cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Lacunar-canalicular bone remodeling: Impacts on bone quality and tools for assessment.

Abstract Osteocytes can resorb as well as replace bone adjacent to the expansive lacunar-canalicular system (LCS). Suppressed LCS remodeling decreases bone fracture toughness, but it is unclear how altered LCS remodeling impacts bone quality. The first goal of this review is to assess how LCS remodeling impacts LCS morphology as well as the composition and mechanical properties of surrounding bone tissue. The second goal is to compare tools available for the assessment of bone quality at length-scales that are physiologically-relevant to LCS remodeling. We find that changes to LCS morphology occur in response to a variety of physiological conditions and diseases and can be classified in two general phenotypes. In the ‘aging phenotype’, seen in aging and in some disuse models, the LCS is truncated and osteocytes apoptosis is increased. In the ‘osteocytic osteolysis’ phenotype, which is adaptive in some physiological settings and possibly maladaptive in others, the LCS enlarges and osteocytes generally maintain viability. Bone composition and mechanical properties vary near the osteocyte and change with at least some conditions that alter LCS morphology. However, few studies have evaluated bone composition and mechanical properties close to the LCS and so the impacts of LCS remodeling phenotypes on bone tissue quality are still undetermined. We summarize the current understanding of how LCS remodeling impacts LCS morphology, tissue-scale bone composition and mechanical properties, and whole-bone material properties. Tools are compared for assessing tissue-scale bone properties, as well as the resolution, advantages, and limitations of these techniques.
Practices following the death of a loved one reported by adults from 14 countries or cultural/ethnic group.

Aims The purpose of this study was to examine the reported ritual practices (dealing with the deceased's remains, wake, funeral, burial and celebration) of White non-Hispanic, Black non-Hispanic and Hispanic/Latino adults in their country of origin or ethnic or cultural group in the United States following the death of a loved one. Design This descriptive study is a secondary analysis from a longitudinal mixed-methods study that examined parents' health and functioning following the death of a child. Methods Adult parents whose child died in neonatal intensive care units or paediatric intensive care units were recruited from four hospitals and from death records. Data were collected from 61 adult parents at 7 and 13 months postinfant/child death using semi-structured interviews about the child's death. Only those parents who responded to questions about usual death practices in their country of origin or cultural group were included in the data analysis. Results Thirty-two adults from 14 countries reported practices in their country or cultural group after a loved one's death including keeping the front door closed, walking funeral processions with a band playing, the deceased in a car accompanied by family and friends, fireworks, making home altars for deceased spirits with food and water for adults, toys and candy for children and no TV or radio for sometime. Relevance to clinical practice For community health nurses, understanding these practices is important in being sensitive and appropriate around the death. Asking the family about specific practices they hope to carry out and noting this in the family's record will help alert providers to the family's wishes at this challenging time.
Improving High Dynamic Range Image Based Light Measurement

This study proposes a fast high dynamic range imaging (HDRI) technique for light measurement to shorten the long capturing time of current camera-aided computational photography widely used in lighting practice. In comparison with the conventional meter measurement, HDRI-assisted lighting measurement is a remote, efficient, affordable yet time-consuming method. The fast HDRI technique increases the film speed (ISO) to speed up the process taking a sequence of low dynamic range images. Since increasing camera’s film speed may introduce more image noise, the possible error rate of the proposed method is evaluated by applying Gaussian noise estimation and impulsive noise detection on the image with different film speeds. In addition, a new per-pixel calculation process is developed to retrieve the illuminance of a target scene with selected regions of interest, which can be used to assist human-centric lighting tasks. Extensive comparative experiments are also conducted to verify the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed method.
Sea stars generate downforce to stay attached to surfaces

Intertidal sea stars often function in environments with extreme hydrodynamic loads that can compromise their ability to remain attached to surfaces. While behavioral responses such as burrowing into sand or sheltering in rock crevices can help minimize hydrodynamic loads, previous work shows that sea stars also alter body shape in response to flow conditions. This morphological plasticity suggests that sea star body shape may play an important hydrodynamic role. In this study, we measured the fluid forces acting on surface-mounted sea star and spherical dome models in water channel tests. All sea star models created downforce, i.e., the fluid pushed the body towards the surface. In contrast, the spherical dome generated lift. We also used Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) to measure the midplane flow field around the models. Control volume analyses based on the PIV data show that downforce arises because the sea star bodies serve as ramps that divert fluid away from the surface. These observations are further rationalized using force predictions and flow visualizations from numerical simulations. The discovery of downforce generation could explain why sea stars are shaped as they are: the pentaradial geometry aids attachment to surfaces in the presence of high hydrodynamic loads.
Investigating the Prevalence and Risk Factors Associated With SARS-CoV-2 Infection Among Oral & Maxillofacial (OMS) Residents in the United States

