cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Life and Times of the Shah – By Gholam Reza Afkhami

This monograph is a detailed account of the life and the reign of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, who ruled Iran from 1941 to 1979. Despite its length and academic style, it is an easily accessible boo...
Temperature-aware power distribution network designs for 3D ICs and systems

Many recent problems related to integrated circuits have been solved by three-dimensional integration using throughsilicon vias. This technique presents some thermal-related issues related to high thermal density. In this work, we estimate the effects of temperature on power distribution networks consisting of a printed circuit board, an interposer, and stacked dies connected by through-silicon vias. The model we built has various on- and off-chip decoupling capacitors, so this paper analyzes the effects of temperature on power delivery network impedance and power ground noise using temperature-aware simulations. The results indicate that a high temperature density system requires both temperatureaware simulation and design. Based on further simulations with practical cases, this paper also presents an efficient power delivery network design method for three-dimensional systems consisting of various types of decoupling capacitors and heterogeneous dies.
A Practical Fusion Algorithm for Rotation Matrices

The paper proposes a noniterative algorithm for the determination of a 3×3 rotation matrix from a set of measured or computed 3×3 rotation matrices.
Cushing syndrome secondary to ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone secretion: the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Experience.

BACKGROUND: Cushing syndrome (CS) secondary to ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) secretion (EAS) has been described in association with a variety of tumors. The current experience with this syndrome was based on a few case series and individual case reports. Limited data were available about the tumors associated with CS-EAS in a cancer center setting. In this report, the authors have described their experience with CS-EAS at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to further enhance the current understanding and management of this syndrome. METHODS: This was a retrospective review of 43 patients with CS-EAS who were diagnosed between 1979 and 2009 at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. RESULTS: Different neuroendocrine tumors were associated with CS-EAS. Twenty-one patients (48.9%) had tumors located in the chest cavity, with bronchial carcinoid and small cell lung cancer representing the 2 most common causes. The ACTH source remained occult in 4 patients (9.3%) despite extensive workup. Clinical presentation varied, and the classic features of CS were not evident in some patients. Death occurred in 27 patients (62.8%), and the median overall survival was 32.2 months. Major morbidities included new-onset or worsening hyperglycemia (77%), symptomatic venous thromboembolism (14%), and infections (23%). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with CS-EAS who attended a comprehensive cancer center, tumors originating in the chest cavity were the leading tumors associated with this syndrome. The authors suspect that CS-EAS is under reported because of the atypical presentation in some patients. Thus, they suggest careful evaluation of patients with neuroendocrine tumors to avoid missing coexisting CS-EAS. Cancer 2011;. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
On the Detection of Gaussian Cyclostationary Random Processes

This paper extends previous work on the likelihood detection of cyclostationary processes in stationary Gaussian noise. In contrast to previous developments, we use a Gaussian cyclostationary signal assumption rather than a weak signal assumption. Under the assumption of completely known statistics for signal and noise, the likelihood ratio detector is derived for two related cases: signal detection and detection of cyclostationarity. The difference between these two cases involves different models for the stationary statistics under the two hypotheses.
An Assessment of Performance, Stability, and Control Improvements for General Aviation Aircraft

Performance, stability and control improvements of light aircraft, applying computerized parametric analysis
Separation and Preliminary Studies on 2-Ketopantoyl Lactone and 2-Ketopantoic Acid Reductases of Yeast

Abstract Two enzymes have been detected and partially purified from yeast. One of them, 2-ketopantoyl lactone reductase, exhibits maximum activity at pH 7.0, converting 1 mole of 2-ketopantoyl lactone to pantoyl lactone for each mole of NADPH oxidized. NADPH and 2-ketopantoyl lactone are the only compounds tested which function well as substrates. The other enzyme, 2-ketopantoic acid reductase, exhibits maximum activity with NADPH and 2-ketopantoic acid at pH 5.0. One mole of pantoic acid is formed for each mole of NADPH oxidized. When tested at 0.1 mm concentration, NADH is a less effective substrate than an equivalent amount of NADPH. With the possible exception of 2-ketopantoyl lactone, none of the other compounds tested functioned well as keto substrates.
Manganese is required for oxidative metabolism in unstressed Bradyrhizobium japonicum cells.

Summary Recent studies of Mn2+ transport mutants indicate that manganese is essential for unstressed growth in some bacterial species, but is required primarily for induced stress responses in others. A Bradyrhizobium japonicum mutant defective in the high-affinity Mn2+ transporter gene mntH has a severe growth phenotype under manganese limitation, suggesting a requirement for the metal under unstressed growth. Here, we found that activities of superoxide dismutase and the glycolytic enzyme pyruvate kinase were deficient in an mntH strain grown under manganese limitation. We identified pykM as the only pyruvate kinase-encoding gene based on deficiency in activity of a pykM mutant, rescue of the growth phenotype with pyruvate, and pyruvate kinase activity of purified recombinant PykM. PykM is unusual in that it required Mn2+ rather than Mg2+ for high activity, and that neither fructose-1,6-bisphosphate nor AMP was a positive allosteric effector. The mntH-dependent superoxide dismutase is encoded by sodM, the only expressed superoxide dismutase-encoding gene under unstressed growth conditions. An mntH mutant grew more slowly on pyruvate under manganese-limited conditions than did a pykM sodM double mutant, implying additional manganese-dependent processes. The findings implicate roles for manganese in key steps in unstressed oxidative metabolism in B. japonicum.
Characterization of mating type (MAT) alleles differentiated by a natural inversion in Sclerotinia minor

