cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Metformin for Reducing Racial/Ethnic Difference in Prostate Cancer Incidence for Men with Type II Diabetes

Racial/ethnic disparity in prostate cancer is under studied in men with diabetes who are at a higher risk of aggressive prostate cancer. This study assessed the race/ethnic disparity in prostate cancer incidence for men with type II diabetes (T2D) and whether the impact of metformin on prostate cancer incidence varied by race/ethnicity. We conducted a retrospective study in 76,733 male veterans with T2D during 2003 to 2012. Cox proportional hazards model adjusting for covariates and propensity scores of metformin use and race/ethnic group membership was utilized to compute the HR of prostate cancer incidence associated with race/ethnicity and compare HR associated with metformin use between race/ethnic groups. Mean follow-up was 6.4 ± 2.8 years; 7% were Hispanics; 17% were African Americans (AA); mean age was 67.8 ± 9.8 years; 5.2% developed prostate cancer; and 38.9% used metformin. Among these diabetic men without metformin use, prostate cancer incidence was higher in Hispanics and AA than in non-Hispanic White (NHW). Use of metformin alone or metformin + statins was associated with a greater prostate cancer incidence reduction in Hispanics compared with NHW, but not between AA and NHW. Use of metformin + finasteride was associated with a greater prostate cancer incidence reduction in Hispanics and AA compared with NHW. Our results suggested that metformin treatment could be a potential strategy to reduce prostate cancer incidence in the minority populations who are at high risk for fatal prostate cancer. It will be important to further examine the pleiotropic effects of metformin in multi-race/ethnic prospective studies to better inform clinical management and potentially reduce racial/ethnic disparity in prostate cancer incidence among diabetic men. Cancer Prev Res; 9(10); 779-87. ©2016 AACR.
The Iowa Pegboard Fine-Motor Task: Normative Performance and Research Applications

Summary.-The Iowa Pegboard Fine-motor Task is a 60-sec. peg-placement task for use with preschool and school-age children. The instrument has demonstrated validity and reliability. Performance norms by age (means, standard deviations, and range) are presented for 865 observations (420 boys, 445 girls) of 510 Iowa children ranging in age from 33 to 138 rno. Regression analysis yielded the prediction formula: $ = -8.205 + O.G19(age in rno.) - O.O02(age in mo.)'. Moderate stability, based on 513 comparisons of repeated measures, is evident. Correlations of pegboard and PPVT scores, baed on 541 observations of children 33 to 71 mo. of age, are positive and significant. The present findings enhance the use of the instrument in assessing current status of an individual child and/or in comparison within and between individuals. Interest in motor development and a study of its relationship to other areas of growth has been largely ignored by researchers in child development, developmental psychology, and education for the past 30 or 40 yr. (Gallahue, 1982). Extensive descriptions of characteristics of movement, as well as agerelated descriptions of various aspeccs of motor skills of young children are available (Cratty, 1979; Koegh & Sugden, 1985). However, motor development seems to have received less attention than other areas of child development research (Connolly, Brown, & Bassett, 1968). Few present-day child development textbooks discuss motor development or motor performance skills although a number of developmentalists recognize the importance of the child's reciprocal interaction with the environment and the integrative aspects of development (Connolly, 1970; Cratty, 1979; Gallahue, 1982; Laszlo & Bairstow, 1986). Some developmentalists maintain that motor exploration functions as one method by which a child comes to understand more fully the environment and to express ideas and concepts (Laszlo & Bairstow, 1986). Ochers (Cratty, 1979; Gallahue, 1982) support the concept that the integration of motor development with other areas of development is important to a child's self-concept as well as to other aspects of social and emotional development. Concern for the stability of behavior and subsequent predictability has lead co considerable controversy over the use of standardized, psychometric tests. Current interest (Gaussen, 1984; Henderson, 1986) in the development of adequate assessment instruments for infants at rislc has focused attention
Initial impressions: What they are, what they are not, and how they influence structured interview outcomes

Nearly all employment interviews, even those considered highly structured, begin with a brief meet-and-greet conversation typically coalescing around non-job-related topics (i.e., rapport building). Although applicants and interviewers often view rapport building as an essential, value-adding component of the interview, it may contaminate interviewers' evaluations of answers to subsequently asked structured questions (Levashina, Hartwell, Morgeson, & Campion, 2014). Yet research has not determined the extent to which initial impressions developed during rapport building influence subsequent interviewer ratings through job-related interview content versus non-job-related content; whether these effects extend beyond more commonly examined image-related factors that can bias interviewers (i.e., self-presentation tactics); or how these effects are temporally bound when influencing interviewer ratings during the formal structured interview question-and-answer process. Addressing these questions, we integrate interview research with the extant social psychology literature to clarify rapport building's unique effects in the employment interview. In contrast to prior assumptions, findings based on 163 mock interviews suggest that a significant portion of initial impressions' influence overlaps with job-related interview content and, importantly, that these effects are distinct from other image-related constructs. Finally, initial impressions are found to more strongly relate to interviewer evaluations of applicant responses earlier rather than later in the structured interview. (PsycINFO Database Record
Abstract 72: Outcomes Of Patients With Left Ventricular Diastolic Dysfunction In Adult Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

