cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nest substrate and tool shape significantly affect the mechanics and energy requirements of avian eggshell puncture

Some host species of avian obligate brood parasites reject parasitic eggs from their nest whereas others accept them, even though they recognize them as foreign. One hypothesis to explain this seemingly maladaptive behavior is that acceptors are unable to pierce and remove the parasitic eggshell. Previous studies reporting on the force and energy required to break brood parasites' eggshells were typically static tests performed against hard substrate surfaces. Here, we considered host nest as a substrate to simulate this potentially critical aspect of the natural context for egg puncture while testing the energy required to break avian eggshells. Specifically, as a proof of concept, we punctured domestic chicken eggs under a series of conditions: varying tool shape (sharp versus blunt), tool dynamics (static versus dynamic) and the presence of natural bird nests (of three host species). The results show a complex set of statistically significant interactions between tool shapes, puncture dynamics and nest substrates. Specifically, the energy required to break eggs was greater for the static tests than for the dynamic tests, but only when using a nest substrate and a blunt tool. In turn, in the static tests, the addition of a nest significantly increased energy requirements for both tool types, whereas during dynamic tests, the increase in energy associated with the nest presence was significant only when using the sharp tool. Characterizing the process of eggshell puncture in increasingly naturalistic contexts will help in understanding whether and how hosts of brood parasites evolve to reject foreign eggs.
Structural Snapshots of Intermediates in the Gating of a K + Channel

Regulation of ion conduction through the pore of a K+ channel takes place through the coordinated action of the activation gate at the bundle crossing of the inner helices and the inactivation gate located at the selectivity filter. The mechanism of allosteric coupling of these gates is of key interest. Here we report new insights into this allosteric coupling mechanism from studies on a W67F mutant of the KcsA channel. W67 is in the pore helix and is highly conserved in K+ channels. The KcsA W67F channel shows severely reduced inactivation and an enhanced rate of activation. We use continuous wave EPR spectroscopy to establish that the KcsA W67F channel shows an altered pH dependence of activation. Structural studies on the W67F channel provide the structures of two intermediate states: a pre- open state and a pre-inactivated state of the KcsA channel. These structures highlight key nodes in the allosteric pathway. The structure of the KcsA W67F channel with the activation gate open shows altered ion occupancy at the second ion binding site (S2) in the selectivity filter. This finding in combination with previous studies strongly support a requirement for ion occupancy at the S2 site for the channel to inactivate.
Glycosylation steps involved in processing of pro-corticotropin-endorphin in mouse pituitary tumor cells.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the glycosylation steps involved in processing of pro-corticotropin–endorphin in mouse pituitary tumor cells. β -endorphin, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and α - and β -melanocyte-stimulating hormones (MSH) are all derived from the same precursor protein (pro-ACTH–endorphin) in the pituitary. A portion of the amino-acid sequence of the precursor in mouse pituitary cells is revealed using recombinant deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) technology. The chapter discusses approaches used to study proteolytic processing and glycosylation of the precursor in mouse pituitary tumor cells. To study the processing of oligosaccharides, AtT-20 cells were incubated with different radioactive sugars. Pro-ACTH–endorphin, ACTH intermediates, and N -terminal fragments were purified from cell extracts and culture medium by immunoprecipitation and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) gel electrophoresis. The purified components were digested with pronase and the pronase glycopeptides were analyzed by gel filtration to determine their size, susceptibility to various glycosidases ( α -mannosidase, glucosidases, and endoglucosidases) to determine if terminal mannose or glucose residues are present, and sugar composition. The first proteolytic cleavage occurs within 15–25 minutes of the labeling of pro-ACTH–endorphin with radioactive amino acids.
The role of microgrids & renewable energy in addressing Sub-Saharan Africa's current and future energy needs

Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) has a rich mix of renewable energy sources (RES) most of which are massively underutilized in as far as electricity generation from them is concerned. This is largely attributed to the lack of adequate energy infrastructure and the high capital costs associated with the deployment of requisite infrastructure. In order to attract and justify investment in this area, there is need for sustainable demand with sufficient loads able to sink the generated power. However, this is not the case in the region as many communities are poor especially those in rural and remote areas. It is also worth noting that lack of electricity is closely correlated with poverty and thus the need to avail these communities with affordable electricity as to attain long-term mutual benefits. Since most of the RES in the region are wide spread and populations live in clusters, generation is expected to be distributed. This justifies the use of standalone autonomous systems., i.e. Microgrids that are able to connect to the grid. Microgrids offer an affordable and reliable solution as compared to grid extension to areas that are located far from the grid. They also allow for renewable and fossil fuel incorporation thus serving as the most ideal solution to addressing SSA's source, storage and load interconnection needs. In this paper, the effects of lack of electricity in SSA are investigated, the challenges facing rural electrification in the region are analyzed and some feasible technical and financial solutions needed to avert these shortcomings are proposed. HOMER simulation results for optimal micro grid configurations in Nyakabanda, Rwanda as a test case are also documented.
A three-dimensional neural recording microsystem with implantable data compression circuitry

