cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cryptogamic soil buds in the equatorial Andes of Venezuela

Soil buds, formed by particle heaving and sorting by needle ice, were studied in a high Andean paramo. Soils were finer in buds than in adjacent trough areas, where pebbles had been concentrated by lateral sorting. Some buds were composed only of mineral grains, others were covered by a cryptogamic crust of liverworts (Marsupella spp.) or mosses (Grimmia longirostris). Particle sorting was studied by comparing the grain-size distributions of buds and troughs, and by using a numerical sorting index. Degree of sorting varied widely among bare bud sites, where it was dependent on the presence of gravel in the substrate. Sorting was pronounced in sites with cryptogamic plants, where fines (<0.05 mm) were concentrated within buds, which also contained higher amounts of organic matter than the adjacent troughs. Microscopic examination showed that cryptogamic buds were layered in three concentric bands. This resulted in a gradual increase of fines and organic matter toward the bud top, as well as in a lower pH and darker colour. The pronounced rise in silt and clay near bud surfaces is due to interception of aeolian material by plants, which can trap fines and then grow above the deposited dust, thus forming a cumulic sequence of thin crustal laminae. Vughs and vesicles formed by frost activity were common in buds, particularly in their basal layer. Field experiments showed that cryptogamic crusts increase the infiltration rates and compressive strength of soil buds. This results in a lower chance of runoff generation and in an increased resistance to detachment by various geomorphic agents. An idealized developmental sequence of cryptogamic soil buds is discussed in detail.
Policy Coalitions, Economic Reform and Military Power in Ecuador and Venezuela

Abstract Military coups and coup attempts, as well as the establishment, or continuation, of economic/social development roles for the military far outside traditional security missions have been a part of civil–military relations in Ecuador and Venezuela since 1990. The military's greater role in Ecuador and Venezuela has in part been a consequence of the failure of neoliberal and globalist policy coalitions to establish and maintain a hegemonic consensus over political power and national policy. This failure has undermined progress in orienting the military in a ‘democratic’ direction that prioritises traditional security roles under the ultimate command of civilian authorities. It has also allowed for competing models of civil–military relations to emerge that draw upon nationalist or socialist models of military power and democracy.
Routing in the brain

As mapping the genome was the great biological challenge a generation ago, so today is mapping brain network dynamics, thanks in part to President Obama's BRAIN initiative (Insel et al., 2013). Factors influencing the emergence of network dynamics, both in the brain and in other networks, can be roughly divided into three classes: those pertaining to node dynamics; those pertaining to topology (connectivity); and those pertaining to routing (how signals are passed across the network). But while single neuron dynamics are reasonably well understood, and while researchers have begun to elucidate key aspects of network topology in brains, very little work has been devoted to possible routing schemes in the brain (Graham and Rockmore, 2011). Indeed, brain networks must possess a systematic routing scheme, but current methods and models often make implicit assumptions about routing—or ignore it altogether.
High temperature thruster technology for spacecraft propulsion

A technology program intended to develop high-temperature oxidation-resistant thrusters for spacecraft applications is considered. The program will provide the requisite material characterizations and fabrication to incorporate iridium coated rhenium material into small rockets for spacecraft propulsion. This material increases the operating temperature of thrusters to 2200 C, a significant increase over the 1400 C of the silicide-coated niobium chambers currently used. Stationkeeping class 22 N engines fabricated from iridium-coated rhenium have demonstrated steady state specific impulses 20-25 seconds higher than niobium chambers. These improved performances are obtained by reducing or eliminating the fuel film cooling requirements in the combustion chamber while operating at the same overall mixture ratio as conventional engines.
Flexible photonic-crystal Fano filters based on transferred semiconductor nanomembranes

Crystalline semiconductor nanomembranes (NMs), which are transferable, stackable, bondable and manufacturable, offer unprecedented opportunities for unique and novel device applications. We report and review here nanophotonic devices based on stacked semiconductor NMs that were built on Si, glass and flexible PET substrates. Photonic-crystal Fano resonance based surface-normal optical filters and broadband reflectors have been demonstrated with unique angle and polarization properties. Such a low temperature NM stacking process can lead to a paradigm shift on silicon photonic integration and inorganic flexible photonics.
Renal function in stroke-prone rats fed a high-K+ diet.