Background: With better health care, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation has become possible for older patients. These patients have higher prevalence of diastolic dysfunction. However, it is not known if diastolic dysfunction has an impact on prognosis of these patients. Methods: Retrospective data was obtained for adults (>18 years) that underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplantation over a period of 1991 - 2012 (22 years). Demographic, echocardiogrpahic and mortality data were obtained. Cox proportional hazard model was used to analyze diastolic dysfunction as a predictor of mortality, graft versus host disease (GVHD), systolic heart failure (ejection fraction ≤50%) and sepsis. Diastolic dysfunction was defined according to American Society of Echocardiography guidelines. Results: Out of 770 patients (mean age 48.9±13.4, women 47.7%) had 91 (11.8%) patients with pre - transplant diastolic dysfunction. Patients with diastolic dysfunction were more likely to be older, hypertensive, ≥2 comorbidities and suffer from solid organ malignancy (p <0.05). Diastolic dysfunction was associated with GVHD (HR 2.69; 95% CI 1.42 - 5.10, p =0.002), post - transplant systolic heart failure (HR 3.25;95% CI 1.68 - 6.29, p=0.0001), 30 - day rehospitalizations (HR 1.81;95% CI 1.22 - 2.45, p = 0.003) and mortality (HR 2.62;95% CI 2.11 - 3.25, p = 0.0001). However, intensive care unit treatment, length of stay and sepsis were not associated with pre - transplant diastolic dysfunction. Conclusion: Pre - transplant diastolic dysfunction in this group of patients was associated with worse prognosis after transplantation. These findings might help guide therapies and early treatment/management of these patients, so that these complications might be prevented.
Online dynamic Gaussian process regression for dynamic liquid level soft sensing of sucker-rod pumping well

In practice, dynamic fluid level is traditionally measured onsite by using the acoustic method. This method, however, has its limitation in determining real-time dynamic liquid level. Determining real-time dynamic liquid level by analyzing the measured dynamometer card has poor precision. Model aging happens as time goes by with the data driven soft sensing modeling method. An incremental dynamic Gaussian process regression(IDGPR) was presented for the soft sensing modeling in order to realize real-time determination of dynamic liquid level. At the beginning a basic soft sensing model based on dynamic Gaussian process regression was established. After the model was put into application, it could be updated on-line through an incremental learning method. The model could be constantly adaptable to the change of operating condition and precisely predict dynamic liquid level. The application result in the oil field showed that the proposed soft sensing model achieved high prediction precision and good generalization ability, meeting engineering requirement.
Abstract SY12-01: PI 3-kinase and cancer metabolism

In general cancer cells produce higher levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) than normal cells due to increased rates of metabolism and defective mitochondria. In order to survive under conditions of high ROS, cancer cells typically turn on pathways for generating NADPH and glutathione to bring ROS levels back to homeostasis. Activating mutations in PIK3CA or loss of PTEN or activating mutations in KRAS can stimulate glucose uptake and metabolism and pathways for generating NADPH and glutathione to suppress ROS. A detailed understanding of the biochemical mechanisms by which cancer cells suppress excess ROS may suggest new therapies for inducing synthetic lethality in tumors that evolve in specific mutational backgrounds. Our research using human cancer cell lines and genetically engineered mouse models suggests new approaches for killing cancer cells by targeting metabolic pathways for ROS suppression that allow cancer cells to survive. Citation Format: Lewis C. Cantley. PI 3-kinase and cancer metabolism. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr SY12-01.
1 – Analysis and Design in Rock Mechanics – The General Context

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the way in which analysis and design in rock engineering have evolved. It discusses special characteristics of rock engineering design and design methodology. Design of structures in or on a rock mass poses a very different and far more complex set of challenges, as can be illustrated by considering a typical problem of support design for a tunnel in rock. The rock formations cannot be perpendicular or parallel to the axis of the proposed tunnel. The chapter explains the way by which study of relatively simple homogeneous continuum solutions can provide useful guidance for practical excavation support systems. Many applications of elasticity and plasticity theory, in other branches of engineering, are traditionally concerned with ductile materials and/or essentially tensile loading situations where, when failure of the material occurs, the failure surfaces separate and no longer interact. The fact that a rock mass is usually loaded in compression, both gravitationally and technically, has important consequences in that the failure surfaces generally continue to interact and can continue to sustain stresses at some level and dissipate energy by relative movement between the failure surfaces in compression, after the peak load is exceeded.
Echocardiographic Evaluation of Adriamycin Cardiomyopathy in Children

A severe dose dependent cardiomyopathy is the major limiting factor in the prolonged use of Adriamycin. It has been found to occur in 30% of patients receiving a total cummulative dose of more than 550 mg/M2 body surface area.
Co-existence of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo and Meniere's Syndrome.

