cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Early events associated with periodontal connective tissue attachment formation on titanium and hydroxyapatite surfaces

Endosseous dental implants can support at least three types of biomaterial/connective tissue interfaces: osseointegration, fibro-osseous integration, and periodontal connective tissue attachment. Although a periodontal connective tissue attachment offers distinct advantages, only osseointegration and fibro-osseous integration are at present clinically achievable. Recent studies indicate a periodontal regeneration-competent cell population and an appropriate biomaterial substrate both are required for periodontal connective attachment formation on biomaterial surfaces. We therefore have developed an in vitro model to characterize the effects of various biomaterial substrates on the early events of periodontal connective tissue attachment formation. Primary cultures of periodontal ligament and gingival connective tissue cells were cultured on uncoated (control) and coated (titanium- and hydroxyapatite-coated) tissue culture plastic, and the level of cell proliferation, collagen, and noncollagen protein synthesis, alkaline phosphatase activity, and expression of a 42 kD cementum extracellular matrix protein were measured over 5, 7, and 9 days in culture. While all three substrates supported cell attachment, proliferation, and protein synthesis, only uncoated and titanium-coated tissue culture plastic supported expression of the cementum extracellular matrix protein after 9 days of culture. In addition, the levels of cell proliferation and collagen and noncollagen protein synthesis for cells grown on hydroxyapatite-coated surfaces lagged behind cells cultured on the control or titanium-coated surfaces at each of the three time points. These data suggest that biomaterial substrates markedly can influence the temporal sequence of extracellular matrix proteins associated with periodontal connective tissue attachment formation. In addition to surface composition (titanium versus hydroxyapatite), surface properties (e.g., topography) also may have an effect on periodontal connective tissue attachment formation. This model may be of use in designing biomaterials to support the formation of periodontal connective tissue attachment in vivo.
Regulation of adrenergic neuromuscular transmission in the rabbit iris.

Abstract The regulation of the release of norepinephrine from adrenergic nerve terminals has been studied in the isolated, rabbit iris. When field stimulated, irides, previously incubated in [3H]norepinephrine, release tracer from a cocaine-sensitive pool. This calcium-dependent release can be observed as an overflow of [3H]norepinephrine that is enhanced by phenoxybenzamine, an inhibitor of extraneuronal reuptake. Prostaglandins E1 and E2 decrease the overflow of norepinephrine; prostaglandin F2α is not effective. Prostaglandins decrease overflow by affecting electrically stimulated, calcium-dependent release of norepinephrine and not by stimulating reuptake. During field stimulation of the rabbit iris, endogenous synthesis of prostaglandins occurs, as demonstrated with 5,8,11,14 eicosatetraynoic acid, an inhibitor of the synthesis of prostaglandins, which further increases the overflow of norepinephrine. In addition, a direct action of extraneuronal neurotransmitter decreases the release of norepinephrine and this is not blocked by phenoxybenzamine or phentolamine. Thus, in the rabbit iris, as in other adrenergically innervated tissues, regulation of the release mechanism for norepinephrine from stimulated nerves occurs by negative feedback through prostaglandin-dependent and prostaglandin-independent pathways.
A micromachined thermo-optical light modulator based on the VO 2 phase transition

Vanadium dioxide (VO 2 ) thin film undergoes a semiconductor-to-metal phase transition at about 68 °C, which is accompanied with abrupt changes in its optical properties. A light modulator array has been developed by surface micromachining based on this thermally induced optical switching. The good thermal isolation and the small thermal mass of the micromachined pixels prevent thermal cross talk and provide advantages of low power consumption as well as high switching speed. The VO 2 pixel design was optimized by thermal and optical simulations. Active VO 2 thin film was fabricated by evaporation of vanadium film followed by thermal oxidation. The light modulator array has been realized in 64 × 64 format by surface micromachining using polyimide sacrificial layer. Preliminary characterization and testing result will be presented.
Seasonal variation in the metratranscriptomes of a Thaumarchaeota population from SE USA coastal waters

We used a combination of metatranscriptomic analyses and quantitative PCR (qPCR) to study seasonal changes in Thaumarchaeota populations from a salt marsh-dominated estuary. Surface waters (0.5 m depth) were sampled quarterly at Marsh Landing, Sapelo Island, GA, USA over a 3-year period. We found a mid-summer peak in Thaumarchaeota abundance measured by qPCR of either 16S rRNA or amoA genes in each of the 3 years. Thaumarchaeota were 100–1000-fold more abundant during the peak than at other times of the year, whereas the abundance of ammonia- and nitrite-oxidizing Bacteria varied <10-fold over the same period. Analysis of the microdiversity of several highly transcribed genes in 20 metatranscriptomes from a 1-year subset of these samples showed that the transcriptionally active population consisted of 2 or 3 dominant phylotypes that differed between successive summers. This shift appeared to have begun during the preceding winter and spring. Transcripts from the same genes dominated the Thaumarchaeota mRNA pool throughout the year, with genes encoding proteins believed to be involved in nitrogen uptake and oxidation, and two hypothetical proteins being the most abundant transcripts in all libraries. Analysis of individual genes over the seasonal cycle suggested that transcription was tied more closely to variation in growth rates than to seasonal changes in environmental conditions. Day–night differences in the relative abundance of transcripts for ribosomal proteins suggested diurnal variation in Thaumarchaeota growth.
Size effects and stochastic behavior of nanoindentation pop in