Purpose The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory disorder 2) has emerged as the primary global health concern of 2020. Oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMS) residents, like other health care personnel, have been on the front line providing care to SARS-CoV-2-negative and SARS-CoV-2-positive patients across the United States. As surgeons of the head and neck, OMS residents may be at an increased risk of infection; however, little is known about the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection among OMS residents across the United States. This research study sought to elucidate the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection among OMS residents and explore the risk factors that are associated with infection. Methods Institutional review board approval for the study was obtained via NYU School of Medicine. The study was performed via the dissemination of a secure electronic survey to OMS residents in accredited training programs across the United States. The survey elicited information regarding residency training, demographic characteristics, health characteristics, and SARS-CoV-2 testing. Survey data were collected between August 20, 2020, and September 21, 2020, and the data were subsequently exported to SAS 9.4 for statistical analysis. Prevalence with 95% confidence intervals was calculated with the exact binomial technique. Categorical variables were compared using Fisher's exact test, and continuous variables were compared with the Mann Whitney U test. Results One hundred twenty-nine survey respondents initiated the survey, and 84 respondents completed the survey. Respondents who failed to complete the survey were excluded from the study. Of the 84 respondents who completed the survey, 47 respondents indicated that they had received a SARS-CoV-2 PCR (polymerase chain reaction), antigen, or serology test. Five of the 47 respondents reported a positive result, which revealed a prevalence of 10.64 (95% confidence interval, 3.55-23.1). The presence of symptoms was significantly associated with a report of a positive test result. Respondents who reported symptoms were 20 times more likely to report a positive test result than respondents who reported no symptoms (P = .008). Conclusion In conclusion, this study found that the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection among OMS residents across the United States is approximately 10.64% and the presence of symptoms is associated with a positive test result. Even though the United States has been managing the COVID-19 pandemic for close to 1 year, it is important that OMS residents continue to adhere to infection control measures and self-monitor for the presence of symptoms consistent with SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Abstract P069: White Cell Gene Expression Related To Immune Function And Cumulative Blood Pressure During Young Adulthood And Middle Age: Coronary Artery Risk Development In Young Adults (CARDIA)

Introduction: High blood pressure (BP) is a global public health problem that is strongly associated with many aspects of cardiovascular disease. Approximately 90% of hypertension cases have unknow...
A High Gain Lens-Coupled On-Chip Antenna Module for Miniature-Sized Millimeter-Wave Wireless Transceivers

This paper presents high gain and compact Transmit/Receive (TX/RX) integrated antennas in a standard BiCMOS 130nm technology for millimeter-scale millimeter-wave (mm-wave) applications, including high data rate radios and high resolution radars. The proposed TX/RX antenna module utilizes an integrated dipole antenna for the receiver and a slot antenna for the transmitter, placed orthogonally. The achieved gain and radiation efficiency are 5.7dBi and 41.3% for the slot antenna, respectively, and 6dBi and 39% for the dipole antenna. The link budget is improved by 16dB by optimization on the geometry as well as application of a high resistivity hemispheric silicon dielectric lens.
Компания H. J. Heinz: Оценка стоимости капитала в нестабильное время (H. J. Heinz: Valuation of Capital in Volatile Times)

This is a Russian translation of the January 6, 2016, version of UVA-F-1634. Given recent changes in market conditions and ongoing market uncertainty, an internal financial analyst at Heinz must estimate the company's weighted average cost of capital (WACC). Data for both Heinz and comparable firms are provided. The case provides opportunities for students to learn or practice a WACC calculation while exploring the economic meaning of inputs to the calculation. Excerpt UVA-F-1943 Ред. от 6 января 2016 г. Компания H. J. Heinz: Оценка стоимости капитала в нестабильное время Успех определяется умением делать обычные вещи необычно хорошо. - Х. Дж. Хайнц — основатель Henry John Heinz Соломон Шеппард, финансовый аналитик североамериканского подразделения потребительских продуктов компании H. J. Heinz Company (Heinz), вместе с коллегами рассматривал инвестиционные предложения по целому ряду продовольственных продуктов. В основном обсуждалась тема потенциала новых продуктов и обоснованности прогнозов по потокам денежных средств. Но на момент завершения финансового года в конце апреля 2010 г., когда финансовые рынки все еще находились в кризисном состоянии из-за рецессии, наступившей в конце 2007 г., основным вопросом стала средневзвешенная стоимость капитала компании (WACC). . . .
The COVID-19 Pandemic Did Not Affect Target Weight Loss 1 Year Post Bariatric Surgery.

