cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of angiogenesis and promotion of melanoma dormancy by vitamin E succinate.

Relapse of melanoma after surgical treatment remains a significant clinical problem in need of novel therapies. Vitamin E succinate (VES) is a promising antitumor micronutrient. We evaluated the effect of VES on melanoma dormancy and angiogenesis. B16F10 melanoma cells were allografted in mice. The effect of VES on melanoma dormancy was measured by monitoring tumor volume. Tumor vascularity was quantitated with CD31 immunostaining. The expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), VEGF receptor 1, and VEGF receptor 2 in tumors was assessed by the intensity of immunostaining. VES effect on secreted VEGF protein and VEGF promoter activity was measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and transient transfection assay, respectively. Significance was determined by analysis of variance. VES promoted melanoma dormancy (P=.0019) and inhibited melanoma angiogenesis (P<.0001). VES also significantly suppressed the expression of VEGF, VEGF receptor 1, and VEGF receptor 2 in melanoma tumors (P<.0001). Melanoma VEGF secretion (P=.0077) and melanoma VEGF promoter activity (P<.05) were significantly inhibited by VES. VES promotes melanoma dormancy and inhibits melanoma angiogenesis. The mechanism of the VES antiangiogenesis effect involves the inhibition of VEGF gene transcription. These findings support future studies of VES in the prevention of melanoma metastasis.
Relating Engagement to Outcomes in Prevention: The Case of a Parenting Program for Couples

Analyses of program engagement can provide critical insight into how program involvement leads to outcomes. This study examines the relation between participant engagement and program outcomes in Family Foundations (FF), a universal preventive intervention designed to help couples manage the transition to parenthood by improving coparenting relationship quality. Previous intent-to-treat outcome analyses from a randomized trial indicate FF improves parental adjustment, interparental relationships, and parenting. Analyses for the current study use the same sample, and yield statistically reliable relations between participant engagement and interparental relationships but not parental adjustment or parenting. Discussion considers implications for FF and the difficulties researchers face when examining the relation between engagement and outcomes in preventive interventions.
Promoting prime‐time programs in megasporting events

Analysis of 677 promos for prime‐time series carried within 1993 and 1994 sporting events on the major broadcast networks showed that most on‐air promotion had a modest impact on program shares and ratings: about one‐third of shares went up, over one‐half stayed flat, and less than 10% went down. A six‐part model incorporating lead‐in shares/rating, three structural factors, and two presentational factors collectively accounted for about one‐third of the variance in promoted prime‐time series’ shares and ratings.
Alignment Of A Two-Beam Interferometer

Two beam interferometers have been proposed for space applications such as sensing the shape of a large antenna. Since alignment and adjustment of interferometers have long been considered difficult laboratory tasks, the question of making their operation sufficiently automatic for space applications is a serious one. As a first step in addressing this question certain manual procedures, which may not be well known, have been collected from widely scattered sources. These techniques are illustrated by two examples: (1) the alignment of a Mach-Zehnder interferometer and the adjustment of fringe location. (2) The adjustment of a Michelson interferometer for zero path difference (white light fringes).
Intrabody Applications in Neurological Disorders: progress and Future Prospects

Single-chain Fv and single-domain antibodies retain the binding specificity of full-length antibodies, but they can be expressed as single genes in phage or yeast surface-display libraries, thus allowing efficient in vitro selection from a naive human repertoire. Selected genes can then be expressed intracellularly in mammalian cells as intrabodies, with the potential for alteration of the folding, interactions, modifications, or subcellular localization of their targets. These reagents have been developed as therapeutics against cancer and HIV. Since misfolded and accumulated intracellular proteins characterize a wide range of neurodegenerative disorders, they are also potentially useful intrabody targets. Here, we review the extension of intrabody technology to the nervous system, in which studies of Huntington's disease have been used to develop the approach, and anti-synuclein and -beta-amyloid strategies are in the early stages of development. Research on several other neurodegenerations, including Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and prion diseases, provides support for the development of intrabodies directed against specific targets, or possibly against more common downstream targets, as novel therapeutics and as drug discovery tools.
Optimal adaptive control of linear systems

For the quadratic cost, nonlinear, adaptive stochastic control problem with linear discrete plant and measurement models excited by white gaussian noise, and unknown time-invariant model parameters, the optimal stochastic control is obtained and shown to separate ("Nonlinear Separation Theorem") into a bank of model-conditional deterministic control gains and a corresponding bank of known nonlinear functionals of the model-conditional, causal, mean-square state-vector estimates. This separation may also be viewed as a decomposition of the optimal, nonlinear adaptive control into a bank of model-conditional optimal, non-adaptive linear controls, one for each admissible value of the unknown parameter ? and a nonlinear part, namely, the bank of a-posteriori model probabilities, which incorporate the adaptive nature, of the optimal adaptive control. Results are given for several special cases of the above problem that exhibit drastically reduced computational requirements. These are the cases of (a) uncertainty in the measurement matrix only; and (b) the case of completely known models, but with nongaussian initial state-vector. In both special cases, we have explicit separation between control and estimation. Moreover, in both cases only one deterministic controller is required to be used with the nonlinear, adaptive mean-square state-vector estimate. Several illustrative examples are included to demonstrate the adaptive control algorithm developed in this paper.
Nonadiabatic quantum Liouville and master equations in the adiabatic basis.