A statistical model for pop in initiated at preexisting dislocations during nanoindentation is developed to explain size-dependent pop-in stresses. To verify theoretical predictions of this model, experiments were performed on single-crystal Mo, utilizing indenter radii that vary by over 3 orders of magnitude. The stress where plastic deformation begins ranges from the theoretical strength in small volumes, to 1 order of magnitude lower in larger volumes. An intermediate regime shows wide variability in the stress to initiate plastic deformation. Our theory accurately reproduces the experimental cumulative probability distributions, and predicts a scaling behavior that matches experimental behavior.
Fully coupled resonant-triad interaction in an adverse-pressure-gradient boundary layer

The nonlinear resonant-triad interaction, proposed by Raetz (1959), Craik (1971), and others for a Blasius boundary layer, is analyzed here for an adverse-pressure-gradient boundary layer. We assume that the adverse pressure gradient is in some sense weak and, therefore, that the instability growth rate is small. This ensures that there is a well-defined critical layer located somewhere within the flow and that the nonlinear interaction is effectively confined to that layer. The initial interaction is of the parametric resonance type, even when the modal amplitudes are all of the same order. This means that the oblique instability waves exhibit faster than exponential growth and that the growth rate of the two-dimensional mode remains linear. However, the interaction and the resulting growth rates become fully coupled, once oblique-mode amplitudes become sufficiently large, but the coupling terms are now quartic, rather than quadratic as in the Craik (1971) analysis. More importantly, however, new nonlinear interactions, which were not present in the Craik-type analyses, now come into play. These interactions eventually have a dominant effect on the instability wave development.
Impact of age on 30-day mortality and morbidity in patients undergoing surgery for endometrial cancer.

Abstract Objectives To investigate the impact of age on postoperative mortality and morbidity for women undergoing surgery for endometrial cancer. Methods Patients with endometrial cancer who had a hysterectomy were identified in the 2005–2011 National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. Patient characteristics and outcomes were compared between age groups. Multivariable logistic regression models were used. Results 4000 patients met inclusion criteria. Octogenarians (n=328) were less likely to undergo laparoscopic surgery (p Conclusions Older patients should not be denied surgery for endometrial cancer based on age alone as they do not have higher rates of 30-day morbidity or mortality after adjusting for other factors. An increased effort should be made to perform minimally invasive surgery in octogenarians.
Crystallization of ion-implanted Li2O · 2 SiO2 and SiO2 glasses

Abstract Studies of Li 2 O · 2 SiO 2 glasses implanted with inert ions show that crystalline Li 2 O · 2 SiO 2 is formed in the implanted region at annealing temperatures of 500 °C. In similar studies of pure fused SiO 2 glass implanted with Li ions, we observe crystallization of α-quartz in the implanted region after annealing at temperatures from 700–800°C. The crystallization was measured using infrared reflection spectroscopy and the formation of metallic Li colloids was measured by UV-visible spectroscopy. Elastic recoil detection analysis was used to study changes in the Li and H concentration induced in these glasses by implantation and annealing. We find that implantation of Li 2 O · 2 SiO 2 with inert ions results in Li depletion, accompanied by H indiffusion, in the implanted region. For the Li-implanted SiO 2 , crystallization of α-quartz is accompanied by appreciable Li diffusion to the surface and attendant H migration to the Li-depleted region. These measurements afford the first quantitative evaluation of the interrelation between Li and H during crystallization in these systems and show that Li depletion in both Li 2 O · 2 SiO 2 and Li-implanted SiO 2 is accompanied by H indiffusion. The crystallization mechanisms in these two glasses are discussed in terms of separation in the lithia-silica system.
Spectral absorbance, structure, and population density of photoreceptors in the retina of the lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens)

Lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens Rafinesque, 1817) photoreceptors were studied with scanning electron microscopy and microspectrophotometry. The retina contains both rods and cones, with cones estimated composing about 30% of the photoreceptor population. Only large single cones were identified and they are similar to those found in other species of the order Acipenseriformes. The rods are large, with long, broad outer segments, and are similar to the dominant rod found in other sturgeons and the North American paddlefish (Polyodon spathula (Walbaum, 1792)). Mean (SD) rod packing density at 22 624 ± 3 509 rods/mm2 is low compared with those of other animals that function primarily in dim light. The visual pigment of the rods has a mean (SD) peak absorbance (λmax) at 541 ± 2 nm. Three different cone populations were identified: a long wavelength sensitive cone containing a visual pigment with λmax at 619 ± 3 nm; middle wavelength sensitive cone with λmax at 538 ± 1 nm; and short wavelength sensitive con...
Characterization of the Synergistic Antiproliferative Effects of Interferon-γ and Tumor Necrosis Factor on Human Colon Carcinoma Cell Lines

