cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A quantitative assessment of human trampling effects on a rocky intertidal community

Abstract The density and diversity of algae and invertebrates in the rocky marine intertidal were studied at three sites differing in degree of human trampling. Quantitative sampling showed that (1) a general pattern of higher density and diversity occurred at the less trampled sites, (2) the densities of the mussels and barnacles and the diversity of algae were unaffected and (3) at the most trampled site, the brown alga Pelvetiopsis limitata was absent and the small bivalves Lasaea spp. were found in lower densities.
An insoluble Ca2+-binding factor from rat liver mitochondria

Abstract An insoluble factor capable of binding Ca2+ with high affinity has been obtained in 100-fold purification from water extracts of rat liver mitochondria. It contains a major protein species of MW ∼ 67,000 ± 10%, 27 percent phospholipid, free fatty acids, over 8 per cent hexosamines, and considerable chloroform-methanol insoluble phosphorus. It binds up to 70 nmoles of Ca2+ per mg protein at high-affinity sites and about 900 nmoles of Ca2+ at low affinity sites. Ca2+ binding is inhibited by La3+ and ruthenium red, but not by respiratory inhibitors or uncouplers. Dialysis in the presence of Ca2+ inactivates Ca2+ binding. The factor is compared with a soluble glycoprotein of ox liver mitochondria isolated by Sottocasa et , al. (4).
Efficiency of Commercial Agricultural-Grade Limestone

The University of Georgia (GA) lime recommendation equation includes a multiplier of 1.5 to account for agricultural (ag) lime that is less reactive than reagent-grade calcium carbonate (CaCO3). Research has not been conducted with ag lime to arrive at this multiplier with GA soils typical of the coastal plain or with ag limes available in GA. These ag limes may differ in their reactivity from others tested previously. The efficiency of five dolomitic ag limes were compared to reagent-grade CaCO3 on two GA soils with different pH-buffering capacities. Reactions other than acid neutralization by lime affected pH, especially in the soil with low pH-buffering capacity. Results from the soil with high pH-buffering capacity yielded multipliers of 1.17, 1.16, 1.48, 1.34, and 1.73 for ag limes 1 through 5, respectively, with an average multiplier of 1.38. Based on these results, continued use of a multiplier of 1.5 is appropriate.
Impact analysis of some cost reduction options for a metropolitan fire department

R ECENTLY, the authors were commissioned by the budget office of a large city to undertake a limited two-month study to identify some cost reduction options for the city's fire department and to conduct a preliminary analysis of their potential impact. The goal was to assess some fruitful options which, after more detailed analysis, could be considered for inclusion in future labor negotiations between the city and the fire fighters' union. While the city has accepted the study results, it has not yet acted on them. For this reason, the study results are presented herein in such a manner that the city in question cannot be identified,* and the city's fire department is simply referred to as the metropolitan fire department (MFD). The purpose of this paper is twofold. First, it identifies several cost reduction options which fire departments throughout the country could consider implementing as their budgets become increasingly limited due to such taxcapping efforts as California's Proposition 13 and Massachusetts' Proposition 2 V2. Second, it provides examples of how simple techniques can be applied to study the impact of various options of deploying fire fighting resources. Five deployment options are considered in this paper. These options
Complexity in close binary evolution

The complex nature of close binary evolution is briefly reviewed. Population synthesis calculations of zero-age cataclysmic variable stars (ZACVs) are presented using a common envelope (CE) efficiency parameter, αCE, that is a function of the core mass of the primary. Specifically, we investigate the possibility that αCE is different for CE evolution involving red giant branch (RGB) primaries than for asymptotic giant branch (AGB) primaries. We calculate a sequence of model orbital period distributions in present-day ZACVs for 11 different combinations of efficiency parameters (αRGB, αAGB). We find that if CE evolution is much less efficient for RGB primaries than for AGB primaries (αRGB ∼ 0.1 or less), the number of CVs that form below 2 h is significantly decreased compared with standard constant αCE models. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity, 2008.
Modeling Mitochondrial Calcium Dynamics in Heart

Mitochondria are critically important for normal cellular function as they underlie ATP production, initiate apoptosis, and potentially alter cytosolic calcium ([Ca2+]i) signals. In heart, the ends of intermyofibrillar mitochondria (IMF) are in close proximity (∼100 nm diffusional distance) to junctional sarcoplasmic reticulum (jSR) which is the source of the elementary SR Ca2+ release, the Ca2+ spark. With each Ca2+ spark or cell-wide [Ca2+]i transients, the ends of neighboring IMF are exposed to a local microdomain [Ca2+] greater than diastolic [Ca2+]i. The negative inner mitochondrial membrane potential provides a driving force for the uptake of cytosolic Ca2+ through the mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter (MCU) into the mitochondrial matrix. Matrix Ca2+ ([Ca2+]m) levels are determined by the balance of Ca2+ influx via the MCU and Ca2+ extrusion via the mitochondrial Na+/ Ca2+ exchanger (NCLX). It is unclear, however, if the mitochondria take up enough Ca2+ to play a role in buffering cytosolic Ca2+ during Ca2+ signaling events. A computational approach is ideally suited to investigate mitochondrial Ca2+ dynamics since experimental measurements of mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake within a cell are very difficult. Here we use a 3D spatial Ca2+ diffusion model to assess mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake during Ca2+ sparks and [Ca2+]i transients. All key parameters are constrained by recently characterized kinetic information from MCU and NCLX. We find that even in the presence of elevated local [Ca2+]i microdomains, mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake is modest compared to [Ca2+]i removal via the sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA2a) and Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (NCX). While unlikely to alter [Ca2+]i signals significantly, the small changes in [Ca2+]m estimated by the model should serve to regulate the activity of [Ca2+]m-sensitive enzymes and thus control mitochondrial function.
Knee dislocations: a magnetic resonance imaging study correlated with clinical and operative findings.

