cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
HEAP: hop-by-hop efficient authentication protocol for Mobile Ad-hoc Networks

In Mobile Ad-hoc Networks (MANETs), it is easy to launch various sophisticated attacks such as wormhole, man-in-the-middle and Denial of Service (DoS), or to impersonate another node. To combat such attacks from outsider nodes, we study packet authentication in wireless networks and propose a Hop-by-hop, Efficient Authentication Protocol, called HEAP. HEAP authenticates packets at every hop by using a modified HMAC-based algorithm along with two keys and drops any packets that originate from outsiders. HEAP can be used with multicast, unicast or broadcast applications. We ran several simulations to compare HEAP with existing authentication schemes, such as TESLA, LHAP and Lu and Pooch's algorithm. We measured metrics such as latency, throughput, packet delivery ratio, CPU and memory utilization and show that HEAP performs very well compared to other schemes while guarding against outsider attacks.
Inhibition of basophil histamine release by anti-inflammatory steroids.

The release of histamine from human leukocytes is a useful in vitro model for studying allergic disease1. Many of the drugs used in the treatment of allergy and asthma (for example, isoprenaline and theophylline) are effective inhibitors of in vitro histamine release2. However, the anti-inflammatory steroids have not been found to inhibit the in vitro release of histamine from mast cells or basophils activated by immunological stimuli3–6. In view of the fact that the in vivo anti-allergic effects of steroids occur only 12‐24 h after administration7, we have re-examined the effects of these drugs on IgE-mediated histamine release from human basophils after prolonged incubations. We report here a time-dependent inhibition of histamine release from human basophils by glucocortico-steroids. The relative activity of a series of steroids as inhibitors of histamine release correlates well with the relative in vivo anti-inflammatory activity of the same compounds. These results suggest that the basophil may be an in vivo target of the anti-inflammatory steroids and that inhibition of this cell type may account for some of the activity of steroids in preventing inflammation.
New sesquiterpene lactones from Liriodendron tulipifera

Abstract Four new sesquiterpene lactones were obtained from L. tulipifera ; two germacranolides, lipiferolide ( 4 ) and epitulipinolide diepoxide ( 5 ) from the leaves, an elemanolide, epitulipdienolide ( 7 ), and an eudesmanolide, γ-liriodenolide ( 6 ) from the root bark. Structural determination was by physical and chemical methods and by direct correlation to the known epitulipinolide ( 3 ). Lipiferolide and epitulipinolide diepoxide possess cytotoxic activity against KB cells.
Non-etching adhesion promoter for dry film for semi-additive manufacturing — Advanced dry film pre-treatment

The technological development of new gadgets is a competitive race that consists of a continuous striving for additional features, higher performance and cost minimization. These needs drive the permanent requirement for new and revolutionary developments, especially in the IC-packaging industry. In this paper, findings from the development of a Non Etching Adhesion Promoter (NEAP) process, specifically for dry film pretreatment, are described and discussed. It also outlines detailed results that were obtained on process performance and the clear benefits to the industry of this new and innovative approach.
Attitudes toward Electronic Monitoring among Monitored Offenders and Criminal Justice Students.

Abstract This paper examines what 180 students think about electronic monitoring and compares their perceptions to those of 29 electronically-monitored offenders. Results show that students were less supportive of electronic monitoring but when asked about what the offenders have to give up, they viewed the sanction more punitively than did offenders. Implications suggest that increased awareness may strengthen program support.
Association of intraluminal thrombus in abdominal aortic aneurysm with local hypoxia and wall weakening

Abstract Purpose: Our previous computer models suggested that intraluminal thrombus (ILT) within an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) attenuates oxygen diffusion to the AAA wall, possibly causing localized hypoxia and contributing to wall weakening. The purpose of this work was to investigate this possibility. Methods: In one arm of this study, patients with AAA were placed in one of two groups: (1) those with an ILT of 4-mm or greater thickness on the anterior surface or (2) those with little ( 2 ) electrode was inserted into the wall of the exposed AAA, and the Po 2 was measured. The probe was advanced, and measurements were made midway through the thrombus and in the lumen. Mural and mid-ILT Po 2 measurements were normalized by the intraluminal Po 2 measurement to account for patient variability. In the second arm of this study, two AAA wall specimens were obtained from two different sites of the same aneurysm at the time of surgical resection: group I specimens had thick adherent ILT, and group II specimens had thinner or no adherent ILT. Nonaneurysmal tissue was also obtained from the infrarenal aorta of organ donors. Specimens were subjected to histologic, immunohistochemical, and tensile strength analyses to provide data on degree of inflammation (% area inflammatory cells), neovascularization (number of capillaries per high-power field), and tensile strength (peak attainable load). Additional specimens were subjected to Western blotting and immunohistochemistry for qualitative evaluation of expression of the cellular hypoxia marker oxygen-regulated protein. Results: The Po 2 measured within the AAA wall in group I (n = 4) and group II (n = 7) patients was 18% ± 9% luminal value versus 60% ± 6% (mean ± SEM; P 2 within the ILT of group I patients was 39% ± 10% ( P =.08 with respect to the group I wall value). Group I tissue specimens showed greater inflammation ( P P P 2 (n = 7) versus 216 ± 34 N/cm 2 (n = 7), respectively. Conclusion: Our results suggest that localized hypoxia occurs in regions of thicker ILT in AAA. This may lead to increased, localized mural neovascularization and inflammation, as well as regional wall weakening. We conclude that ILT may play an important role in the pathology and natural history of AAA. (J Vasc Surg 2001;34:291-9.)
The MIDI! basis set for quantum mechanical calculations of molecular geometries and partial charges

