cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The other side of the embryo: an appreciation of the non-D quadrants in leech embryos

Publisher Summary This chapter summarizes findings that reveal a phenomenologically rich developmental cell biology in the A, B, and C quadrants in embryos of glossiphoniid leeches, such as Helobdella robusta (class Hirudinea; phylum Annelida). In glossiphoniid leeches, these non-D quadrants are precursors of definitive endoderm among other tissues. To appreciate the roles of these cells in embryogenesis, however, it is necessary first to summarize glossiphoniid leech development in terms of the contributions of the D quadrant.
Rep-Mediated Nicking of the Adeno-Associated Virus Origin Requires Two Biochemical Activities, DNA Helicase Activity and Transesterification

The single-stranded adeno-associated virus (AAV) genome is flanked by terminal hairpinned origins of DNA replication (terminal repeats [TRs]) that are nicked at the terminal resolution site (trs) by the AAV Rep protein in an ATP-dependent, site-specific manner. Here we determine the minimal trs sequence necessary for Rep cleavage, 3'-CCGGT/TG-5', and show that this 7-base core sequence is required only on the nicked strand. We also identify a potential stem-loop structure at the trs. Interestingly, Rep nicking on a TR substrate that fixes this trs stem-loop in the extruded form no longer requires ATP. This suggests that ATP-dependent Rep helicase activity is necessary to unwind the duplex trs and extrude the stem-loop structure, prior to the ATP-independent Rep transesterification reaction. The extrusion of origin stem-loop structures prior to nicking appears to be a general mechanism shared by plant and animal viruses and bacterial plasmids. In the case of AAV, this mechanism of TR nicking would provide a possible regulatory function.
Comparison of Surface-Excited and Volume-Excited Photoconduction in Cadmium Sulfide Crystals

Surface-excited photoconduction is compared with volume-excited photoconduction in cadmium sulfide crystals with a wide range of sensitivities. Measurements are presented as a function of exciting wavelength for (1) spectral response, (2) photocurrent as a function of light intensity, (3) photocurrent decay time, (4) infrared quenching, and (5) thermally stimulated current. The results supply additional evidence that the free electron lifetime for surface excitation is smaller than the lifetime for volume excitation because of a higher rate of recombination at the surface, associated with the adsorption of moist air on the crystal surface.Correlations are found between the distribution of traps, as indicated by thermally stimulated current measurements, and both (1) the low-temperature spectrum for photoconduction-photostimulation published by Lambe for CdS: Ag, and (2) the variation of photocurrent with light intensity.
Surficial Geologic Map of the Upper Conejos River Drainage, Southeastern San Juan Mountains, Southern Colorado, USA

Abstract Please click here to download the map associated with this article. During the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM), the San Juan Mountains of southern Colorado, USA were covered by one of the largest ice caps in North America. The deposits formed subsequent to LGM retreat provide a record of the interaction between post-LGM climate change and late Quaternary landscape evolution. In order to determine the role of post-LGM climate change in alpine landscape modification, a high resolution surficial geologic map was produced for the four primary tributaries and the main stem of the upper Conejos River watershed in the southeastern San Juan Mountains. Soil development, 14C ages, and stratigraphic relationships provide evidence for three distinct periods of hillslope, alluvial fan and/or stream terrace deposition (∼9.5–13 k.y.a., ∼1.2–2.1 ybp, and modern) in the upper Conejos River watershed. We interpret the first of these periods to be the result of paraglacial hillslope adjustment. The lack of subsequent ea...
RECENT MORPHOLOGICAL CHANGES ALONG THE COAST OF WEST PAKISTAN1

The Makran coast of West Pakistan can be divided into three broad geomorphic types: rocky cliffs, wide sandy beaches, and low flat delta plains. Very active tectonic movements are presently taking place and are likely to continue into the future. All large scale epeirogenic movements indicate emergence. Archaeological investigations suggest that coastal extension in places has been on the order of twenty to thirty miles in the last 3,000 to 5,000 years.
Focal Adhesion Axial Topography by the Z-Phasor Approach in Confocal Microscopy

The protein lateral and axial organization within focal adhesions has been studied by state of the art super resolution methods due to its thin structure, well below diffraction limit. However, to achieve high axial resolution, most of the current approaches rely on either sophisticated optics or diligent sample preparation requiring sample fixation that limits their application. In this report we present a phasor-based method that can be applied to fluorescent samples to determine the precise axial position of proteins using a conventional confocal microscope. We demonstrate that when about a total of 4000 photon counts are collected along a z-scan, axial localization precision close to 10 nm is achievable. We show at 10nm resolution that axial localization of paxillin, FAK and talin is similar at different focal adhesion sites, while F-actin shows a sharp increase in height towards the cell center. We further demonstrated that using line scans we can obtain axial resolution of 10 nm with a temporal resolution of less than a second of the changes of topography along the line. With the advantage of simple data acquisition and no special instrument requirement, this approach could have wide dissemination and application potentials.Work supported in part by NIH grants P50 GM076516 and P41 GM103540.
Development of Androgyny: Parental Influences.

