cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Relative effects of wound healing and mechanical stimulus on early bone response to porous-coated implants

We hypothesized that early bone adaptation to well fixed porous-coated implants is influenced more by wound healing than by mechanical loading. To test this hypothesis, two groups of dogs with identical, hydraulically controlled porous-coated implants interference fit within distal femoral trabecular bone were used. One group had no load: the other had 35 N of load applied to the implants. At 5 weeks after surgery, the resulting adaptation of bone around the implants was quantified on a cellular basis by cytochemical analysis of type-I procollagen synthesis and on a structural basis using three-dimensional micro-computed tomography imaging. The percentage of trabecular surfaces covered by osteoblasts expressing type-I procollagen was significantly increased in bone surrounding the implant in both groups compared with contralateral control bone tissue. There was no difference between the groups with no load or 35 N of load. In addition, measures of trabecular bone structure did not differ significantly between the load and no-load groups. Taken together, these results suggest that wound healing plays a much greater role in the early response of bone to well fixed porous-coated implants than does mechanical stimulus.
Amyloid-β deposits in the cerebral cortex of the aged common marmoset ( Callithrix jacchus ): incidence and chemical composition

The incidence, distribution and chemical composition of amyloid-beta (A beta) peptide-positive deposits were investigated in the lower primate species common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus). No A beta deposits were observed in the brains of 7 marmosets below 7 years of age. In 15 marmosets above 7 years, 60% displayed cortical A beta-immunoreactive plaques, 80% had A beta deposited in intracortical vessels and 87% displayed A beta deposits in meningeal vessels. The cerebral cortex of the oldest animal (15 years) contained a substantial density of deposits. A beta-immunoreactive plaques were found predominantly in association cortical zones followed by a lower density in paralimbic cortical areas. Deposits within vessels were most frequent in occipital cortex. A beta40 was found primarily in vascular deposits, while A beta42 was present in plaques. Approximately 20% of plaques and most vascular deposits displayed thioflavin S staining, indicative of the presence of fibrillar A beta. Varying proportions of A beta deposits contained acetylcholinesterase or butyrylcholinesterase activities and apolipoprotein E and alpha1-antichymotrypsin immunoreactivity. A few plaques contained immunoreactivity for amyloid precursor protein in swollen neurites. However, no abnormally phosphorylated tau immunoreactivity was present in these neurites. Survival analysis in a colony of marmosets indicated that only 6% of animals can be expected to survive beyond 7 years of age. These results indicate that the aged marmoset brain displays A beta deposits with a distribution and chemical composition similar to those found in the human. These similarities suggest that the aged marmoset may be a useful lower primate model for the study of the pathological effects of A beta. However, the relatively small number of animals which can be expected to reach old age severely limits the utility of this species as a model of A beta deposition.
Plasticity in airway smooth muscle: an update

At a similar meeting 10 years ago, we proposed (i) that the long functional range of some smooth muscles is accommodated by plastic alterations that place more myofilaments in series at longer lengths, (ii) that this plasticity is facilitated by myosin filament evanescence, with filaments dissociating partially during relaxation and reforming upon activation, and (iii) that filament lengthening during the rise of activation would cause velocity to fall. Since that meeting, we have accumulated a substantial body of evidence to support these proposals, as follows: (i) muscles develop nearly the same force when adapted to a range of lengths that can vary by 3-fold; (ii) other physiological parameters including shortening velocity, maximum power, compliance, ATPase rate, and thick-filament mass increase by about 2/3 for a doubling of muscle length; (iii) thick-filament density increases substantially during the rise of activation; and (iv) velocity falls as force rises during the rise of tetanic force, and wh...
X-ray and synchrotron diffraction studies of 2-(pyridin-2-yl)-1,10-phenanthroline in the role of ligand for two copper polymorphs or hydrogen bonded with 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-oxopiperidinium hexafluorophosphate.

Different extended packing motifs of dichlorido[2-(pyridin-2-yl)-1,10-phenanthroline]copper(II), [CuCl2(C17H11N3)], are obtained, depending on the crystallization conditions. A triclinic form, (I), is obtained from dimethylformamide-diethyl ether or methanol, whereas crystallization from dimethylformamide-water yields a monoclinic form, (II). In each case, the Cu(II) centre is in a five-coordinate distorted square-pyramidal geometry. The extended packing for both forms can be described as a highly offset π-stacking arrangement, with interlayer distances of 3.674 (3) and 3.679 (3) A for forms (I) and (II), respectively. The reaction of diprotonated Pt(tmpip2NCN)Cl [tmpip2NCN = 2,6-bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidylmethyl)benzyl] with AgPF6 under acidic conditions, followed by the addition of 2-(pyridin-2-yl)-1,10-phenanthroline, results in a hydrogen-bonded cocrystal, 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-oxopiperidinium hexafluorophosphate-2-(pyridin-2-yl)-1,10-phenanthroline (1/1), C9H18NO(+)·PF6(-)·C17H11N3, (III). The extended packing maximizes π-π interactions in a parallel face-to-face arrangement, with an interlayer stacking distance of 3.4960 (14) A.
Prediction of novel minima in the differential cross sections of H − collisions with atoms

