cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Multivariate point processes and spatial variation of species diversity

Abstract Multivariate point processes were applied to introducing two functions indicating spatial variation of species diversity when mapped data are given. They are extensions of the Simpson index of species diversity. The one function, α(r) , is defined as the probability that a randomly selected pair of individuals within distance r belong to different species. The other function, β(r), is the conditional probability that the two individuals belong to different species given that their distance is r. The functions were applied to examining the effects of thinning favoring desirable species in mixed hardwood forest on multispecies spatial patterns and biodiversity. Low α(r) and β(r) for small r and high β(r) for intermediate r in the thinned plots mean that the thinning involved forming single-species dominant patches. In contrast, almost constant α(r) and β(r) show that every species is uniformly distributed over the unthinned plots. However, if the largest 50% trees in DBH were selected, the thinned plots have higher diversity at the almost all distances and higher overall diversity.
Treatment of Localized Morphea with Zyderm Collagen Implant

Zyderm collagen implant (ZCI), used in the treatment of scarring, soft tissue contour defects, and age lines, has been found to be both efficacious and safe. Over 40,000 individuals have received ZCI, with fewer than 2% showing adverse responses (data on file, Collagen Corporation, Palo Alto, California). ZCI is comprised of highly purified bovine collagen that has undergone partial enzymatic degradation to reduce its antigenicity.’ Despite this purification, theoretical considerations have precluded its use in patients with autoimmune diseases, such as lupus erythematosus, inflammatory bowel disease, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, and progressive systemic sclerosis. Morphea has not been considered on this list of contraindicated diseases. I t is usually an isolated phenomenon with no predisposition to systemic disease. Our patient represents the first case of ZCI used to treat cosmetically disfiguring localized morphea. ZCI injections were instituted following consultation and consent from the patient and representatives of the Collagen Corporation.
Gut instincts: CYP3A4 and intestinal drug metabolism

First-pass metabolism is a common cause of incomplete and variable absolute bioavailability for an orally dosed drug. The drug-metabolizing enzyme CYP3A4 is often implicated in this process, resulting, in some cases, in systemic exposures of less than 15% of the administered dose. By creating an elegant CYP3A4-transgenic mouse model, van Herwaarden et al. show in this issue of the JCI that first-pass metabolism of the anticancer agent docetaxel by the gut wall, and not the liver, is likely to be the major cause of its low oral bioavailability in humans (see the related article beginning on page 3583). This study helps explain interpatient differences in efficacy and safety following oral therapy with approved CYP3A4 substrates and provides a powerful new tool for preclinical predictions of first-pass metabolism for new drugs in development.
Antarctic Polar Frontal Zone from Australia to the Drake Passage

Abstract North-south temperature sections drawn from historical XBT observations averaged over various longitude bands are compared with sections drawn from existing hydrographic data. Corresponding features in both types of sections are related to changes in upper-layer water masses by the use of temperature-salinity relationships. A series of six of these sections covering the area from south of Australia east to the Drake Passage are employed to define the positions of two discontinuities or fronts. These fronts are the northern and southern boundaries of a complex transition region, called the Antarctic Polar Frontal Zone, between the Antarctic and Subantarctic Surface Waters. This transition region varies in width both zonally and seasonally, and is the site of eddies and meanders of the boundaries.
Application of trajectory segmentation techniques for operator skill evaluation

This paper compares trajectory segmentation techniques applied to the analysis of human operators' spatial control performance. The goal of the paper is to determine the effectiveness of three levels of analysis: traditional statistics, kinematic segmentation and finally dynamic clustering. The analysis emphasizes the broad range of behaviors associated with human spatial control skills. Such methods are necessary for the development of rating systems and models suited for applications involving human-machine interactions, such as in robotic surgery or teleoperation of agile vehicles. The data used for the analysis was collected using a miniature helicopter in an interactive flight test facility. Outcomes of the three different techniques are compared and discussed.
Eradicating Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus

To the Editor. —We read with great interest the response by Little 1 in the Questions and Answers section. While we agree that eradication of colonization with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a worthy goal and that mupirocin appears effective for this indication, we were surprised that alternative strategies to eradicate MRSA colonization were not presented. Topical bacitracin ointment has often been used to eradicate MRSA colonization. Reagan et al, 2 however, state that "topical bacitracin has been suggested for eradicating Staphylococcus aureus , but studies have not documented efficacy." The reference cited to support this statement 3 was a comparison of topical bacitracin and vancomycin ointments for nasal carriers of S aureus . Antibiotic susceptibilities for the organisms isolated were not stated in the article. In this small study, both bacitracin and vancomycin ointments were found to suppress staphylococcal colony counts, but the change was not significantly different from that produced
Effect of Surgical Technique on Growth-Plate Violation in Simulated Adolescent ACL Reconstruction

