cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Histopathologic Basis for Surgical Debridement to Promote Healing of Venous Ulcers

Background Pathologic analysis of deep tissue obtained during debridement of venous ulcers is often unnoticed in its importance. We previously reported pathologic findings on 139 patients with venous ulcers. The objective of this study was to correlate the pathologic findings in venous ulcers with wound healing to establish a negative margin for debridement. Study Design Consecutive patients with a lower extremity venous ulcer present for at least 4 weeks, presenting to a single wound healing center, were included. Wounds underwent aggressive surgical debridement beyond the subcutaneous level until judged to have a viable base. Specimens were scored based on cellularity, vascularity, collagen composition, inflammation, and dense fibrosis, with a highest possible score of 13. Healing was the primary outcome for analysis. Results Of the 26 patients who met inclusion criteria, only 50% of them (13 patients) with a total of 18 venous ulcers underwent surgical debridement available for pathologic analysis. Mean ulcer area was 34.7 cm 2 at initial presentation, and 89% of patients had a continuous positive healing curve as measured by decreasing wound area (from 34.7 cm 2 to 14.3 cm 2 ). However, specimens with dense fibrosis, decreased cellularity, mature collagen, and pathology score less than 10 were predominantly nonhealing ulcers. Conclusions Presence of dense fibrosis and high levels of mature collagen in deep tissue specimens are significant correlative factors in nonhealing of venous ulcers. We recommend deep debridement on all venous ulcers that are refractory to healing until the level of absence of dense fibrosis and mature collagen is reached to promote venous ulcer healing.
Environmental Impact Of A Supertanker Port

This paper describes a study of the environmental aspects of an offshore supertanker port. The methodology for conducting the environmental assessment is presented and is applicable to any site, although Texas Gulf Coast sites are examined for illustrative purposes. Since there are several feasible site locations and many different sea and wind conditions to consider, components of a computer programmed model are being developed to evaluate the relative impact of one site over another. The environmental inventory was completed and indexed on a 3-mile grid square base for the Gulf area and 3-mile sections along the beach for the coastal features. Utilizing available wind and water current data, a model was developed for predicting the probability that the oil will reach a specific grid element from a given spill site. Depending on the size of the spill and the sea conditions, it is assumed that the environmental impact will be reduced by the latest developments for control and containment of oil at sea. For each grid element, the probability of oil reaching that point is determined along with the approximate travel time of the oil. The reduction in oil toxicity due to evaporation, solution, and decay is included. Although adequate information was not available from existing literature to accurately evaluate the impact of an oil spill on the environment, for the purpose of this preliminary environmental assessment, the methodology was developed and missing data were assumed when necessary. Conclusions and recommendations based on this study are summarized.
Energy transfer: a general method for the study of protein-nucleic acid interactions.

Abstract A novel fluorescence method has been developed which should have general applicability for the study of protein-nucleic acid interactions. The association between proteins covalently labeled with dansyl chloride and DNA noncovalently labeled with acridine orange can be studied by monitoring the transfer of fluorescent energy from the donor (the dansyl label) to the acceptor (acridine orange). This method has been illustrated in model fluorescence studies which yield estimates of the combining ratio of histone VIIIS (Sigma, arginine rich) with DNA.
A characterization of erratic dynamics in, the overlapping generations model

Abstract In this paper we characterize and give examples o(' wide classes of utility functions which generate erratic dynamics in the standard, deterministic, overlapping generations model. Erratic dynamics refers to feasible trajectories which are bounded but which do not converge to stationary points or periodic orbits. We show that such trajectories are Pareto-efficient. We introduce credit into the model and show how a constant credit expansion rate can result in erratic trajectories in prices and the real value of credit. Finally, we briefly discuss certain technical aspects of the mathematics used and the ‘statistical’ nature of the dynamics that can arise from deterministic dynamical systems.
Fabrication of colloidal arrays by self-assembly of sub-100nm silica particles

Abstract Self-assembly of sub-100 nm spherical silica nanoparticles into ordered, tightly packed three- and two-dimensional arrays was studied. Self-assembly by vertical evaporation was investigated for particles made by two methods: an optimized Stober method recently reported from this laboratory and a modified reverse micelle method. Ordered, close-packed, two- and three-dimensional structures were formed with spherical nanoparticles made by the optimized Stober method. Fast Fourier transforms of top-view scanning electron microscopy images document close-packed hexagonal packing for three-dimensional arrays consisting of particles as small as 50 nm. Ranges over which evaporation temperature and suspension particle concentration can be altered as strategies for improving packing quality of 50 nm particles have been defined. Self-assembly behavior that is distinct from that of larger particles (>200 nm) is observed for these sub-100 nm particles in that the ranges over which these variables can be altered to affect array packing quality are much smaller than for larger particles. In contrast, for particles made by the reverse micelle method, only structures with poor packing quality were obtained despite the fact that such particles are typically more uniform than those made by the Stober method. These results provide clear evidence that, in addition to particle uniformity, other particle properties deriving from fabrication method play important roles in directing self-assembly of sub-100 nm particles. Finally, a rapid self-assembly method based on horizontal evaporation was used to produce close-packed three-dimensional structures of these sub-100 nm particles spanning several millimeters. Although these arrays are not as ordered as those made by vertical evaporation, the strategy reported herein allows tightly packed, crack-free arrays up to microns in thickness to be fabricated. A mechanism for self-assembly by this process is proposed.
A logarithmic complexity divide-and-conquer algorithm for multi-flexible articulated body dynamics

