cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Towards a unifying characterization for quantifying weak coupling in dec-POMDPs

Researchers in the field of multiagent sequential decision making have commonly used the terms "weakly-coupled" and "loosely-coupled" to qualitatively classify problems involving agents whose interactions are limited, and to identify various structural restrictions that yield computational advantages to decomposing agents' centralized planning and reasoning into largely-decentralized planning and reasoning. Together, these restrictions make up a heterogeneous collection of facets of "weakly-coupled" structure that are conceptually related, but whose purported computational benefits are hard to compare evenhandedly. The contribution of this paper is a unified characterization of weak coupling that brings together three complementary aspects of agent interaction structure. By considering these aspects in combination, we derive new bounds on the computational complexity of optimal Dec-POMDP planning, that together quantify the relative benefits of exploiting different forms of interaction structure. Further, we demonstrate how our characterizations can be used to explain why existing classes of decoupled solution algorithms perform well on some problems but poorly on others, as well as to predict the performance of a particular algorithm from identifiable problem attributes.
Enhancing the Disaster Recovery Plan Through Virtualization

Currently, organizations are increasingly aware of the need to protect their computer infrastructure to maintain continuity of operations. This process involves a number of different concerns including: managing natural disasters, equipment failure, and security breaches, poor data management, inadequate design, and complex/impractical design. The purpose of this article is to delineate how virtualization of hosts and cloud computing can be used to address the concerns resulting in improved computer infrastructure that can easily be restored following a natural disaster and which features fault tolerant hosts/components, isolates applications security attacks, is simpler in design, and is easier to manage. Further, because this technology has been out for a number of years and its capabilities have matured an attempt has been made to describe those capabilities as well as document successful applications.
Merlin microbolometer camera calibration

The Low Cost Gun Launched Seeker is a component of the Navy's effort to develop effective weapons for surface fire support missions by enhancing the performance of projectiles like the Extended Range Guided Munitions with low-cost, uncooled infrared (IR) staring focal plane array terminal seekers. IR target images for validating target detection algorithms were collected using a Merlin long wave camera from Indigo Systems. This paper characterizes the camera in order to develop performance parameters for simulating the seeker and to understand features in the imagery. These parameters include temperature response, temporal noise characteristics, fixed pattern noise, and the modulation transfer function.© (2001) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Tumor-Associated Inflammatory Cells in Thyroid Carcinomas.

The complex interactions between immune cells and tumor cells in cancer play a major role in tumor development and subsequent patient outcomes. Different types of tumor-associated inflammatory cells (TAICs), such as dendritic cells, macrophages, lymphocytes, and mast cells, have been recognized for many years in several tumors; however, the role of TAICs in cancer is still not completely understood. This review article focuses on the major types of TAICs, including their general role in cancer and, more specifically, their role and distribution in thyrocyte-derived carcinomas.
Underlining the Non-Covalent Interactions and Spectral Properties of a New Trimeric Perfluoro-Ortho-Phenylenemercury Supramolecular Complex: Synthesis, Structure and Spectroscopy of [(o-C6F4Hg)3·μ3-TCNB]

With its close proximity of Hg(II) atoms, elevated electron-withdrawing properties and accessibility to electrophilic sites on its molecular surface, cyclic trimeric perfluoro-ortho-phenylenemercury (o-(C6F4Hg)3) has been identified as one of the simplest Lewis acids. Given the marrying of these effects within the molecule, it has consistently demonstrated facility in forming supramolecular complexes with both neutral and anionic substrates. In an effort to expand the library of neutral substrates complexed by (o-C6F4Hg)3, in this communication we highlight the structural and spectroscopic properties of the complex between (o-C6F4Hg)3 and the organic acceptor TCNB (TCNB = 1,2,4,5-tetracyanobenzene). The supramolecular complex crystallized in the centrosymmetric triclinic space group $$ P\bar{1} $$ and exhibited unit cell dimensions of a = 10.9026(8) A, b = 11.1731(8) A, c = 14.0657(10) A, α = 89.839(6)°, β = 77.893(7)° and γ = 69.328(8)° for the title complex. Close inspection of the solid state structure revealed one-dimensional chains of non-covalent Hg···N interactions between the mercury atoms of (o-C6F4Hg)3 and the nitrogen atoms from nitrile groups lying trans to one another within the organic acceptor. A network of hydrogen bonding interactions between (o-C6F4Hg)3 and TCNB as well as among dimers of TCNB was also observed. Infrared spectroscopic measurements were also completed and revealed a shifting of the nitrile vibrational frequency for TCNB relative to that for the free molecule. Herein we present the structure and infrared spectroscopic properties of the supramolecular complex [(o-C6F4)3·μ3-TCNB], which couples the Lewis Acid trimeric perfluoro-ortho-phenylenemercury ((o-C6F4Hg)3) with the organocyanide acceptor TCNB (TCNB = 1,2,4,5-tetracyanobenzene). .
Methods of Linkage Analysis—and the Assumptions Underlying Them

