cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
High-pressure structural behavior of GdAlO3 and GdFeO3 perovskites

The orthorhombic perovskites, GdAlO{sub 3} and GdFeO{sub 3}, have been studied using single-crystal X-ray diffraction up to 8.52 and 8.13GPa, respectively, in a diamond anvil cell at 298K. The evolution of the structures of GdAlO{sub 3} and GdFeO{sub 3} involves compression of both the GdO{sub 12} and the octahedral (AlO{sub 6} and FeO{sub 6}) sites. The compression of the GdO{sub 12} site is anisotropic in both perovskites, with the four longest Gd-O distances compressing more than the eight shorter Gd-O bond lengths, resulting in a decrease in the distortion of GdO{sub 12} with pressure. In GdAlO{sub 3}, the GdO{sub 12} site is less compressible than the AlO{sub 6} site, resulting in an increase of both the interoctahedral Al-O1-Al and Al-O2-Al angles with increasing pressure. Thus GdAlO{sub 3} perovskite becomes less distorted with increasing pressure. In GdFeO{sub 3}, the GdO{sub 12} site displays a similar compressibility as the FeO{sub 6} site, with little change in the Fe-O2-Fe angle with pressure but an increase of the Fe-O1-Fe tilting angle. Thus GdFeO{sub 3} perovskite becomes less distorted with increasing pressure, but the change is not as pronounced as GdAlO{sub 3}. The high-pressure behavior of GdAlO{sub 3} and GdFeO{sub 3} is similar to orthorhombicmore » YAlO{sub 3} perovskite but contrasts with orthorhombic CaSnO{sub 3}, which becomes more distorted with increasing pressure.« less
Organizational Information System Adoption: A Network Perspective

As distributed organizations increasingly rely on technological innovations to enhance organizational efficiency and competitiveness, interest in agile environments that enhance the diffusion and adoption of innovations has grown. Although Information Systems has confirmed that social influence factors play an important role in the adoption of technological innovations by individuals, less is understood about the mechanisms within social communication networks that facilitate the flow of social influence and knowledge and about the organizational capacity to acquire and absorb new knowledge. This exploratory study helps to specify interactions and feedback within social communication networks and organizational capacities in a network organization environment. We use an exploratory case study design to document how the flow of knowledge within social communication networks affected the adoption of a large-scale software system in several counties within New York state. Data from decision makers in two comparable network organizations were analyzed for differences in social communication networks and the organization’s capability to absorb and exploit new knowledge. The data suggest that information system adoption was influenced by communication processes that reinforced social influences and supported knowledge transfer, and hampered when those processes were absent. Implications for the development of theory about the relationship between social information processing and the ability of an organization to absorb and adopt new technology are discussed.
Human Mitochondrial Ferredoxin 1 (FDX1) and Ferredoxin 2 (FDX2) Both Bind Cysteine Desulfurase and Donate Electrons for Iron-Sulfur Cluster Biosynthesis.

Ferredoxins play an important role as an electron donor in iron–sulfur (Fe–S) cluster biosynthesis. Two ferredoxins, human mitochondrial ferredoxin 1 (FDX1) and human mitochondrial ferredoxin 2 (FDX2), are present in the matrix of human mitochondria. Conflicting results have been reported regarding their respective function in mitochondrial iron–sulfur cluster biogenesis. We report here biophysical studies of the interaction of these two ferredoxins with other proteins involved in mitochondrial iron–sulfur cluster assembly. Results from nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy show that both FDX1 and FDX2 (in both their reduced and oxidized states) interact with the protein complex responsible for cluster assembly, which contains cysteine desulfurase (NFS1), ISD11 (also known as LYRM4), and acyl carrier protein (Acp). In all cases, ferredoxin residues close to the Fe–S cluster are involved in the interaction with this complex. Isothermal titration calorimetry results showed that FDX2 binds more tightly to ...
The Effect of Climate Change on Mosquito-Borne Diseases

Global climate change will affect all living things on this planet. For many species, the change in their environment may mean extinction. However, there is one organism, the mosquito, that may benefit from changes in the climate. This paper addresses the possible effects of climate change on mosquitoes, including longer breeding seasons and increased hatch rates of populations. The enlarged population will cause mosquitoes to seek more territory, and the warmer climate will in turn make more territory available. If mosquitoes increase in population, there may be an amplification of mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria, yellow fever, Chikungunya virus, St. Louis encephalitis, West Nile virus, and the Zika virus. This trend of increased range because of climate change has already been observed in dengue fever. This information can be used as an engaging segue into teaching students about climate change and vector-borne disease.
Abstract 107: Cytochrome B5 Reductase 3 Sensitizes Soluble Guanylate Cyclase to Nitric Oxide in Vascular Smooth Muscle