Objectives: Increases in rates of participation and intensity of youth sports have led to elevated incidences of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and ACL reconstruction in adolescents. When applied to the skeletally immature patient, traditional reconstruction techniques lead to violations of the growth plates that carry with them the potential for disturbed growth and deformity. The purpose of this study was to compare the volume and location of the femoral growth plate violations that follow from the use of anteromedial (AM) and transtibial (TT) techniques. Growth plate disturbances were quantified by performing simulated reconstructions on computer models created from magnetic resonance (MR) images of adolescent knees.
The molecular basis of drug-induced G2 arrest in mammalian cells

The purpose of this review was to focus mainly on the molecular events related to the progression of cells through the G2 period to examine the cause for G2-arrest in mammalian cells after exposure to various anticancer drugs. With few exceptions, most of the eukaryotic cells exhibit a G2 period in their life cycles. The G2 period, which separates S phase from mitosis, represents the time necessary for the synthesis of the various components related to the condensation of chromosomes, assembly of the mitotic spindle, and cytokinesis. Continued synthesis of RNA and protein is necessary for the successful completion of G2 and the initiation of mitosis. Inhibition of RNA and protein synthesis, replacement of phenylalanine by its analog parafluorophenylalanine, or the elevation of intracellular cAMP concentrations, induce reversible G2 arrest in cultured cells. Exposure of cells to certain antineoplastic drugs also blocks cells preferentially in G2. This irreversible drug-induced G2 arrest is associated with extensive chromosome damage. The G2-arrested cells were found to be deficient in certain proteins that may be specific for the G2-mitotic transition. These mitotic or chromosome condensation factors synthesized during the G2 period, reach their maximum levels at mitosis. A preliminary characterization of the chromosome condensation factor revealed that it is a heat labile, Ca2+-sensitive, nondialyzable protein with a sedimentation value of 4–5S.
The Use of Final Offer Arbitration as a Screening Device

Arbitration outcomes are uncertain. When risk preferences are unobservable, players may make offers that attempt to extract the willingness of risk-averse bargaining partners to pay to avoid the uncertainties of arbitration. When such a “hard” offer is made to a risk-neutral bargaining partner, it will be refused and arbitration will result. This is true even when the distribution of outcomes is common knowledge. Importantly, risk preferences may be difficult to communicate, even if it is in the interest of both parties to do so.
The development and exploration of group experiential training models

This paper describes the development and changes in the cognitive and experiential portions of a group psychotherapy training program. The integration of these two components has shifted during the two decades of the program. Educational strengths and limitations of the different models are described. The two current models are of 16 weeks duration and begin with four didactic sessions. The succeeding 12 sessions consist of 1 hour of experiential group followed immediately by a 30-minute review. In one of these models the experiential group is leaderless. An illustration of the dynamics and educational potential of this leaderless experiential group is presented.
OPTICAL SECOND HARMONIC GENERATION FROM LANGMUIR-TYPE MOLECULAR MONOLAYERS

A single molecular layer is generally sufficient to produce observable optical second harmonic generation (SHG). Furthermore, the selection rules governing this process make the SHG from a single monolayer often stronger than that from the medium supporting the monolayer. We have studied SHG from various Langmuir-type monolayers (i.e. monolayers spread on a water surface) in the following contexts: (1) Study of chemical reactions (e.g. polymerization) and two-dimensional phase transitions in molecular monolayers on water. (2) Development of a new technique to evaluate optical nonlinear coefficients of organic molecules, and their relationship to the molecular structure.
Activated carbon from broiler litter: Process description and cost of production

Abstract Animal manure continues to represent a significantly large and problematic portion of the US agricultural waste generated yearly. Granular activated carbons made from pelletized poultry litter have been shown to adsorb various positively charged metal ions from laboratory-prepared solutions. The objective of this study was to develop a conceptual capital and operating cost estimate using the Superpro Designer process simulation program. In the study, it was assumed that the activated carbon manufacturing facility obtains the poultry litter from various farmers at a cost of $5.50 and $27.50 t−1 for transportation. The carbon manufacturing facility processes 20 t of poultry litter per day and converts it into granular activated carbon for a final carbon yield of 21.6% (dry basis). This facility operates continuously, 330 days of the year. Several parameters were incorporated in the study including equipment sizing, capital costs and operating costs, such as labor, utilities, maintenance and equipment depreciation. The largest contributor to the cost of producing the activated carbon is the $1,200,000 equipment cost of the combined pyrolysis/activation furnace, which contributes about $0.47 kg−1 to the production cost. This study indicates that activated carbon can be produced by this method at a cost of about $1.44 kg−1.
Special issue on aspects of spatial and temporal signal processing

This special issue focuses on aspects of current research in a topic of paramount interest that spans a wide area of applications and at the same time offers theoretically challenging problems. I wish to thank Professor Sydney R. Parker for inviting me to serve as the Guest Editor for what he considered would be an important and timely special issue. I hope that expectation is, at least, partly realized by the readers of this volume. For me, it was a rewarding experience to have interacted with the contributors and reviewers. I also value this opportunity to study many interesting results generated over the past several years. The help provided by the reviewers are gratefully acknowledged. I wish to thank the Air Force Office of Scientific Research and the National Science Foundation for their support of research, some of which has been referenced in this editorial.
Complete preoperative embolization of hemangioblastoma vessels with Onyx 18

