cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Resveratrol modifies tephritid fruit fly response to radiation but not nutritional stress

Purpose: Resveratrol (3,5,4′-trihydroxystilbene) is a polyphenol compound found in many plants and fruits that has antioxidant and radioprotective properties. Two model invertebrates, Bactrocera dorsalis (oriental fruit fly) and B. cucurbitae (melon fly) (Diptera: Tephritidae), were studied to determine if the addition of resveratrol to an artificial diet could modify their response to radiation and nutritional stress.Materials and methods: Resveratrol at concentrations of 0, 50, 100, or 200 μM of was incorporated into a liquid larval fruit fly diet. Third instars were treated with: (i) A radiation dose of 30 Gy (radiation stress), (ii) a wheat germ oil-deficient diet (nutritional stress), or (iii) left untreated as a control.Results: The addition of resveratrol to the diet partially mitigated the adverse effects of radiation on several life history parameters. In B. cucurbitae, a significantly higher 49–53% of adults could fly when 50–200 μM resveratrol was added to the diet compared with 32% in irradiat...
Chemotaxis of deleterious rhizobacteria to velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti Medik.) seeds and seedlings

Intact seeds and seed and seedling root exudates of velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti Medik.) were used as chemoattractants in experiments to determine the relative importance of chemotaxis in spermosphere and rhizosphere colonization by selected rhizobacteria. Results for soft-agar, capillary tube and soil chemotaxis assays indicated that selected deleterious rhizobacteria were specifically attracted to seed and seedling root exudates. Several amino acids and sugars detected in exudates were chemoattractants for these rhizobacteria. Using soil-chemotaxis assemblies, migration of rhizobacterial isolates through 2-cm distances of soil toward velvetleaf seeds or exudates was detected within 24 h. Isolates were not detected at the same site in soils without seeds or exudates until 72 h after inoculation. These results suggest that attraction of delecterious rhizobacteria toward seeds and seedling roots mediated by exudates (chemotaxis) might be the first step in establishment and subsequent colonization of biological control bacteria on weed seeds and seedling roots in soil.
State-Level Estimates of Annual Medical Expenditures Attributable to Obesity*

FINKELSTEIN, ERIC A., IAN C. FIEBELKORN, AND GUIJING WANG. State-level estimates of annual medical expenditures attributable to obesity. Obes Res. 2004;12:18 –24. Objective: To provide state-level estimates of total, Medicare, and Medicaid obesity-attributable medical expenditures. Research Methods and Procedures: We developed an econometric model that predicts medical expenditures. We used this model and state-representative data to quantify obesity-attributable medical expenditures. Results: Annual U.S. obesity-attributable medical expenditures are estimated at $75 billion in 2003 dollars, and approximately one-half of these expenditures are financed by Medicare and Medicaid. State-level estimates range from $87 million (Wyoming) to $7.7 billion (California). Obesity-attributable Medicare estimates range from $15 million (Wyoming) to $1.7 billion (California), and Medicaid estimates range from $23 million (Wyoming) to $3.5 billion (New York). Discussion: These estimates of obesity-attributable medical expenditures present the best available information concerning the economic impact of obesity at the state level. Policy makers should consider these estimates, along with other factors, in determining how best to allocate scarce public health resources. However, because they are associated with large SE, these estimates should not be used to make comparisons across states or among payers within states.
Long-term outcome after partial external biliary diversion for progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis.

Abstract Background Though patients with progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (PFIC) typically require liver transplantation, initial surgical treatment includes partial biliary diversion (PBD) to relieve jaundice-associated pruritus. This study was undertaken to describe long-term PFIC outcome data, which are currently sparsely reported. Methods Retrospective review of 7 patients diagnosed with PFIC who underwent PBD between 2004 and 2008 was directed toward long-term postoperative outcome including resolution of jaundice/pruritus, stoma complications, interval to transplantation, and death. Results Six patients who underwent PBD experienced short-term resolution of jaundice and pruritus. Four patients experienced persistent stoma-related complications requiring a total of 14 revisions. Three symptom-free patients have not yet required liver transplantation post-PBD (average, 70 months; range, 59-78 months). Two patients underwent orthotopic liver transplantation (average, 44 ± 18 months post-PBD). Two patients died at home because of gastroenteritis-associated dehydration before transplantation. Conclusion Partial biliary diversion for PFIC is effective as a bridge to liver transplantation in improving jaundice and pruritus but may be associated with a high incidence of stoma-related complications. Persistent or recurrent pruritus after PFIC is associated with an increased risk of stoma prolapse or reflux. Insufficiently replaced stomal losses over time may increase the risk of dehydration-related complications in association with gastroenteritis.
Lean and mean: workforce 2000 in America

Corporate downsizing or restructuring has reached epidemic proportions and left many victims and survivors in its wake. Although some corporations are now finding that they have overdone downsizing or restructuring, these efforts to re‐engineer themselves were necessary for many of them. The issue here is not the need to change our work environment, but rather how we communicate those changes. Deals primarily with the problems that survivors of reorganization face and offers some communication‐oriented solutions.
A precise determination of the proton coupling parameters in benzene

