cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Optical coherence tomography: A quantitative tool to screen for papilledema in craniosynostosis

Purpose Our aim was to evaluate if optical coherence tomography (OCT) can be used as an alternative for fundoscopy to screen for increased intracranial pressure (ICP) in children with craniosynostosis
Peroxisomal and Mitochondrial Defects in the Cerebro-Hepato-Renal Syndrome

The cerebro-hepato-renal syndrome is a rare familial malady with cerebral, renal, and skeletal abnormalities, severe hypotonia, cirrhosis, iron and lipid storage, and death within 6 months. Correlated electron microscopic, histochemical, and biochemical studies demonstrate defects in two oxidative organelles. Peroxisomes cannot be found in hepatocytes and renal proximal tubules. In hepatocytes and cortical astrocytes, mitochondria are distorted in their appearance and glycogen stores are increased. Oxygen consumnption of brain and liver mitochondrial preparations with succinate and with substrates reducing nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide is markedly diminished, but the consumption is normal with ascorbate and tetramethylphenylenediamine, which suggests a defect in electron transport prior to the cytochromes. Histochemical studies of mitochondrial oxidation point to a defect between the succinate dehydrogenase flavoprotein and coenzyme Q, possibly in the region of nonheme iron protein.
CIMETIDINE AS AN ADJUNCT TO ORAL ENZYMES IN THE TREATMENT OF MALABSORPTION DUE TO CYSTIC FIBROSIS

. de Bieville, F., Neyens, H. J., Fernandes, J., van Caillie, M. and Kerrebijn, K. F. (Department of Paediatrics, Subdepartments of Gastroenterology and Respiratory disease, University of Rotterdam, Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, the Netherlands). Cimetidine as an adjunct to oral enzymes in the treatment of malabsorption due to cystic fibrosis. Acta Paediatr Scand, 70:33, 1981. The effects of two doses orally administered Cimetidine on gastric and acid production and on intestinal absorption in 13 patients with cystic fibrosis who were treated with pancreatin supplementation were studied. Although both doses of Cimetidine reduced the acid secretion significantly, no reduction in the steatorrhea and creatorrhea or increase in weight were found, although less pancreatin seemed to be inactivated while on cimetidine. It is concluded that pancreatic extract supplementation alone is not sufficient to normalise the digestion in cystic fibrosis.
The Belousov—Zhabotinskii reaction in a continuous flow reactor

Abstract This paper describes results of a combined theoretical and experimental investigation into the behavior of the autocatalytic Belousov—Zhabotinskii reaction in a well-mixed isothermal continuous flow reactor. The theoretical portion of the study is based on a detailed kinetic model suggested in earlier work by Field, Koros and Noyes. The principal observation common to both theory and experiments is the existence of sustained oscillatory states in the reactor under some conditions and of stable non-oscillatory states under others. Reasonable quantitative and qualitative agreement between experimental and theoretical results is obtained through manipulation of some of the kinetic parameters. However, the theoretical results fail to describe the detailed nature of some of the experimental oscillations and certain predicted hysteresis phenomena were not observed in the laboratory.
Does Multistandard Reporting Affect Analysts' Forecasts?

In 2007, the Securities and Exchange Commission eliminated the reconciliation requirement for non-U.S. companies that report using International Financial Reporting Standards. Has this affected the accuracy of analysts' forecasts for these companies? The authors conducted a study to find out. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Sling revision/removal for mesh erosion and urinary retention: long-term risk and predictors

Objective The objective of the study was to estimate the long-term risk of sling revision/removal after an initial sling and to assess indications (mesh erosion and urinary retention) and predictors of sling revision/removal. Study Design Using a population-based cohort of commercially insured individuals, we identified women 18 years old or older who underwent a sling (Current Procedural Terminology code 57288) between 2001 and 2010 and any subsequent sling revision/removal (Current Procedural Terminology code 57287). We estimated the cumulative risk of revision/removal annually and evaluated predictors of sling revision/removal using Kaplan-Meier survival curves and Cox proportional hazards models, respectively. Results We identified 188,454 eligible women who underwent an index sling. The 9 year cumulative risk of sling revision/removal was 3.7% (95% confidence interval [CI], 3.5–3.9). At 1 year, this risk was already 2.2% and then increased to 3.2% at 4 years before plateauing. With regard to the indication for the sling revision/removal, a greater proportion was due to mesh erosion compared with urinary retention, with a 9 year risk of 2.5% (95% CI, 2.3–2.6) for mesh erosion vs 1.3% (95% CI, 1.2–1.4) for urinary retention. Age had an effect on the revision/removal rates for both mesh erosion and urinary retention, with the higher risks among those aged 18-29 years. The risk of revision/removal for mesh erosion and urinary retention was also elevated among women who had a concomitant anterior or apical prolapse procedure. Conclusion In this population-based analysis, the 9 year risk of sling revision/removal was relatively low at 3.7%, with 60% of revisions/removals caused by mesh erosion.
Validation of AIRS/AMSU Cloud Retrievals Using MODIS Cloud Analyses