While many researchers have documented the existence of pressures toward traditional sex-typing in the family, schools, and media, little consideration has been given to the effectiveness of these sources in fostering more flexible orientations to sex-typing. The present paper focuses on the extent to which parents are able to influence their children toward the development of nonstereotyped behaviors, conceptualized here in terms of androgyny. This issue is examined through an exploration of several theories of sex-role development and empirical” research on sex-role development. Additional consideration of theories and research on life-span development and resistance among children in the current culture to nonstereotyped behavior lead to a distinction between short-term and long-term effects of nonsexist parental behavior. Although androgynous parents may not produce androgynous children, their children often do grow up to be androgynous adults.
Is Computed Tomography an Adequate Imaging Modality for the Evaluation of Juvenile Ossifying Fibroma? A Comparison of 2 Imaging Modalities (Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

Purpose Given the problems of overuse of medical technology and the current burden of health care cost in the United States, it is important to establish clear imaging guidelines to diagnose conditions such as juvenile ossifying fibroma (JOF). This study compared the efficacy of computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the evaluation of JOF and thus could aid establishing such guidelines. Materials and Methods Radiologic criteria were established by 2 radiologists to compare the efficacy of CT and MRI in the evaluation of JOF. The following parameters were compared: presence of a well-defined corticated border, presence of a well-delineated internal calcified component, fluid-to-fluid levels, and anatomic extent of the lesion. Six patients diagnosed with JOF of the craniofacial bones from 2002 to 2013 had preoperative CT and MRI studies available for review. Results After review of CT and MRI images, fluid-to-fluid levels and anatomic extent of the lesions were comparable on CT and MRI. However, the corticated borders and the internal calcified component were better defined on CT images, which also enabled for distinction between the 2 subtypes of JOF. No MRI characteristics were identified that allowed for this distinction. Conclusion Based on these findings, CT is an adequate and preferable imaging modality in the evaluation of JOF.
Image quality of CRT displays and the effect of brightness on diagnosis of mammograms

The results indicate that there is an effect of maximum luminance on the performance of the observers, even though, at this time not significant and further studies are indicated.
Carbonate Matrix Acidizing with Acetic Acid

Conventional matrix acidizing in carbonate reservoirs uses hydrochloric acid to remove formation damage and stimulate well performance. Many experimental and theoretical studies in carbonate acidizing have confirmed the existence of an optimal acid injection rate at which major wormholes are formed, and the benefit from stimulation is maximized. This optimal rate depends on reservoir conditions, rock properties and chemical reaction rate. At high reservoir temperature, the optimal rate of hydrochloric acid is usually too high, and it sometimes is beyond the maximum injection allowed (the rate to avoid fracturing formation). In this case, weak acids, such as acetic acid, are alternative fluids to stimulate the wells. In our previous study, a theoretical model showed that under the same condition, the optimal injection rate for weak acids is relatively lower than the one for strong acids. This paper presents an experimental study of the wormholing process in carbonate acidizing with acetic acid. Carbonate rock samples were acidized, and the effectiveness of the process and the optimal injection rate were studied by measuring the acid volume needed to propagate wormholes through the cores and by making castings of the wormhole structures after acidizing. The experimental results from this study confirmed that the optimal injection rate of acetic acid is lower than the optimal rate for hydrochloric acid. It also showed from the castings that the radius of wormholes created by acetic acid at the optimal rate is larger than that created by hydrochloric acid at the optimal rate. We then demonstrate how these results can be used to determine the optimal acid system and injection schedule for field application.
Letter to the editor on complete recycling

Abstract While Georgescu-Roegen's assertion that the “complete recycling of matter is impossible” cannot be proven by thermodynamic considerations alone, it is supported by mass transfer rate theory.
Molecular evidence for the age, origin, and evolutionary history of the American desert plant genus Tiquilia (Boraginaceae)

Abstract Although the deserts of North America are of very recent origin, their characteristic arid-adapted endemic plant lineages have been suggested to be much older. Earlier researchers have hypothesized that the ancestors of many of these modern desert lineages first adapted to aridity in highly localized arid or semi-arid sites as early as the late Cretaceous or early Tertiary, and that these lineages subsequently spread and diversified as global climate became increasingly arid during the Cenozoic. No study has explicitly examined these hypotheses for any North American arid-adapted plant group. The current paper tests these hypotheses using the genus Tiquilia (Boraginaceae), a diverse North American desert plant group. A strongly supported phylogeny of the genus is estimated using combined sequence data from three chloroplast markers ( matK , ndhF , and rps16 ) and two nuclear markers (ITS and waxy ). Ages of divergence events within the genus are estimated using penalized likelihood and a molecular clock approach on the ndhF tree for Tiquilia and representative outgroups, including most of the major lineages of Boraginales. The dating analysis suggests that the stem lineage of Tiquilia split from its nearest extant relative in the Paleocene or Eocene (∼59–48 Ma). This was followed by a relatively long period before the first divergence in the crown group near the Eocene/Oligocene boundary (∼33–29 Ma), shortly after the greatest Cenozoic episode of rapid aridification. Divergence of seven major lineages of Tiquilia is dated to the early-to-mid Miocene (∼23–13 Ma). Several major lineages show a marked increase in diversification concomitant with the onset of more widespread semi-arid and then arid conditions beginning in the late Miocene (∼7 Ma). This sequence of divergence events in Tiquilia agrees well with earlier researchers’ ideas concerning North American desert flora assembly.
Lee Pedersen's work in theoretical and computational chemistry and biochemistry.