ABSTRACT We employed a tumor-type-specific tissue culture model utilizing three human colon carcinoma cell lines to (i) assess the effects of schedule, sequence, dose, and duration of exposure on the antiproliferative activity of combinations of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and to (ii) determine the effects of this combination on the production of a TNF-inducible protein, IFN-β2, and an IFN-inducible protein, p78. A statistical model was developed to ascertain the effects of each of three of the variables (sequence, dose, and duration) on the other two. With minor exceptions, the maximal antiproliferative effect in all three cell lines was observed when IFN-γ and TNF were administered simultaneously, regardless of the doses of each agent and duration of exposure. Exposing the cells to TNF before IFN-γ resulted in the least inhibition in cell growth. In all three cell lines, the antiproliferative effects of each treatment group were related directly to the duration of exposure. In t...
Assessment of the hotel rating system in China

Abstract In 1990 China began systematically to rate tourist hotels with a hotel star rating system. This article examines the standards and methods of the rating system to assess its potential as a management tool to establish national hotel standards, improve service quality and strengthen the hotel administration process. To assess the Chinese system according to international standards, it is compared with the widely used American Automobile Association diamond rating system. This study discusses the progress in achieving a greater degree of standardization and professionalism in the hotel industry. Operational and procedural limitations of the rating system are also pointed out, along with a number of recommendations to improve scoring and streamline the process. This could lead to significant improvement in the management, marketing and planning of the Chinese hotel industry.
Arthroscopic Alphabet Soup: Recognition of Normal, Normal Variants, and Pathology

The capsule, labrum, glenohumeral ligaments, and rotator cuff represent the static and dynamic stabilizers of the glenohumeral joint. Various injuries can occur to one or more of these structures during traumatic shoulder dislocation, predisposing the patient to recurrent instability. Improved understanding of shoulder anatomy and biomechanics, and advancements in arthroscopic technique led to the recognition of various pathologic lesions that may contribute to instability. The ability to identify and address these lesions during arthroscopy will allow the surgeon to more fully tailor operative treatments for each individual patient suffering from shoulder instability. Furthermore, the ability to differentiate pathologic lesions from normal anatomic variants is critical to avoid inadvertent repair that will lead to loss of normal function and worsening symptoms.
Detailed Composition-Based Model for Predicting the Cetane Number of Diesel Fuels

We have developed a simple composition-based model for predicting the cetane number of diesel fuels with general applicability to any diesel fuel regardless of the refining process it originates from. The cetane number is correlated to a total of 129 different hydrocarbon lumps determined by a combination of supercritical fluid chromatography, gas chromatography, and mass spectroscopic methods. A total of 203 diesel fuels are considered in this study derived from various diesel-range refinery process streams and their commercial blends. Across the multitude of such process streams and blends, the model predicts the cetane number with a standard error of 1.25 numbers, which is well within the experimental error of the measurement.
Ion beam assisted deposition of textured magnesium oxide templates on un-buffered glass and silicon substrates

Biaxially textured magnesium oxide (MgO) templates of 10-nm thickness were successfully fabricated on glass and silicon substrates without any buffer layers using Ar+ ion beam assisted e-beam evaporation. With an additional layer of 100 nm homoepi MgO on top, the in-plane misorientation of ∼6.5° and out-of-plane misorientation of ∼2.0° have been obtained. Prior to growth, the substrates were bombarded with the same Ar+ ion beam for a certain period ranging from 5 to 35 min to provide initial substrate conditions for textured MgO formation. The ion beam induced modification of the substrate surface morphology was characterized using atomic force microscopy. Reduced surface roughness Ra from 2 to 3 nm on the original glass substrates to below 1.0 nm after 5 min ion beam bombardment was found to be an important condition for the textured MgO formation. The nearly unchanged Ra ≤ 1 nm of the silicon substrate after the ion beam bombardment, however, suggests that additional surface modification is required for the textured MgO to form.
Comparison of BKV quantification using a single automated nucleic acid extraction platform and 3 real-time PCR assays

Abstract Monitoring peripheral blood for evidence of BK viremia through quantitative real-time PCR testing is an important management tool that allows for interventions that prevent nephropathy in renal allograft patients. This study compared the performance of 3 different real-time PCR assays for BKV quantification including 2 noncommercial tests (a historical assay "PEP" and 1 with improved genotypic inclusivity "V3T3") and 1 using commercial reagents (Qiagen/artus, "artus") after nucleic acid extraction of plasma with a single automated instrument (QIAsymphony). The measurable ranges (log 10 copies/mL) were 2.7 to at least 8.0 for PEP and 2.0 to at least 8.0 for artus and V3T3 assays. Limits of detection (copies/mL) were 189, 56, and 28 for PEP, V3T3, and artus, respectively. Correlation experiments demonstrated linearity with original quantification results, although values obtained for the PEP assay were generally lower than those obtained for the V3T3 or artus assay across the measuring range. V3T3 and artus values were more closely related, although artus values were generally lower. The 3 assays returned different values from clinical plasma samples, likely due in part to variances in calibration. Low BKV concentrations were quantifiable by V3T3 and artus assays in plasmas that were previously deemed negative by PEP. These data underscore the need for monitoring with a single test to enable appropriate management decisions, and they suggest that an international preparation would be useful in harmonizing quantification of BKV viremia.
Expression and function of interleukin-2 receptors on immature thymocytes.

