cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Binding of octopamine to membranes from the white-eyed and wild-type housefly heads

In attempting to develop an octopamine (OA) receptor preparation with ready access to large amounts of tissue, we examined the binding of OA to membranes from the heads of white and red houseflies (Musca domestica L.). Binding was dependent on the presence of L-ascorbic acid in the medium. However, equilibrium was reached only over 24–36 h at 4°C and reversal of binding was also slow and incomplete. Scatchard analysis revealed at least two binding sites in the white-eyed housefly. A high-affinity site (Kd = 13.9 nM and Bmax = 3.9 pmol/mg protein) was present, but the majority of the binding had low affinity (Kd = 1130 nM and Bmax = 165 pmol/mg protein). Scatchard analysis revealed a low affinity in the red-eyed housefly (Kd = 240 nM and Bmax = 12 pmol/mg protein). Catecholamines were the best competitors for OA binding followed by phenolamines such as OA and synephrine. 5-Hydroxytryptamine was less effective. Phentolamine and mianserin, which are good antagonists of the ability of OA to stimulate adenylate cyclase in housefly head membranes, and formamidine and imidazolines, which are potent partial agonists of this adenylate cyclase, were poor competitors of OA binding. The slow kinetics, low affinity, large amount, and unconventional pharmacological profile of this binding is not congruent with it being a neuroreceptor. When the brain was dissected free from the head, less than 10% of the total specific binding of OA was found in the brain membrane fraction. This suggests that most of the binding of OA may be to cuticular sites that possibly are associated with the metabolism of catecholamines in cuticular synthesis. Thus, binding studies made with labeled catecholamines and phenolamines on insect tissues containing significant cuticular elements should be interpreted with caution.
Animal Tissue Tomography by Digital Interference Holography

Wavelength-Scanning digital interference holography is an important method of in vitro imaging animal tissue non-invasively to achieve high-resolution volumetric datasets. Using this technique, we have demonstrated tomographic imaging of multiple-layered sub-surface structures of mouse tissues.
Freitas on Disease in Nanomedicine: Implications for Ethics

This paper critically examines the volitional normative model of disease and its underlying nanotechnologic vision of medicine both defended by Robert Freitas. Having provided an account of this vision, we explicate the highlight of the model, which is a concept of disease based on individual values and preferences. The model’s normative positions are then critiqued based on our argument that the epistemic basis of Freitas’s vision of nanotechnologic medicine and, by extension, of his volitional normative model of disease is scientifically flawed. An ethical and social critique of the model is then conducted on the basis of the model’s implicit ethical underpinnings. We argue that Freitas fails to justify the normativity of his model by not addressing the ethical issues that permeate it, one of which is the question of responsibility regarding the development of medical nanotechnology and the practice of new forms of medicine such as the one he envisions. We conclude that, due to its radically individualistic position, the model implies an unjustified view of nanoethics and relegates this field of ethics to the periphery of discussions of nanomedicine.
The impacts of ant mounds on sedge meadow and shrub carr vegetation in a prairie fen.

ABSTRACT: An important component of many fens is large mounds created by ants for nesting purposes. Because these mounds differ in microtopography, hydrology, and soil characteristics from the surrounding fen, they have the potential to strongly influence fen vegetation. This study examined the effects of ant mounds on plant cover and species composition in two vegetation types within a Michigan prairie fen complex. Vegetation was sampled on ant mounds and in control plots in sedge meadow and shrub carr vegetation types. Total plant cover was significantly greater on ant mounds than in control plots in the sedge meadow, but significantly lower on ant mounds than in control lots in the shrub carr. Plants varied in their response to ant mounds as a function of their wetland indicator status. Both facultative upland and facultative species occurred more frequently on mounds, whereas obligate wetland species were more common in control plots. There was no significant difference for facultative wetland species...
Late Tertiary history of hydrothermal deposition at the East Pacific Rise, 19°S: Correlation to volcano‐tectonic events

Commonly it is assumed that the intensity of mid-ocean ridge hydrothermal activity should correlate with spreading rate, since high spreading rates are an indication of large subcrustal heat sources needed for intense hydrothermal activity. We have tested this hypothesis by modeling the deposition of hydrothermal precipitates from cores from Deep Sea Drilling Project Leg 92, taken on the west flank of the East Pacific Rise at 19°S. Although spreading rates at the East Pacific Rise and its predecessor, the Mendoza Rise, have varied by only 50% in the last 30 million years, we found certain episodes, at about 25, 18, 14, and 9 million years ago, of hydrothermal manganese deposition as much as a factor of 20 higher than equivalent Holocene accumulation. These eposides do not correlate with spreading rate changes and instead seem to occur at times of major tectonic reorganizations. We propose that ridge jumps and changes of ridge orientation may substantially increase hydrothermal activity by fracturing the ocean crust and providing seawater access to deep-seated heat sources.
Enfranchisement and the welfare state: Institutional design of unemployment compensation

