cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Oral Implications of Polypharmacy in the Elderly

One of the major side effects of medications prescribed to elderly patients is the qualitative and quantitative alteration of saliva (salivary hypofunction). Saliva plays a pivotal role in the homeostasis of the oral cavity because of its protective and functional properties, including facilitating speech, swallowing, enhancing taste, buffering and neutralizing intrinsic and extrinsic acid, remineralizing teeth, maintaining the oral mucosal health, preventing overgrowth of noxious microorganisms, and xerostomia. With salivary hypofunction, a plethora of complications arise, resulting in decreased quality of life. The anticholinergic effects of medications can be overcome, and the oral cavity can be restored to normalcy.
Multiaxial small fatigue crack growth in metals

Abstract Observations related to the formation and growth of small cracks ranging from subgrain dimension up to the order of 1 mm are summarized for amplitudes ranging from low cycle fatigue (LCF) to high cycle fatigue (HCF) conditions for polycrystalline metals. Further efforts to improve the accuracy of life estimation which address LCF, HCF and LCF–HCF interactions must consider various factors that are not presently addressed by conventional elastic–plastic fracture mechanics (EPFM) or linear elastic fracture mechanics (LEFM) approaches based on long, self-similar cracks in homogeneous, isotropic materials, nor by conventional HCF design tools such as the ϵ – N curve, the S – N curve, modified Goodman diagram and fatigue limit. Development of microstructure-sensitive fatigue crack propagation relations relies on deeper understanding of small crack behavior, including (a) interactions with microstructure and lack of constraint for microstructurally small cracks, (b) heterogeneity and anisotropy of cyclic slip processes associated with the orientation distribution of grains, and (c) local mode mixity effects on small crack growth. The basic technology is not yet sufficiently advanced in these areas to implement robust damage tolerant design for HCF. This paper introduces an engineering model which approximates the results of slip transfer calculations related to crack blockage by microstructure barriers; the model is consistent with critical plane concepts for Stage I growth of small cracks, standard cyclic stress–strain and strain–life equations above threshold, and the Kitagawa diagram for HCF threshold behaviors. It is able to correlate the most relevant trends of small crack growth behavior, including crack arrest at the fatigue limit, load sequence effects, and stress state effects.
The role of cognitive cueing in eliciting vocal variability.

Summary Variation in duration and frequency during three readings of each of eight sentences by 9 normal and 4 voice-disordered subjects are compared. Instructions to the subjects varied with respect to the amount and type of cognitive cueing presented in the trials, and the sentences were read in random order. Variability in fundamental frequency (F 0 ) was greater when pitch variation was specifically cued. Also, the portion of the sentence that was cued had greater variability in F 0 than other parts of the sentence. Variation in fundamental frequency was significantly greater in the cued versus uncued sentence trials for the voice-disordered subjects but not for the normal subjects. However, all subjects exhibited significantly greater duration for cued versus uncued readings of the same sentences. Implications for theory and practice are discussed.
The hiring of academic administrators since the 1972Higher Education Guidelines

With the announcement of the 1972Higher Education Guidelines, colleges and universities were mandated to expand recruitment activities beyond the usual network approach. The intent of theGuidelines was to broaden the search process with the ultimate goal of placing more candidates from underrepresented populations. The purpose of this study was to determine if any change occurred in hiring practices and, particularly, if any change occurred in the hiring of candidates from underrepresented populations for select academic administrative positions in four-year colleges and universities as advertised in theChronicle of Higher Education during the period from 1972 to 1976. It was found that changes in recruitment had taken place but that changes in hiring appeared not to have occurred.
PERTURBATION THEORY OF PION-PION INTERACTION. I. RENORMALIZATION

The problem of pion-pion scattering is studied on the basis of the model of a four-particle direct interaction without derivative coupling. Renormalization is carried out for this model with a detailed analysis of overlap insertions. To every finite order in the renormalized coupling constant, it is shown that the unitarity relation holds and that the Feynman integral representation is still valid, and hence renormalization has no effect on analytic properties.
Effect of litterbags on rate of organic substrate decomposition along soil depth and geomorphic gradients

Purpose The effect of litterbags on rate of organic substrate decomposition and how the magnitude of this effect varies depending on different soil and environmental variables remains poorly quantified. Inthiswork, I determine the effect of mesh litterbags on decomposition of organic substrate at different landform positions and soil depths in a small, naturally eroding watershed. Materials and methods Results presented here are derived from an 18-month field decomposition experiment using a common substrate, wood. I monitored the rate of mass loss of wood as is and the same type of wood enclosed in litterbags constructed from nylon mesh material with 1-mm wide openings. The study was carried out in three to four depths each at four geomorphologically distinct landform positions along an undisturbed hillslope in Northern California. Results and discussion Enclosure of wood inside mesh litterbags significantly changed its rate of decomposition overall and the percent C and C/N ratio of the decomposing substrate, at an inconsistent rate at the different depths and landform positions. The highest change in mass loss due to baggingwasobservedonthesurfaceofthesoil,onthesummit part of the hillslope where there was up to 80-times more differenceindecayrateofbaggedvs.not-baggedsubstrate. At depth, the effect of bagging on rate of mass loss reached a maximum of 10 times at 50 cm depth in the alluvial/colluvial plain at the base of the study hillslope. Conclusions Results from this study underscore the need to exercise caution when inferring rates of organic substrate
Effect of alloxan diabetes on hyaluronidase level of the rat testis.

