cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Estimating cost-offsets of new medications: use of new antipsychotics and mental health costs for schizophrenia.

Estimation of the effect of one treatment compared to another in the absence of randomization is a common problem in biostatistics. An increasingly popular approach involves instrumental variables—variables that are predictive of who received a treatment yet not directly predictive of the outcome. When treatment is binary, many estimators have been proposed: method-of-moments estimators using a two-stage least-squares procedure, generalized-method-of-moments estimators using two-stage predictor substitution or two-stage residual inclusion procedures, and likelihood-based latent variable approaches. The critical assumptions to the consistency of two-stage procedures and of the likelihood-based procedures differ. Because neither set of assumptions can be completely tested from the observed data alone, comparing the results from the different approaches is an important sensitivity analysis. We provide a general statistical framework for estimation of the casual effect of a binary treatment on a continuous outcome using simultaneous equations to specify models. A comparison of health care costs for adults with schizophrenia treated with newer atypical antipsychotics and those treated with conventional antipsychotic medications illustrates our methods. Surprisingly large differences in the results among the methods are investigated using a simulation study. Several new findings concerning the performance in terms of precision and robustness of each approach in different situations are obtained. We illustrate that in general supplemental information is needed to determine which analysis, if any, is trustworthy and reaffirm that comparing results from different approaches is a valuable sensitivity analysis. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Self-Calibrating Method for Photogeometric Acquisition of 3D Objects

We present a self-calibrating photogeometric method using only off-the-shelf hardware that enables quickly and robustly obtaining multimillion point-sampled and colored models of real-world objects. Some previous efforts use a priori calibrated systems to separately acquire geometric and photometric information. Our key enabling observation is that a digital projector can be simultaneously used as either an active light source or as a virtual camera (as opposed to a digital camera, which cannot be used for both). We present our self-calibrating and multiviewpoint 3D acquisition method, based on structured light, which simultaneously obtains mutually registered surface position and surface normal information and produces a single high-quality model. Acquisition processing freely alternates between using a geometric setup and using a photometric setup with the same hardware configuration. Further, our approach generates reconstructions at the resolution of the camera and not only the projector. We show the results of capturing several high-quality models of real-world objects.
Position paper: Sapper -- a language for provable hardware policy enforcement

We describe Sapper, a language for creating critical hardware components that have provably secure information flow. Most systems that enforce information flow policies place the hardware microarchitecture within the trusted computing base, and also assume that the observable behavior of that microarchitecture is fully and correctly documented. However, the reality is that this behavior is incompletely (and sometimes incorrectly) specified, and that the microarchitecture itself often contains implementation bugs. This fact means that all such systems are vulnerable to attack by exploiting undocumented or buggy hardware features. Sapper addresses this problem by enabling flexible and efficient hardware design that is provably secure with respect to a given information flow policy. Sapper uses a hybrid approach that leverages unique language features and static analysis to determine a set of dynamic checks that are automatically inserted into the hardware design. These checks are provably sufficient to guarantee that the resulting hardware prevents all explicit, implicit, and timing channels even if the hardware is otherwise buggy or poorly documented.
Surface antigens of immunocompetent cells. Iii. In vitro studies of the role of b and t cells in immunological memory.

The effect of preincubation with anti-θ or anti-mouse immunoglobulin (Ig) and complement (C') on immune responsiveness of spleen cells from BALB/c mice immunized with sheep erythrocytes (SE) was investigated. Both treatments greatly depressed the remaining ability to produce a secondary response to SE in vitro. Normal BALB/c spleen cells were far less effective in reconstituting the responses of such depleted cell populations than were much smaller numbers of untreated immune spleen cells. Thymus-derived cell (T cell) memory appeared early after immunization and showed specificity for the immunizing antigens. Recombination of anti-Ig-treated with anti-θ-treated immune spleen cells resulted in virtually complete reconstitution of responsiveness. The presence of immunological memory in T cells and the nature of their surface receptors are discussed.
HOLISTIC MANUAL THERAPY TECHNIQUES

I know that touching was and still is and always will be the true revolution. NIKKI GIOVANNI
Hybrid transitive trust mechanisms

Establishing trust amongst agents is of central importance to the development of well-functioning multi-agent systems. For example, the anonymity of transactions on the Internet can lead to inefficiencies; e.g., a seller on eBay failing to ship a good as promised, or a user free-riding on a file-sharing network. Trust (or reputation) mechanisms can help by aggregating and sharing trust information between agents. Unfortunately these mechanisms can often be manipulated by strategic agents. Existing mechanisms are either very robust to manipulation (i.e., manipulations are not beneficial for strategic agents), or they are very informative (i.e., good at aggregating trust data), but never both. This paper explores this trade-off between these competing desiderata. First, we introduce a metric to evaluate the informativeness of existing trust mechanisms. We then show analytically that trust mechanisms can be combined to generate new hybrid mechanisms with intermediate robustness properties. We establish through simulation that hybrid mechanisms can achieve higher overall efficiency in environments with risky transactions and mixtures of agent types (some cooperative, some malicious, and some strategic) than any previously known mechanism.
Anoikis Disruption of Focal Adhesion-Akt Signaling Impairs Renal Cell Carcinoma

