cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of local protein environment on the binding of diatomic molecules to heme in myoglobins. DFT and dispersion-corrected DFT studies

The heme-AB binding energies (AB = CO, O2) in a wild-type myoglobin (Mb) and two mutants (H64L, V68N) of Mb have been investigated in detail with both DFT and dispersion-corrected DFT methods, where H64L and V68N represent two different, opposite situations. Several dispersion correction approaches were tested in the calculations. The effects of the local protein environment were accounted for by including the five nearest surrounding residues in the calculated systems. The specific role of histidine-64 in the distal pocket was examined in more detail in this study than in other studies in the literature. Although the present calculated results do not change the previous conclusion that the hydrogen bonding by the distal histidine-64 residue plays a major role in the O2/CO discrimination by Mb, more details about the interaction between the protein environment and the bound ligand have been revealed in this study by comparing the binding energies of AB to a porphyrin and the various myoglobins. The changes in the experimental binding energies from one system to another are well reproduced by the calculations. Without constraints on the residues in geometry optimization, the dispersion correction is necessary, since it improves the calculated structures and energetic results significantly.
Revisiting Maverick Medical Sects: The Role of Identity in Comparing Homeopaths and Chiropractics

Long a topic of historical inquiry, medical sectarianism and the external factors that promoted their demise are fairly well established. Here, we take an interdisciplinary approach as a lens through which to review the role of internal dynamics in the survival or failure of two medical sectarian groups. We draw on theory from the Organization literature, specifically the role of internal identity as an ignored factor in the survival of chiropractic and the demise of homeopaths. While external threats such as the strengths of the AMA and professional medicine were formidable, we argue that the internal response to such threats contributed substantially to survival or failure. The chiropractics developed a strong internal identity and chose to fight professional medicine in their formative years, continuing to practice independent of licensure and with consequential jail terms. In contrast, the homeopathics experienced an internal identity war within their own ranks, and ultimately selected adaptation rather independence. The two sects had remarkably contrasted outcomes which we argue had more to do with their internal identity formation, challenge and evolution than with mere external forces.
Modeling urban growth in Atlanta using logistic regression

Abstract This study applied logistic regression to model urban growth in the Atlanta Metropolitan Area of Georgia in a GIS environment and to discover the relationship between urban growth and the driving forces. Historical land use/cover data of Atlanta were extracted from the 1987 and 1997 Landsat TM images. Multi-resolution calibration of a series of logistic regression models was conducted from 50 m to 300 m at intervals of 25 m. A fractal analysis pointed to 225 m as the optimal resolution of modeling. The following two groups of factors were found to affect urban growth in different degrees as indicated by odd ratios: (1) population density, distances to nearest urban clusters, activity centers and roads, and high/low density urban uses (all with odds ratios 1). A map of urban growth probability was calculated and used to predict future urban patterns. Relative operating characteristic (ROC) value of 0.85 indicates that the probability map is valid. It was concluded that despite logistic regression’s lack of temporal dynamics, it was spatially explicit and suitable for multi-scale analysis, and most importantly, allowed much deeper understanding of the forces driving the growth and the formation of the urban spatial pattern.
Ultrastructural features of non-commissural GABAergic neurons in the medial vestibular nucleus of the monkey.

Abstract The ultrastructural characteristics of non-degenerating GABAergic neurons in rostrolateral medial vestibular nucleus were identified in monkeys following midline transection of vestibular commissural fibers. In the previous papers, we reported that most degenerated cells and terminals in this tissue were located in rostrolateral medial vestibular nucleus, and that many of these neurons were GABA-immunoreactive. In the present study, we examined the ultrastructural features of the remaining neuronal elements in this medial vestibular nucleus region, in order to identify and characterize the GABAergic cells that are not directly involved in the vestibular commissural pathway related to the velocity storage mechanism. Such cells are primarily small, with centrally-placed nuclei. Axosomatic synapses are concentrated on polar regions of the somata. The proximal dendrites of GABAergic cells are surrounded by boutons, although distal dendrites receive only occasional synaptic contacts. Two types of non-degenerated GABAergic boutons are distinguished. Type A terminals are large, with very densely-packed spherical synaptic vesicles and clusters of large, irregularly-shaped mitochondria with wide matrix spaces. Such boutons form symmetric synapses, primarily with small GABAergic and non-GABAergic dendrites. Type B terminals are smaller and contain a moderate density of round/pleomorphic vesicles, numerous small round or tubular mitochondria, cisterns and vacuoles. These boutons serve both pre- and postsynaptic roles in symmetric contacts with non-GABAergic axon terminals. On the basis of ultrastructural observations of immunostained tissue, we conclude that at least two types of GABAergic neurons are present in the rostrolateral portion of the monkey medial vestibular nucleus: neurons related to the velocity storage pathway, and a class of vestibular interneurons. A multiplicity of GABAergic bouton types are also observed, and categorized on the basis of subcellular morphology. We hypothesize that “Type A” boutons correspond to Purkinje cell afferents in rostrolateral medial vestibular nucleus, “Type B” terminals represent the axons of GABAergic medial vestibular nucleus interneurons, and “Type C” boutons take origin from vestibular commissural neurons of the velocity storage pathway.
The “grain-boundary effect” in doped ceria solid electrolytes

