cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Individual Differences in Perceived Elevation and Verticality: Evidence of a Common Visual Process

The frontoparallel orientation of a long peripheral line influences two visual norms, elevation, also called the visual perception of eye level (VPEL), and orientation in the frontoparallel plane, called visually perceived vertical (VPV). However, VPEL and VPV are distinct in that different integration rules describe the combinatorial effects of two lines symmetrically located on opposite sides of the median plane. Nevertheless, we propose that the same orientation-sensitive process underlies the two discriminations. We measured the two norms while we manipulated visual orientation with 1-line and 2-line stimuli (on opposite sides of the median plane), then modeled the large and significant effect of line orientation on VPEL and VPV settings as linear averages of signals from vision and from non-visual, body-referenced, vestibular and proprioceptive mechanisms. Significant correlations are evident between observers ( n = 30 ) in the effect of visual orientation on both VPEL and VPV, and in the baseline measures (dark value, intercept) on both norms. The latter egocentric bias is further discussed in the context of the operation of the body-referenced mechanism across different egocentric discriminations for an individual subject. Given the evidence for different integration rules, the pattern of individual co-variation implies the existence of a single, shared visual orientation process that feeds to separate integration processes.
Effect of thermal excitations of the reservoir on phase bistability in the fundamental model of quantum optics

The effect of the finite temperature of the reservoir on the phase bistability in the fundamental model of quantum optics is studied based on the Q distribution function calculated numerically and on the P distribution function obtained analytically in the case of large Rabi frequencies. The condition for the appearance of the phase bistability in a system with allowance for thermal excitations of the reservoir is obtained.
Moment-tensor solutions estimated using optimal filter theory: global seismicity, 1991

Moment-tensor solutions, estimated using optimal filter theory, are listed for 108 moderate-to-large size earthquakes occurring during 1991.
Genetics and biology of male germ cell tumors.

Germ cell tumors arise by the transformation of a germ cell that during its normal lifespan undergoes a series of proliferative and differentiation events that culminate in the formation of gametes [1]. They can develop at any age; however, prepubertal and postpubertal germ cell tumors seem to arise at different times in the normal germ cell lifespan. Most germ cell tumors occurring in men present in the testis, with less than 10% presenting at extragonadal sites [2]. Uniquely, transformed germ cells exhibit the potential to elicit molecular pathways, in part, mimicking those occurring during normal human development, as evidenced by thearrayofhistologiesobservedwithintumorspecimens[3].Seminomasretainthe appearance of undifferentiated germ cells, whereas nonseminomatous tumors display various extents of differentiation, ranging from early postzygotic (embryonal carcinoma) to extraembryonic (yolk sac tumors, choriocarcinoma) to embryonic somatic differentiation patterns (teratoma). Occasionally, teratomatous components can undergo a further transformation into neoplastic elements that resemble histologically de novo non–germ cell tumors. The treatment of germ cell tumors involves surgical resection followed by radiotherapy for seminomas or cisplatin-based chemotherapy for nonseminomas [2]. Overall, more than 90% of patients are cured, although several clinical and genetic markers have been identified that predict a poor outcome. This review discusses the biology and genetics of germ cell transformation, differentiation, and resistance.
Secondary structure of 11 S globulin in aqueous solution investigated by FT-IR derivative spectroscopy.

Abstract Secondary structure of 11 S globulin, a major storage protein of soybean seeds, has been investigated in aqueous solution by FT-IR spectroscopy. Conformational changes in the native protein upon thermal and chemical denaturation have been monitored by observing changes in the frequency position and peak intensity of the various bands. The frequency of the Amide I band of the native protein shifts by 4 cm −1 from 1643 cm −1 to 1647 cm −1 when denatured, while the corresponding intensity of the Amide I band compared to the native protein, decreases by 30 and 67%, respectively, for the urea and thermally denatured proteins, indicating gross conformational changes in the secondary structure. Trifluoroethanol, an α-helix promoter shifts the Amide I band from 1643 cm −1 to 1651 cm −1 , typical of α-helix, with a corresponding increase in intensity by 14% relative to the native protein. Derivative spectroscopy, allowing resolution of overlapping bands, shows that the native protein mainly consists of s-sheet, s-turns and disordered structure with very little α-helix. On denaturation, s-sheet disappeared almost completely with urea, while this is less so with thermal denaturation.
REFINED CRYSTAL STRUCTURE OF METHYLAMINE DEHYDROGENASE FROM PARACOCCUS DENITRIFICANS AT 1.75 A RESOLUTION

