cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Estimating big bluestem albedo from directional reflectance measurements

Multidirectional reflectance factor measurements acquired in the summer of 1986 are used to make estimates of big bluestem grass albedo, evaluating the variation of albedo with changes in solar zenith angle and phenology. On any given day, the albedo was observed to increase by at least 19 percent as solar zenith angle increased. Changes in albedo were found to correspond to changes in the green leaf area index of the grass canopy. Estimates of albedo made using reflectance data acquired within only one or two azimuthal planes and at a restricted range of view zenith angle were evaluated and compared to 'true' albedos derived from all available reflectance factor data. It was found that even a limited amount of multiple direction reflectance data was preferable to a single nadir reflectance factor for the estimation of prarie grass albedo.
Electronic Angular Momenta of Some Low-Lying States of Cerium; Nuclear Spin of Cerium-143

The electronic angular momenta of some low-lying states of cerium were determined by means of the atomic-beam magnetic resonance technique. The work was done on the 32-day ${\mathrm{Ce}}^{141}$ isotope using both the reported nuclear spin result of ${\mathrm{Ce}}^{141}$ ($I=\frac{7}{2}$) and the ${g}_{J}$ states as determined on ${\mathrm{Ce}}^{140}$. The results are: ${g}_{J}=\ensuremath{-}1.0772$, $J=3$; ${g}_{J}=\ensuremath{-}0.9454$, $J=4$; ${g}_{J}=\ensuremath{-}0.7651$, $J=4$. Configuration mixing is required to interpret these results. By the same experimental method the nuclear spin of ${\mathrm{Ce}}^{143}$ was determined. The result ($I=\frac{3}{2}$) is consistent with angular correlation data and decay schemes of this isotope.
Adherens junctions inhibit asymmetric division in the Drosophila epithelium

Asymmetric division is a fundamental mechanism for generating cellular diversity. In the central nervous system of Drosophila, neural progenitor cells called neuroblasts undergo asymmetric division along the apical-basal cellular axis. Neuroblasts originate from neuroepithelial cells, which are polarized along the apical-basal axis and divide symmetrically along the planar axis. The asymmetry of neuroblasts might arise from neuroblast-specific expression of the proteins required for asymmetric division. Alternatively, both neuroblasts and neuroepithelial cells could be capable of dividing asymmetrically, but in neuroepithelial cells other polarity cues might prevent asymmetric division. Here we show that by disrupting adherens junctions we can convert the symmetric epithelial division into asymmetric division. We further confirm that the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) tumour suppressor protein is recruited to adherens junctions, and demonstrate that both APC and microtubule-associated EB1 homologues are required for the symmetric epithelial division along the planar axis. Our results indicate that neuroepithelial cells have all the necessary components to execute asymmetric division, but that this pathway is normally overridden by the planar polarity cue provided by adherens junctions.
A Mesobeta-Scale Model in Boundary-Layer Coordinates

A mesobeta-scale numerical model is described that is designed specifically for operational use on relatively small computers (supermicro-class computers of the MicroVAX 3000/4000 type). A major aspect of the model leading to improved computational efficiency is that rather than using many model layers near the surface to resolve the growth and decay of the boundary layer explicitly, the model treats the boundary layer as a single model layer of known structure whose depth can evolve during the integration. The model equations are recast in a coordinate system, referred to as boundary layer coordinates, based on the depth of the evolving boundary layer. The model described here does not include condensation processes, but it does include a radiation parameterization, schemes governing the structure of the stable and unstable boundary layers and the transitions between these regimes, and parameterizations for the fluxes of heat and moisture between the boundary layer and the earth's surface. Simulations have been carried out with a prototype model that has five layers and 20-km grid spacing in the fine grid mesh of its nested domain, Results of these simulations show that the model is capable of reproducing such mesoscale phenomena as mountain lee waves and the Floridamore » sea-breeze circulation fairly well.« less
Studies on bursting pacemaker potential activity in molluscan neurons. II. Regulation by divalent cations

Identified cells in Aplysia (R15, R2, LPG) and cell 11 in Otala have been used to investigate the effects of divalent cations, temperature, pH and ouabain on neuronal activity. Divalent cations act primarily to regulate the appearance of bursting pacemaker potential (BPP) activity in these cells. These ions are necessary for BPP generation and will inhibit its appearance at high concentrations (Ca >Mg > Sr). In addition, Ca is involved in the seasonal modulation of BPP activity in a neurosecretory cell in Otala. Monovalent cations play secondary roles as regulators of BPP activity by competing with divalent cations for the sites involved in the regulation of the (probable) monovalent conductances underlying BPPs. The effects of pH, temperature and ouabain on membrane properties and BPP activity are partly related to their interaction with divalent cations. The results described indicate important roles for divalent cations in the regulation of the expression of BPP activity and its underlying membrane properties both in different nerve cells and in the same cell during dormancy and activity of the snails.
Examples of symplectic structures

In this paper we construct symplectic forms $$\tilde \omega _k , k \geqq 0$$ , on a compact manifold $${\tilde Y}$$ which have the same homotopy theoretic invariants, but which are not diffeomorphic.
Differential expression of two soybean apyrases, one of which is an early nodulin.