Bariatric surgery is one of the most effective treatments for patients with severe and complex obesity. Lifestyle modifications in diet and exercise habits have long been important adjunct to the long-term success after bariatric surgery. The effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the postoperative bariatric patient is not well understood. We sought to evaluate the impact the COVID-19 pandemic on postoperative weight loss at 1 year in a bariatric cohort. All patients who underwent bariatric surgery from January 1, 2020, to March 12, 2020, were included. Patients who underwent bariatric surgery during the same period of the two preceding years (2018 and 2019) were included as control groups. Primary end point was %EBMIL at 1 year. A telephone survey was administered to all patients from 2020 to assess for their perception on the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on weight loss. A total of 596 patients were included: 181 from 2020, 199 from 2019, and 216 from 2018. The response rate was 97% and 53.4% of patients reported that the lockdown affected their ability to lose weight. The %EBMIL at 1 year was 64.1%, 63.7%, and 68.1% for 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively. There was no difference in weight loss at 1 year (p = 0.77) despite a decrease in exercise activity in those who had surgery just before the pandemic. There was no difference in target weight loss at 1 year in a cohort who underwent bariatric surgery before the pandemic.
Fair Exchange of Secrets (extended abstract)

We consider two problems which arose in the context of “The Exchange of Secret Keys” (see [1]). (1). In the original protocol, one party may halt the exchange and have a 2 to 1 expected time advantage in computing the other party’s secret. To solve this problem, when there is a particular point in the exchange where this time advantage may be critical, we presented at CRYPTO 83 (see [5]), a method for exchanging “fractions” of a single bit. In this paper we extend the method so as to apply it to all bits to be exchanged, and show how it can be used in a more abstract setting (as in [2]). (2). We also present a solution to the problem of how to ensure a fair exchange of secrets when one party in the exchange is “risk seeking”, while the other is “risk-adverse”.
Adenosine prevents TNFα-induced decrease in endothelial mitochondrial mass via activation of eNOS-PGC-1α regulatory axis (664.5)

To gain insight into the potential role of endothelial mitochondrial function and biogenesis in the preconditioning effects of adenosine (Ado), we incubated human microvascular endothelial cells (H...
Dietary Psyllium Hydrocolloid and Pectin Increase Bile Acid Pool Size and Change Bile Acid Composition in Rats

Bile acid composition, synthetic rate and pool size were determined in rats fed diets containing 5 g cellulose, 5 g pectin or 5 g psyllium hydrocolloid/100 g diet using the washout technique. Bile acid pool sizes were similar for pectin- and psyllium-fed rats, and both were higher than the pool size for rats fed cellulose (5.48 +/- 1.22, 4.70 +/- 0.71 and 1.77 +/- 0.41 mumol/100 g body wt, respectively). Bile acid secretion rates showed a similar pattern [1730 +/- 496, 1551 +/- 252 and 572 +/- 88 nmol/(h.100 g body wt)], as did basal synthetic rates [129 +/- 25, 126 +/- 42 and 87 +/- 18 pmol/(h.100 g body wt)]. Individual and total bile acid pool sizes were generally higher in animals fed the pectin- or psyllium-supplemented diet compared with rats fed cellulose. Pectin or psyllium consumption resulted in a lower hydrophobicity of the bile acid pool and a lower ratio of circulating 12 alpha-hydroxylated to non-12 alpha-hydroxylated bile acids compared with cellulose consumption. This reduced hydrophobicity has been shown to reduce feedback inhibition of bile acid synthesis and may be responsible for the larger bile acid pool size. Changes in the location of reabsorption of bile acids may also be responsible for changes in the pool size and composition. These changes are characteristic of greater sterol excretion.
Ruthenium Carbene Complexes Bearing an Anionic Carboxylate Chelated to a Hemilabile Ligand

A series of bidentate ruthenium-based NHC complexes with the general formula [(H(2)IMes)(kappa(2)-L-COO)ClRu=CHPh)], where L is either PAr(3), HNR(2), or ROR, were prepared from commercially available [(H(2)IMes)(PCy(3))Cl(2)Ru(CHPh)] (2) and the appropriate ligand. The catalytic activities of the complexes were evaluated in ring-closing metathesis reactions. The type of donor ligand has a major impact on both the initiation behavior and also the stability of the complexes. Upon addition of CuCl to the reaction mixture the initiation is improved for the phosphine or amine containing chelates. For the P,O-chelate, the fast initiation was followed by decomposition. In the case of the N,O-containing chelate, a stable catalytic system was achieved. Trapping experiments support that the nitrogen lone-pair reversibly coordinates CuCl during the reaction.[on SciFinder (R)]
Incidence of Clostridium difficile Infection in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Background & Aims:Clostridium difficile–associated disease (CDAD) rates have been increasing. We sought to determine whether CDAD incidence has increased specifically in hospitalized patients with IBD. We also explored possible differences in the risk for and time to presentation of CDAD between IBD and non-IBD patients. Methods: We analyzed hospital admissions from 1998–2004 for demographics, length of stay, C difficile infections, and time from admission to a positive C difficile test. We calculated CDAD incidence for non-IBD, all IBD, CD, and UC admissions and used logistic regression to estimate the risk for CDAD. Results: CDAD incidence increased in each group and was higher in all IBD than non-IBD groups. During the observation period, CDAD rates approximately doubled in CD (9.5 to 22.3/1000 admissions) and tripled in UC (18.4 to 57.6/1000). Length of stay was similar among the groups. For all years combined, the adjusted odds ratios for CDAD in all IBD, CD, and UC admissions were 2.9 (95% confidence interval, 2.1–4.1), 2.1 (1.3–3.4), and 4.0 (2.4–6.6), respectively. The median times from admission to a positive C difficile test result for non-IBD, CD, and UC were 4.0, 0.8, and 0.5 days, respectively. Conclusions: CDAD incidence in IBD has increased and is higher than in the non-IBD population. IBD and UC patients in particular have a higher risk for CDAD. C difficile infections in IBD are confirmed predominantly within 48 hours of admission, suggesting most were acquired before hospitalization.
Facilitation of the responses of primate spinothalamic cells to cold and to tactile stimuli by noxious heating of the skin