Abstract The ac electrical behavior of sintered polycrystalline CeO 2 :CaO and CeO 2 :Y 2 O 3 solid electrolytes is studied. Complex impedance plots show the presence of an extra arc due to the presence of relatively high-resistivity material along the grain boundaries. This “grain-boundary effect” is greatest for dilute solid solutions and “pure” samples and becomes vanishingly small for dopant concentrations ≳ 15 mole%. The effect can also be reduced by shortening the sintering time. The activation enthalpy for the grain-boundary conductivity is substantially higher than that of the lattice conductivity, especially at low dopant levels. This fact eliminates the Bauerle constriction model. The results suggest that the effective dopant concentration near the grain boundaries may be substantially reduced from the bulk value.
A topological structure on certain initial algebras

Abstract There is a well-known natural topology on the set of compatible total orders on a group, and recent results of Clay [2] , Dabkowska et al. [4] , and Sikora [12] have characterized this topology for certain groups. We consider a similar topology on the set of distinct monomial algebras in polynomial and Laurent polynomial rings. We study the latter topological structure for monomial algebras that come from rings of multiplicative invariants and show that they are either finite discrete spaces or homeomorphic to the Cantor set.
IDENTIFYING NEURAL NETWORK TOPOLOGIES THAT FOSTER DYNAMICAL COMPLEXITY

We use an ecosystem simulator capable of evolving arbitrary neural network topologies to explore the relationship between an information theoretic measure of the complexity of neural dynamics and several graph theoretical metrics calculated for the underlying network topologies. Evolutionary trends confirm and extend previous results demonstrating an evolutionary selection for complexity and small-world network properties during periods of behavioral adaptation. The resultant mapping of the space of network topologies occupied by the most complex networks yields new insights into the relationship between network structure and function. The highest complexity networks are found within limited numerical ranges of clustering coefficient, characteristic path length, small-world index, and global efficiency. The widths of these ranges vary from quite narrow to modest, and provide a guide to the most productive regions of the space of neural topologies in which to search for complexity. Our demonstration that evolution selects for complex dynamics and small-world networks helps explain biological evidence for these trends and provides evidence for selection of these characteristics based purely on network function—with no physical constraints on network structure—thus suggesting that functional and structural evolutionary pressures cooperate to produce brains optimized for adaptation to a complex, variable world.
Purification and Characterization of Giant Empty Proheads from Packaging-Defective 23ptg Mutants of Bacteriophage T4

We constructed packaging-defective gene 23ptg mutants of bacteriophage T4 that produced giant proheads of varying lengths. The giant proheads constituted up to 20% of the total proheads. A purification protocol was developed to prepare large quantities of highly pure giant proheads. The purified giant proheads appeared to package both mature T4 DNA and concatemeric AD10 plasmid DNA in vitro.
Synthesis and characterization of a thermally-responsive tumor necrosis factor antagonist.

Abstract Numerous antagonists of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) have been developed to attenuate inflammation and accompanying pain in many disease processes. Soluble TNF receptor type II (sTNFRII) is one such antagonist that sequesters TNFα away from target receptors and attenuates its activity. Systemic delivery of soluble TNF receptors or other antagonists may have deleterious side effects associated with immune suppression, so that strategies for locally targeted drug delivery are of interest. Elastin-like polypeptides (ELPs) are biopolymers capable of in situ drug depot formation through thermally-driven supramolecular complexes at physiological temperatures. A recombinant fusion protein between ELP and sTNFRII was designed and evaluated for retention of bivalent functionality. Thermal sensitivity was observed by formation of supramolecular submicron-sized particles at 32 °C, with gradual resolubilization from the depot observed at physiological temperatures. In vitro refolding of the sTNFRII domain was required and the purified product exhibited an equilibrium dissociation constant for interacting with TNFα that was seven-fold higher than free sTNFRII. Furthermore, anti-TNF activity was observed in inhibiting TNFα-mediated cytotoxicity in the murine L929 fibrosarcoma assay. Potential advantages of this ELP-sTNFRII fusion protein as an anti-TNFa drug depot include facility of injection, in situ depot formation, low endotoxin content, and functionality against TNFα.
Numerical simulation of flow through inlets/diffusers with terminal shocks

Two-dimensional Euler and Navier-Stokes solutions of the flow through three inlet/diffuser configurations with terminal shock systems are reported. Calculations without bleed indicate that the terminal shock location is very sensitive to the outflow back pressure. For cases where there are no available experimental results, it becomes difficult to estimate the back pressure that will result in a terminal shock. Estimates based on quasi-one-dimensional analysis are not found adequate for complex two-dimensional flows. It is found that since the flow downstream of the terminal shock is subsonic, and what happens at the outflow boundary affects the flow inside the inlet, enough of the subsonic diffuser must be modeled to accurately predict the terminal shock region. The diffuser portion should be fairly long with the outflow boundary occurring in a region of more or less uniform flow to be able to prescribe a uniform back pressure. The third configuration studied was investigated with and without incorporating bleed in the code. It is found that the use of bleed stabilizes the shock location and allows solutions which without bleed result in unstarting of the inlet. Comparisons are made with available experimental data.
Note on GMW Designs

