cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Single Channel Characterization of the Mitochondrial Ryanodine Receptor in Heart Mitoplasts

Heart mitochondria utilize multiple Ca(2+) transport mechanisms. Among them, the mitochondrial ryanodine receptor provides a fast Ca(2+) uptake pathway across the inner membrane to control "excitation and metabolism coupling." In the present study, we identified a novel ryanodine-sensitive channel in the native inner membrane of heart mitochondria and characterized its pharmacological and biophysical properties by directly patch clamping mitoplasts. Four distinct channel conductances of ∼100, ∼225, ∼700, and ∼1,000 picosiemens (pS) in symmetrical 150 mm CsCl were observed. The 225 pS cation-selective channel exhibited multiple subconductance states and was blocked by high concentrations of ryanodine and ruthenium red, known inhibitors of ryanodine receptors. Ryanodine exhibited a concentration-dependent modulation of this channel, with low concentrations stabilizing a subconductance state and high concentrations abolishing activity. The 100, 700, and 1,000 pS conductances exhibited different channel characteristics and were not inhibited by ryanodine. Taken together, these findings identified a novel 225 pS channel as the native mitochondrial ryanodine receptor channel activity in heart mitoplasts with biophysical and pharmacological properties that distinguish it from previously identified mitochondrial ion channels.
Proximal effects of ultraviolet light absorbers and polymer matrix in the photostability of β-carotene

Abstract β-Carotene was used as a probe to investigate the protection offered by 2-ethylhexyl 4-methoxycinnamate, a photostabilizer, upon ultraviolet-A photodegradation. β-Carotene and 2-ethylhexyl 4-methoxycinnamate were arranged in two distinct macroscopic configurations (core/shell and homogenous) in solution with tandem and single cuvettes. 2-Ethylhexyl 4-methoxycinnamate was also combined with poly(methyl methacrylate) in solution to investigate the protective synergy between the photostabilizer and the polymer matrix. The choice of configuration played a more dominant role than the concentration of 2-ethylhexyl 4-methoxycinnamate in the degradation of β-carotene, with β-carotene remaining more stable in the homogeneous configuration. Changing configurations yielded different proximities of 2-ethylhexyl 4-methoxycinnamate to β-carotene; closing the proximity increased the potential close interactions (
Theoretical electric dipole moments for the cyanopolyacetylenes, HCnN, and their extremely polar carbene isomers, CnNH

Abstract Semi-empirical and ab initio calculations of HC n N and C n NH ( n = 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9) dipole moments are reported. The longer C n NH isomers are found to be exceedingly polar with computed dipole moments of 10, 13, and 17 D for C 5 NH, C 7 NH, and C 9 NH.
Fasciola hepatica: comparison of immature and mature immunoreactive glycoproteins

Summary A comparison of the 35S-methionine metabolically labelled immunoreactive glycoproteins of immature and mature F. hepatica was carried out by one-and two-dimensional sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Sera of rabbits infected for 3 weeks reacted much more strongly with glycoproteins of immature flukes than with glycoproteins of mature flukes as compared to sera of rabbits infected for 9 weeks. Several of the immunoreactive glycoproteins were also released by immature F. hepatica into the culture medium. At least one was a component of the T1 type granules. Analysis of the in vitro translation products of mature F. hepatica indicated that the initial humoral immune response of rabbit hosts may be directed against carbohydrate moieties.
A suggestion concerning the generation of the physical state of stellar mantles

The physical state of the winds of B supergiants varies from one of a high level of ionization and rapid outflow to one of relatively low ionization and a moderate rate of outflow as one goes from type B0 to type A0. It is proposed here that this is the result of magnetodynamic energy being released in the mantles of these stars, much as occurs in the sun. Data are presented to show that this idea is plausible. It is noted that the release of magnetodynamic energy as the result of interaction between magnetic fields and differential motion in an inhomogeneous structure is probably the cause of the heating in all outer stellar atmospheres (mantles). In the late-type stars, the material in the mantle must first be ionized by the deposition of energy from acoustic waves; in the early-type stars, the material is already ionized at least once in the photosphere, as a result of the normal transfer of radiative energy, so no priming process is necessary for these stars.
Alternative procedure to evaluate semantic classification

Two experiments were performed to assess the validity of two rank-ordering procedures for determining semantic associations. The experiments permitted determination of whether performance of physical-placement, rank-ordering tasks yielded similar results as traditional semantic categorization procedures (e.g., measuring priming effects and reaction times). Participants were young adults. They arranged exemplars in each category in orders reflecting degrees of association with category labels. The results suggest that rank-ordering approaches yield results similar to those obtained with traditional procedures and are appropriate for assessing semantic associations when the use of response time and priming effect measures are questionable, as is the case with some potential augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) users. Such alternate procedures may be beneficial when attempting to match a client's unique organization of semantic information to an AAC system.
Starting mechanism in coupled-cavity modelocked laser systems

