cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Anomalously cold temperatures observed at the base of the gas hydrate stability zone on the U.S. Atlantic passive margin

In situ measurements to depths of ∼415 m below sea floor in methane hydrate–bearing sediments on the U.S. Atlantic passive margin indicate that temperatures at the bottom simulating reflector (BSR) are anomalously low by 0.5–2.9 °C if the BSR marks the base of gas hydrate stability (BGHS). Several hypotheses may explain the occurrence of the BSR at inappropriate pressure-temperature ( P-T ) conditions. (1) If the BSR does not mark the BGHS, then P-T conditions need not be sufficient to dissociate gas hydrate at this depth. (2) The BSR may lie at nonequilibrium P-T conditions due to incomplete readjustment in response to upper Pleistocene–Holocene climate change. However, the occurrence of the Blake Ridge BSR at an overly shallow depth cannot be easily explained by realistic combinations of pressure-driven deepening (sea-level rise) and temperature-driven shoaling (bottom water temperature changes). (3) The properties of sediments or pore fluids may inhibit the stability of gas hydrate. In particular, capillary forces arising in the fine-grained, montmorillonite-rich sediments of the Blake Ridge may lead to shoaling of the BSR in this setting.
Phases and Fluctuations in Biological Membranes

Diverse cellular signaling events, including B cell receptor (BCR) activation, are hypothesized to be facilitated by domains enriched in specific plasma membrane lipids and proteins that resemble liquid-ordered phase separated domains in model membranes. However, this concept remains controversial due to the difficulty in directly observing these domains in intact cells. Here, we visualize ordered and disordered phase-like domains in intact B cell membranes using super-resolution fluorescence localization microscopy, demonstrate that clustered BCR resides within ordered phase-like domains capable of sorting key regulators of BCR activation, establish that ordered domains are local environments that favor tyrosine phosphorylation, and present a minimal and predictive model where clustering receptors leads to their collective activation by stabilizing an extended ordered domain. These results provide evidence for the role of membrane domains in BCR signaling as well as a plausible mechanism of BCR activation via receptor clustering. More generally, these studies demonstrate that lipid mediated forces can bias biochemical networks in ways that may broadly impact signal transduction.
Electroencephalography and event-related potentials as biomarkers of mild cognitive impairment and mild Alzheimer's disease

Background: Successful early detection of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease demands the identification of biomarkers capable of distinguishing individuals with pro- dromal or early cognitive impairment from healthy aging adults. Many laboratories are engaged in the discovery and validation of a wide array of potential genetic, proteomic, cognitive, and other types of biomarkers. Methods: This review focuses on the application of quantitative electroencephalography (qEEG) and event-related potential (ERP) technologies as markers of prodromal impairment and early disease progression. It is the aim of this review to critically assess where this field currently stands, as well as future directions for EEG biomarker development. Results: As a neuroimaging tool that is relatively inexpensive, potentially portable, and capable of providing high-density spatial mapping, qEEG offers a noninvasive, rapid, and replicable method for assessing age-related and disease-related neurophysiologic change. Conclusions: As different signature changes associated with particular stages of disease burden are identified and validated, we anticipate expanded application of qEEG as a reliable and sensitive biomarker(s) of MCI and early Alzheimer's disease. © 2008 The Alzheimer's Association. All rights reserved.
Capaldi's Copernican Reading of Hume

A distinctive characteristic of contemporary Hume scholarship is the attempt by scholars to read Hume both critically and sympathetically. This is itself quite encouraging, especially in view of the misinterpretations to which Hume's views have traditionally been subject. More positively, how-ever, we now have a systematic attempt, hitherto absent, to appreciate the richness and complexity of Hume's views and of the many positive things Hume has to say in philosophy.
A genetic algorithm for layered multisource video distribution

We propose a genetic algorithm -- MckpGen -- for rate scaling and adaptive streaming of layered video streams from multiple sources in a bandwidth-constrained environment. A genetic algorithm (GA) consists of several components: a representation scheme; a generator for creating an initial population; a crossover operator for producing offspring solutions from parents; a mutation operator to promote genetic diversity and a repair operator to ensure feasibility of solutions produced. We formulated the problem as a Multiple-Choice Knapsack Problem (MCKP), a variant of Knapsack Problem (KP) and a decision problem in combinatorial optimization. MCKP has many successful applications in fault tolerance, capital budgeting, resource allocation for conserving energy on mobile devices, etc. Genetic algorithms have been used to solve NP-complete problems effectively, such as the KP, however, to the best of our knowledge, there is no GA for MCKP. We utilize a binary chromosome representation scheme for MCKP and design and implement the components, utilizing problem-specific knowledge for solving MCKP. In addition, for the repair operator, we propose two schemes ( RepairSimple and RepairBRP ). Results show that RepairBRP yields significantly better performance. We further show that the average fitness of the entire population converges towards the best fitness (optimal) value and compare the performance at various bit-rates.
Intrinsic and extrinsic control of effector T cell survival and memory T cell development