Nous avons evalue la fonction renale chez des rats spontanement hypertendus Wistar-Kyoto predisposes aux accidents vasculaires (RSHpav), avant et apres un accident, et chez des RSH resistants aux accidents vasculaires (RSHrav). Les premiers ont ete soumis a des dietes riches en K + (2,1 1%) et pauvres en K + (0,75%) contenant 4% de NaCI, et les seconds, a une diete pauvre en K + . Les augmentations de K + ont retarde le declenchement de l'accident chez les RSHpav, mais n'ont pas modifie leur duree de vie apres le declenchement. Avant l'âge de 12 semaines, la fonction renale, mesuree a partir des taux de creatinine et d'uree seriques et de la perte de proteine urinaire, a ete comparable chez les RSHpav pre-accident soumis aux deux dietes et chez les RSHrav du meme âge. Apres l'âge de 12 semaines, l'hemorragie s'est developpee rapidement chez les RSHpav. Les RSHpav pre-accident ont presente des taux d'uree et de creatinine seriques plus eleves, une excretion de proteine urinaire plus forte et des taux de serumalbumine plus faibles que les RSHrav. La severite des indices d'insuffisance renale mentionnes ci-dessus a ete amplifiee chez les RSHpav post-accident du meme âge. Les RSHpav post-accident ont aussi presente des taux plus eleves d'hemoglobine urinaire. Les augmentations de K + alimentaire n'ont pas diminue de maniere significative la severite de l'uremie et de la proteinurie chez les RSHpav du meme âge avant et apres l'accident. On conclut qu'une diminution de filtration glomerulaire, d'uremie et de proteinurie a precede le declenchement de l'accident chez les RSHpav. Le debut de la proteinurie et de l'uremie chez les RSHpav pourrait potentialiser le declenchement de l'accident. Ces indices de la fonction renale n'ont pas ete modifies par des variations du K + alimentaire qui retardent le declenchement de l'accident chez les RSHpav.
Hepatic angiosarcoma: aspiration biopsy cytology and immunocytochemical contribution.

In the absence of previously documented sarcoma, the initial diagnosis of angiosarcoma (AS) on fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy of the liver is difficult. However, awareness of its occurrence and the assistance of immunocytochemical stains may aid in arriving at the correct diagnosis. In this paper, a 59-yr-old smoker and alcoholic woman presented after a syncopal episode and was found to have a palpable right abdominal mass. An abdominal CT scan confirmed multiple centrally necrotic liver masses, from which an FNA biopsy was obtained. The smears were bloody with groups of relatively dishesive and singly dispersed spindle cells in a somewhat necrotic background. The nuclei were elongated to ovoid-round with small nucleoli. The cytoplasm was ample and ill-defined. The cells were reactive for factor VIII-related antigen and CD31 but negative for cytokeratin immunocytochemical stains, and a diagnosis of “suspicious for angiosarcoma” was entertained. The patient declined further studies or treatment but presented 4 mo later with light-headedness and hypoglycemia. Laparoscopic tissue biopsies of the liver/abdominal masses were obtained and revealed AS. Rarely, liver masses may represent AS. Pathologists should be aware of their cytomorphology and characteristic immunostaining to avoid their misinterpretation. Diagn. Cytopathol. 1998;18:208–211. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Receptor binding specificity and origin of 2009 H1N1 pandemic influenza virus

Recently, a genetic variant of 2009 H1N1 has become the predominant virus circulating in the southern hemisphere, particularly Australia and New Zealand, and in Singapore during the winter of 2010. It was associated with several vaccine breakthroughs and fatal cases. We analyzed three reported mutations D94N, N125D, and V250A in the HA protein of this genetic variant. It appeared that the reason for D94N and V250A to occur in pairs was to maintain the HA binding to human type receptor, so the virus could replicate in humans efficiently. Guided by this interpretation, we discovered a new mutation V30A that could compensate for N125D as V250A did for D94N. We demonstrated that the presence of amino acids 30A and 125N in HA enhanced the binding to human type receptor, while 30V and 125D favored the receptors of avian type and of A/South Carolina/1/18 (H1N1). Furthermore, a combination of 94D, 125D, and 250V made the primary binding preference similar to that of A/South Carolina/1/18 (H1N1) and a combination of 94N, 125D, and 250A resulted in the primary binding affinity for avian type receptor, which clearly differed from that of A/California/07/2009 (H1N1), a strain used in the vaccine for 2009 H1N1. We also re-examined the origin of 2009 H1N1 to refine our knowledge of this important issue. Although the NP, PA, PB1, and PB2 of 2009 H1N1 were closest to North American swine H3N2 in sequence identity, their interaction patterns were closest to swine H1N1 in North America.
Mechanisms Underlying Habitat Use of Juvenile Largemouth Bass and Smallmouth Bass

Abstract Differences in habitat use between adult largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides and adult smallmouth bass M. dolomieu have been well documented, with largemouth bass occupying vegetated habitats and smallmouth bass occupying areas with cobble substrate. However, less is known about the habitat use of juveniles. Direct observations of three co-occurring populations of largemouth bass and smallmouth bass in New York State indicated that habitat use by age-0 fish was very similar to that of adults. To examine potential mechanisms underlying this pattern of habitat use, we conducted a pair of laboratory experiments. The first experiment, concerned with habitat-specific feeding rates, found that juvenile largemouth bass consumed aquatic insects at equal rates in vegetated and cobble habitats. In contrast, smallmouth bass fed at higher rates in cobble than in vegetation. The second experiment, which examined habitat-specific predation risk, found qualitative differences between the two species. Largemou...
Inhibition of Aspergillus serine proteinase by Streptomyces subtilisin inhibitor and high-level expression of this inhibitor in Pichia pastoris.

