cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Grip strength and endurance: Influences of anthropometric variation, hand dominance, and gender

Abstract Studies of grip strength typically examine maximum force during a single repetition, but this type of exertion is relatively rare in the workplace, where tasks frequently involve repeated forceful dynamic grasping or prolonged static holding. This study examined grip strength and endurance in three experiments: single-repetition, 10-repetition, and 30-second static hold. The relationships between anthropometric variation and grip performance were assessed for 51 individuals, aged 18–33. Measurements of the forearm and hand were found to be better predictors of grip strength than were height and weight. The ability to predict strength was most accurate for the single-repetition, and then declined with increasing duration of the experiment. Compared to univariate measurements, multivariate analysis (principal components) slightly improved the ability to predict absolute grip force. In contrast to strength, anthropometric variation was completely unassociated with relative grip endurance (percent change in force production). While larger males produced greater average grip force than did females, no significant differences existed between the genders in measures of relative endurance. The dominant hand was significantly stronger than the opposite hand, but also fatigued more rapidly. This trend was more pronounced in females than in males. Relevance to industry Grip strength and relative endurance may both contribute to the risk of work-related accidents and cumulative musculoskeletal injury. Because grip force and endurance are unrelated, ergonomists should consider which factor is most important and appropriate for their design and research goals.
The increasing use of robot-assisted approach for hysterectomy results in decreasing rates of abdominal hysterectomy and traditional laparoscopic hysterectomy

Purpose To compare the frequency of minimally invasive surgical approach to hysterectomy between two time periods, during which the use of the robotic technique has rapidly increased.
Quantization of helicity on a compact spacetime

The Dirac operator arises naturally on\(\mathbb{S}^1 \times \mathbb{S}^3 \) from the connection on the Lie group U(1)×SU(2) and maps spacetime rays into rays in the Lie algebra. We construct both simple harmonic and pulse solutions to the neutrino equations on\(\mathbb{S}^1 \times \mathbb{S}^3 \), classified by helicity and holonomy, using this map. Helicity is interpreted as the internal part of the Noether charge that arises from translation invariance; it is topologically quantized in integral multiples of a constant g that converts a Lie-algebra phase shift into an action. The fundamental unit of helicity is associated with a full twist in u(1)×su(2) phase per global lightlike cycle. If we pass to the projective space ℝP1xℝP3, we get half-integral helicity.
Localization of immunoglobulins in the mouse uterus, embryo, and placenta during the second half of pregnancy

Throughout the second half of pregnancy in mice there were many plasma cells containing immunoglobulins A (IgA) and G (IgG) in the uterine endometrium. There was intense staining of IgA in uterine glands at all stages, but little staining of IgG. The staining of both immunoglobulins (Igs) in the luminal epithelium was moderate to dark on day 11, slight on day 14, and increased from day 16 to term. From day 14 to term the endometrium exhibited folds or villi around each placenta. The cores of the villi contained many plasma cells of both isotypes, and the staining of extracellular Igs in the villous cores was darker than in nonvillous endometrium. Both Igs were detected in the uterine lumen, and in visceral and parietal yolk sac endoderm cells at all stages. Near term, the staining of Igs in the visceral yolk sac was darkest in the peripheral villous portion adjacent to the endometrial villi. From day 14 to term IgG was present in the visceral yolk sac mesenchyme and embryo, consistent with its transfer from the uterine lumen to the embryo via the vitelline circulation. In contrast, IgA was not detected in yolk sac mesenchyme until day 19, when only slight staining was observed, and IgA was never detected in the embryo. Most trophoblast giant cells contained both Igs on day 11. During the remainder of pregnancy, there was staining of both Igs in labyrinthine trophoblast and in a few giant cells adjacent to the parietal yolk sac on the placenta, but there was negligible staining in the spongiotrophoblast region. Our observations suggest that the local immune system in the mouse uterus may protect the embryo during the second half of pregnancy by secreting anti-microbial immunoglobulins A and G into the uterine lumen surrounding the visceral yolk sac, and may at the same time contribute to the transfer of maternal IgG to the embryo via the yolk sac and vitelline circulation.
Persistent vascular collagen accumulation alters hemodynamic recovery from chronic hypoxia.

