cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Subchondral bone of the human knee joint in aging and osteoarthritis

Abstract Objective Although most research investigating the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA) has focused on cartilage, it has been suggested that the subchondral bone (SCB) plays an important role in the development of OA. The relationships between aging, severity of OA change and the SCB thickness and density in the human knee joint specimens from a wide range of ages were examined. Methods One hundred forty knee joints from 72 individuals (25 females, 45 males and 2 unknowns; average age 54.8 years, range 17 to 91 years) were obtained. The surface of the articular cartilage of both the femur and tibia was evaluated for gross morphological changes with a 4-point grading scale. The lateral and medial femoral condyles were cut along a sagittal plane and the tibia along a coronal plane to make bone and cartilage strip specimens. The strips were X-rayed onto mammography film and then scanned into a computer for assessment of SCB thickness and density using image analysis software. Results Medial tibial SCB thickness was significantly lower among the elderly (age>69 years) than among the young (age P 0.001 via ANOVA). Lateral tibial SCB thickness also showed the same trend of decreasing thickness with increasing age, but differences between age groups were not statistically significant. Tibial SCB thicknesses were significantly lower in arthritic grades compared to normal grades ( P =0.008 in lateral and 0.017 in medial via ANOVA); in contrast, no significant differences between normal and arthritic were found in femoral SCB thicknesses. The arthritic group tended to have lower SCB densities than the normal group, but this was statistically significant in only the lateral femoral condyle. Conclusions The results obtained in the present study are not consistent with generally accepted notions of the relationship between subchondral bone thickness or density and OA. Subchondral bone changes are not etiologic for OA but, more likely, are secondary to loss of articular cartilage which precedes the appearance of subchondral sclerosis. Copyright 2002 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd on behalf of OsteoArthritis Research Society International .
Dual-Space Decomposition of 2D Complex Shapes

While techniques that segment shapes into visually meaningful parts have generated impressive results, these techniques also have only focused on relatively simple shapes, such as those composed of a single object either without holes or with few simple holes. In many applications, shapes created from images can contain many overlapping objects and holes. These holes may come from sensor noise, may have important parts of the shape or may be arbitrarily complex. These complexities that appear in real-world 2D shapes can pose grand challenges to the existing part segmentation methods. In this paper, we propose a new decomposition method, called Dual-space Decomposition that handles complex 2D shapes by recognizing the importance of holes and classifying holes as either topological noise or structurally important features. Our method creates a nearly convex decomposition of a given shape by segmenting both the polygon itself and its complementary. We compare our results to segmentation produced by nonexpert human subjects. Based on two evaluation methods, we show that this new decomposition method creates statistically similar to those produced by human subjects.
Using Events as a Mapping Concept that Complement Existing ROS Methods

The Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) methods have used static measures such as spatial zones for settings and activities. However, visitor perceptions, activities, and experiences are dynamic and not always localized within a single and static ROS zone. The ROS framework could be enhanced by methods that document common movements across time and space during peoples' recreation engagements. This paper adds movement as a third pillar to the ROS conceptualization. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the improved utility of event mapping methods over traditional ROS mapping techniques by comparing an ROS map with an event map derived from research in the Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area. Visitors were interviewed on-site using a structured instrument (n = 176). Six common events were mapped and compared with the ROS map. Results suggest that vectors, lines, points, and other symbols complement ROS polygons and better address movement during recreational events.
Hydroisomerization of n-paraffins on a platinum—rhenium/pillared clay mineral catalyst

Abstract An active hydroisomerization catalyst has been prepared by impregnating an acidic pillared clay mineral with the (de) hydrogenation components platinum and rhenium. This material was used to study the hydroisomerization reactions of n-pentane, n-hexane, and n-heptane in hydrogen flowing through a plug flow reactor operated under differential conversion conditions. Single branched isomers were the major reaction products. The rate data agreed well with a Langmuir-Hinshelwood model based on a conventional bifunctional mechanism. The kinetic parameters varied with temperature in a way that is consistent with this model. Selectivity was also tested by changing the ratio of metallic sites to acid sites through selective poisoning. For example, the proportion of methylcyclopentane in the products of cyclohexane dehydrogenation increased as the metal sites were poisoned with dimethylsulfide.
The chemical states of fission-product iodine emanating into a high temperature aqueous environment

The chemical states of iodine in an aqeous environment, at very low concentrations and at temperatures of 1000 to 1300°C, have been investigated using iodine produced by neutron fission of U, UO2 and U3O8. The results show that the final forms of iodine depend on the chemical nature of the environment, being largely elemental (I0) in a neutral or oxidizing atmosphere and largely I− in a reducing atmosphere. Only the reaction I + H2 = HI + H can account for the extent and rate of formation of HI observed when tracer-level iodine is released into steam containing hydrogen. Methyl iodide is produced by reactions between atomic iodine and impurities in the system. All experimental results can be explained on the basis of known iodine states.
Plasma β-amyloid peptide, transforming growth factor-β1, and risk for cerebral amyloid angiopathy