Summary1. Alloxan diabetes in the male rat had no effect on the hyaluronidase concentration of the testes.(2). Augmentation of the yield of extractable hyaluronidase from testis humogenates by seminal vesicle homugenates was confirmed. No difference in augmentation was noted between the normal and diarbetic rat testes.
Modulation of epidermal growth factor‐dependent protein phosphorylation in cell membrane preparations by receptor down regulation

We have reported previously [6] that epidermal growth factor (EGF)-induced down regulation of EGF receptors in normal rat kidney (NRK) cells results in a selective decrease in the in vitro EGF-dependent 32P-phosphorylation of two membrane phosphoproteins of Mr I70K and Mr I50K. In this report, we further characterized the modulation of 32P-phosphorylation of the 170K- and 150K-dalton proteins by down regulation with EGF in NRK cells. While EGF binding to its receptors was a necessary condition to induce loss of EGF-dependent phosphorylation of the 170K- and 150K-dalton proteins, it was not sufficient. Thus, reduction in the temperature of the incubation of cells with EGF from 37°C to 4°C abolished the loss of EGF-dependent phosphorylation of the 170K- and 150K-dalton membrane proteins. When EGF was removed from the medium the EGF-dependent phosphorylation of the 170K- and l50K-dalton proteins was quickly replenished; by 3 hr one-half of the “down regulated” phosphorylation was restored. All EGF-dependent phosphorylating capacity of the 170K- and l50K-dalton protein bands returned by 6 hr after removal of the growth factor. The loss of EGF-dependent phosphorylation of the 170K- and I50K-dalton proteins occurred at physiological EGF concentrations (0.25–25 ng/ml) that span the concentration range which is mitogenic for NRK cells. Exposure of confluent nondividing NRK cells to 1 ng/ml EGF, followed by incubation for 5 hr at 37°C. led to a 50% reduction in the EGF-dependent phosphorylation of the 170K- and 150K-dalton proteins. Maximal reduction (∼95%) in the EGF-dependent phosphorylation of the 170K- and 150K-dalton proteins was noted with 10 ng/ml EGF for 5 hr. The EGF-induced loss of EGF-dependent phosphorylation was specific: several other growth factors did not produce phosphorylation loss of the 170K-
Oxygen Therapy for Bronchiolitis

An American Academy of Pediatrics clinical practice guideline on the diagnosis and management of bronchiolitis was published recently in Pediatrics .1 This important guideline was evidence based and intended to help guide practitioners in the management of this commonly encountered and potentially serious condition. Recommendation 7a in the guideline includes the following statement: “If the Spo2 [pulse oxygen saturation] does persistently fall below 90%, adequate supplemental oxygen should be used to maintain Spo2 at or above 90%. Oxygen may be discontinued if Spo2 is at or above 90%… .”1 The authors state in … Address correspondence to Joel L. Bass, MD, Department of Pediatrics, Newton-Wellesley Hospital, 2014 Washington St, Boston, MA 02462. E-mail: jbass{at}partners.org
Carrier mobility in single-crystal films of Bi8Te7S5

Abstract Hall effect measurements on single-crystal films of Bi 8 Te 7 S 5 show a high carrier mobility for films thin enough to be semiconducting: μ H =1.13 m 2 /V sec for a film 20 atoms thick. Higher mobilities, μ = 11.7 m 2 /V sec, are obtained from low field magnetoresistance measurements. The thickness dependence of magnetoresistance mobility is in good agreement with theory.
Cross talk in shielded magnetoresistive sensors

A model is presented for one component of the cross talk in shielded magnetoresistance sensors. It describes the contribution produced by anisotropic flux propagation in the permeable parts of a sensor structure which may extend beyond the intended width of the read track. In some designs, this predicts that the cross talk is produced at one side of the sensor, depending on the polarity of the signal. The width of the region producing the cross talk, typically under 2 /spl mu/m, is proportional to the sensor height and increases nonlinearly with the signal strength. When the recorded track is wider than the sensor, this also makes the asymmetry of the readback signal change with the alignment between the sensor and the recorded track; the agreement between the predicted and observed dependence suggests that this is the dominant cross talk mechanism.
Reductions of Methyl 2, 3-DI-O-Benzyl-4-Deoxyβ-L-Threo-Hex-4-Enodialdopyranoside