Our objectives were to determine retrospectively the prevalence, patients’ demographics, mechanism of injury, combination of torn ligaments, associated intra-articular and extra-articular injuries, fractures, bone bruises, femoral–tibial alignment and neurovascular complications of knee dislocations as evaluated by magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. From 17,698 consecutive knee examinations by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) over a 6-year period, 20 patients with knee dislocations were identified. The medical records of these patients were subsequently reviewed for relevant clinical history, management and operative findings. The prevalence of knee dislocations was 0.11% [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.06–0.16)]. There were 16 male patients and four female patients, with ages ranging from 15 years to 76 years (mean 31 years). Fifteen patients had low-velocity injuries (75%), of which 11 were amateur sports related and four were from falls. Four patients (20%) had suffered high-velocity trauma (motor vehicle accidents). One patient had no history available. Anatomic alignment was present at imaging in 16 patients (80%). Eighteen patients had three-ligament tears, two had four-ligament tears. The four-ligament tears occurred with low-velocity injuries. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) were torn in every patient; the lateral collateral ligament (LCL) was torn in 50%, and the medial collateral ligament (MCL) in 60%. Intra-articular injuries included meniscal tears (five in four patients), fractures (eight in seven patients), bone bruises (15 patients), and patellar retinaculum tears (eight partial, two complete). The most common extra-articular injury was a complete biceps femoris tendon tear (five, 25%). There were two popliteal tendon tears and one iliotibial band tear. One patient had received a vascular injury following a motor vehicle accident (MVA) and had been treated prior to undergoing MRI. Bone bruises (unrelated to fractures), four-ligament tears, biceps femoris tears, and popliteus tendon tears were encountered only in the low-velocity knee dislocations. Twelve were treated surgically, five conservatively, and three had been lost to follow-up. The biceps femoris tendon was repaired in every patient who was treated surgically. Knee dislocations occurred more commonly in low-velocity injuries than in high-velocity injuries, predominantly affecting amateur athletes. Biceps femoris tendon tears were the most common extra-articular injury requiring surgery. Neurovascular injury (5%) was uncommon. At imaging, femoral–tibial alignment was anatomic in the majority of patients.
Reexamining the Effects of Particle Size and Surface Chemistry on the Magnetic Properties of Iron Oxide Nanocrystals: New Insights into Spin Disorder and Proton Relaxivity

Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanocrystals are a class of nontoxic and biodegradable nanomaterials with broad applications in science, engineering, and medicine, but there is still considerable debate on how crystalline domain size and surface chemistry influence their properties for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Here we examine the effects of particle size and surface chemistry by comparing proton relaxivity data for two particle sizes and three surface coatings (6 combinations). These combinations are achieved by using both direct ligand exchange and indirect encapsulation methods to solubilize oleic-acid capped iron oxide nanocrystals. The results indicate that proton relaxivity depends on the particle size, the surface coating thickness and hydrophilicity, and the coordination chemistry of inner capping ligands. Nanocrystals coated with the hydrophilic ligand polyethylenimine (PEI) yield the highest proton relaxivity, whereas nanocrystals capped with oleic acid and amphiphilic polymers exhibit the ...
Patterns of family followup: a study of children with mental retardation and associated developmental disorders.

A followup study of services to 100 children with mental retardation and associated disorders revealed many unmet needs, although the great majority of families received satisfactory service. The importance of considering the families' presenting problems as the focal point of management was demonstrated. Family characteristics of social class, referral source, and presenting problems were correlated with the expressed needs. The specific nature of the child's mental retardation problem was less closely related to these needs. The importance of a continuing diagnostic-therapeutic evaluation as a model for management of mental retardation was emphasized by the study.
Primary production: Marine ecosystems

The seas occupy the greater part (70%) of the earth's surface, but their total net primary production is less than that of the land. Depletion of nutrients in the lighted surface waters is responsible for low productivities of most of the open ocean; higher productivities occur in coastal waters and areas of upwelling. A recent estimate of total production for the marine plankon is 50×10 9 metric tons of dry matter per year; the total with benthic production may be 55×109 tons/year. The value for the plankton may be too low; there are persistent problems in measuring productivity with the radiocarbon technique. Because harvestable fish populations are concentrated in a limited area of more productive waters, where they are subject to overharvest and pollution effects, major increase in food production from the seas is not likely.
When the patient doesn't die