Nature at the lab level in biology and chemistry can be described by the application of quantum mechanics. In many cases, a reasonable approximation to quantum mechanics is classical mechanics realized through Newton’s equations of motion. Dr. Pedersen began his career using quantum mechanics to describe the properties of small molecular complexes that could serve as models for biochemical systems. To describe large molecular systems required a drop-back to classical means and this led surprisingly to a major improvement in the classical treatment of electrostatics for all molecules, not just biological molecules. Recent work has involved the application of quantum mechanics for the putative active sites of enzymes to gain greater insight into the key steps in enzyme catalysis.
1810 LUNG TISSUE PHOSPHATIDYL GLYCEROL(PGL)IN HYPERGLYCEMIC FETAL RABBITS IN VIVO

To further understand pathophysiology for increased incidence of hyaline membrane disease seen in infants of diabetic women, a rabbit model was chosen to determine lung tissue PGL in hyperglycemic fetal rabbits in vivo: Hyperglycemia was induced by continuous infusion of D30 0.3% saline(Gr1)via a catheter introduced in femoral vein of a pregnant doe on the 26th day of gestation. After 46–18 hours of infusion C-hysterectomy was performed. Lungs were removed and analysed for total phospholipids and PGL. Serum insulin and glucose levels were determined on doe's and fetal blood. The data on 7 rabbit does in Gr1, 6 rabbit does in Gr2 and 7rabbit does in Gr3 are available. Both serum glucose and insulin were higher at delivery in does and fetuses in Gr1 compared to Gr2 and Gr3. As a % of TPL, PGL data were divided into 2% groups. There was no difference detected in any of the groups. There was no difference between Male(M)and Female (F)fetuses in relation to the different groups. These data suggest that hyperglyoemia of about 6% of gestational time duration induced by infusion of highly concentrated dextrose solution, does not alter lung tissue PGL in fetal rabbit in vivo at 26 to 28 days of gestation.
Neural activity with cardiac periodicity in medulla oblongata of cat

Abstract (1) In cats under pentobarbital sodium anesthesia the medulla was searched with indium or tungsten microelectrodes with tips of 4–6 μm for neural discharges with cardiac periodicity. (2) Sixty-seven penetrations were made in the vicinity of the tractus solitarius and solitary complex. Heart-related activity was encountered in 62% of the tracts. In all but 3 instances the activity was located in the posterior two-thirds of the solitary complex, as demonstrated by histological examination. One unit was isolated in nucleus ambiguus, one in the paramedian reticular nucleus and one in the nucleus gracilis. The latter appeared to be related to receptors in the chest wall stimulated by the cardiac impulse. (3) Units encountered varied in the pattern of their discharge and in time relation to the electrocardiogram. Some appeared to be primary afferent discharges; others were attributed to activity of medullary neurons. (4) Respiration had a clear relation to the activity of nearly all units isolated, and was particularly studied with a LINC computer for two units. The great value of computer analysis in studies of this kind was demonstrated.
Industrial salesforce satisfaction and performance with Herzberg's theory

Abstract Sales managers are seeking answers to facilitate the salesforce motivational process. This study empirically tested one of the most prominant motivational theories, which, some authorities consider the leading work formulated on the idea that satisfaction leads to performance. This study found no support for Herzberg's dichotomy or the correlation between satisfaction and performance.
Greed and Civil War in Post–Cold War Africa: Revisiting the Greed Theory of Civil War

ABSTRACT This article revisits the so-called “greed theory” (or “greed hypothesis”) of civil war, which is one of the most influential theories of civil war, adopted in recent years by many scholars and policymakers around the world. Applying the greed theory to the sixteen cases of African countries involved in civil wars during the post–Cold War period (1989–2006), the article assesses how well these cases fit into the theory's argument and policy recommendations. As a result, the article argues that the greed theory does not provide a good explanation of the outbreak of civil wars in these countries, nor does it provide good policy recommendations that would help resolve and prevent most of these civil wars. Ultimately, recognizing the deficiencies of the quantitative and deductive research methods used by the authors of the greed theory, the article makes the argument that the alternatives to this theory should be based on qualitative and inductive research methods that would take into consideration n...
Postembedding immunocytochemistry demonstrates directly that both retinal and cortical terminals in the cat superior colliculus are glutamate immunoreactive.

