cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Establishing a nursing research agenda in gero-oncology

Expanding the evidence base of cancer in the elderly is critical to advance the specialty of geriatric oncology nursing. This article will propose topics for nursing investigation relative to prevention and early detection, response to disease and treatment, and psychosocial responses in the elderly at risk for, or having cancer. International considerations for undertaking nursing research with this special population are also described. Current dilemmas requiring investigation and future demographic implications are highlighted.
DNA sequencing with titanium nitride electrodes

We construct a hydrogen-bond based metal–molecule–metal junction, which contains two identical “reader” molecules, one single DNA base as a bridged molecule, and two titanium nitride electrodes. Hydrogen bonds are formed between “reader” molecules and DNA base, whereas titanium–sulfur bonds are formed between “reader” molecules and titanium nitride electrodes. We perform electronic structure calculations for both the bare bridged molecule and the full metal–molecule–metal system. The projected density of states shows that when the molecule is connected to the titanium nitride electrode, the energy levels of the bridged molecule are shifted, with an indirect effect on the hydrogen bonds. This is similar to the case for a gold electrode but with a more pronounced effect. We also calculate the current–voltage characteristics for the molecular junctions containing each DNA base. Results show that titanium nitride as an electrode can generate distinct conductance for each DNA base, providing an alternative electrode for DNA sequencing. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Related Techniques in Thermonuclear Research

Among the aspects of thermonuclear plasma research and accelerator technology which have common techniques and problems is the problem of injection which in the case of accelerators is guided by limitations imposed by Liouville theorem. This limitation is being more and more fully appreciated in the problem of assembling a thermonuclear plasma. There are various examples of how this limitation on injection comes into play in the case of some plasma devices. There is an interesting analogy between the topology of phase space for particle accelerators and the topology of coordinate space for lines of force in a plasma containment device such as a toroidal stellarator. There are integral, 1/2 integral, 1/3 integral, and 1/4 integral, etc. resonances which can be stimulated by magnetic field errors in plasma confining devices and which would cause the flux plot topology to break up into rings of islands for a case where the flux plot has shear. The size of the islands depends upon the type of the multipole field forming the flux plot. Although stellarators are made with twisted or helical multipole windings wound around the major circumferential, they can also be made by sectored multipole magnets rotated between focusing and de-focusing positions as in an accelerator. For the quadrupole case, the transfer matrices include only exponentials with real expotents and no sines and cosines such as are found in the accelerator analogy. K. R.
Interaction of K, Na, Li and Ti with silicon (111) and (100) surfaces; surface ionization and kinetics of desorption

Abstract Atomic beams of K, Na, Li and Tl are used to determine the work function and desorption energies for Si(111) and (100) surfaces. The (111) surface appears to go through a surface transition at ca. 1100K. Below 1000K, the (111) surface appears stable with a surface ionization work function φ + = 4.80 ± 0.05 eV. The desorption of K and Na from this surface has both a first- and second-order component with activation energies for desorption of E a 1 = 3.15 ± 0.15 eV, E a 2 = 2.53 ± 0.10 eV for K, and E a 1 = 3.47 ± 0.15 eV, E a 2 = 2.39 ± 0.13 eV for Na. The second-order part of the desorption is probably due to interactions or collisions of the atoms as they move along the surface. Above 1100 K the work function decreases by 0.03 ± 0.01 eV and the desorption of K and Na from this surface is predominantly first order with E a 1 = 2.35±0.07 eV for K and E a 1 = 2.45± 0.12 eV for Na. The (100) surface in the temperature range of 800 to 1550 K has φ + = 4.67 ± 0.08 eV and a first order desorption energy E a 1 = 2.54 ± 0.14 eV for K. The work functions from the thermionic emission of electrons are φ c − = 4.55 ± 0.1and φ e − =4.53 ± 0.1eVfor the (111) and (100) surfaces, respectively, for T ⩾ 1000 K.
Oral caffeine consumption by rats: The role of flavor history, concentration, concurrent food, and an adenosine agonist