Following infection or vaccination T cells expand exponentially and differentiate into effector T cells in order to control infection and coordinate the multiple effector arms of the immune system. Soon after this expansion, the majority of antigen-specific T cells die to reattain homeostasis and a small pool of memory T cells forms to provide long-term immunity to subsequent re-infection. Our understanding of how this process is controlled has improved considerably over the recent years, but many questions remain outstanding. This review focuses on the recent advancements in this area with an emphasis on how the contraction of activated T cells is coordinately regulated by a combination of factors extrinsic and intrinsic to the activated T cells.
An approach to learning mobile robot navigation

This paper describes an approach to learning an indoor robot navigation task through trial-and-error. A mobile robot, equipped with visual, ultrasonic and laser sensors, learns to servo to a designated target object. In less than ten minutes of operation time, the robot is able to navigate to a marked target object in an office environment. The central learning mechanism is the explanation-based neural network learning algorithm (EBNN). EBNN initially learns function purely inductively using neural network representations. With increasing experience, EBNN employs domain knowledge to explain and to analyze training data in order to generalize in a more knowledgeable way. Here EBNN is applied in the context of reinforcement learning, which allows the robot to learn control using dynamic programming.
The Effects of Cryopreservation on the Biaxial Mechanical Properties of Canine Saphenous Veins

The experimental and analytical methods presented in the companion paper [1] are used here to study the effects of cryopreservation on the in vitro biaxial random-elastic mechanical properties of canine saphenous veins. The properties of specimens tested in their physiological range of loadings immediately after thawing were not significantly different from their properties before cryopreservation. However, they stiffened significantly in the few hours following thawing. This effect was not observed for aging fresh specimens, nor for cyanide-poisoned specimens, indicating that the static tone of the venous smooth muscle may be affected by cryopreservation and thawing, but the elastin and collagen fibers are most likely unaffected.
On evaluating fit of the Lifshitz–Slyozov–Wagner (LSW) distribution to particle size data

Abstract Statistical procedures to determine whether particle size data can be characterized by the LSW distribution have been developed by using two methods to estimate the population average: sample mean and maximum likelihood. Two goodness-of-fit tests, namely the Kolmogorov–Smirnov and Anderson–Darling statistics, have been assessed by Monte Carlo simulations for seven sample sizes ranging from 10 to 1000. Results indicate that the fitting method has a profound effect on the critical values of the two tests for all sample sizes. It has also been determined that cut-off (censoring) of the data by finite resolution in microscopy has negligible effect on the evaluation of the fit. Procedures are demonstrated on one dataset from the literature.
The Effect of R&D on Future Returns and Earnings Forecasts

Prior studies attribute the future excess return patterns of R&D firms to either compensation for increased risk from R&D or to mispricing by investors. We suggest a third explanation for the future excess returns of R&D firms. We show that neither the level of R&D investment nor the change in R&D investment explains future returns. Rather, the positive future returns prior studies attribute to R&D investment is actually due the component of the R&D firm's realized return that is unrelated to R&D investment, but present in R&D firms. Our results suggest that the excess returns of R&D firms are part of the larger value/growth anomaly. In addition, we show that while future earnings are positively associated with current R&D, the earnings forecasts of investors and analysts are not affected by a firm's R&D investment policy.
Glaucoma screening in the health care setting

Glaucoma surveys are an important means of detecting early cases of glaucoma. Traditionally, most such surveys have been conducted in the community, while the health care setting has been underutilized as a screening location. We reviewed studies on surveys conducted in community and health care settings, using tonometry and ophthalmoscopy, and presented data from a study we carried out in the outpatient department of a hospital. Results of our review indicate that over 11 times as many people were screened in the community studies as in the health care studies, but the latter had the higher percentage of referrals. Data from the literature review, as well as from our own study, suggest that the high number of referrals is related to the characteristics of the population available for screening in a health care facility. In such a population there is a higher percentage of individuals at risk for development of glaucoma. Risk factors for the disease include age, sex (males more at risk than females), race, (blacks more at risk than whites), family history of glaucoma, and presence of diabetes and vascular diseases. It was also found that ophthalmoscopy is an effective, but underutilized, method of screening. We recommend an increase in use of health care facilities as sites of glaucoma screening surveys. We also suggest that physicians employ ophthalmoscopy to screen for glaucoma as part of the routine funduscopic examination.
Synthesis of mixed-mtal clusters using nickel-molybdenum and nickel-tungsten complexes as cluster building blocks