Abstract This paper examines the relationship between various political mechanisms and the variation in unemployment compensation programs (i.e., compulsory, voluntary, and assistance programs). I argue that the choice of a specific unemployment compensation program over others depends on the level of franchise extension. Using a multinomial logit analysis of 13 European countries from 1880 to 1945, I find that among other political mechanisms, franchise extension had the greatest impact on the likelihood of instituting unemployment compensation, controlling socio-economic factors. Greater enfranchisement is associated with a higher probability of choosing a compulsory program, but not a voluntary one.
Foundations of visual metaphors for schema display

Many aspects of database systems have been improved by Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs). One area that has not received adequate attention in GUI research is the visual presentation of schemas, despite the increasingly important role that schemas play in database design and operation. Schema visualizations are valuable for viewing and manipulating both the schema and the information captured by it. In this paper, we describe a framework that formalizes the process of visualizing database schemas or any similar structured information. It is based on the concepts of adata model capturing schemas, avisual model capturing visualizations, and avisual metaphor that defines a mapping between the two models. This formal description of the mapping between a schema and its visualization permits straightforward declaration of visual metaphors, and provides criteria to evaluate metaphors as to their ability to correctly visualize a schema. Given a visual metaphor, the framework divides visual information into that which has meaning relative to the data model, that which has meaning to the user but not to the data model, and that which is only aesthetic. This separation permits better use of aesthetic information, resulting in richer visualizations. As a whole, we believe that the formalism provides the foundations on which better schema visualization tools can be built.
Overshooting in Stars: Five Old Fallacies and a New Model

First, I discuss five fallacies of previous theoretical attempts to quantify overshooting in stars. I then suggest that the only reliable procedure is to solve the five dynamic equations for convective flux, kinetic and potential energy, turbulent pressure and dissipation rate of kinetic energy, plus the mean temperature equation. Finally, I discuss a recent solution of the new model that agrees with the latest helioseismological OV data and suggest that the same data be used to check the validity of the Schwarzschild criterion.
Estimating the Pure Characteristics Demand Model: A Computational Note

This paper provides details of the computational algorithm of Berry and Pakes (2005) for estimating the pure characteristics demand model. The main challenge in estimating the model is to find “the mean product quality" that equates the model predicted market shares to real market shares. The algorithm combines three methods: a contraction mapping, a homotopy method with an element-by-element inversion, and Newton-Raphson method. After explaining the algorithm, I evaluate its performance using four simulated data sets with up to 20 products per market.
Effects of cobalt doping and three-dimensionality in BaFe 2 As 2

We investigate the dual roles of a cobalt impurity in the Ba-122 ferropnictide superconductor in the state with coexisting collinear spin-density wave (SDW) order as a dopant and as a scattering center, using first-principles electronic-structure methods. The Co atom is found to dope the FeAs plane where it is located with a single delocalized electron as expected, but also induces a strong perturbation of the SDW ground state of the system. This in turn induces a stripelike modulation of the density of states in nearby planes which may be observable in scanning tunnel microscope (STM) experiments. The defect is found to have an intermediate strength nonmagnetic scattering potential with a range of roughly $1\text{ }\text{\AA{}}$, and the Co gives rise to a smaller but longer range magnetic scattering potential. The impurity potential in both channels is highly anisotropic, reflecting the broken symmetry of the SDW ground state. We give values for the effective Co potentials for each $d$ orbital on the impurity and nearby sites. The calculation also shows a clear local resonance comprised of Co states about 200 meV above the Fermi level, in quantitative agreement with a recent report from STM. Finally, we discuss the issue of the effective dimensionality of the 122 materials, and show that the hybridization of the out-of-phase As atoms leads to a higher density of states between the FeAs planes relative to the 1111 counterparts.
ACCOUNTING RISK IN MULTISTAGE STOCHASTIC PROBLEMS USING APPROXIMATE DYNAMIC PROGRAMMING

Abstract This work proposes a methodology to generate risk averse policies for Markov Decision Processes(MDPs). This methodology is based on modifying the one stage reward or cost to weigh the trade-off between expected performance and downside risk represented by (CVαR α ). The modified stage-wise utility function is used within dynamic programming to generate a set of policies representing different levels of the trade-off. The approach is demonstrated in a shortest path optimal control problem and a project management problem modeled as constrained MDP. To address a more complex management problem, we utilize the Real Time Approximate Dynamic Programming algorithm.
Conducting Educational Research: Guide to Completing a Major Project by BOUDAH, DANIEL J.

