cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Anti-Predator Strategies of, and Possible Thanatosis in, Juvenile Collared Peccaries (Pecari tajacu)

Abstract Little is known about the antipredator strategies of juvenile collared peccaries (Pecari tajacu). This note reports camera trap footage of an interaction between a young collared peccary and two potential predators, a gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) and a bobcat (Lynx rufus), as well as a personal observation of two young peccaries in what appeared to be physiological thanatosis (a state of tonic immobility). Juvenile mammals are particularly vulnerable to predation, and survivorship in this age class is a critical driver of population dynamics. Documenting the antipredator behaviors used by collared peccaries contributes to our understanding of the distribution of such behaviors among ungulate taxa, which is important in understanding the evolution of responses to predation.
Goodness-of-fit tests in linear EV regression with replications

This paper proposes a goodness-of-fit test for checking the adequacy of parametric forms of the regression error density functions in linear errors-in-variables regression models. Instead of assuming the distribution of the measurement error to be known, we assume that replications of the surrogates of the latent variables are available. The test statistic is based upon a weighted integrated squared distance between a nonparametric estimator and a semi-parametric estimator of the density functions of certain residuals. Under the null hypothesis, the test statistic is shown to be asymptotically normal. Consistency and local power results of the proposed test under fixed alternatives and local alternatives are also established. Finite sample performance of the proposed test is evaluated via simulation studies. A real data example is also included to demonstrate an application of the proposed test.
The Impact of the Madden–Julian Oscillation on High-Latitude Winter Blocking during El Niño–Southern Oscillation Events

AbstractWintertime high-latitude blocking is associated with persistent changes in temperature and precipitation over much of the Northern Hemisphere. Studies have shown that the Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO), the primary form of intraseasonal tropical variability, significantly modulates the frequency of high-latitude blocking through large-scale Rossby waves that alter the global circulation. However, the characteristics of MJO teleconnections are altered by the El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), which modifies the global flow on interannual timescales, suggesting that the MJO influence on blocking may depend on ENSO phase.The characteristics of MJO Rossby waves and blocking during ENSO events are examined using composite analysis and a nonlinear baroclinic model. The ENSO phase-dependent teleconnection patterns are found to significantly impact Pacific and Atlantic high-latitude blocking. During El Nino, a significant persistent increase in Pacific and Atlantic blocking follows MJO RMM phase 7, cha...
Gain sharing in bundled payment TJA: Is it the way forward?

Abstract As health-care costs continue upon a meteoric rise, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services has developed a number of strategies designed to curb spending and at the same time incentivize the delivery of high quality care. Joint replacement has been a specific area of interest because of the volume of medicare patients seeking arthroplasty. The introduction of the Bundled Payment for Care Improvement initiative has placed the onus on hospital systems to continueto deliver quality care at lower costs. In an effort to do so, hospitals are beginning to engage physicians in their efforts by offering them financial incentive for keeping costs low—astrategy known as gain sharing. In this paper, we will review the history of gain sharing, the ethics surrounding it, and strategies for implementing a successful partnership between physicians and hospitals that works to eliminate excess spending without compromising patient care.
Ageing and hypertension: the assessment of blood pressure indices in predicting coronary heart disease.

Objective To determine whether pulse pressure (PP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), systolic blood pressure (SBP), or mean arterial pressure (MAP) is the superior haemodynamic predictor for the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). Methods Age-related changes of blood pressure in normotensive and untreated hypertensive subjects in a population-based cohort from the Framingham Heart Study were characterized. The relationship between these blood pressure indices and risk of CH D over a 20-year follow-up period were then evaluated. Results There was a parallel linear rise in SBP, DBP and MAP from age 30-49 years, suggesting increased peripheral vascular resistance (PVR) in this age group. After age 50-60 years, DBP declined, PP rose steeply, and MAP levelled off, while SBP continued to show a linear increase, suggesting increasing predominance of large artery stiffness (LAS) in this middle-aged and elderly group. After adjusting for age, sex and other risk factors, MAP and DBP consistently underestimated PVR and risk of CHD. Systolic blood pressure fully represented PVR but frequently underestimated LAS and risk of CHD. Pulse pressure was superior to SBP as a surrogate marker for LAS and predictor of CHD risk in the presence of discordantly low DBP, but PP frequently underestimated PVR. Conclusions In middle-aged and older subjects, at any given level of SBP > or = 120 mmHg, the risk of CHD rose with discordantly lower DBP, suggesting that the wider PP was driving the risk for CHD. These results suggest that total haemodynamic load, defined as the sum of pulsatile load (LAS) and steady-state load (PVR), is a major determinant of CHD risk.
Modeling AOD-driven laser microvia drilling with machine learning approaches