A recent study on fungal mating type genes revealed two MAT alleles within homothallic Sclerotinia sclerotiorum differentiated by an inversion, Inv− (inversion negative) and Inv+ (inversion positive). An analysis of mating type in closely related S. minor was conducted to shed light on the evolution of this MAT inversion. Inv− and Inv+ MAT alleles were identified in S. minor and were characterized. Both MAT alleles in S. minor were flanked by APN2 and SLA2, and consisted of two idiomorphs fused as in other homothallic ascomycetes. However, in the Inv+ MAT, the 3·6 kb MAT region was inverted relative to the Inv− MAT. Except for the inversion, both Inv− and Inv+ MAT in S. minor were equal in size and identical in nucleotide sequence. The MAT inversion in Inv+ S. minor was at exactly the same place as in Inv+ S. sclerotiorum and affected three of four MAT genes: MAT1-1-1 was truncated and MAT1-2-4 and MAT1-2-1 were inverted. Unlike S. sclerotiorum, expression of MAT genes did not differ between Inv− and Inv+ S. minor. The 250 bp inverted repeat motif that flanked the inverted MAT region in S. sclerotiorum and believed responsible for the MAT inversion was also found in S. minor, but was 256 bp. Depending on the MAT genes, 93–96% nucleotide identity was observed between Sclerotinia species. Both Inv+ and Inv− MAT S. minor and S. sclerotiorum isolates were commonly found in lettuce fields of Arizona along with MAT heterokaryons.
117 GENETIC VARIATION IN APOLIPOPROTEIN E. A CLUE TO ATHEROSCLEROSIS SUSCEPTIBILITY

Apolipoprotein E plays a very important role in the metabolism of plasma lipoproteins enriched in cholesterol ester. We have studied the structure of this apoprotein in human plasma utilizing high resolution two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. Our studies have revealed a complex array of apo E isoproteins which vary from individual to individual. Six subclasses of apo We have been recognized and designated βII, βIII, βIV, αII, αIII and αIV. We have shown that the basis for this variation is genetic and can be explained by a single locus with three alleles, eII, eIII and eIV. Individuals with the β subclasses, βII, βIII and βIV, are homozygous for the apo E alleles eII, eIII and eIV, respectively. Individuals with the α subclasses, αII, αIII and αIV, are heterozygous for the apo E alleles and have the genotypes eII eIII, eIIIeIV and eIIeIV, respectively. In a study of individuals with type III hyperlipoproteinemia, almost all had the apo E subclass βIV, whereas in the general population, the apo E allele frequencies of eII=11%, eIII=72% and eIV=17% indicate that the apo E subclasses should occur with frequencies of βII=1%, βIII=52%, βIV=3%, αII=16%, αIII=25% and αIV=4%. Thus the apo E subclass βIV may serve as a molecular marker for type III hyperlipoproteinemia, a condition characterized by premature atherosclerosis. The 3% of the population with this apo E subclass may be ideal candidates for a targeted atherosclerosis prevention program.
Action of two classes of channel-forming synthetic peptides on lipid bilayers.

Abstract Single channel conductances were observed in lipid bilayers by the action of three Dialkylamide derivatives of Gramicidin and two polymers of the tripeptide (Ala-Ala-Gly). The temperature and thickness dependence showed conformational changes indicating multiple states of the helical structure.
The Beta- and Gamma-Radiations from Copper 64 and Europium 152

The beta- and gamma-radiations from ${\mathrm{Cu}}^{64}$ and ${\mathrm{Eu}}^{152}$ have been studied with the aid of a magnetic spectrometer of high resolution. Copper emits both positrons and electrons with a maximum energy of 0.659\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.003 and 0.578\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.003 Mev, respectively. The effect on the shape of the spectra of scattering within the source was investigated. The spectra obtained with an extremely thin source were found to contain fewer low energy particles than those obtained with a thicker source. The thin source results in much better agreement with the original Fermi theory of beta-decay than with the later modification introduced by Konopinski and Uhlenbeck. As the source is made thicker there is a gradual change in the shape of the spectra which eventually brings about better agreement with the K-U theory than with the Fermi theory. Eu emits electrons with a maximum energy of 1.885\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.012 Mev and several gamma-rays. The energies of three of the gamma-rays have been determined as 0.123\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.001, 0.163\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.001 and 0.725\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.003 Mev.
The Photonic TeraStream: enabling next generation applications through intelligent optical networking at iGRID2002

Traditionally, the design and implementation of network based applications, especially large-scale, high performance applications, have had to be compromised across multiple dimensions interfaces, services, performance, flexibility, protocols, architecture, technology, etc. These restrictions exist, in part, because the most widely deployed communications infrastructure was designed to optimize traditional communications, not high performance data communications. At iGRID2002, the International Center for Advanced Internet Research (iCAIR) and its research partners demonstrated "Photonic-Empowered Applications," based on next generation intelligent optical networking technology and dynamic data services provisioning. These demonstrations indicated the potential for creating next generation global applications when traditional barriers to network optimization at multiple levels are removed. These application demonstrations were based on high performance communications infrastructure utilizing novel techniques for managing globally distributed resources and extremely large volume data streams. The innovative advanced optical networking technologies being developed by these research organizations will allow for many new types of high performance global applications across multiple disciplines and industries.
Predictors of difficulty when discontinuing postmenopausal hormone therapy.

