cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Carex hermannii (Cyperaceae), a new species from Mexico, with comments on related species at high altitudes in middle America

Carex hermannii, a new species known only from a few populations on large volcanic mountains on the Puebla-Mexico state border, central Mexico, is described, illustrated and compared with its nearest relative,C. cuchumatanensis of Guatemala. Both these species have been confused until now with the more distantly relatedC. endlichii. Morphological comparisons ofC. hermannii, C. cuchumatanensis andC. endlichii confirm the distinctiveness of these species.
Effects of methyl substituents on the proton chemical shifts in the NMR spectra of the twenty methyl and ethyl substituted hydrazines. Electronegativity values for hydrazyl groups

The CH proton NMR spectra of the twenty conceivable methyl and ethyl substituted hydrazines are presented and analyzed with respect to effects on chemical shifts of the CH protons caused by replacement of hydrogen by methyl and ethyl groups on the CNNC chain. Thirteen different methyl substituent effects and six different ethyl substituent effects are identified and evaluated. Most of the effects are shielding and in accordance with an electron-releasing inductive effect of alkyl groups. A deshielding effect (the ‘CC bond effect’) is observed when a methyl group replaces the hydrogen on the carbon bearing the hydrogen in focus and primary hydrogen on the carbon bearing the hydrogen in focus and primary hydrogens become secondary, as observed in other systems. On the basis of their effects on the chemical shifts of methyl protons in CH3X, eighteen different hydrazyl groups (× = NR1NR2R3) fall into three classes: I (R1 = H; R2, R3 = H or alkyl); II (R1 = alkyl; R2 and/or R3 = H); III (R1, R2 and R3 = alkyl), with slightly different electronegativities: 2·94, 2·83 and 2·74, respectively.
Femtosecond laser micromachining as a rapid prototyping environment - System development and initial results

Femtosecond laser micromachining (FLM) is a fairly new and novel technology for 3-D processing of engineering materials without the constraints associated with traditional micromachining based on Si technologies. FLM has shown great promise in rapidly fabricating components at a microscale and that it can also be used to machine on an array of engineering materials both metals and non-metals for variety of applications. This work presents the development of a FLM environment equivalent to a 3 DOF CNC machine with the laser beam acting as the machine tool. The environment includes a Ti:Sapphire laser (800 nm wavelength and 120 fs pulsewidth), various optics for beam guidance and power control and three mutually perpendicular motorized stages (8 in travel with 0.05 μm resolution of motion and capable of executing industry standard G-codes). A postprocessor for generating the G-codes using CAD/CAM software is successfully customized. Subsequently, the results of an ablation study for common engineering materials and its usage in defining machining parameters for rapid prototyping of various thermal actuators will be presented along with examples of microcomponent fabrication.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Animal Models of Osteonecrosis

Osteonecrosis is an uncommon but significant musculoskeletal disease characterized by focal areas of dead bone that often fail to heal even with intervention and has the potential to negatively impact a patient’s quality of life. The knee and hip seem to be most susceptible to osteonecrosis although certain conditions, such as bisphosphonate treatment, have been associated with the development of osteonecrosis that is confined to the jaw. For most types of osteonecrosis, there remains much to be learned about either the pathophysiology of disease or the best course of treatment—questions that are best approached using an animal model. The different etiologies of the subclasses of osteonecrosis have led to a diverse number of animal models within the field. While no one animal model completely simulates all aspects of a particular type of osteonecrosis, models do exist that mimic various clinical aspects of osteonecrosis. This review discusses aspects of the common and novel animal models used to study juvenile osteonecrosis (Legg-Calve-Perthes), trauma-induced osteonecrosis, alcohol- and corticosteroid-induced osteonecrosis, and osteonecrosis of the jaw associated with anti-remodeling drug treatment.
Requirements for the Excitation System in the Development of Units and Grid Coordination

The concept of Units and Grid Coordination (UGC) is introduced. Problems about UGC are drawn from some power interruptions. Some attentive issues are present in excitation selection and design in future power system such as reliable operation of PSS, coordination between excitation limiters and protections, operation mode of excitation control in running stage. Special attention should be paid to the selection of excitation type, parameters design of 1000MW class generator unit in planning stage.
Selection of plants for optimization of vegetative filter strips treating runoff from turfgrass

Runoff from turf environments, such as golf courses, is of increasing concern due to the associated chemical contamination of lakes, reservoirs, rivers, and ground water. Pesticide runoff due to fungicides, herbicides, and insecticides used to maintain golf courses in acceptable playing condition is a particular concern. One possible approach to mitigate such contamination is through the implementation of effective vegetative filter strips (VFS) on golf courses and other recreational turf environments. The objective of the current study was to screen ten aesthetically acceptable plant species for their ability to remove four commonly-used and degradable pesticides: chlorpyrifos (CP), chlorothalonil (CT), pendimethalin (PE), and propiconazole (PR) from soil in a greenhouse setting, thus providing invaluable information as to the species composition that would be most efficacious for use in VFS surrounding turf environments. Our results revealed that blue flag iris (Iris versicolor) (76% CP, 94% CT, 48% PE, and 33% PR were lost from soil after 3 mo of plant growth), eastern gama grass (Tripsacum dactyloides) (47% CP, 95% CT, 17% PE, and 22% PR were lost from soil after 3 mo of plant growth), and big blue stem (Andropogon gerardii) (52% CP, 91% CT, 19% PE, and 30% PR were lost from soil after 3 mo of plant growth) were excellent candidates for the optimization of VFS as buffer zones abutting turf environments. Blue flag iris was most effective at removing selected pesticides from soil and had the highest aesthetic value of the plants tested.
Vibrational Analysis of Methylcobalamin