Abstract Acousto-optic deflectors (AODs) have been used to extend the bandwidth of laser beam scanning frequency in order to meet the growing demand on the quality and throughput of creating micro-size vertical interconnect access or microvia in electronic packaging materials. The implementation of AOD offers unprecedented spatiotemporal flexibilities for the laser drilling process control, meanwhile increases complexity for modeling the process and predicting the process result. Design of experiment and analysis of variance can reveal connections between process parameters and responses, but are incapable of predicting results with sufficient accuracy for some of the highly nonlinear processes. In this article, multiple machine learning techniques, including k-Nearest Neighbor, decision tree, support vector machine, support vector regression and artificial neural networks, are explored and compared in predicting the result of AOD-driven drilling processes. Among these techniques, artificial neural network shows advantage on accuracy. For instance, a mean squared error of as low as 1.21 μm2 is achieved in predicting the top diameter of microvias drilled by a 6-parameter process. Thus the artificial neural network is proved an ideal solution for modeling laser applications controlled by multiple process parameters.
The Balance of Power To Bargain

As the closing chapter of a book on the history of plea bargaining, I have undertaken a study of bargaining under the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines. Many commentators have argued that the Guidelines have shifted some measure of sentencing discretion from judges to prosecutors. These arguments, which I think are largely right, almost always focus on sentencing after trial. Commentators have said less about sentences awarded after guilty pleas, though they account for more than 96 percent of all federal sentences. Commentators generally have overlooked prosecutors' expanded bargaining power because, I believe, they always have regarded plea bargaining as the preserve of prosecutors. In fact, however, the Guidelines have notably altered the dynamic of plea bargaining in American courts. A critical feature of the growth of plea bargaining in the nineteenth century was the increasingly prominent role played by judges. By the late twentieth century, a rather stable power balance had evolved in which judge and prosecutor both held substantial discretion to set the sentence awarded in the course of a plea bargain. Most significantly, both prosecutor and judge usually had the power to offer the defendant a sweeter deal than the other thought right. Defendants therefore had two bargaining partners and were free to solicit the best deal either would offer. The Guidelines altogether upset this power balance. Except in unusual situations, they have left judges unable to offer defendants better deals than the prosecutor thinks fit. This power shift almost certainly has contributed (along with other causes) to the striking increase in the length of federal sentences since the Guidelines took hold. And it may be the primary reason why plea bargaining accounts today for substantially more federal criminal adjudications than in pre-Guidelines days. During the last decade of the twentieth century, the rate of federal criminal trials fell from sixteen percent of adjudicated cases to only six percent - a drop of more than three-fifths. This chapter explores the causal connections between these trends and the new imbalance of bargaining power.
In-Situ Surface Acoustic Wave Monitoring of Fatigue Crack Initiation and Propagation

Material degradation due to pitting corrosion and fatigue crack initiation from pits may trigger widespread fatigue damage in aging aircraft structures. Since corrosion damage is often hidden, the corrosion pits and initiated cracks can remain undetected by surface inspection techniques for long service periods. Therefore, the ability to predict the initiation and propagation of surface damage originating from pitting corrosion is of great importance for the timely maintenance of aging airplanes [1]. Recently, we reported a microradiographic method quantifying pitting corrosion [2] and fatigue life prediction model [3] based on the measured pit depth. These have been applied successfully to A1-2024-T3 alloy.
A World without the NPT

The world we have experienced since the NPT came into force in 1970 has not been the best of all possible worlds; the world without the NPT would undoubtedly not be the worst of all possible worlds. But is a world without the NPT possible or probable? How might it come about? In principle, several paths might be possible. First, it is extremely difficult but not impossible to imagine a catastrophic failure of the NPT in 1995, following the conference convened in accordance with Article X.2, “to decide whether the treaty shall continue in force indefinitely, or shall be extended for an additional fixed period or periods.” A fundamental transformation of East-West or North-South relations could undermine the foundations of the treaty, or the dynamics of a controversial extension conference could result in chaos. While such developments are unlikely, if a collapse of the treaty does not occur, it will not be a consequence of language that would appear to make the legal termination of the NPT in 1995 unlikely, if not unthinkable. Rather, it will be a result of political forces favoring the extension of the treaty for a majority of its parties. Second, blatant noncompliance by any party, overt moves by the holdout states to demonstrate their nuclear capabilities (including nuclear testing), or other dramatic nuclear events (including nuclear theft, sabotage, or terrorism) could indicate to parties that the NPT was irrelevant, at best a hollow shell, and that its survival was of no interest to them. The occurrence of any such events, however, seems unlikely before 1995. Third, the NPT could be undermined by the withdrawal of a large number of member states or, to prevent such a massive withdrawal, amendments or compromises which would have to diminish the authority, credibility, and effectiveness of the treaty. Even this prospect is not probable, but it is all too easily imagined, particularly because efforts to obtain universal adherence for the treaty have brought in parties who may not receive, or may not understand they are participating in, the full benefits of the treaty.
The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia: Network Strategy