A 256-site, fully implantable, 3-D neural recording microsystem has been developed. The microsystem incorporates four active neural probes with integrated circuitry for site selection, amplification, and multiplexing. The probes drive an embedded data-compression ASIC that successfully detects neural spikes in the presence of neural and circuit noise. The spike detection ASIC achieves a factor of 12 bandwidth reduction while preserving the key features of the action potential waveshape necessary for spike discrimination. This work extends the total number of neural channels that can be recorded across a transcutaneous inductively coupled wireless link from 25 to 312. When a spike is detected, this ASIC serially shifts the 5-bit amplitude and 5-bit address of the spike off of the chip over a single 2.5 Mb/s wired or wireless line. The spike detection ASIC occupies 6 mm/sup 2/ in 0.5 /spl mu/m features and consumes 2.6 mW while the entire microsystem consumes 5.4 mW of power from a 3-V supply.
Benevolent Regulation, Delegated Monitoring and Loan Pricing in Financial Intermediation

This paper introduces benevolent agency and loan pricing in financial intermediation when a regulator uses capital as incentive and delegates monitoring to financial intermediaries who are better at screening, assessing risks and issuing loans to borrower firms. The model predicts three phenomena: [1] Multiple credit rationing equilibria that depend on the distribution of loan size and agency cost regimes; [2] An endogenous equilibrium loan pricing model (LPM) with portfolio separation in loan size, where risk-adjusted returns on securitized loans are linear in the agency cost aversion of lenders; [3] An endogenous mechanism - based on decision rules obtained from the mixture distribution of size portfolios - that breaks credit market failure when intermediaries over or under invest. We extend these results to provide a robust closed form expression for expected regulation costs associated with risk based capital requirements (RBCRs). Furthermore, we identify a regulator's dilemma in which intermediaries adopt dominant overinvestment strategies when there are no RBCRs. But contrary to extant literature, we find that at best intermediaries respond by weakly underinvesting when RBCRs are imposed. Moreover, we derive an optimal capital ratio for intermediaries and show that regulation has no effect on their investment decisions when loan spreads exceed RBCRs. A Monte Carlo experiment and semi- parametric kernel estimates are provided to demonstrate empirical predictions of the theory.
Temporal relationship of glycosylated haemoglobin concentrations to glucose control in diabetics.

To examine the temporal relationship between Hb AIc values and various indices of blood glucose control, 38 diabetic and 28 nondiabetic youth counsellors employed at two summer camps for diabetic children took part in an eight-week study. Each week fasting determinations were made of Hb AI, Hb AIc, serum cholesterol, triglyceride and growth hormone and plasma glucose. Total daily urine glucose excretion was measured approximately two times per week, capillary glucose values were measured fasting and at 11 a. m. and 3 p. m. on two days per week, and urine glucose was measured semi-quantitatively four times per day. As Hb AI was correlated highly with Hb AIc (r = 0.997), it was used as the primary index of glycosylated haemoglobin. The mean values of Hb AI, serum cholesterol and triglycerides and fasting plasma glucose were all significantly elevated in the diabetic group but only Hb AI values provided total separation of the two groups. Within the diabetic group the Week 8 Hb AI values showed a significant correlation with the Week 8 mean capillary glucose concentrations, the proportion of urine tests showing 2% and 0% glycosuria, and mean serum triglycerides. Correlations of Week 8 Hb AI with the mean values of these glycaemic parameters for each week of the study demonstrated low order correlations with the glycaemic measures of Week 1, and a progressive increase in the degree of correlation reaching a plateau with the glycaemic measures of Week 4 to 8. Similar correlation analysis using the Hb AI values from Week 4 confirmed these findings. Therefore, while Hb AI provides an index of the control of diabetes, it appears to be more acutely responsive to blood glucose alteration than generally recognized.
Approximately-finite memory and discrete-time input-output maps

A body of results is given concerning the character of the response of systems represented by discrete-time approximately-finite-memory input-output maps G with input and outputs defined on {0, 1,…}. Conditions are given under which, for example, the system's output approaches a limit as k → ∞ whenever the input does. Of particular interest are theorems that concern the existence and properties of a certain unique extension of G to a corresponding domain of functions defined on all of {…, -1, 0, 1,… }. The theorems lead to a general proposition that characterizes the response of a very large class of non-linear systems to asymptotically periodic inputs.
Concomitant medication use can confound interpretation of the combined dexamethasone-corticotropin releasing hormone test in Cushing's syndrome.