This work represents the first theoretical attempt to assign vibrational modes for methylcobalamin (MeCbl), the biologically active form of a vitamin B12 derivative. Full vibrational analysis of Me...
LOCALIZATION OF THE ANDROGEN RECEPTOR IN THE DEVELOPING RAT GUBERNACULUM

The distribution of androgen receptor expression within the developing rat gubernaculum was examined at different times during fetal and neonatal development using polyclonal antibodies directed at the amino-terminus (amino acids 1–21) and the carboxy-terminus (amino acids 898–917) of the androgen receptor. These studies reveal a high level expression of androgen receptor in the undifferentiated cells that comprise the mesenchymal core of the gubernaculum in early development. However, during the morphological alterations of the gubernaculum into a muscular structure, the level of androgen receptor detected in these cells declines, with minimal immunoreactivity present 2 weeks postpartum. Whether the loss of staining of the mesenchyme is related to decreases in androgen receptor expression, death of the mesenchymal cells, or differentiation of these cells into myoblasts remains to be determined. (Endocrinology 128: 383–387, 1991)
Bringing the management of accommodative esotropia into sharp focus.

CCOMMODATIVE ESOTROPIA IS THE MOST COMmon childhood esotropia, and a frequent primary diagnosis for the pediatric ophthalmologist or ophthalmologist caring for young children. It results when the obligatory accommodative convergence that accompanies reflexive accommodation (in response to retinal blur from uncorrected hypermetropia) is insufficiently opposed by fusional divergence. 1 Conventional management calls for initial full hypermetropic correction to eliminate the strabismus (and allow binocularity to develop) and treatment of any amblyopia (commonly present). In theory, with full hypermetropic correction in place, no accommodation is then required for distance fixation. Hence, no accommodative convergence is stimulated so no strabismus results, and only a modest amount of accommodation is needed for near fixation (three or four diopters for the typical young child). Should an esotropia persist nearer, a bifocal can be employed. After many months or a few years of orthotropia during which time binocularity (and its components, including “fusion”) develops, the hypermetropic correction can be gradually decreased. In so doing (and assuming clear vision and alignment are maintained), the older accommodative esotrope will then accommodate more than that necessary while wearing the full correction, and fusional divergence will be stimulated and developed to counterbalance accommodative convergence. Despite the plethora of high technology that brings precision and accuracy (and “glitz”) to patient management in other subspecialty areas of ophthalmology, imprecise empirical methods are currently used for this maneuver, “trial-and-error” chief among them. A popular technique entails holding up low-power minus lenses (0.50 diopters or 0.75 diopters) over their current spectacles and having the child look at a near and distant target while their alignment is reassessed. If orthotropia is maintained (perhaps with a small heterophoria), the hypermetropic correction is reduced and the process is repeated in a few months. This of course runs the risk of producing asthenopic symptoms and/or recurrent esotropia since “real-world” conditions are not used but merely extrapolated from the examining lane. In children with modest amounts of hypermetropia, the hope is usually that the reduction in the prescription strength will be enough for the glasses to be shed eventually. With higher amounts of hypermetropia, even if there is enough fusional divergence (to fully counterbalance accommodative convergence and maintain alignment), asthenopia would surely result if clear vision is maintained in a sustained manner (certainly the goal for a developing visual system). The study by Somer and associates,2 published in THE
Immune response to hepatitis B vaccination in drug using populations: A systematic review and meta-regression analysis

Injecting and non-injecting drug users are at increased risk of contracting HBV infection, and show lower antibody response to hepatitis B vaccination compared to the general population. This systematic review and meta-regression analysis aimed to estimate seroprotection rates and identify host or vaccine factors associated with varying immune response following hepatitis B vaccination in drug using populations. Original research articles were searched using online databases (Medline, PubMed, and Embase) and from reference lists of eligible articles. HBV vaccine intervention studies reporting seroprotection rates in drug users, published in English during or after 1989 were eligible. Of 978 citations reviewed, 11 studies were eligible and included for final analysis. The reported seroprotection rates ranged from 54.5% to 97.1%. The studies were significantly heterogeneous (Q=180.850, p=0.000). Measurement of anti-HBs antibody at 2 months after the third vaccine dose (RR=2.62, 95%CI=1.16-5.94, p=0.026) was significantly associated with higher seroprotection rates compared to measurement at 1 month and 6 month following third vaccine dose. Age, gender, current drug use, vaccine dose and schedule, anti-HBc, anti-HCV and anti-HIV antibody seropositivity, and proportion of IDU study population did not show a significant association with seroprotection rates. Recommendations for future research include the definition of a standardized time point for the measurement of anti-HBs antibody levels, to enhance comparability of the immune response between different studies. Studies should strive to accurately report all potentially relevant factors affecting immune response to vaccine. Long-term follow up studies are needed to assess the seroprotection status in drug using populations receiving hepatitis B vaccine by standard or accelerated schedules.
Toward quantifying infrared clutter

