cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Natural attenuation as a viable remediation method

This paper describes the concept of natural attenuation and its role as a remediation method. It contains examples illustrating the various modalities via which natural attenuation may assist in dealing with environmental contamination.
The Neurogenic Metabolic Factor in Ischemic Heart Disease: Pathogenesis and Prevention

SUMMARY Ischemic heart disease is caused by a discrepancy between the inseparably correlated factors of sympathetic (=catecholamine—) dominated myocardial oxygen consumption on the one hand, and coronary vascular oxygen supply on the other. Myocardial structural vulnerability rises with sympathetic activity when the normal compensatory coronary dilatability is impaired (sclerosis). Living conditions in highly civilized and industrialized nations are associated with sympathetic - stimulating socio - economic emotional tensions, frustrations and anxieties, sensory irritations, abuse of catecholamine-mobilizing nicotine, and lack of physical exercise. The latter results in a detrimental deficiency of physiologic cardiac sympatho-inhibitory counterregulation. Anti-atherogenic dietary measures are aimed merely at the anatomic vascular features of ischemic heart disease. Their pathogenic autonomic nervous corollary (cardiac sympathetic preponderance) can be controlled by environmental-emotional relaxation, avoidance of nicotine, and a certain minimum of indefinitely continued regular physical activity. These principles are being successfully applied and indoctrinated in thousands of preventive reconditioning centers abroad. No such organizations exist yet in this country.
Degradation of native wheat straw lignin by Streptomyces viridosporus T7A

Lignin is one of the major contributing factors toward the recalcitrance of lignocellulosic biomass. Understanding the process of lignin degradation in natural biological processes will provide useful information to develop novel biomass conversion technologies. Functional group changes in the lignin entities during the process may contribute to the cellulose degradation (utilization) by the microorganisms. In this study, compositional and advanced Fourier transform infrared, pyrolysis gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and 13C cross polarization/magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance analysis were performed to explore the mechanism of biodegradation of wheat straw by Streptomyces viridosporus T7A. The results indicated that S. viridosporus T7A removed lignin and hemicelluloses as indicated by the increased carbohydrate/lignin ratio. Significant modification of carbonyl and methoxyl groups in the complex lignin structure was also evident. Most importantly, the quantitative results showed that lignin degradation was featured by deduction of guaiacyl unit. The results provide new insight for understanding lignin degradation by bacteria.
Microbial sterility testing of oil-formulated bovine somatotropin using Tween® 80 dispersion

Abstract The Food and Drug Administration requires that sterile pharmaceutical products be free of viable microorganisms. Sterility testing of pharmaceutical products provides added assurance that the product is sterile. Sterility testing is typically done by inoculating the drug product into microbial growth media followed by visual inspection for growth during incubation for a specified time period. A lack of visual growth indicates that the drug product samples tested were sterile. Formulated Posilac® bovine somatotropin 1 consists of protein particles suspended in an oil-based excipient. The product formulation is immiscible in aqueous media due to the excipient's water insolubility and the insolubility of the protein particles at near neutral pH values. Because the formulation is packaged and sold as a sterile product, it is critical that a sensitive microbial sterility test method be used for this key quality test. A sterility test method was developed for Posilac® that utilized Tween® 80 (i.e. polysorbate 80) as a dispersant. Dispersion of the product using Tween® 80 produced a homogeneous suspension of bovine somatotropin particles and oil droplets in the micron size range. The suspension did not appreciably settle out with time, attesting to the homogeneous nature of the mixture. This method was found to be compatible with survival, recovery, and growth from low numbers of the test organisms required by the U.S. Pharmacopeia XXIII as well as from two additional test cultures.
Examination of effects of corticosteroids on skeletal muscles of boys with DMD using MRI and MRS

Objective: To evaluate the effects of corticosteroids on the lower extremity muscles in boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) using MRI and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). Methods: Transverse relaxation time (T2) and fat fraction were measured by MRI/MRS in lower extremity muscles of 15 boys with DMD (age 5.0–6.9 years) taking corticosteroids and 15 corticosteroid-naive boys. Subsequently, fat fraction was measured in a subset of these boys at 1 year. Finally, MRI/MRS data were collected from 16 corticosteroid-naive boys with DMD (age 5–8.9 years) at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. Five boys were treated with corticosteroids after baseline and the remaining 11 served as corticosteroid-naive controls. Results: Cross-sectional comparisons demonstrated lower muscle T2 and less intramuscular (IM) fat deposition in boys with DMD on corticosteroids, suggesting reduced inflammation/damage and fat infiltration with treatment. Boys on corticosteroids demonstrated less increase in IM fat infiltration at 1 year. Finally, T2 by MRI/MRS detected effects of corticosteroids on leg muscles as early as 3 months after drug initiation. Conclusions: These results demonstrate the ability of MRI/MRS to detect therapeutic effects of corticosteroids in reducing inflammatory processes in skeletal muscles of boys with DMD. Our work highlights the potential of MRI/MRS as a biomarker in evaluating therapeutic interventions in DMD.
The conditional independences between variables derived from two independent identically distributed Markov random fields when pairwise order is ignored

A result for the equivalence of conditional independence graphs of ordered and unordered vector random variables from first-order Markov models is extended to arbitrary forests. The result is relevant to estimating graphical models for linkage disequilibrium between genetic loci. It explains why, in terms of the conditional independence structure, it sometimes does not matter whether you consider haplotypes or genotypes.
Anomalous transport in discrete arcs, double layers in experiments, simulations, and space.

