cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Aspects of Necrophoric Behavior in the Red Imported Fire Ant, Solenopsis Invicta

Removal of dead ants from the nest (necrophoric behavior) is released solely by contact chemical cues in the fire ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren. Exhaustively extracted corpses do not release necrophoric behavior, but the extracts do when applied to filter paper bits. The necrophoric releaser is absent at death but appears rapidly and reaches a plateau within about an hour. The rate of signal appearance is identical in heat and freeze killed workers, implying a non-enzymatic origin. There is no specialized caste or size of worker which carries out necrophoric labor. In the field, in the absence of slope, corpse-bearing workers head outward from the nest on random radii and drop their corpses at unpredictable distances, making refuse piles rare. There is a positive relationship between slope and the presence of refuse piles, and these are located downhill from the mound. When the headings of necrophoric workers were measured in circular arenas in the lab, the only potential orientational cue (tested : landmarks, light, 5°, 10°, 15° slope) which resulted in non-random distribution of headings was slope. The concentration of the headings was a direct function of the slope and seemed to plateau at about 15°. Corpse-bearing ants show stereotyped behavior upon encountering refuse piles and adding their burden to it. Chemical stimuli probably issuing from the feces in the refuse pile bring about the end of necrophoric behavior and maintain the refuse pile. These chemical cues, as also those initiating necrophoric behavior, must be contacted to be effective.
Ventral striatal anatomy of locomotor activity induced by cocaine, D-amphetamine, dopamine and D1/D2 agonists.

The ventral striatum appears to play a critical role in mediating motoric effects (i.e. ambulatory activity and rearing) of psychostimulants such as cocaine. We evaluated whether sub-regions of the ventral striatum play differential roles in locomotion and rearing induced by various dopaminergic drugs. Injections of D-amphetamine and dopamine stimulated locomotion and rearing with a similar potency at each of the sub-regions: the core, medial shell or medial tubercle. However, injections of mixtures of the D(1)- and D(2)-type agonists SKF 38393 and quinpirole or cocaine into the medial olfactory tubercle or the medial shell of the nucleus accumbens induced marked locomotion and rearing, while these injections into the core induced little or no locomotion or rearing. Furthermore, cocaine injections into the lateral or posterior tubercle produced marginal locomotion and rearing, while cocaine injections into regions just dorsal to these tubercle sites, the lateral portion of the shell or the ventral pallidum, did not produce any stimulating effect. We conclude that dopaminergic compounds induce vigorous locomotion and rearing in both core and shell; the relative roles of the core and shell differ depending on chemical compounds. Similar to the nucleus accumbens, the olfactory tubercle, particularly the medial portion, also mediates these behaviors induced by dopaminergic compounds. The medial ventral striatum (i.e. the medial tubercle and medial shell) plays a more important role in cocaine-induced locomotion and rearing than the lateral ventral striatum (i.e. the core, lateral shell and lateral tubercle). Moreover, the differential effects of cocaine between the medial and lateral portions of the shell on locomotion and rearing suggest more than two functional units (the core vs. the shell) within the accumbens.
The normalized difference vegetation index of small Douglas-fir canopies with varying chlorophyll concentrations

The normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), calculated from reflected red and near-infrared radiation, has been related to various vegetation properties, including leaf area index, light absorption capacity, and photosynthetic potential. In an experiment with miniature canopies of 1-m-tall Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) seedlings, we modified leaf area index, light absorption capacity, and photosynthetic potential by altering the concentration of chlorophyll in foliage and by controlling the density of seedlings. We measured canopy photosynthesis and light transmission in controlled-environment chambers and then transferred seedlings to a hemispheric illumination system where we measured canopy reflectance. We found that altering the visible band used for computation of a normalized vegetation index substantially changed the correlations between the index and canopy properties. For example, the normalized index was best correlated to light absorption capacity when we used a narrow red band (671–674 nm; R2 = 0.71), and least correlated when we used a narrow green band (565–575 nm; R2 = 0.27). On the other hand, the index computed with the 565–575 nm band was best correlated with the photosynthetic potential of canopies grown in sunlight (R2 = 0.84), and the correlation was lower when a narrow red band was used (R2 = 0.37). The cause of these differences is chlorophyll. The green regions of reflectance spectra were much more sensitive to changes in chlorophyll concentration compared with the red or near-infrared regions. Increased chlorophyll concentration was also related to increased photosynthetic potential when canopies had been grown under full sunlight. However, we found no statistically significant relationship between leaf chlorophyll concentration and canopy light absorption.
In vitro susceptibility patterns of Aspergillus and Fusarium species isolated from equine ulcerative keratomycosis cases in the midwestern and southern United States with inclusion of the new antifungal agent voriconazole