The authors present a preliminary experience with ethyl-enevinylalcohol copolymer (Onyx) for hemangioblastoma vessel embolization before surgical resection. The patient presented with neck pain, dizziness, blurred vision, vomiting, and loss of balance. Diagnostic imaging revealed a posterior fossa cystic mass with a nodular component. Angiography demonstrated a significant vascular blush with arteriovenous shunting that was characteristic of a hemangioblastoma. Tumor vessels originating off the left posterior inferior cerebellar artery were embolized before surgery using Onyx 18 (ev3, Covidien Vascular Therapies, Mansfield, MA, USA). This resulted in complete obliteration of all tumor vessels, transforming a highly vascular tumor into an avascular mass. A safe and uneventful surgical resection was performed the next day. Onyx is a valuable embolic agent for preoperative hemangioblastoma vessel embolization. Because of its low viscosity, Onyx penetrates deeply into the tumor vasculature and allows complete obliteration of tumor vessels. Risks of the intervention have to be carefully weighed against the benefits. If preoperative embolization is indicated, the use of Onyx should be strongly considered.
Additional observations on the surface melt fracture behavior of linear low-density polyethylene

Abstract An experimental investigation of the surface melt fracture behavior of linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) is reported. The results of capillary experiments with different L/D ratios and slit-die experiments with various regions coated with fluoro-elastomer are presented; the role of the entry, land and exit regions in the surface melt fracture behavior is examined. In agreement with the mechanism proposed by Kuritz the results seem to suggest that the surface melt fracture arises at the die with the aid of pre-stressing conditions upstream of the exit.
Marine Insurance in Philadelphia During the Quasi-War with France, 1795–1801

Until the 1790s marine insurance in the United States was organized by brokers and underwritten by private individuals. Beginning in 1792, however, the private underwriters had to compete with newly formed marine insurance corporations. Each organizational form had advantages and disadvantages. This article uses archival data from a private underwriter and a corporation to study how the competition between these different organizational forms was affected by a powerful exogenous shock which substantially increased the risks to American merchant shipping in the late 1790s: the “Quasi-War” between the United States and France.
Anticonvulsant treatment of nerve agent seizures: anticholinergics versus diazepam in soman-intoxicated guinea pigs

A total of eight anticholinergic drugs (aprophen, atropine, azaprophen, benactyzine, biperiden, procyclidine, scopolamine, trihexyphenidyl) were tested in parallel with diazepam for the ability to terminate seizure activity induced by the nerve agent soman. Guinea pigs, implanted with electrodes to record cortical electroencephalographic (EEG) activity, were pretreated with pyridostigmine Br (0.026 mg/kg, i.m.) and 30 min later challenged with 2 x LD50 soman (56 microg/kg, s.c.) followed 1 min later by treatment with atropine SO4 (2 mg/kg, i.m.) and pralidoxime chloride (2-PAM Cl; 25 mg/kg, i.m.). All guinea pigs developed sustained seizure activity following this treatment. Dose-effect curves were determined for the ability of each drug to terminate seizure activity when anticonvulsant treatment was given either 5 or 40 min after seizure onset. Body weight gain and recovery of behavioral performance of a previously trained one-way avoidance task were measured after exposure. With the exception of atropine, all anticholinergic drugs were effective at lower doses than diazepam in terminating seizures when given 5 min after seizure onset; benactyzine, procyclidine and aprophen terminated seizures most rapidly while scopolamine, trihexyphenidyl, biperiden, and diazepam were significantly slower. When given 40 min after seizure onset, diazepam was the most potent compound tested, followed by scopolamine, benactyzine and biperiden; atropine was not effective when tested 40 min after seizure onset. For diazepam, the time to terminate the seizure was the same whether it was given at the 5- or 40-min delay. In contrast, most anticholinergics were significantly slower in terminating seizure activity when
The involvement—commitment model: Theory and implications

Abstract An involvement–commitment model is proposed and empirically assessed with LISREL. The results are consistent with the theoretical predictions that ego involvement influences purchase involvement, which influences brand commitment. The model proposed and the composites representing the three stages appear reasonably valid. Managerial implications are derived from this model.
Triple Bottom Line: A Look at Talent Acquisition and Employee Engagement Using Grounded Theory