Despite the documented association between apolipoprotein E genotype and cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA), a substantial proportion of CAA-related hemorrhages occur in patients without known risks for this disorder. Two other factors implicated in the pathogenesis of CAA are the amyloid-beta peptide (preferentially deposited in vessels as a 40-amino acid species) and the multifunctional cytokine transforming growth factor-beta 1 (a specific promoter of vascular amyloid deposition in transgenic models). We measured plasma concentrations of these factors in a series of 25 patients diagnosed with probable or definite CAA-related hemorrhage and compared them with 21 patients with hemorrhage due to probable hypertensive vasculopathy and 42 elderly control subjects without hemorrhage. We found no differences among the groups in concentrations of the 40- or 42-amino acid species of beta-amyloid or either the active or latent form of transforming growth factor-beta 1. While the data do not exclude important roles for these molecules as risks for CAA, they indicate that plasma measurements are not useful in its diagnosis.
Mitochondrial Genome Linearization Is a Causative Factor for Cardiomyopathy in Mice and Drosophila

Abstract Aims: Mitofusin (Mfn)2 redundantly promotes mitochondrial outer membrane tethering and organelle fusion with Mfn1, and uniquely functions as the mitochondrial receptor for Parkin during PTEN-induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1)-Parkin-mediated mitophagy. Selective deletion of Mfn2 with retention of Mfn1 preserves mitochondrial fusion while rendering damaged mitochondria resistant to normal quality control culling mechanisms. Consequently, neuron and cardiomyocyte-specific Mfn2 gene ablation is associated with accumulation of damaged mitochondria and organ dysfunction. Here, we determined how mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) damage contributes to cardiomyopathy in Mfn2-deficient hearts. Results: RNA sequencing of Mfn2-deficient hearts revealed increased expression of some nuclear-encoded mitochondrial genes, but mitochondrial-encoded transcripts were not upregulated in parallel and mtDNA content was decreased. Ultra-deep sequencing of mtDNA showed no increase in single nucleotide mutations, but copy number ...
Early lead exposure effects on an auditory threshold task in the rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta).

Behavioral thresholds to pure tones were obtained from adult rhesus monkeys that had been exposed to lead during early development and unexposed cohort controls. Thresholds were elevated (by 2–9 dB) for the previously lead exposed monkeys at all frequencies tested (125–8,000 Hz in octave steps). Although the magnitude and direction of the differences were similar to significant effects reported for children, the more difficult task and much smaller sample sizes in this study of monkeys may have precluded obtaining significant differences at the same magnitude of effects observed in children. Thresholds for one lead-exposed monkey were significantly elevated at midrange frequencies in agreement with electrophysiological results obtained in another study [Lasky, Maier, Snodgrass, Hecox, and Laughlin [1995] Neurotoxicology and Teratology, 17, 633–644]. Behavioral measurements during the threshold task indicated less engagement for lead exposed monkeys than for controls. In addition, the lead exposed monkeys completed testing at significantly fewer frequencies and were significantly more difficult to test than control monkeys by tester ratings. These results are consistent with reports concerning the behavior of lead exposed children. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 51: 289–300, 2009
Perspectives on bone densitometry: Past/present/future

Osteoporosis is defined as a decrease in bone mass and structural changes in bone leading to an increased fracture incidence. Therefore, early diagnosis in terms of prophylaxis and treatment are of great interest. Over the past several decades there has been considerable progress in the development and application of non-invasive methods of bone mass measurements or bone densitometry. This article reviews basic methodology and developments in bone densitometry including the early approaches like radiogrammetry, photo densitometry, neutron activation analysis and compton scattering techniques, present methods like single and dual x-ray absorptiometry and quantitative computed tomography, and recent developments like quantitative ultrasound, magnetic resonance techniques and structural analysis. The widespread interest in bone densitometry will initiate further improvement of established methods and development of new applications.
Fourier reconstruction of univariate piecewise-smooth functions from non-uniform spectral data with exponential convergence rates

Abstract Reconstruction of piecewise smooth functions from non-uniform Fourier data arises in sensing applications such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This paper presents a new method that uses edge information to recover the Fourier transform of a piecewise smooth function from data that is sparsely sampled at high frequencies. The approximation is based on a combination of polynomials multiplied by complex exponentials. We obtain super-algebraic convergence rates for a large class of functions with one jump discontinuity, and geometric convergence rates for functions that decay exponentially fast in the physical domain when the derivatives satisfy a certain bound. Exponential convergence is also proved for piecewise analytic functions of compact support. Our method can also be used to improve initial jump location estimates, which are calculated from the available Fourier data, through an iterative process. Finally, if the Fourier transform is approximated at integer values, then the IFFT can be used to reconstruct the underlying function. Post-processing techniques, such as spectral reprojection, can then be used to reduce Gibbs oscillations.
Enzymatic properties of dimethylglycine dehydrogenase and sarcosine dehydrogenase from rat liver