Abstract Selective reductions of the aldehyde and alkene functionalities in methyl 2, 3-di-O-benzyl-4-deoxy-β-L-threo-hex-4-enodialdopyranoside (4) are described. The title compound was synthesized in six steps from methyl α-D-glucopyranoside. Catalytic reduction of the C-4 - C-5 double bond in 4 gave either methyl 2, 3-di-O-benzyl-4-deoxy-α-D-xylo-hexodialdopyranoside (5) or methyl 2, 3-di-O-benzyl-4-deoxy-β-L-arabino-hexodialdopyranoside (10) in high stereoselectivity depending on the reaction conditions. The α-D-xylo product is a suitable precursor to higher-carbon sugars extended at the C-6 position. Reduction of both products with sodium borohydride gave the corresponding saturated alcohols 12 and 13. The aldehyde group in the title compound was reduced with diisobutylaluminum hydride to give allylic alcohol 11 which was hydrogenated to give, unexpectedly, alcohol 12 as the only product.
The buddhist perspective on business ethics: Experiential exercises for exploration and practice

While Buddhism focuses on the same ethical concerns as Western ethical traditions, it provides a distinct perspective and method for dealing with them. This paper outlines the basic Buddhist perspective and then provides some experiential exercises which offer insight for self-understanding and ethical practices in business. Implications for business and ethics research are provided.
Testing a model of intraurban firm relocation

Abstract A neoclassical model of firm behavior, analogous to Muth's household analysis, in a monocentric urban environment yields comparative static predictions concerning radial direction of relocation. Knowledge of plant production and demand conditions and economic characteristics of the urban environment is needed to make relocation predictions. Expected and unexpected relations between the technology, economic environment, and comparative static results on input demands and location are derived. A small, detailed data set from Cincinnati is used to test a probit model of the relocation decision. The results are consistent with theoretical expectations. Demand changes, initial plant size, and the relative magnitude of transport costs are the most important determinants of the propensity to decentralize. Traditional measures of agglomeration economies lack explanatory power.
Promotion of chemical weathering by higher plants: field observations on Hawaiian basalts

Abstract An electron microprobe and petrographic microscope were used to study the biota-rock interface beneath higher-plant communities and lichens, as well as unvegetated surfaces, on Hawaiian basalt flows ranging from a few years to several thousand years in age and currently receiving moderate to extremely high annual rainfall. We find dramatic (order of magnitude minimum) acceleration of weathering rates beneath vascular plants on the youngest flows relative to adjacent non- or primitively-vegetated controls, notably rocks colonized by the common fruticose lichen Stereocaulon uulcani . Bulk dissolution of plagioclase accounts for most of the weathering observed beneath higher plants on these young basalts. Analysis of older flows under mature forests reveals that chemical weathering beneath vascular plant communities continues unabated for thousands of years after initial colonization. Moreover, such weathering is not limited to exterior basalt surfaces but is commonly found adjacent to joints and vesicles within the rock, where it is often associated with fine (sub-2 mm diameter) plant roots. Plagioclase dissolution was also observed on lichen-encrusted and unvegetated flows a few hundred to thousands of years in age, but it was typically much less advanced than beneath higher plants and rarely extended more than several millimeters from exterior rock surfaces. Chemical denudation rates on older flows with higher plants are at minimum ten times greater than those with only lichens or microbiota in the environments studied. If S. uulcani and associated microflora resemble the terrestrial precursors to vascular plant communities, then the results of studies such as this have implications for the history of atmospheric CO 2 and the Earth's climate.
European corn borer (Lepidoptera : pyralidae) moth captures in aerial water pan traps influenced by replacement of pheromone at different intervals

Aerial water pan pheromone traps were used to monitor flights of the European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis (Hubner), in two locations in South Dakota during 1987 and at three sites in Illinois in 1988. Our objective was to evaluate the effect of different pheromone septa replacement intervals on European corn borer moth captures in aerial water pan pheromone traps. At each location, four treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design. The treatments consisted of differing the length of time pheromone septa were allowed to remain in the water pan traps and were as follows: (1) septa replaced weekly, (2) septa replaced biweekly (once every 2 wk), (3) septa replaced every 3 wk or monthly, and (4) traps used without septa. Results indicate that even when pheromone septa are changed very infrequently (3 wk to monthly), distinct flights of male European corn borer moths can be detected. Moth captures were generally greater in water pan traps in which septa were changed weekly; however, in many instances, no significant differences in trap catches occurred among the three pheromone replacement treatments. When European corn borer populations are very low, the length of time between pheromone septa replacement may not significantly affect the capture of male moths. Replacement of pheromone septa on a biweekly basis should work satisfactorily for a large-scale monitoring program where expense is a concern.
Optimal and near-optimal mechanism design with interdependent values

We study optimal and approximately-optimal mechanism design questions in the interdependent values model, which generalizes the standard setting of independent and private values. We focus our attention on ex post incentive compatible and individually rational mechanisms, and develop an analog of Myerson's optimal auction theory that applies to many interdependent settings of interest. We demonstrate two applications for specific interdependent settings: First, a parallel result to the well-known optimality of the second-price auction with reserve for i.i.d.~bidders, where the English auction replaces the second-price one. Second, we identify good prior-independent auctions --- auctions with near-optimal expected revenue across a wide range of priors --- for certain interdependent value settings.
Synthesis and characterization of poly(LysAla3)