Abstract Background Quinazoline-based α1-adrenoceptor antagonists suppress tumor growth by inducing apoptosis via an α1-adrenoceptor-independent action. Anoikis is a unique mode of apoptosis consequential to insufficient cell-matrix interactions. Objective This study investigated the apoptotic effect of novel quinazoline-based compounds on human renal cancer cells. Design, setting, and participants Two cell lines were used: renal cell carcinoma (RCC) 786-0, harboring a von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) tumor-suppressor gene mutation with a highly angiogenic phenotype, and Caki cells (no VHL mutation). Measurements The lead compound DZ-50 (10μM) led to significant inhibition of tumor-cell adhesion, migration, and invasion at a lower dose than doxazosin (25μM) in both RCC lines. Results and limitations Doxazosin induced death-receptor-mediated apoptosis, while DZ-50 led to anoikis via targeting of the focal adhesion complex and AKT signaling that subsequently increased RCC susceptibility to caspase-8-mediated apoptosis. Both quinazoline compounds, doxazosin and DZ-50, significantly reduced RCC metastatic potential in vivo. Conclusions Quinazoline-based drugs trigger anoikis in RCC by targeting the focal adhesion survival signaling. This potent antitumor action against human RCC suggests a novel quinazoline-based therapy targeting renal cancer.
Real-time perceptual watermarking architectures for video broadcasting

Existing secure embedded systems are primarily cryptography based. However, for effective Digital Rights Management (DRM) of multimedia in the framework of embedded systems, both watermarking and cryptography are necessary. In this paper, a watermarking algorithm and corresponding VLSI architectures are presented that will insert a broadcaster's logo into video streams in real-time to facilitate copyrighted video broadcasting and Internet protocol television (IP-TV). The VLSI architecture is prototyped using a hardware description language (HDL) and when realized in silicon can be deployed in any multimedia producing consumer electronics equipment to enable real-time DRM right at the source. The watermark is inserted into the video stream before MPEG-4 compression, resulting in simplified hardware requirements and superior video quality. The watermarking processing is performed in the frequency (DCT) domain. The system is initially simulated and validated in MATLAB/Simulink^(R) and subsequently prototyped on an Altera^(R) Cyclone-II FPGA using VHDL. Its maximum throughput is 43frames/s at a clock speed of 100MHz which makes it suitable for emerging real-time digital video broadcasting applications such as IP-TV. The watermarked video is of high quality, with an average Peak-Signal-to-Noise Ratio (PSNR) of 21.8dB and an average Root-Mean-Square Error (RMSE) of 20.6.
A rapid radiative transfer model for SSMIS UAS channels that takes the earth-rotation doppler shift and Zeeman effects into account

Special Sensor Microwave Imager/Sounder (SSMIS) on board the US Defense Meteorology Satellite Program (DMSP) satellites includes six upper atmosphere sounding (UAS) channels. Radiances in three of the UAS channels, channels 19 – 21, are influenced by a combination of Doppler shift caused by Earth's rotation and the effect of the Zeeman-splitting of the O2 magnetic transition. In order to operationally assimilate the radiance data or retrieve temperature profile from the data, a fast radiative transfer (RT) model for the SSMIS UAS channels has been developed and recently implemented in the Community Ratiative Transfer Model (CRTM). This paper provides a summary of the model algorithms and validations. Also included in the paper are the preliminary results of temperature profile retrieval from a one-dimensional variational system in which the fast model is applied.
Identification of a novel Ras-regulated proapoptotic pathway.

Background The Ras-GTPase controls cell fate decisions through the binding of an array of effector molecules, such as Raf and PI 3-kinase, in a GTP-dependent manner. NORE1, a noncatalytic polypeptide, binds specifically to Ras-GTP and to several other Ras-like GTPases. NORE is homologous to the putative tumor suppressor RASSF1 and to the Caenorhabditis elegans polypeptide T24F1.3. Results We find that all three NORE-related polypeptides bind selectively to the proapoptotic protein kinase MST1, a member of the Group II GC kinases. Endogenous NORE and MST1 occur in a constitutive complex in vivo that associates with endogenous Ras after serum stimulation. Targeting recombinant MST1 to the membrane, either through NORE or myristoylation, augments the apoptotic efficacy of MST1. Overexpression of constitutively active Ki-RasG12V promotes apoptosis in a variety of cell lines; Ha-RasG12V is a much less potent proapoptotic agent; however, a Ha-RasG12V effector loop mutant (E37G) that binds NORE, but not Raf or PI 3-kinase, exhibits proapoptotic efficacy approaching that of Ki-RasG12V. The apoptotic action of both Ki-RasG12V and Ha-RasG12V, E37G is suppressed by overexpression of the MST1 carboxy-terminal noncatalytic segment or by the NORE segment that binds MST1. Conclusions MST1 is a phylogenetically conserved partner of the NORE/RASSF polypeptide family, and the NORE-MST1 complex is a novel Ras effector unit that mediates the apoptotic effect of Ki-RasG12V.
Predictors of individual tumor local control after stereotactic radiosurgery for non-small cell lung cancer brain metastases.