Abstract Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is caused by narrowing and stiffening of the pulmonary arteries that increase pulmonary vascular impedance (PVZ). In particular, small arteries narrow and large arteries stiffen. Large pulmonary artery (PA) stiffness is the best current predictor of mortality from PAH. We have previously shown that collagen accumulation leads to extralobar PA stiffening at high strain ( Ooi et al. 2010 ). We hypothesized that collagen accumulation would increase PVZ, including total pulmonary vascular resistance (Z0), characteristic impedance (ZC), pulse wave velocity (PWV) and index of global wave reflections (Pb/Pf), which contribute to increased right ventricular afterload. We tested this hypothesis by exposing mice unable to degrade type I collagen (Col1a1R/R) to 21 days of hypoxia (hypoxia), some of which were allowed to recover for 42 days (recovery). Littermate wild-type mice (Col1a1+/+) were used as controls. In response to hypoxia, mean PA pressure (mPAP) increased in both mouse genotypes with no changes in cardiac output (CO) or PA inner diameter (ID); as a consequence, Z0 (mPAP/CO) increased by ∼100% in both genotypes (p
Tc 92 and Tc 93 by Relative Cross-Section Measurements

Under 5-Mev proton and 10-Mev deuteron bombardments on natural Mo and on electro-magnetically enriched Mo isotopes, activities of 2.7-hour, 47-minute, and 4.5-minute half-lives are found to be produced from ${\mathrm{Mo}}^{92}$. The relative cross sections for the production of these activities are 25:127:1, respectively. On comparing these figures with those for the $(p,n):(p,\ensuremath{\gamma})$ reactions from ${\mathrm{Mo}}^{95}$, the 47-minute activity is assigned to ${\mathrm{Tc}}^{92}$, and the 2.7-hour and the 4.5-minute activities to ${\mathrm{Tc}}^{93}$. ${\mathrm{Tc}}^{92}$ decays by $K$-capture only attended with 1.5-Mev $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-rays. For the 2.7-hour ${\mathrm{Tc}}^{93}$, the decay is 93 percent by $K$-capture and 7 percent by emission of positrons of maximum energy 0.83 Mev. There are also $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-rays of energy 2.0 Mev associated with this activity.
Evidence of a novel isoform of placenta growth factor (PlGF-4) expressed in human trophoblast and endothelial cells

Placenta growth factor (PlGF), a homodimeric glycoprotein that is homologous to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), is mitogenic to endothelial cells and protects trophoblast from apoptosis. Alternative splicing of mature mRNA gives rise to three known isoforms of PlGF. PlGF is expressed by human trophoblast during normal pregnancy, however, it is not known which isoforms are produced. We have utilized RT-PCR to characterize PlGF isoform expression in normal human trophoblast and umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). Our results show that PlGF-1, PlGF-2, and PlGF-3 isoforms are expressed by trophoblast and HUVECs. In addition, both cell types also express a novel variant of PlGF, tentatively termed PlGF-4, which has not been previously reported. PlGF-4 consists of the same sequence of PlGF-3, plus the heparin binding domain previously thought to be present only in PlGF-2. Presence of the heparin binding domain in PlGF-4 suggests that this variant would remain cell membrane-associated and thus could influence trophoblast and endothelial cells in an autocrine manner.
Elevated temperature behavior of thermomechanically treated 6061 aluminum

High strength thermomechanically treated 6061 Al is not as thermally stable as solution treated and aged 6061 Al. It may be that other procedures can be developed that will increase the high temperature performance.
A nomogram for retinene2-based visual pigments

Difference spectra of retinene2 pigments are broader than those of retinene1 pigments if both are plotted on a frequency scale. Dartnall's nomogram, prepared from retinene1 pigment data, is therefore not entirely satisfactory for locating the λmax of retinene2 pigments. A nomogram specifically for retinene2 pigments has been devised from the difference spectrum of the retinene2 pigment of coho salmon. Evidence of its validity is presented, and its applications are discussed.
Comparing US for-profit and non-profit online MBA programs: a descriptive analysis of relevant issues

In recent years the growth of online internet-based education has exploded, changing the way higher education is delivered to a large segment of the global population of MBA students. Sensing an opportunity to compete for online student tuition revenue, many for-profit educational organisations were founded to capitalise on this trend. In fact, for-profit institutions have been able to attract such a high number of online MBA students that traditional (non-profit) schools’ online MBA programs could be in danger of being squeezed out of the market. This study examines the marketplace for the online MBA and addresses the challenges of competing for MBA students in the dynamic online arena.
Discussion of The Impact of SFAS No. 131 on Information and Monitoring

the original SEC line-of-business (LOB) reporting requirements (see Pacter [1993] for a detailed summary of this literature). That research documents that data released through the mandatory adoption of LOB reporting influenced analyst expectations, improved mechanical forecasting models, and reduced information asymmetry. Moreover, the requirement that firms provide two years of historical segment data in the year of adoption allowed researchers to use previously "unavailable" industry-level information to test existing theories about strong and semistrong forms of market efficiency (e.g., Collins [1975]). The current conference paper by Berger and Hann (hereafter, BH) is closely aligned with these traditional segment-reporting studies. By focusing on the mandatory adoption of SFAS 131, BH exploit a natural experiment for examining information, performance, and pricing attributes before and after the new industry-segment data are initially revealed to capital
Drosophila α/β Mushroom Body Neurons Form a Branch-Specific, Long-Term Cellular Memory Trace after Spaced Olfactory Conditioning