This paper presents an efficient algorithm for the dynamics simulation and analysis of multi-flexible-body systems. This algorithm formulates and solves the nonlinear equations of motion for mechanical systems with interconnected flexible bodies subject to the limitations of modal superposition, and body substructuring, with arbitrarily large rotations and translations. The large rotations or translations are modelled as rigid body degrees of freedom associated with the interconnecting kinematic joint degrees of freedom. The elastic deformation of the component bodies is modelled through the use of modal coordinates and associated admissible shape functions. Apart from the approximation associated with the elastic deformations, this algorithm is exact, non-iterative, and applicable to generalized multi-flexible chain and tree topologies. In its basic form, the algorithm is both time and processor optimal in its treatment of the n b joint variables, providing O(log(n b )) turnaround time per temporal integration step, achieved with O(n b ) processors. The actual cost associated with the parallel treatment of the n f flexible degrees of freedom depends on the specific parallel method chosen for dealing with the individual coefficient matrices which are associated locally with each flexible body.
Hybrid MEMS-IDT-based accelerometer and gyroscope in a single chip

In this paper, recent advances made on wireless MEMS-IDT (Interdigital Transducer) based accelerometers and gyroscopes at Penn State and HVS are presented. The concept and design principles are based on using surface acoustic waves (SAW) and polysilicon seismic mass for acceleration and proof mass for gyro. By designing the seismic mass of the accelerometer to float just above a high frequency Rayleigh Surface Acoustic Wave Sensor (SAWS), we are able to realize the accuracy and versatility required for the measurement of accelerations from 10 -6 g to 100g. The gyro design is based on the combination of Surface Acoustic Wave Resonator (SAWR) and Surface Acoustic Wave Sensor, which operates at the Rayleigh mode. The transmitter IDT creates SAW that propagates back and forth between the reflectors and forms a standing wave pattern within the cavity space between the IDTs. The particles at the anti-nodes of standing wave pattern experience large amplitude of vibration perpendicular to the plane of the substrate, which serves as the reference vibrating motion for the gyroscope. A number of metallic (proof) masses are strategically positioned at the anti-node locations so that the effect of the Coriolis force can be used to sense the gyroscopic motion.
Effect of calcium on the cyclic GMP elevation induced by thymosin fraction 5

Abstract Thymosin fraction 5 induces an increase in cyclic GMP but not cAMP in murine thymocytes. Calcium (0.6 mM) is necessary for an optimal response in both phosphate buffered saline and hepes-buffered RPMI 1640 media. The calcium dependence of the cGMP response was most pronounced in a minimal salts medium (PBS) and higher concentrations (greater than 0.8 mM) caused a lessening of the cGMP elevation induced by thymosin. Basal cGMP levels of thymus and spleen lymphocytes vary with increasing concentrations of calcium (0–1 mM) and to a lesser extent, the levels of cAMP also are increased. Calcium uptake was measured both at mitogenic levels of Con A and at thymosin concentrations which were similar to those necessary for the increase in cGMP. The results suggest that calcium and cGMP play an important role in T cell differentiation under the influence of thymosin.
Stochastic mechanics of systems with zero potential

Abstract Nelson's stochastic mechanics is studied for a system with zero potential. It is shown that, with probability one, the sample paths of this process behave asymptotically like paths in classical mechanics in the limit t → + ∞.
The use of Pb, Sr, and Hg isotopes in Great Lakes precipitation as a tool for pollution source attribution

Abstract The anthropogenic emission and subsequent deposition of heavy metals including mercury (Hg) and lead (Pb) present human health and environmental concerns. Although it is known that local and regional sources of these metals contribute to deposition in the Great Lakes region, it is difficult to trace emissions from point sources to impacted sites. Recent studies suggest that metal isotope ratios may be useful for distinguishing between and tracing source emissions. We measured Pb, strontium (Sr), and Hg isotope ratios in daily precipitation samples that were collected at seven sites across the Great Lakes region between 2003 and 2007. Lead isotope ratios (207Pb/206Pb = 0.8062 to 0.8554) suggest that Pb deposition was influenced by coal combustion and processing of Mississippi Valley-Type Pb ore deposits. Regional differences in Sr isotope ratios (87Sr/86Sr = 0.70859 to 0.71155) are likely related to coal fly ash and soil dust. Mercury isotope ratios (δ202Hg = − 1.13 to 0.13‰) also varied among the sites, likely due to regional differences in coal isotopic composition, and fractionation occurring within industrial facilities and in the atmosphere. These data represent the first combined characterization of Pb, Sr, and Hg isotope ratios in precipitation collected across the Great Lakes region. We demonstrate the utility of multiple metal isotope ratios in parallel with traditional trace element multivariate statistical modeling to enable more complete pollution source attribution.
Relations between cognitive status and medication adherence in patients treated for memory disorders