The synthesis and characterization of poly(LysAla3) are described. The polytetrapeptide is a model for short sequences found in proelastin, and is presumably involved in desmosine or isodesmosine cross-link formation in the native protein. Poly(LysAla3) is found to possess a mixture of conformations in aqueous solution dependent on molecular weight and pH. Low-molecular-weight (ca. 3000) material appears to be a mixture of random and extended helix at neutral pH. However, as the molecular weight is increased an increasing amount of α-helix is observed rising to >50% for mol wt = 21,000. The α-helical chain segments are thermally stable, melting to a mixture of extended and random forms at Tm = 25°C. High pH (10.5) promotes further α-helix formation but at pH >11.0 the polypeptide becomes insoluble. The inference is that short chain segments of the peptide in elastin are unlikely to be α-helical in the equilibrium state but may fluctuate through such a conformation.
An estimate of teenage abortion demand

Abstract This study estimates the demand for abortion by U.S. teenagers (15–19 years of age) for the year 1992. The empirical results found teenage abortion demand was inelastic with respect to price and a normal good with respect to income. Teenage abortion demand was also found to be positively related to state Medicaid funding and labor force participation. Parental involvement laws, welfare benefits, educational attainment, and state abortion attitudes are found to have no statistically significant impact on teenage abortion demand. Teenage abortion demand was found to be coincident with the business cycle. Using data pooled over the years 1992 and 1980, the pooled time-series estimates of the teenage abortion demand model were both quantitatively and qualitatively consistent with the cross-section estimates.
Controlled growth factor delivery induces differential neurite outgrowth in three-dimensional cell cultures

Abstract Long-term, localized delivery of growth factors may help regenerate lost structure and function in diseased or traumatized tissues. In previous reports, we have described techniques for releasing precisely controlled quantities of mouse nerve growth factor (NGF) from a poly (ethylene-co-vinyl acetate) matrix. To further study the dynamics and bioactivity of NGF released from a polymer matrix, we cultured PC 12 cells within hydrated gels of type I collagen and embedded a polymer matrix containing NGF in one end of the gel. Spatial variations in neurite outgrowth and NGF concentration were determined for 2 weeks. For comparison, the rate of NGF release from the polymer matrix into buffered saline was also determined. NGF released from a biocompatible polymer matrix induced neurite outgrowth in cells cultured within a three-dimensional gel of collagen. NGF was transported through the collagen gel by diffusion through the gel and convection due to fluid movement into the overlying, well-mixed fluid layer. The extent of neurite outgrowth from the cell clumps at any position in the gel depended on both the time following polymer insertion and distance from the polymer. Neurite outgrowth was most dense within the 15-mm region nearest the polymer, although biologically active NGF did penetrate as far as 38 mm. These techniques may be useful in evaluating the role of controlled release polymers in growth factor delivery to tissues. In addition, this experimental system can be used to quantify the response of tissue-derived cells to well-defined gradients of biologically active factors.
Eliminating non-logical states from linear quantum-dot-cellular automata

Abstract Quantum-dot-cellular automata are a method of computing with small numbers of electrons. The static shape of a particular automaton corresponds to a problem to be solved while the time-dependent evolution of the distribution of electrons within the automaton corresponds to a computation to solve the problem. The final distribution of electrons within the automaton represents a solution. The robustness of an automaton is characterized as the absolute energy difference between the lowest energy state and the first excited state. For computing IDENTITY, a basis for translating values across a larger system, it is shown that the robustness of the automaton can be improved dramatically by redesigning to eliminate non-logical states. By such redesign, the states that populate the energy levels between the logically correct answer and logically incorrect answers are prohibited, thereby increasing the energy gap between the ground state and the first excited state.
Evaluating Molecular Interactions in Polycaprolactone-Biomineralized Hydroxyapatite Nanocomposites using Steered Molecular Dynamics

An experimental and modeling study of a complex nanoclay-based polymeric scaffold system is presented here. A representative molecular model of polymeric nanocomposite scaffold system for bone tissue engineering applications was developed. Polymeric scaffolds were synthesized using organically modified montmorillonite clay (OMMT) with biomineralized hydroxyapatite and polycaprolactone (OMMT–HAP–PCL). The OMMT–HAP–PCL representative model was constructed and validated using transmission electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction and material density results. We observed strong molecular interactions between OMMT, hydroxyapatite (HAP) and polycaprolactone (PCL) in the OMMT–HAP–PCL system. Attractive and repulsive interactions between PCL and different constituents of OMMT and HAP indicate influence of OMMT–HAP on PCL. Polymeric scaffolds were found to have improved nanomechanical properties as compared to pristine PCL due to the introduction of OMMT–HAP. Stress–strain response for the representative OMMT–HAP–PCL model was evaluated using constant force steered molecular dynamics (SMD) simulations. Two distinct stress–strain responses observed in the system indicate a two-phase nanomechanical behavior of OMMT–HAP–PCL obtained at low and high applied stresses. The results obtained from the MD and SMD simulations provide quantitative understanding of molecular interactions between different constituents of OMMT, HAP and PCL and mechanical response in the OMMT–HAP–PCL system.
Kuwait oil fires: correction.