Little has been written about the effects on psychotherapy when a patient who is expected to die survives. A young woman who was nearing the end of routine psychotherapy was found to have breast cancer. There were two recurrences of the malignancy, and while everything pointed toward a rapid death, the patient did not die. Psychotherapy, which had begun before the diagnosis, continued during intensive medical treatment and beyond. Some of the changes affecting both the patient and the therapist are described, and some guidelines are suggested for conducting psychotherapy with cancer patients who have prolonged survival.
Special Issue on “Evidence” in American Religions

Kelly J. Baker introduces this special issues of Bulletin for the Study of Religion, on 'Evidence' in American Religions.
Engine HC Emissions Modeling: Partial Burn Effects

Abstract A comparison of predicted and experimental HC emissions at high rates of exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), indicates that partial burning is responsible for significant changes in HC emission trends under otherwise normal, non-misfiring engine operating conditions. Ion-probe experiments show a measurable fraction of engine cycles in which the flame did not completely propagate across the chamber whenever HC emissions were high. A simple semi-empirical model is proposed to predict HC emissions from partial burning based on measured burn rate parameters.
An Analysis of Cooperative Bargaining in the Processing Tomato Industry

This article analyzes factors which affected the bargaining process and outcome of negotiations for the processing tomato industry in Indiana and Ohio during the 1966 growing season. Data obtained from Indiana and Ohio tomato processors, grower representatives, and growers was used to reconstruct the bargaining process to determine what factors were considered in establishing contract objectives, to determine various factors each party thought affected bargaining strength and the outcome of negotiations, and to measure attitudes about bargaining. Substantial differences were found between the parties' conception of supply and demand response and those estimated statistically. Processors and grower representatives underestimated supply response and consumers' response to higher prices. Significant differences between grower and processor attitudes toward bargaining were identified. Processors were primarily concerned about quality factors and growers with price. This suggests that a “trading off” of concessions would benefit both parties.
The relationship between Q gamma and Ca release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum in skeletal muscle

Asymmetric membrane currents and fluxes of Ca2+ release were determined in skeletal muscle fibers voltage clamped in a Vaseline-gap chamber. The conditioning pulse protocol 1 for suppressing Ca2+ release and the "hump" component of charge movement current (I gamma), described in the first paper of this series, was applied at different test pulse voltages. The amplitude of the current suppressed during the ON transient reached a maximum at slightly suprathreshold test voltages (-50 to -40 mV) and decayed at higher voltages. The component of charge movement current suppressed by 20 microM tetracaine also went through a maximum at low pulse voltages. This anomalous voltage dependence is thus a property of I gamma, defined by either the conditioning protocol or the tetracaine effect. A negative (inward-going) phase was often observed in the asymmetric current during the ON of depolarizing pulses. This inward phase was shown to be an intramembranous charge movement based on (a) its presence in the records of total membrane current, (b) its voltage dependence, with a maximum at slightly suprathreshold voltages, (c) its association with a "hump" in the asymmetric current, (d) its inhibition by interventions that reduce the "hump", (e) equality of ON and OFF areas in the records of asymmetric current presenting this inward phase, and (f) its kinetic relationship with the time derivative of Ca release flux. The nonmonotonic voltage dependence of the amplitude of the hump and the possibility of an inward phase of intramembranous charge movement are used as the main criteria in the quantitative testing of a specific model. According to this model, released Ca2+ binds to negatively charged sites on the myoplasmic face of the voltage sensor and increases the local transmembrane potential, thus driving additional charge movement (the hump). This model successfully predicts the anomalous voltage dependence and all the kinetic properties of I gamma described in the previous papers. It also accounts for the inward phase in total asymmetric current and in the current suppressed by protocol 1. According to this model, I gamma accompanies activating transitions at the same set of voltage sensors as I beta. Therefore it should open additional release channels, which in turn should cause more I gamma, providing a positive feedback mechanism in the regulation of calcium release.
Learning and retention of sucrose taste aversion in weanling rats

Sixty rat pups, 21 days old, drank 9% sucrose and then received a single injection of distilled water or.3,.6, 1.8, or 3.0 mEq of lithium chloride (LiCl). Testing with a two-bottle choice procedure showed that sucrose taste aversion occurred reliably following injections of 1.8 and 3.0 mEq of LiCl, but not following.3- or.6-mEq injections. In Experiment 2, 80 rat pups, 21 days old, drank 9% sucrose and received an injection of LiCl (3.0 mEq) or distilled water and then were tested for taste aversion 24, 48, 72, or 168 h later. Aversion effects were reliable at each retention interval; the magnitude of aversion was invariant across intervals.
A Continence Procedure Using a Single Ureter as a Nonrefluxing Ureter and Catheterizable Neourethra

Cloaca1 exstrophy is one of the most difficult surgical challenges in pediatric urology. We report a technique that incorporates 2 common surgical principles to achieve urinary continence and upper tract integrity in a girl with cloacal exstrophy, and a solitary pelvic kidney and ureter. The submucosal tunneling procedure, a cornerstone of the surgical correction of vesicoureteral reflux, and the Mitrofanoff principle,' used to achieve urinary Continence, are surgical techniques that have expanded the field of reconstructive urology and provided improved surgical correction of cloacal exstroPhY.
Crosslinking of fluorocarbon elastomers: Characterization of crosslinking system to obtain transparent, tough materials