The starting mechanism in coupled-cavity, additive pulse mode-locked (APM) lasers is discussed theoretically and demonstrated experimentally. Short- and strong-mode beating noise bursts that can overcome dynamic gain saturation in large emission cross-section gain media result from the etalon effect of the coupled cavity that forces lasing at two separate frequencies. We have measured terahertz-mode beating fluctuations, that are in quantitative agreement with our theory, in a coupled-cavity NaCl color-center laser. A detailed comparison between theory and experiments is presented, and implications regarding other laser systems are discussed.
An unusual resolution of T-wave oversensing in an implantable cardioverter defibrillator in a child with long QT syndrome

T-wave oversensing poses a clinical challenge often resulting in inappropriate therapies and shocks. T-wave oversensing can often be resolved by certain programmable adjustments while accepting a small risk of undersensing ventricular fibrillation. The following case depicts a girl with LQT whose transvenous defibrillator repeatedly demonstrated T-wave oversensing despite optimizing various programmable features and a separate pace/sense lead. Utilization of an LV epicardial pace/sense lead with stable R-waves affirmed an unusual resolution of T-wave oversensing and avoidance of inappropriate shocks.
Learning mathematics for teaching in the student teaching experience: two contrasting cases

Student teaching (guided teaching by a prospective teacher under the supervision of an experienced “cooperating” teacher) provides an important opportunity for prospective teachers to increase their understanding of mathematics in and for teaching. The interactions between a student teacher and cooperating teacher provide an obvious mechanism for such learning to occur. We report here on data that is part of a larger study of eight student teacher/cooperating teacher pairs, and the core themes that emerged from their conversations. We focus on two pairs for whom the core conversational themes represent disparate approaches to mathematics in and for teaching. One pair, Blake and Mr. B., focused on controlling student behavior and rarely talked about mathematics for teaching. The other pair, Tara and Mr. T., focused on having students actively participating in the lesson and on mathematics from the students’ point of view. These contrasting experiences suggest that student teaching can have a profound effect on prospective teachers’ understanding of mathematics in and for teaching.
Electron propagator theory: an approach to prediction and interpretation in quantum chemistry

Electron propagator theory provides a practical means of calculating electron binding energies, Dyson orbitals, and ground-state properties from first principles. This approach to ab initio electronic structure theory also facilitates the interpretation of its quantitative predictions in terms of concepts that closely resemble those of one-electron theories. An explanation of the physical meaning of the electron propagator's poles and residues is followed by a discussion of its couplings to more complicated propagators. These relationships are exploited in superoperator theory and lead to a compact form of the electron propagator that is derived by matrix partitioning. Expressions for reference-state properties, relationships to the extended Koopmans's theorem technique for evaluating electron binding energies, and connections between Dyson orbitals and transition probabilities follow from this discussion. The inverse form of the Dyson equation for the electron propagator leads to a strategy for obtaining electron binding energies and Dyson orbitals that generalizes the Hartree–Fock equations through the introduction of the self-energy operator. All relaxation and correlation effects reside in this operator, which has an energy-dependent, nonlocal form that is systematically improvable. Perturbative arguments produce several, convenient (e.g. partial third order, outer valence Green's function, and second-order, transition-operator) approximations for the evaluation of valence ionization energies, electron affinities, and core ionization energies. Renormalized approaches based on Hartree–Fock or approximate Brueckner orbitals are employed when correlation effects become qualitatively important. Reference-state total energies based on contour integrals in the complex plane and gradients of electron binding energies enable exploration of final-state potential energy surfaces. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Infrared dichroism of sodium hyaluronate.

Abstract The infrared dichroism of sodium hyaluronate isolated from umbilical cords was investigated. Films of hyaluronate swollen in 82% ethanol were elongated and the infrared absorption spectra of the dried films were taken at different elongations with the electrical vector of polarized infrared radiation parallel and perpendicular to the direction of elongation. The dichroic ratios were calculated as a function of elongation. The orientations of different atomic groups in the polymer molecule with elongation were interpreted as indicating a rather stiff molecular configuration of the chains in the gel form. It is proposed that the elongation is mainly due to the turning and orientation of the molecular aggregates rather than to uncoiling of a random isotropic chain configuration.
The effect of gentamicin on calcium uptake by renal mitochondria

Abstract The effect of the nephrotoxic aminoglycoside antibiotic, gentamicin, on calcium uptake by renal cortical mitochondria was assessed in vitro. Gentamicin was found to be a competitive inhibitor of mitochondrial Ca ++ uptake. This effect displayed a dose response with a K i of 233 μM and occurred at gentamicin concentrations below those that inhibit mitochondrial electron transport. These results further demonstrate the potential for gentamicin to alter membrane function and thereby contribute to toxic cell injury via its interactions with divalent cations.
Fatality in a case of envenomation byCrotalus adamanteus initially successfully treated with polyvalent ovine antivenom followed by recurrence of defibrinogenation syndrome

