cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Coculture-Driven Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Differentiated Articular Chondrocyte-Like Cells Support Neocartilage Development

Controlled differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) into the chondrogenic lineage is crucial for in vitro generation of neocartilage, yet achieving it remains challenging. Traditional protocols for MSC differentiation using exogenous inductive molecules, such as transforming growth factor-β, fall short in meeting the needs of clinical applications because they yield differentiated cells that exhibit hypertrophic characteristics and subsequently facilitate endochondral bone formation. The objective of the current study was to deliver endogenous inductive factors from juvenile articular chondrocytes to bone marrow-derived MSCs to drive MSC chondrogenic differentiation through cocultivation of the two cell types in the absence of direct physical contact and exogenous stimulators. An initial chondrocyte/MSC ratio of 63:1 was identified as the appropriate proportion of the two cell populations to ensure that coculture-driven MSC-differentiated (CDMD) cells replicated the cellular morphology, behavior, and phenotype of articular chondrocytes. In a three-dimensional agarose system, CDMD cells were further shown to develop into robust neocartilage structurally and mechanically stronger than chondrocyte-laden constructs and with reduced hypertrophic potential. Although MSCs tended to lose the ability to express CD44, an important regulator in cartilage biology, during the coculture induction, CDMD cells regained this function in the three-dimensional tissue cultivation. The present work establishes a chondrocyte/MSC coculture model that serves as a template to better understand chondrocyte-driven MSC differentiation and provides insights for improved strategies to develop clinically relevant cartilage tissue replacements.
Are Hypnosis and Dissociation Related? New Evidence for a Connection

The authors revisit the question of the existence of a relationship between hypnotizability and dissociative capacity. In the present study, the State Scale of Dissociation (SSD) replaced the commonly employed Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES) as a measure of dissociation, due to the latter capturing primarily pathological aspects of dissociation. Relationships between the Harvard Scale of Hypnotic Susceptibility, Form A (HGSHS:A), the SSD, and the Phenomenology of Consciousness Inventory (PCI) were assessed in the context of hypnosis. Robust results were found when comparing pre- to post-SSD scores, suggesting heightened nonpathological forms of dissociation are indeed related to hypnotizability. The appropriateness of the DES and similar trait-based measures for evaluating hypnotic phenomena is discussed as well as the relationships between PCI and SSD subscales.
Monticello: A mid-season variety with good tuber appearance and chipping potential from mid-to long-term storage

Monticello (NY102), a new medium-maturing, roundwhite chipping variety was released in 2003 by the University of Maine and Cornell University. It is primarily intended for use in the chipping industry, especially from mid-to long-term storage. Its ability to chip from relatively long-term storage, low storage weight loss, and relatively long tuber dormancy should be particularly valuable. Tubers have shown a good ability to recondition and regain good chip color after periods of stress in storage. Monticello’s specific gravity typically averages only a few points lower than Atlantic, a variety that is widely used for out-of-field chipping in the eastern U.S. Chip color of Monticello has been very good from short-, mid-, and long-term storage. It has been grown successfully in commercial-scale tests in Maine since 1999 with combined seed and chipping production of more than 37 and 60 ha during 2001 and 2002, respectively. Research and commercial-scale trials in Maine have generally produced favorable yield and quality results relative to other storage chippers like Snowden. The tubers are bright and attractive with relatively few external defects. Tuber size tends to be fairly small and is ideal for chipping. Sensory panel tests have also shown that Monticello is good for boiling and baking. Although ideally suited for chipping, the fresh market may serve as a secondary market for this variety because of its typically good external appearance and cooking quality scores. Monticello has moderate to good common scab resistance and is resistant to golden nematode. It is moderately susceptible to blackspot bruise, powdery scab, and typical foliar diseases of potato. Although tubers can develop hollow heart and internal heat necrosis, Monticello is typically much less susceptible than Atlantic.
Chronic active Epstein-Barr virus infection: a novel cause of lymphocytic variant hypereosinophilic syndrome.

To the editor: Lymphocytic variant hypereosinophilic syndrome (LHES) is a rare disease in which cytokine production by T cells drives blood and tissue eosinophilia.[1][1],[2][2] We report a case of LHES in a patient with chronic active Epstein-Barr virus (CAEBV) infection and an EBV-infected T-cell
A constitutive model for pressure sensitive materials with particular reference to plain concrete

Abstract A constitutive model is presented to describe stress-strain responses of a class of pressure sensitive materials. An important feature of this model is that the failure surface and the yield cap are both described by the same list of material parameters. In addition, the model effectively characterizes the variation of strengths along compression and extension paths. The number of material parameters is kept to a minimum and can be determined using conventional test data.
The social costs of monopoly

The essay recounts the contributions of earlier economists to the discussion of the social costs of monopoly. They largely duplicate more contemporary contributions.
The challenge of teaching for diversity in the college classroom when the professor is the ‘other’

The editors would particularly welcome, in the Points for Debate section, readers’ comments on or responses to articles which have appeared in earlier issues of the Journal. These may be in the for...
Witnessing a Violent Death and Smoking, Alcohol Consumption, and Marijuana Use among Adolescents