Viton® GLT is a new low-temperature fluoroelastomer with a Tg near −40°C. A study was made on methods of Crosslinking this material while retaining its transparency. Combinations of trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate, TMPTM, and triallyl isocyanurate, Diak® #7, were milled into Viton GLT. After molding, the materials were exposed to electron-irradiation, cross-linking the material. Transparent, tough materials were obtained for compositions containing about 3 percent TMPTM/3 percent Diak #7/3 Mrads, which had an extension of over 100 percent, a tensile strength of over 1000 PSI, excellent clarity, and low surface tack.
Women's Access to Politics and Peaceful States*

The article examines the relationship between women in society and the use of force by the state in the international arena. The arguments build on a conception of power relationships found in gender studies and feminist theories, and focus on how the internal distribution of political power at a societal level (as opposed to a state level) will influence the willingness of the ruling elite to engage in militarized interstate disputes and war. That is, the article explores the extent to which fertility rates directly and indirectly - through women's employment and political office - are associated with the use of force by a state. The authors draw on public opinion literature, which shows that women's attitudes toward the use of force differ from those of men, to argue that the more women have access to the political process the more constrained will be the state in its use of force. The results of the analysis demonstrate that at the dyadic level, contiguous pairs of countries with low birthrates are less likely to go to war, while, more generally, the lower the birthrates the less likely is a country to become engaged in the more violent of militarized disputes. Our results suggest that policies to promote family planning might be one effective form of managing the amount of interstate violence.
Infrared spectra of arene matrices containing some atomic metals

Abstract Codeposition of atomic iron, cobalt, or nickel at liquid nitrogen temperature with benzene or toluene produced unstable arene—metal π-complexes whose i.r. spectra were analogous to those of the known and thermally stable bis-(arene)chromium. The presence of both a 1:1 precursor and a more stable 2:1 arene—metal complex is suggested by the temperature dependence of the spectra of some of these systems.
Developments of furan and benzodifuran semiconductors for organic photovoltaics

This review describes the developments of organic photovoltaic materials containing furan or benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b′]difuran (BDF) building blocks. Promising power conversion efficiencies above 6% have been achieved in the past two years for the BDF donor–acceptor polymers. Fundamentals of organic photovoltaics are briefly introduced at the beginning of this review. The uniqueness and advantages of BDF building block in semiconducting materials are discussed and compared with benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b′]dithiophene analogues.
Familial clustering of intracerebral hemorrhage: a prospective study in North Carolina.

Few studies have assessed the frequency of familial clustering in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Of 144 patients with ICH prospectively assessed, 14 (9.8%) had a positive family history of ICH (FH+).
The CO2-H2O system. II. calculated thermodynamic mixing properties for 400°C, 0–400 MPa

Abstract An excess molar volume (Vex)-explicit virial equation, and two empirical Vex expressions developed from experimentally determined densities, were used to calculate excess Gibbs free energies (Gex) and activity-composition (a-X) relations for CO2-H2O fluids at 400°C, 0–400 MPa. Excess Gibbs free energies are continuously positive and asymmetric toward H2O at all pressures up to 400 MPa, rising to peak values of approximately 1300, 1800, 2000 and 2100 J · mol−1 at 50, 100, 200 and 400 MPa, respectively. Calculated activities for H2O and CO2 vary correspondingly, increasing substantially from 0 to 100 MPa, moderately from 100 to 200 MPa, and slightly from 200 to 400 MPa. In addition, because Gex is asymmetric toward H2O, a-X relations for H2O are distinctly different from those for CO2. These results indicate that CO2-H2O fluids are strongly nonideal at 400°C and all pressures above ∼30 MPa, despite the fact that peak values for Vex decrease from ∼50 cm3 · mol−1 at 30 MPa to ∼1 cm3 · mol−1 at 200 MPa, and remain small to pressures at least as high as 500 MPa. Excess Gibbs free energies and a-X relations for CO2-H2O fluids at 400°C and pressures to 400 MPa calculated from modified Redlich-Kwong and Lee-Kesler equations of state generally suggest significantly smaller positive deviations from ideality.
Regulated splicing of the amyloid precursor protein gene during postnatal development of the rat basal forebrain.

Abstract The expression of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) gene has been examined in the basal forebrain of rats from birth to adulthood. Levels of total APP mRNA are highest at birth and at postnatal day 15 (P15). The most abundant transcript in rat brain in APP-695, whose expression has previously been found to be largely restricted to the central nervous system. Comparison of the developmental profiles of APP-695 mRNA with that of Kunitz-protease inhibitor (KPI)-containing APP mRNA shows that the greatest difference in expression occurs at P15, when APP-695 message levels are over 6-fold higher than KPI-containing APP mRNA (APP-751, APP-770). This is the largest difference in the APP-695/KPI-APP ratio observed during postnatal development and coincides with the period of maximal neurotrophic responsiveness in the basal forebrain. These results suggest that the APP gene is alternatively spliced during postnatal development and that regulated expression of APP-695 may be influenced by neurotrophic factors in vivo.
Towards a serotonin-dependent leptin roadmap in the brain.

