cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fluxional η^3-Allyl Derivatives of ansa-Scandocenes and an ansa-Yttrocene. Measurements of the Barriers for the η^3 to η^1 Process as an Indicator of Olefin Binding Energy to d^0 Metallocenes

Variable-temperature ^1H NMR spectroscopy indicates fluxional behavior for a number of group 3 metallocene allyl complexes. Spectral simulations and line shape analyses for the variable-temperature spectra indicate an allyl rearrangement mechanism involving rate-determining carbon−carbon double-bond dissociation from the metal center, i.e. an η^3 to η^1 change in coordination. Activation barriers to olefin dissociation have been determined for (η^5-C_5Me_5)_2Sc(η^3-C^3H^5), meso-Me^2Si(η^5-3-CMe^3-C_5H_3)_2Sc(η^3-C_3H_5), meso-Me_2Si[η^5-2,4-(CHMe_2)_2-C_5H_2]_2Sc(η^3-C_3H_5), meso-Me_2Si{η^5-3-[2-(2-Me)-adamantyl]-C_5H_3}_2Sc(η^3-C_3H_5), meso-Me_2Si{η^5-3-[2-(2-Me)-adamantyl]-C_5H_3}_2Y(η^3-C_3H_5), rac-Me_2Si[η^5-2,4-(CHMe_2)_2-C_5H_2]_2Sc(η^3-C_3H_5)), and R-(C_(20)H_(12)O_2)Si(η^5-2-SiMe_3-4-CMe_3-C_5H_2)_2Sc(η^3-C_3H_5): ΔG^⧧ = 11−16 kcal mol^(-1) at ca. 300−350 K. Donor solvents do not significantly affect the rate of olefin dissociation. A second rearrangement mechanism that involves 180° rotation of the η^3-C_3H_5 moiety has been found to operate in those metallocenes whose ancillary ligand arrays adopt rigid meso geometries. Line shape analysis indicates that the rate of η^3-C_3H_5 rotation is generally more than 1 order of magnitude faster than olefin dissociation for a given meso metallocene. The data do not allow unambiguous assessments of the mechanism(s) for the fluxional behavior for the allyl derivatives of the racemic metallocenes. An X-ray structure determination for rac-Me_2Si[η^5-C_5H_2-2,4-(CHMe_2)_2]_2Sc(η^3-C_3H_5) has been carried out.
Relationship of insulin clearance and secretion to insulin sensitivity in non-diabetic Mexican Americans.

. The antecedents of type II diabetes, while still controversial, are thought to involve decreased insulin sensitivity and compensatory hypersecretion of insulin. Mexican Americans have a three-fold excess risk of type II diabetes and non-diabetic Mexican Americans are characterized by hyperinsulinaemia and insulin resistance. Few data exist, however, on whether there are defects in insulin secretion and/or clearance in this population. We examined insulin sensitivity, secretion and clearance using combined insulin and C-peptide measurements analysed by the minimal model technique of Bergman and colleagues in 10 non-obese, normoglycaemic Mexican Americans and 11 age, sex and obesity-matched non-Hispanic whites. Mexican Americans had significantly decreased insulin sensitivity (S1 4.06 s. 7.56, P= 0.017), higher first phase insulin secretion (1.03 nM vs. 0.72 nM) and decreased insulin clearance (0.099 vs. 0.161) than non-Hispanic whites. Thus, normal Mexican Americans have higher rather than lower insulin secretion suggesting that lower insulin sensitivity may be an early defect in this ethnic group. In addition, they have reduced insulin clearance. Moreover, insulin sensitivity and insulin clearance were positively correlated. We thus speculate that decreased insulin clearance may represent a further autoregulatory mechanism in addition to increased insulin secretion to compensate for decreased insulin sensitivity.
Characterization of intensely fluorescent cells in the liver of the rat I. Histochemistry and 48/80‐induced degranulation

The nature of the intensely fluorescent cells (IFC) in the livers of male Sprague-Dawley rats was evaluated using histochemical and pharmacological techniques. The number and distribution of IFC in portal areas were quantified using some of these techniques. Cells which were metachromatic as well as fluorescent for serotonin, histamine, and heparin were observed in the connective tissue of the portal space, hilus, and capsule of the liver. Cells with the characteristics of chromaffin, enterochromaffin, or enterochromaffin-like cells were not seen in these locations. Intravenous administration of compound 48/80 a known mast cell degranulator, caused a significant decrease in the number of fluorescent and metachromatic cells in the portal areas of the liver. However, no significant difference was found in the number of cells counted in either the 48/80 or control groups when comparing the data from several histochemical methods. These results provided evidence that: (1) IFC demonstrate both fluorescence and metachromasia and, therefore, are mast cells, (2) compound 48/80 causes a comparable decrease in the number of serotonin and histamine fluorescent as well as metachromatic cells, indicating concomitant rather than differential release of serotonin, histamine, heparin, and/or other metachromatic substances, and (3) each of the three histochemical methods appears of equivalent sensitivity when used to study the effect of various factors (i.e., 48/80) on the release of endogenous substances from IFC. The results of this study indicate that the effects of 48/80 in vivo might be mediated through the release of various vasoactive substances from these IFC (mast cells).
A clinicopathological study of serotonin of sigmoid colon mucosa in association with chronic symptoms in uncomplicated diverticulosis