Abstract The three-dimensional structure of the quinoprotein methylamine dehydrogenase from Paracoccus denitrificans has been refined at 1.75 A resolution utilizing the DNA-based protein sequence. The final model incorporates 8034 atoms per molecule, including 552 molecules of solvent, and gives an R-factor of 0.163. The molecule is an H2L2 hetero-tetramer containing a non-crystallographic 2-fold axis of symmetry. The 373-residue H subunit is folded into seven repeats of a four-stranded antiparallel β-sheet motif, arranged in a propeller-like pattern about a pseudo-7-fold rotational axis of symmetry. Each L subunit contains 131 residues folded in a tight structure composed of five β-strands in two sheets and crosslinked by six disulfide bonds. In addition there is an intrasubunit covalent linkage between two tryptophan side-chains that form the unique redox center, tryptophan tryptophylquinone (TTQ). The active site contains the O-6 carbonyl of TTQ, the side-chains of Asp32L, Asp76L, Tyr119L and Thr122L, and two solvent molecules. A potential “gate” (Phe55H) separates the closed active-site cavity from a channel containing a group of highly ordered water molecules to bulk solvent. Phe55H and Tyr119L, and a number of neighboring oxygen atoms, may also provide a binding site for monovalent cations that are known to affect the reactivity and spectral properties of TTQ as well as the oxidative half reaction. The overall reaction has been dissected into a number of discrete steps that may require participation by several individual amino acid residues in the active site acting as general acids and bases.
Optimal linear filter for fMRI analysis

This paper presents development and application of an optimal linear filter for delineation of activated areas of the brain from functional MRI (fMRI) time series data. The steps of the work accomplished are as follows. (1) Delineation of activated areas is formulated as an optimal linear filtering problem. In this formulation, a linear filter (image combination method) is looked for, which maximizes the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the activated areas subject to the constraint of removing inactivated areas from the image. (2) An analytical solution for the problem is found. (3) Image pixel vectors and expected time series pattern (signature) for inactivated pixels are used to calculate the weighting vectors numerically. (4) The segmented image by the proposed method is compared to those generated by the conventional methods (correlation, t- statistic, and z-statistic). Visual qualities of the images as well as their SNR's are compared. The optimal linear filter outperforms the conventional methods of fMRI analysis based on improved SNR and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of the images generated by the proposed method compared to those generated by the other methods. In addition, this method does not require a priori knowledge of the fMRI response to the paradigm for its application. The method is linear and most of the work is done analytically, thereby numerical implementation and execution of the method are faster than the conventional methods.
Lyapunov's functionals and related optimal problems for differential-difference systems

Abstract The optimal control of linear differential-difference systems of neutral type, with respect to quadratic performance criteria over an infinite time interval is treated. The linear differential-difference systems with delays in coordinates, derivatives, and control actions are considered. The Lyapunov-Bellman formalism is used to find the optimal solution. The global optimality of the solution follows from convexity of the set of admissible controls and of the cost functional, and linearity of the constraints. The computational procedure is based on considering the approximate optimal problem. A connection is established between the original and approximate optimal problems.
Re(CO)(3)(H(2)O)(3)(+) binding to lysozyme: structure and reactivity.

The reaction of Re(CO)3(H2O)3+ with hen egg white lysozyme in aqueous solution results in a single covalent adduct. Both NMR spectroscopy and single crystal X-ray diffraction show that the rhenium tricarbonyl cation binds to His15via replacement of one of the coordinated water molecules. The formation of this adduct does not greatly affect the structure of the protein.
Aids to Drawing Reading for Apprentices

As the design of mechanisms, structures and so on increases in complexity, and manufacturing processes become more complicated, the need for set courses on drawing reading as a classroom subject for student and craft apprentices becomes more evident. Among the many maxims of good design are ‘Foolproof Assembly’ and ‘Minimum Number of Parts’. Although the application of these maxims is usually reasonably simple, it does make for more complex parts and, consequently, more complex detail drawings. Some of these drawings are really difficult to interpret correctly — particularly for apprentices in the early years of their training before they have received any full‐time instruction in drawing and design.
Naturally occurring continued fractions in the variation of Kepler's equation

A family of functions involving integrals of universal functions is introduced. These functions have some interesting mathematical properties including the fact that they may be expressed as Gaussian continued fractions. An unique method of performing the integration is demonstrated which indicates why these functions may be important in the variation of Kepler's equation.
Cyclic peptides as probes of the substrate binding site of the cytosolic tyrosine kinase, pp60c-src.

A series of 48 cyclic peptides based on the amino acid sequence surrounding the autophosphorylation site of pp60(c-src) was synthesized and each was tested as both a substrate and an inhibitor of this protein tyrosine kinase. Starting with cyclo(Asp1-Asn2-Gln3-Tyr4-Ala5-Ala6-Arg7-Gln8-d- Phe9-Pro10) a six-amino-acid survey was performed at positions 1 through 8 to determine which positions were critical for affinity and phosphorylation and which amino acids produced the greatest activity. Our survey found that Arg7 was detrimental for binding and phosphorylation and that aromatic residues were preferred at this position. Further increases in affinity were obtained with hydrophobic residues at position 6 with the optimum for both affinity and phosphorylation being Phe. Changes on the "amino-terminal" side of Tyr4 resulted in reduced Vmax values, illustrating the requirement for acidic residues in peptidic tyrosine kinase substrates. The result of the survey was cyclo(Asp1-Asn2-Gln3-Tyr4-Ala5-Phe6-Phe7-Gln8-d-Phe 9-Pro10). The change of residues 6 and 7 resulted in a 42-fold increase in affinity and no increase in Vmax. As a substrate, this peptide displayed Michaelis-Menten kinetics at saturating ATP conditions. As an inhibitor, mixed inhibition was observed. A linear version of this peptide was 13-fold less potent an inhibitor than the cyclic peptide.
Handling missing data in randomized experiments with noncompliance.