Target detection in clutter depends sensitively on the spatial structure of the latter. In particular, it is the ratio of the target size to the clutter inhomogeneity scale which is of crucial importance. Indeed, looking for the leopard in the background of leopard skin is a difficult task. Hence quantifying thermal clutter is essential to the development of successful detection algorithms and signature analysis. This paper describes an attempt at clutter characterization along with several applications using calibrated thermal imagery collected by the Keweenaw Research Center. The key idea is to combine spatial and intensity statistics of the clutter into one number in order to characterize intensity variations over the length scale imposed by the target. Furthermore, when properly normalized, this parameter appears independent of temporal meteorological variation, thereby constituting a background scene invariant. This measure has a basis in analysis of variance and is related to digital signal processing fundamentals. Statistical analysis of thermal images is presented with promising results.
Receptive fields of rat retinal ganglion cells.

Abstract The receptive fields of rat retinal ganglion cells were studied quantitatively by the “area-intensity” method. By this means the antagonistic interaction of the center and the surround was quantitatively determined. For the units studied, the range of surround efficacy included units having (1) no demonstrable surround, (2) center versus surround antagonism and (3) surrounds which dominated the response of the cell to stimuli covering the entire receptive field.
Regional Activity of Ornithine Decarboxylase and Edema Formation after Traumatic Brain Injury

This study examined ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity and edema formation bilaterally in brain cortices and hippocampi after lateral controlled cortical-impact injury in rats. To measure the activity of ODC, the brains of injured and control rats were frozen in situ at 30 minutes and at 6, 24, and 72 hours after controlled cortical-impact injury of moderate severity. The specific gravity of these regions was examined in decapitated animals at corresponding time points as an indicator of edema formation. Thirty minutes after injury, ODC activity did not increase in the injury-site cortex and ipsilateral hippocampus. At 6 hours after injury, ODC activity had increased by nine times that of the control in the injury-site cortex, by five times in the adjacent cortex, and by five and one-half times in the ipsilateral hippocampus. Twenty-four hours after injury, ODC activity had increased by three times that of the control in the injury-site cortex and two times in the ipsilateral hippocampus. Seventy-two hours after injury, activity had returned to control levels. ODC activity increased significantly in the contralateral cortex and hippocampus only at 6 and 24 hours. The injury-site and adjacent cortices and the ipsilateral hippocampus showed significant edema at 6, 24, and 72 hours but not at 30 minutes after injury. These findings indicate that polyamine metabolism is significantly altered in traumatic brain injury. The temporal association between ODC activity and edema formation indicates that polyamines might be a contributing factor in edema formation after traumatic brain injury. The delayed induction of ODC after brain injury suggests a potential therapeutic window for future pharmacological intervention to decrease posttraumatic secondary cerebral injury.
Formation of hemoglobin-benzo[a]pyrene adducts in human erythrocytes incubated with benzo[a]pyrene and hamster embryo cells

Evidence is accumulating that the levels of covalent carcinogen-macromolecule adducts, including adducts with hemoglobin, reflect biologically effective levels of carcinogen exposure. The purposes of the present study were (a) to establish a cellular system for obtaining adducts between intracellular human hemoglobin and metabolites of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), and (b) to evaluate techniques for chromatographic characterization of the adducts. We showed that hemoglobin-benzo[a]pyrene adducts were formed when human erythrocytes were treated with [3H]benzo[a]pyrene (BP) in the presence of hamster embryo fibroblasts, which are known to be effective for BP metabolism. After lysis of the erythrocytes, noncovalently bound BP and its metabolites were effectively removed from hemoglobin under mild conditions by using hydrophobic interaction and size-exclusion liquid chromatography. Three to five distinct adducts were resolved by reversed-phase and ion-exchange liquid chromatography. As determined by a two-step, reversed-phase liquid chromatographic procedure, trypsin treatment of globin from the cellular system yielded at least three of the four 7,8,9,10-tetrahydro-7,8,9,10-tetrahydroxy BP tetrols known to arise from mammalian metabolism of BP. This observation is consistent with both (a) the recently described formation of labile carboxyl esters via reaction of BP-7,8-dihydrodiol-9,10-epoxide (BPDE) with hemoglobin and (b) the known formation of both anti- and syn-BPDE in hamster embryo fibroblasts. In addition, high-performance liquid chromatographic analysis demonstrated the presence of other products presumed to be BP-peptide adducts because of their susceptibility to thermolysin treatment.
The Heat Capacity of KCl below 4°K

The heat capacity of KCl has been found to be proportional to ${T}^{3}$ below 4\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K, with a Debye $\ensuremath{\theta}$ of 233\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. This agrees with values calculated from elastic constants and also from the vibration spectrum.
Survivable Data Aggregation in Multiagent Network Systems with Hybrid Faults

