 2004 and 2005 reported creating 4,891 jobs and investing $768 million, with the reported activity varying significantly across the state. The number of jobs reportedly created represents less than 1% of Minnesota’s total nonfarm, private employment. The authors also combine the businesses’ reported data with county-level economic data and analyze how JOBZ-related investment is correlated with economic growth in each county. The authors find little evidence of JOBZ’s impact on county-level economic growth during the first 3 years of the program, but do find significant impacts of several workforce and d...
Insulin-Like Growth Factors

The insulin-like growth factors (IGF-I and IGF-II) play important roles in the regulation of growth and metabolism. While the liver is the main source of circulating IGFs, their production by numerous extrahepatic tissues suggests the existence of autocrine and paracrine modes of action in addition to typical endocrine mechanisms. The actions of the IGFs are mediated through their activation of specific cell surface receptors, primarily the IGF-I receptor, although some effects may be mediated through the IGF-II receptor and the insulin receptor. The stability of the IGFs and their interaction with their receptors are mediated by specific IGF binding proteins (IGF-BPs) which are found in the circulation and in extracellular fluids. Thus, the overall biological actions of the IGFs can be regulated by control of ligand biosynthesis, modulation of receptor levels and postreceptor signalling pathways, and changes in the levels and activity of IGF-BPs.
Effects of stimulus probability on reaction time in a number-naming task

Abstract Subjects were required to respond to the visual presentation of numerals by uttering syllables closely resembling the names of the numerals. Information in stimulus ensembles was varied by manipulating the number of alternative stimulus configurations that could appear, the relative frequencies of stimuli within an ensemble and the probability of a response being required. An increasing linear function was a good first approximation to the relation between reaction time and information transmission. Systematic deviations from this function were found and an attempt is made to explain them by introducing an intervening variable, “effective probability.”
Examining the Prevalence, Bidirectionality, and Co-Occurrence of Sexual Intimate Partner Violence among Women During Pregnancy and Postpartum.

OBJECTIVES: This longitudinal study examined the prevalence of women's sexual intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration, the extent to which women experienced both sexual IPV victimization and perpetration, and the overlap between women's experiences of sexual IPV with psychological and physical IPV victimization and perpetration. METHODS: Data were collected via self-report survey from 180 women during the first 18 weeks of pregnancy and 122 participants completed follow-up assessments at six weeks postpartum. RESULTS: At both time points, the prevalence of sexual IPV victimization and perpetration were similar in this sample. Bidirectional sexual IPV was more common than sexual IPV victimization or perpetration only. The majority of participants who experienced sexual IPV victimization at baseline and follow-up also experienced psychological or physical IPV victimization. No participants at either time point reported sexual IPV perpetration only, those participants who perpetrated sexual IPV also perpetrated psychological or physical IPV. CONCLUSIONS: Future research should investigate women's sexual IPV victimization and perpetration as they relate to other areas of mental and physical health during this time period. Language: en
A man for the ages

I first met Bob Good in 1965. He was presiding over a meeting of the Midwestern Society for Clinical Research, at which I gave a presentation on hereditary C’2 deficiency in man. Fred Rosen had given me my marching orders: ‘‘If Bob Good asks you any questions, don’t give him any answers.’’ After the presentation Bob asked, ‘‘Would you give me the name of the propositus?’’—‘‘No’’—‘‘Can you tell me where he lives?’’—‘‘No’’—‘‘Can you tell me his ethnic background?’’—‘‘No.’’ By this time the audience was laughing, but I had done my duty. Twenty-two years later I moved to St. Petersburg, Florida to join Dr. Good’s Division of Allergy/Immunology as the titular Director of Bone Marrow Transplant Services. It was then I had the great fortune to work with him to come to know this great man. Sir William Osler wrote, ‘‘Professors may be divided into four classes. There is, first, the man who can think, but who neither has tongue nor technique. Though useless for the ordinary student, he may be the leaven of the faculty and the chief glory of his university. A second variety is the professor who can talk, but who can neither think nor work. Under the old regime he repeated year by year the same lectures. A third is the man who has technique. But who can neither talk nor think; and the fourth is the rare professor who can do all three, think, talk and work.’’ Bob Good was the exemplar academic triple threat. His Division was notable for the daily interactive give and take of its members. I believe that we were regarded as intellectual equals. Ideas were freely expressed, obviously, some were noteworthy, and others were discarded. The leaven of this ferment was Dr. Good. Bob fostered a quest for knowledge: ‘‘Scientific knowledge renews itself ever 10 years.’’ Clearly he was the leader, but I was blessed to have associates such as Bob Nelson, Maite de la Morena, Alan Wayne, Richard Cahill, Mandel Sher and Noorbibi Day who made me
A split-flux model for phonon transport near hotspots