Objective To evaluate and compare the in vitro susceptibility of Aspergillus and Fusarium spp. isolated from horses with ulcerative keratomycosis, address regional differences in equine keratomycosis isolates, and provide susceptibility data to update prior studies. Animal studied Fourteen horses with ulcerative keratomycosis. Procedures Banked fungal isolates from equine corneal ulcers (eight Aspergillus spp. and six Fusarium spp.) were identified at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. In vitro minimum inhibitory concentration and susceptibility to natamycin, fluconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole, ketoconazole, and miconazole were determined for each isolate. Results Fungi were significantly more susceptible to voriconazole than to natamycin, itraconazole, fluconazole, and ketoconazole, but miconazole susceptibility did not differ significantly from voriconazole. Aspergillus spp. were most susceptible to voriconazole, miconazole, and itraconazole, which were significantly better to fluconazole and ketoconazole. Fusarium spp. susceptibility was greatest to natamycin and voriconazole and lowest to itraconazole and ketoconazole. Fusarium spp. were significantly less susceptible to itraconazole and ketoconazole compared to natamycin. No significant differences in susceptibility were found when isolates from Florida were compared with isolates from other states. Conclusions and clinical relevance Based on in vitro evidence, voriconazole appears to be the most effective antifungal for initial treatment of equine keratomycosis in the midwestern and southern United States. Results are comparable with previous studies in that isolated fungi from equine keratomycosis cases showed consistently poor susceptibility to fluconazole. Organisms isolated in different geographic locations of the midwestern and southern United States appeared to have similar patterns of antifungal susceptibility.
The effects of pressure release on the sieve plate pores of Nicotiana

Segments of petioles of Nicotiana tabacum L. (var. Wisconsin 38) were fixed in formaldehyde-glutaraldehyde and postfixed in osmium tetroxide for electron miscroscopy. Sieve elements located close to cut surfaces show several effects of the strong hydrostatic flow which occurs in them when they are cut. The P-protein components are massed against the sieve plate and forced into the sieve plate pores forming “slime plugs”. Strands of P-protein may extend “downstream” from the sieve plate pores. Plastids generally rupture, and their starch grains are swept into the slime plugs. Small starch grains pass through the sieve plate pores, but larger starch grains block the pores. If pores are blocked by a starch grain they commonly contain little or not P-protein, indicating that they were unplugged in vivo. There is only slight callose deposition near the cut surface. The observations strongly support the view that phloem sieve plate pores are unplugged in vivo and thus provide anatomical evidence in favor of the mass flow concept.
On growing a random young tableau

On propose une nouvelle procedure de generation de la suite des tableaux de Young aleatoires
A permeability change in Ehrlich ascites tumor cells caused by dextran sulfate and its repair by ascites fluid or Ca2+ ions.

Abstract Exposure of Ehrlich ascites tumor cells to the polyanion dextran sulfate impaired the active transport of α-aminoisobutyric acid and made the cells nonspecifically permeable to sorbitol and erythrosin B. Subsequent incubation with ascites fluid from tumor-bearing mice restored active transport and repaired the permeability barrier in dextran sulfate-treated cells. Ascites fluid was ineffective after dialysis or the addition of ethylene glycol bis(β-aminoethyl ether)- N,N′ -tetraacetic acid, suggesting the involvement of Ca 2+ ions in repair. Treatment with CaCl 2 and glucose under specific conditions restored the transport activity of dextran sulfate-treated cells about three-fourths as effectively as was the case for ascites fluid. This procedure, which involves chemically characterized materials, may be advantageous when one wishes to incorporate impermeable substances into the cells.
The goldfish optic tectum: A golgi study

Abstract The detailed morphology of neurons in the optic tectum of the common goldfish, Carassius auratus, was reinvestigated using rapid Golgi and Golgi-Cox methods. Neurons were classified initially on the basis of the orientation of the primary dendritic processes within the tectum: vertical, horizontal and non-oriented. These 3 groups were subdivided according to the shape of the soma and the axonal and dendritic configurations. The cell types observed in the present study were compared with those reported in earlier analyses of the goldfish optic tectum. Numerous differences, primarily of soma location and axonal origin and pathway for each cell type, were found. The structure of the goldfish optic tectum appears to be quite similar to the tectum of other teleosts.
FGF15/FGFR4 integrates growth factor signaling with hepatic bile acid metabolism and insulin action.

The current studies show FGF15 signaling decreases hepatic forkhead transcription factor 1 (FoxO1) activity through phosphatidylinositol (PI) 3-kinase-dependent phosphorylation. The bile acid receptor FXR (farnesoid X receptor) activates expression of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 15 in the intestine, which acts through hepatic FGFR4 to suppress cholesterol-7α hydroxylase (CYP7A1) and limit bile acid production. Because FoxO1 activity and CYP7A1 gene expression are both increased by fasting, we hypothesized CYP7A1 might be a FoxO1 target gene. Consistent with recently reported results, we show CYP7A1 is a direct target of FoxO1. Additionally, we show that the PI 3-kinase pathway is key for both the induction of CYP7A1 by fasting and the suppression by FGF15. FGFR4 is the major hepatic FGF receptor isoform and is responsible for the hepatic effects of FGF15. We also show that expression of FGFR4 in liver was decreased by fasting, increased by insulin, and reduced by streptozotocin-induced diabetes, implicating FGFR4 as a primary target of insulin regulation. Because insulin and FGF both target the PI 3-kinase pathway, these observations suggest FoxO1 is a key node in the convergence of FGF and insulin signaling pathways and functions as a key integrator for the regulation of glucose and bile acid metabolism.
Charge transfer and asymmetry on Ge(111)-c(2×8) studied by scanning tunneling microscopy

Scanning-tunneling-microscopy images of annealed Ge(111) show large {ital c}(2{times}8) domains with protrusions that match closely the arrangement of adatom and rest-atom dangling bonds in the simple adatom model. The unit cell, however, appears asymmetric or buckled;'' namely, the two adatoms or the two rest atoms within the unit cell show significant differences in apparent height. Both the adatom and rest-atom dangling bonds can be simultaneously observed with either bias polarity, indicating that both are partially filled. These results will be discussed in relation to the proposed charge transfer between the adatoms and rest atoms.
Anesthesia for cesarean delivery in a patient with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome type II.