Witnessing violence has been linked to maladaptive coping behaviors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and marijuana use. However, more research is required to identify mechanisms in which witnessing violence leads to these behaviors. The objectives of this investigation were to examine the association between witnessing a violent death and smoking, alcohol consumption, and marijuana use among adolescents, to identify whether exhibiting depressive symptoms was a mediator within this relationship, and to determine if those who had adult support in school were less likely to engage in risky health behaviors. Data were collected from a sample of 1,878 urban students, from 18 public high schools participating in the 2008 Boston Youth Survey. In 2012, we used multilevel log-binomial regression models and propensity score matching to estimate the association between witnessing a violent death and smoking, alcohol consumption, and marijuana use. Analyses indicated that girls who witnessed a violent death were more likely to use marijuana (relative risk (RR) = 1.09, 95 % confidence interval (CI) = 1.02, 1.17), and tended towards a higher likelihood to smoke (RR = 1.06, 95 % CI = 1.00, 1.13) and consume alcohol (RR = 1.07, 95 % CI = 0.97, 1.18). Among boys, those who witnessed a violent death were significantly more likely to smoke (RR = 1.20, 95 % CI = 1.11, 1.29), consume alcohol (RR = 1.30, 95 % CI = 1.17, 1.45) and use marijuana (RR = 1.33, 95 % CI = 1.21, 1.46). When exhibiting depressive symptoms was included, estimates were not attenuated. However, among girls who witnessed a violent death, having an adult at school for support was protective against alcohol consumption. When we used propensity score matching, findings were consistent with the main analyses among boys only. This study adds insight into how witnessing violence can lead to adoption of adverse health behaviors.
An empirical approach for directly accounting for expectations in behavioural models

Demand and choice behaviour models in economic literature often involve demand determinants such as product quality. In theory, decisions are based on expected quality; however, in practice, reported or actual values are used as a proxy for expectations. This paper presents a novel approach to measure expectations directly and then compares the predictive success of this explanatory variable with that of the traditional reported values in modelling behaviour. We use recreational fisheries as a case study, and find, as expected, that a priori expected catch rates are a better determinant of demand than ex post revealed catch rates.
Vasoconstrictor responsiveness during hyperbaric hyperoxia in contracting human muscle

Large increases in systemic oxygen content cause substantial reductions in exercising forearm blood flow (FBF) due to increased vascular resistance. We hypothesized that 1) functional sympatholysis...
Cuprates Get Orders to Charge

A quarter century after their initial discovery, copper oxide high-temperature superconductors (HTSs) continue to fascinate and frustrate researchers. One of the big challenges to understanding these materials is that the standard model of electron motion in solids—the same model that had to be developed before Bardeen, Cooper, and Schrieffer could formulate their theory of superconductivity in 1957—does not apply, and no convenient replacement is yet in sight. While theoretical efforts proceed, the focus of research has periodically shifted from one experimental surprise to another. For example, several years ago it was discovered in the superconducting compound YBa2Cu3O6+ x that when the superconducting order is suppressed by a very strong magnetic field, various electronic responses oscillate with the field strength in a way that indicates the presence of a new electronic ordering ( 1 , 2 ). These experiments stimulated a great deal of theoretical excitement, but a compelling explanation has been lacking. On page 821 of this issue, Ghiringhelli et al. ( 3 ) report the experimental observation of a specific charge ordering more complicated than generally imagined. Together with an independent study of this order in a magnetic field ( 4 ), an explanation for the quantum oscillation experiments appears to be at hand. At the same time, these results yield new puzzles.
Empirical research on the resource-based view of the firm: an assessment and suggestions for future research

The resource-based view (RBV) is one of the most widely accepted theories of strategic management. However, to date no systematic assessment of the RBV's level of empirical support has been conducted. In response, a sample of RBV-grounded empirical articles was analyzed from which it was found that the RBV has received only modest support overall and that this support varies considerably with the independent variable and theoretical approach employed. It is therefore suggested that scholars avoid the tendency to test models reflecting early incarnations of the RBV and instead test those that incorporate its more contemporary theoretical extensions. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Apoptotic changes preceding necrosis in lipopolysaccharide-treated macrophages in the presence of cycloheximide.

Apoptotic changes occurred specifically in a macrophage-like cell line, J774.1, treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and cycloheximide (CHX) prior to the release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). The addition of 100 ng/ml LPS and 10 microg/ml CHX induced both the formation of DNA nicks and elevation of caspase-3-like activity (DEVDase) after 75 min, and then the cleavage of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) into 28-kDa fragments, formation of apoptotic bodies, and DNA ladder formation. These apoptotic changes were reversible until 60 min, however, later than 75 min after LPS and CHX addition, the apoptosis proceeded normally even on extensive washing of the macrophages, which removed the LPS and CHX. These results suggest that there is a "point of no return" in the apoptotic processes in macrophages induced by LPS and CHX and that DNA nicks and activation of DEVDase are critical for these processes.
Recognition of Agricultural Objects by Shape