We present a series of calculations designed to identify an economical basis set for geometry optimizations and partial charge calculations on medium-size molecules, including neutrals, cations, and anions, with special emphasis on functional groups that are important for biomolecules and drug design. A new combination of valence basis functions and polarization functions, called the MIDI! basis set, is identified as a good compromise of speed and accuracy, yielding excellent geometries and charge balances at a cost that is as affordable as possible for large molecules. The basis set is optimized for molecules containing H, C, N, O, F, P, S, and Cl. Although much smaller than the popular 6-31G* basis set, in direct comparisons it yields more accurate geometries and charges as judged by comparison to MP2/cc-pVDZ calculations.
A delicate web: Household changes in health behaviour enabled by microcredit in Burkina Faso

Providing microcredit to women in developing countries has long been highlighted as a simple and effective strategy for poverty reduction and health improvement. However, little is known about how microcredit enables changes in health behaviour. This knowledge is critical to further strengthen microcredit initiatives. This qualitative study, conducted in Burkina Faso, shows how microcredit can not only facilitate savings and investment strategies, but also lead to changes in household decision-making, enabling women to initiate health prevention, seek health treatment and manage health emergencies. Some changes led to increased household burdens for women that impeded health gains, such as administrative loan delays by the microcredit institution and reduced household contributions by the husband. Furthermore, the study highlighted the fragile nature of health gains, which may be eroded due to economic shocks on a household, such as crop failure, drought or illness.
Localism and Teacher Labor Markets: How Geography and Decision Making May Contribute to Inequality

A wide body of evidence indicates that there is a large inequality in the distribution of teachers across schools. Relatedly, recent research has revealed a number of important dimensions of teacher labor markets in the United States. We review the literature in two of these areas: the geography of teacher labor markets and the decision-making process on the part of districts, schools, and teachers. Our review leads us to several conclusions, including that teacher labor markets are geographically small and, thus, highly localized and also that teacher hiring decisions are largely made by local school leaders. Taken together, this evidence has important implications regarding both the local nature of teacher labor markets and how this localism has the potential to reinforce and exacerbate inequities across schools and districts.
Transient Thermal Modeling of Pulsed Laser Irradiation of a Low Absorbing Multilayer Device Using a 2D Model

In this paper, we report the heat generation and temperature field in a multilayer device consisting of thin and weakly absorbing materials subject to pico-second to nano-second pulsed-laser heating. The interference effects due to the internal reflection and refraction are considered. A tracking method based on electromagnetic optics and wave optics is used to determine the two-dimensional electrical and magnetic fields. These fields are then used to calculate the heat generation and the accompanying temperature distribution. For demonstration, we apply this method to determine the temperature field in a ZnSe interference filter subject to inclined laser incidence on its side. The simulation results show strong localized heating in a narrow region along the side where laser power is incident. The localized heating produces several high power spots, aligned obliquely to the side surface. The results show that the pure absorption model is not valid for even small incident angles. Surface absorption may be a valid approximation but the heat flux distribution is not uniform.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
A Search for the Optimal Stimulus

How do stimulus size and item number relate to the magnitude and direction of error on center estimation and line cancellation tests? How might this relationship inform theories concerning spatial neglect? These questions were addressed by testing twenty patients with right hemisphere lesions, eleven with left hemisphere lesions and eleven normal control subjects on multiple versions of center estimation and line cancellation tests. Patients who made large errors on these tests also demonstrated an optimal or pivotal stimulus value, i.e., a particular size center estimation test or number of lines on cancellation that either minimized error magnitude relative to other size stimuli (optimal) or marked the boundary between normal and abnormal performance (pivotal). Patients with right hemisphere lesions made increasingly greater errors on the center estimation test as stimuli were both larger and smaller than the optimal value, whereas those with left hemisphere lesions made greater errors as stimuli were smaller than a pivotal value. In normal subjects, the direction of errors on center estimation stimuli shifted from the right of true center to the left as stimuli decreased in size (i.e., the crossover effect). Right hemisphere lesions exaggerated this effect, whereas left hemisphere lesions diminished and possibly reversed the direction of crossover. Error direction did not change as a function of stimulus value on cancellation tests. The demonstration of optimal and pivotal stimulus values indicates that performances on center estimation and cancellation tests in neglect are only relative to the stimuli used. In light of other studies, our findings indicate that patients with spatial neglect grossly overestimate the size of small stimuli and underestimate the size of large stimuli, that crossover represents an “apparent” shift in error direction that actually results from normally occurring errors in size perception, and that the left hemisphere is specialized for one aspect of size estimation, whereas the right performs dual roles.
A Flooding-Induced Xyloglucan Endo-Transglycosylase Homolog in Maize Is Responsive to Ethylene and Associated with Aerenchyma

