cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Poor specificity of low growth hormone and cortisol levels during fasting hypoglycemia for the diagnoses of growth hormone deficiency and adrenal insufficiency.

OBJECTIVES. Fasting tests are used to identify the cause of hypoglycemia in children. The purposes of this study were to (1) determine whether growth hormone and cortisol levels obtained at the time of hypoglycemia in such tests can identify children with growth hormone and/or cortisol deficiency and (2) identify potential clinical factors that influence growth hormone and cortisol responses to hypoglycemia. STUDY DESIGN. The design consisted of chart review of all diagnostic fasting tests conducted over a 3-year period (n = 151). A normal growth hormone level was defined as ≥7.5 ng/mL, and a normal cortisol level was defined as ≥18 μg/dL. RESULTS. During the fasting tests, 84 children (median age: 1.3 years [2 days to 14.3 years]), became hypoglycemic, with blood glucose ≤50 mg/dL. Diagnoses included normal, ketotic hypoglycemia, hyperinsulinism, fatty acid–oxidation defects, glycogen-storage disease, and late dumping hypoglycemia. A total of 70% had growth hormone and cortisol levels less than the “normal” thresholds regardless of diagnosis. Of various factors (age, diagnosis, fast duration, duration blood glucose level of CONCLUSIONS. A singe low growth hormone or cortisol value at the time of fasting hypoglycemia has poor specificity for the respective diagnoses of growth hormone deficiency and adrenal insufficiency.
Selection for resistance and susceptibility to hairless-black syndrome in the honeybee.

Abstract A two-way selection experiment for resistance and susceptibility to hairless-black syndrome, a probable viral disease in the honeybee, was carried out for four generations. From the parental generation of 15 colonies (reared from three basic stock colonies) tested for disease resistance, one-fifth were selected to start a resistant line and one-fifth to start a susceptible one. Thereafter these two groups were kept genetically separate and, from each tested generation, an average of about 22% of the best colonies were used as parents of the next generation. Bacteria-free inoculum, which was fed to challenge these bees, was prepared by macerating and centrifuging specific numbers of bees showing symptoms of hairless-black syndrome and collected from a number of colonies in our apiaries. Resistant and susceptible lines did not differ significantly in the first selected generation. In the second, third, and fourth generations, the two lines diverged increasingly, and in each generation, they differed statistically at the 1% level of probability.
Application of In Situ Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) to the Study of Citrate Oxidation on Silica-Supported Silver Nanoparticles

Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) was used to characterize citrate anions adsorbed on nanometer-sized particles of Ag supported on SiO2. The magnitude of the surface-enhancement effect was determined to be ∼3 × 102 on the as-prepared samples of Ag/SiO2. Upon heating in air above 373 K, the citrate anions undergo oxidation to uni- and bidentate carbonate species and then decomposition to CO2 and adsorbed O atoms. In the SERS of Ag/SiO2, a very strong enhancement of the ν(C=O) signal for the bidentate CO3 species was observed for temperatures between 398 and 448 K, which is accompanied by an increase in the UV–vis absorbance of the sample at the frequency of the laser line used for Raman spectroscopy. This phenomenon is attributed to an increase in the surface-enhancement effect caused by clustering of the Ag nanoparticles as they sinter at elevated temperatures. The present investigation shows that the proper interpretation of in situ SERS spectra requires an understanding of the changes occurring in the UV–vis spectrum of the sample.
Keto-enol and enol-enol tautomerism in trifluoromethyl-β-diketones

Abstract The keto–enol (K⇌E) and enol–enol (E⇌E) equilibria of a variety of trifluoromethyl-β-diketones were investigated using 1 H, 13 C, 19 F NMR spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy and ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry in nonpolar solvents. In general, NMR, IR and UV spectral evidence indicates that trifluoromethyl-β-diketones exist as mixtures of two chelated cis -enol forms in nonpolar media. Infrared spectroscopy and ultraviolet spectrophotometry show the E⇌E equilibrium lies in the direction of the enol form which maximizes conjugation in most cases. Exceptions are noted and discussed.
Grain Nucleation and Grain Growth During Crystallization of HWCVD a-Si:H Films

Hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) films of high and low hydrogen content were deposited directly on molybdenum, carbon-coated TEM grids by hot-wire chemical vapor deposition. The material was annealed at 600°C and 630°C for variable times to achieve various degrees of crystallinity. The films thickness of 100 nm allowed characterization by TEM without additional thinning. The grain growth in such thin films is nearly two-dimensional, allowing clear identification of crystalline and amorphous regions. Thus, the crystalline volume fraction can be tracked by simple image-processing methods. The evolution of crystallization by grain nucleation and growth for these films is accurately described by classical phase-change kinetics. Analysis of the randomly distributed grains at early stages of crystallization also provides the average areal grain number density and grain size. From the image analysis, we determine the grain nucleation rate and the grain growth velocity. The final grain size is then estimated by extrapolation to the fully crystallized state, assuming the kinetic parameters remain constant after the onset of crystallization.
Global Cretaceous paleogeography — International Geologic Correlation Program Project 191

Abstract Five global Cretaceous paleogeographic maps within a plate tectonic framework are illustrated based on the ten contributions in this special volume.
Loss of Cement-Bone Interlock during In Vivo Service of Total Knee Replacements