I predict that the differential cross sections for elastic and inelastic scattering of ${\mathrm{H}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$ with atoms will exhibit sharp minima. These minima result from the cancellation between the contributions to the cross section by the positively charged nucleus and the two negatively charged electrons of ${\mathrm{H}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$. The location for such minima is predicted based on a simple first Born approximation, but should be correct at least for intermediate to high impact energies.
The Auger Parameter of Adsorbed Xenon as a Probe of Surface Polarizability

The change in Auger parameter, α (α = Auger kinetic energy minus photoelectron kinetic energy from core levels) between gas phase and adsorbed phase xenon provides an unambiguous measure of final state electronic relaxation in the surface toward the xenon ion. For many surfaces this relaxation is purely electronic polarization in the surface so that the Auger parameter provides a measure of the surface polarizability. Moreover, the Auger parameter for adsorbed xenon can be related to the relaxation energy in core level photoemission with high accuracy. Measurement of the xenon Auger parameter and its sensitivity to surface dielectric properties is illustrated by experiments on a series of oxygen treated Mo(100) surfaces.
Molecular phylogeny and taxonomic review of Premnobiini Browne, 1962 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae)

The taxonomy of Premnobiini is reviewed in the context a molecular phylogeny including species of Ipini, Dryocoeotini, and Xyleborini. DNA data from COI, 16S, 28S, and CAD (~ 2640 characters) were generated for 79 species and phylogenies were reconstructed using parsimony and Bayesian methods under different nucleotide sequence alignment parameters. The topologies of these phylogenies were in general agreement. Ipini was monophyletic along with all genera except Acathotomicus. Premnobiini was nested within Ipini and consisted of two clades, which associated with Premnobius and Premnophilus. These results justified taxonomic changes. Premnophilus was resurrected as a valid genus and Premnobiini was considered a sub-tribe of Ipini.
Psychiatric disability rating in transition

Abstract The AMA committee on rating of mental and physical impairment 1 has recently published a guide for the quantification of psychiatric disability. While there exist other rating guides developed for the use of special agencies, e.g., the Veterans Administration, Workmen's Compensation, Social Security Administration, all of which operate under differing laws, rules and regulations, 2 the AMA guides were designed for general use, not only by the specialist but by all physicians engaged in disability evaluation. There are several distinguishing features in the AMA report: The differentiation between “impairment” and “disability” is clarified; an attempt to assess the impairment value of personality disorders and of sociopathic personality disturbance is made; and a method for evaluating combinations of impairment is discussed, not only for those involving psychiatric illnesses, but also for any combination of psychiatric and nonpsychiatric conditions. To accomplish these purposes, the AMA guides rely on diagnostic classification and clinical description within each classification. Psychological testing as an aid in determining ability to function is not utilized.
A psycholinguistic approach to study of the language deficit in aphasia

Three protocols from two aphasic subjects were studied intensively in the framework of generative linguistics. Each protocol contained more than 300 utterances elicited by instructing the subject t...
JGR-Space Physics editor Thomas J. Birmingham

“My prime responsibility is to see that this journal continues to publish solid science at the forefront of the field in a timely fashion,” according to Thomas J. Birmingham, editor of the Journal of Geophysical Research-Space Physics. Birmingham, a physicist at the Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in Greenbelt, Md., stressed the importance of the peer evaluation process in assuring that this objective is met.
Reactions in Metal-Metalloid Multilayers

We have studied the reactions at metal-metalloid interfaces using high resolution transmission electron microscopy, including in situ observation, and differential scanning calorimetry. There is contrasting behavior depending on the affinity for interaction or segregation. For reactive systems, compound formation ultimately results, but this can be preceded by solid- state amorphization. For non-reactive systems, crystallization of the metalloid is often achieved with nucleation and growth mediated by the metal phase.
Featural and temporal attention selectively enhance task-appropriate representations in human primary visual cortex

Humans tend to attend to specific visual features rather than particular locations in space. In this study, Warren et al. use brain imaging and computational modelling to show that the same well-studied processes associated with spatial attention can also explain selective attention in non-spatial domains.
100 mm integration of III-V and silicon-on-insulator wafers for the realization of distributed feedback silicon evanescent lasers

Abstract 100 mm wafer bonding of InP-based structure and silicon-on-insulator wafers is presented with the use of a lowtemperature (300 °C) O2 plasma-assisted wafer bonding process. An efficient vertical outgassing channels (VOCs) design is developed to eliminate the fundamental obstacle of interfacial voids in bonding due to intrinsic chemical reactions. Generated gas species of H 2 O and H 2 can quickly diffuse to VOCs, etched through-holes to buried oxide layer (BOX), and absorbed by the BOX layer owing to the open network structure and large gas permeability. The interfacial void density is reduced from 55,093 cm -2 down to 3 cm -2 , more than five orders of magnitude reduction for appropriate design of VOCs. Uniform patterning of VOCs leads to no outgassing "dead zone" across the entire bonding area, and decrease of the thermal mismatch-induced interfacial strain potentially as well, which both result in the wafer scale-independent bonding. In addition, we present distributed feedback silicon lasers realized on the hybrid silicon evanescent platform. The laser operates continuous wave with a single mode output at 1600 nm. A continuous wave (CW) low threshold of 25 mA with a maximum output power of 5.4 mW is demonstrated at 10 °C. The obtained side mode suppression ratio of 50 dB, 3.6 MHz linewidth, and over 100 nm single mode operation band are comparable to those of commercial III-V DFB devices. These highly single mode lasers may find applications in computer interconnect.
Semileptonic decay of the top quark to a heavy lepton