Development of aerenchyma (soft cortical tissue with large intercellular air spaces) in flooded plants results from cell-wall hydrolysis and eventual cell lysis and is promoted by endogenous ethylene. Despite its adaptive significance, the molecular mechanisms behind aerenchyma development remain unknown. We recently isolated a flooding-induced maize (Zea mays L.) gene (wusl1005[gfu]; abbreviated as 1005) encoding a homolog of xyloglucan endo-transglycosylase (XET), a putative cell-wall-loosening enzyme active during germination, expansion, and fruit softening. XET and related enzymes may also be involved in cell-wall metabolism during flooding-induced aerenchyma development. Under flooding, 1005 mRNA accumulated in root and mesocotyl locations that subsequently exhibited aerenchyma development and reached maximum levels within 12 h of treatment. Aerenchyma development was observed in the same locations by 48 h of treatment. Treatment with the ethylene synthesis inhibitor (aminooxy) acetic acid (AOA), which prevented cortical air space formation under flooding, almost completely inhibited 1005 mRNA accumulation in both organs. AOA treatment had little effect on the accumulation of mRNA encoded by adh1, indicating that it did not cause general suppression of flooding-responsive genes. Additionally, ethylene treatment under aerobic conditions resulted in aerenchyma development as well as induction of 1005 in both organs. These results indicate that 1005 is responsive to ethylene. Treatment with anoxia, which suppresses ethylene accumulation and aerenchyma development, also resulted in 1005 induction. However, in contrast to flooding, AOA treatment under anoxia did not affect 1005 mRNA accumulation, indicating that 1005 is induced via different mechanisms under flooding (hypoxia) and anoxia.
Nutrition and Physical Activity Interventions to Reduce Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Health Care Settings: A Quantitative Review with a Focus on Women

The authors conducted a quantitative literature review of the impact of 32 diet and physical activity (PA) interventions delivered in health care settings on cardiovascular disease risk factors. Intervention effects were relatively modest but statistically significant for PA, body mass index or weight, dietary fat, blood pressure, and total and low-density lipoprotein serum cholesterol. Intervention effects were generally larger for samples with a mean age >50 years and for studies with <6 months follow-up. Type of comparison group, type of intervention, and use of a behavior theory did not have a consistent impact on intervention effects. Few studies focused on persons of color, although the results from these studies are promising.
“All in the Family” as a Mirror of Contemporary American Culture

The television series “All in the Family” is discussed as paradigmatic of contemporary American culture. By exploring the dramas the members of the Bunker household enact, the images and identities they project, and those projected upon them, the dynamics of American culture are delineated. The analysis pursues such dimensions as interpersonal process, generational conflict, identity structure, value conflict, and cultural patterning.
High-Frequency Ultrasonic Vocalizations Index Conditioned Pharmacological Reward in Rats

We have proposed that short (<0.5 s), high-frequency (∼50 kHz) ultrasonic vocalizations (“50-kHz USVs”) index a positive affective state in adult rats, because they occur prior to rewarding social interactions (i.e., rough-and-tumble play, sex). To evaluate this hypothesis in the case of nonsocial stimuli, we examined whether rats would make increased 50-kHz USVs in places associated with the administration of rewarding pharmacological compounds [i.e., amphetamine (AMPH) and morphine (MORPH)]. In Experiment 1, rats made a greater percentage of 50-kHz USVs on the AMPH-paired side of a two-compartment chamber than on the vehicle-paired side, even after statistical correction for place preference. In Experiment 2, rats made a higher percentage of 50-kHz USVs on the MORPH-paired side than on the vehicle-paired side, despite nonsignificant place preference. These findings support the hypothesis that 50-kHz USVs mark a positive affective state in rats and introduce a novel and rapid marker of pharmacological reward.
SAFETY OF HOME CANNING PROCEDURES FOR LOW‐ACID FOODS

Home canning process safety was evaluated based on heat penetration data obtained in standard pressure saucepans and cookers. Experiments included both recommended procedures and deviations in common practice using glass-packed green beans and creamed corn. Calculated (general method) F*** values identified some home canning hazards such as over-packing and high-reading gages. Appliance used and canning procedure can have a marked influence upon process lethality. Current USDA recommendations were found reliable and safe if directions were followed and equipment was in good working order. Some modifications of directions for pressure saucepans and cookers with weighted gages may be justified. Additional studies over the entire range of low-acid foods are needed to reevaluate home processing procedures. Although safety is the primary concern, nutrient retention, product quality and process efficiency are important considerations in the light of renewed national interest in home preservation. However, consumer confusion is a real hazard if existing procedures are changed.
Induction of apoptosis in p53-deficient L1210 cells by an I-κ-B-α-inhibitor (Bay 11-7085) via a NF-κ-B-independent mechanism