Summary Functional optical imaging showed that odor or electric shock stimuli presented to the fly causes transient calcium influx into the two major axon branches of α/β mushroom body (MB) neurons. One pairing of odor and electric shock stimuli or multiple, massed pairings did not alter odor-evoked calcium influx. In contrast, animals that received multiple, spaced pairings exhibited a robust increase in calcium influx into the MB axons when tested at 9 or 24 hr after training, but not at 3 hr. This modification occurred only in the α branch of the neurons and was blocked by mutation of the amnesiac gene, inhibition of protein synthesis, or the expression of a protein blocker of the transcription factor Creb. Thus, behavioral long-term olfactory memory appears to be encoded as a branch-specific modification of calcium influx into the α/β MB neurons that occurs after spaced training in a protein synthesis-, Creb-, and amnesiac -dependent way.
An Analysis Of Film/Screen Combinations And Patient Exposures From Nationwide Evaluation Of X-Ray Trends (Next)

The wide variation in patient exposures for the same examination at different facilities, as shown by the Nationwide Evaluation of X-Ray Trends (NEXT) data, has been previously reported. In order to investigate this variation, an image receptor module (IRM) was designed to be used in conjunction with the NEXT system. It has been used to collect information on the types of films, screens, and grids used for over 900 radiographic exams in 12 States. Numerical relative speed values were experimentally determined for many of the more frequently used film/screen combinations, enabling a speed index to be assigned to these combinations when reported in the IRM. Principal findings to be discussed are the variation in film/screen speeds used for a given examination; the variation in exposures at skin entrance for a given examination, even when film/screen combinations of the same speed range are used; and relationships between the speed of the image receptor system and the exposure at skin entrance.
Replication of heterochromatin: insights into mechanisms of epigenetic inheritance

Heterochromatin is composed of tightly condensed chromatin in which the histones are deacetylated and methylated, and specific nonhistone proteins are bound. Additionally, in vertebrates and plants, the DNA within heterochromatin is methylated. As the heterochromatic state is stably inherited, replication of heterochromatin requires not only duplication of the DNA but also a reinstallment of the appropriate protein and DNA modifications. Thus replication of heterochromatin provides a framework for understanding mechanisms of epigenetic inheritance. In recent studies, roles have been identified for replication factors in reinstating heterochromatin, particularly functions for origin recognition complex, proliferating cell nuclear antigen, and chromatin-assembly factor 1 in recruiting the heterochromatin binding protein HP1, a histone methyltransferase, a DNA methyltransferase, and a chromatin remodeling complex. Potential mechanistic links between these factors are discussed. In some cells, replication of the heterochromatin is blocked, and in Drosophila this inhibition is mediated by a chromatin binding protein SuUR.
A descriptive model for perception of optical illusions

Abstract The apparent curves of stable geometrical illusions of angle are modeled by a first-order differential equation depending on a single parameter, called the strength of the illusion. The model is based on Brentano's theory that the human visual system tends to overestimate acute angles. It is mathematically equivalent to Hoffman's Lie-theoretic model ( SIAM Review , 13 (1971), pp. 169–184) except for some deficiencies of detail in Hoffman's approach which are noted and corrected. By reversing the sign of the strength parameter, “correction” curves may be plotted which cause the illusion to “disappear,” thereby demonstrating the effectiveness and accuracy of the model. The method is illustrated with the classical illusions of Poggendorff, Zollner, Hering, Orbison, Ponzo, and Muller-Lyer.
Discerning Direct and Indirect Paths: Principle and Application in Passive Target Positioning Systems

Passive target localization is an important prerequisite for applications ranging from security to logistics to emergency response. The localization system estimates the location of the target by utilizing runtime and direction of the signal (multipath component, MPC) directly reflected by the target. Indirect paths (IPs), i.e., MPCs that interact with environmental objects as well as the target, need to be discerned from the direct paths; failing to do so brings bias to location estimate, and is a major source of localization error. This paper proposes a novel scheme for the detection of IPs in the presence of noise, jointly employing the time of arrival (TOA), direction of arrival (DOA) and direction of departure (DOD) estimates. The decision statistic of this scheme is the distance between the intersection of DOA and DOD directions and the TOA ellipse. Under the assumption of Gaussian errors of TOA, DOA and DOD, the scheme is implemented to maximize the probability of detection given a fixed probability of false alarm. The paper derives closed-form equations for the decision criterion and the resulting performance. Simulation results are given to support the validity of our scheme.
Venus' center of figure-center of mass offset