Introduction Recurrences of clinical or laboratory manifestations of North American pit viper envenomation may happen despite control of the envenomation syndrome by prompt and adequate antivenom therapy. Recurrences of coagulopathy in victims of Eastern diamondback rattlesnake envenomation are generally regarded as benign. The vast majority suffer no actual bleeding despite florid coagulation laboratory abnormalities due to selective defibrinogenation.
Delayed neutron spectrum from 87Br created in thermal fission of 235U

Abstract The delayed neutron spectrum from 87 Br beyond 100 keV was measured by a methane filled proton recoil proportional counter. Major peaks were observed at 131 and 192 keV and much smaller peaks at 261, 337, 420, and 520 keV. The observed spectrum is significantly softer compared to the previously reported data.
Reaching vacuum harmonic generation and the Schwinger limit with x-rays

The derivation of an elementary figure of merit shows that the attainment of ultrahigh intensities suitable for probing the dynamics of the vacuum state is significantly facilitated by the use of coherent x-ray sources in the kiloelectronvolt regime. For the Xe(L) system at ħω ~ 4.5 keV, estimates indicate that an intensity sufficient for the observation of vacuum harmonic generation (~ 1027 W/cm2) can be reached with pulse energies in the 5 - 50 mJ range. The corresponding pulse energy for the Schwinger/Heisenberg Limit (~ 4.6 × 1029 W/cm2) is ~ 1.5 J. Measurements conducted at intensities in this range are expected to yield information about the cosmological “Dark Energy”, the mysterious centrally important entity that constitutes ~ 73% of the Universe.
Optical Interconnects for High-Performance Computing Systems

A first step toward advanced optical interconnect technologies is a data-center switch using a multibus optical backplane. This network switch replaces the electronic backplane and communications fabric application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) with an optical fabric based on multiple optical broadcast buses. The prototype demonstrated reliable performance, and the optical bus can scale to much higher bandwidths. Thus, network switches using optical backplanes have significant advantages for future systems.
Distinct Endocytic Pathways Control the Rate and Extent of Synaptic Vesicle Protein Recycling

Synaptic vesicles have been proposed to form through two mechanisms: one directly from the plasma membrane involving clathrin-dependent endocytosis and the adaptor protein AP2, and the other from an endosomal intermediate mediated by the adaptor AP3. However, the relative role of these two mechanisms in synaptic vesicle recycling has remained unclear. We now find that vesicular glutamate transporter VGLUT1 interacts directly with endophilin, a component of the clathrin-dependent endocytic machinery. In the absence of its interaction with endophilin, VGLUT1 recycles more slowly during prolonged, high-frequency stimulation. Inhibition of the AP3 pathway with brefeldin A rescues the rate of recycling, suggesting a competition between AP2 and -3 pathways, with endophilin recruiting VGLUT1 toward the faster AP2 pathway. After stimulation, however, inhibition of the AP3 pathway prevents the full recovery of VGLUT1 by endocytosis, implicating the AP3 pathway specifically in compensatory endocytosis.
Dynamics of the Einstein-de Haas effect : Application to a magnetic cantilever

The local time-dependent theory of Einstein--de Haas effect is developed. We begin with microscopic interactions and derive dynamical equations that couple elastic deformations with internal twists due to spins. The theory is applied to the description of the motion of a magnetic cantilever caused by the oscillation of the domain wall. Theoretical results are compared with a recent experiment on the Einstein--de Haas effect in a microcantilever.
Conceptual Ethics I

Which concepts should we use to think and talk about the world, and to do all of the other things that mental and linguistic representation facilitates? This is the guiding question of the field that we call ‘conceptual ethics’. Conceptual ethics is not often discussed as its own systematic branch of normative theory. A case can nevertheless be made that the field is already quite active, with contributions coming in from areas as diverse as fundamental metaphysics and social/political philosophy. In this pair of papers, we try to unify the field, reflecting on its basic nature, structure, and methodology.
Technoeconomic Analysis of Algal and Bacterial Hydrogen Production Systems

The goal of this work is to provide direction, focus, and support to the development and introduction of renewable hydrogen through the evaluation of the technical, economic, and environmental aspects of hydrogen production technologies. The advantages of performing analyses of this type within a research environment are severalfold. First, the economic competitiveness of a project can be assessed by evaluating the costs of a given process compared to the current technology. These analyses can therefore be useful in determining which projects have the highest potential for near-, mid-, and long-term success. Second, the results of a technoeconomic analysis are useful in directing research toward areas in which improvements will result in the largest cost reductions. Finally, as the economics of a process are evaluated throughout the life of the project, advancement toward the final goal of commercialization can be measured. The production of hydrogen by biological processes has been analyzed to identify key issues relating to the conceptual design and costing of algal- and bacterial-based systems. Possible productivity advances and gas separation were the two most important considerations in a system that uses bacteria to produce hydrogen from biomass synthesis gas. Pond-based algal system studies have found gas separation, auxiliary equipment requirements, and pond designs to be key issues. The methodology for analyzing these systems and a discussion of key issues will be presented.
Critical appraisal of the use of matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors in cancer treatment