This paper is based on a study that explored triple bottom line (TBL) as an emerging phenomenon using grounded theory. Presented here are the results from the section concerning talent acquisition and employee engagement of the original study. The presented results suggest that TBL Image (a term developed in the study) is positively associated with talent acquisition and employee engagement. This is illustrated by the introduction of the TBL Image Diagram, which provides an insight into how the image of the organization (as TBL-oriented) enables it to attract (and retain) talent and improve employee engagement. This paper contributes to sustainability scholarship by presenting new findings regarding TBL (as a sustainability-related construct) using grounded theory in light of the lack of empirical research on TBL in the related literature. The study also contributes to human resource scholarship by providing new insight into new elements that influence talent acquisition and employee engagement. Practitioners in human resource management benefit from this study as the findings further their understanding of how to influence the organization from an employee perspective through the TBL lens.
On some characteristic variations in warm season precipitation over the central United States (1910-2000)

[1] On the basis of an observational data set that spans most of the twentieth century, we show that warm season precipitation over the central United States aligns into six large-scale regions. Using two different measures of seasonal precipitation, frequency and intensity, we explore the basic question: To what extent are the observed interannual variations in regional precipitation associated with fluctuations in both large-scale climate modes, the El Nino/Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phenomena and the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO), and more local-scale antecedent moisture conditions? The principal study findings are that the teleconnection between ENSO and regional rainfall is best developed during the early part of the warm season in association with El Nino events, but that modest spatial shifts in the teleconnection occur depending upon phase of the PDO. The investigation reveals little evidence for a teleconnection between ENSO and regional rainfall during La Nina events. Moreover, late in the season, ENSO teleconnectivity is confined largely to the northern part of the study area. While the influence of large-scale climate modes apparently diminishes late in the warm season, this study provides additional empirical evidence to connect early season moisture demand with subsequent rainfall regimes.
Structure and Dynamics of the DNA Hairpins Formed by Tandemly Repeated CTG Triplets Associated With Myotonic Dystrophy

Anomalous expansion of the DNA triplet (CTG)n causes myotonic dystrophy. Structural studies have been carried out on (CTG)n repeats in an attempt to better understand the molecular mechanism of repeat expansion. NMR and gel electrophoretic studies demonstrate the presence of hairpin structures for (CTG)5 and (CTG)6 in solution. The monomeric hairpin structure remains invariant over a wide range of salt concentrations (10-200 mM NaCl), DNA concentrations (micromolar to millimolar in DNA strand) and pH (6.0-7.5). The (CTG)n hairpin contains three bases in the loop when n is odd and four bases when n is even. For both odd and even n the stacking and pairing in the stem remain the same, i.e, two hydrogen bond T.T pairs stack with the neighboring G.C pairs. All the nucleotides in (CTG)5 and (CTG)6 adopt C2'-endo, anti conformations. Full-relaxation matrix analysis has been performed to derive the NOE distance constraints from NOESY experiments at seven different mixing times (25, 50, 75, 100, 125, 200 and 500 ms). NOESY-derived distance constraints were subsequently used in restrained molecular dynamics simulations to obtain a family of structures consistent with the NMR data. The theoretical order parameters are computed for H5-H6(cytosines) and H2'-H2" dipolar correlations for both (CTG)5 and (CTG)6 by employing the Lipari-Szabo formalism. Experimental data show that the cytosine in the loop of the (CTG)5 hairpin is slightly more flexible than those in the stem. The cytosine in the loop of the (CTG)6 hairpin is extremely flexible, implying that the dynamics of the four base loop is intrinsically different from that of the three base loop.
Satisfaction with hospital care and interventions after pregnancy loss.

Abstract Hospital practices after pregnancy loss have changed considerably over the past decade, yet they have not been well evaluated. In a longitudinal study of 194 women and men who experienced miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, stillbirth, or newborn death, the recommended interventions at the time of loss are examined. In most cases, parents were more satisfied if they had experienced an intervention than if they had not, but having experienced more total interventions was not associated with her grief or greater satisfaction with overall care; the latter was related more to the attentiveness and sensitivity of health care personnel. Three groups identified as in need of greater attention are clinic patients, who were significantly less satisfied and more griefstricken than the patients of private physicians, those who had spontaneous abortions or ectopic pregnancies, and those who had early fetal losses.
Characterization of the large tegument protein (ICP1/2) of herpes simplex virus type 1

ICP1/2 (also designated VP1/2) is a 270-kDa structural protein of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) which is located in the tegument region of the virion. In this report we describe the production of a polyclonal antiserum specific for ICP1/2 and the use of this antiserum to examine the synthesis, processing, and intracellular localization of the viral polypeptide. Pulse-labeling studies indicated that ICP1/2 is synthesized late during infection, being initially detectable between 8 and 9 hr postinfection with the rate of synthesis continuing to increase until 11 to 12 hr postinfection. Further studies on the expression of ICP1/2 in the presence or absence of viral DNA replication indicated that the synthesis of the polypeptide is absolutely dependent on viral DNA replication. These results suggest that ICP1/2 represents a gamma 2 (true late) gene product. Additionally, we have performed experiments to determine if ICP1/2 is post-translationally modified in HSV-infected cells. These studies indicated that ICP1/2 is phosphorylated on serine residues; however, we found no evidence to suggest that the protein is glycosylated. Using subcellular fractionation and indirect immunofluorescence techniques, we have determined that ICP1/2 is diffusely distributed throughout the nucleus and cytoplasm of HSV-infected cells with no specific compartmentalization of the polypeptide.
Myosin-Induced Movement of αα, αβ, and ββ Smooth Muscle Tropomyosin on Actin Observed by Multisite FRET