Two cDNA clones were isolated from soybean (Glycine soja) by polymerase chain reaction with primers designed to conserved motifs found in apyrases (nucleotide phosphohydrolase). The two cDNAs are predicted to encode for two, distinct, apyrase proteins of approximately 50 kDa (i.e., GS50) and 52 kDa (i.e., GS52). Phylogenetic analysis indicated that GS52 is orthologous to a family of apyrases recently suggested to play a role in legume nodulation. GS50 is paralogous to this family and, therefore, likely plays a different physiological role. Consistent with this analysis, GS50 mRNA was detected in root, hypocotyls, flowers, and stems, while GS52 mRNA was found in root and flowers. Neither gene was expressed in leaves or cotyledons. Inoculation of roots with Bradyrhizobium japonicum, nitrogen-fixing symbiont of soybean, resulted in the rapid (<6 h) induction of GS52 mRNA expression. The level of GS50 mRNA expression was not affected by bacterial inoculation. Western blot (immunoblot) analysis of GS50 expression mirrored the results obtained by mRNA analysis. However, in contrast to the mRNA results, GS52 protein was found in stems. Interestingly, anti-GS52 antibody recognized a 50-kDa protein found only in nodule extracts. Treatment of roots with anti-GS52 antibody, but not anti-GS50 antibody or preimmune serum, blocked nodulation by B. japonicum. Fractionation of cellular membranes in sucrose density gradients and subsequent Western analysis of the fractions revealed that GS50 colocalized with marker enzymes for the Golgi, while GS52 colocalized with marker enzymes for the plasma membrane. Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP)-based mapping placed the gs52 gene on major linkage group J of the integrated genetic map of soybean. These data suggest that GS50 is likely an endo-apyrase involved in Golgi function, while GS52 is localized on the root surface and appears to play an important role in nodulation.
Skeletal muscle metastasis in a patient with Wilms tumor and multiple late recurrences.

Stage III Wilms tumor was diagnosed in a 9-year-old girl. Four and a half years after the treatment, which consisted of an operation, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, the patient had a solitary metastasis in the liver, which was successfully treated with chemotherapy and surgical resection. Five years later, right lung metastases were eradicated by chemotherapy, radiation, and surgical resection. Three and a half years later, she had a metastasis in the left calf, for which she underwent surgical resection and received chemotherapy. This patient has several interesting features: (1) multiple recurrences, two in the usual sites of metastasis and one in an extremely rare site, i.e., skeletal muscle; (2) long intervals between recurrences; and (3) unusual histopathologic features, i.e., gradual evolution from a triphasic Wilms tumor at the primary site, to a predominance of differentiated mucinous epithelium in the skeletal muscle metastasis.
THE SEPARATE HYPOLIPOPROTEINEMIC EFFECTS OF DEXTROTHYROXINE AND ETHYL CHLOROPHENOXYISOBUTYRATE.

D-Thyroxine lowers principally the Sf° 0–20 lipoprotein class as do other thyroid-active substances; whereas Atromid, a mixture of androsterone and ethyl chlorophenoxyisobutyrate (CPIB) lowers principally the Sf° 20–400 class. In addition, the major high density lipoprotein class HDL-3 is lowered by thyroid-active substances but appears to be increased by CPIB. These divergent effects on the serum lipoprotein spectrum are demonstrated in a series of 14 patients and indicate that the lipid-lowering effect of CPIB is different from that of thyroid-active substances. Atromid, with CPIB as its active ingredient, appears to be a promising substance specifically for the treatment of Sf° 20–400 hyperlipoproteinemias.
PERK-dependent Activation of Nrf2 Contributes to Redox Homeostasis and Cell Survival following Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress

The accumulation of unfolded proteins elicits a cellular response that triggers both pro-survival and pro-apoptotic signaling events. PERK-dependent activation of NF-E2-related factor-2 (Nrf2) is critical for survival signaling during this response; however, the mechanism whereby Nrf2 confers a protective advantage to stressed cells remains to be defined. We now demonstrate that Nrf2 activation contributes to the maintenance of glutathione levels, which in turn functions as a buffer for the accumulation of reactive oxygen species during the unfolded protein response. The deleterious effects of Nrf2 or PERK deficiencies could be attenuated by the restoration of cellular glutathione levels or Nrf2 activity. In addition, the inhibition of reactive oxygen species production attenuated apoptotic induction following endoplasmic reticulum stress. Our data suggest that perturbations in cellular redox status sensitize cells to the harmful effects of endoplasmic reticulum stress, but that other factors are essential for apoptotic commitment.
Generalizations of Tarski's fixed point theorem for order varieties of complete meet semilattices

A poset P is μ-conditionally complete (μ a cardinal) if every set X\( \subseteq \)P all of whose subsets of cardinality <μ have an upper bound has a least upper bound. For μ ≤ σ we characterize the subposets of a μ-complete poset which can occur as the set of fixed points of some montonic function on P. This yields a generalization of Tarski's fixed point theorem. We also show that for every μ the class of μ-conditionally complete posets forms an order variety and we exhibit a simple generating poset for each such class.
Influence of underlayers on the c-axis distribution in Co80Pt20 thin films