T-cell differentiation represents a unique system for studying mechanisms of lymphoid development because it occurs in a segregated site, the thymus, in which distinct subpopulations of thymocytes at various stages of differentiation can be defined on the basis of the differential expression of T-cell surface antigens as well as topography. There is particular interest in thymocyte differentiation because the genotype of radioresistant thymus cells influences the specificity repertoire of the pool of T cells that mature therein: that is, the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) antigens expressed by thymus cells bias the pool of maturing T cells towards recognition of antigens in the ‘context’ of the products of that MHC haplotype (‘thymus education’; refs 1–3). Immature T cells with affinity for thymus MHC antigens are generally thought to undergo a stage of positive selection in the thymus4–6. Here we report that 30% of cells in the least mature adult thymocyte subpopulation yet defined, as well as 50% of immature fetal thymocytes, express receptors for interleukin-2 (IL-2, the T-cell growth factor) without in vitro induction, and will proliferate vigorously in an IL-2-dependent fashion if provided with co-stimulating mitogen.
Effect of Thiosulfate and Sulfite on the Permeation Rate of Hydrogen Through Iron

Abstract Effects of thiosulfate (S2O32−) and sulfite (SO32−) on hydrogen evolution and permeation within iron have been studied in acid and neutral solutions. Results show that thiosulfate increases the hydrogen permeation rate and depolarizes the hydrogen evolution reaction at concentrations as low as 0.1 mM, in acid or neutral media. Sulfite showed similar and somewhat less pronounced effects in the acid medium and no effect on either process in the neutral medium. Results are discussed in light of the stability of the various sulfur species and their effects on the rates of both processes.
Effect of prophylactic antiarrhythmic therapy on time to implantable cardioverter-defibrillator discharge in patients with ventricular tachyarrhythmias.

Abstract Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) are being used increasingly for treatment of malignant ventricular tachyarriuythmias. However, ICD discharge is associated with significant morbidity. Antiarrhythmic therapy could reduce the frequency of ICD discharge, but its effect is uncertain. Thus, the effect of antiarrhythmic therapy was evaluated in a randomized trial. Thirty-four patients (32 men and 2 women, average age 60 years) who received an ICD for sustained ventricular tachyoardia or fibrillation were entered in the trial and randomized to the best “drug” therapy (group 1; n = 17) or no therapy (group 2; n = 17). After the first ICD discharge, patients were to be crossed over to the alternative treatment arm. Twenty-nine patients had coronary artery disease. The induced arrhythmia was ventricular tachyoardia in 33 patients and ventricular fibrillation in 1. Ejection fraction averaged 39%. The 2 groups were well balanced, without differences in demographic variables. In group 1, class I therapy was given to 9 patients and class III to 9. Beta blockade was used in a similar number of patients in groups 1 and 2 (n = 8 and 6, respectively). Time to the first shock or the end of follow-up averaged 143 days (range 1 to 609). During follow-up, 21 patients had a first ICD discharge event (11 in group 1, and 10 in group 2; p = 0.72). Event-free survival in each group was assessed by the Kaplan-Meier method, using the intention-to-treat approach. Overall median time to the first event was 134 days. Time to the first event did not differ between groups (p = 0.66; log-rank test). The effect of drug therapy versus no therapy was also compared in 13 patients who underwent crossover treatment. In the crossover analysis, event-free survival was also similar for the 2 treatment arms (p = 0.51; log-rank test). Individual responses in 6 patients showed substantial (greater than threefold) differences in time to the discharge event between treatment arms, which favored the drug in 4 and no drug in 2 (p = NS). The results of this initial randomized experience do not support routine, adjunctive antiarrhythmic therapy for the purpose of extending the time to ICD discharge. Additional and larger studies are indicated. It is recommended currently that the use of antiarrhythmic drugs in the setting of ICD therapy should be based on individual patient needs.
Intracellular location of isocitrate lyase in leaf tissue

Abstract Density gradient centrifugation techniques were to establish that the isocitrate lyase present in pea leaves is compartmented in the mitochondria and not the microbodies.
Note on the Construct Validity of the Multidimensional Aptitude Battery

A Wherry-Wherry (1969) hierarchical factor solution was obtained for the intercorrelations among subtests of the Multidimensional Aptitude Battery for a sample of 3,121 high school students reported by Jackson (1984). An hierarchical arrangement of abilities consisting of a strong g-factor and two primaries corresponding to the verbal-education (v.ed) and spatial-perceptual-mechanical (k:m) parameters from Vernon's 1950 structural model were obtained. This ability arrangement provides construct validity for the Full Scale IQs, Verbal IQs, and Performance IQs from the Multidimensional Aptitude Battery.
Identifying a long standing error in single-bolus determination of the hepatic extraction ratio for indocyanine green