The AIRS/AMSU (flying on the EOS-AQUA satellite) sounding retrieval methodology allows for the retrieval of key atmospheric/surface parameters under partially cloudy conditions (Susskind et al.). In addition, cloud parameters are also derived from the AIRS/AMSU observations. Within each AIRS footprint, cloud parameters at up to 2 cloud layers are determined with differing cloud top pressures and effective (product of infrared emissivity at 11 microns and physical cloud fraction) cloud fractions. However, so far the AIRS cloud product has not been rigorously evaluated/validated. Fortunately, collocated/coincident radiances measured by MODIS/AQUA (at a much lower spectral resolution but roughly an order of-magnitude higher spatial resolution than that of AIRS) are used to determine analogous cloud products from MODIS. This allows us for a rather rare and interesting possibility: the intercomparisons and mutual validation of imager vs. sounder-based cloud products obtained from the same satellite positions. First, we present results of small-scale (granules) instantaneous intercomparisons. Next, we will evaluate differences of temporally averaged (monthly) means as well as the representation of inter-annual variability of cloud parameters as presented by the two cloud data sets. In particular, we present statistical differences in the retrieved parameters of cloud fraction and cloud top pressure. We will investigate what type of cloud systems are retrieved most consistently (if any) with both retrieval schemes, and attempt to assess reasons behind statistically significant differences.
Phases in the two-color tenable zero-balanced Pólya process

Abstract The Polya process is obtained by embedding the usual (discrete-time) Polya urn scheme in continuous time. We study the class of tenable Polya processes of white and blue balls with zero balance (no change in n , the total number of balls, over time). This class includes the (continuous-time) Ehrenfest process and the (continuous-time) Coupon Collector’s process. We look at the composition of the urn at time t n (dependent on n ). We identify a critical phase of t n at the edges of which phase transitions occur. In the subcritical phase, under proper scaling the number of white balls is concentrated around a constant. In the critical phase, we have sufficient variability for an asymptotic normal distribution to be in effect. In this phase, the influence of the initial conditions is still somewhat pronounced. Beyond the critical phase, the urn is very well mixed with an asymptotic normal distribution, in which all initial conditions wither away. The results are obtained by an analytic approach utilizing partial differential equations.
Habitat Occupancy by Riparian Muskrats Reveals Tolerance to Urbanization and Invasive Vegetation

ABSTRACT Wildlife communities are being altered by rapid environmental change including habitat loss and fragmentation, urbanization, and spread of invasive species. To predict consequences of these anthropogenic changes to landscapes, it is necessary to identify not only species that are negatively affected, but also species that are unaffected or even thrive. We used occupancy modeling to examine the spatial distribution of muskrats (Ondatra zibethicus) in riparian habitat within an agricultural region of east-central Illinois from 2007 to 2008. We examined whether site occupancy was related to local habitat conditions and anthropogenic landscape alterations including urbanization and dominance of invasive reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea). We sampled 90 study sites (200-m stream segments) for occupancy by muskrats based on presence of tracks, scat, and feeding sign. Per-survey detection probability was 0.79 (SE = 0.04) in 2007 and 0.76 (SE = 0.04) in 2008. Detection was related positively to Jul...
Role of the Father‐Adolescent Relationship in Shaping Adolescents’ Attitudes Toward Divorce

The quality of father-adolescent relationships, especially for nontraditional fathers, has been neglected in investigating adolescents' beliefs. Closeness of father-adolescent relationships was examined as a predictor of adolescents' attitudes toward divorce. A sample of European and African American adolescents (N = 300) reported on the quality of father-adolescent relationships in 11th grade and their attitudes toward divorce at age 19. Boys who felt close to their biological custodial fathers, biological noncustodial fathers, and stepfathers felt less likely to divorce in the future than boys who did not feel close to their fathers. The same was not true for girls. Feeling close to a father-regardless of father type-is associated with boys' confidence in the stability of their future marriages.
6-Methyl-1,3,8-trichlorodibenzofuran (MCDF) is an antiestrogen in human and rodent cancer cell lines: Evidence for the role of the Ah receptor

