cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Towards the analytical design of tensor metasurfaces

Analytical models are presented for metasurfaces exhibiting tensor sheet impedances. The metasurfaces consist of a patterned metallic cladding. To analyze them, a method of Moments formulation is initially developed. From it, simple expressions for the sheet impedance of various metasurface unit cells are found for arbitrarily incident plane waves in the long wavelength regime. The analytic results are verified through full-wave simulation. The work will find application in the design of metasurfaces, as well as frequency selective surfaces, high impedance surfaces and leaky-wave antennas.
Multigenerational challenges in academic medicine: UCDavis's responses

Academic medicine is a unique work environment, one of the few where members of four different generations regularly interact and where multigenerational teams are key to fulfilling its missions, particularly education. This can lead to increased creativity, but also to intergenerational conflict, since each generation has different values and expectations. The authors describe multigenerational challenges confronted at the University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, and that school's responses to them. These challenges include issues related to work hours, workload, compensation, evaluation for advancement, recruitment and retention, and attendance at required meetings. Awareness of the different generational qualities and values allowed the school of medicine to identify the multigenerational origin of many of these ongoing issues and challenges and to plan appropriate solutions within the Office of Academic Affairs. These include policy changes related to work-life balance, utilizing multiple faculty tracks with different roles, allowing part-time faculty appointments, creating a variety of faculty development programs geared toward different generational needs (which utilize flexible modules, menus of options, and alternative technologies for presentation), defining appropriate reward and incentives through compensations plans, and creating peer-reviewed awards. The authors conclude that these efforts mitigate conflict, promote diversity, and allow multigenerational teams to function more effectively and creatively in education, research, and clinical care. Ongoing evaluation will further refine this approach.
Kinesin Kar3Cik1 ATPase Pathway for Microtubule Cross-linking

Kar3Cik1 is a Saccharomyces cerevisiae kinesin-14 that functions to shorten cytoplasmic microtubules (MTs) during yeast mating yet maintains mitotic spindle stability by cross-linking anti-parallel interpolar MTs. Kar3 contains both an ATP- and a MT-binding site, yet there is no evidence of a nucleotide-binding site in Cik1. Presteady-state and steady-state kinetic experiments were pursued to define the regulation of Kar3Cik1 interactions with the MT lattice expected during interpolar MT cross-linking. The results reveal that association of Kar3Cik1 with the MT occurs at 4.9 μm−1 s−1, followed by a 5-s−1 structural transition that limits ADP release from the Kar3 head. Mant-ATP binding occurred at 2.1 μm−1 s−1, and the pulse-chase experiments revealed an ATP-promoted isomerization at 69 s−1. ATP hydrolysis was observed as a rapid step at 26 s−1 and was required for the Kar3Cik1 motor to detach from MT. The conformational change at 5 s−1 that occurred after Kar3Cik1 MT association and prior to ADP release was hypothesized to be the rate-limiting step for steady-state ATP turnover. We propose a model in which Kar3Cik1 interacts with the MT lattice through an alternating cycle of Cik1 MT collision followed by Kar3 MT binding with head-head communication between Kar3 and Cik1 modulated by the Kar3 nucleotide state and intramolecular strain.
Multi-dimensional boron transport modeling in subchannel approach: Part II. Validation of CTF boron tracking model and adding boron precipitation model

Abstract The risk of small-break loss of coolant accident (SB-LOCA) and other reactivity initiated transients caused by boron dilution in the light water reactors (LWRs), and the complications of tracking the soluble boron concentration experimentally inside the primary coolant have stimulated the interest in computational studies for accurate boron tracking simulations in nuclear reactors. In Part I of this study, the development and implementation of a multi-dimensional boron transport model with modified Godunov scheme based on a subchannel approach within the COBRA-TF (CTF) thermal-hydraulic code was presented. The modified Godunov scheme approach with a physical diffusion term was determined to provide the most accurate and precise solution. Current paper extends these conclusions and presents the model validation studies against experimental data from the Rossendorf coolant mixing model (ROCOM) test facility. In addition, the importance of the two-phase flow characteristics in modeling boron transient are emphasized, especially during long-term cooling period after the loss of coolant accident (LOCA) condition in pressurized water reactors (PWRs). The CTF capabilities of boron transport modeling are further improved based on the three-field representation of the two-phase flow utilized in the code. The boron transport within entrained droplets is modeled, and a model for predicting the boron precipitation under transient conditions is developed and tested. It is aimed to extend the applicability of CTF to reactor transient simulations, and particularly to a large-break loss of coolant accident (LB-LOCA) analysis.
Skeletal muscle myosin subfragment 1 dimers

The rate of translational diffusion of skeletal muscle myosin subfragment 1 (S1) was determined from polarized dynamic light scattering autocorrelation measurements. Diffusion rates were expressed in terms of the hydrodynamic radii Rh. At 20 degrees C, in low ionic strength pH 8 solutions, Rh increased from 4.3 nm to 5.7 nm as [S1] was increased from 1.6 to 72 microM. Including MgATP to maintain S1. MgADP. Pi gave equivalent results. When the light scattering data were analyzed, assuming a monomer-dimer equilibrium, a dissociation constant of 83 microM was obtained. Steady state MgATPase activity measurements were made as a function of [ATP] for S1 in the 0.4-7 microM range, and analyzed assuming Michaelis-Menten kinetics. VMAX did not change, but KM increased about tenfold as [S1] was increased over this range. The light scattering and kinetic data were consistent with S1 aggregation at high [S1].
Potential significance to neurophysiology of design algorithms for digital computers