Abstract Pyrolysis of the heterodinuclear compounds (η 5 -C 5 Me 5 )(CO)NiM(CO) 3 (η 5 -C 5 H 5 ) [M = Mo or W] afforded the tetranuclear clusters Ni 2 Mo 2 (CO) 4 (η 5 -C 5 H 5 ) 2 (η 5 -C 5 Me 5 ) 2 and Ni 2 W 2 (CO) 4 (η 5 -C 5 H 5 ) 2 (η 5 -C 5 Me 5 ) 2 . The reactions proceed via the isolated coordinatively unsaturated intermediates (η 5 -C 5 Me 5 )NiMo(CO) 3 (η 5 -C 5 H 5 ) and (η 5 -C 5 Me 5 )NiW(CO) 3 (η 5 -C 5 H 5 ) respectively. The clusters are believed to contain tetrahedral Ni 2 M 2 cores. This contrasts with products obtained when the nickel-cyclopentadienyl species (η 5 -C 5 H 5 )(CO)NiM(CO) 3 (η 5 -C 5 H 4 Me) [M = Mo, W] were subjected to thermolysis, affording paramagnetic clusters with Ni 3 M tetrahedral metallic cores as the predominant products [M.J. Chetcuti, J.C. Huffman and S.R. McDonald, Inorg. Chem. , 28 (1989) 238]. Traces of the cluster Ni 2 W 2 (CO) 4 (η 5 -C 5 H 5 ) 2 (η 5 -C 5 H 4 Me) 2 have also recently been characterized. The heterobimetallic compounds (η 5 -C 5 H 5 )(CO)NiM(CO) 3 (η 5 -C 5 H 4 Me) [M = Mo, W] react with Co 2 (CO) 8 yielding a mixture whose constituents' relative proportions are quite sensitive to the reaction conditions. Isolated products include the mixed-metal clusters Co 2 NiM(CO) 8 (η 5 -C 5 H 5 )(η 5 -C 5 H 4 Me) (M = Mo, W) and CoNiW 2 (CO) 7 (η 5 -C 5 H 5 )(η 5 -C 5 H 4 Me) 2 as well as Co 3 M(μ-CO) 3 (CO) 8 (η 5 -C 5 H 4 Me), Co 2 W 2 (CO) 10 (η 5 -C 5 H 4 Me) 2 and the dinuclear species (OC) 4 CoM(CO) 3 (η 5 -C 5 H 4 Me) (M = Mo, W).
Juxtapapillary hemangioma: a case report and review of clinical features and management of von Hippel-Lindau disease.

Background The phakomatose von Hipple-Lindau (VHL) disease is a multisystem disorder characterized by hemangioblastomas of the central nervous system (CNS), retinal angiomas, and multiple cysts and tumors of the viscera. Retinal capillary hemangiomas are the most common manifestation of VHL disease, which can occur in the optic nerve, where it may simulate disc edema, or in the retinal periphery, which is characterized by massive retinal exudation. Both locations can result in progressive accumulation of exudates leading to a decrease in visual acuity and potentially to a serous retinal detachment. Case Report A juxtapapillary hemangioma was observed in a 72-year-old man who presented for a routine examination. The patient was asymptomatic, despite the presence of a trace afferent papillary defect. This finding had to be carefully differentiated from sectoral disc edema. Blood tests, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) all had normal results. Fluorescein angiography was a valuable secondary test showing early filling of the vascular network overlying the nerve head and characteristic late hyperfluorescence. Conclusions There are 2 distinct forms of capillary hemangiomas—the juxtapapillary tumor or the peripheral capillary hemangioma. Although both types are similar histologically, they do vary in their appearance, differential diagnosis, and treatment. In both types, fluorescein angiography is an extremely helpful ancillary test in making the initial diagnosis. This case report reviews the ocular manifestations and systemic findings associated with VHL disease.
Electron energy loss and Auger study of epitaxially grown Cu on Ni(100)

Abstract Auger and electron energy loss spectra have been measured on films of Cu epitaxially grown on Ni(100). The films were prepared under UHV conditions using a quartz crystal for monitoring the deposition rate. LEED measurements were taken to determine the orientation of the films. The presence of a monolayer of Cu on Ni(100) is enough to suppress the 3p-3d transition on the surface of the sample. The electron energy loss spectra were studied as a function of the primary electron energy (50 to 300 eV). The experimental results were qualitatively analyzed using recent theoretical calculations of Cooper and co-workers. The effect of a small Cu coverage on Ni(100) on the chemisorption of CO and O2 was also studied. A strong suppression of CO chemisorption at room temperature was observed. In the case of O2, large exposures are necessary in order to observe a significant amount of oxygen on the surface. The absence of any appreciable chemisorption on the surface of the metal is attributed to the lack of empty d-surface states.
Study of Whole Blood Viscosity Using a Microfluidic Device

Cardiovascular diseases include a wide range of disorders that affect heart and blood vessels, and are the leading cause of death in the United States. Whole blood viscosity, a parameter to describe the rheologic properties of blood, is an important measure of various cardiovascular diseases. It is used clinically to assess the risks of heart attack, hypertension, thrombosis and strokes. Currently used viscometers measure whole blood viscosity by inducing Couette flow to drive the blood at a certain shear rate. The blood viscosity is derived from the resistance toque measured by the toque sensor integrated within the shaft. Although effective, this method is limited due to the expensive toque sensor and the relatively large amount of blood required. More important, the fluidic conditions within the viscometer are vastly different from those in natural blood vessels (Poiseuille flow), which makes this method inappropriate to predict actual blood viscosity and its effect under natural conditions. In this work, we demonstrate whole blood viscosity measurement from the electrical resistance of the blood sample using a microfluidic device. Since the predominant parameters of the blood viscosity also determine the electrical impedance of the blood sample, the microdevice can be used as a new route of measure for blood viscosity. Blood samples with different hematocrit levels were flowed through a microchannel at different velocities that correspond to different shear rates. The electrical resistance at 20 kHz AC stimulation was recorded and compared with the viscosities measured by a commercialized rheometer. The results showed that the representative rheologic parameters (hematocrit and shear rate) are measurable by the electrical impedance. The correlation between the blood viscosity and the electrical resistance was quantitatively determined by regression analysis with a high determination coefficient. This study provides a solution for low cost, quick measurement of blood viscosity with minimal blood consumption. It also enables the in-depth investigation of blood rheology under in vivo like conditions.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Underpotential Deposition of Lead on Pt(111) in Perchloric Acid Solution: RRDPt(111)E Measurements