Experimental studies performed prior to 1990 led to the widely held belief that matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) produced by cancer cells are of critical importance in tumor invasion and metastasis. Based on this evidence, the pharmaceutical industry produced several well tolerated, orally active MMP inhibitors (MMPIs) which demonstrated efficacy in mouse cancer models. Phase III clinical trials initiated in 1997-98 using marimastat, prinomastat (AG3340), and BAY 12-9566 alone or in combination with standard chemotherapy in patients with advanced cancers (lung, prostate, pancreas, brain, GI tract) have recently been reported; no clinical efficacy was demonstrated. Bayer and Agouron have discontinued their ongoing Phase III drug trials of MMPIs in advanced cancer. In retrospect, the failure of MMPIs to alter disease progression in metastatic cancer might have been anticipated since MMPs appear to be important in early aspects of cancer progression (local invasion and micrometastasis) and may no longer be required once metastases have been established. Our understanding of MMP pathophysiology in cancer has expanded considerably in the past 10 years. Current views indicate that: (1) most MMPs in tumors are made by stromal cells, not carcinoma cells; (2) cancer cells induce stromal cells to synthesize MMPs using extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN) and cytokine stimulatory mechanisms; and (3) MMPs promote cell migration and the release of growth factors sequestered in the extracellular matrix. MMPs have a dual function in tumor angiogenesis: MMP-2 and MT1-MMP are required in breaking down basement membrane barriers in the early stage of angiogenesis, while other MMPs are involved in the generation of an angiogenic inhibitor, angiostatin. In spite of considerable recent progress in identifying multiple roles of MMPs in disease, our understanding of MMP function in cancer is far from complete (see Table 1). Based on accumulated data, it is recommended that future MMPI trials focus on: (1) patients with early stage cancer; (2) the use of MMPIs along with chemotherapy; (3) the measurement of MMPs in tumor tissue and blood as a means of identifying patients who are more likely to respond to MMPI therapy; and (4) identification of biomarkers that reflect activation or inhibition of MMPs in vivo.
Association between Smoking and Uveitis: Results from the Pacific Ocular Inflammation Study

Purpose To assess whether cigarette smoking is associated with the development of uveitis in a population-based setting. Design Retrospective, population-based, case-control study. Participants Patients aged ≥18 years who were seen at a Kaiser Permanente Hawaii clinic between January 1, 2006, and December 31, 2007. Analysis included 100 confirmed incident uveitis cases, 522 randomly selected controls from the general Kaiser Hawaii population, and 528 randomly selected controls from the Kaiser Hawaii ophthalmology clinic. Methods International Classification of Diseases, 9th revision (ICD-9), diagnosis codes were used to identify possible uveitis cases. A uveitis fellowship–trained ophthalmologist then conducted individual chart review to confirm case status. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to evaluate the association between smoking and uveitis, adjusting for age, sex, race, and socioeconomic status. Main Outcome Measures Development of uveitis. Results Current smokers had a 1.63 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.88–3.00; P = 0.12) and 2.33 (95% CI, 1.22–4.45; P = 0.01) times greater odds of developing uveitis compared with those who never smoked using the general and ophthalmology control groups, respectively. The association was even stronger with noninfectious uveitis, which yielded odds ratios of 2.10 (95% CI, 1.10–3.99; P = 0.02) and 2.96 (95% CI, 1.52–5.77; P = 0.001) using the general and ophthalmology control groups, respectively. Conclusions Cigarette smoking is significantly associated with new-onset uveitis within a population-based setting. The association was stronger for noninfectious uveitis. Given the well-established risks of smoking with regard to other inflammatory disorders, these results reaffirm the importance of encouraging patients to avoid or cease smoking.
Analysis of herpes simplex virus ICP0 promoter function in sensory neurons during acute infection, establishment of latency, and reactivation in vivo.

