cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The effect of bilirubin and aminophylline on protein kinase activity in rabbit brain

Cyclic AMP dependent protein kinase activity expressed as pMoles of labelled Pi (from γ32 P-ATP) incorporated into histone (the substrate) per mg of protein,per min,following intravenous injection of bilirubin and/or aminophylline was studied in rabbits. It was found that: 1)bilirubin reduces protein kinase activity from 2429±253 (controls) to 1270±198 pMoles (bilirubin-treated animals),whereas aminophylline promotes it from 2589±296 (controls) to 3588±393 (aminophylline-treated animals) .Both reduction and promotion of this enzyme activity caused by bilirubin and aminophylline respectively are statistically highly significant (p < 0.001), 2) cAMP in vitro and aminophylline in vivo restore the inhibition of the enzyme caused by bilirubin (cAMP:from 1270±198 to 1595±221, aminophylline: from 1270±198 to 2164±265) to a statistically significant degree ( p < 0.001). These data are in agreement with our previous in vitro findings in the literature (Cytobios, 17:17,1976),in which bilirubin inhibits protein kinase activity by way of competition with cAMP.
Measuring grazing-angle DHR with the infrared grazing angle reflectometer

The Infrared Grazing Angle Reflectometer allows measurement of Directional Hemispherical Reflectance (DHR) at very high angles of incidence (30 to 85 degrees) and at wavelengths ranging from 4.3 to 10.8 microns. A hemi-ellipsoidal mirror redirects the reflected light and reflects it on to a novel five-sided pyroelectric detector. The incident light intensity is measured and used in calculating the DHR of the sample. In this paper, the theory of operation of this detector is derived, and used to simulate the operation of the system. This simulation of the detector shows errors of 3% or less for both diffuse and specular samples, compared to the theoretical DHR. The calibration method defined in this paper allows for high accuracy and ease of use without knowing the specific attributes of the optics used in the system. Finally, collected DHR data is compared with the simulated data for comparison. Comparing the measured data to the simulation shows that the model correctly predicts the locations and trends of the scattered energy.
Differences Do Not Matter: Exploring the Wage Gap for Same-Sex Behaving Men

An emerging literature provides evidence that same-sex behaving men earn significantly less than different-sex behaving men. I corroborate these existing findings and explore the source of these earnings differentials. I show that differences in worker characteristics between same-sex behaving men and different-sex behaving workers cannot explain the significant wage differential that same-sex behaving men experience. Wage differentials for same-sex behaving men are surprising because sexual orientation is not a visible trait. It seems as though same-sex behaving men might use a strategy of “passing” to avoid discrimination. I develop a model of worker-firm interaction that incorporates passing. I show the existence of an equilibrium in which wage differentials reflect a compensating differential, where same-sex behaving workers accept lower wages in exchange for being able to reveal their sexual orientation within a tolerant firm. In this equilibrium, competition will not erode earnings differentials as traditional models of discrimination suggest.
Evaluation of the emission capabilities of Spindt-type field emitting cathodes

The electron emitting capabilities of Spindt-type field emitting cathodes (FEC) are being studied at the Lewis Research Center, NASA. These cathodes, having 5000 emitting points in a 1 mm diameter, have been shown to be capable of emission current densities of 10 A/sq cm and higher. The purposes of this study are to (1) demonstrate that the cathodes can be processed and used in a tube-type configuration, (2) determine whether, at a sufficiently high current density, the cathode can operate in the space charge mode, and (3) evaluate failure mechanisms in this unique type of electron emitter. FEC's have been tested in a diode configuration, by the use of pulse techniques, up to current densities of 6 A/sq cm and anode potentials of 3000 V. Space charge effects have been observed in the range of 5 A/sq cm as an apparent linear increase of cathode current with anode voltage for a constant emitter-gate potential. Failed cathodes were studied by means of scanning electron microscopy and the major failure modes encountered are attributed to gas evolution, followed by arcing, which destroys either individual emitters or a large segment of the cathode area.
The crystal and molecular structure of SnBr[N(SiMe3)2]3

The crystal structure of SnBr[N(SiMe3)2]3 has been determined from three-dimensional X-ray diffraction data collected by counter methods. This compound crystallizes in the rhombohedral space groupR3c witha=11.970(3) A, α=99.06(3)°, andZ=2forD c> =1.37 g cm−3. The finalR value was 0.027 based on 608 independent observed reflections. The molecule lies on a crystallographic three-fold axis which contains the Sn and Br atoms. The bromine atom is covalently coordinated to the tin atom at a Sn-Br separation of 2.519(2) A. The three nitrogen atoms complete the bonding to tin with an Sn-N bond length of 2.056(7) A.
Epilepsia partialis continua and neuronal migration anomalies.