The morphology of the cement-bone interface from total knee replacements was investigated as a function of time in service. Ten post-mortem retrievals and one lab-prepared specimen were sectioned and imaged with high-resolution microscopy. Stereology was used to quantify contact fraction and interdigitation depth. The results show that loss of fixation occurs by resorption of trabeculae that interlock with cement. This occurs early after implantation (1-2 years). Donor bones with better initial interlock maintain interlock better in the short term. The results suggest that loss of interlock between cement and bone could be a factor contributing to aseptic loosening.
Surface preparation of aluminum for lon implantation

Abstract In order to study the effect of ion implantation on the corrosion behavior of aluminum, it is important to insure that the implanted surface is free from surface irregularities that could shadow portions of the surface from the ion beam and thereby produce anomalous corrosion behavior. A chemical-mechanical sample preparation technique, employed prior to ion implantation, is presented. Electrochemical tests used to determine the pitting corrosion resistance of aluminum and ion-implanted aluminum indicated that shadowing is not a problem. The thickness of the oxide film after polishing was approximately 3.4 nm. Oxide thicknesses were determined using Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy. The root mean square surface roughness, determined by an optical technique that uses the total intergrated scattered light, was measured at 7.4 ± 0.5 nm.
Non-blocking OVSF codes and enhancing network capacity for 3G wireless and beyond systems

Orthogonal variable spreading factor (OVSF) codes are employed as channelization codes in wideband CDMA. Any two OVSF codes are orthogonal if and only if one of them is not a parent code of the other. Therefore, when an OVSF code is assigned, it blocks all of its ancestor and descendant codes from assignment because they are not orthogonal to each other. Unfortunately, this code-blocking problem of OVSF codes can cause a substantial spectral efficiency loss of up to 25%. This paper presents non-blocking OVSF (NOVSF) codes to increase substantially the utilization of channelization codes without having the overhead of code reassignments. In addition, an encoding algorithm is presented to increase network capacity and support higher data rates when NOVSF codes are employed.
An Experimental Investigation of The Flow Over Simple Two-Dimensional and Axial Symmetric Bodies at Hypersonic Speeds

A s t u d y of t h e inviscid shock shape a n d p ressure d i s t r i b u t i o n a b o u t t h i c k t w o d i m e n s i o n a l a n d axial s y m m e t r i c bodies was c o n d u c t e d in t h e P r i n c e t o n Univers i ty H e l i u m Hypersonic T u n n e l . Deta i l s were o b t a i n e d for flat a n d semic i rcu la r l ead ing edges for M a c h n u m b e r s b e tween 11 a n d 19. F r o m t h e Schl ieren p i c tu r e s , t h e shock shape , d e t a c h m e n t d i s t ance a n d sonic p o i n t on t h e shock were found . S imi la r p re s su re d i s t r i b u t i o n s were o b t a i n e d for cor responding t w o d i m e n s i o n a l a n d axial s y m m e t r i c bodies .
Increased physical activity cosegregates with higher intake of carbohydrate and total calories in a subcongenic mouse strain

C57BL/6 J (B6) and CAST/EiJ (CAST), the inbred strain derived from M. musculus castaneus, differ in nutrient intake behaviors, including dietary fat and carbohydrate consumption in a two-diet-choice paradigm. Significant quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for carbohydrate (Mnic1) and total energy intake (Kcal2) are present between these strains on chromosome (Chr) 17. Here we report the refinement of the Chr 17 QTL in a subcongenic strain of the B6.CAST-( D17Mit19-D17Mit91 ) congenic mice described previously. This new subcongenic strain possesses CAST Chr 17 donor alleles from 4.8 to 45.4 Mb on a B6 background. Similar to CAST, the subcongenic mice exhibit increased carbohydrate and total calorie intake per body weight, while fat intake remains equivalent. Unexpectedly, this CAST genomic segment also confers two new physical activity phenotypes: 22% higher spontaneous physical activity levels and significantly increased voluntary wheel-running activity compared with the parental B6 strain. Overall, these data suggest that gene(s) involved in carbohydrate preference and increased physical activity are contained within the proximal region of Chr 17. Interval-specific microarray analysis in hypothalamus and skeletal muscle revealed differentially expressed genes within the subcongenic region, including neuropeptide W (Npw); glyoxalase I (Glo1); cytochrome P450, family 4, subfamily f, polypeptide 1 (Cyp4f15); phospholipase A2, group VII (Pla2g7); and phosphodiesterase 9a (Pde9a). This subcongenic strain offers a unique model for dissecting the contributions and possible interactions among genes controlling food intake and physical activity, key components of energy balance.
Microstructural deformation behaviour in polystyrene-based compatible polymer blend systems

