cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Linking ecosystem services with state-and-transition models to evaluate rangeland management decisions

• We simplified the existing state-and-transition models for rangelands using remote sensing technologies over larger landscapes.
Antidotes for Arrogance: Training Applied Developmental Scientists in Public Policy Contexts

I am delighted to have this opportunity to outline the issues surrounding field training for human developmental professionals in public policy settings. Both in my current position at the University of Nebraska’s Center on Children, Families, and the Law and in my former position as Director of Public Policy at the American Psychological Association, I have directed public policy internship programs for pre- and post-doctoral psychologists with interests in child and family policy. I believe that direct policy experience can benefit our students in a wide variety of ways, but I have always believed that the prime benefit of such direct encounters with the policy world is that they can serve as a powerful antidote to professional arrogance. In this chapter, I will explain first what I mean by this, and then will present one picture of what field training in public policy might look like.
Protection against carbon tetrachloride hepatotoxicity by oleanolic acid is not mediated through metallothionein

Abstract Oleanolic acid is a triterpenoid compound that has been shown to protect against liver injury produced by some hepatotoxicants. This study was designed to characterize the protective effects of oleanolic acid on carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity, and the role of metallothionein in the protection. Oleanolic acid pretreatment (100–400 μmol/kg, sc) protected Sprague–Dawley rats and mice from carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury in a dose- and time-dependent manner, as evidenced by serum alanine aminotransferase and sorbitol dehydrogenase activities, as well as by histopathology. The protection against carbon tetrachloride hepatotoxicity was not evident until animals were pretreated with oleanolic acid 12 h, and lasted for 72 h after a single injection. This suggests that the protection might be due to induction of some adaptive mechanisms. Metallothionein (MT), an acute-phase protein proposed to decrease carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury, was dramatically induced following oleanolic acid treatment. To examine whether oleanolic acid protection is mediated through MT, MT-I and II knock-out (MT-null) mice were utilized. Oleanolic acid pretreatment increased MT levels in control mice (20-fold), but not in MT-null mice, however, it protected equally against carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity in both control and MT-null mice. These data indicate that oleanolic acid is effective in protecting rats and mice from the hepatotoxicity produced by carbon tetrachloride, and the protection is not mediated through induction of MT.
Regulation of Cerebral Oxygen Delivery

Under normal conditions, it is generally accepted that for the adult mammalian cortex, almost all the energy required for cerebral ATP generation is supplied by oxidation of glucose through the tri-carboxylic acid cycle (Siesjo, 1978), and cerebral metabolic rates of oxygen and glucose use (i.e., CMRO2 and CMRglc, respectively) are regionally modified to fulfil metabolic needs through regulation of cerebral blood flow (CBF) and volume (CBV) (Roy and Sherrington, 1890). However, some positron emission tomography (PET) results have reported that during brain activation of awake humans CBF increases by a greater fraction than CMRO2 (Fox and Raichle, 1986; Fox et al., 1988). In the last few decades, ever since in vivo cortical measurements could be made of CBF and/or CMRO2, the mechanisms for the proportionality of changes between CBF and CMRO2 due to physiological perturbations have remained intangible, and the measured stoichiometries have varied reflecting a variety of experimental methods and/or conditions. However, regionally tight relationship between CMRO2 and CBF has been observed at rest with a ratio of about ~1:1 (Kety et al., 1947–8; Raichle et al., 1976).
An adaptive VLSI neural network chip

Presents an adaptive neural network, which uses multiplying-digital-to-analog converters (MDACs) as synaptic weights. The chip takes advantage of digital processing to learn weights, but retains the parallel asynchronous behavior of analog systems, since part of the neuron functions are analog. The authors use MDAC units of 6 bit accuracy for this chip. Hebbian learning is employed, which is very attractive for electronic neural networks since it only uses local information in adapting weights. >
Structure, Function and Regulation of the Mammalian Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Complex