A compact form of nonadiabatic molecular Hamiltonian in the basis of adiabatic electronic states and nuclear position states is presented. The Hamiltonian, which includes both the first and the second derivative couplings, is Hermitian and thus leads to a standard expression for the quantum Liouville equation for the density operator. With the application of a projection operator technique, a quantum master equation for the diagonal components of the density operator is derived. Under the assumption that nuclear states are much more short ranged compared to electronic states and assuming no singularity, a semi-adiabatic approximation is invoked, which results in expressions for the nonadiabatic molecular Hamiltonian and the quantum Liouville equation that are much more amenable to advanced quantum dynamics calculation. The semi-adiabatic approximation is also applied to a resonance energy transfer system consisting of a donor and an acceptor interacting via Coulomb terms, and explicit detailed expressions for exciton-bath Hamiltonian including all the non-adiabatic terms are derived.
Review Of Submillimeter Wave Mixers

A survey of heterodyne mixers is presented for the wavelengths of 40 μm to 1000 μm as reported in the literature to date.© (1977) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Fine structure of the interstitial cells of Leydig in the boar.

The interstitial cells of the testis of the boar have been characterized by electron microscopy. The bulk of the cytoplasm, to one side of an eccentrically placed nucleus, consisted predominately of a tightly packed agranular endoplasmic reticulum in a system of anastomosing tubules. Free ribosomes and a few short strands of granular endoplasmic reticulum were present only in a perinuclear or subplasmalemmal location. Mitochondria were abundant as a cluster in the center of the cytosome. Surrounding them were dense bodies, most of which were bounded by a single limiting membrane. The internum of the dense bodies exhibited a variety of appearances. Filaments of 70 A were common but they were absent near the plasmalemma. Between contiguous cells, irregularly disposed microvilli protruded into an intercellular space of variable dimensions. Some sites of membrane fusion, resulting in maculae occludentes, were observed between adjacent cells, while small desmosomes were observed but rarely. Coated vesicles were frequent near to and continuous with the plasmalemma as well as deeper within the cell, especially in association with elements of the Golgi apparatus.
Shoemaker, Self–Blindness and Moore's Paradox

I show how the ‘inner–sense’ (quasi–perceptual) view of introspection can be defended against Shoemaker's influential ‘argument from self–blindness’. If introspection and perception are analogous, the relationship between beliefs and introspective knowledge of them is merely contingent. Shoemaker argues that this implies the possibility that agents could be self–blind, i.e., could lack any introspective awareness of their own mental states. By invoking Moore's paradox, he rejects this possibility. But because Shoemaker's discussion conflates introspective awareness and self–knowledge, he cannot establish his conclusion. There is third–person evidence available to the self–blind which Shoemaker ignores, and it can account for the considerations from Moore's paradox that he raises.
X-ray emission current scaling experiments for compact single-tungsten-wire arrays at 80-nanosecond implosion times.

We report the results of a series of current scaling experiments with the Z accelerator for the compact, single, 20-mm diameter, 10-mm long, tungsten-wire arrays employed for the double-ended hohlraum ICF concept M. E. Cuneo et al., Plasma Phys. Controlled Fusion 48 ,R 12006. We measured the z-pinch peak radiated x-ray power and total radiated x-ray energy as a function of the peak current, at a constant implosion time imp =80 ns. Previous x-ray emission current scaling for these compact arrays was obtained at imp =95 ns in the work of Stygar et al. Phys. Rev. E 69, 046403 2004. In the present study we utilized lighter singletungsten-wire arrays. For all the measurements, the load hardware dimensions, materials, and array wire number N=300 were kept constant and were the same as the previous study. We also kept the normalized load current spatial and temporal profiles the same for all experiments reported in this work. Two different currents, 11.20.2 MA and 17.00.3 MA, were driven through the wire arrays. The average peak x-ray power for these compact wire arrays increased by 26%7% to 15826 TW at 170.3 MA from the 12524 TW obtained at a peak current of 18.80.5 MA with imp=95 ns. The higher peak power of the faster implosions may possibly be attributed to a higher implosion velocity, which in turn improves the implosion stability, and/or to shorter wire ablation times, which may lead to a decrease in trailing mass and trailing current. Our results show that the scaling of the radiated x-ray peak power and total radiated x-ray energy scaling with peak drive current to be closer to quadratic than the results of Stygar et al. We find that the x-ray peak radiated power is PrI 1.570.20 and the total x-ray radiated energy ErI 1.90.24 . We also find that the current scaling exponent of the power is sensitive to the inclusion of a single data point with a peak power at least 1.9 below the average. If we eliminate this particular shot from our analysis shot 1608, the power and energy scaling becomes closer to quadratic. Namely, we find that the dependence on the peak load current of the peak x-ray radiated power and the total x-ray radiated energy become PrI 1.710.10 and ErI 2.010.21 , respectively. In this case, the power scaling exponent is different by more than 2 from the previously published results of Stygar et al. Larger data sets are likely required to resolve this uncertainty and eliminate the sensitivity to statistical fluctuations in any future studies of this type. Nevertheless, with or without the inclusion of shot 1608, our results with imp=80 ns fall short of an I 2 scaling of the peak x-ray radiated power by at least 2. In either case, the results of our study are consistent with the heuristic wire ablation model proposed by Stygar et al. PrI 1.5 . We also derive an empirical predictive relation that connects the power scaling exponent with certain array parameters.
Antisense RNA injections in fertilized frog eggs reveal an RNA duplex unwinding activity