Background and Objectives Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, an inherited connective tissue disease, is rarely seen in pregnancy. Presentation may be mild or severe, depending on which type of the syndrome the patient possesses. Methods A 38-year-old woman with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome type II presented for cesarean delivery at 34 weeks9 gestation with premature rupture of membranes and breech presentation. Results A subarachnoid block was chosen to provide surgical anesthesia. No adverse side effects or complications developed. Conclusion In patients with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, it is important to be aware of which type is present and to be knowledgeable about and prepared for any potential complications.
Four new species and a new genus of Coccidae (Homoptera: Coccoidea) from Africa

SYNOPSIS A new species of Coccus, close to Coccus subacutus (Newstead), from Malawi, and two other species of Coccus close to Coccus viridulus De Lotto, one from Egypt and the other from Malawi, are described. A new genus is erected, into which Akermes nitidulus De Lotto and a new species from Rhodesia have been placed.
Nonisothermal parison inflation in blow molding

Nonisothermal inflation of a viscous annular parison and its cooling and solidification before and upon wall contact are analyzed by solving the unsteady momentum and energy conservation equations. The algorithm simultaneously determines the flow field and temperature distribution within the parison together with the moving surfaces at every time step. Results of the present study indicate that the inflation rate is increased as a result of higher temperature within the parison. However, the instantaneous shape of the parison and the final thickness variation upon mold contact remain virtually unchanged. Due to the temperature dependence of physical properties, the critical factor during inflation is initial temperature distribution within the parison. Inflation resulting in full attachment to a confining mold wall takes only a small fraction of the time required to cool the material to the ambient gas temperature. The transient calculations illustrate how computer simulations may be used to improve design of blow molding operations, and they are in good agreement with available experiments.
Stock Returns in the 1990s: Implications for the Future

This article addresses the issue of equity market returns at the start of the new millennium by considering the probabilities of various stock market returns occurring. The authors place the notable returns that have occurred in the 1990s into perspective, with a special emphasis on the very large returns during 1995–1998. They also consider the rate of return boundaries that might be expected if the future resembles the past. Such an analysis provides investors with a much better feel for the likelihood of achieving, or failing to achieve, various returns in the future. This analysis also provides some insight in to the Glassman-Hassert argument concerning the Dow at 36,000, a position that has received widespread attention. The authors conclude that their analysis suggests that a short-term movement to such a level is almost certainly not going to occur.
BUCKLE: A model of unobserved cause learning

Dealing with alternative causes is necessary to avoid making inaccurate causal inferences from covariation data. However, information about alternative causes is frequently unavailable, rendering them unobserved. The current article reviews the way in which current learning models deal, or could deal, with unobserved causes. A new model of causal learning, BUCKLE (bidirectional unobserved cause learning) extends existing models of causal learning by dynamically inferring information about unobserved, alternative causes. During the course of causal learning, BUCKLE continually computes the probability that an unobserved cause is present during a given observation and then uses the results of these inferences to learn the causal strengths of the unobserved as well as observed causes. The current results demonstrate that BUCKLE provides a better explanation of people's causal learning than the existing models.
Cultural issues in consultation–liaison psychiatry

Abstract Consultation–liaison psychiatry involves assessment of psychopathology in the medically ill, resolution of conflicts within the medical milieu, and in general aims to optimize medical management and the psychological health of patients. Cultural issues can be important in all these areas, as exemplified by research and case analyses.
Hydrogen storage behavior of ZrNi 70/30 and ZrNi 30/70 composites

Abstract The Zr–Ni compositional alloys, namely (i) ZrNi 70/30 and (ii) ZrNi 30/70 (both by weight) have been investigated for the reversible hydrogenation behavior. These composites show Zr–Ni intermetallic multi-phase formation as explored by X-ray diffraction studies. The sorption kinetics of ZrNi 70/30 seems much faster (∼3–4 times) than that of ZrNi 30/70 alloys. The initial desorption rate increasing with an increase in temperature. A well-defined plateau region was obtained for the ZrNi 70/30 with an equilibrium pressure range from H ) has been calculated to be ∼39 kJ/mol H 2 for the ZrNi 70/30. The surface morphologies of the hydrogenated materials exhibit the presence of cracks and particle size pulverization in comparison to the pristine alloys.
Buccal versus intravaginal misoprostol administration for cervical ripening.