Abstract Aspergillus fumigatus encodes an extracellular serine proteinase of the subtilisin family that is thought to be involved in invasive aspergillus infection of immunocompromised patients. When the structure of proteinase K was used to model this Aspergillus serine proteinase, Streptomyces subtilisin inhibitor (SSI) was predicted to be capable of binding to the serine proteinase. SSI purified from S. albogriseolus inhibited the serine proteinase with K i of 1 × 10 −9 M. This value is higher than that for subtilisin probably because the serine proteinase lacks the S 4–6 site that interacts with the P 4–6 site of SSI. A high level expression for SSI, established in Pichia pastoris, yielded 0.5g of SSI per liter of culture medium. The secreted product was easily purified to homogeneity and biochemically characterized. The recombinant SSI showed a K i of 1.1 × 10 −9 and 1 × 10 −8 for the serine proteinases from A. fumigatus and A. flavus, respectively.
End-to-end PI congestion controller for best-effort traffic: single source case

Jury's test criterion is used to design a proportional-integrative (PI) congestion controller for best-effort traffic in the Internet. This PI controller can regulate the source rate to make the steady value of queue length exactly equal to the specified threshold value. The condition for the stability is derived and simulation in terms of buffer occupancy is carried out to conform its validity.
Antidepressant Effect of Ingested Nicotine in Female Rats of Flinders Resistant and Sensitive Lines

Abstract DJURIC, V. J., E. DUNN, D. H. OVERSTREET, A. DRAGOMIR AND M. STEINER. Antidepressant effect of ingested nicotine in female rats of Flinders resistant and sensitive lines. PHYSIOL BEHAV 67 (4) 533–537, 1999.—Both major depression and depressive symptoms are associated with a high rate of nicotine dependence, and a history of major depression has an adverse impact on smoking cessation. The main objective of this study was to investigate whether continuous ingestion of nicotine affects indices of depressive behavior in the rat. We compared cholinergic- and serotonergic-hypersensitive Flinders Sensitive Line rats (FSL), a genetic animal model of depression, with their control counterparts, Flinders Resistant Line rats (FRL). Female rats of both lines were allowed access to a solution of nicotine bitartrate (100 μg/mL) in tap water for 14 days. Subsequent behavioral testing revealed striking effects of continuous ingestion of nicotine on depressive-like behavior of both lines. FSL and FRL rats that ingested nicotine for 14 days displayed less immobility in the 10-min forced-swim test (an index of depressive-like behavior) relative to the animals of both lines that were not exposed to nicotine or exposed to nicotine for shorter periods of time. This finding indicates that ingested nicotine has antidepressant properties that are independent of the genetic difference between FSL and FRL female rats. Animal studies on nicotine ingestion and withdrawal may become an important source of insights into the comorbidity of depression and nicotine self-administration.
Reaction dynamics of H + O2 at 1.6 eV collision energy

The hot hydrogen atom reaction, H + O2 yields OH + O, has been studied at a center of mass collision energy of 1.6 eV. H atoms were generated by 266 nm photolysis of HI in a mixture of HI and O2 at 293 K. The OH product was probed by laser induced fluorescence and the nascent OH vibrational, rotational, and fine structure distributions were determined. The OH(v=0/OH(v=1) vibrational branching ratio was measured to be 1.72 + or - 0.09. The data suggest that the H + O2 reaction at this collision energy proceeds via two competing mechanisms: reaction involving a long-lived complex and direct reaction.
An Evolving Identity: How Chronic Care Is Transforming What it Means to Be a Physician

Physician identity and the professional role physicians play in health care is rapidly evolving. Over 130 million adults and children in the USA have complex and chronic diseases, each of which is shaped by aspects of the patient’s social, psychological, and economic status. These patients have lifelong health care needs that require the ongoing care of multiple health care providers, access to community services, and the involvement of patients’ family support networks. To date, physician professional identity formation has centered on autonomy, authority, and the ability to “heal.” These notions of identity may be counterproductive in chronic disease care, which demands interdependency between physicians, their patients, and teams of multidisciplinary health care providers. Medical educators can prepare trainees for practice in the current health care environment by providing training that legitimizes and reinforces a professional identity that emphasizes this interdependency. This commentary outlines the important challenges related to this change and suggests potential strategies to reframe professional identity to better match the evolving role of physicians today.
Elastic interactions of screw dislocations in thin films on substrates

Abstract A dislocation image analysis has been developed to study the behavior of dislocations in thin films on substrates. By extending the classical Head solution for one interface between two semi-infinite elastically isotropic media, the image problem for a screw dislocation in a thin film on a substrate has been solved for problems in which additional thin film phases are included, up to the case of four interfaces. The system of an aluminum thin film on an oxidized silicon substrate was used as a model for calculations. The equilibrium position of a single dislocation was determined as a function of stress in the film. Calculations of this kind were also performed for a dislocation dipole in the film. Maximum stresses in the phases immediately adjacent to the thin film were calculated in order to consider when yielding of these phases may occur.
Power, War, and Melodrama in the Discourses of Political Movements