Some determinants of caffeine consumption by rats were examined using the two-bottle choice test. To describe the role of flavor history, groups of eight rats each received one of three fluids as their only source of fluid beginning at 29 days of age and continuing throughout the experiments. One group (“water”) received tapwater, a second group (“caffeine”) received 0.5 mg/ml caffeine in tapwater, and a third group (“quinine”) received 0.01 mg/ml quinine in tapwater. Two-bottle choice tests began when rats were 40 days old. In the initial tests, caffeine rats drank more caffeinated water than water rats. Quinine rats were midway between these two groups. On a second block of tests, quinine and water rats' caffeine consumption increased so that the three groups were indistinguishable. When 0.5 mg/ml caffeine was available for 24 h, about one third of the total fluid consumption was of caffeinated water for all three groups. The presence of food greatly increased both caffeine and water consumption across a range of caffeine concentrations spanning 0.125–4.0 mg/ml. Increasing caffeine concentration generally increased consumption of plain water and decreased that of caffeinated water (but not total caffeine consumed) for water rats. Caffeine rats generally drank more caffeine than water rats, largely due to a tendency toward increased consumption of the 0.5-mg/ml concentration. Consumption of caffeinated water peaked at 0.5 mg/ml and showed graded decreases at higher and lower concentrations. Caffeine consumption showed dose-related increases with presession administration of l-phenylisopropyl adenosine. The series of experiments characterize some of the determinants of caffeine consumption in rats. Overall, a history of forced exposure to caffeine, the presence of food, caffeine concentration, and preadministration of an adenosine agonist all increase the consumption of caffeine. The present experiments also provide some guidelines as to what concentrations are consumed by rats and the maximum dose level likely to be achieved in tests of this kind. There is some evidence from the present experiments that caffeine consumption is related to caffeine's pharmacological properties, although the influence of flavor has not been eliminated.
Free Enterprise: Contributions of the Approach and Landing Test (ALT) Program to the Development of the Space Shuttle Orbiter

The space shuttle orbiter was the first spacecraft designed with the aerodynamic characteristics and in-atmosphere handling qualities of a conventional airplane. In order to evaluate the orbiter's flight control systems and subsonic handling characteristics, a series of flight tests were undertaken at NASA Dryden Flight Research Center in 1977. A modified Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft carried the Enterprise, a prototype orbiter, during eight captive tests to determine how well the two vehicles flew together and to test some of the orbiter s systems. The free-flight phase of the ALT program allowed shuttle pilots to explore the orbiter's low-speed flight and landing characteristics. The Enterprise provided realistic, in-flight simulations of how subsequent space shuttles would be flown at the end of an orbital mission. The fifth free flight, with the Enterprise landing on a concrete runway for the first time, revealed a problem with the space shuttle flight control system that made it susceptible to pilot-induced oscillation, a potentially dangerous control problem. Further research using various aircraft, particularly NASA Dryden's F-8 Digital-Fly-By-Wire testbed, led to correction of the problem before the first Orbital Test Flight.
Build it and they will come (or will they

Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) in the pediatric population is rare. It accounts for about 3% of childhood leukemias, which translates into fewer than 100 cases per year in this country. Therefore, reports detailing the results of hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) for pediatric patients
Effect of Various Media on Growth and Protease Production in Carica papaya L. Callus Cultures

Summary Stock callus cultures of Carica papaya L. maintained in modified White's medium were grown in twenty media types. Growth, protease activity and total protein in extratives is reported. The basic Wood and Braun medium produced good growth and high protease activity. Reduction of macro- and/or microelements in Murashige and Skoog basic medium increased protein content and enzyme activity of the callus. In most cases, peptone was found to significantly increase growth, protease activity and protein content of callus cultures.
Electrokinetic Studies of Magnesium Hydroxide

The electrophoretic mobility of magnesium hydroxide was studied as a function of the concentration of its potential-determining ions, namely, of the magnesium ions, and of the hydroxide ions or pH. The zero point of charge was located at ˜10.8. The ζ-potential of magnesium hydroxide below this pH was positive. The addition of magnesium nitrate to magnesium hydroxide suspensions increased the positive ζ-potential and lowered the pH. The low solubility of magnesium hydroxide in water prevented the attainment of substantial concentrations of magnesium ions in solution. Increasing the hydroxide-ion concentration or the pH produced charge inversion. The largest negative ζ-potential was attained at pH 11.5. Further increases in pH produced no significant increase in the negative value of the ζ-potential.
The Greatly Expanded IUE Spectrum of the Planetary Nebula NGC 2371-2 and Its Central Star

Early IUE low-dispersion SWP and LWR spectra have been reexamined by means of refined current data reduction routines. These spectra contain much more information than was reported in 1981. A high-dispersion SWP spectrum was obtained in 1994 from which more than 80 emission and absorption features were identified, and log Ne = 3.0 ± 0.2 cm-3 was determined from the C III] F(λ1907/λ1909) ratio. Electron densities were also derived from the Si III] F(λ1883/λ1892) and dereddened [Ne IV] F[λ1602/(λ2422 + λ2424)] line ratios. The terminal wind velocity of the C IV P Cyg feature was measured from the low- and high-resolution spectra. Approximately 50 of the strongest Fe VI and Fe V photospheric absorptions are identified.
Total nitrogen content of deep sea basalts