Previous experiments have shown that mRNA translation in frog oocytes can be inhibited by the injection of a complementary antisense RNA. Here we explore the use of antisense RNAs to study the functions of localized maternal mRNAs during postfertilization development. While developmental abnormalities were observed in injected fertilized eggs, these abnormalities could not be attributed to the antisense RNA since they were induced at a similar frequency in control embryos. Biochemical tests show that the injected antisense RNA does not form stable hybrids in vivo with its complementary endogenous mRNA. In addition, a novel activity that unwinds RNA:RNA duplexes was found. This activity exists at high levels in eggs and early embryos and is absent or very much diminished in oocytes and late blastula embryos. These results suggest that antisense RNAs may be of limited use in studying the functions of maternal RNAs in Xenopus.
Sign test for ranked-set sampling

The exact null distribution of the ranked-set sample (RSS) sign test statistic is computed. The power of this test is compared with the simple random sample (SRS) sign test for some continuous symmetric distributions. The problem of imperfect judgement is discussed. The superiority of RSS over SRS is demonstrated.
Histopathology of Meibomian Gland Dysfunction

We conducted a histopathologic study of the meibomian glands of seven patients (all men, ranging in age from 58 to 83 years) who had severe or moderately severe meibomian dysfunction and who were undergoing ectropion or entropion repair. Abnormal features included signs of obstruction and dilatation of ducts, enlargement of acini with cystic degeneration and squamous metaplasia, foreign-body reaction and granuloma formation, a mild increase in inflammatory cells, and abnormal keratinization. Demodex organisms were found in both acini and ducts of one patient. These findings were similar to those reported in other entities involving meibomian duct or pilosebaceous duct obstruction, and indicated that meibomian duct obstruction, probably related to abnormalities of keratinization, plays an important role in the pathogenesis of meibomian gland dysfunction.
Gender at Janaka’s Court: Women in the Bṛhadāraṇyaka Upaniṣad Reconsidered

The female characters in the Bṛhadāraṇyaka Upaniṣad have generally been interpreted by scholars in two opposing fashions: as fictional characters whose historicity can be dismissed or as representative of actual women in ancient India. Both of these interpretations, however, overlook the literary elements of this text and the role that these female characters play within the larger philosophical debate. This paper is an analysis of the various women who appear in the Bṛhadāraṇyaka and their role in this text. Close attention is paid to their characterizations, their relationship to the doctrine discussed, and their functions in the larger narrative structure. The paper concludes with a discussion about the relationship of narrative to history and fundamental problems with the “woman question” based on this text.
Optimizing cluster formation in super-peer networks via local incentive design

A super-peer based overlay network architecture for peer-to-peer (P2P) systems allows for some nodes, known as the super-peers, that are more resource-endowed than others, to assume a higher share of workload. Ordinary peers are connected to the super-peers and rely on them for their transactional needs. Many criteria for a peer to choose its super-peer have been explored, some of them based on physical proximity, semantic proximity, or by purely random choice. In this paper, we propose an incentive-based criterion that uses semantic similarities between the content interests of the peers and, at the same time, encourages even load distribution across the super-peers. The incentive is achieved via a game theoretic framework that considers each peer as a rational player, allowing stable Nash equilibria to exist and hence guarantees a fixed point in the strategy space of the peers. This guarantees convergence (assuming static network parameters) to a locally optimal assignment of peers to super-peers with respect to a global cost that approximates the average query resolution time. We also show empirically that the local cost framework that we employ performs closely to (and in some cases better than) a similar scheme based on the formulation of a centralized cost function that requires the peers to know an additional global parameter.
Functional evaluation of ES cell-derived endodermal populations reveals differences between Nodal and Activin A-guided differentiation