Abstract Equivalence of GMW difference sets corresponds to isomorphism of the associated designs.
Paired comparison of Gambro Trima Accel versus Baxter Amicus single‐needle plateletpheresis

BACKGROUND: Gambro BCT recently introduced the Trima Accel Version 5 (TR) plateletpheresis machine. Platelet (PLT) yields, collection efficiencies (CEs), numbers of white blood cells (WBCs), and processing times of the TR versus the Amicus (Version 2.51) single-needle (AM) procedures were evaluated by use of a prospective paired comparison. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Target yields of 3.0 × 1011 to 6.8 × 1011 PLTs in up to 100 minutes of processing time were used. To detect a difference of 1.0 × 1011 PLTs with a power of 80 percent, 26 paired comparisons were needed. RESULTS: The mean amount of whole blood processed was significantly higher for TR than for AM (3795 vs. 3520 mL). The TR and AM were equivalent in regard to mean preprocedure PLT count (259 × 109 vs. 251 × 109/L), PLT yields (6.7 × 1011 vs. 6.5 × 1011), split rate (65% vs. 65%), processing time (73 vs. 78 min), and collection rate (0.090 × 1011 vs. 0.084 × 1011 PLTs/min). The TR had a significantly lower CE than the AM (76% vs. 86%). All of the products (after splitting) had fewer than 5 × 106 WBCs. CONCLUSIONS: The Trima Accel machine processed significantly more whole blood with equivalent PLT yields, processing time, and number of PLTs per minute compared to the Amicus single-needle procedure, but had a significantly lower CE.
Spin and Pseudospins in Transition Metal Dichalcogenides

We report optoelectronic control of spin and pseduspins in atomically thin transition metal dichalcogenides, which are a new class of semiconductors at the two dimensional limit with strong spin-orbit coupling.
Surgical management of Charcot neuroarthropathy.

Background:Charcot neuroarthropathy is one of the more devastating complications of diabetes. It is a progressive, destructive condition that is characterized by acute fracture, dislocation, and jo...
Kinetic characterization of adenosine A2 receptor-mediated relaxation in isolated rabbit aorta.

Abstract Previous studies in our laboratory (Wiener et al., 1991, Soc. Neurosci. Abstr. 17, 989) have addressed aspects of the functional antagonism between the responses mediated by activated adenosine A 2 receptors and α 1 -adrenoceptors in adventitia- and endothelium-denuded rabbit thoracic aortic rings by steady-state protocols which ignore the time course of response generation. In the present communication we describe aspects of the time-dependent kinetics of relaxation responses to adenosine A 2 receptor agonists in tissues pre-contracted with the α 1 -adrenoceptor agonist phenylephrine. The results were analyzed by application of the model originally developed by Keitz et al. (1990, J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther. 255, 650) to describe the relaxation response, to a β-adrenoceptor agonist, as a first-order exponential decrease in tissue tension over time to estimate the apparent rate constant for relaxation (k rel ) and the magnitude of relaxation at equilibrium. The magnitude of the relaxation responses to adenosine, N 6 -cyclohexyladenosine, N 6 -methyladenosine, 5′-N-ethylacarboxamidoadenosine, and R(−)-N 6 -(2-phenyl-isopropyl) adenosine were agonist concentration-dependent and saturable, as were the apparent rate constants for relaxation. In addition, the magnitude of the apparent rate constants for relaxation and the relaxation responses were inversely proportional to the fractional occupancy of the α 1 -adrenoceptor. The hypothesis put forth by Keitz et al. that the maximal value of the apparent rate constant for relaxation may serve as the kinetic definition of agonist efficacy was also tested and found to be invalid for the adenosine A 2 receptor. We propose that this pair of activated receptors and tissue preparation is a good model to study quantitative aspects of functional antagonism by kinetic paradigms.
Gingival and alveolar bone reaction to marginal fit of subgingival crown margins

Interproximal subgingival marginal discrepancies of full coverage restorations were compared with adjacent crevicular fluid flow and percentage radiographic periodontal bone loss. A total of 88 patients with 116 premolar crowns were evaluated. Patients were selected at random from student treatment records, Institute of Dental Prosthetics, Royal Dental College, Copenhagen, Denmark. Crevicular fluid collected on filter paper strips from the interproximal area was stained with 0.2% ninhydrin solution and the length of the area measured. Marginal fit was determined by measuring the marginal excess or deficit recorded in a polyether impression. The amount of bone around each crowned tooth was measured on five times magnified prints of radiographs. Percentage bone loss was calculated by dividing the distance from the alveolar crest to the most coronal level at which the periodontal space retained its normal width by the distance from the alveolar crest to the root apex. Correlating marginal fit with crevicular fluid within gingival index scores showed r = 0.32 (G.I.1) and r = 0.42 (G.I.2). Fit vs percentage bone loss showed r = 0.68 and r = 0.59, respectively (P less than or equal to 0.001). Differentiation was further made within the 0.0-0.2 mm range discrepancy by categorizing the data in four groups. Comparing fit relative to crevicular fluid and bone loss, most of these groups were significantly different when analyzed statistically using the Mann-Whitney U-Test. Small defects less than or equal to 0.050 mm were associated with significantly less fluid flow and bone loss than defects exceeding this value.
Effect of age on theophylline neurotoxicity in rats