This paper presents a survey of selected results of laboratory experiments and numerical simulations of plasma double layers. Emphasis is given to discrimination between features peculiar to the experimental or numerical investigation and results which may have general implications for double layers in space similar to that of laser or particle beam produced plasma. The discussion concentrates on certain aspects pertaining to dynamics, structure, and stability of double layers considering the effects of boundary conditions (trapped particles, Bohm conditions, and applied potentials), waves and turbulence, collisions, and volume ionization.
Policies to Improve the Economic Impact of Energy Resource Development

Energy development in the United States faces problems of regional acceptance. This paper examines the regional energy development decisions generally by looking at the impact of geothermal energy development on Imperial Valley, California. While land use will vary for different energy source development projects the basic economic trends will be similar. Regional, interregional and regional-national policies intended to improve the impact of development are discussed. Basic to any national energy goal is the cooperation among decision and policy makers on the local, regional and national levels. (SAC)
Dose perturbation induced by radiographic contrast inside brachytherapy balloon applicators

Phantom measurements and Monte Carlo calculations have been performed for the purpose of characterizing the dose perturbation caused by radiographic contrast inside the MammoSite breast brachytherapy applicator. Specifically, the dose perturbation is quantified as a heterogeneity correction factor (HCF) for various balloon radii and contrast concentration levels. The dose perturbation is larger for larger balloon radii and higher contrast concentrations. Based on a validated Monte Carlo simulation, the calculated HCF values are 0.99 for a 2 cm radius balloon and 0.98 for a 3 cm radius balloon at 6% contrast concentration levels, and 0.89 and 0.87 for 2 and 3 cm radius balloons, respectively, at 100% contrast concentrations. For a typical implanted balloon radius of 2.4 cm, the HCF values decrease from 0.99 at 6% contrast concentration to 0.90 at 100% contrast concentration. For balloons implanted in patients at our institution, the mean HCF is 0.99, corresponding to a dose reduction of approximately 1%. The contrast effect results in a systematic reduction in the delivered dose, therefore the minimal amount of radiographic contrast necessary should be used.
Discipline in the Urban Middle School: A Rehabilitative Process

How to maintain discipline continues to be a major problem confronting the urban middle school ad ministrator. The author offers his thoughts on the causes and the ef fects of student misbehavior as well as some suggested approaches to improvement.
BIRTH-ORDER CATEGORIES AS PREDICTORS OF SELECT PERSONALITY CHARACTERISTICS

The present study was designed to examine the relationships between selected birth-order-rank categories and personality behavior as measured by the Sixteen Personality Factor Questionnaire, Form A...
An Adaptive Fir Filtering Based on Balanced Realization

Balanced realization is an attractive candidate to design state-space adaptive filter structure due to its least parameter sensitivity. In this paper, based on the balanced realization, an adaptive finite impulse response (FIR) filtering algorithm is proposed to minimize the output-error using the coefficients of the transfer function as the adaptive filter parameters. This algorithm is an internally balanced realization form and guarantees that the designed adaptive FIR filtering always minimizes the ratio of maximum-to-minimum eigenvalues of the Grammian matrices.
Optimal utilization of storage and the induced price elasticity of demand in the presence of ramp constraints

This paper is concerned with optimal utilization of storage, characterization of the economic value of storage in the presence of ramp-rate constraints and stochastically-varying electricity prices, and characterization of the price elasticity of demand induced by optimal utilization of storage. The ramp constraints limit the charging and discharging rate of storage, and can be due to the physical limitations of the storage device or the power lines. Such constraints make analytical characterization of optimal policies particularly difficult. In this paper, the optimal utilization problem is addressed in a finite-horizon stochastic dynamic programming framework, and an analytical characterization of the value function along with recursive formulas for computation of the associated optimal policy are derived. It is shown that the value function associated with the dynamic programming problem is a piecewise linear convex function of the storage state, i.e., the amount of stored energy. Furthermore, while the economic value of storage capacity is a non-decreasing function of price volatility, it is shown that due to finite ramping rates, the value of storage saturates quickly as the capacity increases, regardless of price volatility. Finally, it is shown that optimal utilization of storage by consumers could induce a considerable amount of price elasticity, particularly near the average price.
Expert systems: The structure, history, and future of successful AI applications

The evolution of expert systems is described. The composition of expert systems is examined, and the manner in which they differ from standard computer programs is highlighted. Existing expert systems are examined to illustrate the properties and capabilities of these programs.
Modeling degradation and failure of Ni-Cr-Al overlay coatings