Abstract Various models have been suggested concerning the origin and evolution of the earth's atmosphere. An estimate of the nitrogen content of the mantle could further constrain atmospheric models. Total nitrogen content was determined by thermal neutron activation analysis via 14N(n,p)14C. The 14C was converted to carbon dioxide and counted in miniature low level proportional counters. The total nitrogen content of U.S.G.S. standards BCR-1 and G-2 as determined by different laboratories is variable, probably due to atmospheric adsorption by the finely ground samples. Total nitrogen content was determined in deep sea basalt glasses from three regions: East Pacific Rise ( 15 ± 4, 18 ± 4 , and 7 ± ppm 2 N ), Mid-Atlantic Rift (FAMOUS Region: 22 ± 5, 18 ± 3 , and 10 ± 2 ppm N ) and the Juan de Fuca Ridge ( 17 ± 4 ppm N ). Matrix material from the same samples as the glasses was available from the East Pacific Rise ( 37 ± 6, 26 ± 4 , and 34 ± 6 ppm N ) and the Mid-Atlantic Rift ( 39 ± 4 ppm N ) which are about 50 to 100% greater than the associated glasses. The increased matrix abundance may be due to incorporation of chemically bound nitrogen from sea water rather than dissolved molecular nitrogen. The nitrogen content of the FAMOUS samples are inconsistent with the model of Langmuir et al. (1977) for petrogenesis based on trace element data. Factors which can affect the observed nitrogen content in the basalts and the interpretation in terms of the mantle nitrogen abundance are discussed (e.g. partial melting and degassing of the basalts). A lower limit of about 2 ppm N in the mantle can be estimated.
Whither Arctic sea ice? A clear signal of decline regionally, seasonally and extending beyond the satellite record

The Arctic sea ice has been pointed to as one of the first and clearest indicators of climate change. Satellite passive microwave observations from 1979 through 2005 now indicate a significant –8.4±1.5% decade–1 trend (99% confidence level) in September sea-ice extent, a larger trend than earlier estimates due to acceleration of the decline over the past 41 years. There are differences in regional trends, with some regions more stable than others; not all regional trends are significant. The largest trends tend to occur in months where melt is at or near its peak for a given region. A longer time series of September extents since 1953 was adjusted to correct biases and extended through 2005. The trend from the longer time series is –7.7±0.6% decade–1 (99%), slightly less than from the satellite-derived data that begin in 1979, which is expected given the recent acceleration in the decline.
Purity and Politics in Herod Antipas’s Galilee: The Case for Religious Motivation *

Recent investigations of the milieu of Galilee in the late Second Temple period have largely sought to understand the emergence of the Jesus movement by searching for explanations in the living conditions of the region. Political, cultural and socio-economic factors have been pursued to unlock the mystery of the Jesus movement’s Galilean provenance. While not denying the validity of these perspectives, the present study aims at introducing religious motivation and purity concerns as distinct characteristics of Galilee in the Herodian period. This is done by discussing the material data that point to religious motivation and by surveying the relevant textual material that sheds light on the growing halakhic concern for purity in this period. It is concluded that religious motivation and purity concern indeed were driving factors in the Galilean milieu, placing Galilee firmly within the wider developments of the Jewish state from the Maccabean Revolt onward.
The myth of the corporation as a creation of the state

Abstract The general movement to joint stock enterprise could not take place until certain economic and legal changes had been effected … The legal change was the substitution of the law of corporations for the law of partnership in company affairs. Investors could then invest safely and full exploitation of the economic changes became possible … Out before the legal changes of 1844 and 1855. English law virtually prohibited joint-stock enterprise for ordinary trading and manufacturing purposes.1
Coloration in African Cichlids: Diversity and Constraints in Lake Malawi Endemics

Male breeding coloration is an obvious and often diagnostic character for species identification among mbuna, the rock-dwelling haplochromine fishes of Lake Malawi. Colour diversification has figured prominently in most models of cichlid speciation, though considerations of colour diversity have been limited. We describe coloration for common species of mbuna by digital colour acquisition techniques and use these data to characterize coloration of the fauna. The range of colour diversity in the mbuna is great; however, patterns of diversity appear somewhat limited. A number of taxa are similar in coloration, and several areas of available colour space are under-represented relative to random expectations. Colour diversification does not appear to be phylogenetically constrained, at least within species complexes. However, weakly significant associations between coloration and ecological characteristics exist. We discuss our results in terms of potential forces acting to influence mbuna coloration, such as phylogenetic or developmental constraints and natural or sexual selection.
Fundamental Solutions of Stokes and Oseen Problem in Two Spatial Dimensions

Fundamental solutions for the linearizations of Stokes and Oseen of the Navier–Stokes time dependent equations in two spatial dimensions are determined. The derivation of these solutions is greatly simplified with the use of a trick known as centering in the probability literature. The relation of these time dependent solutions with their steady counterparts is also established.
Neocortical and limbic lesion effects on primate phonation

Abstract Five monkeys were individually trained to emit a relatively prolonged call of specified loudness in order to obtain a preferred food. At the completion of training each animal gave the required call in response to a signal cue light and withheld calls during periods in which no cue light was present. Sequential bilateral removal of the homolog of Broca's area, transitional parieto-occipital cortex, and temporal association cortex in 3 monkeys had no influence on performance of the discriminative call. There was no change in sound spectral properties of the call as a result of surgery. Bilateral removal of anterior cingulate/subcallosal gyrus in the remaining two monkeys was accompanied by loss of phonatory performance. Postoperative calls given by each of these animals in the test situation were weak and infrequent. The data indicate that control over learned, discriminative phonation in monkeys is not mediated by neorcortical regions homologous to human ‘speech’ areas.
Kinetic analysis of the three-step steroid aromatase reaction of human cytochrome P450 19A1

