cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Tunnel expansion following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a comparison of hamstring and patellar tendon autografts

Thirty patients having had anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction with bone-patellar tendon-bone (BPTB) autograft and thirty patients having had ACL reconstruction with hamstring (HS) autograft were enrolled. All procedures were performed using an endoscopic technique with identical postoperative rehabilitation, such that the only variable was the type of graft and its fixation. Lateral and 45 degrees posteroanterior (PA) weightbearing radiographs were performed in each patient at 6-12 (mean 9) months postoperatively in the HS group and 9-22 (mean 13) months postoperatively in the PT group. The sclerotic margins of the tunnel were measured at the widest dimension of the tunnel by a single observer and were compared with the initially drilled tunnel size after correction for radiographic magnification. For the BPTB group, all bone plugs appeared to be incorporated radiographically. On the femoral side, the bone plug was incorporated at the roof of the intercondylar notch, such that no tunnel measurement could be made. Well-defined sclerotic margins were always present at the tibial and femoral tunnels for the HS group and at the tibial tunnel for the BPTB group. The mean percentage increase in tunnel size in the PA view was 9.7%+/-14.7% for the BPTB tibial tunnel, 20.9%+/-13.4% for the HS tibial tunnel, and 30.2%+/-17.2% for the HS femoral tunnel. The mean percentage increase in tunnel size in the lateral view was 14.4%+/-16.1% for the BPTB tibial tunnel, 25.5%+/-16.7% for the HS tibial tunnel, and 28.1%+/-14.7% for the HS femoral tunnel. The difference in HS and BPTB tibial tunnel expansion on both the PA and lateral views was statistically significant (P = 0.003 and P = 0.01, respectively). Inter-observer variability was excellent with an intra-class correlation coefficient of 0.92. Tunnel expansion was significantly greater following ACL reconstruction using HS autografts than in those using BPTB autografts. The points of fixation for the HS grafts are at a greater distance from the normal insertion site and biomechanical point of action of the ACL than the points of fixation for BPTB grafts. We believe that this greater distance creates a potentially larger force moment during graft cycling which may lead to greater expansion of bone tunnels.
Adsorption geometry of 4-picoline chemisorbed on the Cu(110) surface: a study of forces controlling molecular self-assembly.

The adsorption of 4-picoline (4-methylpyridine) on the Cu(110) surface has been studied with time-of-flight electron stimulated desorption ion angular distribution (TOF-ESDIAD) and other methods. Using deuterium labeling in the methyl group and hydrogen labeling on the aromatic ring, it has been possible to separately monitor by TOF-ESDIAD the C-D bond directions and the C-H bond directions in the adsorbed molecule. These triangulation measurements have led to a detailed understanding of the conformation of the adsorbed molecule relative to the Cu(110) crystal lattice, allowing one to witness changes in the molecular conformation as adsorbate-adsorbate interactional effects take place for increasing coverages. At low coverages, the molecule adsorbs by the N atom at an atop Cu site with the aromatic ring parallel to the azimuth and with the molecular axis inclined 33 (+/- 5) degrees along the azimuth. As rows of 4-picoline molecules form long range ordered chain structures oriented along the azimuth, the aromatic ring twists 29 degrees about the inclined molecular axis as a result of forces between the adsorbate molecules. The initial tilting of the molecular axis at low coverage is likely due to the interaction of the positive-outward dipole with its image in the substrate. The ring twist may result from dipoleminus signdipole forces between the adsorbate molecules in the rows formed tending to form nested parallel pyridine rings. These studies are the first to apply the TOF-ESDIAD method for the measurement of the direction of chemical bonds at more than one molecular location within an adsorbed molecule and the new method is named electron stimulated desorption-molecular triangulation (ESD-MT). The results obtained give information of importance in understanding the factors which control conformational effects during the molecular self-assembly of complex adsorbed molecules on surfaces.
Digestion of μ- and m-calpain by trypsin and chymotrypsin

Abstract Proteolytic digestion by trypsin and chymotrypsin was used to probe conformation and domain structure of the μ- and m-calpain molecules in the presence and the absence of Ca 2+ . Both calpains have a compact structure in the absence of Ca 2+ ; incubation with either protease for 120 min results in only three or four major fragments. A 24-kDa fragment was produced by removal of the Gly-rich area in domain V of the 28-kDa subunit. The other fragments were from the 80-kDa subunit. Except for trypsin digestion of m-calpain, the region between amino acids 245 and 265 (human sequence) was very susceptible to cleavage by both proteases in the absence of Ca 2+ ; this region is in domain II (IIb of the crystallographic structure). Although no proteolytically active fragments could be isolated from either tryptic or chymotryptic digests, the calpain molecule can remain assembled in a proteolytically active complex even after the 80-kDa subunit has been completely degraded. The results suggest that interaction among different regions of the entire calpain molecule is required for its full proteolytic activity. In the presence of 1 mM Ca 2+ , both calpains are degraded to fragments less than 40-kDa in less than 5 min. The C-terminal ends of both subunits, from amino acids 503 to 506 to the end of the 80-kDa subunit and from amino acids 85 to 88 to the end of the 28-kDa subunit, were resistant to degradation by either protease in the presence or in the absence of Ca 2+ . Hence, this part of the calpain molecule is in a compact structure that does not change significantly in the presence of Ca 2+ .
Prostaglandin and thromboxane production by fibroblasts and vascular endothelial cells.

