cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparison of K(+)-channel activation and deactivation in guard cells from a dicotyledon (Vicia faba L.) and a graminaceous monocotyledon (Zea mays).

We describe and compare inward and outward whole-cell K+ currents across the plasma membrane surrounding guard-cell protoplasts from the dicotyledon, Vicia faba, and the graminaceous monocotyledon, Zea mays. Macrosopic whole-cell current is considered in terms of microscopic single-channel activity, which involves discrete steps between conducting (open) and nonconducting (closed) states of the channel protein. Kinetic equations are used to model the number of open and closed states for channels conducting K+ influx (K(in)) and K+ efflux (K(out)) in the two species, and to calculate the rate at which open-closed transitions occur. The opening and closure of K(in) channels in both Vicia and Zea follow single-exponential timecourses, indicating that K(in)-channel proteins in each species simply fluctuate between one open and one closed state. In both species, opening of K(in) channels is voltage-independent, but closure of K(in) channels is faster at more positive membrane potentials. In response to identical voltage stimuli, K(in) channels in Zea open and close approximately three times as fast as in Vicia. In contrast to K(in), K(out) channels in Zea open and close more slowly than in Vicia. The closure of K(out) channels follows a single-exponential timecourse in each species, indicating one open state. The kinetics of K(out)-channel opening are more complicated and indicate the presence of at least two (Vicia) or three (Zea) closed states.
Correlates of HIV-Related Risk Behaviors in African American Adolescents from Substance-Using Families: Patterns of Adolescent-Level Factors Associated with Sexual Experience and Substance Use

Abstract Purpose To examine adolescent-level correlates of HIV-related risk behaviors among urban African American adolescents whose mothers use crack cocaine. Methods Interviews were conducted with 208 African American adolescents (aged 12–17 years) to assess psychosocial, behavioral, and perceived environment correlates of HIV-related risk behavior. Adolescents were children of community-recruited African American women not currently in drug treatment who reported crack cocaine use (in last 6 months). Bivariate and multivariate regression models were used to evaluate associations among adolescent-level factors, sexual experience, and substance use. Results Of the adolescents, 30% reported being sexually experienced, and 23% reported alcohol or drug use in the past month. Older age and lower school satisfaction were associated with both sexual experience and substance use, but no other factors were associated with both risk behaviors. Male gender, current substance use, high HIV/AIDS knowledge, and high risk perception were associated with being sexual experienced. Sexual experience and lower expectations for future life outcomes were associated with substance use. A general pattern of protective factors related to attitudes about future goals, help-seeking behavior, and positive feelings about school emerged for substance use. Conclusions These results suggest that the patterns of adolescent-level risk and protective factors for sexual experience and substance use may be unique in African American adolescents from substance-abusing families. Instead of an increase in problem behaviors associated with using substances, protective factors were evident, suggesting these adolescents may have resiliency for dealing with environmental stressors related to substance use. Implications for HIV prevention programs involving mentoring and goal development are discussed.
Dual-mode leaky-wave excitation in symmetric composite right/left-handed structure with center vias

In this paper a novel four port symmetric coupled composite right/left-handed leaky-wave (LW) transmission-line is introduced. Unlike the other coupled CRLH-TLs, this structure has the ability to support both right-handed as well as left-handed guided and leaky-wave propagations under both common-mode and differential-mode excitations. These unique properties are achievable through providing physical short circuit by means of ground vias at the center of each unit-cell along the symmetry plane of the structure. The advantage of this structure is that not only backward-wave is supported under both common- and differential-mode excitations but also when the TL operates in the fast-wave region, the radiated field under differential-mode excitation has an orthogonal polarization in comparison to that of the common-mode excitation resulting in a dual polarized four port coupled CRLH LW-TL antenna. The operation mechanism which is based on the direction of the current maximum will be discussed in this paper. For illustration purposes, a 25-cell four port coupled CRLH LW-TL is simulated, fabricated and measured and the obtained results verify the unique features of the structure mainly CRLH nature as well as its dual polarity under both common-mode and differential-mode excitation.
Optimal cost design of replicated data in distributed database systems

Replicated data are a common strategy for achieving ultra-availability in fault-tolerant distributed database systems. Replication, however, requires additional resources, for example additional costs in terms of maintenance effort, software complexity, hardware requirements and time needed for testing consistency. Various replication control protocols have been developed to ensure data consistency. In this paper, we develop analytical methods for the quorum-consensus replication protocol that minimizes the total system cost by determining the optimal read quorum, the optimal number of system sites, or the optimal site availability assuming that (1) the cost of an individual site is an increasing function of the availability of the site and (2) the two system unavailable modes (i.e. read and write) can have different penalty costs. Several numerical examples and applications are provided to illustrate the results.
The diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma in effusion cytology: a reappraisal and results of a multi-institution survey.