Cytochrome P450 19A1 (P450 19A1), the aromatase, catalyzes the conversion of androgens to estrogens through a sequential three-step reaction, generating 19-hydroxy and 19-aldehyde intermediates en route to the product estrogen. A procedure for the heterologous expression and purification of P450 19A1 in Escherichia coli was developed (kcat of 0.06 s−1 for the conversion of androstenedione to estrone). Binding of the substrate and intermediates show low micromolar dissociation constants and are at least two-step processes. Rates of reduction of the iron were fast in the presence of substrate, either intermediate, or product. P450 19A1 is a distributive rather than a processive enzyme, with the sequential reaction allowing free dissociation of the intermediates as revealed by pulse-chase experiments. Conversion of androstenedione to estrone (under single turnover conditions) generated a progress curve showing changes in the concentrations of the substrate, intermediates, and product. A minimal kinetic model containing the individual rate constants for the steps in P450 19A1 catalysis was developed to globally fit the time course of the overall reaction, the dissociation constants, the two-step ligand binding, the distributive character, the iron-reduction rates, and the steady-state conversion of the 19-hydroxy androstenedione and 19-aldehyde androstenedione intermediates to estrone.
Sputtering synthesis and properties of molybdenum nanocrystals and Al/Mo layered nanocomposites

Molybdenum nanocrystals (4 nm < particle size < 12 nm) were synthesized in the vapor by sputtering in a thermal gradient at argon pressures between 0.2 and 0.6 Torr. The gradient was achieved by cooling the substrate table with liquid nitrogen in order to enhance the deposition rate of the nanocrystals. The size of these nanocrystals depended on the sputtering argon gas pressure. Using appropriate deposition parameters, these nanocrystals were incorporated, either as a dispersed phase in a major phase produced by normal sputtering or as a layer in a layered structure to produce nanocomposite films. Results of Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) study of the Al/Mo layered nanocomposite films are presented. The Knoop microhardness of these films was increased by as much as a factor of four compared with the hardness of homogeneous Al films. A correlation of the microhardness to the microstructures as revealed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is discussed.
Signaling and DNA-binding Activities of the Staphylococcus aureus HssR-HssS Two-component System Required for Heme Sensing

For the important human pathogen Staphylococcus aureus, host heme is a vital source of nutrient iron during infection. Paradoxically, heme is also toxic at high concentrations and is capable of killing S. aureus. To maintain cellular heme homeostasis, S. aureus employs the coordinated actions of the heme sensing two-component system (HssRS) and the heme regulated transporter efflux pump (HrtAB). HssRS-dependent expression of HrtAB results in the alleviation of heme toxicity and tempered staphylococcal virulence. Although genetic experiments have defined the role of HssRS in the heme-dependent activation of hrtAB, the mechanism of this activation is not known. Furthermore, the global effect of HssRS on S. aureus gene expression has not been evaluated. Herein, we combine multivariable difference gel electrophoresis with mass spectrometry to identify the heme-induced cytoplasmic HssRS regulon. These experiments establish hrtAB as the major target of activation by HssRS in S. aureus. In addition, we show that signaling between the sensor histidine kinase HssS and the response regulator HssR is necessary for growth of S. aureus in high concentrations of heme. Finally, we show that a direct repeat DNA sequence within the hrtAB promoter is required for heme-induced, HssR-dependent expression driven by this promoter and that phosphorylated HssR binds to this direct repeat upon exposure of S. aureus to high concentrations of heme. Taken together, these data establish the mechanism for HssRS-dependent expression of HrtAB and, in turn, provide a functional understanding for how S. aureus avoids heme-mediated toxicity.
Measurement of membrane pore interconnectivity

Abstract Several studies have suggested that the rate and extent of membrane fouling can be strongly affected by the interconnectivity of the membrane pore structure. For example, membranes with highly interconnected pores should allow fluid to flow around and under any pore blockage on the membrane surface, significantly reducing the effect of this blockage on the filtrate flux. It has not, however, been possible to quantify these effects due to the absence of any experimental technique for measuring the pore connectivity. We have developed a new technique for evaluating the pore connectivity from data for the hydraulic permeability and/or solute diffusion coefficient in the directions normal to and parallel to the membrane surface. Experiments were performed by blocking different regions of the upper and lower surfaces of the membrane to change the relative contributions of the normal and transverse flows. Data were analyzed using a theoretical model for two-dimensional flow or transport in the porous membrane. Studies performed with polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) membranes showed distinct differences in the extent of pore connectivity, consistent with the different formation methods and underlying pore morphologies for these membranes.
Estimation of catheter orientations from single-plane x-ray images