In our article "Airborne studies of the smoke from the Kuwait oil fires" (15 May, p. 987) (1), we stated that the depletions of sulfur dioxide (SO 2 ) and nitrogen oxides (NO x ) in the smoke plume from the Kuwait oil fires were 50 and 60% per hour, respectively. These values were derived from measurements made aboard a Convair C-131 aircraft, and measurements of CO 2 were used as a conserved tracer. Subsequent comparisons of these measurements of CO 2 (which were obtained from a continuous analyzer) with independent measurements of CO 2 (obtained from "grab" samples) revealed that the continuous CO 2 measurements were occasionally contaminated by cabin air. Recalculation of the depletion rates of SO 2 and NO x , with the use of uncontaminated measurements of CO 2 from the "grab" sampler aboard the aircraft yielded values of 6 and 22%, respectively (2). Our conclusions with regard to the climatic effects of the Kuwait oil fires are unchanged.
Preference for high- versus low-potency marijuana

With many drugs of abuse, humans and other species display a preference for higher doses (or more potent dosage forms) over lower doses (or less potent dosage forms). The present study was designed to determine whether this generalization would hold for marijuana smoking by humans. Twelve regular marijuana smokers participated in two independent and identical choice trials in which, on separate sessions, they first sampled marijuana of two different potencies (0.63% and 1.95% delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol; THC) and then, on the next session, chose which of the two, as well as how much, to smoke. During sampling sessions, the high-potency marijuana produced a greater heart rate increase and greater subjective effects than the low-potency marijuana. Subjects chose the high-potency marijuana significantly more often than the low-potency marijuana (21 out of 24 choice occasions). These results support the hypothesis that the reinforcing effects of marijuana, and possibly its abuse liability, are positively related to THC content.
Heme oxygenase type 2 modulates behavioral and molecular changes during chronic exposure to morphine.

Abstract The heme oxygenase (HO) enzyme system has been shown to participate in nociceptive signaling in a number of different models of pain. In these experiments we investigated the role of the HO type 2 (HO-2) isozyme in tolerance to the analgesic effects of morphine, and the hyperalgesia and allodynia which are measurable upon cessation of administration. Wild type C57Bl/6 wild type mice or HO-2 null mutants in that background strain were treated with morphine for 5 days. The morphine administration protocol consisted of either twice daily repeated s.c. boluses of 15 mg/kg or s.c. implantation of a morphine pellet. At the end of the treatment period wild type mice treated by either protocol exhibited tolerance, but the HO-2 null mutants did not. The HO-2 null mutants also exhibited less mechanical allodynia following cessation of morphine administration, though only modest differences in thermal hyperalgesia were noted. There was no correlation between the degree of tolerance obtained in the bolus and pellet protocols and the degree of hyperalgesia and allodynia observed after cessation of morphine administration in the wild type mice. Our final experiments analyzed increases in expression of mRNA for nitric oxide synthase type 1, N -methyl- d -aspartate (NMDA) receptor NMDAR1 subunit and prodynorphin in spinal cord tissue. In pellet-treated mice two- to three-fold increases were observed in the abundance of these species, but very little change was observed in the null-mutant mice. Taken together our results indicate that HO-2 participates in the acquisition of opioid tolerance, the expression of mechanical allodynia after cessation of opioid administration and in gene regulation occurring in the setting of treatment with morphine. Furthermore, these studies suggest that the mechanisms underlying analgesic tolerance and opioid-induced hypersensitivity are at least somewhat distinct.
Effect of maternal exposure to smoke on gas diffusion capacity in neonatal rat.

Offspring of control and experimental (chronically exposed to whole cigarette smoke) rats were sacrificed on 15th postnatal day. Pulmonary tissues were processed for quantitative electron microscopic analyses. Arithmetic and harmonic mean thicknesses were directly measured and diffusion capacity was derived for separate layers (tissue, plasma, erythrocyte) and the entire lung. Experimental offspring showed a greater volume density of interstitium in parenchyma (P < 0.04), arithmetic (P < 0.05) and harmonic (P < 0.009) mean thicknesses. Diffusion capacities for lungs of both animal groups, however, were similar (0.00543 and 0.0054 cm3 O2 · min−1 · mm Hg−1 · g body weight−1 for control and experimental lungs respectively). Experimental tissue appeared better adapted for optimal exchange of gases (P < 0.05), as indicated by corrugation index (ratio between arithmetic and harmonic mean thicknesses) than for the control counterpart. In spite of induced alterations in several developmental processes by a presently used experimental procedure, tissue capacity for transport of gases was not significantly changed in either the alveolo-capillary membrane or the entire lung.
Zinc-induced conformational changes in the DNA-binding domain of the vitamin D receptor determined by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry

Electrospray ionization mass Spectrometry (ESI-MS) was used to measure conformational changes within the DNA-binding domain of the vitamin D receptor (VDR DBD) upon binding zinc (Zn2+). As increasing concentrations of Zn2+ were added to the VDR DBD, a gradual shift in the mass envelope to lower charge states was observed in the multiply charged spectrum. The shift in the charge states was correlated to changes observed in the far-ultraviolet circular dichroic (far-UV CD) spectrum of the protein as it was titrated with Zn2+. Both the multiply charged ESI and far-UV CD spectra of the Zn2+-titrated protein show that the binding of the first Zn2+ ion to the protein results in very little conformational change in the protein. The binding of a second Zn2+ ion resulted in a significant alteration in the structure of the protein as indicated by changes in both the multiply charged ESI and far-UV CD spectra. Much smaller changes were seen within the multiply charged ESI or far-UV CD spectra upon increasing the Zn2+ concentration beyond 2 mol/mol of protein. The results presented indicate that ESI-MS in combination with CD is a powerful method to measure gross conformational changes induced by the binding of metals to metalloproteins.
The effect of ezetimibe on peripheral arterial atherosclerosis depends upon statin use at baseline.

Abstract Background Both statins and ezetimibe lower LDL-C, but ezetimibe's effect on atherosclerosis is controversial. We hypothesized that lowering LDL-C cholesterol by adding ezetimibe to statin therapy would regress atherosclerosis measured by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the superficial femoral artery (SFA) in peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Methods Atherosclerotic plaque volume was measured in the proximal 15–20cm of the SFA in 67 PAD patients (age 63±10, ABI 0.69±0.14) at baseline and annually×2. Statin-naive patients ( n =34) were randomized to simvastatin 40mg (S, n =16) or simvastatin 40mg+ezetimibe 10mg (S+E, n =18). Patients already on statins but with LDL-C >80mg/dl had open-label ezetimibe 10mg added (E, n =33). Repeated measures models estimated changes in plaque parameters over time and between-group differences. Results LDL-C was lower at year 1 in S+E (67±7mg/dl) than S (91±8mg/dl, p 3 , p =NS) or S (11.0±1.5–10.5±1.4cm 3 , p =NS). In E, plaque progressed from baseline to year 2 (10.0±0.8–10.8±0.9, p Conclusions Statin initiation with or without ezetimibe in statin-naive patients halts progression of peripheral atherosclerosis. When ezetimibe is added to patients previously on statins, peripheral atherosclerosis progressed. Thus, ezetimibe's effect on peripheral atherosclerosis may depend upon relative timing of statin therapy. Clinical Trial Registration Information - NCT00587678 http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00587678.
Tunable color filters based on metal-insulator-metal resonators.

We report a method for filtering white light into individual colors using metal-insulator-metal resonators. The resonators are designed to support photonic modes at visible frequencies, and dispersion relations are developed for realistic experimental configurations. Experimental results indicate that passive Ag/Si3N4/Au resonators exhibit color filtering across the entire visible spectrum. Full field electromagnetic simulations were performed on active resonators for which the resonator length was varied from 1-3 µm and the output slit depth was systematically varied throughout the thickness of the dielectric layer. These resonators are shown to filter colors based on interference between the optical modes within the dielectric layer. By careful design of the output coupling, the resonator can selectively couple to intensity maxima of different photonic modes and, as a result, preferentially select any of the primary colors. We also illustrate how refractive index modulation in metal-insulator-metal resonators can yield actively tunable color filters. Simulations using lithium niobate as the dielectric layer and the top and bottom Ag layers as electrodes, indicate that the output color can be tuned over the visible spectrum with an applied field.
The effects of day care on young children: an environmental psychology approach.

The present paper presents a framework for characterizing the emotional impact of day care environments and for predicting the consequent effects on child emotional reactions to day care and to separation, extent of active involvement in day care, and long-term effects of day care on cognitive and intellectual development. The physical and social environment of day care is characterized in terms of its emotional impact with use of three orthogonal dimensions: pleasure-displeasure, arousal-nonarousal, and dominance-submissiveness. Approach toward, or preference for, any setting is then predicted in terms of its emotional impact. Finally, day care settings are ordered in terms of their beneficial-detrimental effects by simply considering children's preference levels (approach) for the settings. Language: en
Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Following Repair of Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernias

Abstract From 1981 through 1986, 8 newborns with congenital diaphragmatic hernia required herniorrhaphy in the first 8 hours of life. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) was employed in 7 after they met local criteria predictive of 95% mortality. These criteria were an alveolar-postductal arterial oxygen gradient greater than 600 mm Hg for 12 hours or hemodynamic instability. Four of these 7 patients had unremitting hypoxemia after herniorrhaphy (no "honeymoon" period), 3 of whom survived. One additional patient died, producing a mortality of 29%. ECMO used for 68 to 241 hours (mean, 163 hours) provided reliable oxygenation in all. Deaths resulted from disseminated intravascular coagulation and bleeding, and bleeding and pulmonary failure after ligation of a patent ductus arteriosus. Complications occurred in 6 patients and included bleeding (3), hernia recurrence (3), and air embolism (1). Follow-up ranging from 1 year to 6 years after discharge of the 5 survivors shows normal growth and development in 4. The reported mortality without ECMO following congenital diaphragmatic herniorrhaphy in the first 8 hours of life ranges between 60 and 80%. While bleeding may present problems, survival of newborns with refractory hypoxemia after diaphragmatic repair has improved with ECMO.
Waveguide propagation of a laser beam along a curved dielectric layer