Medication adherence has been increasingly recognized as an important factor in elderly persons’ health. Various studies have shown that medication non-adherence is associated with poor health status in this population. As part of a study of the effects of two interventions to promote medication adherence in patients treated for memory problems, information on medication adherence and cognitive status was collected at 3-month intervals. Twenty-seven participants (16 men, 11 women, age 71-92 years) were assigned to control or treatment conditions and adherence was evaluated with an electronic monitoring device. Cognitive status was evaluated at 3- month intervals beginning in April of 2003 and continuing through September of 2006. We have previously reported on the effectiveness of these interventions to promote adherence. In this paper, we examine the relations of cognitive status and adherence over time using a partial least squares path model in order to evaluate the extent to which adherence to cholinesterase medications was related to cognitive status. Adherence predicted cognitive status at later time points while cognition did not, in general, predict adherence. Results thus suggest that interventions to ensure high levels of medication adherence may be important for maintaining cognitive function in affected elderly people.
How Six Large Banks Reacted to a Basel III Proposal to Include Credit Derivatives in the Leverage Ratio

In the wake of the 2008 financial crisis, bank regulators are paying more attention to derivatives. In a move that can be seen as a step away from fair-value accounting, bank regulators (Basel III) have proposed to calculate bank leverage ratios using notional values, rather than fair values, of written credit derivatives. In addition to changing the calculation of regulatory ratios, the proposed changes will also improve bank disclosure of exposure to credit derivatives. This study investigates the effect of the proposed changes on the leverage ratios of the six largest U.S. banks, five of which currently disclose information to calculate the proposed leverage ratios. Wells Fargo and JPMorgan are least affected by the proposed changes. Goldman Sachs and Bank of America suffer a 1 to 1.4 percentage point decline in leverage ratio, while Morgan Stanley suffers a 2.4 percentage-point decline to below the critical 5% threshold. Citigroup does not currently provide the necessary disclosures. We also examine the reaction of the six banks, in the form of comment letters, to the proposed changes. While the letters were apparently coordinated, the Wells Fargo and JP Morgan letters carry the most positive (or least negative) tone, consistent with our expectations.
Cellular structure of the human cerebral cortex

The publication last year of a splendid facsimile volume and translation of one of the most spectacular histological brain atlases ever produced was a major event in neuroscience that was duly acknowledged in this journal (Jones, 2008). Constantine von Economo and George N. Koskinas’ Die Cytoarchitektonik der Hirnrinde des erwachsenen Menschen , a giant atlas made up of a boxed set of 112 large format photomicrographs and an accompanying text volume, was published as 100 sets in 1925 by Julius Springer in Vienna, the costs of production being borne by von Economo himself. The 2008 facsimile of these atlas plates was published by Karger, under the direction of Dr Lazaros C. Triarhou who also provided a translation of their German descriptions (von Economo and Koskinas, 2008). In a brief, informative accompanying chapter, Dr Triarhou, a neuroscientist, provided biographical details of the original authors and placed their work in the perspective of modern imaging studies of the human brain. Dr Triarhou clearly baulked, however, at translating the enormous text volume which ran to 810 pages with 162 figures. Instead, he has now provided us with a translation of a set of lectures in which von Economo summarized the more important features of the text. The original German version of the lectures, Zellaufbau der Grosshirnrinde des Menschen , illustrated with reduced copies of some of the atlas plates and many new ones, appeared in 1927; and English, Italian and French versions with introductions written by the multilingual von Economo, came soon after. But the English version by Samuel Parker, a New York psychoanalyst, was so literal a rendition of the original German to make it at times incomprehensible and in reviewing it, Brain was decidedly uncomplimentary (Anonymous, 1929). Happily, …
Estimating Divergence Times in the Presence of an Overdispersed Molecular Clock