The article reviews the book "Conducting Educational Research: Guide to Completing a Major Project," by Daniel J. Boudah.
A modified beam propagation method to model second harmonic generation in optical fibers

A finite-difference implementation of the beam propagation method (BPM) is used to solve the paraxial, scalar wave equation with a nonlinear source term. A transparent boundary condition capable of handling asymmetric modes is incorporated in the finite-difference algorithm. This nonlinear BPM is used to model the generation and propagation of second harmonic light in an optical fiber which has been prepared for second harmonic generation (SHG) by the formation of a /sub chi //sup (2)/ grating. This method can be used to predict the guided mode in which the generated second harmonic light propagates based on the modes of the writing (fundamental and second harmonic) and reading (fundamental only) light. The effects of self-phase modulation (SPM) and cross-phase modulation (XPM) are included in the model. >
Application of neural nets to rain rate retrieval from simulated multichannel passive microwave imagery

The retrieval of precipitation parameters from passive microwave imagery requires the use of a nonlinear statistical estimation technique operating on a multichannel data stream. The authors describe the application of a feed-forward neural net to the estimation of precipitation parameters from noisy, multispectral brightness temperature imagery. A comparison of the neural net retrieval technique vis-and-vis a nonlinear statistical technique shows that with proper training the neural net achieves slightly better performance. The neural net technique developed has been used to study the tradeoffs associated with using various microwave channel sets and sensor resolutions. Initial calculations using simulated nadir-viewing imagery for a MIMR-compatible set of six channels are presented.
Does endogenous testosterone mediate the lower preconditioning threshold in males

Background Preconditioning is injury-induced protection from subsequent insult. Recent data indicates that males have lower preconditioning thresholds compared to females. Therefore, we hypothesized that testosterone may mediate the lower preconditioning threshold observed in males. Materials and methods Adult normal and castrated male Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 4–5) were given intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections of 125 or 500 μg/kg Salmonella typhimurium lipopolysaccharide (ETX) or 0.4 ml normal saline (NS). Another i.p. injection of 500 μg/kg ETX (injury dose) was given 24 h later. After 6 h, myocardial function was evaluated via the Langendorff perfusion model. Shams received only NS, while non-preconditioned rats (PC-) received NS followed by the 500 μg/kg ETX injury dose. Preconditioned rats received injections of 125 μg/kg ETX (PC +125) or 500 μg/kg ETX (PC +500), followed by the 500 μg/kg ETX injury dose. Results Normal PC +125 and PC +500 males were preconditioned and maintained cardiac function similar to shams (P > 0.05). Castrated PC +125 and PC +500 males were also preconditioned and maintained cardiac function similar to castrated shams (P > 0.05). Conversely, both normal and castrated PC-males showed significantly decreased cardiac function compared to shams (P Conclusions Endogenous testosterone does not mediate the lower preconditioning threshold in males.
Publicly Accessible Computers: An Exploratory Study of the Determinants of Transactional Website Use in Public Locations

Businesses and governments are continuing to expand the use of the internet to provide a wide range of information and transactional services to consumers. These changes present barriers to people without internet connections in their homes. Public libraries provide a source of access to these resources however it is not clear if people are willing to use computers in these environments to complete web based transactions. There are differences in the users as well as environmental conditions that may impact the transactional use in these locations. Using Triandiss modified Theory of Reasoned Action model we examine user characteristics, affect, social norms and facilitating conditions to predict transactional website use in the public library environment.
Dynamic Stress‐Induced Transformation and Texture Formation in Uniaxial Compression of Zirconia Ceramics

Transformation plasticity in Mg-PSZ and Y-TZP ceramics is investigated using a novel stress reversal Hopkinson bar technique recently developed at the University of California–San Diego (UCSD) for dynamic recovery experiments.1 The longitudinal and transverse strains are measured by strain gauges mounted on the specimen. The specimens are loaded until transformation reaches saturation. Reloading of the same specimens to higher stress levels does not reveal additional inelasticity. Cuboid specimens which have been loaded initially to attain transformation saturation are then reloaded in a direction perpendicular to the first loading. The second loading produces additional inelasticity and microcracking, indicating the formation of transformation texture in each loading under uniaxial compression. Microscopic observations, and the results of ultrasonic and X-ray diffraction measurements, as well as micromechanical modeling of the damage evolution are discussed.
Sample path large deviations for the randomly sampled continuous-discrete Kalman filter

The paper studies the problem of optimal mean squared error (m.m.s.e.) estimation of a multidimensional linear diffusion from observations of a marked point process. It is shown that, under appropriate signal-to-noise ratio scaling, the family of random conditional error covariance processes satisfies a sample large deviation principle (LDP) with good rate function as the sampling rate γ ƒ ∞. The LDP regime considered involves increasing the observation sampling rate and a proportionate decrease in the observation signal-to-noise ratio. In particular, we show that as γ ƒ ∞, the family of continuous-discrete filters converge in distribution to a filter with continuous diffusion type observations, thus verifying the robustness of the Kalman filter with respect to (w.r.t.) the observation path. We explicitly characterize the LDP rate function, quantifying the best decay rate for rare events as γ ƒ ∞. The large deviations framework developed in this work is of independent interest and applicable to larger classes of jump processes.
The Importance of Definitive Diagnosis in Chronic Schistosomiasis, with Reference to Schistosoma haematobium

Schistosomes are long-lived parasites, hence schistosomiasis is a chronic disease with severe long-term implications. However, definitive diagnosis of active infection has been difficult because demonstration of infection has depended on detecting parasite eggs in urine and/or stool. In the case of Schistosoma haematobium which parasitizes the urinogenital system, this method has low sensitivity in adults. Detection of parasite-specific DNA in urine has been demonstrated and this has similar specificity but improved sensitivity. The implications of this new procedure and the impact on diagnosis are discussed.
Spawning Activity of Paddlefish (Polyodon spathula) In the Lower Black River, Wisconsin