The effects of Bay 11-7085, an inhibitor of I-kappa-B-alpha kinase, were compared in the wild-type and deoxyadenosine-resistant mouse leukemia cell lines. At higher concentrations, Bay 11-7085 caused apoptosis and necrosis in the two cell lines. However, at much lower concentrations of Bay 11-7085, the deoxyadenosine-resistant cells became much more apoptotic than the parental wild-type L1210 cells. Under these conditions (low drug concentrations), the level of apoptotic cells far exceeded the fraction of necrotic cells. The apoptotic effects of Bay 11-7085 on the deoxyadenosine-resistant cells was both time- and concentration-dependent. Caspase-3 activity was activated in the Bay 11-7085-treated cells. The molecular basis for the difference in the apoptotic response between the wild-type and deoxyadenosine-resistant L1210 cells is not defined at this time, but these cell lines may provide a comparative model system in which differences in the cells that lead to apoptotic or necrotic responses to drugs can be defined and used in development of appropriate drugs for clinical use.
Biochemical characterization of a mitomycin C-resistant human bladder cancer cell line

This study describes characteristics of a mitomycin C (MMC)-resistant human bladder cancer cell line, J82/MMC-2, which was established by repeated in vitro exposures of a 6-fold MMC-resistant variant (J82/MMC) to 18 nM MMC. A 9.6-fold higher concentration of MMC was required to kill 50% of the J82/MMC-2 sub-line compared with parental cells (J82/WT). NADPH cytochrome P450 reductase and DT-diaphorase activities were significantly lower in J82/MMC-2 cells compared with J82/WT, suggesting that reduced sensitivity of J82/MMC-2 cells to MMC resulted from impaired drug activation. Consistent with this hypothesis, the formation of MMC-alkylating metabolites was significantly lower in J82/MMC-2 cells compared with J82/WT. Furthermore, DT-diaphorase activity in J82/MMC-2 cells was significantly lower compared with the 6-fold MMC-resistant variant. Glutathione (GSH) levels were comparable in all 3 cell lines. Although GSH transferase (GST) activity was significantly higher in the J82/MMC-2 cells compared with J82/WT, this enzyme activity did not differ between 6- and 9.6-fold MMC-resistant variants. Whereas DNA polymerase alpha mRNA expression was comparable in these cell lines, levels of DNA ligase I mRNA were slightly lower in both MMC-resistant variants relative to J82/WT. However, the DNA polymerase beta mRNA level was markedly higher in the J82/MMC-2 cell line compared with either J82/WT or J82/MMC. Thus, emergence of a higher level of resistance to MMC in J82/MMC-2 cells compared with J82/MMC may be attributed to (i) impaired drug activation through further reduction in DT-diaphorase activity and (ii) enhanced DNA repair through over-expression of DNA polymerase beta.
Recurrent neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome stressing the importance of pectoralis minor syndrome.

Background: Although first described over 60 years ago, neurogenic pectoralis minor syndrome (NPMS) has only recently been noted to be present in over half the patients with a clinical diagnosis of...
Selective epitaxial growth of 4H-SiC with SiO2 mask by low-temperature halo-carbon homoepitaxial method

Previously reported CVD epitaxial growth of 4H-SiC at temperatures down to and below 13000C using CH3Cl precursor offered a promise of new device applications that could benefit from lower-temperature growth process. In this work, selective epitaxial growth (SEG) of 4H-SiC mesas using conventional SiO2 low temperature mask is reported. Virtually no nucleation on the mask could be observed after SEG at 13000C. The mask could be easily removed after the growth, with no degradation of the surface of SiC substrate under the mask. For the growth conditions that normally resulted in growth rate of 2 /m/hr and defect-free epilayer morphology during regular full-wafer (non-SEG) epitaxy, the epilayer morphology during SEG was significantly degraded by the appearance of oriented triangular defects, while the growth rate increased more than three times in comparison to the blanket epitaxial growth due to the loading effect. The growth at optimized growth conditions and lower growth rate resulted in significant reduction of the surface defects, making this approach promising for obtaining device-quality mesas. The crystal quality of the mesas, defects at the mesa walls, formation of facets during SEG, and other effects are reported.
The effects of age, sex, season and geographic region on circulating serum cortisol concentrations in threatened and endangered Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus).