This article outlines an interpretive-analytic for the study of how discourse functions in sociopolitical movements. Employing ideas derived from Kenneth Burke and Michel Foucault, and the results of research on how discourses function in movements, it elaborates a power/strategy interpretation of what movement actors do with words. Politics, both Burke and Foucault insist, is war pursued by other means. In other words, movements are militant campaigns; activists are generals and soldiers; the context in which movements unfold is a theater of force relations; actions are battles and words are tactical weapons. Movement actors must mobilize a discursive arsenal to organize, educate, and activate to engage opponents in the public theater.
Glucose dependency of arginine vasopressin-induced insulin and glucagon release from the perfused rat pancreas.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the glucose dependency of arginine vasopressin (AVP)-induced insulin, glucagon, and somatostatin release from the perfused rat pancreas. AVP (30 or 300 pmol/L) was tested in the presence of a glucose concentration of 0, 1.4, 5.5 (basal level), or 20 mmol/L. The rates of insulin release at 0 and 1.4 mmol/L glucose were approximately 70% to 80% and 60% to 70% less, respectively, than that at the baseline level. AVP (30 or 300 pmol/L) failed to change insulin release at 0 and 1.4 mmol/L glucose. At the basal glucose level, AVP (300 pmol/L) induced a biphasic insulin release, a peak followed by a sustained phase. In addition, the combination of glucose (20 mmol/L) and AVP (300 pmol/L) induced a higher insulin peak and sustained phase than 20 mmol/L glucose alone. The rates of glucagon release at 0 and 1.4 mmol/L glucose were about 3- and 2-fold more, respectively, than that at the baseline level. At 0 and 1.4 mmol/L glucose, both 30 and 300 pmol/L AVP caused a higher glucagon peak and sustained phase than 0 and 1.4 mmol/L glucose alone. At the basal glucose level, AVP (30 or 300 pmol/L) induced a biphasic glucagon release, a peak followed by a sustained phase. The rate of glucagon release at 20 mmol/L glucose was approximately 60% to 70% less than that at the baseline level. When AVP (300 pmol/L) was administered in 20 mmol/L glucose, it induced a transient glucagon peak, which was 2.4-fold of the baseline level. At all glucose concentrations tested, AVP (30 or 300 pmol/L) failed to change somatostatin release. These results suggested that (1) hypoglycemia directly increases glucagon and decreases insulin release; (2) AVP induces insulin and glucagon release by a direct action on beta and alpha cells, respectively; (3) AVP induces insulin and glucagon release in a glucose-dependent manner-the higher the glucose concentration, the greater the enhancement of AVP-induced insulin release, whereas the lower the glucose concentration, the higher the enhancement of AVP-induced glucagon release; and (4) alpha cells are more sensitive to AVP than beta cells in hormone release.
Particle dynamics with variable mass and charge

We investigate charged particle motion in an axisymmetric magnetic field with decreasing mass and charge. A global invariant is derived from the total angular momentum, which is itself no longer conserved. The form of the invariant is especially simple for adiabatic orbits. The results are specialized to charged particle motion in a magnetic dipole, and applied to the motion of charged dust grains in planetary magnetospheres.
Surfactant-mediated growth of Ge/Si(0 0 1) studied by Raman spectroscopy and TEM

Abstract Growth of Ge/Si follows the Stranski–Krastanov growth mode (2D→3D) because of the 4.2% lattice mismatch between Ge and Si. However, the growth mode can be altered to Frank–Van der Merwe (layer-by-layer) by depositing a suitable surfactant. In this study, we have grown thin and thick Ge(0 0 1)/Si(0 0 1) MBE layers with and without As deposition prior to Ge growth in order to investigate the details of surfactant-mediated epitaxy. Raman spectroscopy shows that without As surfactant use, Ge and Si interdiffuse at the interface and form an alloy. Furthermore, peak shift measurements as well as cross-sectional electron micrographs reveal that layers grown with As slowly relieve misfit strain through the accommodation of Lomer edge dislocations at the interface leaving a relaxed, nearly defect-free layer.
The 1D−1Po transition probability in the beryllium isoelectronic sequence

Abstract The nuclear charge expansion method is used to calculate the (2p 2 ) 1 D−(2s2p) 1 P o transition probabilities for the beryllium isoelectronic sequence correct to first order. Discrepancies between measurements and earlier calculations are resolved.
Identification of a novel receptor mediating substance P-induced behavior in the mouse.

Abstract To determine whether opioid receptors or the more recently characterized naloxone-sensitive substance P (SP) N-terminal binding sites play a role in desensitization to the behavioral effects of SP, we assessed the effects of selective antagonists at μ- (naloxonazine and s-funaltrexamine), δ- (naltrindole) and κ- (nor-binaltorphimine) opioid receptors, as well as the effect of [D-Pro2,D-Leu7]SP-(1-7) D-SP-(1-7) (D-SP (1-7)), an inhibitor of [3H]SP-(1-7) binding, on behaviors induced by intrathecally administered SP in mice. Whereas naloxone, a non-selective opioid antagonist, inhibited the development of behavioral desensitization to SP, the response to repeated SP administration remained unaffected by pretreatment with selective opioid antagonists. Like naloxone, however, the SP-(1-7) antagonist inhibited SP-induced desensitization. The protection against desensitization to SP by D-SP-(1-7), but not by selective antagonists of μ, δ or κ receptors, suggests that desensitization to the behavioral effects of SP does not appear to be mediated by an action at an opioid receptor but by an action at the SP-(1-7) binding site.
Arbitrary observer scaling of all chaotic drive system states via a scalar synchronizing signal