The inability nitric oxide (NO) to stimulate soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) has been linked to numerous cardiovascular diseases (CVD) including hypertension. While several studies have defined the importance of sGC expression in the cardiovascular system, the basic mechanisms that regulate sGC activity remain incompletely understood. Here, we report for the first time that sGC heme iron redox state, which is essential for NO-induced sGC activation, is regulated by cytochrome B5 reductase 3 (CyB5R3). Genetic knockdown and pharmacological inhibition of CyB5R3 in primary rat vascular smooth muscle cells resulted in a 60% loss in cGMP production. Conversely, the sGC activator Bay 58-2667, which activates oxidized or heme free sGC, reversed these effects. Consistent with our cell culture work, purified protein studies demonstrate that CyB5R3 can directly reduce oxidized sGC heme iron and sensitize sGC to NO. To test the functional importance of Cyb5R3 activity, we cultured mouse thoracodorsal arteries with a pharmacological inhibitor of Cyb5R3 (ZINC 747) and performed vascular reactivity studies using pressure myography. Arteries treated with ZINC 747 showed decreased responsiveness the NO donor DETA-NONOate but increase sensitivity to Bay 58-2667. We then treated mice with 10mg/kg/day of ZINC 747 using osmotic mini pumps, which caused an increase in mean arterial blood pressure (107.5±3.4 vs 131±13.16) measured via radio telemetry. Lastly, translational studies reveal that the CyB5R3 T116S polymorphism with allele frequency 0.23 only in African Americans is unable to reduce sGC and correlates with increased blood pressure. Considering the defining role of sGC in NO signaling and the fact that the oxidation state of sGC may predict responses to NO therapies and new classes of sGC activator medications, we anticipate that these studies may significantly impact our understanding of biology, precision therapeutics (right drug for the right patient) and pharmacogenetics (T117S SNP based drug selection).
Max Weber’s ideal versus material interest distinction revisited:

While Weber’s distinction between ‘ideal’ and ‘material’ interests is one of the most enduring aspects of his theoretical legacy, it has been subjected to little critical commentary. In this articl...
A turn to realism and humanism from propaganda: Chinese photojournalism practices between 1976 and 1988

ABSTRACTChina’s photojournalistic field undertook great transformations in the 1980s. While the conservatives continued to cling to the propagandistic doctrine, a more progressive trend was emerging. The tension between these two forces had deep historical roots and went on to shape the way Chinese media photography developed. Based on archival research and in-depth interviews, this article revisits the history of Chinese media photography practices between 1937 and 1988 and identifies the key features of three distinct periods: wartime propaganda between 1937–1949; the intensification of ideological propaganda between 1949–1976; and the transformation to realism and humanism between 1976–1988.
The Electronic Resources Librarian: From Public Service Generalist to Technical Services Specialist

Has the electronic resources librarian position been redefined in its scope of responsibility since its origin in the 1990s? How is the position developing in actual practice? By reviewing relevant...
Abstract 221: B-1b Cells Produce IgM to Malondialdehyde-Modified Low Density Lipoprotein in Perivascular Adipose Tissue in Response to Immunization And Attenuate Diet Induced Atherosclerosis

Background: B-1b cells are capable of long-lasting IgM memory and secrete more IgM, particularly malondialdehyde-modified low density lipoprotein (MDA-LDL) specific IgM than B-1a cells after transf...
An Evaluation of the Relative Effectiveness of Function-Based Consequent and Antecedent Interventions in a Preschool Setting

ABSTRACTAlthough there is substantial functional behavioral assessment (FBA) literature suggesting that function-based interventions are effective for improving problem behavior, only a limited num...
Phylogeny of Rhizobia

16S rRNA sequence analyses have been used to infer the phylogenetic relationships among rhizobial species by comparison with results obtained from sequences of two alternative loci. We consider the possibility of whether a biological species approach might be useful in defining species limits in the rhizobia. However, first we consider one of the most widely used criteria currently used for estimating phylogenetic relationships among bacteria, 16S rRNA sequence homology.
A new form of RNA polymerase isolated from Escherichiacoli

Stationary E.coli cells contain a second form of RNA polymerase separable from the standard enzyme by DEAE chromatography. The new form is almost inactive with natural DNA templates, it is active with poly dAT. It requires Mn++, Mg++ works less well. The activity is sensitive to rifampicin. RNA synthesis by the standard RNA polymerase using T4 or E.coli, but not T7, DNA as template is inhibited by this second form of RNA polymerase. This invitro repressor-like effect suggests an invivo role of RNA polymerase in regulating RNA synthesis.
Are a Million Species at Risk

The research paper “Extinction Risk from Climate Change” created front-page headlines around the world when it appeared as the cover story of Nature in January 2004 (Thomas et al., 2004). The notion that climate change could drive more than a million species to extinction captured popular imagination and the attention of policy makers. The story was covered by CNN, ABC News, NBC News, NPR, and major newspapers and magazines in Europe and the United States and was the subject of debate in the House of Commons and in the US Senate.
A latent variable structural path model of health behaviors after spinal cord injury.