It is desired to enhance the outline of agricultural contraband in X-ray images of passenger luggage. Agricultural contraband consists of fruit, meats, animals, and plants. We suggest most contraband can be distinguished from other material by an elliptic, rather than rectangular, cross section. An algorithm is proposed to recognize such cross section using the erosion of the absolute gradient of the image. Only local convolution calculations are required. This algorithm is tested on a number of computed images as well as on X-ray images of model objects, isolated contraband, and contraband contained and obscured in baggage. The effect of image noise, object size, orientation, and obscuration is tested. It is shown that the proposed algorithm successfully enhances the outlines of desired items as small as 1-2 cm (7-11 pixels) to the exclusion of remaining material under the conditions expected in actual use.
Effects of a common harvester ant (Messor andrei) on richness and abundance of soil biota

Soil biota and chemistry were compared between harvester ant (Messor andrei) nests and adjacent, non-ant soil from a semi-arid, serpentine grassland. The major soil groups (bacteria, fungi, nematodes, miscellaneous eukaryotes, and microarthropods) were quantified. All soil groups examined were more abundant and diverse in ant nests than in non-ant soil, and all soil nutrients were similarly enriched inside nests. A principal component analysis indicated that the enrichment of bacteria and fungi inside ant nests explained the majority of variation in the other response variables. Thus, it appears that M. andrei performs some activity and/or enriches one or more nutrients (e.g. phosphorous), which heavily impacts the base of the soil foodweb (bacteria and fungi). This suggests that these ant nests exert significant effects on the resident soil biota via bottom-up processes.
Development and Application of Non-Additive Force Fields for Molecular Simulations of Lipid Bilayers and Integral Membrane Proteins

Molecular simulations today are applied across many scientific disciplines. Complementing experiment, these tools afford a molecular-level understanding and interpretation of physico-chemical processes at resolutions and timescales difficult or practically inaccessible to experiment. At the heart of such methods is the description of interactions between atoms and molecules, the force field. Traditionally, non-reactive force fields have treated electrostatic interactions using an additive, Coulomb model between fixed partial charges on atomic sites. Though quite successful, there has been conjecture as to the effects of incorporating non-additivity in classical force fields, particularly in biological systems. Over the last several decades, attempts to incorporate electrostatic non-additivity in the form of inducible dipole interactions or dynamically varying partial charges have provided a vast body of knowledge that has aided in the development of a new class of force fields attempting to explicitly account for non-additive effects. We will present our recent work in developing one such class of models, charge equilibration force fields, and applications of such models to aqueous solution interfaces, membrane bilayers and simple integral membrane peptides such as the gramicidin A bacterial channel, and recent work on modeling of protein-ligand interaction free energetics.
Role of twice fréchet-differentiable mappings in general auxiliary problem principle

Abstract The approximation-solvability of the following class of nonlinear variational inequality problems (NVIP) based on the general auxiliary problem principle (LAPP) is discussed. Find an element χ* ϵ K such that 〈( x ∗ ), x − x ∗ 〉 + f(x) − f(x ∗ ) ≥O, for all x ϵ K, where T : K → E∗ is a nonlinear mapping from a nonempty closed convex subset K of a reflexive Banach space E into its dual E∗ , and f : K → R is a continuous convex functional on K.
Increased Clinical and Neurocognitive Impairment in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Comorbid Bipolar Disorder.

Abstract Bipolar (BD) symptomatology is prevalent in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and may lead to increased impairment. The current study compared clinical and neurocognitive impairment in children (7–13 years) diagnosed with ASD (n = 55), BD (n = 34), ASD + BD (n = 23), and a non-clinical control group (n = 27). Relative to the ASD group, the ASD + BD group reported elevated rates of aggression and delinquency, behavioral disorders, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and suicidal ideation, and poorer performance on the Stroop Color-Word Test. Future research might address how best to improve diagnostic assessment and adapt treatment to meet the needs of this uniquely impaired population.
Relationships between water quality and phosphorus concentrations for Puget Sound region lakes

Regression relationships were developed between summer mean total phosphorus (P) concentrations in near-surface water and both chlorophyll a concentrations and Secchi disc transparency for Puget Sound region lakes. Total P concentrations in the lakes studied ranged from 7 to 66 μ/L. The relationship between total P and chlorophyll a, based on data from 69 lakes, explained 57 percent of the variance in chlorophyll a. Predicted chlorophyll a concentrations and 95 percent confidence intervals ranged from 1 +3-0.5μg/L for 7 μg/L P to about +35-10μ/L for 66 μ/L P. The relationship between total P and Secchi disc, based on data from 71 lakes, explained 53 percent of the variance in Secchi disc. Predicted Secchi disc transparencies and 95 percent confidence intervals ranged from 5.5 +5.5-3.0 m for 7 μ/L P to 1.4 +1.5-0.7 m for 66 μ/L P.
Time Dependent Priority Queues

Considered is a class of rth order delay-dependent priority queuing disciplines in which a customer from the pth priority group, who arrives at time T, has a priority qpt at time t given by qpt = bpt-Tr. The main result states that the expected wait on queue for p-type customers in an rth order system with parameter set [bp] is identical to the wait in any other such system, say one of order r' with parameter set [bp'] if these parameters are chosen in the proper manner. From this, using the results due to Kleinrock for the first order systems, we obtain the expected wait on queue, conditioned on the priority groups, for any rth order system. This class of queuing disciplines ranges from Cobham's fixed priority system for r â 0 to the first-come-first-served system for r â ∞. For the case of two priority groups the set {bp} is chosen so as to minimize a class of delay-dependent cost functions. Results from a computer simulation are given to display the behavior of the waiting time variance.
Composition of diet modifies toxicity of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) in cold-adapted rats.

