cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
What Is Econometrics

What is econometrics? A few definitions are given below: The method of econometric research aims, essentially, at a conjunction of economic theory and actual measurements, using the theory and technique of statistical inference as a bridge pier. Trygve Haavelmo (1944) Econometrics may be defined as the quantitative analysis of actual economic phenomena based on the concurrent development of theory and observation, related by appropriate methods of inference. Samuelson, Koopmans and Stone (1954) Econometrics is concerned with the systematic study of economic phenomena using observed data. Aris Spanos (1986) Broadly speaking, econometrics aims to give empirical content to economic relations for testing economic theories, forecasting, decision making, and for ex post decision/policy evaluation. J. Geweke, J. Horowitz, and M.H. Pesaran (2008) For other definitions of econometrics, see Tintner (1953).
3D Reconstruction from Sparse Radiographic Data

Nondestructive evaluation of materials through X-ray and -y-ray radiography has long been achieved by inferring three-dimensional structure from exposed films. Multiple views with varying positions of radioactive sources and the film have the potential for direct three-dimensional tomographic reconstruction for more detailed diagnosis of material flaws. The data are sufficiently sparse, however, to leave the reconstruction badly under-specified, requiring regularization and/ or constraints to achieve meaningful results. In this chapter we discuss and illustrate the application of Bayesian binary 3D tomographic reconstruction to radiographs, including the several non-idealities frequently encountered in the field.
Gene expression profiles reveal that chondrogenic progenitor cells and synovial cells are closely related

We showed previously that chondrogenic progenitor cells (CPCs) from the superficial zone of articular cartilage respond vigorously to cartilage wounding by responding chemotactically to cell debris, but the physiologic functions of CPCs remain unclear. To help bridge this knowledge gap we undertook a comparative analysis of gene expression in bovine CPCs, chondrocytes, synovial fibroblasts (synoviocytes), and cells isolated from synovial fluid (SFCs). Analysis of microarrays parsed the four cell types into two distinct groups, one composed only of chondrocytes and the other of CPCs, synoviocytes, and SFCs. The groups differed with respect to metalloendopeptidase, collagen, and cytokine gene expression. Quantitative PCR showed that, relative to chondrocytes, all other cells under-expressed cartilage matrix genes. CPCs significantly over-expressed genes encoding the chemokines interleukin 8 (IL8), and C–C motif ligand 2, while synoviocytes over-expressed the chemokine C–X–C motif Ligand 12. Sulfated glycosaminoglycan deposition in pellet cultures by CPCs was intermediate between chondrocytes and synoviocytes/SFCs. These results indicate that the CPC phenotype more closely resembles synoviocytes and SFCs than chondrocytes. CPCs show a tendency to over-express chemokines that promote immune cell chemotaxis, suggesting they mediate inflammation in response to cartilage wounding. © 2014 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 32:981–988, 2014.
Structural Mechanisms of Mutant Huntingtin Aggregation Suppression by the Synthetic Chaperonin-like CCT5 Complex Explained by Cryoelectron Tomography.

Huntington disease, a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by functional deficits and loss of striatal neurons, is linked to an expanded and unstable CAG trinucleotide repeat in the huntingtin gene (HTT). This DNA sequence translates to a polyglutamine repeat in the protein product, leading to mutant huntingtin (mHTT) protein aggregation. The aggregation of mHTT is inhibited in vitro and in vivo by the TCP-1 ring complex (TRiC) chaperonin. Recently, a novel complex comprised of a single type of TRiC subunit has been reported to inhibit mHTT aggregation. Specifically, the purified CCT5 homo-oligomer complex, when compared with TRiC, has a similar structure, ATP use, and substrate refolding activity, and, importantly, it also inhibits mHTT aggregation. Using an aggregation suppression assay and cryoelectron tomography coupled with a novel computational classification method, we uncover the interactions between the synthetic CCT5 complex (∼1 MDa) and aggregates of mutant huntingtin exon 1 containing 46 glutamines (mHTTQ46-Ex1). We find that, in a similar fashion to TRiC, synthetic CCT5 complex caps mHTT fibrils at their tips and encapsulates mHTT oligomers, providing a structural description of the inhibition of mHTTQ46-Ex1 by CCT5 complex and a shared mechanism of mHTT inhibition between TRiC chaperonin and the CCT5 complex: cap and contain. Background: Huntington disease patients show an accumulation of oligomers and fibrillar species of mutant huntingtin (mHTT). Results: Cryoelectron tomography and subvolume averaging visualizes heterogeneous mHTT oligomeric species inside the chaperonin-like CCT5 cavity. Conclusion: The structural basis of mHTT aggregation inhibition by CCT5 is through capping of fibrils and encapsulation of oligomers. Significance: These structural mechanisms inspire the development of new strategies for inhibiting mHTT aggregation.
Development of a Grp94 inhibitor

Heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) represents a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of cancer and other diseases. Unfortunately, results from clinical trials have been disappointing as off-target effects and toxicities have been observed. These detriments may be a consequence of pan-Hsp90 inhibition, as all clinically evaluated Hsp90 inhibitors simultaneously disrupt all four human Hsp90 isoforms. Using a structure-based approach, we designed an inhibitor of Grp94, the ER-resident Hsp90. The effect manifested by compound 2 on several Grp94 and Hsp90α/β (cytosolic isoforms) clients were investigated. Compound 2 prevented intracellular trafficking of the Toll receptor, inhibited the secretion of IGF-II, affected the conformation of Grp94, and suppressed Drosophila larval growth, all Grp94-dependent processes. In contrast, compound 2 had no effect on cell viability or cytosolic Hsp90α/β client proteins at similar concentrations. The design, synthesis, and evaluation of 2 are described herein.
Exuberant blood flow in enlarged lymph nodes: findings on color flow Doppler.