Background/Objective: To develop a latent behavioral model by identifying and confirming the factor structure of health behaviors of people with spinal cord injury (SCI) and their relationships with biographic, injury, and educational characteristics.
Passy, Paul Édouard (1859–1940)

Paul Passy (1859–1940) was the founder of the International Phonetic Association. His interests included not only applied phonetics (language pedagogy and reading instruction), but also descriptive linguistics, historical sound change, and basic phonological theory. He was a major influence on Daniel Jones.
Z-plasties and related procedures for the hand and upper limb.

SUMMARY The Z-plasty is a useful procedure in surgery of the upper limb for lengthening skin along a selected axis, for breaking up a straight line, and for obliterating webs. At least six geometric variables are considered in designing a conventional Z-plasty, and several modified designs must be considered. Geometrical models are useful guides in design, but biomechanical features are also important and must be incorporated in the plan.
Dopamine-related dissociation of cortical and subcortical brain activations in cognitively unimpaired Parkinson's disease patients OFF and ON medications.

Abstract Background Despite dopaminergic depletion that is severe enough to cause the motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD), many patients remain cognitively unimpaired. Little is known about brain mechanisms underlying such preserved cognitive abilities and their alteration by dopaminergic medications. Objectives We investigated brain activations underlying dopamine-related differences in cognitive function using a unique experimental design with PD patients off and on dopaminergic medications. We tested the dopamine overdose hypothesis, which posits that the excess of exogenous dopamine in the frontal cortical regions can impair cognition. Methods We used a two-choice forced response Choice Reaction Time (CRT) task to probe cognitive processes underlying response selection and execution. Functional magnetic resonance imaging data were acquired from 16 cognitively unimpaired (Level-II) PD participants and 15 well-matched healthy controls (HC). We compared task performance (i.e. reaction time and accuracy) and brain activation of PD participants off dopaminergic medications (PD_OFF) in comparison with HC, and PD_OFF participants with those on dopaminergic medications (PD_ON). Results PD_OFF and PD_ON groups did not differ from each other, or from the HC group, in reaction time or accuracy. Compared to HC, PD_OFF activated the bilateral putamen less, and this was compensated by higher activation of the anterior insula. No such differences were observed in the PD_ON group, compared to HC. Compared to both HC and PD_OFF, PD_ON participants showed dopamine-related hyperactivation in the frontal cortical regions and hypoactivation in the amygdala. Conclusion Our data provide further evidence that PD_OFF and PD_ON participants engage different cortical and subcortical systems to achieve similar levels of cognitive performance as HC. Crucially, our findings demonstrate dopamine-related dissociation in brain activation between cortical and subcortical regions, and provide novel support for the dopamine overdose hypothesis.
Management of Hypertension in Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes mellitus is a progressive metabolic disease with severe macrovascular (coronary artery disease, heart failure, stroke, peripheral artery disease) and microvascular (nephropathy, retinopathy) complications. Diabetes mellitus is associated with a two-fold to three-fold increased risk for cardiovascular events and is the leading cause of chronic kidney disease with almost half of end-stage renal disease cases being attributed to diabetes [1, 2]. The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus increased dramatically during the last decades reaching epidemic dimensions, with even more disappointing projections for the near future [3, 4]. This increase in incidence around most of the world is primarily due to the increase in global obesity. The findings of two recent studies generate even greater concerns. The incidence of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes increased significantly among youths in the US during the last decade, especially in minority populations [5]. Moreover, a large Swedish Registry revealed that although mortality and cardiovascular morbidity declined significantly during the last decade, fatal outcomes declined significantly less in diabetic compared to control individuals [6].
Simulation-Based Education for Urgent Medical Complications Common to the Rehabilitation Setting: An Educational Program for Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Residents.

BACKGROUND Simulation technology is being increasingly adopted into medical education and is consistently associated with positive effects on knowledge, skills, and patient-related outcomes. There is little evidence on the use of simulation technology for the instruction of urgent medical complications to physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) residents. OBJECTIVE To examine whether a simulation-based educational program can improve PM&R resident confidence and knowledge in the assessment and management of urgent medical complications. DESIGN Pretest-posttest design. SETTING Academic freestanding acute inpatient rehabilitation hospital. PARTICIPANTS Twelve Post-Graduate Year (PGY)-2 PM&R residents at the start of the academic year. METHODS Residents completed an integrated didactic and simulation-based curriculum on the assessment and management of five urgent medical complications: seizures, agitation, ventricular assist device (VAD)-associated complications, sympathetic storming, and autonomic dysreflexia. Simulations were conducted using a high-fidelity manikin. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS Surveys and knowledge assessments were completed at baseline and immediately following training. Survey responses were recorded on a Likert scale ranging from 1 = strongly disagree to 5 = strongly agree. Multiple-choice knowledge assessments were scored out of 100%. Within-group differences from baseline to postintervention were analyzed. RESULTS There was a positive correlation between baseline experience and baseline confidence scores (r = 0.877). Improved confidence was demonstrated in the assessment and management of all five topics (P < .05). Knowledge assessment scores significantly improved from 57.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] 50.6% to 65.4%) at baseline to 85.0% (95% CI 81.6% to 88.4%) following the course (P < .001). The education program was rated highly by both learners (mean satisfaction score, Likert score [LS] = 4.6) and instructors (mean satisfaction score, LS = 4.5). CONCLUSIONS Application of a simulation-based educational model to the instruction of urgent medical complications to PM&R residents resulted in increased knowledge with added benefits of confidence building and high levels of enjoyment. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE II.
The Inhibitory Cascade Model is Not a Good Predictor of Molar Size Covariation