We have compared the production of prostaglandins in fibroblast-like cells and endothelial cells in culture. Of the fibroblasts studied 10T12, SHE, BP6T and KD produce significant amounts of PGI2, PGE2 and PGF2F2 under optimal culture conditions, but only 3T3 and BHK produce TxA2 in addition to PGI2. The adult bovine aortic endothelial cells (ABAE) and fetal bovine heart endothelium (FBHE) synthesise PGI2 but not TxA2, either from endogenous or exogenous substrates. Both cultured endothelial cells and fibroblasts apparently lack 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase pathway and the ability to convert 6-Keto PGF1α into 6-Keto PGE1. PGI2 production by ABAE was 3–5 times that of FBHE, about twice that of SHE cells and 6–8 times that of 10T12 or BP6T cells. Supernatants or media obtained from these cells inhibited aggregation of human platelet-rich plasma, a known biological effect of PGI2. This effect was abolished when cell monolayers were preincubated with indomethacin or tranylcypromine. RIA and chromatographic data of 6-Keto PGF1α from these experiments confirmed that the inhibition of platelet aggregation was due to the formation of PGI2. The production of all prostanoids by endothelial cells or fibroflasts was significantly higher during the exponential phase of growth as compared to confluent monolayers. We propose that fibroblasts 10T12 or SHE can serve as useful experimental models for the study of metabolism and transport of PGI2 and/or TxA2 in cells of nonendothelial nature.
Model for coal oxidation kinetics. 1. Reaction under chemical control

Abstract Rate expressions are presented to describe the oxidation of coal in a fixed-bed reactor under mild conditions, i.e. conditions which are useful in pretreatment for gasification. A model for chemical control is developed based upon the concept of a triple-path coupled burn-off adsorption site. The model incorporates the effects of temperature, oxygen partial pressure, and coal surface area, and is the first to account for the product distribution of gaseous C02, CO, and H2O, as well as oxygen deposited on the coal surfaces. The overall rate of oxidation is limited by the amount of reactive surface area in the coal particles and is assumed to be reduced as a result of the deposited oxygen which covers potentially reactive sites. This model differs significantly from the previously formulated model of Kam, A. Y. et al. Chem. Eng. Sci. 1976, 31, 815 which postulated external mass transfer control.
Monoclonal antibody marker for olfactory sustentacular cell microvilli

Background The olfactory epithelial sustentacular cells may support the survival and function of olfactory receptor neurons, but few reagents are available to mark and manipulate such cells. Methods Novel nasal cell-specific monoclonal antibodies were generated using whole cultured rat olfactory mucosal cells as the antigenic stimuli. They were characterized by immunostaining at the light level in rat tissues and newborn rat olfactory cell cultures, and at the electron microscopic level in adult tissues using freeze-substitution, post-embedding staining. Results An IgMκ monoclonal antibody designated 1F4 selectively labeled apical surfaces of the rat olfactory and respiratory epithelia in tissue sections and what appeared to be sustentacular cells in olfactory cell cultures. Using electron microscopy, 1F4 bound selectively to the microvilli of sustentacular cells and ductal cells of Bowman's glands in the olfactory epithelium, and to the microvilli and cilia of ciliated but not secretory cells in the respiratory epithelium. No staining was detected in olfactory receptor neurons, basal cells, or two types of microvilli-bearing cells that differed from sustentacular cells. A contrasting antibody, 2H4, bound to granules of secretory respiratory cells. Developmental expression of 1F4 binding began at E17 and increased at and after E18/E19. Bulbectomy did not alter 1F4 immunoreactivity. Cell culture studies found that the 1F4 epitope was external and insensitive to trypsin treatment, and that both 1F4 and 2H4 positive cells required contact with aggregated cells for survival up to fifteen days in vitro. Conclusions The antibody 1F4 is a useful marker and potential manipulation reagent specific for sustentacular cells and their microvilli. Anat. Rec. 248:307-321, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Restratification of the Upper Ocean after the Passage of a Tropical Cyclone: A Numerical Study

AbstractThe role of baroclinic instability in the restratification of the upper ocean after the passage of a tropical cyclone (TC) is determined by means of numerical simulations. Using a regional ocean model, the Regional Ocean Modeling System (ROMS), a high-resolution three-dimensional simulation that includes the process of baroclinic instability and is initialized with moderate-amplitude eddy structures reproduces the satellite-observed decay rate of the TC-induced sea surface temperature (SST) anomaly and is also in qualitative agreement with published observations after the passage of Hurricane Fabian in 2003 that showed decaying cold and warm anomalies located in the climatological mixed layer (CML) and upper thermocline, respectively. The model ocean is restratified after approximately one month with a net heat gain in the water column due to anomalous air–sea heat fluxes. The model shows, however, that vertical heat fluxes associated with baroclinic instability dominate over air–sea heat fluxes i...
Melville Essays the Romance: Comedy and Being in Frankenstein, "The Big Bear of Arkansas," and Moby-Dick