Ten cases of adenopathy, 7 inflammatory and 3 lymphomatous in origin, with visible increased blood flow on color flow Doppler examination are presented. Although the ultrasonic demonstration of blood vessels in enlarged lymph nodes, both inflammatory and tumoral, is not new [1–5], we believe that this is the 1st definitive documentation with color flow Doppler. In some cases the degree of flow was striking, reflecting high velocity flow. This occurred both with inflammatory and lymphamatous nodes and we present our findings 1st to bring attention to them and 2nd to stimulate further investigation of the phenomenon.
The relationship between the equilibrium melting temperature and the supermolecular structure of several polyoxetanes and polyethylene oxide

The relationships between equilibrium melting temperatures (Tm*) and crystalline morphology of poly[3,3bis(ethoxymethyl)oxetane], (polyBEMO), poly[3,3-bis (azidomethyl)oxetane], (polyBAMO), and poly(ethylene oxide), (PEO), were characterized. The Hoffman-Weeks extrapolation procedure led to Tm* values of 92, 102, and 69°C for these three polymers, respectively. The gross morphologies of polyBEMO, polyBAMO, and PEO were studied as a function of melt-liquid temperature (Ti) and isothermal crystallization temperature (Tc) by visible light microscopy. Spherulitic morphologies were observed for polyBEMO, polyBAMO, and PEO when Ti was above Tm*, while nonspherulitic (hedritic) morphologies were observed at Tls below Tm*. Mixed morphologies were observed when Tl was approximately equal to Tm*.
New insights into the chemical and electronic properties of C69M [M = In-, Tl-, Sb+, Bi+] species.

The replacements of five unique carbons by metal ions within [5,6] fullerene C70 D5h has been investigated by using B3LYP/6-31G(d) within 20 isomers of C69M [M = In−, Tl−, Sb+, Bi+] systems. The equilibrium geometrical structures, relative energies, frontier orbitals, and energy gaps for the four considered series are presented. The obtained results indicate a decrease in effective nuclear charge by addition of an electron, and relativistic effects in C69Tl− systems causes substantially elongated Tl−C bonds. Variations in the redox characteristics within the four series and among all isomers are expected and also confirmed by Mulliken charges redistributed to neighboring carbon atoms. The vibrational spectra of C69In− and C69Sb+ have been calculated, which could serve as a framework to interpret future experimental results. Our findings show that substitutional doping of C70 with indium, thallium, antimony, and bismuth ions results in interesting properties which can be utilized in the design, synthesis, ...
Estimating Expected Information Gains for Experimental Designs With Application to the Random Fatigue-Limit Model

Expected gain in Shannon information is commonly suggested as a Bayesian design evaluation criterion. Because estimating expected information gains is computationally expensive, examples in which they have been successfully used in identifying Bayes optimal designs are both few and typically quite simplistic. This article discusses in general some properties of estimators of expected information gains based on Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) and Laplacian approximations. We then investigate some issues that arise when applying these methods to the problem of experimental design in the (technically nontrivial) random fatigue-limit model of Pascual and Meeker. An example comparing follow-up designs for a laminate panel study is provided.
A model for the calculation of mechanical power during distance running

Because widely varying estimates of mechanical power have been calculated for a given speed of running by previous investigators, the effects of various assumptions necessary for mechanical power calculations were evaluated via a segmental energy analysis using 3-D cine data from 31 well-trained subjects running overground at 3.57 ms-1. The magnitude of power calculated was very dependent upon assumptions involving the amount of between segment energy transfer occurring, the relative metabolic cost of positive vs negative work, the amount of the total negative work attributed to muscular work, the effects of elastic storage of energy and on the choice of cutoff frequency in filtering the coordinate data. Mechanical power values ranged from 273 to 1775 W depending on the particular assumptions made and computational methods employed giving efficiency ratios from 0.31 to 1.97. These results point to a need for more definitive research into the role played by energy transfer, negative work, and elastic storage of energy before confidence in measured mechanical power can be established.
Foreign Language Study in the U.S.