Abstract Objective To describe the experiences of postmenopausal women who try to stop hormone therapy and to identify characteristics associated with inability to stop. Methods We conducted telephone interviews with 377 randomly selected female members of the Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, aged 50–69 years, who regularly used hormone therapy for at least 1 year before July 1, 2002 and had attempted to stop between July 2002 and March 2003. Results Of the 377 women, 280 (74%) successfully stopped and 97 (26%) resumed taking hormone therapy. The major predictor of resuming hormone therapy use was the development of troublesome withdrawal symptoms (odds ratio 8.8; 95% confidence interval 4.9, 16.0). Report of hysterectomy, hormone therapy prescribed by a nongynecologist, and perception of high risk of hip or spine fracture were independently associated with a higher likelihood of unsuccessful stopping. Women with a hysterectomy who had used hormone therapy for 10 or more years and who started hormone therapy mainly for reasons other than health promotion were more likely ( P Conclusion Approximately one quarter of women who try to stop report that they are unable to discontinue postmenopausal hormone therapy, primarily because they develop troublesome withdrawal symptoms. Effective approaches to reducing hormone therapy withdrawal symptoms should be a priority for future research.
Influence of the position of the foot on MRI signal in the deep digital flexor tendon and collateral ligaments of the distal interphalangeal joint in the standing horse.

Summary Reasons for performing study: Hyperintense signal is sometimes observed in ligaments and tendons of the equine foot on standing magnetic resonance examination without associated changes in size and shape. In such cases, the presence of a true lesion or an artifact should be considered. A change in position of a ligament or tendon relative to the magnetic field can induce increased signal intensity due to the magic angle effect. Objectives: To assess if positional rotation of the foot in the solar plane could be responsible for artifactual changes in signal intensity in the collateral ligaments of the distal interphalangeal joint and in the deep digital flexor tendon. Methods: Six isolated equine feet were imaged with a standing equine magnetic resonance system in 9 different positions with different degrees of rotation in the solar plane. Results: Rotation of the limb induced a linear hyperintense signal on all feet at the palmar aspect of one of the lobes of the deep digital flexor tendon and at the dorsal aspect of the other lobe. Changes in signal intensity in the collateral ligaments of the distal interphalangeal joint occurred with rotation of the limb only in those feet where mediolateral hoof imbalance was present. Conclusions: The position and conformation of the foot influence the signal intensity in the deep digital flexor tendon and in the collateral ligaments of the distal interphalangeal joint. Potential relevance: The significance of increased signal intensity in the deep digital flexor tendon and in the collateral ligaments of the distal interphalangeal joint should be interpreted with regard to the position and the conformation of the foot.
Sphincter repair for fecal incontinence after obstetrical or iatrogenic injury.

Forty patients with fecal incontinence underwent sphincter repair between 1975 and 1984. Divided sphincter musculature resulted from obstetrical injury in 23 and previous anorectal surgery in 17. Eighteen had undergone a previous attempt at repair. Fifteen patients experienced seepage of stool and 25 had gross incontinence. In nine patients, reconstruction of the external sphincter was by overlap of the muscle ends. Twenty-four others underwent accurate approximation of the external sphincter muscle and anterior plication of the levator muscles, and in seven the anal canal was made smaller by narrowing the anal orifice. Follow-up was an average of 67 months after operation (range, 2.4 to 166 months). Continence was objectively improved in 62 percent (P less than .01) when performance criteria were analyzed by Wilcoxon signed-rank test, although 85 percent of the patients reported subjective improvement. Requirements for protective pads were reduced in 57 percent (P less than .01) and fewer social limitations were experienced in 52 percent (P less than .01). There was no significant correlation between outcome and type of operation.
Trying to tame power corrections in effective field theories

Abstract Power corrections to leading log predictions are calculated in a simple toy model involving one light and one heavy field. The computation is first performed in an effective field theory with the heavy degree of freedom integrated out. The anomalous dimension matrix for composite operators is given in compact closed form to lowest order in the coupling but all orders in the squared ratio of light to heavy mass scales. The power corrections are then reproduced directly from the underlying full theory.
A startle-probe methodology for investigating the effects of active avoidance on negative emotional reactivity