Spinothalamic tract cells in anesthetized monkeys were found to respond to noxious cold stimuli (18/19 cells tested), as well as to noxious heat and noxious mechanical stimuli. Responses to repetition of the noxious cold stimuli after a series of noxious heat stimuli were enhanced. However, subtraction of the enhanced background activity that resulted from damage of the skin revealed that the enhanced response to noxious cold stimuli were due to superposition of the original responses upon an enhanced background activity, rather than to sensitization of the responses to noxious cold stimuli per se. Furthermore, the responses to innocuous mechanical stimuli applied either within the area that was damaged or outside this area were enhanced, provided the noxious heat was applied for a long enough time. Thus, damage to a region of skin can result in enhanced responsiveness of spinothalamic cells to stimuli applied in an undamaged region of the receptive field. The possible relationship between these observations and cutaneous hyperalgesia is discussed.
Prevalence and recognition of alcohol abuse in a primary care population.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence, physician recognition, and treatment of alcohol abuse among patients of 19 senior medical residents practicing in a hospital-based, primary care setting. Patients and methods Interviews of 242 outpa tients were conducted, and alcohol abuse and de pendence, as defined by the Diagnostic and Statis tical Manual of Mental Disorders , third edition (DSM-III), were determined using the Diagnostic Interview Schedule. Results Twenty percent of the patients studied had abused or were dependent on alcohol at some time in their lives and 5 percent reported abuse or dependence within the last year. Of the techniques studied, a short screening questionnaire (Short Michigan Alcohol Screening Test [SMAST]) was the most accurate way of identifying patients who abused alcohol, and physician assessments were more accurate than laboratory tests. Although the physicians were aware of serious alcohol problems among 77 percent of their patients who met DSM- III criteria for alcohol abuse or dependence in the previous year, they identified only 36 percent of their patients with less serious problems or past al- cohol abuse. They had only discussed alcohol abuse with 67 percent of the patients they identified as alcohol abusers. Conclusion We conclude that a short screening questionnaire (SMAST) is an accurate means of identifying alcohol abuse. Despite the recognition of serious alcohol problems by the physicians, the problem is not addressed routinely even among pa tients that are recognized as alcoholic.
A system of axioms for mathematical biology

Abstract The following six axioms appear to provide an adequate basis for a full and realistic mathematical biology: (1) Any organism is a (topological) union of tissues. (2) Any tissue consists, mathematically speaking, of a finite covering, the neighborhoods of which are the cells of the tissue. Each cell of the tissue has an associated biological action (or actions) that has the mathematical nature of a vector (or tensor) field. (3) A tissue may be regarded topologically as a compact manifold. (4) Biological form and function are mathematically representable as pseudogroups, (5) each of which is characterized by an infinitesimal generator that corresponds to the abstract mathematical formulation of the biological action of the cell. (6) With respect to trophic functions, an organism develops biological structure and function designed to optimize system performance. The first axiom is almost a truism. The second is readily verified by a case-by-case comparison with a standard classification of biological cells. Axioms 1 and 2 together imply the equivalence of the Cell Theory of biology with the principle that the cell constitutes an infinitesimal generator of biological form and function. Axiom 3 follows from the fact that the number of cells in any tissue is necessarily finite. Axioms 4 and 5 are consistent with the primacy of fibrils and filaments in biological structure, the universality of cell nuclei, the presence of “organizing centers” for morphogenesis, and the preservation of particular functions in the face of individual variation. Axiom 5 also expresses the fact that anatomical structures develop out of pre-existing, more primitive ones via small, “differential” changes; in other words, by prolongations of the Lie transformation groups involved. Axiom 6 is essentially a restatement of Rashevsky's principle of adequate design, but applied in its proper sphere, namely, trophic functions. Application of these principles is made to contact induction in embryonic tissue growth and to the phenomena of allometric growth.
Selective pulmonary vasodilation improves ventriculovascular coupling and gas exchange in a patient with unrepaired single-ventricle physiology