Dimethylglycine dehydrogenase (EC 1.5.99.2) and sarcosine dehydrogenase (EC 1.5.99.1) are flavoproteins which catalyze the oxidative demethylation of dimethylglycine to sarcosine and sarcosine to glycine, respectively. During these reactions tightly bound tetrahydropteroylpentaglutamate (H4PteGlu5) is converted to 5,10-methylene tetrahydropteroylpentaglutamate (5,10-CH2-H4PteGlu5), although in the absence of H4PteGlu5, formaldehyde is produced. Single turnover studies using substrate levels of the enzyme (2.3 microM) showed pseudo-first-order kinetics, with apparent first-order rate constants of 0.084 and 0.14 s-1 at 23 and 48.3 microM dimethylglycine, respectively, for dimethylglycine dehydrogenase and 0.065 s-1 at 47.3 microM sarcosine for sarcosine dehydrogenase. The rates were identical in the absence or presence of bound tetrahydropteroylglutamate (H4PteGlu). Titration of the enzymes with substrate under anaerobic conditions did not disclose the presence of an intermediate semiquinone. The effect of dimethylglycine concentration upon the rate of the dimethylglycine dehydrogenase reaction under aerobic conditions showed nonsaturable kinetics suggesting a second low-affinity site for the substrate which increases the enzymatic rate. The Km for the high-affinity active site was 0.05 mM while direct binding for the low-affinity site could not be measured. Sarcosine and dimethylthetin are poor substrates for dimethylglycine dehydrogenase and methoxyacetic acid is a competitive inhibitor at low substrate concentrations. At high dimethylglycine concentrations, increasing the concentration of methoxyacetic acid produces an initial activation and then inhibition of dimethylglycine dehydrogenase activity. When these compounds were added in varying concentrations to the enzyme in the presence of dimethylglycine, their effects upon the rate of the reaction were consistent with the presence of a second low-affinity binding site on the enzyme which enhances the reaction rate. When sarcosine is used as the substrate for sarcosine dehydrogenase the kinetics are Michaelis-Menten with a Km of 0.5 mM for sarcosine. Also, methoxyacetic acid is a competitive inhibitor of sarcosine dehydrogenase with a Ki of 0.26 mM. In the absence of folate, substrate and product determinations indicated that 1 mol of formaldehyde and of sarcosine or glycine were produced for each mole of dimethylglycine or sarcosine consumed with the concomitant reduction of 1 mol of bound FAD.
Ferroelectric solid solutions with morphotropic boundary: Rotational instability of polarization, metastable coexistence of phases and nanodomain adaptive states

Ferroelectric solid solutions with different symmetry phases at opposite sides of the perovskite-based pseudo-binary phase diagram are considered. An analysis of the concentration dependence of polar anisotropy shows conditions under which the anisotropy changes sign, assuming zero value. The orientational stability of a polarization was investigated near this point, which is also a position of so-called morphotropic boundary (MB). The symmetry conditions resulting in the high-symmetry ferroelectric phases with finite temperature–composition stability field as well as the thermodynamic conditions providing their metastable two-phase coexistence are formulated. A loss of orientation stability around MB results in a divergence of fluctuations of polarization direction and a peak of dielectric susceptibility. The calculated energy of a 90° domain wall demonstrates that this energy is drastically reduced or even vanishes at the MB. The latter leads to a miniaturization of the domain structure to the nano-scal...
Comparison of the effects of biogenic amines on cyclic GMP and cyclic AMP levels in mouse cerebellumin vitro

Abstract Norepinephrine (NE) elevates levels of both 3′,5′-guanosine monophosphate (cyclic GMP) and 3′,5′-adenosine monophosphate (cyclic AMP) in incubated slices of mouse cerebellum. As little as 1 μM NE is capable of increasing the level of either cyclic nucleotide. Maximal elevations of cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP levels produced by NE are 15- to 4-fold and 2- to 4-fold, respectively. Dopamine, serotonin and histamine, other biogenic amines considered to be neurotransmitters in CNS, have no effect on mouse cerebellum cyclic nucleotide levels except at relatively high (1 mM) concentrations. NE-induced accumulation of cyclic GMP, but not cyclic AMP, is blocked by omission of Ca 2+ from the incubation media. Theophylline does not alter the effect of this catecholamine on either cyclic nucleotide. In tissue slices incubated in buffered sucrose or in choline-Krebs buffer, NE is still capable of increasing both cyclic GMP and cyclic AMP levels; however, these elevations are less than those observed in brain slices incubated in Krebs-Ringer buffer. NE, in combination with glutamate, produces supra-additive elevations of both cyclic GMP and cyclic AMP levels. However, NE in combination with adenosine or high levels of K + only has a synergistic effect on cyclic AMP and not on cyclic GMP accumulation. The elevation of cyclic AMP levels produced by NE appears to be mediated via both α- and β-adrenergic receptor sites. In contrast, the receptor site(s) mediating cyclic GMP accumulation do not appear to be either typical α- or β-adrenergic receptors.
Graduate Economics Programs in the United States

Sterrett and Barr comment on the results of a survey of graduate programs in economics in the United States and on the marked increase in the number of masters degrees granted by the responding institutions.
The early pattern of cardiac innervation in the fetal guinea pig.