This study introduces a new methodology for investigating the impact of active avoidance and behavioral control on defensive emotional reactivity using the startle reflex. A between-groups yoked design was devised that permitted manipulation of participants' perception of control over an aversive event (loud noise) while precisely controlling motor activity and noxious stimulation. Startle responses to tactile (airpuff) probes were compared during threat/performance trials and neutral trials. Results conclusively demonstrated cross-modal startle potentiation in the context of a continuous motor performance task. Also, consistent with prior research, heart rate increased with perceived control. However, behavioral control per se did not appear to mitigate defensive emotion as indexed by startle potentiation. These findings indicate that other parameters may mediate the efficacy of active coping in addition to control, and that the startle probe paradigm can provide a valuable tool for investigating these parameters in future research.
An unsupervised method for identifying regions that initiate seizures on intracranial EEG

Epilepsy patients who do not respond to pharmacological treatments currently have only brain surgery as a major alternative therapy. Identifying which brain areas to remove is thus of critical importance for physicians and the patient. Currently, this process is almost entirely manual, can vary greatly between clinical experts and centers, and depends only on qualitative EEG features, all of which may help explain the only modest success of extratemperal lobe epilepsy surgery. In this study, we explore an unsupervised, quantitative method for identifying seizure onset regions. A Gaussian mixture model (GMM) was used to cluster 500 ms epochs of intracranial electroencephalogram (EEG) prior to (preictal) and during (ictal) seizures in week-long continuous recordings from three patients during evalulation for epilepsy surgery. The GMM learning paradigm determines the optimal number of clusters for each patient. For the two patients whose epochs sorted into two clusters, we found that one cluster was predominantly composed of seizure epochs, and a subset of the channels made brief “forays” into that cluser in the time leading up to seizure onset. This observation is in keeping with the clinical hypothesis that certain brain areas may be the initiators of seizure activity, and we find that the channels independently labeled by physicians as seizure onset zones (SOZs) are statistically overrepesented in the seizure-defined cluster. Nevertheless, we also find that a subset of channels not labeled as SOZs has similar properties as those labeled SOZs. In this study we have tried to avoid many of the assumptions commonly made about what features and events are indicative of epileptogenic activity and believe that such analysis can help avoid many of the pitfalls of manual, non-objective human SOZ marking.
Maternal depression effects on infants and early interventions.

Our recent research suggests that: (1) maternal depression negatively affects infants as early as the neonatal period, implicating prenatal effects of maternal depression; (2) as early as birth the infants show a profile of "dysregulation" in their behavior, physiology, and biochemistry which probably derives from prenatal exposure to a biochemical imbalance in their mothers; (3) these effects are compounded by the disorganizing influence of the mother's interaction behavior; (4) depressed mothers have two predominant interaction styles, withdrawn or intrusive, which seem to have differential, negative effects on their infants related to inadequate stimulation and arousal modulation; (5) nondepressed caregivers such as fathers may buffer these effects because they provide more optimal stimulation and arousal modulation; and (6) interventions that are mood altering for the mothers (e.g., music and massage therapy) and arousal reducing for the infants (e.g., the same therapies) make the mothers and infants more responsive to interaction coaching and improve their interactions.
Lipid composition of potatoes as affected by storage and potassium fertilization

The effects of storage treatments and potassium fertilization on the phospholipid, triglyceride and free fatty acid content of Russet Burbank potatoes were determined. Thin-layer chromatography of the lipids indicated at least 18 types of lipids were present. Eight were phospholipids which were the predominant lipid class in the potatoes. Phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidic acid comprise the major phospholipids. A large increase in phosphatidic acid and a decrease in phosphatidylcholine were observed in potatoes stored at 5.6 C (42 F). Potatoes fertilized with 240 lbs of potassium (calculated as K2O) had a higher content of triglycerides compared to potatoes with no fertilization. Potatoes stored at 5.6 C (42 F) exhibited a decrease in triglyceride and phospholipid content but the free fatty acids were increased. The various lipid contents of reconditioned potatoes were similar to those of freshly harvested potatoes.
More Than a Pipe Dream: Uncovering Mechanisms of Vascular Lumen Formation

An unresolved question in vasculogenesis is how mammalian endothelial cells make lumens in developing vessels. In this issue of Developmental Cell, Strilic et al. present a comprehensive analysis of murine arterial lumen formation that defines cellular and molecular events required for lumen morphogenesis and argues against a previous paradigm of lumen formation.
Non-invasive bioluminescent detection of prostate cancer growth and metastasis in a bigenic transgenic mouse model.