The interaction of the αα, ββ, and αβ smooth muscle tropomyosin (Tm) isoforms with F-actin was systematically studied in the absence and in the presence of myosin subfragment 1 (S1) using multifrequency phase/modulation Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET). A Gaussian double distance distribution model was adopted to fit FRET data between a 5-(2-iodoacetyl-amino-ethyl-amino)naphthalene-1-sulfonic acid donor at either Cys-36 of the β-chain or Cys-190 of the α-chain and a 4-dimethylaminophenylazophenyl 4′-maleimide acceptor at Cys-374 of F-actin. Experimental data were obtained for singly and doubly labeled αβ Tm (donor only at α, only at β, or both) and for doubly labeled αα or ββ Tm. Data for singly labeled αβTm were combined in a global analysis with doubly labeled αβTm. In all doubly labeled isoforms, upon S1 binding, one donor-acceptor “apparent” distance increased slightly by 0.5–2 A, whereas the other decreased by 6–9 A. These changes are consistent with a uniform “rolling” motion of Tm over the F-actin surface. The analysis indicates that Tm occupies relatively well-defined positions, with some flexibility, in both the predominantly closed (−S1) and open (+S1) thin-filament states. The results for the αβTm heterodimer indicate that the local twofold symmetry of αα or ββ Tm is effectively broken in αβTm bound to F-actin, which implies a difference between the α- and β-chains in terms of their interaction with F-actin.
Effects of income supplementation on health of the poor elderly: the case of Mexico.

We use an income supplementation experiment we designed in the state of Yucatan in Mexico for residents 70 y and older to evaluate health impacts of additional income. Two cities in the State of Yucatan, Valladolid (treatment) and Motul (control), were selected for the income supplementation experiment. Elderly residents of Valladolid were provided the equivalent of an additional $67 per month, a 44% increase in average household income. We designed a survey given to residents of both cities before and 6 mo after the income supplement about their health and other aspects of overall well-being. Both baseline and follow-up surveys collect self-reported data on health, physical functioning, and biomarkers. Anthropometric measurements for every age-eligible respondent, including height, weight, and waist circumference, were collected. We also collected lung capacity, grip strength, a series of balance tests, and a timed walk. Our results show significant health benefits associated with the additional income. Relative to the control site, there was a statistically significant improvement in lung function and an improvement in memory. These improvements are equivalent to a reduction in age of 5–10 y. Residents used their extra income to go to the doctor, buy their medications, and alleviate their hunger. The fear that this extra income could be undone by reduced transfers from other family members or unwise expenditures by the poor elderly appears to be unfounded.
Mesothelioma of childhood

Malignant mesothelioma (MM) of childhood is a rare but important neoplasm. Eighty children with a previous diagnosis of MM were identified. Four of the 80 children had exposure to known risk factors (two had history of exposure to asbestos, one had received radiation therapy, and one had been exposed in utero to isoniazid). Tissue slides were available for independent and joint review by a panel of three pathologists in 22 of the cases. Ten were accepted as MM, nine were reclassified as other malignancies, and three were considered tumors of uncertain nature. Six of the ten children with MM were boys, and four were girls. Eight had pleural tumors, and two had peritoneal tumors. Four died at 7, 8, 18, and 48 months after diagnosis; three remained alive at 19, 20, and 59 months; and three had no follow-up. This review suggests that MM of childhood is a valid entity with a grave prognosis. The tissue diagnosis is difficult and is best made by a panel of pathologists. The available evidence does not support a causal relationship between MM and asbestos, radiation, or isoniazid.
Hemolysis in Patients Supported with Durable, Long-Term Left Ventricular Assist Device Therapy

Purpose Mechanical circulatory support is known to have significant effects on red blood cell integrity resulting in hemolysis. The incidence, impact, and characteristics of clinically important hemolysis with long-term left ventricular assist device (LVAD) therapy is largely unknown. Methods and Materials Data were obtained from the Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support (INTERMACS). Adult patients who received an intracorporeal continuous-flow LVAD (CF-LVAD) between June 2005 and March 2012 were included. A hemolytic event was defined as a plasma-free hemoglobin >40 mg/dL in association with clinical signs of hemolysis occurring at least 72 hrs after LVAD implant. Descriptive statistics, time-dependent analyses, and multivariable modeling were employed for statistical purposes. Results A total of 4850 patients comprised the study population. There were 340 hemolytic events in 260 patients. Freedom from hemolysis was 97% at 3 months, 94% at 1 year, and 91% at 2 years. Mean time from implant to first hemolysis event was 7.4 months. Average hematocrit and plasma-free hemoglobin were 28.3% and 115.3 mg/dL, respectively. Those with a biventricular device were more likely to have hemolysis than those with LVAD support alone (p=0.02). CF devices led to a nominally greater hemolytic rate. Younger age was independently associated with hemolysis (p=0.01), and survival was significantly lower after an event ( Figure ). Conclusions Hemolysis occurs in nearly 1 out of 10 LVAD patients by 2 years and significantly reduces survival. Further evaluation is necessary to better understand causal factors and mechanisms of hemolysis, as well as potential therapeutic options for affected patients.
Silicon retina for motion computation