Purpose To evaluate local control rates and predictors of individual tumor local control for brain metastases from non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated with stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). Methods and Materials Between June 1998 and May 2011, 401 brain metastases in 228 patients were treated with Gamma Knife single-fraction SRS. Local failure was defined as an increase in lesion size after SRS. Local control was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. The Cox proportional hazards model was used for univariate and multivariate analysis. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was used to identify an optimal cutpoint for conformality index relative to local control. A P value Results Median age was 60 years (range, 27-84 years). There were 66 cerebellar metastases (16%) and 335 supratentorial metastases (84%). The median prescription dose was 20 Gy (range, 14-24 Gy). Median overall survival from time of SRS was 12.1 months. The estimated local control at 12 months was 74%. On multivariate analysis, cerebellar location (hazard ratio [HR] 1.94, P =.009), larger tumor volume (HR 1.09, P P =.044) were significant independent predictors of local failure. Conformality index cutpoints of 1.4-1.9 were predictive of local control, whereas a cutpoint of 1.75 was the most predictive ( P =.001). The adjusted Kaplan-Meier 1-year local control for conformality index ≥1.75 was 84% versus 69% for conformality index Conclusions Cerebellar tumor location, lower conformality index, and larger tumor volume were significant independent predictors of local failure after SRS for brain metastases from NSCLC. These results warrant further investigation in a prospective setting.
The shape and psychophysics of cinematic space

For the film goer who sits to the front and side of a movie theater, the virtual space “behind” the screen undergoes affine and perspective transformations. These transformations should, one would think, make the rigidity of objects on the screen very difficult to discern. Despite the fact that it has long been known that viewers are not very sensitive to such distortions, a phenomenon I call La Gournerie’s paradox, the effect is without a good theoretical account. Two possibilities are: (1) that viewers rectify the distortions of Euclidean space through the use of information about screen slant, and (2) that sufficient information is preserved under these transformations so that perception may be unperturbed. This paper presents preliminary arguments for the information-preservation view and introduces a new technique, that of using simulated projection surfaces, whose use in experimental situations suggests that Euclidean rectification is not necessary.
Seasonal dynamics of the helminths of bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) in a subtropical region

Seasonal prevalence and abundance of the helminths of bluegill sunfish in a Louisiana oligohaline bayou were measured by a survey and a field “live-box” experiment. The survey took place from the spring of 1997 to the summer of 1998 and examined fish that were <7 cm. Three trematode species, Phagicola nana (Heterophyidae), Ascocotyle tenuicollis (Heterophyidae), and Posthodiplostomum minimum (Diplostomatidae), and 2 nematode species, Camallanus oxycephalus (Camallanidae) and Spinitectus carolini (Cystidicolidae), were examined. Camallanus oxycephalus was the only helminth that showed a distinct seasonal pattern. Abundance and prevalence peaked in summer, which was likely driven by concerted reproductive cycles of females. The survey data indicated that the other helminths fluctuated over time but did not seem to follow a distinct seasonal pattern. The fluctuations could be attributed to the variable nature of the habitat or to the stochastic events that influence transmission dynamics, particularly isolat...
The effects of varying oxygen concentrations on osteogenesis and embryonic cartilage in vitro.

1. An improved method of organ culture, employing embryonic chick tibiae, demonstrated consistent patterns of osteogenesis. With all other factors constant, the amount of bone and collagen formed or destroyed could be controlled solely by altering the amount of oxygen available to the explants from the gaseous phase of the culture. 2. Maximum osteogenesis was observed with an oxygen concentration of 35 per cent. Collagen-fiber formation and osteogenesis were suppressed by lowering the oxygen concentration to 5 per cent and, to a lesser degree, by raising it to 95 per cent. High oxygen concentrations also appeared to cause osteoclasia. 3. Cartilage matrix and cells near the cut ends of explants also demonstrated significant alterations under various oxygen concentrations. High oxygen concentrations (95 per cent) caused extensive chondroclasia. Intermediate oxygen concentrations (20 to 65 per cent) produced numerous large collagen fibers in and about the lacunae of degenerating chondrocytes, while other chondrocytes, undergoing alterations of morphology, came to resemble osteoblasts. Metachromasia of cartilage matrix was lost. Low (5 per cent) and high (95 per cent) oxygen concentrations did not produce similar collagen fiber production, alterations of chondrocyte morphology, or loss of matrix metachromasia.
Nourishing Boomers and Beyond Reaches 50-Plus Year Olds with Health-Related Information