Embryonic hearts were obtained from 78 guinea pig embryos at 20–40 days of gestation. They were frozen quickly, freeze-dried and prepared by the Falck catecholamine fluorescent method for demonstration of adrenergic fibers. Other hearts were fixed in 10% formalin and examined after silver impregnation with the Holmes technique. The results of the two methods were correlated to visualize the total neural pattern as well as the specific adrenergic elements of the developing hearts. The present study indicates that vagal fibers, accompanied by the primordia of the cardiac ganglia, reach the atrial wall on the twenty-fifth day of gestation in the guinea pig. They penetrate the wall and are distributed by individual branches throughout the atrial wall from days 26 to 29 inclusive. From day 30 to parturition, the basic pattern of atrial distribution is elaborated by the lengthening, thickening, and branching of individual fibers. Sympathetic fibers pass to the atrial wall from the twenty-fifth to twenty-ninth day, those coursing with the vagus nerve arriving on the twenty-fifth day, while the remaining fibers arrive on the twenty-sixth to the twenty-ninth days. A ventricular ground plexus of sympathetic fibers is present just deep to the epicardium on the twenty-sixth day, and from this point until 30 days of gestation the ground plexus penetrates the ventricular myocardial wall. The sympathetic fibers at first course along the edge of a muscle bundle, but not between muscle fibers. The nerves become thicker at 29 days but do not exceed 2 μ. They branch slightly at 27 days, and at 30 days they are well branched and appear to overlie the surface of the muscle bundles simulating a perimysial plexus. At 40 days a very dense perimysial plexus is visible which contains some fluorescent nerves. Complete autonomic innervation is established by the thirtieth day of gestation.
Life cycle of Ornithodoros turicata americanus (Acari: Argasidae) in the laboratory.

The following characteristics are described from a laboratory colony of the Florida subspecies of Ornithodoros turicata reared on suckling mice: egg incubation period and percent hatch; prefeeding, feeding, and premolting periods for larvae and 1st-6th nymphal instars; male and female feeding and mating periods; egg number; and ovipositional period and pattern. Behavioral and other observational data are reported, including some comparisons with several other Ornithodoros spp. and with published accounts of the life history of O. turicata from the western U.S. Based on distributional, behavioral, and biological information, the name americanus is resurrected for the Florida subspecies of O. turicata .
Electrodeposited silicate films: importance of supporting electrolyte.

Silica and hybrid organic−inorganic films, ca. 100−200 nm thick, can be grown on glassy carbon electrodes through reactions initiated by electrogenerated hydroxide or hydronium ions in water under reductive and oxidative conditions, respectively. A variety of different alkoxysilanes (tetramethoxysilane and organoalkoxysilanes) and supporting electrolytes were used to evaluate whether film formation takes place on glassy carbon electrodes. The results of the study indicate that the acid−base properties of the supporting electrolyte are an important factor in determining whether film formation will take place. For cathodic electrodeposition, thin films can be formed using supporting electrolytes that are close to neutral, such as KCl, KNO3, and NaClO4. For anodic electrodeposition, thin films can be formed using supporting electrolytes that are acidic, such as, KH2PO4, HNO3, H2SO4, etc. The acidity/basicity effects of the electrolytes arise in part from the strong dependence of the hydrolysis and condensati...
Public Policy and the Control of Agricultural Production

The control of agriculture, and its relationship to the economic organization of agriculture, has become a widely discussed issue, but with little of factual or analytical substance on which to draw conclusions. The effect of U.S. public policy upon structure and control has been central to the discussion. This paper is a review and assessment of the present state of knowledge about the relationships between agricultural policy and structure, and between policy and control, in the United States.
LEDs as excitation source for time resolved singlet oxygenluminescence detection in cell suspensions

LEDs have more and more influence on daily life as well as on scientific equipment. In this paper we want to report results gained with the first LED powered setup for time resolved detection of the singlet oxygen luminescence in solution as well as in cell suspension. The results show, that this setup can compete with the best laser powered setups worldwide. The high sensitivity comes along with a superior long term stability and wavelength versatility. Setups based on LED excitation can simplify the technical part of such measurement very much and reduce the costs, making this technology available for a wider scientific community.
Reading Disability in an Epidemiological Context Incidence and Environmental Correlates

Among four year-groups of children in a school system (266 girls, 284 boys), 4 percenthad a reading disability (IQ ≥ 85), and 2.7 percent were “slow learners” (IQ < 85). Reading disabled boys tended to be later born in their families, and 40 percent of those born in the local area came from the 10.8 percent of boys born when the mean monthly climatic temperature was ≥ 71°F (mainly July). This was seven times the rate for boys born in cool or moderate months (33°F to 70°F). Lower reading scores were associated with hot birth month temperatures for all socioeconomic groups. Possible explanations are discussed.
Intergranular squirt flow in sand: grains with viscous cement

Abstract We offer an exact solution to the problem of deformation of two elastic spherical particles with viscous cement at their contact. This model is intended to mimic a granular geomaterial whose grains are covered with viscous fluid of geologic or biogenic nature (e.g., marine sediment, heavy-oil sand, asphalt concrete). The solution for the normal stiffness of a two-grain combination is reduced to an ordinary integro-differential equation that has to be solved numerically. We find two approximations for the rigorous numerical solution. The simplest one, based on the Maxwell viscoelastic model, cannot accurately reproduce the relaxational behavior of the system. The second one is based on the Cole–Cole model that allows one to introduce a spectrum of relaxation times. This expression is very accurate and can be used instead of the numerical solution. The complex effective elastic moduli of the aggregate are calculated from statistical averaging for a dense random pack of identical spheres. The theoretical results match well experimental data obtained on a glass bead pack with viscous epoxy cement.
Strategies to reduce alcohol-exposed pregnancies.