Microstructurai deformation behaviour in polystyrene-based compatible polymer blend systems was studied using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and microdensitometry. Four different binary compatible blend systems were employed and characterized in this investigation: polystyrene (PS) and poly(2,6-dimethyl1,4-phenylene oxide) (PPO), PS and poly(vinyl methyl ether) (PVME), PS and poly(a-methylstyrene) (P~MS), and PPO and P~MS. Individual craze and shear deformation zone (DZ) microstructures were examined by TEM. For TEM observations, specimens deformed in situ on a TEM grid (loaded condition) were utilized. TEM micrographs showed that, for PS/PPO blends, deformation mode transition from crazing to shear DZ occurred around 25% PPO inclusion. For PS/PVME blends, this transition occurred around 20% PVME inclusion. For PS/P~MS blends, the deformation mode was totally controlled by crazing regardless of composition. For PPO/P~MS blends, deformation mode transition from shear DZ to crazing occurred around 25% P~MS inclusion. Quantitative analyses of these crazes and shear DZs were conducted utilizing microdensitometry of the TEM negatives in the manner developed by Lauterwasser and Kramer. From the microdensitometry, molecular parameters such as fibril extension ratios (2s) were determined. Microdensitometry results showed that 2 decreased as the PPO content increased in the PS/PPO blends, and, for 100% PPO, only shear DZs were observed. For PS/PVME blends, 2 also decreased as the PVME content increased. For PS/P~MS and PPO/P~MS blends, 2 increased as the P~MS content increased. These results were analysed in terms of existing entanglement and intermolecular interaction models in compatible blends. From this analysis, it is concluded that the overall microstructurai deformation behaviour of binary compatible blends cannot be fully explained by either entanglement density or intermolecular interaction model alone. Rather, the combined entanglement density and intermolecular interaction model can explain the microstructural deformation behaviour in binary compatible blends well.
Präorganisation – von Solventien zu Sphäranden

Dieser Aufsatz wurdigt die Bedeutung der molekularen Praorganisation fur das sich schnell entwickelnde Gebiet der Komplexierung mit sinnvoll geplanten synthetischen organischen Verbindungen. Seit ihren wissenschaftlichen Anfangen hat die Organische Chemie in reichem Mas von der Biologischen Chemie als einer ergiebigen Quelle fur evolutionsbedingte Strukturen, Reaktionen und Regelmechanismen profitiert, die dazu anregen, organische Verbindungen fur gezielte Nachahmungen herzustellen. Biologische Systeme bilden hochgeordnete Komplexe und konnen deshalb komplizierte Aufgaben erfullen. Rezeptorbindungsstellen von Enzymen sowie Gene, Antikorper und Ionophore verfugen uber ein hohes Mas an Praorganisation; mit anderen Worten: Ihre funktionellen Gruppen wirken als Bindungsstellen oder als Katalysatorzentren zusammen und sind vor der Komplexierung schon weitestgehend gruppiert und gerichtet. – Die Starke des Organikers besteht in seiner Fahigkeit, organische Verbindungen, organische Reaktionen und vielstufige Synthesen zu konzipieren und Systeme zu erproben, mit denen sich Hypothesen prufen lassen. Dieser Beitrag befast sich mit der planvollen Entwicklung hochgeordneter Komplexe und dem Auffinden von Regeln, nach denen sie sich verhalten. Forschungen auf diesem Gebiet sind besonders lohnend, da in den Strukturen vieler Komplexe ein Verschmelzen von Wissenschaft und Asthetik sichtbar wird.
Structure-activity relationships of the unique and potent agouti-related protein (AGRP)-melanocortin chimeric Tyr-c[β-Asp-His-DPhe-Arg-Trp-Asn-Ala-Phe-Dpr]-Tyr-NH2 peptide template

The melanocortin receptor system consists of endogenous agonists, antagonists, G-protein coupled receptors, and auxiliary proteins that are involved in the regulation of complex physiological functions such as energy and weight homeostasis, feeding behavior, inflammation, sexual function, pigmentation, and exocrine gland function. Herein, we report the structure−activity relationship (SAR) of a new chimeric hAGRP−melanocortin agonist peptide template Tyr-c[β-Asp-His-DPhe-Arg-Trp-Asn-Ala-Phe-Dpr]-Tyr-NH2 that was characterized using amino acids previously reported in other melanocortin agonist templates. Twenty peptides were examined in this study, and six peptides were selected for 1H NMR and computer-assisted molecular modeling structural analysis. The most notable results include the identification that modification of the chimeric template at the His position with Pro and Phe resulted in ligands that were nM mouse melanocortin-3 receptor (mMC3R) antagonists and nM mouse melanocortin-4 receptor (mMC4R) ...
Targeted expansion of genetically modified bone marrow cells

The ability to specifically target a mitogenic signal to a population of genetically modified primary cells would have potential applications both for gene and cell therapy. Toward this end, a gene encoding a fusion protein containing the FK506-binding protein FKBP12, fused to the intracellular portion of the receptor for thrombopoietin (mpl), was introduced into primary murine bone marrow cells. Dimerization of this fusion protein through the addition of a dimeric form of the drug FK506, called FK1012, resulted in a marked proliferative expansion of marrow cells that was restricted to the genetically modified population. FK1012’s proliferative effect was sustained and reversible. An apparent preference for differentiation along the megakaryocytic lineage was observed. This approach allows for the specific delivery of a mitogenic signal to a population of genetically modified primary cells and may have applications for studies in hematopoiesis and receptor biology, and for gene and cell therapy.
The need to correct for the Suess effect in the application of δ13C in sediment of autotrophic Lake Tanganyika, as a productivity proxy in the Anthropocene