The inhibitory cascade (IC) model is a widely used evolutionary developmental explanation of among-species differences in relative molar tooth size. The IC model posits that, as molars develop from front to back, the relative strength of activating and inhibiting influences establishes a “ratcheting” mechanism leading to predictable relative molar sizes. Such a constraint on molar covariation would lead to strong variational biases on the evolutionary paths that the molar row can traverse through phenotypic space. These constraints manifest themselves in characteristic patterns of variation among species that loosely match observed macroevolutionary patterns. In this paper, we write out the predictions of the IC model for within-species covariation in molar size in a framework that unifies evolutionary developmental biological and quantitative genetic perspectives on the evolution of complex traits. We then evaluate these predictions about aspects of molar covariation in eight anthropoid primate species. We find that the IC model tends to over-predict aspects of within-species covariation by substantial margins. Only macaques exhibit covariation in and among individual teeth consistent with the IC model, but they do not show signs of the strong evolutionary constraint predicted by the model. Gorillas meet none of the predictions. While we cannot rule out an IC-like process as a contributor, causes of molar size covariation other than those described in the IC model must be major contributors to covariation in molar teeth within populations.
Biological applications of amide and amino acid containing synthetic macrocycles

Amino acid derived macrocycles with elaborate well-defined stereochemistry are a unique class of compounds that have been isolated from natural sources. Macrocycles like cyclosporine, octreotide, a...
Macrophage polarization in chronic kidney disease: a balancing act between renal recovery and decline?

Macrophages are heterogenous cells of the innate immune system that can fluidly modulate their phenotype to respond to their local microenvironment. They are found throughout the renal compartments...
The ketogenic diet in health and disease

Abstract Ketogenic diets are very low-carbohydrate, high-fat diets originally used as treatment for epilepsy. Their therapeutic use spanned to the treatment of obesity in the 1920s and the still-popular 1970s Atkins diet is variation of a ketogenic diet. Studies have found that ketogenic diets are effective for weight loss, diabetes, some lipid parameters, and epilepsy. In some instances, especially for weight loss, the ketogenic diet may be superior to other diets. While ketosis can cause some amount of appetite suppression, weight loss, and decreased caloric intake alone do not always explain the favorable benefits seen in metabolic diseases. Data is also emerging for the effectiveness of ketogenic diets in the treatment of other health conditions such as cognitive impairment, cancer, and polycystic ovarian syndrome. In general the ketogenic diet is well tolerated and constipation is the most commonly cited side effect. However, there have been concerns that lower carbohydrate diets are linked with increased all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. Therefore careful consideration of any benefits and risks is warranted prior to pursuing this diet. If effective and tolerated, the ketogenic diet may prove to be an important and cost-effective therapeutic tool for the treatment of many prevalent diseases.
Selective Death of Cholinergic Septohippocampal Neurons Induced by Colchicine: the Role of Axoplasmic Transport

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized in part by the degeneration of specific sets and types of neurons. Of particular interest is the dramatic loss of cholinergic neurons in the basal forebrain (Coyle et al., 1983). Another characteristic feature of the AD brain is the presence of neurofibrillary tangles and amyloid-containing plaques (Terry and Katzman, 1983). The cause of these degenerative events is not known, and in fact the relationship between plaques and tangles and neuronal degeneration is unclear. It has been hypothesized that impairment of the microtubule system and disruption of axoplasmic transport play an important role in the pathogenesis of the disease (Gajdusek, 1985; Matsuyama and Jarvik, 1989) possibly resulting in plaques, tangles and neuronal degeneration. In the present chapter we shall describe our own work using the microtubule inhibitor colchicine for inducing the selective death of cholinergic neurons in the medial septum. In preparation for this, we shall first give a brief review of the structure and function of microtubules and of the action of colchicine.
Impact of Nighttime Lung Transplantation on Outcomes and Costs