Abstract Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of misoprostol that is administered in the buccal pouch with the intravaginal route of administration. Study Design: One hundred fifty-seven pregnant women with a singleton live gestation, Bishop score of 24 weeks were randomized to receive misoprostol that would be placed either in the buccal pouch or vagina every 6 hours. In the buccal group, after the first 2 doses of 200 μg, the dose was increased to 300 μg for the duration of the study (up to a total of 1600 μg). In the vaginal group, after the first 2 doses of 50 μg, the dose was increased to 100 μg for the duration of the study (up to a total of 500 μg). The primary outcome variable was the interval from the first dose to vaginal delivery. Power calculations indicated the need to enroll 71 patients in each arm of the study, which would allow for the detection of a 4-hour reduction in vaginal birth interval for buccal misoprostol. Results: The hours from drug administration to vaginal delivery were similar between the buccal and vaginal groups (23.5 ± 20.8 hours versus 21.3 ± 13.4 hours), respectively. Thirty-five women (63%) versus 34 women (67%) delivered vaginally within 24 hours ( P = not significant). The incidence of tachysystole was higher in the buccal group, 28 occurrences (38%) versus 15 occurrences (19%; P =.01). Conclusion: Buccal misoprostol is effective for cervical ripening but results in a higher incidence of tachysystole than does intravaginal administration. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2002;186:229-33.)
Aortic mural thrombus in the normal or minimally atherosclerotic aorta

Background Aortic mural thrombus in a nonaneurysmal minimally atherosclerotic or normal aorta is a rare clinical entity and an uncommon cause of peripheral arterial embolization. Both anticoagulation therapy and aortic surgery are commonly used as primary treatment, but there are no consensuses or clinical guidelines to outline the best management strategy for this unusual problem. This systematic review compares the outcomes of these different strategies for the treatment of aortic mural thrombus. Methods An extensive search of the literature was conducted, and all relevant publications were reviewed, with individual patient data pooled in this meta-analysis. The outcome variables included were persistence or recurrence of aortic thrombus, recurrence of peripheral embolization, mortality, and a composite end point of complications consisting of stroke, limb loss, and bowel resection. Chi-square test and logistic regression analysis were used to compare groups and to find any predictors of adverse outcome. Results Two hundred patients from 98 articles were considered. Of these, 112 patients received anticoagulation and 88 underwent aortic surgery as primary treatment. Smoking was more prevalent in the surgery group, but no other significant differences in demographics, comorbidities, or mode of presentation were seen between groups. The surgery group was more likely to have aortic thrombus located in the arch, but there were no differences in terms of the mobility or size of the thrombus between groups. Aortic thrombus persisted or recurred in 26.4% of the anticoagulation group and in 5.7% of the surgery group ( P P = 0.003). Mortality rates were similar at 6.2% and 5.7% for the anticoagulation group and the surgery group, respectively ( P = 0.879). Complications were noted in 27% of the anticoagulation group and 17% of the surgery group ( P = 0.07), and major limb amputation rates were 9% for the anticoagulation group and 2% for the surgery group ( P = 0.004). Logistic regression analysis established thrombus location in the ascending aorta (odds ratio [OR]: 12.7; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.3–238.8) or arch (OR: 18.3; 95% CI: 2.6–376.7), mild atherosclerosis of the aortic wall (OR: 2.5; 95% CI: 1–6.4), and stroke presentation (OR: 11.8; 95% CI: 3.3–49.5) as important predictors of recurrence. Conclusions The results of our meta-analysis seem to favor the surgical management of aortic mural thrombus in the normal or minimally diseased aorta. Anticoagulation as primary therapy is associated with a higher likelihood of recurrence, a trend toward a higher incidence of complications, and a higher incidence of limb loss. Aortic surgery should be considered as primary treatment, particularly for those patients at high risk for recurrence considered to be good operative candidates.
Photoacoustic imaging to guide needle injections

Metal needles are commonly used for drug delivery or biopsy collection in clinical settings. Needle deflection and deformation can occur when inserting needles into soft, non-homogeneous tissues which can affect the location accuracy of insertion. Therefore, the ability to visualize both anatomical surrounding structures and the advancing needle is required. Ultrasound is commonly used for image-guidance of needles; however, specular reflections from the metal surface can deflect the acoustic beam away from the transducer when the needle is even slightly angled from the US transducer thereby rendering the needle invisible in the image. Photoacoustic imaging has been proposed for guidance of metal needles and other metal objects in-vivo. The high optical absorption coefficient of stainless steel can provide high photoacoustic imaging contrast. The photoacoustic signal is produced omni-directionally from the metal surface allowing for greater detection of needles at increasing injection angles compared to ultrasound imaging. In the current work, needles were inserted into excised tissue and imaged using an ultrasound array transducer and a pulsed 800 nm laser. The results showed that at a shallow 10° insertion angle, the photoacoustic ratio of needle signal to background was four-times higher compared to ultrasound. Furthermore, the surrounding tissue composition was observed to have an effect on photoacoustic signal enhancement which correlated with the change of the Gruneisen coefficient of the surrounding tissue environment, suggesting that the photoacoustic signal amplitude could be used to ascertain surrounding tissue composition. Photoacoustic imaging provides sufficient depth penetration for this application and offers excellent image contrast.
High-performance top-gated graphene-nanoribbon transistors using zirconium oxide nanowires as high-dielectric-constant gate dielectrics.