Neuronal migration anomalies commonly cause seizures that are partial in type and generally refractory to medical treatment. Epilepsia partialis continua (EPC), an unusual form of epilepsy commonly related to acute damage of the cerebral cortex or to a chronic lesion, has never been described in a patient with neuronal migration anomalies. In 50 children with epilepsy due to neuronal migration anomalies, we observed two cases of EPC. These two children had unilateral neuronal migration abnormalities with partial seizures other than EPC and contralateral hemiparesis. Epilepsia partialis continua appeared two to three years after the onset of partial attacks and was accompanied by a worsening of the children's previous hemiparesis. Although a rare seizure manifestation in children with neuronal migration anomalies, when it does appear, EPC can aggravate the clinical neurological condition and should always be investigated for in these cases. Because its clinical appearance is often subtle, as in these two children, EPC may easily remain undiagnosed
Experimental and theoretical study of the anomalous Raman spectrum in the transverse optic phonon region of CuCl

Raman spectra were obtained at 40 K as a function of hydrostatic pressure up to 7 kbar for the anomalous-TO-phonon region in CuCl. Two prominent peaks, previously labeled as $\ensuremath{\beta}$ and $\ensuremath{\gamma}$, and a weaker peak, labeled here as ${\ensuremath{\beta}}^{\ensuremath{'}}$, were observed. The $\ensuremath{\beta}$ and $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ peaks showed a weak linear pressure shift, while the ratio of the integrated intensity of the $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ peak to the height of the $\ensuremath{\beta}$ peak showed a strong linear pressure dependence. A theory was employed which invoked a cubic anharmonic coupling of the harmonic TO phonon to a two-phonon background characterized by a Van Hove ${P}_{3}$ singularity at its high-frequency end. In this theory the "TO" is the entire $\ensuremath{\beta}$-$\ensuremath{\gamma}$ region. Fits of the theory to the data showed that the two most important parameters, ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{c}$, the frequency of the singularity, and ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{\mathrm{TO}}$, the harmonic-TO-phonon frequency, showed linear pressure dependences. The TO frequency, lower than ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{c}$, varied more rapidly with pressure than did ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{c}$, leading quantitatively to the observed ratio of $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ area to $\ensuremath{\beta}$ peak height. It was also predicted that above a pressure of 16.6 kbar, ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{\mathrm{TO}}$ would exceed ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{c}$ and the spectrum would assume a qualitatively different form.
Venoms and enzymes: effects on permeability of isolated single electroplax

Abstract The isolated single electroplax was mounted between two pools of fluid, one initially non-radioactive, the other containing 14 C choline. Treated cells were exposed for 20 min to 1 mg per ml concentrations of various enzymes and venoms. Cottonmouth moccasin venom (CMV) caused a hundred-fold increase in the control level (∼0.01 per cent per 10 min) of penetration. Acid-boiled CMV, phospholipase C and lipase caused only a 2- to 3-fold increase in penetration while the following treatments had no effect on permeability: alkaline-boiled CMV, phospholipase D, hyaluronidase, chymotrypsin, trypsin, venom 1-amino acid oxidase and phosphodiesterase, purified cobra neurotoxin (0.2 mg/ml), cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, Centruroides sculpturatus , Notechis scutatus , Heloderma horridum and Naja naja venoms. The action of acid-boiled CMV is associated with extensive phospholipid splitting, therefore, it does not appear that intact phospholipids are necessary for membrane permeability. The component of unboiled CMV which increases permeability is not known.
Sensor Enhanced Virtual Reality Teleoperation in Dynamic Environment

A novel teleoperation interface is introduced featuring an integrated virtual reality based simulation augmented by sensors and image processing capabilities on-board the remotely operated vehicle. The system addresses the typical limitations of video-based teleoperation caused by signal lag and limited field of view, allowing the operator to navigate in a continuous fashion. It also incorporates temporary autonomous operation of the vehicle enabling local obstacle navigation and automatic re-establishment of its teleoperated state. Finally, the system provides real time update of the virtual environment based on anomalies encountered by the vehicle. Future work is focused on incorporating dynamic moving objects in the environment
Optical measurement techniques for in-line process control in CdS/CdTe solar cell manufacturing

Optical techniques are promising as a non-destructive process monitoring and control tool in high-throughput CdTe photovoltaic manufacturing. Three such techniques — spectroscopic ellipsometry, reflectometry, and scanning white light interferometry — were evaluated using devices made under diverse process conditions in the CSU Advanced Research Deposition System (ARDS). CdS/CdTe devices made at rough and smooth film process conditions as well as mechanically polished films were examined. With a proper model for surface roughness in the CdTe layer, an accurate thickness measurement can be made both of the CdTe layer and the underlying CdS layer for a variety of CdS thicknesses. Ellipsometry data taken through the glass can be used to measure CdS thickness for rough and smooth devices alike. Reflectometry results closely match ellipsometry results for CdS films. Finally, SWLI is being examined for measurement of surface morphology and TCO scribing.
Evaluation of M-mode echographic estimates of left ventricle function: Relationship of selected ultrasonic and hemodynamic parameters