OBJECTIVE Recent studies indicate interrelation of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) and Meniere's disease (MD). These two entities may have different clinical characteristics. MATERIALS AND METHODS Five hundred thirty patients with BPPV evaluated between 2009-2015 were enrolled in the study. 351 patients who had no clear problem associated with BPPV (idiopathic) and 17 patients with MD were analyzed in detail. The age, sex, site of involvement, type of BPPV, symptom duration, and treatment outcome were compared. RESULTS Meniere's disease + BPPV was more common in the female population (2/15; 7.5 v 127/224; 1.8, p<0.05). Comparative analysis of average age was not statistically significant (42.82±9.94 v. 40.29±1.65, p=0.601). There was no difference in right and left ear involvement between groups. Lateral canal involvement was more common in the BPPV + MD group (9/17; 53% v. 100/351; 28%, p<0.05). BPPV was ipsilateral to the ear with MD in 75% of patients and it was present before the diagnosis of BPPV in 82.3% of patients. Comparative analysis of cure rate between idiopathic BPPV and BPPV + MD after one session was significant (64.7% v 78%, p<0.05). CONCLUSION Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo associated with MD presented a divergent picture. It was more frequent in females. Lateral canal involvement was higher. Patients had MD before the development of BPPV and they had prolonged symptoms, which raised a question of diagnostic delay since these two problems were in the same ear in majority of patients. Finally, relief of symptoms required more attempts of repositioning maneuvers.
Machine learning in plant disease research

Plants are constantly exposure to pathogens such as virus, bacteria and fungi. Plant diseases caused by pathogens lead significant crop yield loss globally. Numerous researchers have been studying how to reduce the damage of plant diseases. Some researchers investigated the resistance genes in plants and attempt to enhance plants’ resistance against pathogens. Meanwhile, some other researchers developed identification and scoring system to monitor and predict plant diseases based on leaves images. The purpose of this review is to present the application of machine learning in plant resistance genes discovery and plant diseases classification.
The best of both worlds? A review of delayed selfing in flowering plants.

Premise of study In a seminal body of theory, Lloyd showed that the fitness consequences of selfing will depend on its timing in anthesis. Selfing that occurs after opportunities for outcrossing or pollen dispersal can provide reproductive assurance when pollinators are limited and is expected to incur little cost, even when inbreeding depression is high. As a result, delayed selfing is often interpreted as a "best-of-both-worlds" mating system that combines the advantages of selfing and outcrossing. Methods We surveyed 65 empirical studies of delayed selfing, recording floral mechanisms and examining information on inbreeding depression, autofertility, and other parameters to test the support for delayed selfing as a best-of-both-worlds strategy. Key results Phylogenetic distribution of the diverse floral mechanisms suggests that some basic floral structures may predispose plant taxa to evolve delayed selfing. Delayed selfing appears to serve as a best-of-both-worlds strategy in some but not all species. While the capacity for autonomous selfing is often high, it is lower, in some cases, than in related species with earlier modes of selfing. In other delayed-selfers, low inbreeding depression and reduced investment in corollas and pollen suggest limited benefits from outcrossing. Conclusions Despite a growing literature on the subject, experimental evidence for delayed selfing is limited and major gaps in knowledge remain, particularly with respect to the stability of delayed selfing and the conditions that may favor transitions between delayed and earlier selfing. Finally, we suggest a potential role of delayed selfing in facilitating transitions from self-incompatibility to selfing.
How do sociocultural factors shape rural landowner responses to the prospect of perennial bioenergy crops

Abstract Renewable energy transitions in the U.S. have included growing interest in promoting perennial bioenergy crop production within different rural landscapes. However, landowners’ receptivity to such land use and development in mixed-use landscapes is not well understood. Previous research has shown that economic motivations and market factors contribute to farmer decision-making about growing energy crops in working landscapes, while research on public responses to renewable energy technologies has found that sense of place and symbolic meanings regarding land, nature, and technologies are influential. The goal of this study is to integrate these strands of research to examine the influence of sociocultural factors on both landowners’ general support for local bioenergy crop production and their willingness to participate directly by growing dedicated energy crops in mixed-use landscapes. The study draws on a survey completed by 908 landowners and farmers in rural New York, Pennsylvania, and Ohio. Seeing bioenergy as a broadly progressive technology significantly increased the likelihood of support for local bioenergy crop production, as did having a college degree and larger landholdings, while sense of place factors were not significant. Seeing bioenergy as a progressive technology also significantly increased the likelihood of being willing to grow bioenergy crops on one’s own land, as did having a college degree, knowledge about switchgrass, having idle land, as well as concerns about bioenergy markets. This study demonstrates that in addition to other variables, sociocultural factors influence both support for local bioenergy crop production and landowner willingness to grow bioenergy crops on their own land.
CHALLENGES AND CHALLENGES IN HIGHER EDUCATION AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH IN LATIN AMERICA, ARGENTINA IN SPECIAL