BACKGROUND The diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma (MM) in effusion specimens is controversial. At the study institution (Northwestern University), a primary diagnosis of MM is made on fluid cytology specimens. In an effort to estimate the practice at other institutions, a survey was disseminated regarding cytologic diagnosis of MM. The authors also evaluated their own institution's experience with primary cytologic diagnosis of MM. METHODS Patients with MM at the study institution were identified from 1992 through 2011. Fluid cytology specimens preceding histologic diagnoses were reviewed. A survey was sent to a number of cytology laboratories to assess practice patterns regarding the diagnosis of MM. RESULTS At the study institution, 20 cases of MM had effusion specimens preceding the diagnostic histologic material. In 6 cases (30%), a definitive diagnosis of MM was rendered via cytology alone. There were no false-positive diagnoses of MM. Of 55 laboratories that responded to the survey, 36 reported making a definitive diagnosis of MM after cytologic analysis. Almost all laboratories (35) willing to diagnose MM in effusions reported performing immunohistochemistry to distinguish adenocarcinoma from MM. A smaller proportion (18) of these laboratories reported doing additional immunohistochemistry or fluorescence in situ hybridization for p16 to help distinguish benign from malignant mesothelial proliferations. Those who do not definitively diagnose MM in fluid specimens state inability to identify invasion and overlap with reactive mesothelial proliferation as factors supporting their practice. Most respondents (32) felt that the clinicians at their institution would manage a patient based on a cytologic diagnosis of MM. CONCLUSIONS The majority of respondents reported making a definitive diagnosis of MM in effusion cytology specimens. The diagnosis of MM in effusions, although not sensitive, is extremely specific. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2013;121:703–707. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
Mandibular reconstruction with the iliac crest, composite, microsurgical free flap

The iliac crest microsurgical free flap continues to be engaged in a gradual evolution. After Taylor's description of the deep circumflex iliac artery (DCIA) as the region's predominant vascular supply21, a series of modifications have been contrived that provide more complex reconstruction and thorough oromandibular rehabilitation. This article reviews the deep circumflex iliac vascular anatomy with new insights on cutaneous perfusion. A technical description of flap elevation is provided. Additionally, the benefits of the split inner cortex modification, internal oblique muscle incorporation, and elevation of the cutaneous component as an axial pattern flap are examined.
Seasonal Variation in Radiative and Turbulent Exchange at a Deciduous Forest in Central Massachusetts

Abstract Temperate deciduous forests exhibit dramatic seasonal changes in surface exchange properties following on the seasonal changes in leaf area index. Nearly continuous measurements of turbulent and radiative fluxes above and below the canopy of a red oak forest in central Massachusetts have been ongoing since the summer of 1991. Several seasonal trends are obvious. Global solar albedo and photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) albedo both are good indicators of the spring leaf emergence and autumnal defoliation of the canopy. The solar albedo decreases throughout the summer, a change attributed to decreasing near-infrared reflectance since the PAR reflectance remains the same. Biweekly satellite composite images in visible and near-infrared wavelengths confirm these trends. The thermal emissions from the canopy relative to the net radiation follow a separate trend with a maximum in the midsummer and minima in spring and fall. The thermal response number computed from the change in radiation tempe...
Generation in Degree Four of Symbolic Blowups of Self-Linked Monomial Space Curves

We study the symbolic blowup ring of a prime ideal defining a monomial curve in the power series ring in 3 variables over a field. We characterize the conditions required to have the symbolic blowup generated in degree 4 when the monomial curve is self-linked.
Prove Your Case: A New Approach to Teaching Research Papers

This article presents a new approach to teaching the process of writing research papers to college freshmen. Instructors explain the analogy that a student writing a research paper is like a lawyer defending a court case: lawyers frame their case (as students define their topic), search out evidence (as students search for sources), present the evidence (as students write the paper), and make a closing argument (as students draw a conclusion).
The Migrant–Nonmigrant Differentials in Prenatal Care Utilization: Evidence from Indonesia

Using the 2000 wave of Indonesian Family Life Survey (IFLS3), this study attempts to further complement studies that seek to analyze the relationship between migration and prenatal care utilization in Indonesia. The major conclusion from the multilevel logistic regression suggests that migrants are less likely than non-migrants to seek prenatal care in a public or private hospital but are more likely than non-migrants to initiate prenatal care in their first trimester and to receive four or more prenatal visits. Several measures of child, woman, household and community characteristics are also significant predictors of the location, timing and frequency of prenatal care. It is evident that the design of effective and efficient policies requires a more comprehensive knowledge of the determinants of migration and maternal healthcare services utilization. The assessment of whether the extent of the location, timing and frequency of prenatal care differs between migrants and non-migrants would have important policy implications for both individuals and society at large.
Onshore Migration of Emerged Ridge and Ponded Runnel

AbstractRidge-runnel features can comprise large volumes of sand, and their migration can have a significant influence on the coastal sediment budget and beach recovery after a storm. Numerical modeling of ridge-runnel migration is challenging partly because of the strong interactions between the hydrodynamics and morphology and partly because of limited available field and laboratory measurements. This study investigated the effect of water ponding and runnel drainage on onshore ridge migration in an experiment in a sand flume where detailed free‐surface and velocity measurements were taken in the ponded water zone of the runnel and in the intermittently wet and dry zone on the ridge crest. The test scenario with a drained runnel showed a ridge migration speed five times larger than the scenario in which water and sediment could only exit the runnel as offshore return flow over the ridge. The time-averaged numerical model CSHORE was modified to include the ponded water effect in the sediment transport fo...
The natural history of eosinophilic oesophagitis in the transition from childhood to adulthood.