Treatment noncompliance and missing outcomes at posttreatment assessments are common problems in field experiments in naturalistic settings. Although the two complications often occur simultaneously, statistical methods that address both complications have not been routinely considered in data analysis practice in the prevention research field. This paper shows that identification and estimation of causal treatment effects considering both noncompliance and missing outcomes can be relatively easily conducted under various missing data assumptions. We review a few assumptions on missing data in the presence of noncompliance, including the latent ignorability proposed by Frangakis and Rubin (Biometrika 86:365–379, 1999), and show how these assumptions can be used in the parametric complier average causal effect (CACE) estimation framework. As an easy way of sensitivity analysis, we propose the use of alternative missing data assumptions, which will provide a range of causal effect estimates. In this way, we are less likely to settle with a possibly biased causal effect estimate based on a single assumption. We demonstrate how alternative missing data assumptions affect identification of causal effects, focusing on the CACE. The data from the Johns Hopkins School Intervention Study (Ialongo et al., Am J Community Psychol 27:599–642, 1999) will be used as an example.
CD45-positive cells are not an essential component in cardiosphere formation

The cardiosphere (CS) is composed of a heterogeneous population of cells, including CD45+ cells that are bone marrow (BM)-derived. However, whether the CD45+ cells are an essential cell component in CS formation is unknown. The current study was undertaken to address this question. Cardiospheres (CSs) were harvested from 1-week post-myocardial infarction (MI) or non-MI hearts of C57BL/6 J mice. The process of CS formation was observed by timelapse photography. To analyze the role of BM-derived CD45+ cells in CS formation, CD45+ cells were depleted from populations of CS-forming cells by immunomagnetic beads. We recorded the number of CSs formed in culture from the same amount (105) of intact CS-forming cells, from CD45+-cell-depleted CS-forming cells and from CD45+ cells alone (n=6–9/cell type). CS-forming cells selectively aggregated together to form CSs by 35 h after plating. The depletion of CD45+ cells from CS-forming cells actually increased the formation of CSs (67±10 CSs/105 cells) compared with non-depleted CS-forming cells (51±6 CSs/105 cells, P<0.0001). Purified CD45+ cells from CS-forming cells did not form CSs in culture. Thus, BM-derived CD45+ cells including BM progenitors are neither necessary nor sufficient for CS formation.
The formation of vacancy-type defect clusters by ion bombardment: A problem revisited by molecular dynamics

Abstract In 1969 Professor Balluffi and students L. E. Thomas and T. Schober presented a series of three papers on the nature of defects produced by keV Au irradiation of Au [Thomas et al., Radiat. Effects 1 , 257, 269, 279 (1969)]. They noted that vacancy clusters were produced with high efficiencies but could not find evidence for interstitial clusters. The authors interpreted their data on the basis of replacement collision sequences carrying interstitial atoms beyond the cascade core, leaving behind a vacancy rich depleted zone which subsequently collapsed into a visible dislocation loop. We have simulated this experiment by molecular dynamics and can now predict much of what these authors reported in 1969. However, 25 years later we offer a new explanation for the creation of vacancy clusters based on viscous flow of liquid metal through the irradiated surface.
Sexual Dimorphism in the Syrinx of the Pekin Duck

Abstract THAT the voice box of the fowl is located at the lower end of the trachea was shown by early investigators whose observations were reviewed by Wunderlich (1886). Oppel (1905) showed that the rudimentary upper larynx of the fowl is incapable of producing sound. Myers (1917) verified Oppel’s work and demonstrated, after detailed studies of morphology and function in the chicken, that the syrinx is the true voice organ of the chicken and the domestic duck. Among birds generally, sex differences in the syrinx are not uncommon. Such differences are pronounced in ducks and have been reported in several gallinaceous forms and in song birds. Myers (1917) reported that in male aquatic birds the tympanum is a large bony swelling projecting from the left side of the trachea, while in females the tympanum, though present, does not project beyond the tracheal walls. In the male, the tympanum is composed of . . .
The dynamics and trends of the development of heat engineering in the refractories industry

In the last 15 years heat engineering at refractories plants has undergone qualitative changes: The obsolescent kilns were replaced mainly with tunnel and rotary kilns, natural gas has replaced solid fuel, and the peak firing temperatures have been increased by 100–200°C. This has resulted in an improvement in the cost-benefit indices of the production process, in the quality of the refractories, and in the working conditions.
Effect of converting enzyme and angiotensin II inhibitors in chronic one kidney bipolar ligated hypertension