The present study was designed to examine the effect of aging on the neurotoxicity of theophylline in rats. Rats at one, three and six months of age were infused with intravenous theophylline (as aminophylline) at 1.03, 5.1 and 6.8 mg/mn respectively until onset of maximal seizures when theophylline concentrations were determined in serum, brain and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Theophylline concentrations in serum (both total and unbound) increased from one to six month old rats and were related to drug input rate and not to age of the rats. A similar increase was noted in brain concentrations, especially at the fastest infusion rate. Theophylline concentrations in CSF at onset of maximal seizures were not different in the three groups of rats. It is therefore concluded that moderate aging has a negligible effect on the neurotoxic response to theophylline in rats.
COMPARISON OF ISOLATED VENTRICULAR MYOCYTES FROM THREE-WEEK OLD AND ADULT RABBITS

Single, quiescent, electrically stimulable, calcium-tolerant ventricular myocytes isolated by enzymatic digestion from 3-week old (W cells) and 3-month old (M cells) rabbits were examined using a differential interference contrast light microscope. The image of the contracting cell was recorded on video tape and sarcomere length measured. The cell was then fixed and examined with electron microscopy. No evidence of ultrastructural damage was found. Mean length of M cells (N=26) was 147±25 (s.d.) μm and diameter was 21±15 μm. M cells had square or stepped ends. W cells (N=12) were generally smaller: mean length 112±40 pm and diameter 14±9 μm. Several types of W cell were found in the same heart: large cells resembling M cells, and small cells with tapered ends and fewer, larger myofibrils. W cells had widely varying levels of development of transverse tubules and sarcoplasmic reticulum. Rest sarcomere lengths were 1.91±.09 μm for M cells and 1.83±.07 μm for W cells. W cells that had M-cell ultrastructure had sarcomere shortening like that of M cells. Ultrastructurally immature cells had depressed amount and velocity of sarcomere shortening. The amount and velocity of W sarcomere shortening was .17 μm and .63 μm/s and that of M sarcomere shortening was .29 μm and 1.30 μm/s. Thus the ventricle of the three-week old rabbit has cells at various stages of development both structurally and functionally. This inhomogeneity must complicate the assessment of developmental changes of myocardial contractility using measurements obtained from multicellular preparations.
Saturation molalities and standard molar enthalpies of solution of adenosine(cr), guanosine · 2H2O(cr), inosine(cr), and xanthosine · 2H2O(cr) in H2O(l)

Abstract Saturation molalities m (sat) in H 2 O(l) have been measured for the substances adenosine(cr), guanosine · 2H 2 O(cr), inosine(cr), and xanthosine · 2H 2 O(cr) over the temperature range T =287.91 K to T =308.18 K by using h.p.l.c. The indicated states of hydration of these substances were established by performing Karl–Fischer analyses of samples of these substances which had been equilibrated over H 2 O(l) and of samples obtained by passing air over the wet crystals (air dried samples). The crystalline phases of these substances were identified by comparison of the results of X-ray diffraction measurements with results from the literature. Molar enthalpies of solution Δ sol H m for adenosine(cr) and inosine(cr) were measured by using an isoperibol solution calorimeter. A “stacking” or “self-association” model was used to estimate values of the activity coefficients γ and relative apparent molar enthalpies L φ for these substances. These γ and L φ values were used to adjust the measured values of m (sat) and Δ sol H m to the standard state and obtain values of the standard molar Gibbs free energy and enthalpy changes Δ sol G ∘ m and Δ sol H ∘ m , respectively, for the dissolution reactions of these substances. Values of Δ sol H ∘ m calculated from the temperature dependence of values of Δ sol G ∘ m were in good agreement with the values of Δ sol H ∘ m obtained by using calorimetry.
Hydride transfer and dihydrogen elimination from osmium and ruthenium metalloporphyrin hydrides : model processes for hydrogenase enzymes and the hydrogen electrode reaction