Context: The ability of combined dexamethasone-corticotropin releasing hormone (Dex-CRH) testing to distinguish pseudo-Cushing’s syndrome (PCS) from Cushing’s syndrome is controversial. One factor potentially impairing diagnostic efficacy is the concomitant use of commonly prescribed medications that may alter dexamethasone metabolism. Objective: Our objective was to assess the diagnostic accuracy of the Dex-CRH test and evaluate the potential impact of concomitant drugs. Design: The study was a retrospective one. Participants: Participants included 101 patients [60 Cushing’s disease (CD); 41 PCS] who underwent 112 Dex-CRH tests. Patients were divided into two groups, depending on use of medications potentially interfering with dexamethasone metabolism: 58 tests were classified as No Meds (32 CD; 26 PCS) and 54 as Meds (34 CD; 20 PCS). The latter group was further subdivided into patients taking one medication vs. those taking multiple medications. Main Outcome Measures: Diagnostic accuracy of different serum cortisol and ACTH thresholds at baseline and 15 min after CRH injection was assessed. Results: The specificity of a baseline post-low-dose-dexamethasone-suppressed test cortisol lower than 1.4 μg/dl (38 nmol/liter) was significantly higher in the No Meds vs. the Meds group (P = 0.014). Sensitivity and specificity using a post-CRH cortisol cutoff of 1.4 μg/dl (38 nmol/liter) were 93.1% (95% confidence interval = 88.4–97.8) and 92.3% (95% confidence interval = 87–97.6) in the No Meds group. The specificity of a cortisol lower than 1.4 μg/dl (38 nmol/l) at 15 min after CRH was significantly higher in patients taking only one medication vs. those on multidrug treatment (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Medications commonly prescribed in hypercortisolemic patients undergoing Dex-CRH testing may contribute to the variable diagnostic accuracy of this test. Prospective studies to address this issue are needed.
Theorizing Gender in Intimate Partner Violence Research

Research findings of sex-symmetry in the perpetration of intimate partner assaults have sparked vigorous debate about the appropriate definition and measurement of intimate violence. A neglected but central issue in this debate is the conceptualization and measurement of gender. This article first examines the often unstated theoretical perspective on gender that underlies the research on sex-symmetry in intimate partner violence. This perspective treats gender as an individual characteristic of persons. Next, I describe challenges to the individualist model of gender from two emerging theoretical perspectives—interactionist and structuralist gender theories. The article concludes with suggestions for research on intimate partner violence that are informed by these new gender theories.
Binding of 3-Aminoacridinium and 7-Aminoquinolinium Monocations to Double-Stranded DNA: Evidence for Nonlinear Binding Isotherm in Intercalative Region

The complexations of the singly charged cations of 3-aminoacridine and 7-aminoquinoline by double-stranded, calf thymus DNA were studied by electronic absorption spectrophotometry. At high ratios of total DNA phosphate concentration to total probe concentration (the region associated with intercalative binding), four DNA phosphate units are associated with each bound monocation. However, a binding isotherm based on four DNA phosphate groups in a single binding site does not yield a reproducible equilibrium constant for the binding process. Rather, the sequestration of the monocations by two binding sites, each containing two DNA phosphate units, yields a satisfactory equilibrium expression. This result suggests that the intercalative mode of binding by DNA is not a simple one-step process, which is in agreement with previous kinetic studies. In the region of low DNA phosphate concentration to monocation concentration (the external binding region), the binding is described adequately by a linear isotherm.
Thermoplastic elastomers via radical polymerization. II

Simple models are used to study the formation of thermoplastic elastomers using a method for preparation of block copolymers introduced by Tobolsky and Rembaum. It was found that a small excess of isocyanate groups produce branched block copolymers with significantly reduced fractions of AB and B type molecules.
The formation of Cu3Si: Marker experiments

Abstract Implanted rare gas markers, as well as a thin tungsten marker, show that the silicide Cu 3 Si, which is the first phase to form on the reaction of a copper film with a silicon substrate, grows by the motion of copper atoms. The same process seems to be at work in the formation of the silicide by ion mixing, but the one result obtained in that case is not unambiguous since the observed disappearance at the surface of the implanted marker might be due as well to interface drag effects as to the specificity of the mobile atoms. The low temperature of formation of the silicide, about 200°C, is discussed in terms of what is known about point defects and diffusion in the very similar compound Cu 3 Sn.
FcγRIIB signals inhibit BLyS signaling and BCR-mediated BLyS receptor up-regulation

These studies investigate how interactions between the BCR and FcγRIIB affect B lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS) recep-tor expression and signaling. Previous studies showed that BCR ligation up-regulates BLyS binding capacity in mature B cells, reflecting increased BLyS receptor levels. Here we show that FcγRIIB coaggregation dampens BCR-induced BLyS receptor up-regulation. This cross-regulation requires BCR and FcγRIIB coligation, and optimal action relies on the Src-homology-2 (SH2)–containing inositol 5 phosphase-1 (SHIP1). Subsequent to FcγRIIB/BCR coaggregation, the survival promoting actions of BLyS are attenuated, reflecting reduced BLyS receptor signaling capacity in terms of Pim 2 maintenance, noncanonical NF-κB activation, and Bcl-xL levels. These findings link the negative regulatory functions of FcγRIIB with BLyS-mediated B-cell survival.
Bremsstrahlung imaging with the gamma camera