We describe a 63-year-old patient with unrepaired tricuspid valve atresia and a hypoplastic right ventricle (single-ventricle physiology) who presented with progressive symptomatic hypoxia. Her anatomy resulted in parallel pulmonary and systemic circulations, pulmonary arterial hypertension, and uncoupling of the ventricle/pulmonary artery. Hemodynamic and coupling data were obtained before and after pulmonary vasoactive treatment, first inhaled nitric oxide and later inhaled treprostinil. The coupling ratio (ratio of ventricular to vascular elastance) shunt fractions and dead space ventilation were calculated before and after treatment. Treatment resulted in improvement of the coupling ratio between the ventricle and the vasculature with optimization of stroke work, equalization of pulmonary and systolic flows, a decrease in dead space ventilation from 75% to 55%, and a significant increase in 6-minute walk distance and improved hypoxia. Inhaled treprostinil significantly increased 6-minute walk distance and improved hypoxia. This is the first report to show that pulmonary vasoactive treatment can be used in a patient with unrepaired single-ventricle anatomy and describes the hemodynamic effects of inhaled therapy on ventriculovascular coupling and gas exchange in the pulmonary circulation in this unique physiology.
Climate change, body size, and phenotype dependent dispersal.

Gardner and colleagues [1] recently reviewed the evidence for shifts in body size as a third major response to climate change, in addition to widely recognized shifts in the ranges and phenology of species [2]. The authors conclude that, although a pattern of declining body size is commonly observed (i.e. [3]), increases in body size might also occur and more detailed studies are needed [1]. Although their review focuses on the evidence for declining body size as a third general response to climate change, we would like to add that the effect of climate on individual body size has the potential to impact one of the other major responses to climate change dramatically: species’ range shifts (Figure 1).
Escaping the Pain: Examining the Use of Sexually Compulsive Behavior to Avoid the Traumatic Memories of Combat

Studies suggest that as many as 30% of U.S. service members are returning from Iraq with stress-related mental health problems. Between 10–15% of troops leaving theatre have been diagnosed with combat-related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Plagued by nightmares, flashbacks, and a host of family and work–related problems, these individuals will often turn to mood-altering substances and behaviors as an escape from their memories. This article examines the use of compulsive sexual behavior as a means of escaping the memories of combat. A case study will illustrate theoretical aspects of addiction, as well as critical intervention issues related to the underlying trauma.
Building team adaptive capacity: The roles of sensegiving and team composition

The current study draws on motivated information processing in groups theory to propose that leadership functions and composition characteristics provide teams with the epistemic and social motivation needed for collective information processing and strategy adaptation. Three-person teams performed a city management decision-making simulation (N = 74 teams; 222 individuals). Teams first managed a simulated city that was newly formed and required growth strategies and were then abruptly switched to a second simulated city that was established and required revitalization strategies. Consistent with hypotheses, external sensegiving and team composition enabled distinct aspects of collective information processing. Sensegiving prompted the emergence of team strategy mental models (i.e., cognitive information processing); psychological collectivism facilitated information sharing (i.e., behavioral information processing); and cognitive ability provided the capacity for both the cognitive and behavioral aspects of collective information processing. In turn, team mental models and information sharing enabled reactive strategy adaptation.
On adaptive versus nonadaptive bounded query machines

Abstract The polynomial-time adaptive (Turing) and nonadaptive (truth-table) bounded query machines are compared with respect to sparse oracles. A k-query adaptive machine has been found which, relative to a sparse oracle, cannot be simulated by any (2k−2)-query nonadaptive machine, even with a different sparse oracle. Conversely, there is a (3·2k−2)-query nonadaptive machine which, relative to a sparse oracle, cannot be simulated by any k-query adaptive machine, with any sparse oracle.
The energy harvesting and energy cooperating two-way channel with finite-sized batteries

In this paper, we consider the energy allocation problem for energy harvesting and energy cooperating nodes with finite-sized batteries. In particular, we solve the sum-throughput maximization problem in a two-way channel with energy harvesting nodes that can also transfer energy to one another. To do so, we non-trivially extend a class of policies which originally rely on an infinite-sized battery to be optimal, to the finite battery case. We observe that when we partition transferred energy into immediately used and stored components, an optimal policy has a non-zero stored component only when the battery of the transferring user is full. This enables the decomposition of the sum-throughput maximization problem into separate energy transfer and power allocation problems. Utilizing properties of this optimal class of policies, we solve the power allocation problem using a two dimensional directional water-filling algorithm with restricted transfers, where energy transfers only take place at full battery instances. Numerical results demonstrate that energy cooperation notably improves sum-throughput as one node gets energy deprived.
Adaptive changes in the relationship between visual and tactual-kinesthetic perception

Visual and tactual-kinesthetic indications of apparent verticality (adjust a rod so that it appears vertical) were made by 16 Ss under conditions of prolonged exposure to 20° clockwise rotation of the visual field. Significant changes were found in the relationship between visual and tactual-kinesthetic verticality. The results are interpreted in terms of a principle of perceptual correspondences.
Theorems in the additive theory of numbers