In 2009 Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) had been recognized as the best children's hospital in the country for six years in a row; but leadership saw CHOP as more than the large main campus in Western Philadelphia. Beginning in the 1990s, CHOP had created a large network of Primary Care Providers, Specialty Care Centers, Ambulatory Surgery Centers, and community hospital affiliations. CHOP leadership wanted to ensure that the quality they had demonstrated at CHOP would translate out to these facilities, and more, that the combination of many parts could actually work together to provide even better care than the main hospital could do on its own.
Relearning to Live Life Without Substances: A Grounded Theory of the Impact of Group Physical Exercise on Sobriety

Research has found significant benefits in using exercise as an adjunct treatment for substance use. This study used a qualitative grounded theory approach to explore the role of group exercise on ...
Chapter 8 Influence Stakeholders, Influence the World

Abstract Stakeholders hold power because they hold resources essential to firm survival. Through their exercise of this power, they produce, or not, change in business practices. The social movements of united individuals, as well as the non-market strategies of firms and industries designed to forestall or counter these movements, succeed or fail based on their ability to influence stakeholders. Constraints on stakeholder cognition affect how stakeholders are influenced by social movements and non-market strategy to, in turn, exercise their influence over firms. Herein, the author overviews the nature of these constraints, highlights the need for further research on stakeholder attention allocation, and discusses how the three articles in this section fit into this framework.
‘The object of power is power’: tautology, paranoia, and George Orwell's Nineteen Eighty-Four

Building on Eve Kosofsky Sedgwick's claim that paranoid modes of reading are ‘strongly tautological,’ this essay begins its exploration of the relationship between tautology and paranoia by suggest...
Neuro-Anesthesiology Considerations in Spinal Cord Tumors

Surgery for spinal cord tumors provides unique challenges in anesthetic management. Patients often present with significant comorbid conditions, including serious cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, and neurologic impairments. Airway management may be complicated by cervical spine involvement or the need for single lung ventilation. Positioning for spine surgery, in particular prone positioning, introduces physiologic strains and increases the risk of iatrogenic injury. Anesthetic management may need to be altered to facilitate neurophysiological monitoring. Given the risk of major blood loss, steps can—and should—be taken to minimize blood loss and the need for allogeneic blood transfusion. In addition, patients undergoing spinal surgery often have significant postoperative pain, and this must be addressed both intraoperatively and postoperatively.
Low-Profile, Vehicle Roof-Top Mounted Broadband Antenna for V2X

In this paper, we propose a monocone roof-top broadband antenna for V2X (Vehicle to Everything) wireless communication. The proposed antenna consists of four elements – monocone, ground ring, center post, and parasitic disk. The antenna performance is characterized with respect to reflection coefficient and radiation pattern. The simulated and measured data indicate that the proposed antenna can support 0.7 GHz to 6 GHz. Radiation patterns show omnidirectional and high-gain characteristics on the horizontal plane. The simulated magnitude of reflection coefficient is similar to that of the measured data.
The Impact of Social Media on Youth Mental Health: Challenges and Opportunities

The technology landscape has rapidly evolved in recent years, with social media now playing a central role in the lives of youth. Social media has created both significant new challenges and exciting opportunities. Research is beginning to uncover how specific social media experiences may influence youth mental health.
Acute Cataract Development in a Pediatric Patient With Type 1 Diabetes.

Abstract Background Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is the most common form of diabetes mellitus in the pediatric population, with an estimated 500,000 children living with T1DM and an estimated 80,000 new cases each year in the United States. Ophthalmologic complications of diabetes are common in adult patients and those with longstanding disease, but can also be seen in patients with a recent diagnosis, even among the pediatric population. Case Report We present the case of a 13-year-old girl with recently diagnosed T1DM who presented to the pediatric emergency department with acute onset of bilateral blurry vision due to cataract formation. Prompt recognition of the condition and ophthalmologic consultation allowed for timely diagnosis and restorative surgery. Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This? We present this case to increase awareness among emergency physicians of the potential for cataract formation in pediatric patients with T1DM, as well as the fact that it may be the first presenting sign of the disease. Furthermore, emergency physicians should be aware that pediatric patients who present with severe T1DM, either with extremely high hemoglobin A1c or glycemic blood levels, are at increased risk for cataract formation and should be evaluated for subtle signs of cataract formation even in the absence of obvious cataracts. We also discuss the pathophysiologic theories of cataract formation in patients with T1DM.
Classification of Mental Workload (MWL) using Support Vector Machines (SVM) and Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN)