Summary Background Eosinophilic oesophagitis (EoE) is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting both children and adults. Little is known about the natural history of EoE in the transition from childhood into adulthood. Aim To determine the prevalence of EoE symptoms and impact of EoE on quality of life among adults diagnosed with EoE during childhood. Methods This is a cross-sectional study of EoE patients from the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia EoE registry. Patients ≥18 years diagnosed with EoE during childhood were administered validated dysphagia [Mayo Dysphagia Questionnaire (MDQ)-30] and Quality of Life (PAGI-QOL) questionnaires. Ongoing EoE treatments were ascertained. Results A total of 140 EoE patients ≥18 years were identified; 53 completed all questions. Only 6 (11%) subjects had positive (n = 2) or indeterminate (n = 4) dysphagia scores. However, of 47 patients with negative scores, 18 (37%) reported ongoing difficulty swallowing. The mean PAGI-QOL score was 4.58/5. The dietary dimension score was 3.73/5. Current pharmacological EoE treatments were topical steroids (3/53) and interleukin-5 antagonists (3/53). Additionally, 26/53 (49%) were on PPI therapy and 40/53 (76%) were following allergy directed diets. Conclusions The majority of young adults diagnosed with EoE during childhood continue to require pharmacological treatment and/or dietary modification for EoE. A substantial proportion of this population experiences ongoing swallowing difficulties that a standard dysphagia questionnaire fails to capture. Dietary quality of life, but not total quality of life, appears to be adversely affected. These data suggest that EoE diagnosed during childhood remains a significant medical issue during early adulthood, and that better EoE symptom measurement instruments are needed.
A transient increase in uterine tone during early diestrus in mares

Abstract Uterine tone was assessed digitally by transrectal palpation in 20 pony mares (nonbred, n=7; pregnant, n=13) and scored on a scale of 1 to 4 (minimal or flaccid to maximal or turgid). Tone was evaluated without knowledge of reproductive status or day of estrous cycle or pregnancy. A transient peak in uterine tone was detected on Day 6 (Day 0 = day of ovulation) in both the nonbred and pregnant mares. The hypothesis that the increase in tone was an early uterine response to entry of the conceptus was not supported. Data combined for both groups indicated that tone increased (P
Analysis of cyclic heart rate variability.

The present paper contrasts the relative efficacies of the traditional mean square or variance, and a time-series statistic, the mean square successive Werence, as descriptors of cyclic heart rate variability. Estimates of fluctuation in the R-R in- terval during the prestimulus and cold pressor stimulus periods were obtained for two subject samples. The first sample was composed of individuals having bilateral diiterences in the diameter of their pupils, a condition known as anisocoria, while the pupils of the Ss in the second sample were of equal diameter. A group sinu- soidal rhythm in the mean square successive difference of R-R interval variation was observed during the cold pressor stimalus for the anisocoric sample. However, the rhythm was obscured when the traditional mean square statistic was utilized to describe the same R-R interval variation. No rhythms were identified for the non- anisocoric sample. The mean square successive difference statistic would appear to provide a method for detecting cyclic autonomic variability patterns otherwise obscured by traditional analysis.
OVEREXPRESSION OF SERUM RESPONSE FACTOR IN ASTROCYTES IMPROVES NEURONAL PLASTICITY IN A MODEL OF EARLY ALCOHOL EXPOSURE

Abstract Neuronal plasticity deficits underlie many of the cognitive problems seen in fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). We have developed a ferret model showing that early alcohol exposure leads to a persistent disruption in ocular dominance (OD) plasticity. Recently, we showed that this deficit could be reversed by overexpression of serum response factor (SRF) in the primary visual cortex during the period of monocular deprivation (MD). Surprisingly, this restoration was observed throughout the extent of visual cortex and most of the cells transfected by the virus were positive for the astrocytic marker GFAP rather than the neuronal marker NeuN. Here we test whether overexpression of SRF exclusively in astrocytes is sufficient to restore OD plasticity in alcohol-exposed ferrets. To accomplish that, first we exposed cultured astrocytes to Sindbis viruses carrying either a constitutively active form of SRF (SRF+), a dominant negative (SRF−) or control Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP). After 24 h, these astrocytes were implanted in the visual cortex of alcohol-exposed animals or saline controls one day before MD. Optical imaging of intrinsic signals showed that alcohol-exposed animals that were implanted with astrocytes expressing SRF, but not SRF− or GFP, showed robust restoration of OD plasticity in all visual cortex. These findings suggest that overexpression of SRF exclusively in astrocytes can improve neuronal plasticity in FASD.
Temporal set and cue selectivity in paired-associate learning accompanying changes of the stimulus component duration