Neurotransmitter imbalance is hypothesised as a pathogenetic mechanism in several bowel conditions. We previously reported increased 5-HT in the sigmoid mucosa of colon resected for complicated diverticular disease (DD). We aimed to identify if abnormal 5-HT expression is associated with symptoms of uncomplicated DD. This was a prospective, comparative study and follow-up survey of symptoms. We examined the differences in 5-HT between DD patients and controls, as well as the presence of bowel symptoms at time of endoscopy and also 2 years later. Sigmoid biopsies were collected at colonoscopy. Immunohistochemical staining for 5-HT cells was performed. Eighty-seven patients were recruited, 37 (42.5 %) DD and 50 (57.5 %) controls. No patients underwent surgery. There was no significant difference in total mean number of 5-HT-positive cells in DD compared to controls or between patients and controls with abdominal symptoms. Forty-one patients (47.1 %) responded to questionnaires at median 57.8 months from biopsy. Eighteen (43.9 %) were DD and 23(56.1 %) controls. 5-HT counts showed no significant association to symptom persistence. Although 5-HT expression has previously been found to be increased in complicated DD in whole bowel-resected specimens, the same is not confirmed on colonic mucosal biopsies. This raises the suggestion that 5-HT may be involved in the development of acute complications but may not be involved in the pathogenesis of chronic symptoms.
Toxicity comparison of neoadjuvant versus adjuvant methotrexate, vinblastine, doxorubicin, and cisplatin (M‐VAC) in radical cystectomy patients

A reduction in the toxicity of M-VAC chemotherapy has been postulated for patients who receive these drugs prior to radical cystectomy for muscle invasive bladder carcinoma. A review of the toxicity and patient dropout rates from a group of 9 patients who received neoadjuvant M-VAC was little different from 9 patients who were treated with M-VAC after radical cystectomy. This similarity suggests that preoperative M-VAC should not be favored on the basis of reduced patient morbidity.
On the value of collaboration in multidimensional location estimation

In this paper, we investigate the benefit of inter-node collaboration in multidimensional location estimation. In particular, for networks with reference nodes at known locations and source nodes whose locations are unknown and to be estimated, we establish the value of collaboration for source node position estimation by presenting proof of a decreasing Cramer-Rao lower bound as additional source nodes (meeting some minimum connectivity requirements) are introduced into the collaborative position estimation problem. Prior work has shown this for one-dimensional location estimation; however, the previous proof as presented is not easily extendable to multidimensional location estimation. Following the completion of the proof, the minimum connectivity conditions for two-dimensional positioning using time-of-arrival and received-signal-strength ranging information are discussed. Lastly, the theoretical result is verified with numerical results through simulation.
Short-period oscillations in the interlayer magnetic coupling of wedged Fe(100)/Mo(100)/Fe(100) grown on Mo(100) by molecular-beam epitaxy.

(100)-oriented Fe/Mo/Fe sandwiches were grown by molecular-beam epitaxy onto a Mo(100) crystal and were investigated {ital in} {ital situ} by means of the magneto-optic Kerr effect. The Fe layers are each 14 monolayers (ML) thick, and the intervening Mo is wedge shaped to facilitate the study of the magnetic coupling between the two Fe films as a function of Mo thickness in the range 1--18 ML. Five oscillations between antiferromagnetic and ferromagnetic coupling were observed with a periodicity of {similar to}3 ML of Mo.
Oxygenate Formation from n-Butane Oxidation at Short Contact Times: Different Gauze Sizes and Multiple Steady States☆

The production of olefins and oxygenates by partial oxidation of n-butane over a single layer of Pt–10% Rh gauze has been examined at atmospheric pressure in the fuel rich regime and in the space velocity range of 3.3×106to 1.6×107h−1(contact times of ∼1000 to 200 μs) using a single gauze reactor. We show that there is an optimum regime of space velocities to maximize the oxygenate selectivity and that at least 75% selectivity to olefins and oxygenates can be obtained. Nitrogen diluent in the feed lowers the production of oxygenates, and coarser mesh gauze gives higher oxygenate yield than finer mesh. In addition, at a specific range of fuel/oxygen feed ratios, multiple steady states are observed on the more open gauze. Analysis of the product distribution of these steady states indicates that initially the exothermic complete combustion of the butane on the gauze surface to CO2and H2O provides most of the necessary heat for this process. Oxygenates and olefins are then produced by homogeneous reaction in the quench zone downstream of the gauze. A detailed model of homogeneous chemistry confirms that oxygenates are produced by homogeneous reactions.
A note on the two-photon dissociation of HD+

Abstract This paper points out a serious inaccuracy in the calculation by Chakrabarti, Bhattacharyya, Datta and Saha of the two-photon photodissociation amplitude of HD + . The error lies in the omission, in the velocity gauge, of a delta-function term in the integration, for large radii, over intermediate states. This contribution is comparable to the principal value integral that they do retain, and, in fact, cancels the latter at frequencies below the single-photon threshold. A related error leads the authors to the incorrect conclusion that the length gauge cannot be used. We also discuss the relation between the two gauges in the context of the Born-Oppenheimer approximation.
Nucleon charges and electromagnetic form factors from 2 + 1 + 1 -flavor lattice QCD