Objective: ‘‘Nourishing Boomers and Beyond’’ aims to improve participants’ dietary choices and physical activity, improve health literacy and use of technology, and build audience for Extension programs. Target Audience: Adults ages 50 and older participated in the program. Theory, Prior Research, Rationale: Informed by social cognitive theory, the curriculum uses education and environmental support to promote behavior change. Description: According to theU.S. Administration onAging (2013), thenumber of adults aged 65 andolderwill double to more than 70 million by 2030, which will place increasing demands on the nation’s healthcare system. Using traditional face-to-face classes by Extension field staff supplemented with technology-based delivery of healthrelated information, the 10 monthly lessons are based on body systems (muscles, heart, bones, brain, eyes, etc.). The program includes a website www.ndsu.edu/boomers with a monthly theme, a daily Facebook page post, Pinterest pins, online modules, and a monthly e-newsletter. Evaluation: Surveysand technology tools areused todetermineprogrameffectiveness.Of thosewhocompleted thesurvey for ‘‘Nourish Your Eyes’’ (n1⁄4275), 48% had participated in the ‘‘nourishyourmuscles’’ class and55%hadparticipated in the ‘‘nourish your heart’’ class. About 98% indicated they learned something new, 95% planned to make a lifestyle change and 63% planned to try an eye-healthy food they had never tried previously. About 32% of the attendees used Facebook. Technology results were analyzed usingGoogle Analytics. To date, the number of web page views has reached 18,682, with 1,468 ongoing users. Conclusions and Implications: Face-to-face education supplemented with technology-based information has promoted knowledge gain and behavior change. Funding: USDA, Grant #2013-46100-21467.
The Importance of the Biopsychosocial Model for Understanding the Adjustment to Arthritis

Over the past several decades, advances in medicine and technology have resulted in the improved ability of clinicians to treat and manage arthritic conditions. Yet, despite these advances and the increasing global prevalence of arthritic conditions, considerable variations exist in treatment and outcomes that cannot be solely explained by access to care and biologic factors. The biopsychosocial model provides clinical practitioners with a multidimensional framework to improve care and appreciate variations in patient outcomes through a method of conceptualizing patients that examines a range of factors across macro- and micro-level systems. Moreover, the biopsychosocial model considers the contribution of a confluence of factors known to affect treatment outcomes and provides practical guidance on how to improve the delivery of care. This chapter presents an overview on the biopsychosocial model, discusses factors that contribute to outcomes across dimensions of patient lives with an emphasis on psychosocial, cultural, and behavioral determinants of health, and concludes with recommendations for using this knowledge to formulate a multifaceted approach to alleviating the suffering of those affected by arthritic conditions.
The Effects of Chemical and Physical Features of Pheromone Plumes Upon the Behavioral Responses of Moths

Many freely-flying or swimming animals are faced with a challenging problem in executing their orientation responses to odor plumes because they do not have the benefit of a fixed reference point (the substrate) in order to gauge the direction of fluid flow, within which the odor signal is borne. Male moths respond to a plume of conspecific female pheromone by flying upwind. The orientation mechanisms that produce the typical side-to-side sinuous (or zigzagging) upwind flight track have been well-studied in several species. By manipulating chemical and physical features of odor signals, recent experiments have revealed that the behavioral mechanisms of optomotor anemotaxis and countermining underlying zigzagging upwind flight by male moths are shaped by moment-to-moment contacts with the strands of odor that constitute a pheromone plume.
Performance evaluation for hybrid architectures

In this dissertation we discuss methodologies for estimating the performance of applications on hybrid architectures, systems that include various types of computing resources (e.g., traditional general-purpose processors, chip multiprocessors, reconfigurable hardware). A common use of hybrid architectures is to deploy stages of pipelined applications on "suitable" compute units. The first problem we focus on is the sizing of data queues between the different processing elements in a hybrid system. The discussion centers on our analytical models that can be used to derive performance metrics of interest, such as throughput and stalling probability for networks of processing elements with finite data buffering between them. We then discuss the reliability of the performance models. We start by presenting scenarios where our analytical model is reliable, and then introduce tests that can detect its inapplicability. Once we transition into the question of reliability of performance models, we assess the accuracy and applicability of various evaluation methods. We present results from our experiments to show the need for measuring and accounting for operating system effects in architectural modeling and estimation. We also point to a lack in the ability of current estimation methods (primarily simulation-based methods) to detect and analyze rare events in application execution. We use this and typical embedded benchmarks to demonstrate the ability and ease of emulation-based performance analysis. We use BLASTN, a biosequence similarity search program, as our running example of a pipelined application in the dissertation. We present Mercury BLASTN, a reconfigurable hybrid system developed to accelerate BLASTN. We also use the performance evaluation techniques developed in this dissertation to aid in the performance estimates for Mercury BLASTN.
Nde Imaging with Multielement Arrays

An ultrasonic phased array system will be described. This is a digitally based system consisting of two 2.5 MHz, 32 element piezoelectric transducer arrays connected to a multiplexer. The multiplexer can select contiguous groups of 16 elements within either array as transmitters and/or receivers. The sixteen receiving elements are each connected to a separate A/D converter and buffer memory. The beam forming for the 16 received signals is done by an array processor which is capable of implementing a wide range of signal processing techniques associated with the synthesis of the beam. The output of the array processor can be stored on the disk memory of a mini-computer and post processing can be performed on the signals prior to displaying them on a color graphics display.
Chemically reversible four-electron oxidation and reduction utilizing two inorganic functional groups.