Abstract A series of approximately 40 nm thick Co 80 Pt 20 thin films have been sputter-deposited onto a combination of Ta, Pt and Ru underlayers grown at different layer thicknesses. The addition of a Ta seed layer to the Pt and Ru underlayers caused the {0002} hexagonal close packed (hcp) Co 80 Pt 20 's c -axis dispersion's full width at half maximum to narrow from approximately 12° to approximately 2°. In-situ stress measurements taken during deposition showed that the Ta seed layer reduced the growth stresses for the Pt and an initial 1 nm of growth for the Ru underlayers. The Ru layer thickness controlled the c/a ratio of the hcp Co 80 Pt 20 film which regulated the degree of magnetic easy-axis alignment in the Co 80 Pt 20 film. The optimal underlayer material stack for Co 80 Pt 20 with a narrow c -axis dispersion and a high degree of magnetic easy-axis alignment was 5 nm Ta/10 nm Pt/5 nm Ru.
SOME EVIDENCE OF TRANSIT DEMAND ELASTICITIES

This paper draws together empirical evidence from a variety of sources about the magnitudes of transit price elasticities and cross-elasticities. A number of different practical measures of demand elasticity are first defined and some expectations about magnitude are discussed. Evidence is then collated from the analysis of transit operating statistics, from experience in demonstration projects and from attempts to develop cross-sectional models of demand and modal choice.
Temporal variation in gametogenic cycles of vesicomyid clams

Summary Sulfide-rich cold seeps in Monterey Canyon support dense communities of vesicomyid clams, which harbor chemosynthetic bacterial endosymbionts. Because these animals rely upon non-photosynthetic food sources, their life histories may be decoupled from seasonal phytoplankton productivity. We examined this hypothesis by investigating temporal changes in gametogenesis in two vesicomyid clam species. Clams were collected from two cold seeps (600 m and 900 m depths), and their gonads were removed and processed for histological analyses. Oocyte diameters and relative abundances of tissue types were measured in thin sections taken across the gonad. Mean oocyte diameters of Calyptogena kilmeri increased from August to November, 1994, but did not change by March, 1995. Relative proportions of ovarian tissue types (reproductive vs. somatic) also changed during this period, indicating reproductive seasonality. Analyses of Calyptogena pacifica tissues showed no significant change within a 3-month period. Exist...
Critical Conversations: When the Bedside Clinician Calls for Clinical Ethics

VignetteBackground: Sharon is a 56-year-old woman who has been complaining of bloating and discomfort for years. While descending steps from her hillside home, she recently fell and fractured her p...
Estimated effects of the vertical structure of atmospheric mass on the time-variable geoid

[1] The GRACE satellite mission is designed to map the Earth's gravity field at a resolution of a few hundred kilometers every 30 days beginning in 2002. At these timescales, much of the change in the gravity field may be attributed to processes involving the redistribution of water on the surface of the Earth. Contributions from continental water storage, the oceans, and the atmosphere will all be present in the time-varying gravity solutions. Isolating the hydrological and oceanographic signals will first require the removal of the atmospheric component of the gravity field estimates provided by GRACE. The vertical distribution of mass in the atmosphere is typically neglected when calculating the atmospheric gravity signal. We examine the accuracy of this approximation, as well as the accuracies of models which determine idealized atmospheric vertical structure from surface values of temperature and pressure. Using isobaric geopotential height data from a global forecast center to characterize the true atmospheric density distribution, we compute an exact atmospheric gravity signal with which to compare the gravity signal of each of these models. In addition, we examine the effects of including the aspherical component of the Earth's shape when calculating the atmospheric component of the gravity field. Because gravity estimates from GRACE will have limited spatial resolution, we average our results over regions of 200 to 500 km. At these length scales, our results show that using models based solely on surface data can introduce errors in the time variable surface mass signal inferred from GRACE as large as a few millimeters equivalent water thickness, with a global RMS of about 1 mm.
Metal counterion transport in donnan dialysis

Abstract A series of crosslinked cation-exchange membranes having graded levels of ion-exchange capacity were prepared by irradiation-induced grafting on polyethylene substrates. A kinetic model was proposed for the transport of metal counterions across the membrane in Donnan dialysis. The transport was found to be adequately described by an equation in which the rate is proportional to the metal concentration. Sulfonated styrene-grafted membranes were more effective than acrylic acid-grafted membranes in Donnan dialysis separation applications. The metal transport rate increased with increasing ion-exchange capacity of the membrane. The metal removal rates were essentially the same with sodium sulfate, sodium chloride, or sulfuric acid as the strip agent; however, the use of chelating trisodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate brought about higher rates of metal removal. The rate of metal transport across a membrane of low ion-exchange capacity and gel water content decreased with increasing size and valence of the metal cation. However, negligible effect was observed concerning the size and valence of a metal cation on the metal's transport across a membrane of high ion-exchange capacity and gel water content.
Scattering from slightly rough crystal surfaces