We present lattice-QCD results on the nucleon isovector axial, scalar and tensor charges, the isovector electromagnetic Dirac and Pauli form factors, and the connected parts of the isoscalar charges. The calculations have been done using two ensembles of highly improved staggered quarks lattices generated by the MILC collaboration with $2+1+1$ dynamical flavors at a lattice spacing of 0.12 fm and with light-quark masses corresponding to pions with masses 310 and 220 MeV. We perform a systematic study including excited-state degrees of freedom and examine the dependence of the extracted nucleon matrix elements on source-sink separation. This study demonstrates with high-statistics data that including excited-state contributions and generating data at multiple separations is necessary to remove contamination that would otherwise lead to systematic error. We also determine the renormalization constants of the associated quark bilinear operators in the RI-sMOM scheme and make comparisons of our renormalized results with previous dynamical-lattice calculations.
Arbovirus detection in insect vectors by rapid, high-throughput pyrosequencing.

Background Despite the global threat caused by arthropod-borne viruses, there is not an efficient method for screening vector populations to detect novel viral sequences. Current viral detection and surveillance methods based on culture can be costly and time consuming and are predicated on prior knowledge of the etiologic agent, as they rely on specific oligonucleotide primers or antibodies. Therefore, these techniques may be unsuitable for situations when the causative agent of an outbreak is unknown.
Cloaking a receiving antenna or a sensor with plasmonic metamaterials

Abstract In this contribution, we discuss the possibility of applying the scattering-cancellation-based plasmonic cloaking technique to reduce the scattering from a sensing device, lowering its disturbance on sensing without affecting its ability to measure and “sense” the external world. The plasmonic cloak, while allowing the external fields to penetrate into the cover, may be able to suppress the scattering without necessarily shielding its interiors from the impinging light, which may be of great use if we wish to “sense” the external world, or receive an external signal, from inside the cloak. Our results may provide a unique sensing system that may receive and transmit signals, while its presence may not be perceived by the surrounding. This may be of great importance in a wide range of biological, optical, physical and engineering applications.
TRACKING CONTROL OF NONLINEAR SYSTEMS: A SLIDING MODE DESIGN VIA CHAOTIC OPTIMIZATION *

The output tracking for a general family of nonlinear systems presents formidable technical challenges. In this paper, we present a novel scheme for tracking control of a class of affine nonlinear systems with multi-inputs. This effective procedure is based on a new sliding mode design for tracking control of such nonlinear systems. The construction of an optimal sliding mode is a difficult problem and no systematic and efficient method is currently available. Here, we develop an innovative approach that utilizes a chaotic optimizing algorithm, which is then successfully applied to obtain the optimal sliding manifold. The existing efficient reaching law approach is then utilized to synthesize the sliding mode control law. The sliding mode control scheme proposed here is particularly appropriate for robust tracking of the chaotic motion trajectory.
TU-C-AUD B-01: Using the Air/water Interface to Improve the Accuracy of Entrance Dosimetry

Purpose: To improve ionization chamber localization accuracy for depth‐dose measurements used for TPS dose calculation algorithm commissioning and periodic linear accelerator QA. Method and Materials:Ionization chamber depth‐dose scans are set to include points above the watersurface, which produces inflections in the depth‐dose curves. Monte Carlo simulations are performed with the EGSnrc Cavity usercode, which simulates the detailed ionization chamber and phantom geometries, and with DOSXYZnrc, which excludes the chamber geometry. The inflection point location in the Cavity simulation with respect to the chamber center quantifies the chamber's absolute location. The difference between the Cavity and DOSXYZnrc depth‐dose results quantifies the ion chamber's effective point of measurement (EPOM) variation as a function of depth. Measurements and simulations are performed for 6 and 18 MV photon beams for multiple field sizes. Measurement results are aligned to the surface position by matching the computed inflection points. Results: The dose inflection point due to the air‐water interface is clearly identifiable in both measurements and calculations. A Cavity simulation at 6 MV with a 10×10 cm2 field finds that the inflection point occurs when the central electrode is ∼1 mm beneath the watersurface. After applying the recommended EPOM shift to Cavity simulation results, the distance‐to‐agreement between the Cavity computed “surface” dose and the DOSXYZnrc dose was >2 mm. By 1.0 cm depth, the distance‐to‐agreement is negligible. 18 MV simulations yielded discrepancies in the in‐air dose, presumably due to differences in contaminant electrons. Conclusion: The proposed method of conducting depth‐dose measurements is trivial to implement and provides a way to automatically account for, and correct, shifts and/or offsets in initial chamber positioning. This allows for improved matching, not only of measured and calculated data, but also of measured data such as that acquired in periodic QA testing.
Human Microvascular Pericyte Basement Membrane Remodeling Regulates Neutrophil Recruitment