In the current era of technological advancements and rising human-machine interaction, urged the vital importance of human factors and ergonomics in an industrial collaborative environment. These ergonomic needs have made it essential to analyze the industrial cognitive processes like mental workload (MWL), stress and vigilance in the ecological environment. Conventionally Electroencephalography (EEG) was used for assessment of brain electrical activity but recently functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) has immerged as a better substitute for acquiring brain signals with fewer protocols and enhanced spatial resolution. Over the period of time Machine learning algorithms (LDA, k-NN, ANN) are used to classify MWL and affiliated brain functions. Now the trend of employing Deep learning techniques is gaining popularity. In this study, we analyzed and classified MWL states using Machine learning (SVM) and Deep learning (CNN) algorithms. The classification accuracies achieved with Deep learning (CNN) outperformed the accuracies achieved with Machine learning algorithms. The best accuracies were achieved using CNN that are in the range of 80-87%. Finally, a comparison is drawn between Machine learning and Deep learning algorithms for better classification and discrimination of cognitive loads.
Thermal emission measurements of ordinary chondrite mineral analogs in a simulated asteroid environment: 1. Constituent mineral phases

Abstract Telescopic surveys suggest that S-type asteroids are the dominant small body type in the near-Earth object population and are among the most abundant in the inner main asteroid belt. Given the link between S-type asteroids and the ordinary chondrites, regoliths of ordinary chondrite mineralogy may represent the most common regolith type on small bodies in these populations, and therefore it is important to understand the thermal emission properties of ordinary chondrite mineral analogs radiating into asteroid-like environments. Thermal infrared spectra of particulate surfaces in airless environments are substantially modified due to near-surface thermal gradients formed between the immediate surface undergoing radiative cooling and underlying materials that are warmed by the absorption of solar radiation. To advance our understanding of how the thermal emission properties of materials relevant to ordinary chondrite composition may be modified in an airless environment, we analyze a suite of analogous single mineral phases in a simulated asteroid surface environment. A companion paper presents and discusses analyses of modal mixtures of these minerals designed to match modal abundances of ordinary chondrites as reported in the literature. We probe the thermal emission of these materials by investigating relationships between their sample temperatures, emissivity spectra, brightness temperatures, and the environmental and experimental conditions. We focus attention on the radiance spectra of the samples as derived by two data reduction methods and their corresponding brightness temperature spectra to infer the intensity of near-surface thermal gradients formed in the samples. We demonstrate that the Christiansen feature position is sensitive to the sample cup temperature with data collected in a simulated asteroid environment under constant illumination condition. Through the analysis of particulate samples of three particle size ranges (
Toward a Unified Model of Lexical Acquisition and Lexical Access

Much effort has gone into constructing models of how children segment speech and thereby discover the words of their language. Much effort has also gone into constructing models of how adults access their mental lexicons and thereby segment speech into words. In this paper, I explore the possibility of a model that could account for both word discovery by children and on-line segmentation by adults. In particular, I discuss extensions to the distributional regularity (DR) model of Brent and Cartwright (1996) that could yield an account of on-line segmentation as well as word discovery.
A quorum-based dynamic location management method for mobile computings

Managing location information of mobile hosts is an important issue in mobile computing systems. There is a trade-off between location update and search, when a mobile host moves. This paper proposes a simple quorum-based distributed dynamic location management method using location registers. The cost of location updates and searches is reduced by our method because the location information of mobile hosts is managed efficiently in a subset of location registers instead of in all location registers. In our method, the subset of location registers is dynamically changed, and the load of each location register is balanced by considering query rate for mobile hosts. The performance of the proposed algorithm is evaluated in terms of the total cost of a location update and a location search, and is compared with Prakash's algorithm.
Latent Attractors: A General Paradigm for Context-Dependent Neural Computation

Context is an essential part of all cognitive function. However, neural network models have only considered this issue in limited ways, focusing primarily on the conditioning of a system’s response by its recent history. This type of context, which we term Type I, is clearly relevant in many situations, but in other cases, the system’s response for an extended period must be conditioned by stimuli encountered at a specific earlier time. For example, the decision to turn left or right at an intersection point in a navigation task depends on the goal set at the beginning of the task. We term this type of context, which sets the “frame of reference” for an entire episode, Type II context. The prefrontal cortex in mammals has been hypothesized to perform this function, but it has been difficult to incorporate this into neural network models. In the present chapter, we describe an approach called latent attractors that allows self-organizing neural systems to simultaneously incorporate both Type I and Type II context dependency. We demonstrate this by applying the approach to a series of problems requiring one or both types of context. We also argue that the latent attractor approach is a general and flexible method for incorporating multi-scale temporal dependence into neural systems, and possibly other self-organized
Arteriovenous Malformations of the Brain

Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are vascular abnormalities consisting of a number of direct connections of arteries and veins without a normal intervening capillary bed. AVMs are generally thought to be congenital, but they frequently grow during childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood. It is rare for them to grow significantly in the more mature adult. The most common presentation of intracranial AVMs is intracerebral hemorrhage closely followed by seizures. Other patients with AVMs present with headache and other signs of increased intracranial pressure and infrequently, with a progressive focal neurologic deficit which we generally attribute to a vascular steal, but which may well be due to venous hypertension in the territory of the veins draining the AVM.
Direct Marketing to a Network of Consumers

This paper considers duopolistic firms targeting informative messages to consumers who share information locally with their neighbors in the network graph. A monopolist targets efficiently by sending messages to a parsimonious set of nodes that leave the whole population informed either directly or by word-of-mouth. A duopolist faces a tradeoff between this efficient targeting and possible preemption by a competitor's message. Under gentle price competition, duopolists saturate the network when sending messages is cheap, and target sets similar to the monopolist's when sending messages is costly. Under fierce price competition, duopolists' messages divide the network in an intermingled patchwork segmentation.
Self-Organizing Distributed Intrusion Detection in Mobile Ad Hoc Networks

This paper describes the initial results of a research program that is designed to enhance the security of wireless mobile ad hoc networks (MANET) by developing a distributed intrusion detection capability. Our approach uses self-organizing spiking neural networks that have the ability to establish connections across a widely distributed, and highly dynamic network. This capability enables our approach to demonstrate a distributed reasoning functionality that facilitates the detection of complex attacks against MANETs. The results of the evaluation of our approach and a discussion of additional areas of research is presented.
“The Tyranny Of The Majority Is No Myth”: Its Dangers For Same-Sex Couples

This article was part of a symposium on the "Tyranny of the Majority," held at Hamline Law School before the Minnesota vote on whether to ban marriages of same-sex couples in Fall 2012 and revised after the ban was defeated at the ballot box. Section 1 explains that sexual minorities, consisting of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, and queer people (LGBTQ), comprise a small number of people within the U.S. and describes the current laws granting and prohibiting legal rights to married or partnered same-sex couples. Thus, the LGBTQ community is dependent on the non-LGBTQ community to decide its rights when those rights are debated at the ballot box, a bad public policy in and of itself. Section II considers the question posed by this symposium: is the tyranny of the majority a danger to minority communities or is it a myth? Using sources such as Alexis de Toqueville, the Federalist papers, and prior U.S. court cases, this section concludes that majority tyranny is a threat to minority communities and has long been recognized as a danger inherent in governments founded on democracy. Section III describes the negative impact that the tyranny of the majority has on married same-sex couples. It also explains why the historic victories in November 2012 may establish that the majority has begun to understand the harm they cause to same-sex couples when they enshrine discrimination into state constitutions and statutes.
THE OBJECTIVITY OF OBLIGATIONS IN DIVINE MOTIVATION THEORY: On Imitation and Submission

To support her divine motivation theory of the good, which seeks to ground ethics in motives and emphasize the attractiveness of morality over against the compulsion of morality, Linda Zagzebski has proposed an original account of obligations which grounds them in motives. I argue that her account renders obligations objectionably person-relative and that the most promising way to avoid my criticism is to embrace something quite close to a divine command theory of obligation. This requires her to combine her desired emphasis on the imitation of God with a contrasting emphasis on submission to God. I conclude that her divine motivation theory of the good, if it is to have an adequate account of obligation, is dependent on a divine will or divine command theory of obligation.
Use of galactose oxidase tritiated-potassium borohydride method for labeling pectic polysaccharides

Abstract Chemical analysis of grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) pectic polysaccharides demonstrated that galacturonic acid constitutes 78% by weight of the total carbohydrates found. The remaining 22% was accounted for by a number of sugars which include galactose, glucose, arabinose, xylose, and mannose and, by weight, galactose accounted for almost 50% of the total neutral sugar components found in these pectic polysaccharides. Treatment of pectic polysaccharides with galactose oxidase followed by reduction of oxidized galactose residues with tritiated potassium borohydride resulted in the labeling of pectic polysaccharides. Analysis of the labeled polysaccharides demonstrated that of the total radioactivity incorporated more than 90% was recovered in the galactose residues. These results clearly demonstrate the successful utilization of the galactose oxidase/tritiated potassium borohydride method in labeling plant pectic polysaccharide.
Peptide-nanowire hybrid materials for selective sensing of small molecules.

The development of a miniaturized sensing platform for the selective detection of chemical odorants could stimulate exciting scientific and technological opportunities. Oligopeptides are robust substrates for the selective recognition of a variety of chemical and biological species. Likewise, semiconducting nanowires are extremely sensitive gas sensors. Here we explore the possibilities and chemistries of linking peptides to silicon nanowire sensors for the selective detection of small molecules. The silica surface of the nanowires is passivated with peptides using amide coupling chemistry. The peptide/nanowire sensors can be designed, through the peptide sequence, to exhibit orthogonal responses to acetic acid and ammonia vapors, and can detect traces of these gases from “chemically camouflaged” mixtures. Through both theory and experiment, we find that this sensing selectivity arises from both acid/base reactivity and from molecular structure. These results provide a model platform for what can be achieved in terms of selective and sensitive “electronic noses.”
QMR: validation of an infant and children body composition instrument using piglets against chemical analysis.