This paper discusses the reflection and scattering from slightly-rough crystal surfaces using first-order vector Fresnel-Kirchhoff diffraction theory. Results are given in the conventional, Stokes- and Mueller-matrix representations for cubic and uniaxial crystals in particular orientations.© (1991) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Diagnosis of Pulmonary Infection Caused by Aspergillus: Usefulness of Respiratory Cultures

Aspergillus infection is often difficult to diagnose, and the usefulness of methods of culture for diagnosis has been questioned. We reviewed all respiratory cultures that yielded any species of Aspergillus and all surgical and autopsy materials suspected or diagnostic of infection with Aspergillus over a two-year period. Of 89 patients with one or more positive cultures of nonbiopsy respiratory tract specimens, eight had histologically proven disease (three had aspergillomas and five, invasive aspergillosis). All cases of disease were due to Aspergillus fumigatus or Aspergillus flavus, and eight of nine patients with two or more positive cultures of A. fumigatus or A. flavus had proven disease, versus one of 81 who were uninfected (P less than .001). Cultures from infected patients also had heavier growth and contained mixed Aspergillus species less often than did cultures from uninfected patients. We conclude that cultures of respiratory specimens are useful for diagnosis of pulmonary infection caused by Aspergillus.
Large Dense Numerical Linear Algebra in 1993: the Parallel Computing Influence

This article surveys the current state of applications of large dense numerical linear algebra and the influence of parallel computing. Furthermore, it attempts to crys tallize many important ideas that are sometimes mis understood in the rush to write fast programs.
The case for a polyphyletic origin of mitochondria: morphological and molecular comparisons

The comparative morphology and pigmentation of protists suggest that those with tubular mitochondrial cristae belong to a different lineage than those with lamellar cristae and that the evolutionary divergence might have been very early. We propose that the difference in cristal morphology is the result of separate origins of the mitochondria from endosymbionts related to the Rhodospirillaceae (purple nonsulfur bacteria) but differing in the morphology of their internal membranes. Comparisons of the cytochromes c of protists and the Rhodospirillaceae and of 16s rRNA T1 oligonucleotide catalogs in the Rhodospirillaceae do not contradict, and in fact provide support for, the idea. More extensive evidence may be lacking simply because cytochromes c have been studied in very few protists with tubular mitochondrial cristae.
The microcirculation in the intestinal mesentery.

Abstract A detailed description is given for the exteriorization of splanchnic mesenteries for microscopic observations of capillary blood flow. Emphasis is placed on precautions for maintaining the animal and the exposed tissue under near physiological conditions. Among the factors discussed are anesthesia, tissue irrigation, mechanical trauma, and tissue oxygenation. Both the limitations and advantages of the method are weighed.
'A More Rational Tool' For Assessing Physician Fee Schedule

We encourage responses to papers appearing in Health Affairs. Please keep responses brief (two typed pages) and sharply focused. Health Affairs reserves the right to edit all letters for clarity and length.
Sex-role norms and gender-related attainment values: Their role in attributions of success and failure

Sex-role norms and gender-related attainment values are considered as possible mediators of gender differences in causal attributions for success and failure. Several revisions of attribution theory are suggested in order to extend the theory to include corollaries concerning sex-role norms. The concept of sex-role consistency is employed as a basis for understanding how sex-role norms affect causal attributions. In addition, gender-related attainment values are hypothesized to affect causal attributions via differential salience and functioning of outcomes. Finally, the analysis is applied to an additional area of achievement-related behavior, gender differences in reward allocation norm choice.
The contribution of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics to clinical anaesthesia care

Defining dose requirement, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics Clinical anaesthetists administer doses of drugs to obtain various degrees of drug effect. Some anaesthetic drug effects, such as muscle relaxation, are relatively easy to quantitate, whereas others such as anaesthetic depth are much more difficult. Anaesthetic dose requirement can be defined as the dose of drug that produces a defined degree of effect. For example, an EDs0 would represent the dose of a drug that results in 50 per cent of the maximal drug effect, whereas an EDgs is the dose that creates 95 per cent of the maximal drug effect. Alternatively, the dose requirement can be expressed as the dose that results in 50 or 95 per cent of a group of patients reaching a defined drug effect, i.e., no response to a specific stimuli. The dose requirement is determined by two pharmacological processes: pharmacokinercs, which is the relationship between dose and drug plasma concentration and pharmeeodynamics, the relationship between drug plasma concentration and degree of drug effect, Pharmaeokinetics characterizes those physiological or pharmacological processes that govern the resultant drug plasma concentration or "what the body does to the drug." Pharmacodynamics represents the relationship between drug plasma concentration, the drug concentration at the site of action and the actual occurrence of a measurable drug effect. Pharmacodynamics represents "what the drug does to the body."
Synthesis and biological activity of 3-deoxy-1α-hydroxyvitamin D3+†

A vitamin D 3 analog, 3-deoxy-1 α -hydroxyvitamin D 3 has been synthesized. The compound is active in promoting intestinal calcium transport and bone mineral mobilization.
Educational Program Developed To Assess and Improve Physicians' Knowledge and Clinical Skills in the Diagnosis of Ankle and Knee Injuries