We have begun an analysis of the functional architecture of the ICP0 promoter in neurons in vivo with the ultimate goal of determining how this gene is regulated during reactivation in vivo. Promoter/reporter mutants in which the Escherichia coli beta-galactosidase (β-Gal) gene was driven by various permutations of the ICP0 promoter were employed to permit the analysis of promoter function without the added complications that would arise due to inappropriate regulation of ICP0 protein levels. A whole-ganglion immunohistochemical staining procedure (N. M. Sawtell, J. Virol. 77:4127-4138, 2003) was used for direct comparisons of the expression of the promoter/reporter gene to expression of the native protein in the same cell. In this way, the expression of the putative wild-type promoter could be validated and results for mutant promoters could be compared to expression of the native gene. We found that a DNA fragment from bp −562 through the methionine start codon of the ICP0 gene contained all sequences required for properly regulated ICP0 expression in diverse cell types (including sensory neurons of the trigeminal ganglia [TG]) in vitro and in vivo, as indicated by colocalization of ICP0 and β-Gal. Truncation of the ICP0 promoter to bp −145 or −129 resulted in the loss of immediate-early (α) kinetics. The truncated promoters expressed high levels of the reporter gene with leaky late (γ1) kinetics in vitro and in some cell types in vivo. Unexpectedly, the truncated promoters did not express in TG neurons. Thus, TAATGARAT or other sequences upstream of bp −145 in the ICP0 promoter are required for basal expression of ICP0 in neurons but are not required for basal expression in other cells in vivo. There was a >95% concordance between reporter and native protein expression detected with the 562-bp promoter in neurons during the acute stage. However, this was not the case during reactivation from latency in vivo, as nearly twice as many neurons contained detectable β-Gal as contained detectable ICP0. This same 562-bp promoter/reporter cassette, when placed in the context of a latency-associated transcript (LAT) null mutant, resulted in >95% concordance of expression of β-Gal and ICP0 during reactivation in vivo. These last results strongly suggest that there is a posttranscriptional constraint on the expression of ICP0 protein during reactivation from latency and that this constraint is mediated by LAT.
WILDFIRE AND DESERT BIGHORN SHEEP HABITAT, SANTA CATALINA MOUNTAINS, ARIZONA

The desert bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis mexicana) population in the Santa Catalina Mountains, Arizona, has declined since the 1920s and was virtually extirpated in the late 1990s. Urban development, human recreation, and changes in habitat conditions due to wildfire suppression have contributed to the decline. Wildfires in 2002 and 2003 burned approximately 46,701 ha in the Santa Catalina Mountains, including areas previously inhabited by desert bighorn sheep. Our objectives were to estimate the amount of potential and historical bighorn sheep habitat in the Santa Catalina Mountains and to determine if the fires improved habitat quality for bighorn sheep. We created a spatial habitat suitability model to estimate the amount of potential and historical habitat available for bighorn sheep in the Santa Catalina Mountains. We then used Burn Severity maps and the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index to examine the impact of recent wildfires on bighorn sheep habitat. We calculated 39,201 and 9,017 ha of potential and historical habitat of desert bighorn sheep, respectively. Historical bighorn sheep habitat in the western Santa Catalina Mountains declined 64% since 1989. Approximately 21% of potential habitat and 24% of historical bighorn sheep habitat were burned during the fires, most of which experienced low burn severity that was not high enough to remove vegetation that decreases habitat quality for desert bighorn sheep. Any consideration of translocation of desert bighorn sheep to the Santa Catalina Mountains should further assess the suitability of the areas identified as potential habitat.
Clinical axillary recurrence in breast cancer patients after a negative sentinel node biopsy

Abstract Background: The purpose of this study was to determine the axillary recurrence rate in breast cancer patients with a negative sentinel lymph node who did not have an axillary node dissection. Methods: Sentinel lymphadenectomy for breast cancer patients, without axillary node dissection if the node was negative, was introduced in 1998 at our institution. This study includes those women with a negative sentinel lymph node. Adjuvant chemotherapy was administered based on primary tumor characteristics. If breast radiotherapy was used, no attempt was made to include the axilla. Results: From January 1998 to December 2001, 206 patients (208 breast cancers) had a negative sentinel lymph node. The median age at diagnosis was 56 years and median tumor size was 1.2 cm. With a median follow-up of 26 months, there have been 3 axillary recurrences with a clinical sentinel lymph node false negative rate of 1.4%. Conclusions: In this study, the clinical false negative rate of a sentinel lymph node biopsy is 1.4%. Our study provides further evidence supporting the use of sentinel lymphadenectomy in women with breast cancer.
Molecular pathogenesis of neurotropic viral infections

Classical virologists defined a number of viruses that affect the nervous system and identified tissue tropism, extraneural replication, and viremia as important parameters that determine whether viral infections will affect the central nervous system. Molecular techniques are expanding this knowledge by permitting us to relate specific genes and gene products to two defined phenotypes: neuroinvasion and neurovirulence. Two converging situations make this knowledge particularly useful: (1) the development of antiviral drugs and subunit vaccines, which mandate that pathogenesis be related to specific regions of the viral genome; and (2) the expanding problem of central nervous system infections in immunodeficient states.
Robust eigenvalue assignment with maximum tolerance to system uncertainties

For a linear time-invariant system with a feedback controller, the closed-loop eigenvalues perturb due to system uncertainties. Given an allowable tolerance for the closed-loop eigenvalue perturbation, an algorithm is developed to obtain a state feedback controller that maximizes the uncertainty tolerance of the open-loop system matrix. The design procedure is based on an existing eigenvalue assignment technique using Sylvester’s equation. A robustness condition is derived to guarantee satisfaction of a specified closed-loop perturbation tolerance. Finally, an iterative algorithm is presented for easy numerical implementation to compute the robust controller, and a numerical example is given for illustration.
Diabetes Mellitus and Gait Dysfunction: Possible Explanatory Factors