Objective Neutrophil extravasation at post-capillary venules, consisting of EC, PC, and the shared ECM, increases following fibrotic remodeling in the lung, liver, and skin. The role of fibrotic pericyte-derived ECM in regulating EC activation and neutrophil recruitment remains unexplored. Methods To elucidate the role of human pericyte-derived ECM in EC activation, we characterized PC-derived ECM following transforming growth factor-β1, IL-1β, CCL2, or bleomycin activation, and examined surface adhesion molecule expression and neutrophil recruitment by EC cultured on PC-ECM. Results Pro-inflammatory activation of PC-induced deposition of compositionally distinct ECM compared with non-activated control. Bleomycin activation induced fibronectin-rich and collagen-poor ECM remodeling by PC, facilitating increased neutrophil transendothelial migration when compared with non-activated pericyte ECM (49.9 ± 3.4% versus 29.7 ± 1.4%). Increases in fibronectin compared to collagen I, are largely responsible for ECM-regulated neutrophil recruitment, as EC cultured on fibronectin supported increased neutrophil transmigration compared to collagen I (51.6 ± 6.2% versus 28.0 ± 4.8%). We attribute this difference to increased expression of ICAM-1 and its redistribution to EC borders. Conclusions This is the first demonstration of human pericyte sensitivity to inflammatory stimuli, inducing fibrotic matrix deposition that regulates EC adhesion molecule expression and neutrophil recruitment.
Marek's disease virus-induced transient paralysis in chickens: electron microscopic lesions.

A study was made to determine the causative lesion of Marek's disease virus (MDV)-induced transient paralysis (TP) in chickens by comparing the ultrastructure of brain tissue from MDV-infected genetically susceptible and resistant birds. There were numerous intramyelinic vacuoles in the brains of TP-affected birds. Many of these vacuoles contained particulate material compatible with precipitated protein from edema. Astrocyte processes often were distended with similar particulate material. Most intrameylinic vacuoles were either adjacent to the axolemma or within inner myelin lamellae. Myelin sheaths of affected axons, while being displaced, were relatively normal with no vesiculation. Most affected axons were also otherwise normal. Cell processes adjacent to occasional affected axons were distended by degenerating mitochondria, vacuoles, and amorphous material. Some of these processes appeared to be inner loops of oligodendrocyte cytoplasm. The cell bodies of most oligodendrocytes were normal, but a few contained vacuoles similar to those seen in processes adjacent to axons. There were scattered necrotic cells. While most of these could not be specifically identified, some appeared to be oligodendrocytes. Mononuclear inflammatory cells were present both perivascularly and within the parenchyma. Although these cells occasionally contacted myelinated axons and there was myelin phagocytosis, there was no indication that they initiated demyelination. Brain tissue from virus-inoculated resistant birds had perivascular aggregates of mononuclear cells, but there were no intramyelinic vacuoles and few necrotic cells. These findings suggest that intramyelinic vacuolation contributes to the pathogenesis of transient paralysis. Potential pathophysiological mechanisms contributing to the vacuoles, including brain edema and oligodendrocyte injury, are discussed.
Outcomes of combined oncologic resection and carotid endarterectomy in patients with head and neck cancer

Background Patients with head and neck cancer have similar risk factors to patients with carotid disease. Patients with head and neck cancer should be screened with vascular consultations obtained as indicated. Identification of significant carotid artery disease before surgical treatment of head and neck cancer is important in order to prevent perioperative and future strokes. Methods Eleven patients underwent carotid duplex ultrasound followed by vascular consultation for significant asymptomatic and symptomatic carotid stenosis. Carotid endarterectomy was performed during an oncologic resection of head and neck cancer between the years of 1996 and 2011. Results There were no local or regional recurrences. There were no perioperative deaths or strokes. Two-year and 5-year survival were 70% and 29%, respectively, with a median survival of 51 months. Conclusion Collaboration of head and neck surgeons with vascular surgeons provides the patient with an oncologic resection and revascularization with a low perioperative risk of stroke. This improves the patient's quality of life by lessening the possibility of a stroke postoperatively. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2013
The Role of Values in Predicting Talk Radio Listening: A Model of Value Equivalence

Nontraditional sources of news, such as talk radio and the Internet, complement and sometimes replace traditional mainstream news sources. Using discriminant function analysis, this study reveals the role of values in predicting listening to political talk and religious radio programs. A model using the construct of “value equivalence” explains value differences between user and media that may affect whether or not news from nontraditional sources will be sought and used. Research questions are answered using data from the 2004 Pew Research Center Biennial Consumption Survey. Using selected independent variables (including value-based variables) to predict listening to the Rush Limbaugh program, 59% of all cases in this study were correctly classified. Using the same set of value-based variables to predict listening to religious radio shows yielded nearly 74% correctly classified cases. An earlier version of this manuscript was awarded first place, debut category, broadcast and Internet radio division com...
Rompiendo esquemas: El retrato etnográfico de una familia de travestíes en el Oaxaca urbano