Four-electron oxidation of the quadruply bonded W2(II,II) compound W2(2,2′-dipyridylamide)4, 1, results in the formation of a novel, diamagnetic ditungsten terminal oxo compound [W2O(2,2′-dipyridylamide)4]2+, 2. In contrast to the chemical inertness of mononuclear tungsten oxo species, 2 undergoes a four-electron reduction including oxygen-atom transfer in reactions with excess tri-tert-butylphosphine in acetonitrile to recover 1. This unusual chemically reversible multielectron reactivity is ascribed to the cooperation of W−O and W−W multiple bonding.
Comparative Studies of the Effect of Thiamine Deficiency in Diabetic and Non-Diabetic Rats:

Conclusions1. No significant difference was observed in the length of time required by diabetic and non-diabetic rats on a thiamine-free diet to develop signs of marked deficiency (39 as compared with 41 to 45 days respectively). Following treatment with thiamine, the diabetic rats recovered as quickly as did the non-diabetic animals. 2. During the period of deprivation, the glycosuria of the diabetic rats diminished, presumably because of the lowered food intake. However, urinary sugar tended to reappear at the final stage of deficiency at the time of “polyneuritis”. Carbohydrate tolerance in both the diabetic and non-diabetic rats, as judged by glucose tolerance tests, showed little change until signs of marked deficiency appeared, when there was impairment of tolerance. 3. Following-deprivation, a thiamine intake 4 to 8 times the maintenance dosage appeared to improve carbohydrate tolerance.
Hailey: A Study in British Imperialism, 1872–1969

Preface 1. Early life 2. Colonisation officer, 1901-6 3. From Sargodha to Delhi, 1907-12 4. Chief commissioner of Delhi, 1912-18 5. A report on the Punjab 6. Finance member, 1919-22 7. Home member, 1922-4 8. Governor of the Punjab: the Sikhs, 1924-5 9. Governor of the Punjab: the communal problem, 1924-6 10. Governor of the Punjab: the communal problem, 1927-8 11. Governor of UP, 1928-30 12. Governor of UP: civil disobedience and round table conference, 1930-31 13. Governor of UP: year of crisis 14. Governor of UP: winding down 1932-4 15. Surveyor of Africa, 1935-9 16. Two missions to Africa, 1939-40 17. A report and a vision, 1941-2 18. Adviser and propagandist, 1942-5 19. Indian partition and the onset of African decolonisation, 1945-9 20. Defender of the faith, 1949-69 Bibliography.
A Simple Method for Obtaining Blood from Ducks

SummaryA simplified method is described for obtaining blood from the duck. The veins along the lateral and medial aspect of the shank of the leg are used. Up to 40 ml of blood can be obtained easily by this method. It is much less time-consuming and easier than using the brachial vein in the wing.
The amino acid and acylcarnitine profiles in 737 cases of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia by LC-MS/MS

Objective The amino acids and acylcarnitines in blood were analyzed in term neonatal,to explore the role of amino acid and acylcarnitine in pathogenesis of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia by the metabolic profiling.Methods Total of 737 full-term newborns diagnosis of hyperbilirubinemia in hospital from Feb.2009 to Feb.2010 were tested.Total of 306 normal full-term newborns were used as the control group.The dry blood spot samples were collected and analyzed by tandem mass spectrometry.Results There were significant differences of 9 types of amino acids free carnitine and 11 types of acylcarnitines in neonatals with hyperbilirubinemia and normal full-term newborns(P0.01).Conclusions There are some changes of amino acids and acylcarnitines profiles in neonatals with hyperbilirubinemia,which may help explore the cause of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia and to provide the evidences for treatment.
The Significance of Apoptosis Related gene Family bcl-2,bax in Children Neuroblastoma

Objective: To study the prognostic effect of bcl-2 oncogene and its gene family members bax expression in children neuroblastoma(NB). Methods: Twenty-five cases of NB were studied for bcl-2 and bax protein expression with immunohistochemical method. Results: Bcl-2 protein positivity was found in 18(72%) patients,bax positivity 12(48%). Bcl-2 protein positivity of cases under 1 year of age and favourable histopathologic (F) type were significantly lower than that of case over 1 year of age and unfavourable histopathologic (UF) type (P 0.05, P 0.01). There was no significant difference in bax protein expression of various groups(P 0.05). Conclusion: Bcl-2 may be useful to evaluate prognosis of NB.
Effects of hyperbaric hyperoxia on cardiac and regional hemodynamics in conscious dogs.