We examined the relationship between echocardiographic and hemodynamic parameters in 48 patients with left ventricular ejection fractions less than 50% without primary valvular disease. Pulmonary wedge pressure (PWP) correlated with the PR-AC interval (r = -0.62) and with left atrial dimension (r = 0.64) but not with left ventricular diastolic dimension. A PR-AC interval less than or equal to 60 msec was observed in 26 of 29 (90%) patients with a PWP greater than or equal to 14 mm Hg versus 1 of 10 (10%) patients with a PWP less than 14 mm Hg. The correlation between PWP and the PR-AC interval was substantially better in patients with a PR interval less than or equal to 200 msec (r = -0.79) than in patients with a PR interval greater than 200 msec (r = -0.55). The PR-AC interval also correlated with the ejection fraction (r = 0.47). A left atrial dimension greater than or equal to 4.0 cm was observed in 29 of 35 (83%) patients with a PWP greater than or equal to 14 mm Hg versus 0 of 9 (0%) patients with a PWP less than 14 mm Hg. Stroke volume (SV) correlated with aortic root excursion (r = 0.71) and with SV calculated from formulas based on mitral valve motion (r = 0.76) or aortic valve motion (r = 0.62). However, no echo formula provided valid estimates of cardiac output. We conclude that M-mode echocardiography provides a relatively useful noninvasive method of assessing left ventricular filling pressure in patients with reduced ejection fraction and no valvular disease.
Usefulness of dobutamine stress echocardiography for the prospective identification of the physiologic significance of coronary narrowings of moderate severity in patients undergoing evaluation for percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty

Abstract Dobutomine stress echocardiography (DSE) was performed after coronary angiography to evaluate the need to perform percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) for 46 stenoses of moderate severity (50% to 80%) in 46 patients. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the DSE results in the distribution of the coronary artery with the lesion of moderate severity: group I (n = 32) were those without inducible myocardial ischemia; PTCA was not performed. Group II (n = 14) were those who exhibited myocardial ischemia; PTCA was performed in 12. The 2 groups were comparable in terms of clinical characteristics. Follow-up DSE was performed ≤48 hours after PTCA, at 3 months, and 6 to 12 months after the first DSE. In group I at 3 months, DSE results were still negative in the distribution of the vessel with the moderately severe lesion in 24 patients; only 1 patient had a positive result, and 8 patients who refused DSE remained clinically stable. At 6 to 12 months (mean 7 ± 2), 26 patients had negative study results; 3 patients who refused follow-up DSE remained clinically stable. In group II, 12 of 14 patients with inducible ischemia on the initial DSE underwent PTCA. Early follow-up DSE (≤48 hours) was negative in 7, and 4 had persistent inducible wall motion abnormalities in the myocardium subtended by the coronary artery in which the PTCA had been performed; 1 study was not performed. At 3-month follow-up, 1 patient who had an early DSE study positive for ischemia had no demonstrable ischemia, and 3 patients continued to have myocardial ischemia in the myocardium subtended by the coronary artery in which the PTCA was performed. At the 6- to 12-month follow-up (mean 7 ± 1), 8 patients had DSE studies that remained negative for inducible ischemia. Thus, DSE is an appropriate test to assess the physiologic significance of coronary artery lesions of moderate severity in patients being evaluated for PTCA.
Effects of Surgical Correction for the Treatment of Adult Acquired Flatfoot Deformity: A Computational Investigation

Computational models of the foot/ankle complex were developed to predict the biomechanical consequences of surgical procedures that correct for Stage II adult acquired flatfoot deformity. Cadaveric leg and foot bony anatomy was captured by CT imaging in neutral flexion and imported to the modeling software. Ligaments were approximated as tension only springs attached at insertion sites. Muscle contraction of the gastrocnemius/soleus complex was simulated through force vectors and desired external loads applied to the model. Ligament stiffnesses were modified to reflect Stage II flatfoot damage, followed by integration of corrective osteotomies—medializing calcaneal osteotomy (MCO) and Evans and calcaneocuboid distraction arthrodesis (CCDA)—to treat flatfoot. Joint angles, tissue strains, calcaneocuboid contact force, and plantar loads were analyzed. The flatfoot simulation demonstrated clinical signs of disease evidenced by degradation of joint alignment. Repair states corrected these joint misalignments with MCO having greatest impact in the hindfoot, and Evans/CCDA having greatest effect in the mid- and forefoot. The lateral procedures unevenly strained plantar structures, while offloading the medial forefoot, and increased loading on the lateral forefoot, which was amplified by combining with MCO. The Evans procedure raised calcaneocuboid joint contact force to twice intact levels. Computational results are in agreement with clinical and experimental findings. The model demonstrated potential precursors to such complications as lateral tightness and arthritic development and may thus be useful as a predictor of surgical outcomes. © 2011 Orthopaedic Research Society Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 29: 1047–1054, 2011
Learning Strengths-Based Practice: Challenging our Personal and Professional Frames:

The strengths perspective challenges our personal and professional conventions, our habits of the mind. Shifting from the world of traditional practice to that of a strengths frame challenges our cultural and professional traditions that assume that truth is discovered only by looking at underlying and often hidden meanings that only professional understanding and expertise can decipher and amend. This paper explores this challenge as necessary if practitioners are to truly embrace a practice based upon strengths, resilience, and empowerment.
Immunological identification of a high molecular weight protein as a candidate for the product of the Duchenne muscular dystrophy gene