Underpotential deposition (UPD) of lead (Pb upd ) on Pt(111) in perchloric acid solution was studied using the rotation ring disk electrode (RRD Pt(111) E) method for measurements of the Pb 2+ ion-specific flux. The total amount of Pb deposited underpotentially is 0.62 ± 5% monolayer (1 monolayer ≡ 1 Pb per Pt) equivalent to a close-packed monolayer of fully discharged Pb adatoms. The electrosorption valence, γ Pb , of Pb upd is γPb = 2, implying that two electrons per Pb upd adatom are exchanged through the interface. In this work we showed that the formation of this close-packed monolayer of Pb upd occurs through four distinctive voltammetric features: two major sharp peaks at 0.5 V (vs saturated calomel electrode) and 0.3 V and smaller reversible peaks at 0 V and -0.15 V. We concluded that the adsorption of OH ad is shifted negatively by Pb upd adatoms, with the shift attributed to induced adsorption of OH ad onto Pt atoms neighboring the Pb upd adatoms due to lowering of the local point of zero charge (pcz) by the Pb upd . Consequently, the pH dependence of the Pb UPD peak at 0.3 V appears entirely through a pH-dependent adsorption of OH ad onto the Pt(111) surface modified by Pb upd adatoms. The pH independence ofthe peak at 0.5 V is consistent with the Pb 2+ ion-flux measurements that the main process associated with this pseudocapacitance is Pb UPD. The smaller peaks observed at lower potentials are probably associated with a final deposition of Pb upd adatoms along step edges and compacting of adatoms on the (111)-terraces to form an ordered (3 x √3) close-packed structure.
Effects of glycerol treatment on contractility and transmembrane potentials in cardiac tissue.

Abstract Recordings were made of transmembrane potentials and contractile activity before, during, and after treatment of guinea-pig left atria with Tyrode's solution made hypertonic with 400 m m -glycerol. During treatment with glycerol solution developed tension declined to a steady level while rest tension and transmembrane potentials were unchanged. After return to non-glycerol Tyrode's rest tension increased and developed tension declined further, sometimes to zero resulting in a period of quiescence. With time rest tension declined and developed tension increased, eventually returning to control values. Depolarization of transmembrane rest potentials was shown to accompany the decline of tension after return to non-glycerol Tyrode's. Field stimulation did not prevent these changes. However, if the tissue was placed in 400 m m -sucrose Tyrode's after treatment with 400 m m -glycerol solution, developed tension did not decline at all. In addition, it was shown that increased calcium or magnesium concentration prevents the decline in developed tension as well as depolarization of resting potentials after return to non-glycerol Tyrode's. It was also shown that similar changes in contractile activity occur after glycerol treatment of dog atrial tissue. However, glycerol treatment of frog cardiac tissue has little effect.
Numerical and literal aeroelastic-vehicle-model reduction for feedback control synthesis

The simplification of a high-order, literal model for large flexible aircraft is discussed. Areas of model fidelity that are critical if the model is to be used for control law synthesis are presented. Several simplification techniques, some new and some widely available, that can deliver the necessary model fidelity are presented and applied to a model from the literature. The techniques include both numerical and analytical approaches. An analytical approach, based on first-order sensitivity theory, is shown to lead not only to excellent numerical results, but also to closed-form analytical expressions for key system dynamic properties such as the pole/zero factors of the vehicle transfer-function matrix. The analytical results are expressed in terms of vehicle vibrational characteristics and rigid-body and aeroelastic stability derivatives, thus providing insight into the underlying causes for critical dynamic characteristics.
Ultrasensitivity in the mitogen-activated protein kinase cascade

The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade is a highly conserved series of three protein kinases implicated in diverse biological processes. Here we demonstrate that the cascade arrangement has unexpected consequences for the dynamics of MAPK signaling. We solved the rate equations for the cascade numerically and found that MAPK is predicted to behave like a highly cooperative enzyme, even though it was not assumed that any of the enzymes in the cascade were regulated cooperatively. Measurements of MAPK activation in Xenopus oocyte extracts confirmed this prediction. The stimulus/response curve of the MAPK was found to be as steep as that of a cooperative enzyme with a Hill coefficient of 4-5, well in excess of that of the classical allosteric protein hemoglobin. The shape of the MAPK stimulus/ response curve may make the cascade particularly appropriate for mediating processes like mitogenesis, cell fate induction, and oocyte maturation, where a cell switches from one discrete state to another.
Matrix elements of shell model Hamiltonians in multiple angular momentum coupling schemes.