John Bryant, "Melville Essays the Romance: Comedy and Being in Frankenstein, "The Big Bear of Arkansas," and Moby-Dick (pp. 277-310) This essay argues that romance is not a fixed genre but a process of writing ("romancing") that Melville used at a particular moment in his career to engage in certain "ontological heroics," that is, confront the problem of Being (the mystery of the origins and reality of consciousness). The inadequacy of genre is asserted as the notion is observed to deconstruct in three ways, and it is replaced by six "Notes toward a Supreme Romance," which delineate elements in the process of romancing with examples from Michel de Montaigne9s notion of essaying and Nathaniel Hawthorne9s own definition of Romance as "careering on the verge." In applying these notes to Melville9s romancing of structure and voice in Moby-Dick (1851), the essay first explores the structural framing technique in Mary Shelley9s Gothic fiction, Frankenstein (1818, 1831), and its comic counterpart in Thomas Bangs Thorpe9s classic tall tale, "The Big Bear of Arkansas" (1854). Both works conceal certain secrets of identity (or mysteries of selfhood and being) through nestings of voices (stories within stories) that culminate in a symbolic being (monster or bear). In Moby-Dick this model of "fictive essaying" is exhibited in "Cetology" (chapter 32), in which Ishmael cons the reader with a joke-within-a-joke structure that sexualizes the whale and thereby allows us unexpectedly to identify with the whale, which in the process also symbolizes the creative roots of Being. By essaying or "romancing" structure and symbol, Melville in effect tricks himself and his reader into a closer relation to the mystery of consciousness.
Expanding the US Cornbelt Biomass Portfolio: Forester Perceptions of the Potential for Woody Biomass

With the strong emergence of the bioeconomy in the US, there is growing interest in the ability of biomass production systems to meet the legislated demand for cellulosic biofuels. While corn grain will continue to comprise the primary feedstock for biofuel in the Cornbelt, it is unlikely that a single biomass feedstock will suit all the needs of an evolving bioenergy market; thus, the potential contribution of woody biomass should be considered. To meet informational needs, we conducted structured interviews with state-employed professional foresters along the Mississippi River corridor in five Corn Belt states (Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, and Wisconsin). Foresters were queried regarding the types of woody materials available, ecological considerations, the likely silvicultural systems that might support a biomass market, and their experiences with landowner management decisions as related to removing currently low-value material. Results suggest noteworthy interest in expanded woody biomass market systems within our study area. Furthermore, substantial opportunities exist to capture trimmings, small-diameter, and low-quality material in conjunction with on-going intermediate stand treatments or sawtimber harvests that are common in the region; capturing social and economic value while potentially contributing to long-term forest health. Costs for removing this material are estimated to range between $185–494/ha ($75–200/ac) depending on site conditions and accessibility. Such a wide range in costs (and therefore break-even biomass prices) suggests that some properties throughout the study region may be priced out of the market, at least in the initial stages of market development. Markets are distinctly lacking at present, however, and our interviewees suggested that market-pull will be required to organize a well-rounded infrastructure to harvest, process, store, and transport woody materials. This and future studies will be significant because they inform the enhancement of agricultural prosperity on small-to-medium farms and contribute to regional and national energy goals in ways that ideally improve, rather than diminish, the ecosystem services provided by woodlands in rowcrop-dominated landscapes.
A high-performance liquid chromatographic assay with improved selectivity for cisplatin and active platinum (II) complexes in plasma ultrafiltrate

cis-Diamminedichloroplatinum(II) (DDP) was measured in plasma ultrafiltrate following derivatization with sodium diethyldithiocarbamate (DDTC) by quantitation against a nickel chloride internal standard. A chloroform extract containing the Pt(DDTC)2 and Ni(DDTC)2 complexes was separated by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography on a C18 radial compression column. The complex was eluted with methanol/water, 41, at a flow rate of 1.5 ml/min, and was detected at 254 nm. The limit of sensitivity was 0.1 μg/ml DDP in the ultrafiltrate. This analytical approach was validated by comparison to graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometric determinations of duplicate samples. There was clearly a component of the ultrafilterable platinum present that was resistant to derivatization by DDTC. Evidence is presented that this component, presumably Pt(II) complexed with endogenous small molecules, is non cytotoxic and, hence, that this method may be selective for “active Pt(II)”. This method offers an advantage over atomic absorption determination of total platinum in ultrafiltrate which does not discriminate between active and inactive forms, and over off-line FAA detection of parent DDP in HPLC eluates which ignores other active forms. Using this technique we have measured the pharmacokinetics of DDTC-reactive Pt(II) in humans after either i.v. infusion or infusion of DDP into the peritoneal cavity of patients with ovarian carcinoma.
Interrelationships among gastric mucosal morphology, secretion, and motility in peptic ulcer disease

