cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pastoralism in the highest peaks: Role of the traditional grazing systems in maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem function in the alpine Himalaya.

Rangelands cover around half of the planet’s land mass and provide vital ecosystem services to over a quarter of humanity. The Himalayan rangelands, part of a global biodiversity hotspot is among the most threatened regions in the world. In rangelands of many developing nations policies banning grazing in protected areas is common practice. In 1998, the Indian state of Sikkim, in the Eastern Himalaya, enacted a grazing ban in response to growing anthropogenic pressure in pastures and forests that was presumably leading to degradation of biodiversity. Studies from the region demonstrate the grazing ban has had some beneficial results in the form of increased carbon stocks and regeneration of some species of conservation value but the ban also resulted in negative outcomes such as reduced household incomes, increase in monocultures in lowlands, decreased manure production in a state that exclusively practices organic farming, spread of gregarious species, and a perceived increase in human wildlife conflict. This paper explores the impact of the traditional pastoral system on high elevation plant species in Lachen valley, one of the few regions of Sikkim where the grazing ban was not implemented. Experimental plots were laid in along an elevation gradient in grazed and ungrazed areas. Ungrazed areas are part of pastures that have been fenced off (preventing grazing) for over a decade and used by the locals for hay formation. I quantified plant species diversity (Species richness, Shannon index, Simpson diversity index, and Pielou evenness index) and ecosystem function (above ground net primary productivity ANPP). The difference method using movable exlosure cages was used in grazing areas to account for plant ANPP eaten and regrowth between grazing periods). The results demonstrate that grazing significantly contributes to greater plant species diversity (Species richness, Shannon index, Simpson diversity index, and Pielou evenness index) and ecosystem function (using above ground net primary productivity as an indicator). The multidimensional scaling and ANOSIM (Analysis of Similarities) pointed to significant differences in plant species assemblages in grazed and ungrazed areas. Further, ecosystem function is controlled by grazing, rainfall and elevation. Thus, the traditional transhumant pastoral system may enhance biodiversity and ecosystem function. I argue that a complete restriction of open grazing meet neither conservation nor socioeconomic goals. Evidence based policies are required to conserve the rich and vulnerable biodiversity of the region.
Measles: Progress and Failure.

“Every boy should know about Herd Immunity”, replied Professor Rutherford Morison to me1 at the Annual (1938) Dipping of Cheviot sheep. My question to Professor Rutherford Morison had been suggested by my maternal grandfather who was a farmer and landowner of fields near Newcastle-upon-Tyne, where my father had been an Assistant Surgeon to Professor Rutherford Morison. As surgeons they both knew that I should be away from our home where my mother was being treated for post-partum thrombosis. Aged almost 5, I was staying with another famous surgeon, George A. Mason, later CBE, and his family nearby on Cheviot’s north side.
Factorial relative commutants and the generalized Jung property for II1 factors

Abstract The findings reported in this paper aim to garner the interest of both model theorists and operator algebraists alike. Using a novel blend of model theoretic and operator algebraic methods, we show that the family of II1 factors elementarily equivalent to the hyperfinite II1 factor R all admit embeddings into R U with factorial relative commutant. This answers a long standing question of Popa for an uncountable family of II1 factors. We introduce the notion of a generalized Jung factor: a II1 factor M for which any two embeddings of M into its ultrapower M U are equivalent by an automorphism of M U . As an application of the result above, we show that R is the unique R U -embeddable generalized Jung factor. Using the concept of building von Neumann algebras by games and the recent refutation of the Connes embedding problem, we also show that there exists a generalized Jung factor which does not embed into R U . Moreover, we find that there are uncountably many non R U -embeddable generalized Jung type II1 von Neumann algebras. We study the space of embeddings modulo automorphic equivalence of a II1 factor N into an ultrapower II1 factor M U and equip it with a natural topometric structure, yielding cardinality results for this space in certain cases. These investigations are naturally connected to the super McDuff property for II1 factors: the property that the central sequence algebra is a II1 factor. We provide new examples, classification results, and assemble the present landscape of such factors. Finally, we prove a transfer theorem for inducing factorial commutants on embeddings with several applications.
Chromosome aberrations and radiation-induced cell death. I. Transmission and survival parameters of aberrations.

Abstract Synchronous cultures of V 79 Chinese hamster cells were irradiated in G 1 with 300 rad of X-rays. Cells were collected for 2-h intervals after synchronization to include the first three post-irradiation divisions and were scored for chromosome aberrations. After the first post-irradiation division, asymmetrical exchanges were distributed according to the Poisson formula and both the asymmetrical exchange frequency and the acentric fragment frequency exhibited significant variations with collection time. Formulae derived from a previous mathematical analysis were used in conjunction with the aberration frequencies observed at the first, second, and third post-irradiation divisions to predict transmission and survival parameters for specific chromosomal aberrations. The probability, 2 T , that an acentric fragment will be transmitted to a daughter cell at anaphase was found to be 0.57. The probability, W , that a two-break aberration (asymmetrical exchange) will be transmitted and observed at the next division was 0.56. Finally, the probability, P , that a cell will survive to a subsequent mitosis after losing a single acentric fragment was about 1.0 for one post-irradiation generation but somewhat less for two generations.
Peripheral detection and central task complexity