ABSTRACT The Report of the President's Commission on Foreign Language and International Studies has made a number of costly recommendations to improve foreign language instruction. Strangely, the report jailed to hit the nail on the head! Therefore, there is a good possibility that much of the proposed funding will be misspent. In looking at the national problem, the Commission overlooked the basic cause of that problem—the needs of the individual student. Related to these needs are: student motivation; knowledge “explosion;” unsatisfactory curriculum design (related to a poor teaching philosophy); a clear definition of proficiency and what it means; and employment opportunities using the language. What is worse is a failure to recognize that mandatory language instruction is completely out of date. The author's experience with three languages indicates that a six-year program of coordinated language instruction is within the realm of educational possibility, would be relatively inexpensive and would accomplish the result desired by the Commission.
Realization and Detection of Fulde-Ferrell-Larkin-Ovchinnikov Superfluid Phases in Trapped Atomic Fermion Systems

A Comment on the Letter by T. Mizushima, K. Machida, and M. Ichioka, Phys. Rev. Lett. 94, 060404 (2005)
Algebraic study of a class of relativistic wave equations

First-order relativistic wave equations are considered whose irreducible matrix coefficients satisfy the simplest (except for the Dirac algebra) unique mass condition, (β · p)3 = p2(β · p), which is also sufficient to guarantee causality in a minimally coupled external electromagnetic field. All of the associated representations of SL(2, ©) are classified and studied up to and including those which are the direct sum of four irreducible components, (n, m), with either n or m less than two. A large number of families of representations are found which permit the algebraic condition to be satisfied. These are tabulated according to whether a Hermitian choice for β0 is possible and their spin content is given. If a unique spin is described, then the only possible representations are (1) (n,0) ⊕ (n − 1/2, 1/2) (2) (n,0) ⊕ (n + 1/2, 1/2) (3) (n + 1/2, 1/2) ⊕ (n,0) ⊕ (n − 1/2, 1/2) (4) (1,0) ⊕ (1/2, 1/2) ⊕ (0,1) and their conjugates. If, in addition, the representation is assumed to be self-conjugate, then only the Dirac and Petiau-Duffin-Kemmer equations survive.
Evidence for distinct isozyme subgroups within Phytophthora citricola and close relationships with P. capsici and P. citrophthora.

Fourteen isozyme loci resolved ten electrophoretic types (ETs) amongst a worldwide collection of 125 isolates of P. citricola . The ETs clustered into five distinct subgroups, CIT1–5. CIT1 contained all the isolates from Citrus spp. including the Sawada type culture, the now defunct species P. pini and an authentic isolate of P. cactorum var. applanata . Isolates in subgroups CIT1, CIT2, and CIT3, which differed from each other at only a few enzyme loci, were from diverse locations and hosts. Subgroups CIT4 and CIT5 differed from one another at eight loci and from the other three subgroups by four and five loci, respectively. CIT4 was composed of isolates from native South African plants, and CIT5 of isolates from avocado only. Two isolates from Psidium guajava , previously identified as P. citricola (Ko, 1983), were only distantly related to CIT1–5. Three enzymes (phosphoglucose isomerase, malate dehydrogenase and menadione nitrate reductase) could be used to define subgroups. Examination of temperature growth responses as well as sporangial and oogonial morphology revealed no difference among isolates from subgroups CIT1, CIT2 and CIT3. In contrast, isolates of the avocado subgroup, CIT5, did not survive at temperatures at or above 30 °C, whilst isolates of subgroups CIT1–3 survived temperatures up to 33°. In addition, isolates of CIT5 produced smaller oogonia than those from CIT1–3, although there was some overlap. A comparison of the P. citricola subgroups with P. cactorum revealed a high dissimilarity based on isozyme analysis. However, a close relationship was established between P. citricola, P. capsici and P. citrophthora from both isozyme analysis and mitochondrial DNA restriction patterns. The host-specific group CIT5 clustered with P. capsici and P. citrophthora rather than with other P. citricola subgroups, and may be sufficiently genetically distinct from other subgroups of P. citricola to be regarded as a separate biological taxon.
Echogenic intracardiac focus: A sonographic sign for fetal down syndrome

Objective To determine whether an echogenic intracardiac focus identified in the second-trimester fetus is related to an increased risk of Down syndrome. Methods During a 10-month period, all women with singleton gestations who underwent second-trimester genetic amniocentesis for non-imaging indications were evaluated prospectively by prenatal sonography. The presence or absence of an echogenic intracardiac focus was noted. Karyotypic information was obtained on each fetus. Results Among the 1334 patients in the study group, 66 fetuses (4.9%) had an echogenic intracardiac focus. Four of 22 fetuses (18%) with trisomy 21 had an echogenic intracardiac focus, compared with 62 (4.7%) of 1312 fetuses without Down syndrome who also had an echogenic intracardiac focus ( P = .004). Sonographic identification of an echogenic intracardiac focus was associated with a fourfold increased risk of Down syndrome (risk ratio 4.3, 95% confidence interval 1.5–12.3). The overall prevalence of Down syndrome in our study population was 1.6%. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value for using the presence of an echogenic intracardiac focus to identify a fetus with Down syndrome was 18.2, 95.3, and 6.1%, respectively. Extrapolating to a lower risk population, the positive predictive value of an echogenic intracardiac focus for detecting Down syndrome in patients at an age-based risk of one in 250, one in 500, and one in 1000 was calculated to be 1.53, 0.77, and 0.39% respectively. Conclusion Fetuses with an echogenic intracardiac focus have a significantly increased risk of Down syndrome. Although most fetuses with this finding are normal, patients carrying fetuses with an echogenic intracardiac focus should be counseled about the increased risk of trisomy 21.
A mechanical method for applying rapidly solidified metal coatings