The mammalian pyruvate dehydrogenase complex is organized about a core of dihydrolipoyl transacetylase, to which are bound pyruvate dehydrogenase, dihydrolipoyl dehydrogenase, and two regulatory enzymes — a kinase and a phosphatase. Association of these enzymes into a complex alters the kinetic and regulatory properties of some, and possibly all, of the enzymes. The pyruvate dehydrogenase component has the subunit composition α2β2. The kinase, in a MgATP2−-dependent reaction, phosphorylates a seryl residue in one of the α-chains of pyruvate dehydrogenase, and thereby inactivates the tetramer. The phosphatase, which dephosphorylates and activates pyruvate dehydrogenase phosphate, requires Mg2+ and Ca2+ ions. Ca2+ ions increase binding of phosphatase to the transacetylase, thereby lowering the apparent Km of the phosphatase for pyruvate dehydrogenase phosphate. The kinase is inhibited by pyruvate and by ADP. It appears that its activity may be regulated by the intramitochondrial concentration of pyruvate and by the ATP/ADP ratio. The ATP/ADP ratio may also regulate the activity of the phosphatase by determiningg at least in part, the intramitochondrial concentrations of uncomplexed Mg2+ and Ca2+ ions. It appears that the kinase and phosphatase maintain steady state levels of activity of the complex and that these levels are modulated through the actions on the kinase and phosphatase of the factors mentioned and possibly by other factors yet to be determined.
High frequency analog circuit design using QuickChip

The author describes analog circuit design methodologies and techniques required to optimize high frequency performance when operating near the upper frequency limit of BJT-based analog ASICs. The Tektronix QuickChip 2S ASIC array is used as the analysis and test vehicle. These techniques are illustrated using a series of examples including an actively shunt-peaked wideband amplifier and a multi-chip FM receiver as well as an analysis of the need to optimize the RC product in the manual routing of both metallizations in critical areas of the circuit. >
The road also taken: lessons from organic agriculture for market- and risk-based regulation.

In hindsight, the year 1990 was a crossroads in environmental and regulatory policy generally and in the regulation of food specifically. And two different narratives capture the competing regulatory choices presented at that crossroads. The first, a conventional narrative, finds mounting evidence of what many regard as the dominant avenues of regulatory reform in environmental policymaking: market-based incentives and risk-based decisionmaking.1 The second, alternative narrative finds the signs of a much more fundamental reform project. Under the conventional narrative, 1990 is often remembered for amendments to the Clean Air Act that inaugurated the country's largest experiment with constructed environmental markets a
The Missing Pollution Haven Effect

This paper examines the effect of recent increases inhazardous waste disposal taxes on employment growth inindustries that generate hazardous waste. Mostexisting literature has found that interjurisdictionaldifferences in environmental stringency havenegligible measurable economic consequences. Commonexplanations for this lack of effect include claimsthat (1) measures of environmental stringency arepoorly quantified, (2) compliance costs are modest,(3) variation in compliance costs among jurisdictionsis small, and (4) cross-section data are insufficientto explore the consequences of increasingly stringentstandards. This paper addresses these four concernsby quantifying hazardous waste disposal taxes,demonstrating that they are large and varied acrossjurisdictions in the United States, and showing thatthey have had a significant effect on hazardous wasteshipping among states. The paper then uses a panel ofstate and county-level data to show that despite thesefindings, state hazardous waste disposal taxes do notimpose large employment losses on industries thatgenerate waste.
Introduction to nitrogen fixation in agriculture and industry: Contribution of BNF to sustainability of agriculture

Agricultural sustainability relies heavily on practices that are ecologically sound, while at the same time economically attractive. Biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) technologies fulfil both of these requirements. N-fixing plants offer an attractive means of reducing costly and energy-intensive inputs into managed systems while increasing return from the land. In addition, while biologically-fixed N is immobilized into plant tissue and released slowly, fertilizer N is lost rapidly due to leaching, run-off and volatilization causing water and atmospheric pollution.
Software licensing models in the EDA industry

The EDA industry offers a wide variety of software licensing models. However, the definitions of these licensing models and their applicability is neither consistent nor commonly understood amongst the EDA vendor and user communities. This paper broadly characterizes each of the common software licensing models in the EDA industry, illustrates the selection of specific licensing models through a set of criteria and case studies, and proposes solutions to some of the common problems with the current software licensing models.
Nondiffusive excitonic transport in GaAs and the effects of momentum scattering.