2mulation, this concept was extended, for the study of Mendelian diseases, to situations in which the number of recombinants cannot be counted directly, with allowance both for incompletely known genotypes—whether due to dominance, incomplete penetrance, or phenocopies—and for heterogeneity in the recombination fraction—whether due to the sex of the transmitting parent or to different loci controlling the appearance of disease. Logarithms to base 10 of the likelihood ratio (LODs), comparing the maximum likelihood to the likelihood when the recombination fraction is , became the basis 1 2 on which the evidence for linkage was judged. If the likelihood was maximized over only a single recombination fraction, a “LOD score” of 3 was taken to be significant. This corresponds to a P value (empirical type I error probability) of !10 23 —and, in large samples (as the number of informative meioses becomes large), to a P value of »10 2-4 . Very approximately, using this “LOD score of 3” criterion would ensure, in most cases, that only 5% of declared linkages would be false. To account for maximization of the likelihood over more than one unknown parameter—for example, the two sex-specific recombination fractions or the recombination fraction and additional parameters such as penetrances—the critical value of the LOD was adjusted upward, to ensure that the large-sample P value remained the same, with the result that the latter was the actual currency being used—the exchange rate with LODs fluctuating according to circumstance. These methods of linkage analysis came to be known as “LOD score” methods and, more recently, have been called “parametric.” I prefer to call these methods “model based,” rather than by “LOD score” or “parametric,” since the latter are terms that
Neurofibromatosis 1 vasculopathy manifesting as a peripheral aneurysm in an adolescent

Arterial vasculopathy is a well-recognized but uncommon manifestation of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF-1). It can manifest as stenoses, aneurysms or arteriovenous malformations. NF-1 vasculopathy typically involves the aorta, visceral arteries or carotid-vertebral circulation. Aortic and visceral vasculopathy typically presents as stenotic lesions, while aneurysms have been reported primarily in the subclavian/vertebral arteries. Aneurysms of the peripheral/extremity arteries are an extremely rare complication of NF-1 that may present as a mass or spontaneous rupture. We present the case of a teenage boy with an arm mass secondary to an aneurysm. We hope this case will increase recognition of the variable clinical manifestations of NF-1 vasculopathy among radiologists.
To Each Her Own: Function Keys

As OCLC Cataloging Subsystem users who rely heavily on M300 function keys, we were pleased to see the articles in the June 1986 issue of OCLC Micro encouraging function key use.
Ecological controls on the shell geochemistry of pink and white Globigerinoides ruber in the northern Gulf of Mexico: Implications for paleoceanographic reconstruction

Abstract We evaluate the relationship between foraminiferal test size and shell geochemistry (δ13C, δ18O, and Mg/Ca) for two of the most commonly used planktonic foraminifers for paleoceanographic reconstruction in the subtropical Atlantic Ocean: the pink and white varieties of Globigerinoides ruber. Geochemical analyses were performed on foraminifera from modern core-top samples of high-accumulation rate basins in the northern Gulf of Mexico. Mg/Ca analysis indicates a positive relationship with test size, increasing by 1.1 mmol/mol (~ 2.5 °C) from the smallest (150–212 μm) to largest (> 500 μm) size fractions of G. ruber (pink), but with no significant relationship in G. ruber (white). In comparison, oxygen isotope data indicate a negative relationship with test size, decreasing by 0.6‰ across the size range of both pink and white G. ruber. The observed increase in Mg/Ca and decrease in δ18O are consistent with an increase in calcification temperature of 0.7 °C per 100 μm increase in test size, suggesting differences in the seasonal and/or depth distribution among size fractions. Overall, these results stress the necessity for using a consistent size fraction in downcore paleoceanographic studies. In addition, we compare downcore records of δ18O and Mg/Ca from pink and white G. ruber in a decadal-resolution 1000-year sedimentary record from the Pigmy Basin. Based on this comparison we conclude that pink G. ruber is calcifying in warmer waters than co-occurring white G. ruber, suggesting differences in the relative seasonal distribution and depth habitat of the two varieties.
Merger origin for the velocity and density substructure in elliptical galaxies

We study the dynamics of mergers between two unequal elliptical systems with self-consistent numerical simulations. We present comparisons of our models to real ellipticals in a variety of properties, which include the mean central surface brightness, the shape of the surface brightness profile, and the type of rotation curve and dispersion profile. Several proofs are given that the cores of smaller, denser ellipticals sink to the remnant's centre virtually undisturbed, and create a core-within-a-core structure with definite signatures in the surface brightness profile and the velocity dispersion profile. Ellipticals with anomalous cores appear to be a natural outcome of this type of merger.
Epidemiology of Methicillin-Susceptible Staphylococcus aureus in a University Medical Center Day Care Facility