Molecular loci that fail relative-rate tests are said to be ‘‘overdispersed.’’ Traditional molecular-clock approaches to estimating divergence times do not take this into account. In this study, a method was developed to estimate divergence times using loci that may be overdispersed. The approach was to replace the traditional Poisson process assumption with a more general stationary process assumption. A probability model was developed, and an accompanying computer program was written to find maximum-likelihood estimates of divergence times under both the Poisson process and the stationary process assumptions. In simulation, it was shown that confidence intervals under the traditional Poisson assumptions often vastly underestimate the true confidence limits for overdispersed loci. Both models were applied to two data sets: one from land plants, the other from the higher metazoans. In both cases, the traditional Poisson process model could be rejected with high confidence. Maximum-likelihood analysis of the metazoan data set under the more general stationary process suggested that their radiation occurred well over a billion years ago, but confidence intervals were extremely wide. It was also shown that a model consistent with a Cambrian (or nearly Cambrian) origination of the animal phyla, although significantly less likely than a much older divergence, fitted the data well. It is argued that without an a priori understanding of the variance in the time between substitutions, molecular data sets may be incapable of ever establishing the age of the metazoan radiation.
Augustine and the Critical Method

The following study is an analysis of Augustine's exegetical method with especial reference to an assessment of its critical element. The object is to find out what kind of argument the Bishop of Hippo used in his expositions of Scripture, and to pass judgment on it in terms of the canons of modern critical method. There is obviously an immense difference between what we on the one hand and what St. Augustine on the other would call a “good” argument. It seems to me profitable to inquire into this difference.
A High-Precision Photoelectric Photometer

During work on the primary standard of light a photometer has been developed which possesses desirable qualities. The detector used is a Gillod-Boutry vacuum photocell with cesium-bismuth cathode surface having a basic sensitivity of 25 μA/lu. The photocurrent is measured by a simple circuit, using balanced electrometer tubes, similar to circuits which have been described frequently over a long period of time in the literature [e.g., C. H. Sharp H. A. Smith , Trans. IES23, 434 ( 1928), and O. C. Jones R. S. Maddever J. H. Sanders , J. Sci. Instr.36, 24 ( 1959)] except in one rather important respect which is described fully. The photometer is compact and portable. Battery replacement is only necessary every three months. Differences between successive readings and zeros repeat to ±2/104 when measuring a steady incidence of 10−4 lu. Zero drift is small, necessitating readings only every 15 min. Circuit stability is good, so that the simple balance adjustment need not be used more than twice daily, provided that the triodes are suitably matched. Due to undetermined causes day-to-day variations in sensitivity of 0.5% sometimes occur.
Norwalk Virus Nonstructural Protein p48 Forms a Complex with the SNARE Regulator VAP-A and Prevents Cell Surface Expression of Vesicular Stomatitis Virus G Protein

Norwalk virus (NV), a reference strain of human calicivirus in the Norovirus genus of the family Caliciviridae, contains a positive-strand RNA genome with three open reading frames. ORF1 encodes a 1,789-amino-acid polyprotein that is processed into nonstructural proteins that include an NTPase, VPg, protease, and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. The N-terminal protein p48 of ORF1 shows no significant sequence similarity to viral or cellular proteins, and its function in the human calicivirus replication cycle is not known. The lack of sequence similarity to any protein in the public databases suggested that p48 may have a unique function in the NV replication cycle or, alternatively, may perform a characterized function in replication by a unique mechanism. In this report, it is shown that p48 displays a vesicular localization pattern in transfected cells when fused to the fluorescent reporter EYFP. A predicted transmembrane domain at the C terminus of p48 was not necessary for the observed localization pattern, but this domain was sufficient to redirect localization of EYFP to a fluorescent pattern consistent with the Golgi apparatus. A yeast two-hybrid screen identified the SNARE regulator vesicle-associated membrane protein-associated protein A (VAP-A) as a binding partner of p48. Biochemical assays confirmed that p48 and VAP-A interact and form a stable complex in mammalian cells. Furthermore, expression of the vesicular stomatitis virus G glcyoprotein on the cell surface was inhibited when cells coexpressed p48, suggesting that p48 disrupts intracellular protein trafficking.
Depression in adults with intellectual disability: symptoms and challenging behaviour

Background Psychiatric evaluation of adults with intellectual disability (ID) remains complex because of limitations in verbal abilities, atypical clinical presentation and challenging behaviour. This study examines the clinical presentation of adults with depression compared with bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders and non-psychiatric control patients. Method This study is a retrospective record review of the initial psychiatric diagnostic evaluation for 300 adult patients with ID drawn from a clinic population. Patients with major depression (n = 85) were compared with those with bipolar disorder (n = 70), anxiety disorders (n = 30) and control patients without psychiatric disorder (n = 27). Key symptoms of depression assessed during the interview were examined as well as challenging behaviour. Results Three symptoms were useful in differentiating depressed patients from all other groups: sad mood, crying, and anhedonia. Withdrawal, suicidality, and awakening during the night were significant compared with anxiety patients and controls; however, few patients reported suicidality. Bipolar patients were significantly different from depressed patients for elevated mood, acute anger episodes, increase in verbalization, pressure of speech, talk of sexual themes, increase in appetite and poor concentration. Anxiety patients had more fearfulness without withdrawal, sad mood, crying, anhedonia and suicidality. Challenging behaviour was most pronounced in bipolar patients; for depressed patients, aggression and impulsivity were significant compared with anxiety patients and controls. Overall, the control patients presented with few symptoms in any category. Conclusions Sad mood, crying and anhedonia are key significant features of depression. Most patients with ID cannot meet the required number of DSM criteria or suggested DM-ID adapted criteria for major depression. Many depressive symptoms were reported in modest numbers and this was probably related to deficiencies in self-report or observational skills of caregivers. Challenging behaviour is not diagnostically specific. It is, however, a key atypical feature of depression.
SUCCESSFUL USE OF THE NOCTURNAL URINE ALARM FOR DIURNAL ENURESIS