ABSTRACT We present indirect evidence of successful paddlefish (Polyodon spathula reproduction in 1989 and 1991 in the lower Black River, Wisconsin, about 5 km upstream of the confluence with the upper Mississippi River. This is the first indication of successful reproduction by paddlefish at the northern end of its range in the central United States. Attempts to document paddlefish Polyodon spathula reproduction by sampling eggs and larvae began in the early 1900s (e.g., Stockard 1907), but the exact timing and location of fish spawning were unknown until the early 1960s. Actual spawning by paddlefish was first observed over gravel bars in the Osage River, Missouri, by Purkett (1961), who then collected eggs and larvae. Paddlefish eggs and larvae have since been collected below dams on the Missouri (Ruelle and Hudson 1977, Unkenholz 1982), Cumberland, and Tennessee Rivers (Pasch et al. 1980, Wall us 1986). However, the spawning areas for most paddlefish populations remain unknown. Because larval paddlefi...
UTILITY FUNCTIONS AND THE 'LIN' OPERATION FOR CONVEX SETS,

Abstract : This note contributes to utility theory by sharpening a recent example of Kannai (Existence of a Utility in Infinite Dimensional Partially Ordered Spaces) and Perles, and to the geometry of infinite-dimensional convex sets by settling a problem raised in (a previous work by the author) concerning the iteration of the 'lin' operation. The reduction of the first matter to the secoond is described. The actual construction appears in section 2. Section 3 mentions two unsolved problems. (Author)
Cohesive Finite Element Based Modeling of Damage in Composite Materials

Damage in composite laminates affects its overall viscoelastic response. Constitutive equations have been developed for composite laminates considering a fixed damage state. A complete description, however, requires suitable damage evolution laws. This paper is focused on studying damage evolution in viscoelastic laminates using a cohesive finite element approach. A two dimensional, four nodded finite element is developed incorporating a rate-independent traction-displacement cohesive law. This element is used in conjunction with plane strain bulk elements behaving in a linear viscoelastic manner to simulate crack evolution between two existing transverse cracks in symmetric cross-ply laminates. The effects of loading strain-rate, ply constraint and initial crack density are studied. This study shows expected trends in the behavior and indicates the suitability of cohesive zone modeling to study damage evolution in viscoelastic composite materials.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Living in a Post-Coding World Analysis as Assemblage

This article explains how the author used Deleuze and Guattari’s concept assemblage to analyze data from an interview study about the reading practices of 10 academics. Instead of coding interview ...
Curcumin and resveratrol inhibit nuclear factor-kappaB-mediated cytokine expression in adipocytes

Adipocytes express inflammatory mediators that contribute to the low-level, chronic inflammation found in obese subjects and have been linked to the onset of cardiovascular disorders and insulin resistance associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus. A reduction in inflammatory gene expression in adipocytes would be expected to reverse this low-level, inflammatory state and improve cardiovascular function and insulin sensitivity. The natural products, curcumin and resveratrol, are established anti-inflammatory compounds that mediate their effects by inhibiting activation of NF-κB signaling. In the present study, we examined if these natural products can inhibit NF-κB activation in adipocytes and in doing so reduce cytokine expression. Cytokine (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6) and COX-2 gene expression in 3T3-L1-derived adipocytes was measured by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) with or without TNFα-stimulation. Cytokine protein and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) expression were measured by ELISA. Effects of curcumin and resveratrol were evaluated by treating TNFα-stimulated adipocytes with each compound and 1) assessing the activation state of the NF-κB signaling pathway and 2) measuring inflammatory gene expression by qRT-PCR and ELISA. Both preadipocytes and differentiated adipocytes express the genes for TNF-α, IL-6, and COX-2, key mediators of the inflammatory response. Preadipocytes were also found to express IL-1β; however, IL-1β expression was absent in differentiated adipocytes. TNF-α treatment activated NF-κB signaling in differentiated adipocytes by inducing IκB degradation and NF-κB translocation to the nucleus, and as a result increased IL-6 (6-fold) and COX-2 (2.5-fold) mRNA levels. TNF-α also activated IL-1β gene expression in differentiated adipocytes, but had no effect on endogenous TNF-α mRNA levels. No detectable TNFα or IL-1β was secreted by adipocytes. Curcumin and resveratrol treatment inhibited NF-κB activation and resulted in a reduction of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and COX-2 gene expression (IC50 = 2 μM) and a reduction of secreted IL-6 and PGE2 (IC50 ~ 20 μM). Curcumin and resveratrol are able to inhibit TNFα-activated NF-κB signaling in adipocytes and as a result significantly reduce cytokine expression. These data suggest that curcumin and resveratrol may provide a novel and safe approach to reduce or inhibit the chronic inflammatory properties of adipose tissue.
Effects of housing system on the costs of commercial egg production