Abstract The 13CH satellite spectrum of benzene has been observed at natural abundance, and an exact analysis of the ABB′CC′X system has been performed. The ortho, meta, and para HH couplings were found to have the values 7.54, 1.37, and 0.69 Hz, respectively, and the 13CH coupling was determined to be 158.34 Hz. In addition the differences in the long-range 12CH couplings were determined by analysis. A comparison of the HH coupling constants in benzene and biphenyl is included.
Small object hyperspectral detection from a low-flying UAV

Small object detection with a low false alarm rate remains a challenge for automated hyperspectral detection algorithms when the background environment is cluttered. In order to approach this problem we are developing a compact hyperspectral sensor that can be fielded from a small unmanned airborne platform. This platform is capable of flying low and slow, facilitating the collection of hyperspectral imagery that has a small ground-sample distance (GSD) and small atmospheric distortion. Using high-resolution hyperspectral imagery we simulate various ranges between the sensor and the objects of interest. This numerical study aids in analysis of the effects of stand-off distance on detection versus false alarm rates when using standard hyperspectral detection algorithms. Preliminary experimental evidence supports our simulation results.
Model filled polymers: The effect of particle size on the rheology of filled poly(methyl methacrylate) composites

The effect of size of crosslinked monodisperse spherical polymer particles on the steady shear and dynamic rheology of filled poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) composites was studied for PMMA and polystyrene (PS) particles in the range from 0.1 to 1.3 micron particle size. For PMMA matrices filled with crosslinked PS particles, reduction in filler size increases non-Newtonian behavior. Particle size effects on the rheology of filled PMMA were much less pronounced for PMMA filler. The rate of growth of steady shear viscosity with aging time was much larger for PMMA filled with PS particles than with PMMA particles. The apparent yield stress of filled PMMA composites was estimated from Casson plots. The yield stress was negligible for PMMA filler but increased with decreasing particle size for PS filler. We suggest that PS particles are rejected by the PMMA matrix and form clusters, causing large enhancements in viscosity and moduli. Polym. Eng. Sci. 44:452–462, 2004. © 2004 Society of Plastics Engineers.
A generalization of quasi-hereditary rings

We give a generalization of quasi-hereditary rings called QH-1 rings. We show that a left QH-1 ring R is quasi hereditary if and only if R has finite global dimension if and only if R has Cartan determinant +1. We then give a bound on the global dimension of the quasi-hereditary serial rings, and charac terize the QH-1 serial rings of infinite global dimension in termi of the admissible sequence.
Field geologic observation and sample collection strategies for planetary surface exploration: Insights from the 2010 Desert RATS geologist crewmembers

Observation is the primary role of all field geologists, and geologic observations put into an evolving conceptual context will be the most important data stream that will be relayed to Earth during a planetary exploration mission. Sample collection is also an important planetary field activity, and its success is closely tied to the quality of contextual observations. To test protocols for doing effective planetary geologic field- work, the Desert RATS(Research and Technology Studies) project deployed two prototype rovers for two weeks of simulated exploratory traverses in the San Francisco volcanic field of northern Arizona. The authors of this paper represent the geologist crew members who participated in the 2010 field test.We document the procedures adopted for Desert RATS 2010 and report on our experiences regarding these protocols. Careful consideration must be made of various issues that impact the interplay between field geologic observations and sample collection, including time management; strategies relatedtoduplicationofsamplesandobservations;logisticalconstraintson the volume and mass of samples and the volume/transfer of data collected; and paradigms for evaluation of mission success. We find that the 2010 field protocols brought to light important aspects of each of these issues, and we recommend best practices and modifications to training and operational protocols to address them. Underlying our recommendations is the recognition that the capacity of the crew to flexibly execute their activities is paramount. Careful design of mission parameters, especially field geologic protocols, is critical for enabling the crews to successfully meet their science objectives.
A Global-Scale Examination of Monsoon-Related Precipitation

Abstract A pentad version of the Global Precipitation Climatology Project global precipitation dataset is used to document the annual and interannual variations in precipitation over monsoon regions around the globe. An algorithm is described that determines objectively wet season onset and withdrawal for individual years, and this tool is used to examine the behavior of various characteristics of the major monsoon systems. The definition of onset and withdrawal are determined by examining the ramp-up and diminution of rainfall within the context of the climatological rainfall at each location. Also examined are interannual variations in onset and withdrawal and their relationship to rainy season precipitation accumulations. Changes in the distribution of “heavy” and “light” precipitation events are examined for years in which “abundant” and “poor” wet seasons are observed, and associations with variations in large-scale atmospheric general circulation features are also examined. In particular, some regio...
Laser Ablation-Induced Plasma Characteristics in Optical Near-Field

In this study, detailed characteristics of the optical near-field based ablation-induced plasma are investigated. A Cr thin metal film samples are ablated using visible and near infrared nanosecond laser pulses coupled through an optical near-field fiber probe. The ablated plasma evolution is visualized through time-resolved emission imaging and further analyzed via spectral measurement. Unveiled qualitative differences in optical near-field ablation configuration are discussed in comparison with optical far-field ablation. The measured results support implementation of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy based on optical near-field ablation.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Gamma interferon assay as an alternative to PPD skin testing in selected patients with granulomatous intraocular inflammatory disease.