Leptin exerts control over energy metabolism, reproduction and bone mass accrual, raising the question does leptin act through a common neuronal circuit to mediate these effects? Historically, the hypothalamus has been viewed as the site for leptin signaling in the brain. Recent genetic studies, however, indicate that these physiological functions, notably the regulation of appetite and bone mass accrual by leptin, take place for the most part through inhibition of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine) synthesis and release by brainstem neurons. Here, we review how these findings have redefined the roadmap of leptin signaling in the brain. This has led to proof-of-principle studies showing that selective inhibition of the leptin–serotonin axis is a viable therapeutic approach to treat appetite disorders.
Effect of a Static Electric Field on the Propagation of Electromagnetic Waves in Indium Antimonide

The effect of a weak longitudinal static electric field on the propagation of transverse circularly polarized electromagnetic waves traveling along the magnetostatic field in indium antimonide plasma has been studied theoretically. Using the dispersion relationship, the variation of the amplitude constant $\ensuremath{\alpha}$, the phase constant $\ensuremath{\beta}$ of both the left- and right-hand circularly polarized waves with the wave frequency $f$, the static magnetic field ${\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{B}}}_{0}$, and the static electric field ${\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{E}}}_{0}$ are examined in detail for three cases: case (i), intrinsic indium antimonide at room temperature; case (ii), $n$-type indium antimonide at liquid-nitrogen temperature; and case (iii), $p$-type indium antimonide at liquid-nitrogen temperature. The amplitude constant $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ may be either negative or positive for a positive $\ensuremath{\beta}$ depending upon the particular combination of the system parameters $f$, ${\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{B}}}_{0}$, and ${\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{E}}}_{0}$. When $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ is negative, the wave decays spatially and the decay rate $|\ensuremath{\alpha}|$ tends to decrease while $\ensuremath{\beta}g0$ tends to increase with $|{\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{E}}}_{0}|$ in general. In the presence of carrier drift, i.e., $|{E}_{0}|\ensuremath{\ne}0$, it is possible for the transverse wave to grow spatially ($\ensuremath{\alpha}\ensuremath{\beta}g0$) in indium antimonide for all three cases considered, provided the combination of parameters is proper. For example, in case (i) the product (${\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{l}{\ensuremath{\beta}}_{l}$) for the left-hand wave is positive when ${B}_{0}=13$ kG, $fl0.04$ GHz, ${E}_{0}=80$ V/cm or ${B}_{0}=13$ kG, $f=0.1$ GHz, and ${E}_{0}g120$ V/cm. In case (ii) the product (${\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{l}{\ensuremath{\beta}}_{l}$) for the left-hand wave is positive when ${B}_{0}=10$ kG, $fl0.7$ GHz, ${E}_{0}=36$ V/cm or ${B}_{0}=10$ kG, $f=0.5$ GHz, and ${E}_{0}g30$ V/cm. In case (iii), (${\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{l}{\ensuremath{\beta}}_{l}$) is positive when $2.4l{B}_{0}l54$ kG, $f=0.1$ GHz, ${E}_{0}=120$ V/cm or ${B}_{0}=5$ kG, $fl0.2$ GHz, and ${E}_{0}=120$ V/cm. The influence of the presence of ${E}_{0}$ on the propagation of the helicon wave in case (ii) and the microwave Faraday rotation at $f=35$ GHz in the range $130\ensuremath{\le}{B}_{0}\ensuremath{\le}150$ kG is also considered.
Transforming growth factor-beta inhibition of mineralization by neonatal rat osteoblasts in monolayer and collagen gel culture.

The latent form of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) is a component of the extracellular matrix of bone. The active form, when locally injected in vivo, stimulates both inflammation and ectopic bone formation. The present study was undertaken to determine if TGF-β also stimulated mineralization by isolated rat calvarial osteoblasts cultured in collagen gels. Gels were used because they should mimic in vivo conditions better than classical monolayer culture. Compared to cells in monolayers, osteoblasts cultured in collagen gels exhibited slower growth, but higher alkaline phosphatase activity and mineral deposition. Cultured cells also synthesized the osteoblast-specific marker, osteocalcin. The increase in osteocalcin in cell layers was parallel to the increase in mineral deposition. In the presence of TGF-β, neither cell growth nor alkaline phosphatase activity increased. Instead, a small decrease occurred in both parameters when compared to untreated cultures. Accumulation of collagen, the major component of the extracellular matrix where mineralization occurs, was similar in untreated and TGF-β1-treated cultures. However, 8 pM TGF-β1 dramatically suppressed mineral deposition in both types of cultures. Despite TGF-β1 stimulating a fourfold increase in lactic acid, the consequent increase in culture medium acidity did not account for the inhibitory effects of TGF-β1 on mineralization. These results demonstrate that collagen gel culture is an improved technique over conventional monolayer culture for demonstrating differentiated osteoblast function and sensitivity to TGF-β1. TGF-β1, at a concentration that has little effect on cell growth, alkaline phosphatase activity, or collagen accumulation, is a potent inhibitor of mineralization. The mechanism by which TGF-β1 inhibits mineralization remains to be determined.
Big data machine learning and graph analytics: Current state and future challenges

Big data machine learning and graph analytics have been widely used in industry, academia and government. Continuous advance in this area is critical to business success, scientific discovery, as well as cybersecurity. In this paper, we present some current projects and propose that next-generation computing systems for big data machine learning and graph analytics need innovative designs in both hardware and software that provide a good match between big data algorithms and the underlying computing and storage resources.
Metabolic abnormalities associated with renal calculi in patients with horseshoe kidneys.