Abstract The role of stress in the decline of Steller sea lions has become of interest in the identification of factors leading to their drastic decline and subsequent failure to recover. Serum cortisol was validated as a potential indicator of stress in three sub-populations inhabiting the majority of the Steller sea lions range ( n = 941). Additionally, seasonal variability in serum cortisol measured in captive animals ( n = 9) of different age classes and sex was investigated. Significant interactions were found between region and year, as well as year and sex ( p = 0.001 and p = 0.005, respectively). Samples from pups in Russia (151.5 ± 3.2 ng ml −1 ) and southeast Alaska (152.7 ± 2.7 ng ml −1 ) were consistently higher than concentrations measured in pups from southwest Alaska (133.0 ± 3.2 ng ml −1 ). Serum cortisol concentrations measured in 2001 (134.9 ± 2.0 ng ml −1 ) were significantly lower than 2002 (156.5 ± 2.4 ng ml −1 , p p = 0.011). Serum cortisol was elevated in months associated with the breeding season and annual molt (86.5 ± 5.0 and 92.4 ± 5.1 ng ml −1 , respectively) compared to the other seasons. Our results suggest that cortisol concentrations in Steller sea lions can be a useful diagnostic tool to compare the physiology between groups of sea lions, but factors such as animal sex, age, season and year must be considered.
Embrittlement by liquid metals

Abstract : The report gives a summary of the investigations performed under the general title, 'Embrittlement by Liquid Metals.' During the period of the report, an earlier investigation of the effects of second phases on the susceptibility of zinc-cadmium alloys to embrittlement by liquid mercury at ambient temperature was continued. The investigation with zinc-cadmium alloys was intended to elucidate the roll of phase in inhibiting the embrittlement of the matrix phase (zinc) in mercury. In other studies, polycrystalline aluminum 2.5 w/o-zinc 5.3 w/O-magnesium alloys containing varying thicknesses (0.04 to 0. 35 microns) of denuded zones at the grain boundary were tested in tension to fracture in liquid mercury at 25C. In addition, studies were undertaken to investigate the roll of the chemical nature of the liquid metal or liquid metal solutions in determining the occurrence and the severity of liquid metal embrittlement in a given embrittlement couple. These studies revealed that the severity of liquid metal embrittlement is related to the electronegativities of the participating solid and liquid metal.
Collisions of Trapped Molecules With Slow Beams

We present a theoretical study of molecular-trap loss induced by collisions with slow atomic beams based on an explicit analysis of collision kinematics in the laboratory frame and a rigorous quantum description of atom-molecule scattering in external fields. The theory is applied to elucidate the effects of nonuniform magnetic and optical trapping fields on low-temperature collisions of OH ($J=3/2,{M}_{J}=3/2,f$) molecules with $^{4}\mathrm{He}$ atoms. Our calculations quantify the extent to which both elastic and inelastic cross sections are suppressed by external trapping fields, clarify the role of small-angle scattering in trap loss, and may benefit future experiments on collisional cooling of molecules in electromagnetic traps. The calculated cross sections for trap loss in $^{4}\mathrm{He}$ $+$ OH collisions are consistent with recent experimental observations at low beam energies [B. C. Sawyer et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 101, 203203 (2008)], demonstrating the importance of including the effects of nonuniform trapping fields in theoretical simulations of cold collision experiments with trapped molecules and slow atomic beams.
Assessing Client Strengths

Clients and clinicians alike need to be aware of clients' potential sources of strength, coping, and resilience. The authors make the concept of strengths more concrete and provide tools to assist ...
ANALYSIS OF A MARKOV CHAIN MODEL OF A MULTISTAGE MANUFACTURING SYSTEM WITH INSPECTION, REJECTION, AND REWORK

The authors present an informative application of Markov Chain Analysis to a multistage manufacturing problem. They also point out an error in the literature which has remained undetected for many years. Edward A. Silver, Department Editor Absorption analysis is applied to a Markov chain model of a multistage manufacturing process with inspection and reworking.
Management of Acromioclavicular Joint Injuries

Although recent advances have been made in the treatment of acromioclavicular (AC) joint injuries, they are still challenging for shoulder surgeons. There is a consensus that type I and II injuries should be treated nonoperatively, whereas acute type IV, V, and VI injuries should be treated surgically. There is no algorithm for correctly diagnosing and treating type III injuries, but the current trend is toward nonoperative treatment except for those with persistent symptoms and functional limitations after a course of conservative management. If surgery is indicated, newer anatomic techniques of reconstructing the coracoclavicular (CC) and AC ligaments are recommended.
Decline of serum antibody in splenectomized children after vaccination with pneumococcal capsular polysaccharides.

Asplenic persons are at increased risk of overwhelming sepsis caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae . Vaccination with polyvalent pneumococcal polysaccharide has been shown to stimulate a nearly normal antibody response in these individuals, indicating that active vaccination might prevent pneumococcal disease in this population. To obtain information on the duration of protective levels of pneumococcal antibody, 33 asplenic children were vaccinated and antibody levels were measured at intervals for up to 4 1/2 years after vaccination. Significant antibody decline was observed in children who had undergone splenectomy because of trauma, but antibody decline was not observed in children whose spleens had been removed because of hereditary spherocytosis. There was a highly significant difference in rates of antibody decline among the 12 antibody serotypes measured: types 1, 4, 6A, 7F, 8, 19F, and 23F showed the greatest decline. Based on measured rates of antibody decline, subprotective antibody levels (antibody nitrogen
Modified Fuzzy C-means Clustering Algorithm with Spatial Distance to Cluster Center of Gravity