Cue selectivity of trigrams in PA learning is lessened by shortening of the duration of each stimulus component during the test, but no such lessening accompained lengthening of the duration of each stimulus component.
The Inhibitory Receptor LIR-1 Uses a Common Binding Interaction to Recognize Class I MHC Molecules and the Viral Homolog UL18

LIR-1 is a class I MHC receptor related to natural killer inhibitory receptors (KIRs). Binding of LIR-1 or KIRs to class I molecules results in inhibitory signals. Unlike individual KIRs, LIR-1 recognizes many class I alleles and also binds UL18, a human cytomegalovirus class I MHC homolog. Here, we show that LIR-1 interacts with the relatively nonpolymorphic α3 domain of class I proteins and the analogous region of UL18 using its N-terminal immunoglobulin-like domain. The >1000-fold higher affinity of LIR-1 for UL18 than for class I illustrates how a viral protein competes with host proteins to subvert the host immune response. LIR-1 recognition of class I molecules resembles the CD4–class II MHC interaction more than the KIR–class I interaction, implying a functional distinction between LIR-1 and KIRs.
Small cell anaplastic carcinoma of lung. Reappraisal of current management

The relative roles of radiotherapy, intensive chemotherapy, and a combination of both were evaluated by an analysis of 157 of 188 patients who were registered at Tumor Registry and the Department of Radiation Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital with a diagnosis of small cell anaplastic carcinoma of the lung between 1968 and 1974. Stage of the tumor was the single most important prognostic factor. Bone marrow involvement was found in 29% of patients studied. For extensive tumor, better survival was obtained by a combination of intensive chemotherapy and radiotherapy than with radiotherapy alone. However, no improvement of survival was noted with combination of concomitant or sequential intensive COPP or COP chemotherapy and radiotherapy over that obtained with radiotherapy followed by subsequent chemotherapy for progressive disease in patients with localized tumor. For localized tumor, primary radiotherapy should be given with an intention of local control or cure. Conclusions regarding the proper timing of chemotherapy and radiotherapy in apparently localized small cell anaplastic carcinoma require further prospective evaluation.
Mechanical and Film Properties of Telechelic Methacrylic Polysiloxanes with Cycloaliphatic Substituents Groups for UV-Curable Applications

Siloxanes with either methyl, cyclopentyl, or cyclohexyl groups were functionalized with methacrylate groups, then UV-cured using a free radical photo-initiator and a reactive diluent. Hexanediol dimethacrylate (0.1 wt%) was used as the reactive diluent. After curing, the mechanical, the viscoelastic, the coating, and the release properties of the cured films were studied. In addition, the oxygen permeability and the X-ray diffraction scans were evaluated. The crosslink density reduced with increase in siloxane substituent size. The oxygen permeability was dependent on crosslink density, and increased with increasing substituent size. The increase in permeability, and thus free volume, was supported by X-ray studies which showed an increase in d-spacing with increasing alkyl size. The hardness, adhesion, and solvent resistance increased as the size of the substituent increased (methyl to cyclopentyl to cyclohexyl) in the siloxane backbone. The adhesion and re-adhesion forces increased with an increase in size of the backbone substituents. There was also an increase in the advancing and the receding contact angles with the increase in substituent size.
AAD Guidelines of Care: How did we get here and where are we going?

Abstract In 1987 the American Academy of Dermatology began to create Guidelines of Care for clinical disease processes in dermatology. The format of the guidelines has changed dramatically over the past several years; now all of the recent guidelines are in the evidence-based style. These guidelines have been recognized nationally both in print and on the World Wide Web, establishing dermatologists as the skin experts. We believe that these guidelines continue to serve as effective educational tools for dermatologists around the world. (J Am Acad Dermatol 2003;48:978-80.)
“The Plague Of Blood”: HIV/AIDS and Ethics of the Global Health–Care Challenge

In this essay I explore the heuristic value of the concept of ethics of complexity, chaos, and contingency by applying its framework to t e analysis of the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Everyday human moral choices are outcomes of a moral impulse, and such an impulse is grounded in moral competence shaped by moral literacy. This literacy is constructed on the basis of a body of knowledge of culture, social context, environment, and the universe. It also includes the knowledge of religions and religious and secular ethical codes. I also distinguish between the social and cultural aspects of ethical systems. Both societies and cultures provide resources and constraints for the development of literacy and competence. An intentionally developed multifaith and multidisciplinary coalition may help us move away from various forms of social speciation and toward sociological mind fulness. This could help us remake the world into one that has more courage to care.
1002-87 The Results of Spontaneous and Clamshell Umbrella Closure of the Fenestrated Fontan