We have developed a technique that estimates the 3D orientations and position of thin objects using the information from a single projection image and a known model of the object. The 3D orientations and positions of catheters were determined by use of this technique, which iteratively aligns points in the model with their respective image positions. Studies were done to evaluate the sensitivity of the technique to errors in the model and image data. These studies included generating image and model data and adding Gaussian-distributed errors to these data, adding Gaussian distributed pixel value nose to x-ray images of a catheter phantom to simulate noisy fluoroscopic images, and simulating flexes, or bends, in the tip of a catheter. Results indicate that orientations and positions of a catheter of diameter 0.18 cm can be calculated by use of the technique with mean accuracies of approximately 1 degree and 0.3 cm, respectively, for errors of approximately 0.03 cm and 0.005 cm in the image and model data, respectively. Results also indicate that the technique is robust to typical levels of quantum noise in fluoroscopic images, and may be made robust to changes in the catheter's shape.
Considerations for planning and designing meta-analysis in oral medicine

Evidence to address a scientific question is generated through the design of research aiming to answer it. Probably the most often sought design in epidemiologic research is a randomized clinical trial that offers the advantage of controlling for confounders, which may influence the trial outcome. In contrast, observational study designs test hypotheses when clinical trials are difficult to implement. The interest in clinical trials has led to an explosion of manuscripts testing interventions in health care, often yielding interesting results albeit in statistically underpowered samples. Thus, the clinician faces the challenge of making sense of multiple studies that produce results of variable strength when attempting to assess the evidence supporting a treatment. Meta-analytic methods represent an alternative to assess the evidence by pooling the results from multiple studies to increase statistical power. This manuscript describes considerations for planning and implementing meta-analysis in oral medicine.
Eigenvalue sensitivity to system dimensions

Abstract Adjoint-based first-order sensitivity theory is applied to estimate the sensitivity of the k eff eigenvalue to system geometric dimensions. Macroscopic cross sections in the neighborhood of a material interface are expressed in terms of a Heaviside step function. Differentiating the transport and fission operators of the transport equation with respect to the location of the interface results in a Dirac delta function. The final equation for the sensitivity has the forward-adjoint product integrals evaluated on the unperturbed interface; these are multiplied groupwise by the cross-section differences across the interface. The equation applies to the sensitivity of k eff to the uniform expansion or contraction of a surface but not to a surface translation or rotation. The equation is related to an earlier one derived for internal interface perturbations in transport theory. The method is demonstrated and compared with direct perturbation calculations in spherical ( r only) and cylindrical ( r – z ) geometries based on criticality benchmark experiments.
An Investigation of the Sources of Store-Based Retailers' Early Entrant Advantages: Market and Resource Factors

The focus in this study is to explore the sources of the potential early entrant advantages in retailing markets. Are the sources of retailers' early entrant advantages external market factors, internal resource factors, neither, or both of these two types of factors? The results show that for store-based consumer electronics retailers, early entrant advantages result from two factors: non-firm-specific factors unique to the retailing industry subfield of consumer electronics retailing and firm-specific operations capability factors. However, in this study, firm-specific advertising capability factors did not seem to make any significant contribution to early entrant advantages.
Raman-scattering study of ion-implantation-produced damage in Cu 2 O

We present a Raman-scattering study of damage in ${\mathrm{Cu}}_{2}$O which we have implanted with 90- and 180-keV Cd ions with doses ranging from 1.5 ${\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}10}^{11}$ to 1.5\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{15}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}2}$. The Raman scattering was performed prior to annealing in order to study primarily the implantation-produced lattice damage. Using two argon-laser lines close to resonance with the $1S$ blue exciton, we observe changes from the pure-crystal Raman spectrum at all implantation doses. The unusual sensitivity of the technique can be interpreted in terms of damage-induced broadening of the intrinsic exciton states.
Biceps tendon tenodesis for posterolateral instability of the knee An in vitro study

The effects of biceps tendon tenodesis on internal- external and varus-valgus laxity were measured using fresh-frozen cadaveric specimens that had undergone sequential sectioning of the posterolateral structures and of the fibular collateral ligament. Tenodesis (using 89 N graft tension and a fixation point located 1 cm anterior to the fibular collateral ligament's insertion on the femur) was effective in restoring external rotation and varus laxity; the procedure actually overcon strained external tibial rotation at all flexion positions and varus angulation at 60° and 90° of flexion. Internal rotation and valgus laxity were unaffected by the teno desis procedure. The anterior fixation point was more effective in reducing laxity than a fixation point located 1 cm proximal to the fibular collateral ligament insertion. Tenodesis using the proximal fixation point, which was nonisometric, did not restore external rotation and varus laxities to intact values at 60° and 90° of knee flexion. Graft tension (45 o...
The thalamo-cortical projection of the so-called posterior nuclear group: a study with anterograde degeneration methods in the cat.