Magellan altimetry data reveal that the center of figure (CF) of Venus is displaced approximately 280 m from its center of mass (CM) toward 4.4 deg S, 135.8 deg E, a location in Aphrodite Terra. This offset is smaller than those of other terrestrial planets but larger than the estimated error, which is no more than a few tens of meters. We examine the possibility that the CF-CM offset is related to specific geologic provinces on Venus by deriving three simple models for the offset: a thick-crust model, a hotspot model, and a thick-lithosphere model. The offset caused by a region of thick crust depends upon the region's extent, the crust-mantle density contrast, and the thickness of excess crust. A hotspot-related offset depends on the extent of the thermally anomalous region and the magnitude of the thermal anomaly. Offset due to a region of thick lithosphere depends upon the extent of the region, the average temperature contrast across the lithosphere, and the amount of excess lithosphere. We apply the three models to Venus plateau-shaped highlands, volcanic rises, and lowlands, respectively, in an attempt to match the observed CF-CM offset location and magnitude. The influence of most volcanic rises and of Ishtar Terra on the CF-CM offset must be quite small if we are to explain the direction of the observed offset. The lack of influence of volcanic rises can be explained if the related thermal anomalies are limited to a few hundred degrees or less and are plume-shaped (i.e., characterized by a flattened sublithospheric `head' with a narrow cylindrical feeder `tail'). The unimportance of Ishtar Terra is most easily explained if it lies atop a significant mantle downwelling.
From RGB-D to low-resolution tactile: Smart sampling and early testing

Because of low resolution and simple scene transducing approaches (e.g., uniform sampling) used in current visual prosthetic devices, only very limited restoration or substitution of vision can be provided to the visually impaired. Two interesting and challenging research problems arise. The first one is how to transduce the most important information to end users with very limited resolution; and the second one is how effectively visual prosthetic devices work with blind people. In this paper, various smart sampling and enhancement methods based on color and depth (RGB-D) segmentation are described that can be used to automatically select, sample and transduce the most useful scene information to end users with these visual substitution devices. The RGB-D segmentation is first generated by a patch-based stereovision algorithm, given a pair of color images captured by a stereo camera head. Then, the RGB-D segmentation is transduced into various alternative perception choices. Furthermore, some early studies on a visual prosthetic device using a tongue stimulator are described, and preliminary experiments are discussed that test the proposed methods.
Postprocessing technique to correct for background gradients in image-based R*(2) measurements.

Background static magnetic field gradients are a source of signal loss in gradient-echo imaging, as they typically result from discontinuity in the magnetic susceptibility at air-tissue boundaries. Moreover, these induced gradients severely compromise the measurement of R*(2), the effective transverse relaxation rate, which is of interest in many biomedical applications of MRI. Since the slice thickness is usually larger than the in-plane pixel dimensions, gradients parallel to the slice-select direction are of particular concern. In this work, a post-processing technique is introduced which attempts to correct the signal on the assumption that the background gradients are approximately linear across the voxel and the signal decay in the absence of these gradients is exponential. In this case, the time-domain signal is weighted by a sinc function characterized by the amplitude G(b) of the background gradient, which is typically not known a priori. The algorithm searches for the estimate of G(b) which yields the optimum fit of the corrected experimental data to an exponential. It is shown to be effective as long as this gradient is below a critical threshold. Evaluation in a phantom and in the human brain at 1.5 and 4 T demonstrates that this method can restore R(2)* in spite of the apparent rate constant exceeding the true value by up to 100%. Contrary to prospective correction techniques, the approach presented in this study does not prolong scan time.
Cooperation and depressive symptoms.

Background: Deficits in pro-social cooperation are common in many individuals with mental illnesses such as depression. For decades, researchers have used economic game paradigms to compare crosscultural cooperative behavior. However, research using economic games to assess cooperative behavior in clinical populations is in the early stages. We hypothesized that individuals with greater depressive symptoms would struggle to maintain reciprocity in iterative games, but not in single-iteration games measuring personal values. Methods: Participants (n¼41) played four computer-based economic games (prisoner's dilemma, the public goods game, the ultimatum game, and the trust game) measuring different aspects of cooperation. Participants completed the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS) and other measures of personality and demographics. Analyses assessed the relationships between game performance and psychological distress as measured by the DASS. Results: Significant correlations were found between game performance and depressive symptoms, but not symptoms of anxiety or stress. Performance in the prisoner's dilemma and public goods game was significantly related to depression in a linear regression even when known associations with depressive affect such as age, gender, race, education, marital status, and neuroticism were controlled for. Conclusions: Depressive symptoms were associated with an inability to sustain reciprocal cooperation. Participants showed the predicted deficits in cooperation in these economic games. Economic games show the potential for assessing the social deficits associated with depressive symptoms.
Some studies on the evaluation of gummed‐paper collectors used in determining radioactive fallout

Part of the study on the evaluation of the gummed-paper collector used in determining radioactive fallout is presented. Sampling under rainless conditions was examined quantitatively as a function of humidity, wind velocity, ultraviolet radiation, and storage time. I t was found that sampling is a complicated function of wind velocity and humidity, with electrostatic effects as a dependent variable. Sampling during rain was found to be a function of the wettability of particulate matter, hydrophobic particles being readily deposited from raindrops. Some evidence is presented that the delayed radioactive fallout is hydrophilic or soluble in water or both.
Gouy phase shift in Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography

A Gouy phase shift is acquired each time a beam goes through a focal point. It is a common practice in optical coherence tomography (OCT) systems to focus the light on a sample to obtain a good transverse resolution in addition to the axial resolution provided by the coherence gating. In presence of chromatic aberration, the position of the focal point is wavelength dependent. This leads to an enhanced wavelength dependency of the Gouy phase shift for measurements performed in the focal region of the sample arm. This affects the positioning of the envelope of the interferogram and can thus have a strong impact on the axial position accuracy as measured by an OCT system using the maximum of the envelope. Chromatic aberration not only leads to a Gouy phase shift, but also to an additional wavelength-dependent term related to the transverse phase distribution over the aperture of the collecting optics. This last term brings a contribution that is of the same order as the Gouy phase shift. We demonstrated these effects in time-domain OCT in a previous paper [Lamouche et al., Optics Comm., Vol. 239, 297 (2005)]. This problem is revisited with Fourier-domain OCT by performing measurements with a swept-source OCT system. This allows to confirm that the effect observed is not interferometer dependent but purely optical in origin. It also provides a clear experimental confirmation that the effect is related to chromatic aberration. This work is of interest for OCT measurements that require accurate relative position measurements in the focal region.
Partial Liquid Ventilation (PLV) Reduces Pulmonary Leukostasis in a Model of Acute Lung Injury (ALI). ♦ 212

PLV appears to attenuate the inflammatory response in various models of ALI as evidenced by histology. We have previously shown that PLV decreases free radical release by alveolar macrophages and attenuates oxidative damage to the lung. In view of the neutrophil's central role in the evolution of ALI, we hypothesized that PLV would reduce neutrophil influx to the lung and attenuate systemic inflammation in a model of ALI. 26 NZW rabbits were anesthetized and instrumented with a tra- cheostomy and vascular catheters. Animals were randomly assigned to either PLV with perflubron (LiquiVent®, Alliance Pharmaceutical) or control groups and were ventilated with FiO2= 1.0, and Ve required to obtain normal pCO2. Thirty minutes after onset of ventilation, animals were given 0.9mg/kg of E.coli endotoxin (F583, Sigma) IV. PLV or conventional ventilation was continued for another 5 h before sacrifice. Lungs were removed and frozen at -70°. Representative samples were stained for histology. Neutrophil count per high power field(hpf) was performed in 5 fields per sam- ple. Lung samples were homogenized in triplicate in PBS, ultrasonified, freeze-thawed and clarified. Supernatants were analyzed for MPO activity by spectrophotometry. As a measure of systemic oxi- dative stress, plasma samples from baseline (BL) and 5 h were assayed for oxidative buffer capacity (OBC) by chemiluminescence. Statistical analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney U Test. Table
Remote recurrence of renal cell carcinoma

A fifty-nine-year-old man with abnormal liver function tests, fever, and weight loss was found to have a recurrence of renal cell carcinoma which had been latent for twenty-two years. Reactive hepatitis was a prominent associated finding. The important features of remote recurrence of renal cell carcinoma are discussed.
Infectious DNA of bacteriophage T4

Abstract An assay for infectious T4 DNA is described. The infectious DNA is fully extended and free of protein as judged by its sensitivity to DNases and hydrodynamic shear, its resistance to anti-T4 serum and pronase, and its sedimentation profile. Although the efficiency of the assay is low, it is sufficient for many current needs. DNA concentration dependency and single-burst analyses demonstrate that one complete molecule of DNA initiates the typical transfection. The penetration of the spheroplasts by DNA is slow, the latent period is long and the average burst size is large. Transfection is inhibited by Escherichia coli endonuclease I. Several methods are described to overcome this inhibition.
Temperatures at Interfacial Contact Spots: Dependence on Velocity and on Role Reversal of Two Materials in Sliding Contact

Cas d'un contact glissant. Temperature des asperites en contact. Effets de la vitesse et de l'inversion des roles des deux materiaux
Controlling nocturnal enuresis in severely disabled and chronic patients

Investigations designed to control urinary incontinence among the aged, the brain damaged and the chronic patient have been few. In the present study, 12 chronic patients, half of whom were lobotomized, were assigned to a special “therapeutic” program designed to control nocturnal enuresis. The program, superimposed upon a token economy program, consisted of a 2-month noncontingent, aversive treatment (personally costly and effortful) phase followed by a 6-month contingency management phase in which positive reinforcers were made contingent upon not wetting. A more active program and the noticeable recording of infractions brought about some reduction in bedwetting. The aversive treatment resulted in the attainment of continence in all patients except those who were originally labeled severe enuretics. The addition of a contingency management program not only maintained this improvement but eventually eliminated bedwetting in even the severe enuretics. Lobotomized and severely disturbed patients required up to 7 months of continuous treatment to become continent. However, all patients remained continent through a 42-month follow-up period.
Plaque radiotherapy for retinoblastoma ☆: Long-term tumor control and treatment complications in 208 tumors