This paper describes a mechanical process of applying rapidly solidified (RS) metal coatings. The process comprises spraying a mixture of RS metal powder and peening particles at high velocity against the surface of substrates. By the impact of peening particles, the metal powder will be bonded to the surface and form a protective coating. Parts thus treated are expected to have not only improved corrosion resistance due to RS metal coating but increased fatigue strength by peening also. The apparatus and coating procedures are presented, and specimens of brass substrate coated with RS tin powder are shown as examples.
Heating unsaturated fatty acids in air produces hemagglutinins

When mono-unsaturated fatty acids are heated in air, they form hemagglutinins. When the double bond is delta-6,7 or delta-9,10, the titer is higher than for delta-11,12. Stearic acid does not become a hemagglutinin on heating. Hydroxy-monounsaturated fatty acids, ricinoleic (cis-12-OH-delta-9) and ricinelaidic (trans-12-OH-delta-9) are not hemagglutinins unless they are heated. Oleic acid (delta-9-octadecenoic acid, OA) has a very low agglutination titer but lyses red cells at higher concentrations. Rabbit and rat erythrocytes (RBC) give the highest titers but RBCs of other species are also agglutinated. OA was chosen for further study. Its specific titer against rat RBCs increases with time of heating in air. Thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and mass spectroscopy (MS) show that higher molecular weight compounds are formed and that activity is associated with these materials. Synthetic (oxidation of oleic acid with tert-butyl peroxide) and commercial preparations of oleic acid dimers (Emery and Unichema) and a commercial preparation of oleic trimer mixed with polymer (Emery) have high hemagglutination titers against rat erythrocytes. A cyclic, long-chain dicarboxylic acid, 5(6)-carboxy-4-hexyl-2-cyclohexene-1-octanoic acid (Westvaco) gives a very low titer unless heated and no lysis. Sialidase treatment of the red cells increases the titer. Removal of cations does not alter the titer but addition of Ca2+ or Mg2+ lowers the titer. Light microscopy was used to characterize and visualize the agglutination process with rat RBCs. Agglutination without lysis or fusion is observed for low concentrations of heated oleic acid and C-18 dimers and trimer-polymer preparations, and no large vesicles are seen. We conclude that the oligomeric fatty acids with two or more hydrophobic chains of seven or more carbons are agglutinins at physiological pH. Agglutination by dimer may be the result of the its two hydrophobic side chains inserting into adjacent RBC membranes or the result of dimer inserting completely into RBC membranes and altering their properties. The carboxyl groups may also play a role in the process by interacting with polar headgroups in the RBC membrane.
Thermodynamic models in cosmochemical systems

Generalized computer methods are developed for inferring details of the formation of cosmochemical systems. Compositions of ideal gas mixtures existing in equilibrium with multicomponent solid and liquid phases are calculated. A comparison of computed results with experimental data is made for the ternary system MgO-FeO-SiO2. While the ideal-solution approximation is shown to be inaccurate in dealing with the silicate melts, the stable phases and compositions can be accurately calculated in a system where there are only solids and gas. A model system containing the elements H, O, Si, Mg, S, C, Cl, and F is investigated over a range of compositions involving the gas and ten solid phases, to show the power of the technique in dealing with complex gas-solid equilibria. Systems close to cosmic composition are next considered, both with and without iron.
Isoelectric focusing of proteins in capillary electrophoresis with pressure-driven mobilization

An isoelectric focusing (IEF) method in the capillary format with wide linear pH range (pH 3–10) and high resolution has been developed for separations of proteins. The methodology involves applying pressure and voltage simultaneously during the mobilization step of the IEF process, to elute the focused protein zones for detection. Capillary isoelectric focusing (CIEF) is performed in neutral, hydrophilic, coated capillaries of 50 μm I.D., using various concentrations of methyl cellulose to reduce the distortion of focused zone by parabolic laminar flow. A linear relationship between the retention time and isoelectric point (pI) of protein standards was observed. The high resolution of this technique was demonstrated by the separation of hemoglobin variants F and A with pI difference of 0.05 pH units, and by the resolution of the isoforms of an anti-carcinoembryonic antigen monoclonal antibody.
[Pseudo-disc-pits.macular syndrome].

BACKGROUND Optical coherence tomography(OCT) permits the noninvasive analysis of cross-sectional tomograms of ocular tissue in vivo. CASE A 67-year-old woman presented with abnormal feeling in the left eye. An ophthalmoscopic examination revealed retinal edema in the macular vascular arcades and radial folds on the fovea. Optic disc pits were not demonstrated ophthalmoscopically or by fluorescein angiography(FAG). OCT disclosed separations in the inner and outer layers of the edematous retina, retinal detachment on the fovea, and cystic schisis(pseudo-pits) beneath the inner limiting membrane of the disc which seemed to be connected with the separation of the inner layers of the retina. CONCLUSION OCT demonstrated cystic schisis-like pits(pseudo-pits) which were not recognized ophthalmoscopically or by FAG, and the cystic schisis seemed to communicate with the inner separation of the retina. Therefore, we prefer to call such cases pseudo-disc-pits macular syndrome instead of optic disc pit macular syndrome.
Olfaction: Attracting Both Sperm and the Nose

Odorant receptor genes are expressed not only in the nose but also in testes, where they have been hypothesized to play a role in sperm chemotaxis. New data demonstrate that human odorant receptor hOR 17-4 may play similar roles in both tissues, lending support to the idea that chemical attraction is important for reproduction.
Quantitative pulmonary imaging: spatial and temporal considerations in high-resolution CT.