objective. Few data are available on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonization in day care. We performed a study in a medical university child care center to study the epidemiology of MRSA in this population. design. Survey. setting. A child care center on the campus of a university medical center. methods. One hundred four children who attended the child care center and 32 employees gave samples that were cultured for MRSA. Seventeen household members of the children and employee found to be colonized with MRSA also gave samples that were cultured. Parents and employees completed questionnaires about demographic characteristics, medical conditions and treatments, and possible exposure risks outside the child care center. In addition, 195 environmental samples were taken from sites at the childcare center. Isolates were analyzed for relatedness by use of molecular typing, and statistical analysis was performed. results. The prevalence of MRSA in the children was 6.7%. One employee (3.1%) was colonized with MRSA. Cultures of samples given by 6 of 17 (35.3%) family members of these children and the employee yielded MRSA. MRSA was recovered from 4 of 195 environmental samples. Molecular typing revealed that many of the MRSA isolates were indistinguishable, and 18 of the 21 isolates were communityassociated MRSA. Multivariable analysis revealed that receipt of macrolide antibiotics ( ; odds ratio, 39.6 [95% confidence interval, P p .002 3.4‐651.4]) and receipt of asthma medications ( ; odds ratio, 26.9 [95% confidence interval, 1.5‐500.7]) were related to MRSA P p .024 colonization. conclusions. There was a low prevalence of MRSA colonization in children and employees in the child care center but a higher prevalence of colonization in their families. Molecular typing showed that transmission of MRSA likely occurred in the child care center. The use of macrolide antibiotics and asthma medications may increase the risk of MRSA colonization in this population.
Dr. Douchebag: a tale of the emergency department.

“I'm not afraid of dying,” he says, despite his plea on arrival. “Listen up, douchebag. Are you calling my cousin or what?” The emergency department might be the only sphere of human exchange where one party—patients (and sometimes family)—are permitted to insult, threaten, and even spit at the very people on whom they depend for help, while the offended parties—physicians, nurses, and other health care providers—must not only tolerate the abuse, but treat their tormentors. Does the ED's collective duty to greater numbers of patients demand a revised ethos of tough love for extreme cases of misbehavior? Can we ask these patients to leave without legal recourse after extending genuine, compassionate efforts to participate in their care—barring evidence of a medical explanation for their toxic comportment or a mental illness that puts them at risk of harming themselves or others?
Activation of protein kinase C by coexisting diacylglycerol-enriched and diacylglycerol-poor lipid domains.

To test the hypothesis that activation of protein kinase C (PKC) is related to the interface between coexisting diacylglycerol- (DAG-) enriched and DAG-poor phases, the thermotropic phase behavior of the ternary mixtures dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC)/dimyristoylphosphatidylserine (DMPS)/dioleoylglycerol (DO), DMPC/DMPS/1-palmitoyl-2-oleoylglycerol (PO), and DMPC/DMPS/dimyristoylglycerol (DM) was analyzed and compared with the ability of the lipid mixtures to support PKC activity. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was used to monitor the gel-to-liquid crystalline phase transition as a function of the mole fraction of DO (χDO), PO (χPO), or DM (χDM) in DMPC/DMPS (1:1) multilamellar vesicles (MLVs) and of χDO in large unilamellar vesicles (LUVs). The addition of DAG at low mole fractions gave rise to the appearance of two or more overlapping transitions. The phase boundaries of the ternary mixtures deduced from the partial phase diagrams were χDO = ∼0.10 and ∼0.3 for DMPC/DMPS/DO, χPO = ∼0.05 a...
Track monitoring with single and multiple 2-D passive sensors

In a multiple target environment, hit-to-track data association is important for properly tracking targets in view. Track monitoring is a fast method of determining whether the proper data association has been made. This paper presents track monitoring algorithms for both single and multiple passive 2-D sensors along with analytical methods of evaluating their effectiveness. Single sensor track monitoring produces a dilemma: a poor track is a result of target maneuver or incorrect hit-to-track data association. The algorithm presented for multiple 2-D passive sensors solves the problem by adding inclination angle monitoring. The multiple sensor monitoring system can distinguish between target maneuver, incorrect hit-to-track data association, and the addition problem with multiple sensors of incorrect track-to-track association, or `ghost' tracks. These monitoring methods can be used to prune poor hypotheses in MHT filters or in single assignment tracking when processor power is limited.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Integrating diversity into graduate social work education: a 30-year retrospective view by MSW-level African American social workers.

The study surveyed a national sample of 100 African American master of social work graduates to retroactively assess perceived diversity content in Human Behavior courses before and after the Counc...
Tests of the generality of self-efficacy theory.

The present set of studies tested the explanatory and predictive generality of self-efficacy theory across additional treatment modalities and behavioral domains. Microanalysis of changes accompanying symbolic modeling indicates that this mode of treatment enhances coping behavior partly through its effects on perceived efficacy. Cognizing modeled mastery of threats increased phobics' self-percepts of efficacy, which, in turn, predicted their specific performance attainments on tasks of varying threat value. Examination of efficacy probes revealed that making efficacy judgments has no effect on subsequent avoidance behavior or on fear arousal. The close congruence found between changes in self-efficacy and different forms of coping behavior in the treatment of agoraphobia provides some evidence for the generality of efficacy theory across different areas of functioning. Microanalysis of anticipatory and performance fear arousal accompanying varying strengths of self-efficacy also lends support for the social learning conception of fear arousal in terms of perceived coping inefficacy.
Factors associated with the steep increase in late-midlife stroke occurrence among US men.