Abstract Objective To evaluate the clinical factors predictive for tumor recurrence and treatment complications in a large series of children who underwent plaque radiotherapy for retinoblastoma. Design Retrospective, noncomparative case series. Participants The participants included 141 children with retinoblastoma who were managed on the Oncology Service at Wills Eye Hospital with plaque radiotherapy between July 1976 and June 1999. Main outcome measures Tumor recurrence and treatment complications. Results There were 208 tumors managed with plaque radiotherapy. The mean patient age at plaque treatment was 19 months. Prior treatment to the retinoblastoma of concern was delivered to 148 tumors (71%) and included various combinations of treatments such as intravenous chemoreduction, external beam radiotherapy, laser photocoagulation, thermotherapy, and cryotherapy. For 72 retinoblastomas (35%), more than one therapeutic method had failed to achieve tumor control before the use of plaque radiotherapy. Of the 208 retinoblastomas managed with plaque radiotherapy, Kaplan-Meier estimates of tumor control were 83% at 1 year and 79% at 5 years. Of the 60 tumors treated only with plaque radiotherapy (primary treatment), recurrence at 1 year was 12%. Of the 148 tumors treated after failure of other methods (secondary treatment), specific Kaplan-Meier estimates of tumor recurrence at 1 year was detected in 8% of tumors previously treated with chemoreduction, 25% of tumors previously treated with external beam radiotherapy, 34% tumors previously treated with both chemoreduction and external beam radiotherapy, and 8% of tumors previously treated with laser photocoagulation, thermotherapy, or cryotherapy (methods other than chemoreduction and external beam radiotherapy). Using multivariable analysis, the risks for tumor recurrence included the presence of tumor seeds in the vitreous, presence of subretinal tumor seeds, and increasing patient age. Using Kaplan-Meier estimates, radiation complications at 5 years of follow-up included nonproliferative retinopathy in 27%, proliferative retinopathy in 15%, maculopathy in 25%, papillopathy in 26%, cataract in 31%, glaucoma in 11%, and scleral necrosis in 0%. Conclusions Plaque radiotherapy for retinoblastoma provides tumor control in 79% of cases at 5 years of follow-up. It is particularly useful for those tumors that fail treatment with chemoreduction, laser photocoagulation, thermotherapy, and cryotherapy. Tumors in young patients without vitreous or subretinal seeding show the best long-term control.
The Centricity of Presence in Scenario-Based High Fidelity Human Patient Simulation A Model

Enhancing immersive presence has been shown to have influence on learning outcomes in virtual types of simulation. Scenario-based human patient simulation, a mixed reality form, may pose unique challenges for inducing the centricity of presence among participants in simulation. A model for enhancing the centricity of presence in scenario-based human patient simulation is presented here. The model represents a theoretical linkage among the interaction of pedagogical, individual, and group factors that influence the centricity of presence among participants in simulation. Presence may have an important influence on the learning experiences and learning outcomes in scenario-based high fidelity human patient simulation. This report is a follow-up to an article published in 2014 by the author where connections were made to the theoretical basis of presence as articulated by nurse scholars.
THE EFFECT OF CRIMINAL VICTIMIZATION ON A HOUSEHOLD'S MOVING DECISION*

Only a small body of research addresses the impact of criminal victimization on moving (Skogan, 1990; Taub et al. 1984). Knowledge of this under-researched relationship is important for three reasons. First, moving is costly to the victim both in monetary and psychological terms. Second, if a victimization-mobility relationship exists, then it may partially explain why people migrate to suburban areas from cities. Third, because residential mobility reduces social control that, in turn, potentially results in more crime, evidence that criminal victimization leads to more mobility may help explain a cycle that perpetuates disorder and neighborhood decline (Bursik and Grasmick, 1993; Horwitz, 1990; Miethe and Meier, 1994; Skogan, 1990; Skogan and Maxfield, 1981). This study uses a longitudinal version of the National Crime Survey that includes 22, 375 households to test the hypothesis that criminal victimization is associated with an increased probability that a household moves.
Traffic generation algorithm for SDH Digital cross-connects

Data in Synchronous Digital Hierarchy (SDH) networks may be routed, managed, and regulated by digital cross-connect systems (DCSs). The adequacy and performance of current and proposed DCSs are determined through simulations, which require realistic connection requests or traffic. This work entailed the creation and analysis of a traffic generation algorithm for SDH DCSs. The algorithm accepts any valid configuration of desired traffic characteristics, and it produces connection and disconnection requests according to the provided configuration. The algorithm incorporates a probabilistic approach that allows the statistics of the configuration to determine the distributions of the types of connections and disconnections that are attempted. Special considerations are made to maintain the requested output load, to apportion the payloads, and to create opportunities for bidirectional connections. This paper includes an analysis of factors that may affect traffic generation.
Understanding human interactions with track and body synergies (TBS) captured from multiple views