Background: Although evidence of systemic vasoconstriction has been reported both in animal models and in humans, the regional hemodynamic effects of hyperbaric hyperoxia have not been well characterized. Methods: In the present study, we report the effects of hyperoxia (normobaric and hyperbaric) on simultaneous measurements of cardiac and regional hemodynamics in the chronically instrumented conscious dog. Results: Hyperbaric hyperoxia (202 kPa) produced significant decreases in heart rate (12%) and cardiac output (20%) and a significant increase in systemic vascular resistance (30%). Carotid artery blood flow decreased significantly (18%) whereas coronary, hepatic, renal and mesenteric flows remained unchanged. Conclusions: Our data show that the hyperoxic vasoconstriction is limited to the cerebral and peripheral vascular beds. Additionally, blood flow to major organs is well preserved in the face of hyperoxia-induced decreases in cardiac output. Consequently, we postulate that a redistribution of blood flow from peripheral vascular beds (e.g., skin, muscle, bone) to major organs occurs during hyperbaric hyperoxia.
Philippine Mining Capitalism: The Changing Terrains of Struggle in the Neoliberal Mining Regime

This article analyzes how the mining sector and anti-mining groups compete for mining outcomes in the Philippines. I argue that the transition to a neoliberal mineral regime has empowered the mining sector and weakened the mining groups by shifting the terrains of struggle onto the domains of state agencies and scientific networks. Since the neoliberal era, the mining sector has come up with two strategies. First, technologies of subjection elevate various public institutions to elect and select the processes aimed at making mining accountable and sensitive to the demands of local communities. However, they often refuse or lack the capacity to intervene effectively. Second, technologies of subjectivities allow a selective group of industry experts to single-handedly determine the environmental viability of mining projects. Mining consultants, specialists, and scientists chosen by mining companies determine the potential environmental damage on water bodies, air pollution, and soil erosion. Because of the mining capital’s access to economic and legal resources, anti-mining communities across the Philippines have been forced to compete on an unequal terrain for a meaningful social dialogue and mining outcomes.
E/Insuring the Marijuana Industry

Our ability to calculate risk and plan accordingly is one of the hallmarks of the modern era. It is inconceivable that a business venture of even moderate size could succeed without employing risk management strategies. I begin with the premise that the marijuana industry must manage a variety of risks in order to thrive as a commercial undertaking, and then focuses on the availability of effective commercial insurance as an important risk management tool. My thesis is that the marijuana industry can ensure its success only if it is able to insure itself effectively against risks. Many scholars have focused on the issues relating to enforcing commercial agreements generally or the difficulty in obtaining banking services, but this is the first scholarly article to consider issues of insurance coverage. The article reviews potential difficulties that the marijuana industry will face as it attempts to use commercial insurance products regularly used by other businesses to minimize its risks. Generic insurance products suitable for many businesses are not well suited to the emergence of a legal marijuana industry, given the legacy of many decades of federal and state prohibitions and the current situation in which the business remains illegal under federal law. Surplus lines insurers have emerged to fill the need of the new industry by providing specially drafted policies and underwriting strategies to deal with the special needs of the marijuana industry. The article traces some of the issues that will confront the marijuana industry as commercial insurance providers adjust to the unique circumstances of this business. The article unfolds in two parts. In Part One, I sketch the historical background against which coverage issues will be determined. When marijuana cultivation and sale were illegal under both state and federal law, losses incurred were often expressly excluded by insurance policy terms and also under general public policy principles. This background sets the stage for coverage complications in an environment in which cultivation and sale are legal under state law but illegal under federal law. In Part Two, I describe how some of these complications are now playing out in insurance coverage litigation. The legacy of complete illegality, and the continuing illegality under federal law, pose the risk that insurance coverage might be an unreliable part of the risk management strategies adopted by new businesses.
Characterization and comparison of activity profiles exhibited by the cave and surface morphotypes of the blind Mexican tetra, Astyanax mexicanus.

Departure from normal circadian rhythmicity and exposure to atypical lighting cues has been shown to adversely affect human health and wellness in a variety of ways. In contrast, adaptation to extreme environments has led many species to alter or even entirely abandon their reliance upon cyclic environmental inputs, principally daily cycles of light and darkness. The extreme darkness, stability and isolation of cave ecosystems has made cave-adapted species particularly attractive systems in which to study the consequences of life without light and the strategies that allow species to survive and even thrive in such environments. In order to further explore these questions, we have assessed the rhythmicity of locomotion in the blind Mexican tetra, Astyanax mexicanus, under controlled laboratory conditions. Using high-resolution video tracking assays, we characterized patterns in locomotor activity and spatial tank usage for members of the surface and Pachon cave populations. Here we demonstrate that cavefish have a higher overall level of activity and use the space within the trial tank differently than surface fish. Further, Pachon cavefish show circadian rhythmicity in both activity and spatial tank usage under a 12:12 light/dark cycle. We provide further evidence that these cavefish retain a weakly light-entrainable, endogenous circadian oscillator with limited capability to sustain rhythms in activity, but not spatial tank usage, in the absence of photic cues. Finally, we demonstrate a putative behavioral "masking effect" contributing to behavioral rhythms and provide evidence that exposure to constant darkness during development may alter behavioral patterns later in life.
Outside the box: Unpacking the group process model