Background and Objective: Gait characteristics differ in individuals with diabetes compared with those without diabetes. Limited information regarding potential explanatory factors for this association exists. This study examined the association between diabetes and gait characteristics in older adults and explored potential explanatory factors. Design: A cross-sectional, observational study design was used. Methods: At the 1998–1999 clinic visit, 558 ambulatory older adults (mean age=79 years) from the Pittsburgh site of the Cardiovascular Health Study had an assessment of their gait characteristics, diabetes, health status, cognition, mood, lower-extremity circulation and sensation, vision, lower-extremity strength (force-producing capacity), physical activity, and body mass index (BMI). A series of linear regression models were developed to examine the association between diabetes and gait characteristics and to examine potential explanatory factors for the associations. Results: Diabetes was related to gait speed (β=−.06 m/s); however, the association was partially explained by health status variables, cognition, mood, lower-extremity circulation and sensation, visual impairment, lower-extremity strength, physical activity, and BMI. Health status and lower-extremity strength each explained the greatest proportion of the association (β reduced 66% by each). Diabetes was related to step width (β=.02 m), and the association could not be explained by the examined factors. Conclusions: Diabetes was associated with gait alterations in older adults. Slowed gait speed appears to be secondary to the peripheral effect of the disease on other body systems. The effect of diabetes on step width was not explained in the analyses and may be related to peripheral motor nerve function or central influences of the disease, which could not be assessed in this study.
Climate Divisions for Alaska Based on Objective Methods

AbstractAlaska encompasses several climate types because of its vast size, high-latitude location, proximity to oceans, and complex topography. There is a great need to understand how climate varies regionally for climatic research and forecasting applications. Although climate-type zones have been established for Alaska on the basis of seasonal climatological mean behavior, there has been little attempt to construct climate divisions that identify regions with consistently homogeneous climatic variability. In this study, cluster analysis was applied to monthly-average temperature data from 1977 to 2010 at a robust set of weather stations to develop climate divisions for the state. Mean-adjusted Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer surface temperature estimates were employed to fill in missing temperature data when possible. Thirteen climate divisions were identified on the basis of the cluster analysis and were subsequently refined using local expert knowledge. Divisional boundary lines were drawn th...
Evaluation and management of brachial plexus birth palsy.

Brachial plexus birth palsy can result in permanent lifelong deficits and unfortunately continues to be relatively common despite advancements in obstetric care. The diagnosis can be made shortly after birth by physical examination, noting a lack of movement in the affected upper extremity. Treatment begins with passive range-of-motion exercises to maintain flexibility and tactile stimulation to provide sensory reeducation. Primary surgery consists of microsurgical nerve surgery, whereas secondary surgery consists of alternative microsurgical procedures, tendon transfers, or osteotomies, all of which improve outcomes in the short term. However, the long-term outcomes of current treatment recommendations remain unknown.
Visual Contrast Sensitivity

Like the modulation transfer function of man-made imaging devices, the contrast sensitivity of the human eye can be measured with sinusoidal grating targets of various spatial frequencies. Criterion-free psychophysical methods permit us to regard the contrast sensitivity as a direct measure of the subject's visual performance, independent of subjective factors. Under these conditions, not only the shape of the contrast-sensitivity function but also its absolute values show good agreement among normal subjects. However, the most interesting properties of this function cannot be attributed to the optics of the eye, but must be understood in terms of the image-processing activities of the visual pathways. The contrast-sensitivity function varies with the size, brightness, motion and flicker of the test target, with the adaptive state of the subject's retina, and with his eye-movements. Most of these effects can be explained in terms of known neurophysiology.
Helicobacter pylori Persistence: an Overview of Interactions between H. pylori and Host Immune Defenses

Helicobacter pylori is a gram-negative bacterium that persistently colonizes more than half of the global human population. In order to successfully colonize the human stomach, H. pylori must initially overcome multiple innate host defenses. Remarkably, H. pylori can persistently colonize the stomach for decades or an entire lifetime despite development of an acquired immune response. This review focuses on the immune response to H. pylori and the mechanisms by which H. pylori resists immune clearance. Three main sections of the review are devoted to (i) analysis of the immune response to H. pylori in humans, (ii) analysis of interactions of H. pylori with host immune defenses in animal models, and (iii) interactions of H. pylori with immune cells in vitro. The topics addressed in this review are important for understanding how H. pylori resists immune clearance and also are relevant for understanding the pathogenesis of diseases caused by H. pylori (peptic ulcer disease, gastric adenocarcinoma, and gastric lymphoma).
Aortic rhythmic wrinkling in youth : the PDAY study