During the days of the Dead in 1995 we were visiting a nearby cemetery where we lived again. There were many people inside it cleaning the graves of family or friends and celebrating. As we looked around us, we could see a group of "women" dressed casually partying around a tomb. Two of them we shouted: "Hey, white people, come over here and Take a mezcal!" As we approach the group we realized that they were men dressed as women. We sat down and started talking. We quickly learned that they were actually transvestites and they were there to clean and visit the grave of her friend Cristina. They proceeded to tell us that gay men were dressed as liabilities and women who worked as prostitutes in the street. They were organized in a group called Union Group Fight Communicable Disease Prevention HIV-AIDS.
groupTime: preference based group scheduling

As our business, academic, and personal lives continue to move at an ever-faster pace, finding times for busy people to meet has become an art. One of the most perplexing challenges facing groupware is effective asynchronous group scheduling (GS). This paper presents a lightweight interaction model for GS that can extend its reach beyond users of current group calendaring solutions. By expressing availability in terms of preferences, we create a flexible framework for GS that preserves plausible deniability while exerting social pressure to encourage honesty among users. We also propose an ontology that enables us to model user preferences with machine learning, predicting user responses to further lower cognitive load. The combination of visualization/direct manipulation with machine learning allows users to easily and efficiently optimize meeting times. We also suggest resulting design implications for this class of intelligent user interfaces.
Proposal of three-dimensional phase contrast holographic microscopy: erratum

A part of the schematic in Fig. 1 was incorrect. The correct version is presented herein. ©2008 Optical Society of America OCIS codes: (180.6900) Three-dimensional microscopy; (180.5810) Scanning microscopy; (110.0180) Microscopy; (090.2880) Holographic interferometry; (110.4850) Optical transfer function. References and links 1. N. Fukutake and T. D. Milster, “Proposal of three-dimensional phase contrast holographic microscopy,” Opt. Express 15, 12662 (2007). A part of Fig. 1 in [1] was incorrect; it is corrected below. The scanning mirror in Fig. 1 of [1] is replaced with a double-sided mirror whose normal direction is also scanned twodimensionally. The propagation direction of the plane wave which illuminates the object is scanned by the obverse side of the double-sided scanning mirror. The 0-order light transmitted through the object is reflected by the reverse side of the scanning mirror, resulting in the identical direction of the 0-order light irrespective of the scanning mirror angle. Fig. 1. Schematic of the setup of the 3-D phase contrast holographic microscopy. BS: Beam splitter. 2 / λ : Half wave plate. 4 / λ : Quarter wave plate. PBS: Polarized beam splitter. #94643 $15.00 USD Received 7 Apr 2008; accepted 7 Apr 2008; published 11 Apr 2008 (C) 2008 OSA 14 April 2008 / Vol. 16, No. 8 / OPTICS EXPRESS 5964
Webpage understanding: beyond page-level search

In this paper we introduce the webpage understanding problem which consists of three subtasks: webpage segmentation, webpage structure labeling, and webpage text segmentation and labeling. The problem is motivated by the search applications we have been working on including Microsoft Academic Search, Windows Live Product Search and Renlifang Entity Relationship Search. We believe that integrated webpage understanding will be an important direction for future research in Web mining.
Roles of Akt and Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3β in the Ultraviolet B Induction of Cyclooxygenase-2 Transcription in Human Keratinocytes

Ultraviolet B (UVB)-induced cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression plays an important role in UVB tumor promotion. We examined whether Akt and glycogen synthase kinase 3beta (GSK-3beta), components of the phosphatidylinositol 3'-kinase pathway, are involved in UVB induction of COX-2 transcription. UVB caused Akt phosphorylation at both Thr-308 and Ser-473 that was inhibited by LY294002, a phosphatidylinositol 3'-kinase inhibitor. LY294002 also decreased the expression of endogenous COX-2 protein and a luciferase construct driven by COX-2 promoter. Similarly, UVB caused phosphorylation of GSK-3beta (Ser-9) and presumably inactivation of GSK-3beta. Inhibition of GSK-3beta by lithium induced endogenous COX-2 protein expression and COX-2 promoter activity. Finally, overexpression of a dominant-negative Akt mutant or wild-type GSK-3beta suppressed UVB-mediated induction of COX-2 promoter. These studies suggest that inactivation of GSK-3beta through activation of Akt plays an important role in the UVB induction of COX-2 transcription.
A Ka-Band BiCMOS T/R Module for Phased Array Applications

This paper presents a Ka-Band BiCMOS trans- mint/receive (T/R) module with amplitude and phase control. In the receive mode, the 33-37 GHz T/R module results in a gain of 9-19 dB, a noise figure of 4-5 dB and an input PidB of -29 dBm. In the transmit mode, the maximum gain and output P\dB are 10 dB and +5.5 dBm, respectively, and can be controlled over a 10 dB range (output Psat is +8 dBm). The measured rms gain and phase errors are < 0.6 dB and < 7deg, respectively, in both the transmit and receive modes. The chip is only 0.93 times 1.33 mm2 and consumes 58 mW and 29 mW in the transmit and receive modes, respectively. To our knowledge, this is the first Ka- Band BiCMOS T/R module to-date, and with applications in satellite communications and defense systems.
Parent and Family Factors Associated with Child Adjustment to Pediatric Cancer