A conventional gamma camera is used for the external imaging of bremsstrahlung generated from pure beta-emitters such as phosphorous-32 (32P). Tomographic images of a cylindrical phantom filled with water and containing four cylindrical sources of varying diameter are recorded using two collimators with symmetrical aperture configuration but different bore-lengths. The resolution of the system is comparable to single photon emitters for both collimaters; FWHM approximately 1.8 cm and FWTM approximately 2.9 cm. An effective linear attenuation coefficient of 0.14 cm-1 for 32P, calculated from isolated spherical sources in water, is used with the post-reconstruction Chang algorithm to correct the tomographic images. The use of a broad energy window and the symmetric apertures of the collimators yields an approximately radially symmetric, shift invariant, and stationary point-spread-function with distance from the collimator face as required for the use of image restoration filters. A new filter is proposed which shares the advantages of both neural network for deconvolution and advanced nonlinear filtering for noise removal and edge enhancement. The new filter compares favorably with the Wiener for image restoration and improves the conditions for quantitative measurements with the gamma camera. In addition, its application for image restoration does not require the knowledge of the object and noise power spectra and the serious problems (ring effects and noise overriding) associated with the inverse operation encountered in the Wiener filter are avoided.
Equilibrium isotope effects in the preparation and isothermal decomposition of ternary hydrides Pd(HxD1-x)y (0 0.6).

A Sieverts' apparatus coupled with a residual gas analysis is used to measure the concentration variations of hydrogen isotopes in the gas and solid phases during exchange and isothermal decomposition of mixed hydrides. beta-phase palladium hydrides with known ratios of H:D, Pd(H x D 1- x ) y (0 0.6), are prepared by H 2 with PdD y or D 2 with PdH y exchange, and their desorption isotherms are reported here at 323 K. A higher equilibrium pressure in isothermal desorption of mixed hydrides is associated with a higher ratio of D/H in the initial mixed hydrides in beta-phase. The composition of the gas desorbed from a mixed hydride varies; i.e., the ratio of D/H in gas decreases with the sum of (H + D) in Pd. The values of the separation factor alpha during desorption at 323 K and during H-D exchange at 248 K are discussed and compared with those in the literature. Desorption isotherms of mixed isotope hydrides are between those of the single isotope hydrides of H-Pd and D-Pd, however, plateaus slope more than those of pure isotope hydrides. The origin of the plateau sloping in the mixed hydrides can be attributed to the compositional variations during desorption, i.e., the equilibrium pressure is greater when D/H ratio in solid is greater. A simple model is proposed in this study that agrees well with experimental results.
Towards a Seamless Transition from TOPEX/Poseidon to Jason-1

The Jason-1 verification phase has proven to be a unique and successful calibration experiment to quantify the agreement with its predecessor TOPEX/Poseidon. Although both missions have met prescribed error budgets, comparison of the mean and time-varying sea surface height profiles from near simultaneous observations derived from the missions' Geophysical Data Records exhibit significant basin scale differences. Several suspected sources causing this disagreement are identified and improved upon, including (a) replacement of TOPEX and Jason project POE with enhanced orbits computed at GSFC within a consistent ITRF2000 terrestrial reference frame, (b) application of waveform retracking corrections to TOPEX significant wave height and sea surface heights, (c) resultant improved efficacy of the TOPEX sea state bias estimation from the value added sea surface height, and (d) estimation of Jason-1 sea state bias employing dual TOPEX/Jason crossover and collinear sea surface height residuals unique to the vali...
Dynamics of phase separation and morphology of polymer stabilized liquid crystals

The authors report the effect of dynamics of phase separation on the formation of well ordered polymer structure in polymer stabilized liquid crystals. We obtained spatially-ordered polymer walls formed throughout the sample (in the film direction) and between the two substrates by the polymerization induced phase separation using a small amount of photomonomer dissolved in the host liquid crystal (LC). By varying parameters, such as type of LC, light intensity for polymerization, and concentration of the components, we are able to alter the phase-separation process and control the polymer wall formation. The polymer morphology largely depends on the director field-driven anisotropic diffusion during the phase separation process. We also found that the morphology of the ordered polymer structures provides a means of "imaging" important and potentially novel aspects of the pattern-forming LC states for new applications.
Effects of acute and chronic oval exposure of lead on blood pressure and bone mineral density in rats

The immediate and late deleterious effects of early lead (Pb) exposure on human health are major challenges to the health professionals. Therefore, a major underlying contribution of Pb accumulated earlier in life to chronic disorders such as hypertension and osteopenia, commonly found in the elderly, cannot be definitively excluded. Using Sprague-Dawley rats, we examined the effects of drinking 1% Pb acetate on very young rats for 40 days on Pb kinetics, body weight (BW), systolic blood pressure (SBP) and bone mineral density (BMD) over a year-long period. We also examined the effects of early and later chelation using disodium calcium ethylenediaminetetraacetate (Na2CaEDTA). The early ingestion and accumulation of Pb was associated with an increased SBP acutely that returned to control levels with continuing challenge and later rose above control months later after the Pb challenge had been halted. Early accumulation of Pb over a short period was also associated with decreased BMD at the end of one year. Chelation after the initial Pb challenge at various times favorably influenced the SBP but could not prevent the lowering of BMD.
Bivibron line widths in solid deuterium at high pressure