This article focuses on the recent changes and advances in Higher Education in Latin American and Caribbean countries resulting from the impact that the European System of Higher Education has had in this region and provides data related to some indicators of Higher Education and Science and Technology in order to highlight visible differences among countries of this area, particularly Argentina.
Teaching system and network administration using virtual PC

This paper describes the laboratory projects developed in a system and network administration course in an Applied Computer Science Master's program. When teaching such a course, one often faces the challenge of setting up the necessary network environment for hands-on exercises. It is often impractical and expensive to set aside some computers, network devices and lab space just for one or two courses in a university environment. We used Virtual PC technology to achieve cost savings and lab access flexibility. To expose students to multiple platforms, the projects covered both Windows and Linux environment.
PCR Based Diagnosis of Fragile X Syndrome

Fragile X syndrome, a common cause of mental retardation in males and milder learning problems in females, is related to CGG trinucleotide repeat expansion in the FMR1 gene. Premutations are a cause of premature ovarian failure in females and adult-onset syndrome of ataxia, tremor, and cognitive decline (FXTAS) in males. Clinical testing for premutations can be achieved by PCR amplification of the CGG repeats in a denaturing buffer and size fractionation on an ethidium bromide–stained gel. Full mutations are detected by Southern blotting of the PCR products and probing with a CGG oligonucleotide.
Examination of Discussion Board Opinions about Grading in Physical Education

Grad ing practices in physical education are often mo re controversial than in other subject areas. Opin ions about appropriateness and fairness are diverse and often strongly held. Attitudes and opinions can relate to student participation in physical education and should be better understood. Discussion boards have been used effectively to gather information about individuals' attitudes, beliefs, and perceptions in a variety of settings. The purpose of the current study was to explore opinions regarding grading in physical education through examination of discussion board posts. A generic inductive method of examination of 11 publicly available discussion threads found on seven different sites yielded three major themes. The first encompasses beliefs that traditional grading methods in physical education are unfair; the second involves beliefs of how grading should be done; and the third includes the opinions that physical education grades should be based upon skill or fitness outcomes. The data showed that many individuals have negative views of physical education and that their views on grading are not consistent with best practices. However, there were some constructive criticis ms. Understanding such criticis ms and adjusting grading procedures accordingly could be a positive move, as many of the suggestions are actually supported by the literature.
Finite-Element Implementation of Piezoelectric Energy Harvesting System from Vibrations of Railway Bridge

AbstractThis work investigates the finite-element implementation of a piezoelectric energy harvester subjected to traffic-induced vibration of a railway bridge. To derive the electromechanical coup...
Predicting Online Aggression: The Net Bully, Net Power, and Net Importance Scales

This study develops and validates measures of traits and attitudes for predicting online aggression. Over 362 participants ranging from 18 to 71 years in age completed online surveys on their attit...
Analysis of responses to recurrent selection in the BS11 maize population

Recurrent selection methods have been effectively used by maize (Zea mays L.) breeders to improve the performance of maize populations for quantitatively inherited trails. Although theoretical comparisons of such methods can be easily made, direct comparisons of the efficiencies of methods are time consuming and laborious. Because of these limitations, empirical data comparing multiple recurrent selection methods in the same base population are lacking for maize. Our study was designed to compare the response to selection for seven different (six intraand one inter-population) methods in the BSll maize population. minimum of four cycles of selection were conducted for each of the following methods: mass, modified ear-to-row. half-sib with inbred tester, full-sib, S^-progeny, S,-progeny, and reciprocal full-sib selection. Selections for all programs except mass and reciprocal full-sib were based on an index composed of grain yield, grain moisture, stalk lodging, and root lodging. Each trait in the selection index was weighted by its heritability. The populations per se, populations selfed, and testcrosses of the populations to the Cycle 0 population and to inbred B79 were evaluated in our study. Response to selection was measured for grain yield, grain moisture, stalk lodging, and root lodging along with other agronomic traits. All selection methods were successful in significantly improving the population per se performance for grain yield. S,-progeny selection had the greatest response for grain yield of 4.5% cycle"' and mass selection had the lowest response (0.6 % cycle"'). All selection programs in which index selection was practiced, except for modified ear-to-row, were successful in improving the populations per se for ail four traits simultaneously. Unlike some previous studies, inbred-progeny selection methods (S,, S,) performed well in BSl 1 in comparison with other selection methods.
Novel finding of atrophic extraocular muscles in Loeys-Dietz syndrome: a case report and review of the literature