Abstract An oligopeptide was synthesized based on translation of the nucleotide sequence of the putative exon region of clone pERT87-25 from the gene for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Immunization of rabbits with this oligopeptide induced the formation of antibodies directed against a protein present in human, rat, and rabbit skeletal muscle. This protein, which is missing in the skeletal muscle of two patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, has a molecular mass of approximately equal to 320-420 kDa and is clearly different from the putative Duchenne muscular dystrophy-related protein nebulin. The data suggest that this 320- to 420-kDa protein is produced by the Duchenne muscular dystrophy gene.
Exposures to Refractory Ceramic Fibers in Manufacturing and Related Operations: A 10-Year Update

Refractory ceramic fiber (RCF) is a man-made vitreous fiber used for its insulating properties. Since 1987, the work environment of approximately 800 persons employed in fiber manufacture or production operations directly related to manufacturing has been monitored to evaluate exposure levels. Samples were collected quarterly from the breathing zones of randomly selected workers. The measurements from those working in areas of similar activities and exposure controls (dust zones or homogeneous exposure groups) were used to calculate a mean exposure during identified time periods. Persons who spent all of their work time in one zone/group were assigned this mean exposure; those with responsibilities in more than one area were assigned an exposure based on a time-weighted formula. A total of 3213 measurements were used to estimate exposure for 130 job titles; because of the mobile jobs, many samples contribute to the estimates of exposure for multiple job titles. The majority of exposure estimates (53%) hav...
Profiles of acculturation among Hispanics in the United States: links with discrimination and substance use

Purpose Recent research suggests that acculturation is a multifaceted construct with implications for substance use among Hispanics. However, few, if any, studies examining profiles of acculturation have been conducted using national samples. Moreover, no cluster-based studies have examined how acculturation relates to discrimination and substance use disorders among Hispanics in the United States.
The instructional enhancement of the flexibility and originality scores of divergent thinking tests

This investigation was conducted to examine the effects of insturctions designed to enhance ideational origianlity and flexibility, and to test the prediction that flexibility is functionally related to originality. Twenty-nine adolescents received three divergent thinking tests with conventional (inexplicit) instructions, one test with explicit originality instructions, and one test with explicit flexbility instructions. Contrary to expection, results indicated that originality scores were low when the adolescents were given the explicit flexiibility instructions. This suggests that flexibility does not facilitate originality. However, the explicit originality instructions did elicit the highest originality scores, and the explicit flexibility instructions elicited the highest flexibility scores.
Diffusion of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Treatments: Development, Dissemination, and Implementation

Theory and research regarding the diffusion of innovations and technology transfer have advanced our understanding of how new ideas and technologies are developed, disseminated, adopted, and implemented by individuals and organizations. Although diffusion has been studied in other fields, it is not often applied to mental health and substance abuse treatment. However, findings from diffusion-of-innovations research can assist in bridging research-practice gaps that lead to clients receiving treatments whose effectiveness has not been assessed or to clients not receiving the most effective treatments. This article reviews theory and research regarding the diffusion of innovations and highlights areas for application to mental health treatment, including the transportability of treatments into real-world settings, strategies to disseminate treatments, attributes of treatments that affect their adoption, and organizational change factors that affect implementation.
Engraftment of bone marrow and fetal liver cells after in utero transplantation in MDX mice

Abstract Background/Purpose: In utero hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (IUHSCTx) has been experimentally or clinically effective only in circumstances in which there is a survival advantage for donor cells. A survival advantage exists for normal muscle cells in muscular dystrophy. Because hematopoietic and mesenchymal stem cells may have the capacity to differentiate into muscle cells, the authors hypothesized that in utero bone marrow (BM) or fetal liver (FL) stem cell transplantation may be used to treat muscular dystrophy. Methods: Time-dated 14-day-gestation fetal muscular dystrophy mice ( mdx ) were injected intraperitoneally with 1 to 5 × 10 6 BM or FL cells per fetus from Rosa26 donor mice (transgenic for lacZ). Four weeks after birth, peripheral blood from the pups was analyzed for hematopoietic chimerism by using fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) for the Ly-9.1 marker. Chimeric mice (6 BM and 2 FL recipients) were sacrificed at 12 to 14 months of age, muscles were stained with X-gal, and analyzed by 1- to 2-μm plastic sections. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for lacZ was performed in other organs to determine systemic engraftment. Results: At the time of death, all animals that were chimeric at 4 weeks continued to show hematopoietic chimerism of 0.2% to 9% by FACS. Engrafted donor cells were found in multiple sections from hindlimb skeletal muscles, diaphragms, and hearts from both BM and FL recipients. These cells had incorporated into the host muscles, and their morphology was consistent with myogenic differentiation. PCR of BM, liver, spleen, thymus, kidney, and lung for lacZ was positive in multiple animals. Conclusions: IUHSCTx leads to widespread engraftment of donor cells in multiple muscle compartments of hematopoietic chimeras. The advantage for normal myocytes offered in the mdx model allows engraftment and myogenic differentiation of transplanted BM or FL cells by morphology at a relatively higher frequency in muscle relative to other tissues, without the need for host conditioning. Because muscular dystrophy now can be detected early in gestation, such a strategy may offer a future alternative in the clinical treatment of this disease. J Pediatr Surg 37:1058-1064. Copyright 2002, Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.
Constraints on Fourier models of human pattern recognition