A set of algorithms has been developed within the computer industry that aids in the design and comparison of large switching circuits. To apply these algorithms to the nervous system in a realistic way, it is necessary to find neurons where (a) the electrophysiological data exist to allow construction of a plausible model; and where (b) the behavior of the neuron is not dependent on its distant past, so that the cell may be approximated by a switching circuit. It is also necessary to find areas of the nervous system whose structure resembles that of so-called regular designs; a regular design is a logic circuit in which feedback loops are constrained to take certain simple forms. In cases where local feedback loops are an intricate part of the design (as is true in virtually all areas of the mammalian central nervous system), this constrains one to analyze the behavior of the area in question only over time intervals sufficiently short so that such feedback loops can be ignored. Certain areas, such as the retina, are excluded because the individual neurons behave nondiscretely and are intimately coupled together (i.e., the retina does not resemble a regular design).
A tractable framework for coverage and outage in heterogeneous cellular networks

We develop a tractable, flexible, and accurate model for downlink heterogeneous cellular networks. It consists of K tiers of randomly-located base stations (BSs), where each tier may differ in terms of the average transmit power, the supported data rate and the BS density. This allows elements spanning traditional, micro, pico, and femtocell BSs to be simultaneously considered. Assuming a mobile user connects to its strongest BS, we derive its Signal-to-Interference-Ratio (SIR) distribution and use that to find the coverage (equivalently outage) probability over the entire network. We verify the accuracy of these analytical results through empirical comparisons with an actual 4G macro-cell network.
56 Cord Blood IGF-2: Relationship to Macrosomia in Infants of Gestational Diabetic and Non-Diabetic Mothers

Background: Insulin and IGF-1 are considered as the main growth factors during fetal life. Both these factors were found accelerated in cord blood of LGA infants born to diabetic (IDM) and non-diabetic mothers. There is a few and not precise data about significance of IGF-2 in promoting of LGA. Design: to evaluate whether there is an association between occurrence of macrosomia and cord blood IGF-2 levels in infants of gestational diabetic and non-diabetic mothers. Material and Methods: The study material consisted of 74 LGA newborns (35 IDM and 39 non-IDM). 79 AGA neonates (37 IDM and 42 non-IDM) served as control groups. Gestational diabetes was recognized on basis of abnormal OGTT performed between 24–28 weeks of pregnancy. Macrosomia was defined as birthweight above 90th percentile. Gestational age (GA) in LGA groups were between 30 – 40 weeks while in AGA groups between 31 – 43 weeks. There was no signifant difference in mean GA between LGA and appropriate AGA group. The anthropometric parameters such as: birthweight, body length, head and chest circumference were measured at delivery and compared between the groups. Cord blood was sampled and IGF-2 levels were estimated using specific ELISA. Results: Mean birth weight (4318g v. 4097g), length (59,2 v. 57,7 cm) and chest circumference (36,1 v. 35,7 cm) in non-diabetic LGA were significantly higher than in diabetic LGA, but there were no significant difference in head circumference (36,3 v. 36,0 cm). Cord blood IGF-2 levels in both LGA groups was not significantly different (diabetic–383,3 versus 362,3 ng/ml in non-diabetic). A significant correlation (r=0,32; p <0,05) between birthweight and IGF-2 levels in both LGA groups but not in AGA groups was found. The significant correlation between head circumference and IGF-2 in diabetic (r= 0,37; p < 0,03) but not in non-diabetic LGA was also found. There was no significant correlation between cord blood IGF-2 levels and other anthropometric parameters in all groups. There was also no significant correlation between cord blood IGF-2 levels and gestational age. Conclusion: There is an association between occurrence of macrosomia and cord blood IGF-2 levels independently of maternal diabetes.
Investigation of Microcantilever Sensor for Explosive Detection

In this study we investigate the use of microcantilever sensors for explosives detection. An array of microcantilevers consisting of gold (Au) and silicon nitride (Si3 N4 ) thin-films of sub-micron thickness acts as a thermal bimorph. A microheater is fabricated in-situ at the base of each microcantilever in the array. When the microheaters are addressed individually using different actuation currents, each microcantilever undergoes thermo-mechanical deformation by different amounts which are then tracked individually by monitoring each reflected ray from a laser illuminating the array of microcantilevers. The threshold current values for the differential actuation of the microcantilevers are correlated with the auto-ignition temperature of a particular explosive (or combustible vapor) and its corresponding vapor pressure. In this study numerical simulations are also performed to study the variation of temperature, species concentration and deflection of individual microcantilevers as a function of actuation current.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
New simulation methodology for finance: duality theory and simulation in financial engineering

This paper presents a brief introduction to the use of duality theory and simulation in financial engineering. It focuses on American option pricing and portfolio optimization problems when the underlying state space is high-dimensional. In general, it is not possible to solve these problems exactly due to the so-called "curse of dimensionality" and as a result, approximate solution techniques are required. Approximate dynamic programming (ADP) and dual based methods have recently been proposed for constructing and evaluating good approximate solutions to these problems. In this paper we describe these ADP and dual-based methods, and the role simulation plays in each of them. Some directions for future research are also outlined.
Small-molecule "BRCA1-mimetics" are antagonists of estrogen receptor-α.