Subjects verbally tracked a central task that differed on a complexity dimension (subsets of two, four, or eight digits), while indicating their detection of small peripheral lights by pressing a hand–held switch. Teichner's stress theory would predict that the more complex the central task, the longer would be the reaction times to the peripheral lights, and that the differences would be most pronounced in the far periphery (the funneling effect). Hebb's arousal theory, applied to vigilance behavior, would predict the opposite effect, where increasing the complexity of the central task would heighten the subject's vigilance performance. The results supported an arousal interpretation, with faster reaction times to the peripheral lights as central task complexity increased.
An insulin-stimulated cation channel in skeletal muscle. Inhibition by calcium causes oscillation.

Abstract A cation channel has been identified in the plasma membrane of skeletal muscle that oscillates open and closed in a regular manner. In an experimental system of patch-clamped reconstituted plasma membrane in phospholipid bilayers, the oscillations are calcium-dependent and constitute regular closing events due to inhibition of the channel by calcium with a Ki of 2.2 +/- 1 x 10(-6) M, followed by reopening. There are 3.7 +/- 1 calcium binding sites/channel. With sodium as the current vehicle, conductance is increased by voltage, insulin (Km = 5 +/- 0.6 x 10(-9) M), and hydrolyzable guanine nucleotides. Cyclic GMP alone with increase the conductance with a Km of 3.7 +/- 0.6 x 10(-7) M. In the absence of calcium, the unitary conductance with insulin + GTP or cGMP at 150 mM NaCl is 153 picosiemens. Sodium current is insensitive to 10(-5) M tetrodotoxin but inhibited by mu-conotoxin (Ki = 5 x 10(-8) M). These findings in the reconstituted system were verified in patch-clamped whole muscle cells where an insulin and cGMP-dependent sodium current inhibited by mu-conotoxin could be demonstrated. In the whole cell experiments, slow calcium-dependent oscillations of the sodium current were also detected.
Quantum Mechanics and First-Principles Molecular Dynamics Selection of Polymer Sensing Materials

We present two first-principles methods, density functional theory (DFT) and a molecular dynamics (MD) computer simulation protocol, as computational means for the selection of polymer sensing materials. The DFT methods can yield binding energies of polymer moieties to specific vapor bound compounds, quantities that were found useful in materials selection for sensing of organic and inorganic compounds for designing sensors for the electronic nose (ENose) that flew on the International Space Station (ISS) in 2008–2009. Similarly, we present an MD protocol that offers high consistency in the estimation of Hildebrand and Hansen solubility parameters (HSP) for vapor bound compounds and amorphous polymers. HSP are useful for fitting measured polymer sensor responses with physically rooted analytical models. We apply the method to the JPL electronic nose (ENose), an array of sensors with conducting leads connected through thin film polymers loaded with carbon black. Detection relies on a change in electric resistivity of the polymer film as function of the amount of swelling caused by the presence of the analyte chemical compound. The amount of swelling depends upon the chemical composition of the polymer and the analyte molecule. The pattern is unique and it unambiguously identifies the compound. Experimentally determined changes in relative resistivity of fifteen polymer sensor materials upon exposure to ten vapors were modeled with the first-principles HSP model.
Laryngeal Reinnervation Using a Split-Hypoglossal Nerve Graft in a Canine Model

Importance Vocal fold immobility following injury to the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) may lead to substantial morbidity. A reinnervation treatment strategy offers several theoretical benefits over static treatment options. This study evaluates the robustness of reinnervation of the larynx using a split-hypoglossal nerve graft in an animal model, with outcomes assessed by independent blinded review. Objectives To assess whether a full-hypoglossal nerve graft to the RLN after RLN section can provide return of dynamic vocal fold motion in a canine model, and to validate that a split-hypoglossal nerve graft to the RLN may also provide dynamic vocal fold motion to rehabilitate laryngeal function in a canine model. Design, Setting, and Subjects A pilot animal study to assess the feasibility and morbidity of laryngeal reinnervation following RLN injury with an end-to-end full-hypoglossal or split-hypoglossal nerve graft was performed at an animal care and research facility in 10 adult female dogs. The study dates were January to July 2013. Interventions We performed full-hypoglossal (full XII group [n = 5]) and split-hypoglossal (split XII group [n = 5]) nerve grafts to the RLN in a canine model following RLN section. Main Outcomes and Measures Morbidity was evaluated through scored feeding observation. Laryngeal function was assessed by video laryngoscopy and evoked laryngeal electromyography was performed at baseline and 6 months after surgery. Video laryngoscopy was graded by independent reviewers blinded to study intervention. Results No clinically significant morbidity was identified after surgery. On review of video laryngoscopy, all 5 animals in the full XII group and all 5 animals in the split XII group demonstrated vocal fold motion by at least 1 independent reviewer. All 3 reviewers agreed on motion in 1 of 5 animals in the full XII group and in 1 of 5 animals in the split XII group. Stimulation of the hypoglossal nerve demonstrated neural connection on evoked laryngeal electromyography in all animals at 6 months. Conclusions and Relevance This study confirms that a full-hypoglossal or split-hypoglossal nerve graft may restore vocal fold motion, without significant functional morbidity, following RLN section in a canine model.
Enabling Interoperable and Selective Data Sharing among Social Networking Sites