In the experiment reported here the decay law of the intensity of a thin laser beam while it bends around a cylindrical plexiglas layer under grazing incidence was investigated. It is indicated that the obtained results could be extended, under certain conditions, in order to cover long-range VHF propagation observations and justify appropriate layered models.
Where Do We Go From Here?: Informing Academic Library Staffing through Reference Transaction Analysis

This study conducted a systematic sample of every 70th reference transaction from over a three-year period and analyzed 1,852 reference transactions asked at an academic library system’s fifteen face-to-face (f2f) service points as well as via telephone, e-mail, and chat. Findings indicate two-thirds of the total questions asked were location-based questions about the library. Also, 80.2 percent of location-based questions and 77.2 percent of subject-based questions were asked f2f. Analysis of location-based reference questions informs effective deployment of librarians and staff at library service points as well as the development of mobile library apps.
Autocrine stimulation by insulin-like growth factor 1 and insulin-like growth factor 2 mediates chondrocyte survival in vitro.

Objective To determine the role of autocrine stimulation by insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and IGF-2 in mediating chondrocyte survival and to determine whether chondrocytes from older individuals are more susceptible to cell death when IGF action is blocked. Methods Survival was assessed in human and monkey chondrocytes cultured in suspension in alginate under serum-free conditions. The role of IGFs in mediating survival was determined by treating cultures with neutralizing antibodies to IGF-1 and IGF-2, an antibody that blocks the type 1 IGF receptor, and antisense oligonucleotides to inhibit IGF-1 production. Survival was measured in chondrocyte cultures from young and old adult monkeys in the presence and absence of the IGF receptor blocking antibody and ceramide to induce cell death. Results Cell survival of >90% was noted when chondrocytes were cultured for as long as 107 days in alginate in a supplemented serum-free medium. Compared with controls, survival was significantly reduced by treatment with neutralizing antibodies to IGF-1 (25% cell death), neutralizing antibodies to IGF-2 (18% cell death), antibody to the IGF receptor (45% cell death), and IGF-1 antisense oligonucleotides (28% cell death). Cell death from inhibition of the type 1 IGF receptor was associated with an increase in caspase 3 activity and with positive DNA fragmentation, consistent with apoptotic cell death. Chondrocytes from old adult monkeys were more susceptible to cell death than were those from young adult monkeys when the IGF receptor was blocked and cell death was further stimulated by ceramide. Conclusion Autocrine production of IGFs helps to maintain chondrocyte survival in vitro and could play a similar role in vivo. With aging, chondrocytes may become more susceptible to factors that induce cell death.
Quantum Standing Waves and Tunneling Through a Finite Range Potential

We consider a time independent one dimensional finite range and repulsive constant potential barrier between two impenetrable walls. For a nonrelativistic massive particle projected towards the potential with energies less than the barrier and irrespective of the spatial positioning of the potential allowing for quantum tunneling, analytically we solve the corresponding Schrodinger equation. For a set of suitable parameters utilizing Mathematica we display the wave functions along with their associated probabilities for the entire region. We investigate the sensitivity of the probability distributions as a function of the potential range and display a gallery of our analysis. We extend our analysis for bound state particles confined within constant attractive potentials.
Interpreting three-dimensional spore concentration measurements and escape fraction in a crop canopy using a coupled Eulerian–Lagrangian stochastic model

Plant disease epidemics caused by pathogenic spores are common threat to agricultural crops. Pathogenic spores are often produced and released inside plant canopies but are transported out of the canopy region by turbulent motions and advected longitudinally over long distances so as to infect other fields. Hence, the fraction of spores that “escape” the canopy sets the effective source strength that determines how fast and far plant diseases can spread. To explore the governing variables of this escape and spatial spread of spores, extensive spore release and recapture experiments were conducted in a maize field and interpreted using a coupled Eulerian–Lagrangian stochastic model (LSM). Spores were released from point sources located at three prototypical depths inside the canopy. Concentration measurements were obtained inside and above the canopy with a 3-dimensional grid of spore collectors. The experimental measurements of mean spore concentration were then used to evaluate an LSM for spore dispersion. The drift and dispersion terms of the LSM were predicted employing a conventional second-order closure model of turbulence within plant canopies thereby allowing this combined Eulerian–Lagrangian formulation to be applied to a broad set of agricultural crops. The dispersion model includes spore deposition on and rebound from canopy elements. The combination of experimental and numerical simulations was then used to quantify the fraction of spores that escape the canopy. Effects of release height and friction velocity on the escape fraction of spores were explored with the LSM.
Spin Currents and Intrinsic Spin-Hall Effect in Low Dimensional Systems