This article reports the first publicly available egg production costs compared across 3 hen-housing systems. We collected detailed data from 2 flock cycles from a commercial egg farm operating a conventional barn, an aviary, and an enriched colony system at the same location. The farm employed the same operational and accounting procedures for each housing system. Results provide clear evidence that egg production costs are much higher for the aviary system than the other 2 housing systems. Feed costs per dozen eggs are somewhat higher for the aviary and lower for the enriched house compared with the conventional house. Labor costs are much lower for the conventional house than the other 2, and pullet costs are much higher for the aviary. Energy and miscellaneous costs are a minimal part of total operating costs and do not differ by housing system. Total capital investments per hen-capacity are much higher for the aviary and the enriched house. Capital costs per dozen eggs depend on assumptions about appropriate interest and depreciation rates. Using the same 10% rate for each housing system shows capital costs per dozen for the aviary and the enriched housing system are much higher than capital costs per dozen for the conventional house. The aviary has average operating costs (feed, labor, pullet, energy, and miscellaneous costs that recur for each flock and vary with egg production) about 23% higher and average total costs about 36% higher compared with the conventional house. The enriched housing system has average operating costs only about 4% higher compared with the conventional house, but average total costs are 13% higher than for the conventional house.
Phosphate bonding configuration on ferrihydrite based on molecular orbital calculations and XANES fingerprinting

Abstract Sorption of phosphate by Fe(III)- and Al(III)-(hydr)oxide minerals regulates the mobility of this potential water pollutant in the environment. The objective of this research was to determine the molecular configuration of phosphate bound on ferrihydrite at pH 6 by interpreting P K-edge XANES spectra in terms of bonding mode. XANES and UV–visible absorption spectra for aqueous Fe(III)–PO 4 solutions (Fe/P molar ratio = 0–2.0) provided experimental trends for energies of P(3p)–O(2p) and Fe(3d)–O(2p) antibonding molecular orbitals. Molecular orbitals for Fe(III)–PO 4 or Al(III)–PO 4 complexes in idealized monodentate or bidentate bonding mode were generated by conceptual bonding arguments, and Extended-Huckel molecular orbital computations were used to understand and assign XANES spectral features to bound electronic states. The strong white line at the absorption edge in P K-edge XANES spectra for Fe–PO 4 or Al–PO 4 systems is attributable to an electronic transition from a P 1s atomic orbital into P(3p)–O(2p) or P(3p)–O(2p)–Al(3p) antibonding molecular orbitals, respectively. For Fe–PO 4 systems, a XANES peak at 2–5 eV below the edge was assigned to a P 1s electron transition into Fe(4p)–O(2p) antibonding molecular orbitals. Similarly, a shoulder on the low-energy side of the white line for variscite corresponds to a transition into Al(3p)–O(2p) orbitals. In monodentate-bonded phosphate, Fe–O bonding is optimized and P–O bonding is weakened, and the converse is true of bidentate-bonded phosphate. These differences explained an inverse correlation between energies of P(3p)–O(2p) and Fe(3d)–O(2p) antibonding molecular orbitals consistent with a monodentate-to-bidentate transition in aqueous Fe(III)–PO 4 solutions. The intensity of the XANES pre-edge feature in Fe(III)-bonded systems increased with increasing number of Fe(III)–O–P bonds. Based on the similarity of intensity and splitting of the pre-edge feature for phosphate sorbed on ferrihydrite at 750 mmol/kg at pH 6 and aqueous Fe–PO 4 solutions containing predominantly bidentate complexes, XANES results indicated that phosphate adsorbed on ferrihydrite was predominantly a bidentate–binuclear surface complex.
Platinum-group element geochemistry of peridotite xenoliths from the Sierra Nevada and the Basin and Range, California

Abstract The nature of PGE-Re (PGE = Pt, Pd, Os, Ir, Ru) behavior in subcontinental lithospheric mantle was investigated using new, high precision PGE-Re abundance measurements and previously published Re-Os isotopic analyses of peridotite xenoliths from the Sierra Nevada and Mojave Province, California. Ru/Ir ratios and Ir concentrations are constant over a wide range in S content and major-element fertility indices (e.g., Mg/(Mg+Fe)), indicating that Ru and Ir are not only compatible during partial melting, but also that their partitioning behaviors may not be controlled entirely by sulfide. Pt/Ir, Pd/Ir, Os/Ir, and Re/Ir ratios range from slightly superchondritic to distinctly subchondritic for all xenoliths except for one anomalous sample (1026V), which is characterized by radiogenic 187Os/188Os, low Re/Os ratio, and large enrichments in Cu, Os, Pt, Pd, and S relative to Ir (COPPS metasomatism). Assuming chondritic initial relative abundances, the magnitudes of some of the depletions in Pt, Pd, Os, and Re relative to Ir and Ru require incompatible behavior or substantial secondary loss. In detail, some samples, which are otherwise characterized by fertile major-element indices, exhibit low S contents and subchondritic Os/Ir and Pd/Ir ratios, indicating that depletions in Pd and Os relative to Ir are not simple functions of the degree of melting as inferred from major elements. Possible mechanisms for depleting Pt, Pd, Os, and Re relative to Ir and Ru include partitioning into chromian spinels and alloys, partitioning between sulfide and sulfide liquids, mobilization by aqueous fluids, or secondary loss associated with late-stage sulfide breakdown. However, it is not possible to explain all of the depletions in Pt, Pd, Os, and Re by any single mechanism. The preferential enrichment in Os over Re and Ir in sample 1026V is somewhat paradoxical because this sample’s radiogenic 187Os/188Os requires a metasomatic agent, originating from a source with a high time-integrated Re/Os ratio. The abundant garnet websterite xenoliths may be a suitable source because they have high Re/Os ratios, radiogenic Os, and abundant garnet, which may sequester Re over Os during partial melting. However, their extremely low Os contents require the processing of large amounts of garnet websterite to concentrate enough Os into the metasomatic sulfides needed to enrich sample 1026V in Os. The homogeneity in 187Os/188Os ratio in the remaining xenoliths suggest that their Os isotopic compositions were not significantly affected by PGE metasomatism. The singular nature of 1026V’s composition emphasizes the rarity of COPPS metasomatism.
A network architecture for reliable distributed computing