We report the effects of using a urine alarm, typically employed for nocturnal enuresis, to treat chronic diurnal enuresis in a 15-year-old female resident at Boys' Town. The results of an ABAB reversal design indicate that the alarm eliminated wetting in both treatment phases and that continence was maintained at 3- and 6-month follow-up.
Studying Individual and Family Development: Linking Theory and Research.

The predominant theoretical orientation of the majority of scientists studying human behavioral development and family functioning is derived from systems models. These theories are dynamic in their conceptualization and emphasize process and context. To a large extent, the analytic strategies we employ are not consistent with our theoretical assumptions. Analytic methods that focus on moderating and mediating processes rather than main effects, on within-group variability and the sources of that variability, and on the identification of interrelated patterns of change in individuals, families, and environments are needed for our research results to mirror the complexity of our theories.
Considerations on Finite-Element Method Application in Pavement Structural Analysis

Finite-element models have been applied extensively to the design and analysis of pavement structures. Three types of models have been used to study multilayered pavement structures: plane strain, axisymmetric, and three-dimensional (3-D). The applicability of each these three models and their disadvantages and advantages are discussed. Within the research community, an issue frequently raised about the application of the finite-element method (FEM) to pavement structures is the dependence of the solution on the simplifications that are introduced to reduce computational time and mesh configurations and element size, type, and aspect ratio. This issue is discussed extensively with the primary objective of comparing the solutions derived from FEM models with those from classic mechanistic models. The FEM solutions were derived with a commercial software package, ABAQUS, which is designed as a flexible tool for the implementation of FEM. The solution from the BISAR layered theory model for the traffic loadi...
Overwriting Does Not Optimize in Nonconcatenative Morphology

Overwriting is modeled in Optimality Theory as a competition for a position within the derivational base (Alderete et al. 1999, Ussishkin 1997). Faithfulness constraints that are evaluated on the basis of segment counting predict a typology of languages in which (a) optimization dictates that the relative size of the affixal material determines whether it will win out and “overwrite” the base, and (b) optimization ensures that if both the affix and base material can surface without incurring phonotactic violations, this should be optimal. Both predictions are wrong. Hebrew denominal verb formation and Hindi echo reduplication demonstrate cases of nonconcatenative derivation in which overwriting is better understood as rule-induced change.
Differences between Acer saccharum Leaves from Open and Wind-Protected Sites

Size-correlated variations of sugar maple (Acer saccharum L.) leaf anatomy and mechanical properties were determined for two saplings (from open and wind protected sites) to examine the eects of chronic wind-induced mechanical disturbance on leaf size, rigidity and flexibility. Based on a total sample of 78 leaves, comparisons indicated that the mean size of the open site leaves (n fl 37) was smaller in every measured respect compared with that of the closed site leaves (n fl 41). Open site leaves had, on average, smaller lamina surface area, shorter and narrower petioles with a smaller volume fraction of lignified tissues than those from the closed site. Biomechanical comparisons also indicated that the petioles of open site leaves were significantly less rigid and more flexible than the petioles of closed site leaves. Despite dierences in mean leaf size and petiolar rigidity and flexibility, allometric comparisons indicated the size-dependent variations in leaf properties were continuous across the two sites. Also, the allocation of leaf biomass with respect to stem biomass along the lengths of the two saplings was statistically identical and indistinguishable from an isometric relationship. However, the smaller diametered branches of the open site sapling bore smaller and fewer leaves with less sti and rigid petioles than those of the closed site sapling. The dierences between open and closed site leaves are interpreted to be functionally adaptive and to indicate that chronic mechanical disturbance of developing Acer saccharum leaves prefigures mature leaf size and petiole properties that have the capacity to reduce wind drag. Results from petioles are contrasted with those of mechanically disturbed stems. # 1996 Annals of Botany Company
A hybrid perturbation Galerkin technique with applications to slender body theory