Context: Resistance to conventional antiestrogens is a major cause of treatment failure and, ultimately, death in breast cancer. Objective: The objective of the study was to identify small-molecule estrogen receptor (ER)-α antagonists that work differently from tamoxifen and other selective estrogen receptor modulators. Design: Based on in silico screening of a pharmacophore database using a computed model of the BRCA1-ER-α complex (with ER-α liganded to 17β-estradiol), we identified a candidate group of small-molecule compounds predicted to bind to a BRCA1-binding interface separate from the ligand-binding pocket and the coactivator binding site of ER-α. Among 40 candidate compounds, six inhibited estradiol-stimulated ER-α activity by at least 50% in breast carcinoma cells, with IC50 values ranging between 3 and 50 μM. These ER-α inhibitory compounds were further studied by molecular and cell biological techniques. Results: The compounds strongly inhibited ER-α activity at concentrations that yielded lit...
Cerberus-type N-heterocyclic carbenes: synthesis and study of the first tritopic carbenes with D3h-symmetry

The synthesis and characterization of tris(N-heterocyclic carbene)s with D3h-symmetry is reported; these tritopic molecules feature three independent carbene moieties that are geometrically isolated to prevent chelation.
An analysis of clustering and ordering in multicomponent solid solutions—I. Stability criteria

Abstract A microscopic, or lattice, model of multicomponent solid solutions is presented in which the free energy of the solution is expressed as a quadratic form in the local atomic concentration and atomic displacement variables. The stability of the system with respect to diffusional processes is discussed in terms of the eigenvalues and eigenvectors of the matrix of the free energy quadratic. For an n -component solid solution, stability regions in the phase diagram are separated by n − 1 surfaces, the equations of which are obtained by setting the determinant of the matrix equal to zero. The topological relationship between ‘chemical’ and ‘elastic’ stability surfaces is discussed. Two examples of ternary systems are given: the first illustrates ternary spinodal decomposition; the second illustrates ternary first and second neighbor ordering as exhibited by the AgAuZn 2 system.
Host preferences in some pentatomids and related impact on the fecundity of their parasitoids

Two species of polyphagous parasitoids,Gryon sp andTelenomus lucellus, parasitising the pentatomidsAcrosternum graminea andAgonoscelis nubila were subjected to host preference studies and consequent impact on the rates of parasitism of these host eggs. Chemical composition of these eggs were correlated with the age specific fecundity of the parasitoids. Polyphagous pentatomids likeAcrosternum graminae had varying fecundity on different host plants likeCleome viscosa, Gynandropsis pentaphylla, Leucas aspera, Croton sparciflorus, Acalypha indica etc and this variation was found to depend on the chemical parameters of these host plants. The overall egg output of the pentatomids was also found to influence the percentage of parasitism.
Hospital competition in major U.S. metropolitan areas: An empirical evidence

Abstract In response to dramatic rises in health care costs, policymakers have been debating the relative merits of competitive strategies as a means of containing costs. We study the 29 largest metropolitan statistical areas for 1991, and controlling for environmental conditions in each market, we examined the impact of competition on hospital costs. We conclude that competition had a significant positive impact on overall hospital costs.
Transformation by the simian virus 40 T antigen is regulated by IGF-I receptor and IRS-1 signaling

Previous work has shown that the Simian Virus 40 T antigen (T antigen) cannot transform mouse embryo fibroblasts (MEFs) that do not express the type 1 insulin-like growth factor receptor (IGF-IR). We have now investigated the mechanism(s) by which the transforming activity of T antigen is affected by IGF-IR signaling. We demonstrate that transformation by T antigen of MEFs and several other cell lines requires an insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1) phosphorylated on tyrosines. If IRS-1 is not expressed, or is serine phosphorylated or otherwise inactive, T antigen fails to transform cells in culture. For instance, while T antigen cannot transform 32D myeloid cells (that do not express IRS-1), its transforming activity is restored by the expression of a wild-type IRS-1, but not of an IRS-1 mutated at the PI3K binding sites. The importance of IRS-1 activation of PI3K in T-antigen transformation is supported by the finding that a constitutively activated p110 subunit of PI3K, a target of IRS-1, overcomes the inability of T antigen to transform MEFs with a serine phosphorylated IRS-1. Taken together, these results indicate that the IRS-1/PI3K signaling is one of the mechanisms regulating transformation by the SV40 T antigen. We propose that the requirement for a tyrosyl-phosphorylated IRS-1 provides a mechanism to explain the failure of T antigen to transform MEFs with deleted IGF-IR genes.
Short-term matrix metalloproteinase inhibition results in decreased mortality during hepatic ischemia and reperfusion in mice with hepatosteatosis

pancreaticoduodenectomy (CW), and the pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy (PP).PP proponents argue that the less invasive extent of resection leads to shorter operative times and less intraoperative blood loss, whereas its detractors express concern that it predisposes patients to delayed gastric emptying (DGE), increasing length of stay. We set out to compare the outcomes of PP and CW within American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP), with attention to operative times, transfusions, and length-of-stay as a surrogate for DGE.
Ukraine's 1994 elections as an economic event