Embryonic stem (ES) cells hold great promise with respect to their potential to be differentiated into desired cell types. Of interest are organs derived from the definitive endoderm, such as the pancreas and liver, and animal studies have revealed an essential role for Nodal in development of the definitive endoderm. Activin A is a related TGFβ member that acts through many of the same downstream signaling effectors as Nodal and is thought to mimic Nodal activity. Detailed characterization of ES cell-derived endodermal cell types by gene expression analysis in vitro and functional analysis in vivo reveal that, despite their similarity in gene expression, Nodal and Activin-derived endodermal cells exhibit a distinct difference in functional competence following transplantation into the developing mouse embryo. Pdx1-expressing cells arising from the respective endoderm populations exhibit extended differences in their competence to mature into insulin/c-peptide-expressing cells in vivo. Our findings underscore the importance of functional cell-type evaluation during stepwise differentiation of stem cells.
Evaluation of various methods to detect metallic wear particles in lube‐oil filter debris

Abstract : Studies were conducted to evaluate methods of detecting metallic wear particles in lube oil filter debris. The methods studied were low temperature oxidation of the organic constituents in the debris, separation of ferromagnetic particles by passage through a magnetic field, and counting/sizing of metallic particles in a fluid stream using a commercially available detector. Laboratory-prepared simulations of wear debris and actual filter debris samples from operational military aircraft systems were used in the evaluation. The relative ability of each method to detect metallic wear particles is discussed, along with the effects of each method on subsequent debris examination.
Dynamic Incentive Mechanisms

Much of AI is concerned with the design of intelligent agents. A complementary challenge is to understand how to design “rules of encounter” by which to promote simple, robust and beneficial interactions between multiple intelligent agents. This is a natural development, as AI is increasingly used for automated decision making in real-world settings. As we extend the ideas of mechanism design from economic theory, the mechanisms (or rules) become algorithmic and many new challenges surface. Starting with a short background on mechanism design theory, the aim of this paper is to provide a nontechnical exposition of recent results on dynamic incentive mechanisms, which provide rules for the coordination of agents in sequential decision problems. The framework of dynamic mechanism design embraces coordinated decision-making both in the context of uncertainty about the world external to an agent and also in regard to the dynamics of agent preferences. In addition to tracing some recent developments, we point to ongoing research challenges.
Mutations associated with Sjögren–Larsson Syndrome

Sjogren-Larsson syndrome (SLS), a rare autosomal disorder characterized by ichthyosis, spastic neurological disorders and oligophrenia, is associated with deficiency of fatty aldehyde dehydrogenase encoded by a gene on chromosome 17q11.2. Mutations of the gene (GDB symbol ALDH10) were recently identified in three SLS patients. Another aldehyde dehydrogenase isozyme. ALDH3, also has a high activity for fatty aldehyde oxidation, and is encoded by a gene in chromosome 17q11.2. Abnormality of the ALDH3 gene could also cause a similar syndrome. The examination of the ALDH3 locus of three additional SLS patients showed that two are heterozygous with C-->G at nt 985 (Pro-->Ala at protein position 329). However, the mutation was found to be common (frequency of the atypical allele is about 0.25) in normal subjects, and not related to SLS. Isoelectric focusing analysis indicated that ALDH3 is hardly expressed in normal as well as patients' fibroblast cells, while ALDH10 expressed in the normal cells is diminished in the three patients' cells. The level of ALDH10 mRNA is also low in the patients' cells. The examination of the ALDH10 locus revealed the existence of a 3 base deletion coupled with a 21 base insertion at intron 6/exon 7 junction in one patient. This abnormality is the same as that found in the patient previously reported by other investigators. One patient is associated with a 2 base deletion at nt 1297 and consequent premature chain termination at protein position 434. Another patient is a compound heterozygote for the same 2 base deletion at nt 1297 and a 5 base insertion at nt 1311 and premature chain termination at protein position 457. Unique characteristics of the SLS mutations are pointed out.
The fatigue of high-strength fused silica optical fibers in low humidity

Abstract The strength and dynamic fatigue of UV-acrylate coated silica optical fibers were measured as a function of relative humidity in the range ∼0.025–13% at 25 °C. The degradation kinetics of silica in low humidities was investigated and it was found that the reaction order was approximately first-order with respect to humidity. In our previous work, a second-order reaction was found in the humidity range 20–95% RH at 25 °C and the process for obtaining this reaction order was found to be independent of the mathematical form of the kinetic models used. The change in reaction order observed here verifies some earlier results based on the power law which implied a change in the reaction order from ∼2 (15–100% RH) to ∼1 at low humidity (
Aortic cannulation in organ donors with pathology of the infrarenal aorta.