Background Previous studies in the field of organ transplantation have shown a possible association between nighttime surgery and adverse outcomes. We aim to determine the impact of nighttime lung transplantation on postoperative outcomes, long-term survival, and overall cost. Methods We performed a single-center retrospective cohort analysis of adult lung transplant recipients who underwent transplantation between January 2006 and December 2017. Data were extracted from our institutional Lung Transplant Registry and Mid-America Transplant services database. Patients were classified into 2 strata, daytime (5 AM to 6 PM) and nighttime (6 PM to 5 AM), based on time of incision. Major postoperative adverse events, 5-year overall survival, and 5-year bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome–free survival were examined after propensity score matching. Additionally we compared overall cost of transplantation between nighttime and daytime groups. Results Of the 740 patients included in this study, 549 (74.2%) underwent daytime transplantation and 191 (25.8%) underwent nighttime transplantation (NT). Propensity score matching yielded 187 matched pairs. NT was associated with a higher risk of having any major postoperative adverse event (adjusted odds ratio, 1.731; 95% confidence interval, 1.093-2.741; P = .019), decreased 5-year overall survival (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.798; 95% confidence interval, 1.079-2.995; P = .024), and decreased 5-year bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome–free survival (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.556; 95% confidence interval, 1.098-2.205; P = .013) in doubly robust multivariable analyses after propensity score matching. Overall cost for NT and daytime transplantation was similar. Conclusions NT was associated with a higher risk of major postoperative adverse events, decreased 5-year overall survival, and decreased 5-year bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome–free survival. Our findings suggest potential benefits of delaying NT to daytime transplantation.
Osseous Healing With Nonrigid Suture Fixation in the Arthroscopic Latarjet Procedure

Background:The Latarjet procedure is a popular means to surgically address anterior glenohumeral joint instability. Although the Latarjet procedure is becoming increasingly common, challenges persi...
Integrating Resiliency Into Neurobiologically-Focused Mental Health Counseling Through Mindfulness

The traumatized client may enter the mental health counseling suffering from the neurobiological effects of psychological trauma. This exposure has a detrimental impact on the brain’s functioning l...
Application of the AMA Code of Medical Ethics to Psychiatric Practice in Correctional Facilities and Access to Psychiatric Care in the U.S.A.

The psychiatrist who passes through the sally port of a U.S. jail or prison to provide professional services enters a realm that is strikingly different from a private group practice, a clinic or a hospital. Professional ethics in a healthcare setting can be both implicit and explicit, but as a rule they are concertedly supported which creates an ethically comfortable and harmonious working atmosphere for psychiatrists. Correctional facilities in contrast serve different purposes than provision of healthcare: Security is emphasized and the leadership, management and administration of correctional facilities is driven by presumptions, customs, traditions and regulations that stress order, routine, safety and especially control.
Measuring and Modeling Sonoporation Dynamics in Mammalian Cells via Calcium Imaging

In this study, calcium imaging via the fluorescent indicator Fura‐2 is used to characterize the sonoporation of Chinese Hamster Ovarian (CHO) cells in the presence of Optison™ microbubbles. Evolution of the calcium concentration within cells is determined from real‐time fluorescence intensity measurements before, during, and after exposure to a 1 MHz ultrasound tone burst (0.2 s, 0.45 MPa). To relate microscopic sonoporation parameters to the measurements, an analytical model that includes sonoporation and plasma membrane transport is developed, assuming rapid mixing (uniform spatial distribution) in the cell. Fitting the measured data to the model provides estimated values for the poration area as a function of poration relaxation rate as well as plasma membrane pump and leakage rates. A modified compartment model that includes the effects of sonoporation, buffering proteins, and transport across the plasma membrane, endoplasmic reticulum, and mitochondria is also investigated. Numerical 3solutions of this model show a variety of behaviors for the calcium dynamics of the cell.
Picturing Russia: Explorations in visual culture

What can Russian images and objects-a tsar's crown, a provincial watercolor album, the Soviet Pioneer Palace-tell us about the Russian people and their culture? This wide-ranging book is the first to explore the visual culture of Russia over the entire span of Russian history, from ancient Kiev to contemporary, post-Soviet society. Illustrated with more than one hundred diverse and fascinating images, the book examines the ways that Russians have represented themselves visually, understood their visual environment, and used visual images in social and political contexts. Expert contributors discuss images and objects from all over the Russian/Soviet empire, including consumer goods, architectural monuments, religious icons, portraits, news and art photography, popular prints, films, folk art, and more. Each of the concise and accessible essays in the volume offers a fresh interpretation of Russian cultural history. Putting visuality itself in focus as never before, Picturing Russia adds an entirely new dimension to the study of Russian literature, history, art, and culture. The book enriches our understanding of visual documents and shows the variety of ways they serve as far more than mere illustration.
β class II tubulin predominates in normal and tumor breast tissues

Background Antimitotic chemotherapeutic agents target tubulin, the major protein in mitotic spindles. Tubulin isotype composition is thought to be both diagnostic of tumor progression and a determinant of the cellular response to chemotherapy. This implies that there is a difference in isotype composition between normal and tumor tissues.
Efectos de descargas de agua de manglares embalsados en las praderas submarinas y en la atenuación de la radiación solar en el estuario colindante

Jorge R. Rey. Ph.D., Florida State University. Profesor, Instituto de Alimentos, Agricultura y Recursos Naturales, University of Florida, EEUU. Direccion: IFAS, 200 9th Street S.E., Vero Beach, FL 32962. EEUU. email: jrr@mail.ifas.ufl.edu Sheila M. O’Connell. B.Sc. en Biologia, University of Florida. Biologa, Instituto de Alimentos, Agricultura y Recursos Naturales. e-mail: soc@mail.ifas.ufl.edu EFECTOS DE DESCARGAS DE AGUA DE MANGLARES EMBALSADOS EN LAS PRADERAS SUBMARINAS Y EN LA ATENUACION DE LA RADIACION SOLAR EN EL ESTUARIO COLINDANTE
Simulation of particle compaction for conductive adhesives using discrete element modeling