This paper extends some earlier results on difference sets andB2 sequences bySinger, Bose, Erdos andTuran, andChowla.
Kinetics of enhanced gold dissolution: activation by dissolved silver

Abstract Coupled oxygen reduction and metal oxidation occur during leaching of gold in cyanide solutions. Both processes are altered by specific surface-active constituents in solution. Dissolved cyanide in solution depresses the rate of oxygen reduction while the presence of silver in solution enhances the rate of reduction. Similarly, the oxidation (dissolution) rate of gold is dramatically increased by dissolved silver in solution. For both cathodic and anodic processes, silver enhancement approaches a maximum near 1 ppm dissolved silver for low cyanide concentrations. High concentrations of cyanide diminish the effect of silver, indicating a competition between silver and cyanide for specific surface sites. These effects are demonstrated using cyclic voltammetry under a variety of conditions. Reaction rates, based upon potentiostatic, current-time data, are well correlated by a paralinear rate model. The model includes steady-state formation of a passivating film at the metal film interface, metal (gold ion) diffusion through the film, and dissolution at the film solution interface. Silver is found to enhance both the film diffusion process and film dissolution.
Mechanism of V(D)J recombination.

Abstract V(D)J recombination can be seperated into two basic operations: DNA cleavage and joining of broken ends. Our understanding of both reactions has increased substantially in the past year. Major advances include the development of a cell-free system capable of cleavage and the identification of several proteins involved in both V(D)J recombination and double-strand break repair.
CW dipolar broadening EPR spectroscopy and mechanically aligned bilayers used to measure distance and relative orientation between two TOAC spin labels on an antimicrobial peptide.

Abstract An EPR membrane alignment technique was applied to measure distance and relative orientations between two spin labels on a protein oriented along the surface of the membrane. Previously we demonstrated an EPR membrane alignment technique for measuring distances and relative orientations between two spin labels using a dual TOAC-labeled integral transmembrane peptide (M2δ segment of Acetylcholine receptor) as a test system. In this study we further utilized this technique and successfully measured the distance and relative orientations between two spin labels on a membrane peripheral peptide (antimicrobial peptide magainin-2). The TOAC-labeled magainin-2 peptides were mechanically aligned using DMPC lipids on a planar quartz support, and CW-EPR spectra were recorded at specific orientations. Global analysis in combination with rigorous spectral simulation was used to simultaneously analyze data from two different sample orientations for both single- and double-labeled peptides. We measured an internitroxide distance of 15.3 A from a dual TOAC-labeled magainin-2 peptide at positions 8 and 14 that closely matches with the 13.3 A distance obtained from a model of the labeled magainin peptide. In addition, the angles determining the relative orientations of the two nitroxides have been determined, and the results compare favorably with molecular modeling. This study demonstrates the utility of the technique for proteins oriented along the surface of the membrane in addition to the previous results for proteins situated within the membrane bilayer.
Resilience of biochemical activity in protein domains in the face of structural divergence

Recent studies point to the prevalence of the evolutionary phenomenon of drastic structural transformation of protein domains while continuing to preserve their basic biochemical function. These transformations span a wide spectrum, including simple domains incorporated into larger structural scaffolds, changes in the structural core, major active site shifts, topological rewiring and extensive structural transmogrifications. Proteins from biological conflict systems, such as toxin–antitoxin, restriction–modification, CRISPR/Cas, polymorphic toxin and secondary metabolism systems commonly display such transformations. These include endoDNases, metal-independent RNases, deaminases, ADP ribosyltransferases, immunity proteins, kinases and E1-like enzymes. In eukaryotes such transformations are seen in domains involved in chromatin-related peptide recognition and protein/DNA-modification. Intense selective pressures from ‘arms-race’-like situations in conflict and macromolecular modification systems could favor drastic structural divergence while preserving function.
Effect of Propranolol on Elevated Arterial Blood Pressure

Nineteen patients with moderately severe arterial hypertension received propranolol (120 mg daily), or chlorthalidone (100 mg daily), both medications together, and placebos in a double-blind crossover trial. Each treatment was given for 5 weeks; blood pressure was measured at weekly intervals. Propranolol alone reduced arterial pressure by 9/8 mm Hg, a statistically insignificant change. Use of chlorthalidone alone was accompanied by an average reduction in arterial blood pressure of 23/9 mm Hg. Both drugs together lowered blood pressure by 33/15 mm Hg. Heart rate was lower in regimens including propranolol; body weight and serum potassium and chloride concentration were lower and blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine were higher in regimens containing chlorthalidone. Propranolol, in the dose given, is a less effective hypotensive drug than is chlorthalidone.
Modern configuration of the southwest Florida carbonate slope: Development by shelf margin progradation