RESUME Background: To evaluate the QuantiFERON-TB test (gamma interferon assay), approved by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for the detection of latent tuberculosis (LTB), in patients who potentially may require immunosuppressive therapy for ocular inflammatory disease. Methods: Blood samples from 12 consecutive patients with granulomatous ocular inflammatory disease were evaluated first with the purified protein derivative (PPD) skin test and then with the QuantiFERON- TB test (11 of 12 patients, 1 declined). The results of the 2 tests in both U.S.- and non-U.S.-born patients were compared with their Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccination status and chest x-rays. Results: In our small series there was a high degree of concordance between the QuantiFERON-TB assay and the PPD skin test. Interpretation: The QuantiFERON-TB test did not demonstrate intrinsic merit over PPD skin testing for screening for LTB in selected patients when immunosuppressive therapy is con- sidered. The confounding effect of BCG vaccination renders interpretation of both tests dif- ficult. Early reports suggest the second-generation tests that are now available may hold promise for use in the uveitis clinic and should be formally evaluated.
Wind-forced dispersion of blue crab larvae in the Middle Atlantic Bight

Abstract Blue crab larvae are advected out of Middle Atlantic Bight estuaries immediately after spawning occurs in the estuary entrance. For the next 30 to 50 days the larvae are found offshore and mainly at the surface where they are influenced by wind-driven currents. Using a previously derived circulation model and winds from Norfolk (VA) airport, a backward trace is made from where relatively dense concentrations of megalopae were found in the Chesapeake Bight during 1983 to a point of origin (spawning). During 1983, the megalopae encountered on the shelf had their origin in Chesapeake Bay and took, at minimum, 31 to 36 days to grow to the megalopae stage. Wind forcing dominated the inner shelf region in the summer of 1983 and the resulting dispersion of Chesapeake Bay megalopae occurred briefly in the southern sector early in the season, but toward the northern sector over most of the season. Although no firm conclusions could be drawn regarding the mechanism for return, it did not seem likely that wind advection back to the point of origin would be effective.
Thin films of separated isotopes by cathodic sputtering

Abstract The construction and use of a chamber for the production of thin films from milligram quantities of separated isotopes by cathodic sputtering are described. It is adapted for the coating of thin substrates supported on frames suitable for use as accelerator targets or beta spectroscopy sources. Typical operating conditions yield films of various metals, up to opacity in thickness, in one to twelve hours. Details are included for the sputtering of osmium.
The syndrome of autoimmune interstitial nephritis and membranous nephropathy.

A 2-year-old male patient was evaluated for Fanconi syndrome with hypertension and failure to thrive. Renal biopsy revealed autoimmune interstitial nephritis with membranous nephropathy. The patient developed autoimmune hemolytic anemia and intractable diarrhea with villous atrophy of the jejunum. He progressed to end-stage renal disease and was transplanted without recurrent disease. Immune work-up done prior to immunosuppressive therapy showed marked elevation of IgE. Studies of T lymphocyte cytokine production showed normal production of interleukin-4 but depressed levels of interferon-γ. The simultaneous occurrence of autoimmune interstitial nephritis and membranous nephropathy in a young male represents a unique syndrome. Abnormalities of T lymphocyte subpopulations and their cytokines may be involved in the pathogenesis of this disorder.
The toxicity of enzyme fractions of Bacillus larvae.

A crude extract from the causal disease organism of American foulbrood, Bacillus larvae (White), is toxic when injected to honey bees ( Apis mellifera L.), house flies ( Musca domestica L.), milkweed bugs ( Oncopeltus fasciatus (Dallas)), hide beetles ( Dermestes maculatus DeGeer), and American and German cockroaches ( Periplaneta americana (L.) and Blattella germanica (L.)). Oral toxicity was evident only to larvae, prepupae and adults of honey bees. Three proteolytic enzyme fractions were separated from the crude extract. One fraction, termed III, was most toxic and was studied most intensively. Fraction II was nontoxic. The toxicity of III appeared to be due to proteolytic activity, or at least closely associated with it. The toxin did not show great differences in effect when compared on house flies of four different strains, different ages and for sex differences. The toxicity was greater at higher temperatures. When the toxic fraction was given orally to house flies, no deleterious symptoms or mortality occurred. The loss of toxic activity occurred in the midgut and the recovered material was nonproteolytic. The nonproteolytic fractions of the crude extract from Bacillus larvae were not toxic to the test insects.
Structural analysis of cDNA encoding thymidylate synthase in hepatic metastases of human colorectal tumors