Background Data on recent stroke prevalence rates among middle-aged men in the United States indicate that men aged 55 to 64 years are 3 times more likely than men aged 45 to 54 years to have experienced a stroke. We aimed to determine potential risk factors that may contribute to this steep increase in late midlife stroke occurrence. Methods We analyzed the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999 to 2004 data sets, assessing stroke prevalence, predictors of stroke occurrence, and vascular risk factors in men across their midlife years. Results Crudely, higher glycohemoglobin, history of hypertension, history of diabetes, and history of coronary artery disease significantly predicted stroke in 45- to 54- and 54-to 64-year-old men. Significant stroke risk factors unique to each age group were non-white race, lower ankle-brachial pulsatility index, and occurrence of recent severe headache in the 45- to 54-year age group, whereas elevated serum homocysteine (HCY) level predicted stroke in those aged 55 to 64 years. In multivariable regression analysis, lower ankle-brachial pulsatility index (odds ratio [OR] 1.69, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.47-1.83, P P = .019) were the only independent predictors of stroke in the 45- to 54-year age group, whereas only elevated HCY predicted stroke in the 55- to 64-year age group (OR 1.708, 95% CI –1.103-2.643, P = .0163). Conclusion Elevated serum HCY level is the sole independent predictor of stroke among men aged 55 to 64 years in the United States. Further study to assess the efficacy of HCY-lowering treatment in mitigating a steep increase in late midlife stroke occurrence among men may be warranted.
The experience of fathers of adult children with schizophrenia

The purpose of this study was to describe the lived experience of fathers of adult children with schizophrenia by exploring the extent to which they engaged in caregiving. Cross-sectional data were gathered from 12 fathers over a 2-year period using naturalistic inquiry. Two instruments guided in-depth explorations of caregiving experiences, theme extrapolation, and theme refinement. Data were collected during taped interviews using the constant-comparative method. Findings indicated that the caregiving event was prolonged. Three themes explained the extent to which these fathers engaged in caregiving: involvement in care, unresolved issues, and severity of the event. Recommendations include similar studies with ethnic groups and use of chronic sorrow as a framework for studies about parental care for adult children with severe mental illness. practice implications include immediate assessment of fathers, supportive listening, and brief therapy.
N-nitrosoanilines: a new class of caspase-3 inhibitors.

Caspases are a family of cysteine proteases activated during apoptosis. In cultured human endothelial cells, physiological levels of NO prevent apoptosis and interfere with the activation of the caspase cascade. Previous studies have demonstrated that NO inhibits the activity of caspase-3 by S-nitrosylation of the enzyme. In this study, the inhibitory effect of a new class of NO donors, N-nitrosoaniline derivatives, were examined against caspase-3. Initially eight small molecule inhibitors bearing N-nitroso moieties were assayed. It was found that the presence of an electron-donating group on the phenyl ring led to better inhibitory potency, a trend consistent with the results from the previous papain studies. Based on the analysis of the enzyme and substrates' structures, two peptidyl N-nitrosoaniline inhibitors [Ac-DVAD-NNO (1) and Ac-DV-AMO (2)] were designed and synthesized. Both compounds exhibited enhanced inhibitory potency against caspase-3.
Cartilage repair and replacement in the knee: a regulatory perspective.

The number of investigational knee cartilage repair or replacement product submissions (hereafter referred to as cartilage products) received by the FDA is increasing. This trend may reflect the rise in cartilage repair publications and active product development (Figure 1). To describe its current thinking on cartilage products, the FDA recently finalized guidance entitled ‘Preparation of IDEs and INDs for Products Intended to Repair or Replace Knee Cartilage’. This article provides an overview of cartilage product regulation and the Cartilage Guidance document.
Rapid detection of oleander poisoning using digoxin immunoassays: comparison of five assays.