The ascending connections of the posterior nuclear group have been studied in the cat by the use of modified Nauta and Fink-Heimer techniques. Electrolytic lesions of various size were placed within the thalamus by means of trans-cerebellar stereotaxic approaches designed to avoid damage to the neocortex. The present observations suggest that virtually all of the cortical areas lying alongside auditory cortex, including those regions embracing the caudal part of the second somatic sensory field, receive fiber projections from the posterior nuclear group. Cases of restricted lesion further suggest that individually distinct contributions to this broad thalamo-cortical projection arise in various subdivisions of the territory. By contrast, fiber degeneration clearly attributable to lesions of the posterior nuclear group was not observed in the major auditory areas with the possible exception of their peripheral margins. In addition to these thalamo-cortical projections, degenerating fibers could be traced to discrete subdivisions of the caudoputamen and basolateral amygdala in all cases of lesion to the posterior nuclear group. The organization of these afferent connections of the posterior thalamus is discussed within the frame of a general categorization of sensory conduction routes in which each of a variety of ascending sensory pathways is interpreted as forming a lemniscal line system or lemniscal adjunct system.
Detection of histone modifications at specific gene loci in single cells in histological sections

Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays have contributed greatly to our understanding of the role of histone modifications in gene regulation. However, they do not permit analysis with single-cell resolution, thus confounding analyses of heterogeneous cell populations. Here we present a method that permits visualization of histone modifications of single genomic loci with single-cell resolution in formaldehyde-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue sections based on combined use of in situ hybridization and proximity ligation assays. We show that dimethylation of lysine 4 of histone H3 (H3K4me2) at the MYH11 locus is restricted to the smooth muscle cell (SMC) lineage in human and mouse tissue sections and that the mark persists even in phenotypically modulated SMC in atherosclerotic lesions that show no detectable expression of SMC marker genes. This methodology has promise for broad applications in the study of epigenetic mechanisms in complex multicellular tissues in development and disease.
Controlled fabrication of nanoscale gaps using stiction

Utilizing stiction, a common failure mode in micro/nano electromechanical systems (M/NEMS), we propose a method for the controlled fabrication of nanometer-thin gaps between electrodes. In this approach, a single lithography step is used to pattern cantilevers that undergo lateral motion towards opposing stationary electrodes separated by a defined gap. Upon wet developing of the pattern, capillary forces induce cantilever deflection and collapse leading to permanent adhesion between the tip and an opposing support structure. The deflection consequently reduces the separation gap between the cantilever and the electrodes neighboring the point of stiction to dimensions smaller than originally patterned. Through nanoscale force control achieved by altering device design, we demonstrate the fabrication of nanogaps having controlled widths smaller than 15 nm. We further discuss optimization of these nanoscale gaps for applications in NEM and molecular devices.
Characterization of polyconjugated thin films synthesized by hot-wire chemical vapor deposition of aniline

Abstract We are exploring the use of hot-wire chemical vapor deposition (HW-CVD) as an alternative, solvent-free technique to produce compact polyconjugated films from vaporized monomers. This work focuses on aniline as the monomer and utilizes a hot refractory metal to activate precursors. Infrared, X-ray photoelectron and UV–visible spectra have been obtained to characterize the molecular structure of the films produced by this method. The HW-CVD material is compared with conventional polyaniline as well as with films grown elsewhere by plasma-CVD and with a different vacuum-based method, using a NiCr filament, developed in our laboratory.
The ultrastructure of the plasma-sprayed hydroxyapatite-bone interface predisposing to bone bonding

The deposition of biological apatite and subsequent formation of bone on hydroxyapatite implants depends on the partial dissolution of the implant surface and the reprecipitation of carbonated apatite from the biological milieu. Previous investigations in vitro have shown that the degree of dissolution and reprecipitation decreases as the coating crystallinity increases. These findings prompted the current study of the effects of coating crystallinity on the mechanism of bone bonding. The process of mineralization of bone associated with a hydroxyapatite coating was compared to the normal process of ossification. Plasma-sprayed hydroxyapatite (PSHA) coated titanium alloy (6% Al-4% V) rods as received and annealed for 0.7 h at 600 degrees C in air to increase the coating crystallinity were implanted in the proximal and distal femora and proximal tibiae of adult mongrel dogs for 3 h, 3 and 10 days. Bony sites containing the implant were prepared for ultramicrotomy and transmission electron microscopy using an anhydrous embedding procedure: fixation in ethylene glycol and embedment in Spurr's resin. The results demonstrated the precipitation of biological apatite crystallites on non-annealed PSHA coatings in vivo within 3 h of implantation. After 3 and 10 days there were differences in the ultrastructure of the mineral phase on the surfaces of non-annealed and annealed surfaces. Observations showed that there was little difference in the mechanism of mineralization of bone associated with HA-coated prostheses and the normal process of ossification.
Transgenic Mice Expressing the Tyr437His Mutant of Human Myocilin Protein Develop Glaucoma