An analog VLSI processor for motion computation is presented. It is based on the Hassenstein-Reichardt-Poggio model for information processing in the visual system of the fly. The authors show how neural network models can be mapped on silicon integrated circuits for performing tasks that can not be handled efficiently by digital computing machinery. The design is based on current-mode subthreshold MOS circuits using device-level design and exploiting the translinear property of the MOS transistor. Experimental results from fabricated chips are presented. >
Efficient upconversion of coherent radiation at 10.26 μm

Upconversion of laser beam at 10.26 mum to 1.187 mum was achieved in a GaSe crystal via difference-frequency generation with the highest conversion efficiency measured to be 19%. Saturation due to pump depletion was evidenced.
The Economics of Convention

C onventions regulate much of economic and social life, yet they have received surprisingly little attention from economists.' By a convention, we mean a pattern of behavior that is customary, expected and self-enforcing. Everyone conforms, everyone expects others to conform, and everyone has good reason to conform because conforming is in each person's best interest when everyone else plans to conform (Lewis, 1969). Familiar examples include following rules of the road, adhering to conventional codes of dress and using words with their conventional meanings. Conventions with direct economic implications include species of money and credit, industrial and technological standards, accounting rules and forms of economic contracts. Indeed, it would scarcely be an exaggeration to say that almost all economic and social institutions are governed to some extent by convention. The main feature of a convention is that, out of a host of conceivable choices, only one is actually used. This fact also explains why conventions are needed: they resolve problems of indeterminacy in interactions that have multiple equilibria. Indeed, from a formal point of view, we may define a convention as an equilibrium that everyone expects in interactions that have more than one equilibrium. The economic significance of conventions is that they reduce transaction costs. Imagine the inconvenience if, whenever two vehicles approached one another, the ' Important exceptions are Sugden (1986) and Ullman-Margalit (1977). The interested reader might also refer to the symposium on social norms that appeared in the Fall 1989 issue of this journal, with articles by Sugden (1989) and Elster (1989).
Direct Observation of Sex Change in the Patellacean Limpet Lottia Gigantea

Protandric hermaphroditism, the sequential change from male to female, has been reported in several superfamilies of prosobranch gastropods including the Fissurellacea, Patellacea, Calyptraeacea, and Eulimacea (Webber, 1977). It is most common in members of the Calyptraeacea and the Patellacea. In the Calyptraeacea changes in sex are readily followed by observing copulative structures (Coe, 1944). Because patellacean limpets are predominantly broadcast spawners with external fertilization, external characters that can be used to determine the sex of individuals are rare. Hence, previous to this report the occurrence of protandry in most patellacean limpets has been based primarily on sexual dimorphism in size; the smaller size classes being made up of male individuals and the larger size classes of female individuals (Willcox, 1898; Orton, 1920, 1928; Orton, Southward & Dodd, 1956; Dodd, 1956; Branch, 1974). However, given this type of data it is often difficult to assess whether the observed sexual dimorphism is indicative of protandry or merely a result of differential growth and/or survival. The presence of simultaneous hermaphrodites in the intermediate size classes, as evidence of protandry is of limited value because simultaneous hermaphrodites occur sporadically in patellaceans that do not show a sexual dimorphism in size (Dodd, 1956; Branch, 1974). The only unambiguous way of proving the existance of protandry in patellacean limpets is the direct monitoring of gonadal changes in individuals through time. We report here the first direct observations of protandric hermaphroditism in a patellacean limpet. Lottia gigantea Sowerby, 1834 is a large (100 + mm), territorial, intertidal limpet that ranges from northern California to central Baja California, Mexico (Stimson, 1970).
On blind channel identifiability under space-time coded transmission

Space-time block coded (STBC) transmission has recently been established as an efficient method to enhance wireless communication performance over quasi-static fading channels. Often, the success of STBC requires accurate channel knowledge at the receiver side. In this work, we present a channel estimation approach that does not require training data to estimate the unknown channel. We establish that under real space-time coded transmission, if the STBC symbol dimension n is odd, then the channel is identifiable up to a scalar ambiguity. In case the STBC dimension is even, the channel matrix is still identifiable if it has full column rank and the number of transmit antennas is odd. We develop simple algorithms to identify the unknown space-time channel matrix for STBC transmission developed.
Economic Consequences of Demographic Change in the Former USSR: Social Transfers in the Kyrgyz Republic

Summary. — Dramatic demographic changes accompanied the decay and collapse of the Soviet Union. This paper considers their long-run economic effects, particularly with respect to impacts on government budgetary positions due to social transfers. Using a detailed actuarial forecasting model for the Central Asian country of Kyrgyzstan, the paper demonstrates that the effect of the transition will be felt far into the 21st century, as government budget pressures to meet social expenditure needs result in lower savings rates and higher public debt. 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
An efficient technique for primer development and application that integrates fluorescent labeling and multiplex PCR.