The enzyme thymidylate synthase (TS) is an important target of 5-fluorouracil (FUra) that is utilized for the treatment of disseminated colorectal cancer. One determinant of clinical response to FUra-based therapy is TS expression, with high levels of expression being predictive of poor response. In the present investigation the levels of immunoreactive TS were analyzed in human colon metastases in the liver (n=11). The levels of TS ranged from 0.30 to 4.60 pmol TS/g tissue. A good correlation was observed between the levels of immunoreactive TS and TS mRNA (n=6, r=0.69). Of the 11 metastases analyzed, 5 exhibited relatively high levels of TS expression. Two metastases with high TS expression were obtained from patients who received adjuvant therapy with FUra. In 4 metastases with relatively high levels of TS expression, TS gene copy number was analyzed. No evidence for amplification of TS gene sequences was observed. The basis for the high levels of TS expression was examined by structural analysis of TS cDNA. No nucleotide sequence differences were detected in the coding regions of the TS genes from the metastases. Mutations were detected at positions 961 and/or 1031 in the 3′-untranslated regions of the TS gene from the metastases; mutations at these sites were also detected in DNA isolated from normal colon mucosa (n=4) and primary colorectal tumors (n=4). No correlation was observed between TS expression and the nucleotide alterations at these positions. Polymorphism was observed in the 5′-untranslated regions of the TS gene in hepatic metastases (n=6). A general trend was observed between the structure of the 5′-untranslated region of the gene and TS expression.
RAPID: reconfigurable and scalable all-photonic interconnect for distributed shared memory multiprocessors

In this paper, we describe the design and analysis of a scalable architecture suitable for large-scale distributed shared memory (DSM) systems. The approach is based on an interconnect technology which combines optical components and a novel architecture design. In DSM systems, numerous shared memory transactions such as requests, responses and acknowledgment messages propagate simultaneously in the network. As the network size increases, network contention results in increasing the critical remote memory access latency, which significantly penalizes the performance of DSM systems. In our proposed architecture called reconfigurable and scalable all-photonic interconnect for distributed-shared memory (RAPID), we provide high connectivity by maximizing the channel availability for remote communication to reduce the critical remote latency. RAPID provides fast and efficient unicast, multicast and broadcast capabilities using a combination of aggressively designed wavelength division multiplexing (WDM), time division multiplexing (TDM), and space division multiplexing (SDM) techniques. RAPID is wavelength-routed, permitting the same limited set of wavelength to be reused among all processors. We evaluated RAPID based on network characteristics, power budget criteria, and by simulation using synthetic traffic workloads and compared it against other networks such as electrical ring, torus, mesh, and hypercube networks. We found that RAPID outperforms all networks and still provides good performance as the network is scaled to very large numbers.
Basidiospore homoplasy and variation in the Inocybe chelanensis group in North America

We present a morphological and phylogenetic study of Inocybe chelanensis and other North American species of Inocybe that have unusually elongated nodulose spores. Taxonomy and illustrations of these species are provided, along with a key to these and similar species found in Europe and North America. The species concept of I. chelanensis is broadened to include the range of variation occurring for the species in North America. Despite similar basidiospore morphologies, I. chelanensis and I. candidipes are not closely related. Inocybe chelanensis is related more closely to I. stellatospora and I. candidipes is related to I. glabrodisca based on RPB1 and nLSU-rDNA nucleotide sequences. Distal enlongation of Inocybe basidiospores was achieved independently in at least two separate lineages of Inocybe. Inocybe candidipes and I. sierraensis are described as new.
Simplified Post Processing of Cine DENSE Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance for Quantification of Cardiac Mechanics

Background: Cardiovascular magnetic resonance using displacement encoding with stimulated echoes (DENSE) is capable of assessing advanced measures of cardiac mechanics such as strain and torsion. A potential hurdle to widespread clinical adoption of DENSE is the time required to manually segment the myocardium during post-processing of the images. To overcome this hurdle, we proposed a radical approach in which only three contours per image slice are required for post-processing (instead of the typical 30–40 contours per image slice). We hypothesized that peak left ventricular circumferential, longitudinal and radial strains and torsion could be accurately quantified using this simplified analysis. Methods and Results: We tested our hypothesis on a large multi-institutional dataset consisting of 541 DENSE image slices from 135 mice and 234 DENSE image slices from 62 humans. We compared measures of cardiac mechanics derived from the simplified post-processing to those derived from original post-processing utilizing the full set of 30–40 manually-defined contours per image slice. Accuracy was assessed with Bland-Altman limits of agreement and summarized with a modified coefficient of variation. The simplified technique showed high accuracy with all coefficients of variation less than 10% in humans and 6% in mice. The accuracy of the simplified technique was also superior to two previously published semi-automated analysis techniques for DENSE post-processing. Conclusions: Accurate measures of cardiac mechanics can be derived from DENSE cardiac magnetic resonance in both humans and mice using a simplified technique to reduce post-processing time by approximately 94%. These findings demonstrate that quantifying cardiac mechanics from DENSE data is simple enough to be integrated into the clinical workflow.
EVALUATION OF ASYMPTOMATIC SOLITARY HEPATIC LESIONS