Degradation of a Ni-16Cr-25Al-0.06Zr overlay coating on a Ni-22Cr substrate was examined after oxidation accompanied by thermal cycling. Concentration/distance profiles were measured in the coating and substrate after various one-hour cycles at 1150 C. A numerical model was developed to simulate coating degradation by simultaneous oxidation and coating/substrate interdiffusion. The validity of the model was confirmed by comparison of predicted and measured concentration/distance profiles. The ability of the model to identify critical system parameters was demonstrated for the case of the initial Al and Cr content of the coating and substrate.
Three-dimensional mathematical morphology

Abstract This paper presents a brief overview of recent developments in the application of three-dimensional mathematical morphology and associated special-purpose computer architectures to image processing, target tracking, and both three-dimensional data analysis and display.
The problem of suicide on college campuses.

If our classrooms nowadays are populated by hypermodern poets, ultrarevolutionary politicans, heroic philosophers, and experienced lovers, this reflects the influence of a society that today, as in the formative days of Christianity, once again seeks desperately and painfully to renew its whole life, and most especially involves its youth in this monumental struggle (Friedman, 1967, p. 49).
The two-way proportional hazards model

Summary. Survival analysis problems often involve dual timescales, most commonly calendar date and lifetime, the latter being the elapsed time since an initiating event such as a heart transplant. In our main example attention is focused on the hazard rate of ‘death’ as a function of calendar date. Three different estimates are discussed, one each from proportional hazards analyses on the lifetime and the calendar date scales, and one from a symmetric approach called here the ‘two-way proportional hazards model’, a multiplicative hazards model going back to Lexis in the 1870s. The three are connected through a Poisson generalized linear model for the Lexis diagram. The two-way model is shown to combine the information from the two ‘one-way’ proportional hazards analyses efficiently, at the cost of more extensive parametric modelling.
Experimentally validated computations of flow, mixing and segregation of non-cohesive grains in 3D tumbling blenders

Granular mixing is a vital operation in food, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries. Although the tumbling blender is by far the most common device used to mix grains, surprisingly little is known about mixing or segregation in these devices. In this paper, we report the first fully three-dimensional (3D) particle dynamics simulations of granular dynamics in two standard industrial tumbling blender geometries: the double-cone and the V-blender. Simulations for both monodisperse and bidisperse (segregating) grain sizes are performed and compared with experiment. Mixing and transport patterns are studied, and we find in both tumblers that the dominant mixing mechanism, azimuthal convection, contends against the dominant bottleneck, axial dispersion. The dynamics of blending, on the other hand, differs dramatically between the two tumblers: flow in the double-cone is nearly continuous and steady, while flow in the V-blender is intermittent and consists of two very distinct processes.
Fatigue modeling for aircraft structures containing natural exfoliation corrosion

Abstract This paper presents the results of testing and modeling studies on the remaining fatigue life of aircraft wing skins containing natural exfoliation corrosion. Dogbone specimens were manufactured from 7075-T6511 upper wing panels containing natural exfoliation. The maximum depth of the exfoliation damage was determined by an ultrasonic non-destructive inspection (NDI). Fatigue tests were carried out under fully reversed constant amplitude loading ( R = −1.0), and fractographic analyses were performed to examine the cracking mechanisms in the exfoliation region. Based on the test findings, a simplified fatigue model was developed to estimate the remaining fatigue life of the corroded specimens. In this model, the exfoliation damage was assumed as a surface crack with a depth that was presumably available from an NDI or grindout database. The comparison indicates that the simplified model gave a good estimation for the remaining fatigue life of the naturally exfoliated specimens.
The law of the iterated logarithm for U-processes

Abstract Sufficient conditions for the law of the iterated logarithm for non-degenerate U-processes are presented. The law of the iterated logarithm for V-C subgraph classes of functions is obtained under second moment of the envelope. A bracketing condition for the law of the iterated logarithm for U-processes is presented. Applications to the law of the iterated logarithm of U-statistics with estimated parameters and M-estimators are mentioned.
Comment on a Simple and Improved Correction for Population Stratification

To the Editor: In the May 2007 issue of the American Journal of Human Genetics, Epstein, Allen, and Satten1 (hereafter referred to as EAS) introduced a new method for controlling population stratification in case-control association studies. The method computes a stratification score by performing partial least-squares regression (PLS) of phenotypes (case-control status) on a matrix of genotypes at markers used to correct for ancestry. The quantitative stratification score is then used to divide subjects into a number of strata, so that a stratified test of case-control association may be performed at any test locus not in linkage disequilibrium with the ancestry-informative markers.
Characterization of the plasma juvenile hormone esterase in synchronous last stadium female larvae of the sugar cane borer, Diatraea saccharalis (F.)