Rationale and Objectives. The authors performed this study to determine how scanner temporal resolution affects image quality in high-resolution computed tomography (CT)—based quantitative analysis of lung parenchyma. Materials and Methods. A 37-kg, anesthetized white pig, in which 1.5-mm-diameter radiopaque markers were bronchoscopically implanted, was scanned supine with electron-beam CT and spiral CT scanners. Images were first acquired during apnea at functional residual capacity with electron-beam CT at a single level with multiple scan apertures. Without altering body posture, the animal was transported to the spiral CT scanner and scanned at the same lung volume and level. The animal was then euthanized and rescanned with spiral CT. All images were reconstructed with high-spatial-frequency algorithms resident on the respective scanners. Results. High-resolution CT images of the live animal in the spiral scanner showed substantial cardiogenic motion artifacts for markers both near and distant from the heart. The matched postmortem images showed no motion artifacts. While line-pair phantom scans showed reduced spatial resolution of electron-beam CT compared with spiral CT scans, the electron-beam CT images of the markers in the live animal were free of artifacts, even with scan apertures of up to 700 msec. Conclusion. Motion artifacts may be accentuated by differences in high-resolution CT implementations. Applications such as lung parenchyma texture analysis, which regionally quantifies the subtle tissue density variations, will likely benefit from short scanning apertures.
Bombesin-induced hypothermia in VMH-lesioned rats

Microinfusion of bombesin into the lateral ventricles (LV) of rats pretreated with insulin or acutely deprived of food has been demonstrated to reduce core body temperature. Lesions of the ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) have been shown to produce hyperphagia, hyperinsulinemia, and to alter serum metabolic fuels. The present study examines VMH lesions as a permissive event in bombesin-induced hypothermia in rats tested at normal ambient temperature. A between-group design was used to evaluate the effect of microinjections of bombesin (1, 10, 100 ng) into the LV of rats with bilateral VMH lesions or sham lesions. Core body temperature was recorded over a 240-min period. In animals with lesions of the VMH, hypothermia was demonstrated by 30 min after injection of the 10 ng and 100 ng doses; the hypothermia persisted for 120 min. The 1 ng dose had no effect on body temperature in VMH-lesioned animals. Animals that received sham lesions of the VMH did not demonstrate a reduction in core body temperature at the maximum effective dose (100 ng) of bombesin. These results suggest that some event(s) associated with bilateral VMH lesions acts as a permissive factor in the production of bombesin-induced hypothermia at normal ambient temperature.
Cluster SIMS depth profiling of stereo-specific PMMA thin films on Si†

Cluster SIMS, employing an SF5+ polyatomic primary ion sputter source, in conjunction with a Bi3+ analysis source, was utilized to depth profile through poly(methylmethacrylate) (PMMA) thin films (approximately 140 nm) of variable tacticity. The damage characteristics of the stereospecific PMMA films under SF5+ bombardment were measured as a function of temperature in the range of − 75 °C–150 °C. On average, the isotactic PMMA exhibited the least amount of damage accumulation as compared to syndiotactic and atactic PMMA, with increased signal constancy as a function of SF5+ dose and sharper PMMA/Si interface widths in the temperature range of 0 °C–80 °C. These improvements in sputter properties were attributed to steric hindrances along the side-chain moieties in isotactic PMMA, causing increased strain along the main-chain backbone, and consequently increasing the likelihood of main-chain scission. Similar to previous studies, − 75 °C yielded the most ideal depth profiles for all tacticities, exhibiting the least amount of damage accumulation in the form of characteristic signal loss and interfacial broadening. There were also significant improvements in the damage characteristics at higher temperatures as compared to 25 °C. However, other interfacial artifacts started to appear at or near the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the various polymers, indicative of increased interfacial damage at these higher temperatures. Published in 2010 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A historical perspective of river basin management in the Pearl River Delta of China

Three innovations in water and soil conservancy technology in the Pearl River Delta of South China, i.e., dike building, land reclamation, and dike-pond systems, were examined from a historical perspective. They were found to best reflect local farmers' efforts to cope with the challenges of various water disasters and to build a harmonious relationship with the changed environment. These technologies were critical to the agricultural success and sustainability over the past 2000 years, and reflected local farmers' wisdom in balancing land use and environmental conservation. Imprudent use of a new agricultural technology could damage the environment, and could disturb the human-environment relationship, as evidenced by the more frequent flooding that followed inappropriate dike building and premature reclamation. It is suggested that as the urbanization and industrialization process in the delta region continues, the kind of thinking that made the water and soil conservancy sustainable needs to be incorporated into the design of similar technologies for water use and river basin management today.
Auditory and visual discrimination skills of normal and articulation-defective children.