BACKGROUND We previously established a bioluminescent transgenic mouse model, sPSA-Luc, with luciferase gene expression restricted to the prostate under the control of the supra prostate-specific antigen (sPSA) promoter. We now assess the feasibility of generating bigenic mice, TRAMP-Luc, with the sPSA-Luc as the founder strain crossbred with TRAMP (transgenic adenocarcinoma mouse prostate) mice, to evaluate non-invasively the metastatic potential of prostate tumors. METHODS TRAMP-Luc mice were obtained as [C57BL/6 TRAMP × FVB sPSA-Luc] F1 offspring. Tumor development in 10 TRAMP-Luc males was followed by bioluminescence imaging from 8 to 24 weeks of age. Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining for T antigen (Tg), androgen receptor (AR), luciferase and/or pathological analysis verified the tumor distribution in the imaged tissues including prostate gland, lymph node and bone. RESULTS Group I animals that presented with no grossly visible tumors showed prostate-confined bioluminescence with slightly increased signal intensity with age. Group II animals that developed large tumors displayed a widely distributed and biphasic bioluminescence pattern. The peak was reached between 10 and 14 weeks of age, then markedly decreased or even disappeared beyond week 16, except for one mouse that showed an increased bioluminescence signal at the jaw bone and hind limbs at week 22. These tumors were shown by IHC to contain Tg but lost AR and luciferase beyond week 16 in poorly differentiated prostate tumors. CONCLUSION A direct correlation between bioluminescence emission and AR expression was found in TRAMP-Luc tumor progression model. This model allows non-invasive imaging of prostate cancer metastases to bone and soft tissues. Prostate 67: 685–691, 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Computer programs for calculating soil loss on a watershed basis

A series of computer programs designed to predict gross annual soil loss on a watershed basis by application of the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) have been developed. The programs provide an easy-to-use, flexible, and standardized means of organizing base data and applying the USLE to large land areas. The programs can be used to assess and to evaluate the effects of changing land-use patterns and conservation practices on soil losses. Critical or problem areas can be readily identified. The USLE Computer Programs are a useful research tool for investigators involved in water quality management, 208 planning, or conservation research. The package of computer programs consists of three main components: data input, the Main Program, and the Totals Program. Input data include both field base data describing the watershed and corresponding values for the factors in the USLE. The Main Program calculates the average rate of soil loss (tons/ acre/yr) and the total soil loss (tons/yr) for the smallest subunit of the watershed identified as the soil unit. Also calculated is an RKLS factor, which is an indication of the erosive potential of a given soil type, slope, and slope length, under a particular rainfall regime. The Totals Program aggregates soil unit losses into progressively larger units, that is, field, farm, subwatershed, and watershed units. An example of the programs' versatility and use is presented.
Differential expression of surface markers on thymic lymphomas induced by two carcinogenic agents in different mouse strains

Expression of several thymocyte surface antigens was monitored in a murine model system of thymic lymphoma induction in two different strains of mice. RF/J mice are sensitive to tumor induction by N-nitrosomethylurea (NMU) and by gamma-irradiation, while 129/J mice form tumors only upon NMU treatment. Latency periods for tumor formation were characteristically different depending upon the inducing agent and the mouse strain. We observed differences in thymic leukemia antigen and H-2K expression according to the mode of tumor induction and in relation to the mouse strain, implying multiple factors involved in target cell selection and tumor progression.
Photodestruction cross sections for mass-selected ion clusters: (CO2)n+

Abstract The relative photodestruction cross sections for CO 2 cluster ions, (CO 2 ) n + (2 ⩽ n ⩽ 10), are reported at 1064, 644 and 532 nm. The ion clusters are synthesized by nucleation to the monomer ion in a supersonic expansion, and the parent ions are mass selected both before and after photodissociation with a tandem time-of-flight mass spectrometer. Models for the observed cluster size dependence of the cross sections are discussed.
Mechanism of inactivation of serum oxidase (ceruloplasmin) activity by ultraviolet radiation.

SummaryOxidase activity of serum and purified ceruloplasmin is inactivated by ultraviolet irradiation at 2537 A. Loss of enzymatic activity was correlated with a change in state of bound copper of ceruloplasmin to “unbound” copper. When relative enzymatic activity is plotted against radiation dose, the relationship was exponential (A = A0e-kD).
Genetic-algorithm-based construction of Load-Balanced CDSs in Wireless Sensor Networks

A Connected Dominating Set (CDS) is used as a virtual backbone for efficient routing and broadcasting in Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs). Most existing works focus on constructing a Minimum CDS (MCDS), a k-connect m-dominating CDS, a minimum routing cost CDS or a bounded-diameter CDS. However, no work considers the load-balance factor of CDSs in WSNs. In this paper, we propose a novel problem — the Load-Balanced CDS (LBCDS) problem, in which constructing an LBCDS and load-balancedly allocating dominatees to dominators are investigated simultaneously. A Genetic Algorithm (GA) based strategy called LBCDS-GA is proposed to construct an LBCDS in a WSN. As a matter of fact, constructing a CDS as a virtual backbone in a WSN is an efficient way to extend network lifetime through reducing the number of the nodes involved in communication, while building an LBCDS and load-balancedly allocating dominatees to dominators can further prolong network lifetime through balancing the workloads of all the dominators. Through extensive simulations, we demonstrate that our proposed methods extend network lifetime by 65% on average compared with the best and latest MCDS construction algorithm.
Enantiomeric separation of chiral ruthenium(II) complexes using capillary electrophoresis

Capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) and micellar capillary electrophoresis (MCE) were applied for the enantiomeric separation of nine mononuclear tris(diimine)ruthenium(II) complexes as well as the separation of all stereoisomers of a dinuclear tris(diimine)ruthenium(II) complex. Nine cyclodextrin (CD) based chiral selectors were examined as run buffer additives to evaluate their effectiveness in the enantiomeric separation of tris(diimine)ruthenium(II) complexes. Seven showed enantioselectivity. Sulfated gamma-cyclodextrin (SGC), with four baseline and three partial separations, was found to be the most useful chiral selector. In CZE mode, the derivatized gamma-CDs were more effective than beta-CDs while sulfated CDs work better than carboxymethyl CDs. In MCE mode, hydroxypropyl beta-CD separated the greatest number of tris(diimine) ruthenium(II) complexes. The effects of chiral selector concentration, run buffer pH and concentration, the concentration ratio between chiral selector and other factors were investigated.
Modeling of vascular networks

Vascular networks refer here mainly to the microscale capillary networks of the vascular system of mammals, although they may also be considered to include the small arteries that feed the capillaries and the small veins that drain them. The modeling of these networks for resting mammals is reviewed within the context of describing related scaling laws for mammals of vastly different size. Basic processes are considered and alternative approaches mentioned. All lead to the same scaling laws for the radius, length and number of the vessels. The applicability of the relations is illustrated using existing measurements. Discussion is also included on the effect of strenuous exercise on the scaling law for number of capillary vessels and matters related to it.
Emetic and hyperthermic effects of centrally injected methionine-enkephalin in cats.

SummaryThird cerebral ventricular administration of 1-2 mg of methionine-en-kephalin caused both emesis and hyperther-mia in cats. The emetic response was prevented, and the hyperthermic response was reduced by 100-250 μg of naloxone given intraventricularly 30 min before enkepha-lin. These results provide further evidence that enkephalins can act on opiate receptors in the brain.This investigation was supported by USPHS Research Grant NS 08618.1 would like to thank Ms. Jean Ann Robins for her technical assistance.
Predictors of Social Anxiety in Children and Adolescents with Sickle Cell Disease

The aim of this study was to examine the potential moderating effect of age on the child-reported pain–social anxiety relationship in children and adolescents with sickle cell disease (SCD). Participants were children and adolescents (ages 8–17; 33 girls, 25 boys) diagnosed with SCD who completed measures of social anxiety and severity of usual pain. Caregivers provided demographic information, and mean hemoglobin levels were computed as a measure of objective disease severity. Ratings of more severe pain were associated with greater social anxiety, including fear of negative evaluation, for older children and adolescents only, revealing a moderating effect of age. Increased relevancy of peer relationships in adolescence, limited social contacts due to SCD complications, and misreading of social cues (e.g., maladaptive coping response to pain) may explain why older children and adolescents reported greater social anxiety in the presence of a stressor such as pain.
Collaborative 3D localization of robots from relative pose measurements using gradient descent on manifolds

We propose a distributed algorithm for estimating the full 3-D pose (position and orientation) of multiple autonomous vehicles with respect to a common reference frame when GPS is not available. This algorithm does not rely on the use of any maps, or the ability to recognize landmarks in the environment. Instead we assume that noisy measurements of the relative pose between pairs of robots are intermittently available. We utilize the additional information about each robot's pose provided by these measurements to improve over self-localization estimates. The proposed method is based on solving an optimization problem in an underlying product manifold (SO(3)×ℝ3)n(k). A provably correct explicit gradient descent law is provided. Unlike many previous approaches, the proposed algorithm is applicable to the 3-D case. The method is also capable of handling a fully dynamic scenario where the neighbor relationships are time-varying. Simulations show that the errors in the localization estimates obtained using this algorithm are significantly lower then what is achieved when robots estimate their pose without cooperation. Results from experiments with a pair of ground robots with vision-based sensors reinforce these findings.
Role of friction on the thermal development in ultrasonically consolidated aluminum foils and composites

Abstract Ultrasonic consolidation is a solid-state bonding process capable of producing metal and metal matrix composite parts. In this work a friction-based heat generation model is proposed to characterize the thermal development of ultrasonically consolidated aluminum foils and continuous fiber alumina reinforced aluminum metal matrix composite tape as a function of process control parameters. The friction coefficient between mating surfaces is determined experimentally, and the credibility of using both a constant friction coefficient and a process dependent friction coefficient is assessed. In most cases a constant friction coefficient is capable of producing results that are within 15% error; while a process dependent friction coefficient achieves an average error of 7%.
Existnence and nonexistence of positive solutions of fourth order nonlinear boundary value problems

The authors consider booundary value problems for fourth order ordinary differential equations of the form with the boundary conditions or They give sufficient conditions for the problems (E)-(B1) and (E)-(B2) to have at least one positive solutions. They also give sufficient conditions for these problems to have no positive solutions. Examples to illustrate that the results are sharp are also included.
Water hemlock poisoning complicated by rhabdomyolysis and renal failure

(1979). Water Hemlock Poisoning Complicated by Rhabdomyolysis and Renal Failure. Clinical Toxicology: Vol. 14, No. 1, pp. 87-92.
Structure and functional properties of the ubiquitin binding protein p62

Several highly conserved p62 homologs have recently been isolated, e.g. the rat atypical protein kinase C-interacting protein (ZIP), the murine A170/signal transduction and adapter protein, and the human p62, a protein that binds the Src homology 2 domain of p56lck. These proteins share striking similarity in amino acid sequence and structural motifs, thereby suggesting conserved functional properties. ZIP/p62 has been shown to play an important role as a scaffold leading to the activation of the transcription factor nuclear factor κB. In addition, a nuclear form of p62 has been characterized that can serve as a transcriptional co-activator. Moreover, p62 is capable of binding ubiquitin (Ub) non-covalently through its Ub-associated domain. In this review, we will focus on the structure and function of ZIP/p62.
Brain tumor therapy: prospects for combining BCNU with conventional radiotherapy schedules.