Abstract 6-Methyl-1,3,8-trichlorodibenzofuran (MCDF) is a relatively nontoxic analog of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo- p -dioxin. Treatment of aryl hydrocarbon (Ah)-responsive MCF-7 human breast cancer cells with 100 n m MCDF resulted in the inhibition of 17β-estradiol-induced proliferation and the secretion of the 34-, 52-, and 160-kDa proteins. After treatment of the cells with 17β-[ 3 H]estradiol, 100 n m of MCDF caused a decrease in the accumulation of the radiolabeled nuclear estrogen receptor (ER) complex in these cells. In parallel experiments, the antiestrogenic effects of MCDF were also determined in Ah-responsive wild-type Hepa 1c1c7 cells and Ah-nonresponsive class 1 and class 2 mutant cells. Treatment of the wild-type cells with 17β-[ 3 H]estradiol and 100 n m MCDF caused a decrease in the accumulation of radiolabeled nuclear ER complex in these cells whereas no significant effects were observed in the mutant cells as determined by velocity sedimentation analysis. Comparable results were obtained using ER antibodies to measure the decrease in immunoreactive nuclear ER. In addition, both actinomycin D and cycloheximide inhibited the MCDF-mediated decrease of nuclear ER levels in the Hepa 1c1c7 wild-type cells. Although 100 n m MCDF did not induce cytochrome P-450-dependent monooxygenases in the MCF-7 or Hepa 1c1c7 cell lines, incubation of nuclear extracts from the MCF-7 cells treated with 100 n m MCDF with a synthetic consensus dioxin responsive element (an oligonucleotide duplex of 26 bases) gave a retarded band in a gel-retardation assay. The data suggest that the antiestrogenic effects of MCDF does not require the induction of the CYP1A1 gene expression but may involve the induction of other genes.
Perception of childhood obesity and support for prevention policies among Latinos and Whites.

A cross-sectional survey was administered to Latino and White residents of Omaha, NE, to assess perception of the childhood obesity problem, attribution of responsibility, and support for obesity-related policies. The sample included 40.8% () Latinos and 59.2% () Whites. Among Latinos, 25% did not see childhood obesity as a problem, compared to 6% of Whites (). This difference persisted after adjusting for age, gender, and education level (odds ratio (OR) 2.10, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.07–4.14). Latinos were more likely to agree that government was responsible for addressing childhood obesity compared to Whites (OR 2.81, 95% CI 1.82–4.35). Higher support for policy interventions was observed among individuals who perceived childhood obesity as a big problem compared to those who did not, independent of race, sex, age, or education level. The relationship between support for tax-based policies and perception of the childhood obesity problem was mainly evident among Latinos rather than Whites. Despite city-wide efforts to address obesity, differential penetration in community subgroups appears evident. There is room to further engage Latinos in the cause of obesity. Deepening community awareness about the consequences and complexity of childhood obesity can lead to stronger support for childhood obesity policy interventions.
Selection of subtle cases for ROC studies

Comparisons of imaging systems through observer performance studies involve the selection of images, including those with subtle abnormalities. The selection of subtle abnormalities is typically performed in a subjective manner and is not quantitative. To assess the validity of such a selection process, we analyzed 163 ROC data sets. The difference in observer performance summary indices (Az) between ''typical'' and ''subtle'' cases were evaluated for each set. Average difference was found to be 0.10 (Az ''typical'' - Az ''subtle''), and in only 4 instances of 163 comparisons, observer performance for the subtle cases increased by 0.01 ((Delta) Az). We conclude that although it is not quantitative, this approach to the selection of subtle abnormalities is appropriate for imaging systems comparisons using ROC- type studies.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Why we don't talk ‘baby talk’ to babies*

The speech of 36 mothers to their infants in a face-to-face situation at ages 6, 13 and 26 weeks was compared with unfamiliar adults' speech to the same infants, the mothers' speech to an interviewer, and their conversations with the same children 2 years later. Speech to the infants was quite different from so-called ‘baby talk’, but contrary to other authors the speech to infants was even shorter, more repetitive, and more limited in content than the speech to language-learning children. Differences appear due to the infant's changing status in the relationship, from a potential to an actual conversant.
A Gift with Diminished Returns

THE AGENCY OF THEIR RESEARCH subjects—the perennial Others—weighs heavily on the minds of some scholars of religion. This concern dates to around the time when unchecked speculations on the “savage mind” gave way to participant-observation, when grand theorizing was nudged aside in favor of thick descriptive studies, and when fieldwork and the acquisition of languages, rather than reading other people’s travelogues, became the badge of the credentialed ethnographer. Anyone familiar with this story—what amounts to anthropology’s earlyto mid-twentieth century professionalization, and its impact on the nascent study of religion—will also know that “taking religion seriously,” at the one end, and “reductionism,” at the other, became the terminological short hands, possibly slogans, for the limits of a debate that has now lasted for several academic generations. Although originally a dispute over the place and
Topic-based, time-aware bug assignment

Bugs are prevalent in software systems and improving time efficiency in bug fixing is desired. We performed an analysis on 11,115 bug records of Eclipse JDT and found that bug resolution time is log-normally distributed and varies across fixers, technical topics, and bug severity levels. We then propose FixTime, a novel method for bug assignment. The key of FixTime is a topicbased, log-normal regression model for predicting defect resolution time on which FixTime is based to make fixing assignment recommendations. Preliminary results suggest that FixTime has higher prediction accuracy than existing approaches.
Nuclear magnetic resonance evidence for interactions between procaine and thiamine pyrophosphate.