Graphene has attracted a great deal of interest in the past several years.[1–5] New physics has been predicted and observed, such as ultrahigh carrier mobility,[6] electron-hole symmetry and quantum hall effect,[2, 4, 7–9] and the strong suppression of weak localization.[10–12] For mainstream logic application, graphene nanoribbons (GNRs), as thin strips of graphene or unrolled carbon nanotubes, are predicted to be semiconducting due to edge effects and quantum confinement.[13–15] Recent experimental studies have also demonstrated that GNRs can effectively function as a semiconducting channel for room-temperature field-effect transistors.[16–22] By varying the width of GNRs at selected points, it is also possible to create graphene quantum dots within a GNR for single electron transistors.[23] These studies represent important advances in GNR based electronics. However, most of the efforts to date employ a silicon substrate as a global back gate and silicon oxide as the gate dielectrics. While such a device has led to many interesting scientific discoveries, it will be of limited use for practical applications due to the high gate switching voltage required and the inability to independently address multiple units on the same chip.[17, 20, 21] Top-gated devices with high-k dielectrics can significantly reduce the required switching voltage and allow independently addressable device arrays and functional circuits, and therefore are of significant interest.
Solution-based 5,6,11,12-tetrachlorotetracene crystal growth for high-performance organic thin film transistors

Abstract 5,6,11,12-Tetrachlorotetracene is a p -type semiconductor with high hole mobility due to its face-to-face molecular packing and improved electronic coupling. In this study, we demonstrate for the first time the solution processing of 5,6,11,12-tetrachlorotetracene with crystal alignment for the application of organic thin film transistors (OTFTs). Enhanced crystal orientation is achieved by confining the solvent evaporation in a restricted space, which introduces a capillary force and effectively aligns the 5,6,11,12-tetrachlorotetracene crystals. At the same time, a double solvent approach (chloroform/methanol) is utilized to tune the crystal size. The addition of polar hydroxyl groups from methanol weakens the interaction between the less polar 5,6,11,12-tetrachlorotetracene solutes and chloroform solvent, and leads to the formation of supramolecular aggregation. The aggregation acts as nucleation seeds for the crystallization of 5,6,11,12-tetrachlorotetracene semiconductor with enlarged crystal width. As a result, the 5,6,11,12-tetrachlorotetracene based OTFTs demonstrate a maximum hole mobility of 1.1 cm 2 /Vs, which is the highest value ever reported from the solution-processed OTFTs based on 5,6,11,12-tetrachlorotetracene semiconductor.
Isotretinoin-associated normalization of hyperbilirubinemia in patients with Gilbert's syndrome

1. Ehrlich GE, Young I, Nosheny SZ, et al. Multicentric reticulohistiocytosis (lipoid dermarthritis). Am J Med 1972; 52:830-40. 2. Amor B, Saporta L, Forest M, et al. Reticulohistiocytose Multicentrique: deux observations. Rev Rheum Ma1 OsteoArtic 1974;41:643-9. 3. Anderson TE, Carr AJ, Chapman RS, et al. Myositis and myotonia in a case of multicentric reticulohistiocytosis. Br J Dermatol 1968;80:39-45. 4. Andrews B, Stahle IO. Multicentric reticulohistiocytosis. Australas J Dermatol 1972;13:115-62. 5. Fast A. Cardiopulmonary complications in multicentric reticulohistiocytosis. Arch Dermatol 1976;112:1139-4 1. 6. Barriere H, Litoux P, Berger M, et al. Reticulohistiocytose multicentrique periungeale et musculaire. Ann Dermatol Venereol 1980;107:689-91. 7. Guillen C, Fortea JM, Serrano G, et al. Multicentric reticulohistiocytosis. Dermatologica 1984;169:3 11-7. 8. Gao IK, Goronzy JJ, Weyand CM. Ten year follow up of a patient with multicentric reticulohistiocytosis associated with myopathy. Stand J Rheumatol 1990;19:437-41. 9. Nunnink JC, Krusinski PA, Yates JW. Multicentric retio ulohistiocytosis and cancer: a case report and review of the literature. Med Pediatr Oncol 1985;13:273-9. 10. Henriksson KG, Sandstedt P. Polymyositis: treatment and prognosis-a study of 107 patients. Acta Neurol Stand 1982;65:280-300. 11. Kenik JG, Fok F, Huerter CJ, et al. Multicentric reticulohistiocytosis in a patient with malignant melanoma: a response to cyclophosphamide and a unique cutaneous feature. Arthritis Rheum 1990;33:1047-51.
American Heart Association National Research Awards New Programs for 1996