This paper presents a new two-stage multi-view framework for the analysis of human interactions and activities. The analysis is performed in a distributed multi-view vision system that synergistically integrates track- and body-level processing. The proposed framework is geared toward versatile and easily-deployable systems that do not require careful camera calibration. The main contributions of the paper are as follows; (1) context-dependent view switching for occlusion handling, (2) a method for switching the two-stage analysis between the track- and body-level processing, and (3) a hypothesis-verification paradigm for top-down feedback that exploits the spatio-temporal constraints inherent in human interaction. An experimental evaluation shows the efficacy of the proposed system for analyzing multi-person interactions.
Deformable templates for face recognition

We describe an approach for extracting facial features from images and for determining the spatial organization between these features using the concept of a deformable template. This is a parameterized geometric model of the object to be recognized together with a measure of how well it fits the image data. Variations in the parameters correspond to allowable deformations of the object and can be specified by a probabilistic model. After the extraction stage the parameters of the deformable template can be used for object description and recognition.
Hepatic ligandin subunits and mRNAs during development

Eight-week-old rats had twofold higher hepatic ligandin concentration than 10-day-old animals as determined immunologically and by steroid isomerase and glutathione S-transferase assays. Increased ligandin content was accompanied by parallel increase in subunit synthesis as determined by [3H]leucine incorporation into each subunit relative to incorporation into total cytosolic proteins. The mRNA content for each ligandin subunit was twofold higher in older animals as determined by cell-free in vitro translation followed by immunoprecipitation and dot hybridization using a ligandin cDNA probe. When poly A mRNA from the postmitochondrial fraction of liver from young or old rats was subjected to agarose gel electrophoresis under denaturing conditions and hybridized to ligandin cDNA probe, a single 11 S band was obtained. With RNA from total liver, an additional 13 S band was obtained, suggesting the existence of a precursor form of ligandin mRNA. Since precursor polypeptides were not observed with RNA from total liver in cell-free in vitro translation systems, the precursor form requires processing to the 11 S form before the mRNA becomes functional.
Grandmother caregiving, family stress and strain, and depressive symptoms

This study used the resiliency model of family stress, adjustment, and adaptation as the framework to examine the main and moderating effects of social support and resourcefulness in the relationship between family life stresses and strain and depressive symptoms in grandmothers raising grandchildren, grandmothers in multigenerational homes, and noncaregivers to grandchildren. A sample of 486 Ohio grandmothers, recruited using random and supplemental convenience methods, completed mailed surveys. Analysis of variance was used to examine differences in family life stresses and strain, resourcefulness, support, and depressive symptoms across the three groups of grandmothers. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses were used to examine whether family stresses and strains affected the grandmother's depressive symptoms and whether social support and resourcefulness moderated the relationship between family stresses and strain and grandmothers' mental health. Grandmothers raising grandchildren reported more depressive symptoms, but in multiple regression analyses of the full sample that controlled for demo-graphics, primary caregiving status was not related to depressive symptoms. More strain and less subjective support and resourcefulness were associated with higher depressive symptoms for all grandmothers, with 33% to 54% explained variances of such symptoms for each caregiving group and the full sample. Subjective support moderated the effects of strain and instrumental support moderated the effects of family life stresses on depressive symptoms. Social support and resourcefulness may help protect grandmothers from the effects of family stresses and strain, and interventions to enhance these factors may assist grandmother caregivers to achieve better mental health.
A Lagrangean relaxation approach to the maximizing-number-of-connection problem in WDM networks

The emergence of WDM (wavelength-division multiplexing) technology has provided great convenience in designing a wavelength routing optical network. We study the routing and wavelength assignment (RWA) problem with the objective of maximizing the number of connections in an all-optical WDM network, where the physical topology and network resource, as well as the connection demand matrix, are given. The paper provides an effective approach with reasonable computational complexity and good performance to solve this problem. We employ a decomposition approach using Lagrangean relaxation (LR) to simplify the solution procedure. The overall problem is decomposed into semi-lightpath level subproblems for the decision of the rejection and the wavelength and route selection from source to destination. We propose the MMCSLP (modified minimum cost semi-lightpath) algorithm to solve the specific form of the subproblem. At the higher level, Lagrange multipliers are updated iteratively by a subgradient method. Also, a heuristic algorithm is proposed to generate a feasible RWA scheme based on the dual solution. The performance of this approach on sample networks is compared with other recently proposed methods. The optimization results indicate that our algorithm can achieve a very good near-optimum solution, and it shows a great advantage in computational complexity.
Suppression of the proinflammatory response of metastatic melanoma cells increases TRAIL-induced apoptosis.