ECKERT1,2 reported that procaine and other local anaesthetics form pi-electron complexes with thiamine, and he suggested that such complexes in nerves might be responsible for local anaesthesia. Eckert's evidence for the procaine–thiamine interaction was based on the appearance of “charge transfer” bands in the ultraviolet absorption spectra of thiamine–procaine mixtures. Agin3, however, repeated Eckert's experiments and reported that the “charge transfer” bands were artefacts produced by the spectrophotometric analysis. Recent findings by Itokawa and Cooper4 are compatible with the long held hypothesis5 that thiamine and its phosphate esters have specific functions in conduction processes of nerve tissue that are independent of the known coenzyme roles of these compounds. Interaction between local anaesthetics and thiamine thus remains a likely chemical mechanism for local anaesthesia. Thiamine present in nervous tissue is largely in the form of thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP)4. We have investigated the possibility of binding between TPP and procaine by means of a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technique found valuable in studying interactions between small molecules containing aromatic groups6.
Critical reflections on value in medicine

Major policy initiatives are underway in the United States to improve the quality of medical care through attention to value, which goes beyond quality to incorporate cost-utility or cost-effectiveness. In this brief paper we provide critical reflections on the multiple and contested meanings of value in medicine in historical perspective.
Transcriptional Analysis of Deinococcus radiodurans Reveals Novel Small RNAs That Are Differentially Expressed under Ionizing Radiation

Small noncoding RNAs (sRNAs) are posttranscriptional regulators that have been identified in multiple species and shown to play essential roles in responsive mechanisms to environmental stresses. The natural ability of specific bacteria to resist high levels of radiation has been of high interest to mechanistic studies of DNA repair and biomolecular protection. Deinococcus radiodurans is a model extremophile for radiation studies that can survive doses of ionizing radiation of >12,000 Gy, 3,000 times higher than for most vertebrates. Few studies have investigated posttranscriptional regulatory mechanisms of this organism that could be relevant in its general gene regulatory patterns. In this study, we identified 199 potential sRNA candidates in D. radiodurans by whole-transcriptome deep sequencing analysis and confirmed the expression of 41 sRNAs by Northern blotting and reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR). A total of 8 confirmed sRNAs showed differential expression during recovery after acute ionizing radiation (15 kGy). We have also found and confirmed 7 sRNAs in Deinococcus geothermalis, a closely related radioresistant species. The identification of several novel sRNAs in Deinococcus bacteria raises important questions about the evolution and nature of global gene regulation in radioresistance.
RESONANCE DECAYS FROM O(3,1)DYNAMICS. A REGULARITY IN THE PARTIAL DECAY WIDTHS.

We have evaluated in closed form the scalar form factors in an irreducible representation of the noncompact group O(3, 1) containing antiparticles. In particular, we have calculated the decay of baryon resonances into the ground state and compared it with experiment.
Amine-Assisted Facetted Etching of CdSe Nanocrystals

The treatment of CdSe nanocrystals (NCs) in a 3-amino-1-propanol (APOL)/water (v/v = 10:1) mixture at 80 °C in the presence of O2 causes them to undergo a slow chemical etching process, as evidenced by spectroscopic and structural investigations. Instead of the continuous blue shift expected from a gradual decrease in NC dimensions, a bottleneck behavior was observed with distinct plateaus in the peak position of photoluminescence (PL) and corresponding maxima in PL quantum yield (i.e., 34 ± 7%). It is presently argued that such etching behavior is a result of two competitive processes taking place on the surface of these CdSe NCs: (i) oxidation of the exposed Se-sites to acidic SeOx entities, which are readily solubilized in the basic APOL/H2O mixture, and (ii) coordination of the underlying Cd-sites with both amines and hydroxyl moieties to temporally impede NC dissolution. This is consistent with the HRTEM results, which suggest that the etched NCs adopt pyramidal morphologies with Cd-terminated facet...
Stock repurchases and bank holding company performance

Using data from regulatory reports, we examine the relationship between stock repurchases and financial performance for a large sample of bank holding companies. The sample includes both publicly-traded and non-publicly traded banking companies. The primary result is that higher levels of repurchases in one year are associated with higher profitability and a lower share of problem loans in the subsequent year. Our results appear to be driven primarily by bank holding companies with publicly-traded stock, especially those companies whose stock is traded on major exchanges. In assessing the source of the repurchase-performance link, we find evidence suggesting that it may be driven by different factors for different types of bank holding companies. In particular, the evidence is consistent with free-cash-flow considerations for banks traded on major stock exchanges, but only weakly supports this explanation for smaller, closely-held companies.
Papillary muscle infarction and cardiovascular outcomes.