Clinical judgment and noninvasive radiologic imaging are the keystones to decision-making in the management of most patients with asymptomatic liver lesions. A knowledge of the natural history of the common lesions suggests a conservative approach to those that are benign and an aggressive approach to those that are malignant and still localized.
A facile method for attaching nitroxide spin labels at the 5′ terminus of nucleic acids

In site-directed spin labeling (SDSL), a nitroxide moiety containing a stable, unpaired electron is covalently attached to a specific site within a macromolecule, and structural and dynamic information at the labeling site is obtained via electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. Successful SDSL requires efficient site-specific incorporation of nitroxides. Work reported here presents a new method for facile nitroxide labeling at the 5' terminus of nucleic acids of arbitrary sizes. T4-polynucleotide kinase was used to enzymatically substitute a phosphorothioate group at the 5' terminus of a nucleic acid, and the resulting phosphorothioate was then reacted with an iodomethyl derivative of a nitroxide. The method was successfully demonstrated on both chemically synthesized and naturally occurring nucleic acids. The attached nitroxides reported duplex formation as well as tertiary folding of nucleic acids, indicating that they serve as a valid probe in nucleic acid studies.
UNIFORM CONVERGENCE RATES FOR KERNEL ESTIMATION WITH DEPENDENT DATA

This paper presents a set of rate of uniform consistency results for kernel estimators of density functions and regressions functions+ We generalize the existing literature by allowing for stationary strong mixing multivariate data with infinite support, kernels with unbounded support, and general bandwidth sequences+ These results are useful for semiparametric estimation based on a first-stage nonparametric estimator+
Non-elastomeric polypeptide models of elastin. Synthesis of polyhexapeptides and a cross-linked polyhexapeptide.

The synthesis of two polyhexapeptides is reported. The polyhexapeptides are H-(Val6-Ala1-Pro2-Gly3-θ4-Gly5)n -Val-OMe where θ= Vol or Lys with a mole ratio of 3.5:1 and H-(Val6-Ala1-Pro2-Gly3-Lys4-Gly5)n-Val-OMe. The first polymer was utilized with a previously synthesized polyhexapeptide, H-(Val6-Ala1 -Pro2-Gly3-θ-Gly5)n-Val-OMe where θ was either Val4 or Glu4 at a mole ratio of 3.5:1, to obtain an intermolecular cross-linked matrix by means of primary amide bond formation between the γ-carboxyls of the Glu residues of one copolymer and the α-amino groups of the Lys residues of the other copolymer. The cross-linking reaction was run during a temperature-elicited phase separation with flow orientation of the polymers. An insoluble, non-elastomeric, cross-linked, polyhexapeptide matrix was obtained. The nature of the insoluble polyhexapeptide matrix was well-demonstrated by the polymer, H-(Val6-Ala1-Pro2-Gly3-θ4-Gly5)n-Val-OMe where θ4 is Vol or Lys, which could be formed into cellophane-like, non-elastomeric sheets which would tear and which could be shown by microscopy to have sharp edges. This very different property of the polyhexapeptide of tropoelastin as compared to the elastomeric polypentapeptide of tropoelastin is discussed in terms of a different structural role. The purity of key intermediate hexamers and of the polyhexapeptides is demonstrated by carbon-13 magnetic resonance in addition to the usual analytical methods.
MCMC Data Association and Sparse Factorization Updating for Real Time Multitarget Tracking with Merged and Multiple Measurements

In several multitarget tracking applications, a target may return more than one measurement per target and interacting targets may return multiple merged measurements between targets. Existing algorithms for tracking and data association, initially applied to radar tracking, do not adequately address these types of measurements. Here, we introduce a probabilistic model for interacting targets that addresses both types of measurements simultaneously. We provide an algorithm for approximate inference in this model using a Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC)-based auxiliary variable particle filter. We Rao-Blackwellize the Markov chain to eliminate sampling over the continuous state space of the targets. A major contribution of this work is the use of sparse least squares updating and downdating techniques, which significantly reduce the computational cost per iteration of the Markov chain. Also, when combined with a simple heuristic, they enable the algorithm to correctly focus computation on interacting targets. We include experimental results on a challenging simulation sequence. We test the accuracy of the algorithm using two sensor modalities, video, and laser range data. We also show the algorithm exhibits real time performance on a conventional PC
Leader‐driven distortion of probability and payoff information affects choices between risky prospects