Objective To identify factors that influence the association between parent and child distress among families of children with cancer and comparison peers. Methods Parent and child distress, social support, and family environment were assessed among families of 95 children with cancer (94 mothers, 67 fathers) and 98 comparison peers (97 mothers, 77 fathers). Results Significant associations were found between parent and child distress. For models examining the impact of fathers’ distress on children, several moderators were identified (i.e., family environment, child age and gender, a cancer diagnosis, and treatment severity). Family environment also partially mediated father and child distress. Conclusions Children whose parents were distressed were more likely to be distressed themselves. Subgroups of children were particularly vulnerable, indicating a need to identify further mechanisms of risk and resilience and to develop family-based interventions. Support was found for including fathers as independent sources of information in pediatric psychology research and clinical practice.
Real Time Iris Segmentation on FPGA

In this paper, a real time FPGA-based iris segmentation system is presented. The segmentation method implements the Canny edge detection algorithm and a circle search to detect an iris in an image or video frame. The proposed high performance architecture utilizes on-chip memory to significantly improve the throughput of the pipelined and parallel structure. A data forwarding technique is incorporated in the design to efficiently utilize the FPGA's embedded resources. The proposed architecture demonstrates a high speed processing capability that will facilitate the use of dedicated hardware to support an iris recognition application for large databases.
Surface oxidation of Al-Cu-Fe alloys: A comparison of quasicrystalline and crystalline phases

Abstract We have used X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Auger electron spectroscopy to examine the characteristics of oxide surfaces on a family of Al-Cu-Fe alloys. The alloys studied are compositionally similar but structurally different: two are crystalline and one is quasicrystalline. The samples all are formed by consolidation of powders, resulting in multiple grains with random surface orientations. They are oxidized to saturation in a variety of environments at room temperature. Under the conditions of our experiments, there is no detectable difference in the oxidation characteristics of the three phases. That is, there is no difference in the elemental constituents which oxidize, or in the relative extent of oxygen-induced Al segregation, or in the depth of the oxide formed. Hence, the oxidation chemistry of these alloys is determined by their Al-rich chemical composition, and not by their atomic or electronic bulk structure, under these conditions.
Content-based image retrieval through a multi-agent meta-learning framework

The objective of a general-purpose content-based image retrieval system is to find images in a database that match an external measure of relevance. Since users follow different and inconsistent relevance measures, processing queries in a task-specific manner has shown to be an effective approach. Viewing specialized image retrieval algorithms as agents, we propose a general-purpose image retrieval system that uses a new multi-agent meta-learning framework. The framework adapts a distance function defined over both image distance weights and image queries to identify clusters of algorithms that produce similar solutions to similar problems. Experiments compare our approach with a traditional information retrieval algorithm; results show that our framework provides better average relevance scores
AND/OR search spaces and the semantic width of constraint networks

The primary contribution of this paper consists in using the AND/OR search paradigm [1,2] to define the new concept of semantic width of a constraint network. The well known parameter tree-width is graph based, and cannot capture context sensitive information. This often results in a very loose upper bound on the actual complexity of the problem. A typical example is the compact result of a compilation schemes such as ordered binary decision diagram (OBDD), in spite of a large tree-width (and path-width). The semantic width is based on the notion of equivalent constraint networks. The idea is to capture the intrinsic hardness of a problem by the smallest width equivalent network.
Giant modal gain in a metal-semiconductor waveguide

We show that a giant modal gain is achievable near surface plasmon resonance for guided modes in a metal-semiconductor-metal plasmonic waveguide. The giant gain is shown to originate from a reduction of average energy velocity.
A methodology for addressing operational shortfalls associated with terminal operations

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) plans to modernize the National Airspace System (NAS) through the implementation of new capabilities in the form of procedures, avionics equipage, infrastructure improvements, and automation tools. Some of these capabilities are intended to address operational shortfalls associated with Air Traffic Control (ATC) operations in the Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) domain. This paper describes the methodology applied to TRACON ATC operations for identifying and ranking their shortfalls as well as capabilities that could address those shortfalls. The content in this paper is based upon work that the MITRE Corporation's Center for Advanced Aviation System Development (CAASD) has conducted in collaboration with the FAA to develop and adopt a strategy for addressing, ranking, and planning the implementation of new capabilities for terminal operations [1]. The methodology described in this paper includes an analysis of current shortfalls in the TRACON domain along with examples of capabilities intended to address these shortfalls. It also includes examples of the evaluation and ranking of these capabilities based on three key factors: relative value or benefit to operations; the feasibility or schedule achievability of the capability; and the amount of prerequisites the capability needs (e.g. new systems or system change). The paper presents examples of shortfalls and capabilities associated with the TRACON domain that resulted from the application of this methodology.
Risk Assessment for Prostate Cancer Metastasis and Mortality at the Time of Diagnosis