Recent studies suggest that papillary muscle infarction (PMI) detected by contrast enhancement cardiac magnetic resonance (ce-CMR) may correlate with mitral regurgitation and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). However, there is scant data about the association of PMI with cardiovascular outcomes.
A note on the attenuation of correlation

We study the attenuation of a correlation coefficient when one of the underlying measurement variables is categorized. We show that the attenuation depends critically on the distribution of the underlying latent variable, and on the scores assigned to the categories. Practical implications of these results are discussed.
α1-Noradrenergic System Role in Increased Motivation for Cocaine Intake in Rats with Prolonged Access

In rodents, extended access to cocaine produces an escalation in cocaine self-administration that has face and construct validity for human compulsive drug intake. Here we report that rats with six-hour access (long access, LgA) to cocaine self-administration produced a higher breakpoint for cocaine using a progressive-ratio schedule than rats with one-hour access (short access, ShA), and prazosin (α1 receptor antagonist) reduced the higher breakpoint for cocaine in LgA rats. Additionally, the number of neurons with α1-adrenergic receptor-like immunoreactivity in the bed nucleus of stria terminalis (BNST) was found to be much lower in LgA rats than in ShA and drug-naive rats. In contrast, UK14304 (α2 receptor agonist) and betaxolol (β1 receptor antagonist) had no effect on cocaine self-administration in either group. The data suggest that activation of the α1-noradrenergic system, perhaps in the BNST, is associated with increased motivation for cocaine in rats with extended access.
Optimal sensor placement for modal identification using system-realization methods

The relationship between a previously published sensor placement technique, called Effective Independence, and system-realization methods of modal identification is presented. The sensor placement method maximizes spatial independence and signal strength of targeted mode shapes by maximizing the determinant of an associated Fisher information matrix. It is shown that the sensor placement method also enhances modal identification using system realization techniques by minimizing the size of the required test data matrix, maximizing the modal observability, enhancing the separation of target modes from computational or noise modes, and optimizing the estimation of the discrete system plant matrix. Three currently popular system-realization methods are considered in the analysis, including the Eigensystem Realization Algorithm, the Q-Markov COVER method, and the Polyreference method. A numerical example is also presented using the plyreference modal identification technique in conjunction with several sensor configurations selected using differing placement methods. The corresponding test data is from a modal survey performed on the Controls-Structures-Interaction Evolutionary Model testbed at the NASA LaRC Space Structures Research Laboratory. It is shown that the Effective Independence sensor configuration provides superior modal identification results as p~tedicted by the analytical work.
300 primary anterior chamber lens implantations: gonioscopic findings and specular microscopy

Summary A total of 300 consecutive quadruped anterior chamber intraocular lenses were implanted. Gonioscopy was performed in all cases and prospective specular microscopy was performed in the last 97 cases. Iris tucking of at least one lens foot was noted in 28% of the cases. Tucking occurred less often (20% of the cases) when the lens length was 13 mm, increasing with lens lengths longer and shorter than 13 mm. Slight lens rotation was noted in 8% of the cases. Blood vessels (rarely appearing to be neovascular) were noted around an implant foot or in the anterior chamber angle near a lens foot in 30% of the cases. A statistically significant difference in endothelial cell loss was noted between the Choyce lens (18.6%) and the Tennant lens (12.4%).
V: A bird's eye view of a visual language for robot simulation

Robots are an integral part of today's industrial scenario. As a result, simulation has evolved as a major tool in the programming and the design of robots. Simulation in this sense includes actually having a computer draw conclusions about the workings of a system. These conclusions are derived from the knowledge already possessed about the system in question. It is, in effect, a knowledge based process that utilizes the information stored about a particular system in the database to predict its response to the various situations. Robot software is the collection of computer programs and related information that is developed, marketed, manufactured and sustained for industrial robots. Consequently, the software for industrial robots is best seen from three points of view: operation; application; and manufacturing.
Dielectrics For Optoelectronic Device Applications On The III-V Compounds

The III -V compound semiconductors comprise an important class of materials for optoelectronic device applications. Despite this, it has not as yet proven possible to form insulators on any of these materials with a quality comparable to what can be achieved on Silicon using thermal Si02. This in turn has resulted in severe restrictions in device and integrated circuit development due to the reduced design flexibility imposed by this more limited technology base.
HAZARD RATE ESTIMATION FOR CENSORED DATA BY WAVELET METHODS

We study the estimation of a hazard rate function based on censored data by non-linear wavelet method. We provide an asymptotic formula for the mean integrated squared error (MISE) of nonlinear wavelet-based hazard rate estimators under randomly censored data. We show this MISE formula, when the underlying hazard rate function and censoring distribution function are only piecewise smooth, has the same expansion as analogous kernel estimators, a feature not available for the kernel estimators. In addition, we establish an asymptotic normality of the nonlinear wavelet estimator.
Small-angle X-ray scattering investigation of the micellar and submicellar forms of bovine casein