Abstract The energy spectrum of a heavy lepton produced in semileptonic top quark decay is calculated, including the contribution from the longitudinal component of the W boson not required for massless or light leptons. If the top quark mass is less than the W mass this process provides a direct probe of the Higgs sector and can distinguish between the two possible two Higgs-doublet models.
Binding and charge transfer associated with alkali metal adsorption on single crystal nickel surfaces

Abstract Work function and thermal desorption energy measurements of alkali metal coated single crystal Ni surfaces are reported and correlated with previously reported surface crystallography measurements. It is shown that the minimums in the work function versus coverage curves do not generally correspond to significant changes in surface structure. Initial dipole moments calculated from the work function measurements are 7.4 ± 0.5, 7.2 ± 0.5 and 3.2 ± 0.3 Debye units for Na on Ni(111), (100) and (110), respectively, and 3.2 ± 0.3, 5.3 ± 0.3 and 7.0 ±0.5 Debye units for Na, K and Cs on Ni(110), respectively. A quantum mechanical theory developed by Gadzuk predicts dipole moments in good agreement with these experimental values for alkali metal coated Ni. The thermal desorption energies corresponding to the initial stage of adsorption measured for Na on Ni(111), (100), and (110) were 2.54, 2.52 and 2.18 ± 0.1 eV, respectively, and 2.18, 2.56 and 2.72 ± 0.1 eV for Na, K and Cs on Ni (110), respectively. The shapes of the desorption energy and frequency factor versus coverage curves were related to the surface crystallography. Finally, correlation of the desorption energy with the work function measurements emphasized the importance of ionic bonding at low coverages.
Anion Partitioning in and Diffusion through a Nafion Membrane

Although Nafion-117 is a cation-exchange membrane, anions can readily diffuse through it when it is in contact with a high ionic strength or low pH solution. In this study, diffusion coefficients of anions (bisulfate and Cr(VI)) through a Nafion membrane were measured under these two conditions using a two-compartment cell. In addition, the partition coefficients of these anions in the membrane were measured. For sulfate concentrations of about 0.1 M, the average bisulfate partition coefficient was about 0.23 (mg/cm 3 water)/(mg/cm 3 membrane). The adsorption isotherm for Cr(VI) in Nafion membranes equilibrated with 0.1 M NiSO 4 + CrO 3 solution was linear (C m =0.079C e +12.93, C e as mg/cm 3 CrO 3 , r 2 >0.99), indicating that the Cr(VI) partition coefficient decreased with increasing chromic acid concentration (1-4 M range). The apparent diffusivities of HSO 4 - and Cr(VI) anions in the Nafion membrane were 1.08x10 -6 and 8.06x10 -7 cm 2 /s, respectively. The bisulfate concentration variation resulting from diffusion in the system was well-simulated by a numerical program based on Fick's second law. An alumina ceramic diaphragm was also tested for comparison. The bisulfate partition and diffusion coefficients in the ceramic were 0.4 and 2.17x10 -6 cm 2 /s, respectively.
National cinema after globalization: Fernando E. Solanas’ sur and the exiled nation

(1993). National cinema after globalization: Fernando E. Solanas’ sur and the exiled nation. Quarterly Review of Film and Video: Vol. 14, Mediating the National, pp. 69-83.
Effect of the Constituents of Insulating Oils on their Gassing Properties and Breakdown Strength

Effect of the Constituents of Insulating Oils on their Gassing Properties and Breakdown Strength
Comparison of Brachial Artery Vasoreactivity in Elite Power Athletes and Age-Matched Controls

Elite endurance athletes typically have larger arteries contributing to greater skeletal muscle blood flow, oxygen and nutrient delivery and improved physical performance. Few studies have examined structural and functional properties of arteries in power athletes. Purpose To compare the size and vasoreactivity of the brachial artery of elite power athletes to age-matched controls. It was hypothesized brachial artery diameters of athletes would be larger, have less vasodilation in response to cuff occlusion, but more constriction after a cold pressor test than age-matched controls.
Probing electric fields inside microfluidic channels during electroosmotic flow with fast-scan cyclic voltammetry.