Abstract When the largest doses of BCNU that could be given 3 times per week (2.5 mg/kg) or 2 times per week (3.0 mg/kg) were used in combination with five 260 rad fractions of radiation per week to treat intracerebral 9L tumors over a 2 week period, neither combination schedule was as effective as the schedule where 2.0 mg/kg of BCNU was delivered 5 times per week, 16 hr before each daily radiation treatment. In a previously published report using this same tumor system, the maximum tolerable dose of BCNU administered 16 hr before the maximum tolerable dose of radiation 2 or 3 times per week was equally effective as the daily combination schedule. Therefore, our data suggest, that the optimum combination of BCNU and radiation for treating human brain tumors may require the use of unconventional radiotherapy schedules like those used in several radiosensitizer protocols rather than conventional daily fractionation schedules.
Effects of unions on job satisfaction: The role of work-related values and perceived rewards

This study examines the effects of unions on five facets of job satisfaction. Following E. A. Locke (Organizational Behavior and Human Performance, 1969, 4, 309–336; in M. D. Dunnette (Ed.), Handbook of Industrial and Organizational Psychology, Chicago: Rand McNally, 1976) unions are hypothesized to have only indirect effects on facet satisfaction through work-related values, perceived rewards, or both. These hypotheses are tested with multiple regression and logit analyses in a national probability sample of full-time employed adults. Results consistently support the hypothesis that unions have only indirect effects on job satisfaction. Unions increase pay satisfaction by increasing both pay values and pay outcomes. Unions have negative effects on (a) satisfaction with work itself (by decreasing job scope perceptions), (b) satisfaction with co-workers and supervision (through less favorable perceptions of supervisory behavior), and (c) satisfaction with promotions (through lower values toward promotions). Results are discussed in the context of the processes through which unions alter the employment relationship and employees' subsequent affective evaluation of their work environment.
Non-conservative processing of ribosomal RNA in an insect, Chironomus tentans.

Abstract A molecular weight of approximately 2.6 · 10 6 was estimated from the electrophoretic mobility of the 38-S precursor of rRNA in Chironomus tentans , those of 1.6 · 10 6 and 0.94 · 10 6 for the 30-S and 23-S intermediates, and of 1.45 · 10 6 and 0.71 · 10 6 for the mature 28-S and 18-S forms, respectively. If correct, this implies that about 15–20 % of the initial precursor is lost during processing. Several of the rRNA and pre-RNA species dissociate into defined fragments when treated with agents which weaken hydrogen bonding: the 28-S RNA into fragments of approximately 0.66 · 10 6 and 0.77 · 10 6 daltons, the 30-S pre-rRNA into segments of 1.45 · 10 6 (28 S) and 0.15 · 10 6 daltons. The latter one of these dissociations seems to correspond to the normal conversion of the 30-S pre-rRNA to the mature 28-S rRNA, thus inferring that this conversion is in fact a non-conservative process, and allowing the recovery of one of the normally lost segments of pre-rRNA. The cleavages in both the 30-S and 28-S molecules develop only some time after these molecules are formed and thus indicate discrete steps in their maturation.
113 THE ROLE OF ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY IN POSTOPERATIVE AORTIC STENOSIS

Echocardiography (echo) has been used in the preoperative evaluation of patients with aortic stenosis. To assess its role as a postoperative index of left ventricular peak systolic pressure (LVSP) in surgically relieved LV outflow obstruction, 13 patients were evaluated by both echo and cardiac catheterization (cath). Average postoperative period was 37 months (range 10 to 122 mos.). Of several variables assessed including LV volumes,LV mass/volume ratio, posterior wall thickness/LV cavity size ratio (Ws/Ds), and mean wall thickness/LV cavity radius ratio (≥/r), only systolic wall thickness on echo correlated with LV pressure at cath (r=0.70, p=N.S.). No correlation was found between LVSP at cath and that predicted by echo using any of the published regression formulae that have been applied in the preoperative period (mean cath LVSP=139mm, range 100mm to 180mm; mean echo LVSP per Glanz, et.al.=173mm, range 113mm to 225mm; mean echo LVSP per Aziz, et.al=187mm, range 136mm to 241mm.). In 12 cases echo overestimated LVSP measured at cath and it predicted abnormal LVSP in 11 patients though at cath LV pressure was normal in 10 of these. Percentage fiber shortening was found to be more than 2 standard deviations above established normals in 9 patierts These data indicate that currently applied formulae, while of value for preoperative assessment of LV pressure, are not reliable for use in the postoperative period and raise questions concerning the reversibility of preoperative myocardial changes.
The effects of maleylation on the properties of concanavalin A