Oleander is an ornamental shrub that grows in the United States, Australia, India, Sri Lanka, China, and other parts of the world. All parts of the plant are poisonous because the presence of cardiac glycoside oleandrin. Despite its toxicity, oleander extract is used in folk medicines. Because of its structural similarity, oleandrin cross-reacts with the fluorescence polarization immunoassay (FPIA) for digoxin. We studied the potential of detecting oleandrin in serum using 5 common digoxin immunoassays (FPIA, MEIA, both from Abbott; Beckman digoxin assay on Synchron LX, Chemiluminescent assay, CLIA from Bayer Diagnostics) and a recently FDA-approved turbidimetric assay on the ADVIA 1650 analyzer (Bayer). Aliquots of drug-free and digoxin-like immunoreactive substances (DLIS)-free serum pools were supplemented with ethanol extract of oleander leaves or oleandrin (Sigma Chemicals) in amounts expected in vivo after severe overdose. We observed significant apparent digoxin concentration with FPIA, Beckman, and the new turbidimetric assay (1 mL drug-free serum supplemented with 5.0 μL of oleander extract: apparent digoxin 2.36 ng/mL by the FPIA, 0.32 ng/mL by the MEIA, 0.93 ng/mL by the Beckman, 0.82 ng/mL by the new turbidimetric assay). The CLIA showed no cross-reactivity. Similar observations were made when serum pools were supplemented with oleandrin. Because cross reactivity should be tested in the presence of the primary analyte, we supplemented serum pools prepared from patients receiving digoxin with oleander extract or oleandrin. Thje measured digoxin concentrations were falsely elevated with the FPIA, Beckman, and turbidimetric assays, the highest false elevation being observed with the FPIA. Surprisingly, apparent digoxin concentrations were falsely lowered when MEIA was used. Digibind neutralizes free apparent digoxin concentration in vitro in serum pools supplemented with oleander extract, and this effect can be measured by the FPIA. We conclude that FPIA is most sensitive to detect the presence of oleander in serum. In contrast, the CLIA (no cross-reactivity) should be used for monitoring digoxin in a patient receiving digoxin and self-medicated with a herbal remedy containing oleander.
Saturn’s thermal emission at 2.2-cm wavelength as imaged by the Cassini RADAR radiometer

We present well-calibrated, high-resolution maps of Saturn’s thermal emission at 2.2-cm wavelength obtained by the Cassini RADAR radiometer through the Prime and Equinox Cassini missions, a period covering approximately 6 years. The absolute brightness temperature calibration of 2% achieved is more than twice better than for all previous microwave observations reported for Saturn, and the spatial resolution and sensitivity achieved each represent nearly an order of magnitude improvement. The brightness temperature of Saturn in the microwave region depends on the distribution of ammonia, which our radiative transfer modeling shows is the only significant source of absorption in Saturn’s atmosphere at 2.2-cm wavelength. At this wavelength the thermal emission comes from just below and within the ammonia cloud-forming region, and yields information about atmospheric circulations and ammonia cloud-forming processes. The maps are presented as residuals compared to a fully saturated model atmosphere in hydrostatic equilibrium. Bright regions in these maps are readily interpreted as due to depletion of ammonia vapor in, and, for very bright regions, below the ammonia saturation region. Features seen include the following: a narrow equatorial band near full saturation surrounded by bands out to about 10° planetographic latitude that demonstrate highly variable ammonia depletion in longitude; narrow bands of depletion at −35° latitude; occasional large oval features with depleted ammonia around −45° latitude; and the 2010–2011 storm, with extensive saturated and depleted areas as it stretched halfway around the planet in the northern hemisphere. Comparison of the maps over time indicates a high degree of stability outside a few latitudes that contain active regions.
Cyclic Changes in Plasma Phosphorus of Laying Turkeys

Plasma phosphorus of laying turkeys measured at 0, 6, 18, and 24 hr after oviposition showed a cyclic pattern similar to that reported for laying chickens. Plasma phosphorus was lowest at oviposition and remained relatively low until 6 hr postoviposition; values at 18 and 24 hr postoviposition were higher. Plasma phosphorus was higher (P less than .05) 24 hr postoviposition than 0 or 6 hr postoviposition. The changes were assumed to be associated with egg shell calcification and bone resorption. Plasma phosphorus values of turkey toms measured during a 24-hr period remained constant and were not significantly (P less than .05) different from each other.
Automatic segmentation of right ventricular ultrasound images using sparse matrix transform and a level set

An automatic segmentation framework is proposed to segment the right ventricle (RV) in echocardiographic images. The method can automatically segment both epicardial and endocardial boundaries from a continuous echocardiography series by combining sparse matrix transform, a training model, and a localized region-based level set. First, the sparse matrix transform extracts main motion regions of the myocardium as eigen-images by analyzing the statistical information of the images. Second, an RV training model is registered to the eigen-images in order to locate the position of the RV. Third, the training model is adjusted and then serves as an optimized initialization for the segmentation of each image. Finally, based on the initializations, a localized, region-based level set algorithm is applied to segment both epicardial and endocardial boundaries in each echocardiograph. Three evaluation methods were used to validate the performance of the segmentation framework. The Dice coefficient measures the overall agreement between the manual and automatic segmentation. The absolute distance and the Hausdorff distance between the boundaries from manual and automatic segmentation were used to measure the accuracy of the segmentation. Ultrasound images of human subjects were used for validation. For the epicardial and endocardial boundaries, the Dice coefficients were 90.8 ± 1.7% and 87.3 ± 1.9%, the absolute distances were 2.0 ± 0.42 mm and 1.79 ± 0.45 mm, and the Hausdorff distances were 6.86 ± 1.71 mm and 7.02 ± 1.17 mm, respectively. The automatic segmentation method based on a sparse matrix transform and level set can provide a useful tool for quantitative cardiac imaging.
Generation and characterization of a constitutively active Stat3 protein.