Courses: Small group communication and advanced group dynamics.Objectives: After completing this single-class activity, students should be able to: (1) evaluate successful communication characteristics that enhance the group's ability to achieve specific goals; (2) identify small group communication barriers; and (3) develop strategies to overcome small group communication challenges to achieve shared goals.
Age-related changes in mitogen-induced lymphocyte proliferation and polymorphonuclear neutrophil function in the piglet.

Changes in concentration of plasma cortisol, mitogen-induced lymphocyte proliferation and the phagocytic and killing abilities of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) were assessed in 24 crossbred piglets at .5, 1, 3 and 6 wk of age. Concentrations of blood cortisol were high at birth but decreased (P less than .001) thereafter. Spontaneous lymphocyte proliferation was approximately 10-fold higher in the newborn than in pigs 6 wk old. The methods by which data on lymphocyte proliferation were expressed greatly influenced the results of the age-related changes in lymphocyte response. When lymphocyte proliferation was expressed as a stimulation index, there was an increase in mitogen-induced lymphocyte proliferation with advancing age. However, when lymphocyte proliferation was expressed as total counts per minute, mitogen-induced lymphocyte proliferation decreased with increasing age. In general, no significant age-related changes were observed in PMN function except for a transient decrease in PMN phagocytic ability at wk 3. Piglets were born with high concentrations of blood cortisol; this was associated with age-related changes in lymphocyte proliferation.
Treatment of Postmenopausal Osteoporosis: An Evidence-Based Approach

I have outlined several therapeutic approaches to the prevention and treatment of PMO. As we enter the 21st century it is certain that even more options will become available for the physician. But, several issues are still unresolved and will require more extensive investigation. These include the following: 1. Employing intermittent (weekly or monthly) oral or intravenous bisphosphonate therapy to treat PMO. 2. Using combination therapy such as an anabolic agent and an anti-resorptive to further reduce fracture risk and enhance BMD. 3. Understanding the various factors which contribute to fracture risk reduction independent of changes in bone mineral density. 4. Defining the role of biochemical markers in predicting fracture risk reduction. 5. Designing new SERMS which combine the best properties of estrogen and estrogen-like products while avoiding significant side effects. What is certain, is that there are now cost effective treatments for this disease. It remains up to the practicing physician to select, based on the existing evidence, treatments most appropriate for the individual patient.
Effects of 5-fluorouracil on mRNA.

Thymidylate synthase (TS) is the most well studied site of fluorinated pyrimidine action and its inhibition forms the rationale of most clinical protocols which are dependent upon 5-fluorouracil (FU). The basis for this interest rests largely upon the exquisite sensitivity of the enzyme to the antimetabolite 5-fluorodeoxyuridylate, the demonstration of numerous cell culture effects which can be explained by enzyme inhibition, and increased tumor responsiveness when FU activity in vivo is modulated by leucovorin. Conversely, while RNA as a site of 5-fluorouracil (FU) action has been indicated by a number of studies, a precise mechanistic basis for RNA related cytotoxicity and its possible contributions to the anticancer action of the drug have not been well defined. This article summarizes some of the data indicating the effects FU can have on mRNA metabolism and function and presents evidence for effects in vivo. A discussion of potentially important issues related to mRNA associated effects is presented. Newly available tools which can be used to address previously undefined issues are also described.
Intelligent Car Communication Systems

Car telephone, car entertainment, navigation system and board computers are optional accessories of a car that are available today. However, these parts operate independently and do not support each other. If the car-phone can talk to the navigation system and there is a service provider who monitors the position of the car to inform about traffic congestion then the system will be smart enough to recommend a new route. Supposed that the bandwidth of the cellular phone is sufficient, the system can download an up-to-date map from a server instead of using a map from a CD-ROM. Applications like emergency calls, breakdown assistance, email, Internet services, remote diagnostics, etc. are also useful. The paper discusses various aspects of an intelligent car communication system that are relevant to achieve optimal performance and cost.
A Longitudinal Study of the Conditional Effects of Deviant Behavior on Drug Use among Three Racial/Ethnic Groups of Adolescents

Empirical studies have successfully demonstrated the connection between adolescent delinquent behavior and illicit substance abuse (Bachman, O’Malley, & Johnston, 1978; Brook, Whiteman, Gordon, Nomura, & Brook, 1986; Kandel, 1978, 1980; White, Johnson, & Gozansky-Garrison, 1985). However, the specific nature and direction of the relationships continue to be debated (Altschuler & Brounstein, 1991; Elliott, Huizinga, & Menard, 1989; Huizinga, Menard, & Elliott, 1989; Watters, Reinarman, & Fagan, 1985; White, Pandina, & La-Grange, 1987).
Wavelet Image Compressor—MinImage