We consider the spin-Hall effect in two-dimensional electron systems (2DES) with Rashba and Dresselhaus spin-orbit couplings (SO). We find nonzero diagonal spin conductivity provided that Dresselhaus coupling is finite. In addition we consider the influence of disorder on spin conductivities in these systems. By comparing with the exact diagonalization method the finite quasiparticle lifetime (Born) approximation we argue that the latter one seems to be sufficient to describe the case when spin-orbit coupling is stronger or comparable with disorder strength. Furthermore, in the framework of Landauer–Buttiker formalism we show that the transverse and diagonal spin conductivities in Rashba plus Dresselhaus SO systems are robust against disorder for finite size systems.
Changing Art: SoHo, Chelsea and the Dynamic Geography of Galleries in New York City

Abstract We examine New York's SoHo and Chelsea districts for evidence of how art and place interact over time. More specifically, we trace the decline of New York's SoHo as a gallery district and the concomitant rise of nearby Chelsea, concluding that such a transition cannot simply be explained, as it usually is, by rises in property rents that ‘force out’ the art. Of equal significance, and following a different trajectory, is the change in art prices — particularly for the kind of art with which these places have been in reciprocal relation. A final factor in determining neighborhood fates is how difficult or easy it is to reassemble social scenes from one place to another. We show how artifact specifics, including their shape, form and aesthetic appeal, conjoin with property markets and scene sociality to affect urban morphology. Resume Dans le cadre des recherches consacrees aux liens entre economie creative et processus urbains, cet article s'interesse a la maniere dont art et lieu interagissent sur le long terme dans les quartiers new-yorkais de Soho et Chelsea. Plus precisement, il retrace le declin de Soho en tant que haut-lieu des galeries et l'ascension simultanee du quartier voisin de Chelsea devenu un marche d'art. On ne peut se contenter de l'explication habituelle de cette transition, selon laquelle l'augmentation des loyers a ‘expulse’ l'art. Sur un meme plan, quoique sur un axe different, se trouve l'evolution du prix des œuvres – en particulier dans le type d'art auquel ces lieux ont ete associes reciproquement –, evolution qui se reflete sur l'occupation des terrains. Ce qui influe egalement sur le destin de ces quartiers est la plus ou moins grande difficultea reconstituer les scenes sociales d'un lieu a l'autre. L'article montre comment les specificites des objets d'art, qu'il s'agisse de leur valeur financiere ou de leur forme, se combinent aux marches immobiliers et a la nature sociale des scenes pour modifier la morphologie urbaine.
Kinetics of Early T Cell Receptor Signaling Regulate the Pathway of Lytic Granule Delivery to the Secretory Domain

Cytolytic granules mediate killing of virus-infected cells by cytotoxic T lymphocytes. We show here that the granules can take long or short paths to the secretory domain. Both paths utilized the same intracellular molecular events, which have different spatial and temporal arrangements and are regulated by the kinetics of Ca(2+)-mediated signaling. Rapid signaling caused swift granule concentration near the microtubule-organizing center (MTOC) and subsequent delivery by the polarized MTOC directly to the secretory domain-the shortest path. Indolent signaling led to late recruitment of granules that moved along microtubules to the periphery of the synapse and then moved tangentially to fuse at the outer edge of the secretory domain-a longer path. The short pathway is associated with faster granule release and more efficient killing than the long pathway. Thus, the kinetics of early signaling regulates the quality of the T cell cytolytic response.
Scentindex: Conceptually Reorganizing Subject Indexes for Reading

A great deal of analytical work is done in the context of reading, in digesting the semantics of the material, the identification of important entities, and capturing the relationship between entities. Visual analytic environments, therefore, must encompass reading tools that enable the rapid digestion of large amount of reading material. Other than plain text search, subject indexes, and basic highlighting, tools are needed for rapid foraging of text. In this paper, we describe a technique that presents an enhanced subject index for a book by conceptually reorganizing it to suit particular expressed user information needs. Users first enter information needs via keywords describing the concepts they are trying to retrieve and comprehend. Then our system, called ScentIndex, computes what index entries are conceptually related, and reorganizes and displays these index entries on a single page. We also provide a number of navigational cues to help users peruse over this list of index entries and find relevant passages quickly. Compared to regular reading of a paper book, our study showed that users are more efficient and more accurate in finding, comparing, and comprehending material in our system.
Countercurrent exchange in the inner renal medulla: vasa recta- descending limb system.

A model of countercurrent exchange has been developed to simulate transport of salt, urea and water among vasa recta and descending limbs of the loop of Henle in the inner medulla. These vessels are abstracted as three concentric cylinders: the inner one represents descending vasa recta, the middle one represents ascending vasa recta and the outer one represents descending limbs. The capillary plexus, which connects the ascending and descending vasa recta, is modeled as a series of well-mixed compartments. Multicomponent transport equations for the system are derived from steady state mass balances and simple passive flux relations. The resulting set of nonlinear equations are solved numerically by an iterative Gauss-Seidel algorithm with under-relaxation. Simulations yield the salt and urea concentrations as well as volume flow rates in all tubes and compartments. The simulations indicate that solute concentrations can increase monotonically toward the papillae even if all transport processes within the exchanger are passive and source fluxes decrease monotonically toward the papillae.