Lynn A. Olzak, Thomas D. Wickens, & James P. ThomasDepartment of Psychology, University of California, Los AngelesReal-world images are highly complex, and it is not yet understood how the humanvisual system processes this information in recognition tasks. Most current psy-chophysical models of discrimination assume that decisions are made on the basisof information directly accessible from the spatially-tuned mechanisms that medi-ate detection. Detection mechanisms are localized with respect to orientation andspatial frequency in the Fourier domain, and have been shown to process disparatecomponents along each dimension independently. We demonstrate that in discrim-ination tasks with complex stimuli, disparate Fourier components are not generallyprocessed independently. Both masking and configuration-dependent effects arefound. The pattern of results suggests that mediating pathways are not always lo-calized in Fourier space, but in some cases integrate information across wide regionsof the domain. The integrating mechanisms appear specialized to signal particulardifferences or transformations that apply to rigid objects. We present a quantitativemodel based both on primary Fourier components and on non-arbitrary combina-tions of these components, and we show how this model accounts for our currentcomplex-discrimination results. Finally, we suggest how a class of concurrent-ratingexperiments can be used to further test this model and identify the nature of theintegrating mechanisms.A classic distinction in psychological approaches to hu-man visual information processing is made between low-
Does the birth order affect the cognitive development of a child

This article investigates the link between position in the birth order and early scholastic ability. Using matched mother–child data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth (1979 cohort, NLSY79), I find that being the first-born is beneficial even after controlling for (nonlinear) effects of family size and child characteristics. The verbal ability of first-borns is about one-tenth of a SD higher than for children in the middle of the birth order. There is no evidence that last-borns fare better than intermediate children. The first-born advantage is confirmed by estimates from within-family variation models and I argue that the findings are consistent with the resource dilution hypothesis.
Production of interleukin-18 in human tuberculosis.

To investigate the role of interleukin (IL)‐18 in human tuberculosis, IL-18 production was evaluated in blood and at the site of disease in patients with tuberculosis. Mycobacterium tuberculosis‐stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from tuberculosis patients secreted less IL-18 and interferon-g (IFN-g) than did PBMC from healthy persons reactive to tuberculin. M. tuberculosis‐induced IFN-g production was inhibited by anti‐IL18 and enhanced by recombinant IL-18. Alveolar macrophages secreted IL-18 in response to M. tuberculosis, and IL-18 and IFN-g concentrations were higher in pleural fluid of patients with tuberculosis than in pleural fluid of patients with nontuberculous diseases. These findings demonstrate that IL-18 production by PBMC correlates with IFN-g production and effective immunity to tuberculosis, suggesting that IL-18 contributes to a protective type 1 cytokine response in persons with mycobacterial infection. Tuberculosis causes a staggering burden of mortality worldwide, killing 1.9 million persons each year [1]. Effective treatment of tuberculosis in developing countries is hampered by the high cost of antituberculosis drugs, inability to ensure completion of prolonged therapy, and rising rates of drug resistance. Vaccination provides an alternative cost-effective strategy that would contribute greatly to tuberculosis control. Development of an effective vaccine hinges on an improved understanding of the immune response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Interferon-g (IFN-g) plays a pivotal role in immune defenses against M. tuberculosis. Mice lacking IFN-g because of a targeted gene deletion have markedly increased susceptibility to tuberculosis [2, 3], and humans with a defective IFN-g receptor have severe mycobacterial disease [4, 5]. IFN-g production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) provides an immunologic marker that correlates with the clinical manifestations of infection with M. tuberculosis. Healthy persons reactive to tuberculin develop protective immunity against exogenous infection with M. tuberculosis, and M. tuberculosis‐stimulated
Grayscale level connectivity: theory and applications

A novel notion of connectivity for grayscale images is introduced, defined by means of a binary connectivity assigned at image-level sets. In this framework, a grayscale image is connected if all level sets below a prespecified threshold are connected. The proposed notion is referred to as grayscale level connectivity and includes, as special cases, other well-known notions of grayscale connectivity, such as fuzzy grayscale connectivity and grayscale blobs. In contrast to those approaches, the present framework does not require all image-level sets to be connected. Moreover, a connected grayscale object may contain more than one regional maximum. Grayscale level connectivity is studied in the rigorous framework of connectivity classes. The use of grayscale level connectivity in image analysis applications, such as object extraction, image segmentation, object-based filtering, and hierarchical image representation, is discussed and illustrated.
Analyzing Self-Defense Investments in Internet Security under Cyber-Insurance Coverage