Small-angle X-ray scattering was performed on whole casein under submicellar (Ca2+ removed) and micellar (Ca2+ re-added) conditions. Submicellar scattering curves showed two Gaussian components which were interpreted in terms of a spherical particle with two concentric regions of different electron density, a relatively compact core of higher electron density and a looser shell. Normalized scattering curves and calculated distance distribution functions were consistent with this picture. Micellar scattering data, which can yield only cross-sectional information related to a window of scattered intensities, could be analysed by a sum of three Gaussians with no residual function. The two Gaussians with the lower radii of gyration were again taken to indicate the two concentric regions of different electron density of inhomogeneous spherical particles; the third Gaussian was shown to reflect the packing number of these particles within a cross-sectional portion of the micelle, which was 3:1 for this system. These results are a strong indication that submicellar inhomogeneous particles containing hydrophobically stabilized inner cores exist within the colloidal micelle.
NMR Curie-law thermometry for solid hydrogen☆

Abstract An estimate is presented for the temperature difference between a sample of solid hydrogen and its container, based on the known thermal boundary resistance and the heat load due to ortho-para conversion. NMR Curie-Law thermometry is used to measure the true temperature of hydrogen cooled by a dilution refrigerator.
A user-centered functional metadata evaluation of moving image collections

In this article, the authors report a series of evaluations of two metadata schemes developed for Moving Image Collections (MIC), an integrated online catalog of moving images. Through two online surveys and one experiment spanning various stages of metadata implementation, the MIC evaluation team explored a user-centered approach in which the four generic user tasks suggested by IFLA FRBR (International Association of Library Associations Functional Requirement for Bibliographic Records) were embedded in data collection and analyses. Diverse groups of users rated usefulness of individual metadata fields for finding, identifying, selecting, and obtaining moving images. The results demonstrate a consistency across these evaluations with respect to (a) identification of a set of useful metadata fields highly rated by target users for each of the FRBR generic tasks, and (b) indication of a significant interaction between MIC metadata fields and the FRBR generic tasks. The findings provide timely feedback for the MIC implementation specifically, and valuable suggestions to other similar metadata application settings in general. They also suggest the feasibility of using the four IFLA FRBR generic tasks as a framework for user-centered functional metadata evaluations. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Intellectual functioning in presurgical patients with hypothalamic hamartoma and refractory epilepsy.

Abstract Objective The goal of the work described here was to examine the relationship between intellectual test performance in patients with hypothalamic hamartoma (HH) with refractory epilepsy and their seizure histories, as well as the size and neuroradiographic anatomical features of the HH. It was predicted that the level of estimated intelligence and the pattern of intellectual test performance would significantly correlate with the size of the HH and neuroanatomical features. Method In this cross-sectional design study, 49 patients with HH between the ages of 5 and 55 years were classified by age at time of examination, as well as pattern of performance on the Wechsler intelligence scales. All patients were included in data analysis irrespective of their ability to participate in psychometric testing. Patients with a prior history of neurosurgical treatment were excluded. Results For those patients functionally capable of participating in cognitive testing (n = 42), a summary index score, which estimated level of intellectual function (composed of the Vocabulary, Block Design, and Coding subtests of the Wechsler intelligence scales), was significantly correlated only with number of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) the patient was taking at the time of evaluation (r = –0.66, n = 38, P = 0.05). In contrast, a categorization method addressing the pattern of intellectual test performance (including those patients who were not functionally capable of participating in cognitive testing, n = 49) was significantly correlated with number of AEDs (r = +0.35, n = 48, P = 0.01), size of HH (r = +0.38, n = 49, P = 0.01), presence of precocious puberty (PP: r = +0.41, n = 49, P = 0.01), and anatomical classification of HH (r = +0.39, n = 49, P = 0.01). Conclusions The findings confirm the wide range of cognitive functioning in the population of patients with HH and refractory epilepsy, and suggest that multiple variables are correlated with intellectual test performance in patients with HH with refractory epilepsy. Although the present cross-sectional design study does not answer the question of whether or not epilepsy severity produces lower intelligence in this patient population, number of AEDs and neuroanatomical features of the HH lesion are identified as being significantly related to cognitive performance in this patient sample.
Redesign of plates by large admissible perturbations

The problem of structural redesign of plates for static deflection and modal dynamics objectives is formulated and solved by the method of large admissible perturbations. The perturbation approach to redesign is first used to develop response equations for the objective plate design based on its specifications and the baseline plate design. The equations of the objective state are strongly nonlinear implicit expressions of the variable plate thickness. A large admissible perturbations algorithm is developed to solve the plate redesign problem and define the optimal objective state. The latter is reached incrementally with a prediction-correction scheme without repeated finite element analyses. Systematic numerical applications in redesign of a cantilever plate of 216 degrees of freedom are used to investigate the effects of number of extracted modes and redesign variables. It is shown that the large admissible perturbations theory can be used efficiently to redesign plates for multiple specifications that require changes to the baseline design and its response of the order of 100%. Nomenclature Cy = admixture coefficient for participation of the j th mode to changes in the /th mode E = Young's modulus [k\, [^K\] = global and generalized stiffness matrices [ke ] = stiffness matrix of element or group of elements related to property e
CEOs vs. CFOs: Incentives and Corporate Policies