Although the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate is known to be present in the cat superior colliculus (SC), the types of synapses that contain glutamate have not been examined. We, therefore, studied the ultrastructure of synaptic profiles labeled by a glutamate antibody by using electron microscopic postembedding immunocytochemistry. In addition, unilateral aspiration lesions of areas 17–18 were made at 5–28 days before death in order to determine whether degenerating terminals from visual cortex were glutamate immunoreactive (Glu-ir). Three types of axon terminal were glu-ir: 1) those containing large, round synaptic vesicles and pale mitochondria, characteristic of retinal terminals (RT profiles); 2) those containing small, round synaptic vesicles and dark mitochondria (RSD profiles); and 3) those containing large, round synaptic vesicles and dark mitochondria (RLD profiles). Measures of mean gold particle density revealed that RT, RSD, and RLD profiles had similar average grain densities (11.3–12.7 particles/unit area). Other labeled profile types included cell bodies, large-calibre dendrites, and myelinated axons. Axon terminals containing flattened synaptic vesicles and vesicle-containing presynaptic dendrites, both of which contain γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), had many fewer gold particles (3.6 and 4.8 mean particles/unit area, respectively). Following unilateral removal of visual cortex, normal RSD terminals were observed infrequently in the SC ipsilateral to the lesion. Synaptic terminals in the initial stages of degeneration were heavily labeled by the glutamate antibody, as were axon terminals and myelinated axons undergoing hypertrophied or neurofilamentous degeneration. These results show that both major sensory afferents to the superficial layers of cat SC contain glutamate—RT terminals from the retina and RSD terminals from visual cortex. The origin of RLD terminals is unknown. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Variation of Influenza A, B, and C Viruses

Influenza is caused by highly variable RNA viruses belonging to the orthomyxovirus group. These viruses are capable of constantly changing the genes coding for their surface proteins as well as for their nonsurface proteins. The mechanisms responsible for these changes in type A influenza viruses include recombination (reassortment) of genes among strains, deletions and insertions in genes, and, frequently, point mutations. In addition, old strains may reappear in the population. Influenza viruses of types B and C appear to vary to a lesser degree. The mechanisms responsible for changes in these viruses are not well characterized.
345 GLUCOSE INTOLERANCE IN APLASTIC ANEMIA TREATED WITH 0XYMETHOLONE

The onset of glucose intolerance in three patients receiving oxymetholone for aplastic anemia (AA), an association not previously reported, led to this investigation. Eight patients aged 9 to 20 years with acquired AA or Fanconi's anemia were evaluated. Seven had received oxymetholone at dosages of 1 to 5 mg/kg/d for 11 to 139 months and one patient did not require oxymetholone. All had oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT) with glucose and total immunoreactive insulin (TIRI) determined at 0, 1/2, 1, 2, 3, and 4 hours. Seven patients had HLA analyses. The mean glucose of the seven patients receiving oxymetholone was elevated during OGTT (p<0.001 for each sampling time). TIRI was elevated in five of these patients (p<0.05-0.001). In these five patients basal TIRI correlated with dose (r=0.89, p<0.01) and duration (r=0.98, p<0.001) of oxymetholone therapy. TIRI response areas also correlated with dose and duration of treatment (r=0.83, p<0.05 and r=0.90, p<0.01, respectively). The two remaining patients were overtly diabetic siblings with low TIRI. The patient not receiving oxymetholone had normal OGTT and TIRI levels. In one patient OGTT was normal prior to therapy but abnormal after treatment for 11 months at 2 mg/kg/d. HLA analyses revealed the siblings had a B locus antigen associated with juvenile diabetes mellitus but no other relationships were found. These data suggest glucose intolerance is related to oxymetholone and that the mechanism may be insulin resistance.
Pyruvate decarboxylating activity in extracts from pigeon liver acetone powder.

Abstract Extracts of pigeon liver acetone powder showed, by a radiochemical method, considerable pyruvate decarboxylating activity. The 10–30% saturated ammonium sulfate fraction of these extracts required the addition of CoA, NAD + , and TPP for maximum pyruvate decarboxylating activity and presumably contained the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDHC). The activity in the 40–60% saturated ammonium sulfate fraction had no requirement for CoA and/or NAD + but had an absolute requirement for TPP. In similar preparations obtained from fresh pigeon liver, the PDHC activity was found in the 0–30% saturated ammonium sulfate fraction and only a small amount of pyruvate decarboxylating activity (independent of CoA and NAD + ) was found in the 40–60% saturated ammonium sulfate fraction. The pyruvate decarboxylating activity which is found in the 40–60% saturated ammonium sulfate fraction of these extracts and has an absolute requirement for TPP, may represent pyruvate dehydrogenase (E1, EC 1.2.4.1.), probably derived from PDHC by the acetone treatment at pH 7.8, or aging of the preparation.
Medical issues and emergencies in the dermatology office