Abstract This article explores the political, economic, and social forces underlying the east/west cleavage in the 1994 Ukrainian presidential and parliamentary elections. We demonstrate that economic factors—notably, variations in regional economic strength and changes in employment in the period preceding the elections—are stronger predictors of country-wide voting behavior and candidate support than ethnic and linguistic factors. The exceptions are the extreme eastern and western oblasts, where the analysis suggests the existence of significant differences in political culture.
Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children — Revised (WISC-R) Patterns of Strengths and Weaknesses as Predictors of the Intelligence-Achievement Relationship:

A unique procedure was used to investigate the number and utility of WISC-R strength and weakness patterns. The analysis indicated that 10 distinct patterns could account for the welter of variance within the WISC-R subtests. These patterns, derived from a sample of children referred for psychological evaluations, bore little resemblance to those proposed in the literature. Furthermore, when predicting reading and arithmetic achievement, knowledge of a youngster's pattern of strengths and weaknesses did not provide additional progrnostic power over that available using WISC-R full scale IQ alone.
Rheology of concentrated suspensions of carbon black in low molecular weight vehicles

The rheology of suspensions of carbon black in low molecular weight liquid vehicles can be described by a double logarithmic flow curve; i.e., two straight lines on a log-log plot of shear stress vs. shear rate. At low loadings the slope of the low shear rate line is less than that of the high shear rate line; i.e., the log-log flow curve is concave upward. At high loadings the relative slopes are reversed; i.e., the curve is concave downward. Qualitatively the flow curves may be regarded as “windows” on a complete Ostwald flow curve. Over a given range of experimentally accessible shear rates, high viscosity pastes are, in effect, “viewed” at an early part of their Ostwald flow curves; while low viscosity pastes are “viewed” at an effectively higher shear rate region of their Ostwald flow curves. A similar interpretation is made for the effect of temperature. Decreased carbon black-vehicle interaction raises the level of the flow curves; i.e., makes a stiffer paste, due to formation of a stronger carbon black network. The apparent viscosity can be calculated as the ratio of shear stress to shear rate at the wall. Empirically we have found that the apparent viscosity of a suspension in a given vehicle at a given shear rate,η, is a function of the surface area of the carbon black, its volume loading and its structure. The contribution of the last two terms is expressed in terms of the effective volume fraction,V, defined as in previous work as $$V = \left[ {1 + F\frac{{\left( {0.02139 \overline {DBPA} - 0.46} \right)}}{{1.46}}} \right]$$ whereF is an effectiveness factor. The best relation is thatη is a power-law function of (ρS)1/2 V 2, withF = 0.5. For several sets of data, such functions gave correlation coefficients of 0.91–0.95.
Calculation of the Tafel Plot for H2 Oxidation on Pt(100) from Potential-Dependent Activation Energies

Quantum mechanically determined electrode potential dependent activation energies for hydronium ion discharge over Pt−H (Heyrovsky reaction) and the reverse reaction have been used to predict Tafel plots. The calculated Tafel plot for H2 oxidation is similar in shape to an experimental plot from the literature for a Pt(100) electrode and will overlap it when an appropriate preexponential factor is chosen in the Arrhenius expression. This provides strong theoretical support for the first electron-transfer step being rate limiting during H2 oxidation over the potential range 0 to 0.15 V, and the second electron-transfer step being rate limiting during H2 evolution over this electrode. The exchange current density is determined from the calculated oxidation and reduction currents and is found to overestimate experiment primarily because the predicted activation energy at the reversible potential underestimates the experimental value. This study illustrates that curvature in nonlinear Tafel plots may stem fro...
Distribution of immunoreactive dynorphin A1-8 in discrete nuclei of the rat brain: comparison with dynorphin A.

The distribution of immunoreactive (ir)-dynorphin A1-8 (Dyn A1-8) in 78 microdissected rat brain areas as well as in the neurointermediate lobe of pituitary gland was determined using a highly specific radioimmunoassay. The highest concentrations of Dyn A1-8 in brain were found in substantia nigra (673.8 fmol/mg protein) and lateral preoptic area (565.1 fmol/mg protein). High concentrations of ir-Dyn A1-8 (greater than 240 fmol/mg protein) were found in 5 nuclei: ventral premamillary nucleus, anterior hypothalamic nucleus, dorsomedial nucleus, arcuate nucleus, and medullary reticular nuclei. Moderate concentrations of the peptide (between 120 and 240 fmol/mg protein) were found in 55 brain nuclei such as septal and amygdaloid nuclei, most diencephalic structures, mesencephalic nuclei, pons and medulla oblongata nuclei and others. Low concentrations of ir-Dyn A1-8 (less than 120 fmol/mg protein) were found in 16 regions, e.g. frontal cortex, hippocampus, caudate-putamen cortical amygdaloid nucleus, several thalamic nuclei, mamillary body superior and inferior colliculi, cerebellar nuclei and others. The posterior thalamic nucleus has the lowest ir-Dyn A1-8 concentration (62.0 fmol/mg protein). The neurointermediate lobe of the pituitary gland is extremely rich in ir-Dyn A1-8 (4063.0 fmol/mg protein).
An oral disease prevention program for patients receiving radiation and chemotherapy.