The National Research Committee of the American Heart Association (AHA) is responsible for determining the characteristics of research awards offered by the AHA National Center, which recently have totaled approximately $50 million annually, and for the peer review process that selects awardees. This committee is composed of representatives from each of the 14 Scientific Councils and 6 at-large members, each of whom serves a 5-year nonrecurring term. Members of the Research Committee usually have been recipients of AHA research awards and almost always have served previously in peer review capacities for AHA affiliates, the National Center, and the NIH. Most Research Committee members are current department or division directors within their respective institutions. For more than a year, as a component of an initiative called “Preparing for the 21st Century” that touches on all aspects of AHA activities, the National Research Committee has been reviewing its current portfolio of research awards and considering alternatives for the future. In this endeavor, we have sought and received input from many AHA volunteers and staff working in both national and affiliate programs. This process culminated in March 1995 with Research Committee approval of a complete revision of the research programs offered by the AHA National Center. These changes will not affect applications received in 1995 but will become effective for applications received in 1996 and awards beginning in 1997. At that time, all of the current programs—Established Investigator Award, Clinician-Scientist Award, Minority Scientist Development Award, Grant-in-Aid, and Medical Student Research Fellowship—will be replaced by three new types of grants, as follows. 1. The Scientist Development Grant is a completely new program, targeted at beginning investigators. This 4-year grant will provide $65 000 annually, including up to $30 000 for salary and fringe benefits, with …
Mechanics of sperm-egg interaction at the zona pellucida

Mammalian sperm traverse several layers of egg vestments before fertilization can occur. The innermost vestment, the zona pellucida, is a glycoprotein shell, which captures and tethers the sperm before they penetrate it. We report here direct measurements of the force required to tether a motile human sperm as well as independent calculations of this force using flagellar beat parameters observed for sperm of several species on their homologous zonae. We have compared these sperm-generated forces with the calculated tensile strength of sperm-zona bonds, and found that a motile sperm can be tethered, at least temporarily, by a single bond. Therefore, sperm can be captured by the first bond formed and tethered permanently by a few. The sperm cannot subsequently penetrate the zona unless the bonds are first eliminated. However, premature elimination would simply allow the sperm to escape. Therefore, not only must the bonds be eliminated, but the timing of this must be regulated so that the sperm is already oriented toward the egg and beginning to penetrate as the bonds are broken.
The role of subchondral bone remodeling in osteoarthritis: reduction of cartilage degeneration and prevention of osteophyte formation by alendronate in the rat anterior cruciate ligament transection model.

Objective It has been suggested that subchondral bone remodeling plays a role in the progression of osteoarthritis (OA). To test this hypothesis, we characterized the changes in the rat anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT) model of OA and evaluated the effects of alendronate (ALN), a potent inhibitor of bone resorption, on cartilage degradation and on osteophyte formation. Methods Male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent ACLT or sham operation of the right knee. Animals were then treated with ALN (0.03 and 0.24 μg/kg/week subcutaneously) and necropsied at 2 or 10 weeks postsurgery. OA changes were evaluated. Subchondral bone volume and osteophyte area were measured by histomorphometric analysis. Coimmunostaining for transforming growth factor β (TGFβ), matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9), and MMP-13 was performed to investigate the effect of ALN on local activation of TGFβ. Results ALN was chondroprotective at both dosages, as determined by histologic criteria and collagen degradation markers. ALN suppressed subchondral bone resorption, which was markedly increased 2 weeks postsurgery, and prevented the subsequent increase in bone formation 10 weeks postsurgery, in the untreated tibial plateau of ACLT joints. Furthermore, ALN reduced the incidence and area of osteophytes in a dose-dependent manner. ALN also inhibited vascular invasion into the calcified cartilage in rats with OA and blocked osteoclast recruitment to subchondral bone and osteophytes. ALN treatment reduced the local release of active TGFβ, possibly via inhibition of MMP-13 expression in articular cartilage and MMP-9 expression in subchondral bone. Conclusion Subchondral bone remodeling plays an important role in the pathogenesis of OA. ALN or other inhibitors of bone resorption could potentially be used as disease-modifying agents in the treatment of OA.
Could the Laws of Nature Change

After reviewing several failed arguments that laws cannot change, I use the laws’ special relation to counterfactuals to show how temporary laws would have to differ from eternal but time‐dependent laws. Then I argue that temporary laws are impossible and that neither Lewis’s nor Armstrong’s analyses of law nicely accounts for the laws’ immutability.
The Effect on Endurance of a Verbal Commitment Versus Exhortation, Task Information, and Monetary Incentives ~

Fifty-six male students worked to better their initial endurance scores on a second trial. Those who had formed a verbal commitment to do so performed significantly better than those offered a monetary incentive, exhortations to try hard, or information on how to deal with fatigue cues. The power of the “contract” in this study appears to be due not to additional specificity of information or to experimenter demands but more directly to the reinforcement value of having made a commitment in the presence of another.
Osmotic dilution stimulates axonal outgrowth by making axons more sensitive to tension

Abstract Mechanical tension is a potent stimulator of axonal growth rate, which is also stimulated by osmotic dilution. We wished to determine the relationship, if any, between osmotic stimulation and tensile regulation of axonal growth. We used calibrated glass needles to apply constant force to elongate axons of cultured chick sensory neurons. We find that a neurite being pulled at a constant force will grow 50–300% faster following a 50% dilution of inorganic ions in the culture medium. That is, osmotic dilution appears to cause axons to increase their sensitivity to applied tensions. Experimental interventions suggest that this effect is not mediated by dilution of extracellular calcium, or to osmotic stimulation of adenylate cyclase, or to osmotic stimulation of mechanosensitive ion channels. Rather, experiments measuring the static tension normally borne by neurites suggest a direct mechanical effect on the cytoskeletal proteins of the neurite shaft. Our results are consistent with a formal thermodynamic model for axonal growth in which removing a compressive load on axonal microtubules promotes their assembly, thus promoting axonal elongation.
Evaluation of the apical condensation of gutta-percha by a tapered/calibrated spreader/plugger.