A series of metalloporphyrin hydride complexes of the type K[M(Por)(L)(H)] (M - Ru, Os; Por - OEP, TMP; L = THF, *Im, PPh{sub 3}, pyridine) has been synthesized by stoichiometric protonation of the corresponding K{sub 2}[M(Por)], followed by addition of L. The addition of excess acids to these hydrides resulted in the elimination of dihydrogen. The kinetics showed no evidence for a bimolecular mechanism for this process and suggest simple protonation of the metal-hydride bond followed by dihydrogen loss. One-electron oxidation of the metal hydrides also resulted in dihydrogen formation. The kinetics of the oxidatively induced hydrogen evolution step from K[Ru(OEP)(THF)(H)] were examined and indicate a biomolecular mechanism in which two metal hydrides reductively eliminate one dihydrogen molecule. The rate constant was determined to be 88 {+-} 14 M{sup -1} s{sup -1}. These reaction mechanisms are discussed in the context of designing bimetallic proton reduction catalysts. The metal hydride K[Ru(OEP)(THF)(H)], was also synthesized by heterolytic activation of H{sub 2}. This hydride is a good one-electron reductant (-1.15 V vs FeCp{sub 2}) and is capable of reducing, by hydride transfer, the NAD{sup +} analogue, 1-benzyl-N,N-diethyl-nicotinamide. This nicotinamide reduction by a hydride formed from heterolytic dihydrogen activation is suggested as the mechanismmore » for hydrogenase enzymes. 38 refs., 4 figs., 3 tabs.« less
DNA fragmentation in S49 lymphoma cells killed with glucocorticoids and other agents

The effects of glucocorticoids on DNA integrity in the mouse S49 lymphoma cell line were assessed. DNA cleavage at the internucleosomal regions was observed, and this response was correlated to the dose of hormone used and the time of treatment. Also, an apparent steroid specificity was observed: internucleosomal cleavage was associated only with treatment of the cells with glucocorticoids. Cells treated with dibutyryl cyclic AMP (which also causes lymphocytolysis) also exhibited DNA cleavage. However, when cells were killed with various DNA synthesis inhibitors and other lethal agents, the same DNA cleavage pattern was observed. Furthermore, new protein synthesis did not seem to be required, since cells killed with puromycin and cycloheximide also exhibited internucleosomal DNA fragmentation. Although DNA fragmentation may not be a specific early effect of glucocorticoid-mediated lymphocytolysis, it may be the final, irrevocable step in this complex process.
Jasplakinolide, a cyclodepsipeptide from the marine sponge, Jaspis SP.

Abstract A new cyclodepsipeptide comprised of three amino acids, and an oxy-trimethyl-nonanoyl group, has been characterized which has antifungal and anthelminthic bioactivity.
Gender Role Conflict and the Disidentification Process: Two Case Studies on Fragile Masculine Self:

This paper argues that changes to the original definition of the disidentification process are in order, including reconceptualizing the restrictive gender role behaviors from boyhood onward as an early form of gender role conflict. It is further suggested that the disidentification process consequentially harms the development and functioning of the masculine self. One may react to this process (the emotional residual of the disindentification process) by adopting one of two masculine stances in relating to self and others. One stance is characterized as moving away from self and others. This may appear as the adoption of many of the stereotypical male gender roles. The other stance is one of moving toward others in an overly dependent fashion where the affect residual of disindentification is dealt with through turning to others to help modulate its effects. Two case studies are presented.
On the feasibility of measuring sea surface temperature using active and passive microwave sensors

Abstract We study the feasibility of using a dual linear-polarized radiometer operating at 6 GHz in conjunction with a scatterometer as a method of extracting sea surface temperature. A model, originally developed by Wilheit (1979), is used to investigate the sensitivity of radiometric temperature to changes in wind speed, U, at a height of 20 m; that is, the accuracy of sea temperature depends directly on the accuracy of radiometric temperature. These changes are corrected using this extracted wind speed based on a scatterometer wind accuracy of ± 1 ms−1. We show that a vertically polarized radiometer is less sensitive to wind speed changes than a horizontally polarized one near an incidence angle © = 60°. Furthermore, we quantify the wind variation; δTB H/δU≲;0.12°Cms−1 s when U>I0ms−1 and δTH B/δU≲;2.0°Cm−1when U>6ms−1 for vertical and horizontal polarization, respectively. Thus, the resulting error is ± 0I2°C and ±20°C for TB V and TH B, respectively. These results suggest that a scatterometer can be ...
Soluble mimics of a chemokine receptor: chemokine binding by receptor elements juxtaposed on a soluble scaffold.

Despite the broad biological importance of G protein–coupled receptors (GPCRs), ligand recognition by GPCRs remains poorly understood. To explore the roles of GPCR extracellular elements in ligand binding and to provide a tractable system for structural analyses of GPCR/ligand interactions, we have developed a soluble protein that mimics ligand recognition by a GPCR. This receptor analog, dubbed CROSS5, consists of the N-terminal and third extracellular loop regions of CC chemokine receptor 3 (CCR3) displayed on the surface of a small soluble protein, the B1 domain of Streptococcal protein G. CROSS5 binds to the CCR3 ligand eotaxin with a dissociation equilibrium constant of 2.9 ± 0.8 μM and competes with CCR3 for eotaxin binding. Control proteins indicate that juxtaposition of both CCR3 elements is required for optimal binding to eotaxin. Moreover, the affinities of CROSS5 for a series of eotaxin mutants are highly correlated with the apparent affinities of CCR3 for the same mutants, demonstrating that CROSS5 uses many of the same interactions as does the native receptor. The strategy used to develop CROSS5 could be applied to many other GPCRs, with a variety of potential applications.
A Case of Acute Ischemic Monomelic Neuropathy in a 36 Year Old After Dialysis Access