The fenestrated Fontan (FF) procedure was performed in 24 consecutive patients (pts) — aged 1 to 13 years (mean 5.4) — with one or more high risk factors in order to reduce operative mortality and morbidity. This study evaluated their outcome. The fenestration was 2.7 mm in 4 pts, 4 mm in 12, and 4.5 mm in 8. One pt (4.2%) died in hospital. One pt died 7 months after FF at cardiac transplantation. Survivors have been followed for 16 to 48 months (mean 34). Early O2 saturations (sats) were 88–92% (mean 90) in 2.7 mm and 69–89% (mean 79.4) in larger FF. All four 2.7 mm, one 4 mm and four 4.5 mm fenestrations closed spontaneously but of these one 2.7 mm (at 2 weeks) and one 4 mm (at 3 years) required recreation of a hole by trans-baffle puncture and balloon dilation because of congestive failure. Nine 4 mm and two 4.5 mm fenestrations were closed with a clamshell umbrella (U). Following U closure, RA pressure increased from 12 ± 1.8 to 14.7 ± 2.4 mmHg (p l 0.01), O2 sats increased from 80.2 ± 6.6 to 93.7 ± 4.6% (p l 0.001), but the artriovenous 02 saturation difference increased from 18.8 ± 4.1 to 25.8 ± 6.7% (p l 0.02). Unusual systemic venous collaterals resulted in R to L shunts in 3 pts and recurrent pericardial effusions in 1; all were successfully coil occluded. Atrial baffle leaks resulted in large R to L shunts in 3 pts after effective fenestration closure with U. One was successfully coil occluded; the other 2 have O 2 sats of 84 and 88% late post U. Clinical follow-up has shown a high incidence of dysrhythmias (atrial tachycardia in 5, 4 requiring amiodarone; sick sinus syndrome in 3; seven of these required a pacemaker). Three pts have had severe congestive failure, one immediately post U closure. Two pts have protein losing enteropathy. Two pts have had strokes: 1 early and minor; the other 4 months after U closure and major. Eighteen of 22 survivors are in NYHA Class 1. Conclusions The fenestrated Fontan resulted in a low operative and intermediate mortality. Most fenestrations either closed spontaneously or were closed with a clamshell umbrella. Although most patients have a good functional result, dysrhythmias and other late complications are frequent.
Interchain interactions of the respiratory chain in cardiac muscle: Succinate oxidase

Abstract The steadystate of reduction attained by the components of the respiratory chain in heart muscle preparation and heart mitochondria, in the presence of succinate, has been measured. Upon anaerobiosis the different components in preparations treated with either thenoyltrifluoroacetone or antimycin A, or made cytochrome c -deficient by washing with salt solutions, attained similar levels of reduction as their counterparts in control preparations. The existence of interchain interactions in the respiratory chain is concluded from the evidence presented.
Heat-Killed Candida albicans Elicit More Interleukin 8 (IL-8) from Human Monocytes than Live Yeast † 904

Heat-Killed Candida albicans Elicit More Interleukin 8 (IL-8) from Human Monocytes than Live Yeast † 904
Equivalent local potentials in a coupled-channel Dirac phenomenology.

We discuss the transformation from a scalar and vector Dirac equation to either a scalar and tensor or a vector and tensor equation in both the single-channel (static potential) and coupled-channel (nonstatic potential) cases. The relationship to the \ensuremath{\sigma}-\ensuremath{\omega} Lagrangian in the mean-field theory is pointed out. The failure to obtain such a transformation in the coupled-channel case, except when the states are degenerate, is explained simply and analyzed in some detail.
SEXAFS studies of CC bond lengths in condensed and chemisorbed molecules

Abstract Extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) studies are reported above the carbon K-edge for solid benzene and cyclohexane. Both molecules exhibit pronounced EXAFS extending more than 500 eV above the edge. The measured EXAFS is in good agreement with single scattering simulations for the isolated molecules using a phase shift obtained from graphite data. We also explored the possibility of measuring the intra-molecular CC EXAFS for a chemisorbed molecule on a metal surface. Model calculations for a di-carbon species chemisorbed on Cu(100) reveals the feasibility of such studies for certain chemisorption geometries by use of a suitable sample orientation in the X-ray beam.
Zur Chemie des Schwefeltrioxyds. IV. Darstellung von reinem Selentrioxyd

Zur Darstellung von Selentrioxyd wird K2SeO4 mit SO3 am Ruckfluskuhler gekocht. Die Umsetzung verlauft vollstandig nach der Gleichung: K2SeO4 + n SO3 K2[SnO3n+1] + SeO3. Es bilden sich 2 flussige Schichten, von denen die untere das Kaliumpolysulfat enthalt, wahrend die obere eine Losung von SeO3 in viel SO3 darstellt. Nach Abtrennung wird aus der oberen Schicht das SO3 verdampft und als Ruckstand SeO3 erhalten. Die Eigenschaften des SeO3 werden beschrieben.
Sociological edge effects: Spatial distribution of human impact in suburban forest fragments