One aspect of highly filled composite adhesive systems such as conductive adhesives which is often ignored has been the effect of compaction. Theories such as percolation deal with the description of the particle orientation on conductivity and some treatments also deal with the particle distribution, but they do not describe the dynamics or the pathway that allow the particles to arrive at that configuration. Although laboratory studies with die attach show that both particle distribution and shape will affect the conductivity, the final "settled" configuration which also impacts the conductive chain cannot be predicted using simple experimental extrapolation. In order to gain a more predictive perspective on the particle effects, Johnson-Matthey and Colorado School of Mines have collaborated on the simulation of compaction in conductive die attach adhesives using discrete element modeling (DEM). DEM computationally takes into account each discrete particle as well the interactions existing between the particles. We have found that by using DEM both particle shape and distribution may be simulated to derive an overall picture of the settled or compacted state of the material. The conductive pathways or chains may further be calculated and compared to experimental results. In addition, specific details such as particle contact area and contact force may also be derived to give a better overall picture of the quality of contact that is achieved. Particle distribution as well as particle shape are key variables considered in the simulation. Particle shape is treated by use of either spheres or flattened ellipsoids. Considerations of the simulation treatment and analysis will be discussed which correlate to experimental observations.
Feasibility of determining the quantitative OH content of garnets with Raman spectroscopy

Two suites of garnets were examined by infrared absorption spectroscopy and depolarized Raman spectroscopy to determine if the Raman signal could be used as a quantitative measurement of OH content. To avoid the problems of determining the absolute Raman signal intensity, the integrated intensity of the OH bands was ratioed to the integrated intensity of silicate Si-O stretching bands and used as a proxy for the OH intensity. These were compared to the OH contents, expressed as wt% H2O, independently determined from infrared absorption. A somewhat useful trend developed between OH contents determined by Raman and IR for some grossular garnets with H2O contents less than 0.5%. Many colorless to near-colorless grossular garnets do not provide a useful Raman signal due to fluorescence, although other samples with H2O contents between 0.5 and 1.3 wt% and are strongly colored, fall far below the trend of the samples with lower H2O-contents. Spessartine-almandine garnets from the Rutherford no. 2 pegmatite all respond to the Raman experiment, but produce a confusing trend when compared to H2O. Coincidentally, a relatively smooth but decreasing trend was observed when the spessartine Raman OH intensity ratio was compared to the iron content. These observations suggest that Raman measurements by this method are not suitable, in general, for the determination of OH in garnets.
Modelling ab initio non-bonded interactions for sigma bond, pi bond, and lone pair orbitals

Abstract Ab initio eigenvalue splittings between symmetric and anti-symmetric combinations of energetically degenerate and environmentally equivalent molecular orbitals (MOs) are presented for pairs of ethane molecules and pairs of formaldehyde molecules in various geometrical configurations and as a function of separation. These weak non-bonded orbital interactions are computed for the MO of CC sigma bond character in ethane, and for MOs of CO pi bond character and those of axial and perpendicular oxygen lone pair character in formaldehyde. The relationship between simple orbital overlaps and the Hartree—Fock splittings in this beyond-van-der-Waals distance range is examined using overlaps based on valence bond wavefunctions constructed from single zeta Slater type orbitals. The role of the hydrogen atoms interposed in the region between the interacting MOs is examined. The suitability of the computed interactions as calibrations of effective transfer integrals needed in macromolecular electronic analyses is discussed.
Electronic structure of vertically stacked self-assembled quantum disks

The electronic structure of vertically stacked self-assembled quantum disks is studied within the effective mass approximation. The energy spectrum is calculated in the adiabatic approximation and using an exact diagonalization technique. The influence of the strain, dot separation, and the magnetic field on the formation of coupled quantum dot levels is discussed.
INFLUENCE OF TEMPERATURE AND LARVAL DENSITY ON FLIGHT PERFORMANCE OF DIABROTICA VIRGIFERA VIRGIFERA LECONTE (COLEOPTERA: CHRYSOMELIDAE)

The influence of temperature and larval density on the flight performance of Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte was quantified in the laboratory using a tethered flight system. Temperature had a significant influence on trivial flight performance in males and in both young (5 day) and older (25 day) females. The proportion of beetles undertaking trivial flight, and trivial flight duration and frequency peaked at temperatures around 20–25°C. Generally, males were more active than females at lower temperatures. Female beetles did not display sustained flight behavior at 15 or 35°C and males did not undertake sustained flight at 30 or 35°C. Sustained flight duration was unaffected by temperature. Rearing larvae at different densities influenced adult size but had only subtle effects on adult flight performance. Larval density significantly influenced trivial flight duration and frequency of older females and flight frequency of males but had no effect on young females. In general, trivial flight performance peaked when larvae were reared at moderate densities (500–750 per primary rearing container). In young females the propensity for sustained flight, but not flight duration, declined with increasing larval density.
Evaluation of choroidal thickness in retinitis pigmentosa using enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography

Objective To describe the choroidal characteristics of patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP) using enhanced depth imaging (EDI) and spectral domain (SD) optical coherence tomography (OCT). Purpose To investigate the spectral-domain ocular coherence tomography features of the choroid in patients with RP using EDI. Methods A prospective, case–control study of 21 patients from the Cole Eye Institute with RP imaged using the Spectralis OCT and an EDI protocol. Submacular choroidal thickness measurements were obtained beneath the fovea and at 500 µm intervals for 2.5 mm nasal and temporal to the centre of the fovea. These measurements were compared to choroidal thickness measurements from 25 healthy age-matched controls with similar refractive error range and no clinical evidence of retinal or glaucomatous disease. Statistical analysis was performed to compare choroidal thickness at each location between the two groups and to correlate choroidal thickness with best-corrected visual acuity and central retinal thickness. Results Mean ages were 40.6 years for control patients and 45.1 years for RP patients (p>0.05). Mean choroidal thickness measurements were 245.6±103 µm in RP patients and 337.8.2±109 µm in controls (p Conclusions Submacular choroidal thickness, as measured by SD–OCT EDI, is significantly reduced in patients with RP, but did not correlate with visual acuity or retinal thickness in RP patients. Further research is needed to understand better the pathophysiological significance of the choroidal alterations present in RP.
Cardiac peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ is essential in protecting cardiomyocytes from oxidative damage

Objectives Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR) α and β/δ are essential transcriptional regulators of fatty acid oxidation in the heart. However, little is known about the roles of PPARδ in the heart. The present study is to investigate in vivo role(s) of PPARδ in the heart. Methods A Cre–loxP mediated cardiomyocyte-restricted PPARδ knockout line was investigated. In these mice, exon 1 and 2 of PPARδ were targeted to eliminate PPARδ from cardiomyocytes. Results PPARδ null mice exhibited pathological changes around 3 months of age, featuring progressive cardiac hypertrophy with mitochondrial oxidative damage. Most mice died from dilated cardiomyopathy. Cardiac expression of Sod2 (encoding manganese superoxide dismutase; MnSOD), a mitochondrial antioxidant enzyme was downregulated both in transcript and protein levels in cardiac samples in PPARδ knockout mice independent of pathological changes. Promoter analyses revealed that Sod2 is a target gene of PPARδ. Consequently, myocardial superoxide content in PPARδ knockout mice was increased, leading to extensive oxidative damage. Treatment with a SOD mimetic compound, MnTBAP, prevented superoxide-induced cardiac pathological changes in PPARδ knockout mice. Conclusions The present study demonstrates that PPARδ is critical to myocardial redox homeostasis. These findings should provide new insights into understanding the roles of PPARδ in the heart.
Accuracy of most-probable-number estimates of rhizobia for tree legumes

Abstract Rhizobia that nodulate tree legumes have rarely been enumerated by the most-probablenumber (MPN) plant infection assay. We compared MPN estimates of pure cultures of rhizobia with plate counts, using as hosts seedlings of 14 tree legume species grown separately in growth pouches or glass tubes. Reasonable agreement was obtained with 11 of the 14 tree species in one or both growth systems, with closer agreement in glass tubes than growth pouches for small-seeded species. Weekly assessment of MPN assays indicated that glass tubes and growth pouches should be scored for nodulation at least 7 and 5 weeks after inoculation, respectively.
Studies on death-attitude scales.

The present paper reports the results from four analyses of data from a study of 199 female Ss enrolled in introductory psychology. Each S completed a sibling-position questionnaire and the death-scales of Lester (2 ) and Boyar ( 1 ) , not anonymously. (a) Half of the Ss completed the death scales in the order AB and half in the order BA. No significant differences were found in scores on either death scale as a function of order on a median test (x' = 0.42, df = 1 for the effect of the Boyar scale on the Lester scale and x2 = 0.99 for the effect of the Lester scale on the Boyar scale). Thus, completing death questions appears to have no effect on subsequent responses to death questions. (b) Ss who failed to complete one of the death scales were compared with Ss who did complete the scale on their responses to the second scale. No significant differences were found (for Ss taking the Lester scale xk 0.003, df = 1; for the Boyar scale Fisher exact 9 = 0.12). Thus, there is no evidence of subject bias from incompleced questionnaires (5). (c) The scores on both scales were correlated with the sibling position of Ss, the number of siblings in the family, and the sex of the siblings. No significant associations were found. (d) Lester (3) reported that Ss with more inconsistent attitudes toward death on his death scale had a higher fear of death than Ss who were less inconsistent. Lester (4) did not find this effect to be significant, although the association was in the same direction as reported earlier (3). In the present study the association was again not significant but it was in the same direction as before (on a median test x2 = 1.11, df = 1). Thus, the association between inconsistency in death attitudes and the fear of death may exist but, if it does, it is a weak one.
Challenges In Modeling Chromosome-driven Mitotic Spindle Formation