Background and Purpose: Horseshoe kidneys are a complex anatomic variant of fused kidneys, with a 20% reported incidence of associated calculi. Anatomic causes such as high insertion of the ureter on the renal pelvis and obstruction of the ureteropelvic junction are thought to contribute to stone formation via impaired drainage, with urinary stasis, and an increased incidence of infection. In this multi-institutional study, we evaluated whether metabolic factors contributed to stone development in patients with horseshoe kidneys. Patients and Methods: A retrospective review of 37 patients with horseshoe kidneys was performed to determine if these patients had metabolic derangements that might have contributed to calculus formation. Stone compositions as well as 24-hour urine collections were examined. Specific data points of interest were total urine volume; urine pH; urine concentrations of calcium, sodium, uric acid, oxalate, and citrate; and number of abnormalities per patient per 24-hour urine collect...
Steerable illumination textures

We introduce a new set of illumination basis functions designed for lighting bumpy surfaces. This lighting includes shadowing and interreflection. To create an image with a new light direction, only a linear combination of precomputed textures is required. This is possible by using a carefully selected set of steerable basis functions. Steerable basis lights have the property that they allow lights to move continuously without jarring visual artifacts. The new basis lights are shown to produce images of high visual quality with as few as 49 basis textures.
Cloning and characterization of a 70 kDa heat shock cognate gene (HSC70) from two species of Chironomus

In the present study we carried out the isolation and characterization of an HSC70 gene from two midges, Chironomus tentans and C. yoshimatsui. The HSC70 cDNAs are approximately 2424 (C. tentans) and 2464 bp (C. yoshimatsui) long, and contain 1950 and 1956 bp open reading frames, respectively. Analysis of genomic DNA revealed the presence of two introns in these genes. The 5' untranslated regions of the HSC70 genes are adenosine-rich, a feature found in inducible HSP70 genes. The nucleotide and amino acid sequences exhibit high identity with cytosolic HSC70s from other Dipterans. Northern hybridization indicated that HSC70 is expressed at all developmental stages, from embryo to adult, and Southern hybridization confirmed the presence of multiple HSP70 genes in Chironomus.
Incidence of HIV infection in a New York City methadone maintenance treatment program.

To the Editor. —To estimate the incidence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection (seroconversions), a retrospective study of records from a voluntary HIV counseling and testing program at a New York City methadone maintenance treatment program (MMTP) was initiated. The study included records of patients who had 2 or more HIV tests and were HIV-negative on the initial test. A seroconverter was defined as a person with an initial HIV-negative test followed by an HIV-positive test. The seroconversion rate (incidence density of HIV infections) was calculated by dividing the number of seroconverters by the total number of personyears of follow-up. The follow-up time for nonseroconverters included the time between the initial test and the last test. For seroconverters, follow-up time was calculated as the midpoint between the last HIV-negative test and the first HIV-positive test. From July 1990 to April 1994, a total of 1833 voluntary HIV tests were conducted
The lipid content of Hymenolepis diminuta and Hymenolepis citelli.

Abstract The lipids of prepatent 14-day-old Hymenolepis diminuta and Hymenolepis citelli were compared by chromatographic and colorimetric methods. The tapeworms were reared under carefully controlled conditions in which host diet, sex, and age as well as worm age and worm density were maintained constant. Hymenolepis diminuta had a mean lipid content of 5.2% of the fresh worm weight and 21.2% of the dry weight, whereas the values for H. citelli were 3.9% and 16.1%, respectively. Neutral lipid made up approximately 75% of the lipid of both worms and was composed of about 70–75% fatty acids, 15–20% unsaponifiables, and 10% glycerol. The phospholipid fractions were composed of phosphatidyl serine, phosphatidyl ethanolamine, phosphatidyl choline, plasmalogen, inositol phosphatide, and two other fractions, tentatively identified as cardiolipin and cerebroside. No qualitative differences could be detected between the lipids of the two worms, but they could be distinguished from each other quantitatively, especially in the phospholipid fatty acids. The major fatty acids of both tapeworms were myristic, palmitoleic, palmitic, gamma linolenic, linoleic, oleic, stearic, eicosapentaenoic, arachidonic, and arachidic acids. The 16-carbon acids constituted about 13% of the total fatty acids, while 18-carbon acids made up more than 75% of the total fatty acids, and no fatty acid had a chain length greater than 20 carbons.
Preventing HIV in injection drug users: exploring the tradeoffs between interventions ☆