A 19-year-old man with Loeys-Dietz syndrome and right exotropic Duane syndrome after bilateral lateral rectus recessions at age 22 months presented with recurrent progressive exotropia 17 years after his initial surgery. Surgical correction was aborted intraoperatively when extreme atrophy of the right medial rectus, lateral rectus, and superior rectus muscles was observed, later corroborated by orbital magnetic resonance imaging.
Price interactions and causal relationships among corn, exchange rate and animal protein sources in Nigeria

Price transmissions between corn, exchange rate, poultry meat, and fish were investigated using the data from OECD-FAO for the years 1990-2019, to establish the existence of long-term relationships between them and identify their directions of causality, in order to elicit investmentaiding facts. The augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) test, the Johansen cointegration approach and the Granger causality test were employed. Following the ADF test, all series are I(1), while the cointegration test indicates short-run dynamics between them. The Vector Autoregressive (VAR) system reveals that poultry meat price influences all variables, prices of poultry meat and exchange rate relate positively to their own lags, and exchange rate relates positively to lags of poultry meat prices. A positive relationship was noticed between fish price and lags of poultry meat price, while corn price relates positively with lags of poultry meat price. Granger causality tests indicate unidirectional drives from poultry price to fish price, the exchange rate to fish price and poultry meat price to corn price. Responses from prices of fish, corn and poultry to innovations from exchange rate are negative, while positive responses exist in other scenarios. Exchange rate stabilization will mitigate external risks, especially to the fisheries sector, while corn farmers can increase profits in the short-run by exploring knowledge of poultry meat price movements.
Influence of Family's Social Relationships on the Debt Structure of Mexican-American and Korean-American Small Businesses

This study utilizes the Korean-American and Mexican-American samples in the National Minority Business Survey to examine the debt structure of small businesses owned by individuals from these ethnic groups. Small business owners with higher household net worth were more likely to borrow from finance companies, friends, and credit card companies. When controlling for business, business owner and family characteristics, Mexican-American small business owners with high net worth were significantly more likely to borrow from commercial banks than Mexican-American small business owners with low net worth are. Korean-American small business owners with high net worth were significantly more likely to utilize family loans than Korean-American small business owners with low net worth are. Korean-American small businesses appeared to be more financially dependent on the financial strength of their community, while Mexican-American small businesses owners appeared to be more financially independent.
The Three Body Toda System and A Parametrization of Plane Cubic Curves

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the three body Toda system and a parametrization of plane cubic curves. The special solution of the three body Toda system was first found by Toda (who called it a solution) in an entirely different form. The three body Toda system is a linear chain of three oscillators with the Hamiltonian. By a general theorem of Flaschka the eigenvalues, and hence the traces, are constants of motion. The chapter proves that a system in the state of minimum total energy remains in that state forever. The chapter also reviews briefly the general theory that applies to the case of three bodies.
Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales

The Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales (VABS) are a series of instruments aimed at assessing social competence. Social competence has also been termed adaptive behavior, and it has been incorporated as a major consideration in several types of disability. Adaptive behavior or social competence has been the focus of considerable measurement effort over several decades, with part of the challenge being accurate and reliable measurement. Keywords: behavior scales; child development; diagnostic methods; Vineland Behavior Scales
The use of benzidine dihydrochloride for sulfate determinations

Abstract It has been shown by electron micrographs that the incomplete precipitation of benzidine sulfate in the presence of foreign ions is due, in part at least, to the prevention of proper crystal formation and growth. The diverse ion effect upon solubility may also play some role in previously reported studies. A possible explanation of the observed phenomena has been suggested upon the basis of adsorption effects and the PANETH-FAJANS-HAHN law.
Using hostages to improve the quality of financial disclosure

Abstract In a well-functioning stock market, issuing firms publicly disclose all relevant information to investors and prices approximate the true value of those firms. This disclosure generates liquidity as investors large and small engage in trading. While it is tempting to take this “good equilibrium” for granted, the current banking crisis suggests a “bad equilibrium” in which disclosure is suspect so banks stop lending to each other and small investors flee the market. In this paper, we argue that a good equilibrium was in place when the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) operated as a non-profit organization. We argue that far from being an outdated and elitist holdover, the mutual form allowed underwriters, who dominated NYSE membership, to extract hostages from managers of firms listed on the NYSE. That is, managers were expected to invest personal funds in shares of other listed firms, including new issuers (“IPOs”). Since the hostage arrangement was tied to the non-profit form of the NYSE, we predict a decline in information quality after the NYSE became a for-profit firm in March 2006. By comparing the bid-ask spread before and after demutualization, we show that information quality did indeed decline. This finding holds after controlling for market-level variation measured by the bid-ask spread of the NASDAQ National Market. We believe our results can help shed light on the current banking crisis, which originated in areas of the financial system that lack a hostage structure.
Fluid weight uroflowmetry in women