Abstract This paper introduces a straightforward method to arbitrarily scale a drive system attractor using a synchronized linear observer. This scaling is controlled by a single observer parameter. Theoretical and simulation results for both continuous- and discrete-time systems demonstrate that linear observers can duplicate all chaotic system states in any desired scale using only a scalar synchronizing signal.
Atypical ductal hyperplasia: histologic underestimation of carcinoma in tissue harvested from impalpable breast lesions using 11-gauge stereotactically guided directional vacuum-assisted biopsy.

This review was undertaken to determine the reliability of the histologic diagnosis of atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH) made from tissue obtained by 11-gauge stereotactically guided directional vacuum-assisted biopsy of impalpable breast lesions.Four hundred twenty-two 11-gauge stereotactically guided vacuum-assisted breast biopsies were performed at our institution between November 5, 1996, and June 30, 1998. Biopsies were performed with the patient prone on a dedicated stereotactic biopsy table. A directional vacuum-assisted biopsy device was used. Eight to 24 cores (mean, 13.4) were harvested from each lesion. Radiography of core specimens was performed in cases in which the target lesion contained microcalcifications. Twenty (4.7%) of the 422 biopsies yielded a histopathologic diagnosis of ADH. Surgical excision of 16 of the 20 lesions was subsequently performed. We compared the histopathologic results of the core extracted and the corresponding surgically excised tissue.Of the 16 surgically excised ...
Cholesterol Stimulation of Phosphatidyl Choline Formation

The conversion of ethanolamine to phosphatidyl choline was studied in liver slices from rats exposed to a high dietary intake of cholesterol in the presence of cholic acid. Cholesterol stimulated phosphatidyl choline formation per unit weight of liver tissue and increased the total liver mass thereby increasing further the total yield of phosphatidyl choline. These results are contrasted with the opposite effect of cholesterol on the liver phosphatides of the rabbit. A relationship between phosphatides and cholesterol metabolism and between species susceptibility to cholesterol induced atherosclerosis and phosphatide metabolism is pointed out.
Hoping for the Best, preparing for the worst: China's response to US hegemony

In the post-Cold War strategic environment, Beijing could plausibly have opted for Soviet-style geostrategic competition with Washington, but it has not. Chinese leaders have not thus far, and almost certainly will never, amass thousands of nuclear weapons on hair-trigger alert or deploy significant forces to a network of bases spanning the globe. Nevertheless, the below assessment of China's increasing hard and soft power yields the conclusion that a Chinese challenge to US hegemony cannot be ruled out. The United States must prudently maintain military forces appropriate to facing a potential peer competitor. At the same time, however, Washington must engage in a process of creative diplomacy that simultaneously matches China's soft power and engages seriously with Beijing to create areas of consensus and cooperation.
ACNP White Paper: Update on Use of Antipsychotic Drugs in Elderly Persons with Dementia

In elderly persons, antipsychotic drugs are clinically prescribed off-label for a number of disorders outside of their Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved indications (schizophrenia and bipolar disorder). The largest number of antipsychotic prescriptions in older adults is for behavioral disturbances associated with dementia. In April 2005, the FDA, based on a meta-analysis of 17 double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trials among elderly people with dementia, determined that atypical antipsychotics were associated with a significantly (1.6-1.7 times) greater mortality risk compared with placebo, and asked that drug manufacturers add a 'black box' warning to prescribing information for these drugs. Most deaths were due to either cardiac or infectious causes, the two most common immediate causes of death in dementia in general. Clinicians, patients, and caregivers are left with unclear choices of treatment for dementia patients with psychosis and/or severe agitation. Not only are psychosis and agitation common in persons with dementia but they also frequently cause considerable caregiver distress and hasten institutionalization of patients. At the same time, there is a paucity of evidence-based treatment alternatives to antipsychotics for this population. Thus, there is insufficient evidence to suggest that psychotropics other than antipsychotics represent an overall effective and safe, let alone better, treatment choice for psychosis or agitation in dementia; currently no such treatment has been approved by the FDA for these symptoms. Similarly, the data on the efficacy of specific psychosocial treatments in patients with dementia are limited and inconclusive. The goal of this White Paper is to review relevant issues and make clinical and research recommendations regarding the treatment of elderly dementia patients with psychosis and/or agitation. The role of shared decision making and caution in using pharmacotherapy for these patients is stressed.
Neural elements in the human temporomandibular articular disc