Internet users such as individuals and organizations are subject to different types of epidemic risks such as worms, viruses, and botnets. To reduce the probability of risk, an Internet user generally invests in self-defense mechanisms like antivirus and antispam software. However, such software does not completely eliminate risk. Recent works have considered the problem of residual risk elimination by proposing the idea of cyber-insurance. In this regard, an important decision for Internet users is their amount of investment in self-defense mechanisms when insurance solutions are offered. In this paper, we investigate the problem of self-defense investments in the Internet, under full and partial cyber-insurance coverage models. By the term ‘self-defense investment’, we mean the monetary-cum-precautionary cost that each user needs to invest in employing risk mitigating self-defense mechanisms, given that it is fully or partially insured by the Internet insurance agencies. We propose a general mathematical framework by which co-operative and non-co-operative Internet users can decide whether or not to invest in self-defense for ensuring both, individual and social welfare. Our results show that (1) co-operation amongst users results in more efficient self-defense investments than those in a non-cooperative setting, under a full insurance coverage model and (2) partial insurance coverage motivates non-cooperative Internet users to invest more efficiently in self-defense mechanisms when compared to full insurance coverage.
The social environment affects mate guarding behavior in Japanese beetles, Popillia japonica

The effect of the social environment on post-copulatory mate guarding duration in Japanese beetles, (Popillia japonica Newman), was examined in a laboratory experiment. The mate guarding durations of beetles in different sex ratios and densities were observed for 10 hours. Guarding duration was longer when females were larger, suggesting the presence of ‘cryptic’ male mate choice. Densities, but not sex ratio, affected the duration of guarding bouts, with males guarding for longer at higher densities. This result implies that males increase their guarding duration under conditions in which their female may be likely to be encountered by other males. The lack of a sex ratio effect on the duration of guarding bouts is consistent with other studies on this species that indicate males have difficulty distinguishing females from males. Consequently, because the sex ratio on food plants is typically male-biased, a paired male may react just to density, treating surrounding individuals as if they were mostly males. The total amount of time males spent guarding was lower at lower densities and at male-biased sex ratios; this suggests that after ceasing to guard one female, males were less able to find a subsequent mate under these conditions.
Microfluidic Molecular Trap: Probing Extracellular Signaling by Selectively Blocking Exchange of Specific Molecules in Cell-Cell Interactions

Communication among cell populations is achieved via a wide variety of soluble, extracellular signaling molecules [1]. In order to investigate the role of specific molecules in a cellular process, researchers often utilize in vitro cell culture techniques in which the molecule under question has been removed from the signaling pathway. Traditionally, this has been accomplished by eliminating the gene in the cell that is responsible for coding the targeted ligand/receptor by using modern DNA technology such as gene knockout; however, this process is expensive, time-consuming, and labor intensive. Previously, we have demonstrated a microfluidic platform that uses a semi-permeable barrier with embedded receptor-coated nanoparticles to selectively remove a specific molecule or ligand from the extracellular signaling pathway in a cell co-culture environment [2]. This initial proof-of-principle was conducted using biotinylated nanoparticles and fluorescently tagged avidin molecules, as the avidin/biotin complex is the strongest known non-covalent interaction between a protein and a ligand (Dissociation constant kd = 10−15 M). Also, the trap was only effective for short time periods (<15 min) because the high concentration of fluorescently tagged avidin molecules required for visualization quickly saturated the barrier. However, nearly all biologically relevant ligand-receptor interactions have lower binding affinities than the avidin-biotin complex, with dissociation constants that are larger by several orders of magnitude. In addition, many in vitro cell culture experiments are conducted over multiple hours or days. Thus, a practically useful molecular trap device must be able to operate in a lower binding affinity regime while also lasting for extended time periods. Here we present results in which a biotinylated-particle barrier was used to successfully block lower concentrations of fluorescently tagged avidin for multiple days, showcasing the applicability of the device for long term experiments. In addition, we introduce a modified molecular trap in which the protein A/goat IgG complex was used to demonstrate the effectiveness of the platform for lower binding affinity protein-ligand interactions. These results indicate the potential usefulness of the microfluidic molecular trap platform for probing extracellular signaling pathways.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Stationary behavior of TCP/AQM with many flows under aggressive packet marking

We consider a TCP/AQM system shared by many flows under general packet marking schemes. Traditional approaches in the literature require that the marking function p/sup N/ (x) be scaled linearly in the number of flows N, i.e., p/sup N/ (Nx)=p(x) for some function p, and they all invariably fail to predict the system performance if the marking function is scaled more aggressively, i.e. p/sup N/(N/sup /spl alpha//x)=p(x) with /spl alpha//spl isin/(0,1). In this paper, by noting that there are two different sources of randomness in packet arrivals to the queue, we develop a simple stationary model for a TCP/AQM system with N flows under the aggressive packet marking. Our main results show that, under any aggressive marking scale, the system always behaves nicely in the sense that the link utilization goes to I and the queueing delay decreases to zero as the system size N increases. We verify our results using ns-2 simulation under different AQM schemes, and show that the buffer size can be chosen much smaller than O(/spl radic/N) as recently predicted by G. Appenzeller et al (ACM Sigcomm, 2004) without affecting all the key performance metrics.
Psychometric Examination of an Inventory of Self-Efficacy for the Holland Vocational Themes Using Item Response Theory