This study evaluates fluid weight uroflowmetry as a screening technique for urogynecologic conditions. Sixty women with no known pathologic condition volunteered for the evaluation of normal uroflowmetric parameters and curve patterns. Forty were menstruating cyclically, and 20 were postmenopausal. The parameters studied included: (1) total voided volume, (2) flow time, (3) peak flow rate, and (4) time to peak flow rate. In addition, uroflowmetric tracings were classified according to their patterns of configuration into: (1) normal, (2) multiple peak, and (3) interrupted. The parameters studied showed no difference in the two normal groups. A wide range of values was observed. Neither age, parity, weight, height, nor menstrual cycle phase affected the data. Values obtained from patients with idiopathic instability of the detrusor muscle, sensory urgency, and stress urinary incontinence did not show differences or trends. Seventeen percent of the tracings of the normal population group showed either multiple peak or interrupted patterns. Patients with sensory urgency (p less than 0.001) had a higher incidence of multiple peak and interrupted flow rate patterns.
Role of lung injury in the pathogenesis of hyaline membrane disease in premature baboons

To test the hypothesis that hyaline membrane disease (HMD) has a multifactorial etiology in which barotrauma plays a major role, we compared the immediate institution of high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV; 15 Hz, n = 5) with positive-pressure ventilation with positive end-expiratory pressure (PPV; n = 7) in premature baboons (140-days gestation) with HMD. Measurements of ventilation settings and physiological parameters were obtained and arterial-to-alveolar O2 (PaO2-to-PAO2) ratio and oxygenation index [(PaO2/PAO2)-to-mean airway pressure ratio (IO2)] were calculated. At death (24 h), static pressure-volume (PV) curves were performed, and phospholipids (PL) and platelet-activating factor (PAF) were measured in lung lavage fluid. Morphological inflation patterns were analyzed using a panel of standards. By design, mean airway pressure was initially higher (19 vs. 13 cmH2O) in the HFOV animals. PaO2-to-PAO2 ratio and IO2 progressively deteriorated in the PPV animals and then stabilized at significantly lower levels than with HFOV. PV curves from HFOV animals had significant increases in lung volume at maximum distending pressure, deflation volume at 10 cmH2O, and hysteresis area compared with PPV, which showed no hysteresis. Seven of seven PPV and only one of five HFOV animals had morphological findings of HMD. PL amount and composition in both groups were consistent with immaturity, even though the quantity was significantly greater in the PPV group. PAF was present (greater than or equal to 0.10 pmol) in six of seven PPV and in the only HFOV animal with HMD. We conclude that HFOV protected PL-deficient premature baboons from changes in gas exchange, lung mechanics, and morphology typical of HMD in this model.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Frequency dependence and the electromagnetic susceptibility tensor in magnetic fabric studies

Abstract A series of experiments has been performed on paleomagnetic sized samples where the anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) has been measured at room temperature using alternating frequencies varying from 50 Hz to 5 kHz. The results of these experiments indicate that at frequencies of 1 kHz or higher a clear and systematic frequency dependence exists for some paramagnetic and diamagnetic minerals that readily conduct currents (e.g. copper, biotite, clays, and other substances). On the other hand, minerals that exhibit strong ferrimagnetic behavior, like magnetite, even though they are conductors, do not appear to exhibit any systematic frequency dependence over the range of frequencies used in these experiments. In single specimens, the electromagnetic susceptibility (EMS) tensor observed at higher frequencies (above 1 kHz) can be differentiated from the AMS tensor determined for ferrimagnetic materials in low magnetic fields at low frequencies (below 500 Hz) by simple matrix subtraction of the two tensors. Tests on the small sample sizes used in paleomagnetic studies indicate that skin effects are not important in samples this small, unless the sample contains very high conductivity minerals like pyrrhotite. Initial measurements on single quartz crystals at frequencies of 500 Hz and greater appear to yield information concerning the C crystal axis orientation and therefore may be useful in structural geology.
Second-class currents

Recent nuclear $\ensuremath{\beta}$-decay experiments have hinted at the existence of weak second-class currents. We review the evidence for second-class effects in other branches of weak-interaction physics and find that the presently available data are inconclusive. We then propose additional tests, involving (3,3)-resonance production by neutrinos and antineutrinos. The effects here could be quite substantial if the second-class interactions are as big as suggested by the nuclear $\ensuremath{\beta}$-decay experiments.
Estimation in least absolute value regression with autocorrelated errors

Least absolute value (LAV) regression provides a robust alternative to least squares, particularly when the disturbances follow distributions that are nonnormal and subject to outliers. The performance of the least squares estimator when the errors are autocorrelated has been studied extensively; the performance of the least absolute value estimator in the presence of serial correlation is less well established. In this work, we study the performance of various LAV-based estimation techniques for simple time series regression when the errors are autocorrelated and compare the least absolute value estimators to their least squares-based counterparts. Monte Carlo simulation methods are used to compare the small sample performances of the different estimators. Our results indicate that, for the small sample situations considered, a Prais-Winsten-type least absolute value estimator, in which all of the available observations are used, is preferable to a Cochrane-Orcutt-type least absolute value estimator, in ...
Implementation of an omnidirectional robotic inspection system (ODIS)