Purpose To developed a genetic mouse model of primary open-angle glaucoma induced by expression of mutated human myocilin in transgenic mice and to test whether expression of mutated human myocilin in the eye angle structures produces more significant damage to the eye than does mutated mouse myocilin.
Assessment of mitogenesis of the hormone-responsive NMU rat mammary tumor grown in culture in soft agar, using3H-thymidine incorporation into DNA

We have recently shown that the soft agar clonogenic assay is suitable for growing the hormone-responsive N-nitrosomethylurea (NMU) rat mammary tumor and for evaluating the factors affecting its growth. In order to improve our assessment of tumor mitogenesis beyond simple colony counting, we have validated and characterized in our system the use of3H-thymidine (3H-ThD) incorporation of DNA. In time-course studies, we observed that in most tumors an initial peak of3H-ThD uptake occurred on day 1 after plating followed by a decline in counts on day 2 and a second peak on day 3.3H-ThD incorporation was markedly diminished on day 4 and 6 when maximal colony formation occurred. In experiments where NMU rat mammary tumors were plated at different cell concentrations, we observed that increasing the number of cells plated resulted in a parallel increase in counts on day 1 and colonies on day 6. Overall, a highly significant correlation was observed between3H-ThD uptake and colony formation (r = 0.86,p<0.001). These results demonstrate that the3H-ThD incorporation assay is a fast and effective method for assessing mitogenesis of hormoneresponsive NMU mammary tumors grown in the soft agar clonogenic assay.
Pathophysiology of Focal Cerebral Ischemia: a Therapeutic Perspective

The pathophysiology of cerebral ischemia is best understood in animal models of stroke. Within minutes of interrupted blood flow, mitochondria are deprived of substrate, which prevents adenosine triphosphate generation and results in membrane depolarization. This leads to increased intracellular calcium and sodium concentration followed by generation of free radicals and initiation of apoptosis. Glutamate release from ischemic neurons contributes to cellular damage. Each step in this complex, interdependent series of events offers a potential point to intervene and prevent neuronal death. Although many human trials in acute stroke therapy have had disappointing results, many promising therapies are in the pipeline, including hypothermia and free-radical inhibitors. Herein, the author discusses the pathophysiology of focal cerebral ischemia as has been revealed in rodent models and reviews the major human trials according to treatment mechanism.
RANGE CONTRACTION IN DECLINING NORTH AMERICAN BIRD POPULATIONS

Significant population declines are typically used to diagnose the level of threat faced by endangered species. In contrast, conservation strategies for these species often focus on setting aside parts of their ranges into protected areas, without regard for the distribution of population abundances within those ranges. Since abundances are not uniformly distributed within a species' range, different portions of the range may be of different conservation value. This article examines the relationship between the decrease in abundance of a taxon and the resulting pattern in the contraction of its geographical distribution. Three possible types of decline are considered. High-abundance-biased (HAB) declines occur when the overall decline in abundance occurs predominantly in the portions of the range where abundances are highest. Here, while the total abundance may significantly decline, the range can remain unchanged. Conversely, in low-abundance-biased (LAB) declines, the decline occurs predominantly in are...
Phosphoproteomic Analysis of the Developing Mouse Brain

Proper development of the mammalian brain requires the precise integration of numerous temporally and spatially regulated stimuli. Many of these signals transduce their cues via the reversible phosphorylation of downstream effector molecules. Neuronal stimuli acting in concert have the potential of generating enormous arrays of regulatory phosphoproteins. Toward the global profiling of phosphoproteins in the developing brain, we report here the use of a mass spectrometry-based methodology permitting the first proteomic-scale phosphorylation site analysis of primary animal tissue, identifying over 500 protein phosphorylation sites in the developing mouse brain.
Cosmeceutical effect on skin surface profiles and epidermis in UV-B-irradiated mice

ImportanceThese data may be useful for developing guidelines for clinicians and the general population related to the reversal of photoaging effects on the aging face damaged by solar radiation. Ob...
Gear up the Classifier: Scalable Packet Classification Optimization Framework via Rule Set Pre-Processing

As one of the critical data path functions for many emerging networking applications, packet classification is gaining more and more concerns nowadays. It is commonly believed that conventional software-based classification algorithms are much more time-consuming than hardware-based solutions, i.e., the costly and power consuming TCAM-based mechanism, and incompetent for future high-end applications. In this paper, we propose an efficient optimization framework which can be applied to "gear up" most exiting software-based packet classification algorithms. Under this framework, the large rule set is pre-partitioned into several small subsets, according to some heuristics and dedicated methods. Then the conventional classification process can be significantly simplified and results in a distinct performance improvement by converging the classification power on only a small portion of the rule set. According to the results of our experiment, in which the framework is applied to one of the best algorithms EGT-PC [2], the memory accesses can even be reduced by up to 70%. This provides a much lower cost and more power-efficient alternative to TCAM-based solutions. Another advantage is that the framework requires no change to the hardware environment and little system cost overhead, making it especially suitable for the modern network processor based network solutions.
Circadian gating of neuronal functionality: a basis for iterative metaplasticity.