Fast-scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV) at carbon-fiber microelectrodes was used in microfluidic channels. This method offers the advantage that it can resolve electroactive species not separated in the channel. In addition, this method provides a route to investigate the distribution of applied electrophoretic fields in microfluidic channels. To probe this, microelectrodes were inserted at various distances into channels and cyclic voltammograms recorded at 300 V/s were repeated at 0.1-s intervals. The use of a battery-powered laptop computer and potentiostat provided galvanic isolation between the applied electrophoretic field and the electrochemical measurements. In the absence of an external field, the peak potential for oxidation of the test solute, Ru(bpy)32+, was virtually unaltered by insertion of the microelectrode tip into the channel. When an electrophoretic field was applied, the peak potential for Ru(bpy)32+ oxidation shifted to more positive potentials in a manner that was directly proportional ...
Evaluation of morphological indices and total body electrical conductivity to assess body composition in big brown bats

Bat researchers have used both morphological indices and total body electric conductivity (TOBEC) as proxies for body condition in a variety of studies, but have typically not validated these indices against direct measurement of body composition. We quantified body composition (total carcass lipids) to determine if morphological indices were useful predictors of body condition in big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus). We also evaluated body composition indirectly by TOBEC using EM-SCAN® technology. The most important predictors of body composition in multiple regression analysis were body mass-to-forearm ratio (partial r 2 = 0.82, P < 0.001) followed by TOBEC measurement (partial r 2 = 0.08, P < 0.001) and to a minor extent head length (partial r 2 = 0.02, P < 0.05). Morphological condition indices alone may be adequate for some studies because of lower cost and effort. Marking bats with passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags affected TOBEC measurements.
Lateral migration measured image signatures in the detection and identification of buried land mines

A series of buried land mine detection measurements were performed at the University of Florida using x-ray lateral migration radiography with 12 difference types of actual antitank and antipersonnel mines. The resulting images posses extraordinarily definitive detail. The signatures are so unique that not only can positive mine detection be accomplished with this technique, but also mine identification. The mine's exterior shape combined with the interior air volumes yield easily recognized image signatures. The emphasis of this paper is on mine-type discrimination from image data. The reported results indicate that the lateral migration radiography technique provides a land mine detection method with the potential of near-zero false positive alarm probability. A practical systems, which is under current design and fabrication, is described and allows for one square meter interrogation in 35 seconds, antitank and antipersonnel mine imaging and recognition in respectively 12.6 and 1.4 seconds. This approximately 75-kilogram system can be attached to a small two-wheel carrier and requires only 140 watts of electric power.
Polypharmacy in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder treatment: current status, challenges and next steps.

Keywords Polypharmacy . Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder .ADHD .Treatment guidelines . Pharmacoepidemiology .Qualityof care .Side effects . Stimulant medications .Second-generation atypical antipsychotics .Alpha agonists .Antidepressants . Comorbidity .Sleep disturbance
Surgical Management in Patients With Coexistent Coronary and Cerebrovascular Disease: Long-Term Results

Between January 1980 and December 1992, 3% (210/6,862) of our patients undergoing myocardial revascularization (CABG) had high grade (>80%) internal carotid stenosis (CS). One hundred seventy-five of these patients with complete follow up for a minimum of 18 months were studied. Bilateral internal CS was present in 60%, and 75% had other vascular lesions, mainly as peripheral vascular disease (PVD) of the lower limb (50.8%). All patients underwent CAE (carotid endarterectomy) followed by CABG under the same anesthesia. Peripheral vascular lesions, contralateral internal CS and recurrent (n=43) and progressive vascular lesions (n=50), were subsequently treated as staged procedures. Hospital mortality was 3.42%. By univariate analysis significant predictors of late mortality were congestive heart failure, COPD, PVD, postoperative myocardial infarction, postoperative stroke, and ischemic cardiomyopathy. Only the latter two were also significant by multivariate analysis. At 12 years, actuarial survival in the presence of these risk factors were 46%, 49%, 22%, 37%, 53%, and 27% respectively. All are significantly lower as compared with the corresponding subsets of patients with the risk factor absent. At 12 years, actuarial survival for the entire series was 65%. Cumulative incidence of postoperative strokes was higher in patients with bilateral internal CS than in patients with unilateral internal CS (p
A yeast assay for functional detection of mutations in the human cystathionine β-synthase gene

Mutations in the human cystathionine beta-synthase (CBS) gene are known to cause homocystinuria and may also be a significant risk factor for premature atherosclerosis. We have previously shown that the human CBS protein can substitute for the endogenous yeast CBS protein in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We now show that expression of three different CBS mutants known to be associated with reduced enzyme activity in humans fail to complement growth in the yeast assay. In addition, we have used the yeast CBS assay to identify eight mutant CBS alleles in cell lines from patients with CBS deficiency. These mutant alleles include two previously identified and five novel CBS mutations. Our results also demonstrate that the yeast CBS assay can detect a large percentage of individuals heterozygous for mutations in CBS. This system should be useful in determining the relationship between CBS mutations and human disease.
Estimates of the Frisch Elasticity of Labor Supply: A Review

This article assesses the literature on the responsiveness of the supply of labor in the case of a temporary change in after-tax compensation. In particular, it reviews the literature on the Frisch elasticity — the sum of the substitution elasticity and a measure of people’s willingness to trade work for consumption over time. The authors find that the estimates of the Frisch elasticity most relevant for fiscal policy analysis range from 0.27 to 0.53 (with a central estimate of 0.40). Using that range, they illustrate how different Frisch elasticities affect the responsiveness of labor supply to changes in fiscal policies. The illustration shows that estimation of the Frisch elasticity can have a significant influence on analyses of the economic effects of such policy changes.
Current treatment preferences for early onset scoliosis: a survey of POSNA members.