Previous research has produced the T-series of omni- directional (ODV) robots, which are characterized by their use of smart wheel technology. In this paper we describe the design, implementation, and performance of the first use of ODV technology in a complete robotic system for a practical, real-world application. The system discussed is called ODIS, short for Omni-Directional Inspection System. ODIS is a man- portable mobile robotic system that can be used for autonomous or semi-autonomous inspection under vehicles in a parking area. The ODIS system can be deployed to travel through a parking area, systematically determining when a vehicle is in a parking stall and then carrying out a sweep under the vehicle, while sending streaming video back to a control station. ODIS uses three ODV wheels designed with a belt-driven steering mechanism to facilitate the low profile needed to fit underneath most vehicles. Its vetronics capabilities include eight different processors and a sensor array that includes a range-finding laser, sonar and IR sensors, and a color video camera. The ODIS planning and control architecture is characterized by a unique coupling between the vehicle-level path-tracking control system and a novel sensor-based feedback system for intelligent behavior generation. Real-life examples of ODIS's performance show the effectiveness of the system.
Impaired insulin sensitivity and maximal responsiveness in older hypertensive men.

This study examines the relation between blood pressure and insulin resistance in obese, sedentary middle-aged and older men. Eleven hypertensive and 17 normotensive subjects of comparable age (58.6 +/- 1.0 years, mean +/- SEM), percent body fat (27.7 +/- 0.7%), and maximal aerobic capacity (30.2 +/- 0.9 mL.kg-1.min-1) participated in this study. Glucose disposal (M, milligrams per kilogram of fat-free mass per minute) determined during a three-dose hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp was lower in the hypertensive than normotensive subjects at the low (M at 120 pmol/m2.min: 2.3 +/- 0.2 versus 3.2 +/- 0.3, P = .06), intermediate (M at 600 pmol/m2.min: 8.0 +/- 0.6 versus 10.4 +/- 0.6, P = .02), and high (M at 3000 pmol/m2.min: 13.5 +/- 0.5 versus 15.5 +/- 0.7, P = .04) insulin infusion rates. The calculated insulin concentration necessary for a half-maximal effect (EC50) was greater in the hypertensive than normotensive subjects (1164 +/- 168 versus 864 +/- 66 pmol/L, P = .03). In this population of normotensive and hypertensive men, systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial blood pressures were related to glucose disposal at these insulin infusion rates (r = -.35 to -.46, P < .05) as well as the EC50 (r = .42 to .44, P < .05). Thus, hypertensive obese, sedentary older men have a reduction in both sensitivity and maximal responsiveness to insulin that is directly related to the severity of hypertension independent of obesity and physical fitness.
Cloud formation along mountain ridges on Titan

Abstract Cassini radar passes have shown a number of mountain ranges on Titan. Radar data covering approximately one quarter of Titan's surface places mountains in primarily equatorial regions with the mean height of about 900 m. The flow of air over topographic features can both trigger and enhance cloud formation. Orographically induced clouds near terrestrial mountain ranges include shallow wave clouds produced from upslope flow as well as precipitating stratus and cumulus type clouds; mountains can provide the perturbations needed to trigger convective clouds. The Titan regional atmospheric modeling system (TRAMS) has been used to explore a number of convective cloud properties and is now used to report on clouds formed when a mountain peak is placed within the model domain. Using a range of heights and surface winds compatible with Cassini/Huygens data, constraints can be placed on the scenarios in which clouds can be expected to form. Given sufficiently humid conditions (at least 50% humidity), convection is triggered. For drier environments similar to the Huygens landing site, short-lived, optically thin clouds form from air rising upslope. Precipitation is also seen in the cases of the convective clouds, which could have implications for the eroded appearance of Titan's mountains.
Dysesthesia, witchcraft, and conversion reaction. A case successfully treated with psychotherapy.

An intelligent, well-educated black woman from the rural South, through an interaction of psychopathology and cultural background, experienced dysesthesia as a conversion reaction and came to believe that she was the victim of witchcraft. After neurological evaluation showed no abnormalities, she was successfully treated with conventional psychotherapy. Belief in hexing or root work is still alive today and should be inquired about in patients with unusual symptoms and an appropriate cultural background. ( JAMA 240:1742-1744, 1978)
Selective Cyclooxygenase-2 Inhibition: A Target in Cancer Prevention and Treatment

A major goal in the area of cancer prevention and treatment is to make rational use of defined molecular targets in order to block carcinogenesis. Studies conducted in experimental animal models for many human cancers, including those of lung, skin, mammary gland, urinary bladder, colon, and pancreas, have demonstrated that carcinogenesis often may be inhibited by the administration of a highly diverse group of biologic and chemical agents. One very promising and well-studied target is cyclooxygenase (COX)-2. Interestingly, a number of cancers appear to overexpress the COX-2 enzyme, which may play several roles in carcinogenesis. Recent clinical studies have demonstrated the effect of COX-2 inhibitors in the treatment of familial adenomatous polyposis, a genetic disorder that increases the risk for developing colorectal cancer. Ongoing clinical trials with COX-2 inhibitors will increase our understanding and may give us profound insights into the general applicability of this new targeted approach for cancer control.
Guillain-Barre Syndrome After Robotically Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy: First Case Report