In this paper, a modified Fuzzy C-means clustering algorithm is proposed for the segmentation of color images. The modified Fuzzy C-means clustering (FCM) algorithm includes both the local spatial information from neighboring pixels, and the spatial Euclidian distance to the cluster’s center of gravity. This new method increases the accuracy of clustering, and improves the tolerance to noise. It also increases the efficiency by reducing the number of iterations needed to achieve convergence. Experimental results on both artificial and natural images demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of this improved method.
Inhibin concentrations in mares with granulosa cell tumors

The hormone-producing equine granulosa cell tumor (GCT) may secrete high levels of inhibin. Measurement of inhibin concentrations may be useful in the diagnosis and conformation of mares with GCT. Inhibin may be measured using RIA, which recognizes dimeric alphabetaA-inhibin as well as the monomeric (free) inhibin alpha-subunit, or using a two-site immunoradiometric assay (IRMA) specific for alphabetaA-inhibin. The objective of this study was to examine concurrent relationships among alpha-inhibin (as measured using RIA), alphabetaA-inhibin (as measured using IRMA), and other hormones (testosterone, estradiol, LH, FSH) in mares with GCT. Hormone concentrations were measured in single serum or plasma samples obtained from 22 mares with GCT and from 31 normal cycling mares. One GCT mare had blood samples collected at 12-h intervals for 21 days, and at 15-min intervals for two 6-h periods during that time. Results showed that in GCT mares alpha-inhibin was increased to a greater extent, was more uniformly elevated, and had a less variable secretory pattern than did alphabetaA-inhibin. Concentrations of alpha-inhibin and tumor mass were positively correlated (P < 0.01). Concentrations of LH were higher (P < 0.02) in GCT mares than control mares and were positively associated with testosterone concentrations (P = 0.05). Concentrations of FSH tended to be lower in GCT than control mares and were inversely related with alphabetaA-inhibin in GCT mares. Testosterone and estradiol concentrations were variable. It was concluded that immunoreactive alpha-inhibin reflected detection of both alphabetaA-inhibin and free a-subunit. Free alpha-subunit was evidently secreted at a relatively steady rate dependent upon mass of the GCT, whereas secretion of alphabetaA-inhibin was more responsive to FSH regulation. Determination of alpha-inhibin using RIA appeared to be a more reliable indicator of the presence of a GCT than specific measurement of alphabetaA-inhibin using IRMA.
Ileal pouch-anal anastomosis and liver transplantation for ulcerative colitis complicated by primary sclerosing cholangitis.

Background: The aim was to evaluate outcomes in patients with ulcerative colitis complicated by primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) who required ileal pouch–anal anastomosis (IPAA) and orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed of 32 patients undergoing both IPAA and OLT between 1980 and 2006. Data were collected regarding demographics, indication for surgery, postoperative complications, and outcome of IPAA and OLT. Results: Thirty-day mortality after either procedure was nil. The median preoperative Model for End-stage Liver Disease (MELD) score for the group with initial IPAA was 8 (range 6–20) and the postoperative score was 11 (range 6–19). At 1 and 10 years, 32 and 26 of the 32 liver grafts had survived, and 31 and 30 of the 32 pouches, respectively. Fourteen patients require daily medical therapy for chronic pouchitis. At a median follow-up of 3·6 (range 0·2–16·2) years after the second of two procedures, responding patients reported a median of 5·5 stools per day and 2 stools per night. Conclusion: IPAA and OLT are feasible and safe in patients requiring both procedures for ulcerative colitis and PSC. Functional outcomes are stable over time, despite an increased risk of chronic pouchitis. Copyright © 2008 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A model of argumentation and its application to legal reasoning

We present a computational model of dialectical argumentation that could serve as a basis for legal reasoning. The legal domain is an instance of a domain in which knowledge is incomplete, uncertain, and inconsistent. Argumentation is well suited for reasoning in such weak theory domains. We model argument both as information structure, i.e., argument units connecting claims with supporting data, and as dialectical process, i.e., an alternating series of moves by opposing sides. Our model includes burden of proof as a key element, indicating what level of support must be achieved by one side to win the argument. Burden of proof acts as move filter, turntaking mechanism, and termination criterion, eventually determining the winner of an argument. Our model has been implemented in a computer program. We demonstrate the model by considering program output for two examples previously discussed in the artificial intelligence and legal reasoning literature.
Sensitivity of axillary specimen x-ray to predict nodal count and positivity