The change in dissolved inorganic δ13C in the ocean resulting from the change in δ13C in atmospheric CO2 owing to anthropogenic activities (the Suess effect) is well known. The need to correct for the Suess effect when applying δ13C in organic matter in lacustrine sediment deposited during the anthropocene as a productivity proxy, is widely although not universally acknowledged. This paper reviews conceptions about the Suess effect in lacustrine δ13Corg and methods to adjust for the Suess effect when δ13Corg is used to infer recent changes in aquatic productivity. Lake Tanganyika is used as an example to illustrate the necessity of the correction. When the Suess effect is not considered, interpretations of sediment core data can result that are opposite to those achieved with the correction applied, as is here shown in Lake Tanganyika and in other lakes. A new method to correct for the Suess effect is provided which has the advantage of being applicable to data for a larger period (1700–2000) than methods currently available. In addition, Lake Tanganyika is shown to be a net sink for CO2.
Theory and Design Optimization of Energy-Efficient Hydrophobic Wafer-bonded III–V/Si Hybrid Semiconductor Optical Amplifiers

This paper discusses optimum design strategies for high-efficiency hybrid semiconductor optical amplifiers (SOA). A comprehensive model is presented to determine the width, composition, and number of quantum wells for a hydrophobic bonded SOA with In s-x-y)Ga (x)Al (y) As quantum-wells (QW). Optimizing the interfacial bonding layer, III-V wafer stack design, straight hybrid amplifier dimensions and flared amplifier configurations leads to a design for up to 35% wall-plug efficiency at 2 mW input and 10 dB gain. Likewise, optimized dimensions also lead to 15% wall-plug efficiency (WPE) at 0.1 mW input and 10 dB gain. Thermal effects due to the effect of the buried oxide layer (BOX) is presented and methods of improved thermal extraction is discussed.
ASSESSMENT OF ROASTING EFFECTS ON VITAMIN B6 STABILITY AND BIOAVAILABILITY IN DEH.YDRATED FOOD SYSTEMS

Dehydrated food systems were employed to study the stability and bioavailability of vitamin B6 as affected by roasting at 180°C for 25 min. The roasting conditions were selected to permit estimation of the maximum effects of the roasting process on the B6 vitamers and are above those which would be normally used for commercial processing. The relative degradation of pyridoxine, pyridoxamine, and pyridoxal phosphate was found to be 50-70% by both microbiological and semi-automated fluorometric assay methods. Estimates of biologically available vitamin B6 in the roasted model systems, as determined by rat bioassay correlated closely with microbiological results. Thus, vitamin B, remaining after roasting at 180°C for 25 min was biologically available and active. Semiautomated fluorometric values for total vitamin B6 in untreated and roasted systems were 1.65-3.63 times higher than corresponding microbiological assay data. Fluorescence spectra studies of samples prepared for the semiautomated assay revealed no detectable interfering compounds. Microbiological assay provided an accurate evaluation of available vitamin B6 in the roasted model food system as shown by the rat bioassay. The consistently high results from the semiautomated fluorometric method indicate that further work is required before this method can be accurately used to quantitatively determine the level of vitamin B6 in foods.
Dissipative Controllers for Nonlinear Multibody Flexible Space Systems

The problem of controlling a class of nonlinear multibody flexible space systems is considered. The system configuration consists of a flexible central body to which a number of flexible articulated appendages are attached, resulting in highly nonlinear dynamics. Assuming collocated actuators and sensors, global asymptotic stability of such systems is established using a nonlinear passivity-based control law. In addition, a special case where the central-body motion is small while the appendages can undergo unlimited motion, it is shown that the system, although highly nonlinear, can be stabilized by linear static and dynamic dissipative control laws. Furthermore, the static dissipative control law preserves stability despite actuator and sensor nonlinearities of certain types. In all cases, the stability does not depend on the knowledge of the model and hence is robust to modeling errors and uncertainties. The results are applicable to a broad class of systems, such as flexible multilink manipulators and multipayload space platforms. The stability proofs use the Lyapunov approach and exploit the inherent passivity of such systems.
SV40-positive brain tumor in scientist with risk of laboratory exposure to the virus

Simian virus 40 (SV40) is a DNA tumor virus known to induce cancers in laboratory animals. There are numerous reports of the detection of SV40 DNA and/or proteins in human malignancies of the same types as those induced by SV40 in animals, including brain cancers. However, known exposure to the virus has not yet been linked directly to cancer development in a specific individual. Here we describe the detection of SV40 sequences in the meningioma of a laboratory researcher who had a probable direct exposure to SV40 and subsequently developed a tumor positive for viral DNA sequences indistinguishable from those of the laboratory source. This case suggests a link between viral exposure and tumor development.
Dragon brothers and tiger sisters: A conceptual typology of counter-cultural actors and activities of American Chinatowns, China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, 1912–2004