Premise of the study: Development of genetic markers can be costly and time-consuming, especially when multiple primer pairs are fluorescently labeled. This step was streamlined by combining two techniques in the same PCR reaction: (1) custom-labeling of primers by the investigator and (2) multiplexing multiple primers together in the same reaction. Methods and Results: This technique was successfully used to develop microsatellite markers in several plant species. Microsatellites amplified with this multiplexing process were identical to those generated from PCR using individual primer pairs and with traditional methods using a priori labeled fluorescent primers. Tests of PCR cycling programs revealed that conditions recommended for the commercial kit generated stronger fragment peaks than the previously recommended cycling protocol. Conclusions: This technique is an efficient and economical way to fluorescently label multiple microsatellite primers in the same reaction. It is also applicable to other ma...
Imaging interferometers using flat primary segments

Gossamer mirrors have the potential to reach 100 meter baselines in space because of their very light weight. We explore a type of system that uses an array of flat gossamer mirrors as a primary mirror. Using wavefront reconstruction, we can easily estimate the fields of view for these systems. We report the fields of view as a function of the free parameters for these systems.
The BAH domain facilitates the ability of human Orc1 protein to activate replication origins in vivo.

Selection of initiation sites for DNA replication in eukaryotes is determined by the interaction between the origin recognition complex (ORC) and genomic DNA. In mammalian cells, this interaction appears to be regulated by Orc1, the only ORC subunit that contains a bromo-adjacent homology (BAH) domain. Since BAH domains mediate protein–protein interactions, the human Orc1 BAH domain was mutated, and the mutant proteins expressed in human cells to determine their affects on ORC function. The BAH domain was not required for nuclear localization of Orc1, association of Orc1 with other ORC subunits, or selective degradation of Orc1 during S-phase. It did, however, facilitate reassociation of Orc1 with chromosomes during the M to G1-phase transition, and it was required for binding Orc1 to the Epstein–Barr virus oriP and stimulating oriP-dependent plasmid DNA replication. Moreover, the BAH domain affected Orc1's ability to promote binding of Orc2 to chromatin as cells exit mitosis. Thus, the BAH domain in human Orc1 facilitates its ability to activate replication origins in vivo by promoting association of ORC with chromatin.
Bayesian touch: a statistical criterion of target selection with finger touch

To improve the accuracy of target selection for finger touch, we conceptualize finger touch input as an uncertain process, and derive a statistical target selection criterion, Bayesian Touch Criterion, by combining the basic Bayes' rule of probability with the generalized dual Gaussian distribution hypothesis of finger touch. The Bayesian Touch Criterion selects the intended target as the candidate with the shortest Bayesian Touch Distance to the touch point, which is computed from the touch point to the target center distance and the target size. We give the derivation of the Bayesian Touch Criterion and its empirical evaluation with two experiments. The results showed that for 2-dimensional circular target selection, the Bayesian Touch Criterion is significantly more accurate than the commonly used Visual Boundary Criterion (i.e., a target is selected if and only if the touch point falls within its boundary) and its two variants.
Usability in Context. I: Usability and the Liberal Revolutions

Liberal revolutions involve a change in the availability of a resou rce from being centralized among a small elite to being distributed among many people. This paper reviews three liberal revolutions – in religion, politics, and economics – to examine the dynamics of change and to derive three general principles: (1) revolutions breed counter-revolutions, (2) revolutions require the appropriate conditions to succeed, and (3) revolutions in different domains influence one another. The paper then examines the role of usability in two on-going liberal revolutions – in technology and information. The operation of each of the principles is examined in order to determine ways to apply usability research and engineering most effectively.
Distal coronary artery perfusion during percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty

Abstract Perfusion of the coronary artery distal to an occluding angioplasty balloon was performed in 34 patients undergoing coronary angioplasty (PTCA). A randomized crossover study was employed using two exogenous substances as perfusates: lactated Ringer's solution (LR) and a fluorocarbon emulsion (FL), Fluosol-DA 20%. Both substances are electrolyte solutions, but the FL will dissolve more oxygen than the LR. During two attempted coronary artery occlusions of 90 seconds each, we perfused through the central lumen (guidewire channel) of the PTCA catheter at 60 ml/min. With FL perfusion the mean time to onset of angina after occlusion was delayed (41 ± 21 vs 33 ± 16 seconds, mean ± SD; p p p p
Validity of the extended electron-electron cusp condition