Nowadays, still images are used everywhere in the digital world. The shortages of storage capacity and transmission bandwidth make efficient compression solutions essential. A revolutionary mathematics tool, wavelet transform, has already shown its power in image processing. MinImage, the major topic of this paper, is an application that compresses still images by wavelets. MinImage is used to compress grayscale images and true color images. It implements the wavelet transform to code standard BMP image files to LET wavelet image files, which is defined in MinImage. The code is written in C++ on the Microsoft Windows NT platform. This paper illustrates the design and implementation details in Min-Image according to the image compression stages. First, the preprocessor generates the wavelet transform blocks. Second, the basic wavelet decomposition is applied to transform the image data to the wavelet coefficients. The discrete wavelet transforms are the kernel component of MinImage and are discussed in detail. The different wavelet transforms can be plugged in to extend the functionality of MinImage. The third step is the quantization. The standard scalar quantization algorithm and the optimized quantization algorithm, as well as the dequantization, are described. The last part of MinImage is the entropy-coding schema. The reordering of the coefficients based on the Peano Curve and the different entropy coding methods are discussed. This paper also gives the specification of the wavelet compression parameters adjusted by the end user. The interface, parameter specification, and analysis of MinImage are shown in the final appendix.
Multiplex assay for the tandem detection of ceramide trihexosides and sulfatides: Efficient first tier screening for Fabry, MLD, MSD, and Saposin B in urine

Fabry disease, metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD), multiple sulfatase deficiency (MSD), saposin B deficiency (SAPB) and mucolipidosis II (MLII) are disorders caused by enzyme deficiencies leading to accumulation of ceramide trihexosides and/or sulfatides in tissues and increased excretion in urine. Ceramide trihexosides and sulfatides are extracted in chloroform from urine using a simple extraction method (modified from Alharbi et al, 2016) and analyzed in both positive mode for ceramide trihexosides and negative mode for sulfatides using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. Validation included specimens from confirmed patients affected with Fabry disease (N=16 males N=11 females), MLD (N=23), MSD (N=7), SAPB (N=2) and MLII (N=5). Fabry disease has a specific ceramide trihexoside profile pattern without presence of sulfatides. Overlapping sulfatide profiles, without ceramide trihexosides, for MLD and MSD can be confirmed by glucosaminoglycan analysis. SAPB has both the ceramide trihexoside profile pattern similar to Fabry disease and the sulfatide profile pattern similar to MLD and MSD, but reduced peak intensities. Overlapping profiles to MLII, which can have both ceramide trihexosides and sulfatides as well, can be confirmed by oligosaccharide analysis. To further delineate profile patterns, peak ratios to respective internal standards in positive and negative modes (N=30) are analyzed using a custom-made automated post-analytical multivariate pattern recognition software, Collaborative Laboratory Integrated Reports (CLIR https://clir.mayo.edu). This software generates additional ratios (N=248) between the analyte/IS ratios to aid in reliable pattern recognition.
Increased neural activity in the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex during a risky decision-making task is associated with cocaine use in methadone-maintained patients.

Abstract Background Methadone maintenance is an effective treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD), yet many methadone-maintained patients (MMPs) struggle with cocaine use during OUD recovery. The current study aimed to identify whether prefrontal cortex (PFC) activity during a risky decision-making task was associated with cocaine use during a 90-day follow-up in MMPs. Methods MMPs (N = 28) attended a single neuroimaging session wherein PFC activity was measured using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) during the Balloon Analogue Risk Task (BART). Trait impulsivity was assessed via the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale version 11 (BIS-11). Following the neuroimaging session, MMPs were tracked via electronic health records for 90 days to determine treatment outcomes including cocaine use verified by urine drug screens. Results During the BART, MMPs who used cocaine displayed increased neural activity in the right PFC during active decision-making (F1, 22 = 14.75, p = 0.001) and the right dorsolateral PFC during active minus passive decision-making (F1, 22 = 5.56, p = 0.028) compared to participants who did not use cocaine. Receiver operating characteristic curves confirmed that neural activity in the right PFC during active decision-making (AUC = 0.841, 95% CI, 0.697-0.985, p = 002), and in the right dorsolateral PFC during active minus passive decision-making (AUC = 0.805, 95% CI, 0.643-0.968, p = 0.006) was associated with continued cocaine use. MMPs who used cocaine versus those who did not reported increased trait impulsivity on the BIS-11 Total Score (t=-2.28, p = 0.031). Conclusions The fNIRS device is portable, relatively easy to use, and potentially feasible for use in methadone outpatient programs to assess propensity for negative treatment outcomes such as continued cocaine use.