4 tests of auditory and visual perception were presented to 102 children, Grades 1 through 3, screened for normal IQ and hearing acuity, and absence of neurological impairment and/or emotional disorders, using school records and teachers' judgments as criteria. Children were selected from elementary schools representing 3 different socio-economic levels in Bloomington and Normal, Illinois. The tests used were: (1) the Wepman Test of Auditory Discrimination, (2) a self-monitoring discrimination test designed for this study, (3) an auditory, tapping, temporal-sequencing test, and (4) a visual spatial-sequencing test. Four different analyses consistently revealed that the self-monitoring test of auditory discrimination was by far the most sensitive instrument for discriminating between normal and articulation-defective children in Grades 1 through 3. On only one analysis, the t test of the differences between means, did the Wepman test show a significant difference (p = .05) for first grade only. The auditor...
Correlation between right ventricular ejection fraction obtained with gated equilibrium blood pool spect imaging and right atrial pressure in patients with primary pulmonary hypertension

Abstract Background: The strongest determinant of survival in patients with primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH), and for identification for the need to modify medical therapy or proceed to lung transplantation is right atrial pressure (RAP) (measured during cardiac catheterization). A non-invasive approach could be highly desirable. Methods: We analyzed 52 comparisons in 36 patients with PPH (mean age 34 ± 18 (SD); 8 males). RV ejection fraction (EF), end diastolic volume (EDV), and end systolic volume (ESV) were evaluated non-invasively with a recently validated tomographic approach employing gated equilibrium blood pool SPECT. Results were compared with invasively measured RAP. Results: Non-invasively obtained RVEF (38 ± 13%; normal=54 ± 8%), RVESV (101 ± 63 ml; normal=61 ± 18 ml) and RVEDV (159 ± 69 ml; normal=129 ± 29 ml) (p 10 mmHg with a sensitivity of 78% and a specificity of 95%. Conclusions: RVEF, RVESV, RVEDV, as measured non-invasively with gated equilibrium blood pool SPECT correlate with invasively measured RAP. This non-invasive approach may help predict disease progression in patients with PPH and ultimately may be useful for defining the efficacy of medical therapy and the need for lung transplantation.
Inhibition of methylation of nuclear ribonucleic acid in L1210 cells by tubercidin, 8-azaadenosine and formycin

Abstract The adenosine analogs tubercidin (7-deazaadenosine), formycin (7-amino-3-[β- d -ribofuranosyl] pyrazolo[4,3-d]pyrimidine) and 8-azaadenosine were examined for their effects on the synthesis and methylation of nuclear RNA in L1210 cells in vitro . Total RNA and DNA synthesis was affected to the greatest extent by tubercidin (IC 50 = 7 × 10 −6 M) and to an insignificant degree by 8-azaadenosine and formycin; however, the effects of the latter two drugs, but not of tubercidin, were potentiated by 2'-deoxycoformycin, an inhibitor of adenosine deaminase. In the presence of 2'-deoxycoformycin, RNA synthesis was inhibited by 40 per cent at 1 × 10 −4 M 8-azaadenosine and by 50 per cent at 2 × 10 −4 M formycin, while DNA synthesis was inhibited less extensively. Alkaline hydrolysis of nuclear RNA labeled with [ 14 C]uridine and l -[ methyl - 3 H]methionine showed preferential inhibition of base methylation in mononucleotides, but not of 2′- O -methylation in dinucleotides, for all three drugs. This differential effect persisted to varying degrees in ⪢18S and 4S nuclear RNA separated by electrophoresis. The reduction in base methylation in 4S RNA was associated with seven of the eight methylated nucleosides in 4S RNA separated by two-dimensional thin-layer chromatography. These results indicate that tubercidin, 8-azaadenosine and formycin can preferentially inhibit the base methylation of nuclear RNA relative to its synthesis.
Stable aqueous ZnS quantum dots obtained using (3-mercaptopropyl)trimethoxysilane as a capping molecule.

We have examined the synthesis and stability of ZnS quantum dots (QDs) using an all-aqueous route at pH = 12 with (3-mercaptopropyl)trimethoxysilane (MPS) as the capping molecule. The MPS-capped ZnS QDs obtained were well dispersed with a particle size around 5 nm and a cubic zinc blende crystalline structure. The QDs exhibited optimal photoluminescence (PL) emission when the MPS:Zn:S ratio was between and . Compared with the earlier obtained ZnS QDs capped with 3-mercaptopropionic acid (MPA), the MPS-capped ZnS QDs exhibited a similar, high quantum yield, 42% and 25% for MPS:Zn:S and , respectively, but much better photostability. With the MPS:Zn:S ratio of , we showed that at room temperature and under the normal laboratory lighting conditions, the MPS-capped QDs were able to maintain their PL intensity for more than 50 days without degradation. We further showed that the MPS-capped QDs were stable not only in their synthesis solution but also in deionized (DI) water and in phosphate buffer saline (PBS) solution. The QDs with were able to stay at 50 °C for more than 20 h without degrading the PL intensity. They were also stable under continuous UV exposure for 3 h. With the high quantum yield and significantly improved photostability, the MPS-capped ZnS QDs could be good imaging tools for many biological applications.
Effects of powder flow properties and shear environment on the performance of continuous mixing of pharmaceutical powders