Abstract A peak in the plasma juvenile hormone esterase (JHE) activity occurred near the time when female last stadium sugar cane borers reached their maximum weight, and a second peak of plasma JHE activity and a peak in the plasma α-naphthyl acetate esterase (α-NAE) activity occurred at the prepupal stage. Two JHEs were resolved by high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC), gel filtration, and isoelectric focusing. Their apparent mol. wts were 40,000 and 34,000 and their isoelectric points 6.9 and 6.3. Juvenile hormone I was metabolized by JHE at about twice the rate of JH III. The apparent K m of prepupal JHE and the V max were also greater for JH I (3.29 μM and 8.38 nM min−1 ml−1, respectively) than for JH III (3.04 μM and 3.75 nM min−1 ml−1, respectively). The last stadium JHE and α-NAE activity pattern, the inhibition profile, the enzyme thermal stability pattern, isoelectric focusing pattern, gel filtration profile, and HPLC analysis indicated that JH I and JH III were metabolized by the same JHEs, that were physiochemically distinct from general esterase activity (α-NAE activity). General esterase was relatively unimportant in the metabolism of unbound JH in the plasma of last stadium sugar cane borers.
Dealing with Diversity: Racial/Ethnic Context and Social Policy Change

We propose and provide an explanation of voting behavior that argues it is a convergence of a social context (high racial/ethnic diversity) and institutional context (frequent use of direct democracy) that is associated with the adoption of public policies targeted at minority groups. We examine this argument in the state of California, the most racially diverse state in the nation, and one that has historically high usage of ballot initiatives. We analyze white voting for four social policy ballot initiatives that directly targeted minority groups over a twelve-year period. Using King's method of ecological inference (1997), the study demonstrates that white support for the initiatives varied systematically by racial and ethnic environments across policy issues and over time. The white votes was consistently higher in “bifurcated” environments, as might be expected given Key's (1949) research on a racial threat; but is was also notably higher in “homogeneous” contexts, even after accounting for economic ...
Deconvolution of instrumental response for asymmetric spectral lines

A method for calculating the response of a photoelectric scanning Fabry-Perot interferometer to an asymmetric collision- and Doppler-broadened atomic spectral line is presented. The computed profile can also represent the asymmetry due to coma in an echelle spectrometer. These results allow simple deconvolution of instrumental and source effects.
Role of early postradiation magnetic resonance imaging scans in children with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma.

Purpose To determine optimal timing of assessing postradiation radiographic response on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans in pediatric patients with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG). Methods and Materials Patients were treated on a prospective study at the National Cancer Institute (Protocol #06-C-0219) evaluating the effects of radiotherapy (RT). Standard RT was administered in standard fractionation over 6 weeks. Postradiation MRI scans were performed at 2 and 6–8 weeks. Results Eleven patients with DIPG were evaluated. Median age was 6 years (range, 4–13 years). Patients were treated with external-beam RT to 55.8 Gy ( n = 10) or 54 Gy ( n = 1), with a gross tumor volume to planning target volume expansion of 1.8–2.0 cm. All patients received prescribed dose and underwent posttreatment MRI scans at 2 and 6–8 weeks. Pretreatment imaging revealed compression of fourth ventricle ( n = 11); basilar artery encasement ( n = 9); tumor extension outside the pons ( n = 11); and tumor hemorrhage ( n = 2). At the 2-week scan, basilar artery encasement improved in 7 of 9 patients, and extent of tumor was reduced in 5 of 11 patients. Fourth ventricle compression improved in 6 of 11 patients but worsened in 3 of 11 patients. Presumed necrosis was observed in 5 of 11 patients at 2 weeks and in 1 additional patient at 6–8 weeks. There was no significant difference in mean anteroposterior and transverse diameters of tumor between the 2- and 6–8-week time points. Six of 11 patients had increasing ventricular size, with no evidence of obstruction. Conclusions There is no significant difference in tumor size of DIPG patients who have received standard RT when measured at 2 weeks vs. 6–8 weeks after RT. The majority of patients had the largest change in tumor size at the 2-week post-RT scan, with evolving changes documented on the 6–8-week scan. Six of 11 patients had progressive ventriculomegaly without obstruction, suggestive of communicating hydrocephalus. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first documentation of this phenomenon in this cohort of patients.
Effects of surface thermodynamics on hydrogen isotope exchange kinetics in palladium: Particle and flow models

Palladium is an important material for separation of hydrogen from other gases, separation of hydrogen isotopes, and for hydrogen storage. Its main advantages are its high selectivity and rapid, highly reversible uptake and release of hydrogen at near-ambient temperatures and pressures. Toward a more comprehensive understanding of its behavior, we present particle and continuum multiphysics mathematical models of the coupled reactive transport of hydrogen isotopes in the context of a single palladium sphere, and of flow in a packed palladium hydride bed. The models consider rates of chemical reactions and mass transport within a hydride bed, and incorporate a multistep reaction mechanism involving the metal bulk, metal surface, and gas phases. A unique feature in this formulation is that the chemical reaction model accounts for all absorption, adsorption, and diffusion activation energies. In particular, the adsorption energy is believed to depend strongly on the composition and atom-scale structure of the surface. We perform a parametric study to evaluate the effects of temperature, surface adsorption energy, and hydride particle radius on the isotope exchange kinetics. The models are useful in designing optimal hydride beds operating at various temperatures, with varied hydride particle size, and surface conditions.
Focal Adhesion Kinase and Endothelial Cell Apoptosis

Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a key component of cell-substratum adhesions, known as focal adhesion complexes. Growing evidence indicates that FAK is important in maintenance of normal cell survival and that disruption of FAK signaling results in loss of substrate adhesion and anoikis (apoptosis) of anchorage-dependent cells, such as endothelial cells. Basal FAK activity in non-stimulated endothelial cells is important in maintaining cell adhesion to integrins via PI3 kinase/Akt signaling. FAK activity is dependent upon small GTPase signaling. FAK also appears to be important in cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced cell death. This review summarizes the signaling pathways of FAK in prevention of apoptosis and the role of FAK in mediating adenosine and homocysteine-induced endothelial cell apoptosis and in cardiovascular diseases.
Purification and characterization of NADPH-cytochrome P-450 reductase from rat epidermis.

NADPH-cytochrome P-450 oxidoreductase (P-450 red) transfers reducing equivalents from NADPH to cytochrome P-450 (P-450) in the monooxygenase system. Detergent solubilized proteins from the membrane fraction of neonatal rat epidermis were purified by 2′,5′-ADP-agarose affinity column chromatography. The purified protein showed an apparent homogeneity on sodium dodecylsulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and molecular weight was estimated to be 78 kDa. NADPH-cytochrome c reductase activity increased by 95-fold in the purified enzyme. Epidermal P-450 red in vitro reconstituted benzo(a)pyrene hydroxylase activity in a dose dependent manner with P-450 purified from either rat liver or epidermis. Western blot analysis demonstrated that epidermal P-450 red immunologically cross reacts to liver P-450 red. Immunohistochemical staining showed that the enzyme was predominantly localized in the epidermis. The intensity of immunohistochemical staining of rat skin sections and tissue distribution did not change in the skin treated with β-naphtoflavone, which results in a substantial increase in P-450 1A1 activity. Quantitative assessment of P-450 red in treated and untreated epidermis also showed no change. These findings indicate that constitutive P-450 red, fully capable of supporting P-450, exists in rat epidermis, and can function in metabolism of endogenous and exogenous compounds.
D/H and O18/O16 studies of serpentinization of ultramaflc rocks

Abstract Oxygen and hydrogen isotope analyses have been obtained on serpentine and related metasomatic talc and ‘blackwall’ minerals from the following ultramaflc-rock types: 1. (1) alpine associations in unmetamorphosed or low-grade metamorphic terranes; 2. (2) alpine associations from medium- to high-grade regionally metamorphosed areas; 3. (3) magmatic ultramafic intrusions such as the layered stratiform complexes, the concentrically-zoned Alaskan-type bodies, the high-temperature Mt. Albert alpine intrusion, and the kimberlite body at Moses Rock, Utah; 4. (4) dikes and sills of Precambrian shield areas; and 5. (5) deweylites, which are serpentine-like mineraloids of probable near-surface weathering origin. The δD values of the lizardite-chrysotile serpentines from all of the ultramafic rock types exhibit a total range from −59 to −205 per mil and, except for the Precambrian samples, most show an exceptionally good correlation with geographic position and latitude of the sample locality. The lizardite-chrysotile samples show a progressive change in δD that parallels the present-day variation in δD of meteoritic waters across the North American continent: Caribbean (−59 to −71); Central America (−78 to -97); California (−85 to −108); Oregon (−107 to −149); Washington (−127 to −142); S.E. Alaska ( − 127 to −140); southern British Columbia ( − 150 to −163); northern British Columbia ( −162 to −205). The δO18 values of lizardite-chrysotile range from +8.7 to −5-0 per mil and are more correlative with the δO18 of the country rocks than with latitude. These relationships, combined with model estimates of the isotopic compositions of waters involved in such serpentinization, suggest that much of this lizardite-chrysotile serpentinization probably formed by waters of meteoric-hydrothermal origin at relatively shallow levels in the Earth's crust. Inasmuch as sedimentary formation waters typically contain a major meteoric-water component, they are also possible agents of this type of serpentinization. In contrast to lizardite-chrysotile, the pure antigorites have very restricted ranges of δD (−39 to δ-66) and δO18 ( +4.7 to +8.7) similar to values in metamorphic chlorites. This indicates that the antigorites generally have formed during regional metamorphism in the presence of non-meteoric waters; similar relationships are also observed for all metasomatic talc and ‘blackwall’ minerals. The deweylites are consistently higher in δO18 than all true serpentines, compatible with a very low temperature of formation (~15–30°C) and serpentine-H2O fractionation factors of 1.0185 ( O 18 O 16 ) and 0.946, (D/H). The observed isotopic values of all serpentines, combined with our experiments on isotopic exchange rates in the serpentine-H2O system, suggest that most samples examined in this work probably have largely preserved the isotopic compositions they acquired at the time of their formation.
Entomological techniques and methodologies used in research programmes on plant resistance to insects