This study compared a tapered, calibrated spreader/plugger instrument (M-series) to noncalibrated spreaders and pluggers in achieving apical condensation of gutta-percha in 20 single-rotted human teeth. The distances between the tip of the instruments and the tip of the master gutta-percha were measured. Results showed no significant difference in apical penetration between the D-11 spreader and finger plugger, also no difference between the M-spreader and M-plugger. The mean distance was significantly larger for the D-11 spreader than that for the M-spreader or M-plugger at 99% confidence level. The mean distance of the finger pluggers was significantly higher than that for the M-spreader at the 95% confidence level. Microleakage evaluation of the obturated teeth did not show a statistically significant difference between all four instruments used in this in vitro study.
Chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency is not associated with cognitive impairment in multiple sclerosis

Chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI) has been reported in multiple sclerosis (MS) yet its significance in relation to cognitive function is undetermined. This study measured the association between the presence and severity of CCSVI and cognitive impairment in patients with MS. CCSVI was assessed using extra-cranial and trans-cranial Doppler sonography in 109 MS patients (79 with relapsing-remitting, 23 with secondary-progressive and 7 with primary-progressive disease subtype). A subject was considered CCSVI-positive if ≥2 venous hemodynamic criteria were fulfilled. The Minimal Assessment of Cognitive Function in MS (MACFIMS) battery was administered assessing the full spectrum of cognitive domains known to be affected by MS. Depression was quantified using the Beck Depression Inventory Fast Screen (BDIFS). Partial correlations, analysis of variance (or covariance) and linear regression were used to examine the hypothesis that CCSVI status is related to cognition or depression after controlling for education and gender. There were 64 (58.7%) patients who were considered CCSVI-positive. The regression models predicting venous hemodynamic insufficiency severity score were not statistically significant for any of the MACFIMS predictor variables. The analysis of variance tests showed a significant effect of CCSVI-positive diagnosis on cognitive ability in only one of the 10 MACFIMS outcomes, and that one was in the opposite direction of the tested hypothesis. There was no correspondence between CCSVI diagnosis and depression, as measured by the BDIFS. We find no evidence of an association between the presence and severity of CCSVI with cognitive impairment and depression in patients with MS.
The role of reproductive technologies in zoos: past, present and future

Reproductive technologies have been playing a role in zoos for more than two decades. However, the value of these techniques has largely been misunderstood. There has been an over-emphasis on hyperbole and the ‘quick-fix’ (the attempted use of assisted-breeding techniques to produce offspring rapidly) and too little prominence on the prerequisite need to understand fundamental reproductive processes. The real value of these technologies is in delving into species-specific mechanisms that regulate reproductive success. Thus, the priority should always be using the technologies as tools to generate new knowledge that can then have applied benefits to management, ex situ or in situ. Models of using this strategy to develop successful assisted-breeding programmes are discussed, as well as the importance of integrating science between researchers and animal managers.
HMGB1/2 can target DNA for illegitimate cleavage by the RAG1/2 complex

V(D)J recombination is initiated in antigen receptor loci by the pairwise cleavage of recombination signal sequences (RSSs) by the RAG1 and RAG2 proteins via a nick-hairpin mechanism. The RSS contains highly conserved heptamer (consensus: 5'-CACAGTG) and nonamer (consensus: 5'-ACAAAAACC) motifs separated by either 12- or 23-base pairs of poorly conserved sequence. The high mobility group proteins HMGB1 and HMGB2 (HMGB1/2) are highly abundant architectural DNA binding proteins known to promote RAG-mediated synapsis and cleavage of consensus recombination signals in vitro by facilitating RSS binding and bending by the RAG1/2 complex. HMGB1/2 are known to recognize distorted DNA structures such as four-way junctions, and damaged or modified DNA. Whether HMGB1/2 can promote RAG-mediated DNA cleavage at sites lacking a canonical RSS by targeting or stabilizing structural distortions is unclear, but is important for understanding the etiology of chromosomal translocations involving antigen receptor genes and proto-oncogene sequences that do not contain an obvious RSS-like element. Here we identify a novel DNA breakpoint site in the plasmid V(D)J recombination substrate pGG49 (bps6197) that is cleaved by the RAG proteins via a nick-hairpin mechanism. The bps6197 sequence lacks a recognizable heptamer at the breakpoint (5'-CCTGACG-3') but contains a nonamer-like element (5'-ACATTAACC-3') 30 base pairs from the cleavage site. We find that RAG-mediated bps6197 cleavage is promoted by HMGB1/2, requiring both HMG-box domains to be intact to facilitate RAG-mediated cleavage, and is stimulated by synapsis with a 12-RSS. A dyad-symmetric inverted repeat sequence lying 5' to the breakpoint is implicated as a target for HMGB1/2 activity. We have identified a novel DNA sequence, called bps6197, that supports standard V(D)J-type cleavage despite the absence of an apparent heptamer motif. Efficient RAG-mediated bps6197 cleavage requires the presence of HMGB1/2, is stimulated by synapsis with a 12-RSS partner, and is directed in part by an inverted repeat sequence adjacent to the DNA cleavage site. These results have important implications for understanding how the RAG proteins can introduce a DNA double-strand break at DNA sequences that do not contain an obvious heptamer-like motif.
Ebstein Anomaly: Assessment, Management, and Timing of Intervention