Abstract This paper focuses on two aspects of continuous powder mixing, namely characterizing the effects of material properties on the bulk powder flow behavior, and developing continuous blending strategies suitable for cohesive materials. The relative effects of process parameters and material properties on the bulk powder flow behavior were analyzed by performing a PLS analysis of the output parameters, including mean residence time, and axial dispersion coefficient as a function of input parameters (impeller speed, flow rate, bulk density and cohesion). The mean residence time was primarily affected by the bulk density and impeller speed, whereas the axial dispersion coefficient was affected by impeller speed and cohesion. Based on previously developed knowledge of mixing performance as a function of process parameters [1] , a design rule to select the optimal number of impeller passes based on the bulk density was proposed. Impeller speed and cohesion showed a significant interacting effect on the output variable, the axial dispersion coefficient. Increase in cohesion leads to increase in the axial dispersion coefficient at higher impeller speeds, whereas a negligible effect of cohesion on the axial dispersion coefficient was observed at lower impeller speeds. In the second part of the paper, a continuous blending methodology for blending cohesive materials was demonstrated. Considering the feeding limitations of cohesive materials, and limitations in the application of shear in the bladed continuous mixer, a combination of high shear and low shear mixing with high-shear mixing as a first step exhibited an optimal mixing strategy.
Bone Material Properties and Skeletal Fragility

Deformations of vertebrae and sudden fractures of long bones caused by essentially normal loading are a characteristic problem in osteoporosis. If the loading is normal, then the explanation for and prediction of unexpected bone failure lies in understanding the mechanical properties of the whole bone-which come from its internal and external geometry, the mechanical properties of the hard tissue, and from how well the tissue repairs damage. Modern QCT and MRI imaging systems can measure the geometry of the mineralized tissue quite well in vivo-leaving the mechanical properties of the hard tissue and the ability of bone to repair damage as important unknown factors in predicting fractures. This review explains which material properties must be measured to understand why some bones fail unexpectedly despite our current ability to determine bone geometry and bone mineral content in vivo. Examples of how to measure the important mechanical properties are presented along with some analysis of potential drawbacks of each method. Particular attention is given to methods useful to characterize the loss of bone toughness caused by mechanical fatigue, drug side effects, and damage to the bone matrix.
Integrated Marketing Communications for Local Nonprofit Organizations: Messages in Nonprofit Communications

SUMMARY Discusses the importance of planning message strategy for nonprofit communications. Strategy issues such as branding, connecting to the audience and positioning are addressed. Execution, including copy and visual issues are explained. A sidebar discussion on the creation and use of logos is included.
STRUCTURAL HEALTH MONITORING VIA STRUCTURAL LOCALIZATION

A new method of localized structural health monitoring is presented, which utilizes an invariance property of transmission zeros of localized transfer functions. The present localized transfer functions are obtained by transforming the partitioned dynamic flexibility matrix in terms of elemental or substructure! strains and their conjugate input forces. Health monitoring is thus accomplished via monitoring of the transmission zeros of localized dynamic flexibility matrices. Numerical examples are presented to illustrate the utility of the proposed method.
Recent progress in the search for genes for bipolar disorder.

Over many decades, much evidence has been accumulated to demonstrate the strong role of genetic factors in bipolar disorder. Recently, genetic studies of bipolar disorder have turned from proving the role of genetics to identifying the specific genes involved. This has been made possible by the development of powerful methods to identify disease genes by their locations on chromosomes, an approach termed postitional cloning. Currently, about a dozen regions in the genome have been implicated as the location of susceptibility genes for bipolar disorder. Several of these have been replicated and will likely lead to the identification of novel disease mechanisms. An intriguing development is that a few of these are the same locations implicated in studies of schizophrenia, suggesting a greater genetic relationship between these disorders than had been previously thought. It is hoped that the identification of novel disease genes will lead to a better understanding of the pathophysiology of bipolar disorder and to the development of more effective treatments.
The effect of morphology and surface doping on sensitization of quasi-1D metal oxide nanowire gas sensors

Quasi 1-D metal oxide single crystal chemiresistors are about to occupy their specific niche in the real world solid state sensorics. The major expected advantage of this kind of sensors with respect to available granular thin film sensors will be their smaller size and stable, reproducible and calculable performance within a wide range of operating conditions. To be able to compete in sensitivity with the best available nanocrystalline thin film sensors, one has to use very fine nanowires with the effective diameter of the order of ten nanometers. Fabrication of nanostructures reproducibly and controllably in this size domain remains a challenging task. The second challenge is a control of the selectivity of these nanosensors. In this report, a few exemplary approaches to grow and functionalize the prospective nanosensors are presented. Namely, in order to produce the nanostructures with the reduced diameter of the conducting channel, we grow nanowires with the oscillating morphologies where mesoscopic, several microns long segments are connected by the segments with much smaller diameters. In order to tune the sensitivity and selectivity of these sensors the influence of the surface sensitization with catalyst particles of Ni/NiO and Pd were examined.
A laser-based fluorometry system for investigations of seawater and porewater fluorescence