In addition to the adverse effects of alcohol on the fetus, alcohol use can leads to other adverse effects on the health of women including reproductive health conditions that are not addressed in this brief. Though the approaches mentioned here are primarily aimed at reduction of prenatal alcohol-related pregnancies, any reduction in hazardous alcohol consumption among women will add to improvements in the general health of women. Multiple federal and non-fedral health agencies and organizations recommend that pregnant women and those planning a pregnancy should abstain from alcohol use. Although assessment and interventions are valuable tools to recognize and address alcohol use and secondary pregnancy outcomes, they are underutilized in primary care settings. To reduce the burden of alcohol exposed pregnancies and alcohol’s impact on the health of families, it is critical for physicians and health care providers to consistently screen childbearing-aged women for alcohol use with validated screening tools which can be embedded in the patient screening protocol. Tools are now available for pediatricians and child health care providers to enhance early recognition of FASD and reduce secondary conditions that often accompany physical maturation [4]. Brief clinician-delivered behavioral interventions to women and their partners, counseling regarding effective contraceptive options when not planning a pregnancy, and improving access to such services for those who are unable reduce their alcohol intake can help more women reduce their risk for an alcohol exposed pregnancy [11]. Referral to needed social services should complement health services in order to achieve maximum benefits of primary care-based attempts to reduce alcohol-exposed pregnancies. Given the levels of alcohol use among childbearing aged women, primary care-based individual level assessment and intervention continues to remain a critical prevention strategy for reducing alcohol-exposed pregnancies.
Nonlinear dynamics of the infinite classical Heisenberg model: existence proof and classical limit of the corresponding quantum time evolution

For any initial spin configuration we prove the existence, unicity and regularity properties of the solution of Hamilton's equations for the infinite classical Heisenberg model with stable interactions, along with the essential selfadjointness of the associated Liouville operator. We also prove new properties of SU (2)-coherent states which, together with the concept of Trotter approximations for one-parameter (semi-) groups, are used to show that this dynamics is nothing but the classical limit of the time evolution generated by the infinite quantum (suitably normalized) Heisenberg Hamiltonian. The classical limit emerges when the spin magnitude S goes to infinity while Plank's constantħ goes to zero, their product Sħ remaining fixed. The main results are stated in the form of intertwining relations between the classical and the quantum unitary group.
Study of wavelength-shifting chemicals for use in large-scale water Cherenkov detectors

Cherenkov detectors employ various methods to maximize light collection at the photomultiplier tubes (PMTs). These generally involve the use of highly reflective materials lining the interior of the detector, reflective materials around the PMTs, or wavelength-shifting sheets around the PMTs. Recently, the use of water-soluble wavelength-shifters has been explored to increase the measurable light yield of Cherenkov radiation in water. These wave-shifting chemicals are capable of absorbing light in the ultravoilet and re-emitting the light in a range detectable by PMTs. Using a 250 L water Cherenkov detector, we have characterized the increase in light yield from three compounds in water: 4-Methylumbelliferone, Carbostyril-124, and Amino-G Salt. We report the gain in PMT response at a concentration of 1 ppm as: 1.88 {+-} 0.02 for 4-Methylumbelliferone, stable to within 0.5% over 50 days, 1.37 {+-} 0.03 for Carbostyril-124, and 1.20 {+-} 0.02 for Amino-G Salt. The response of 4-Methylumbelliferone was modeled, resulting in a simulated gain within 9% of the experimental gain at 1 ppm concentration. Finally, we report an increase in neutron detection performance of a large-scale (3.5 kL) gadolinium-doped water Cherenkov detector at a 4-Methylumbelliferone concentration of 1 ppm.
A higher order a-stable Maxwell solver using successive convolution

We develop a numerical scheme for solving Maxwell's equations to high accuracy in both space and time, without incurring the traditional Courant-Friedrichs-Lewy (CFL) stability limit on the time step. Our scheme utilizes a novel technique, successive convolution, to achieve order 2P in time at N spatial points, with a cost of O(PdN) in d spatial dimensions. The speed and efficiency of the solver is due to the dimensional splitting we employ, which means that spatial convolution is performed line-by-line, making it logically Cartesian. However, the spatial points can be adjusted without affecting the stability, and so we can freely embed smooth non-rectangular domains into the grid, thereby preserving accuracy.
Field theoretical calculation of NN pion production

Abstract A lowest-order Feynman diagram calculation of the process NN→NNπ at intermediate energies is presented. The calculation incorporates ρ-as well as π-meson exchange with hadronic form factors and N- and Δ33-resonance intermediate states and is in very good agreement with the recent differential cross-section spectra measurements near 800 MeV.
Bandwidth-Enhanced Electrically Small Printed Folded Dipoles