Objectives: The role of carotid stenting in the management of extracranial carotid artery occlusive disease remains controversial. Whether the results of randomized controlled trials of select patient groups can be generalized to the population at large remains uncertain. Methods: A retrospective case-control study was performed of all consecutive patients undergoing carotid artery stenting (CAS) and carotid endarterectomy (CEA) within a large rural tertiary health care system. Each CAS patient was matched with two CEA patients. Postoperative outcomes of stroke, acute myocardial infarction (AMI), and death were analyzed at 30 days, 60 days, and long-term (median follow-up 647 days; range, 0-2473 days). Hazard ratios (HR) were calculated with CEA as the reference group, and results were expressed in models adjusted for gender and stratified by age 70 years. Life-table survival estimates were generated and compared with log-rank testing.
On functions which preserve the class of Stieltjes matrices

Abstract A positive definite symmetric matrix is called a Stieltjes matrix provided that all its off diagonal elements are nonpositive. We characterize functions which preserve the class of Stieltjes matrices.
EARTHQUAKE PREDICTION AND THE GOVERNMENTAL PROCESS

As technology increases to predict earthquakes, government must be prepared to expand upon it, legitimate the prediction, and design a program towards effective utilization. The parties involved in this process, in addition to all levels of government, include the scientific community and the media. Unfortunately, the prediction-warning effort in the United States lags behinathat of other countries, most notably Japan. Lacking is a national policy commitment spurred by the party most vulnerable to a catastrophic earthquake event (e.g., the state of California).
Weintraub's Aims: A Brief Rejoinder

Weintraub is not really interested in whether economics is “science” or not. “Economists are not so unsophisticated as to think that calling economics a ‘science’ says anything about what economists do or should do” (1987, p. 140). But can it really be a matter of indifference to him whether the subject has the character of chemistry as opposed to literary criticism?
Placation and provocation

It has been observed that industries self-regulate to placate a regulator from taking action, and revolutionary vanguards sometimes provoke an apathetic populace into revolt. This paper presents a very simple model that captures this strategic maneuvering, and applies it to several other examples. Two players have preferences over the realization of a policy; the first player has a marginal cost to affect the policy and the second player has a fixed cost. The fixed cost provides strategic incentives for the first mover to placate or provoke the second player. In equilibrium, the second mover may benefit from having preferences that diverge more from the first mover, and may benefit by having higher fixed costs. As the number of first movers increases, placation and provocation both become more likely, and the second player’s incentives to occlude or reveal its fixed cost become stronger as well.
Using cluster analysis to assess the effects of stressful life events: Probing the impact of parental alcoholism on child stress and substance use

Cluster analysis was used to categorize stressful life events into groups based on the effect (or mediational) pattern linking each event to external criteria defined within an overarching conceptual model. To illustrate the utility of “effect size clustering,” we examined the structure of stressful life events that may function to mediate, in part, the relation between parental alcoholism, parental psychopathology, and adolescent substance use. The analyses were conducted by forming clusters based on how each of 29 individual stressors related with 13 other variables considered relevant to the mediational process under investigation, rather than using the inter-item correlation matrix to determine event similarity. Using data on 326 families, four clusters were obtained that were labeled (a) family-related conflict, (b) general child relationship problems, (c) parent problems, and (d) major illness/bereavement. These exploratory analyses revealed that the family-related conflict cluster of events were of key importance in accounting for the link between paternal alcoholism and child substance use. Advantages and limitations of using effect size clustering for examining life event data, as well as data used in other community-oriented and program evaluation applications, are discussed. ©1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Interpreting Whole-Genome Marker Data

The challenges of whole-genome data, when genotypes are available from hundreds of thousands of genetic markers, are explored for four topics in statistical genetics: Hardy-Weinberg testing, estimating linkage disequilibrium from unphased genotypic data, association mapping and characterizing population structure.
The Performance Effects of Complementarities Between Information Systems, Marketing, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain Processes

Manufacturing firms are increasingly using advanced enterprise-level information systems to coordinate and synchronize externally oriented functions such as marketing and supply chain and internally oriented activities such as manufacturing. In this paper, we present a model of manufacturing performance that simultaneously considers the effects of a firm's integrated IS capability in conjunction with interfunctional and interorganizational coordination mechanisms. Consistent with the complementarity perspective, we view this specific form of IS capability as enhancing manufacturing's coordination with marketing and supply chain functions to drive manufacturing performance. Additionally, the theoretical model presented here introduces manufacturing-IS coordination, a form of coordination not considered in past research, as a key antecedent to integrated IS capability. The research thus provides a comprehensive framework for examining manufacturing performance in contexts that have been transformed by the use of advanced information systems. The theoretical model is tested using primary data collected from manufacturing firms and matched with objective manufacturing performance data from secondary sources. Results show that a firm's integrated IS capability, as well as the complementary effects of IS capability with manufacturing, marketing, and supply chain processes, are significant predictors of manufacturing performance. These findings are robust to concerns of endogeneity, unobserved heterogeneity, and alternative model specification.
Insights into the Pathogenesis of Hydrocephalus from Transgenic and Experimental Animal Models