With respect to the data aggregation (DA) survivability, the research in partially connected networks (PCN) is limited. This study investigates the DA survivability for PCNs in synchronous systems in the presence of hybrid fault modes, with the following in mind: 1) agents that run on network nodes use messages from their immediate neighbors only, i.e., no relay of information is allowed, 2) hybrid fault models are assumed; therefore, the DA algorithm is flexible to be tuned for various fault settings, 3) impacts of faults and threats rather than their sources are considered; hence, significant number of misbehaviors are reduced to a small number of fault modes, and 4) the network can tolerate any number of faults as long as the maximum number of faults encountered by each agent does not exceed a predefined threshold. The results show that the upper bound on the number of rounds to reach global convergence (agreement) and the asymptotic convergence per round depend on intertwined parameters such as precision of convergence, node degree, number of agents in the network, level of fault tolerance, and the network diameter. It is illustrated that the network-diameter has the most impact on the speed to reach global convergence.
Development of Structure and Properties during Spunbonding of Metallocene Catalyzed Polypropylene

Spunbonding is one of the most widely used processing techniques to convert polymers into nonwoven fabrics. metallocene-catalyzed polypropylene is becoming more and more important. A study was carried out to understand the development of structure and properties of a metallocene-catalyzed isotactic polypropylene during spunbonding. This research was conducted using the Reicofil spunbond line at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. The filaments at three different throughput rates were studied for tensile properties and for structural features by birefringence, X-ray diffraction, and thermal measurements. The fabrics produced at different process conditions were tested for various mechanical properties. The failure mechanism of the fabrics at different bonding temperatures was studied using the scanning electron microscope. The results are compared with a conventional polypropylene processed under similar conditions. The results showed that the mPP produced fabrics with better strength and elongation at...
Lotto fever: do lottery players act rationally around large jackpots?

Abstract “Lotto fever” occurs when an increase in ticket sales reduces the expected value of a lottery ticket despite a higher jackpot. An examination of 17,538 lotto drawings in the United States finds that examples of lotto fever are exceedingly rare.
Oxygen Adsorption and the Magnetic Susceptibility of Ice at Low Temperatures

WHEN dealing with the magnetic susceptibility of tumour tissue1, we reported the magnetic susceptibility of ice at various temperatures from 273° K. down to 77° K. Since this publication, the authors have made many susceptibility measurements of ice, using the same equipment, and have obtained similar results, that is, a relatively large increase in diamagnetism below 150° K. Normal diamagnetism is not dependent on temperature, and hence further experiments were made of the magnetic susceptibility of ice at low temperatures in an attempt to determine some extraneous cause of the increased diamagnetism.
Mechanics of Woven Fabrics

Properties of fabrics woven from regular warp yarns and filling yarns with periodic mass variation are studied in terms of weavability limit parameters. Four variables are varied systematically and their relationships with fabric properties investigated. These are pick density, probability of overlap p (the ratio of double the thick place length of filling yam to the wave length), yarn balance β' (the ratio of the thick place diameter of the filling yam to the warp yarn diameter), and weave design. Statistical analyses (regression, general linear model, TUKEY, and REGWQ multiple comparison, and analysis of variance) demonstrate that the four weavability limit parameters sig nificantly influence the fabric properties investigated. The study shows that fancy fabrics from yams with mass variation can be constructed to meet predetermined properties.
STABILITY OF THIN VISCOELASTIC FILMS WITH APPLICATIONS TO BIOLOGICAL MEMBRANE DEFORMATION

The linear stability of thin films has many interesting biological and industrial applications. This article has focused only on the biological applications. Considering a membrane to be an isotropic and transversely isotropic film on the order of 10 nm in thickness, we have examined the role of film rheology, Marangoni effects, van der Waals forces, electrical interactions, and asymmetry on the stretching and squeezing modes of instability. The results are in general agreement with the experimental data available. 16 references.
On the relation between Beliaev-Zelevinsky and Marumori boson expansions

Abstract If Beliaev-Zelevinsky boson expansions are carried to infinite order, all matrix elements of fermion operators are preserved and hence also the Pauli principle. Given such an expansion, one may easily construct a Marumori expansion having the same physical subspace. It is shown that the usual Beliaev-Zelevinsky expansion is a generalization to the fermion-pair algebra of the Holstein-Primakoff expansion used for the SU(2) algebra.
Experimental and analytical study of heat transfer and mixing in thermally stratified buoyant flows