This letter presents a wire folding scheme to enhance the bandwidth of an electrically small resonant microstrip antenna. As an example, meandered two-wire slow-wave lines spread on both sides of a dielectric slab short-circuited at both ends form a vertically folded printed dipole. It is found that the radiation resistance increases by about a factor of 4, and the energy storage increases by about a factor of 2, using a folded dipole. It is shown through both measurement and simulation that the Q-factor is reduced by about 50% through antenna folding. A 0.14 ?-long folded dipole resonant at 2.43 GHz shows a bandwidth of about 4.8%. The proposed folding method facilitates planar antenna miniaturization with sufficient bandwidth.
The impactor flux in the Pluto-Charon system

Current impact rates of comets on Pluto and Charon are estimated. It is shown that the dominant sources of impactors are comets from the Kuiper belt and the inner Oort cloud, each of whose perihelion distribution extends across Pluto's orbit. In contrast, long-period comets from the outer Oort cloud are a negligible source of impactors. The total predicted number of craters is not sufficient to saturate the surface areas of either Pluto of Charon over the age of the Solar System. However, heavy cratering may have occurred early in the Solar System's history during clearing of planetesimals from the outer planets' zone.
Evidence for Insulin-Like Growth Factor-I Regulation of Chick Aortic Elastogenesis

Abstract The potential role of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) as a modulator of chick aortic embryogenesis was examined. Studies were designed to investigate the in vivo relationships between embryonic IGF-I serum concentrations, liver and aortic IGF-I mRNA steady-state levels and the inception and perpetuation of aortic elastogenesis. In addition to aortic tissue, elastogenesis was measured in heart and lung tissues in order to compare the responses of functionally unique elastin-containing tissues to the developmental appearance of IGF-I in embryonic serum. Our results demonstrate that the induction of aortic tropoelastin mRNA steady-state levels coincides with a major increase in serum IGF-I concentration. This is not the case with either lung or heart elastogenic responses. All three tissues examined (aorta, lung, and heart) exhibited different developmental patterns of tropoelastin mRNA steady-state levels during the embryonic ages studied (8- through 10-day). Only aortic tropoelastin mRNA levels paralleled the rise and fall of IGF-I serum levels. Steady-state levels of liver IGF-I mRNA peaked one day (9-day) prior to detectable IGF-I serum levels but otherwise mirrored the gradual, but steady decrease in IGF-I serum levels through 16-day. Aortic tissue also expresses IGF-I mRNA beginning at 8-day and continuing throughout the embryonic ages examined (16-day). Although the relative levels of aortic IGF-I mRNA are very low in comparison to corresponding mRNA levels in liver, the fact that IGF-I mRNA is transcribed in the aorta points to the possibility that autocrine and/or paracrine mechanisms of IGF-I action may be operative in aortic elastogenesis.
Proteolytic Activity in the Sarcoplasmic Fluids of Parasitized Pacific Whiting (Merluccius productus) and Unparasitized True Cod (Gadus macrocephalus)

Proteolytic enzymes in the sarcoplasmic fluid of Pacific whiting (Merluccius productus) were studied to determine which proteases might be involved in the severe textural defect associated with this species. The results were compared to those obtained for true cod (Gadus macrocephalus), a fish having firm texture. Two pH optima of enzymic activity were noted for whiting, pH 3.5–3.9 and 7.1–7.2. Two pH optima were also observed for cod, pH 3.2–3.6 and 7.8–8.0. Whiting but not true cod contained enzymic activity similar to cathepsin B. Cathepsin C activity was greater in whiting than in cod.
EFFECTS OF GAME STRUCTURE, RANGE OF PAY-OFF AND STRATEGY OF THE OTHER ON COOPERATION IN MIXED-MOTIVE GAMES

Szcmmary.-A 2 x 2 X 2 factorial design with repeated measures was employed in two experiments to determine the effects of: (a) game structure, (PDG vs CDG) ; (b) range of pay-off (equal vs unequal) ; (c) strategy of the other (cooperative vs defective) on the frequency of cooperative responses in 2 X 2 mixed-motive games. Analysis showed significant effects for game structure, strategy of the other, and all the two-way interaction effects (fi = -001 ) but no significant effect for range of pay-off. The frequency of cooperative responses was higher in the CDG than in the PDG. In the PDG, defective strategy generated defection, and cooperative strategy also generated defection. In the CDG, defective strategy generated cooperation while cooperative strategy generated defection. In game theory, a normalized pay-off matrix is a rectangular array of outcomes for all possible combinations of strategy choices. A typical pay-off matrix of a 2 X 2 mixed-motive game is presented in Table 1.
Carfilzomib: A second-generation proteasome inhibitor for the treatment of multiple myeloma