Measurements of exciton transport using frequency-domain nearly degenerate four-wave mixing (NDFWM) show a failure of Fick's law and near-ballistic excitonic motion for scale lengths less than 10 \ensuremath{\mu}m. A solution of the Boltzmann transport equation assuming a simple momentum-changing collision model is in agreement with the observed NDFWM line shapes and apparent subquadratic dependence on inverse scale length. The measurements show the surprising result that exciton-exciton interactions lead to a large increase in exciton linewidth with little corresponding change in exciton center-of-mass momentum, unlike exciton interactions with phonons and impurities.
Simultaneous multiple-point measurements of OH in combustion gases using planar laser-induced fluorescence

The imaging of planar laser-induced fluorescence (PLIF) has been used for simultaneous, multiple-point measurements of OH concentration in a variety of combustion flows including a premixed laminar flat flame, a premixed turbulent flame, a sooting flame and a nonpremixed turbulent flame. Sheet illumination from a tunable laser was used to excite the fluorescence which was detected using an image-intensified, Reticon array camera. Experimental results are presented and the detectivity and resolution of the technique are discussed.
Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere's philosophy, contribution, and legacies

This article discusses Nyerere's African socialism (ujamaa), philosophy of education for total liberation of society, and philosophy of Pan-Africanism. The article argues that by actively using traditional African values and principles of communalism, collective production, egalitarian distribution, and universal obligation to work, Nyerere's philosophy of African socialism provided the socialist project with an indigenous African identity that was grounded in African historical memories and realities. Both the philosophy and the practice also presented the possibility of constructing socialism in non-European peripheral capitalist societies. A combination of hostile internal and external contradictions, past and present, however, made what was historically necessary historically impossible. Furthermore, the article demonstrates that Nyerere's philosophy of education challenged the relevance of colonial education and contributed to the global conversation about the pedagogy of liberation. In addition, the...
Organelle fission in eukaryotes

The cellular machineries that power chloroplast and mitochondrial division in eukaryotes carry out the topologically challenging job of constricting and severing these double-membraned organelles. Consistent with their endosymbiotic origins, mitochondria in protists and chloroplasts in photosynthetic eukaryotes have evolved organelle-targeted forms of FtsZ, the prokaryotic ancestor of tubulin, as key components of their fission complexes. In fungi, animals and plants, mitochondria no longer utilize FtsZ for division, but several mitochondrial division proteins that localize to the outer membrane and intermembrane space, including two related to the filament-forming dynamins, have been identified in yeast and animals. Although the reactions that mediate organelle division are not yet understood, recent progress in uncovering the constituents of the organelle division machineries promises rapid advancement in our understanding of the biochemical mechanisms underlying the distinct but related processes of chloroplast and mitochondrial division in eukaryotes.
Fluorescence studies with conformationally constrained tryptophan analogs: implications on the mechanisms of intramolecular quenching

The fluorescence properties of a set of tryptophan analogs, including several that are conformationally restricted, is reported. The conformationally restricted analogs include tetrahydrocarboline-3-carboxylic acid, 3-amino-3-carboxytetrahydrocarbazole, 3- aminotetrahydrocarbazole, and 3-carboxytetrahydrocarbazole. Steady-state and time-resolved measurements were made. The fluorescence decay of most of the conformationally restricted analogs is a bi-exponential. The fluorescence quantum yield and average lifetime of the restricted analogs is a bi-exponential. The fluorescence quantum yield and average lifetime of the restricted analogs are higher than the values for tryptophan and corresponding flexible tryptophan analogs. This indicates that the effective rate constant for intramolecular non- radiative (quenching) processes, knx, is smaller for the restricted tryptophan analogs than for the flexible analogs. For a series of flexible analogs, having a bifunctional side chain, there is synergism between the two functional groups (i.e., (alpha) -NH3+ and (alpha) -CO2- groups) in determining the effective knx. Potential mechanisms for intramolecular quenching mechanisms, which contribute to knx, include proton transfer from a side chain ammonium group to position four of the excited indole ring and charge transfer from the excited indole ring to a side chain acceptor group. By measuring the rate of photo-induced isotope exchange into position four of an analog's indole ring, we have estimated the contribution of proton transfer quenching to the total intramolecular quenching rate constant for several flexible tryptophan derivatives.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Acceleration intermittency and enhanced collision kernels in turbulent clouds