QMR: validation of an infant and children body composition instrument using piglets against chemical analysis
The benefits of immersion for spatial understanding of complex underground cave systems

A common reason for using immersive virtual environments (IVEs) in visualization is the hypothesis that IVEs should provide a higher level of spatial understanding for complex 3D structures, such as those found in underground cave systems. Therefore, we aimed to explore the use of IVEs for visualization of underground caves, and to determine the benefits of immersion for viewing such models. We ran an experiment in which domain experts answered questions with two different levels of immersion. The results show that for certain tasks the more immersive system significantly improved accuracy, speed, and comprehension over the non-immersive environment, and that 3D visualization overall is a good match for the underground cave data.
Brain Weight Does Not Decrease with Age in Adult Rhesus Monkeys

Cross-sectional studies on adult human autopsy material have shown that younger cohorts have heavier brains than older groups. We sought to determine whether a similar pattern is present in the rhesus monkey, a species that serves as a useful model of human brain and cognitive aging. Data were obtained from necropsies of 399 rhesus monkeys (180 females; 219 males), of ages covering the entire adult lifespan of this species. In addition to fresh brain weight, variables considered were age, sex, body weight, heart weight, identity of the prosector, and circumstance of death. Initial bivariate analyses revealed a significant sex difference in brain weight (mean for males: 96.1 g; for females: 86.1 g; p < 0.001), as well as significant correlations of brain weight with body weight (r = 0.20, p < 0.01 for females; r = 0.27, p < 0.001 for males), and heart weight (r = 0.27, p < 0.001 for females; r = 0.38, p < 0.001 for males). Identity of prosector, circumstance of death, and age were not significantly related to brain weight in bivariate analyses. Multiple linear regression, controlling for possible confounding effects of body weight and sex, also suggested that brain weight is stable throughout adulthood in the rhesus monkey.
Determinants of Thailand household healthcare expenditure: the relevance of permanent resources and other correlates.

Several papers in the leading health economics journals modeled the determinants of healthcare expenditure using household survey or family budgets data of developed countries. Past work largely used self-reported current income as the core determinant, whereas the theoretically correct concept of household resource constraint is permanent or long-run income (a la Milton Friedman). This paper strives to rectify the theoretical oversight of using current income by augmenting the model with household asset. Using longitudinal data, we constructed 'wealth index' as a distinct covariate to capture the households' tendency to liquidate assets when defraying necessary healthcare liabilities after exhausting cash incomes. (Current income and assets together capture the household expanded resource base). Using 98 632 household observations from Thailand Socio-Economic Surveys (1994-2000 biennial data cycles) we found, using a double-hurdle model with dependent errors, that out-of-pocket healthcare spending behaves as a technical necessity across income quintiles and household sizes. Pre-1997 economic shock income elasticities are smaller than the post-shock estimates across income quintiles for large and small households. Proximity to death, median age, and assets are also among other significant determinants. Our novel findings extend the theoretical consistency of a multi-level decision model in household healthcare expenditure in the developing Asian country context.
Regulation of growth factor receptor degradation by ADP-ribosylation factor domain protein (ARD) 1

ADP-ribosylation factor domain protein 1 (ARD1) is a 64-kDa protein containing a functional ADP-ribosylation factor (GTP hydrolase, GTPase), GTPase-activating protein, and E3 ubiquitin ligase domains. ARD1 activation by the guanine nucleotide-exchange factor cytohesin-1 was known. GTPase and E3 ligase activities of ARD1 suggest roles in protein transport and turnover. To explore this hypothesis, we used mouse embryo fibroblasts (MEFs) from ARD1-/- mice stably transfected with plasmids for inducible expression of wild-type ARD1 protein (KO-WT), or ARD1 protein with inactivating mutations in E3 ligase domain (KO-E3), or containing persistently active GTP-bound (KO-GTP), or inactive GDP-bound (KO-GDP) GTPase domains. Inhibition of proteasomal proteases in mifepristone-induced KO-WT, KO-GDP, or KO-GTP MEFs resulted in accumulation of these ARD1 proteins, whereas KO-E3 accumulated without inhibitors. All data were consistent with the conclusion that ARD1 regulates its own steady-state levels in cells by autoubiquitination. Based on reported growth factor receptor-cytohesin interactions, EGF receptor (EGFR) was investigated in induced MEFs. Amounts of cell-surface and total EGFR were higher in KO-GDP and lower in KO-GTP than in KO-WT MEFs, with levels in both mutants greater (p = 0.001) after proteasomal inhibition. Significant differences among MEF lines in content of TGF-β receptor III were similar to those in EGFR, albeit not as large. Differences in amounts of insulin receptor mirrored those in EGFR, but did not reach statistical significance. Overall, the capacity of ARD1 GTPase to cycle between active and inactive forms and its autoubiquitination both appear to be necessary for the appropriate turnover of EGFR and perhaps additional growth factor receptors.
Effects of phosphoprotein on collagen fibril formation in vitro