Purpose The pharmacology, clinical efficacy, safety, cost, dosage and administration, and place in therapy of carfilzomib for the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM) are reviewed. Summary Proteasome inhibition in MM has become a cornerstone in treatment regimens. Carfilzomib, a second-generation proteasome inhibitor, has demonstrated efficacy in patients with relapsed or refractory disease who have received at least two prior therapies including bortezomib and an immunomodulatory agent. Carfilzomib is an irreversible inhibitor and binds to a different site than bortezomib on the proteasome. A Phase II study evaluated 266 heavily pretreated patients with relapsed or refractory MM who had received at least two prior therapies, including bortezomib and either thalidomide or lenalidomide. The overall response rate was 23.7%, with a median duration of response of 7.8 months. The median overall survival time was 15.6 months. Carfilzomib has a similar adverse-effect profile to bortezomib, including anemia, thrombocytopenia, fatigue, dyspnea, and nausea; however, it does not result in the development or worsening of peripheral neuropathy. Carfilzomib is infused intravenously over 2–10 minutes for 2 consecutive days every week for three out of four weeks, with a 12-day rest period. Dosing is based on the patient’s actual body surface area. Carfilzomib is available in 60-mg vials for single infusion. The total cost for a year of therapy is approximately $155,852. Conclusion Carfilzomib, a second-generation proteasome inhibitor that irreversibly inhibits the 26S proteasome, has shown efficacy in clinical studies of patients with relapsed or refractory MM, though the drug’s role in the management of MM is not yet clear.
Conductance of Ideally Cation-Selective Ion Channel Depends on Anion Type

Gramicidin A (gA) is a cation selective ion channel that has been used in many biophysical studies of lipid bilayers, in particular for investigations of lipid-protein interactions [1, 2] and membrane electrostatics [3]. In addition, it was found that ionic interactions with neutral lipid membranes also affect the kinetics of gA channels [4]. Here we report measurements of gA ion-channels for a series of sodium and potassium salts that show an anion-dependence of gA conductance. We find that gA conductance varies significantly with the anion type with ClO4 and SCN producing distinctly larger conductance values than Cl, F, and H2PO4. These results can provide new insights into ion-lipid membrane interactions and ion channel functions in general. [1] Andersen et al., Annu. Rev. Biophys. Biomol. Struct., 1996, [2] Lunbaek et al., PNAS 2010, [3] Rostovtseva et al. Biophys. J. 1998, [4] Rostovtseva et al. Biophys. J. 2008.
A statewide student unit record system: Florida as a case study

This chapter describes the evolution, content, and use of Florida's unit record system, which includes data on K–20 students and staff. It presents examples of how information derived from tracking is used both for state-level policy making and institution-level research and practice.
Roelands' missing data:

AbstractThe author questions the accuracy of application of the Roelands equation in pressureviscosity relationships for lubricants. He contends that in the development of his equation when Roelands discarded some vital data on high-viscosity measurements that did not fit his claim of universal applicability. The author suggests that some conclusions based upon calculations using the Roelands equation should be reexamined.
Optimization of Detectability in Laser-Based Polarimeters

To optimize the performance of a laser-based polarimeter, a mathematical simulation was performed. High-modulation currents allow a corresponding increase in signal. However, the effect of ohmic heating puts an upper limit on the power input to the solenoid. With this constraint, one can systematically choose the wire diameter and the number of turns per unit length. An experimental verification of the optimized parameters provided performance approaching the shot-noise limit. By using higher modulation currents, one can operate at 1 kHz to achieve detectability in the microdegree range, without the complications of high-frequency (100 kHz) modulation.
Epigenetics: an expanding new piece of the stroke puzzle.

Completion of the Human Genome Project in 2003 ushered in a wave of optimism and anticipation that new therapies and even cures for many diseases would soon be forthcoming [1]. Aside from impressive progress in reducing the costs of genotyping [2], the promise offered by the Human Genome Project has been largely unrealized, particularly in relation to stroke [3]. More than 100 Genome-Wide Association studies [4] made possible with the new information provided by the Human Genome Project have yielded many interesting findings about the genetics of stroke-related brain injury, but all have generally fallen far short of identifying a genetic basis for vulnerability to cerebral ischemia [5]. With the notable exception of monogenic diseases, Genome-Wide Association studies have generally not been an efficient strategy to elucidate the genetic mechanisms of disease, particularly in complex pathologies such as ischemic cerebral injury [6]. These studies have taught us that most disease pathologies, including those associated with cerebral ischemia, are polygenic and involve highly variable contributions from the genes involved. Such findings raise the important question: why are the genetic components of complex diseases so variable?
Estrogen Regulation of Aquaporins in the Mouse Uterus: Potential Roles in Uterine Water Movement