For approximately 50 years, hepatic clearance of indocyanine green (ICG) has been used to assess liver function. Steady-state infusion of ICG with simultaneous measurement of arterial and hepatic venous ICG concentrations provides unambiguous measures of the extraction ratio for ICG and the hepatic blood flow rate, but also requires cannulation of a hepatic vein. Transient clearance following injection of a single bolus of ICG, which typically involves only measurement of arterial ICG concentration, is a more commonly used procedure. Since drawing blood from a hepatic vein is often impossible, and, in any event can be difficult, there has been considerable interest in the claim by Grainger et al. (Clin Sci 64:207-212, 1983) that a single-bolus, two-compartment model "enabled the hepatic extraction ratio (ER(ss)) of dye to be determined solely from the plasma disappearance curve". The principal purpose of this paper is to show that the claim by Grainger et al. is not valid because it ignores the fact that a finite fraction of ICG entering the liver passes directly into hepatic veins without being sequestered in the liver. A valid relationship between ER(ss) and parameters determined from single-bolus clearance data is derived in this paper. For individuals with normally functioning livers, the single-bolus method of Grainger et al. yields an extraction ratio approximately 20% too large, but in cirrhotic patients with extensive intrahepatic shunting, the extraction ratio evaluated using the single-bolus method of Grainger et al. may be too large by a factor of two.
Seasonality and movement of adventive populations of the arundo wasp (Hymenoptera: Eurytomidae), a biological control agent of giant reed in the Lower Rio Grande Basin in south Texas.

Abstract. The arundo wasp, Tetramesa romana Walker, has been permitted as a biological control agent for the invasive perennial grass, the giant reed, Arundo donax L. Evidence of adventive populations of the arundo wasp in the Lower Rio Grande Basin was confirmed with a spatio-temporal survey spanning more than 350 river miles. A total of 2,414 adult females of T. romana was collected during a 14month period of study in 2008–2009. This study documents the initial locations and regional expansion of two adventive populations of T. romana, centered around the cities of Eagle Pass and Laredo, TX. Peaks in T. romana abundance in August 2008 and June 2009 indicate a region-wide positive association between abundance of T. romana and warm summer temperatures. Correlations between site-specific abundance data and weather suggest the presence of populationspecific associations with both temperature and rainfall.
Paper Sludge as a Soil Amendment for Production of Corn

To evaluate paper sludge as a soil amendment for the production of corn (Zea mays indentata Bailey ‘Pioneer 35N05’), sludge was added to field plots (0 to 448 Mg wet mass ha−1 in 112 Mg units) in May 1998 and was incorporated into the top 15-cm of soil. No sludge was applied in the second year of cropping (1999). In 1998 and 1999, nitrogen (N) was added at 200 or 400 kg ha−1 as ammonium nitrate. Grain or stover yields in 1998 or 1999 were not affected by the addition of paper sludge. Grain yields did not differ between years, but stover production was greater in 1998 than in 1999. Grain analysis showed an increase in N, phosphorus (P), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), and boron (B) concentrations in the year after application of sludge. Also, stover concentrations of copper (Cu) and B were greater in the second growing season than in the first year. Soil analysis showed a decrease in nitrate and calcium (Ca) concentrations with addition paper sludge in 1998. In 1999, nitrate and C...
Specialization and the Current Practices of General Surgeons

Background The impact of specialization on the practice of general surgery has not been characterized. Our goal was to assess general surgeons' operative practices to inform surgical education and workforce planning. Study Design We examined the practices of general surgeons identified in the 2008 State Inpatient and Ambulatory Surgery Databases of the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project for 3 US states. Operations were identified using ICD-9 and CPT codes linked to encrypted physician identifiers. For each surgeon, total operative volume and percentage of practice that made up their most common operation were calculated. Correlation was measured between general surgeons' case volume and the number of other specialists in a health service area. Results There were 1,075 general surgeons who performed 240,510 operations in 2008. The mean operative volume for each surgeon was 224 annual procedures. General surgeons performed an average of 23 different types of operations. For the majority of general surgeons, their most common procedure constituted no more than 30% of total practice. The most common operations, ranked by the frequency they appeared as general surgeons' top procedure, included cholecystectomy, colonoscopy, endoscopy, and skin excision. The proportion of general surgery practice composed of endoscopic procedures inversely correlated with the number of gastroenterologists in the health service area (rho = −0.50; p = 0.005). Conclusions Despite trends toward specialization, the current practices of general surgeons remain heterogeneous. This indicates a continued demand for broad-based surgical education to allow future surgeons to tailor their practices to their environment.
Managing the Abundance and Diversity of Breeding Bird Populations through Manipulation of Deer Populations