Abstract We have measured the bivibron line width in solid D2 as a function of pressure and temperature. We find a decreasing line width just prior to the pressure-induced bound-to-unbound transition, above which the line width increases dramatically. The line width shows a small positive temperature dependence and the bivibron splits into a doublet below 70 K.
On the complexity of the Elzinga-Hearn algorithm for the 1-center problem

We show that the complexity of the Elzinga-Hearn algorithm for the 1-center single facility minimax problem is Ωn2. We also show that the algorithm reaches a solution within any given accuracy in On time.
African-American Concentration in Jobs The Political Economy of Job Segregation and Contestation in Atlanta

Studying the case of Atlanta shows African-American concentration in relatively “good” jobs: Majority-Black jobs are not always segregated jobs with low returns. Multivariate analysis shows that, net of other factors, majority-Black jobs in local government and the construction industry have earnings and benefits that are comparable to those in majority-White jobs. It is suggested that African-American local government political power and linkages with the construction industry provide a base for equal employment opportunity, contestWhite labor market hegemony, and open the market for “good” jobs. The importance of studying the political context of labor market outcomes is supported.
Flow and Mixing in New Mexico Mountain Cumuli

Abstract Convection and cloud formation over mountains during weak winds and strong insolation were studied using an instrumented aircraft. Previous studies in cloudless situations had shown the existence of convergence over the mountain range at low levels, and divergence aloft. The present observations indicate that cumulus clouds and even thunderstorms in their early stages do not significantly affect the strength of the low level convergence. Furthermore, net divergence was found around clouds up to at least 6 km MSL. This favors the vertical mixing model of a cumulus cloud over the lateral entrainment model. In one case, the convergent low level heat island circulation over the mountain was observed to change to an almost non-divergent, asymmetric circulation as a thunderstorm over the mountain reached maturity.
Herbaceous plant community composition in created wetlands over seven years in northern New York, USA

In the USA, creating wetlands as mitigation for loss of natural wetlands is often required under the provisions of the Clean Water Act. In recent years, the utility of this practice has come under ...
Why Economics cannot Explain the Modern World

Why indeed? Because the Great Fact, 1800 to the present, incomes rising by a factor of a factor of 30, and higher if quality is acknowledged, cannot be explained by piling brick on brick, or BA on BA, in the absence of new ideas. As Keynes said, the marginal product of capital would be driven quickly down to zero. If the key were accumulation, which economists love, the Great Fact of modern growth would have happened earlier, or in China. Only ideas, in an environment of liberty and dignity for ordinary people, historically unique to northwestern Europe, work.
Human cytomegalovirus induced cyclooxygenase-2 in human retinal pigment epithelial cells augments viral replication through a prostaglandin pathway.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis is characterized by alterations in retinal cell function and host responses to virus replication. The goal of this study was to evaluate the induction of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and prostaglandin (PGE) in CMV infected human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells and to determine their effect on virus replication. CMV immediate early (IE) protein and COX-2 proteins were identified in RPE cells in retinal tissue sections from patients with CMV retinitis. COX-2 mRNA and protein were induced after CMV infection of human RPE cell cultures. CMV infection of RPE cells induced translocation of NF-kB from the cytoplasm to the nucleus. PGE1 and PGE2 were significantly (p < 0.001) increased in human RPE cell cultures infected with CMV. Inhibition of CMV IE gene by antisense oligonucleotides abrogated induction of mRNA for COX-2 and protein synthesis of COX-2 and PGE2. PGE enhanced CMV plaque formation and real time PCR analysis revealed that PGE treatment significantly increased CMV DNA copy numbers. These studies demonstrate that when CMV replicates within human RPE cells, COX-2 induction augments virus replication via the PGE pathway. The induction of COX-2 and PGE during retinal CMV infection may augment virus replication and alter a variety of retinal physiological responses. Published by Elsevier SAS.
The Effect of Small Amounts of Alcohol on the Clinical Course of Chronic Pancreatitis

Objectives To investigate the hypothesis that an increasing intake of alcohol accelerates the course of chronic pancreatitis. Patients and Methods In this retrospective record analysis and subsequent prospective follow-up of 372 patients with chronic pancreatitis, we separately compared the clinical course of chronic pancreatitis among the following patients: those with early-onset idiopathic chronic pancreatitis and no alcohol intake (group A [n=25]) and those with late-onset idiopathic chronic pancreatitis and no alcohol intake (group B [n=41]), low alcohol intake ( Results Group D had the highest percentage of men (72%). At the onset of chronic pancreatitis, patients in group A were significantly younger than those in groups B, C, and D ( P P P P P P Conclusions Among patients with onset of chronic pancreatitis after age 35 years, alcohol intake, even less than 50 g/d, induced earlier disease characterized by more frequent severe pain, calcification, and complications. Intake of large amounts of alcohol (≥50 g/d) reduced time to calcification and death.
The Iconology of the S. Trinita Sacristy, 1418–1435: A Study of the Private and Public Functions of Religious Art in the Early Quattrocento