Abstract We review the medical issues and emergencies potentially encountered in the practice of general or surgical dermatology. Traditional guidelines have largely consisted of dated extrapolations from the nondermatologic literature concerning procedures that are primarily irrelevant to dermatology. This article outlines a rational approach to organizing an office emergency plan for anaphylaxis, stroke, status epilepticus, myocardial infarction, and hypertensive crisis. We discuss the literature that has influenced current office behavior regarding endocarditis prophylaxis, the use of electrosurgery with pacemakers, arrhythmogenic drug interactions, vasovagal syncope, lidocaine "allergy," and bleeding complications from oral anticoagulants. Recommendations for managing these issues in a dermatologic context are provided. (J Am Acad Dermatol 1997;36:1-16.) Learning objective: At the conclusion of this learning activity, participants should be able to discuss emergencies and medical issues that the dermatologist may confront, the studies which have formed the basis of traditional guidelines, and the more recent literature available that can modify these guidelines with more rational and relevant recommendations.
A perspective on radiology residency curriculum guidelines: Results of the 1995 survey of program directors

Rationale and Objectives. The development of curriculum guidelines for radiology residency has been found to be favored by 80% of program directors (PDs) nationwide. I surveyed PDs to develop a consensus of opinion concerning minimum training requirements in the subspecialty rotations. Methods. A survey developed by members of the Ad Hoc Curriculum Committee of the Association of Program Directors in Radiology was mailed to all U.S. PDs. Results. One hundred forty-one (82%) completed responses were received. There was agreement among the PDs about the minimum length of training needed in the various subspecialties. Seventy-four percent of the PDs supported the concept of developing educational objectives and goals in each subspecialty and of specifying procedures in which residents should be trained. Only a minority of PDs thought that the training guidelines should specify minimum numbers of procedures. Conclusion. The consensus of PDs is that the radiology residency curriculum should include a minimum of 3 months in each of the following categories: chest radiology, gastrointestinal radiology, musculoskeletal radiology, pediatric radiology, cardiovascular and interventional radiology, sonography, and body computed tomography (CT) scanning. In neuroradiology, inclusive of neuroangiography, neuro CT scanning, and neuro magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, a resident should spend 4 months. At least 2 months should be devoted to each of the following: uroradiology, mammography, body MR imaging, and emergency radiology. A majority of PDs also favored developing educational objectives for each of the subspecialty rotations.
Distribution of some enzymes associated with the metabolism of glutamate, aspartate, gamma-aminobutyrate and glutamine in cat spinal cord.

— The activities of glutamine synthetase, glutaminase, glutamate decarboxylase, GABA aminotransferase, glutamate dehydrogenase, and aspartate aminotransferase were measured in four areas of the cat spinal cord and in dorsal and ventral roots. Five of the six enzymes showed identical distribution patterns; i.e. the activities in the dorsal and ventral gray matter were equal and those of dorsal and ventral white matter were equal. No statistical differences in the mean enzyme activities in the dorsal and ventral roots were found. Glutamate decarboxylase was the only enzyme which had a different pattern. The enzyme activity in dorsal gray was twice that of ventral gray; the same pattern as the GABA concentration in both these areas. The glutamine synthetase activities in the cord areas and roots correlated with the glutamine distribution reported earlier. Thus, the distribution of glutamine (not a transmitter) and GABA (questionable transmitter) in gray matter are dictated by their synthesizing enzymes, whereas the distribution of glutamate and aspartate (likely transmitter suspects) cannot be explained on the basis of enzyme activities. Therefore, the enzyme activities may be related to the amino acid levels primarily in metabolic compartments, whereas the excess of certain amino acids in specific areas of the cord and roots may be related to functional compartments accumulated for use in synaptic transmission.
Expression of RANKL in osteolytic membranes: association with fibroblastic cell markers.

Background: Aseptic loosening is often mentioned as the primary reason for costly revision of total joint arthroplasties. Receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) appears to be a major factor in the bone resorption observed in periprosthetic osteolysis. RANKL plays an essential role in the recruitment, differentiation, and survival of the osteoclasts implicated in periprosthetic osteolysis. This study was performed in an effort to identify the cell type in the periprosthetic membrane responsible for expression of RANKL. Methods: Tissues harvested from osteolytic lesions in nine patients undergoing total joint revision were serially sectioned for immunohistochemical analysis. Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and prolyl 4-hydroxylase (5B5) antibodies were used to detect fibroblasts, and anti-CD-163 (Ber-MAC3) was used to detect macrophages. In addition, antibodies to osteoprotegerin (OPG), RANKL, and receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB (RANK) were utilized. The binding pattern of these antibodies was then viewed with confocal microscopy with the use of only secondary antibodies as method controls. Results: Histological analysis was confined to areas of the membrane where cells were detected with use of Hoechst 34580 nuclear stain. In the membrane specimens from all nine patients, diffuse RANKL staining was localized to areas lacking cells and more intense staining was seen in areas containing nucleated cells. There was strong colocalization between RANKL and OPG, and there was weak but specific colocalization between RANKL and both 5B5 and ICAM-1. In contrast, there was complete separation of antibody staining of Ber-MAC3 and RANKL, indicating only generalized overlap of the myeloid markers with the RANKL. Conclusions: RANKL expression was localized to cells that stained positively for fibroblast markers. The data also indicated that there is an intact RANKL/RANK/OPG system in the periprosthetic membrane that could regulate focalized bone resorption in osteolysis. Clinical Relevance: Identifying the cell types responsible for RANKL production is critical to the development of a strategy to prevent periprosthetic osteolysis.
Thermal degradation of piperazine polyamides II—Poly(terephthaloyl piperazine), poly(terephthaloyl 2-methylpiperazine) and poly(isophthaloyl trans-2, 5-dimethylpiperazine