A reliable distributed environment (RDE) is proposed that is based on an efficient and reliable extension to datagram communications. The concept of coupled relation is introduced to measure the degree to which distributed environments are reliable. View sections, a programming construct that protects against changes in node status (available or not), as support for distributed computing tasks, are presented. Simulation results are given for coupled relations based on different algorithms, node failure rate, recovery rate, message sending rate, and data missing rate to illustrate the behavior of distributed systems constructed using the view section model on top of RDE. >
Phototactic Responses to Ultraviolet and White Light in Various Species of Collembola, Including the Eyeless Species, Folsomia candida

Previous observations have indicated homology in the cellular components between collembolan eyes and the compound eyes of insects. However, behavioral or physiological studies indicating similarities in function are lacking. Collembolan eyes were examined from three species in the Family Isotomidae using scanning electron microscopy. Collembolan eyes are arranged dorsally and laterally on each side of the head in two species, Proisotoma minuta with eight eyes on each side of the head and Folsomia similis with one eye on each side of the head. In both of these species the eyes were located just posterior to the postantennal organ. In Folsomia candida, no external eye structures were detected. These three species were assayed for a series of behavioral preferences using ultraviolet (UV), white light and dark, and temperature conditions. The tests demonstrated that over 76% of all three species, including the eyeless F. Candida, chose white over UV light, over 69% preferred dark over UV, and over 77% favored dark over white light. The results demonstrated that all three species detect both UV and white light and avoid it, preferring cool, dark habitats. From the results of this study, it is hypothesized that F. candida may, in fact, be only “lensless” and may be able to detect light by having internal, non-ocular photoreceptors. Further histological studies are needed to investigate this possibility.
Human Platelets and Megakaryocytes Contain Alternately Spliced Glycoprotein IIb mRNAs

The earliest marker of the megakaryocyte lineage in human bone marrow is a heterodimeric complex of glycoproteins IIb (GPIIb) and IIIa (GPIIIa). GPIIb-IIIa is a member of the integrin family and serves as a receptor for fibrinogen and other adhesive glycoproteins on the surface of activated blood platelets. Mature platelet GPIIb is processed from a single precursor peptide into a disulfide-linked GPIIb alpha and GPIIb beta chain. To study possible mechanisms which could determine ligand specificity of the GPIIb-IIIa complex we investigated whether there are multiple forms of GPIIb mRNA by screening an unamplified lambda gt10 human erythroleukemia cell cDNA library. Four GPIIb clones were isolated and sequenced. Two contained a 102-nucleotide in-frame deletion corresponding to 34 amino acids in the extracellular domain of GPIIb beta. Polymerase chain reaction amplification of human erythroleukemia cell cDNA confirmed the presence of two different transcripts. Normal genomic DNA sequence was shown to contain consensus splice-donor and splice-acceptor sites indicating a 102-base pair exon that is spliced in or out. Using primers specific for either transcript, both forms of GPIIb mRNA were identified by the polymerase chain reaction in normal human platelets and megakaryocytes, but not in reticulocytes or two white blood cell lines. These data provide evidence for two forms of GPIIb in platelets and megakaryocytes and suggest a mechanism for variations in receptor ligand affinity or localization.
Embedded Options Impact On Interest Rate Risk And Capital Adequacy

In this article we consider cases in which a bank finances some option-embedded assets with option embedded liabilities and with equity. We show that risk-based capital guidelines that do not account for these interest sensitive options can be very misleading with regard to the actual interest rate exposure. In extreme cases, any change in interest rates can result in a deterioration in the value of such unhedged positions even though there may be no risk-exposure as measured by traditional means.
Methodology for evaluating existing infrastructure and facilitating the diffusion of PEVs