Abstract Injection drug users (IDUs) transmit the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) via both needle sharing and sex. Available interventions for this population have varying costs and effectiveness and focus on different risk behaviors. In this analysis, we look at two interventions. One is inexpensive, broad-based and provides modest risk reductions (street outreach (SO)); the other is narrowly focused, expensive and relatively effective (methadone maintenance). This analysis explores the effects of population risk behavior, intervention effectiveness, intervention costs, and decision constraints when allocating funds between these two interventions to maximize effectiveness. We develop a model of the spread of HIV, dividing IDUs into susceptibles (uninfected) and infectives, and separately portraying sex and injection risk. We simulate the epidemic in New York City for time periods from the mid-1980s to the early 1990s, and incorporate the behavioral effects of two interventions performed singly or in combination to find the allocation that maximizes the number of infections averted in the IDUs and their noninjecting sex partners, assuming interventions have increasing marginal costs. We find that the optimal allocation nearly always involves spending the maximum allowable amount on SO. This result is largely insensitive to variations in risk parameters, intervention efficacy, or cost. The model's structure, however, makes clear that many factors contribute to this insensitivity, namely the scope of the interventions, the dual drug/sex nature of HIV risk in the population, the asymmetry of sexual risk for men and women, and the potential benefits to nonIDUs.
Decreased sympathetic innervation of spleen in aged fischer 344 rats

Splenic noradrenergic innervation in young adult and aged Fischer 344 rats was examined using fluorescence histochemistry for catecholamines and high performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection (LCEC) for the quantitation of norepinephrine (NE). In young adult rats, abundant noradrenergic plexuses followed the vasculature and trabeculae into splenic white pulp. In aged rats, noradrenergic innervation was reduced in density and in overall intensity of fluorescence, and splenic NE levels were significantly lower. The relationship between diminished noradrenergic innervation and diminished immune responsiveness in aging mammals, while not clear on a causal level, is presented as a hypothesis for further testing.
Pergamon World Atlas/Review Article

Pergamon World Atlas. English editors, Stanley Knight et al. American Adviser, G. Donald Hudson. Canadian Adviser, N. L. Nicholson. Editor-in-Chief, Brigadier-General Teodor Naumienko. Published by the Pergamon Press, Ltd., Oxford, and P.W.N. —Polish Scientific Publishers, Warszawa, 1968. Prepared and printed by the Polish Army Topographical Service, vii + 539 pp. Page size 30X 40-cm. Price $59.50.
Stability of the VEV hierarchy and Higgs boson invisibility in majoron models

Abstract We study the stability of the lepton-number breaking VEV under radiative corrections in the doublet and triplet majoron models, including the effects of a heavy top quark. We find that it is possible to maintain the hierarchy between the VEV's, at the one-loop level, by fine tuning the ratio of two coupling constants in the Higgs potential. For a top quark heavier than 50–60 GeV the required relation depends strongly on the top mass. We use this relation to show that the decay mode of the neutral Higgs boson to majorons may be the dominant one for a wide range of the Higgs mass, thus making its detection, in this class of models, more problematic.
Interpreting asphalt concrete creep behaviour through non-Newtonian mastic rheology

This paper explores the use of non-Newtonian mastic models in interpreting asphalt concrete creep behaviour. Three non-Newtonian models were considered, namely the Bingham model, the Herschel-Bulkley model and the Casson model. They were fitted to dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) strain sweep data on mastics. A total of nine mastics were included involving three asphalt mix designs and three aggregate types (hard limestone, granite, and soft limestone). A PG 76-22 binder was used for all of the mastic specimens. Unconfined creep tests were performed on the asphalt concrete mixtures that constitute the mastics using a compressive stress of 207 kPa. The mastic and asphalt concrete mixture specimens were tested at 60°C. The characteristics of the non-Newtonian mastic models (i.e. yield stress, plastic viscosity and consistency) were found to be highly dependent on mastic compositions. Furthermore, the secondary creep curves of the asphalt concrete mixture that constitute the mastics were also found to be correl...
The Use of Exenatide to Reverse Morbid Obesity in a Child with Hypothalamic Obesity

Medications Dexamethasone therapy for 10 days to reduce high androgens. Hydrocortisone, fludrocortisone, and GnRH analog; letrozole 2.5 mg q/day Hydrocortisone, fludrocortisone, GnRH analog, and growth hormone Dexamethasone therapy for 10 days to reduce high androgens. Hydrocortisone fludrocortisone, and GnRH analog Hydrocortisone thrice daily (13–20mg/m; 2/day) and fludrocortisones once or twice daily (50–100 mcg/day). Laboratories should be checked minimally every 3 months with visits to pediatric endocrinologist every 6 months.
Predissociation in the S1 zero-point level of glyoxal vapor? A query

Abstract Glyoxal decomposition with Φ d ⩾ 0.1 occurs when a few S 1 zero-point level K'J' states are excited at pressures where S 1 decay is collision-free. The kinetics are one-photon and first-order in S 1 glyoxal, consistent with predissociation. Preliminary product studies suggest, however, initial S 1 decay to an intermediate.
Total Performance Inconsistency and Status Generalization: An Expectation States Formulation*