Scaling arguments suggest that in turbulent clouds, the droplet collision kernel is a fluctuating quantity with peak values at least an order of magnitude greater than the typically used kernel corresponding to droplet sedimentation in still air. These peaks are expected to occur in regions of intense fluid acceleration that are encountered in the fine scales of atmospheric turbulence, characterized by exceedingly large Reynolds numbers and strong energy-dissipation intermittency. The increase in the collision kernel is due to enhanced droplet relative velocities resulting from fluid accelerations and likely is further enhanced by increases in the droplet collision efficiency, which is a function of relative velocity. Velocity data obtained from a turbulent atmospheric flow are presented in order to support the general picture of acceleration intermittency and to estimate its peak values. Several independent estimates all point to the collision kernel as having peak magnitudes several times larger than the traditional kernel that accounts for gravitational acceleration alone.
Corrosion study of Al2O3 dispersion strengthened Cu metal matrix composites in NaCl solutions

The corrosion behaviour of alumina dispersion strengthened (DS) copper in 3.5% NaCl solution was studied and compared to the behaviour of pure copper using electrochemical techniques, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction, and inductively coupled argon plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES). The corrosion surface products were identified as predominantly copper chloride. It was found that DS copper has similar corrosion characteristics to pure Cu under aerated, open to air and deaerated conditions. The effects of alumina particles and the presence of oxygen in the solutions on the behaviour of the DS Cu were examined. The corrosion mechanism involved is discussed in terms of the roles of the surface CuCl film formation and dissolution during the corrosion process.
Association Between Cigarette Smoking and Lipid Peroxidation in a Controlled Feeding Study

Background Cigarette smoke may promote atherogenesis by producing oxygen-derived free radicals that damage lipids. However, evidence in support of this hypothesis is inconsistent because most studies did not control for aspects of diet (antioxidants and lipid substrate) that may confound the association between smoking and measures of lipid peroxidation. Methods and Results The relationships between cigarette smoking and two measures of lipid peroxidation, breath ethane (an in vivo assay) and thiobarbituric acid–reactive substances (TBARS, an in vitro assay), were examined in 123 adults (11% of whom were smokers) participating in a controlled feeding study. After 3 weeks of controlled feeding on a common diet (36% total fat, 14% saturated fats, 6% polyunsaturated fats, and 12% monounsaturated fats), breath and fasting serum samples were collected for measurement of ethane and TBARS, respectively. Baseline characteristics of smokers and nonsmokers were similar, including several indices related to diet and...
Determination of seven commonly used organic UV filters in fresh and saline waters by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

An analytical method for the simultaneous determination of seven of the most widely used organic UV filter compounds in tap and saline waters was developed and validated. Target compounds included oxybenzone, dioxybenzone, sulisobenzone, avobenzone, octocrylene, octinoxate, and padimate-O. Water samples were adjusted to pH 2 prior to solid-phase extraction (SPE) using Oasis HLB 500 mg cartridges. The detection and quantification were performed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) with positive electrospray ionization (ESI) using Multiple Reaction Monitoring mode (MRM). Calculated recoveries from fortified samples ranged from 74 to 109% with relative standard deviations of 6–25% for fortified tap water samples and from 71 to 111% with relative standard deviations 2–12% for fortified seawater samples, indicating acceptable method accuracy and precision (n = 5). Method reporting limits ranged from 0.5 to 25 ng L−1 for the seven compounds. Oxybenzone, avobenzone, octocrylene, octinoxate, and padimate-O were detected in seawater samples collected from Folly Beach, South Carolina in the summer of 2010, at concentrations ranging from 10 to 2013 ng L−1, demonstrating the ability of the developed method to measure target compounds in environmental samples. Oxybenzone and octocrylene were found in the highest concentrations, up to 2013 ng L−1 and 1409 ng L−1, respectively. Concentrations for avobenzone, octinoxate, and padimate-O ranged from 62–321 ng L−1, 30–264 ng L−1 and <1–111 ng L−1, respectively, in surface seawater samples (n= 4). Dioxybenzone and sulisobenzone were not detected in any samples from the four sites (method reporting limits 1 ng L−1). To our knowledge, this is the first study reporting sunscreen compounds in the coastal waters of the U.S.A.
Convective heat transfer and thermal dispersion during laminar pulsating flow in porous media