Pathophysiologic abnormalities associated with ulcer disease include gastritis (particularly of the antral mucosa), excessive duodenogastric reflux, and altered motor activity of the stomach. It is not known whether these abnormalities are interrelated and whether they occur during periods of ulcer inactivity. We have tested the hypothesis that the morphological abnormalities of the gastric mucosa in inactive ulcer disease are proportional to an alteration of the gastric luminal milieu itself due to abnormal secretory and motor function. Thus, multiple endoscopic biopsies and 24-hr physiologic measurements were performed in 12 patients with well-documented ulcers in the past (seven type I gastric ulcer patients, five duodenal ulcer patients), now clinically and endoscopically in remission. Seven healthy individuals underwent similar studies and served as controls. Histologic quantification of inflammation and metaplasia (expressed as a gastritis index) was found to be significantly different among groups (P<0.01). Gastric ulcer patients exhibited a higher gastritis index than controls, while duodenal ulcer patients were intermediate. A significant inverse relationship was found between gastritis index and postprandial motility index (R2=0.59,P<0.01) and a nonsignificant trend between gastritis index and fasting motility index. There was no difference among groups or detectable associations between gastritis index and intragastric pH or bile acid concentration. We conclude that gastric mucosal disease, expressed as gastritis index, persists during inactive ulcer disease. There is an association with antral hypomotility, which is more strongly manifested postprandially. It is not associated with gastric pH or bile acid concentration. Gastric mucosal inflammation and antral hypomotility predispose to ulceration rather than simply accompanying it.
To What Extent Can Raindrop Size Be Determined by a Multiple-Frequency Radar?

In this paper, an analytical treatment of the atmospheric remote sensing problem of determining the raindrop size distribution (DSD) with a spaceborne multifrequency microwave nadir-looking radar system is presented. It is typically assumed that with two radar measurements at different frequencies one ought to be able to calculate two state variables of the DSD: a bulk quantity, such as the rain rate, and a distribution shape parameter. To determine if this nonlinear problem can indeed be solved, the DSD is modeled as a Gamma distribution and quadratic approximations to the corresponding radar-rain relations are used to examine the invertibility of the resulting system of equations in the case of two as well as three radar frequencies. From the investigation, it is found that for regions of DSD state space multiple solutions exist for two or even three different frequency radar measurements. This should not be surprising given the nonlinear coupled nature of the problem.
Democracy, Economic Growth, and Inequality in India's Development

A new body of literature, including India's Political Economy by Francine Frankel, argues that the organization of the rural poor can facilitate a “democratic socialist” mode of development in India. The author dissents from this left-liberal world view. The organization of the lower classes has seldom led to a significant redistribution of economic resources in a democracy; it is not likely to do so in India. Attempts to convert lower-class interests into redistributive policies face institutionalized obstacles the ideological, organizational, electoral, governmental, and bureaucratic levels. If the lower classes gain effective political power despite these obstacles, the stability of the democratic process generally tends to be undermined. For these reasons, simultaneous optimism for India's democracy and for India's poor is not realistic.
Zinc deficiency and behavior: A developmental perspective

Abstract Zinc deficiency was induced in 35 and 300 day-old male Holtzman rats. Group ZDA was fed ad lib a diet deficient in zinc (1 ppm), ZSP controls were pair-fed a diet supplemented with zinc (50 ppm) and ZSA controls were fed ad lib a diet supplemented with zinc (50 ppm). Physical status and six open-field behaviors were evaluated. Food intake, body weight and plasma zinc concentrations were significantly reduced in both age groups. Expanded use of the open-field revealed significantly lower latencies to explore the novel environment and significantly lower ambulation scores in the young and older zinc deficient rats. Older rats spent significantly less time grooming than their controls. Rearing was significantly less in young zinc deficient rats and “kangaroo-like” posture was evident. Young rats made deficient during critical periods of growth and development, were at greater risk for most parameters tested, compared to the older deficient rats. These results do demonstrate, however, that feeding low-zinc diets to older, fully developed animals results in significant physical and behavioral impairment.
Effects of Hydrogen Post Treatment and Duty Factor on Carbon Nanotube Field Emission Stability

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been investigated as field emission electron sources for a number of applications such as x-ray source and microwave power amplifier. These applications often require that nanotubes provide a stable field emission at a high emission current. In this paper, we investigated the emission stability of CNTs as functions of hydrogen post-treatment and duty factor. The experimental results show that the hydrogen plasma treatment and a reduced duty cycle from 100% to 35% can noticeably improve the emission stability of CNTs at a high current value of 4 mA. Our study also shows that emission induced anode heating at high duty factor and high emission current level degrades vacuum level and thus the emission stability of CNTs.
Exploring sparsely populated states of macromolecules by diamagnetic and paramagnetic NMR relaxation