Abstract: Deer densities in forests of eastern North America are thought to have significant effects on the abundance and diversity of forest birds through the role deer play in structuring forest understories. We tested the ability of deer to affect forest bird populations by monitoring the density and diversity of vegetation and birds for 9 years at eight 4-ha sites in northern Virginia, four of which were fenced to exclude deer. Both the density and diversity of understory woody plants increased following deer exclosure. The numerical response of the shrubs to deer exclosure was significantly predicted by the soil quality (ratio of organic carbon to nitrogen) at the sites. Bird populations as a whole increased following exclosure of deer, particularly for ground and intermediate canopy species. The diversity of birds did not increase significantly following exclosure of deer, however, primarily because of replacement of species as understory vegetation proceeded through successional processes. Changes in understory vegetation accounted for most of the variability seen in the abundance and diversity of bird populations. Populations of deer in protected areas are capable of causing significant shifts in the composition and abundance of bird communities. These shifts can be reversed by increasing the density and diversity of understory vegetation, which can be brought about by reducing deer density.
Austral winter distributions of large tintinnid and large sarcodinid protozooplankton in the ice-edge zone of the Weddell/Scotia Seas

Abstract Seasonal distribution and abundance data for large sarcodinid protozooplankton (Radiolaria, Foraminifera, Acantharia and the heliozoan Sticholonche spp.) and larger tintinnid ciliates (e.g., Laackmaniella spp.) are necessary for evaluating their roles in food webs and particle fluxes. As part of the Antarctic Marine Ecosystem Research in the Ice Edge Zone (AMERIEZ) project, we sampled these large (≥ 50 μ m) protozooplankton in the winter ice edge zone of the Scotia/Weddell Seas. Organisms alive at the time of capture were counted in large volume (60 1) water samples from 5 paired depths in the upper 210 m from 17 stations. Relationships between abundances and environmental factors in ice-covered, ice edge, and open waters were assessed with correlation, cluster, and multidimensional scaling analyses. Mean abundances of large tintinnids were less than 3150 per m 3 , and mean abundances of the individual sarcodine groups were generally less than 1000 per m 3 . The most pronounced distributional patterns were related to depth. In general, large tintinnids were more abundant in the colder waters from 0–85 m, a zone encompassed by the mixed layer and the euphotic zone. Acantharians were more abundant in this upper zone only in ice-covered waters. Radiolaria (predominantly phaeodarians) and the heliozoan Sticholonche spp. were more abundant from 115 to 210 m, a zone of warmer, more saline water. Foraminiferan distributions showed little pattern with depth. Results of the cluster analyses also suggested that depth was the most significant effect determining similarity among assemblages of large protozooplankton at the 17 stations. The few correlations between abundances of the groups and chlorophyll a probably reflect relationships more complex than grazing. Abundances of large tintinnids were higher in surface waters under the ice than at the ice edge or in open water. This could result from their feeding on algal cells released from the base of the ice or it may be a result of higher populations in the outflow of Weddell Sea water. There were no consistent abundance patterns among large sarcodines that could be related to ice cover. It is suggested that the combination of low winter productivity, a dynamic environment, and slower growth rates of these large protozoans may prevent them from responding to local enhanced production with increased abundances in the winter ice edge zone. Furthermore, although there is enhanced productivity at the ice edge, this signal may not reach the protozooplankton groups most abundant in the water layer below the euphotic zone.
Greening and strictosidine lactam production in two cell lines of Vinca major cv. variegata

Two cell lines of Vinca major L. cv. variegata produced strictosidine lactam as the main alkaloid. Quantities varied from 500–1000 μg/g DW in the high-yielding line and 1–100 μg/g DW in the low-yielding line. Transfer of cells to alkaloid production medium resulted in a 6–8 fold increase in alkaloid production with the high-yielding line, some increase in the low-yielding line and in both lines induced intense greening (up to 200 μg chlorophyll/g DW) indicating chloroplast differentiation. Though in the source plant leaves are the main storage site, no correlation between alkaloid accumulation and chloroplast differentiation could be found.
The use of the o-phthalaldehyde reaction as a sensitive assay for protein and to determine protein in bacterial cells and dental plaque.

Abstract Alkaline hydrolysis of protein followed by reaction with o-phthalaldehyde has permitted the determination of less than 10 ng of protein fluorometrically. When intact proteins were analyzed with o-phthalaldehyde the reaction was less sensitive. This reaction has been applied to analysis of the protein content of dental plaque and bacterial cells.
A 7000 year record of paleohurricane activity from a coastal wetland in Belize

Sedimentary paleotempestological studies have documented that tropical cyclone activity levels in the North Atlantic have been characterized by significant fluctuations since at least the mid Holoc...
What tissue bankers should know about the use of allograft heart valves

Heart valve allografts (usually referred to as ‘homografts’) have been used in cardiac surgery for over 45 years when they were amongst the first valves ever used. Today they remain an important part of valve replacement and reconstructive surgery, particularly in the field of congenital heart disease. There are currently seven tissue banks on the UK and Eire that procure, prepare and store these homografts for surgical implantation, currently providing around 700 grafts per year. This article reviews the history and applications of homografts and compares their performance and outcomes with current prosthetic alternatives. It also describes the processes of valve procurement and storage and describes their clinical applications, hopefully providing tissue bankers with the surgeon’s insight into what is required. Homograft degeneration and the natural history of these tissues is discussed, together with future expectations and developments in homograft valve technology.
Isolation and identification of the acetylcholine receptor protein of electric tissue