Summary Ligation of both poles of one kidney of the rat differs from the one kidney constricted renal artery hypertensive model in that the renal parenchyma is restricted rather than the renal artery. Such animals with bipolar ligated one kidney chronic hypertension and sodium depletion have normal renin values and evidence for activity of the renin-angiotensin system was demonstrated since blood pressure was lowered by converting enzyme inhibition (CEI) and also by angiotensin II blockade.
Robotically-Assisted Titration Coupled to Ion Mobility-Mass Spectrometry Reveals the Interface Structures and Analysis Parameters Critical for Multiprotein Topology Mapping

Multiprotein complexes have three-dimensional shapes and dynamic functions that impact almost every aspect of biochemistry. Despite this, our ability to rapidly assess the structures of such macromolecules lags significantly behind high-throughput efforts to identify their function, especially in the context of human disease. Here, we describe results obtained by coupling ion mobility-mass spectrometry with automated robotic sampling of different solvent compositions. This combination of technologies has allowed us to explore an extensive set of solution conditions for a group of eight protein homotetramers, representing a broad sample of protein structure and stability space. We find that altering solution ionic strength in concert with dimethylsulfoxide content is sufficient to disrupt the protein-protein interfaces of all of the complexes studied here. Ion mobility measurements captured for both intact assemblies and subcomplexes match expected values from available X-ray structures in all cases save two. For these exceptions, we find that distorted subcomplexes result from extreme disruption conditions, and are accompanied by small shifts in intact tetramers size, thus enabling the removal of distorted subcomplex data in downstream models. Furthermore, we find strong correlations between the relative intensities of disrupted protein tetramers and the relative number and type of interactions present at interfaces as a function of disrupting agent added. In most cases, this correlation appears strong enough to quantify various types of protein interfacial interactions within unknown proteins following appropriate calibration.
SHORT PATHS IN HOMOGENEOUS CONTINUA

Abstract Homogeneous arcwise connected metric continua are shown to, in effect, be arcwise connected by arcs of bounded length. Specifically, for any positive e, there is a natural number n such that every two points can be joined by an arc which is the union of n subarcs of diameter less than e.
Block of human cardiac sodium channels by lacosamide: evidence for slow drug binding along the activation pathway.

Lacosamide is an anticonvulsant hypothesized to enhance slow inactivation of neuronal Na+ channels for its therapeutic action. Cardiac Na+ channels display less and incomplete slow inactivation, but their sensitivity toward lacosamide remains unknown. We therefore investigated the action of lacosamide in human cardiac Nav1.5 and Nav1.5-CW inactivation-deficient Na+ channels. Lacosamide showed little effect on hNav1.5 Na+ currents at 300 µM when cells were held at −140 mV. With 30-second conditioning pulses from −90 to −50 mV; however, hNav1.5 Na+ channels became sensitive to lacosamide with IC50 (50% inhibitory concentration) around 70–80 µM. Higher IC50 values were found at −110 and −30 mV. The development of lacosamide block at −70 mV was slow in wild-type Na+ channels (τ; 8.04 ± 0.39 seconds, n = 8). This time constant was significantly accelerated in hNav1.5-CW inactivation-deficient counterparts. The recovery from lacosamide block at −70 mV for 10 seconds was relatively rapid in wild-type Na+ channels (τ; 639 ± 90 milliseconds, n = 8). This recovery was accelerated further in hNav1.5-CW counterparts. Unexpectedly, lacosamide elicited a time-dependent block of persistent hNav1.5-CW Na+ currents with an IC50 of 242 ± 19 µM (n = 5). Furthermore, both hNav1.5-CW/F1760K mutant and batrachotoxin-activated hNav1.5 Na+ channels became completely lacosamide resistant, indicating that the lacosamide receptor overlaps receptors for local anesthetics and batrachotoxin. Our results together suggest that lacosamide targets the intermediate preopen and open states of hNav1.5 Na+ channels. Lacosamide may thus track closely the conformational changes at the hNav1.5-F1760 region along the activation pathway.
Role of juvenile hormone esterases and carrier proteins in insect development

THE discovery of a binding protein, specific for juvenile hormone (JH)1 in the haemolymph of the tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta, suggested that this protein carries JH molecules from the secretory organs (corpora allata) to the target sites. We report here that the binding protein provides the hormone total protection from degradative enzymes present in the haemolymph throughout early larval life2,3. Just before the start of pupal differentiation, however, a new esterase appears in the haemolymph which is able to hydrolyse the protein-bound hormone. We have also found that the binding protein at concentrations of 10−8 M strongly enhances the development-inhibiting action of JH on wing disk tissue in vitro. These properties, taken together, demonstrate a carrier role for the binding protein, and give new insights into the control of hormone levels in the haemolymph.
The Deuterator: software for the determination of backbone amide deuterium levels from H/D exchange MS data