The number of examined axillary lymph nodes (ALN) has been proposed as an indicator of prognosis along with quality and adequacy in breast cancer surgery. The purpose of this study was to examine the utility of imaging axillary specimens with x-ray (lymphogram) to determine the number of lymph nodes. We sought to determine the sensitivity and specificity of a lymphogram in identifying nodal positivity. Patients who underwent sentinel lymph node (SLN) and axillary lymph node dissections (ALND) were prospectively accrued to this double-blinded, single-institution trial from December 2009 to January 2011. A single physician interpreted all lymphograms for the number of ALNs and positivity determined by size, spiculations, irregularities, and calcifications. Twenty female (age 50.8 ± 14.3 years) patients were accrued to the study. The lymphogram located more lymph nodes compared with pathology in 11 of 16 cases (68.8%). In these 11 cases, lymphogram identified 170 nodes and the pathologist located 132 (77.6%). Of the 16 ALND specimens, 6 were from patients naive to chemotherapy and averaged 13.8 ± 6.6 nodes; 10 were from neoadjuvant chemotherapy patients and had an average number of 14.9 ± 7.4 nodes. In neoadjuvant chemotherapy patients, sensitivity of the lymphogram to detect nodal positivity was 91.7% and specificity was 33.3%. This study demonstrated that lymphogram accurately identifies nodal count. This can be used for documentation of an adequate ALND for reimbursement. Furthermore, there may be potential value of lymphogram in intraoperative determination of nodal positivity.
Bias and data assimilation

All data assimilation systems are affected by biases, caused by problems with the data, by approximations in the observation operators used to simulate the data, by limitations of the assimilating model, or by the assimilation methodology itself. A clear symptom of bias in the assimilation is the presence of systematic features in the analysis increments, such as large persistent mean values or regularly recurring spatial structures. Bias can also be detected by monitoring statistics of observed-minus-background residuals for different instruments. Bias-aware assimilation methods are designed to estimate and correct systematic errors jointly with the model state variables. Such methods require attribution of a bias to a particular source, and its characterization in terms of some well-defined set of parameters. They can be formulated either in a variational or sequential estimation framework by augmenting the system state with the bias parameters.
Cardio-metabolic risk screening among adolescents: understanding the utility of body mass index, waist circumference and waist to height ratio.

SummaryBackground Few studies have assessed how well body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), or waist to height ratio (WtHR) perform in identifying cardio-metabolic risk among youth. Objective The objective of this study was to evaluate the utility of BMI and WC percentiles and WtHR to distinguish adolescents with and without cardio-metabolic risk. Methods A cross-sectional analysis of data from 6097 adolescents aged 10–13 years who participated in the HEALTHY study was conducted. Receiver operating characteristic curves determined the discriminatory ability of BMI and WC percentiles and WtHR. Results The discriminatory ability of BMI percentile was good (area under the curve [AUC] ≥ 0.80) for elevated insulin and clustering of ≥3 risk factors, with optimal cut-points of 96 and 95, respectively. BMI percentile performed poor to fair (AUC = 0.57–0.75) in identifying youth with the majority of individual risk factors examined (elevated glucose, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, blood pressure, triglycerides and high-density lipoprotein). WC percentile and WtHR performed similarly to BMI percentile. Conclusions The current definition of obesity among US children performs well at identifying adolescents with elevated insulin and a clustering of ≥3 cardio-metabolic risk factors. Evidence does not support WC percentile or WtHR as superior screening tools compared with BMI percentile for identifying cardio-metabolic risk.
Hanslick and the Institution of Criticism

This article surveys Hanslick’s statements about the purpose and practice of criticism to argue that he viewed music criticism as a medium with the potential to effect political and social change, and not as a practical application of aesthetic principles. Hanslick took up the Enlightenment model of criticism—–which stressed the critic’s role in fostering the public’s independence of judgment through the exercise of reason—–and adapted it to the historical circumstances of post-1848 Vienna. The Enlightenment model had originated from an impetus to emancipate a civil public from top-down, absolute forms of authority. It resonated powerfully with Hanslick because he believed that artistic, social, and political life in Vienna after 1848 was gradually liberating itself from the paralyzing, passive, and repressive ethos of Vormarz , and that the critic could contribute to this historical emancipation. Hanslick thus broke his earlier identification with the Left Hegelian “philosophical” model of criticism, which did not share the Enlightenment’s optimistic conception of the public sphere. His commitment to the critic9s public mission manifested as an effort to position his voice as the “silent” inner conscience of the average educated listener. His self-consciousness about aligning his voice with that of the public came to the surface in reviews where his opinion did not match the audience response. Many of Hanslick’s criteria for musical judgment were aimed at defending the listener’s freedom from the interference of external critical authorities as well as from composers and whose musical ideas were turgid or unclear. In service to these freedoms he was willing to criticize composers such as Beethoven, Schumann, and Brahms, as well as conservative classicists and music historians.
A 2D haptic glyph method for tactile arrays : Design and evaluation

We present a new framework for information cue rendering on 2D vibrotactile arrays, and we describe an experiment that investigated the feasibility of our approach. The methods are broadly applicable, but our work is motivated by the potential for a tactile array to provide an additional useful channel for information such as location cues related to dataset features or remote user behaviors in visualization systems. Our experiment measured the accuracy with which three basic haptic glyph parameters (position, direction, and an intensity profile) communicated information to users. Results show that multiple parameters can be communicated simultaneously by a glyph, although with reduced accuracy in some cases. In these cases, we give insight into relevant effects to guide the design of improved glyphs. Besides these results, novel contributions of our work are the general information cue approach for 2D arrays (2D haptic glyphs) and the extension of graphical visualization techniques to haptics (glyphs, spatial anti-aliasing, gamma correction).
Some Assembly Required: How Scientific Explanations Are Constructed during Clinical Interviews.