Educational Program Developed To Assess and Improve Physicians' Knowledge and Clinical Skills in the Diagnosis of Ankle and Knee Injuries
The role of relative ion flows on the thermal structure of the ionosphere

Abstract Calculations are presented which show that, contrary to previous suggestions, ion flow velocity differences do not have a significant effect on the thermal structure of the midlatitude topside ionosphere.
Reproductive Consequences of Density-Dependent Size Variation in the Pitcherplant Mosquito, Wyeomyia smithii (Diptera: Culicidae)

Cohort fitness and individual female pupal weight in a northern (40°N) U.S. population of Wyeomyia smithii (Coquillett) were inversely proportional to larval density on a fixed resource. Larger females lived longer and realized higher absolute and weight-specific fecundity than did smaller individuals. Females produced a large initial batch of eggs early during their reproductive period and several smaller batches later. Early fecundity was correlated with pupal weight but not longevity. Late fecundity increased with both pupal weight and longevity but there was no significant tradeoff between late and early weight-specific fecundity. Fertility (percent hatch) was higher in earlier than later batches of eggs but there were no significant trade-offs between late fertility and either early fertility or early weight-specific fecundity. Variation in larval density results in reduced weight at pupation which, in turn, results in reduced fecundity and longevity. Consequences of increased larval density thus persist into adulthood as unrealized reproductive potential.
General Black-Scholes models accounting for increased market volatility from hedging strategies

Increases in market volatility of asset prices have been observed and analysed in recent years and their cause has generally been attributed to the popularity of portfolio insurance strategies for derivative securities. The basis of derivative pricing is the Black-Scholes model and its use is so extensive that it is likely to influence the market itself. In particular it has been suggested that this is a factor in the rise in volatilities. A class of pricing models is presented that accounts for the feedback effect from the Black-Scholes dynamic hedging strategies on the price of the asset, and from there back onto the price of the derivative. These models do predict increased implied volatilities with minimal assumptions beyond those of the Black-Scholes theory. They are characterized by a nonlinear partial differential equation that reduces to the Black-Scholes equation when the feedback is removed. We begin with a model economy consisting of two distinct groups of traders: reference traders who are the...
APPRENTICE ETHNOGRAPHERS AND THE ANTHROPOLOGY OF TOURISM IN COSTA RICA

This chapter discusses the structure of North Carolina State University ethnographic field school program held in Costa Rica from 1995–2001 (and now in Guatemala since 2002), in addition to explaining how the program is run and its focus on the anthropology of tourism. It is argued that not all field schools are ethnographic but that ethnographic field schools are essential for apprentice anthropologists who want to understand what anthropology is all about. It explains what makes the NCSU program an ethnographic field school and why it seems to be a successful model. Former program participants also discuss how they have benefited from their experiences.
A Compilation of Metals and Trace Elements Extracted from Materials Relevant to Pharmaceutical Applications such as Packaging Systems and Devices

Nearly 100 individual test articles, representative of materials used in pharmaceutical applications such as packaging and devices, were extracted under exaggerated conditions and the levels of 32 metals and trace elements (Ag, Al, As, B, Ba, Be, Bi, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ge, Li, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, P, Pb, S, Sb, Se, Si, Sn, Sr, Ti, V, Zn, and Zr) were measured in the extracts. The extracting solvents included aqueous mixtures at low and high pH and an organic solvent mixture (40/60 ethanol water). The sealed vessel extractions were performed by placing an appropriate portion of the test articles and an appropriate volume of extracting solution in inert extraction vessels and exposing the extraction units (and associated extraction blanks) to defined conditions of temperature and duration. The levels of extracted target elements were measured by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy. The overall reporting threshold for most of the targeted elements was 0.05 μg/mL, which corresponds to 0.5 μg/g for the most commonly utilized extraction stoichiometry (1 g of material per 10 mL of extracting solvent). The targeted elements could be classified into four major groups depending on the frequency with which they were present in the over 250 extractions reported in this study. Thirteen elements (Ag, As, Be, Cd, Co, Ge, Li, Mo, Ni, Sn, Ti, V, and Zr) were not extracted in reportable quantities from any of the test articles under any of the extraction conditions. Eight additional elements (Bi, Cr, Cu, Mn, Pb, Sb, Se, and Sr) were rarely extracted from the test articles at reportable levels, and three other elements (Ba, Fe, and P) were infrequently extracted from the test articles at reportable levels. The remaining eight elements (Al, B, Ca, Mg, Na, S, Si, and Zn) were more frequently present in the extracts in reportable quantities. These general trends in accumulation behavior were compared to compiled lists of elements of concern as impurities in pharmaceutical products. Lay abstract Nearly 100 individual test articles, representative of materials used in pharmaceutical applications such as packaging and devices, were extracted under exaggerated conditions, and the levels of thirty-two metals and trace elements (Ag, Al, As, B, Ba, Be, Bi, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ge, Li, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, P, Pb, S, Sb, Se, Si, Sn, Sr, Ti, V, Zn, and Zr) were measured in the extracts. The targeted elements could be classified into four major groups depending on the frequency with which they were present in the extractions reported in this study: those elements that were not extracted in reportable quantities from any of the test articles under any of the extraction conditions, those elements that were rarely extracted from the test articles at reportable levels, those elements that were infrequently extracted from the test articles at reportable levels, and those elements that were more frequently present in the extracts in reportable quantities.
1167 ADRENOLEUKODYSTROPHY: ABOVE NORMAL LEVELS OF VERY LONG CHAIN FATTY ACIDS IN PLASMA

Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) is a progressive X-linked disorder associated with accumulation of saturated very long chain fatty acids in brain and adrenal. We have used a capillary gas liquid chromatography method to quantitate each of the saturated very long chain fatty acids (C20-C26) in the plasma total lipids of 18 adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) hemizygotes, 17 obligate ALD heterozygotes and 50 normal and disease controls. C26 levels in the controls were .015% ± .0032 (SEM) of total fatty acids with chain length in excess of C14, compared to .081% ± .0066 in the ALD hemizygotes and .057% ± .0063 in heterozygotes. Differences were significant with p value <.001. C23, C24 and C25 levels were also significantly increased in the ALD patients. The procedure permits the diagnosis of the ALD hemizygote, even presymptomatically, and aids the identification of the carrier. Since there is evidence that the accumulated fatty acids are of dietary origin (Bioch. Bioph. Res. Comm. 96:69, 1980) we have developed a diet which contains 3 mg of C26 fatty acid per day instead of the usual 15-40 mg. This diet brought about a rapid reduction of plasma C23 and C25 levels in one patient.
Oral hydrogen water prevents chronic allograft nephropathy in rats

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) contribute to the development of interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy seen in chronic allograft nephropathy (CAN). As molecular hydrogen gas can act as a scavenger of ROS, we tested the effect of treatment with hydrogen water (HW) in a model of kidney transplantation, in which allografts from Lewis rats were orthotopically transplanted into Brown Norway recipients that had undergone bilateral nephrectomy. Molecular hydrogen was dissolved in water and recipients were given HW from day 0 until day 150. Rats that were treated with regular water (RW) gradually developed proteinuria and their creatinine clearance declined, ultimately leading to graft failure secondary to CAN. In contrast, treatment with HW improved allograft function, slowed the progression of CAN, reduced oxidant injury and inflammatory mediator production, and improved overall survival. Inflammatory signaling pathways, such as mitogen-activated protein kinases, were less activated in renal allografts from HW-treated rats as compared with RW-treated rats. Hence, oral HW is an effective antioxidant and antiinflammatory agent that prevented CAN, improved survival of rat renal allografts, and may be of therapeutic value in the setting of transplantation.
Prospects for Agricultural Trade after the Uruguay Round: Discussion

in large part because of the United States' active participation. With agricultural trade reform high on the U.S. agenda, the dual pursuit of multilateral and regional reform has important implications for U.S. agriculture. Two useful papers by Josling and Tweeten examine various aspects of the multilateral and regional approaches to trade reform. In general, both papers have taken a pragmatic stance by recognizing that regional approaches can contribute to a more integrated trading system but that multilateral reform is needed to reinforce
Predictive models of battle dynamics

The application of control and game theories to improve battle planning and execution requires models, which allow military strategists and commanders to reliably predict the expected outcomes of various alternatives over a long horizon into the future. We have developed probabilistic battle dynamics models, whose building blocks in the form of Markov chains are derived from the first principles, and applied them successfully in the design of the Model Predictive Task Commander package. This paper introduces basic concepts of our modeling approach and explains the probability distributions needed to compute the transition probabilities of the Markov chains.
Conversion electron and X-ray Mössbauer studies of the corrosion products and surface modifications in stainless and weathering steels

The study of the corrosion products formed on the surface of Type 316 stainless steel exposed to chlorinated seawater for 18 days shows that ferrihydrite and lepidocrocite are the first oxides to form. The surface also shows the formation of a martensite when it is cleaned by light brushing before exposure.
Effect of orally administered tryptophan pyrrolase activity in ovine and bovine

Abstract A major pathway of tryptophan metabolism is through kynurenine. There are two enzymes known to be involved in the conversion of tryptophan to kynurenine. Tryptophan pyrrolase mediates the cleavage of the pyrrole moiety of tryptophan. The product of this reaction, formylknurenine, is converted to kynurenine through mediation of kynurenine formamidase (formylase). Knox and Mehler 1 found the latter enzyme to be in 600-fold excess in liver preparations and indicated that any change in kynurenine formation was therefore due to activity of the pyrrolase. It has been shown repeatedly that there is an increased conversion of tryptophan to kynurenine upon administration of tryptophan, indicating an adaptive increase in the tryptophan pyrrolase. Tryptophan pyrrolase adaptation has been demonstrated in monogastric animals (rat, rabbit, and guinea pigs); but this phenomenon has not been reported in the ruminant. The experiments herein reported were designed to determine whether oral tryptophan would induce tryptophan pyrrolase activity in the ovine and bovine.
Chemosensory Recognition of Familiar and Unfamiliar Conspecifics by the Scincid Lizard Eumeces laticeps