Abstract The thermal degradation of poly(terephthaloyl piperazine), poly(terephthaloyl 2-methylpiperazine) and poly(isophthaloyl trans-2,5-dimethylpiperazine) is discussed, thus extending the previously published work on poly(terephthaloyl trans-2,5-dimethylpiperazine) and poly(oxalyl trans-2,5-dimethylpiperazine). The results are discussed in terms of rates, activation energies and degradation products. These piperazine polyamides may be arranged according to the following order of decreasing thermal stability in a vacuum: poly(terephthaloyl piperazine) > poly(terephthaloyl trans-2,5-dimethylpiperazine) > poly(terephthaloyl 2-methylpiperazine) > poly(oxalyl trans-2,5-dimethylpiperazine) > poly(isophthaloyl trans-2,5-dimethylpiperazine). The data indicate that methyl substitution of the piperazine rings of the polymers decreases the thermal stability of the system in a vacuum, whereas the presence of terephthaloyl moieties (polycondensation in the para positions of the acid component) increases the thermal stability in comparison with the system having isophthaloyl moieties in the polymer chains (polycondensation in the meta positions of the acid component). The high activation energies, the nature of the volatile degradation products, and the character of the rate curves indicate essentially random thermal breakdowns. However, the degradation is influenced by competing hydrolytic processes, especially with poly(isophthaloyl trans-2,5-dimethylpiperazine).
Effect of rural-urban migrants' remittances on arable crop production in Delta State, Nigeria.

This study was conducted in Delta State, Nigeria, to investigate the effect of rural-urban remittances on arable crop production. Twenty percent (20%) of the registered arable crop farmers in Delta State were selected to arrive at 131 respondents for the study. Questionnaire and structured interview schedule were used to collect data from the respondents. Descriptive and inferential statistics and contingency tables were used to treat the collected data. It was discovered that most (69.5%) of rural-urban migrants were in the 11-30 age bracket. The remittances from rural farm households were far higher than the remittances from rural-urban migrants. The little remittances from the rural-urban migrants were added to the funds of the rural farm household, farm labour and inputs. The remittances from rural-urban migrants did not make any meaningful contribution to arable crop production. It was recommended that governments should make the rural areas attractive to young school learners/graduates, embark on enlightenment programme to expose the youths to agriculture related self-employment opportunities in the rural areas; and create enabling environment for the youths to operate as self-employed individuals in the rural areas.
Pixel-scale feature restoration from microscanned image data

In this paper we demonstrate that if micro-scanning is used with image composition and digital restoration then this process can be used to accurately restore pixel-scale features that couldn't be accurately restored otherwise. The performance of this technique is analyzed by model-based simulations using a comprehensive digital image processing systems model that accounts for blurring, noise, sampling, image composition, restoration filtering and reconstruction.
Individualism and the metaphysics of actions

I examine an intuitive property of folk-psychological explanations I call self-sufficiency. I argue that individualism cannot honor this property and work toward distilling an account of psychological explanation that does honor it, given some fairly standard assumptions. In doing so, my preference for an Externalist individuation of intentional state will emerge unambiguously. The assumptions I rely on are fairly standard but not uncontroversial. Yet not always do I attempt to defend them from objections. My goal is an account of folk psychology consistent with our every-day practices rather than the deduction of an idealized psychology from first principles. I conclude with some applications offered as evidence that the goal was achieved.
Clinical Practice, Resource Utilization, and Outcomes of Device Closure of Patent Foramen Ovale in Pediatrics