After 13 years of treating these patients, the National Institute of Dental Research has developed a procedural program for alleviating, preventing, or treating oral problems associated with radiation and chemotherapy. The potential oral sequelae associated with radiation or chemotherapy can be prevented, reduced, or alleviated with careful and continuous dental care.
Synthetic clay nanocomposite-based coatings prepared by UV-cure photopolymerization

The effect of synthetic clay on the photopolymerization kinetics and coating properties of methyl α-hydroxymethylacrylate (MHMA) systems in the presence of novel hydroxylated dimethacrylate crosslinkers is reported. In the presence of clay earlier onset of autoacceleration was observed, high rates of polymerization were achieved, and high final overall conversions were reached. Higher rates and increase in conversions were also observed as the clay content increased in the medium. To increase compatibility between clay and polymer matrix the use of Jeffamines as polymer/clay compatibilizers, based on ion–dipole interactions between ethylene oxide units and clay ions, was also investigated. Nanocomposite-based films by photopolymerization of the mixtures coated on glass microscope slides were prepared and evaluated using X-ray and TEM. The absence of Bragg diffraction peaks in all nanocomposite films indicated loss of organization of the clay layers and formation of well-dispersed, exfoliated systems was confirmed by TEM. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 93: 1252–1263, 2004
Manganese oxides as high-pε redox buffers on Mars

Abstract The x-ray photoelectron spectrum of Mn(VI) is closely similar to that of uv-irradiated MnO 2 , previously reported to simulate the Viking gas exchange reaction. β-MnO 2 is the thermodynamically stable form of manganese on the surface of Mars, and MnO 2 abundances estimated from shergottite, nakhlite, and chassignite iron/manganese ratios are sufficient to account for the oxidant buffer capacity observed by Viking.
Markers of inflammation, oxidative stress, and endothelial dysfunction and the 20-year cumulative incidence of early age-related macular degeneration: the Beaver Dam Eye Study.

Importance Modifying levels of factors associated with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) may decrease the risk for visual impairment in older persons. Objective To examine the relationships of markers of inflammation, oxidative stress, and endothelial dysfunction to the 20-year cumulative incidence of early AMD. Design, Setting, and Participants This longitudinal population-based cohort study involved a random sample of 975 persons in the Beaver Dam Eye Study without signs of AMD who participated in the baseline examination in 1988-1990 and up to 4 follow-up examinations in 1993-1995, 1998-2000, 2003-2005, and 2008-2010. Exposures Serum markers of inflammation (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, tumor necrosis factor–α receptor 2, interleukin-6, and white blood cell count), oxidative stress (8-isoprostane and total carbonyl content), and endothelial dysfunction (soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule–1 and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule–1) were measured. Interactions with complement factor H (rs1061170), age-related maculopathy susceptibility 2 (rs10490924), complement component 3 (rs2230199), and complement component 2/complement factor B (rs4151667) were examined using multiplicative models. Age-related macular degeneration was assessed from fundus photographs. Main Outcomes and Measures Early AMD defined by the presence of any size drusen and the presence of pigmentary abnormalities or by the presence of large-sized drusen (≥125-μm diameter) in the absence of late AMD. Results The 20-year cumulative incidence of early AMD was 23.0%. Adjusting for age, sex, and other risk factors, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (odds ratio comparing fourth with first quartile, 2.18; P = .005), tumor necrosis factor–α receptor 2 (odds ratio, 1.78; P = .04), and interleukin-6 (odds ratio, 1.78; P = .03) were associated with the incidence of early AMD. Increased incidence of early AMD was associated with soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule–1 (odds ratio per SD on the logarithmic scale, 1.21; P = .04). Conclusions and Relevance We found modest evidence of relationships of serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, tumor necrosis factor–α receptor 2, interleukin-6, and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule–1 to the 20-year cumulative incidence of early AMD independent of age, smoking status, and other factors. It is not known whether these associations represent a cause and effect relationship or whether other unknown confounders accounted for the findings. Even if inflammatory processes are a cause of early AMD, it is not known whether interventions that reduce systemic inflammatory processes will reduce the incidence of early AMD.
Epiglottic Augmentation in the Horse