Abstract Recent U.S. state and federal legislation have been implemented with the intent of promoting the diffusion of plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs). Meanwhile, the federal government has passed new regulation aimed at increasing fuel efficiency standards of gasoline powered vehicles in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In this paper, we examine the existing barriers that impact PEV diffusion. We argue that increased fuel efficiency standards coupled with declining gasoline prices conflicts with the implemented PEV incentives. Using a geospatial method, we demonstrate how policymakers can create regionally weighted markets based on consumer surveys to facilitate the development of a national policy for nascent products like the PEVs.
The chemistry of peroxynitrite: a product from the reaction of nitric oxide with superoxide

Nitric oxide and superoxide, which are produced by several cell types, rapidly combine to form peroxynitrite. This reaction can result in nitric oxide scavenging, and thus mitigation of the biological effects of superoxide. Also, superoxide can trap and hence modulate the effects of nitric oxide; superoxide dismutase, by controlling superoxide levels, therefore can influence the reaction pathways open to nitric oxide. The production of peroxynitrite, however, causes its own sequelae of events: Although neither .NO nor superoxide is a strong oxidant, peroxynitrite is a potent and versatile oxidant that can attack a wide range of biological targets. The peroxynitrite anion is relatively stable, but its acid, peroxynitrous acid (HOONO), rearranges to form nitrate with a half-life of approximately 1 s at pH 7, 37 degrees C. HOONO exists as a Boltzmann distribution of rotamers; at 5-37 degrees C HOONO has an apparent acidity constant, pKa,app, of 6.8. Oxidation reactions of HOONO can involve two-electron processes (such as an SN2 displacement) or a one-electron transfer (ET) reaction in which the substrate is oxidized by one electron and peroxynitrite is reduced. These oxidation reactions could involve one of two mechanisms. The first mechanism is homolysis of HOONO to give HO. and .NO2, which initially are held together in a solvent cage. This caged pair of radicals (the "geminate" pair) can either diffuse apart, giving free radicals that can perform oxidations, or react together either to form nitrate or to reform HOONO (a process called cage return). A large amount of cage return can explain the small entropy of activation (Arrhenius A-factor) observed for the decomposition of HOONO. A cage mechanism also can explain the residual yield of nitrate that appears to be formed even in the presence of high concentrations of all of the scavengers studied to date, since scavengers capture only free HO. and .NO2 and not caged radicals. If the cage mechanism is correct, the rate of disappearance of peroxynitrite be slower in solvents of higher viscosity, and we do not find this to be the case. The second mechanism is that an activated isomer of peroxynitrous acid, HOONO*, can be formed in a steady state. The HOONO* mechanism can explain the inability of hydroxyl radical scavengers to completely block either nitrate formation or the oxidation of substrates such as methionine, since HOONO* would be less reactive, and therefore more selective, than the hydroxyl radical itself.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Stand Structure and Acorn Production of the Island Scrub Oak (Quercus pacifica)

Island scrub oak (Quercus pacifica), a keystone chaparral species on Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz, and Santa Catalina islands, provides habitat for a diverse assemblage of plant and animal species. The restoration of oak habitat is a management priority, but little is known about Q. pacifica stand structure and acorn production, 2 parameters that are important in the species' recovery. To investigate whether species interactions and abiotic conditions have an effect on stand structure and acorn production, we sampled within-stand densities, tree sizes, and acorns in the 3 island populations that have been exposed to different herbivores, seed predators, and climate conditions. Stand densities varied more within than between islands; but Santa Rosa, the coldest of the 3 islands, had smaller trees with smaller acorns than the other 2 islands. To quantify the temporal and spatial variation in acorn production on Santa Cruz Island, we conducted acorn counts at 2 spatial scales: (1) an island-wide survey of 200 trees along the east—west axis of the island (2008–2012) and (2) small-scale surveys within three 100-ha study plots (150 trees; 2009–2012). Acorn production varied strongly, both temporally and spatially, with little temporal synchrony and spatial autocorrelation. Trees at higher elevations produced more acorns, but the roles of temperature and precipitation were unclear in this relatively short study. To increase our understanding of the drivers of Q. pacifica acorn production, we propose that annual oak surveys be incorporated into a long-term monitoring program across the California Channel Islands.
Conversion of a Surgically Arthrodesed Knee to a Total Knee Arthroplasty-Is it Worth it? A Meta-Analysis.

Abstract Background Conversion of a surgically arthrodesed knee to total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is an option for a select group of patients who are not satisfied with their results. However, there is a paucity of literature on this topic. A systematic review of literature was performed to (1) describe the overall demographic characteristics; (2) evaluate the clinical outcomes; (3) determine the overall rate of complications; and (4) evaluate the overall satisfaction of patients who underwent conversion of an arthrodesed knee to TKA. Methods A comprehensive literature search was systematically performed to evaluate all studies included in the literature until July 2015. The specific search terms used were "fusion knee" and "arthrodesis knee," which revealed a total of 2206 studies. A review and selection of these abstracts were then performed based on inclusion and/or exclusion criteria; a total of 10 articles were used for final review. Results There were a total of 98 surgically arthrodesed knees that subsequently underwent TKA. Patients had a mean age of 55 years and were followed up for a mean of 5 years. Using a random effects model, there was an overall complication rate of 47%, an overall revision rate of 25%, and an overall failure rate of 11%. However, most patients were overall satisfied with the procedure. Conclusion Fusion takedown is a challenging procedure that should only be performed by experienced surgeons after extensive discussion with the patients. The clinical outcomes are good with overall patient satisfaction, but complication rates are high including risk of repeat fusion or amputation.
Book Review - Richard Hyland's Gifts: A Study in Comparative Law