The effect of a high carbohydrate, high fat or high protein diet was studied on the acute toxicity of TCDD (125 μg/kg) in cold-adapted (4±1° C) rats. Within 10 days after dosing, TCDD-treated rats fed a high carbohydrate or a high protein diet reduced their caloric intake by 25% whereas those fed a high fat diet consumed only 15% fewer kcal/MBS (metabolic body size). TCDD-treated rats fed a high protein diet lost body weight at the same rate as their pair-fed controls, whereas body weight loss in high fat-fed rats was significantly higher than in their pairfed controls. In contrast, TCDD-treated rats fed a high carbohydrate diet effectively maintained their body weight in the 4 days immediately after TCDD dosage, whereas their pair-fed controls lost weight. Mortality in TCDD-treated animals was 100% irrespective of the diet; all pairfed control rats (except one fed a high protein diet) were terminated on days corresponding to the spontaneous death of their TCDD-treated pairs. Mean time to 50% mortality and mean time to death were significantly longer in TCDD-treated rats fed a high carbohydrate diet in comparison with the other two TCDD-treated groups (p<0.05), although caloric intake was comparable. Serum triiodothyronine (T3) was reduced in TCDD-treated animals fed a high fat or a high carbohydrate diet but not in those fed a high protein diet; serum thyroxine (T4) was reduced in all the treated groups, irrespective of diet. The relative weight of liver was significantly higher in all TCDD-treated animals; the weight of pancreas was higher only in high carbohydrate-fed TCDD-treated rats and the weight of interscapular brown adipose tissue was lower only in high fat-fed TCDD-treated rats in comparison to pair-fed controls. It is concluded that TCDD-treated cold-adapted rats utilize carbohydrate and fat differently than pair-fed controls and that these changes probably contribute to the development of a wasting syndrome.
Modelling of clearances and joint flexibility effects in multibody systems dynamics

Abstract An effective method for modelling the dynamic response of multibody systems with flexible joints is presented. The method combines the use of finite element method with Kane's equations to present an algorithm strictly in terms of the generalized coordinates of the system. The procedures developed outline the automatic incorporation of the joint flexibility in the equations of motion, hence a more accurate mathematical model is developed. One other advantage to the method presented lies in the explicit forms of the coefficients needed in the analysis where they are readily expressed in a form suited for computer implementation. A discussion on possible applications is also presented.
Water Planning Under Climatic Uncertainty in Phoenix: Why We Need a New Paradigm

The uncertainties associated with global climate models pose substantial hurdles for urban water planning. Despite growing consensus among climatologists that the American Southwest is headed for a warmer and drier future, water planners in metropolitan Phoenix and elsewhere are reluctant to consider long-term climate change as a significant factor in increased risk of future water scarcity. A new paradigm for climate research and water planning is needed—one that is based on an assumption of uncertainty and a vision of multiple plausible futures, managing risk, and adaptive behaviors. To this end, we downscaled global climate models from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Third and Fourth Assessment Reports for the watersheds north of Phoenix and estimated changes in runoff using a hydrological model. Results then were used as inputs to WaterSim, an integrated simulation model of water supply and demand in Phoenix. The model simulated “what if” scenarios under varying policy decisions and futu...
Fertility comparison between wild type and transgenic mice by in vitro fertilization