The extended cusp condition asserts that h(u) — ao dh(u)/du & 0, where av is the Bohr radius, u is the interelectronic spacing, and h(u) is the angle-averaged pair density in the ground state. We prove that this inequality is obeyed by Hooke s atom for any value of the spring constant. However, we also show that this condition is violated by the uniform electron gas of high density. We explain the qualitative difFerence between these two systems by subtracting a long-range contribution from h(u), leaving a short-range contribution which is amenable to a local density approximation. Thus the extended cusp condition is not a universal property of the ground state of inhomogeneous electronic systems.
Phenotypic and genetic analysis of Lymantria dispar nucleopolyhedrovirus few polyhedra mutants: Mutations in the 25K FP gene may be caused by DNA replication errors

We previously demonstrated that polyhedron formation (PF) mutants arise at a high frequency during serial passage of the Lymantria dispar nucleopolyhedrovirus (LdMNPV) in the L. dispar 652Y cell line (J. M. Slavicek, N. Hayes-Plazolles, and M. E. Kelly, Biol. Control 5:251-261, 1995). Most of these PF mutants exhibited the traits of few polyhedra (FP) mutants; however, no large DNA insertions or deletions that correlated with the appearance of the FP phenotype were found. In this study, we have characterized several of the PF mutants at the phenotypic and genetic levels. Genetic techniques were used to group the mutations in the LdMNPV PF mutants to the same or closely linked genes. Wild-type viruses were recovered after coinfection of L. dispar 652Y cells with certain combinations of PF mutants. These viruses were analyzed by restriction endonuclease analysis and found to be chimeras of the original PF mutants used in the coinfections. Marker rescue experiments localized the mutations in one group of PF isolates to the region containing the LdMNPV 25K FP gene. The mutations in these PF mutants were identified. Four of five of the LdMNPV FP mutants contain small insertions or deletions within the 25K FP gene. The fifth LdMNPV FP mutant analyzed contained a large deletion that truncated the C terminus of the 25K FP gene product. All of the deletions occurred within the same potential hairpin loop structure, which had the lowest free energy value (most stable hairpin) of the five potential hairpin loop structures present in the 25K FP gene. One of the insertion mutants contained an extra base within a repetitive sequence. These types of mutations are likely caused by errors that occur during DNA replication. The relationship between the types of mutations found within the LdMNPV 25K FP gene and DNA replication-based mutagenesis is discussed.
The Endothelial-Specific MicroRNA miR-126 Governs Vascular Integrity and Angiogenesis

Endothelial cells play essential roles in maintenance of vascular integrity, angiogenesis, and wound repair. We show that an endothelial cell-restricted microRNA (miR-126) mediates developmental angiogenesis in vivo. Targeted deletion of miR-126 in mice causes leaky vessels, hemorrhaging, and partial embryonic lethality, due to a loss of vascular integrity and defects in endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis. The subset of mutant animals that survives displays defective cardiac neovascularization following myocardial infarction. The vascular abnormalities of miR-126 mutant mice resemble the consequences of diminished signaling by angiogenic growth factors, such as VEGF and FGF. Accordingly, miR-126 enhances the proangiogenic actions of VEGF and FGF and promotes blood vessel formation by repressing the expression of Spred-1, an intracellular inhibitor of angiogenic signaling. These findings have important therapeutic implications for a variety of disorders involving abnormal angiogenesis and vascular leakage.
Regular physical activity and risk of atrial fibrillation: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background— Although previous studies have suggested that competitive athletes have a higher risk of atrial fibrillation than the general population, limited and inconsistent data are available on the association between regular physical activity and the risk of atrial fibrillation. Methods and Results— A systematic, comprehensive literature search was performed using MEDLINE, EMBASE, and COCHRANE until 2011. Extracted data from the eligible studies were meta-analyzed using fixed effects model. Four studies, which included 95 526 subjects, were eligible for meta-analysis. For all of the studies included, the extreme groups (ie, maximum versus minimal amount of physical activity) were used for the current analyses. The total number of participants belonging to the extreme groups was 43 672. The pooled odds ratio (95% confidence interval) for atrial fibrillation among regular exercisers was 1.08 (0.97–1.21). Conclusions— Our data do not support a statistically significant association between regular physical activity and increased incidence of atrial fibrillation.
Molecular Emission Spectra from Shock-Decomposed Benzene

Benzene decomposes when shocked to pressures greater than 13 GPa. However, few products of the decomposition reactions have been identified in situ or by recovery methods. This paper reports the detection by time-resolved (50-to-120 nsec) chemiluminescence spectroscopy of excited molecular products of the decomposition of benzene at pressures from 24 to 63 GPa. Strong spectral bands characteristic of C2 are readily identified among other features and a gray-body background. The dependence of the spectra on shock parameters are breifly discussed in terms of known decomposition mechanisms of highly excited benzene.