Abstract Unsteady natural convection in a nonuniformly stratified, finite depth, layer of water heated from below has been studied. Laboratory experiments were performed using a Mach-Zehnder interferometer as a diagnostic tool for measuring temperature and a shadowgraph technique for flow visualization. A 1-dim. model in conjunction with a two-differential equation k - ϵ turbulence model is used to predict the dynamics of the mixed layer which develops when the thermally stratified fluid is heated from below. Good agreement between data and predictions have been obtained using the model. However, the entrainment processes at the interface between the mixed layer and the stable region as well as turbulence in the interfacial layer must be better understood for more realistic modeling of turbulent natural convection in nonuniformly stratified fluids. Unsteady natural convection heat transfer and mixing which occur when either a thermally stratified layer of liquid is cooled by air flow over the free surface or a layer of liquid is simultaneously heated by an external radiation source and cooled by air flow over the free surface has been studied both experimentally and analytically. Temperature measurements were made using a Mach-Zehnder interferometer, thermocouples and a thermistor. The flow structure in the fluid was visualized using a black-blue dye and “fish-scales” as tracers, and also by shadowgraphic techniques. An unsteady 1-dim. model has been developed for predicting the temperature structure in water irradiated by an external source and simultaneously cooled by air flow over the surface. Turbulent mixing was calculated using the k - ϵ model of turbulence. The results obtained show that deposition of radiation in water plays an important role on buoyancy and wind shear induced mixing processes in the surface layers during simultaneous heating by radiation and cooling by convection. The mixed layer depth was ovcrprcdicted by the turbulence model because it docs not adequately simulate the entrainment process in the intcrfacial layer between the mixed and stable regions.
A RESONANCE RAMAN STUDY OF THE C=N CONFIGURATIONS OF OCTOPUS RHODOPSIN BATHORHODOPSIN, AND ISORHODOPSIN

The resonance Raman spectra of octopus rhodopsin, bathorhodopsin, and isorhodopsin at 120 K have been obtained as well as those of pigments regenerated with isotopically labeled retinals near the C14-C15 bond. Deuteration of the Schiff base nitrogen induces relatively large changes in the C-C stretch region between 1100 and 1300 cm-1, including a large frequency shift of the C14-C15 stretch mode located at 1206-1227 cm-1 in the three octopus species, as revealed by the Raman spectra of their 14,15-(13)C2 derivatives. Such results are different compared to those of the bovine pigments, in which no significant frequency shift of the C14-C15 stretch mode was observed upon Schiff base N deuteration. In an earlier Raman study of a Schiff base model compound which contained only one single bond adjacent to two double bonds, we have found that the stretch mode of this C-C single bond at 1232 cm-1 shifts up by 15 cm-1 and its intensity is also greatly reduced upon Schiff base N deuteration when the C=N configuration is anti [Deng et al., (1994) J. Phys. Chem. 98, 4776-4779]. The same study has also shown that when the C=N configuration is syn, the C-C stretch mode should be at about 1150 cm-1. Since the C14-C15 stretch mode frequency is relatively high in the spectra of octopus rhodopsin and bathorhodopsin (> 1200 cm-1) and since the normal mode pattern near the Schiff base is similar to the model, we suggest that the C=N configuration in these two species is anti. The different responses of the C14-C15 stretch mode to the Schiff base nitrogen deuteration in bovine and octopus pigments are due to the fact that the coupled C14-C15 stretch and the C12-C13 stretch motions in the model compound or in bovine rhodopsin are altered in octopus rhodopsin so that the stretch motion of the C14-15 bond is more localized, similar to the C-C stretch motion in the small Schiff base model compound. In clear contrast with the bovine rhodopsin Raman spectrum, which is very similar to that for the 11-cis-retinal Schiff base, the drastically different octopus rhodopsin spectrum indicates large protein perturbations on the C11=C12-C13 moiety, either by steric or by electrostatic interactions. Further studies are required to determine if such spectral differences indicate a difference of the energy conversion mechanism in the primary photochemical event of these two pigments.
Where is Female Synthetic Speech

There is widespread, immediate and enduring demand for high quality, natural, intelligible synthetic female voices in the expanding speech technology industry. Yet synthetic female voices are scarce, both in parametric text-to-speech (TTS) systems and in concatenative ones. Current female synthetic speech largely lacks naturalness, pleasantness and tolerability. Some acoustic specifications of female voices that are relevant to synthesis are discussed in detail. Recent research pertaining to female voice quality is reported and a ranking of these various considerations is proposed. This paper reviews the present situation and considers why there is a paucity of female voice synthesis.
Role of the Atlas Mountains (northwest Africa) within the African-Eurasian plate-boundary zone

This paper was published in Geology by the Geological Society of America (GSA), and GSA retains the copyright. Geological Society of America, P.O. Box 9140, Boulder, CO 80301-9140 See also: http://www.geosociety.org; http://atlas.geo.cornell.edu/morocco/publications/gomez2000Geology.htm
SIS junction as artificial line elements: A wide band matching scheme

A wide band tuning scheme for SIS junctions is suggested in which the junction capacitance is used as one element of a pisection artificial transmission line.
The parity - violating internucleon potential and the field - current identity

Abstract The parity-violating internucleon potential arising from ϱ, ω and o exchange is shown to be negligible using the field-current identity (vector-meson dominance). The implications of this result are discussed. In particular, it is pointed out that from an experimental point of view the process n + d → 3 He + γ should be more interesting than the process n + p → d + γ.
A role for local inflammation in the formation of drusen in the aging eye.