Plant resistance research requires many entomological and plant breeding techniques and methodologies of which some are critical to the success of the programme. The entomologist has the responsibility of developing techniques for: providing sufficient numbers of insects for screening and other plant resistance studies; creating uniform and controlled populations of the test insect for identifying and developing resistant germplasm; measuring resistance; and determining mechanisms and bases of resistance. A thorough knowledge of the insect-host plant relationship is essential for developing efficient techniques. Some of the considerations involved in developing these techniques are discussed with selected examples to illustrate various techniques employed in plant resistance to insects research.
A quality assessment tool for improvement planning

The identification and prioritisation of improvement opportunities can be a challenge for many organisations due to a variety of resource limitations. This can result in improvement efforts that do not have a clearly defined linkage to the return that they will generate or to the achievement of key organisation strategies intended to maintain or advance the organisation's competitive position. The current research proposes the development of a decision support tool, based on the analytic hierarchy process and a self-assessment tool for evaluating current performance, which can effectively and efficiently identify and prioritise improvement opportunities for annual improvement planning. The decision support tool can be easily automated to facilitate implementation.
On using the coherent far IR radiation produced by a charged particle bunch to determine its shape — II Measurement with synchrotron and transition radiation

Abstract The coherent radiation spectrum from mm long relativistic electron bunches perturbed in different ways is investigated with a large aperture Michelson spectrometer. From these data we are able to determine the structure and asymmetric shape of the longitudinal electron density of short relativistic electron bunches on a submillimeter length scale by utilizing the Kramers-Kronig analysis technique described previously. Both synchrotron and transition radiation have been used successfully to determine the bunch shape. We further demonstrate how the influence of the LINAC tuning on bunch width and bunch asymmetry can be determined by using this technique.
Discriminantal divisors of binary quadratic forms

Abstract It can be deduced from a result of Gauss that the principal class of discriminant d represents primitively exactly one divisor of d (besides 1) in a certain set of those divisors. Instead of restricting one's attention to criteria for representability of −1, it would seem desirable to ask what that other divisor is. A study is made of the case d = 8 p ( p prime), making use of a remarkable parametric solution of x 2 + y 2 = z 2 + 2 w 2 = u 2 − 2 v 2 and of an idea (hitherto overlooked?) in an early paper of Georg Cantor. This yields a complete answer except in certain cases with p ≡ 1 (mod 16).
Molecular Structure of Three Mutations at the Maize sugary1 Locus and Their Allele-Specific Phenotypic Effects

Starch production in all plants examined is altered by mutations of isoamylase-type starch-debranching enzymes (DBE), although how these proteins affect glucan polymer assembly is not understood. Various allelic mutations in the maize ( Zea mays ) gene sugary1 ( su1 ), which codes for an isoamylase-type DBE, condition distinct kernel phenotypes. This study characterized the recessive mutations su1-Ref , su1-R4582::Mu1 , and su1-st , regarding their molecular basis, chemical phenotypes, and effects on starch metabolizing enzymes. The su1-Ref allele results in two specific amino acid substitutions without affecting the Su1 mRNA level. The su1-R4582::Mu1 mutation is a null allele that abolishes transcript accumulation. The su1-st mutation results from insertion of a novel transposon-like sequence, designated Toad , which causes alternative pre-mRNA splicing. Three su1-st mutant transcripts are produced, one that is nonfunctional and two that code for modified SU1 polypeptides. The su1-st mutation is dominant to the null allele su1-R4582::Mu1, but recessive to su1-Ref , suggestive of complex effects involving quaternary structure of the SU1 enzyme. All three su1- alleles severely reduce or eliminate isoamylase-type DBE activity, although su1-st kernels accumulate less phytoglycogen and Suc than su1-Ref or su1-R4582::Mu1 mutants. The chain length distribution of residual amylopectin is significantly altered by su1-Ref and su1-R4582::Mu1 , whereas su1-st has modest effects. These results, together with su1 allele-specific effects on other starch- metabolizing enzymes detected in zymograms, suggest that total DBE catalytic activity is the not the sole determinant of Su1 function and that specific interactions between SU1 and other components of the starch biosynthetic system are required.
The effect of synovial hyaluronate on the ingestion of monosodium urate crystals by leukocytes