Epiglottic augmentation with injectable bovine collagen or an autogenous or allogenous auricular cartilage graft was performed in 12 horses with endoscopically and radiographically normal epiglottises. The grafting procedures were easy to perform and did not cause apparent discomfort. Cartilage graft extrusion or resorption may have occurred, but was not seen by endoscopy and lateral laryngeal radiography. Only collagen implants remained evident endoscopically, as smooth round submucosal bulges ventral to the epiglottic cartilage. Two horses with collagen implants, and all horses with cartilage autografts and allografts, were euthanatized at week 16. One horse with a collagen implant was euthanatized at week 4 and one at week 6. The epiglottis appeared thickened in three horses with collagen implants, two horses with autogenous grafts, and three horses with allogenous grafts. Pharyngeal lymphoid tissue was hyperplastic in two horses with autografts and three horses with allografts, but not in horses with collagen implants. Collagen grafts persisted as one or two smooth bulges 8 mm in diameter. Collagen incited a brisk foreign body reaction that was surrounded by a fibrous connective tissue capsule. Epiglottises of the horses with collagen implants were significantly thicker 20 mm from the tip than those of normal horses and horses with allografts. Cartilage graft incorporation was not evident grossly and was seen on microscopic examination in only one autograft. Thickening was caused by submucosal fibrosis.
Gender Differences in Adult Child Contact Among Black Elderly Parents

Using data on 575 black respondents from a national probability sample survey conducted in 1984, we examined gender differences in levels of contact with children among black middle-aged and elderly persons, and in the determinants of that contact. Men, especially those who live alone, experienced substantially fewer visits and phone calls per year than did women. This difference was not explained by controls for variables measuring needs, resources, and child availability. The process determining contact with children, however, appeared to be highly similar for men and women, with the exception of the effect of living alone. This effect was related to marital status and may reflect differences in history of living arrangements with children.
Isolation, sequence and molecular karyotype analysis of the actin gene of Cryptosporidium parvum

Abstract Actin is an ubiquitous and highly conserved microfilament protein which is hypothesized to play a mechanical force-generating role in the unusual gliding motility of sporozoan zoites and in their active penetration of host cells. We have identified and isolated an actin gene from a Cryptosporidium parvum genomic DNA library using a chicken β-actin cDNA as an hybridization probe. The nucleotide sequences of two overlapping recombinant clones were identical and the amino acid sequence deduced from the single open reading frame was 85% identical to the P. falciparum actin I and human γ-actin proteins. The predicted 42 106-Da Cryptosporidium actin contains 376 amino acids and is encoded by a single-copy gene which contains no introns. The nucleic acid coding sequence is 72% biased to the use of A or T in the third position of codons. Chromosome-sized DNA released from intact C. parvum oocysts was resolved by OFAGE into 5 discrete ethidium bromide-staining DNAs ranging in size from 900 to 1400 kb; the cloned C. parvum actin gene hybridized to a single chromosomal DNA of approximately 1200 kb.
Rehabilitation needs of patients with oropharyngeal cancer.

There are multiple and varied functional deficits related to swallowing resulting from oropharyngeal cancer and organ preservation treatment approaches. These deficits encompass diminished quality of life, weight loss, xerostomia, and need for gastrostomy tube. Findings from instrumental videofluoroscopic swallow studies of individuals with head and neck cancer include deficits in oral, pharyngeal, and esophageal phases of swallowing. These deficits include reduced base-of-tongue retraction, reduced pharyngeal constriction, reduced laryngeal elevation, laryngeal penetration or aspiration, pharyngeal retention of boluses, and reduced cricopharyngeal opening. Interventional strategies to help individuals with oropharyngeal cancer maximize functional outcomes related to swallowing, including pretreatment education regarding anticipated effects on speech or voice and swallowing. These include, but are not limited to, information about xerostomia, oral hygiene, trismus and prophylactic swallowing, and jaw rangeof-motion exercises. Initial examination of differences between individuals with human papillomavirus (HPV)related and HPV-nonrelated oropharyngeal cancer reveals no statistically significant differences; however, patients with HPV-related cancer had fewer swallowing deficits and earlier removal of feeding tubes. Given the prevalence of dysphagia in this population, the authors advocate for pretreatment intervention by speech-language pathologists for individuals diagnosed with head and neck cancer.
Incidence and risk factors of prosthetic joint infection after total hip or knee replacement in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Objective Prosthetic joint infection is one of the most dreaded complications after total joint arthroplasty, a common procedure in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We conducted a study to evaluate potential risk factors of prosthetic joint infection and to clarify if RA is an independent predictor of this complication. Methods This study included all patients with RA who underwent total hip or knee replacement at the Mayo Clinic Rochester between January 1996 and June 2004. The association of potential risk factors with prosthetic joint infection was examined using Cox models. A matched cohort of patients with osteoarthritis (OA) was assembled to determine whether RA is an independent risk factor for prosthetic joint infection. Results We identified 462 patients with RA who underwent a total of 657 hip or knee replacements. Overall, 23 (3.7%) joint arthroplasties were complicated by an infection during a mean ± SD followup of 4.3 ± 2.4 years. Revision arthroplasty (hazard ratio [HR] 2.99, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.02–8.75) and a previous prosthetic joint infection of the replaced joint (HR 5.49, 95% CI 1.87–16.14) were significant predictors of postoperative prosthetic joint infection. Comparison of RA patients with a matched cohort of OA patients identified an increased risk of prosthetic joint infections (HR 4.08, 95% CI 1.35–12.33) in patients with RA. Conclusion Patients with RA who undergo total hip or knee replacement are at increased risk of prosthetic joint infection, which is further increased in the setting of revision arthroplasty and a previous prosthetic joint infection. These findings highlight the importance of perioperative prophylactic measures and vigilance during the postoperative period.
Freud's Mexican Readers