With the widespread use of social networking (SN) sites and even introduction of a social component in non-social oriented services, there is a growing concern over user privacy in general, how to handle and share user profiles across SN sites in particular. Although there have been several proprietary or open source-based approaches to unifying the creation of third party applications, the availability and retrieval of user profile information are still limited to the site where the third party application is run, mostly devoid of the support for data interoperability. In this paper we propose an approach to enabling interopearable and selective data sharing among SN sites. To support selective data sharing, we discuss an authenticated dictionary (ADT)-based credential which enables a user to share only a subset of her information certified by external SN sites with applications running on an SN site. For interoperable data sharing, we propose an extension to the OpenSocial API so that it can provide an open source-based framework for allowing the ADT-based credential to be used seamlessly among different SN sites.
Effects of Solar Electromagnetic Radiation on the Terrestrial Environment

Solar electromagnetic radiation is surely the most important and pervasive resource of our terrestrial environment. It is the primary and ultimate source of energy for a multitude of natural processes whose functioning has led to life on Earth as we know it. The human race is now at a crossroads in its search for self-realization and self-improvement. Our population has more or less reached the carrying capacity of our planet. This capacity, of course, is not a firm number. Better social organization and technological improvements would increase the numbers Earth can support. However, growth beyond a doubling of present population could place impossible strains on our natural ecosystems and resource base (cf., e.g., Ehrlich et al., 1977). Therefore, it seems likely that the global population cannot grow from its current 4.5 billion to much more than 10 billion or so. This demographic transition from a growing to a steady-state human population may be the most profound change in human civilization since the transition from hunter-gatherer to agricultural economies 10 000 years ago (Sassein, 1980).
Cholesterol hemi­methanol solvate

The structure of cholesterol hemi­methanol solvate, C27H46O·0.5CH4O, is of the bilayer type, with a head-to-head tail-to-tail arrangement of cholesterol mol­ecules, forming alternating hydro­philic and hydro­phobic layers. The four cholesterol and two methanol mol­ecules in the asymmetric unit are connected into a single hydrogen-bonded chain.
Kendrick mass defect spectrum: a compact visual analysis for ultrahigh-resolution broadband mass spectra.

At currently achievable Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance broadband mass spectrometry resolving power (m/Δm50% > 350 000 for 200 < m/z < 1000), it would be necessary to spread out a conventional mass spectrum over ∼200 m in order to provide visual resolution of the most closely resolved peaks. Fortunately, there are natural gaps in a typical mass spectrum, spaced 1 Da apart, because virtually no commonly encountered elemental compositions yield masses at those values. Thus, it is possible to break a broadband mass spectrum into 1-Da segments, rotate each segment by 90°, scale each segment according to its mass defect (i.e., difference between exact and nominal mass), and then compress the spacing between the segments to yield a compact display. For hydrocarbon systems, conversion from IUPAC mass to “Kendrick” mass (i.e., multiplying each mass by 14.00000/14.01565) further simplifies the display by rectilinearizing the peak patterns. The resulting display preserves not only the “coarse” spacings (e...
EFFECT OF DEUTERIUM ON STARVING BACTERIA.

THE presence of high concentrations of deuterium oxide in growth media has been shown to be toxic to bacteria1. The effects are characterized by long lag periods before growth occurs and subsequent slow growth with the production of distorted forms. However, experiments designed to study the effect of deuterium oxide on bacteria starving in buffer solutions showed that deuterium oxide was not toxic under these conditions and that the longevity of the bacteria was increased.
Blood Pressure during Supine Exercise in Idiopathic Orthostatic Hypotension

The arterial blood pressure was measured during exercise in six patients with idiopathic orthostatic hypotension. In five there was a pronounced fall of arterial pressure while the subjects exercised in the supine position on a horizontal table. The systolic and diastolic pressures fell by an average of 50 and 32 mm. of mercury, respectively. During comparable exercise with the table tilted 15 degrees head downward, the pressures fell to a similar degree. Thus, an abnormal response of blood pressure occurred under conditions in which venous pooling was unlikely to be present. It is suggested that the fall in blood pressure during exercise in the supine position was the result of failure of compensatory constriction of other vascular beds and not of failure of the cardiac output to increase. Thus, the net peripheral resistance in such patients is less than that in normal persons performing comparable exercise.
Pulmonary function after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsya comparison of general and regional anaesthesia