Coefficients of fractional parentage (CFP's) in an L-S (or J-T) coupling scheme have recently been computed by using a new algorithm extending two procedures introduced many years ago: a factorization procedure introduced by Jahn and a combination of numerical and analytic methods introduced by Bayman and Lande. As a consequence of the factorization, coefficients of fractional parentage between states of arbitrary permutational symmetry must be computed within each angular momentum subspace separately. The new algorithm is extended here to calculate Hamiltonian matrix elements in the second quantized formalism. The matrix elements of the creation and annihilation operators, within each individual subspace, between states of arbitrary symmetry, are defined to be proportional to the corresponding coefficients of fractional parentage. The matrix elements for the one- and two-body operators in the Hamiltonian are constructed by combining the matrix elements in the individual subspaces using a new sum-over-path-overlaps technique. This procedure is extremely efficient for quark shell model calculations, where the quarks carry multiple quantum numbers of angular momentum, or more general, type (L, S, color, and flavor).
Parameter estimation using RELAX with a COLD array

This correspondence presents a RELAX (RELAXation-based) algorithm for angle, polarization, and waveform estimation of completely polarized narrowband electromagnetic plane waves arriving at a uniform linear co-centered orthogonal loop and dipole (COLD) array. We use numerical examples to demonstrate the performance of the RELAX algorithm for parameter estimation with the COLD array and compare it with the performance of the MODE (Method of Direction Estimation) algorithm. We show that this RELAX algorithm can outperform MODE and yet be computationally faster than MODE.
Formation and Suppression of Strike–Slip Fault Systems

Strike–slip faults are a defining feature of plate tectonics, yet many aspects of their development and evolution remain unresolved. For intact materials and/or regions, a standard sequence of shear development is predicted from physical models and field studies, commencing with the formation of Riedel shears and culminating with the development of a throughgoing fault. However, for materials and/or regions that contain crustal heterogeneities (normal and/or thrust faults, joints, etc.) that predate shear deformation, kinematic evolution of strike–slip faulting is poorly constrained. We present a new plane-stress finite-strain physical analog model developed to investigate primary deformation zone evolution in simple shear, pure strike–slip fault systems in which faults or joints are present before shear initiation. Experimental results suggest that preexisting mechanical discontinuities (faults and/or joints) have a marked effect on the geometry of such systems, causing deflection, lateral distribution, and suppression of shears. A lower limit is placed on shear offset necessary to produce a throughgoing fault in systems containing preexisting structures. Fault zone development observed in these experiments provides new insight for kinematic interpretation of structural data from strike–slip fault zones on Earth, Venus, and other terrestrial bodies.
Influence of chronic treatment with neomycin and kanamycin on N 1 suppression produced by contralateral olivo-cochlear bundle stimulation in cats.

Twenty cats received one subcutaneous injection per day of neomycin sulfate (100 mg/kg/day) and 5, kanamycin sulfate (200 mg/kg/day) for 8 days; experiments were performed on the ninth day. Nine of 10 untreated control, 13 of 20 neomycin and 5 of 5 kanamycin animals had normal cochlear responses to acoustic stimulation and were usable for this study. The efficacy of contralateral olivo-cochlear bundle (COCB) stimulation was determined at 400 (optimally effective) and 100 (minimally effective) Hz for 4 different current strengths at each frequency of stimulation. Six of the neomycin animals exhibited a significant block of COCB stimulation effects at all currents and both frequencies of stimulation, while the other 7 neomycin animals and the kanamycin animals showed a significant increase in the effectiveness of COCB stimulation at the lower currents of the higher (optimal) stimulation frequency. Thus, chronic treatment with neomycin and kanamycin produces changes in COCB stimulation effects, indicating th...
STUDIES OF CARBOHYDRATE METABOLISM IN IDIOPATHIC HYPERTRIGLYCERIDEMIA.

Abstract Studies of carbohydrate metabolism were carried out in 14 subjects with idiopathic hypertriglyceridemia, of whom 13 had normal levels of lipoprotein lipase activity in postheparin blood plasma. Blood glucose levels were abnormal in 9 and borderline in 2 subjects in response to an oral glucose load. Sensitivity to intravenous insulin during glucose load was diminished, although blood glucose levels responded normally to a standard intravenous insulin tolerance test. Fasting levels of free fatty acids in plasma were higher, and did not fall as rapidly or to as low levels as in normal subjects during glucose loading, or after intravenous insulin or glucagon. Most subjects had abnormal responses of both glucose and free fatty acids to intravenous tolbutamide. Serum insulin levels estimated by radioimmunoassay and fat-pad bioassay were generally in the normal range during glucose loading.
Complications of cataract and refractive surgery: a clinicopathological documentation.