Intense electron-phonon scattering near the peak electric field in a semiconductor device results in nanometer-scale phonon hotspots with power densities on the order of 1 W/μm3 . To study the impact of the hotspot on phonon transport, we solve the phonon Boltzmann transport equation under the relaxation time approximation to yield the departure from equilibrium amongst phonon modes. The departure function is split into two contributions: one arising from the far-from-equilibrium emitted phonons and the other from the near-equilibrium thermal phonons. The model predictions are compared with existing data on ballistic phonon transport in silicon. Computations of transient and steady state phonon occupation numbers for a device geometry show the predominance of longitudinal optical phonons for electric fields on the order of 1 MV/m. Due to the low group velocity of these modes, there is an energy stagnation at the hotspot which results in an excess temperature rise of about 13% for a 90 nm bulk silicon device. During device switching, emitted phonons have sufficient time to relax completely when the duty cycle is 30% on a period of 100 ps.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
"Readness": a design exploration of personal document management in historical and collaborative context

When faced with many documents, people often use systems that characterize documents as read or unread. Most email and document management systems treat this distinction as a binary - either a document has been read, or not. This poster explores designs that expand this binary distinction into a continuum of "readness," based on the user's personal history and collaborative context. The work focuses on late-breaking design concepts.
Reactivity of heparin with the human plasma heparin-binding proteins thrombin, antithrombin III, and apolipoproteins E and B-100

Abstract The heparin-binding properties of human plasma apolipoproteins B-100 and E (apoB-100 and E) of low density lipoproteins (LDL), thrombin, and antithrombin-III (AT-III) were investigated. A highly reactive heparin (HRH) to apoB-100 was isolated by chromatography of crude heparin on a column of LDL immobilized to Affi-Gel 10. This HRH showed a high, Ca 2+ -dependent precipitating activity towards LDL; 1 μg HRH uronic acid precipitated 50–70 μg LDL-protein. HRH was fractionated further by chromatography on a column of AT-III bound to concanavalin A-Sepharose. The unretained fraction of heparin (HRH 1 )had a low affinity for AT-III. The bound heparin (HRH 2 ) had a high affinity for AT-III and precipitated LDL in the presence of Ca 2+ . To assess further their heparin-binding properties, the proteins were subjected to gradient-gel electrophoresis under denaturing conditions, transferred to nitrocellulose by electrophoresis, and then assayed for their ability to bind [ 125 I]-labeled HRH 2 . Autoradiographic analysis showed that thrombin, apolipoproteins E and B-100, and the AT-III-thrombin covalent complex bound HRH 2 . Denatured AT-III did not bind HRH 2 , indicating that its heparin recognition site may depend on conformation.
Surveillance of Mechanical Systems on the Basis of Vibration Signature Analysis

A comprehensive experimental study is presented to assess the utility of a proposed structural health monitoring and damage detection methodology based on vibration signature analysis of the test article. The approach uses a time-domain least-squares-based method to identify the reduced-order system matrices of an equivalent linear model whose order matches the number of available sensors. A quantification of the level of the system nonlinearity is obtained by determining the residual nonlinear forces involved in the system dynamics. The approach is applied to an intricate mechanical system about which virtually no information was available; i.e., the system was essentially a black box. By using similar measurements from a reference version of the test article and two subsequently modified versions, it is shown that through the use of higher-order statistics involving the probability density functions of key system parameters, a reliable measure of the extent of variation of the system influence functions may be obtained. The use of measures of the identified quantities' dispersion offers a practical method for quantifying the reliability of the estimated changes involved in dealing with real-world (i.e., not noise-free) measurements that result in uncertain estimates of the physical changes in the article being monitored.
New approaches to reverse resistance to hormonal therapy in human breast cancer.