Cadaveric donor organ procurement for transplantation is performed with increasing frequency. In 1995, a total of 5,360 procurements from cadaveric donors were performed in the United States, compared with 4,083 procurements in 1988 (1). The expansion of the donor pool achieved in the last few years is primarily due to the increase in the number of older donors (age > 50 years), from 12% in 1988 to 24% in 1995 (1). With the increasing age of the donor population, intraoperative findings of infrarenal aortic pathology are becoming more common. Regardless of the extent of the in situ dissection performed before flushing the viscera with the preservation solution, the standard technique of multiorgan procurement entails cannulation of the infrarenal aorta (2, 3). Findings of extensive atherosclerosis or aneurysmal dilation may complicate cannulation of the distal aorta, The presence of atheromatous debris and thrombus in the lumen of the diseased aorta may cause suboptimal delivery of the preservation solution. Organ damage also can be caused by subintimal dissection, with creation of a false lumen or embolization of atheromatous debris and clots. In this article, we propose an alternative method of aortic cannulation when infrarenal aortic pathology is encountered during cadaveric organ procurement.
An artificial intelligence-based constraint network system for concurrent engineering

This paper presents a new approach to concurrent engineering, namely the use of artificial intelligence constraint networks to advise the designer on improvements that can be made to the design from the perspective of the product's life-cycle. The difficulties associated with performing concurrent engineering are reviewed, and the various approaches to concurrent engineering are discussed. The requirements for a system to support concurrent engineering are indicated. An overview of constraint networks is given and this leads into a description of SPARK, an artificial intelligence constraint network systems for concurrent engineering. The operation of SPARK is illustrated by considering an example application of printed wiring board manufacture. The advantages of SPARK include being flexible enough to allow the designer to approach a problem from a variety of viewpoints, allowing the designer to design despite having incomplete information, and being able to handle the wide variety of life-cycle informatio...
Self, Identity, Stress, and Mental Health

It is virtually impossible to develop a theory of the etiology of mental illness without thinking about self and identity issues. Almost all approaches in psychiatry and clinical psychology (with the exception of behaviorism) view individuals’ mental health as at least partly influenced by positive self-conceptions, high self-esteem, and/or the possession of valued social identities. Conversely, psychological disorder has been attributed to unconscious conflicts within the ego (Freud, 1933), arrested or inadequate identity development (e.g., Erikson, 1963; Freud, 1933), threats to self-conception or self-esteem (e.g., Abramson, Metalsky, & Alloy, 1989), and identity loss (Breakwell, 1986; Brown & Harris, 1978; Thoits, 1986), among many related processes. Indeed, some theorists and researchers see injuries to identity or self-worth not only as precursors but as keymarkers of mental disorder (e.g., Beck, 1967; Abramson et al., 1989).1 This can be seen in the criteria for various mental disorders in the fourth edition of theDiagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV; American Psychiatric Association, 1994). For example, “low self-esteem,” “feelings of worthlessness,” and/or “unstable self-image” are key criteria in the identification of major depression, bipolar disorder, dysthymia (chronic depressed mood), and borderline and avoidant personality disorders.2
Interventional ductoscopy for pathological nipple discharge.

Background Despite the low likelihood of malignancy, it is recommended that patients who have pathologic nipple discharge (PND) undergo duct excision. Intraductal papilloma is well-known most frequent cause of PND. Our goal is to determine whether the ductoscopic retrieval of a solitary papilloma is feasible and/or therapeutic for patients with PND. The accompanying video demonstrates this interventional ductoscopic approach.
Effects of sibutramine and rimonabant in rats trained to discriminate between 22- and 2-h food deprivation

Objective The objective of the study was to evaluate whether sibutramine and rimonabant, drugs that decrease food intake in human and non-human animals, affect the discriminative stimulus effects associated with acute food deprivation (“hunger”). Materials and methods Rats were trained to discriminate between 22- and 2-h food deprivation in a two-lever choice procedure.After rats acquiredthe discrimination, subjects were food-restricted for 22 h and administered with sibutramine (0.32–10 mg/kg, p.o.) or rimonabant (0.32–10 mg/kg, s.c.) before a generalization test session. Results Sibutramine (3.2 mg/kg) produced significant decreases in 22-h deprivation-appropriate responding, response rates (resulting in lever pressing rates similar to those following2-hfooddeprivation),and foodintakemeasured1 h after the generalization test. A larger sibutramine dose eliminated responding and significantly reduced food intake. Rimonabantdid not alter the discriminativestimuluseffects of 22-hfooddeprivation,butrimonabantdidsignificantlyreduce both response rates and food intake. Conclusion Sibutramine appears to decrease food intake by reducing hunger sensations associated with food deprivation. In contrast, rimonabant does not alter the discrimination of acute food deprivation. The use of food-deprivation discrimination techniques may be useful in identifying the role of specific neuroactive compounds in eating stimulated by a sense of hunger and may aid in medication development for more effective treatments for obesity and other eating-related conditions.
X-ray lasers as sources for x-ray microscopy