Brain plasticity, the ability of the nervous system to encode experience, is a modulatory process leading to long-lasting structural and functional changes. Salient experiences induce plastic changes in neurons of the hippocampus, the basis of memory formation and recall. In the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), the central circadian (~24-h) clock, experience with light at night induces changes in neuronal state, leading to circadian plasticity. The SCN’s endogenous ~24-h time-generator comprises a dynamic series of functional states, which gate plastic responses. This restricts light-induced alteration in SCN state-dynamics and outputs to the nighttime. Endogenously generated circadian oscillators coordinate the cyclic states of excitability and intracellular signaling molecules that prime SCN receptivity to plasticity signals, generating nightly windows of susceptibility. We propose that this constitutes a paradigm of ~24-hour iterative metaplasticity, the repeated, patterned occurrence of susceptibility to induction of neuronal plasticity. We detail effectors permissive for the cyclic susceptibility to plasticity. We consider similarities of intracellular and membrane mechanisms underlying plasticity in SCN circadian plasticity and in hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP). The emerging prominence of the hippocampal circadian clock points to iterative metaplasticity in that tissue as well. Exploring these links holds great promise for understanding circadian shaping of synaptic plasticity, learning, and memory.
Effects of LDL enriched with different dietary fatty acids on cholesteryl ester accumulation and turnover in THP-1 macrophages

LDL enriched with either saturated, monounsaturated, n-6 polyunsaturated, or n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids were used to study the effects of dietary fatty acids on macrophage cholesteryl ester (CE) accumulation, physical state, hydrolysis, and cholesterol efflux. Incubation of THP-1 macrophages with acetylated LDL (AcLDL) from each of the four diet groups resulted in both CE and triglyceride (TG) accumulation, in addition to alterations of cellular CE, TG, and phospholipid fatty acyl compositions reflective of the individual LDLs. Incubation with monounsaturated LDL resulted in significantly higher total and CE accumulation when compared with the other groups. After TG depletion, intracellular anisotropic lipid droplets were visible in all four groups, with 71% of the cells incubated with monounsaturated AcLDL containing anisotropic lipid droplets, compared with 30% of cells incubated with n-3 AcLDL. These physical state differences translated into higher rates of both CE hydrolysis and cholesterol efflux in the n-3 group. These data suggest that monounsaturated fatty acids may enhance atherosclerosis by increasing both cholesterol delivery to macrophage foam cells and the percentage of anisotropic lipid droplets, while n-3 PUFAs decrease atherosclerosis by creating more fluid cellular CE droplets that accelerate the rate of CE hydrolysis and the efflux of cholesterol from the cell.
Phoneprioception: enabling mobile phones to infer where they are kept

Enabling phones to infer whether they are currently in a pocket, purse or on a table facilitates a range of new interactions from placement-dependent notifications setting to preventing "pocket dialing". We collected data from 693 participants to understand where people keep their phone in different contexts and why. Using this data, we identified three placement personas: Single Place Pat, Consistent Casey, and All-over Alex. Based on these results, we collected two weeks of labeled accelerometer data in-situ from 32 participants. We used this data to build models for inferring phone placement, achieving an accuracy of approximately 85% for inferring whether the phone is in an enclosed location and for inferring if the phone is on the user. Finally, we prototyped a capacitive grid and a multispectral sensor and collected data from 15 participants in a laboratory to understand the added value of these sensors.
permGPU: Using graphics processing units in RNA microarray association studies

Background Many analyses of microarray association studies involve permutation, bootstrap resampling and cross-validation, that are ideally formulated as embarrassingly parallel computing problems. Given that these analyses are computationally intensive, scalable approaches that can take advantage of multi-core processor systems need to be developed.
How Bernard Williams Constructed his Critique of Kant's Moral Theory

One of the more striking developments in contemporary philosophic discussions about morality has been the rise of anti-theory — the rejection of moral theories as ‘unnecessary, undesirable, and/or impossible’. Among those associated with this view have been Bernard Williams, John McDowell, Edmund Pincoffs and James Wallace.
Cognitive impairment, psychiatric disorders, and problematic behaviors in a tribal nursing home.

Objective: Residents' cognitive, psychiatric, and behavioral statuses were examined as part of a larger study of care in a nursing home (NH) owned and operated by a Northern Plains American Indian tribe. Method: Reviews of 45 medical records and semistructured interviews with 36 staff were completed. Results: Creekside residents had considerable psychiatric and behavioral morbidity. High prevalences of non-Alzheimer's disease dementia, cognitive impairment, anxious symptomatology, and resistance to care were met with psychopharmacotherapy, reorientation, and informal techniques for behavior management. Significant depressive, anxious, psychotic, and behavioral symptoms remained. Staff interpretations of resident problems consisted of an ethnopsychological schema emphasizing resident loneliness, grumpiness, and propensity to “fight” rather than formal psychiatric nosology. Discussion: Tribal NH residents were likely underdiagnosed for dementia and anxiety. Residual behavioral and psychiatric symptomatology...