The psychometric properties of measures of self-efficacy for the six themes of Holland’s theory were examined using item response theory. Item and scale quality were compared across levels of the t...
Surface photochemistry: when the substrate electrons get hot

Summary form only given. The vast majority of studies to date have concentrated on the simplest of surface photoreactions, namely desorption, which is also the subject of the present work. We outline briefly and qualitatively a newly developed quantum mechanical theory that spans the weak-to-strong interaction range and circumvents several of the difficulties, noted in the literature, of the common approach to the photodesorption process. Closed-form expressions for the observables show explicitly the occurrence of multiple transitions in the nonperturbative domain and the power-law fluence dependence of the yield, rationalizing several of the observations found general to short-pulse studies.
Longer term outcomes need to be examined for enhancing the treatment of social anxiety disorder after insufficient improvement with sertraline

Despite the efficacy of treatments for social anxiety disorder (SAD), a percentage of patients do not respond to initial treatment or continue to experience residual symptoms. Given the significant functional impairment and burden associated with SAD, it is important to improve treatment strategies. SSRIs and SNRIs are considered first-line medication treatments; however, less is known about next-step treatments to be implemented if initial pharmacotherapy is unsuccessful.
AR and ER Interaction with a p21-Activated Kinase (PAK6)

A human protein termed p21-activated kinase 6 (PAK6), based on homology to the PAK family of serine/threonine kinases, was cloned as an AR interacting protein. PAK6 was a 75-kDa protein with a predicted N-terminal Cdc42/Rac interactive binding domain and a C-terminal kinase domain. PAK6 bound strongly to GTP-Cdc42 and weakly to GTP-Rac. In contrast to most PAKs, kinase activity was not stimulated by Cdc42 or Rac, but could be stimulated by AR binding. PAK6 interacted with the intact AR in a mammalian one-hybrid assay and bound in vitro, without ligand, to the hinge region between the AR DNA- and ligand-binding domains. PAK6 also bound to the ERalpha, and binding was enhanced by 4-hydroxytamoxifen. AR and ERalpha transcriptional activities were inhibited by PAK6 in transient transfections with episomal and integrated reporter genes. AR inhibition was not reversed by transfection with an activated Cdc42 mutant, Cdc42V12, which by itself also inhibited AR transactivation. Epitope-tagged PAK6 was primarily cytoplasmic in the absence or presence of AR and hormone. PAK6 transcripts were expressed most highly in brain and testis, with lower levels in multiple tissues including prostate and breast. PAK6 interaction provides a mechanism for cross-talk between steroid hormone receptors and Cdc42-mediated signal transduction pathways and could contribute to the effects of tamoxifen in breast cancer and in other tissues.
Assessing syndromes of catheter malfunction with SynchroMed infusion systems: the value of spiral computed tomography with contrast injection.

Medtronic SynchroMed pump systems have been implanted in more than 100,000 patients to infuse medication into cerebrospinal fluid. The primary medications delivered are baclofen and analgesics (eg, morphine, hydromorphone, bupivacaine, ziconotide). Patients receiving intrathecal medications are sensitive to changes in the infusion and may have a number of unique clinical presentations related to loss of drug delivery. Malfunctions of the infusion system are typically from catheter problems. The clinical presentations of 7 syndromes of catheter malfunction in patients receiving intrathecal medication will be described: microleak syndrome, delayed leak syndrome, catheter tip loculation, subdural catheter syndrome, catheter migration syndrome, ventriculoperitoneal shunt malfunction syndrome, and catheter tip inflammatory mass. The syndrome, diagnosis, and treatment strategies for each will be discussed. The use of spiral computed tomography after injection will be described.
Irresistible Forces and Political Obstacles: Securities Litigation Reform and the Structural Regulation of Corporate Governance

Congress passed the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 in reaction to the enormous political pressures generated by the wave of corporate financial scandals during 2001-2002. The Act's innovative reforms of corporate governance law were shaped by powerful political constraints on the use of private litigation and tensions over the use of "structural regulation" to alter the internal governance structures and procedures of publicly traded corporations. The conservative political realignment during 1990s precluded the development or expansion of litigious enforcement mechanisms (i.e., private causes of action) to curb corporate and managerial financial misconduct. Consequently, a number of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act's core provisions took the form of structural regulation intended to function as non-litigious, self-executing mechanisms of regulation. Political constraints on the use of private litigation as an enforcement mechanism entailed a more direct intervention of state power within the corporation and blurred the established boundaries between the public and private spheres. However, the legislative reforms did not alter the core processes of corporate managerial power - the nomination and election of directors to the board. When the SEC attempted to do so, it threatened encroachment on the private sphere and the institutional bases of managerial power and autonomy and produced a backlash by business elites against further reforms and against the underlying logic of Sarbanes-Oxley itself.
Comparing the Trends of Elevated Blood Pressure in Appalachian and Non-Appalachian Regions