Abstract Background There are few data on patent foramen ovale closure and its outcome in children. In this study, we evaluated the current clinical practice, resource utilization, and outcome of device closure of patent foramen ovale in children. We hypothesized that patent foramen ovale closure would not result in a demonstrated benefit in children. Methods We undertook a prospective survey of all consecutive patients ( Results A total of 153 patients (104 girls), median age 16 years (range 7-19) were studied. Indications for patent foramen ovale closure included: (1) migraine headache (104; 68%), (2) nonmigraine headache (24; 16%), (3) visual symptoms (110; 72%), (4) transient ischemic attack symptoms (42; 28%), and (5) stroke-like symptom (24; 16%). Patent foramen ovale was closed with an Amplatzer septal occluder in 115 (75%) and a Helex septal occluder in 47 (30%). The mean length of hospital stay was 18 ± 11 hours; the mean hospital charge was $24,126 ± $5808. The median duration of follow-up was 12 months, and 80 patients responded to the study survey. On follow-up, symptoms improved in 143 (93%), of which 29 (19%) had a residual shunt. None of the patient or treatment parameters predicted lack of improvement on follow-up. Conclusions Despite the lack of proven benefit, children undergo closure of the patent foramen ovale for a variety of reasons, with the vast majority (92%) of patients reporting significant improvement in their symptoms. However, patent foramen ovale closure is an expensive procedure with serious potential complications. Symptomatic improvement even in the presence of a residual shunt suggests a strong placebo effect.
Spectral domain optical coherence tomography for detection of foveal morphology in patients with nystagmus.

Purpose To evaluate the feasibility of spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) macular scanning as a means of studying the afferent visual system in nystagmus patients. Methods Nystagmus patients who underwent SD-OCT, clinical evaluation, and eye movement recordings were recruited for this prospective, single-center, noncomparative study. Three SD-OCT macular three-dimensional cube scans per eye (200 × 200 × 1024 samplings in a 6 × 6 mm region) were obtained for qualitative retinal morphology analysis. Results Nineteen patients (6-68 years; average, 19 years) were analyzed. Of these, 17 patients had infantile nystagmus syndrome, and 2 had fusion maldevelopment nystagmus; 17 patients (89%) had associated sensory system abnormalities, including 9 (47%) with albinism. Macular images were successfully obtained in all but 1 patient (95%). Of the 8 successfully imaged oculocutaneous patients, 7 patients demonstrated "fovea plana," and all demonstrated abnormal morphology. Conclusion SD-OCT reliably provides detailed structural imaging of the fovea in nystagmus patients.
Solubility Advantage of Amorphous Pharmaceuticals, Part 3: Is Maximum Solubility Advantage Experimentally Attainable and Sustainable?

Abstract A method is described for screening compounds that inhibit crystallization in solution to enable more accurate measurement of amorphous drug solubility. Three polymers [polyvinylpyrrolidone, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose acetate succinate (HPMCAS)] were screened for their ability to inhibit the crystallization of neat amorphous drugs during measurement of solubility of the amorphous form in water. Among the polymers evaluated, HPMCAS was found to be most promising. The use of HPMCAS provided an “apparent solubility” of amorphous drugs that was closer to the theoretically calculated values. With danazol, agreement was essentially quantitative, and for griseofulvin and iopanoic acid, agreement was within a factor of two; these maximum concentrations were sustained for a period of 40–90 xsmin. Dynamic light scattering of filtered samples (0.22 µ) revealed the presence of colloidal drug–polymer assemblies in solution (100–150 nm). The supernatant resulting from this centrifugation gradually decreased in concentration, but remained supersaturated with respect to crystalline drug for several hours. Thus, HPMCAS has been shown to be a useful additive in dissolution media to allow a more accurate determination of the solubility of fast crystallizing neat amorphous drugs, at least for the drugs studied, and it should also serve to retard crystallization in vivo and therefore, facilitate improved bioavailability. © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association J Pharm Sci 100:4349–4356, 2011
Linkage between the hormone binding site and the reactive center loop of thyroxine binding globulin.

Abstract Thyroxine binding globulin (TBG) is the major carrier of the thyroid hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) in plasma. TBG is member of the serpin family of proteins although it has no proteinase inhibitory activity. In this study we show that TBG has properties typical of a metastable serpin and provide evidence that occupancy of the hormone binding site alters the conformation of the reactive center loop. After reactive center loop cleavage by endoproteinase Asp-N or neutrophil elastase the protein became more stable to guanidine hydrochloride denaturation compared to the native protein, as a result of loop insertion. In addition, incubation of the native protein with a reactive center loop peptide, caused a change in mobility on a native gel. This is consistent with the idea that thyroxine binding globulin is able to form a binary complex with the peptide as a result of β-sheet A expansion. To assess the effect of cleavage and loop insertion on the hormone binding site we used the specific binding of a fluorophore, 1,8-anilinonaphthalene sulfonic acid (ANS). Loop insertion itself had no effect on ANS affinity, but cleavage with elastase at the P4′–P5′ bond caused a reduction in affinity, presumably because this cleavage site is located within the hormone binding site. These data support the concept that cleavage of TBG by proteinases released in inflammation is a mechanism to deliver thyroid hormones to target tissues. A linkage between the occupancy state of the hormone binding site and the conformation of the reactive center loop was indicated by the observation that binding of T3 to native TBG reduced proteolytic susceptibility by both endoproteinase Asp-N and elastase.
DISTURBANCE HISTORY INFLUENCES REGENERATION OF NON‐PIONEER UNDERSTORY TREES