Sparsely populated states of macromolecules, characterized by short lifetimes and high free-energies relative to the predominant ground state, often play a key role in many biological, chemical, and biophysical processes. In this review, we briefly summarize various new developments in NMR spectroscopy that permit these heretofore invisible, sparsely populated states to be detected, characterized, and in some instances visualized. Relaxation dispersion spectroscopy yields detailed kinetic information on processes involving species characterized by distinct chemical shifts with lifetimes in the ∼50 μs−10 ms range and populations as low as 0.5%. In the fast exchange regime (time scale less than ∼250−500 μs), the footprint of sparsely populated states can be observed on paramagnetic relaxation enhancement profiles measured on the resonances of the major species, thereby yielding structural information that is directly related to paramagnetic center-nuclei distances from which it is possible, under suitable circumstances, to compute a structure or ensemble of structures for the minor species. Finally, differential transverse relaxation measurements can be used to detect lifetime broadening effects that directly reflect the unidirectional rates for the conversion of NMR-visible into high-molecular weight NMR-invisible species. Examples of these various approaches are presented.
Clinical Outcomes after Bariatric Surgery: A Five-Year Matched Cohort Analysis in Seven US States

Background Bariatric surgery is the most effective weight loss treatment, yet few studies have reported on short- and long-term outcomes postsurgery.
YIH1 is an actin-binding protein that inhibits protein kinase GCN2 and impairs general amino acid control when overexpressed.

The general amino acid control (GAAC) enables yeast cells to overcome amino acid deprivation by activation of the α subunit of translation initiation factor 2 (eIF2α) kinase GCN2 and consequent induction of GCN4, a transcriptional activator of amino acid biosynthetic genes. Binding of GCN2 to GCN1 is required for stimulation of GCN2 kinase activity by uncharged tRNA in starved cells. Here we show that YIH1, when overexpressed, dampens the GAAC response (Gcn– phenotype) by suppressing eIF2α phosphorylation by GCN2. The overexpressed YIH1 binds GCN1 and reduces GCN1-GCN2 complex formation, and, consistent with this, the Gcn– phenotype produced by YIH1 overexpression is suppressed by GCN2 overexpression. YIH1 interacts with the same GCN1 fragment that binds GCN2, and this YIH1-GCN1 interaction requires Arg-2259 in GCN1 in vitro and in full-length GCN1 in vivo, as found for GCN2-GCN1 interaction. However, deletion of YIH1 does not increase eIF2α phosphorylation or derepress the GAAC, suggesting that YIH1 at native levels is not a general inhibitor of GCN2 activity. We discovered that YIH1 normally resides in a complex with monomeric actin, rather than GCN1, and that a genetic reduction in actin levels decreases the GAAC response. This Gcn– phenotype was partially suppressed by deletion of YIH1, consistent with YIH1-mediated inhibition of GCN2 in actin-deficient cells. We suggest that YIH1 resides in a YIH1-actin complex and may be released for inhibition of GCN2 and stimulation of protein synthesis under specialized conditions or in a restricted cellular compartment in which YIH1 is displaced from monomeric actin.
Patterns of Mesenchymal Condensation in a Multiscale, Discrete Stochastic Model

Cells of the embryonic vertebrate limb in high-density culture undergo chondrogenic pattern formation, which results in the production of regularly spaced “islands” of cartilage similar to the cartilage primordia of the developing limb skeleton. The first step in this process, in vitro and in vivo, is the generation of “cell condensations,” in which the precartilage cells become more tightly packed at the sites at which cartilage will form. In this paper we describe a discrete, stochastic model for the behavior of limb bud precartilage mesenchymal cells in vitro. The model uses a biologically motivated reaction–diffusion process and cell-matrix adhesion (haptotaxis) as the bases of chondrogenic pattern formation, whereby the biochemically distinct condensing cells, as well as the size, number, and arrangement of the multicellular condensations, are generated in a self-organizing fashion. Improving on an earlier lattice-gas representation of the same process, it is multiscale (i.e., cell and molecular dynamics occur on distinct scales), and the cells are represented as spatially extended objects that can change their shape. The authors calibrate the model using experimental data and study sensitivity to changes in key parameters. The simulations have disclosed two distinct dynamic regimes for pattern self-organization involving transient or stationary inductive patterns of morphogens. The authors discuss these modes of pattern formation in relation to available experimental evidence for the in vitro system, as well as their implications for understanding limb skeletal patterning during embryonic development.
Experiments on dust transport in plasma to investigate the origin of the lunar horizon glow