Abstract Solid–fluid heat transfer and thermal dispersion during laminar pulsating flow through porous media were numerically studied. Two-dimensional flows in porous media composed of periodically configured arrays of square cylinders were simulated using a computational fluid dynamics tool, with sinusoidal time variation of flow as the inlet boundary condition. Detailed numerical data were obtained for porosities of 0.64–0.84, frequencies of 0–100 Hz, and Reynolds numbers of 70–980, with Reynolds number defined based on the time-average superficial velocity and pore unit-cell dimension. Pore-scale volume-average heat transfer coefficients, and the thermal dispersion term associated with the standard volume-average porous media thermal energy equation were found to be strong functions of porosity, Reynolds number, and most importantly the flow pulsation frequency. Based on the obtained numerical data, empirical correlations were developed for cycle-average pore-scale Nusselt number and the dimensionless thermal dispersion term.
Assessment of trichloroethylene (TCE) exposure in murine strains genetically-prone and non-prone to develop autoimmune disease

There is increasing laboratory and epidemiologic evidence relating exposure to trichloroethylene (TCE) with autoimmune disease including scleroderma and lupus. New Zealand Black/New Zealand White (NZBWF1) and B6C3F1 mice were exposed to TCE (0, 1, 400 or 14,000 ppb) via drinking water for 27 or 30 weeks, respectively. NZBWF1 mice spontaneously develop autoimmune disease while B6C3F1 mice, a standard strain used in immunotoxicology testing, are not genetically prone to develop autoimmune disease. During the TCE exposure period, serum levels of total IgG, and autoantibodies (anti-ssDNA, -dsDNA, and -glomerular antigen [GA]) were monitored. At the termination of the study, renal pathology, natural killer (NK) cell activity, total IgG levels, autoantibody production, T-cell activation, and lymphocytic proliferative responses were evaluated. TCE did not alter NK cell activity, or T- and B-cell proliferation in either strain. Numbers of activated T-cells (CD4+/CD44+) were increased in the B6C3F1 mice but not in the NZBWF1 mice. Renal pathology, as indicated by renal score, was significantly increased in the B6C3F1, but not in the NZBWF1 mice. Serum levels of autoantibodies to dsDNA and ssDNA were increased at more time points in B6C3F1, as compared to the NZBWF1 mice. Anti-GA autoantibodies were increased by TCE treatment in early stages of the study in NZBWF1 mice, but by 23 weeks of age, control levels were comparable to those of TCE-exposed animals. Serum levels anti-GA autoantibodies in B6C3F1 were not affected by TCE exposure. Overall, these data suggest that TCE did not contribute to the progression of autoimmune disease in autoimmune-prone mice during the period of 11-36 weeks of age, but rather lead to increased expression of markers associated with autoimmune disease in a non-genetically prone mouse strain.
Multinuclear luminescent Schiff-base Zn-Nd sandwich complexes.

Multinuclear 3d−4f complexes with sandwichlike molecular structures are formed with the Schiff-base ligand bis(3-methoxysalicylidene)ethylene-1,2-phenylenediamine(H2L). The stoichiometry and structures are dependent on the Zn:Nd ratio and counteranions present. They are trinuclear [Nd(ZnL)2(NO3)2(H2O)2]·NO3·EtOH·H2O (1), [Nd(ZnL)2Cl2(H2O)3]·Cl·2MeOH·5H2O (2), and tetranuclear [Nd2(ZnL)2Cl6(MeOH)2]·MeOH (3). Dinuclear complex [NdZnL(NO3)3MeCN]·MeCN (4) was also characterized. Near-infrared (NIR) lanthanide luminescence is observed in these complexes.
Liquid chromatography/electrospray mass spectrometry of mustard-related sulfonium ions

The detection and identification of degradation products of the chemical blister agent bis(2-chloroethyl) sulfide, commonly known as mustard or HD, is important for the future destruction of the mustard stockpile for safety and environmental reasons. Because stored mustard tends to degrade via intramolecular substitution forming stable sulfonium ions, conventional gas chromatographic/mass spectrometric analysis does not give a true picture of sample composition. In this study, liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC/MS) was applied for the detection and identification of six synthesized mustard related cyclic and open-chain sulfonium ions to demonstrate the applicability of the technique. The technique was then applied to confirm the identification of the major component of unknown solid heels isolated from mustard ton containers as the six-membered ring cyclic 1-(2-chloroethyl)-1,4-dithianium ion by comparison of spectra obtained by LC/MS and LC/MS/MS for a mustard heel and a reference standard. A mechanism to account for this sulfonium ion formation under long-term ton container storage conditions is provided. The technique was also applied to monitor open-chain sulfonium ion formation during the hydrolysis of 0.01 M mustard in 0.05, 2.3 and 10 vol.% thiodiglycol–water at 20°C. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
A chromosome 14 risk locus for simple phobia: results from a genomewide linkage scan