We undertake a broad-based study of the effect of managerial risk-taking incentives on corporate financial policies and show that CEOs' and CFOs' risk-taking incentives significantly influence their firms' financial policies. In particular, we find that CEOs' risk-decreasing (-increasing) incentives are associated with lower (higher) leverage and higher (lower) cash-balances. CFOs' risk-decreasing (-increasing) incentives are associated with safer (riskier) debt-maturity choices and higher (lower) earnings-smoothing through accounting accruals. We exploit the stock-option expensing regulation of 2004 to establish a causal link between managerial incentives and corporate policies. Our findings have important implications for optimal corporate compensation design.
After the humans are gone Douglas Engelbart Keynote Address, North American Computers and Philosophy Conference Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, August, 2006

Artificial intelligence has long suffered the slings and arrows of humanists arguing in various ways that AI is dangerous to humanity. I argue the opposite: it is humanity that is dangerous, and replacing us by intelligent machines or agents would vastly improve the entire world. My argument beings with two observations. First, humans are extremely dangerous to all the other life on the planet. Second, humans are dangerous to all the other humans. Viewed objectively, getting rid of humans would be a good thing. Yet, it seems obvious that the good for which humans are responsible outweighs humans' negative effects. But what if we could replace humans with beings just as good, or better than we, yet with fewer negative effects? AI provides just this opportunity. I then consider one potent objection to this proposal. Because of their special epistemic status as engineered intelligences, the machines will lack the ability to be awed and inspired by their world. Lacking connections of wonder and inspiration to their world, they will lack the impetus necessary to create art and science. While their world might be better morally than ours, something of incalculable beauty will be lost if we turn Earth over to them. I show that this objection doesn't work.
A field study of visual perception of complex natural targets through atmospheric haze by naïve observers

Abstract An air quality–visibility perception study was carried out in southern California in July and August of 2002. The study was designed to make simultaneous state-of-the-art measurements of human perception, physical light intensities from natural targets, and particle scattering coefficient of the atmosphere. The purpose of the study was to obtain data needed to estimate the probability of seeing a change in haze due to a decrease in extinction coefficient of the atmosphere. The basic results of the visibility perception study are given. The focus is on quantitative measurements of human perception of lightness, hue and chroma (or colorfulness) of natural and artificial targets determined by an advanced color matching instrument and training protocol that made it possible to use naive observers. The lightness, chroma, and hue calculated from the CIE X, Y, and Z measured by a 16-bit industrial imaging photometer are compared to those actually reported by the observers under varying levels of haze. The results are consistent with the results of two previous visibility perception studies carried out in national parks in the USA.
Characterizing exposure to chemicals from soil vapor intrusion using a two-compartment model

Abstract Though several different models have been developed for sub-surface migration, little attention has been given to the effect of subsurface transport on the indoor environment. Existing methods generally assume that a house is one well-mixed compartment. A two-compartment model was developed to better characterize this exposure pathway; the model treats the house as two well-mixed compartments, one for the basement and one for the remainder of the house. A field study was completed to quantify parameters associated with the two-compartment model, such as soil gas intrusion rates and basement to ground floor air exchange rates. Two residential test houses in Paulsboro, New Jersey were selected for this study. All experiments were completed using sulfur hexafluoride (SF 6 ) as a tracer gas. Soil gas intrusion rates were found to be highly dependent on the soil gas to basement pressure difference, varying from 0.001 m 3 m −2 h −1 for a pressure drop of –0.2 Pa to 0.011 m 3 m −2 h −1 for a pressure drop of –6.0 Pa. Basement ventilation rates ranged from 0.17 to 0.75 air changes per hour (ACH) for basement to ambient pressure differences ranging from –1.1 to –7.6 Pa (relative to ambient). Application of experimental results in conjunction with the two-compartment model indicate that exposures are highly dependent on gas intrusion rates, basement ventilation rate, and fraction of time spent in the basement. These results can also be significantly different when compared with the simple well-mixed house assumption.
Law and empire in late antiquity

1. The law of Late Antiquity 2. Making the law 3. The construction of authority 4. The efficacy of law 5. In court 6. Crime and the problem of pain 7. Punishment 8. The corrupt judge 9. Dispute settlement I: out of court 10. Dispute settlement II: episcopalis audientia Conclusion.
Altered expression of mitogen-activated protein kinases in a rat model of experimental hepatocellular carcinoma