Transverse, white-streak 'wrinkles' in the aorta were first described as Querlinien (cross lines) or Wellenlinien (wave lines) in the German literature in the early 20th century. These rhythmic structures were previously thought to be artifacts of stretching and shrinkage of the aorta. Not until the 1970s was it proposed that the areas of rhythmic wrinkling (RW) might be part of the process of atherosclerosis. We analyzed 2,650 aortas from the Pathobiological Determinants of Atherosclerosis in Youth (PDAY) study for prevalence, extent, and topographical distribution of these areas of RW. Furthermore, we investigated the possible relationship of RW to atherosclerotic sudanophilic stained 'fatty streaks' and elevated intimal lesions called 'raised lesions' (RL). This study provides evidence that (1) the prevalence of RW is fairly high in the aorta and occurs in a specific distribution in both the thoracic and abdominal aorta; (2) RW seems to precede the development of RL, with RL occurring in the same topographical areas as RW; and (3) RW may be associated with the subsequent development of advanced atherosclerosis, particularly raised lesions.
Efficient Parallel GPU Design on WRF Five-Layer Thermal Diffusion Scheme

Satellite remote-sensing observations and ground-based radar can detect the weather conditions from a distance and are widely used to monitor the weather all around the globe. The assimilated satellite/radar data are passed through the weather models for weather forecasting. The five-layer thermal diffusion scheme is one of the weather models, handling with an energy budget made up of sensible, latent, and radiative heat fluxes. The model feature of no interactions among horizontal grid points makes this scheme very favorable for parallel processing. This study demonstrates implementation of this scheme using graphics processing unit (GPU) massively parallel architecture. By employing one NVIDIA Tesla K40 GPU, our GPU optimization effort on this scheme achieves a speedup of $311 \times$ with respect to its CPU counterpart Fortran code running on one CPU core of Intel Xeon E5-2603, whereas the speedup for one CPU socket (four cores) with respect to one CPU core is only $3.1 \times$ . We can even boost the speedup of this scheme to $398 \times$ with respect to one CPU core when two NVIDIA Tesla K40 GPUs are applied.
The prevalence of obesity in children with autism: a secondary data analysis using nationally representative data from the National Survey of Children's Health

The prevalence of childhood obesity has increased dramatically in the last two decades and numerous efforts to understand, intervene on, and prevent this significant threat to children's health are underway for many segments of the pediatric population. Understanding the prevalence of obesity in populations of children with developmental disorders is an important undertaking, as the factors that give rise to obesity may not be the same as for typically developing children, and because prevention and treatment efforts may need to be tailored to meet their needs and the needs of their families. The goal of the current study was to estimate the prevalence of obesity in children and adolescents with autism. This study was a secondary data analysis of cross-sectional nationally representative data collected by telephone interview of parents/guardians on 85,272 children ages 3-17 from the 2003-2004 National Survey of Children's Health (NSCH). Autism was determined by response to the question, "Has a doctor or health professional ever told you that your child has autism?" Children and adolescents were classified as obese accordingto CDC guidelines for body mass index (BMI) for age and sex. The prevalence of obesity in children with autism was 30.4% compared to 23.6% of children without autism (p = .075). The unadjusted odds of obesity in children with autism was 1.42 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.00, 2.02, p = .052) compared to children without autism. Based on US nationally representative data, children with autism have a prevalence of obesity at least as high as children overall. These findings suggest that additional research is warranted to understand better the factors that influence the development of obesity in this population of children.
VPDS: Virtual Home Region Based Distributed Position Service in Mobile Ad Hoc Networks

Position-based ad hoc routing algorithms have proved to have decent performance in delivery ratio and end-to-end delay. Position service is essential for such algorithms. In this paper, a distributed position service system, named VDPS, is proposed and evaluated. In the system, each node has a virtual home region (VHR), which is a geographic area. Nodes residing in a node's VHR will act as its position servers. A node updates its position to the servers, through which other nodes can obtain its position. To reduce the overhead on position management and simplify the operation, in VDPS, a VHR is divided into subregions. A region-based broadcast is used for position update, and a sequential searching is used for position retrieving. Different mechanisms for improving system robustness have been proposed. Mathematical models are built for analyzing system robustness and control overhead. Illustrated results show that VDPS can maintain a high system robustness at a relatively low control overhead
A multi-modality system for dynamic imaging of cancer

In the present work, the details of a combined MR-diffuse optical imaging system for dynamic contrast enhanced imaging of cancer are given. As a part of this effort, a multi-spectral diffuse optical tomography system was integrated with an MRI system. The integration of the optical imaging system with the 4T MRI system was realized by incorporating a fiber adaptive interface inside the MR magnet. Coregistration was achieved by a special probe design utilizing fiducial markers. A dynamic phantom was developed and used to test the performance of the system. Human and animal studies are currently being undertaken to assess the performance of the system in-vivo.
POTENTIAL RESEARCH TOPICS IN DECISION ANALYSIS