Hydrocephalus is a progressive brain disorder characterized by abnormalities in the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and ventricular dilatation that leads to cerebral atrophy, and if left untreated, can be fatal. Genetic mutations, congenital malformations, infectious diseases, intracerebral hemorrhages and tumors are common conditions resulting in hydrocephalus. Although the causes of obstructive hydrocephalus are better understood, the mechanisms resulting in chronic, progressive communicating congenital and acquired hydrocephalus are less well understood. In this regard, recent studies in transgenic (tg) mice suggest that increased expression of cytokines such as TGF-beta1 might play an important role by disrupting the vascular extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, promoting hemorrhages, and altering the reabsorption of CSF. In this context, the main objective of this manuscript is to provide an overview on the cellular and molecular mechanisms of hydrocephalus based on studies derived from tg and experimental animal models.
Minimizing concurrent test time in SoC's by balancing resource usage

We present a novel test scheduling algorithm for embedded core-based SoC's. Given a system integrated with a set of cores and a set of test resources, we select a test for each core from a set of alternative test sets, and schedule it in a way that evenly balances the resource usage, and ultimately reduce the test application time. Furthermore, we propose a novel approach that groups the cores and assigns higher priority to those with smaller number of alternate test sets. In addition, we also extend the algorithm to allow multiple test sets selection from a set of alternatives to facilitate testing for various fault models.
Bordetella pertussis Acquires Resistance to Complement-Mediated Killing In Vivo

In order to initially colonize a host, bacteria must avoid various components of the innate immune system, one of which is complement. The genus Bordetella includes three closely related species that differ in their ability to resist complement-mediated killing. Bordetella parapertussis and Bordetella bronchiseptica resist killing in naive serum, a characteristic that may aid in efficient respiratory tract colonization and has been attributed to expression of O antigen. Bordetella pertussis lacks O antigen and is sensitive to naive serum in vitro, yet it also efficiently colonizes the respiratory tract. Based on these observations, we hypothesized that B. pertussis may have an alternate mechanism to resist complement in vivo. While a number of reports on serum sensitivity of the bordetellae have been published, we show here that serum concentration and growth conditions can greatly alter the observed level of sensitivity to complement and that all but one strain of B. pertussis observed were sensitive to some level of naive serum in vitro, particularly when there was excess complement. However, B. pertussis rapidly acquires increased resistance in vivo to naive serum that is specific to the alternative pathway. Resistance is not efficiently acquired by B. parapertussis and B. bronchiseptica mutants lacking O antigen. This B. pertussis-specific mechanism of complement resistance does not appear to be dependent on either brkA or other genes expressed specifically in the Bvg(+) phase. This in vivo acquisition of alternative pathway resistance suggests that there is a novel O antigen-independent method by which B. pertussis evades complement-mediated killing.
Treatment of Systolic Heart Failure in the Elderly: An Evidence-Based Review

Objective:To review relevant literature supporting the use of β-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), diuretics, digoxin, aldosterone antagonists, and vasodilators in the management of heart failure in an elderly patient population aged ≥65 years.Data Sources:PubMed, EMBASE, and MEDLINE searches (January 1960–April 2010) were utilized to identify primary literature using the key terms heart failure, treatment, and elderly. Additionally, reference citations from publications identified were utilized, as well as the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Chronic Heart Failure in the Adult.Study Selection and Data Extraction:Primary and tertiary literature, including subgroup analyses, published in English and relating to the use of pharmacotherapy in the treatment of systolic heart failure in the elderly was reviewed.Data Synthesis:The aging of the US population is creating a...
An Insight into the Sialomes of Bloodsucking Heteroptera

Saliva of bloodsucking arthropods contains dozens or hundreds of proteins that affect their hosts' mechanisms against blood loss (hemostasis) and inflammation. Because acquisition of the hematophagous habit evolved independently in several arthropod orders and at least twice within the true bugs, there is a convergent evolutionary scenario that creates a different salivary potion for each organism evolving independently to hematophagy. Additionally, the immune pressure posed by their hosts creates additional evolutionary pressure on the genes coding for salivary proteins, including gene obsolescence, which opens the niche for coopting new genes (exaptation). In the past 10 years, several salivary transcriptomes from bloodsucking Heteroptera and one from a seed-feeding Pentatomorpha were produced, allowing insight into the salivary potion of these organisms and the evolutionary pathway to the blood-feeding mode.
Globally optimal robust control for systems with time-varying nonlinear perturbations

A computational approach is developed for designing a globally optimal controller which is robust to time-varying nonlinear perturbations in the plant. This controller design problem is formulated as an optimization with bilinear matrix inequality (BMI) constraints, and is solved to optimality by a branch and bound algorithm. The algorithm is applied to a reactive ion etcher, and gives superior performance while providing robustness to nonlinear plant/model mismatch. To the authors' knowledge, the corresponding optimization problem is the largest BMI control problem ever solved.
Optical bistability in a Cr:LiSrGaF 6 laser

We theoretically predict and experimentally demonstrate the effect of optical bistability in a Cr:LiSrGaF6 laser, where one of its parameters (emission quantum yield) has a strongly nonlinear dependence on temperature. The effects of various experimental parameters on optical bistability and the size of the hysteresis loop are theoretically studied. The theoretical and experimental results are in good agreement with each other.
Adjacent-tissue skin grafts for reconstruction.