A two step hybrid perturbation-Galerkin method to solve a variety of applied mathematics problems which involve a small parameter is presented. The method consists of: (1) the use of a regular or singular perturbation method to determine the asymptotic expansion of the solution in terms of the small parameter; (2) construction of an approximate solution in the form of a sum of the perturbation coefficient functions multiplied by (unknown) amplitudes (gauge functions); and (3) the use of the classical Bubnov-Galerkin method to determine these amplitudes. This hybrid method has the potential of overcoming some of the drawbacks of the perturbation method and the Bubnov-Galerkin method when they are applied by themselves, while combining some of the good features of both. The proposed method is applied to some singular perturbation problems in slender body theory. The results obtained from the hybrid method are compared with approximate solutions obtained by other methods, and the degree of applicability of the hybrid method to broader problem areas is discussed.
Automated insect identification through concatenated histograms of local appearance features: feature vector generation and region detection for deformable objects

This paper describes a computer vision approach to automated rapid-throughput taxonomic identification of stonefly larvae. The long-term objective of this research is to develop a cost-effective method for environmental monitoring based on automated identification of indicator species. Recognition of stonefly larvae is challenging because they are highly articulated, they exhibit a high degree of intraspecies variation in size and color, and some species are difficult to distinguish visually, despite prominent dorsal patterning. The stoneflies are imaged via an apparatus that manipulates the specimens into the field of view of a microscope so that images are obtained under highly repeatable conditions. The images are then classified through a process that involves (a) identification of regions of interest, (b) representation of those regions as SIFT vectors (Lowe, in Int J Comput Vis 60(2):91–110, 2004) (c) classification of the SIFT vectors into learned “features” to form a histogram of detected features, and (d) classification of the feature histogram via state-of-the-art ensemble classification algorithms. The steps (a) to (c) compose the concatenated feature histogram (CFH) method. We apply three region detectors for part (a) above, including a newly developed principal curvature-based region (PCBR) detector. This detector finds stable regions of high curvature via a watershed segmentation algorithm. We compute a separate dictionary of learned features for each region detector, and then concatenate the histograms prior to the final classification step. We evaluate this classification methodology on a task of discriminating among four stonefly taxa, two of which, Calineuria and Doroneuria, are difficult even for experts to discriminate. The results show that the combination of all three detectors gives four-class accuracy of 82% and three-class accuracy (pooling Calineuria and Doro-neuria) of 95%. Each region detector makes a valuable contribution. In particular, our new PCBR detector is able to discriminate Calineuria and Doroneuria much better than the other detectors.
Factors Affecting Determination of Platelet Monoamine Oxidase Activity

Platelet monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity has been reported to be significantly decreased in chronic schizophrenia, but this finding is still quite controversial. Some of the variance between different studies may be due to differences in assay procedures. We have examined the effects of platelet count and platelet pellet protein determinations on assay reliability. The platelet count method was found to be somewhat more reliable than the platelet protein method of determing MAO activity. We also examined the effect of centrifugation conditions on platelet MAO activity. Platelets harvested at 100g had significantly higher MAO activity than platelets harvested at 600g. A significantly greater variation in the 600g platelet MAO activity/100g platelet MAO activity ratio was found in psychiatric patients than in control subjects.
Severe reduction in leukocyte adhesion and monocyte extravasation in mice deficient in CC chemokine receptor 2

CC chemokine receptor 2 (CCR2) is a prominent receptor for the monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP) group of CC chemokines. Mice generated by gene targeting to lack CCR2 exhibit normal leukocyte rolling but have a pronounced defect in MCP-1-induced leukocyte firm adhesion to microvascular endothelium and reduced leukocyte extravasation. Constitutive macrophage trafficking into the peritoneal cavity was not significantly different between CCR2-deficient and wild-type mice. However, after intraperitoneal thioglycollate injection, the number of peritoneal macrophages in CCR2-deficient mice did not rise above basal levels, whereas in wild-type mice the number of macrophages at 36 h was ≈3.5 times the basal level. The CCR2-deficient mice showed enhanced early accumulation and delayed clearance of neutrophils and eosinophils. However, by 5 days neutrophils and eosinophils in both CCR2-deficient and wild-type mice had returned to near basal levels, indicating that resolution of this inflammatory response can occur in the absence of macrophage influx and CCR2-mediated activation of the resident peritoneal macrophages. After intravenous injection with yeast β-glucan, wild-type mice formed numerous large, well-defined granulomas throughout the liver parenchyma, whereas CCR2-deficient mice had much fewer and smaller granulomas. These results demonstrate that CCR2 is a major regulator of induced macrophage trafficking in vivo.
The Role of Romantic Partners, Family, and Peer Networks in Dating Couples' Views about Cohabitation.

Emerging adults are increasingly cohabiting, but few studies have considered the role of social context in the formation of their views of cohabitation. Drawing on 40 semistructured interviews with dating couples, we explored the role of romantic partners, family, and peers on evaluations of cohabitation. In couples where each member had a differing view about cohabitation, one romantic partner’s desire to not cohabit trumped their partner’s more ambivalent feelings about cohabitation.The influence of family in the formation of cohabitation views was evident through a variety of mechanisms, including parental advice, social modeling, religious values, and economic control. Peers also played a key role, with couples using the vicarious trials of their peer networks to judge how cohabitation would affect their own relationship. By using a couple perspective, assessing reports from both members of each couple, this study showcases how beliefs about cohabitation are formed within an intimate dyad.
Energy-recovery linac project at Cornell University.