Background: Surgical options for the management of idiopathic early onset scoliosis (EOS) have increased over the past decade, perhaps surpassing traditional nonoperative methods. We sought to assess current treatment preferences in the management of EOS among pediatric orthopaedic surgeons. We hypothesized that practitioner access to casting tables and halo traction would be significantly associated with treatment choices. Methods: A web-based survey was distributed to the members of the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America. Information with regard to practice type, access to casting tables and halo traction, and management of patients with EOS was obtained. Clinical vignettes were used to assess current physician preferences in the treatment of EOS, including the use of bracing, casting, halo-gravity traction, fusionless spine techniques, definitive fusion, and chest wall devices. Results: Members of Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America (19.8%) completed the survey with the vast majority of respondents (93.8%) treating children with EOS. Sixty-six percent of respondents had access to a casting table and 77% reported access to halo-gravity traction. Access to casting tables and access to halo-gravity traction was associated with the use of casting and traction (P < 0.0001). Equal numbers of surgeons currently use casting (62%) and growing spine techniques (64.1 %). Chest wall expansion was offered as a treatment option by 39.1 % of surgeons, and 27% of surgeons reported the use of halo-gravity traction. Ninety-three percent of respondents chose nonoperative management of a 2-year―old child with a 50Â° progressive scoliosis. In contrast, 63% of surgeons would offer surgery as the initial management to a 5-year-old child with a progressive 70A° idiopathic scoliosis. Conclusions: The majority of respondents had access to halo traction and casting tables at their hospitals. There was a statistically significant association between access to equipment and use of casting and halo traction. Nonoperative management was the preferred treatment option in the very young (2 year-old). Two-thirds of surgeons report initial surgical management of the 5-year-old child with a large idiopathic curve.
Polychlorinated biphenyls (Aroclors 1016 and 1242): effects on survival and reproduction in mink and ferrets.

Diets that contained various levels of supplemental Aroclor® 1242 or Aroclor® 1016 were fed to mink and ferrets to investigate the chronic toxicity of these PCBs in two closely related species.
Synthesis of Zaragozic Acid A/Squalestatin S1

A novel synthetic approach to the construction of the zaragozic acids, which was used for the asymmetric synthesis of zaragozic acid A/squalestatin S1 (1), is described. Fragment 5, representing the tricarboxylic acid core portion, is assembled in three key steps: 1) Stille coupling to establish the carbon framework; 2) enantioselective dihydroxylation to introduce the absolute stereochemistry; and 3) diastereoselective dihydroxylation to complete the required carbon-oxygen connectivity. The convergency of this synthesis is demonstrated by the dithiane addition of a variety of C 1 side chains (e.g., 78) to advanced intermediate 5. A multi-event acid-catalyzed rearrangement yielded the zaragozic acid core 86, which was converted to an intermediate obtained from degradation of zaragozic acid A. A second-generation synthesis of the core of the zaragozic acids is also described. When aldehyde 90 was used instead of 5, both the yield and diastereoselectivity of the dithiane addition reaction were improved, although the degree of convergency was slightly lower.
β-Carotene Prevention of 7,12-Dimethylbenz [A] Anthracene-Induced Transformation of Mouse Mammary Cells In Vitro

Epidemiological studies have suggested that β-carotene, a dietary vitamin A precursor, may influence reduced tumor incidence in human populations1. In contrast to the abundance of studies2,3 on the chemopreventive properties of retinoids (vitamin A analogues) little is known about the mode of action of β-carotene, the vitamin A precursor. Only a few preliminary reports based on rather indirect observations have indicated that a carrot rich diet or injections of β-carotene result in reduced tumor incidence in rats and mice treated with a carcinogenic chemicals and/or u.v. radiation4–6. These observations prompted the investigations of the chemopreventive role of β-carotene itself in an in vitro controlled environment, because in the animal the vitamin A precursor is metabolized to retinol.
‘Mild Uncoupling’ does not decrease mitochondrial superoxide levels in cultured cerebellar granule neurons but decreases spare respiratory capacity and increases toxicity to glutamate and oxidative stress

Cultured rat cerebellar granule neurons were incubated with low nanomolar concentrations of the protonophore carbonylcyanide-p-trifluoromethoxyphenyl hydrazone (FCCP) to test the hypothesis that 'mild uncoupling' could be neuroprotective by decreasing oxidative stress. To quantify the uncoupling, respiration and mitochondrial membrane potential (Deltapsi(m)) were determined in parallel as a function of FCCP concentration. Deltapsi(m) dropped by less than 10 mV before respiratory control was lost. Conditions for the valid estimation of matrix superoxide levels were determined from the rate of oxidation of the matrix-targeted fluorescent probe MitoSOX. No significant change in the level of matrix superoxide could be detected on addition of FCCP while respiratory control was retained, although cytoplasmic superoxide levels measured by dihydroethidium oxidation increased. 'Mild uncoupling' by 30 nmol/L FCCP did not alleviate neuronal dysregulation induced by glutathione depletion and significantly enhanced that due to menadione-induced oxidative stress. Low protonophore concentrations enhanced N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor-induced delayed calcium deregulation consistent with a decrease in the spare respiratory capacity available to match the bioenergetic demand of chronic receptor activation. It is concluded that the 'mild uncoupling' hypothesis is not supported by this model.
New {sup 142,144}Nd ({ital n},{gamma}) Cross Sections and the {ital s}-process Origin of the Nd Anomalies in Presolar Meteoric Silicon Carbide Grains