Background The combination of mass spectrometry and solution phase amide hydrogen/deuterium exchange (H/D exchange) experiments is an effective method for characterizing protein dynamics, and protein-protein or protein-ligand interactions. Despite methodological advancements and improvements in instrumentation and automation, data analysis and display remains a tedious process. The factors that contribute to this bottleneck are the large number of data points produced in a typical experiment, each requiring manual curation and validation, and then calculation of the level of backbone amide exchange. Tools have become available that address some of these issues, but lack sufficient integration, functionality, and accessibility required to address the needs of the H/D exchange community. To date there is no software for the analysis of H/D exchange data that comprehensively addresses these issues.
Fred Basolo (1920–2007): A tribute from students, colleagues, and family

Abstract This obituary-tribute for Fred Basolo (1920–2007), the Charles E. and Emma H. Morrison Professor of Chemistry Emeritus at Northwestern University and 1983 President of the American Chemical Society, who died of congestive heart failure on February 27, 2007, discusses his life and work in chemical education, coordination chemistry, inorganic reaction kinetics and mechanisms, and service to science and society.
Joinings of higher-rank diagonalizable actions on locally homogeneous spaces

We classify joinings between a fairly general class of higher-rank diagonalizable actions on locally homogeneous spaces. In particular, we classify joinings of the action of a maximal R-split torus on G/Γ with G a simple Lie group of R-rank at least 2 and Γ<G a lattice. We deduce from this a classification of measurable factors of such actions as well as certain equidistribution properties
Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy with implantable cardioverter defibrillator placement in pregnancy

Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is a disorder that predominantly affects the right side of the heart and causes ventricular arrhythmias. In many patients the disease is familial. ARVC may account for as many as 5% of unexpected sudden deaths. We report a case of ARVC diagnosed at 21 weeks gestation treated with an implantable cardiac defibrillator. The remainder of her pregnancy was uneventful and the patient underwent induction of labor at 39 weeks gestation with a passive second stage forceps-assisted delivery resulting in delivery of a normal infant. In the gravida with cardiac arrhythmias, defibrillator placement may offer a safe, life-preserving treatment and should be considered.
On computing conditional fault-tolerance measures for k-covered wireless sensor networks

Traditional connectivity is a graph-theoretic concept that has been widely used as a measure of the fault tolerance in wireless sensor networks. The classical connectivity, however, assumes that any subset of nodes can potentially fail at the same time, including the entire neighbor set of any node. In this paper, we propose a new measure of fault tolerance, called conditional fault-tolerance, for a class of wireless sensor networks, named k-covered wireless sensor networks (kcwsn), using the concept of forbidden faulty set. Our forbidden faulty set analysis of conditional fault-tolerance prohibits having a simultaneous failure of all the neighbors of any node. We characterize kcwsn with either homogeneous or non-homogeneous sensors based on the assumptions of random uniform distribution of the sensors and circular model of their transmission and sensing ranges. In particular, we compute the minimum node degree of kcwsn. We also prove that in general, the relationship between transmission and sensing ranges (R≥2r) does not always imply network connectivity even if sensing coverage is guaranteed. Moreover, we propose two conditional fault-tolerance measures for kcwsn: one based on the concept of conditional connectivity, the other using a new concept that is called conditional coverage. Our results prove that kcwsn can sustain a large number of sensor failures provided that the faulty set does not include the forbidden faulty set.
Simplified and refined finite element approaches for determining stresses and internal forces in geometrically nonlinear structural analysis

Two methods for determining stresses and internal forces in geometrically nonlinear structural analysis are presented. The simplified approach uses the mid-deformed structural position to evaluate strains when rigid body rotation is present. The important feature of this approach is that it can easily be used with a general-purpose finite-element computer program. The refined approach uses element intrinsic or corotational coordinates and a geometric transformation to determine element strains from joint displacements. Results are presented which demonstrate the capabilities of these potentially useful approaches for geometrically nonlinear structural analysis.
High-Voltage Isolated Gate Drive Circuit for 10 kV, 100 A SiC MOSFET/JBS Power Modules

A high-current, high-voltage-isolated gate drive circuit developed for characterization of high-voltage, high- frequency 10 kV, 100 A SiC MOSFET/JBS half-bridge power modules is presented and described. Gate driver characterization and simulation demonstrate that the circuit satisfies the gate drive requirements for the SiC power modules in applications such as the DARPA WBST-HPE solid state power substation (SSPS). These requirements include 30 kV voltage-isolation for the high-side MOSFETs, very low capacitance between the ground and floating driver sides, and 20 kHz operation. Block diagram and detailed discussion of principles of operation of the gate drive circuit are given, together with measured and simulated waveforms of performance evaluation.
Histologic Evaluation of Laser Lipolysis Comparing Continuous Wave vs Pulsed Lasers in an In Vivo Pig Model