Purpose: To present selected complications of keratorefractive and phakic intraocular lens (IOL) surgery and a series of IOLs that required explantation because of various postimplantation opacification of the IOL optic. Methods: Two specimens obtained after keratorefractive surgery, 2 phakic IOLs, and a total of 23 explanted IOLs from cases in which postimplantation opacification of the IOL optic had occurred were studied. These included 6 Bausch and Lomb (BL (2) diffusion of calcium into the substance of the optic of the hydrophilic “acrylic” SC60B-OUV MDR foldable IOL design, sometimes leading to total opacification of the IOL optic and also its haptics; (3) a distinct pattern of intraoptical opacification with rigid PMMA designs that we term a snowflake degeneration. This term is based on the clinical and pathologic appearance of the individual lesions. Each snowflake lesion represents a focal breakdown of PMMA material as opposed to deposition of exogenous material. Conclusions: Analysis of complications of refractive surgery represents a new field of ocular pathology. The clinicopathological reports presented here provide an overview of selected complications after refractive surgery. We also help define 3 newly recognized, clinically significant conditions based on postoperative IOL optic opacification. The calcification processes noted on the 2 modern foldable designs studied here (B&L and MDR lenses) need further review by the manufacturers in order to reassess production processes, especially in terms of polymer selection, manufacturing techniques, and other factors required to produce a safe and effective lens. Any lens not meeting today’s high standards should not be marketed. The important fact in recognizing the snowflake complication of PMMA IOLs as described here is to alert surgeons about the nature of the lesion so that they will not alarm patients or require extensive and unnecessary testing in trying to determine its pathogenesis. There is no reason why successful explantation cannot be performed in cases where severe visual decrease or loss has occurred.
ALGUNAS NOTAS SOBRE FEDERALISMO COMPARADO, INSTITUCIONAL Y ECONÓMICO

El articulo se ocupa de algunos aspectos particulares del federalismo. Uno de ellos y quizas nada obvio es el conceptual. Se recuerda que el federalismo no siempre ha sido tratado con el mismo sentido. Se exponen los principales caracteres conjuntamente, senalando ademas los diferentes tipos de asociacion politica dentro de las cuales es posible incluir claramente las modernas federaciones. Las mismas plantean uno de los mas grandes desafios para la operacion y el equilibrio en los escenarios contemporaneos donde la forma federal de gobernanza importa. Por otra parte, el problema particular de los desbalances fiscales abre las puertas a la cuestion principal de las relaciones fiscales federales, que envuelve los topicos centrales de asignacion de funciones, asignacion de recursos y transferencias, como patrones basicos de federalismo fiscal. La contribucion incluye algunas consideraciones acerca del escenario argentino y concluye con algunos comentarios sumarizando el contenido general de la nota.
A general compensator synthesis approach for generalized systems using (C;E,A;B)-pairs

A complete geometric theory is presented for the design of compensators in generalized systems. The key geometric tool is that of (C;E,A;B)-pairs. This concept involves the notion of (A, E, B)-invariant subspaces. The authors introduce the use of regular (C;E,A;B)-pairs that guarantees the closed-loop regularity and two coupling conditions, one for the domain and one for the codomain. They show the importance of (C;E,A;B)-pairs, which constitute open-loop information, in describing the possible closed-loop geometric structure under the influence of a dynamic compensator. A general compensator synthesis principle using these results for generalized systems is presented. >
Total Counts of Antral Gastrin Cells: A Simple Direct Method

A simple technique has been developed to quantitate the gastrin cells (G-cells) from the pyloric antrum of the rat. The antrum was digested in pronase to suspend the epithelial cells. This cell suspension was counted and pelleted. The pellet was embedded in paraffin, sectioned, then labeled using the indirect immunofluorescence technique specific for gastrin. The percentage of G-cells was determined from photographs of fluorescing sections and total G-cell numbers were determined by relating these data to total epithelial cell counts. In 14 rats the average G-cell population totaled 1.03 +/- 0.21 X 10(5) G-cells/antrum. The technique is simple, time-saving and avoids the uncertainties inherent in previous procedures for the estimation of G-cell numbers.
Seasonal NDVI trajectories in response to disturbance: toward a spectral-temporal mixing model for tallgrass prairie

Natural and anthropogenic disturbance in tallgrass prairie communities can induce changes in plant species composition, including shifts in abundance of C/sub 3/ vs. C/sub 4/ lifeforms. The asynchronous seasonalities in greenness that C/sub 3/ and C/sub 4/ species exhibit should enable monitoring of their relative abundance using sensor derived vegetation indices, such as NDVI. The authors used close-range measurements made over 22 experimental. Plots at the Konza Prairie Research Natural Area (KPRNA) to evaluate seasonal trajectories in canopy greenness as a function of C/sub 3//C/sub 4/ ratio. NDVI data were collected from each plot at approximately ten day intervals throughout the 1995 growing season. Temporal trajectories were used to develop discriminant functions to model relative C/sub 3//C/sub 4/ abundances. The discriminant model yielded values of Kendall's /spl tau//sub b/ and Cohen's /spl kappa/ statistic of 0.794 and 0.781, indicating strong agreement between classes and an overall classification significantly better than random assignment. Results suggest the possibility of applying spectral-temporal mixture models derived from close-range sensing to larger scale monitoring of tallgrass prairie.
Cooling performance of silicon-based thermoelectric device on high power LED

In this paper, a new thermal management application of silicon-based thermoelectric (TE) device on high power LED is unveiled. The silicon-based TE device is fabricated by the microfabrication and flip-chip assembly process. Thermal images photographed by infrared camera demonstrate the cooling function of the silicon-based TE devices. Because the LED chip is encapsulated in a package, the junction temperature of the LED chip cannot be measured directly. An electrical-thermal conversion method is used to measure the junction temperature of the high power LED. The result shows that the silicon-based thermoelectric device can effectively reduce the thermal resistance of the high power LED.
The interplay between child and maternal health: reciprocal relationships and cumulative disadvantage during childhood and adolescence.