This article is concerned with commonsense science knowledge, the informally gained knowledge of the natural world that students possess prior to formal instruction in a scientific discipline. Although commonsense science has been the focus of substantial study for more than two decades, there are still profound disagreements about its nature and origin, and its role in science learning. What is the reason that it has been so difficult to reach consensus? We believe that the problems run deep; there are difficulties both with how the field has framed questions and the way that it has gone about seeking answers. In order to make progress, we believe it will be helpful to focus on one type of research instrument—the clinical interview—that is employed in the study of commonsense science. More specifically, we argue that we should seek to understand and model, on a moment-by-moment basis, student reasoning as it occurs in the interviews employed to study commonsense science. To illustrate and support this claim, we draw on a corpus of interviews with middle school students in which the students were asked questions pertaining to the seasons and climate phenomena. Our analysis of this corpus is based on what we call the mode-node framework. In this framework, student reasoning is seen as drawing on a set of knowledge elements we call nodes, and this set produces temporary explanatory structures we call dynamic mental constructs. Furthermore, the analysis of our corpus seeks to highlight certain patterns of student reasoning that occur during interviews, patterns in what we call conceptual dynamics. These include patterns in which students can be seen to search through available knowledge (nodes), in which they assemble nodes into an explanation, and in which they converge on and shift among alternative explanations. 2011 Wiley
Client-Directed Interventions to Increase Community Demand for Breast, Cervical, and Colorectal Cancer Screening. A Systematic Review

Most major medical organizations recommend routine screening for breast, cervical, and colorectal cancers. Screening can lead to early detection of these cancers, resulting in reduced mortality. Yet not all people who should be screened are screened, either regularly or, in some cases, ever. This report presents the results of systematic reviews of effectiveness, applicability, economic efficiency, barriers to implementation, and other harms or benefits of interventions designed to increase screening for breast, cervical, and colorectal cancers by increasing community demand for these services. Evidence from these reviews indicates that screening for breast cancer (mammography) and cervical cancer (Pap test) has been effectively increased by use of client reminders, small media, and one-on-one education. Screening for colorectal cancer by fecal occult blood test has been increased effectively by use of client reminders and small media. Additional research is needed to determine whether client incentives, group education, and mass media are effective in increasing use of any of the three screening tests; whether one-on-one education increases screening for colorectal cancer; and whether any demand-enhancing interventions are effective in increasing the use of other colorectal cancer screening procedures (i.e., flexible sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, double contrast barium enema). Specific areas for further research are also suggested in this report.
Micromechanical measurement of membrane receptor binding for label-free drug discovery

A potential novel binding assay based on binding-driven micromechanical motion is described. A membrane preparation containing 5-HT(3AS) receptors was used to modify a microcantilever. The modified microcantilever was found to bend on application of the naturally occurring agonist (5-hydroxytryptamine, which is also called serotonin) or the antagonist MDL-72222, but not to other similar molecules. Control experiments show that cantilevers modified by membrane preparations that do not contain 5-HT(3AS) receptors do not respond to serotonin or MDL-72222. K(d) values obtained for serotonin and MDL-72222 are identical to those obtained from radio-ligand binding assays. These results suggest that the microcantilever system has potential for use in label-free, drug screening applications.
Knowledge discovery in corporate events by neural network rule extraction

Over the last two decades, artificial neural networks (ANN) have been applied to solve a variety of problems such as pattern classification and function approximation. In many applications, it is desirable to extract knowledge from trained neural networks for the users to gain a better understanding of the network's solution. In this paper, we use a neural network rule extraction method to extract knowledge from 2222 dividend initiation and resumption events. We find that the positive relation between the short-term price reaction and the ratio of annualized dividend amount to stock price is primarily limited to 96 small firms with high dividend ratios. The results suggest that the degree of short-term stock price underreaction to dividend events may not be as dramatic as previously believed. The results also show that the relations between the stock price response and firm size is different across different types of firms. Thus, drawing the conclusions from the whole dividend event data may leave some important information unexamined. This study shows that neural network rule extraction method can reveal more knowledge from the data.
In vitro Effect of APF Gel on Three Composite Resins

A laboratory study was conducted to determine effects of 1.23% APF gel on three composite resins. All composite resins immersed in APF gel lost significantly more weight than did their controls with significantly different weight losses among the APF-treated composites. Surfaces of all resins exposed to APF gel, as viewed in SEM's, exhibited degradation of filler particles.
The Well‐Being of Adolescents in Households With No Biological Parents

On the basis of a large, nationally representative sample of 19,071 American middle-school students, the current study compares adolescents living with neither biological parent with their peers in five other family structures on a wide range of outcome measures. The results reveal some overall disadvantages of living with neither parent, although the disadvantages relative to nontraditional families are limited. Differences in family resources either partially or completely account for outcome differences between non-biological-parent and other family structures. Further, boys and girls in non-biological-parent families appear to fare similarly. Finally, measurement problems and their implications are discussed.