Abstract Depositional patterns and sedimentary processes influencing modern southwest Florida carbonate slope development have been identified based upon slope morphology, seismic facies and surface sediment characteristics. Three slope-parallel zones have been identified: (1) an upper slope progradational zone (100–500 m) characterized by seaward-trending progradational clinoforms and sediments rich in shelf-derived carbonate material, (2) a lower gullied slope zone (500–800 m) characterized by numerous gullies formed by the downslope transport of gravity flows, and (3) a base-of-slope zone (> 800 m) characterized by thin, lens-shaped gravity flow deposits and irregular topography interpreted to be the result of bottom currents and slope failure along the basal extensions of gullies. Modern slope development is interpreted to have been controlled by the offshelf transport of shallow-water material from the adjacent west Florida shelf, deposition of this material along a seaward advancing sediment front, and intermittent bypassing of the lower slope by sediments transported in the form of gravity flows via gullies. Sediments are transported offshelf by a combination of tides and the Loop Current, augmented by the passage of storm frontal systems. Winter storm fronts produce cold, dense, sediment-laden water that cascades offshelf beneath the strong, eastward flowing Florida Current. Sediments are eventually deposited in a relatively low energy transition zone between the Florida Current on the surface and a deep westward flowing counter current. The influence of the Florida Current is evident in the easternmost part of the study area as eastward prograding sediments form a sediment drift that is progressively burying the Pourtales Terrace. The modern southwest Florida slope has seismic reflection and sedimentological characteristics in common with slopes bordering both the non-rimmed west Florida margin and the rimmed platform of the northern Bahamas, and shows many similarities to the progradational Miocene section along the west Florida slope. As with rimmed platform slopes, development of non-rimmed platform slopes can be complex and controlled by a combination of processes that result in a variety of configurations. Consequently, the distinction between the two slope types based solely upon seismic and sedimentological characteristics may not be readily discernible.
The isolation and chemical composition of premelanosomes and melanosomes: Human and mouse melanomas

Abstract A method for the isolation of pure preparations of melanosomes from mouse melanoma (B-16) and human metastatic melanoma (liver) has been presented. The unique feature of this procedure is treatment of the homogenate with a proteolytic enzyme (Nagarse), glass wool filtration for removal of contaminating nucleic acid, and the application of cesium chloride gradients to obtain highly purified preparations of melanosomes. Electron microscopic evidence is presented to show that these isolates of premelanosomes and melanosomes contain the ultrastructural features normally associated with melanosomes in tissue. Moreover, enzymatic studies reveal significant quantities of lysosomal enzymes, particularly β-N-acetylglucosaminidase. The lipid composition of human melanosomes indicates significant differences with other known lipopigments, particularly in neutral lipid and lipid polymer constituents.
Menke points on the real line and their connection to classical orthogonal polynomials

We investigate the properties of extremal point systems on the real line consisting of two interlaced sets of points solving a modified minimum energy problem. We show that these extremal points for the intervals [-1,1], [0,~) and (-~,~), which are analogues of Menke points for a closed curve, are related to the zeros and extrema of classical orthogonal polynomials. Use of external fields in the form of suitable weight functions instead of constraints motivates the study of ''weighted Menke points'' on [0,~) and (-~,~). We also discuss the asymptotic behavior of the Lebesgue constant for the Menke points on [-1,1].
A closed-loop logistics model for remanufacturing

Recoverable product environments are becoming an increasingly important segment of the overall push in industry towards environmentally conscious manufacturing. Integral to the recoverable product environment is the recoverable manufacturing system that focuses on recovering the product and extending its life through remanufacture or repair. Remanufacturing provides the customer with an opportunity to acquire a product that meets the original product standards at a lower price than a new product. The flow of materials and products in this environment occurs both from the customer to the remanufacturer (reverse flow), and from the remanufacturer to the customer (forward flow). Since most of the products and materials may be conserved, essentially this forms a closed-loop logistics system. We present a 0–1 mixed integer programming model that simultaneously solves for the location of remanufacturing/distribution facilities, the transshipment, production, and stocking of the optimal quantities of remanufactured products and cores. We also discuss the managerial uses of the model for logistics decision-making.
Stability of the Base Flow to Axisymmetric and Plane-Polar Disturbances in an Electrically Driven Flow Between Infinitely-Long, Concentric Cylinders

The method of normal modes is used to examine the stability of an azimuthal base flow to both axisymmetric and plane-polar disturbances for an electrically conducting fluid confined between stationary, concentric, infinitely-long cylinders. An electric potential difference exists between the two cylinder walls and drives a radial electric current. Without a magnetic field, this flow remains stationary, However, if an axial magnetic field is applied, then the interaction between the radial electric current and the magnetic field gives rise to an azimuthal electromagnetic body force which drives an azimuthal velocity. Infinitesimal axisymmetric disturbances lead to an instability in the base flow
On the origin of the term "neuropsychology".