Research indicating that decision makers often distort new information to favor nascent preferences has focused primarily on riskless choice rather than risky choice. In addition, the critical assumption that information distortion mediates the link between the initially preferred alternative and the final choice has not been tested in a compelling manner. In an experiment designed to fill these gaps, participants made six choices involving pairs of hypothetical three-outcome monetary gambles. We manipulated initial preferences by varying the order in which gamble features were presented. Multilevel regressions indicated that participants distorted their evaluations of precise probabilities and payoffs in the direction of their emerging preferences and that they used their biased evaluations to update those preferences. As expected, information distortion mediated the effect of initial preferences on final choices and final preference strength. In a follow-up experiment, we compared a standard measure of information distortion (based on comparisons to mean ratings in a no-choice control task) to a more personalized measure (based on participants' own ratings in the control task) and found the mean-based measure to be superior for the probability and payoff information in question. Other findings in Experiment 2 corroborated the results of Experiment 1. In both studies, the distortion of quantitative inputs in a simple task highlights the non-normative circularity of the choice process. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Inversion of data from diffraction‐limited multiwavelength remote sensors: 1, Linear case

The remote sensing inverse problem is considered in which the sensor does not necessarily view the same area on the earth at each wavelength, and spatial correlations of the geophysical parameters may be present. Under the conditions of linearity and stationary statistics, the minimum mean-square error solution to the problem of inverting such data is a spatial filter of the Wiener-Kolmogorov class. The resulting remote-sensing system can be characterized by an impulse response matrix in ordinary space or by a transfer matrix in frequency space. A signal-to-noise matrix for the geophysical parameters to be sensed is also defined; this matrix depends on the postulated a priori statistics and on the characteristics of the remote-sensing instrument. The system transfer matrix and the signal-to-noise matrix are simultaneously diagonalizable. The optimum transfer matrix filters out of the estimate vector those eigenparameters for which eigenvalues of the signal-to-noise matrix are less than unity.
Sex differences in fat storage, fat metabolism, and the health risks from obesity: possible evolutionary origins

Human beings are susceptible to sustained weight gain in the modern environment. Although both men and women can get fat, they get fat in different ways, and suffer different consequences. We review differences between men and women in the incidence of obesity, fat deposition patterns, fat metabolism, and the health consequences of obesity, and examine potential evolutionary explanations for these differences. Women generally have a larger proportion of body mass as fat, and are more likely to deposit fat subcutaneously and on their lower extremities; men are more likely to deposit fat in the abdominal region. Excess adipose tissue in the abdominal region, especially visceral fat, is associated with more health risks. Women have higher rates of reuptake of NEFA into adipose tissue; however, they also have higher rates of fat oxidation during prolonged exercise. Oestrogen appears to underlie many of these differences. Women bear higher nutrient costs during reproduction. Fat and fertility are linked in women, through leptin. Low leptin levels reduce fertility. Ovarian function of adult women is associated with their fatness at birth. In our evolutionary past food insecurity was a frequent occurrence. Women would have benefited from an increased ability to store fat in easily metabolisable depots. We suggest that the pattern of central obesity, more commonly seen in men, is not adaptive, but rather reflects the genetic drift hypothesis of human susceptibility to obesity. Female obesity, with excess adiposity in the lower extremities, reflects an exaggeration of an adaptation for female reproductive success.
Assessing Espoused Goals in Private Family Firms Using Content Analysis

Understanding how private family firms gauge performance is of great interest to family business scholars. Unfortunately, finding comparable data to understand differences in the performance of suc...
High resolution intra-operative two-dimensional specimen mammography and its impact on second operation for re-excision of positive margins at final pathology after breast conservation surgery.

Abstract Background In the United States, about 50% to 66% of women undergoing breast conservation surgery for cancer undergo subsequent mastectomy for positive margins on initial lumpectomy. This is despite the fact that screening mammography has resulted in a decrease in the size of newly diagnosed breast cancer to Methods A retrospective review of 128 patients who underwent breast conservation surgery for early breast cancer was performed using intraoperative 2-dimensional Faxitron high-resolution specimen mammography without specimen compression as the only margin assessment technique. Of these, 29 patients had histories of lumpectomy with positive margins. Results A total of 131 procedures were performed. Margins were histologically clear at initial breast conservation surgery in 84.3% of patients who underwent primary lumpectomy. Subsequent reexcision for positive margins was required in 14.7% of patients. Two-dimensional Faxitron mammographically guided intraoperative reexcision cleared the margins in 95.8% of patients (23 of 24) who would have otherwise required subsequent reexcision. Conclusions Intraoperative 2-dimensional Faxitron high-resolution specimen mammography can decrease rates of margin positivity and has the potential to diminish the number of subsequent undesired mastectomies for positive margins.
Imaging of Pancreas Transplant

This chapter reviews the cross-sectional imaging appearances of normal pancreas transplant grafts and illustrates complications associated with the procedure in an algorithmic approach.
High-throughput processing and normalization of one-color microarrays for transcriptional meta-analyses