Transgenic mice are increasingly used as animal models for studies of gene function and regulation of mammalian genes. Although there has been continuous and remarkable progress in the development of transgenic technology over several decades, many aspects of the resulting transgenic model’s phenotype cannot be completely predicted. For example, it is well known that as a consequence of the random insertion of the injected DNA construct, several founder mice of the new line need to be analyzed for possible differences in phenotype secondary to different insertion sites. The Knock out technique for transgenic production disrupts a specific gene by insertion or homologous recombination creating a null expression or replacement of the gene with a marker to localize it expression. This modification could result in pleiotropic phenotype if the gene is also expressed in tissues other than the target organs. Although the future breeding performance of the newly created model is critical to many studies, it is rarely anticipated that the new integrations could modify the reproductive profile of the new transgenic line. To date, few studies have demonstrated the difference between the parent strain’s reproductive performance and the newly developed transgenic model. This study was designed to determine whether a genetic modification, knock out (KO) or transgenics, not anticipated to affect reproductive performance could affect the resulting reproductive profile of the newly developed transgenic mouse. More specifically, this study is designed to study the impact of the genetic modification on the ability of gametes to be fertilized in vitro. We analyzed the reproductive performance of mice with different background strains: FVB/N, C57BL/6 (129Sv/J × C57Bl/6)F1 and outbred CD1® and compared them to mice of the same strain carrying a transgene or KO which was not anticipated to affect fertility. In vitro Fertilization was used to analyze the fertility of the mice. Oocytes from superovulated females were inseminated with sperm of same background. Fertility rate was considered as the percentage of two cell embryos scored 24 h after insemination. The data collected from this study shows that the fertilization rate is affected (reduced to half fold) in some of the transgenic mice compared to the respective Wild Type (WT) mice. For the WT the average fertility rate ranged from 80% (C57BL/6), 90% (FVB/N), 45% (129Sv/J × C57Bl/6)F1 and 43% (CD1). For transgenic mice it was 52% (C57BL/6), 65% (FVB/N), 22% (129Sv/J × C57Bl/6)F1 and 25% (CD1).
Quasi-breakdowns in ultrathin dielectrics

In this paper, the quasi-breakdown is demonstrated to be a dominant failure mechanism in ultra-thin dielectrics with thicknesses less than 50 angstrom and should be considered as a reliability issue to avoid overestimation of dielectric breakdown. Under high stress current density (-Vg), the charge to catastrophic breakdown decreases with decreasing the oxide thickness because of dielectric breakdown in the structural transition layer existing SiO2/Si interface. But the Qbd rapidly increases again with decreasing the oxide thickness below 50 angstroms under low stress current density due to the difficulty in building up electric field to cause catastrophic breakdown through the localized conduction path induced by the quasi-breakdown prior to catastrophic breakdown. The quasi-breakdown was suppressed in NO-annealed oxide.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Successful Pregnancy in a Hemodialysis Patient and Marked Resolution of Her Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis

Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) is a recently recognized clinicopathologic entity. It is believed to be related to exposure to gadolinium-containing magnetic resonance imaging agents with gadolinium deposition in the tissues, including skin and other organs. It mainly affects patients on dialysis therapy. Pregnancy in dialysis patients is a rare occurrence. We present a case of a dialysis patient who developed NSF after exposure to gadodiamide and went on to have a successful pregnancy while on hemodialysis therapy. The patient had marked clinical and histological improvement in NSF during and after her pregnancy. This also correlated with decreasing gadolinium levels in skin biopsy tissue specimens. We discuss the interplay of factors involved in the successful pregnancy and improvement in NSF lesions in this patient.
THE SHAMAN OF NIUE

IUE, or Savage Island, is situated in latitude 190 10' south, longitude 1900 17' west. The nearest land is Vavau, of the Tonga group, distant nearly west 240 miles. The island was discovered by Captain Cook in 1774, and Christianized by Paulo, a native of Samoa, in 1849. Sir Basil Home Thomson brought the island under the British Protectorate in 1900. In 1901 Mr. Percy Smith was sent as Government Resident for the purpose of annexing the island to New Zealand. During the four months which Mr. Smith spent on the island he found the opportunity to study the native language and culture, and the results of his investigations have been published in the Journal of the Polynesian Society. The author of this paper spent seven months on Niue, commencing August, 1923, for the purpose of making an anthropological survey of the Niueans for the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum of Honolulu.
Restoring ADL function after wrist surgery in children with cerebral palsy: A novel Bilateral robot system design

Cerebral palsy is a leading cause of disability in children and reducing its effects on arm function will improve quality of life. Our goal is to train children with CP after wrist tendon transfer surgery using a robotic therapy system consisting of two robot arms and wrist robots. The therapeutic goal is to determine if the robot training combined with surgery intervention improved functional outcomes significantly more than surgery alone. To accomplish this long-term goal we have developed a Bilateral ADL Exercise Robot, BiADLER aimed at training children with CP in reach to grasp coordination on ADLs. Specifically, the robot will provide active training using an assist-as-needed. This paper presents the design concepts.
Late Paleozoic Sedimentation on the Northern Margin of the North China Block: Implications for Regional Tectonics and Climate Change

The Late Paleozoic collision between the North China continental block and the Altaid arc terranes of Mongolia represents one of the earliest and most fundamental tectonic events in the ongoing construction of Asia. New detrital zircon provenance data from Carboniferous-Permian nonmarine strata on the northern margin of North China imply that the northern margin of the North China block constituted a continental margin arc prior to this collision (~400-275 Ma) and that collision took place via south-directed subduction beneath North China. A significant and widespread climate change took place in North China in mid-Permian time, and is recorded by a change from Carboniferous and Lower Permian humid-climate, coal-bearing sedimentary facies to Upper Permian and Lower Triassic arid-climate redbeds. In northern North China, this climate change is accompanied by a paleocurrent reversal, which indicates the onset of uplift on the northern margin of the North China block. The temporal association of climate chan...
Contribution of extracellular negatively charged residues to ATP action and zinc modulation of rat P2X2 receptors