Breast cancer is now the most common malignancy diagnosed in women. Growth factor and estrogen receptors elicit tight regulation of breast tumor progression. Estrogen receptors occur in about two-thirds of breast tumors, and endocrine therapy targeted to these receptors is effective in a large proportion of tumors that express both estrogen and progesterone receptors. However, after an initial period of response to hormonal therapy, such as tamoxifen, most tumors develop resistance leading to disease relapse. Emerging data suggest that previously unsuspected interactions between growth factor and estrogen signaling pathways contribute to growth promotion in breast cancer. Targeting different components of this signaling axis may allow development of more effective and less toxic antihormone treatments for breast cancer. In recent clinical studies, anastrozole, letrozole and exemestane, inhibitors of the estrogen synthase, aromatase, have shown advantages over tamoxifen as treatment for advanced disease. Fulvestrant is a new type of estrogen receptor antagonist that downregulates cellular levels of estrogen receptor and has no agonist activity. Due to its unique mode of action, fulvestrant may be an ideal candidate for combination treatment with inhibitors targeted to growth factor receptor signaling pathways. New understanding of estrogen receptor genes, gene transcripts and variants, post-translational modifications of receptor protein products and interactions with other signaling networks in tumor cells are leading us to unique targeted approaches in the hormonal therapy of breast cancer.
Liability of Hospitality Firms for Deaths On Premises: Recent Court Cases and Methods for Prevention

Proprietors and employees need to be prepared when deaths occur in hospital ity establishments. Lawsuits involving deaths-both homicides and accidents—are frequent. Innkeepers and restaurateurs are held to a standard of ordinary care, with innkeepers having around-the-clock responsibilities and restaurateurs having re sponsibility for much shorter periods of time. Water, fire, food, alcoholic beverages, and vehicles are among the most common causes of accidental deaths. The outcomes of some cases hinge upon what constitutes proximate cause of death. Wrongful death and survival claims are the bases for remedies in death cases. Practical measures for reducing the likelihood of deaths and ensuing legal problems pertain to security, accident prevention, policy adoption and implementation, record keeping, employee training, and insurance coverage.
jean valjean's dilemma: the management of ex-convict identity in the search for employment

Drawing on in-depth interviews with male parolees, this study describes how ex-convicts manage their deviant identities in the labor market. Institutional limitations imposed by both the labor market and the criminal justice system as well as subjects' interpretations of stigma play important roles in determining how they choose to present themselves to others. In understanding and constructing their post-imprisonment identities, former prisoners draw upon cultural scripts to provide models of presentation of self.
Constitutive function, residual stress, and state of uniform stress in arteries

Abstract Fung (1983) has conjectured that the residual stress in an artery distributes itself in such a way to assure that the circumferential stress is uniform across the artery wall under physiological conditions. In this work, we identify the entire class of constitutive functions for which the circumferential stress is uniform across the artery wall when it is subjected to an internal pressure. It is found that these constitutive functions do not necessarily endow residual stresses. Furthermore, a subset of the class of the constitutive functions is identified for which the circumferential stresses are uniform for the entire range of internal pressures. The constitutive functions in this sub-class are found to have zero residual stress. It is the inhomogeneity, rather than residual stress, that assures uniform circumferential stresses. We also examine the possibility of utilizing these constitutive functions in the design and fabrication of an engineered blood vessel with optimal mechanical properties.
Object oriented concepts and mechanisms for feature-based computer integrated inspection