Laboratory x-ray lasers are currently being developed by researchers worldwide as potential sources for x-ray imaging and other applications. Laser action has been demonstrated at wavelengths as short as 35.6 angstroms and there is a large effort underway to enhance the coherent power output of the Ni-like Ta x-ray laser at 44.83 angstroms as a source for x-ray imaging of live cells. Part of this effort is dedicated to producing a more affordable, compact laser to pump the x-ray laser in order to increase the accessibility of x-ray laser sources.
Effects of spatial hole burning on gain switching in vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers

We present a numerical study of the effects of carrier diffusion and spatial hole-burning in vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers under gain switching. Our model includes spatial and temporal dependences of both the optical field and the carrier density. Results show that spatial hole burning places a limit on the minimum achievable pulse width. We demonstrate that spatial hole-burning tan be avoided and shorter pulses can be obtained by using an appropriate pumping geometry. We also consider the case in which the laser operates simultaneously in two transverse modes and show that transverse-mode competition induced by spatial hole burning leads to period doubling and other interesting nonlinear behavior.
A comparison of family of origin factors between children of alcoholics and children of non-alcoholics in a longitudinal panel

Secondary analysis of longitudinal panel data reveals minimal differences in family of origin factors between children of alcoholics (COAs) and children of non-alcoholics (non-COAs). From 220 subjects, 37 parents were identified as alcoholic. The COA subjects' retrospective reports about family of origin factors were compared to those of non-COAs. Contrary to the assertions of the COA clinical literature, few differences were found between the two groups. However, these differences are congruent with the findings of other panel studies which have investigated family of origin factors and adult outcome among COAs.
“Academic Redshirting” in Kindergarten Prevalence, Patterns, and Implications

We use two nationally representative data sets to estimate the prevalence of kindergarten “redshirting”—the decision to delay a child’s school entry. We find that between 4% and 5.5% of children de...
Escherichia coli primary aortitis presenting as sequelae of incompletely treated urinary tract infection

We report a rare case of nonaneurysmal infectious aortitis (IA) with the causative microorganism being Escherichia coli. The patient was a 78-year-old man who presented with a 3-week history of abdominal pain, fevers, and anorexia after treatment for a urinary tract infection. The patient had positive blood cultures and a computed tomography scan that had signs of IA. He was treated with intravenous antibiotics and extra-anatomic revascularization with excision and debridement of the infected aortic segment with a good outcome. IA is an uncommon condition with a high mortality rate; however, if diagnosed early, it can be successfully treated.
The Concept of Truth in Karl Barth's Theology

In this paper on Karl Barth's conception of truth I shall try to state his position regarding the nature of truth and the criterion of truth, and secondly I shall draw from his position some propositions which I believe exhibit a pattern in his theology which brings it into close relationship to a philosophical tradition.
Risk and Invention in Human Technological Evolution

Abstract A central issue in archaeology is the study of technological change, and yet we have relatively little theory to explain the origin of technological novelty. Most models assume that inventions are generated as needed to solve adaptive problems. Alternatively, some view innovation as a creative and random process capable only of generating variation on which selection operates. This article considers the role of risk sensitivity in the production of technological invention. It is argued that evolutionary ecological models of risk and opportunity cost establish expectations for the contexts in which individuals are likely to stick to conservative technologies and when they are likely to be inventive. Archaeological evaluation of the risk-sensitivity theory of technological change requires attention to components of technological systems and their associated mechanical, operational, and strategic costs. The framework is examined with a case study of technological change from the prehistory of the Kodiak Archipelago in the Gulf of Alaska.
The automatic detection and visual tracking of moving objects by eye-in-hand robotic systems

Traditionally, the robotic visual servoing/tracking problem has received attention from researchers for its interesting control and computer vision issues. However many visual servoing tasks also require the ability to automatically detect moving objects. Until recently, very few efforts have been reported in the area of automatic detection of servoing targets. This paper presents a robust detection scheme for use in robotic visual servoing experiments. It detects and tracks moving objects through the use of a "figure/ground" approach. Experimentation has shown the feasibility of this approach under general conditions. This paper provides a description of the authors system implementation in an experimental robotic system, along with a collection of results. The paper also contains a discussion of problems and issues for future work.
Exclusion mapping of chromosomal regions which cross hybridise to FSHD1A associated markers in FSHD1B

Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FHSD) is a genetically heterogeneous, autosomal dominant primary disease of muscle. The predominant form of FSHD, which has been designated FSHD1A, has been localised to the 4q34 region of human chromosome 4. The disease locus (loci) for the remaining FSHD families, which are not linked to chromosome 4 and have been designated FSHD1B, has not yet been identified. The D4F104S1 marker which detects copies of a 3·2 kb tandem repeat (D4Z4) which contains several types of repetitive sequences, including Hox gene-like elements, has been shown to be closely linked to the chromosome 4 FHSD disease locus. The loss of an integral number of the 3·2 kb tandem repeats has been associated with FSHD1A. When hybridised to chromosomal spreads these sequences cross hybridise with heterochromatin on acrocentric chromosomes and specific areas of human chromosomes 1, 3, and 10. Potentially these specific regions of cross hybridisation may be linked to FSHD1B. To examine this possiblity we have carried out linkage studies in our largest FSHD1B family. In this paper we exclude these areas of specific cross hybridisation as disease loci for FSHD1B.
Omitted Variables Bias in Regime-Switching Models with Slope-Constrained Estimators: Evidence from Monte Carlo Simulations