Estrogen stimulates water imbibition in the uterine endometrium. This water then crosses the epithelial cells into the lumen, leading to a decrease in viscosity of uterine luminal fluid. To gain insight into the mechanisms underlying this estrogen-stimulated water transport, we have explored the expression profile and functionality of water channels termed aquaporins (AQPs) in the ovariectomized mouse uterus treated with ovarian steroid hormones. Using immunocytochemical analysis and immunoprecipitation techniques, we have found that AQP-1, -3, and -8 were constitutively expressed. AQP-1 expression was restricted to the myometrium and may be slightly regulated by ovarian steroid hormones. AQP-3 was expressed at low levels in the epithelial cells and myometrium, whereas AQP-8 was found in both the stromal cells and myometrium. AQP-2 was absent in vehicle controls but strongly up-regulated by estrogen in the epithelial cells and myometrium of the uterus. This localization implicates all four isotypes in movement of water during uterine imbibition and, based on their localization to the luminal epithelial cells, AQP-2 and -3 in facilitating water movement into the lumen of the uterus. The analysis of the plasma membrane permeability of luminal epithelial cells by two separate cell swelling assays confirmed a highly increased water permeability of these cells in response to estrogen treatment. This finding suggests that estrogen decreases the luminal fluid viscosity, in part, by enhancing the water permeability of the epithelial layer, most likely by increasing the expression of AQP-2 and/or the availability of AQP-3. Together these results provide novel information concerning the mechanism by which estrogen controls water imbibition and luminal fluid viscosity in the mouse uterus.
Epidemiological Baseline of Influenza Virus in Wild Aquatic Birds in Hong Kong during the Pre-H5N1 Endemic Era

Influenza virus surveillance was conducted on wild ducks and shorebirds in Hong Kong at the Mai Po Nature Reserve to determine whether East Asian wild aquatic birds passing through or overwintering in Hong Kong are reservoirs of H5N1 influenza viruses and to establish an epidemiological baseline of influenza virus in wild aquatic birds during the pre-H5N1 endemic era. Three influenza viruses were isolated from 3178 faecal samples collected over three sampling periods from 1988 to 2001 during the southern and northern migration periods. The isolation rates and viruses were, respectively 0.08% (H10N5) in 1988 – 1990, 0.12% (H11N1) in 1998 and 0.09% (H3N8) in 1999 – 2001. Whereas tracheal and intestinal colon explants from representative shorebirds were susceptible to in vitro infection by the H10N5 virus, orally infected shorebirds were apparently not. Genetic analyses indicated that the nucleoprotein, matrix and nonstructural genes of the three viruses were related to those of aquatic bird viruses in Asia, but not to those of the human H5N1 virus. The present study provided epidemiological baseline information for future influenza virus surveillance in wild aquatic birds in southeast China.
Distributed diagnosis of complex systems using timed failure propagation graph models

Timed failure propagation graph (TFPG) is a directed graph model that represents temporal progression of failure effects in physical systems. In this paper, a distributed diagnosis approach for complex systems is introduced based on the TFPG model settings. In this approach, the system is partitioned into a set of local subsystems each represented by a subgraph of the global system TFPG model. Information flow between subsystems is achieved through special input and output nodes. A high level diagnoser integrates the diagnosis results of the local subsystems using an abstract high level model to obtain a globally consistent diagnosis of the system.
Who chooses risky jobs

Empirical studies indicate that a disproportionate number of blacks are found in dangerous jobs. This study replicates this finding with new fatality rates within 353 occupations. A model implicating family background and race as determinants of risk and time preferences is developed to explain the result. Evidence is also produced suggesting that family background influences risk and time preferences and risky job choice. Policy implications for expenditures on Occupational Safety and Health are drawn.
Spatial Analysis of Soil Erosion and Sediment Fluxes: A Paired Watershed Study of Two Rappahannock River Tributaries, Stafford County, Virginia

Soil erosion is a serious problem in areas with expanding construction, agricultural production, and improper storm water management. It is important to understand the major processes affecting sediment delivery to surficial water bodies in order to tailor effective mitigation and outreach activities. This study analyzes how naturally occurring and anthropogenic influences, such as urbanization and soil disturbance on steep slopes, are reflected in the amount of soil erosion and sediment delivery within sub-watershed-sized areas. In this study, two sub-watersheds of the Rappahannock River, Horsepen Run and Little Falls Run, were analyzed using the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) and a sediment delivery ratio (SDR) to estimate annual sediment flux rates. The RUSLE/SDR analyses for Horsepen Run and Little Falls Run predicted 298 Mg/y and 234 Mg/y, respectively, but nearly identical per-unit-area sediment flux rates of 0.15 Mg/ha/y and 0.18 Mg/ha/y. Suspended sediment sampling indicated greater amounts of sediment in Little Falls Run, which is most likely due to anthropogenic influences. Field analyses also suggest that all-terrain vehicle crossings represent the majority of sediment flux derived from forested areas of Horsepen Run. The combined RUSLE/SDR and field sampling data indicate that small-scale anthropogenic disturbances (ATV trails and construction sites) play a major role in overall sediment flux rates for both basins and that these sites must be properly accounted for when evaluating sediment flux rates at a sub-watershed scale.
On divides and interfaces: Access, class, and computers

Abstract In this article, I reconstruct the discussion of access within the field of computers and writing, articulate a notion of class that might be useful for work in the field, and revisit the issue of the digital divide. This reconstruction of access, class, and divides is linked by a heuristic framed by a rhetoric of the everyday that might guide research and intervention strategies. A rhetoric of the everyday makes visible the relationships between access and class, between the material and the rhetorical, and between and among other issues of identity. These relationships constitute a set of interfaces that work in computers and writing must navigate. To navigate them, we need to drill deep into intersections between materiality and activity, or into the infrastructure of inequality.