The effect of general anaesthesia on postoperative pulmonary mechanics was studied by comparing pre- and postoperative spirometry in 30 patients undergoing extracorporal shock wave lithotripsy, 15 of whom received a unilateral intercostal nerve block, the remainder a general anaesthetic. Both groups of patients had significant postoperative changes in peak expiratory flow rate, expiratory reserve volume and vital capacity: forced expiratory volume at one second was not significantly changed in either group. There were no significant differences in the pre- or postoperative mechanics between the two groups. We conclude that general anaesthestics do not play a significant role in the generation of abnormalities in postoperative spirometry.
Reliability-Based Sensitivity Design of Mechanical Components with Arbitrary Distribution Parameters

In the reliability-based analysis of mechanical joints, as each factor has different effect on the failure of mechanical joints, the effects of design parameters on reliability of the mechanical joints are determined with the reliability-based sensitivity analysis method. Furthermore, the reliability of mechanical joints can be effectively designed. As a matter of fact, if a change of a certain random parameter has great effect on the reliability of mechanical joints, the parameter must be strictly controlled in the course of design and manufacture to ensure reliability. Whereas if a change of a certain random parameter has unobvious effect on the reliability of mechanical joints, it can be treated as a deterministic value to reduce the complexity of the analysis. In this paper, based on the reliability design theory, the sensitivity analysis method and the fourth moment technique, the reliability sensitivity of the mechanical joints with arbitrary distribution parameters is extensively discussed and a numerical method for reliability sensitivity design is presented. The variation regularities of reliability sensitivity are obtained and the effects of design parameters on reliability of the mechanical joints are studied. The method presented in this paper provides reasonable and necessary reliability basis for the design, manufacture, use and evaluation of the mechanical joints.
Undergraduate Agricultural Economics Curricula: Discussion

The authors have laid out the issues regarding reform of agricultural economics curricula well. I have few quarrels with their findings and recommendations. In my comments, I suggest only that more emphasis be given to certain points discussed by Erven and present caveats regarding the interpretation of survey results reported by Litzenberg and Schneider. Erven describes the debates that have simmered for decades-perhaps centuries-on some curricular issues. He notes with some concern that most faculty members do not believe there is a crisis regarding curricula. Frankly, I could not find a crisis in the material discussed by Erven either, at least insofar as it relates to agricultural economics curricula. While I would not characterize the situation as a crisis, some real problems exist. For example, administrators in many schools of agriculture wonder whether the enrollments in under-
AIDS Risk Behavior in Opioid Dependent Patients Treated with Community Reinforcement Approach and Relationships with Psychiatric Disorders

This study examined the Community Reinforcement Approach's (CRA) effect on AIDS risk behaviors and the relationship between comorbid psychiatric disorders and the risk for AIDS behavior in opioid dependent patients entering methadone maintenance treatment. Additionally, we looked at AIDS risk behaviors as they related to the Addition Severity Index (ASI), Beck Depression Inventory, Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R), and the Social Adjustment Scale-Self Report (SAS-SR). Subjects (N = 227) were drawn from a large clinical trial that examined the effectiveness of a Community Reinforcement Approach for treatment of opioid dependence. Both CRA and standard treatment demonstrated a significant effect on reduction of AIDS risk behaviors. There was no relationship found regarding comorbid psychiatric disorders with the risk for AIDS behavior. However, there were correlations with other psychiatric, social, and substance abuse variables. Multivariate analyses indicated that increased drug and legal ASI composite scores were the primary predictors of increased AIDS risk behavior.
Supply chain risk management: an analysis of sources of risk and mitigation strategies

Within the broader supply chain risk management research, supply chain disruptions have become a topic of interest for academic researchers in the last decade. This interest has been motivated by real world events which have caused major disruptions around the world in global supply chains for many major companies. Given the actual events that have occurred, there is an obvious interest on the part of supply chain practitioners as well. This paper will analyse the literature on supply chain disruptions for the past ten years to develop a clearer understanding of supply chain risk. By analysing the literature, this paper will organise the main concepts according to common themes appearing in the supply chain risk management literature.
Predictors of 1-year survival assessed at the time of bone marrow transplantation

The purpose of this prospective cohort study was to identify pretransplant and transplant predictors of 1-year survival after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) for chronic myelogenous leukemia. Psychosocial and behavioral variables such as alcohol abuse and cigarette smoking were systematically assessed at the time of HSCT with structured diagnostic instruments. A total of 114 patients participated, with an overall 1-year survival rate of 66%. Lifetime alcohol and other substance use, cigarette smoking, depression, and quality of life prior to transplant were not found to affect 1-year survival. However, other clinical variables prior to transplant and once transplant occurred were found to predict survival.
Enhanced secretion from insect cells of a foreign protein fused to the honeybee melittin signal peptide