Gentile da Fabriano's Altarpiece of the Three Kings, originally in the sacristy of S. Trinita, is generally recognized as one of the first monumental altarpieces of the Early Renaissance, blending equally the sacred and the profane. Documentary sources pertaining to the sacristy, and the painting itself, contain enough evidence to justify reassessing and extending our interpretation of the meaning and function of the sacristy and its art.
Flexible lipid bilayers in implicit solvent

A minimalist simulation model for lipid bilayers is presented. Each lipid is represented by a flexible chain of beads in implicit solvent. The hydrophobic effect is mimicked through an intermolecular pair potential localized at the "water"/hydrocarbon tail interface. This potential guarantees realistic interfacial tensions for lipids in a bilayer geometry. Lipids self-assemble into bilayer structures that display fluidity and elastic properties consistent with experimental model membrane systems. Varying molecular flexibility allows for tuning of elastic moduli and area per molecule over a range of values seen in experimental systems.
Pain Medication Management Processes Used by Oncology Outpatients and Family Caregivers Part II: Home and Lifestyle Contexts

Context Despite the increasing complexity of medication regimens for persistent cancer pain, little is known about how oncology outpatients and their family caregivers manage pain medications at home.
Minimal Enteral Feedings Suppress Intestinal Mucosal Growth That Is Not Reversed by Glutamine Supplementation in Neonatal Dogs • 1545

The combination of parenteral nutrition and minimal enteral feedings (MEF), i.e. 10-20% of daily fluid intake, is commonly used in neonates to reduce the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis. We have previously shown that MEF enhances maturation of intestinal motor function but not gut growth in parenterally fed neonatal dogs (Pediatr Res 39:125A). Although glutamine has been shown in some studies to prevent mucosal atrophy, it has not been established whether its addition to MEF can enhance gut growth in healthy gut. Our hypothesis was that MEF+Glutamine would enhance gut growth as well as maturation of motor function. Methods: We placed central venous catheters in 31 newborn puppies from 6 litters who were given 200 ml/kg/d parenterally. Puppies were then randomly assigned to 4 groups: No enteral feeds(NPO), MEF(20 ml/kg/d), MEF+Glutamine and MEF+Glutamate (to control for protein intake). Enteral feeds were comprised of a pooled mixture (1:1) of canine and human milk enriched with either glutamine or glutamate at 0.4g/10 ml (800 mg/kg/d). Pups were gavage fed 5 times daily for 4 days and the volume of parenteral nutrition was reduced in the 3 MEF groups by the volume of enteral feedings given. Fluid intake was adjusted daily for weight gain. After 4 days, motor activity was then recorded for 2 hr and blood samples drawn for motilin and gastrin concentrations. Abdominal organs were then harvested for physical/biochemical assessment of growth. Results: There were no differences among the 4 groups with respect to overall weight gain or weight of stomach, intestine, liver or intestinal length. The DNA content (mg/kg body wt.) in duodenum and the protein contents of the duodenum, jejunum and ileum of the fed groups were all significantly lower compared to those seen in the NPO group(ANOVA/Fishers; all p<0.05). There were no significant differences in plasma gastrin or motilin concentrations. The duration of migrating motor activity was significantly higher in the Glutamine supplemented group compared to the Glutamate or NPO groups but not from MEFgroup. Conclusion: Although enteral glutamine does not augment maturation of motor function beyond that induced by MEF, enteral glutamate appears to suppress it. Minimal enteral feedings with or without glutamine or glutamate supplementation does not cause body or organ weight changes; indeed, MEF decreased mucosal growth. We speculate that enteral feeds may challenge the intestinal mucosa by causing local inflammatory responses which prevents growth.
Recloser-fuse co-ordination

DEPENDABLE electrical service in suburban and rural areas is of increasing importance because of the addition of many new electric appliances to the home and the continued expansion n of farm electrification. Power outages seriously inconvenience the residential consumer and may cause heavy loss of produce on the farm. Moreover, rising labor and automotive costs have increased utility operating expenses to a point where an excessive number of service trips no longer can be tolerated. It is, therefore, of vital importance that overcurrent protection for suburban and rural circuits be properly applied to yield the greatest reduction in the number and extent of outages.
On the algebraic structure of rooted trees

Many kinds of phenomena are studied with the aid of (rooted) digraphs such as those indicated by Figs. 1.1 and 1.2. Open image in new window Figure 1.1 Open image in new window Figure 1.2 The two digraphs, while different, usually represent the same phenomenon, say, the same “computational process.” Our interest in rooted trees stems from the fact that these two digraphs “unfold” into the SAME infinite tree. In some cases at least it is also true that different (i.e. non-isomorphic) trees represent different phenomena (of the same kind). In these cases the unfolding (i.e. the trees) are surrogates for the phenomena.
Effects of flunarizine on spontaneous synaptic currents in rat neocortex