There is considerable interest in using superconducting electron linacs with energy recovery as synchrotron radiation sources. Such energy recovery linacs (ERLs) would open new regimes of X-ray science because they are capable of producing ultra-brilliant X-ray beams [>5 x 10(22) photons s(-1) (0.1% bandwidth)(-1) mm(-2) mrad(-2) at 10 keV], maintaining a very small source size ( approximately 3 micro m r.m.s.) suitable for micro X-ray beams, and making very intense fast ( approximately 100 fs) X-ray pulses. Each of these characteristics would permit the execution of experiments that are not feasible with existing synchrotron sources. Many technical issues must be satisfactorily resolved before the potential of a full-scale ERL can be realised, including the generation of high average current (10 to 100 mA), high-brightness electron beams (0.015 to 0.15 nm rad emittances, respectively); acceleration of these beams to energies of 5-7 GeV without unacceptable emittance degradation; stable and efficient operation of superconducting linear accelerators at very high gradients etc. Cornell University, in collaboration with Jefferson Laboratory, has proposed to resolve these issues by the construction of a 100 MeV, 100 mA prototype ERL. The intention is to then utilize the information that is learned from the prototype to propose the construction of a full-scale ERL light source.
Some thoughts about creating healthcare professionals that match what societies need

Healthcare is becoming increasingly complex across the globe; technology, delivery models, economic requirements, demographics and the epidemiology of disease are changing at a rapid pace. Despite the multiple efforts in defining common competencies and standards that all healthcare professionals should meet, it has become clear that educational and training programs have to adjust to the needs of societies they serve, and that the institutions that design and deliver those programs need to be accountable to society for the products they produce. Academic institutions that educate healthcare professionals will have to interact differently with the many stakeholders needed to create effective and efficient, and culturally appropriate healthcare systems. Present day medical education has its roots in the European university which traditionally valued academic freedom, autonomy and independent research over serving society and the job market; future efforts will require a fundamental shift in the outlook and measures of success for academic institutions. The recent outcomes and competency movement is a first step in that direction but more will need to be done. Rather than being one participant, possibly a reluctant one, academia should become the catalyst for change, the hub for stakeholder interactions, and the breeding ground for the new healthcare workforce.
Emergence of a sustainable business community

Global population and environmental pressures are challenging multinational com- panies to develop new business strategies founded upon the principles of sustainability— assuring that they can meet the needs of both present and future generations of customers and stakeholders. Corporate sustainability requires understanding the "triple bottom line", which includes economic, societal, and ecological performance. It involves designing products and processes with a full awareness of their life-cycle costs and benefits, and seeking new tech- nologies to create more value with fewer resources. To put sustainability into practice, com- panies are beginning to transform their core business processes and develop environmental- ly and socially responsible products and services. Many are adopting the concepts of indus- trial ecology and green chemistry in an effort to transform their operations from a linear to a closed-loop business model. This changing climate is creating new opportunities for break- through research and development, ranging from nanotechnology to green chemistry.
Recent developments in the application of computer vision for automated herring roe assessment

The authors present research on knowledge-based vision which addresses the problem of quality grading within the fish processing industry. In particular, the problem of grading herring roe within a high-volume extraction-processing-packaging line is considered in the light of high-speed computer vision and pattern recognition techniques that form the basis for a grading expert that automatically grades individual pieces of roe according to an existing grading scheme. >
Countering rogues in wireless networks

Wired networks are prone to the same attacks as wireless ones, including sniffing, spoofing and man-in-the-middle attacks (MITM). In this paper we show how wireless networks are particularly vulnerable to a simple MITM that can make even rudimentary Web surfing dangerous. We describe how we performed the attack and its ramifications. We argue why it is essential to have a VPN tunnel from the client to some trusted host (not access point) in order to avoid being compromised.
The software architecture of a virtual distributed computing environment

The requirements of grand challenge problems and the deployment of gigabit networks makes the network computing framework an attractive and cost effective computing environment with which to interconnect geographically distributed processing and storage resources. Our project, Virtual Distributed Computing Environment (VDCE), provides a problem-solving environment for high-performance distributed computing over wide area networks. VDCE delivers well-defined library functions that relieve end-users of tedious task implementations and also support reusability. In this paper we present the conceptual design of VDCE software architecture, which is defined in three modules: (a) the Application Editor, a user-friendly application development environment that generates the Application Flow Graph (AFG) of an application; (b) the Application Scheduler, which provides an efficient task-to-resource mapping of AFG; and (c) the VDCE Runtime System, which is responsible for running and managing application execution and monitoring the VDCE resources.
Channel access-based self-organized clustering in ad hoc networks