Abstract To extend previous studies which showed that large-sized hyaluronate molecules inpeded chemotactic movement of leukocytes, the effect of synovial hyaluronate on the rate at which crystals of monosodium urate were ingested by leukocytes was examined. Hyaluronates with viscometry-average molecular weights ranging from 1.13 · 106 to 0.56 · 105 were isolated and purified after treatment of synovial fluid with hyaluronidase for varying periods of time. Crystals of monosodium urate and normal peripheral blood leukocytes were suspended in buffer or in various concentrations of the hyaluronate preparations and the percentage of cells containing intracellular crystals was determined by polarization microscopy after incubation for 15 minutes. Results indicated that the rate of phagocytosis in all solutions of macromolecular hyaluronate was reduced in comparison with that in buffer. With increasing concentration of hyaluronate progressively greater impedence to the ingestion of crystals was observed. Moreover, at equimolar concentrations of uronic acid, the number of cells which ingested crystals was inversely proportional to the molecular weight of the hyaluronate. Thus, the physicochemical state of synovial hyaluronate may modify the response of leukocytes to monosodium urate crystals. The relatively small polymeric size of hyaluronate in gouty synovial fluid, therefore, may facilitate the phagocytosis of urate crystals and, through the consequent release of mediators of tissue injury from phagocytic cells, augment the inflammatory response within the joint.
Fracture Behavior of AISI M-2 High Speed Tool Steel

A fracture toughness study was made on M-2 high speed steel. The major experimental variables included: melting processes (air-melted, ESR and AOD), austenitizing (single and dual) temperature, tempering temperature, and carbide distribution and morphology. Microstructural characterization was performed by using X-ray diffraction, optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy of carbon extractive replica. It appears that undissolved carbides are the major microstructural constituents that control crack initiation and hence toughness. Retained austenite is believed to be responsible for the increasedKIc values observed in dually austenitized specimens. The large grain size resulting from this process apparently impaired impact toughness. Despite the variety of melting processes and heat treatments investigated, fracture toughness remained in the range of 11 to 27.5 MPa m1/2, inversely proportioned to the hardness in the range of 55 to 66 Rc.
A Visual Culture Art Education Curriculum for Early Childhood Teacher Education: Re-Constructing the Family Album.

This article reflects on the reading and writing of an art education curriculum for teacher education centred on the biographical and social reconstruction of childhood. The foundations of this curriculum interconnect ideas from different fields like postmodern childhood studies, visual studies, and the performance of subjectivity and memory. This is an interpretative curriculum centred in narrating aesthetic encounters for imagining and producing alternative views of childhood. It stresses the relevance of biographic work in the formation of teaching identities, and constructs dialogues and connections between the private and public discourses of childhood. In this context the family album becomes a powerful resource for visual analysis, cultural critique, and subjective re-construction.
Treating mouse models of Huntington disease.

In this issue of Neuropsychopharmacology, Chiu et al (2011) present preclinical data that combined administration of two widely used drugs, lithium (Li) and valproate acid (VPA), which therapeutic effects in two murine genetic models of Huntington disease (HD). HD is a dominantly inherited, adult-onset neurodegenerative disorder with prominent psychiatric manifestations. It is presently untreatable and uniformly fatal. Although uncommon, HD is an attractive target for neuroprotective therapy because a single type of mutation, expanded CAG repeats within the open reading frame of the huntingtin (htt) gene, causes all cases of HD, mutant alleles exhibit 100% penetrance, and presymptomatic carriers can be identified easily. Although htt and the characteristic mutation were discovered almost 20 years ago, the normal function of htt remains elusive. Research over the past couple of decades provides creditable evidence for several proximate mechanisms of neurodegeneration driven by mutant htt. This latter fact presents a real challenge to the development of effective therapies, as it is unlikely that targeting a single mechanism of neurodegeneration will be effective. This is a solid rationale for some form of polytherapy.
A Comparison of Intraarticular Morphine and Bupivacaine for Pain Control After Outpatient Knee Arthroscopy: A Prospective, Randomized, Double-Blinded Study

To determine the duration of pain relief and efficacy of intraarticular morphine compared with bupivacaine after outpatient knee arthroscopy under local anesthe sia, we gave patients one of three postoperative intraar ticular injections: 4 mg morphine, 0.25% bupivacaine, or 0.9% saline. Visual analog scale scores and supple mental pain medication use were recorded at 0 to 30 minutes, 2, 4, 6, 8 to 12, and 24 hours after surgery. The score on the visual analog scale at 24 hours was sig nificantly lower in the morphine group than in the bupi vacaine or control groups. The cumulative amount of pain medication used was significantly lower in the mor phine and bupivacaine groups at 2 to 6 hours after sur gery than in the saline control group. The morphine group used the least supplemental pain medication dur ing the 12 to 24 hour interval (P = 0.06).We found that the use of intraarticular morphine or bupivacaine after outpatient knee arthroscopy will de crease the amount of narcotic medication needed for pain ...
Orbital, Periorbital, and Ocular Reconstruction

The repair and restoration of the eyelids and orbit can be a medical and surgical challenge. Inadequate orbital volume restoration could lead to poor functional and cosmetic defects. With advances in technology, our surgical techniques are constantly improving. This article focuses on ocular and orbital reconstruction following traumatic, iatrogenic, and acquired defects. Optimal outcomes can only be expected with appropriate diagnosis treatment planning in consultation with other specialists.
The spatial spread of invasions: new developments in theory and evidence