While many studies use parental socioeconomic status and health to predict children’s health, this study examines the interplay over time between child and maternal health across childhood and adolescence. Using data from women in the National Longitudinal Study of Youth 1979 cohort and their children (N = 2,225), autoregressive cross-lagged models demonstrate a reciprocal relationship between child activity limitations and maternal health limitations in direct effects of child activity limitations on maternal health limitations two years later and vice versa—net of a range of health-relevant time-varying and time-invariant covariates. Furthermore, there are indirect effects of child activity limitations on subsequent maternal health limitations and indirect effects of maternal health limitations on subsequent child activity limitations via intervening health statuses. This study examines how the interplay between child and maternal health unfolds over time and describes how these interdependent statuses ...
Testing the Null of Identification in GMM

This paper proposes a new test of the null hypothesis that a generalized method of moments model is identified. The test can detect local or global underidentification, and underidentification in some or all directions. The idea of the test is to compare the volume of two confidence sets - one that is robust to lack of identification and one that is not. Under the null hypothesis the relative volume of these two sets is Op(1), but under the alternative, the robust confidence set has infinite relative volume.
Layer-by-layer assembly of sol–gel oxide “glued” montmorillonite-zirconia multilayers

This paper reports the layer-by-layer synthesis and growth kinetics of a new class of nanostructured multilayers consisting of montmorillonite (MMT) nanoclays “glued” by sol–gel oxides, such as zirconia (ZrO2) and tin oxide (SnO2), {MMTx-(sol–gel oxide)}n. The multilayers possess an ordered layer structure with tunable nanoscale periods of thickness. Systematic investigation of growth kinetics revealed unique underlying film growth mechanisms. The growth of the MMT and sol–gel ZrO2 layers is strongly coupled. For fresh aqueous ZrO2 precursors, the growth rates of sol–gel ZrO2 layers on MMT surfaces as functions of time and precursor concentration do not follow the standard mass transfer or interfacial reaction controlled kinetic models. Furthermore, the growth of the sol–gel oxide layers on MMT surfaces is self-limited to a maximum thickness of ∼50–60 nm. These observations suggest a surface-mediated growth of sol–gel oxide layers on MMT surfaces, and such growth is likely influenced or controlled by electrostatic interactions. For the aged precursors, the growth mechanism differs; the growth of sol–gel oxide layers is controlled by hydrodynamics and follows the Landau–Levich model. These new findings on detailed growth kinetics, which have been difficult to observe and quantify via the synthesis of more prevailing polyelectrolyte-based multilayers, significantly advance the general understanding of the layer-by-layer electrostatic assembly. Overall, layer-by-layer assembly of multilayers using sol–gel oxides, instead of polyelectrolytes, as both adhesive and functional components in the structure, is a new concept of nanoscale fabrication, which can lead to the development of a broad range of inorganic nanostructured films. The mechanical properties and potential applications of this new class of multilayers are briefly discussed.
Environmental behaviour in Chicago automotive repair micro-enterprises (MEPs)

This study analyzes the relationship between internal and external factors that influence environmental behaviour in traditional service micro-enterprises, focusing on Chicago motor vehicle repair (MVR) firms five years after the Clean Break amnesty program and subsequent inspections of MVR firms. The survey explored the influence of firm and manager characteristics, government intervention, and market and social pressures and opportunities on environmental awareness and action. Environmental action was significantly higher in older firms (more experienced owners) and in auto-refinishing firms practicing spray painting. While awareness levels were mixed for dealerships and franchises (contracted to larger organizations), environmental action was good for six out of the seven firms, which may reflect expectations for higher professional rather than environmental standards. However, environmental awareness and behaviour levels were mixed for trade association members. Owners obtain most environmental information from suppliers and government agencies, but confuse government responsibilities and attribute greater authority to non-environmental agencies. Finally, micro-enterprises avoid voluntary environmental compliance programs and prefer targeted enforcement and insurance requirements that promote a level playing field. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
COMPONENTS OF GUINEA PIG COMPLEMENT. I. SEPARATION OF A SERUM FRACTION ESSENTIAL FOR IMMUNE HEMOLYSIS AND IMMUNE ADHERENCE.