Transmission electron microscopy showed that when either dentinal phosphoprotein or calcium-treated phosphoprotein or phosvitin were introduced during type I collagen fibrillogenesis the fibrils formed were significantly wider and the cross-banding was more distinct than in the absence of phosphoprotein. The collagen fibril width also increased with increasing concentrations of these molecules. When either bovine serum albumin (BSA) or dephosphorylated dentine phosphoprotein were used, no differences in the fibril characteristics were seen when compared to the controls that contained no phosphoprotein or BSA. When these dialysed matrices were placed into mineralizing solutions, no mineral was observed in any of the samples.
Sequential interleukin 3 and granulocyte-macrophage-colony stimulating factor therapy in patients with bone marrow failure with long-term follow-up of responses.

BACKGROUND Interleukin-3 (IL-3) and granulocyte-macrophage–colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) have synergistic, hematopoietic growth-promoting activity in preclinical studies. Because of the paucity of effective therapies for patients with chronic bone marrow failure states, the authors studied the biologic activity of sequential IL-3/GM-CSF in such patients. METHODS IL-3 was given subcutaneously for 5 days (at escalating doses of 0.15 μg/kg, 0.3 μg/kg, 0.6 μg/kg, 1.2 μg/kg, 2.5 μg/kg, 5.0 μg/kg, 10.0 μg/kg, or 15.0 μg/kg per day), and GM-CSF for was given subcutaneously for 9 days (at a dose of 5 μg/kg per day; Phase I 3 + 3 design) followed by 14 days of rest (total, 2 courses), then maintenance therapy. RESULTS The majority of 38 evaluable patients had aplastic anemia or myelodysplastic syndrome. Most patients (79%) had neutrophil responses. Ten patients (26%), all of whom were treated with IL-3 doses ≥ 1.2 μg/kg per day, had platelet responses, with a median increase of 132 × 109/L (range, 41–180 × 109/L) over baseline in responders. Six patients (16%) had trilineage recovery, which could be durable (the longest ongoing at 6.5 years after therapy completion). The most common toxicities were low-grade fever, headache, and fatigue. The maximum tolerated doses were IL-3 at 10 μg/kg per day and GM-CSF at 5 μg/kg per day. CONCLUSIONS Sequential IL-3/GM-CSF effectively raised blood counts in some patients with bone marrow failure at doses that were tolerated well. These results indicate that early-acting growth factors can induce durable, multilineage responses in a subset of individuals with bone marrow failure. Cancer 2003. © 2003 American Cancer Society.
On algorithms for restricted maximum likelihood estimation

This work proposes a globally convergent algorithm, based on gradient projections, for maximum likelihood estimation under linear equality and inequality restrictions (constraints) on parameters. The proposed algorithm has wide applicability, and as an important special case its application to restricted expectation-maximization (EM) problems is described. Often, a class of algorithms that we call expectation-restricted-maximization (ERM) is used to deal with constraints in the EM setting. We describe two such ERM algorithms that handle linear equality constraints, and discuss their convergence. As we explain, the assumptions for global convergence of one of the algorithms may be practically too restrictive, and as such we suggest a modification. We provide an example where the second algorithm fails. In general we argue that the gradient projection (GP) algorithm is superior to ERM algorithms in terms of simplicity of implementation and time to converge. We give an example of application of GP to parameter estimation of mixtures of normal densities where linear inequality constraints are imposed, and compare CPU times required for the algorithms discussed.
Lafora Disease With Novel Autopsy Findings: A Case Report With Endocrine Involvement and Literature Review

Abstract Background Lafora disease is a rare, autosomal recessive, progressive myoclonic epilepsy with onset typically in the second decade of life and uniformly fatal outcome. Most of the current literature focuses on diagnosis, genetic basis, neurological signs, and possible treatment of this currently incurable disease. On literature review of over 50 articles including over 300 patients, there were no comments on or pathologic description of endocrinologic issues in relation to Lafora disease. Patient description We describe a patient with Lafora disease with severe neurological deterioration. During hospitalization for urosepsis, he exhibited thyrotoxicosis with a free thyroxine (T4) level greater than 7.77 ng/dL. On autopsy, he had lymphocytic thyroiditis and Lafora bodies throughout his organs including the anterior pituitary, hypothalamus, and pancreas. Conclusions This is the first report of the pathologic findings of Lafora bodies in endocrine organs. Although this patient's thyrotoxic state was likely not a direct result of his Lafora disease, given the diffuse deposition of Lafora bodies, endocrinologic abnormalities should be considered in patients with Lafora disease. Furthermore, acute decompensation in these individuals may arise not from a declining neurological status but from a coincidental disease process.
Cell-mediated immune response to dog pulp tissue altered by Proco-Sol via the root canal.