In the past 20 years, criminal activities directed by Chinese, Hong Kongese, and/or Taiwanese have increasingly become a mainstream topic in criminology and criminal justice. Despite the fact that many books, reports, articles, and monographs on the Chinese, Hong Kongese, or Taiwanese organized crime enterprises (as well as gangs) have been published, a comprehensive conceptual framework which would assist criminologists and criminal justice professionals in examining the political, religious, social and other aspects of structured counter-cultural activities and major players in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and American Chinatowns seems not to have been proposed yet. The purpose of this paper is to advance a typology that would help academics and law enforcement agents to identify and evaluate the diversities of underworlds of China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and American Chinatowns. This taxonomy consists of three factors: organizational structure, participation in politics or revolutionary movements, and ideology. Each of these variables is further divided into complicated/loose, frequent/infrequent/, and distinctive/indistinctive levels. Based on such a categorization, the counter-cultural elements of China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan during the period of 1912 to 2004 are classified as CFD, LFD, CFI, LID, CID, CII, LFI, and LII types, as can be characterized respectively by Republican Revolution-involved Triads and tongs; ultra-nationalists; the Shanghai Green Gangs of the 1920s and 1930s; modern Green Gangs; organized Chinese refugee gangs; Chinese-controlled pirate groups; jiaotou brothers of Taiwan; and ordinary Chinese/Taiwanese street gangs.
Examination of the seed of Pachyrrhizus erosus.

The seed of Pachyrrhizus erosus, commonly known as the yam bean, was examined several years ago as a possible commercial source of rotenone. Although the rotenone content is too small to make the seed of economic importance, several other poisonous substances are present, including pachyrrhizid, pachyrrhizone, erosone, and at least two saponins. The fatty oil, which constitutes about 20 per cent of the seed, is high in saturated glycerides and is nondrying. The unsaponifiable portion, about 1 per cent of the oil, contains saturated hydrocarbons and several phytosterols.
Common errors on mapping of nonelliptic curves in anisotropic elasticity

For an isotropic elastic material under a two-dimensional plane-stress or plane-strain deformation that involves a closed boundary of a given geometry Γ. it is a common practice to use a conformal mapping to map Γ to a circle of unit radius. For an anisotropic elastic material, the mapping produces the correct solution to the physical problem when Γ is an ellipse. There are published (and unpublished) papers that report solutions to anisotropic elasticity problems with a nonelliptic curve Γ. They all fail to solve the physical problem correctly. The purpose of this paper is to show the common errors made by many researchers, and to alert newcomers on the subject so that they do not fall into the same trap.
Epizootiology of sixty-four amphibian morbidity and mortality events in the USA, 1996-2001.

Abstract: A total of 44 amphibian mortality events and 20 morbidity events were reviewed retrospectively. The most common cause of amphibian mortality events was infection by ranaviruses (Family: Iridoviridae). Ranavirus epizootics have abrupt onset and affect late-stage larvae and recent metamorphs. Mortality events due to ranavirus infections affected only widespread and abundant amphibian species, and there was a clear association with high population densities. Chytrid fungal infections accounted for seven mortality events in postmetamorphic anurans only. Chytrid epizootics are insidious and easily overlooked in the field. While both ranavirus and chytrid fungal epizootics were associated with > 90% mortality rates at affected sites, only the chytrid fungal infections were linked to multiple amphibian population declines. Three primitive fungal organisms in the newly erected clade, Mesomycetozoa, caused morbidities and mortalities in anurans and salamanders.
Meniscal transplantation in symptomatic patients less than fifty years old.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to prospectively evaluate the results of meniscal transplantation in a consecutive series of younger patients treated for pain in the tibiofemoral compartment following a previous meniscectomy. METHODS: Forty cryopreserved menisci were implanted into thirty-eight patients. Sixteen knees also had an osteochondral autograft transfer, and nine had a knee ligament reconstruction. The clinical outcome and failure rate of all transplants were evaluated at a mean of forty months postoperatively. Meniscal allograft characteristics were determined with use of a rating system that combined subjective, clinical, and magnetic resonance imaging factors. RESULTS: Thirty-four (89%) of the thirty-eight patients rated the knee condition as improved. Before surgery, thirty patients (79%) had pain with daily activities, but only four (11%) had such pain at the time of the latest follow-up. While noteworthy pain was present in the tibiofemoral compartment in all forty knees before surgery, twenty-seven knees (68%) had no pain and thirteen (33%) had only mild compartment pain at the time of the latest follow-up. Twenty-nine patients (76%) returned to light low-impact sports without problems. Concomitant osteochondral autograft transfer and knee ligament reconstruction procedures improved knee function and did not increase the rate of complications. Meniscal allograft characteristics were normal in seventeen knees (43%), altered in twelve (30%), and failed in eleven (28%). CONCLUSIONS: The short-term results of meniscal transplantation are encouraging in terms of reducing knee pain and increasing function; however, long-term transplant function and any chondroprotective effects remain unknown and require further investigation.
Bridging-minimally invasive locking plate osteosynthesis (Bridging-MILPO): technique description with prospective series of 20 tibial fractures.