Objectives To evaluate acute and delayed laser effects of subdermal lipolysis and collagen deposition using an in vivo pig model and to compare histologic findings in fatty tissue after continuous wave diode (CW) vs pulsed laser treatment. Methods Three CW lasers (980, 1370, and 1470 nm) and 3 pulsed lasers (1064, 1320, and 1440 nm) were used to treat 4 Gottingen minipigs. Following administration of Klein tumescent solution, a laser cannula was inserted at the top of a 10 × 2.5-cm rectangle and was passed subdermally to create separate laser “tunnels.” Temperatures at the surface and at intervals of 4-mm to 20-mm depths were recorded immediately after exposure and were correlated with skin injury. Full-thickness cutaneous biopsy specimens were obtained at 1 day, 1 week, and 1 month after exposure and were stained with hematoxylin-eosin and trichrome stain. Qualitative and semiquantitative histopathologic evaluations were performed with attention to vascular damage, lipolysis, and collagen deposition. Results Skin surface damage occurred at temperatures exceeding 46°C. Histologic examination at 1 day after exposure showed hemorrhage, fibrous collagen fiber coagulation, and adipocyte damage. Adipocytes surrounded by histiocytes, a marker of lipolysis, were present at 1 week and 1 month after exposure. Collagen deposition in subdermal fatty tissue and in reticular dermis of some specimens was noted at 1 week and had increased at 1 month. Tissue treated with CW laser at 1470 nm demonstrated greater hemorrhage and more histiocytes at damage sites than tissue treated with pulsed laser at 1440 nm. There was a trend toward more collagen deposition with pulsed lasers than with CW lasers, but this was not statistically significant. Histopathologic comparison between results of CW laser at 980 nm vs pulsed laser at 1064 nm showed the same trend. Hemorrhage differences may result from pulse duration variations. A theoretical calculation estimating temperature rise in vessels supported this hypothesis. Conclusions Pulsed lasers with higher peak powers provided better hemostatic effects than CW lasers. The degree of lipolysis depended on wavelength, laser power, and energy density. Subdermal laser irradiation can stimulate collagen deposition in subdermal tissue and reticular dermis.
Performance of the Focus and Kalon Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assays for Antibodies to Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 Glycoprotein G in Culture-Documented Cases of Genital Herpes

Glycoprotein G-based herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays from Focus and Kalon were performed with specimens from 118 patients with culture-documented genital herpes episodes, and their results were compared. Sensitivity was 52% by Kalon and 86% by Focus for first HSV-2 episodes and 100% (for each of the two tests) for recurrent HSV-2. Median times to seroconversion were 120 days by the Kalon assay, 21 days by the Focus assay, and 68 days by Western blotting assay. Values for specificity were 100% (Kalon) and 93% (Focus).
Outcomes Analysis of a Summer Asthma Camp

Forty children with moderate to severe asthma were enrolled in an asthma camp. Changes in peak flow meter (PFM) and metered-dose inhaler (MDI) technique, health care utilization, and school absenteeism were evaluated. The mean post-PFM score at the end of camp (8.9 ± 0.3) was significantly higher (p < 0001) than the pre PFM score (6.0 ± 3.4). The mean post-MDI score (6.5 ± 1.5) was significantly higher (p < 0.0001) than the pre-MDI score (4.1 ± 1.8). Emergency room visits decreased by 59%, hospitalizations decreased by 83%, and school absenteeism decreased from 266 to 188 days. Health care savings totaled $2014 per child enrolled.
Distributed Detection of Binary Decisions with Collisions in a Large, Random Network

We consider the problem of distributed detection in a large network of sensors. A random number of sensor nodes are randomly deployed. Sensor nodes perform local detection tests and communicate detections over a multiple-access channel to a fusion center. The fusion center can recognize both successful communications and communication collisions in the channel. We derive decision rules for both perfect communications and a delay-constrained communications protocol, and show that each are functions of count statistics only. We derive analytical expressions that characterize the performance of the system in terms of detection performance. We analyze performance with respect to sensor density and with respect to communications delay. Simulation examples validate theoretical predictions with numerical results. We show that the detection performance improves with network density despite increasing communication collisions. In addition, we show that detection performance using the protocol model, with imperfect communications, rapidly converges to the perfect communications case as the number of communication slots increase.
Complications of Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

Infection, graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), and to a lesser extent sinusoidal obstructive syndrome (SOS) represent the major causes of morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT). During the last decade, progress in prevention and treatment of these complications led to improvement in the outcome of these patients. Despite the fact that nonmyeloablative regimens have been increasingly used in elderly patients and in patients with co-morbidities, the nonrelapse related mortality remains a challenge and long-term follow-up is required. The objective of this manuscript is to provide an updated concise review of the complications of AHSCT and of the available treatment interventions.
The potential of accelerometers in the evaluation of stability of total knee arthroplasty.