Two histidines are known to be essential for zinc potentiation of rat P2X2 receptors, but the chemistry of zinc coordination would suggest that other residues also participate in this zinc-binding site. There is also a second lower affinity zinc-binding site in P2X2 receptors whose constituents are unknown. To assess whether the extracellular acidic residues of the P2X2 receptor contribute to zinc potentiation or inhibition, site-directed mutagenesis was used to produce alanine substitutions at each extracellular glutamate or aspartate. Two electrode voltage clamp recordings from Xenopus oocytes indicated that 7 of the 34 mutants (D82A, E85A, E91A, E115A, D136A, D209A, and D281A) were deficient in zinc potentiation and one mutant (E84A) was deficient in zinc inhibition. Additional tests on cysteine mutants at these eight positions indicated that D136 is the only residue that is a strong candidate to be at the potentiating zinc-binding site, and that E84 is unlikely to be at the inhibitory zinc-binding site.
Comparison of four proteoglycans in terms of their interactions with poly(L-arginine).

Connective tissue proteoglycans undergo interaction with poly(L-arginine) when mixed in dilute neutral aqueous solution. Circular dichroism spectroscopy indicates that the polypeptide adopts the α-helical conformation rather than the extended coil form normally observed at neutral pH. The interactions of a series of proteoglycans with different protein and glycosaminoglycan contents have been compared. The arginine/disaccharide residue ratio at maximum interaction appears to be constant with varying protein content of the proteoglycans that contain chondroitin 4-sulfate. The thermal stability of the proteoglycan interaction is the same as for the component polysaccharide. Thus in terms of the strength of interaction with homopolypeptides, the properties of proteoglycan and the component glycosaminoglycans are the same, and this is likely also to be the case for collagen–proteoglycan systems. The interactions of keratan sulfate-2 have also been investigated. These are similar but have much lower thermal stability than corneal keratan sulfate-1. The results are consistent with the weak interaction of the keratan sulfate-2 component of bovine nasal septum proteoglycan.
Collective vibrations of spheroidal even nuclei

Abstract An extension of the Inglis “cranking model”, in which we describe nuclear shape oscillations without the adiabatic approximation, is derived and applied to quadrupole vibrations of spheroidal nuclei, with special emphasis on γ vibrations. This method leads to a dispersion formula for the collective frequencies agreeing in form with the frequency formula given by the Sawada method. Collective γ-vibrational frequencies and electric quadrupole transition probabilities are theoretically estimated for rare earth and actinide isotopes and compared with experimental values. The numerical calculations involve use of Nilsson's single-particle eigenvalues and the asymptotic eigenfunctions, pairing correlations being taken into account by means of the method of Bardeen, Cooper and Schrieffer and of Bogolyubov.
Bayes Smoothing Algorithms for Segmentation of Binary Images Modeled by Markov Random Fields

A new image segmentation algorithm is presented, based on recursive Bayes smoothing of images modeled by Markov random fields and corrupted by independent additive noise. The Bayes smoothing algorithm yields the a posteriori distribution of the scene value at each pixel, given the total noisy image, in a recursive way. The a posteriori distribution together with a criterion of optimality then determine a Bayes estimate of the scene. The algorithm presented is an extension of a 1-D Bayes smoothing algorithm to 2-D and it gives the optimum Bayes estimate for the scene value at each pixel. Computational concerns in 2-D, however, necessitate certain simplifying assumptions on the model and approximations on the implementation of the algorithm. In particular, the scene (noiseless image) is modeled as a Markov mesh random field, a special class of Markov random fields, and the Bayes smoothing algorithm is applied on overlapping strips (horizontal/vertical) of the image consisting of several rows (columns). It is assumed that the signal (scene values) vector sequence along the strip is a vector Markov chain. Since signal correlation in one of the dimensions is not fully used along the edges of the strip, estimates are generated only along the middle sections of the strips. The overlapping strips are chosen such that the union of the middle sections of the strips gives the whole image. The Bayes smoothing algorithm presented here is valid for scene random fields consisting of multilevel (discrete) or continuous random variables.
Dimolybdenum-Containing Molecular Triangles and Squares with Diamidate Linkers: Structural Diversity and Complexity

By employing cis-Mo2(DAniF)2(2+) (DAniF = N,N'-di(p-anisyl)formamidinate) as the vertex building block and terephthaloyldiamidate as the linker, four dimolybdenum-containing cyclic oligomers have been synthesized and structurally characterized. In these compounds, described by the general formula [cis-Mo2(DAniF)2((ArNOC)2C6H4)2]n, n = 3 and 4, the geometry and composition of the products are affected by the identity of the aromatic groups of the linker. When Ar = phenyl, n = 3 (1a and 1b); however, n = 4 for Ar = p-trifluoromethylphenyl (2) and when Ar = m-trifluoromethylphenyl (3). All these compounds have a central cavity, shaped by the diamidate linker, that is capable of serving as host to guest molecules in a selective manner. For compounds 2 and 3, self-assembly that takes place in the crystalline state entails intermolecular C-H...F-C interactions. Such interactions generate a one-dimensional network with a tunnel cross section of 10 x 10 A(2) in 2, whereas in 3, they result in a cage in which two THF molecules are encapsulated. The F...H distances vary in a broad range from 2.38 to 2.70 A.
Opinion towards induced abortion among urban women in Delhi, India.