Abstract Pulp tissue from three experimental dogs was tested for its antigenicity before and after incubation with Proco-Sol sealer (PS). Cell-mediated skin test reactions showed an increased response to pulp that had been incubated in Proco-Sol, washed, and then injected, as compared with pulp or PS alone. In vitro analysis of cell-mediated immune response (lymphocyte proliferation) showed a marked increase when pulp tissue was incubated in PS and washed, as compared to saline-treated pulp. Comparison of the saline-incubated pulp to the PS-altered pulp indicated that the increase in radioactivity was statistically significant at p
Static Testing of an Inflatable/Rigidizable Hexapod Structure

Scientific application of large space antennas and telescopes is fostering the study of ultralightweight and inflatable structures. These so-called gossamer structures are tightly packaged for launch and subsequent deployment. Of particular interest is a hexapod configuration often found in vehicle ride simulators, ground-based telescopes, and antennas. One such configuration was modeled and tested at NASA Langley. Discrepancies between dynamic test data and predictions from a finite element model prompted additional static testing. This paper discusses static tests that were conducted to update stiffness parameters in the finite element model.
Mechanism of Interdigestive Migrating Motor Complex

Migrating motor complex (MMC) is well characterized by the appearance of gastrointestinal contractions in the interdigestive state. This review article discussed the mechanism of gastrointestinal MMC. Luminal administration of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) initiates duodenal phase II followed by gastrointestinal phase III with a concomitant increase of plasma motilin release in conscious dogs. Duodenal 5-HT concentration is increased during gastric phase II and phase III. Intravenous infusion of motilin increases luminal 5-HT content and induces gastrointestinal phase III. 5-HT4 antagonists significantly inhibits both of gastric and intestinal phase III, while 5-HT3 antagonists inhibited only gastric phase III. These suggest that gastrointestinal MMC cycle is mediated via the interaction between motilin and 5-HT by the positive feedback mechanism. Gastric MMC is regulated via vagus, 5-HT3/4 receptors and motilin, while intestinal MMC is regulated via intrinsic primary afferent neurons and 5-HT4 receptors. Stress is highly associated with the pathogenesis of functional dyspepsia. Acoustic stress attenuates gastric phase III without affecting intestinal phase III in conscious dogs, via reduced vagal activity and increased sympathetic activity. It has been shown that subset of functional dyspepsia patients show reduced vagal activity and impaired gastric phase III. The physiological importance of gastric MMC is a mechanical and chemical cleansing of the empty stomach in preparation for the next meal. The impaired gastric MMC may aggravate dyspeptic symptoms following a food ingestion. Thus, maintaining gastric MMC in the interdigestive state is an important factor to prevent the postprandial dyspeptic symptoms.
Religious controversy and the school boards 1870–1902

(1970). Religious controversy and the school boards 1870–1902. British Journal of Educational Studies: Vol. 18, No. 2, pp. 180-196.
Stability of Factorial Validity of the Iiq (Instructional Improvement Questionnaire) Over Three Years

For the years of 1973, 1974, and 1975, the Instructional Improvement Questionnaire (IIQ) was used as the campus-wide teacher and course evaluation instrument at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. In order to assess the stability of the factors being measured by the instrument, separate factor analyses were run on the 40 questionnaire items for the years of 1973, 1974, and 1975, from which the variables of expected grade by a student, percent of students taking the course as an elective, and student's year were partialled out. The factors yielded by the analyses were remarkably stable over the three years. Canonical correlational analyses were done to investigate factorial similarities among the years.Results indicated substantial agreement among the factor structures for the three years taken individually and combined.
Photoelectron Microscopy Of Biological Surfaces Excitation Source Brightness Requirements

Photoelectron microscopy is a surface technique which provides topographical information using the photoelectric effect as a basis for contrast. Progress in the biological applications of this technique is briefly reviewed. Due to relatively low quantum yields, photoemission from biological samples is weak and an image intensifier is used in order to visualize and record the photoelectron image. Currently the limiting magnification is determined by UV power incident on the sample. Power requirements for high-magnification imaging are calculated in terms of microscope, sample, and image intensifier parameters. To approach 40 R resolution, an instrument magnification of 12,000-50,000 is required along with a UV intensity of 0.01 to 10 Watts/cm2 depending on the wavelength and sample. For a tightly focused laser source the total power requirement is 1 mWatt or less.© (1976) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.