Abstract An accelerometer attached to the anterior proximal tibia was investigated as an evaluation of knee stability of Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) patients while performing daily activities. Acceleration data of 38 TKA knees with a minimum follow up of 6 months were compared with 34 control knees. The activities performed were: walking three steps forward and coming to a sudden stop; turning in the direction of non-tested knee; sit-to-stand; and stepping up and down from a 7 inch step. The acceleration results showed significant differences between TKA and controls while stepping down and while turning in the non-tested knee direction. The higher accelerations with the TKA group may have represented an objective measure of stability, even if this was not directly discernible to the patient.
Electrothermomechanical Finite-Element Modeling of Metal Microcontacts in MEMS

Three-dimensional fractal representations of surface roughness are incorporated into a finite-element framework to obtain the electrothermomechanical behavior of ohmic contacts in radio frequency (RF) microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) switches. Fractal surfaces are generated from the Weierstrass-Mandelbrot function and are representatives of atomic force microscope surface roughness measurements of contact surfaces in fabricated RF MEMS switches with metal contacts. A specialized finite-element scheme is developed, which couples the thermomechanical asperity creep deformations with the electromechanical contact characteristics to obtain predictions of contact parameters and their evolution as a function of time and loading. A dislocation-density-based crystal plasticity framework is also used to investigate microstructure evolution at microcontacts and its effects on contact parameters. Using this approach, simulations are made to investigate how surface roughness, initial residual strains, and operating temperature can affect asperity contact behavior. Based on these predictions, tribological design guidelines can be obtained to increase the lifetime of low-contact-resistance RF MEMS switches by limiting stiction and electrical resistance increase.
Ghost of habitat past: historic habitat affects the contemporary distribution of giant garter snakes in a modified landscape

Historic habitat conditions can affect contemporary communities and populations, but most studies of historic habitat are based on the reduction in habitat extent or connectivity. Little is known about the effects of historic habitat on contemporary species distributions when historic habitat has been nearly completely removed, but species persist in a highly altered landscape. More than 93% of the historic wetlands in the Central Valley of California, USA, have been drained and converted to agricultural and other uses, but agricultural wetlands, such as rice and its supporting infrastructure of canals, allow some species to persist. Little is known about the distribution of giant garter snakes Thamnophis gigas, a rare aquatic snake species inhabiting this predominantly agricultural landscape, or the variables that affect where this species occurs. We used occupancy modeling to examine the distribution of giant garter snakes at the landscape scale in the Sacramento Valley (northern portion of the Central Valley) of California, with an emphasis on the relative strength of historic and contemporary variables (landscape-scale habitat, local microhabitat, vegetation composition and relative prey counts) for predicting giant garter snake occurrence. Proximity to historic marsh best explained variation in the probability of occurrence of giant garter snakes at the landscape scale, with greater probability of occurrence near historic marsh. We suspect that the importance of distance to historic marsh represents dispersal limitations of giant garter snakes. These results suggest that preserving and restoring areas near historic marsh, and minimizing activities that reduce the extent of marsh or marsh-like (e.g. rice agriculture, canal) habitats near historic marsh may be advantageous to giant garter snakes.
Competition between Asian pink salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha) and Alaskan sockeye salmon (O. nerka) in the North Pacific Ocean

The importance of interspecific competition as a mechanism regulating population abundance in offshore marine communities is largely unknown. We evaluated offshore competition between Asian pink salmon and Bristol Bay (Alaska) sockeye salmon, which intermingle in the North Pacific Ocean and Bering Sea, using the unique biennial abundance cycle of Asian pink salmon from 1955 to 2000. Sockeye salmon growth during the second and third growing seasons at sea, as determined by scale measurements, declined significantly in odd-numbered years, corresponding to years when Asian pink salmon are most abundant. Bristol Bay sockeye salmon do not interact with Asian pink salmon during their first summer and fall seasons and no difference in first year scale growth was detected. The interaction with odd-year pink salmon led to significantly smaller size at age of adult sockeye salmon, especially among younger female salmon. Examination of sockeye salmon smolt to adult survival rates during 1977‐97 indicated that smolts entering the ocean during even-numbered years and interacting with abundant odd-year pink salmon during the following year experienced 26% (age-2 smolt) to 45% (age-1 smolt) lower survival compared with smolts migrating during odd-numbered years. Adult sockeye salmon returning to Bristol Bay from evenyear smolt migrations were 22% less abundant (reduced by 5.9 million fish per year) compared with returns from odd-year migrations. The greatest reduction in adult returns occurred among adults spending 2 compared with 3 years at sea. Our new evidence for interspecific competition highlights the need for multispecies, international management of salmon production, including salmon released from hatcheries into the ocean.
The design and implementation of a multiqueue buffer for VLSI communication switches

The micro-architecture and VLSI implementation of a dynamically allocated multiqueue (DAMQ) buffer are presented. Design tradeoffs for the DAMQ buffer's datapath are discussed and a floorplan and the timing of the major functional units are presented. It is shown that in VLSI switches, with buffers than can store multiple packets, additional chip area is better used for the control of DAMQ buffers than for increased buffer space in simpler FIFO buffers. >
Beta-actin: a regulator of NOS-3.