The baculovirus/insect cell system has been remarkably successful in yielding high levels of synthesis of many proteins which have been difficult to synthesize in other host/vector systems. The system is also capable of secreting heterologous proteins, but with generally low efficiency. We have increased the efficiency of secretion of the system by using signal peptides of insect origin to direct the secretion of a foreign protein. The precursor of the plant cysteine protease papain (propapain) has been used as a report enzyme to compare secretion efficiency. Insect cells infected with a baculovirus recombined with the gene encoding propapain fused to the sequence encoding the honeybee melittin signal peptide secreted over five times more papain precursor than the wild-type prepropapain which used the plant signal peptide. Based on these results, we have assembled pVT-Bac, an Autographa californica nuclear polyhedrosis virus transfer vector that may enhance secretion of other foreign proteins from insect cells. The vector incorporates a number of features: phage f1 ori to facilitate site-directed mutagenesis, the strong polyhedrin promoter upstream from the melittin signal peptide-encoding sequence, and eight unique restriction sites to facilitate fusion of heterologous genes.
Landscape variations in understory PAR for a mixed deciduous forest in New England, USA

Abstract Information from horizontal quantum sensor arrays and data on forest structure was used to measure photosynthetically active radiation (PAR). Forest sites with stands of similar age and land-use history were blocked into three valley, three mid-slope, and three ridge topographic positions. Analysis of forest structure and light measurements demonstrate: (1) canopy height and leaf area index decreased on progressing from valley to ridge; (2) total understory radiation increases on progressing from the valley to ridge; (3) sunflecks contribute a disproportionate amount of photosynthetic photon flux (PPF) on sunny days (40–80%) with number and duration of sunfleck periods increasing from valley to ridge.
Methodological decisions and the evaluation of possible effects of different family structures on children: The new family structures survey (NFSS).

Abstract Every social science researcher must make a number of methodological decisions when planning and implementing research projects. Each such decision carries with it both advantages and limitations. The decisions faced and made by Regnerus (2012) are discussed here in the wider context of social science literature regarding same-sex parenting. Even though the apparent outcomes of Regnerus’s study were unpopular, the methodological decisions he made in the design and implementation of the New Family Structures Survey were not uncommon among social scientists, including many progressive, gay and lesbian scholars. These decisions and the research they produced deserve considerable and continued discussion, but criticisms of the underlying ethics and professionalism are misplaced because nearly every methodological decision that was made has ample precedents in research published by many other credible and distinguished scholars.
Preparation and Characterization of Monodispersed WO3 Nanoclusters on TiO2(110)

A procedure is described for preparing a novel model early transition metal oxide system for catalysis studies-direct sublimation of tungsten trioxide on TiO 2 (110). Isolated monodispersed cyclic trimers, i.e., (WO 3 ) 3 , can be formed on TiO 2 (110) that are thermally stable up to at least 750 K. Although not readily generalizable to monodispersed (WO 3 ) x clusters other than cyclic trimers, this protocol provides an ideal nanocluster platform for carrying out model system catalysis studies over a wide temperature range.
TuringL-machines and recursive computability forL-maps

We propose the notion of partial recursiveness and strong partial recursiveness for fuzzy maps. We prove that a fuzzy mapf is partial recursive if and only if it is computable by a Turing fuzzy machine and thatf is strongly partial recursive and deterministic if and only if it is computable via a deterministic Turing fuzzy machine. This gives a simple and manageable tool to investigate about the properties of the fuzzy machines.
Fabrication of patterned multi-walled poly-l-lactic acid conduits for nerve regeneration.

Abstract Topographical cues in the micron and nanoscale regime represent a powerful and effective method for controlling neuron and glial cell behavior. Previous studies have shown that contact guidance can facilitate axon pathfinding, accelerate neurite growth and induce glial cell alignment. In this paper, we exploit the concept of haptotaxis via implementation into three-dimensional neural based scaffolds. Polymeric poly- l -lactic acid (PLLA) conduits possessing multiple intralumenal walls and precise topography along the longitudinal axis were fabricated using solvent casting, physical imprinting and a rolling-fusing method. Measurements made on scanning electron micrographs show the conduits demonstrate a transparency factor (void to polymer ratio) of up to 87.9% and an increase in surface area of four to eight times over comparably sized hollow conduits. Intralumenal wall thickness was approximately 20 μm and physical parameters such as the number of lumens, conduit length and diameter were controllable. These results imply that the structures are conducive for cellular infiltration and proliferation. Although PLLA was used, the manufacturing techniques are highly flexible and are compatible with multiple polymer–solvent systems. Thus, the proposed conduits can be custom tailored to resorb in parallel with the healing process. Applications for these scaffolds include autograft substitutes for peripheral nerve transection or potential use in spinal cord related injuries.
Exact Regional Monte Carlo Weight Cancellation for Second Eigenfunction Calculations

Recently, we proposed a modified power iteration method that simultaneously determines the dominant and subdominant eigenvalues and eigenfunctions of a matrix or a continuous operator. One advantag...
Parents, teachers, and learning: Fostering communication skills in children