Stats are latent transcription factors involved in normal cellular signaling in response to cytokine or growth factor stimulation. Constitutive activation of Stats (primarily Stat3 and Stat5) has been implicated in growth dysregulation and oncogenesis. Furthermore, increased activation of Stats has been observed in several human tumors and tumor-derived cell lines. To assess the contribution of aberrant Stat activation in oncogenesis, we have created a chimeric molecule between Stat3β and a portion of the Herpes simplex virus VP16 activation domain. The resulting protein, Stat3β-VAD (VP16 activation domain), is tyrosine phosphorylated on Y705 and can bind DNA in the absence of upstream activation by c-Src or epidermal growth factor (EGF). Unlike Stat3α and Stat3β, Stat3β-VAD robustly activates transcription of several reporter genes without cytokine or growth factor stimulation. In addition, we show marked upregulation of the endogenous c-myc and c-fos genes upon inducible expression of Stat3β-VAD in COS-7 cells. Our protein displays the constitutive transcriptional activation of Stat3α seen in human tumors and will be a valuable tool in screens for Stat3-regulated genes. In response to the established Stat3 involvement in human cancers, Stat3β-VAD will also facilitate assessing the contribution of other cancer signaling cascades in the context of aberrant Stat3α activity in cancer development and progression.
Study of head-tape interaction in high speed rotating head recording

The steady state tape dynamics resulting from the interaction of high speed rotating head and a flexible recording tape are formulated within the framework of linear shell theory. Tape displacements in the area above the head are coupled with the solution to the Reynolds equation in order to calculate the film thickness (flying height) between head and tape. Simulated results for spherical heads are compared to observed behavior on experimental systems.
Using Picture Books to Provide Archetypes to Young Boys: Extending the Ideas of William Brozo

In his book To Be a Boy, To Be a Reader: Engaging Teen and Preteen Boys in Active Literacy, William Brozo suggested that many adolescent boys have become mentally and academically detached from school. While Brozo acknowledges that a solution to these problems is multifaceted, he asserts that engaging boys in literature that makes use of archetypes can contribute to their resolution. This article extends Brozo's ideas to boys in the years before adolescence. If educators wait until the middle grades to engage boys in literacy and books, they risk losing many to the detachment Brozo describes. Boys can and should be introduced to archetypes earlier, and this can be accomplished with picture books. The author presents a list of picture books arranged by archetype, along with strategies for creating boy-friendly classrooms.
Child labor issues in the international setting.

SUMMARY Internationally, children are working in situations where there are exposures to many occupational hazards, lack of basic worker rights and, sometimes, forced employment. Many of the child workers are involved in family-based agriculture, cattle tending, crop harvesting, commercial plantation work, and the cleaning and packing of food. Many severe forms of child labor are found in the commercial agriculture of Latin America and the Caribbean. The International Labor Organization states that “few human abuses are so unanimously condemned, while being so widely practiced as child labor… working children, all over the world, deserve better.”1
Cytochromes P450: Roles in Diseases

The cytochrome P450 superfamily consists of a large number of heme-containing monooxygenases. Many human P450s metabolize drugs used to treat human diseases. Others are necessary for synthesis of endogenous compounds essential for human physiology. In some instances, alterations in specific P450s affect the biological processes that they mediate and lead to a disease. In this minireview, we describe medically significant human P450s (from families 2, 4, 7, 11, 17, 19, 21, 24, 27, 46, and 51) and the diseases associated with these P450s.
Historical trends of hypoxia on the Louisiana shelf: application of pigments as biomarkers

Increases in the deposition of phytoplankton-derived organic carbon resulting from increases in nutrient inputs through the Mississippi–Atchafalaya system since the early 1950s has been speculated as the primary reason for the occurrence of hypoxic events in this region (Rabalais, N.N., Wiseman, W.J., Turner, R.E., Sen Gupta, B.K., Dortch, Q., 1996. Nutrient changes in the Mississippi river and system responses on the adjacent continental shelf. Estuaries 19(2B), 386–407). However, due to the lack of long-term measurements of oxygen in this region it is unclear if hypoxia events occurred prior to anthropogenic inputs of nutrients from the Mississippi river. In this study, we used naturally occurring radionuclides and plant pigment biomarkers to document changes in hypoxia events over the past 100 years. Specifically, we used pigments derived from the anoxygenic phototrophic brown-pigmented green sulfur bacteria Chlorobium phaeovibroides and C. phaeobacteroides. In sediments, at a hypoxic site west of the Mississippi plume, we observed high concentrations (52 nmol/g OC) of bacteriochlorophyll-e along with the specific decay product homologues of bacteriopheophytin-e (15 nmol/g OC). The down-core distribution of bacteriochlorophyll-e and bacteriopheophytin-e homologues (in particular the more stable bacteriopheohytin-e) indicated that the highest concentrations occurred between 1960 and the present, coinciding with increased nutrient loading from the Mississippi river. These bacteriopigments were not detected prior to the early 1900s. These results are consistent with the view that increases in riverine nutrient loadings is likely the major cause of increasing trends in hypoxic events along the Louisiana coast over the past 50 years.
Intravenous Immune Globulin in the Therapy of Myocarditis and Acute Cardiomyopathy