Melanoma is the most lethal form of human skin cancer. However, only limited chemotherapy is currently available for the metastatic stage of the disease. Since chemotherapy, radiation and sodium arsenite treatment operate mainly through induction of the intrinsic mitochondrial pathway, a strongly decreased mitochondrial function in metastatic melanoma cells, could be responsible for low efficacy of the conventional therapy of melanoma. Another feature of metastatic melanoma cells is their proinflammatory phenotype, linked to endogenous expression of the inflammatory cytokines, such as TNFα IL6 and IL8, their receptors, and constitutive NF-κB- and STAT3-dependent gene expression, including cyclooxygenase-2 (PTGS2/COX2). In the present study, we treated melanoma cells with immunological (monoclonal antibody against TNFα or IL6), pharmacological (small molecular inhibitors of IKKβ–NF-κB and JAK2–STAT3) or genetic (specific RNAi for COX-2) agents that suppressed the inflammatory response in combination with induction of apoptosis via TRAIL. As a result of these combined treatments, exogenous TRAIL via interactions with TRAIL-R2/R1 strongly increased levels of apoptosis in resistant melanoma cells. The present study provides new understanding of the regulation of TRAIL-mediated apoptosis in melanoma and will serve as the foundation for the potential development of a novel approach for a therapy of resistant melanomas. J. Cell. Biochem. 112: 463–475, 2011. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Large-scale single-cell trapping and imaging using microwell arrays.

High-throughput single-cell measurements of cellular responses are of great importance for a variety of applications including drug testing, toxicology, and basic cell biology. We present an optimization study for trapping single cells with high efficiency in large arrays of microwells. The method is compatible with standard fluorescence microscopy equipment and is not dependent on, but is compatible with, cell adherence. We have characterized microwell occupancy by cells for a range of microwell dimensions and seeding parameters and optimized it for fibroblasts (as a model of adherent cell) and rat basophilic leukemia cells (as a model of nonadherent cell). We have been able to obtain phase-contrast and fluorescence micrographs with more than 18 000 single cells per image using a 4× objective.
Nonlinear Guided Waves : Physics and Applications

Nonlinear optics deals with the mixing of optical beams to produce new optical waves, or to change the optical properties of a medium.1 The efficiency of a nonlinear process typically varies (1) directly with the products of the interacting beam intensities, and (2) either linearly (nonphase-matched processes) or quadratically (phase-matched processes) on the distance over which the input and output waves interact, and hence the distance over which the high intensities can be maintained. For all-optical signal processing devices based on low-power sources such as semiconductor lasers, the total optical power available requires focusing of the beams to reduce the beam cross-sectional area and hence increase the intensity. This in turn reduces the interaction distance over which high intensities can be maintained. This tradeoff between high intensities and interaction distance is characteristic of most nonlinear interactions.
HIGH STRAIN RATE COMPRESSION TESTING OF KEVLAR 29 / POLYETHYLENE COMPOSITE WITH VERY HIGH FIBER VOLUME FRACTION

Experimental results are presented for the mechanical properties of Kevlar 29 / Polyethylene thermoplastic matrix composite in compression at high strain rates. Results of quasi static tests are also presented. Fiber volume fraction (Vf) in the composite is 85%. The composite is quasi - isotropic. All the tests were conducted at room temperature. High strain rate tests were conducted using a Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar (SHPB) and the quasi static tests were conducted in an Instron machine. The yield stress and yield strain are presented for strain rates varying from 400/s to 1535/s in one of the in-plane (i.e. 1 and 2 directions) directions and from 1010/s to 2165/s in the 3 direction. The data from the 29 dynamic tests and 6 quasi static tests were statistically analyzed and discussed in some detail. The dynamic test results are represented by equations wherever possible and compared to the static test results. Significant increase in compressive yield strength and decrease in yield strain are observed at high strain rates compared to those of the material at quasi static tests.
Upper facial chorea in Huntington disease

To provide a systematic description of component movements of upper facial chorea in Huntington disease, consecutive videos of 25 active patients with confirmed diagnosis were scored on eye opening, eye closing, and procerus/corrugator contractions. Of the 25 patients evaluated, 76% exhibited intermittently widened palpebral fissures associated with frontalis contractions. Brief periods of repetitive but irregular blinking were observed in 16%. 8% had brief spasms of the orbital portion of the orbicularis oculi muscles. In addition, brief contractions of procerus and corrugator supercilii muscles were noted in 52%.
A longitudinal study of executive function and theory of mind development in autism

Both executive function and theory of mind impairment have been suggested as primary deficits of autism. One test of the primacy of a deficit is its persistence and stability throughout development. This longitudinal study examined development of executive function and theory of mind abilities over a 3-year time period, comparing nonretarded autistic adolescents with learning-disabled controls matched on age, IQ, gender, and socioeconomic status (SES). Results indicate that both executive function and theory of mind abilities are seriously deficient in autistic individuals, improve little with development, may never reach normal functioning levels, and appear to eventually hit a developmental ceiling. Developmental variables showed little relationship to overall task performance or improvement in either cognitive domain. The similar developmental trajectories of executive function and theory of mind performance found in this investigation suggest that these skills may be related and interdependent, rather than independent modules of cognitive function. Implications for the neurological basis of autism and intervention are also discussed.