Summary Bridging-MILPO provides an alternative to other internal and external devices in the management of tibial fractures. A pre-contoured, stainless steel locking compression plate (Synthes © ) is fed subcutaneously through a small incision from a site distant to the zone of injury across the fracture site, respecting the fracture haematoma. Two or three locking screws are placed specifically at the ends of the plate. This ‘spring leaf' like construct allows micro-motion at the fracture site. This induces callus formation, initially on the opposite cortex from the plate, accelerated by the allowance of immediate full weight bearing post-operatively. Twenty cases were performed over a 3-year period. Excellent final results were obtained in 19 out of the 20 cases. Complications included two superficial wound infections, one delayed union and one case needed revision plating. No loss of reduction was seen in any of the cases.
Competition dynamics in pure- versus mixed-family stands of loblolly and slash pine in the southeastern United States

Few studies within the native range of loblolly (Pinus taeda L.) and slash pine (Pinus elliottii Engelm. var. elliot- tii) have compared yield and stand dynamics in pure-family block versus mixed-family block plantings under a range of sil- vicultural treatments. Understanding intergenotypic competitive interactions is important for predicting phenotypic performance, defining growth strategies and ideotypes, and deploying the correct mix of families that possess complemen- tary characteristics for enhanced yield and pest resistance. In 2000, replicated experimental trials were installed in the south- eastern United States, controlling for genotype (pure- and mixed-family plantings; consisting of seven full-sibling loblolly and six full-sibling slash pine families), planting density (1334 vs. 2990 trees/ha), and levels of silvicultural treatment inten- sity (operational vs. intensive). We measured four installations of these trials. There were numerous examples of differential family performance in mixed versus pure plots manifested as significant deploymentfamily interactions for diameter at breast height, height, basal area, volume, survival, disease, and damage traits. Significant and consistent interactions of sev- eral families with mixed versus pure deployment led to the identification of putative crop and competition ideotypes in both loblolly and slash pine. Tree-level crown architectural traits and an index of growth efficiency for the identified families were consistent with the hypothesized ideotypes.
Opium for the Masses: How Foreign Media Can Stabilize Authoritarian Regimes

In this case study of the impact of West German television on public support for the East German communist regime, we evaluate the conventional wisdom in the democratization literature that foreign mass media undermine authoritarian rule. We exploit formerly classified survey data and a natural experiment to identify the effect of foreign media exposure using instrumental variable estimators. Contrary to conventional wisdom, East Germans exposed to West German television were more satisfied with life in East Germany and more supportive of the East German regime. To explain this surprising finding, we show that East Germans used West German television primarily as a source of entertainment. Behavioral data on regional patterns in exit visa applications and archival evidence on the reaction of the East German regime to the availability of West German television corroborate this result.
Using Versions of the Trail Making Test as Alternate Forms

Alternate forms of neuropsychological instruments are often made parallel by developing tests with similar numbers of items, formats, and psychometric properties. The present study offers an alternative approach by examining three different trail-making tests that could potentially be used as alternate forms. Over a 3-week period, the Trail Making Test of the Delis-Kaplan Executive Functioning System (DK-TMT), Comprehensive Trail Making Test (CTMT), and Connections Task (CT) were individually administered to 154 undergraduate psychology students in each of six possible orders. Consistent with hypotheses, the three tests share the same underlying factors of sequencing and shifting as alternatives to one- and three-factor models; statistical evidence is provided to support that the two-factor solution is invariant regardless of test order. These findings support the notion that three different trail-making tests can be administered without discernable practice effects, increasing the flexibility of a serial neuropsychological assessment battery.
Adhesion of Mytilus edulis Foot Protein 1 on Silica: Ionic Effects on Biofouling

To determine the effect of the ionic environment on the marine adhesion molecule Mytilus edulis foot protein 1 (Mefp-1), atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to measure the adhesion between Mefp-1 and a silica substrate under a range of ionic conditions. Both ion strength and type were varied on the basis of the ions present in natural seawater. Salts containing monovalent ions (NaCl, KCl) increased adhesion only slightly, but salts containing divalent ions (MgCl 2 , CaCl 2 , Na 2 SO 4 ) induced multiple jumpouts in the decompression curve similar to other biological systems and an increase in hydrodynamic radius as observed by light scattering. This behavior may be due to metal complexation between 3,4-dihydroxyphenyl-L-alanine and o-quinone catechol groups on Mefp-1. The addition of a salt containing a trivalent ion (FeCl 3 ) resulted in the highest adhesion. The strong effect of salt type and concentration suggests that the ionic composition of the environment within the mussel byssus may be tailored in order to achieve maximum adhesion and minimum curing time.
Optimism for the World’s Future versus the Personal Future: Application to Environmental Attitudes

Optimism and pessimism for the future have been widely studied, but little is known about distinctions among types of optimism. In the present work optimism for the personal future and optimism for a more global world’s future were shown to be related yet distinct variables among responses from 156 undergraduate students. Furthermore, World Optimism predicted lower levels of pro-environmental attitudes (the New Ecological Paradigm) whereas Personal Optimism did not after its shared variance with World Optimism was removed. Personal Optimism (but not World Optimism) was associated with Consideration of Future Consequences, a measure of locus of control, and other measures of optimism and pessimism. Discussion addresses this distinction and its implications for understanding environmental attitudes and other individual differences.
Real-time adaptive information-theoretic optimization of neurophysiology experiments