Abstract This study explores the opinion towards induced abortion as a family planning method among currently married urban women of Delhi through intensive interviews. An overwhelming majority approved it under following ranking conditions: rape, deformed offspring, and unwed pregnancy. About 80 per cent approved it for family size limitation and economic reasons. Of the variables studied, the wives' education has most significant and direct influence on approval of abortion. As compared to the women of the surveys in the U.S.A., the Indian women more frequently approved abortion for economic reasons and less frequently for the protection of the mothers' health.
Optical remote sensing of the earth

Optical remote sensing of the earth from aircraft and from orbit has made unique contributions to understanding the dynamics of the atmosphere, oceans, and the vegetation cover of the land, as well as provided new perspectives in the study of the solid earth. This paper encompasses optical remote sensing of the earth's surface in the region of 0.4 to 15 µm and is divided into four areas: principles, applications to science disciplines, recent sensor history, and new technology developments. The latter developments promise to revolutionize the methods used and the types of problems addressed with remote sensing techniques.
Hermeneutical discontinuity between Calvin and later Calvinism

The purpose of this article is to demonstrate that Calvin's interpretation of biblical passages related to the question of the extent of the atonement differed significantly from the later tradition. This difference in interpretation is explained by the fact that Calvin did not share certain hermeneutical presuppositions which were to become almost universal among theologians of the later Reformed tradition. This article will examine two hermeneutical ‘rules’ which Calvin frequently employed in his interpretation of scripture and will contrast his handling of scripture with the interpretative practices employed by the later Reformed tradition. The first hermeneutical ‘rule’ involves those passages in scripture which state that Christ came to give his life as a ransom for ‘many’, or that he shed his blood for ‘many’. Contrary to the later Reformed interpreters of scripture, Calvin understands these passages to mean that Christ died for all people rather than just some. The second hermeneutical ‘rule’ concerns Calvin's frequent appeal to the fact that the word ‘all’ does not always mean ‘all’ when it is used in scripture. Certain present-day Reformed theologians argue that since Calvin shares this second hermeneutical rule with the later Reformed tradition, then his reading of scripture must not have differed significantly from that of the later tradition. Therefore, Calvin must have held to a limited atonement. However, this article will show that this conclusion only holds true if we read Calvin's own writings by means of this hermeneutic.
Estimates of magnetic cloud expansion at 1 AU

In this study we analyze 53 magnetic clouds (MCs) of standard profiles observed in WIND magnetic field and plasma data, in order to estimate the speed of MC expansion ( V E ) at 1 AU, where the expansion is investigated only for the component perpendicular to the MCs' axes. A high percentage, 83%, of the good and acceptable quality cases of MCs (N(good)=64) were actually expanding, where "good quality" as used here refers to those MCs that had relatively well determined axial attitudes. Two different estimation methods are employed. The "scalar" method (where the estimation is denoted V E,S ) depends on the average speed of the MC from Sun-to-Earth ( V S-to-E >), the local MC's radius ( R O ), the duration of spacecraft passage through the MC (at average local speed V C >), and the assumption that V S-to-E >= V C >. The second method, the "vector determination" (denoted V E,V ), depends on the decreasing value of the absolute value of the Z-component (in MC coordinates) of plasma velocity (| V Z |) across the MC, the closest approach distance ( Y O ), and estimated R O ; the Z-component is related to spacecraft motion through the MC. Another estimate considered here, V E,V ', is similar to V E,V in its formulation but depends on the decreasing | V Z | across part of the MC, that part between the maximum and minimum points of | V Z | which are usually close to (but not the same as) the boundaries points. The scalar means of estimating V E is almost independent of any MC parameter fitting model results, but the vector means slightly depends on quantities that are model dependent (e.g. | CA |≡| Y O |/R O ). The most probable values of V E from all three means, based on the full set of N =53 cases, are shown to be around 30 km/s, but V E has larger average values of V E,S >=49 km/s, V E,V >=36 km/s, and V E,V '>=44 km/s, with standard deviations of 27 km/s, 38 km/s, and 38 km/s, respectively. The linear correlation coefficient for V E,S vs. V E,V ' is 0.85 but is lower (0.76) for V E,S vs. V E,V , as expected. The individual values of V E from all three means are usually well below the local Alfven velocities, which are on average (for the cases considered here) equal to 116 km/s around the inbound boundary, 137 km/s at closest approach, and 94 km/s around the outbound boundary. Hence, a shock upstream of a MC is not expected to be due to MC expansion. Estimates reveal that the errors on the "vector" method of estimating V E (typically about ±7 km/s, but can get as large as ±25 km/s) are expected to be markedly smaller than those for the scalar method (which is usually in the range ±(15⇔20) km/s, depending on MC speed). This is true, despite the fact that | CA | (on which the vector method depends) is not always well determined by our MC parameter fitting model (Lepping et al., 1990), but the vector method only weakly depends on knowledge of | CA |.
Development of the Couples Resource Scales