Abstract PURPOSE: The accumulation of numerous or confluent drusen, especially in the macula, is a significant risk factor for the development of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Identifying the origin and molecular composition of these deposits, therefore, has been an important, yet elusive, objective for many decades. Recently, a more complete profile of the molecular composition of drusen has emerged. DESIGN: In this focused review, we discuss these new findings and their implications for the pathogenic events that give rise to drusen and AMD. METHODS: Tissue specimens from one or both eyes of more than 400 human donors were examined by light, confocal or electron microscopy, in conjunction with antibodies to specific drusen-associated proteins, to help characterize the transitional events in drusen biogenesis. Quantification of messenger RNA from the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)/choroid of donor eyes was used to determine if local ocular sources for drusen-associated molecules exist. RESULTS: The results indicate that cellular remnants and debris derived from degenerate RPE cells become sequestered between the RPE basal lamina and Bruch’s membrane. We propose that this cellular debris constitutes a chronic inflammatory stimulus, and a potential “nucleation” site for drusen formation. The entrapped cellular debris then becomes the target of encapsulation by a variety of inflammatory mediators, some of which are contributed by the RPE and, perhaps, other local cell types; and some of which are extravasated from the choroidal circulation. CONCLUSIONS: The results support a role for local inflammation in drusen biogenesis, and suggest that it is analogous to the process that occurs in other age-related diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease and atherosclerosis, where accumulation of extracellular plaques and deposits elicits a local chronic inflammatory response that exacerbates the effects of primary pathogenic stimuli.
Electrochemical nucleation and growth of gold on silicon

Abstract In this paper we report on the nucleation and growth of gold on n-type silicon from solution by electrochemical deposition. We show that deposition occurs by progressive nucleation and diffusion limited growth of 3D hemispherical islands. Gold films were prepared by nucleation at a potential where the maximum nucleus density is obtained, followed by growth under kinetic control. Transmission electron microscopy confirmed that the films were continuous and polycrystalline with a 〈111〉 texture. The electrical properties of the Si/Au junctions were comparable to junctions prepared by evaporation or sputtering.
Ovarian cancer BRCA1 mutation detection: Protein truncation test (PTT) outperforms single strand conformation polymorphism analysis (SSCP)

Recent studies have shown that the BRCA1 tumor suppressor gene plays a role in the development of both hereditary and sporadic ovarian cancer. Since several different mechanisms may give rise to tumor gene defects, a better understanding of these mechanisms may identify BRCA1 as an attractive therapeutic target in ovarian cancer. Sequencing this large gene is not practical on a population-wide basis. The optimal screening strategy is yet to be determined. The purpose of our study is to compare two common screening techniques: the protein truncation test (PTT) and single strand conformational polymorphism analysis (SSCP). Ninety-four patients with epithelial ovarian cancer and available snap-frozen tissue were screened for BRCA1 mutations by both PTT (five individual PCR reactions with complete translation of the product in the TNT System (Promega, Madison, WI)) and SSCP (41 individual PCR reactions covering the entire coding sequence). All abnormal results were confirmed by sequencing. A paired peripheral blood DNA sample was utilized to determine if the sequence abnormality was a germline mutation. Twenty-three mutations in BRCA1 were found in 22 patients (14 germline, eight somatic, one unknown) including four novel mutations: E489X, 3558delT, 3871delGTCT, del exon 7–10. Although the predictive value of a negative test was close for the two methods (PTT 99.1%, SSCP 99.8%), the comparison of positive predictive value overwhelmingly favored PTT (100.0%, vs. 26.4%, respectively). The specificity for PTT was 100.0% while the sensitivity was 82.6%. While for SSCP, the specificity was 99.0% and the sensitivity was only 60.9%. The concordance rate for the two screening tests was 88.9%. Only SSCP can detect missense mutations. PTT is a superior screening test for truncating BRCA1 mutations that are expected to be of clinical significance. Hum Mutat 18:337–344, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Fractally deforested landscape: Pattern and process in a tri-national Amazon frontier

Forest clearings in the Amazon are expanding along roads and are enhanced by the associated expansion of human settlements. The purpose of this research is to analyze the spatial patterns associated with this development process using fractal geometry and to partition this development process into different levels by a model-based classification scheme that can be applied to regions globally. A critical region of tropical forest cover in the tri-national frontier in the center of the southwestern Amazon was used as the study area. We utilized box-counting fractal dimensions to describe the spatial patterns of deforestation at a pixel level from 1986 to 2010 in the study region. The evolving pattern of development, as indicated by density-sliced fractal dimension, provides a unique and informative view of a deforesting landscape. The cleared areas have become increasingly compact from 1986 to 2010, where the low fractal dimensions typically represent little to no forest clearings and higher fractal dimensions are associated with more highly developed areas. Such differences are summarized by a classification scheme derived from a mathematical model that partitions the continuous range of fractal dimensions into five possible classes ranging from no or minimal development to highly developed. Such graphical representations of these stages of deforestation in the study region with such spatially explicit pixel-level information enables us to provide multi-level, local, adaptive, and flexible information to forest conservation groups, land managers and related programs.
Stress waves in an elastic half-space: Single and multiple surface sources