It cannot be stressed enough that parental involvement in their child's learning process is necessary. However, this involvement must be more than attending periodic parent-teacher conferences and asking how the child is doing in school. Parents need to understand, and teachers need to reiterate, that the parent is one of the most important teachers a child will have. While curriculum improvement in the schools continues to dominate educational agendas, the home environment unfortunately is easily overlooked as being influential in a child's learning. Educators need to recognize that influence, and while curricula continue to improve, the integration of communication skills at home must be considered to ensure the child the best possible education. Communication between home and school should be ongoing. This combined effort develops a speech and language arts curriculum to its fullest and includes all appropriate individuals involved in the development: educators, parents, and children.
Stratified medicine: strategic and economic implications of combining drugs and clinical biomarkers

The potential to use biomarkers for identifying patients that are more likely to benefit or experience an adverse reaction in response to a given therapy, and thereby better match patients with therapies, is anticipated to have a major effect on both clinical practice and the development of new drugs and diagnostics. In this article, we consider current and emerging examples in which therapies are matched with specific patient population characteristics using clinical biomarkers - which we call stratified medicine - and discuss the implications of this approach to future product development strategies and market structures.
The effects of thermal history on body temperature of japanese quail chicks (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

Abstract The thermal regime in which Japanese Quail chicks are reared influences the rate of increase in body temperature during the period of developing thermoregulatory ability.
Measurement of the nonlinear susceptibility dispersion by dye lasers

Abstract The dispersions of the nonlinear optical susceptibility modulus χ NL (2ω) of GaAs, InAs and InSb have been measured with tunable dye lasers. Within the fundamental wavelength range (0.73μ to 1.0μ), sharp structures in χ NL (2ω) have been observed. Miller's coefficients are also presented and compared to the 10.6μ values.
Validity of bioelectrical impedance equations for estimating percent fat in males

The present study examined the validity of selected bioelectrical impedance (BIA) equations for estimating percent fat (% fat) in males and compared their validity with that of a commonly used skinfold equation (Sum3). One-hundred twenty-two Caucasian males (X +/- SD = 12.5 +/- 5.8% fat, as determined by underwater weighing) served as subjects. Selection of the BIA equations was dependent upon meeting at least one of three criteria: 1) developed from a previous interlaboratory investigation, 2) derived on a large sample size (> 200), or 3) previously been shown to accurately estimate body composition when cross-validated against a criterion method. Cross-validation analyses included examination of the constant error, standard error of estimate (SEE), r, and total error (TE). The Sum3 equation which resulted in the lowest SEE and TE values (2.6% fat and 3.4% fat, respectively) and the highest validity coefficient (r = 0.90, P < 0.001), most accurately estimated % fat and, therefore, was recommended over BIA equations for estimating body composition in Caucasian males with lean to average body fatness. The fat-specific interlaboratory BIA equation of Segal et al. for males < or = 20% fat (N = 107) which resulted in a TE value of 3.6% fat and the generalized equation of Guo et al. (TE = 4.1% fat) may, however, be considered as acceptable alternatives.
Wall region turbulent flow under high mass fluxes over a flat plate

Abstract In mass transfer operations, the surface, past which the fluid moves has the additional property of acting as the source or sink of material for the flowing stream. The diffusing molecules carry momentum with them, which effects the original velocity distribution, which in turn effects the mass transfer process itself. The problem of mass-transpired boundary layers in turbulent flow has been analyzed with particular emphasis on the region in the immediate vicinity of the wall. The combined effect of the viscous and turbulent stresses has been taken into account. Theoretical results have been expressed in terms of the dimensionless velocity, U + , and eddy viscosity, ϵ/ν as a continuous function of the dimensionless distance parameter y + . It is observed that the effect of the turbulent stresses is substantial, particularly at high transpiration rates. It is also shown that substantial differences, mainly in the case of injection, exist between the momentum profiles of an external and internal flow system. It has been also concluded that the eddy diffusivity close to the wall varies with the cubic power of the distance measured from the wall under both low and high mass flux conditions.
Clinical Pharmacology for Development of Topical Dermatological Products: Present and Future Opportunities for Safety and Efficacy

The development of topical products for dermatological diseases represents an untapped opportunity for the clinical pharmacologist. Assessment of bioavailability of topical drugs and its utility in weighing benefit vs. risk has been unique and challenging, compared with assessments for conventional systemic drugs. However, with continued advances in analytical methods and growing interests in discovering biomarkers, the future opportunities for clinical pharmacology to advance topical drug development processes are enormous and will be limited only by our drive and determination to push science forward.
Isolation of temperature-sensitive mutants of Plasmodium falciparum

Abstract Temperature-sensitive mutants of a malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum , have been isolated. A culture of parasites was mutagenized with N -methyl- N ′-nitro- N -nitrosoguanidine and repeatedly subjected to a selective pressure designed to favor the enrichment in the culture of parasites that either grew more slowly or ceased growing at 39°C. Cloned parasites derived from cultures subjected to selective pressure were subsequently examined for their ability to grow at 38.5, 39 and 39.5°C. Two temperature-sensitive mutants were isolated that exhibited reduced growth at 39.5°C and one of them also exhibited reduced growth at 39°C. A previously described aphidicolin-resistant mutant of P. falciparum also exhibited reduced growth at 39°C.
The global-scale temperature and moisture dependencies of soil organic carbon decomposition: an analysis using a mechanistic decomposition model