Employing sheep erythrocytes sensitized by antibody and the first and fourth components of complement (EAC'1,4), in such a manner as to prevent the development of immune adherence (I-A) reactivity during preparation, four separate substances required for the conversion of EAC'1,4,2 to the final damaged state (E*) were identified in whole guinea pig serum by cellulose chromatography, and tentatively termed C'3c, C'3b, C'3a, and C'3d. I-A reactivity was induced in EAC'1,4,2 after interaction with only one of these four substances, C'3c. A detailed comparison of the effects of heat, hydrazine, low pH, freezing, absorption by immune complexes, and elution from cellulose columns indicated that this same substance which was capable of imparting I-A reactivity to EAC'1,4,2 was also essential for immune hemolysis. Other experiments showed that I-A-reactive cells prepared either by treating EA with different concentrations of whole C' at 0°C, or by treating EAC'1,4,2 with C'3c, underwent lysis by C'2 + C'3b + a + d in proportion to the amount of whole C' or of C'3c used to make the cells reactive in I-A. These data provide strong evidence that a single factor, C'3c, is required both for the conversion of EAC'1,4,2 to an I-A-reactive complex (EAC'1,4,2,3c) and for the lysis of EAC'1,4,2 by C'3b + a + d. C'3c is the only one of the components studied which can induce I-A reactivity, and is the first to react with EAC'1,4,2. Formation of EAC'1,4,2,3c proceeds even at 0°C, but is much more rapid at elevated temperatures, showing a maximum in from 5 to 15 minutes at 37° or 30°C respectively. Prolonged incubation at these temperatures results in a decline in hemolytic reactivity without a noticeable effect on I-A. This loss was resolved into three phenomena: (a) a rapid loss of ability of SAC'1,4,2,3c to react with C'3b, presumably as a result of decay of the C'2 moiety in the complex, which is readily reversed by addition of fresh C'2; (b) a slow, irreversible spontaneous inactivation of SAC'1,4,2,3c; (c) a moderately rapid, irreversible inactivation of SAC'1,4,2,3c by some factor present in C'3c preparations.
Regulatory effects of fever‐range whole‐body hyperthermia on the LPS‐induced acute inflammatory response

The thermal component of fever is one of the most poorly understood aspects of inflammation. To evaluate the role of fever-range hyperthermia on acute inflammation, BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice were exposed to mild, long-duration whole-body hyperthermia (WBH), and serum concentrations of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-1beta, and the acute phase proteins (APPs) alpha1-acid glycoprotein and haptoglobin were analyzed. WBH alone did not affect serum concentrations of these cytokines or APPs when compared with controls. In contrast, when WBH was applied just after intraperitoneal administration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), serum concentrations of TNF-alpha and IL-6 were greater than or equal to threefold higher in BALB/c mice compared with LPS-treated controls. LPS-induced IL-6 levels were also enhanced in WBH-treated C57BL/6 mice. However, APP levels were prolonged only in WBH-treated BALB/c mice. It is interesting that in vitro hyperthermia treatment of LPS-stimulated peritoneal cells resulted in decreased cytokine production compared with controls. These results suggest that fever-range hyperthermia regulates acute inflammation in a mouse strain-specific manner that is more complex than that observed in vitro.
Early Hawaiian Uses of Medicinal Plants in Pregnancy and Childbirth

In traditional Hawaiian society a wide variety of medicinal plants were used to promote the health and well-being of mothers and their offspring during pregnancy and childbirth. Some of these medicines are known to have therapeutic value and others may have unrecognized value. The scientific names for the botanical ingredients and recipes for some of the medicaments are provided. Medicinal plants were used for a variety of purposes. An expectant mother in addition to controlling her weight exercising and following food taboos was expected to ingest various substances in the belief that they would condition her body for birth and promote the health of the fetus. Pregnant women used other medicines as lubricants and laxatives. During birth the mother was given a medicinal liquid to drink between contractions in order to facilitate the delivery and this same liquid was used to lubricate the birth canal. After delivery the mother ingested a sap mixture to induce placenta expulsion a broth to expel blood and other potions to help her regain her strength and to cleanse the uterus. Medicaments were also used to promote healing of birth canal lacerations received during delivery. After birth the infant was oiled and powdered with plant materials and the mothers milk was used to cleanse the infants eyes. Additional plant medicines were used to stimulate lactation and still others to aid in conception.
Inhibition of antigen presentation and T cell costimulation blocks PTH-induced bone loss

T cells are required for continuous parathyroid hormone (cPTH) treatment to induce bone loss as they sensitize stromal cells to PTH through CD40 ligand (CD40L), a surface molecule of activated T cells. Since CD40L expression is a feature of activated T cells, we investigated whether antigen (Ag)-mediated T cell activation is required for PTH to exert its catabolic activity. We report that inhibition of Ag presentation through silencing of either class I or class II MHC-T cell receptor (TCR) interaction prevents the cortical bone loss induced by in vivo cPTH treatment. We also show that the bone loss and the stimulation of bone resorption induced by cPTH treatment are prevented by CTLA4-Ig, an inhibitor of T cell costimulation approved for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Since inhibition of antigen-driven T cell activation by blockade of either TCR signaling or T cell costimulation is sufficient to silence the catabolic activity of cPTH, antigen-presenting cells and T lymphocyte interactions therefore play a critical role in the mechanism of action of PTH.
Interest-aware content distribution protocol for mobile disruption-tolerant networks

Most of the routing protocols for mobile disruption-tolerant networks (DTNs), are designed to route data from a single source to a single destination. Many real-world applications, however, need to transfer data to a group of recipients rather than individuals. Proposed architectures for multicast communication in mobile DTNs rely on a global knowledge of multicast group memberships that makes them infeasible for infrastructure-less networks. Our interest-aware data distribution protocol distributes data among a community of mobile users in DTNs based on their interests. Our interest-aware algorithm automatically learns users' interests from the history of their cached data and provides them with their preferred data content. We implemented this protocol in the ONE simulator and evaluated its performance using reality-mining mobile traces. Our simulations show that our protocol delivers 30% more relevant data to mobile users' interests than epidemic routing. Furthermore, this superior performance is achieved with 35% lower distribution of irrelevant data content among mobile users.