Is regeneration of understory trees in closed-canopy forests following large-scale disturbances influenced by the recent history of small-scale disturbances? We examined recruitment (in-growth of advance recruits to 2-cm diameter at 1.5-m height at each biennial census), growth, and mortality of non-pioneer understory trees in local areas with different disturbance histories in a southeastern United States hardwood forest over 13 years following a moderate-intensity hurricane. Recruitment was negligible beneath closed canopy, but occurred in hurricane-generated gaps, as well as older and recently formed preexisting gaps already containing recruits of understory trees. Growth rates of recruits in all three types of gaps were generally highest after the hurricane, and declined to similarly low rates over time. High recruitment and low mortality resulted in high densities of Ostrya virginiana and Carpinus caroliniana. Growth rates of these usurper-type species, which exhibit low mortality and substantial responsiveness to increased light levels, were initially greater in hurricane-generated gaps than in pre-hurricane gaps. Other understory species had lower growth rates and higher mortality in all three types of gaps. Differences in local history at the time of the hurricane produced variation in the dynamics of non-pioneer understory tree populations and favored usurper-type species that responded rapidly in both hurricane-generated gaps and in preexisting gaps that had not yet closed.
Performance analysis of circuit switching, baseline interconnection networks

Performance evaluation, using both analytical and simulation models, of circuit switching baseline networks is presented. Two configurations of the baseline networks, single and dual, are evaluated. In each configuration, two different conflict resolution strategies, drop and hold, are tried to see the performance difference. Our analytical models are based on a more realistic assumption. New analyses are given and are verified by simulation results. In single network configuration, it is shown that the drop strategy is better than the hold strategy in the case that the data transfer time is longer than 10 cycles under a high request rate. In the dual network configuration, five different communication strategies are investigated and the optimum performance level is shown to be dependent on the length of the data transfer time.
Assessment of Subtle Cognitive and Neuropsychological Dysfunction in the Highly Skilled

The present study reports an extension and validation of a test battery, SPARTANS 2.0, expressly designed to detect modest or incipient neuropsychological dysfunction in highly skilled operators, in this case aviators. Four characteristics of the battery were demonstrated. First, subtasks within the battery are relatively insensitive to practice. Second, the battery retains its ability to discriminate pilots from individuals with neuropsychological impairment, even when used with a different group of subjects than the one on which it was validated initially. Third, inclusion of a non-pilot control group demonstrated that the battery is indeed assessing neuropsychological dysfunction and not pilot expertise. Finally, principal components analysis demonstrated that the battery assesses the specific categories of cognitive skill that it was designed to measure.
SIRT3 deficiency exacerbates ischemia-reperfusion injury: implication for aged hearts.

Ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury is significantly worse in aged hearts, but the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Age-related damage to mitochondria may be a critical feature, which manifests in an exacerbation of IR injury. Silent information regulator of transcription 3 (SIRT3), the major mitochondrial NAD+-dependent lysine deacetylase, regulates a variety of functions, and its inhibition may disrupt mitochondrial function to impact recovery from IR injury. In this study, the role of SIRT3 in mediating the response to cardiac IR injury was examined using an in vitro model of SIRT3 knockdown (SIRT3kd) in H9c2 cardiac-derived cells and in Langendorff preparations from adult (7 mo old) wild-type (WT) and SIRT3+/− hearts and aged (18 mo old) WT hearts. SIRT3kd cells were more vulnerable to simulated IR injury and exhibited a 46% decrease in mitochondrial complex I (Cx I) activity with low O2 consumption rates compared with controls. In the Langendorff model, SIRT3+/− adult hearts showed less functional recovery and greater infarct vs. WT, which recapitulates the in vitro results. In WT aged hearts, recovery from IR injury was similar to SIRT3+/− adult hearts. Mitochondrial protein acetylation was increased in both SIRT3+/− adult and WT aged hearts (relative to WT adult), suggesting similar activities of SIRT3. Also, enzymatic activities of two SIRT3 targets, Cx I and MnSOD, were similarly and significantly inhibited in SIRT3+/− adult and WT aged cardiac mitochondria. In conclusion, decreased SIRT3 may increase the susceptibility of cardiac-derived cells and adult hearts to IR injury and may contribute to a greater level of IR injury in the aged heart.
The Capability Assessment and Tradeoff Environment (CATE) for Advanced Aerospace Vehicle and Technology Assessment

Abstract New, advanced aerospace vehicles are being considered for inclusion in the existing fleet of Joint Service air vehicles, based on the evolving needs of these organizations. The difficulty for design teams and the requirements community is arriving at a good estimate of what a particular configuration may look like, as well as what technologies are needed to enable it, given a set of strict requirements. The Capability Assessment and Tradeoff Environment (CATE) has been created to support aerospace vehicle decision making with structured vehicle and technology assessment processes and tools. The CATE enables rapid evaluation and visualization of vehicles and trades, off-design performance assessment, capability gap detection, technology definitions, and technology portfolio selection. In this paper, the creation of the CATE is outlined, and the processes it enables for vehicle and technology assessment are described.