The purpose of this study was to determine the presence and describe the location of neural elements in the articular disc of the human temporomandibular joint. Six articular discs were obtained from three adult human subjects at autopsy. Four discs were cut into segments of known anterior-posterior orientation. The remaining two were processed intact. All tissues were stained in bulk with gold chloride, and frozen, sectioned on a sliding microtome at 70 to 100 microns, mounted on slides, dehydrated, and coverslipped. Nerve fibers were seen penetrating the discs from the pericapsular connective tissue. Structures resembling Ruffini endings, Pacinian corpuscles, and Golgi tendon organs were identified in the pericapsular connective tissue and within the disc. The population density of neural elements was the greatest at the periphery of the disc and progressively decreased towards the center, which was essentially devoid of them. The concentration of neural elements appeared to be greater at the anterior and posterior margins of the disc, with the greatest concentration being posteriorly. These findings support the theory that afferent nerves may arise from neural elements within the disc.
Advances in Landsat Image Processing and Mapping

A procedure and system have been developed to interactively correct the geometry of image data, and merge the data with auxiliary graphical data. This system provides the following capabilities: 1. Correct the absolute and relative geometry of images. 2. Register two or more images to each other. 3. Register and overlay graphics data onto image data. 4. Change the geometry of the image and graphics data into any of twenty standard cartographic projections. 5. Provide an assessment of the accuracy of the geometric operation. The system provides for both manual selection of ground control points to establish the geometric correction parameters, and an automatic determination of mapping parameters from operator definition of the desired cartographic projection. Experiments have been conducted using a number of data sources, including Landsat Thematic Mapper data, geophysical gravity data, and digital line graph cartographic data.
Historical trends in the surface temperature over the oceans based on the COADS

Based on a new and unique compilation of surface ship data over the world ocean, the Comprehensive Ocean-Atmosphere Data Set (COADS), the temperature records since 1870 were thoroughly analyzed. Results for the air and sea surface temperature are presented for the two hemispheres and for individual 10°-latitude wide belts. The results support most earlier results of a relatively warm period over the oceans in the late 19th century, a cool period between about 1905 and 1930, and a warm period from the 1940's onward. Of considerable interest and perhaps unique in the historical record are the diverging trends in the midlatitude sea and air temperatures of the two hemispheres during the 1960's and early 1970's with relative cooling in the Northern Hemisphere and relative heating in the Southern Hemisphere.
Design, characterization, and X-ray structure of an interlocked dinuclear chair-like metallomacrocycle: [FeII2(3,5-bis(2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridin-4′-phen-3-yl)toluene)2][4PF6−]

The self-assembly of 3,5-bis(2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridin-4′-phen-3-yl)toluene with an equimolar amount of a FeII salt afforded a high yield of an interlocked dinuclear tetracationic “molecular gear” that was confirmed by single crystal X-ray data.
Home hazards and falls in the elderly : the role of health and functional status

OBJECTIVES. This study was undertaken to determine whether vigorous and frail older people who identify environmental hazards in their homes have an increased risk for falls. METHODS. A 1-year prospective study was conducted among 266 female and 59 male community-dwelling volunteers aged 60 to 93 years who had fallen at least once during the previous year. Composite measures of home safety and of frailty were derived using principal components analysis. Participants were divided into vigorous and frail groups, and associations between baseline home safety measures and falls at home over the follow-up year were compared between the two groups. RESULTS. Frail individuals were more than twice as likely as vigorous individuals to fall during follow-up (rate ratio [RR] = 2.24; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.54, 3.27). In the study group as a whole, falls were not strongly associated with the presence of home hazards. However, when compared with vigorous older persons living with fewer home hazards, vigorous ...
Treatment planning of implants in the aesthetic zone

Aesthetic restoration of anterior teeth with implant supported restorations is one of the most difficult procedures to execute. Bone resorption following anterior tooth extraction often compromises gingival tissue levels for the implant restoration. In the last 10 years the focus has shifted from osseointegration, to creation of an implant borne restoration which is in harmony with the surrounding hard and soft tissue. Complete reconstruction of tooth and gingival related aesthetics remains the primary objective and in some instances can be very difficult to achieve.
Prospective randomized study of various techniques of percutaneous nephrolithotomy

Abstract Objectives. To compare the modifications of the technique of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCN), including “mini-PCN” and tubeless PCN, to establish which technique is associated with the least morbidity and complications. Methods. We performed a prospective randomized trial to assess the efficacy and morbidity of each method of percutaneous renal access. Standard PCN involved tract dilation to 30F for passage of a 34F working sheath, and our “mini-PCN” involved tract dilation to 22F for passage of a 26F sheath. Tubeless PCN involved the use of a double-J stent for internal drainage without the use of a nephrostomy tube for external drainage at termination of the procedure. Thirty patients (10 patients in each group) were enrolled, and 27 patients completed the study. All three groups were compared with regard to postoperative pain using a validated pain questionnaire comprised of a visual analogue scale and a verbal rating scale. The operative time, estimated blood loss, stone burden, procedure success rate, stone-free rate, length of hospitalization, total procedural cost, and complications were also compared for each technique. Results. The tubeless PCN population required less morphine use, had a decreased length of hospitalization, and had a smaller total procedural cost compared with the other two groups. One complication was noted in both the standard and mini-PCN groups, consisting of renal bleeding requiring a 2 and 3-U blood transfusion in the standard and mini-PCN groups, respectively. Conclusions. The tubeless technique is associated with the least amount of morbidity and the greatest cost efficiency compared with the other techniques. No overall advantage was found for the mini-PCN versus the standard technique, but the mini-PCN is at a slight disadvantage because of poorer visualization and optics and difficulty with use of the nephroscopic graspers.
Shapley value and disadvantageous monopolies