Ebstein anomaly is a developmental abnormality of the tricuspid valve and right ventricle that results in tricuspid regurgitation and right heart enlargement. Because of the variation in clinical severity and associated findings, patients require a detailed, well-tailored evaluation. For these reasons, management of adults with Ebstein anomaly should take place in a center with expertise in adult congenital heart disease. In many patients, the decision regarding if and when to perform surgery remains controversial, largely because of a lack of published data demonstrating improved postoperative symptoms and survival compared to the natural history of the disease. Because standard two-dimensional echocardiography and cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging planes do not provide the necessary data to preoperatively manage patients, comprehensive echocardiography and cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging protocols by experts trained in congenital heart disease are essential in the preoperative management of patients with Ebstein anomaly. As patients may be unaware of their exercise limitations, and for prognostic value, serial cardiopulmonary exercise stress testing is very useful in the evaluation of Ebstein anomaly patients. Surgical tricuspid valve repair historically has not been highly successful because of the marked distortion of tricuspid valve leaflets and right ventricular pathology. Over the last several years, reports of newer surgical techniques to repair the valve, with concurrent advances in arrhythmia management of patients hold promise for improved long term outcomes of patients with Ebstein anomaly. However, because Ebstein anomaly is rare and tricuspid valve repair remains technically challenging, the newer valve repair techniques have not yet gained widespread acceptance throughout the adult congenital heart disease community.
Globalisation and the state: Still room to move?

In recent years, scholars and policy makers have questioned the extent to which the nation-state – specifically, the modern welfare state, marked by intervention and publicly-provided social protection – is compatible with economic globalisation. While transnational actors, including multinational corporations, institutional investors, banks and non-governmental organisations, undoubtedly influence contemporary national policy making, they have not brought about the demise of the nation-state. Nor have the pressures generated by such actors eliminated crossnational diversity in policy outcomes and political institutions. In the face of economic globalisation, governments retain ‘room to move’, particularly in the developed world but also in developing nations. This essay reviews the empirical and theoretical evidence in support of this claim, beginning with the general issue of economic globalisation and government policy making. I then turn to the relationship between global capital markets and government autonomy. In conclusion, I ask why the ‘race to the bottom’ (RTB) logic remains a feature of contemporary public debates and explore variation across countries and investors in the pressures emanating from global capital markets. Economic globalisation and national government policies Many popular discussions of economic globalisation invoke the ‘race to the bottom’ hypothesis, which is grounded in the imperatives of cross-national competition and economic efficiency. 1 Nations benefit, in aggregate terms, from trade and financial openness, but openness forces them into competition with one another. Competition reduces governments’ abilities to provide goods and services to their citizens and renders governments more accountable to external economic agents than to citizens. This hypothesis implies not only a convergence of national policies, but also a convergence toward the lowest common denominator. It has become a favourite straw man of comparative and international political economists. There are myriad reasons to be sceptical of the claim that the competitive pressures set off by economic openness will lead nations to pursue a similar, bare bones set of economic and social policies. First, domestic institutions play
Polarization study on doped lanthanum gallate electrolyte using impedance spectroscopy

Alternating current complex impedance spectroscopy studies were conducted on symmetrical cells of the type [gas, electrode/La1−xSrxGa1−yMgyO3 (LSGM) electrolyte/electrode, gas]. The electrode materials were slurry-coated on both sides of the LSGM electrolyte support. The electrodes selected for this investigation are candidate materials for solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) electrodes. Cathode materials include La1−xSrxMnO3 (LSM), La1−xSrxCoyFe1−yO3 (LSCF), a two-phase particulate composite consisting of LSM and doped-lanthanum gallate (LSGM), and LSCF + LSGM. Pt metal electrodes were also used for the purpose of comparison. Anode material investigated was the Ni + Ce0.85Gd0.15O2 composite. The study revealed important details pertaining to the charge-transfer reactions that occur in such electrodes. The information obtained can be used to design electrodes for intermediate temperature SOFCs based on LSGM electrolytes.
INCLUSIVE REACTIONS AND TOTAL CROSS SECTIONS WITH POLARIZED INITIAL STATES

Total cross section measurements and the type of inclusive reactions in which no final-state polarizations are measured are discussed. The numbers and kinds of independent non-zero experiments are given and related to the exclusive reaction amplitudes. Only a well-specified and limited type of bilinear product of exclusive reaction amplitudes enter the picture. Certain classes of theories imply certain simple relationships among the observables. The main results of the investigation are summarized in Sec. 5.