Adaptively optimizing experiments can significantly reduce the number of trials needed to characterize neural responses using parametric statistical models. However, the potential for these methods has been limited to date by severe computational challenges: choosing the stimulus which will provide the most information about the (typically high-dimensional) model parameters requires evaluating a high-dimensional integration and optimization in near-real time. Here we present a fast algorithm for choosing the optimal (most informative) stimulus based on a Fisher approximation of the Shannon information and specialized numerical linear algebra techniques. This algorithm requires only low-rank matrix manipulations and a one-dimensional linesearch to choose the stimulus and is therefore efficient even for high-dimensional stimulus and parameter spaces; for example, we require just 15 milliseconds on a desktop computer to optimize a 100-dimensional stimulus. Our algorithm therefore makes real-time adaptive experimental design feasible. Simulation results show that model parameters can be estimated much more efficiently using these adaptive techniques than by using random (nonadaptive) stimuli. Finally, we generalize the algorithm to efficiently handle both fast adaptation due to spike-history effects and slow, non-systematic drifts in the model parameters.
On replacement models via a fuzzy set theoretic framework

Uncertainty is present in virtually all replacement decisions due to unknown future events, such as revenue streams, maintenance costs, and inflation. Fuzzy sets provide a mathematical framework for explicitly incorporating imprecision into the decision making model, especially when the system involves human subjectivity. This paper illustrates the use of fuzzy sets and possibility theory to explicitly model uncertainty in replacement decisions via fuzzy variables and numbers. In particular, a fuzzy set approach to economic life of an asset calculation as well as a finite-horizon single asset replacement problem with multiple challengers is discussed. Because the use of triangular fuzzy numbers provides a compromise between computational efficiency and realistic modeling of the uncertainty, this discussion emphasizes fuzzy numbers. The algorithms used to determine the optimal replacement policy incorporate fuzzy arithmetic, dynamic programming (DP) with fuzzy rewards, the vertex method, and various ranking methods for fuzzy numbers. A brief history of replacement analysis, current conventional techniques, the basic concepts of fuzzy sets and possibility theory, and the advantages of the fuzzy generalization are also discussed.
Microsurgical vasoepididymostomy to corpus epididymidis in treatment of inflammatory obstructive azoospermia.

Abstract A unilateral microsurgical vasoepididymostomy utilizing 35 mm of epididymas was performed in a patient with postinflammatory epididymal obstruction. Success was verified with multiple semen analyses, the hamster egg penetration test, and a pregnancy. These results demonstrate that surgical bypass of inflammatory tubal obstruction in the distal epididymas can result in the return of normal epididymal function and fertility.
A stabilized mixed finite element method for Darcy–Stokes flow

This paper presents a new stabilized finite element method for the Darcy-Stokes equations also known as the Brinkman model of lubrication theory. These equations also govern the flow of incompressible viscous fluids through permeable media. The proposed method arises from a decomposition of the velocity field into coarse/resolved scales and fine/unresolved scales. Modelling of the unresolved scales corrects the lack of stability of the standard Galerkin formulation for the Darcy-Stokes equations. A significant feature of the present method is that the structure of the stabilization tensor T appears naturally via the solution of the fine-scale problem. The issue of arbitrary combinations of pressure-velocity interpolation functions is addressed, and equal-order combinations of C° interpolations are shown to be stable and convergent.
The Rationality of Dispositions and the Rationality of Actions: The Interdependency Thesis

Je defends ici la These de l'Interdependance selon laquelle l'evaluation rationnelle des dispositions et l'evaluation rationnelle des actions se font en fonction l'une de l'autre. Je presente un modele de rationalite dependant de plusieurs niveaux de coherence entre: les raisons pour lesquelles un agent moral adopte une disposition morale, les arguments que cette personne avance a l'appui de la theorie morale a laquelle elle souscrit (en se fondant sur la notion kantienne que toutes les personnes sont egales eu egard a l'humanite), ses desirs, ses dispositions et le choix qu'elle fait d'etre une personne morale tel qu'il se reflete dans la maxime qu'elle adopte. La These de l'Interdependance etablit qu'il n'est pas necessaire de demontrer la rationalite de chaque action a caractere moral afin de refuter entierement le scepticisme.
STUDY OF THE RECRYSTALLIZATION OF MAGNESIA

X-ray studies show that lightly calcined magnesite is cryptocrystalline, with an atomic structure identical with that of periclase and fused magnesia.
Heterotrimeric G protein Gi is involved in a signal transduction pathway for ATP release from erythrocytes

Erythrocytes are reported to release ATP in response to mechanical deformation and decreased oxygen tension. Previously we proposed that receptor-mediated activation of the heterotrimeric G protein...
Comparative microbial diversity in the gastrointestinal tracts of food animal species.