[1] Dust grains on the lunar surface are exposed to UV radiation and solar wind plasma and can collect electrical charges, leading to their possible lift-off and transport in the presence of near-surface electric fields. Motivated by the long-standing open questions about the physics of electrostatic lunar dust transport, we investigated the dynamics of dust grains on a conducting surface in a laboratory plasma. The dust used in these experiments was a nonconducting JSC-Mars-1 sample with particle size of less than 25 microns. We found that dust grains placed on a conducting surface, which is biased more negatively than its floating potential, charge positively, and an initial pile spreads to form a dust ring. Dust particles were observed to land on insulating blocks, indicating the height of their hopping motion. The measured electrostatic potential distribution above the dust pile shows that an outward pointing electric field near the edge of the pile is responsible for spreading the positively charged grains. A nonmonotonic potential dip was measured in the sheath above an insulating patch, indicating a localized upward electric field causing the dust lift-off from the surface. Faraday cup measurements showed that the grains near the boundary of the dust pile collect more charge than those closer to the center of the dust pile and can be more readily lifted and moved in the radial direction, leading to the formation of a spreading ring.
Historical Links Between Settlement, Ecology, and Politics in the Mountains of West Nepal

The paper presents a study of settlement processes in western Nepal. It emphasizes the linkages between settlement history, cultural ecology, and political economy as these relate to resources, marginality, and territory. Regional settlement trends are examined in accordance with land occupancy and tenure arrangements. Village settlement strategies are analyzed within a micro-processual framework that incorporates political economic perspectives on village land use and resource distributions. The past, present, and future roles of settlement in the human adaptation process of west Nepal's mountain populations is critically examined in the contexts of historical land policies and current rural political and environmental systems.
Deletion screening of the Duchenne muscular dystrophy locus via multiplex DNA amplification

The application of recombinant DNA technology to prenatal diagnosis of many recessively inherited X-linked diseases is complicated by a high frequency of heterogeneous, new mutations (1). Partial gene deletions account for more than 50% of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) lesions, and approximately one-third of all cases result from a new mutation (2-5). We report the isolation and DNA sequence of several deletion prone exons from the human DMD gene. We also describe a rapid method capable of detecting the majority of deletions in the DMD gene. This procedure utilizes simultaneous genomic DNA amplification of multiple widely separated sequences and should permit deletion scanning at any hemizygous locus. We demonstrate the application of this multiplex reaction for prenatal and postnatal diagnosis of DMD.
Recognition reversal in a spineless scrounger.

The recently deduced structures of amphioxus immune-like receptors provide new insights on what is actually required for antigen recognition by antigen receptors.
Fibrillar peptide gels in biotechnology and biomedicine.

Peptides, peptidomimetics, and peptide derivatives that self-assemble into fibrillar gels have received increasing interest as synthetic extracellular matrices for applications in 3D cell culture and regenerative medicine. Recently, several of these fibrillizing molecules have been functionalized with bioactive components such as cell-binding ligands, degradable sequences, drug-eluting compounds, and chemical modifications for cross-linking, producing gels that can reliably display multiple factors simultaneously. This capacity for incorporating precise levels of many different biological and chemical factors is advantageous given the natural complexity of cell-matrix interactions that many current biomaterial strategies seek to mimic. In this review, recent efforts in the area of fibril-forming peptide materials are described, and advantages of biomaterials containing multiple modular elements are outlined. In addition, a few hurdles and open questions surrounding fibrillar peptide gels are discussed, including issues of the materials’ structural heterogeneity, challenges in fully characterizing the diversity of their self-assembled structures, and incomplete knowledge of how the materials are processed in vivo.
Resolution of a Coulomb reorientation ambiguity in 18O

Abstract Elastic scattering data and inelastic excitation of the lowest 2 + state in 18 O from 120 MeV 18 O incident on 208 Pb are analyzed in coupled channels including couplings to the second 2 + state of 18 O. This analysis favors the positive sign for the product of the four E2 matrix elements, p 4 = M 0 1 2 1 , M 0 1 2 2 M 2 1 2 2 M 2 1 2 1 where M ij = −〈 i ∥ M (E2)∥ j 〉. This is in agreement with shell-model calculations.
The Design Exemplar: The Foundation for a CAD Query Language

Design engineers create models of design artifacts with commercial Computer Aided Design (CAD) solid modeling systems and manage the data files through Product Data Management (PDM) systems. These systems stop short of providing support for querying and retrieving data from “within” the CAD data files. A true CAD query language that allows designers the flexibility to describe queries against single and multiple CAD files would be of great benefit for design engineers. This query language ought to be both datacentric and user-centric in nature. The design exemplar, a datastructure that provides a standard representation of design knowledge based upon a general constraint validation and satisfaction algorithm, is shown here to be a concept upon which a CAD query language may be developed. The first required extension of the design exemplar is the inclusion of logical connectives. Some insights into the different levels at which the extensions may be implemented are discussed. Also, some applications retrieving geometric data using this query language are demonstrated. The query language, as it evolves, is expected to support geometric retrieval across domains and offer an all-purpose approach to geometric retrieval.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Advances in CT Angiography for Peripheral Arterial Disease

Multidetector CT scan (MDCT) has revolutionized the diagnosis of peripheral arterial disease. The most recent generation of CT scan systems increases the number of detector arrays, which allows further increases in volume coverage and acquisition of large volumes rapidly. These have provided advantages in vascular imaging. The introduction of dual-source scanners has allowed the possibility of tissue characterization in CT scans. This article briefly discusses the basic principles of MDCT and provides an overview of its application in vascular diseases.
CrystalDome: A Projected Hemispherical Display with a Gestural Interface