Suburban forest fragments often experience heavy recreational and waste disposal use, with considerable damage to the vegetation. To suggest strategies for conservation of the forest flora, spatial distributions of human impact were described in 40 fragmentary stands in northern New Castle County, Delaware. The distribution of human impact showed a significant bias to the forest edge, with 95% of localized damage occurring in the first 82 m. Forms of impact related to lawn maintenance fell significantly closer to the edge than impacts related to recreation and showed the strongest edge orientation. Edge distances of campsites, vandalized trees, and firewood gathering were negatively correlated with distance to the nearest graded road, indicating the importance of road access. Several forms of impact were also clustered near footpaths, although distance to paths was independent of edge distance in all cases. In terms of penetration of the forest and severity of damage, human impact greatly exceeds natural edge effects reported for this community. These findings suggest that damage may be minimized by limiting road access and avoiding the creation of small forest fragments.
Three-Dimensional Velocity Field Reconstruction

The problem of inter-slice magnetic resonance (MR) image reconstruction is encountered often in medical imaging applications, in such scenarios, there is a need to approximate information not captured in contiguously acquired MR images due to hardware sampling limitations. In the context of velocity field reconstruction, these data are required for visualization and computational analyses of flow fields to be effective. To provide more complete velocity information, a method has been developed for the reconstruction of flow fields based on adaptive control grid interpolation (ACGI). In this study, data for reconstruction were acquired via MRJ from in vitro models of surgically corrected pediatric cardiac vasculatures. Reconstructed velocity fields showed strong qualitative agreement with those obtained via other acquisition techniques. Quantitatively reconstruction was shown to produce data of comparable quality to accepted velocity data acquisition methods. Results indicate that ACGI-based velocity field reconstruction is capable of producing information suitable for a variety of applications demanding three-dimensional in vivo velocity data.
Linear-space algorithms that build local alignments from fragments

This paper presents practical algorithms for building an alignment of two long sequences from a collection of “alignment fragments,” such as all occurrences of identical 5-tuples in each of two DNA sequences. We first combine a time-efficient algorithm developed by Galil and coworkers with a space-saving approach of Hirschberg to obtain a local alignment algorithm that uses0((M+N+F logN) logM) time and0(M+N) space to align sequences of lengthsM andN from a pool of F alignment fragments. Ideas of Huang and Miller are then employed to develop a time- and space-efficient algorithm that computesn best nonintersecting alignments for anyn>1. An example illustrates the utility of these methods.
Evaluation of the effects of silvicultural and fuels treatments on potential fire behaviour in Sierra Nevada mixed-conifer forests

Fire suppression has increased fuel loads and fuel continuity in mixed-conifer ecosystems, resulting in forest structures that are vulnerable to catastrophic fire. This paper models fire behaviour in a mixed-conifer forest and investigates how silvicultural and fuels treatments affect potential fire behaviour. The computer program FARSITE was used to spatially and temporally model fire growth and behaviour. Fire modelling was performed in the North Crane Creek watershed of Yosemite National Park. Treatments were simulated by adjusting fuel (total load, load-by-size class, depth), height-to-live crown base, tree height, and crown density parameters. Treatments modeled included prescribed burn, pile and burn, cut and scatter, thinning and biomass, thinning and biomass followed by prescribed burn, and salvage or group selection harvest with and without slash and landscape-level fuel treatment. The prescribed burn, thinning and biomassing followed by prescribed burn, and salvage or group selection with slash and landscape fuel treatments resulted in the lowest average fireline intensities, heat per unit area, rate of spread, area burned, and scorch heights. Cut and scatter, salvage or group selection treatments that do not treat slash fuels resulted in fire behaviour that is more extreme than the untreated forest. Restoration of mixed-conifer ecosystems must include an examination of how proposed treatments affect fuel structures. Combinations of prescribed fire and/or mechanical treatments can be used to reduce wildfire hazard.
Activation of CaMKII in single dendritic spines during long-term potentiation

Calcium/calmodulin-dependent kinase II (CaMKII) plays a central part in long-term potentiation (LTP), which underlies some forms of learning and memory. Here we monitored the spatiotemporal dynamics of CaMKII activation in individual dendritic spines during LTP using two-photon fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy, in combination with two-photon glutamate uncaging. Induction of LTP and associated spine enlargement in single spines triggered transient ( approximately 1 min) CaMKII activation restricted to the stimulated spines. CaMKII in spines was specifically activated by NMDA receptors and L-type voltage-sensitive calcium channels, presumably by nanodomain Ca(2+) near the channels, in response to glutamate uncaging and depolarization, respectively. The high degree of compartmentalization and channel specificity of CaMKII signalling allow stimuli-specific spatiotemporal patterns of CaMKII signalling and may be important for synapse-specificity of synaptic plasticity.
Discussion on “A Hybrid Selection and Testing Procedure with Curtailment in Comparative Clinical Trials” by Elena M. Buzaianu and Pinyuen Chen