Since the decomposition rate of soil organic carbon (SOC) varies as a function of environmental conditions, global climate change is expected to alter SOC decomposition dynamics, and the resulting changes in the amount of CO2 emitted from soils will feedback onto the rate at which climate change occurs. While this soil feedback is expected to be significant because the amount of SOC is substantially more than the amount of carbon in the atmosphere, the environmental dependencies of decomposition at global scales that determine the magnitude of the soil feedback have remained poorly characterized. In this study, we address this issue by fitting a mechanistic decomposition model to a global dataset of SOC, optimizing the model’s temperature and moisture dependencies to best match the observed global distribution of SOC. The results of the analysis indicate that the temperature sensitivity of decomposition at global scales (Q 10=1.37) is significantly less than is assumed by many terrestrial ecosystem models that directly apply temperature sensitivity from small-scale studies, and that the maximal rate of decomposition occurs at higher moisture values than is assumed by many models. These findings imply that the magnitude of the soil decomposition feedback onto rate of global climate change will be less sensitive to increases in temperature, and modeling of temperature and moisture dependencies of SOC decomposition in global-scale models should consider effects of scale.
Should We Store Carbon in Trees

In order to explore for the most effective strategy for using forests to mitigate global climate change, we have constructed a simple model of C uptake during forest growth and the fate of this C when forests are harvested and used as fuel to replace fossil fuels. We suggest that trees are equally effective in preventing the accumulation of CO2 in the atmosphere if they remove a unit of C from the atmosphere or if they supply a sustainable source of energy that substitutes for a unit of C discharged by burning fossil fuels. The model shows that the most effective strategy for using forest land to minimize increases in atmospheric CO2 will depend on the current status of the land, the productivity that can be expected, the efficiency with which the forest harvest is used to substitute for fossil fuels, and the time perspective of the analysis. For forests with large standing biomass and low productivity the most effective strategy is to protect the existing forest. For land with little standing biomass and low productivity, the most effective strategy is to reforest or otherwise manage the land for forest growth and C storage. Where high productivity can be expected, the most effective strategy is to manage the forest for a harvestable crop and to use the harvest with maximum efficiency either for long-lived products or to substitute for fossil fuels. The longer the time perspective, the more likely that harvesting and replanting will result in net C benefits.
Sequencing the full-length of the phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) gene in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) using the 454 GS20 and Illumina GA DNA sequencing platforms.

Phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) is a tumor-suppressor gene that is mutated in cancer of the liver, pancreas, endometrium, and prostate. PTEN-dependent pathways are involved in mediating cell growth and invasion. To sequence the whole gene (including introns and exons), we have taken advantage of new technologies that allow for rapid, inexpensive sequencing to great depth. DNA from 15 HCC specimens were pooled, and long-range PCR was performed by using the GeneAmp XL PCR kit. Primer parameters included: length of 20–30 base pairs (bp), melting temperature of −68°C, and G/C content of 50–60%. PCR products were then column-purified and pooled, and DNA libraries were prepared for “shotgun sequencing” on both the 454 GS and Illumina GA sequencing platforms. We successfully amplified approximately 98.9% of the PTEN gene by using one long-range PCR protocol applied to 24 primer sets, resulting in 20 amplicons ~6.5 kilobases (kb) in length, 2 amplicons ~10 kb in length, and 2 amplicons ~2.5 kb in length. Sequencing of fragmented PCR products on both sequencing platforms identified six high-frequency SNPs that were catalogued in dbSNP as known variants. Shotgun sequencing based on a single long-range PCR protocol in pooled samples is an efficient and relatively inexpensive way to sequence an entire gene.
Synthesis and cellular properties of Near-IR BODIPY–PEG and carbohydrate conjugates

Abstract A series of red and near-IR fluorescent BODIPY conjugates, containing either one or two indolylstyryl groups at the 3- and/or 5-positions and a low molecular weight PEG or carbohydrate group, were synthesized using a Cu(I)-catalyzed azide–alkyne Huisgen cycloaddition (‘click’ reaction). All BODIPY conjugates show emission and fluorescence quantum yields in the ranges of 642–732 nm and 0.24–0.56, respectively, and Stokes' shifts of ca. 30 nm. In vitro cellular investigations using human carcinoma HEp2 cells showed that all BODIPYs are non-toxic, both in the absence and presence of light (1 J/cm2), up to 100 μM concentrations. The PEG and galactose conjugates were more efficient at cell internalization than the unconjugated BODIPYs. The mono-indolylstyryl–BODIPYs showed higher cellular uptake (about five-fold) compared with the di-indolylstyryl–BODIPYs, and higher fluorescence quantum yields.
Improving the performance of a high power, lead–acid battery with paste additives