Abstract The term “neuropsychology” appears to have been first used formally by Sir William Osler in 1913.
Heat Inactivation of Milk-Clotting Enzymes at Different pH

Abstract Thermal-death-time characteristics were determined for three milk-clotting enzymes and one mixture of enzymes for pH from 4.5 to 6.5 in Jenness-Koops buffer. Means for temperature dependence coefficients (z) in this pH range were 4.22C for Mucor miehei protease, 4.62C for Mucor pusillus protease, 5.40C for rennet, and 5.23C for a 50:50 blend of rennet and pepsin. Activation energies were calculated for each enzyme or the mixture of rennet and pepsin and means were 131.5 kcal/mole for Mucor miehei protease, 116.8 kcal/mole for Mucor pusillus protease, 97.0 kcal/mole for rennet, and 99.6 kcal/mole for 50:50 rennet-pepsin mixture. For each enzyme, heat resistance increased as pH decreased. To accomplish 90% inactivation of each enzyme and the mixture in 15s at pH 6.0, these temperature treatments were required: Mucor miehei , 77C; Mucor pusillus protease, 71C; and rennet and rennet-pepsin, 67C.
The enhancement of magnetically ordered oxide layered structures using oxygen radical processing

Abstract We have used the lower operating pressures available in ion beam sputtering to demonstrate controlled reactive oxide multi-component layer formation using substrate impingement with thermal energy neutral oxygen atoms. X-ray characterization verified the usefulness of the radical beam approach for enhancing oxide substrate surface preparation and film oxidation. Polycrystalline and epitaxial (Ni0.81Fe0.19)O (or PyO), and epitaxial (Bi0.8·Y2.2)(Fe4·Ga1)O12 (Bi-YIG) layers were successfully produced. Radical oxidation was used to tailor the exchange biasing properties of the rock-salt structured PyO structures, and induce the formation of Bi-YIG layers with in-plane easy-axis properties potentially useful for magnetic photonic device implementation.
Solution Structure of the C-Terminal Domain of Ku80 Suggests Important Sites for Protein-Protein Interactions

The solution structure of Ku80 CTD from residue 566 to 732 has been solved in order to gain insights into the mechanisms of its interactions with other proteins. The structure reveals a topology similar to several common scaffolds for protein-protein interactions, in the absence of significant sequence similarity to these proteins. Conserved surface amino acid residues are clustered on two main surface areas, which are likely involved in mediating interactions between Ku80 and other proteins. The Ku70/Ku80 heterodimer has been shown to be involved in at least three processes, nonhomologous end joining, transcription, and telomere maintenance, and thus it needs to interact with different proteins involved in these different processes. The three-dimensional structure of the Ku80 C-terminal domain and the availability of NMR chemical shift assignments provide a basis for further investigation of the interactions between Ku80 and other proteins in these Ku-dependent cellular functions.
Human meiotic recombinase Dmc1 promotes ATP-dependent homologous DNA strand exchange

Homologous recombination is crucial for the repair of DNA breaks and maintenance of genome stability. In Escherichia coli, homologous recombination is dependent on the RecA protein. In the presence of ATP, RecA mediates the homologous DNA pairing and strand exchange reaction that links recombining DNA molecules. DNA joint formation is initiated through the nucleation of RecA onto single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) to form helical nucleoprotein filaments. Two RecA-like recombinases, Rad51 and Dmc1, exist in eukaryotes. Whereas Rad51 is needed for both mitotic and meiotic recombination events, the function of Dmc1 is restricted to meiosis. Here we examine human Dmc1 protein (hDmc1) for the ability to promote DNA strand exchange, and show that hDmc1 mediates strand exchange between paired DNA substrates over at least several thousand base pairs. DNA strand exchange requires ATP and is strongly dependent on the heterotrimeric ssDNA-binding molecule replication factor A (RPA). We present evidence that hDmc1-mediated DNA recombination initiates through the nucleation of hDmc1 onto ssDNA to form a helical nucleoprotein filament. The DNA strand exchange activity of hDmc1 is probably indispensable for repair of DNA double-strand breaks during meiosis and for maintaining the ploidy of meiotic chromosomes.
The Impact of Computer Technology on Academic Achievement of Young African American Children

Abstract This study examined the relationship between academic achievement of young African American children and access to and use of computers in their school and home. The sample consists of 1,601 African American public school children who attended kindergarten and 1st grade. Results indicate that access to and use of a home computer, computer area in classrooms, child/computer ratio, software, and computers in school were positively correlated with academic achievement. In addition, frequent use of software for literacy, math, and games was positively correlated with academic achievement during kindergarten. High achievers were found to use software for literacy and math more frequently than both low and average achievers during kindergarten.
A closed-loop principal component analysis of singularly perturbed systems

Singularly perturbed, or more generally "weakly coupled," systems are examined in the light of the "closed-loop principal component analysis." This is a technique which determines the "principal" state coordinates of a system closed up by an LQG loop, and classifies these coordinates by order of importance. By a numerical exploration, it is shown that the "closed-loop principal component analysis" is consistent with the splitting of the singularly perturbed system into a slow (main) and a fast (parasitic) mode.