A mitotic spindle is a regular structure within a cell, consisting of oriented microtubule fibers. It plays a fundamental role in chromosome separation during cell division. Forming a spindle pattern is a major structural step towards mitosis. We have developed a biophysical non-equilibrium thermodynamic model to describe in vitro chromosome driven spindle formation experiments in Xenopus extracts. Our modeling work, as well as the work of others such as Nedelec and collaborators, has shed considerable light on this process. Our modeling analysis has produced results that agree in several respects with experimental findings. We believe, however, that there are a number of challenges that must be addressed for spindle modeling to continue to be a useful tool for understanding this fundamental biological process. A biophysical model for spindle formation requires detailed biological hypotheses determining the behavior of key model elements. Current modeling work has shown some deficiencies in our understanding of particular problems. In particular, better biological hypotheses are needed to describe how molecular motors behave near the endpoints of microtubules and how those motors influence microtubule dynamic instability. We will detail what we believe are important problems needing better biological hypotheses. Accurate numerical modeling based on biophysical models of mitosis is challenging because the models must simultaneously represent thermal diffusion effects that happen in microseconds as well as spindle formation processes that take minutes or even hours. We will discuss our work on numerical algorithmic improvements that will greatly speed simulations without sacrificing biophysical model properties or numerical accuracy.
Two Para–Historical Approaches to Atrocity

Books reviewed in this article: Jonathan Glover, Humanity: A Moral History of the Twentieth Century Erna Paris, Long Shadows: Truth, Lies, and History
HIV infection of human fetal neural cells is mediated by gp120 binding to a cell membrane-associated molecule that is not CD4 nor galactocerebroside

HIV infection of central nervous system (CNS) tissue is a common finding in both adult and pediatric AIDS. Because most children are believed to be infected perinatally, we have developed a model of HIV CNS infection that utilizes explant organotypic cultures of human fetal CNS tissue. Using this model we previously reported that both lymphocytotropic and monocytotropic HIV isolates infect microglia and astrocytes. However, the mechanism by which HIV infects these cells remains to be elucidated. We have observed that neural cell infection in these cultures may be the result of receptor-mediated endocytosis. In order to confirm this observation and to determine the ligand responsible for this process, organotypic cultures were exposed to untreated HIV, HIV pretreated with soluble CD4 (sCD4) or, as a control, heat-inactivated HIV. To address the question of a putative receptor for HIV infection, CNS cultures were either untreated or pretreated with gp120 or with the deglycosylated form of this protein. Other cultures were treated with antibodies to CD4 (anti-T4A) or to galactocerebroside (GC). Results demonstrate that pretreatment of either HIV with sCD4 or CNS cultures with gp120 significantly inhibits HIV infection. The inhibition of infection was demonstrated by a reduction in the number of cells positive for HIV proteins and by decreases in HIV proviral DNA and p24 production. Pretreatment of CNS cultures with deglycosylated gp120, anti-T4A or anti-GC antibodies did not inhibit HIV infection. These data suggest that HIV gp120 is needed for binding to a surface molecule on CNS cells that is not CD4 nor GC and that this molecule may function as a receptor and lead to infection of neural cells.
Differential efficiency of mutagenesis at three genetic loci in CHO cells by a benzo[a]pyrene diol epoxide

The formation of DNA adducts by the ultimate carcinogen 7r,8t-dihydroxy-9t,10t-oxy-7,8,9,10-tetrahydrobenzo[alpha]pyrene (BPDE-I) has been implicated in the process of carcinogenesis. In a line of Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells designated AT3-2 and in two derivative mutant lines, UVL-1 and UVL-10, originally selected for hypersensitivity to UV-irradiation, we have measured the formation of BPDE-I: DNA adducts and the production of biological damage. The quantity and quality of BPDE-I: DNA adducts formed initially in the 3 cell lines are identical over a wide range of BPDE-I doses. However, the UVL lines are unable to remove adducts from their DNA, while the AT3-2 cells remove about 50% of the BPDE-I: DNA adducts in a 24-h incubation. Correlated with this, the UVL lines are more sensitive to the lethal effects of BPDE-I than are the AT3-2 cells. Mutant frequencies were measured at the aprt, hprt and oua loci and were found to increase linearly with BPDE-I: DNA adduct formation at doses which gave greater than 50% survival. At the hprt and oua loci, the efficiency of mutation induction was similar for AT3-2 and UVL-10 cells. UVL-1 cells showed slightly higher (within a factor of 2-3) mutant frequencies in response to BPDE-I compared to AT3-2 at these two loci. However, at the aprt locus the repair-deficient cells were much more highly mutable (9-15-fold) than the repair-proficient AT3-2 cells. Based on the measured average level of adduct formation, it is calculated that 15% of the BPDE-I: DNA adducts in the aprt gene are converted into mutations. However, the possibility exists that the aprt locus is subject to higher levels of modification by BPDE-I than is the bulk DNA, which would lead to an artifactually high apparent conversion frequency.