Abstract The major product resulting from treatment of concanavalin A with maleic anhydride is a stable, dimeric species, devoid of subunits with broken peptide chains. For complete dissociation of the concanavalin A tetramer, at least eight maleyl groups per subunit were required. The binding site in the fully modified protein was shown to be essentially unchanged, by equilibrium dialysis experiments with p- nitrophenyl -α- d -glucoside . Precipitation reactions with dextran were altered, and would only proceed in the presence of high salt concentration at acid pH. Affinity chromatography on Sephadex G-75 showed that the maleylated dimer behaved in a similar manner to the dimeric form of concanavalin A.
Thermally activated escape rate in presence of long-time memory

Kramers's original modeling of the thermally activated escape rate over a barrier is generalized for Brownian-motion theory with long-time memory.
A High-Efficiency Self-Oscillating Class-D Amplifier for Piezoelectric Speakers

The design tradeoffs of the class-D amplifier (CDA) for driving piezoelectric (PZ) speakers are presented, including efficiency, linearity, and electromagnetic interference. An implementation is proposed to achieve high efficiency in the CDA architecture for PZ speakers to extend battery life in mobile devices. A self-oscillating closed-loop architecture is used to obviate the need for a carrier signal generator to achieve low power consumption. The use of stacked-cascode CMOS transistors at the H-bridge output stage provides low-input capacitance to allow high-switching frequency to improve linearity with high efficiency. Moreover, the CDA monolithic implementation achieves 18 $V_{\rm PP}$ output voltage swing in a low-voltage CMOS technology without requiring expensive high-voltage semiconductor devices. The prototype experimental results achieved a minimum THD $+$ N of 0.025%, and a maximum efficiency of 96%. Compared to available CDA for PZ speakers, the proposed CDA achieved higher linearity, lower power consumption, and higher efficiency.
The Pleiotropic Effects of Angiotensin Receptor Blockers

The angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) are very effective and safe antihypertensive drugs. They exert their antihypertensive effect through blockage of the angiotensin II, type 1 receptor and quite possibly through stimulation by angiotensin II of the unoccupied type 2 receptor. Besides hypertension, the ARBs have been found recently to be of value in the treatment of heart failure and diabetic nephropathy. In addition, ARBs have emerged lately as being very effective and perhaps superior to other antihypertensive drugs in the prevention of de novo or recurrent strokes. Other actions that may account for their stroke-protective effects include their antiatherogenic, antidiabetic, antiplatelet aggregating, hypouricemic, and atrial antifibrillatory actions. All these actions make the ARBs a true pleiotropic class of drugs. Each of the foregoing effects will be discussed briefly in this concise review.
Molecular characterization of group A Streptococcus maltodextrin catabolism and its role in pharyngitis

We previously demonstrated that the cell-surface lipoprotein MalE contributes to GAS maltose/maltodextrin utilization, but MalE inactivation does not completely abrogate GAS catabolism of maltose or maltotriose. Using a genome-wide approach, we identified the GAS phosphotransferase system (PTS) responsible for non-MalE maltose/maltotriose transport. This PTS is encoded by an open reading frame (M5005_spy1692) previously annotated as ptsG based on homology with the glucose PTS in Bacillus subtilis. Genetic inactivation of M5005_spy1692 significantly reduced transport rates of radiolabelled maltose and maltotriose, but not glucose, leading us to propose its reannotation as malT for maltose transporter. The DeltamalT, DeltamalE and DeltamalE:malT strains were significantly attenuated in their growth in human saliva and in their ability to catabolize alpha-glucans digested by purified human salivary alpha-amylase. Compared with wild-type, the three isogenic mutant strains were significantly impaired in their ability to colonize the mouse oropharynx. Finally, we discovered that the transcript levels of maltodextrin utilization genes are regulated by competitive binding of the maltose repressor MalR and catabolite control protein A. These data provide novel insights into regulation of the GAS maltodextrin genes and their role in GAS host-pathogen interaction, thereby increasing the understanding of links between nutrient acquisition and virulence in common human pathogens.
A test of time sharing in auditory attention

This study shows that subjects, while shadowing a primary message, can monitor two additional messages as well as they can monitor a single one. In addition, monitoring for targets on the primary message is not impaired more by two than by one additional message to monitor, and performance on all monitoring tasks appears to approach an asymptote of no interference. These findings contradict any limited-capacity theory of attention that attempts to use speeded time sharing of limited resources to explain the fact that subjects can perform two skilled tasks at once. If subjects were time sharing at any stage of practice, an increase in the number of alternative channels to be monitored would have made performance worse.
Chapter 5 Role of intracellular messengers in signal transduction in retinal rods

3. A Role for Internal Messengers in Phototransduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120 3.1. The Magnitude of the Rod Response to Single Absorbed Photons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120 3.2. The Stereotyped Amplitude and Waveform of the Single Photon Response . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121 3.3. The Longitudinal Spread of the Excitation Signal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121