The ability of broad-headed skinks (Eumeces laticeps) to distinguish familiar from unfamiliar individuals of the opposite sex and themselves from other individuals of the same sex using only chemical stimuli was examined experimentally. Cloacal chemical stimuli were presented to lizards on moistened cotton swabs and numbers of tongue-flicks performed in 60 s were recorded. Males emitted significantly greater numbers of tongue-flicks in response to chemical cues from unfamiliar females than of female cagemates. Response rates of males housed with females and males housed alone to chemical stimuli from unfamiliar females did not differ. Chemical stimuli from unfamiliar males elicited significantly more tongue flicks from males than their own or deionized water, but their own stimuli elicited no more than the odourless control. Females tongue-flicked significantly more in response to cloacal chemical stimuli from unfamiliar males than from male cagemates. The findings indicate that both sexes of broad-headed skinks can discriminate between chemical stimuli of familiar and unfamiliar individuals of the opposite sex and that males can distinguish their own cloacal chemicals from those of unfamiliar males. The possible functions of these chemosensory capacities, including location of mates by scent-trailing and assessment of the presence of sexual competitors, are discussed in relation to the social behaviour of E. laticeps.
ALTERNATIVE SPLICING CAUSED BY A LARGE DELETION IN COL1A1 GENE IS RESPONSIBLE FOR A SEVERE CASE OF OSTEOGENESIS IMPERFECTA TYPE III. † 853

ALTERNATIVE SPLICING CAUSED BY A LARGE DELETION IN COL1A1 GENE IS RESPONSIBLE FOR A SEVERE CASE OF OSTEOGENESIS IMPERFECTA TYPE III. † 853
Noun-verb dissociations in brain-damaged patients: Further evidence

Abstract We report four patients (EO, DA, RI and SM) with noun-verb dissociation. EO had a disproportionate deficit for nouns in oral and written naming but not in comprehension. DA had a disproportionate deficit for nouns both in naming and in comprehension. RI and SM had a selective deficit for verbs in oral and written naming but not in comprehension. None of the patients showed modality-specific grammatical class effect. Patients with deficit for verbs were agrammatic and presented, to a different extent, short-term memory impairment. The functional locus of noun-verb dissociation and the possible role of short-term memory in generating verb deficit and some aspects of agrammatic syndrome are discussed. The neuroanatomical correlates of selective grammatical class deficit are also considered.
An evaluation of ecotourism in Amazonas, Brazil

Abstract Registered “ecotour” lodges were studied using observation and interviews with visitors, employees, and local people. Findings were evaluated using proposed ecotourism principles. Besides providing employment, lodges improve access, stimulate new services (health utilities, etc.), and make valued but limited local purchases. In other ways, lodges fall short of the ideals inherent in the principles. They contribute little to conservation education, resource protection, or the involvement and empowerment of local people. Tourists wish to see and would support conservation and community development programs both financially and via their future selection of ecotour operators. Numerous implications for concessions, protected area management, and rural development in Amazonas are discussed.
Modifying the setting rate of an addition-type silicone impression material

Two methods for controlling the working time of an addition-type silicone impression material are presented. The progress of the polymerization reaction of this modified system was studied using viscosity and a new "compression set" technique. The physical properties are presented and compared to those typical of condensation silicones, and a method of clinical use is suggested.
Traveling-wave optical parametric amplifier: investigation of its phase-sensitive and phase-insensitive gain response

We experimentally investigate the gain response of a frequency-degenerate but polarization-nondegenerate traveling-wave optical parametric amplifier that consists of a type II phase-matched potassium titanyl phosphate crystal pumped by a frequency-doubled Q-switched mode-locked Nd:YAG laser. Both the optical phase-sensitive and phase-insensitive configurations of the parametric amplifier are studied. Experimental results are in excellent agreement with the theory of an optical parametric amplifier when the Gaussian-beam nature of the various fields is taken into account. In the phase-sensitive configuration a gain of >100 (20 dB) could be easily obtained in the amplified quadrature, which is limited only by the available pump power. Because of gain-induced diffraction and phase fluctuations, however, maximum deamplification in the orthogonal quadrature is limited to <0.5(-3 dB).
Lipids versus Proteins as Major Targets of Pro-Oxidant, Direct-Acting Hemolytic Agents

Lipid peroxidation and the accompanying translocation of phosphatidylserine (PS) from the inner to the outer leaflet of the lipid bilayer have recently been identified as key components of a signaling pathway for phagocytosis of apoptotic cells by macrophages. Drug-induced hemolytic anemia has long been known to be caused by an accelerated uptake of damaged (but intact) erythrocytes by macrophages in the spleen, and this process has been associated with enhanced formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, the role of lipid peroxidation in hemolytic injury has remained unclear, and the effect of hemolytic agents on the distribution of PS in the erythrocyte membrane is unknown. The present studies were undertaken to determine whether lipid peroxidation and PS translocation could be detected in rat and human erythrocytes by three types of direct-acting hemolytic agents--dapsone hydroxylamine, divicine hydroquinone, and phenylhydrazine. 2',7'-Dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate was employed as a probe for intracellular ROS formation; lipid peroxidation was assessed by GC/MS analysis of F2-isoprostanes; and PS externalization was measured by annexin V labeling and the prothrombinase assay. The data confirmed that all three hemolytic agents generate ROS within erythrocytes under hemolytic conditions; however, no evidence for lipid peroxidation or PS translocation was detected. Instead, ROS production by these hemolytic agents was associated with extensive binding of oxidized and denatured hemoglobin to the membrane cytoskeleton. The data suggest that the transmembrane signal for macrophage recognition of hemolytic injury may be derived from oxidative alterations to erythrocyte proteins rather than to membrane lipids.
Factors Influencing Self-Efficacy Judgments of University Students in Foreign Language Tutoring