The isolation and identification of the acetylcholine receptor protein has been achieved in the following way: 1. 1. The proteins of electric tissue of Electrophorus electricus have been extracted and fractionated with ammonium sulfate. 2. 2. Applying equilibrium dialysis under strict control of pH and ionic strength, a protein component has been found which binds acetylcholine and related tertiary and quaternary nitrogen derivatives such as d-tubocurarine (curare), atropine, procaine, Prostigmine and benzoylcholine. The binding strength of these compounds varies greatly. 3. 3. This protein forms a precipitate with curare. The latter compound readily precipitates a variety of macromolecules such as nucleic acids, acidic polysaccharides, and others. But whereas these complexes are readily solublized by dialysis at neutral pH, the receptor protein-curare precipitate can only be solublized by raising the pH to 9. Using curare precipitation, the receptor protein has been isolated in electrophoretically homogeneous form. 4. 4. Identification with the cellular acetylcholine receptor has been achieved by the demonstration of a striking parallelism between the binding strength of the various compounds tested in solution and their effectiveness in affecting electrical activity of the isolated single electroplax prepared from electric tissue. Other macromolecules tested showed binding features distinctly different from those of the receptor protein.
Boundary control: The social ordering of work and family time in a high-tech corporation.

Work on this paper has been supported by grant #910-1036 from the Ford Foundation. Lotte Bailyn, Andrea Campbell, Gideon Kunda, John Van Maanen, Stephen Barley, and three anonymous ASQ reviewers offered invaluable advice and suggestions. Through a qualitative study of a software development group, I examine how managers control the hours employees work, and therefore the temporal boundary between employees' work and life outside of work. Analysis of field data shows that managers use three types of techniques to exert boundary control over "knowledge workers": (1) imposing demands, by setting meetings, reviews, and internal deadlines, controlling vacations, and requesting extra work; (2) monitoring employees, by standing over them, checking up on them, and observing them; and (3) modeling the behavior they want employees to exhibit. Employees either accept or resist managers' boundary control; those who resist are penalized by the reward system, even when they devise creative ways to schedule and complete their work. Many employees are married, and the demands of their work have consequences for their spouses. Spouses' reactions to the demands that ultimately affect them further influence how employees respond to boundary control. These findings contribute to a theory of boundary control and carry practical implications for resolving work-family conflicts in our society.'
An unusual presentation of struma ovarii mimicking a malignant process.

Abstract BACKGROUND: Struma ovarii is a rare form of ovarian neoplasm, composed entirely or predominantly of thyroid tissue. This tumor is generally benign, although malignant transformation has been reported. CASE: We report an unusual presentation of a postmenopausal woman with benign struma ovarii associated with a large amount of ascites, a markedly elevated CA 125 serum level, and a large complex pelvic mass thereby mimicking an ovarian cancer. CONCLUSION: This case serves to remind clinicians that clinical features highly suspicious for ovarian cancer do not necessarily confirm a malignancy.
Introduction to dialogism

Introduction to dialogism [Введение в диалогику/Vvedenie v Dialogiku], by T.A. Shamlikashvili and E.S. Nikitina, Moscow, MTUPK, 2009, 240 pp., 395 rubles (paperback), ISBN 978-5-98872-022-5 The wor...
Mental disorder comorbidity and in-hospital mortality among patients with acute myocardial infarction

Abstract Objective The purpose of this study was to examine the association between mental disorder comorbidity and in-hospital mortality, and whether subgroups of mental disorder comorbidity have differential impacts on in-hospital mortality in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted using the 2010 Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database of the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP). The study sample included discharges for which the primary diagnosis was AMI. As the primary exposure, the presence of any mental disorder comorbidity was identified as discharges for which one or more mental disorders listed as the non-primary diagnosis. The secondary exposure was subgroups of the mental disorder comorbidity (schizophrenia, major affective disorder, substance abuse, and other). The outcome of interest was in-hospital mortality. Logistic regression and resulting odds ratios (ORs) with associated 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to estimate the impact of mental disorder comorbidity on in-hospital death. Results A total of 42,416 discharges were included in the analysis. Of these, 16,140 (38%) had at least one diagnosis of a mental disorder. No significant differences were observed in in-hospital mortality between patients with and without mental disorder comorbidity. However, when the mental disorder comorbidity is specified into subgroups, the impact differentiated depending on the subgroup. More specifically, patients with schizophrenia were associated with increased in-hospital mortality (OR 1.72, 95% CI 1.02–2.90) and patients with substance abuse disorder were associated with decreased in-hospital mortality (OR 0.80, 95% CI 0.70–0.91). Major affective disorder and other mental disorders were not statistically significant. Conclusions Mental disorder comorbidity has a differential impact on post-AMI in-hospital mortality depending on the subgroup of mental disorders. We argue that mental disorder comorbidity should not be treated as a single category when assessing its impact on a health outcome.
Differential roles of osteopontin/Eta-1 in early and late lpr disease