In a recent study, Beccarini [1] showed that one can eliminate or reduce the bias in OLS regression estimators caused by an omitted polychotomous variable by estimating a regime-switching model. If the missing polychotomous variable assumes K values, then elimination or reduction of the bias requires the estimation of a K-component mixture model. In his Monte Carlo simulations, however, the slope of the parameter of interest is estimated once for each of the K components. After discussing problems associated with multiple estimates of the parameter of interest, this paper extends Beccarini’s Monte Carlo analysis to include the slope-constrained estimator obtained by using the EM algorithm of Bartolucci and Scaccia [2]. We find a small gain in efficiency with the slope-constrained estimator and that the weighted-average estimator in Beccarini [1] produces a large number of rejections of the true null hypothesis of a single slope when the components are not widely separated.
Frame synchronization in UWB using multiple sync words to eliminate line frequencies

Ultra wide-band (UWB) is now under consideration as an alternative physical layer technology for wireless PAN. UWB radio uses base-band pulses of very short duration, thereby spreading the energy of radio signal very thinly over gigahertz. The power spectral density (PSD) of UWB signals consists of a continuous component and discrete component. Generally speaking, the discrete component presents greater interference to narrow-band communication systems than the continuous component. Frame synchronization is commonly used in multiple access systems, including wireless PAN systems. The sync word will generate strong PSD. In this paper, we devise a more efficient and better performance mechanism to suppress the discrete component of the PSD of UWB signals by randomizing the pattern of UWB signals. The mechanism can also be applied to payload data to smooth the PSD of USB signals.
Household Routines and Obesity in US Preschool-Aged Children

To determine the association between the prevalence of obesity in preschool-aged children and exposure to 3 household rou- tines: regularly eating the evening meal as a family, obtaining adequate sleep, and limiting screen-viewing time. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of a nationally rep- resentative sample of 8550 four-year-old US children who were as- sessed in 2005 in the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Birth Cohort. Height and weight were measured. We assessed the association of childhood obesity (BMI 95th percentile) with 3 household routines: regularly eating the evening meal as a family (5 nights per week); obtaining adequate nighttime sleep on weekdays (10.5 hours per night); and having limited screen-viewing (television, video, digital video disk) time on weekdays (2 hours/day). Analyses were adjusted for the child's race/ethnicity, maternal obesity, maternal education, household income, and living in a single-parent household. RESULTS: Eighteen percent of children were obese, 14.5% were ex- posed to all 3 routines, and 12.4% were exposed to none of the routines. The prevalence of obesity was 14.3% (95% confidence interval (CI): 11.3%-17.2%) among children exposed to all 3 routines and 24.5% (95% CI: 20.1%-28.9%) among those exposed to none of the routines. After adjusting for covariates, the odds of obesity associated with ex- posure to all 3, any 2, or only 1 routine (compared with none) were 0.63 (95% CI: 0.46 - 0.87), 0.64 (95% CI: 0.47- 0.85), and 0.84 (95% CI: 0.63- 1.12), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: US preschool-aged children exposed to the 3 house- hold routines of regularly eating the evening meal as a family, obtain- ing adequate nighttime sleep, and having limited screen-viewing time had an 40% lower prevalence of obesity than those exposed to none of these routines. These household routines may be promising targets for obesity-prevention efforts in early childhood. Pediatrics 2010;125: 420-428
A Comparison of KGF Receptor Expression in Various Types of Human Cancer.

Background: Keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) has been observed to produce a rapid increase in the motility of breast cancer cells. KGF/KGFR (KGF receptor) signaling has also been demonstrated in the progression of many types of human cancer. The objective of the present study was to compare KGFR expression in various types of cancer. Materials and Methods: A cancer profiling array containing cDNA from 154 tumor and paired normal samples representing 19 types of human cancer was employed. Results: The results of the present study indicate that KGFR expression is enhanced in many types of human carcinomas at an early stage of cancer development, suggesting that KGFR overexpression may be an early signal in the progression of these cancers. However, the stage of cancer progression and relative level of expression varied considerably among the various types of cancer. Conclusion: These findings suggest that tumor KGFR levels may serve as a prognostic biomarker for cancer staging and/or treatment. Keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) is a member of the fibroblast growth factor family (also designated FGF-7) that is produced in stromal tissue and stimulates DNA
The application of the pH-stat to studies of enzymes