Abstract At least one monopoly in a two-sector model must be advantageous, according to the Shapley value. If the elasticity of substitution is a constant at least equal to one, then each monopoly has an advantage if the other sector is not monopolized. For elasticity of substitution less than one, monopoly may be disadvantageous, depending on the distribution parameter.
Molecular Dynamics Simulations of Asymmetric NaCl and KCl Solutions Separated by Phosphatidylcholine Bilayers: Potential Drops and Structural Changes Induced by Strong Na+-Lipid Interactions and Finite Size Effects

Differences of ionic concentrations across lipid bilayers are some of the primary energetic driving forces for cellular electrophysiology. While macroscopic models of asymmetric ionic solutions are well-developed, their connection to ion, water, and lipid interactions at the atomic scale are much more poorly understood. In this study, we used molecular dynamics to examine a system of two chambers of equal ionic strength, but differing amounts of NaCl and KCl, separated by a lipid bilayer. Our expectation was that the net electrostatic potential difference between the two chambers should be small or zero. Contrary to our expectation, a large potential difference (-70 mV) slowly evolved across the two water chambers over the course of our 172-ns simulation. This potential primarily originated from strong Na(+) binding to the carbonyls of the phosphatidylcholine lipids. This ion adsorption also led to significant structural and mechanical changes in the lipid bilayer. We discuss this surprising result in the context of indirect experimental evidence for Na(+) interaction with bilayers as well as potential caveats in current biomembrane simulation methodology, including force-field parameters and finite size effects.
Si0 2 Gel Glasses

L. Hench, S. H. Wang, and S. C. ParkDepartment of Materials Science and Engineering, University of FloridaGainesville, Florida 32611IntroductionGlasses are usually formed by solidification from the melt.1 In the last few years,sol -gel methods have received considerable scientific attention among ceramic and glassscientists2 as an alternative method of glass formation. The apparent advantages of sol-gel processing over the conventional melting method for glass preparation are:3 (1) lowertemperature of preparation, (2) higher purity, (3) non -crystalline solids outside the rangeof normal glass formation, (4) increased homogeneity, (5) new crystalline phases from newnon -crystalline solids, (6) better glass products from special properties of gels, (7)special optical glass. We suggest that other potential advantages relevant to manufactureof optical components include: 1) rapid production, 2) large shapes, 3) as- formed near netshape, 4) as- formed optically smooth surface, 5) unique indices of refraction, 6) densityderived index gradients, 7) unique absorption bands, 8) ease of sealing and joining ofcomponents, 9) reproducibility, and 10) computer aided processing.Optically transparent silica, for example, can be manufactured from metal- organiccompounds such as tetramethoxysilane (TMS) or tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) by means ofhydrolysis and condensation polymerization steps.2 -4 In this paper, processing of puresilica optical components using TMS with a drying control chemical additive [DCCA]5,6 aredescribed. Some optical and mechanical properties of the monolithic silica components arereported as a function of their density and thermal processing history.Procedure for sol -gel processingSol -gel preparation and gel formationFor the purpose of obtaining reliable large scale, fully dried crackliths an organic acid DCCA was used in a mixture of water and tetramethoxthe molar ratio about (0.01 -0.40)
Effects of 3'-OH and 5'-PO4 base mispairs and damaged base lesions on the fidelity of nick sealing by Deinococcus radiodurans RNA ligase

Deinococcus radiodurans RNA ligase (DraRnl) is the founding member of a family of end-joining enzymes encoded by diverse microbes and viruses. DraRnl ligates 3'-OH, 5'-PO4 nicks in double-stranded nucleic acids in which the nick 3'-OH end is RNA. Here we gauge the effects of 3'-OH and 5'-PO4 base mispairs and damaged base lesions on the rate of nick sealing. DraRnl is indifferent to the identity of the 3'-OH nucleobase, provided that it is correctly paired. With 3'-OH mispairs, the DraRnl sealing rate varies widely, with G-T and A-C mispairs being the best substrates and G-G, G-A, and A-A mispairs being the worst. DraRnl accepts 3' A-8-oxoguanine (oxoG) to be correctly paired, while it discriminates against U-oxoG and G-oxoG mispairs. DraRnl displays high activity and low fidelity in sealing 3'-OH ends opposite an 8-oxoadenine lesion. It prefers 3'-OH adenosine when sealing opposite an abasic template site. With 5'-PO4 mispairs, DraRnl seals a 5' T-G mispair as well as it does a 5' C-G pair; in most other respects, the ligation fidelity at 5' mispairs is similar to that at 3' mispairs. DraRnl accepts a 5' A-oxoG end to be correctly paired, yet it is more tolerant of 5' T-oxoG and 5' G-oxoG mispairs than the equivalent configurations on the 3' side of the nick. At 5' nucleobase-abasic site nicks, DraRnl prefers to ligate when the nucleobase is a purine. The biochemical properties of DraRnl are compatible with its participation in the templated repair of RNA damage or in the sealing of filled DNA gaps that have a 3' ribopatch.
CXCR2 inhibition suppresses hemorrhage-induced priming for acute lung injury in mice

Polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) extravasation/sequestration in the lung and a dys- regulated inflammatory response characterize the pathogenesis of acute lung injury (ALI). Previ- ously, we have shown that hemorrhage (Hem) serves to prime PMN such that subsequent septic challenge (cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)) pro- duces a pathological, inflammatory response and consequent lung injury in mice. Keratinocyte-de- rived chemokine (KC) and macrophage inflamma- tory protein-2 (MIP-2) are murine CXC chemo- kines found elevated in the lungs and plasma fol- lowing Hem/CLP and have been reported by others to share a common receptor (CXCR2). Based on these data, we hypothesize that blockade of CXCR2 immediately following Hem would suppress KC and MIP-2 priming of PMN, thereby reducing the in- flammatory injury observed following CLP. To as- sess this, Hem mice (90 min at 355 mmHg) were randomized to receive 0, 0.4, or 1 mg antileuki- nate (a hexapeptide inhibitor of CXCRs) in 100 l phosphate-bufferd saline (PBS)/mouse subcutane- ously, immediately following resuscitation (Ring- er's lactate-4 drawn blood volume). Twenty-four hours post-Hem, mice were subjected to CLP and killed 24 h later. The results show that blockade of CXCR2 significantly (P<0.05, Tukey's test) re- duced PMN influx, lung protein leak, and lung- tissue content of interleukin (IL)-6, KC, and MIP-2 and increased tissue IL-10 levels. Plasma IL-6 was significantly decreased, and IL-10 levels increased in a dose-dependent manner compared with PBS- treated mice. A differential effect was observed in plasma levels of KC and MIP-2. KC showed a sig- nificant reduction at the 0.4 mg antileukinate dose. In contrast, plasma MIP-2 was significantly ele- vated at both doses compared with the PBS-treated controls. Together, these data demonstrate that blockade of CXCR2 signaling attenuates shock-in- duced priming and ALI observed following Hem and subsequent septic challenge in mice. J. Leukoc. Biol. 76: 58-64; 2004.
Formation of unesterified choline by rat brain

Abstract Two preparations of rat brain (ischemic intact brain and homogenized whole brain) formed large amounts of unesterified (free) choline when incubated at 37°C. The accumulation of choline was inhibited by microwave irradiation of brain, or by heating of brain to 50° C, and was maximal at 37° C at pH 7.4–8.5. Choline formation was only observed in subcellular fractions of brain that contained membranes. In homogenates of brain, choline accumulated at a rate exceeding 10 nmol/mg protein per h. There was a significant decrease in brain phosphatidylcholine concentration (of 50 nmol/mg protein) during incubation for 1 h at 37° C. Concentrations of phosphocholine rose (by 2.3 nmol / mg protein), and concentrations of glycerophosphocholine and sphingomyelin did not change during this period. We used radiolabeled phospholipids to trace the fate of phosphatidylcholine and sphingomyelin during incubations of homogenates of brain. Phosphatidylcholine was degraded to form phosphocholine, glycerophosphocholine and free choline. No lysophosphatidylcholine accumulated. Sphingomyelin was degraded to form phosphocholine and a small amount of free choline. Magnesium ions stimulated choline production, while zinc ions were a potent inhibitor. Other divalent cations (calcium, manganese) had little effect on choline accumulation. ATP concentrations in brain homogenates were less than 5 nmol/mg protein (rapidly microwaved brain contained 27 nmol/mg protein). Addition of ATP or ADP to brain homogenates increased ATP concentrations and significantly inhibited choline accumulation. ATP diminished the formation of choline from added phosphatidylcholine, lysophosphatidylcholine, phosphocholine and glycerophosphocholine. The effects of ATP, zinc ion, or magnesium ion upon choline accumulation were not mediated by changes in the rates of utilization of choline for formation of phosphocholine or phosphatidylcholine. In summary, we showed that there was enhanced formation of choline when ATP concentrations within brain were low. This choline was derived, in part, from the degradation of phosphatidylcholine, and we suggest that phospholipase A activity was the primary initiator of choline release from this phospholipid.
The effects of personal control, competence, and extrinsic reward systems on intrinsic motivation

Abstract A review of the literature revealed that the effects of personal control on intrinsic motivation had not been directly investigated, that the interaction of competence and personal control had not been investigated, and that studies comparing the effects of contingent versus noncontingent reward systems on intrinsic motivation had produced conflicting results and conclusions. A study was designed and conducted using a direct manipulation of personal control over performance as well as the usual reward manipulation. It was found that personal control over performance was a very important determinant of intrinsic motivation but that the type of reward system did not affect intrinsic motivation. An interaction between personal control over performance and competence was found such that both performance and personal control over performance had to be high in order for intrinsic motivation to be high.