Background. Large defects not easily repaired with local flaps and defects near anatomic free margins or crossing anatomic units present unique challenges for reconstruction. Cosmetic results of full-thickness skin grafts may appear unsatisfactory owing to differences in color, texture, and thickness between donor and recipient sites. Objective. The objective was to describe a skin-graft reconstructive method that better approximates skin characteristics between donor and recipient sites while following other criteria to improve the final aesthetic and functional result. Methods. Careful evaluation of the tissue surrounding a surgical defect determines tissue laxity available for skin grafting and whether the defect crosses anatomic units or may distort anatomic free margins or landmarks. Through partial closure of the large surgical defect, preferably within cosmetic units, a tricone is created large enough to graft the remaining wound. Results. Creating smaller wounds within cosmetic units or subunits, there is less chance of distortion of nearby anatomic free margins or landmarks. Skin grafting is accomplished with tissue of similar color, texture, and thickness Conclusion. Adjacent-tissue skin grafts provide a suitable reconstruction option for surgical defects too large for simpler repair or defects crossing cosmetic units or near free margins. This procedure permits repair with a full-thickness skin graft of more similar skin characteristics to the recipient site.
An evaluation of the BASICS alcohol risk reduction model among predominantly Hispanic college students.

Although Hispanic college students consume alcohol in equal proportion to other ethnic groups, studies have not examined whether established alcohol-risk-reduction approaches are effective in this population. Accordingly, this study examined effectiveness of the Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention for College Students (BASICS) risk-reduction model for reducing alcohol consumption and related problems in two samples of predominantly Hispanic college students (N = 206 and 405). The study also examined whether factors such as gender, baseline risk level, and readiness to change moderated program impact. Students first participated in an in-depth assessment of drinking patterns followed by relatively brief intervention including psychoeducation and personalized normative feedback. Behavioral outcomes were assessed six months after the intervention and included alcohol-risk scores, alcohol consumption-related problems, consumption, drinking and driving frequency, and stage of change. Supporting the effect...
A system to collect temperature and salinity profiles from vessels underway

Describes a self-contained CTD system to collect temperature and salinity profiles from vessels underway at speeds up to 20 knots. An internally recording CTD housed in a streamlined body is freely dropped on a tether line deployed at high speed. A prototype with 850 m of line has reached 370 m from a vessel travelling at 10 knots. A mathematical model predicts that with a suitable line, the following depths can be reached depending on the speed: 900 m at 14 knots, 600 m at 18 knots and 370 m at 22 knots. This system is suitable for operation with a minimum of human intervention even from vessels with very high freeboard. The ultimate goal is to develop a system in which the entire launch-deployment-recovery cycle will be initiated by a single signal from the bridge of the vessel. >
Protein Kinase A-mediated Phosphorylation of Pah1p Phosphatidate Phosphatase Functions in Conjunction with the Pho85p-Pho80p and Cdc28p-Cyclin B Kinases to Regulate Lipid Synthesis in Yeast

Pah1p, which functions as phosphatidate phosphatase (PAP) in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, plays a crucial role in lipid homeostasis by controlling the relative proportions of its substrate phosphatidate and its product diacylglycerol. The diacylglycerol produced by PAP is used for the synthesis of triacylglycerol as well as for the synthesis of phospholipids via the Kennedy pathway. Pah1p is a highly phosphorylated protein in vivo and has been previously shown to be phosphorylated by the protein kinases Pho85p-Pho80p and Cdc28p-cyclin B. In this work, we showed that Pah1p was a bona fide substrate for protein kinase A, and we identified by mass spectrometry and mutagenesis that Ser-10, Ser-677, Ser-773, Ser-774, and Ser-788 were the target sites of phosphorylation. Protein kinase A-mediated phosphorylation of Pah1p inhibited its PAP activity by decreasing catalytic efficiency, and the inhibitory effect was primarily conferred by phosphorylation at Ser-10. Analysis of the S10A and S10D mutations (mimicking dephosphorylation and phosphorylation, respectively), alone or in combination with the seven alanine (7A) mutations of the sites phosphorylated by Pho85p-Pho80p and Cdc28p-cyclin B, indicated that phosphorylation at Ser-10 stabilized Pah1p abundance and inhibited its association with membranes, PAP activity, and triacylglycerol synthesis. The S10A mutation enhanced the physiological effects imparted by the 7A mutations, whereas the S10D mutations attenuated the effects of the 7A mutations. These data indicated that the protein kinase A-mediated phosphorylation of Ser-10 functions in conjunction with the phosphorylations mediated by Pho85p-Pho80p and Cdc28p-cyclin B and that phospho-Ser-10 should be dephosphorylated for proper PAP function.