We have made improved measurements of the {sup 142,144}Nd(n,{gamma}) cross sections and investigated the {ital s}-process nucleosynthesis in the Ce-Nd-Sm region. Recently discovered anomalies of the Nd isotopes in silicon carbide grains from the Murchison meteorite have been interpreted in terms of pure {ital s}-process material from an AGB star. With previous cross section data the {ital s}-process origin could not be confirmed, whereas our new data convincingly support the interpretation that these isotopic anomalies were carried into the early solar system inside carbon dust particles that condensed in outflowing winds of presolar AGB stars. {copyright} {ital 1997} {ital The American Physical Society}
Possible large spin-phonon coupling in magnetite

Abstract Recent inelastic neutron scattering measurements on magnetite (Fe 3 O 4 ) below the metal–insulator (Verwey) transition reveal a large gap (7 meV) forming in the middle of the acoustic spin wave branch at q =(0,0,1/2) and E =43 meV. The wavevector (0,0,1/2) corresponds to the main superlattice reflection of the low symmetry monoclinic structure below T V and has been described as a charge-ordering wavevector. Detailed studies of Heisenberg models for the spin wave spectrum were performed assuming that the superexchange is modified to reflect crystallographic symmetry lowering due to either atomic distortions or charge ordering. None of the models studied introduced a significant gap in the acoustic spin wave branch. Another possible source is large spin–phonon coupling that results in the mixing of a phonon and spin wave near (0,0,1/2). We have evidence for the existence of such a phonon mode. Our results show a flat optical phonon branch that cuts through the acoustic spin wave precisely at the gap. The presence of strong spin-phonon coupling below the Verwey transition may further complicate our understanding of the Verwey problem.
Controlling the chemistry of the micropore volume in pillared clays and micas

Pillared clays are microporous materials formed by propping apart clay layers with robust inorganic polyoxocations. The chemistry of the micropore space can be tailored by choosing suitable pillaring species, by adding various functionality to the pillar surfaces, and by incorporating small metal particles within the micropores. We have found that by using a commercially available zirconyl acetate solution as the zirconia polyoxocation precursor, zirconia-pillared micas with superior properties of crystallinity and microporosity can be produced. Catalytic tests have shown that treatment of a zirconia-pillared montmorillonite with sulfate increases the acid site strength and density of the zirconia pillars. In addition to materials with enhanced acidity, it is desirable to produce materials with little or no acidity for use as metal supports for catalysts in applications such as light alkane dehydrogenation, where support acidity leads to undesirable side reactions. Tetrasilicic fluoromica can be pillared by silsesquioxane oligimers derived from the in situ hydrolysis of an aminosiloxane reagent. After a two step calcination, the silica-pillared fluoromica produced has a high surface area and crystallinity, and the combination of the inert fluoromica layers with the non-acidic silica pillars makes this new material an interesting nonacidic support for noble metal catalysts.
Breast cancer in older patients

Breast cancer is a common problem and a major health concern in our growing geriatric population. Older breast cancer patients are at risk for less than standard management, the appropriateness of which is difficult to discern. Breast tumors tend to have less aggressive characteristics. In addition, planning therapy is not always straightforward because older patients may present with comorbid illnesses and frailty that limit therapeutic choices. Standard management approaches should always be considered first. Here, we outline some data supporting standard treatment for breast cancer in older women. We also describe other options that can be considered in circumstances when the standard treatment is not possible. For instance, primary treatment with tamoxifen or an aromatase inhibitor is justifiable in a patient who is unfit for surgery and axillary dissection may be unnecessary in a patient who is obviously unfit for adjuvant chemotherapy. Adjuvant therapies should be considered, weighing risks and benefits for each patient, though the threshold for using chemotherapy may be higher. The goals in treating metastatic breast cancer in an older patient are not different than for younger patients.
The Arabidopsis pxa1 Mutant Is Defective in an ATP-Binding Cassette Transporter-Like Protein Required for Peroxisomal Fatty Acid β-Oxidation

Peroxisomes are important organelles in plant metabolism, containing all the enzymes required for fatty acid beta-oxidation. More than 20 proteins are required for peroxisomal biogenesis and maintenance. The Arabidopsis pxa1 mutant, originally isolated because it is resistant to the auxin indole-3-butyric acid (IBA), developmentally arrests when germinated without supplemental sucrose, suggesting defects in fatty acid beta-oxidation. Because IBA is converted to the more abundant auxin, indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), in a mechanism that parallels beta-oxidation, the mutant is likely to be IBA resistant because it cannot convert IBA to IAA. Adult pxa1 plants grow slowly compared with wild type, with smaller rosettes, fewer leaves, and shorter inflorescence stems, indicating that PXA1 is important throughout development. We identified the molecular defect in pxa1 using a map-based positional approach. PXA1 encodes a predicted peroxisomal ATP-binding cassette transporter that is 42% identical to the human adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) protein, which is defective in patients with the demyelinating disorder X-linked ALD. Homology to ALD protein and other human and yeast peroxisomal transporters suggests that PXA1 imports coenzyme A esters of fatty acids and IBA into the peroxisome for beta-oxidation. The pxa1 mutant makes fewer lateral roots than wild type, both in response to IBA and without exogenous hormones, suggesting that the IAA derived from IBA during seedling development promotes lateral root formation.
A note on two-way probabilistic automata