CrystalDome is an inexpensive alternative to a volumetric display based on video projector technology that supports omni-directional viewing (Figure 1). It can show mapped spherical surfaces, such as globes, and scenes composed of three- dimensional objects. In the latter case, an algorithm was developed to perform hidden surface elimination in the hemisphere's reference frame. Participants can sit around the hemisphere, which is built into a low table. Sensors capture hand movements near the hemisphere for adjustment of the position, orientation and size of the objects that are projected from below onto the inside of the display.
Saturn: atmosphere, ionosphere, and magnetosphere.

The Cassini spacecraft has been in orbit around Saturn since 30 June 2004, yielding a wealth of data about the Saturn system. This review focuses on the atmosphere and magnetosphere and briefly outlines the state of our knowledge after the Cassini prime mission. The mission has addressed a host of fundamental questions: What processes control the physics, chemistry, and dynamics of the atmosphere? Where does the magnetospheric plasma come from? What are the physical processes coupling the ionosphere and magnetosphere? And, what are the rotation rates of Saturn’s atmosphere and magnetosphere?
Topograhic Corrections For Gradients In Airborne Gravimetry

Progress in airborne gradiometer instrumentation has advanced to the point that procedures for determining corrections for the variable effects of topography merit consideration. An approximate practical method, based on real‐time recording of flight elevation and variable terrain clearance as a function of position along the flight line, appears to be appropriate for the purpose. The procedure is similar to that for determing topographic corrections for airborne gravity published previously by the author in Geophysics (Hammer, 1974a).
The "Artie" simulation of operant conditioning

Computational modeling is emerging as a new method for researchers to test theories of behavior. Computational models that incorporate adaptive networks are especially attractive to behavior analysts because of the selectionist nature of these models. A novel adaptive network model of operant conditioning, called "Artie," is presented. Results from simulated laboratory experiments with Artie replicated laboratory results from real animal s, lending support to selectionist accounts of operant conditioning. In general, adaptive network models of behavior are probably better suited for testing theories of behavior than for teaching us about the functioning of the brain.
Ford's power train operations: changing the simulation environment 2

This paper discusses the changes that were required to Ford's Power Train Operations (PTO) simulation environment to ensure the maximum benefit was gained from the investment made in simulation. Three key elements have been identified as essential to maximizing use. These were Availability, Support, and the right Tools for the Job. The background driving the change was that Simulation had been a key tool in the planning and process improvement of Power Train Manufacturing Engineering facilities since the early 80's. The original deployment allowed user areas to be responsible for the selection, purchase and maintenance of their own systems. This approach resulted in low utilization, a high unit cost and a diversity of products used. The achievement was to transform an isolated approach taken on two continents into a single one across 5 continents while significantly reducing the unit cost. The method was to select a single software solution that could be distributed across the Ford Intranet to anyone in PTO.
Poly-3-Hydroxybutyrate Metabolism in the Type II Methanotroph Methylocystis parvus OBBP

Differences in carbon assimilation pathways and reducing power requirements among organisms are likely to affect the role of the storage polymer poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB). Previous researchers have demonstrated that PHB functions as a sole growth substrate in aerobic cultures enriched on acetate during periods of carbon deficiency, but it is uncertain how C1 metabolism affects the role of PHB. In the present study, the type II methanotroph Methylocystis parvus OBBP did not replicate using stored PHB in the absence of methane, even when all other nutrients were provided in excess. When PHB-rich cultures of M. parvus OBBP were deprived of carbon and nitrogen for 48 h, they did not utilize significant amounts of stored PHB, and neither cell concentrations nor concentrations of total suspended solids changed significantly. When methane and nitrogen both were present, PHB and methane were consumed simultaneously. Cells with PHB had significantly higher specific growth rates than cells lacking PHB. The addition of formate (a source of reducing power) to PHB-rich cells delayed PHB consumption, but the addition of glyoxylate (a source of C2 units) did not. This and results from other researchers suggest that methanotrophic PHB metabolism is linked to the supply of reducing power as opposed to the supply of C2 units for synthesis. Poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) is a biologically produced, biodegradable polyester with properties similar to those of polypropylene and mechanical properties that can be tailored
Toward Integrating Qualitative and Quantitative Methods: An Introduction:

Both the qualitative and quantitative paradigms have weaknesses which, to a certain extent, are compensated for by the strengths of the other. As indicated in this article, the strengths of quantitative methods are that they produce factual, reliable outcome data that are usually generalizable to some larger population. The strengths of qualitative methods are that they generate rich, detailed, valid process data that usually leave the study participants' perspectives in tact. This article discusses how qualitative and quantitative methods can be combined and it introduces the articles included in this issue.
Involving relatives in ICU patient care: critical care nursing challenges.