Many enzyme-catalyzed reactions involve the uptake or release of protons into the aqueous medium and are therefore susceptible to kinetic analysis through the measurement of the rate and extent of appearance of hydrogen ion. Historically, such measurements have taken two general forms: 1. the measurement of the rate of actual change of hydrogen ion concentration and 2. the measurement of the rate of addition of base or acid necessary to maintain a constant hydrogen ion concentration. As both procedures depend on the measurement of the pH of the solution, the continued development of more precise instrumentation for pH measurement has led to a continued improvement in the quantity and quality of kinetic data based on this particular analysis. In several early studies, for example, an acid-base indicator with an appropriate pK′a was added to the enzyme-substrate mixture and the rate of addition of base needed to maintain the color of the indicator constant, by visual inspection, was noted. This constant pH technique, or pH-stat, can be removed from a reliance on visual estimation of color by employing spectrophotometric measurement. In another type of system the actual color change of the indicator, reflecting a change in pH of the solution, was measured spectrophotometrically and used in kinetic analyses of the system. As this latter technique requires an actual pH change during the reaction, it is inherently less desirable than the constant pH technique, particularly if more than initial reaction rates are desired.
Determining the Performance of Fluorescence Molecular Imaging Devices Using Traceable Working Standards With SI Units of Radiance

To date, no emerging preclinical or clinical near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging devices for noninvasive and/or surgical guidance have their performances validated on working standards with SI units of radiance that enable comparison or quantitative quality assurance. In this work, we developed and deployed a methodology to calibrate a stable, solid phantom for emission radiance with International System of Units (SI) units of ${\rm mW} \cdot {{{\rm sr}}}^{{-1}} \cdot {{\rm cm}}^{{-2}}$ for use in characterizing the measurement sensitivity of ICCD and IsCMOS detection, signal-to-noise ratio, and contrast. In addition, at calibrated radiances, we assess transverse and lateral resolution of ICCD and IsCMOS camera systems. The methodology allowed demonstration of superior SNR of the ICCD over the IsCMOS technology and superior resolution of the IsCMOS over the ICCD approach. Contrast depended upon the camera settings (binning and integration time) and gain of intensifier. Finally, because the architecture of CMOS and CCD camera systems results in vastly different performance, we comment on the utility of these technologies for small animal imaging as well as clinical applications for noninvasive and surgical guidance.
MODELING DEMOGRAPHIC PERFORMANCE OF NORTHERN SPOTTED OWLS RELATIVE TO FOREST HABITAT IN OREGON

Abstract Northern spotted owls (Strix occidentalis caurina) are known to be associated with late-successional forests in the Pacific Northwest of the United States, but the effects of habitat on their demographic performance are relatively unknown. We developed statistical models relating owl survival and productivity to forest cover types within the Roseburg Study Area in the Oregon Coast Range of Oregon, USA. We further combined these demographic parameters using a Leslie-type matrix to obtain an estimate of habitat fitness potential for each owl territory (n = 94). We used mark–recapture methods to develop models for survival and linear mixed models for productivity. We measured forest composition and landscape patterns at 3 landscape scales centered on nest and activity sites within owl territories using an aerial photo-based map and a Geographic Information System (GIS). We also considered additional covariates such as age, sex, and presence of barred owls (Strix varia), and seasonal climate variable...
Total Condylar Knee Replacement: Late Results

The total condylar knee prosthesis is a minimally constrained, stainless steel, high density polyethylene, cruciate sacrificing prosthesis which was introduced by Insall in 1974 [1] (Fig. 1). His results of a 3- to 5-year follow-up showed 93% excellent and good results in 220 cases. The infection rate was less than 2% [2]. There were no cases of loosening of the femoral or tibial component. Posterior subluxation of the tibia occurred in 1.8% of cases, largely because the distance between the cut ends of the femur and tibia were not the same in flexion and extension. There was a provision for resurfacing of the patellar articular surface with a high density, polyethylene dome-shaped prosthesis. It was demonstrated that the number of good and excellent results improved with the use of the patellar prosthesis.
Abstract W P286: Assessing Wisconsin Hospitals’ Capacity to Treat Acute Stroke

Introduction: Establishing regional stroke systems of care can improve timely treatment and survival, and reduce disability and related healthcare costs for persons experiencing acute stroke. A well-functioning stroke system requires seamless coordination between EMS, hospitals and certified stroke centers. Of 127 non-specialty hospitals in Wisconsin, 2% are comprehensive stroke centers and 24% have achieved primary stroke center certification. However, little is known about other hospitals’ capacity to treat acute stroke. The Wisconsin Stroke Coalition (WSC) wanted to better understand the need to improve stroke care capacity among hospitals not certified to treat stroke. The hypothesis was that few non-stroke certified hospitals in Wisconsin have all the criteria in place to treat acute stroke. Methods: WSC developed a short survey based on the Brain Attack Coalition’s recommendations for an acute stroke-ready hospital (ASRH). The tool included a user-friendly checklist that captured the status of each ...