Background Although many tools for the assessment of prostate cancer risk have been published, most are designed to predict only biochemical recurrence, usually after a single specified treatment. We assessed the accuracy of the Cancer of the Prostate Risk Assessment (CAPRA) score, which was validated previously to predict pathological and biochemical outcomes after radical prostatectomy, to predict metastases, prostate cancer – specific mortality, and all-cause mortality. Methods We studied 10 627 men with clinically localized prostate cancer in the Cancer of the Prostate Strategic Urologic Research Endeavor registry, who underwent primary radical prostatectomy, radiation therapy (external beam or interstitial), androgen deprivation monotherapy, or watchful waiting/active surveillance, and had at least 6 months of follow-up after treatment. CAPRA scores were calculated at diagnosis from the prostate-specific antigen level, Gleason score, percentage of biopsy cores that were positive for cancer, clinical tumor stage, and age at diagnosis. Survival was studied with Kaplan – Meier analyses. Associations between increasing CAPRA scores and bone metastasis, cancer-specific mortality, and allcause mortality were examined by use of proportional hazards regression, with adjustment for primary treatment; for all-cause mortality, the analysis also included adjustment for age and comorbidity. Accuracy of the CAPRA score was assessed with the concordance ( c )-index. Results Among the 10 627 patients, 311 (2.9%) men developed bone metastases, 251 (2.4%) died of prostate cancer, and 1582 (14.9%) died of other causes. Each single-point increase in the CAPRA score was associated with increased bone metastases (hazard ratio [HR] for bone metastases = 1.47, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.39 to 1.56), cancer-specific mortality (HR for prostate cancer death = 1.39, 95% CI = 1.31 to 1.48), and all-cause mortality (HR for death = 1.13, 95% CI = 1.10 to 1.16). The CAPRA score was accurate for predicting metastases ( c -index = 0.78), cancer-specific mortality ( c -index = 0.80), and all-cause mortality ( c -index = 0.71). Conclusions In a large cohort of patients with clinically localized prostate cancer who were managed with one of five primary modalities, the CAPRA score predicted clinical prostate cancer endpoints with good accuracy. These results support the value of the CAPRA score as a risk assessment and stratification tool for both research studies and clinical practice. J Natl Cancer Inst 2009;101: 878 – 887
The Influence of Matrix Degradation and Functionality on Cell Survival and Morphogenesis in PEG-Based Hydrogels

Two norbornene-functionalized PEG macromers are synthesized to render hydrogels with different hydrolytic degradability. Dithiol-containing linkers such as dithiothreitol or biscysteine-containing peptides are used to control proteolytic degradability. The influence of thiol-ene gel degradability on cell survival and morphogenesis in 3D is assessed using hMSCs and pancreatic MIN6 β cells. The initial cell viability can be negatively affected in highly crosslinked thiol-ene hydrogels. When cells are encapsulated in thiol-ene gels lacking cell-adhesive motifs, their survival and proliferation are promoted in more hydrolytically labile hydrogels. The degree of 3D cell spreading in encapsulated hMSCs is enhanced when the matrices are immobilized with cell-adhesive motifs.
Celebrating the 100th Birthday of the Electrocardiogram: Lessons Learned From ECG Monitoring Research

In 1902, a Dutch physiologist, Willem Einthoven, invented the first ECG machine and recorded limb leads I, II, and III in a human, for which he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Medicine. In the ensuing 100 years, an explosion of knowledge in the field of electrocardiography has sparked tech- nological advances, including pacemakers, defibrilla- tion, invasive cardiac electrophysiology testing, implantable cardioverter defibrillators, radio-frequen- cy ablation, trans-telephonic transmission of ECG signals, and much more. Drew and other nurse scientists at UCSF have advanced the field of electrocardiography by devel- oping and testing better ways to detect cardiac arrhythmias and myocardial ischemia. Drew's early studies focused on improving the differentiation of ventricular tachycardia (VT) from supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) with aberrant conduction. Findings from her studies indicated that monitoring a single lead II was inadequate to make this important distinction and that MCL 1 could not be substituted for V 1 in applying QRS morphology criteria to diag- nose wide QRS complex tachycardias. Drew was the first to report that VT criteria could be inadvertently changed to SVT criteria if precordial leads were positioned as little as one intercostal space away from their correct anatomic location. She also conducted a national random survey that indicated that inaccurate lead placement was a systemic prob- lem in critical care units. Drew also recognized the importance of monitor- ing ST segments to detect myocardial ischemia in patients with acute coronary syndromes (unstable angina and acute myocardial infarction (MI)). She recognized that several problems limited the efficacy of the ECG for detecting acute ischemia. First, ischemia is a localized phenomenon, and the ECG shows ST-segment abnormalities only in a restricted number of leads that directly face the myocardial zone of interest. Thus, an initial problem Drew tack- led was: "How can we monitor numerous myocardial zones for ischemia without an excessive number of electrodes?" A solution to this problem that the Drew laboratory has been investigating is the use of reduced lead set technology, which involves estimat- ing multiple ECG leads from a small number of
The Role of Obesity in Reproduction