What factors in individualized tutoring sessions impact university students' self-efficacy for mastering a foreign language (EL)? For 29 initial sessions (Italian, Spanish, Erench, or Portuguese) at a university tutoring program, tutees completed pretutoring and posttutoring questionnaires indicating their self-efficacy for learning the FL. Transcripts of the 4 sessions with the greatest increases and the 4 with greatest decreases in self-efficacy were analyzed and compared for features, including session length, amount of overlapped speech, ratio of tutor/tutee talk, language choice, questioning, rules, examples, statements about the EL, admissions of error and of lack of knowledge by the tutor, and attributional statements. Motivationally effective tutoring sessions tended to be shorter, to focus on deeper understanding of the EL structure through explanation of rules and deep-level questioning, and to characterize and model the FL as learnable and regular. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
PROTEOLYTIC ENZYMES : II. THE PHYSIOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF THE CONTROL OF THEIR ACTIVITY, ESPECIALLY WITH RESPECT TO BACTERIAL GROWTH.

It has been suggested that the ability to control the activity of leucoprotease and serum antiprotease may prove useful in the further study and understanding of such phenomena as: (1) inflammation; (2) the resolution of inflammatory exudates and the absorption of absorbable foreign bodies; (3) the protection of joint and other structures from the proteolytic action of leucoprotease; (4) the neutralization of the destructive protease liberated in acute pancreatitis and from duodenal fistulae; (5) experimental arteriosclerosis and arteriolonecrosis; (6) the coagulation of the blood; (7) the possibility of prolonging the action of insulin; (8) the release of thyroglobulin by the thyroid gland; (9) bacterial growth and sulfonamide action. In this last respect evidence has been presented that the products of the hydrolysis of protein by leucoprotease stimulate bacterial growth and directly and indirectly inhibit sulfonamide action, and the hope has been expressed that the ability to control leucoprotease action may contribute to the more successful use of chemotherapeutic agents in purulent lesions.
Fluorescence Quantum Yield Measurements: Vitamin B6 Compounds

Quantum yields for pyridoxal, pyridoxamine, and pyridoxamine-5-phosphate at 25°C in neutral aqueous solution were 0.048, 0.11, and 0.14, respectively. The fluorescence efficiencies were highly temperaturedependent, and the compounds were extremely sensitive to light. There were marked discrepancies between the values obtained in this study for quantum yield and fluorescence polarization of pyridoxamine-5-phosphate and the values recently reported by others.
Approach for fast time-frequency analysis

S-transform (ST) is a time–frequency representation (TFR) that is popularly used in a variety of applications, but prohibitive in both storage and computation for large time series. This study proposes a one-dimensional fast time–frequency transform (FTFT-1D) which generates a highly compressed form of the ST directly, without the need to compute the complete ST matrix initially and compress it subsequently. The compression technique used in the FTFT-1D helps in storage, transmission and visualisation of the ST. The FTFT-1D encodes the TFR information uniformly and finds the local spectrum instantaneously and accurately. It is useful for real-time applications such as monitoring, control and filtering. In addition, the FTFT-1D is memory efficient, robust and adaptive in nature.
How to treat a vaginal burn due to acetic acid

Up to the present, no recommendations have been made on vaginal and cervical burns. The aim of this article was to compare our treatment with other strategies found in the literature on the outcome of vaginal strictures and to propose a protocol for the treatment of vaginal burns. A patient underwent colposcopy with 100 % acetic acid, which caused deep vaginal burns. We treated her with daily vaginal packing with Vaseline gauze for 5 days and daily irrigation with saline solution for 2 weeks. Antibiotic capsules were used for 7 days. Subsequent physiotherapy was performed for 6 months. Topical hyaluronic acid was applied, and hyaluronic vaginal capsules were introduced from 1 month onwards and for 5 months. Healing took 1 month. No vaginal synechia or stricture was found at 6 months. In a review of literature, vaginal stents, topical estrogen, systemic antibiotics, and oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents have been proposed. No cases of vaginal strictures or synechiae have been reported. The treatment has to be the simplest and the less traumatizing. Vaginal packing does not prevent vaginal strictures. Simple saline irrigation with a regular pelvic examination appears to be sufficient for the treatment of vaginal burns. Topical estrogens can be interesting if there is an atrophic mucosa. At distance, topical hyaluronic acid can be used to enhance healing.