Flunarizine, a non-selective blocker of voltage-dependent Ca2+ and Na+ channels, is clinically effective against several neurological disorders, including epilepsy, migraine, and alternating hemiplegia of childhood. We examined the effects of flunarizine on spontaneous post-synaptic currents in acute brain slices maintained in vitro using patch-clamp electrophysiology. Flunarizine significantly attenuated the amplitude of spontaneous currents in pyramidal neurons from juvenile rat neocortex. Flunarizine had no effect on miniature spontaneous events recorded in the presence of tetrodotoxin, a blocker of voltage-dependent sodium channels. In high (9 mM) extracellular potassium, flunarizine reduced the amplitude and frequency of the spontaneous currents. Additionally, dimethyl sulfoxide, the solvent used in our experiments, reduced the amplitude of spontaneous currents, but only in high extracellular potassium. Our data suggest that the clinical activity of flunarizine may in part be a consequence of reducing spontaneous synaptic currents in the neocortex, especially under conditions of heightened neuronal activity.
Air‐sea stability effects on the 10 m winds over the global ocean: Evaluations of air‐sea flux algorithms

[1] Spatial and temporal variability of the impact of air-sea stratification on the differences between satellite-derived 10 m equivalent neutral wind speeds and stability-dependent (e.g., in situ) 10 m wind speeds are quantitatively examined over the global ocean. The influences of stability are compared with three air-sea flux algorithms, Coupled Ocean-Atmosphere Response Experiment (version 3.0), Bourassa-Vincent-Wood, and Liu-Katsaros-Businger. Analyses are first presented at many individual buoy locations and then are extended to the global ocean with the use of rain-free wind measurements from the SeaWinds scatterometer on the QuikSCAT satellite, gridded at a resolution of 0.25° × 0.25°. Overall, stability-dependent winds are found to be weaker than equivalent neutral winds by 0.2 m s−1 on the basis of 7619 monthly mean values from 208 buoys during 2000–2005. Differences based on hourly winds can be as large as ±0.5 m s−1. Results remain robust regardless of which air-sea flux algorithm is used. Monthly rain-free gridded QuikSCAT measurements, combined with atmospheric stability determined using near-surface variables from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts 40-year reanalysis, demonstrate the effects of stratification on the 10 m winds globally. Differences in stability-dependent and neutral winds are substantially nonsymmetrical and reveal locations where the former is stronger than the latter. These differences may cause physically significant biases in air-sea fluxes if they are not properly considered, especially near the Kuroshio and Gulf Stream current systems.
Shelah's stability spectrum and homogeneity spectrum in finite diagrams

We present Saharon Shelah's Stability Spectrum and Homogeneity Spectrum theorems, as well as the equivalence between the order property and instability in the framework of Finite Diagrams. Finite Diagrams is a context which generalizes the first order case. Localized versions of these theorems are presented. Our presentation is based on several papers; the point of view is contemporary and some of the proofs are new. The treatment of local stability in Finite Diagrams is new.
Some questions and answers about the accumulation of fine-grained sediment in continental margin environments

Accumulation rates (100-yr time scale) in proximal regions of allochthonous dispersal systems range from centimeters to millimeters per year, depending primarily on fluvial discharge of sediment. A general decrease in accumulation rate occurs from proximal to distal regions, and the across-shelf maximum rate is in the mid-shelf region. Sedimentary structure generally changes from stratified in proximal deposits to homogeneous in distal deposits. Although the content of sand and coarse silt commonly decreases along dispersal systems, progressive fining of clay and fine silt is not as obvious. Deposition rates (100-day time scale) in proximal deposits can be significantly more rapid (centimeters per month) than longer-term accumulation rates. Rapid sedimentation does not necessarily produce mass movement.
Bone transplantation antigens cellular and humoral immune response studies

Cellular and humoral immune responses were studied in inbred rats grafted with complete bone and marrow-free cortical bones transplanted across major histocompatibility barriers. Mixed lymphocyte cultures and serum cytotoxicity results suggest that transplantation antigens are present on bone cells surfaces.
An experimental investigation of object stiffness control using a multifingered hand

Abstract Dexterous hands have the ability to grasp arbitrary objects and impart arbitrary motions and forces to those objections. These forces and motions can be coupled, and generalized stiffness of a grasped workpiece, with an associated center of compliance, can be realized. For a given assembly operation, the workpiece stiffness may be specified so that the reaction force guides the assembly. An implementation of object stiffness control using a three-fingered hand is described. Use of the hand in a simple insertion task is demonstrated, with accompanying reaction force data. The assembly was accomplished at insertion speeds up to 75 mm/sec.
Amino acids in modern and fossil woods

The amino acid composition and the extent of racemization in several modern and fossil woods are reported. The method of analysis is described, and data are presented on the total amino acid concentration, the amino acid ratios, and the enantiomeric ratios in each sample. It is found that the amino acid concentration per gram of dry wood decreases with age of the sample, that the extent of racemization increases with increasing age, and that the amounts of aspartic acid, threonine, and serine decrease relative to valine with increasing age. The relative racemization rates of amino acids in wood, bone, and aqueous solution are compared, and it is shown that racemization in wood is much slower than in bone or aqueous solution. Racemization results for woods from the Kalambo Falls area of Zambia are used to calculate a minimum age of 110,000 years for the transition between the Sangoan and Acheulian industries at that site. This result is shown to be consistent with numerous radiometric dates for older Acheulian sites in Africa and to compare well with geologically inferred dates for the beginning of the Eemian and the end of the Acheulian industry in southern Africa.
Evaluation of 5 knots and 2 suture materials for arthroscopic rotator cuff repair: very strong sutures can still slip