Abstract Computer vision can provide fast, accurate and reliable inspection. In this paper is described a knowledge-based vision inspection planning system for manufactured components based on their CAD design models. An object oriented methodology is developed to capture the knowledge such as the geometric entities, their relationships, sensors and plans. Reasoning mechanisms are developed to automatically determine various attributes of the different features of an object to be inspected, and to generate the alternative strategies for inspection of each attribute. Mechanisms for automated generation of sensor settings and optimization of the inspection plan are also developed. Sensor constraints are considered in determining the camera parameters. This inspection methodology is flexible, and it is easily integrated with the design and process planning aspects of an integrated manufacturing system.
Image spam clustering: an unsupervised approach

We propose an unsupervised image clustering framework for revealing the common origins, i.e. the spam gangs, of unsolicited emails. In particular, we target email spam with image attachments because spam information is harder to extract due to information hiding enabled by various image obfuscation techniques. To identify spam gangs, we observe that spam images from the same source are usually composed of visually similar elements which are arranged and altered in many different ways in order to trick the spam filter. We propose to infer spam images originated from the same spam gang by investigating spam email similarity in terms of their visual appearance and editing style. In particular, a data mining technique based on unsupervised image clustering is proposed in this paper to solve this problem. This is achieved by first dividing a spam image into different areas/segments, including texts, foreground graphic illustrations, and background areas. The proposed framework then extracts characteristic visual features from segmented areas, including text layout, visual features of foreground graphic illustrations and its spatial layout, and background texture features. In the clustering stage, all spam images are first categorized as illustrated images and text mainly images according to the existence of foreground illustration objects. Then illustrated images are clustered based on the color and/or foreground layout, while text mainly images are clustered based on the text layouts and/or background textures. A novel unsupervised ranked clustering algorithm is proposed for feature fusion, which is used in combination with the traditional hierarchical clustering algorithm for clustering. We test the proposed approach using different settings and combinations of features and measure the overall performance with V-measure.
ECONOMIC GROWTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: EVALUATING ALTERNATIVES

Abstract The environment is no longer to be considered a free good, whether it is utilized for economic growth or is affected by it. This is an exploratory paper attempting to depict a conceptual framework for policy planning embodying growth, environmental and societal variables. The aim is to identify a comprehensive framework and suggest an operationally feasible set of methodologies and processes. In view of the limitations of the current theoretical andmethodological framework, the suggested heuristic approach is an attempt to develop and specify a realistic and convenient process for operational purposes. Moreover, any future developments in theory, methodology, measurement and information is considered to be complementary to, rather than competing with, the proposed framework. The contention is that while the on-going research undertakings are expected to improve the theoretical and methodological framework of the existing body of doctrine, there appears to be a need for a systematic operational framework for policy planning keeping in prospects realism, reasonableness andcertain balances. Sufficient flexibility should be maintained to adjust the particular aspects of the system in light of new information and experience. In summary, the issues of growth and the resultant environmental and societal implications are expounded upon and a conceptual framework is suggested for the process of national priority setting. The desirability of continued growth for the developed and developing countries is predicated upon the premise that environmental and societal variables are to be explicitly embodied in the allocation process so that the composition, structure and the rates of economics growth are compatible with the quality of life ( Q/L ).
Schizophrenia genetics: the search for a hard lead.

Purpose of review To describe the rationale for searching for genes for schizophrenia, prior efforts via candidate gene association and genomewide linkage studies, and to set the stage for the numerous genomewide association studies that will emerge by the end of 2008. Recent findings Genomewide association studies have identified dozens of new and previously unsuspected candidate genes for many biomedical disorders. At least seven new studies of approximately 20,000 cases plus controls are expected to be completed by the end of 2008. Summary Current results have few implications for clinical practice or research, and it is possible that this recommendation could be dramatically different in a year.
Role of Photoperiod and Low Temperature in the Control of Ovigerous Molt in the Terrestrial Isopod, Armadillidium Vulgare (Latreille, 1804)