Abstract The displacement vector and the stress tensor in an elastic half-space subjected to a point force load on the free surface is calculated by using the method of Cagniard and de Hoop. The stresses are calculated at depth and arrivals include the P, S, PS diffracted (von Schmidt wave), Rayleigh, and near field components of motion. These point force results are extended to multiple sources in triangular and hexagonal spacing. Simple multiplicity fails when extrapolating from the single source stress tensor to the trigangular or hexagonal stress tensor at the symmetry point. Simple multiplicity from the triangular to the hexagonal response is successful. The material response indicates that large tensile stresses can develop from either the PS diffracted or Rayleigh waves. The effect of the free surface on the PS diffracted and Rayleigh waves is determined with the later arrival decreasing in amplitude and frequency as one moves away from the free surface. Poisson's ratio is found to influence greatly both the impulsiveness and amplitude of the PS diffracted wave. Large Poisson's ratios are found to yield yet another wave—the so-called leaking mode P.
Tapioca starch‐poly(lactic acid)‐Cloisite 30B nanocomposite foams

Tapioca starch (TS), poly(lactic acid) (PLA), and Cloisite 30B nanocomposite foams, with four clay contents of 1, 3, 5, 7 wt%, were prepared by a melt-intercalation method. Selected structural, thermal, physical, and mechanical properties were characterized using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetry analyses, and an Instron universal testing machine, respectively. XRD results indicated that intercalation of TS/PLA into the nanoclay layers occurred in all four nanocomposite foams. At the same time, tactoid structures were observed in all nanocomposite foams but to a lesser extend with 1 and 3 wt% clay contents. Effect of clay content on melting temperature (Tm), onset degradation temperature, radial expansion ratio, unit density, bulk compressibility and bulk spring index of the nanocomposites were investigated. Among the four nanocomposites, 3 wt% clay content produced significantly different (p < 0.05) properties. POLYM. COMPOS., 2009. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Glioblastoma: synergy of growth promotion between CCL5 and NK-1R can be thwarted by blocking CCL5 with miraviroc, an FDA approved anti-HIV drug and blocking NK-1R with aprepitant, an FDA approved anti-nausea drug

SUMMARY What is known and background: Two receptor signaling pathways that are commonly active in facilitating glioblastoma growth and invasionthat of CCR5 and neurokinin (NK)-1R- have small molecule inhibitors that are FDA approved and marketed to treat other conditions. The anti-HIV drug, maraviroc, inhibits human CCR5’s ligand from binding, and hence blocks CCR5 stimulation. The anti-nausea drug aprepitant blocks substance P signaling at NK-1R. Aims and objective: We propose on the basis of molecular insights that a combination of the two drugs is likely to be useful in the treatment of glioblastoma. Comment: After stimulation by their respective ligands both CCR5 and NK-1R, through intermediaries, phosphorylate and thereby activate ERK1 ⁄ 2, triggering in turn migratory and mitotic events. Neurokinin-1R second messenger signaling also happens to serine phosphorylate CCR5. Phosphorylated CCR5 exhibits amplified activity after agonist ligation. Therefore, aprepitant and maraviroc combined treatment is expected to exert synergestic inhibition of growth enhancing signaling in glioblastoma. Inhibiting an amplifier is equivalent to amplifying an inhibitor. Since the two suggested drugs are non-cytotoxic they are envisioned as adjunctive treatments to current standard temozolomide, radiation, and bevacizumab, all to be used after debulking primary resection. What is new and conclusion: Our analysis makes the case for a well-designed trial of the proposed combination in the treatment of glioblastoma.
Blind image deconvolution using support vector regression

This paper describes an algorithm for the restoration of a noisy blurred image based on support vector regression. The blind image deconvolution was formulated as a machine learning problem. From the training set, the mapping between the noisy blurred image and the original image are learned by support vector regression (SVR). With the acquired mapping, the degraded image can be restored. Our approach was experimentally compared with the adaptive Lucy-Richardson maximum likelihood (ML) algorithm. In terms of ISNR (improvement of signal to noise ratio), SVR outperforms ML in blind deblurring tests in which the types of blurs, point spread function (PSF) support, and noise energy are all unknown.
Membrane activation : Selective vesicle fusion via small molecule recognition

We report herein the induction of selective vesicle fusion with biological recognition motifs not natively associated with lipid bilayer fusion, thus broadening the scope of recognition-guided membrane activation. Our system employs vancomycin glycopeptide, coupled to the antimicrobial peptide magainin, and D-Ala-D-Ala-OH dipeptide coupled to a phospholipid derivative, as surface-bound fusogens. Fusion was characterized by dynamic light scattering and FRET experiments with lipid bound fluorophores. We have demonstrated here that appropriately designed membrane anchored molecular recognition motifs have the biomimetic ability to activate specific membrane mergers; this principle has resonance with goals in targeted chemical delivery and nanoscale compartmentalized chemistry.
Recognition and Treatment of Incestuous Families

Incest is a major mental health problem, in terms of both prevalence and morbidity. Father-daughter incest constitutes the majority of reported cases. The possibility of incest should be considered in a family which includes a violent father, a disabled mother, a child in an adult maternal role, or an “acting out” adolescent girl. Intervention requires recognition of the criminal and addictive aspects of the father's behavior. Active cooperation between mental health professionals and mandated child protective and law enforcement agencies is necessary for effective treatment. Group therapy and affiliated self-help programs appear to be the treatment modality of choice. Rehabilitation of the family is based upon restoration of the mother-daughter bond as a guarantee of safety for the child.
Bis(acetonitrile)chloronitropalladium(II)