Abstract : The paper 'Research Directions in Decision Making Under Uncertainty' by Robert L. Winkler provides a comprehensive overview of challenging research areas for decision making under uncertainty. Hence, rather than try to extend the list of research areas identified, this note will attempt to embellish some that I feel are particularly important. In these areas, I feel the value of systematic research is particularly high. For convenience, the discussion will be organized under the four research categories identified by Winkler with a couple of suggestions following in an 'implementation research' category. The reader will note however that many of the suggested topics actually relate to more than one research category. (Author)
Effect of Temperature Cycling and High Temperature Aging on the Elastic Properties and Failure Modes of Thermal Interface Materials

Highly filled thermally conductive silicone gels are routinely used as first level thermal interface materials (TIMs) between the die and lid, in flip-chip organic packages. The main challenge for these TIMs is overcoming the Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (CTE) mismatch between the die and lid materials. The TIMs must maintain excellent adhesion to both the die and lid surfaces in order to achieve and maintain optimal thermal performance. The CTE mismatch leads to increased mechanical stress and degradation of the TIM, which in turn degrades the thermal performance. In this work, the effective modulus of several TIMs was calculated by finite element modeling (FEM) in concert with mechanical testing of thin bond-line aluminum-TIM sandwiches subjected to varied stress conditions. These results are correlated to the corresponding stress die shear testing and the impact on package performance is analyzed.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
Microdomain [ca2+] fluctuations alter temporal dynamics in models of ca2+-dependent signaling cascades and synaptic vesicle release

Ca2+-dependent signaling is often localized in spatially restricted microdomains and may involve only 1 to 100 Ca2+ ions. Fluctuations in the microdomain Ca2+ concentration Ca2+ can arise from a wide range of elementary processes, including diffusion, Ca2+ influx, and association/dissociation with Ca2+ binding proteins or buffers. However, it is unclear to what extent these fluctuations alter Ca2+-dependent signaling. We construct Markov models of a general Ca2+-dependent signaling cascade and Ca2+-triggered synaptic vesicle release. We compare the hitting release time distribution and statistics for models that account for [Ca2+] fluctuations with the corresponding models that neglect these fluctuations. In general, when Ca2+ fluctuations are much faster than the characteristic time for the signaling event, the hitting time distributions and statistics for the models with and without Ca2+ fluctuation are similar. However, when the timescale of Ca2+ fluctuations is on the same order as the signaling cascade or slower, the hitting time mean and variability are typically increased, in particular when the average number of microdomain Ca2+ ions is small, a consequence of a long-tailed hitting time distribution. In a model of Ca2+-triggered synaptic vesicle release, we demonstrate the conditions for which [Ca2+] fluctuations do and do not alter the distribution, mean, and variability of release timing. We find that both the release time mean and variability can be increased, demonstrating that Ca2+ fluctuations are an important aspect of microdomain Ca2+ signaling and further suggesting that Ca2+ fluctuations in the presynaptic terminal may contribute to variability in synaptic vesicle release and thus variability in neuronal spiking.
A New Adaptive Approach to Modeling Measured Multi-Port Scattering Parameters

This paper addresses the problem of building a low complexity macromodel of an electromagnetic device based on measurements of its scattering parameters. For devices with a large number of ports, currently available techniques are very expensive. The approach we propose is based on a system-theoretic tool, the Loewner matrix pencil constructed in the context of tangential interpolation. Several implementations are possible. They are fast, accurate and robust; they construct models of low order and are especially designed for devices with a large number of terminals. Moreover, they allow to identify the underlying system, rather than merely fitting the measurements. We compare our algorithms to industry standard vector fitting method on two examples. This paper is a summary of [1].
Market Structures and Economic Development in the Philippines

/M Y DISCUSSION will expand upon the main paper given by Professor Mehren by presenting some observations on concentration in agricultural market structures in the Philippines, with particular reference to their implications for the stated goals of economic development. Much of what I shall say is taken from my recent article on the subject in this Journal, which contains the basic data, source notes, and more complete arguments.1 My argument is essentially that concentration and industry development seem to accompany each other and that policies to permit or encourage structures with a high degree of concentration may be the most feasible policies to get rapid development in the food industries. The economic development program in which we cooperate is oriented around the pressing dollar exchange problem. Thus, developing the agricultural industries became especially strategic due to the fact that 25 percent of total imports were processed food, textiles and cigarettes. In general, these are the chief agricultural items about which the consumer is quality conscious, which makes consumers unwilling to substitute local brands until their quality and prestige are established. Since independence, the new government has participated heavily in some markets, and adopted direct exchange and pegged currency controls in 1949. However, it has been relatively lax on regulation, service and incentive programs. The usual structural analysis would call at least for measures of firm numbers and concentration, appraisals of barriers to entry, and product and service differentiation. It would furnish some conclusions as to conduct and performance. I have stabbed at some of these in the paper to which I referred. Because of time limits, the present discussion will be confined chiefly to numbers and concentration.