As an established risk factor for cardiovascular disease and stroke, hypertension risks are often thought to be more prevalent in Appalachian mountain ranges when compared with other neighboring counterpart regions. This study evaluated blood pressure (BP) readings among 2358 Kentucky residents attending community stroke risk screening events held in 15 counties, including nine Appalachian counties (n=1134) and six non-Appalachian counties (n=1224). With high BP being operationally defined as ≥140/90 mm Hg, 41.5% of Appalachian county residents had elevated BP compared with 42.6% among those from non-Appalachian counties. Although the counties with the highest rates of elevated BP did tend to reside in the Appalachian region, there was no significant difference between rates of elevated BP in Appalachia vs non-Appalachian counties. This dataset is proposed as a pilot project to encourage further pursuit of a larger controlled project.
Synthesis and Structures of Novel Lanthanide Benzenedicarboxylates

Three novel lanthanum benzenedicarboxylates La2(BDC)3(H2O)4 (1), La4(BDC)3(OH)6 (2) and La3(BDC)2(OH)5 (3) (BDC = 1,4-benzenedicarboxylate) were synthesized by hydrothermal reactions and their structures determined from single crystal X-ray diffraction. All three compounds are 3D framework structures consisting of layers of LaOn polyhedra cross-linked by BDC ligands along the layer stacking direction. In 1 the layers contain separated [LaO6(H2O)2] polyhedra that are bridged by the carboxylate groups of the BDC anions. Compounds 2 and 3 both have highly condensed lanthanum oxide-hydroxide polyhedra. In 2 the layers are wavy and consist of [LaO5(OH)4] and [LaO4(OH)5] polyhedra that share common corners, edges, and faces. In 3, the layers are similar but comprise [LaO3(OH)5] and [LaO4(OH)5] polyhedra.
A Comparative Analysis of Suicide Terrorists and Rampage, Workplace, and School Shooters in the United States From 1990 to 2010:

This study presents results from the first combined quantitative assessment and comparative analysis of suicide terrorists and rampage, workplace, and school shooters who attempt suicide. Findings suggest that in the United States from 1990 to 2010, the differences between these offenders (N = 81) were largely superficial. Prior to their attacks, they struggled with many of the same personal problems, including social marginalization, family problems, work or school problems, and precipitating crisis events. Ultimately, patterns among all four types of offenders can assist those developing security policy, conducting threat assessments, and attempting to intervene in the lives of at-risk individuals.
The physics and bioinformatics of binding and folding-an energy landscape perspective.

It has been recognized in the last few years that unstructured proteins play an important role in biological organisms, often participating in signal transduction, transcriptional regulation, and a variety of other regulatory activities. Various hypotheses have been put forward for the ubiquity of the unfolded state; rapid turnover, faster or more specific binding kinetics, multifunc- tionality may all possibly explain apparent ubiquitousness of unfolded proteins in eukaryotic cells. In this paper we extend the energy landscape theory of protein folding to construct an analytical model of how binding and folding are coupled thermodynamically when the energy landscape is partially rugged. To deduce the parameters that enter the theory, which is based on Generalized Random Energy Model, we have analyzed in a bioinformatic sense a large structural database of more than 500 protein complexes. We find that Miyazawa-Jernigan contact potential shows similar energy gaps for folding for both hydrophobic and hydrophilic proteins, but that for binding contacts hydrophobic interfaces turn out to be funneled while hydrophilic ones are antifunneled. This suggests evolution has found a mechanism for avoiding frustration between folding and binding by making use of indirect water-mediated interactions. By juxtaposing the monomeric protein folding free energy profile in the protein complex database with another database consisting of only well-folded monomers, we estimate that at least 15% of monomers in the former database are unfolded in the absence of partner protein interface interactions. When employing the parameters characteristic of these unfolded monomers to construct binding/folding phase diagrams, we find that these monomers would indeed fold if sufficiently stabilizing binding contacts, consistent with that fold, are formed. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 68: 333-349, 2003
RC-SCR: very-low-voltage ESD protection circuit in plain CMOS

A simple, novel RC-coupled very-low-voltage silicon controlled rectifier, electrostatic discharge protection circuit is reported, implemented in 0.35 /spl mu/m CMOS, which is confirmed by transient electrostatic discharge simulation and measurement, and results in a very low triggering of 7 V, a 60% reduction over traditional silicon controlled rectifiers.
Efficient signature-based fault diagnosis using variable size windows

A technique for signature based diagnosis using windows of different sizes is presented. It allows one to obtain increased diagnostic information from a given test at a lower cost, without additional hardware. Existing techniques that use signature based methods are limited by occurrences of aliasing that can lead to failure in the diagnosis process. The new approach proposed in this paper uses windows of different sizes based on the distribution of faults in a circuit and reduces the probability of aliasing in a window Signature analysis can then give reliable information about failing and non-failing vectors. The effectiveness of the proposed method is evaluated by experiments conducted on ISCAS benchmark circuits. The results show that the proposed method can improve the diagnostic resolution and can reduce the cost of diagnosis.