Abstract This article provides a review of the important article by Buzaianu and Chen, appearing in this issue. While their recommended procedure is of interest, there are several practical considerations that would detract clinical trialists from applying these procedures. Six concerns are mentioned, including the definition of “correct selection” as finding a treatment truly superior to the control, continuation of the control therapy even after it was found to be inferior to an active treatment, and elimination of active treatments without definitive evidence it is inferior to other active treatments.
Automated registration of frontal and lateral radionuclide lung scans with digital chest radiographs

Rationale and Objectives. The purpose of this study was to develop and evaluate a fully automated method that spatially registers anterior, posterior, and lateral ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) images with posteroanterior and lateral digital chest radiographs to retrospectively combine the physiologic information contained in the V/Q scans with the anatomic detail in the chest radiographs. Materials and Methods. Gray-level thresholding techniques were used to segment the aerated lung regions in the radiographic images. A variable-thresholding technique combined with an analysis of image noise was used to segment the adequately perfused or ventilated lung regions in the scintigraphic images. The physical dimensions of the segmented lung regions in images from both modalities were used to properly scale the radiographic images relative to the radionuclide images. Computer-determined locations of anatomic landmarks were then used to rotate and translate the images to achieve registration. Pairs of corresponding radionuclide and radiographic images were enhanced with color and then merged to create superimposed images. Results. Five observers used a five-point rating scale to subjectively evaluate four image combinations for each of 50 cases. Of these ratings, 95.5% reflected very good, good, or fair registration. Conclusion. The automated method for the registration of radionuclide lung scans with digital chest radiographs to produce images that combine functional and structural information should benefit nuclear medicine physicians and radiologists, who must visually correlate images that differ greatly in physical size, resolution properties, and information content.
Tracking in dense crowds using prominence and neighborhood motion concurrence

Methods designed for tracking in dense crowds typically employ prior knowledge to make this difficult problem tractable. In this paper, we show that it is possible to handle this problem, without any priors, by utilizing the visual and contextual information already available in such scenes. We propose a novel tracking method tailored to dense crowds which provides an alternative and complementary approach to methods that require modeling of crowd flow and, simultaneously, is less likely to fail in the case of dynamic crowd flows and anomalies by minimally relying on previous frames. Our method begins with the automatic identification of prominent individuals from the crowd that are easy to track. Then, we use Neighborhood Motion Concurrence to model the behavior of individuals in a dense crowd, this predicts the position of an individual based on the motion of its neighbors. When the individual moves with the crowd flow, we use Neighborhood Motion Concurrence to predict motion while leveraging five-frame instantaneous flow in case of dynamically changing flow and anomalies. All these aspects are then embedded in a framework which imposes hierarchy on the order in which positions of individuals are updated. Experiments on a number of sequences show that the proposed solution can track individuals in dense crowds without requiring any pre-processing, making it a suitable online tracking algorithm for dense crowds.
Investigation of a Solar-Thermal Bio-Mimetic Metal Hydride Actuator

Metal hydrides have been investigated for use in a number of solar thermal energy applications, such as heat regenerators or hydrogen storage technology, but rarely for thermal actuators. Preliminary experimental results from a prototype solar thermal metal hydride actuator, using copper-encapsulated porous metal hydride compacts of LaNi5 , indicate that this thermal-mechanical system can produce high specific forces (over 100 (N/g)), with response times on the order of seconds. These operational characteristics, along with features such as being bio-mimetic, compact, operationally safe, lubricationless, noiseless, soft actuating, and environmentally benign, result in an actuator that is ideal for many industrial, space, defense, and biomedical applications. In this paper, we report recent work directed toward predicting and characterizing the performance bounds of the actuator, specically concentrating on elements which might comprise an actuator driven by concentrated solar radiation. A complete solution of the 1D governing heat and mass transfer equations with an ideally selective reactor surface are used to predict bounds on performance in terms of volume flow rates and realistic actuation times. The advantages and disadvantages of the design are discussed from this perspective. The preliminary data show a great potential for these metal hydride actuators to be used for solar thermo-mechanical applications.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Phantom ROC: Recollection Rejection in a Hybrid Conjoint Recognition Signal Detection Model

The present experiments test predictions of dual process models with regards to recollection rejection using a model called phantom ROC. Participants studied pictures and then took a recognition test in which they were presented with targets (i.e., the exact picture presented), related lures (i.e., the same object but from a different angle), and unrelated lures (i.e., objects that had not been shown). For each item, participants answered both standard recognition and meaning recognition questions. In Experiment 1 participants studied pictures under either full attention or divided attention. In Experiment 2 some participants were told that no object was shown twice (i.e., mutual exclusivity instructions), while others were told that both camera angles might have been shown for some objects (no mutual exclusivity instructions). The present experiments provide three converging measures, all of which are consistent with dual process models that propose a recollection rejection mechanism.
The Effects of Psychological Empowerment on Transformational Leadership and Job Satisfaction