Aims and objectives To identify the barriers critical care nurses experience to relative involvement in intensive care unit patient care. Background Previous studies have discussed the experiences of relatives visiting an intensive care unit, the needs of relatives in the intensive care environment, critical care nurse and relative interaction, intensive care unit visiting policies and the benefits of including relatives in patient care. The barriers that critical care nurses experience to relative involvement in patient care have received minimal exploration. Design Critical care nurses were recruited for a mixed methods study. An explanatory mixed method design was used, with two phases. Phase 1 was Quantitative and Phase 2 was Qualitative. Methods Data collection occurred over five months in 2012–2013. Phase 1 used an online questionnaire (n = 70), and semi-structured interviews (n = 6) were conducted in Phase 2. Phase 1 participants were 70 critical care nurses working in Australian intensive care units and six critical care nurses were recruited from a single Sydney intensive care unit for Phase 2. Through sequential data collection, Phase 1 results formed the development of Phase 2 interview questions. Results Participants reported various barriers to relative involvement in critically ill patient care. Factors related to the intensive care unit patient, the intensive care unit relative, the critical care nurse and the intensive care environment contributed to difficulties encompassing relative involvement. Conclusions This study has identified that when considering relative involvement in patient care, critical care nurses take on a paternalistic role. The barriers experienced to relative involvement result in the individual critical care nurse deciding to include or exclude relatives from patient care. Relevance to clinical practice Knowledge of the barriers to relative involvement in critically ill patient care may provide a basis for improving discussion on this topic and may assist intensive care units to implement strategies to reduce barriers.
MODES-2D—Method of detecting strike-shift shear zones

One of the goals of using the Global Positioning System (GPS) and other geodetic survey techniques in tectonics has been to detect boundaries such as faults or shear zones between rigid or mildly deforming crustal masses. The calculation of infinitesimal strains and rotations with GPS data has been widely used to detect shear zones but it has been largely unsuccessful because infinitesimal strain and rotation, although useful in many other ways, is non-diagnostic of shear zones or faults. Our approach is to work with components of deformation, not strain, and to design specifically a diagnostic method of detecting shear zones. This paper introduces the first part of our method, the detection of two-dimensional, strike-shift shear zones (MODES-2D). The MODES-2D method has three elements: (1) determination of the orientation of a suspected strike-shift shear zone by analyzing components of a deformation tensor derived from a data set of displacements in an arbitrary coordinate system; (2) resolution of the deformation tensor into the coordinate system parallel and normal to the detected shear zone; and (3) exploration of the resolved data set for evidence for a belt of inhomogeneous deformation, which is an essential characteristic of a shear zone. The operation of MODES-2D is illustrated herein with a theoretical survey network across an ideal shear zone developed with a buried dislocation-fault and with a survey network afforded by the crossing of the Kaynasli viaduct by the 1999 Duzce–Bolu earthquake rupture in Turkey.
AgentX: an environment for coordinating distributed problem solving in product development

The paper describes AgentX, a program that facilitates distributed problem solving in the context of a parametric design process. The 'AgentX' refers to computer programs that act on behalf of people, encapsulating design problem-solving knowledge in the form of constraints on parameters. The 'X' designates the capabilities to coordinate design process by controlling the sequence of agent operation and resolving conflicts by axiomatic negotiation. >
Achievable rates for Tomlinson-Harashima precoding

This article examines Tomlinson-Harashima precoding (1971, 1972) on discrete-time channels having intersymbol interference and additive white Gaussian noise. An exact expression for the maximum achievable information rate of zero-forcing (ZF) THP is derived as a function of the channel impulse response, the input power constraint, and the additive white Gaussian noise variance. Information rate bounds are provided for the minimum mean-square error (MMSE) THP. The performance of ZF-THP and MMSE-THP relative to each other and to channel capacity is explored in general and for some example channels. The importance of symbol rate to ZF-THP performance is demonstrated.
Conditioned galvanic skin response in the chick embryo: Preliminary report

Two 14 day old chick embryos were conditioned to a tone associated with a shock. Definite changes were noted in the GSR records obtained from the Ss. Similar findings were also obtained for 15, 16, 17, and 18 day old embryos.
Does Time Fly When You're Having Fun, or Do You? Affect, Agency, and Embodiment in Temporal Communication

When describing the passage of time, people metaphorically assign the agency for temporal change to themselves (e.g., we are approaching the weekend) or an event (the weekend is approaching). Embodiment theory suggests that temporal agency assignments reflect conceptual correspondences between time, motion, and emotion, whereby people symbolically move toward affectively positive events but passively observe the arrival of negative events. This article reports three studies testing these theoretical claims. Analyses of large spoken and written English corpora (Study 1) and solicited accounts of positive and negative experiences (Study 2) indicated that communicators prefer to assign temporal agency to themselves when describing positive events but to events when describing negative events. Study 3 demonstrated that temporal agency assignments have attributional consequences, in that they colored participants' perceptions of a fictitious speaker's affective orientation toward a described event. Implication...