Background Microarray experiments are becoming increasingly common in biomedical research, as is their deposition in publicly accessible repositories, such as Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). As such, there has been a surge in interest to use this microarray data for meta-analytic approaches, whether to increase sample size for a more powerful analysis of a specific disease (e.g. lung cancer) or to re-examine experiments for reasons different than those examined in the initial, publishing study that generated them. For the average biomedical researcher, there are a number of practical barriers to conducting such meta-analyses such as manually aggregating, filtering and formatting the data. Methods to automatically process large repositories of microarray data into a standardized, directly comparable format will enable easier and more reliable access to microarray data to conduct meta-analyses.
Fixation and microscopic sizing of aqueous sodium chloride aerosols

Abstract A new technique to fix tobacco smoke aerosols by methyl-2-cyanoacrylate vapor is applied to the study of the size distribution of sodium chloride droplets generated from a commercial inhalation nebulizer. The count mode diameter of the fixed droplets agrees well with the actual droplets calculated from known dried particles. The method allows direct visualization and measurement of droplets by light or electron microscopy, but it is limited to particles smaller than 2 μm in diameter. Further work is required to improve the fixation chamber design and sampling technique to ensure complete fixation and collection of droplets greater than 2 μm in diameter before the method can be used to characterize the polydisperse aerosol droplets from nebulizers.
Multiple somatic complaints and possible somatization disorder in prepubertal children.

Five prepubertal children reported enough somatic symptoms during a structured interview to warrant consideration of a diagnosis of somatization disorder by DSM-III and Feighner criteria. Compared to 13 children with anxiety or affective disorders and 7 with conduct disorder, these 5 had significantly more somatic symptoms from significantly more symptom groups than the others. They reported more pseudoneurologic symptoms and subjectively were thought to present more "hysterical" features clinically. Some of the difficulties in making the diagnosis are discussed, with suggestions for further research. Journal of the American Academy of Child Psychiatry , 24, 5:603–607, 1985.
The associations between socio-economic status and major depressive disorder among Blacks, Latinos, Asians and non-Hispanic Whites: findings from the Collaborative Psychiatric Epidemiology Studies.

Background This study examined whether there were associations between individual measures of socioeconomic status (SES) and the 12-month prevalence of major depressive disorder (MDD) in representative samples of Blacks, Latinos, Asians, and Whites in the United States.
Full-wave PEEC time-domain method for the modeling of on-chip interconnects

With the advances in the speed of high-performance chips, inductance effects in some on-chip interconnects have become significant. Specific networks such as clock distributions and other highly optimized circuits are especially impacted by inductance. Several difficult aspects have to be overcome to obtain valid waveforms for problems where inductances contribute significantly. Mainly, the geometries are very complex and the interactions between the capacitive and inductive currents have to be taken into account simultaneously. In this paper, we show that a full-wave partial element equivalent circuit method, which includes the delays among the partial elements, leads to an efficient solver enabling the analysis of large meaningful problems. Applying this method to several examples leads to helpful insights for realistic very large scale integration wiring problems. It is shown in this paper that the impact overshoot, reflections, and inductive coupling are critical for the design of critical on-chip interconnects.
Murine Neonatal CD4+ Lymph Node Cells Are Highly Deficient in the Development of Antigen-Specific Th1 Function in Adoptive Adult Hosts

It is well established that murine neonates are biased toward Th2 responses. Th2-dominant responses are observed following immunization with a variety of Ags, using different carrier/adjuvant systems, and are seen in both BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice. Therefore, Th2 skewing appears to be a universal phenomenon unique to the neonatal period. One important question about this phenomenon is whether these responses are due to T cell intrinsic properties or are regulated by the neonatal environment. Here we have addressed this issue by transferring neonatal or adult CD4(+) lymph node cells to adoptive adult recombinase-activating gene 2(-/-) hosts and studied the development of Th responses. Neonatal CD4(+) cells were highly deficient in the development of both primary and secondary Ag-specific Th1 responses. This did not appear to be due to anergy of a developed population, since exogenous IL-2 only marginally increased production of the Th1 cytokine IFN-gamma. This profound Th1 deficiency was observed despite similar proliferation by neonatal and adult cells within the recombinase-activating gene 2(-/-) hosts. Moreover, neonatal CD4(+) cells up-regulated activation markers in a manner similar to adult CD4(+) cells. Therefore, although their proliferation and phenotypic maturation proceeded normally, neonatal CD4(+) cells appeared to be intrinsically deficient in the functional maturation of Th1 lineage cells. These results offer a candidate explanation for the reduced graft-vs-host responses observed following transplantation of cord blood cells or murine neonatal lymphoid cells to allogeneic adult hosts.
MRC-SPECT-DF: an MR-Compatible SPECT system with Dual-FOV collimation design for microscopic SPECT imaging.