We review and synthesize recent developments in the study of the spread of invasive species, emphasizing both empirical and theoretical approaches. Recent theoretical work has shown that invasive species spread is a much more complex process than the classical models suggested, as long range dispersal events can have a large influence on the rate of range expansion through time. Empirical work goes even further, emphasizing the role of spatial heterogeneity, temporal variability, other species, and evolution. As in some of the classic work on spread, the study of range expansion of invasive species provides unique opportunities to use differences between theory and data to determine the important underlying processes that control spread rates.
ZIPping to pain relief: the role (or not) of PKMζ in chronic pain

Chronic pain remains a significant clinical problem despite substantial advances in our understanding of how persistent nociceptor stimulation drives plasticity in the CNS. A major theme that has emerged in this area of work is the strong similarity between plasticity involved in learning and memory in CNS regions such as cortex and hippocampus with mechanisms underlying chronic pain development and maintenance in the spinal dorsal horn and other CNS areas such as anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). We, and others have recently implicated an atypical PKC (aPKC), called PKMζ, in the maintenance of pain plasticity based on biochemical assays and the use of a peptide pseudosubstrate inhibitor called ZIP. These studies indicate remarkable parallels between the potential role of PKMζ as a key molecule for the maintenance of long-term memory and long-term potentiation (LTP) and the maintenance of a chronic pain state. On the other hand, very recent studies have disputed the specificity of ZIP and called into question the role of PKMζ as a memory maintenance molecule. Here we critically review the evidence that PKMζ might represent a new target for the reversal of certain chronic pain states. Furthermore, we consider whether ZIP might have other aPKC or even non-aPKC targets and the significance of such off-target effects for evaluating maintenance mechanisms of chronic pain. We conclude that, current controversies aside, utilization of ZIP as a tool to interrogate maintenance mechanisms of chronic pain and further investigations into the potential role of PKMζ, and other aPKCs, in pain plasticity are likely to lead to further insights with the potential to unravel the enigma that is the disease of chronic pain.
Recommendations for the Management of COPD

Three sets of guidelines for the management of COPD that are widely recognized (from the European Respiratory Society [ERS], American Thoracic Society [ATS], and British Thoracic Society [BTS]) are reviewed and compared. None of the documents uses classic evidence-based documentation, and, in many instances, the recommendations are empiric because of a lack of scientific evidence. Overall, there is strong agreement between the documents. All three guidelines recommend inhaled bronchodilators as first-line therapy. Anticholinergics are noted to be well tolerated, although potential problems with β 2 -agonists are mentioned. The ERS and BTS suggest that inhaled corticosteroids may be of value in patients documented to be steroid responders, whereas the ATS does not recommend their use at all. All three guidelines support the use of oxygen and pulmonary rehabilitation. There are varying levels of disagreement between the guidelines related to the role of spirometry, stratification of disease severity, and the use of theophylline and systemic corticosteroids. Other differences include the role for nebulizers and metered-dose inhalers, secretion clearance methodologies, and the treatment of acute COPD exacerbations and acute respiratory failure. All three guidelines agree that more research is needed to improve our understanding and management of COPD.
Bounds for Row-Aggregation in Linear Programming

Most applied linear programs reflect a certain degree of aggregation-either explicit or implicit-of some larger, more detailed problem. This paper develops methods for assessing the loss in accuracy resulting from aggregation. We showed previously that, when columns only are aggregated, a feasible solution to the larger problem can be recovered. This may not be the case under row-aggregation. Several reasonable measures of "accuracy loss" for this case are defined, and the bounds on these quantities derived. These results enable the modeler to compare and evaluate alternative approximate models of the same problem.
Approximation of the asymptotic stability boundary of discrete-time control systems using an inverse transformation approach

The objective of this paper is to describe the use of the direct method of Lyapunov together with an inverse transformation process as a basis for determining the stability domain and for estimating the stability boundary of the null solution of a set of autonomous difference equations which describe the dynamics of a class of discrete-time control systems. Two theorems are developed which give sufficient conditions for the existence of an asymptotic stability boundary, which is a hypersurface enclosing a simply-connected domain, provided that a Lyapunov function \upsilon(x) exists in a neighborhood of the origin. The proofs of these theorems indicate that an original subdomain of asymptotic stability, obtained by using a Lyapunov function, can be enlarged by applying an inverse transformation to the boundary of the subdomain. The inverse transformation is defined from the given set of difference equations as giving the state at the k th instant in terms of the state at the ( k+1 )th instant. The exact boundary of asymptotic stability is theoretically obtained in the limit by carrying out the inverse transformation an infinite number of times. Analogous to the work on stability, two theorems give sufficient conditions for the existence of an instability boundary which is a hypersurface surrounding a simply connected domain that includes the origin. It is shown that a known domain of instability found by using a Lyapunov function can be increased in size by applying the inverse transformation to its boundary. An important property of this approach is that each time the inverse transformation is applied, an enlarged region of known asymptotic stability or instability is found. In addition to giving stability information, the successive plots of the boundaries can also be used to give the settling time of the system.