Couples therapy has experienced a shift in therapeutic approaches from those that focus on dysfunction and deficits to postmodern approaches that emphasize clients’ strengths and skills. Additionally, researchers have found that resources, such as self-esteem and social support, serve to enhance couples’ relationships. One therapeutic approach that emphasizes strengths and resources is solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT). The authors describe the development of a research-oriented instrument grounded in SFBT, the Couples Resource scales (CRS), which was based on an existing practitioner-oriented instrument, called the Couples Resource Map scales. The authors used an exploratory factor analysis on the CRS to create a revised version that shows utility for empirical research.
A microwave absorption spectrometer based on three-ray propagation

The classical Fresnel zone criterion is used to examine microwave propagation through an open ended cylindrical metallic tube. It is shown that there exists a near free-space propagation region between the transmit antenna and the receive antenna. This principle is used to develop a microwave absorption spectrometer. Experimental results are presented to validate the concept.
Dielectric properties of polymer composite as integral capacitor

Polymer composite systems that show their dielectric constant based on the interfacial polarization mechanism are studied for integral capacitor applications. Dielectric properties of polymer incorporated with spherical particles coated with gold and silver, and highly structured particle such as carbon black were investigated. The effects of different type of filler and the filler loading on dielectric properties are investigated.
Memoryless individual sequences

We establish that memoryless individual sequences share a number of properties with stochastic sequences. The first is an elementary law of large numbers and the second shows that memoryless binary sequences have weakly convergent empirical distributions of every finite order with Bernoulli limits.
SEASONAL VARIATIONS IN SEDIMENT AND BOTTOM WATER CHEMISTRY OF WESTERN LONG ISLAND SOUND: IMPLICATIONS FOR LOBSTER MORTALITY

Abstract In the fall of 1999 the lobster population of western Long Island Sound (WLIS) experienced a massive die-off (LoBue et al. 2003). In fact, the lobster populations in WLIS still have not recovered as of this writing (Benway et al. 2004). Factors suspected of playing roles in this mortality event include water temperature, hypoxia and a neoparameoba. The overall objective of this study is to obtain an understanding of bottom water chemical conditions in WLIS, and their potential influence on benthic community structure and lobster health. Beginning in May 2002, water samples were collected within 5.0 cm and at 1.0 m above the bottom at 12 selected stations in WLIS and analyzed for dissolved NH4, H2S and O2. Grab samples for benthic community determination and sediment-profile images were simultaneously obtained with the water samples at 6 of the 12 stations. The data collected provide an accurate field record of the apparent levels of dissolved oxygen in the sediments of western Long Island Sound, ...
Transaction Cost, Exchange Embeddedness, and Interlocal Cooperation in Local Public Goods Supply

The authors develop and test an integrated framework for understanding how transaction cost and exchange embeddedness contribute to the general problems of institutional collection action, contracting, and cooperation. An application of the framework to Georgia cities’ interlocal cooperative behavior across multiple services suggests that interlocal cooperation provides a viable alternative to both private contracting and hierarchical arrangements and that transaction characteristics—asset specificity and measurement difficulties—and reciprocal exchange relationship predict the participation and the amount of interlocal cooperation. A curvilinear relationship was discovered between transaction characteristics and interlocal cooperation that extends Williamson’s linear prediction.
SmbFT, a Putative ABC Transporter Complex, Confers Protection against the Lantibiotic Smb in Streptococci

Streptococcus mutans, a dental pathogen, secretes different kinds of lantibiotic and nonlantibiotic bacteriocins. For self-protection, a bacteriocin producer strain must possess one or more cognate immunity mechanisms. We report here the identification of one such immunity complex in S. mutans strain GS-5 that confers protection against Smb, a two-component lantibiotic. The immunity complex that we identified is an ABC transporter composed of two proteins: SmbF (the ATPase component) and SmbT (the permease component). Both of the protein-encoding genes are located within the smb locus. We show that GS-5 becomes sensitized to Smb upon deletion of smbT, which makes the ABC transporter nonfunctional. To establish the role SmbFT in providing immunity, we heterologously expressed this ABC transporter complex in four different sensitive streptococcal species and demonstrated that it can confer resistance against Smb. To explore the specificity of SmbFT in conferring resistance, we tested mutacin IV (a nonlantibiotic), nisin (a single peptide lantibiotics), and three peptide antibiotics (bacitracin, polymyxin B, and vancomycin). We found that SmbFT does not recognize these structurally different peptides. We then tested whether SmbFT can confer protection against haloduracin, another two-component lantibiotic that is structurally similar to Smb; SmbFT indeed conferred protection against haloduracin. SmbFT can also confer protection against an uncharacterized but structurally similar lantibiotic produced by Streptococcus gallolyticus. Our data suggest that SmbFT truly displays immunity function and confer protection against Smb and structurally similar lantibiotics.