Abstract A highly sensitive laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) system has been developed to study the fluorescence of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in the marine environment. The LIF detector has a detection limit of ∼ 10 attomoles (10 × 10 −18 moles) of pterin and eliminates internal quenching in highly fluorescent samples such as anoxic porewaters encountered when using conventional fluorometry. LIF analysis is rapid, reproducible, and uses only 100 μl of a sample. This small size requirement permits fluorescence analyses of samples often available only in limited amounts, such as porewaters, hydrothermal vent waters, and rainwaters. In addition, the LIF detection system may greatly simplify extraction and separation procedures required to characterize the fluorescent components of DOC.
Indexical Color Predicates: Truth Conditional Semantics vs. Truth Conditional Pragmatics

... consider the words ‘The leaf is green,’ speaking of a given leaf, and its condition at a given time, used so as to mean what they do mean in English. How many distinct things might be said in words with all that true of them? Many.... Suppose a Japanese maple leaf, turned brown, was painted green for a decoration. In sorting leaves by colour, one might truly call this one green. In describing leaves to help identify their species, it might, for all the paint, be false to call it that. So words may have all the stipulated features while saying something true, but while also saying something false. (Travis, 1994, 171-2)
Mitochondrial Transcription Is Regulated via an ATP “Sensing” Mechanism that Couples RNA Abundance to Respiration

The information encoded in both the nuclear and mitochondrial genomes must be coordinately regulated to respond to changes in cellular growth and energy states. Despite identification of the mitochondrial RNA polymerase (mtRNAP) from several organisms, little is known about mitochondrial transcriptional regulation. Studying the shift from fermentation to respiration in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, we have demonstrated a direct correlation between in vivo changes in mitochondrial transcript abundance and in vitro sensitivity of mitochondrial promoters to ATP concentration (K(m)ATP). Consistent with the idea that the mtRNAP itself senses in vivo ATP levels, we found that transcript abundance correlates with respiration, but only when coupled to mitochondrial ATP synthesis. In addition, we characterized mutations in the mitochondrial promoter and the mtRNAP accessory factor Mtf1 that alter both in vitro K(m)ATP and in vivo transcription in response to respiratory changes. We propose that shifting cellular pools of ATP coordinately control nuclear and mitochondrial transcription.
Peroxide induced binding of hydrocarbons to DNA

Abstract The chemical linkage of the polycyclic hydrocarbons 3,4-benzpyrene, 3-methyl-cholanthrene and 9,10-dimethyl-1,2-benzanthracene to calf thymus DNA was induced by incubation with dilute solutions of H 2 O 2 . The DNA compounds were characterized by gradient centrifugation, hydrolysis to the nucleosides, and chromatography.
A digital computer program for determining atomic-wave functions

SOLUTION of a set of second-order differential equations for computing Hartree-Fock self-consistent field wave functions has been successfully programmed for use on an International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) type 650 magnetic drum digital computer. These equations are nonhomogeneous and have coefficients which are functions of the solution. Thus, the equations must be integrated a sufficient number of times to reach a state of self-consistency. For a particular atomic configuration this may be accomplished in 5 to 8 hours of machine time with the present program. This represents a tremendous saving over hand methods previously used.
Saturation of optical absorption in InSb

Abstract Saturation of optical absorption in InSb has been observed by using near absorption edge wavelenght radiation of subnanosecond duration at 5.3μm to affect a wavelenght dependence on the optical absorption edge. A nearly three orders of magnitude self-induced enhancement of transparency has been measured for optical energy transmission through the absorption medium. The residual absorption losses are anomalously low.
Rho Kinase Differentially Regulates Phosphorylation of Nonmuscle Myosin II Isoforms A and B during Cell Rounding and Migration

The actin-myosin cytoskeleton is generally accepted to produce the contractile forces necessary for cellular processes such as cell rounding and migration. All vertebrates examined to date are known to express at least two isoforms of non-muscle myosin II, referred to as myosin IIA and myosin IIB. Studies of myosin IIA and IIB in cultured cells and null mice suggest that these isoforms perform distinct functions. However, how each myosin II isoform contributes individually to all the cellular functions attributed to "myosin II" has yet to be fully characterized. Using isoform-specific small-interfering RNAs, we found that depletion of either isoform resulted in opposing migration phenotypes, with myosin IIA- and IIB-depleted cells exhibiting higher and lower wound healing migration rates, respectively. In addition, myosin IIA-depleted cells demonstrated impaired thrombin-induced cell rounding and undertook a more motile morphology, exhibiting decreased amounts of stress fibers and focal adhesions, with concomitant increases in cellular protrusions. Cells depleted of myosin IIB, however, were efficient in thrombin-induced cell rounding, displayed a more retractile phenotype, and maintained focal adhesions but only in the periphery. Last, we present evidence that Rho kinase preferentially regulates phosphorylation of the regulatory light chain associated with myosin IIA. Our data suggest that the myosin IIA and IIB isoforms are regulated by different signaling pathways to perform distinct cellular activities and that myosin IIA is preferentially required for Rho-mediated contractile functions.