Background Although an autoimmune pathogenesis has been postulated for dilated cardiomyopathy, immunosuppressive therapy has not been shown to be effective in clinical trials. Immune modulatory therapy with immune globulin is an effective therapy for Kawasaki disease in children, and recent data suggest that it improves ventricular function in children with new-onset dilated cardiomyopathies. The role of immune globulin therapy in adults with this disorder has not previously been evaluated. Methods and Results Ten patients were treated with high-dose intravenous immune globulin infusions (2 g/kg). All were hospitalized with NYHA class III to IV heart failure, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <0.40, and symptoms for <6 months at the time of presentation. One patient died before the completion of therapy. The remaining 9 were discharged, and LVEF was reassessed 12 months after therapy. LVEF improved from 0.24±0.02 (mean±SEM) at baseline to 0.41±0.04 at follow-up (P=.003). All 9 patients improved fu...
An Instrumented Mouthguard for Measuring Linear and Angular Head Impact Kinematics in American Football

The purpose of this study was to evaluate a novel instrumented mouthguard as a research device for measuring head impact kinematics. To evaluate kinematic accuracy, laboratory impact testing was performed at sites on the helmet and facemask for determining how closely instrumented mouthguard data matched data from an anthropomorphic test device. Laboratory testing results showed that peak linear acceleration (r2 = 0.96), peak angular acceleration (r2 = 0.89), and peak angular velocity (r2 = 0.98) measurements were highly correlated between the instrumented mouthguard and anthropomorphic test device. Normalized root-mean-square errors for impact time traces were 9.9 ± 4.4% for linear acceleration, 9.7 ± 7.0% for angular acceleration, and 10.4 ± 9.9% for angular velocity. This study demonstrates the potential of an instrumented mouthguard as a research tool for measuring in vivo impacts, which could help uncover the link between head impact kinematics and brain injury in American football.
Observations of longitudinal roll vortices during arctic cold air outbreaks over open water

An evolving convective Arctic planetary boundary layer (PBL) containing longitudinal roll vortices (rolls) was observed with aircraft data during the 1983 Marginal Ice Zone Experiment and the 1984 Arctic Cyclone Experiment.
On minimizing the consequences of nuclear war

The likely long-term global consequences of nuclear war remain catastrophic, despite attempts to minimize the dangers.
Chaos, balance, and development: thoughts on selected childhood epilepsy syndromes.

Summary: Age-specific epilepsy syndromes raise important questions about developmental susceptibility to seizures and epileptogenesis and about the effect of seizures on function. The diagnosis and treatment of these syndromes has been enhanced by the use of modern science and technology. Epidemiologic studies have changed our approach to febrile convulsions. This developmental seizure disorder is benign and self-limited. We have been forced to think carefully about threshold, therapy, and whether other seizures in childhood may be equally benign. This framework of developmental specificity can also be applied to West syndrome, especially with respect to neurophysiology, neurochemistry, neuroimaging, and epidemiology–the types of seizures, clustering, variations associated with sleep, PET scans, and therapy. Rasmussen's syndrome and other unilateral developmental epilepsies are progressive but remain confined to a single hemisphere. However, they usually are devastating to global neurologic function. They are models for examining the impact of epilepsy in one pathologic hemisphere on the function of the entire brain. Current therapy for this condition is hemispherectomy. Recovery of function after this major surgery is striking and provides clues to brain organization. The analysis of these three syndromes provides windows on the dynamic, changing central nervous system of the child and may lead to better understanding and therapy for other seizure disorders.
Dynamic buckling of thin circular rings

Abstract A theoretical analysis is made of the dynamic buckling of a thin, perfectly circular ring, subjected to a uniform radially directed impulsive load. Both in-plane and out-of-plane modes of buckling are investigated. The behavior of the ring is shown to depend on the ratio of the applied load to the critical load and to fall into five distinct regimes.
Optimal Targeting of Incivility-Reduction Strategies

Neighborhood incivilities—minor breaches of order such as vandalism, vacant houses, and trash on the streets—are, as a group, important causes of fear of crime and neighborhood dissatisfaction. Nevertheless, it is uncertain how much individual incivilities differ in importance, and which incivilities are most important. A survey of residents of 30 Baltimore neighborhoods suggests that different incivilities influence perceptions of the amount of crime, fear of crime, and neighborhood satisfaction, and that the patterns of influence differ among neighborhoods. As a result, top-down and city-wide responses to crime, fear, and neighborhood satisfaction problems may be less effective than responses tailored to individual neighborhood conditions.
Reactive transport modeling of plug-flow reactor experiments: quartz and tuff dissolution at 240°C