The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade acts as a focal point for signal transduction following activation of both G-protein-linked and tyrosine kinase growth factor receptors. A common intermediate between both of these diverse receptor subtypes includes the small guanosine triphosphate (GTP)-binding protein, p21ras. Point mutations of p21ras have been identified in various tumor types and lead to constitutive activation of this protein and subsequent activation of downstream pathways including the MAPK cascade. Using an in vivo model of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), we investigated the abundance and function of individual components of the MAPK cascade and the presence of specific p21ras mutations in this model. Expression of components of the MAPK cascade were determined in tumor and adjacent, non-neoplastic liver specimens by Western blot analysis and functional activity confirmed by substrate phosphorylation assays. Mutations in p21ras were analyzed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In tumor, extracellular regulated kinases (ERKs) ERK1, ERK2, and mitogen-activated ERK-regulated kinase-1 (MEK1) were elevated by three- to fourfold as compared with adjacent nontumorigenic normal liver. In contrast, MEK2 was elevated by only 28%. Substrate phosphorylation and detection of phosphorylated ERK1/2 proteins showed increased functional activity of these proteins of the same magnitude as that observed for protein expression. Mutations in p21ras were not detected in this experimental model of HCC. We conclude that HCC is associated with marked changes in expression and function of components of the MAPK cascade independent of common p21ras mutations.
Severity of polyhydramnios does not affect the prevalence of large-for-gestational-age newborn infants.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the severity of polyhydramnios with or without maternal diabetes and the prevalence of large-for-gestational-age newborn infants. A case control design was used. The study group consisted of 275 singleton pregnancies with an amniotic fluid index > or = 25.0 cm. An equal number of controls was matched for maternal age, gravidity, parity, and gestational age. Polyhydramnios was categorized into three groups by severity: mild (amniotic fluid index 25 to 30 cm.); moderate (amniotic fluid index, 30.1 to 35.0 cm); and severe (amniotic fluid index > or = 35.1 cm). Among our study group, 72.7%, 19.7%, and 7.6% of cases had mild, moderate, and severe polyhydramnios, respectively. Patients with polyhydramnios had a significantly higher prevalence of large-for-gestational-age neonates (27%) than did controls (10%) (P or = B diabetes mellitus was significantly higher among patients with polyhydramnios (17.7%) than among controls (7%) (P < 0.003). Once polyhydramnios was diagnosed sonographically, however, maternal diabetic status did not affect the prevalence of large-for-gestational-age newborn infants. We conclude that the prevalence of large-for-gestational-age neonates is 2.7 times greater when polyhydramnios is present than when the amniotic fluid volume is normal. Neither the severity of polyhydramnios nor the presence of maternal diabetes mellitus strengthens the relationship between polyhydramnios and large-for-gestational-age newborn infants.
SLEEP IMPAIRMENTS IN HEALTHY SENIORS: ROLES OF STRESS, CORTISOL, AND INTERLEUKIN-1 BETA

Study Objectives: Increased stress responsivity and a longer-lasting glucocorticoid increase are common findings in aging studies. Increased cortisol levels at the circadian nadir also accompany aging. We used 24h free urine cortisol to assess these age changes in healthy seniors. We hypothesized that free cortisol levels would explain individual differences in age-related sleep impairments. Design: The study compared sleep, cortisol, and sleep-cortisol correlations under baseline and “stress” conditions in men and women. Setting: Subjects were studied in the General Clinical Research Center under baseline conditions and a mildly stressful procedure (24h indwelling intravenous catheter placement). Participants: Eighty-eight healthy, nonobese subjects (60 women and 28 men) from a large study of successful aging participated in the study. Mean ages were 70.6 (±6.2) and 72.3 (±5.7) years for women and men, respectively. Measurements: The 24h urines were collected for cortisol assay (radioimmunoassay [RIA]); ...
Long-Term Follow-Up of Chimpanzees Inoculated with the First Infectious Clone for Hepatitis C Virus

Two chimpanzees (Ch1535 and Ch1536) became infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) following intrahepatic inoculation with RNA transcribed from a full-length cDNA clone of the virus. Both animals were persistently infected and have been followed for 60 weeks. They showed similar responses to infection, with transient liver enzyme elevations and liver inflammatory responses, which peaked at weeks 17 (Ch1535) and 12 (Ch1536) postinoculation (p.i.). Antibody responses to structural and nonstructural proteins were first detected at weeks 13 (Ch1535) and 10 (Ch1536) p.i. Serum RNA titers increased steadily during the first 10 to 13 weeks but decreased sharply in both animals following antibody and inflammatory responses. Despite direct evidence of humoral immune responses to multiple viral antigens, including hypervariable region 1 (HVR1), both animals remained chronically infected. Detailed sequence analysis of serum HCV RNA revealed no change in the majority HVR1 sequence in Ch1535 and a single-amino-acid mutation in Ch1536, with very little clonal variation in either animal. Full-length genome analysis at week 60 revealed several amino acid substitutions localized to antigens E1, E2, p7, NS3, and NS5. Of these, 55.6 and 40% were present as the majority sequence in serum RNA isolated at week 26 p.i. (Ch1535) and week 22 p.i. (Ch1536), respectively, and could represent immune escape mutations. Mutations accumulated at a rate of 1.57 x 10(-3) and 1.48 x 10(-3) nucleotide substitutions/site/year for Ch1535 and Ch1536, respectively. Taken together, these data indicate that establishment of a persistent HCV infection in these chimpanzees is not due to changes in HVR1; however, the possibility remains that mutations arising in other parts of the genome contributed to this persistence.