Purpose To compare a standard suture material with a newer material using multiple arthroscopic knot configurations and to evaluate the biomechanical performance of a new sliding-locking knot compared with 4 surgical standards. Type of Study Controlled laboratory study. Methods Five knots were evaluated (Weston, Tennessee, Duncan, SMC, and the new San Diego knot) using 2 suture materials, No. 2 Ethibond (Ethicon, Somerville, NJ) or No. 2 Fiberwire (Arthrex, Naples, FL). Eight samples were tested for each knot-suture configuration. Samples were pretensioned to 10 N and then loaded from 10 to 45 N for 1,000 cycles. Intact knots were loaded to failure. Results Fiberwire had significantly higher load-to-failure (276 ± 24 N) compared with Ethibond (111 ± 13 N) ( P Conclusions Surface characteristics and suture construction affect the tendency for knot slippage. Clinical Relevance Surgeons should understand the impact of handling characteristics, frictional properties, and ultimate failure load when selecting suture materials and knots for arthroscopic repair.
An infinite series of regular edge- but not vertex-transitive graphs

Let n be an integer and q be a prime power. Then for any 3 ≤ n ≤ q-1, or n=2 and q odd, we construct a connected q-regular edge-but not vertex-transitive graph of order 2qn+1. This graph is defined via a system of equations over the finite field of q elements. For n=2 and q=3, our graph is isomorphic to the Gray graph. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Graph Theory 41: 249–258, 2002
Dietary cholesterol does not affect vitamin D metabolism in preterm infants: preliminary results

Dietary cholesterol does not affect vitamin D metabolism in preterm infants: preliminary results
A critique of the ideological and political positions of the Willy Brandt report and the WHO Alma Ata declaration.

This article (1) analyzes the Willy Brandt Commission Report and the WHO Alma Ata Declaration within the socio-economic and political context that determined them, and (2) makes a critique of the ideological and political assumptions that both documents make. Through an assumingly apolitical and technological-administrative discourse both documents reproduce the major positions upheld by the hegemonic development establishments of the Western world. The article analyzes (through a study of what is being said and not said) how those positions appear in the documents. It is indicated that (1) their understanding of the causes of underdevelopment and its major health and disease problems and (2) their suggestions for change based on 'moral calls for social justice' and 'enlightened self-interest' are faulty and insufficient. Alternative explanations and solutions are presented.
Dynamic Left Ventricular Outflow Tract Obstruction When the Anterior Leaflet Is Retained at Prosthetic Mitral Valve Replacement

Dynamic left ventricular outflow tract obstruction developed in a patient in whom the anterior leaflet was retained at mitral valve replacement. It was caused by systolic anterior movement of the native anterior leaflet. Reduced outflow tract diameter, resulting from both posterior displacement of the septum and anterior displacement of the native anterior leaflet by porcine stents, was likely instrumental in promoting dynamic obstruction.
RECONSTRUCTION OF DEFORMITIES RESULTING FROM PENILE ENLARGEMENT SURGERY

AbstractPurpose: More than 30 patients presented for reconstruction of penile deformities secondary to penile enlargement surgery performed by other physicians. Lengthening was performed by releasing the suspensory ligament of the penis and advancing pubic skin with a V-Y advancement flap. Girth was increased by injecting autologous fat. Specific complaints relating to the lengthening procedure involve hypertrophic and/or wide scars, a proximal penile hump from a thick, hair-bearing V-Y flap, and a low hanging penis. Complications relating to autologous fat injections include disappearance of fat, penile lumps and nodules, and shaft deformities. The repair of these deformities is described.Materials and Methods: From 1994 through October 1996, 19 men underwent 24 various combinations of reconstructive operations, such as scar revisions, V-Y advancement flap reversal, and removal of fat nodules and asymmetrical fat deposits.Results: Penile appearance and function were improved. Complications include 1 hema...
Psychological correlates of the Type A behavior pattern

Psychological characteristics of 384 adult males classified as Type A or Type B by the structured interview were examined. Subjects classified Type A differed significantly from subjects classified Type B on a number of psychological scales including measures of aggression, autonomy, extroversion, and impulsiveness but not on measures of psychological distress. The extent to which pencil and paper questionnaire assessments of Type A differ from structured interview ratings was also studied. Correlations between the various Type A questionnaire scales and the structured interview were found to be notably low. The use of Type A questionnaires and implications for Type A interventions are discussed.
Brightnesses of Fine Detail in Air Photography

An airborne recording telephotometer with a field of view of three-minute diameter has been used in an extensive series of measurements of ground brightnesses as seen from an aircraft. Results are presented for a number of typical scenes. On brightness, these results confirm previous range values and show that, by reason of their frequencies, central values are more important than extreme values. On brightness differences, these results indicate that for small detail a typical difference of log brightness is 0.08. This is lower than previously believed.