Abstract In this paper, we investigate the use of paste additives to improve the performance of a horizontal plate, lead–acid battery. The horizontal plate battery can deliver high power for electric and hybrid electric vehicle applications. We develop a series of designs having different paste additives to continuously improve the specific energy (W h/kg) performance of this battery. Computer models, previously developed and reported, are used to estimate the specific energy performance of these designs. The baseline, horizontal plate battery containing no additives has a specific energy of 30–35 W h/kg. The final design in our design progression uses both porous and conductive paste additives to provide an estimated specific energy of 60–70 W h/kg.
Voting mechanisms in distributed systems

It is shown how voting mechanisms can be exploited to improve the reliability of decisions in a distributed system. A model of decision making in which several processors (nodes) are assigned to work independently on various aspects of a problem and each returns a binary answer to a coordinator node is assumed. The coordinator combines the answers, using a voting mechanism to arrive at a final answer. Two issues are addressed: (1) if the reliability of each node is known, then by assigning suitable votes to the various nodes it is possible to maximize the probability of a correct decision by the coordinator; and (2) if a cost vs. reliability function for each node is known, then it is possible to determine a best operating point for each node so as to minimize the total cost of the computation. Algorithms for minimizing the cost were designed and tested, and conditions under which savings can be realized were identified. >
HALL, CHRISTOPHER J., PATRICK H. SMITH, & RACHEL WICAKSONO. Mapping Applied Linguistics: A Guide for Students and Practitioners. New York: Routledge, 2011. Pp. vii, 411. $46.95, paper. ISBN 978–0–415–55913–3.

The article reviews the book "Mapping Applied Linguistics: A Guide for Students and Practitioners" by Christopher J. Hall, Patrick H. Smith, and Rachel Wicaksono.
Pair correlations near the neutron drip line

Abstract A theory of pairing in weakly bound nuclei is presented. The nucleus is treated as a three-body system consisting of two interacting nucleons together with a structureless core. The pairing interaction is modelled by a density-dependent contact interaction. It is constrained to the free nucleon interaction at low density. Numerically, the Hamiltonian equation is solved by a two-particle Green's function method in coordinate space. Given the single particle resonance energy of 10 Li, the theory reproduces the marginal binding of 11 Li. The large electric dipole stength in 11 Li found experimentally is also accounted for. The nucleus 14 Be is also found to be bound.
On the possible occurrence of DNA in mammalian reticulocytes.

Abstract The question of the possible occurrence of DNA in the mammalian reticulocyte has been reexamined. The rise in DNA content in reticulocytic blood is accounted for by an increased proportion of nucleated cells. Autoradiographic analysis of the blood cell population after tritiated thymidine injection failed to indicate retention of radioactivity in reticulocytes, under conditions where less than 1 per cent of the normal cellular DNA could have been detected. These and other relevant data suggest there is no significant quantity of DNA in the rabbit reticulocyte.
Polarographic assay of niacinamide in pharmaceutical preparations

A rapid polarographic determination of niacinamide pharmaceutical preparations had been developed and is compared with the Konig colorimetric assay using barbituric acid. The niacinamide is extracted from the sample using a combination column and liquid-liquid partition chromatography. The extracted niacinamide is determined in a supporting electrolyte of 0.1 N sodium hydroxide using a conventional d.c. polarograph equipped with an H-cell. A wide variety of samples was analyzed repetitively by this procedure and the standard deviation was calculated. The method is rapid, specific, and accurate.
Formation, structure, and optical properties of PuO22 + complexes with N,N,N′,N′-tetramethyl-3-oxa-glutaramide

Abstract SynopsisPu atom is at the inversion center of the PuO2L2(ClO4)2 complex where L stands for N,N,N’,N’-tetrtametryl-3-oxa-glutaramide (TMOGA). Due to the forbiddance of the f-f transitions, PuO2L2(ClO4)2 in solution is “silent” in near IR optical absorption and PuO2L2(ClO4)2 in solid does not have significant diffuse reflectance bands.The variation of the absorption spectra of Pu(VI) in the presence of a tridentate organic ligand, N,N,N′,N′-tetramethyl-3-oxa-glutaramide (TMOGA denoted as L), was interpreted with the assumption that the 1:2 complex, PuO2L2(ClO4)2, is “silent” in optical absorption of the near IR region because the f–f transitions of Pu(VI) are forbidden due to the high symmetry of the complex. To test the assumption and demonstrate the validity of the Laporte's rule that governs the probability of f–f transitions, crystals of the PuO2L2(ClO4)2 complex were synthesized from the aqueous solution and characterized with single-crystal X-ray diffraction and diffuse reflectance spectra. The structural data, showing that the square-based prism salt crystallized in a highly symmetrical tetragonal space group, I4/mcm, and the plutonium atom is on a center of inversion at the intersection of three perpendicular mirror planes, support the above assumption. The diffuse reflectance spectra of the solid PuO2L2(ClO4)2 also showed no significant bands in the near IR region, consistent with the “silent” feature in the absorption spectra of this complex in solution.