Guillain-Barre Syndrome is a well described acute demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy with a likely autoimmune basis characterized by progressive ascending muscle paralysis. Classically, GBS is attributed to antecedent upper respiratory and gastrointestinal infections. We present the first case of GBS after Robotically Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy using the daVinci(®) Surgical System.
A bully pulpit

It is pointed out that in an economy with only one resource and price-making firms, virtually any price vector is a market-clearing vector if profits are distributed as dividends and consumers correctly anticipate these dividends. It is argued that the resulting model has been useful in comparing competition and monopoly, direct and indirect taxation, and first and second best and has the potential for shedding light on many other questions in welfare economics. A painless procedure for verifying the counterintuitive fundamental proposition is provided.
Evaluation of Olympia Oyster (Ostrea lurida Carpenter 1864) Status and Restoration Techniques in Puget Sound, Washington, United States

ABSTRACT The Olympia oyster of Washington State, USA (Ostrea lurida†) was heavily exploited (1850 to 1940), declined dramatically, and has subsequently failed to recover, although it still supports small aquaculture operations. This paper documents the distribution and abundance of O. lurida in one of the last remaining locations where it forms extensive beds: the North Bay Oyster Reserve in south Puget Sound. We monitored recruitment every 2 wk between May and September 2004 and found a small recruitment peak in late July, which was much later than reported for these oysters when they were abundant throughout Puget Sound. We also experimentally tested two factors that could influence recovery: tidal elevation and substrate type. We established 1 m2 plots at three tidal elevations (-0.3, 0, +0.3 m MLLW) with six substrates: bare, gravel, crushed shell of Crassostrea gigas (Pacific oyster), whole C. gigas shell, whole shell of O. lurida, and live O. lurida. The plots were set up May 21, 2004 and measured f...
Analyses and simulations of spin-echo small-angle neutron scattering instrument

Spin echo small-angle neutron scattering (SESANS) is a novel technique that measures correlation functions in real space. Recent theoretical study on SESANS has enabled the interpretation of this correlation function. It has also revealed the range of applications and limitations of the SESANS technique. On a two-dimensional SESANS instrument, the experimental correlation function is the pair-distance distribution function of the scattering particle. On a one-dimensional instrument, the correlation function is an integral function of the pair-distance distribution function. SESANS is suitable for studying particles from a nanometer to a few tens of micrometers in size, a range that is similar to that covered by the traditional Bonse-Hart ultra-small-angle neutron scattering instrument. The greatest advantage of SESANS lies in the fact that it can use divergent neutron beams, thus drastically increasing the counting rate. The resolution of a SESANS instrument is limited by the integrated Larmor precession field and by the neutron wavelength. Because any SESANS instrument will have a limited momentum transfer coverage, truncation errors can result in the measured correlation functions. The effect of the inhomogeneity of the Larmor field can be handled as smearing. On a one-dimensional SESANS instrument, the off-plane scatterings also result into smearing effects.
Dynamic range performance of a high speed, high saturation InGaAs/InP pin waveguide photodetector

An InGaAs/InP pin waveguide photodetector with a 3 dB roll-off frequency of 39 GHz using a simple design is reported. The two-tone spurious-free dynamic range of an external modulation fibre optic link employing the waveguide photodetector is measured and is in excess of 110 dB/Hz2/3 for a photocurrent of 5 mA.
Combined radiation and hyperthermia in superficial human tumors

Hyperthermia (42-43 C) appears to potentiate the effects of radiation therapy in experimental tumor models. In addition, some studies indicate that tumors may be sensitized to a greater extent than normal tissue. This study was designed to test whether the effectiveness of irradiating human tumors was enhanced significantly by concomitant heating. We also examined skin to see if heating enhanced the response to radiation of normal tissues. Nineteen patients with multiple metastatic superficial tumor masses of various histologies were studied. Two or more masses in the same patient were matched for size and location, so that one of the patient's own tumors was a control to monitor the effect of irradiation alone. One of the matched nodules was given hyperthermia (43 C) for 15 minutes before and 30 minutes after each radiation fraction. In seven of 15 evaluable patients the tumor that received heat in addition to radiation had a greater objective response than the tumor receiving radiation alone. Two patients had increased cutaneous reaction to radiation in the heated area; one of these was a severe desquamative reaction, which conformed to the size and shape of the ultrasound field. These results suggest that hyperthermia improves the objective response tomore » radiation in some human tumors; in two cases it appeared to sensitize skin as well.« less