SYNOPSIS. Molecular tools based on small subunit (SSU) rDNA gene sequences offer a powerful and rapid tool for the analysis of complex microbial communities found in the gastrointestinal tracts (GIT) of food animal species. Extensive comparative sequence analysis of SSU rRNA molecules representing a wide diversity of organisms shows that different regions of the molecule vary in sequence conservation. Oligonucleotides complementing regions of universally conversed SSU rRNA sequences are used as universal probes, while those complementing more variable regions of sequence are useful as selective probes targeting species, genus, or phylogenetic groups. Different approaches derive different information and this is highly dependent on the type of target nucleic acid employed and the conceptual and technical basis used for nucleic acid probe design. Generally these approaches can be divided into DNA-based methods employing empirically characterized probes and rRNA-based methods based on comparative sequence analysis for design and interpretation of ‘‘rational’’ probes. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based techniques can also be applied to the analysis of microbial communities in the GIT. Direct cloning of SSU rDNA genes amplified from these complex communities can be used to determine the extent of diversity in these GIT communities. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) is another powerful tool for profiling microbial diversity of microbial communities in GI tracts. Sequence analysis of the excised DGGE amplicons can then be used to presumptively identify predominant bacterial species. Examples of how these molecular approaches are being used to study the microbial diversity of communities from steers fed different diets, swine fed probiotics, and Atlantic salmon fed aquaculture diets are presented.
Interconnections Between the Corpus Striatum and Brain Stem Nuclei

The basal ganglia are large subcortical nuclear masses classically considered to be telencephalic derivatives. Two major divisions of the basal ganglia have long been recognized and considered to be associated with distinctive functions. The corpus striatum, consisting of the putamen, caudate nucleus and globus pallidus, is regarded as primarily concerned with integrative aspects of somatic motor function. The phylogenetic older amygdaloid nuclear complex receives profuse olfactory inputs, has reciprocal connections with various parts of the hypothalamus and is regarded as an integral part of the limbic system. It appears to be concerned with visceral, endocrine and behavioral functions. Although the corpus striatum (neostriatum and paleostriatum) and the amygdala (archistriatum) have been considered to have separate and distinctive functions, recent evidence indicates a volximinous amygdalostriate projection distributed in a specific pattern (Kelley et al., 1982). These observations suggest that some functions of basal ganglion components may not be easily segregated and that the neostriatum may consist of limbic and non-limbic subdivisions.
End-Tidal PCO 2 : A Clinical Noninvasive Cardiac Output Monitor

End-tidal PCO2(PETCO2) has been used to monitor the adequacy of ventilation for many years. In the past, the value of PETCO2 was displayed on the monitor screen often without a wave form or a trend display. Recently, technological progress has provided us with the opportunity to observe the changes of PETCO2 along with the changes of other hemodynamic parameters. We have observed the PETCO2 changes along with the changes of hemodynamic parameters, and we hypothesize that PETCO2 reflect the changes of cardiac output (CO), when ventilation is kept constant.
Use of Water Quality Model Uncertainty Analysis to Develop Sampling Design Criteria for In-stream Carbon

The present research is motivated by the need to include recognized uncertainty within water quality sampling methods performed in agricultural and urban watersheds. We use uncertainty analysis of water quality model results to help define a sampling method for particulate organic carbon in disturbed watershed systems. Low-gradient watersheds with agriculture and urban land use disturbances receive a significant portion of organic matter from in-stream benthic carbon production in which coupled physical and biological processes govern the degree of organic carbon accrual. A lack of uniformity in methodological approaches and temporal domains has driven the need to develop an appropriate and repeatable sampling strategy to capture the range and distribution of transported organic carbon. Therefore for this study a conceptual model for sediment carbon fate and transport was applied to a lowland watershed system with pronounced fluvial storage and agriculturally and urban disturbed lands. A suite of sampling routines was implemented to test the sensitivity of the transported carbon (CT) distribution, aiming to isolate the importance of physical and biological processes. Results of the study highlight CT followed a Gamma distribution, with a root mean square error approximation of 0.066. Low flow sampling routines performed as well as routines including high and low flows, contradicting previous studies that emphasize capturing high flow events for CT variability. Likewise, monthly and bimonthly sampling routines were as adequate as a weekly or bimonthly routine. Although the two year routine did well at capturing variability, the equality of the central measure of tendency was not statistically significant, imploring us to recommend a three plus year study if feasible, especially if consecutive years have similar hydrologic patterns.
Observations on a rapidly migrating electrophoretic component of cerebrospinal fluid.

SummaryElectrophoretic studies of 65 cerebrospinal fluids showed the presence of a rapidly migrating protein in each case. This component migrated about 1.3 times faster than albumin and sedimented at the same rate as albumin in the ultracentrifuge. In 9 cases, 2 rapidly migrating components were observed. Under the experimental conditions used, the fast components comprise about 9% of the total spinal fluid proteins.
Carbaryl Degradation on Tree Bark as Influenced by Temperature and Humidity

We examined the rate of carbaryl degradation on the bark of two tree species under laboratory conditions with three temperatures and two relative humidities. Tree species and relative humidity were the main factors affecting the degradation process. We recovered 98-100% of the carbaryl residues from loblolly pine, Pinus taeda L., within all temperature and relative humidity groups after 60 d of incubation. In contrast, we recovered 67% (97% RH) and 97% (33% RH) of the residues from the bark of white spruce, Picea glauca (Moench) Voss, at 25°C after 60 d of incubation. Several metabolites of carbaryl were found on the bark of white spruce, whereas no detectable amount of carbaryl metabolites was found from loblolly pine in all treatment groups. Two major metabolites were identified based on cochromatography with standard 4-hydroxycarbaryl and 5-hydroxycarbaryl ; maximum amounts of these metabolites reached =28 and 24%, respectively.