Obesity has risen to epidemic proportions worldwide and affects more than two thirds of US adults. In both genders, obesity is associated with impaired fertility, primarily due to disorders of the reproductive hormonal profile. Across the reproductive spectrum, obesity is associated with greater risks for adverse health outcomes, including higher rates of infertility, subfertility, early pregnancy loss, fetal deaths and stillbirths, congenital anomalies, and pregnancy complications. The excess reproductive morbidity associated with obesity may increase with longer duration, making the current trends among children and young adults particularly critical in terms of their future reproductive potential. Clinical and epidemiologic studies strongly implicate prenatal growth restriction followed by early childhood catch-up growth with development of symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome by early adolescence. Abnormal glycemic parameters, including high dietary glycemic load, fasting, and 2-h glucose levels, and fasting insulin have also been linked to adverse reproductive outcomes, further increased in the presence of obesity. A recent national study of ART reported reduced clinical pregnancy rate with increasing BMI with autologous but not donor oocytes and reduced live birth rate with increasing BMI regardless of oocyte source. These findings point to the need for dietary periconceptional and prenatal therapies targeted at improving the metabolic environment in obese women. Weight loss should be the first-line treatment for overweight men and women considering pregnancy. In addition to dietary modifications to facilitate weight loss, lifestyle factors such as regular physical exercise, elimination of tobacco use and alcohol consumption, behavior modification, and stress management may be of benefit.
Give Peace a Chance: A Guide to Mediating Child Welfare Cases

Would you like to speed up your cases, achieve more satisfying results for your clients, and cut back on needlessly polarizing motion practice? Since its introduction in the 1980s, child welfare mediation has helped attorneys do just that by facilitating resolutions in child protective disputes more quickly, less contentiously, and with more acceptance from stakeholders than its courtroom alternative, adversarial litigation. If you’ve handled dependency cases for any length of time, you are already familiar with the crushing caseloads, emotional volatility, and high-stakes decision-making that are the hallmarksof child welfare litigation. In a growing number of jurisdictions, attorneys are increasingly turning to mediation to help move these difficult cases forward.This article explores some of the 'do's and don'ts' of child welfare mediation.
Abstract 140: microRNA regulation of cell viability and drug response in cancer

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths, with the majority of deaths due to failed therapy from tumor drug resistance. Third-generation chemotherapeutic agents represent the standard first-line treatment for advanced small cell (SCLC) and non-small cell (NSCLC) lung cancer patients. Response rates are poor (20-40%) with a median survival of 8-10 months. In an unbiased and comprehensive approach, we have combined a high-throughput screening platform with a library of chemically synthesized microRNA mimics and inhibitors. We have used this platform to identify mimics and inhibitors that reduce cell viability in general, and those that specifically sensitize cells to taxanes. We have identified several miRNAs for which over-expression or inhibition has a dramatic and selective effect on cell viability or drug response. We have demonstrated that miR-337-3p mimic sensitizes NSCLC cells to taxanes. By combining in vitro and in silico approaches, we identified STAT3 and RAP1A as direct targets that mediate the effect of miR-337-3p by enhancing taxane-induced arrest in the G2 phase of the cell cycle. We have identified an inhibitor of miR-139-5p as a potent and selective regulator of SCLC cell viability. Inhibiting miR-139-5p decreases SCLC cell viability by over 80%, but has a minimal cytotoxic effect on that of NSCLCs or immortalized human bronchial epithelial cells. We are currently investigating the targets of miR-139-5p that mediate its effect on SCLC cell viability. We also identified miR-10a inhibitor as increasing cell viability, with the converse observed for miR-10a mimic, suggesting that miR-10a acts as a tumor suppressor gene by directly decreasing expression of gene(s) that promote cell survival and growth. Manipulation of miR-10a levels also resulted in significant changes in both mRNA and protein levels of its predicted target, the catalytic subunit of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), which has been shown to play a major role in proliferation and survival in a number of human cancers and is a significant therapeutic target. We have identified miR-337-3p as a regulator of taxane sensitivity, and miR-10a and miR-139-5p as modulators of cell viability. Increasing levels of miR-337-3p and inhibiting miR-10a and miR-139-5p may therefore provide novel therapeutic tools for the treatment of NSCLC and SCLC. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 140. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-140
Antibody stimulation of tumor cells.

SummaryAntiserum to normal dog kidney cells was found to stimulate cell division in a transformed dog kidney cell line. The stimulation is obtained with the γ-globulin fraction of the antiserum and the effect is removed by absorption of the antiserum with either the transformed dog kidney cell or with primary dog kidney cells. No adaptation to the antiserum occurred after seven passages in antiserum; the cells were still stimulated by the antiserum as compared to normal serum. Because antibody to normal tissues occurs following injury, it is proposed that this may explain the promotion of tumors by tissue injury.
Evaluation of Effective Soil Density in Resonant Column Tests

This paper presents a theoretical study of effective soil density for small-strain shear wave propagation in saturated soil specimens in resonant column tests. Effective soil density is a term used to consider the fraction of pore water that moves with the solid skeleton during shear wave propagation. The ratio of effective soil density to saturated soil density is always 1  and is a function of porosity, specific gravity of solids, hydraulic conductivity, and shear wave frequency. In resonant column tests, the transition of effective density from the maximum value (i.e., saturated density) to the minimum value occurs primarily in coarse sands; in this region, the consideration of effective density is important in capturing the first resonance and interpreting resonant column test results. For soils less permeable than coarse sands (e.g., clays, silts, and fine sands), the consideration of effective density is not important and the saturated density can be used. For soils more permeable than coarse sands (e.g., gravels), the effective density is significantly less than the saturated density.