(1999). The Effects of Psychological Empowerment on Transformational Leadership and Job Satisfaction. The Journal of Social Psychology: Vol. 139, No. 3, pp. 389-391.
Expression profiling and binding properties of fibrinogen-related proteins (FREPs), plasma proteins from the schistosome snail host Biomphalaria glabrata:

A growing body of evidence suggests an important role for fibrinogen-like proteins in innate immunity in both vertebrates and invertebrates. It has been shown that fibrinogen-related proteins (FREPs), plasma proteins present in the freshwater snail Biomphalaria glabrata, the intermediate host for the human blood fluke Schistosoma mansoni, are diverse and involved in snail innate defense responses. To gain further insight into the functions of FREPs, recombinant FREP proteins (rFREPs) were produced in Escherichia coli and antibodies (Abs) were raised against the corresponding rFREPs. We first show that most FREP proteins exist in their native conformation in snail hemolymph as multimeric proteins. Western blot analyses reveal that expression of multiple FREPs including FREP4 in plasma from M line and BS-90 snails, which are susceptible and resistant to S. mansoni infection, respectively, is up-regulated significantly after infection with the trematode Echinostoma paraensei. Moreover, our assays demonstrate that FREPs are able to bind E. paraensei sporocysts and their secretory/excretory products (SEPs), and a variety of microbes (Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and yeast). Furthermore, this binding capability shows evidence of specificity with respect to pathogen type; for example, 65–75-kDa FREPs (mainly FREP4) bind to E. paraensei sporocysts and their SEPs whereas 95-kDa and 125-kDa FREPs bind the microbes assayed. Our results suggest that FREPs can recognize a wide range of pathogens, from prokaryotes to eukaryotes, and different categories of FREPs seem to exhibit functional specialization with respect to the pathogen encountered.
Bernstein-Be´zier polynomials on spheres and sphere-like surfaces

Abstract In this paper we discuss a natural way to define barycentric coordinates on general sphere-like surfaces. This leads to a theory of Bernstein-Bezier polynomials which parallels the familiar planar case. Our constructions are based on a study of homogeneous polynomials on trihedra in R 3. The special case of Bernstein-Bezier polynomials on a sphere is considered in detail.
A dynamic, realtime approach to long duration manufacturing schedule monitoring and control

Abstract Planning networks like PERT and CPM do not address all of the planning, scheduling and monitoring problems associated with long-duration low-volume manufacturing typical in the aerospace industry. Other methods such as MRP and Perti nets are often also limited in their capability to analyze such systems. This paper presents a network representation based on the artificial intelligence knowledge representation technique of semantic networks. By explicitly representing relationships between operations, resources, milestones, components, schedules and progress, this network approach can isolate conflicts that violate preset system constraints. Steps for creating the network, along with algorithms for network analysis are also presented.
Anomalous metallic state and anisotropic multiband superconductivity in Nb3Pd0.7Se7

We report the discovery of superconductivity in Nb$_3$Pd$_{x}$Se$_7$ with a $x$-dependent superconducting transition-temperature as high as $T_c \simeq 2.1 $ K for $x \simeq0.7$ (middle point of the resistive transition). Needle-like single crystals display anisotropic upper-critical fields with an anisotropy $\gamma = H^{b}_{c2}/H^{a}_{c2}$ as large as 6 between fields applied along their needle axis (or $b-$axis) or along the $a-$axis. As for the Fe based superconductors $\gamma$ is temperature-dependent suggesting that Nb$_3$Pd$_{0.7}$Se$_7$ is a multi-band superconductor. This is supported by band structure calculations which reveal a Fermi surface composed of quasi-one-dimensional and quasi-two-dimensional sheets of hole character, as well as three-dimensional sheets of both hole- and electron-character. Remarkably, $H^{b}_{c2}$ is observed to saturate at $H^{b}_{c2}(T \rightarrow 0 \text{K}) \simeq 14.1$ T which is $4.26 \times H_p$ where $H_p$ is the Pauli-limiting field in the weak-coupling regime. The synthesis procedure yields additional crystals belonging to the Nb$_2$Pd$_{x}$Se$_5$ phase which also becomes superconducting when the fraction of Pd is varied. For both phases we find that superconductivity condenses out of an anomalous metallic state, i.e. displaying $\partial \rho/ \partial T < 0$ above $T_c$ similarly to what is observed in the pseudogap-phase of the underdoped cuprates. An anomalous metallic state, low-dimensionality, multi-band character, extremely high and anisotropic $H_{c2}$s, are all ingredients for unconventional superconductivity.
Notching of the lamina of C7: a proposed mechanism.

Laminar notching of C7 is a recognized normal variant which should be differentiated from fracture or other pathology. Our observations suggest this notch is the effect of apposition of the inferior articulating process of C6 and the lamina of C7.