Abstract Extension of reactive transport modeling to predict the coupled thermal, hydrological, and chemical evolution of complex geological systems is predicated on successful application of the approach to simulate well-constrained physical experiments. In this study, steady-state effluent concentrations and dissolution/precipitation features associated with crushed quartz and tuff dissolution at 240°C have been determined experimentally using a plug-flow reactor (PFR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques, then modeled with the reactive transport simulator GIMRT ( Steefel and Yabusaki, 1996 ) using a linear rate law from transition state theory (TST) . For quartz dissolution, interdependence of the specific surface area (Am) and reaction rate constant (km) predicted from the modeling agrees closely with that obtained from an analytical solution to the reaction–transport equation without diffusion/dispersion, verifying the advection-dominant nature of the PFR experiments. Independently-determined Aqtz and kqtz from the literature are shown to be internally consistent with respect to the model and analytical interdependence, implying appropriateness of the linear TST rate law and adequacy of BET-determined Am for use in modeling PFR experiments. Applications of this integrated approach for monomineralic dissolution include assessment of internal consistency among independent Am and km data, estimation of km from BET-determined Am, and rapid evaluation of alternative rate laws. For tuff dissolution, accurate simulation of the experimental steady-state effluent concentrations (to within 3% for Na, Al and K; to within 15% for Si and Ca) and dearth of alteration phases (
X-ray fluorescence calibration with partial least-squares

X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometry is a popular method for noninvasive elemental analysis of a wide variety of sample types. Unfortunately, applications of XRF are complicated by the occurrence of interelement effects, which make the measured intensities complex functions of multiple-element concentrations. In this work, an implicit modeling method, partial least-squares (PLS), was used to correct for interelement effects in x-ray fluorescence analysis. Instead of fitting XRF peak intensities and concentrations to classical explicit models, the XRF spectra of a set of standard samples were used to build PLS models, implicitly relating the XRF spectra to the concentrations. Methods for the pretreatment of spectra are compared for a set of nickel alloy samples containing Fe, Cr, Ni, Mn, Mo, Ti, and Si. The PLS calibration method using appropriately preprocessed spectra gives the best results, when compared to the results from the literature and from a conventional explicit calibration model (MLR method).
Variables affecting polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography imaging examined through the modeling of birefringent phantoms

Characteristics of tissue birefringence provide valuable diagnostic information when optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging is performed. We mathematically model single-detector polarization-sensitive (PS) OCT (PS-OCT) for imaging an alternating layered phantom with birefringence. The theoretical analysis and the simulated data all reveal complexities associated with PS-OCT imaging. Various tissue parameters affect the retrieved PS-OCT signal and hence the image features. A better understanding of the mechanisms that control PS-OCT imaging would be useful for interpretation of tissue images and ultimately useful to provide more diagnostic information.
Indocyanine green angiography-guided photocoagulation of choroidal neovascularization associated with retinal pigment epithelial detachment.

Purpose To determine visual acuity outcome after indocyanine green angiography-guided laser photocoagulation of choroidal neovascularization associated with pigment epithelial detachment in eyes with age-related macular degeneration. Methods We retrospectively reviewed pretreatment and posttreatment visual acuity after laser photocoagulation to well-demarcated hyperfluorescent areas seen with indocyanine green angiography adjacent to or within pigment epithelial detachments in 20 eyes of 20 patients with age-related macular degeneration and suspected choroidal neovascularization. Results Visual acuity before and after laser photocoagulation was followed up for 3 to 24 months (median, 9 months). At 3 months after laser photocoagulation, visual acuity had improved 2 or more Snellen lines in two eyes (10%), worsened by 2 or more lines in 10 (50%), and remained unchanged in eight of 20 (40%). By 6 months after laser photocoagulation, visual acuity had improved by 2 or more lines in two eyes (12%), worsened by 2 or more lines in nine (53%), and remained unchanged in six of 17 (35%). At 9 months after laser photocoagulation, visual acuity had improved by 2 or more lines in one eye (9%), worsened by 2 or more lines in nine (82%), and remained unchanged in one of 11 (9%). Conclusions Indocyanine green angiography-guided laser photocoagulation may temporarily stabilize visual acuity in some eyes with choroidal neovascularization associated with pigment epithelial detachments, but final visual acuity decreases with time.
Olfactory dysfunction and parasympathetic dysautonomia in Parkinson's disease.

Objective Olfactory impairment occurs early in Parkinson’s disease (PD), as may dysautonomia. We investigated the relationship between olfaction and dysautonomia as well as other non-motor manifestations of PD.
Bioanalytical capabilities of micellar liquid chromatography

Abstract Micellar liquid chromatography (MLC) offers numerous advantages over other high-performance liquid chromatographic methods in bioanalytical applications, allowing improvements in simultaneous separation of ionic and non-ionic compounds, faster analysis, and higher detection sensitivity and selectivity. In addition, MLC can facilitate the estimation of the hydrophobic character of biologically active molecules in structure—activity relationships.