The cytokine osteopontin (Eta-1) leads to macrophage-dependent polyclonal B-cell activation and is induced early in autoimmune prone mice with the lpr mutation, suggesting a significant pathogenic role for this molecule. Indeed, C57BL/6-Faslpr/lpr mice crossed with osteopontin−/– mice display delayed onset of polyclonal B-cell activation, as judged by serum immunoglobulin levels. In contrast, they are subject to normal onset, but late exacerbation of lymphoproliferation and evidence of kidney disease. These observations define two stages of Faslpr/lpr disease with respect to osteopontin-dependent pathogenesis that should be taken into account in the design of therapeutic approaches to the clinical disease.
A Tribute to Susan Schechter The Visions and Struggles of the Battered Women’s Movement

The battered women’s movement lost a great leader and visionary when Susan Schechter died of endrometrial cancer in 2004. Schechter’s legacy reminds advocates for battered women of how efforts to develop safe places for battered women began, the context of those times, how far we have come, and how far we still have to go. Her pioneering work in the area of the overlap between child maltreatment and adult domestic violence and services to children who are exposed to domestic violence has left the social work profession with a challenging agenda that must be met to create safety for all women and children
Deconstructing an Online Community of Practice: Teachers’ Actions in the Edmodo Math Subject Community

AbstractNew technologies seem to have expanded traditional face-to-face communities of practice across spatial and temporal boundaries into “online communities of practice.” However, these virtual landscapes are significantly different from the context of face-to-face communities of practice that Lave and Wenger (1991) observed. This study examined whether teachers’ actions in the Edmodo math subject community, a so-called online community of practice with more than 300,000 members, fit within Lave and Wenger's community of practice framework. A directed content analysis of 600 discussion threads from the math subject community was conducted and triangulated with survey and interview data. The results from the study showed that teachers’ actions in the math subject community did not support the traditional notions of the community-of-practice framework.
Hyperglycosylated hCG and pregnancy failures

Abstract Considerable evidence indicates that one third of early pregnancy failures, spontaneous abortions and biochemical pregnancies, are due to chromosomal abnormalities, and two thirds are due to inappropriate implantation. These findings led us to investigate the role of hyperglycosylated hCG, an important pregnancy implantation signal, in pregnancy failures. We used urinary hCG determinations to evaluate a total of 127 pregnancies on the day of implantation, as marked by a positive urinary hCG. These included 81 normal term pregnancies, 18 spontaneous abortion pregnancies, and 28 biochemical pregnancies. Of the normal term pregnancies, the mean ± standard deviation concentration of hyperglycosylated hCG was 5.4 ± 4.3 mIU/ml equivalents, and the percentage of hyperglycosylated hCG was 88 ± 17%. All term pregnancies produced hyperglycosylated hCG > 51%. Of the 18 cases that spontaneously aborted, both the mean hyperglycosylated hCG (1.9 ± 2.0 mIU/ml equivalents) and the percentage of hyperglycosylated hCG (41 ± 33%) were significantly lower than in the normal pregnancy group. Only 4/18 spontaneously aborting pregnancies produced more than 51% hyperglycosylated hCG on the day of implantation. Similarly, of the 28 biochemical pregnancies, both the mean hyperglycosylated hCG (0.63 ± 1.3 mIU/ml equivalents) and the percentage of hyperglycosylated hCG (21 ± 29%) were significantly lower than in the normal pregnancy group. Only 4/28 pregnancies produced more than 51% hyperglycosylated hCG. Low hyperglycosylated hCG concentrations are associated with pregnancy failure. Whether this association is a primary cause of pregnancy failure or is simply a marker for an abnormal conceptus requires further investigation.
Damage Progression Using Speckle‐Correlation and High‐Speed Imaging for Survivability of Leadfree Packaging Under Shock

Abstract: In this paper, a methodology to predict failure of electronics under shock and vibration loads has been investigated. Reliability prediction models have been developed using optical feature extraction techniques for 6-leadfree solder alloy systems. Solder alloy systems investigated include, Sn1Ag0.5Cu, Sn3Ag0.5Cu, Sn0.3Ag0.7Cu, Sn0.3Ag0.7Cu0.1Bi, Sn0.2Ag0.7Cu0.1Bi-0.1Ni, 96.5Sn3.5Ag. Previously, Digital Image Correlation (DIC) has been used for measurement of thermally-induced deformation and material characterisation. In this paper, DIC has been used for transient dynamic measurements, and optical feature extraction. Board assemblies have been subjected to shock-impact in various orientations including the zero-degree JEDEC drop and the vertical free-drop. Transient deformation has been measured using both DIC and the strain gages. Measurements have been taken on both the package and the board side of the assemblies. Accuracy of high-speed optical measurement has been compared with that from discrete strain gages. Package architectures examined include-flex ball-grid arrays, tape-array ball-grid arrays, and metal lead-frame packages. Explicit finite-element models have been developed and correlated with experimental data. Three models were developed: smeared property models: Timoshenko-beam models: and explicit sub-models. The potential of damage identification and tracking for various solder alloys has been investigated. Data on the identification of damage proxies for competing failure mechanisms at the copper-to-solder, solder-to-printed circuit board, and copper-to-package substrate has been presented. Design envelopes have been developed based on Statistical Pattern Recognition (SPR). The design-envelope is intended for component integration to ensure survivability in shock and vibration environments at a user-specified confidence level.