We will report the design and performance of a MR-compatible SPECT system that utilizes a dual-FOV aperture design for microscopic SPECT imaging of small animals inside an pre-existing MR scanner. The MRC-SPECT-DF system consists of a full ring of high resolution CdTe detectors and an aperture that consists of dual-FOV aperture system design that has two sets of aperture rings along the axis, one providing a large FOV and the other one allowing an ultrahigh resolution microscopic imaging of a selected target region in the object. The switching between apertures does not require mechanical shifting of either the aperture or the CdTe detector ring. This is critical for integrating the SPECT system with the MR scanner, and minimizing the interference between both sub-system while operation.
Post-Industrialism, Postmodernity and O.R.: Toward A ‘Custom and Practice’ of Responsibility and Possibility

In his 1986 Inaugural address as President of the Operational Research Society, Society for Long-Range Planning, J. Rosenhead (1986) advocates transgressing, “One of the great Unwritten Rules, which is ‘Keep politics out of operational research’.” Indeed, he reminds us that, “To talk, write and act as if there were no politics in operational research is itself a distinctly political posture”. Rosenhead urges us to question the assumptions and methodology of OR — which now legitimate excluding the discipline from the larger and messier social context in which OR work is, willingly or not, embedded.
Constrained controllability

In this short paper, we survey some of our recent results [1,2] on the controllability of linear systems when there are constraints on the admissible values of the control.
Strain Rate Dependence in the Structure Property Relationship of Porcine Brain

The brain is the control center for the central nervous system (CNS), and it is composed of specialized divisions that are attributed to a vast assortment of structural, homeostatic, and cognitive functions. These distinct regions are surrounded by supportive tissue and comprised of a complex arrangement of neurons that can be further categorized as either gray or white matter. The cerebrum constitutes the larger surrounding portion of the forebrain and includes sinuous ridges called gyri that are separated by grooves or fissures called sulci. The intermediate layer of the cerebrum primarily consists of white matter tracts that are responsible for integrating various regions throughout the cerebrum. The innermost and outermost layers of tissue mainly contain gray matter and are collectively known as the subcortical nuclei and cerebral cortex, respectively, which are crucial integrating components of the CNS [1]. An investigation into the mechanical properties of this vital organ coupled with microstructural characterization of its constituents under varying deformation levels is therefore crucial for implementing more accurate prediction and prevention of traumatic brain injury (TBI).Copyright © 2009 by ASME
A minimum-error, energy-constrained neural code is an instantaneous-rate code

Sensory neurons code information about stimuli in their sequence of action potentials (spikes). Intuitively, the spikes should represent stimuli with high fidelity. However, generating and propagating spikes is a metabolically expensive process. It is therefore likely that neural codes have been selected to balance energy expenditure against encoding error. Our recently proposed optimal, energy-constrained neural coder (Jones et al. Frontiers in Computational Neuroscience, 9, 61 2015) postulates that neurons time spikes to minimize the trade-off between stimulus reconstruction error and expended energy by adjusting the spike threshold using a simple dynamic threshold. Here, we show that this proposed coding scheme is related to existing coding schemes, such as rate and temporal codes. We derive an instantaneous rate coder and show that the spike-rate depends on the signal and its derivative. In the limit of high spike rates the spike train maximizes fidelity given an energy constraint (average spike-rate), and the predicted interspike intervals are identical to those generated by our existing optimal coding neuron. The instantaneous rate coder is shown to closely match the spike-rates recorded from P-type primary afferents in weakly electric fish. In particular, the coder is a predictor of the peristimulus time histogram (PSTH). When tested against in vitro cortical pyramidal neuron recordings, the instantaneous spike-rate approximates DC step inputs, matching both the average spike-rate and the time-to-first-spike (a simple temporal code). Overall, the instantaneous rate coder relates optimal, energy-constrained encoding to the concepts of rate-coding and temporal-coding, suggesting a possible unifying principle of neural encoding of sensory signals.
Determinants of RFID adoption stage and perceived benefits

Abstract This study identifies the determinants of radio frequency identification (RFID) adoption stage and explores the perceived benefits from RFID adoption. RFID adoption is divided into three stages, starting from not considering the adoption (Stage 1), to begin considering the adoption (Stage 2) and to finally implementing RFID (Stage 3). It is argued that a firm's RFID adoption stage is influenced by the following factors: Drivers (Internal Drivers and External Drivers), Management Leadership (Top Management Leadership and Middle-level Management Leadership), and Barriers (Cost Issues, Lack of Understanding, Technical Issues and Privacy Issues). The RFID adoption stage will in turn impact the level of perceived Benefits from RFID implementation. Benefits we measure are Customer Service, Productivity, Asset Management and Communication. Through an on-line survey we collected data from 175 organizations and we used an ordered probit regression model to test the factors influencing RFID adoption stage. Business sector and firm size were entered as control variables. The results show that internal drivers, top management leadership, cost barrier and firm size are significant determinants of the stage of RFID adoption. In addition, two-factor ANOVA were conducted to investigate the impact of RFID adoption stage/firm size on perceived benefits. The findings show that RFID adoption stage has a significant positive impact on each perceived benefit. The results also show that firm size has a significant impact on perceived customer service and productivity benefits. Our results offer new insights into RFID adoption factors and broaden our understanding of RFID technology in the supply chain.