This essay presents an overview of artists and writers who read Freud's work in Mexico between 1920 and 1968. The focus is on cultural readings of Freud: non-clinical interpretations of psychoanalysis that applied Freud's theory to literary, artistic, philosophical, or religious questions. The essay focuses on Salvador Novo, one of the poets associated with the Contemporaneos group, and his reading of the Three Essays in the Theory of Sexuality; Raul Carranca y Trujillo, a judge and criminologist who used psychoanalysis in his work, including the trial of Trotky's assassin; Octavio Paz, a poet an intellectual who wrote an essay on Mexican history, The Labyrinth of Solitude, as a response to Moses and Monotheism; and Gregorio Lemercier, a Benedictine monk who placed his monastery in group analysis. These unorthodox readings of Freud opened the door for some of the most daring intellectual experiments in the 20th century.
Light scattering from Sol-gel processed lead zirconate titanate thin films

Abstract The results of light scattering measurements on a series of five Pb(Zr0.4Ti0.6)O3 thin films prepared by a sol-gel method are presented. The films differed due to the addition of different amounts of the chelating agent acetylacetone to the precursor solution immediately before spin coating. Two types of light scattering measurements were performed: angularly resolved light scattering and spectrally resolved light scattering. While the angularly resolved light scattering measurements indicated only small differences between the films, the spectrally resolved measurements revealed a trend of decreasing light scattering with increasing acetylacetone concentration. This apparent contradiction is resolved by a careful analysis of the theoretical aspects of thin-film light scattering. The advantages of performing spectrally resolved light scattering measurements when assessing the optical quality of thin films is stressed.
Powered low cost autonomous attack system: a network-centric munition concept demonstration

The Powered Low Cost Autonomous Attack System (PLOCAAS) is an Air Force Research Laboratory Munitions Directorate Advanced Technology Demonstration (ATD) program. The PLOCAAS objective is to demonstrate a suite of technologies in an affordable miniature munition to autonomously search, detect, identify, attack and destroy ground mobile targets of military interest. PLOCAAS incorporates a solid state Laser Detection and Ranging (LADAR) seeker and Autonomous Target Acquisition (ATA) algorithms, miniature turbojet engine, multi-mode warhead, and an integrated INS/GPS into a 36" long, high lift-to-drag ratio airframe. Together, these technologies provide standoff beyond terminal defenses, wide area search capability, and high probability of target report with low false target attack rate with high loadouts. Four LADAR seeker captive flight tests provided the sequestered data for robust Air Force ATA algorithm performance assessment. During Part I of the ATD, three successful free-flight tests were completed in which the LADAR seeker and Autonomous Target Acquisition (ATA) algorithms have detected, acquired, identified, and tracked ground mobile targets. Part II of the ATD demonstrated the ability to redirect the munition post release via a commercial satellite datalink. In addition to summarizing all program accomplishments, this paper will present results and lessons learned from Part II of the ATD. Part II's objective was to demonstrate the military utility of a two- ay data-link. The data-link allows an Operator-In-The-Loop (OITL) to monitor and control multiple cooperative, wide-area-search munitions and enables these munitions to serve as non-traditional Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) assets in a networkcentric environment.
A model for dilatation, densification, and static liquefaction of loose sands.

Utilizing basic balance laws of saturated granular media, a theoretical model for describing the phenomena of dilatation and densification of dry sand, as well as the increase of pore water pressure of saturated sand during shear loading, is developed. An expression for the free-energy function of loose sands is postulated, and the problem of static shearing of a sand sample is analyzed. Predictions of the model for pore water pressure are compared with those obtained experimentally for dry pluviated and moist vibrated samples of fine Ottawa sand and solid-glass beads and discussed.
‘Es honor de su nación’: Legal Rhetoric, Ethnic Alliances and the Opening of an Indigenous Convent in Colonial Oaxaca

This article examines the manner in which the caciques (noble Indians) and principales (Indian notables) from the Oaxaca region in New Spain adopted a ‘legal rhetoric’ in their quest to open a convent for noble Indian women during the eighteenth century. Through a close reading of the legal documentation produced in the petition for the convent for indigenous women in Antequera, I find that the caciques strategically used the same laws that had placed them in a subordinated place in the social hierarchy of the colony in order to negotiate certain rights and privileges. Aware of their belonging to the legally determined category of ‘Indians,’ indigenous peoples from the Valley of Oaxaca appealed specifically to the laws that had granted them a special judicial place in the colonial scheme. By referencing the Recopilacion de las leyes de las Indias and several royal decrees (cedulas), the caciques appealed to colonial officials at a key historical moment, when Bourbon reforms sought to modernize all institu...
Morphometric evaluation of the sacral dorsal root ganglia: A cadaveric study