This essay is a lengthy review of Richard Hyland's Gifts: A Study in Comparative Law (OUP, 2009), a masterpiece of comparative law scholarship.
Low-Spin versus High-Spin Ground State in Pseudo-Octahedral Iron Complexes

Pseudo-octahedral complexes of iron find applications as switches in molecular electronic devices, materials for data storage, and, more recently, as candidates for dye-sensitizers in dye-sensitized solar cells. Iron, as a first row transition metal, provides a weak ligand-field splitting in an octahedral environment. This results in the presence of low-lying 5T excited states that, depending on the identity of iron ligands, can become the ground state of the complex. The small energy difference between the low-spin, 1A, and high-spin, 5T, states presents a challenge for accurate prediction of their ground state using density functional theory. In this work, we investigate the applicability of the B3LYP functional to the ground state determination of first row transition metal complexes, focusing mainly on Fe(II) polypyridine complexes with ligands of varying ligand field strength. It has been shown previously that B3LYP artificially favors the 5T state as the ground state of Fe(II) complexes, and the err...
Novel plasminogen and hyaluronate sodium eye drop formulation for a patient with ligneous conjunctivitis

Purpose The development, analysis, and first clinical use of a novel eye drop formulation of plasminogen and hyaluronate sodium for the treatment of a patient with ligneous conjunctivitis (LC) are described. Summary LC is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the eye that can in rare cases lead to corneal involvement and subsequent blindness. Topically administered plasminogen is an effective treatment for LC; however, the lack of a specific and validated formulation of plasminogen for topical treatment can constitute a gap in the quality of care. A novel formulation of plasminogen and hyaluronate sodium for the treatment of LC was developed by combining commercially available products. Through a series of tests, including microbiological, viscosity, and pH analyses, the novel eye drop formulation was demonstrated to have constant activity (3.3 IU/mL or greater), to be microbiologically stable (i.e., sterile), and to be safe enough for daily administration. The first clinical application of the novel eye drop formulation was in the case of a nine-year-old girl with LC affecting both eyes. Initially, the girl’s parents administered two drops every three hours to the left eye each day while the girl was awake. On examination after 30 days of daily use of the eye drop formulation, the patient was found to have a clear cornea and no membrane development on the conjunctiva; the formulation was subsequently administered in both eyes, with positive results. Conclusion A new formulation of plasminogen plus hyaluronate sodium was developed, tested, and used successfully in a girl with LC.
Ebola Virus Persistence in Semen of Male Survivors

We investigated the duration of Ebola virus (EBOV) RNA and infectious EBOV in semen specimens of 5 Ebola virus disease (EVD) survivors. EBOV RNA and infectious EBOV was detected by real-time RT-PCR and virus culture out to 290 days and 70 days, respectively, after EVD onset.
Prevalence of and risk factors for multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii colonization among high-risk nursing home residents.

OBJECTIVE To characterize the epidemiology of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Acinetobacter baumannii colonization in high-risk nursing home (NH) residents. DESIGN Nested case-control study within a multicenter prospective intervention trial. SETTING Four NHs in Southeast Michigan. PARTICIPANTS Case patients and control subjects were NH residents with an indwelling device (urinary catheter and/or feeding tube) selected from the control arm of the Targeted Infection Prevention study. Cases were residents colonized with MDR (resistant to ≥3 classes of antibiotics) A. baumannii; controls were never colonized with MDR A. baumannii. METHODS For active surveillance cultures, specimens from the nares, oropharynx, groin, perianal area, wounds, and device insertion site(s) were collected upon study enrollment, day 14, and monthly thereafter. A. baumannii strains and their susceptibilities were identified using standard microbiologic methods. RESULTS Of 168 NH residents, 25 (15%) were colonized with MDR A. baumannii. Compared with the 143 controls, cases were more functionally disabled (Physical Self-Maintenance Score >24; odds ratio, 5.1 [95% CI, 1.8–14.9]; P<.004), colonized with Proteus mirabilis (5.8 [1.9–17.9]; P<.003), and diabetic (3.4 [1.2–9.9]; P<.03). Most cases (22 [88%]) were colonized with multiple antibiotic-resistant organisms and 16 (64%) exhibited co-colonization with at least one other resistant gram-negative bacteria. CONCLUSION Functional disability, P. mirabilis colonization, and diabetes mellitus are important risk factors for colonization with MDR A. baumannii in high-risk NH residents. A. baumannii exhibits widespread antibiotic resistance and a preference to colonize with other antibiotic-resistant organisms, meriting enhanced attention and improved infection control practices in these residents. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2015;36(10):1155–1162