[77933-52-9] C4H6ClN3O2Pd (MW 269.98) InChI = 1S/2C2H3N.ClH.HNO2.Pd/c2*1-2-3;;2-1-3;/h2*1H3;1H;(H,2,3);/q;;;;+2/p-2 InChIKey = HODOVPJDSWDRSP-UHFFFAOYSA-L (reagent capable of catalyzing the oxidation of alkenes to ketones,2 aldehydes,3 or epoxides4) Physical Data: yellow solid, mp 107–109 °C.2 Solubility: sol chloroform, benzene, acetonitrile. Analysis of Reagent Purity: 1H NMR (CDCl3) 2.19 (s).2 Preparative Method: prepared from the reaction of Pd(MeCN)2Cl2 (formed from Palladium(II) Chloride and acetonitrile) with 1 equiv of Silver(I) Nitrite in Acetonitrile.2 Removal of the silver chloride after 1 h by filtration and evaporation of the solvent gives the required complex in quantitative yield. Handling, Storage, and Precautions: the complex should be stored under an inert atmosphere. Palladium compounds are reported to be mildly toxic. Acetonitrile is highly flammable and lachrymatory.
Cleanout of Waste Storage Tanks at Oak Ridge National Laboratory

In 1943, six storage tanks were built at the Clinton Laboratories (later to become Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL)) to contain wastes generated by wartime research and development operations. During the following years, these tanks became an integral part of the ORNL waste system and accumulated approx. 1.5 x 10/sup 6/ L (400,000 gal) of sludge containing radioactive wastes. Recently, over a period of approx. 18 months, these tanks were sluiced, the radioactive sludge resuspended, and the resuspended slurry pumped to the ORNL Hydrofracture Facility for underground disposal. In this paper, a summary of the development work is given, and the process design and constraints are described. The operating difficulties encountered and overcome included grinder blade erosion, malfunctioning instruments, pump suction plugging, and slurry settling. About 90% of the settled sludge (containing approx. 715,000 Ci) was removed from the system.
Antiplatelet effects of aspirin are not affected by the soluble guanylate cyclase activator cinaciguat (BAY 58-2667)

IntroductionCinaciguat (BAY 58-2667) is an nitric oxide (NO)-inde-pendent and heme-independent soluble guanylatecyclase (sGC) activator. Cinaciguat preferentially acti-vates sGC in its oxidized or heme-free state, when theenzyme is insensitive to its endogenous ligand NO andexogenous nitrovasodilators [1].Endothelium-derived NO is one of the mechanisms bywhich platelet aggregation and thrombus formation isprevented by the intact blood vessel wall. Pharmacologi-cal stimulation of sGC in platelets correlates with inhibi-tion of aggregation, platelet cGMP increase, prolongationof bleeding time and antithrombotic effects in vitro [2].This protective mechanism may be impaired in vasculardisease and impaired NO availability. Thus, sGC activa-tors may have antithrombotic effects similar to endogen-ous NO. Indeed, cinaciguat potently inhibited plateletaggregation induced by the thromboxane mimic U46619and collagen and prolonged rat-tail bleeding time up to2-fold [3]. Thus, in vitro data suggested that coadminis-tration of cinaciguat and aspirin may increase the antipla-telet effects of aspirin and could result in bleeding.MethodsThis non-randomized, open-label trial was conductedfrom September to November 2001 in a single center inGermany. It was carried out in accordance with theDeclaration of Helsinki and adhered to the InternationalConference of Harmonization good clinical practiceguidelines and the German drug law (AMG). The studyprotocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of theNorth-Rhine Medical Council, Duesseldorf, Germany.The study consisted of a 9-day treatment phase with100 mg oral acetylsalicylicacid (aspirin) once dailyadministered in the morning in the fasting state and,after the last dose of aspirin, four sequential oral dosesof 1.5 mg cinaciguat administered in the fasting state at1-hour intervals. The first dose of cinaciguat was admi-nistered together with the last dose of aspirin. This cina-ciguat dosing schedule was used to mimic a prolongedplasma concentration over time profile.Results12 healthy men (mean age, 32.4 years, range, 23 - 42years) were enrolled and completed the study accordingto protocol.Low-dose aspirin treatment in healthy subjectsresulted in the expected inhibition of platelet aggrega-tion. 4 oral doses of 1.5 mg cinaciguat administered at1-hour intervals did not significantly affect plateletaggregation induced by collagen and the thromboxaneA2 mimetic U 46619 or bleeding time. These results arein line with the findings of a single dose escalationstudy.Plasma pharmacokinetics of cinaciguat following 4oral doses of 1.5 mg cinaciguat administered at 1-hourintervals showed pronounced inter-individual variability.There was no major pharmacokinetic interactiondetected between aspirin and cinaciguat, compared withthe data of a previous study, which applied the samedosing regimen.ConclusionCoadministration of cinaciguat and aspirin did notreveal any pharmacodynamic interaction with respect of