Abstract It has been shown that some non-regular context-free languages can be recognized by two-way probabilistic finite state automata (2pfa's) and some context-free languages cannot be recognized by any 2pfa. It is easy to show that 2pfa's can even recognize some non-context-free context-sensitive languages. We prove in this note that the class of all languages recognized by 2pfa's is strictly included in the class of all deterministic context-sensitive languages.
The Energy Situation as It Affects Agriculture

Abstract Energy, water, and mechanization must be available to the nation's farmers to maintain the food production necessary for the United States and for United Stated commitments worldwide. Basic to these three key ingredients is energy, because it is needed to power the water deliveries and for mechanization of production and handling operations. Accordingly, it is appropriate to document and to specify the energy sources and the energy usage for the United States. Attention is focused upon energy for and from agriculture. Particular consideration is given to energy and its management in six areas: 1) conservation in agricultural application and usages, 2) solar applications, 3) biomass combustion and conversion, 4) wind, 5) flow of the river hydroelectric generation, and 6) electric and/or hybrid electric vehicles for agricultural applications. It is concluded that agriculture's needs for energy are small in percentage of United States usage, vital to United States life, and are destined to be provided from several basic energy sources.
The interactions of O2, CO and CO2 with Ag(110)

Abstract The interactions and reactions of O2, CO and CO2 with Ag(110) have been studied with AES, XPS, TDS and LEED. Three states of adsorbed oxygen, molecularly adsorbed, atomically adsorbed, and an unreactive (probably subsurface) form, are characterized by O(1s)-XPS peaks at 529.3, 528.1 and 528.5 eV BE, respectively. By dosing at 50 Torr O2 and 485 K and transferring rapidly (∼ 17 s) back into UHV, a coverage θO=0.67 of atomically adsorbed oxygen could be achieved. This gave a new c(6 × 2)-O overlayer structure in LEED and a new, lower-temperature thermal desorption peak of O2 at 565 K. The reaction of CO gas with this state proceeded with a reaction probability of about 0.05 at room temperature to produce CO2gas, until the coverage reached θO=0.5. Below this coverage, the well-known p(2 × 1)-O LEED pattern appeared and the reaction probability for CO dropped suddenly by a factor of about five. Gaseous CO2 reacted in 1-to-1 stoichiometry with oxygen adatoms to produce surface carbonate, CO3,a, which was characterized by a C(1s) peak at 287.7 eV and a broadened O(1s) peak at 529.9 eV BE. The XPS data for O2,a and CO3,a are in agreement with structures for these species which were suggested by earlier vibrational analysis.
Structural polypeptides of antigenically distinct strains of influenza B virus.

Summary Analyses of the polypeptide composition of influenza B viruses by 13 per cent SDS-polyacrylamide gel e]ectrophoresis are reported. The viruses contained polypeptides of eight species ranging in molecular weight from 27,000 to 78,000. Four of them were glycopeptides and were selectively removed from the surface of the virion by Bromelain treatment. One of the glycopeptides was identified as viral neuraminidase. Three antigenically distinct strains of influenza virus, B/Lee/40, B/Massachusetts/i/71 and B/Hong Kong/5/72, showed an essentially identical electrophoretic picture, although strain-to-strain difference was observed in the migration rate of HA1 and HAs polypcptides.
Topological Aggregation of Preferences: The Case of a Continuum of Agents

This paper studies the topological approach to social choice theory initiated by G. Chichilnisky (1980), extending it to the case of a continuum of agents. The social choice rules are continuous anonymous maps defined on preference spaces which respect unanimity. We establish that a social choice rule exists for a continuum of agents if and only if the space of preferences is contractible. We provide also a topological characterization of such rules as generalized means or mathematical expectations of individual preferences.
Flexible CPW-IFA antenna array with reduced mutual coupling

In this paper, a flexible and extremely low profile CPW fed Inverted F Antenna (IFA) array is presented. The array consists of two radiating elements which are separated by lambda/125 yet exhibit a low mutual coupling (-27dB). This is achieved by creating pattern diversity through defecting the ground plane and adding a parasitic structure. This technique is proposed to reduce the mutual coupling between the array elements which is essential to the performance of Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) systems. Design and simulations are carried out using CST Microwave Studio which is based on the Finite Integration Technique (FIT). Results show that the proposed design is a reasonable candidate for flexible and wearable wireless systems.
Regge pole-cut effective trajectories and the dual absorptive model