Past research has documented the fact that status characteristics organize group interaction. Freese and Cohen (1973) specified a condition under which a performance characteristic would eliminate the effect of a differentiating diffuse status characteristic. The present research extends the Freese-Cohen theory to specify a condition under which a differentiating diffuse status characteristic will eliminate the effect of a performance characteristic. Predictions derived from the formulation are (a) in situations where actors are differentiated by a diffuse status characteristic and a totally inconsistent performance characteristic, influence rates will be a function only of diffuse status and (b) it is the strength (0) of a totally inconsistent performance characteristic, rather than the number of traits comprising the characteristic, that determines its effect. These predictions are contrasted with those of other expectation states formulations (i.e., Berger et al., 1977). Laboratory experiments generally support our formulation while providing some disconfirming evidence for the other formulations.
Effect of Nonsuckling Interval in the Ether-Induced Release of Immunoprecipitable Prolactin into the Plasma of the Lactating Rat:

SummaryThe concentration of prolactin in the plasma of lactating rats increased from 24 to 74 ng/ml following acute ether stress as the length of the preceding period of nonsuckling diminished from 12 to 8 hr. In a second experiment the prolactin concentration increased from 24 to 79 to 104 ng/ml as the frequency of 10-min sucklings during a 12-hr period was altered from once at the end of the twelfth hr to once every 6 hr to once every 4 hr and the mothers then exposed to ether 12 hr after the last suckling. These results indicate that more frequent activation of the prolactin-releasing mechanism facilitates the subsequent release of prolactin in response to ether stress.We are grateful to the NIAMDD Rat Pituitary Hormone Distribution Program for the rat prolactin radioimmunoassay kit, and to Mrs. Tanya McGee for technical assistance.
The Effect of Hypothalamic Catecholamine Synthesis Inhibition by α-Methyltyrosine on Gonadotropin Secretion during Sexual Maturation in the Male Wistar Rat

alpha-Methyl-p-tyrosine (AMPT), a competitive inhibitor of tyrosine hydroxylase, was used to block the synthesis of hypothalamic catecholamines in six different age groups (15, 23, 30, 38, 56, and 72 days of age) in both intact and castrated male rats. Castrated rats received testosterone-filled Silastic capsules of various lengths to give four graded serum concentrations of testosterone in each age group. Intact and castrate animals of all ages were killed 1 week after the castrate group was orchiectomized and outfitted with Silastic capsules. On the day of death, 250 mg/kg BW AMPT base were given ip at zero time, and a second dose (125 mg/kg BW) was given 2 h after the first injection. Rats were killed at zero time and 2 and 4 h after the first AMPT injection. Serum was collected for LH, FSH, and testosterone determinations. AMPT had marked biphasic effects on LH and T secretion, causing both to increase (less than 70% above basal) in the intact immature rats (15 and 23 days of age) and fall (greater than 60% below basal) in the mature rats (38, 56, and 72 days of age). LH increased (up to 307%) in the castrated immature rats in response to AMPT, but no change occurred in the mature castrated rats until moderate concentrations of testosterone were present (1000-2000 pg/ml). Then, LH, as in intact rats, decreased (up to 90%) during exposure to AMPT. These data suggest that the ratio of stimulatory and inhibitory effects of hypothalamic norepinephrine and dopamine changes during sexual maturation, with inhibitory effects predominating in the prepubertal rat.
Gene expression in cardiac tissues from infants with idiopathic conotruncal defects

Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is the most commonly observed conotruncal congenital heart defect. Treatment of these patients has evolved dramatically in the last few decades, yet a genetic explanation is lacking for the failure of cardiac development for the majority of children with TOF. Our goal was to perform genome wide analyses and characterize expression patterns in cardiovascular tissue (right ventricle, pulmonary valve and pulmonary artery) obtained at the time of reconstructive surgery from 19 children with tetralogy of Fallot. We employed genome wide gene expression microarrays to characterize cardiovascular tissue (right ventricle, pulmonary valve and pulmonary artery) obtained at the time of reconstructive surgery from 19 children with TOF (16 idiopathic and three with 22q11.2 deletions) and compared gene expression patterns to normally developing subjects. We detected a signal from approximately 26,000 probes reflecting expression from about half of all genes, ranging from 35% to 49% of array probes in the three tissues. More than 1,000 genes had a 2-fold change in expression in the right ventricle (RV) of children with TOF as compared to the RV from matched control infants. Most of these genes were involved in compensatory functions (e.g., hypertrophy, cardiac fibrosis and cardiac dilation). However, two canonical pathways involved in spatial and temporal cell differentiation (WNT, p = 0.017 and Notch, p = 0.003) appeared to be generally suppressed. The suppression of developmental networks may represent a remnant of a broad malfunction of regulatory pathways leading to inaccurate boundary formation and improper structural development in the embryonic heart. We suggest that small tissue specific genomic and/or epigenetic fluctuations could be cumulative, leading to regulatory network disruption and failure of proper cardiac development.
Growth of mammary glands from monodispersed cells and susceptibility to 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene

Abstract Monodispersed mammary cells innoculated into the subscapular fat pad of isologous female rats developed into full-formed ductal mammary glands. The growth pattern of these outgrowths followed that of normal mammary gland, as indicated by labeling index (LI). Tumorigenesis in these outgrowths induced by 7,12-dimethylbenz[ a ]anthracene (DMBA) was in direct proportion to the level of LI. A similar correlation of tumorigenesis and LI was also observed in the mammary gland of virgin female rats. Our data show that application of this technique in the study of mammary cell physiology and carcinogenesis would be very useful.