[Die Rolle von Urnweltfaktoren wie Photoperiode und niedrigen Temperaturen bei der Regulation des Fortpflanzungszyklus der Kugelassel Armadillidium vulgare wurde untersucht, indem Tiere simulierten Lang- und Kurztagsbedingungen sowie niedrigen und hohen Temperaturen ausgesetzt wurden. Lange Photophase von 14 h gefolgt von 10 h Dunkelheit rief bei den Asseln eine kontinuierliche Folge von Reifehautungen hervor; kurze Photophase von 9 h gefolgt von 15 h Dunkelheit loste dagegen normale Hautungen aus. Von unreifen Tieren, die 2 Monate lang einer Temperatur von 11°C ± 1°C ausgesetzt waren, wurde bei 90% der Weibchen eine Reifehautung hervorgerufen, vorausgesetzt sie wurden anschliesend wieder bei 25°C ± 1°C und kurzer Photophase gehalten. Es erscheint nicht ausgeschlossen, das wie bei Insekten lange Photophase und niedrige Temperatur bei A. vulgare eine Aktivierung der neuroendokrinen Drusen bewirken, was seinerseits zu Wachstum der Ovarien und zu Reifehautungen fuhrt. Im Labor erzielte Auswirkungen von Photoperiode und Temperatur auf die Regulation von normalen Hautungen und Reifehautungen bei A. vulgare stehen in guter Ubereinstimmung mit Freilandbeobachtungen hinsichtlich des Auftretens von reifen und unreifen Weibchen., Die Rolle von Urnweltfaktoren wie Photoperiode und niedrigen Temperaturen bei der Regulation des Fortpflanzungszyklus der Kugelassel Armadillidium vulgare wurde untersucht, indem Tiere simulierten Lang- und Kurztagsbedingungen sowie niedrigen und hohen Temperaturen ausgesetzt wurden. Lange Photophase von 14 h gefolgt von 10 h Dunkelheit rief bei den Asseln eine kontinuierliche Folge von Reifehautungen hervor; kurze Photophase von 9 h gefolgt von 15 h Dunkelheit loste dagegen normale Hautungen aus. Von unreifen Tieren, die 2 Monate lang einer Temperatur von 11°C ± 1°C ausgesetzt waren, wurde bei 90% der Weibchen eine Reifehautung hervorgerufen, vorausgesetzt sie wurden anschliesend wieder bei 25°C ± 1°C und kurzer Photophase gehalten. Es erscheint nicht ausgeschlossen, das wie bei Insekten lange Photophase und niedrige Temperatur bei A. vulgare eine Aktivierung der neuroendokrinen Drusen bewirken, was seinerseits zu Wachstum der Ovarien und zu Reifehautungen fuhrt. Im Labor erzielte Auswirkungen von Photoperiode und Temperatur auf die Regulation von normalen Hautungen und Reifehautungen bei A. vulgare stehen in guter Ubereinstimmung mit Freilandbeobachtungen hinsichtlich des Auftretens von reifen und unreifen Weibchen.]
Stigma and the law

The stress associated with stigma can be particularly difficult for those with disease-associated stigma. Not only are they at risk to develop other stress-related illnesses, but the clinical course of the stigmatised illness itself may be worsened and other outcomes affected, such as the ability to work or lead a normal social life. Indeed, the fear of being labelled with the disease may cause individuals to delay or avoid seeking treatment altogether, while those already labelled may decide to distance themselves from the label, forgoing treatment or becoming noncompliant. When either of these processes operate, people suffer the consequences—tragically, including death. Even when patients are willing, stigma can discourage careseeking. The presence of barbed wires, guards, locked wards, and body searches in treatment facilities for the mentally ill could understandably discourage a wouldbe patient. More broadly, if a stigmatised illness has received less attention and fewer research and treatment dollars, the effectiveness of treatments may lag behind treatments for other less stigmatised diseases. Stress is by no means the only factor exacerbating the health problems that stigmatised individuals face. We have proposed that some social conditions are intrinsically related to health because they affect an individual’s exposure to disease risks and protective factors. Thus, throughout history, socioeconomic status has had a robust association with disease and death: people with greater resources of knowledge, money, power, prestige, and social connections are generally better able to avoid risks and to adopt protective strategies. As stigma places people at a substantial social disadvantage with respect to these resources, it increases their exposure to risks and limits access to