Recent ly IIARARI has proposed an in teres t ing dual absorpt ive model for two-body hadronic ampl i tudes , incorpora t ing good features of both the convent ional Regge models and opt ical or absorp t ive models (x.2). I t explains qua l i ta t ive ly a number of features of high-energy scat ter ing like the cross-over phenomena, the presence or the absence of ]t] ~ (0 :6) (GeV) 2 dips in elast ic and inelastic sca t ter ing and cer ta in facts about the polar izat ions and par t ic le-ant ipar t ic le cross-sections. Some quan t i t a t i ve success in fitt ing K+p, K p elast ic differential cross-sections at P,,b = 5 GeV/c for It[ < ~ 1.5 (GeV) ~ has been also achieved (2). The main assumption of I ta rar i ' s model is t ha t the imaginary par t of the nonpomeron ampl i tude {including Regge poles, cuts, etc.) is domina ted by the most per ipheral par t ia l waves within the interact ion radius r. The pome. ron par t , which is supposed to be connected to the nonrcsonant background, is then added to this contr ibut ion. Then, apar t f rom the pomeron contr ibut ion to the hcl iei ty nonflip ampli tudes , the imaginary par t s of the s-channel hel ici ty ampl i tudes are given by
Persistence of Polygonal Harmonics as Shape Descriptors

Characterization of the overall (lage scale) shape of rugged particles poses a problem which is not readily solved by existing shape analysis techniques. Recent research on the divider stepping method used in factal analysis has led to the examination of polygonal harmonics which can be constructed in both smooth and rugged particle silhouettes. The persistence of these harmonics is defined as the ratio of the longest step length to shortest step length which can be used to create that harmonic. It is proposed that the persistences of the first three harmonics provide useful descriptors for particle shape. Variation of these persistences within several geometric figures is explored, protocols for the analysis are adopted and some preliminary work on rugged silhouettes is discussed. Characterization by this technique holds great promise in the development of a general approach to particle shape description.
An approach to the analysis of comparative data when a phylogeny is unavailable or incomplete

using an available taxonomy as if it were a phylogeny or ignoring phylogeny alto? gether. Ahistorical (=nonphylogenetic) analyses have a high probability of being inaccurate (Felsenstein, 1985; Grafen, 1989; Martins and Garland, 1991). Using taxon? omies is perhaps less risky, but many avail? able taxonomies probably poorly reflect phylogeny and do not resolve the rela? tionships among taxa within a category (e.g., genus, family). An alternative, as yet unexplored pos? sibility is to turn the question on its head and ask whether the results of the statis?
Modulation of oxidative stress by γ-glutamylcysteine (GGC) and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) isomer mixture in human umbilical vein endothelial cells.

Abstract Individually, γ-glutamylcysteine (GGC), a dipeptide and precursor of glutathione (GSH), and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a trans-fatty acid, exhibit antioxidant properties. The objective of this study was to compare effects of co-administration of GGC and CLA to treatment with GGC alone on oxidative stress and GSH synthesis in human endothelial cells. Changes in levels of 8-epi-PGF2α, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), GSH, total antioxidants, GSH synthetase (GSS) expression, and transcription factor DNA binding were assessed in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) treated with GGC alone (100 μmol/L) or combined with CLA isomer mixture (10, 50, 100 μmol/L) for 24 h. Significantly higher levels of TBARS, 8-epi-PGF2α, GSH, and GSS protein were found in cells treated with GGC and 10 μmol/L CLA, compared to cells treated with GGC alone, indicative of prooxidant effects of CLA. Approximately 40% cell death was microscopically observed in cells incubated with GGC and 100 μmol/L CLA. Despite lower levels of GSH, treatment with GGC and 50 μmol/L CLA appeared to be protective from oxidative stress similar to treatment with GGC alone, as indicated by lower levels of TBARS, compared to control cells not treated with GGC and CLA.
Fatal granulomatous amebic encephalitis caused by Balamuthia mandrillaris presenting as a skin lesion

Granulomatous amebic encephalitis is an uncommon central nervous system (CNS) infection, usually caused by Acanthamoeba spp., which generally occurs in immunocompromised individuals. Balamuthia mandrillaris is a recently described free-living ameba that occasionally causes fatal CNS disease. The infection might start from a minor, slowly progressive, skin ulceration that can be present for weeks to months before neurologic changes occur. The clinical and histologic presentation is easily confused with many other diseases. Accurate diagnosis requires an awareness of this unusual presentation of amebiasis and identification of the amebic trophozoites in tissue and culture. Special stains are helpful, but immunofluorescence assays or electron microscopy is required to identify the organism as B mandrillaris. We present a fatal case of granulomatous amebic encephalitis that began as a cutaneous infection in an immunocompetent host.
Closed-loop endoatmospheric ascent guidance

A comprehensive treatment to the optimal atmospheric ascent problem of launch vehicles subject to path constraints and final condition constraints is presented. The development is particularly tailored for the purpose of the eventual realization of closed-loop endoatmospheric ascent guidance. It is demonstrated that the classical finite difference method for two-point boundary-value problems is well suited for solving the optimal ascent problem onboard. The performance and execution of the guidance algorithm are assessed with a series of open-loop and closed-loop tests using the vehicle data of a reusable launch vehicle. The test results render strong supporting evidence to the belief that closed-loop optimal endoatmospheric ascent guidance is now feasible.