An anatomic study of the sacral dorsal root ganglia (DRG) was performed to determine the location and dimensions of the S1-4 DRGs and to correlate this information to sacral nerve root ganglion lesions. S1 DRGs were located in the intraforaminal region in 55-60% and in the intracanalar region in 40-45%. S2 DRGs were in the intraforaminal region in 15-50% and in the intracanalar region in 50-85%. All the S3 and S4 DRGs were located in the intracanalar region. None of the sacral DRGs was located in the extraforaminal region. The intraforaminal position of the S1 and S2 ganglia renders them vulnerable to compression caused by sacral fractures involving the sacral foramina because of the little space available for these ganglia in the foraminal region. The S1 DRG, with its its relatively larger dimensions and its intracanalar position relative to the other sacral DRGs, may be susceptible to compression by the L5-S1 disk herniation. Its intraforaminal position may predispose it to injury during S1 or S2 pedicle screw placement.
Influence of natural convection and diluent inerting on H2 and CO oxidation in the reactor cavity

Abstract The question of complete in-cavity oxidation of combustible gases produced by core-concrete interactions following vessel breach has been investigated. It is overly optimistic to assume a complete oxidation because a variety of phenomena, such as steam inerting and oxygen transport by natural convection, may influence the degree of in-cavity oxidation that takes place. HECTR analyses of an ice-condenser containment during an S2HF drain-closed accident show that the in-cavity oxidation process is limited by the rate at which oxygen is transported into the reactor cavity region. Accumulation and subsequent combustion of hydrogen and carbon monoxide in the upper and lower compartments generate a peak pressure of 384 kPa (56 psig) at 7.4 h, that an earlier IDCOR analysis did not predict.
Magnetic resonance microscopy of spinal cord injury in mouse using a miniaturized implantable RF coil

A magnetic resonance neuroimaging method is described for high-resolution imaging of spinal cord injury in live mouse. The method is based on a specially designed radio frequency coil system formed by a combination of an implantable coil and an external volume coil. The implantable coil is a 5 mm x 10 mm rectangular design with a 9.1 pF capacitor and 22 gauge copper wire and optimal for surgical implantation over the cervical or thoracic spine. The external volume coil is a standard birdcage resonator. The coils are inductively overcoupled for imaging the spinal cord at 9.4 T magnetic field strength. The inductive overcoupling provides flexibility in tuning the resonant frequency and matching the impedance of the implanted coil remotely using the tuning and matching capabilities of the volume coil. After describing the implementation of the imaging setup, in vivo data are gathered to demonstrate the imaging performance of the coil system and the feasibility of performing MR microscopy on injured mouse spinal cord.
NP-Completeness results concerning greedy and super greedy linear extensions

Various problems concerning greedy and super greedy linear extensions are shown to be NP-complete. In particular, the problem, due to Cogis, of determining that an ordered set is not greedy is NP-complete, as is the problem, due to Rival and Zaguia, of determining whether an ordered set has a greedy linear extension, which satisfies certain additional constraints.
The yellow mouse obesity syndrome and mechanisms of agouti-induced obesity.

The yellow mouse obesity syndrome is due to dominant mutations at the Agouti locus, which is characterized by obesity, hyperinsulinemia, insulin resistance, hyperglycemia, hyperleptinemia, increased linear growth, and yellow coat color. This syndrome is caused by ectopic expression of Agouti in multiple tissues. Mechanisms of Agouti action in obesity seem to involve, at least in part, competitive melanocortin antagonism. Both central and peripheral effects have been implicated in Agouti-induced obesity. An Agouti-Related Protein (AGRP) has been described recently. It has been shown to be expressed in mice hypothalamus and to act similarly to agouti as a potent antagonist to central melanocortin receptor MC4-R, suggesting that AGRP is an endogenous MC4-R ligand. Mice lacking MC4-R become hyperphagic and develop obesity, implying that agouti may lead to obesity by interfering with MC4-R signaling in the brain and consequently regulating food intake. Furthermore, food intake is inhibited by intracerebro-ventricular injection of a potent melanocortin agonist and was reversed by administration of an MC4-R antagonist. The direct cellular actions of Agouti include stimulation of fatty acid and triglyceride synthesis via a Ca2+-dependent mechanism. Agouti and insulin act in an additive manner to increase lipogenesis. This additive effect of agouti and insulin is demonstrated by the necessity of insulin in eliciting weight gain in transgenic mice expressing agouti specifically in adipose tissue. This suggests that agouti expression in adipose tissue combined with hyperinsulinemia may lead to increased adiposity. The roles of melanocortin receptors or agouti-specific receptor(s) in agouti regulation of adipocyte metabolism and other peripheral effects remain to be determined. In conclusion, both central and peripheral actions of agouti contribute to the yellow mouse obesity syndrome and this action is mediated at least in part by antagonism with melanocortin receptors and/or regulation of intracellular calcium.
The Shanghai Badlands: Wartime Terrorism and Urban Crime, 1937-1941

Prologue: consequences 1. Island Shanghai 2. Blue Shirts 3. National salvation 4. Retaliation - pro-Japanese terrorists 5. Provocation - the Chen Lu assassination 6. Capitulation - the Xi Shitai assassination 7. The puppet police and 76 Jessfield Road 8. Terrorism and crime 9. Rackets 10. Terrorist wars 11. Dim-out Epilogue: outcomes Bibliography.