β-actin is traditionally considered a structural protein that organizes and maintains the shape of nonmuscle cells, although data now indicate that β-actin is also a signaling molecule. β-actin is directly associated with nitric oxide synthase type 3 (NOS-3) in endothelial cells and platelets, and this interaction increases NOS-3 activity and the affinity of NOS-3 for heat shock protein 90 kD (Hsp90). The β-actin–induced increase in NOS-3 activity may be caused directly by β-actin, the binding of Hsp90 to NOS-3, or both. Alterations in the interaction between β-actin and NOS-3 could be caused by changes either in the availability of β-actin or in the affinity of NOS-3 for β-actin, and these alterations probably contribute to vascular complications and platelet aggregation. Studies examining the interactions between NOS-3, β-actin, and Hsp90 could potentially lead to the discovery of effective peptides for the treatment of diseases associated with impaired NOS-3 activity and nitric oxide release, such as systemic and pulmonary hypertension, atherosclerosis, and thrombotic diseases.
Optimal Distributed Beamforming in Relay Networks with Common Interference

In wireless relay networks, noise at the relays can be correlated possibly due to common interference or noise propagation from preceding hops. In this work we consider a parallel relay network with noise correlation. For the relay strategy of amplify-and-forward (AF), we determine the optimal rate maximizing relay gains when correlation knowledge is available at the relays. The effect of correlation on the performance of the relay networks is analyzed for the cases where full knowledge of correlation is available at the relays and when there is no knowledge about the correlation structure. Interestingly we find that, on the average, noise correlation is beneficial regardless of whether the relays know the noise covariance matrix or not. However, the knowledge of correlation can greatly improve the performance. Typically, the performance improvement from correlation knowledge increases with the relay power and the number of relays. With perfect correlation knowledge the system is capable of canceling interference if the number of interferers is less than the number of relays.
Pathophysiology of Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) has classically been considered a disease of motor dysfunction, but it also includes psychiatric symptoms. To better understand the symptoms and signs that accompany PD, the interrelationships of deep brain structures and cortical areas involved with this neurodegenerative disease must be investigated.Current models of basal ganglia/cortical physiology attempt to integrate motor and nonmotor physiology and describe the pathophysiology attributable to PD. The cortical areas comprising basal ganglia/cortical loops include frontal structures involved in motor program as well as more prefrontal structures likely subserving non-motor functions such as cognition. The etiology of PD is not clear, but studies have implicated oxidative stress from exogenous stressors or endogenous neurotoxins. A large number of PD patients have been found to exhibit mitochondrial dysfunction. Lewy bodies are seen within dopaminergic and other neuronal populations affected in PD, and they stain positive for...
Endothelial Function and Vascular Properties in Children with Sickle Cell Disease.

Background Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited disorder characterized by recurrent painful crises with ischemia resulting from vascular occlusion. Adults with SCD have increased arterial stiffness and reduced flow-mediated dilation (FMD), due to impaired release of substances such as nitric oxide. Aim We aimed to assess the vascular properties of carotid and brachial arteries in children with SCD compared with a control group without cardiovascular risk factors. Methods Thirty patients with SCD, mean age 12.3 ± 4.5 years, were prospectively enrolled. A control group was made up of 30 age- and gender-matched healthy subjects. Carotid intima–media thickness (IMT), cross-sectional compliance (CSC), cross-sectional distensibility (CSD), diastolic wall stress (DWS), incremental elastic modulus (Einc), and FMD were determined in both groups. Results There was no significant difference in FMD between the two groups (8.2 ± 5.0% in the SCD group vs. 9.3 ± 4.2% in the control group, P = 0.15). There was no significant correlation between FMD and age, hemoglobin, LDH level, or transcranial Doppler findings. CSD was significantly elevated in the SCD group (0.96 ± 0.44 vs. 0.59 ± 0.21, P = 0.0002), whereas DWS and Einc were significantly lower in the SCD group. CSC did not differ significantly between the two groups. Conclusions Children with SCD have no marked endothelial dysfunction or change in arterial stiffness. These manifestations may be related to disease severity and duration. Changes may become evident later in life as the disease progresses.
Multivariate Poisson-Lognormal Models for Jointly Modeling Crash Frequency by Severity

A new multivariate approach is introduced for jointly modeling data on crash counts by severity on the basis of multivariate Poisson-lognormal models. Although the data on crash frequency by severity are multivariate in nature, they have often been analyzed by modeling each severity level separately, without taking into account correlations that exist among different severity levels. The new multivariate Poisson-lognormal regression approach can cope with both overdispersion and a fully general correlation structure in the data, as opposed to the recently suggested multivariate Poisson regression approach, which allows for neither overdispersion nor a general correlation structure in the data. The new method is applied to the multivariate crash counts obtained from intersections in California for 10 years. The results show promise toward the goal of obtaining more accurate estimates by accounting for correlations in the multivariate crash counts and overdispersion.
Corporate Social Responsibility And Sustainability Responsiveness In Business Schools: A Classification Scheme

This paper adopts a neo-institutional perspective to help classify and explain the heterogeneity among Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability (CSRS) programs in universities. Four specific types of programs: 1) ignorer, 2) initiator, 3) imitator, and 4) innovator are identified and discussed with respect to their antecedents and potential outcomes. By considering internal and external forces simultaneously we delineate the motivation for CSRS program variety. A major perspective is that all institutions cannot prioritize CSRS education and that this decision is not based solely on internal limitations but also external realities.