An ad hoc network is a self-organized and distributed entity consisting of a number of mobile stations (MS) without the coordination of any centralized access point. Clustering is one of the fundamental problems in ad hoc networks. In this context, we describe a distributed clustering algorithm for multihop ad hoc networks. We first propose a randomized control channel broadcast access method to maximize the worst-case control channel efficiency, based on which a distributed clustering algorithm is proposed. Both theoretical analysis and simulations indicate that the proposed clustering algorithm takes much less time and overhead to cluster a given network with more stable cluster structure, while incurring very small maintenance overhead in a dynamic network resulting from the mobility of the MS.
Outcomes of a modified capsular tension ring with a single black occluder paddle for eyes with congenital and acquired iris defects: Report 2.

Purpose To evaluate the safety and efficacy of Morcher 96F iris diaphragm implantation to manage small defects of the human iris. Setting Jules Stein Eye Institute, UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA. Design Prospective nonrandomized interventional case series. Methods Demographic, preoperative, and postoperative data of patients who had implantation of the modified capsular tension ring (CTR) and followed to 1 year were reviewed. Safety measures included loss of corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), perioperative complications, adverse events, and secondary surgical interventions. Efficacy measures included CDVA with glare, daytime and nighttime glare symptom scores, and subjective cosmesis scores. Results Sixteen patients had CTR implantation. There was a statistically significant improvement in the median CDVA of 2.5 Snellen lines ( P P P Conclusion Iris diaphragm CTR implantation was relatively safe and effective at reducing light and glare sensitivity in eyes with small iris defects. Financial Disclosure No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.
Equilibrium in the Vertebrates: Signals, Senses, and Steering Underwater

A freely swimming aquatic vertebrate must orient itself, move, and navigate in the presence of gravitational, buoyant, and hydrodynamic forces. The posture assumed by the animal depends on its responses to these forces and on other sensory inputs, such as the direction of light or the presence of nearby substrate. Together, these various sensory inputs are integrated by the brain to control what is known as “equilibrium” orientation. The sensory inputs have different central importance, or “weighting,” for influencing motor centers and may induce turning movements in different directions. By analogy to a simple physical model of torque forces around a pulley, the equilibrium position results from central balancing of these weighted inputs (von Holst 1950). Such equilibrium is crucial to survival, since rapid striking or escape movements require reproducibility to be successful, and reproducibility depends on starting such a complex movement from a known spatial orientation. Locomotor function must be controlled for rotational components of roll, pitch, and yaw about the longitudinal, transverse, and vertical body axes, respectively, and linear components along the same axes.
Basis for the chondro-osseous dysplasia associated with adenosine deaminase deficiency: selective toxicity to immature chondrocytes.

An inherited deficiency of adenosine deaminase (ADA) causes severe combined immunodeficiency disease and changes in cartilage and bone termed chondro-osseous dysplasia (1). The chondro-osseous dysplasia develops after birth, resolves with successful enzyme replacement therapy, and manifest characteristic radiographic features and distinctive histopathology (2,4). The histopathologic changes include absence of transition from proliferative to hypertrophic cells, lack of organized columns of hypertrophic cells, and uninterrupted calcified cartilage formation (3). The metabolic abnormalities that underlie the chondro-osseous dysplasia of ADA deficiency are poorly understood.
The Ethical Dilemma Awaiting Counsel Who Represent Adolescents with HIV/AIDS: Criminal Law and Tort Suits Pressure Counsel to Breach the Confidentiality of the Clients’ Medical Status

With the enactment of state criminal provisions against the intentional exposure of the public to HIV/AIDS, and the development of tort law creating civil liability for disclosing and failing to disclose one's HIV/AIDS status, many attorneys will find themselves caught in an ethical dilemma when representing the interests of sexually active adolescent clients. State ethics codes define confidentiality so as to allow counsel to reveal information about clients' medical status or clients' future criminal conduct, especially in jurisdictions which criminalize the knowing or intentional exposure of third parties to HIV/AIDS. This article suggests that once the attorney is aware of the client's medical status, counsel must struggle with the ethical dilemma while maintaining a professional relationship with the client.
Rule-based complex event processing for food safety and public health

The challenge for public health officials is to detect an emerging foodborne disease outbreak from a large set of simple and isolated, domainspecific events. These events can be extracted from a large number of distinct information systems such as surveillance and laboratory reporting systems from health care providers, real-time complaint hotlines from consumers, and inspection reporting systems from regulatory agencies. In this paper we formalize a foodborne disease outbreak as a complex event and apply an event-driven rulebased engine to the problem of detecting emerging events. We define an evidence set as a set of simple events that are linked symptomatically, spatially and temporally. A weighted metric is used to compute the strength of the evidence set as a basis for response by public health officials.