We conducted a 10 centimorgan (cM) linkage genome scan in a set of American extended pedigrees ascertained through probands with panic disorder. Several anxiety disorders segregate in these families. In this article, we describe results for simple phobia from 14 of these families (including 129 subjects of whom 57 are affected). A total of 422 markers were genotyped. Multipoint lod score analyses (fully parametric and simple parametric models) and nonparametric analyses were completed using ALLEGRO. We observed significant linkage of simple phobia to chromosome 14 markers. The highest lod score under a fully parametric model was 3.17, at marker D14S75, under a dominant model. Under a fully parametric recessive model, the maximum lod score, also at D14S75, was 2.86. Analysis under a simple parametric model resulted in lod scores of 3.70 (dominant model) or 3.30 (recessive model). The highest Zlr score observed was 3.93 (P = 4.1 x 10(-5)). The Zlr score was >1 for an extensive region, >77 cM. In all, 12 of the 14 families studied provided positive or zero lod scores at marker D14S75 (dominant model). The homologous genomic region has been implicated by studies mapping quantitative trait loci for a mouse model of fear. The linkage peak may be regarded as highly promising, owing to the breadth of the peak, the convergence of results under different models of inheritance and different analysis methods, and the support from an animal model. This is the first genome scan linkage study for simple phobia, a common disorder that causes high morbidity in the US population.
One-step extraction of subcellular proteins from eukaryotic cells

Conventional biochemical analysis mainly focuses on the expression level of cellular proteins from entire cells. However, it has been increasingly acknowledged that the subcellular location of proteins often carries important information. Analysis of subcellular proteins conventionally requires subcellular fractionation which involves two steps: cell lysis to release proteins and high-speed centrifugation to separate the homogenate. Such approach requires bulky and expensive equipment and is not compatible with processing scarce cell samples of limited volume. In this study, we apply microfluidic flow-through electroporation to breach cell membranes and extract cytosolic proteins selectively in a single step. We demonstrate that this approach allows monitoring the translocation of the transcription factor NF-κB from the cytosol to the nucleus without the need of subcellular fractionation. Our technique is compatible with the processing of samples of various sizes and provides a simple and universal tool for bioanalytical analysis and spatial proteomics.
Cyclosporine minimization and cost reduction in renal transplant recipients receiving a C2-monitored, cyclosporine-based quadruple immunosuppressive regimen.

BACKGROUND Targeting 2-hr postdose cyclosporine (C2) levels to 1,000 to 1,700 mg/dL during the first 6 months after renal transplantation is recommended for triple immunosuppressive regimens. This trial determines whether lower C2 levels could be targeted safely in de novo kidney transplant recipients under a quadruple regimen compared with a similar cohort monitored with trough (C0) levels. METHODS This single-center, sequential, cohort-designed trial included patients who received Thymoglobulin, corticosteroids, an antimetabolite, and cyclosporine monitored by C2 (n=50) or C0 (n=50). Cyclosporine was tapered to maintain the C2 between 1,000 and 1,200 ng/mL months 0 to 3 and between 600 and 1,000 ng/mL thereafter and C0 between 250 and 350 ng/mL months 0 to 3 and between 100 and 250 ng/mL thereafter. RESULTS Baseline patient and donor characteristics were similar. There were no differences in graft survival (100% C2 vs. 100% C0), acute rejection (4% C2 vs. 6% C0), allograft function, or adverse events at 6 months. C2 levels were lower than the suggested guidelines throughout the study (33% lower at 1 month and 48% lower at 6 months). Lower cyclosporine doses were achieved in the C2 arm compared with the C0 arm by 1 month and were sustained throughout the trial, which translated into an average cyclosporine cost savings of USD $773 in the C2 arm during the 6-month period (P<0.001). CONCLUSION With a quadruple immunosuppressive regimen and lower C2 targets than recommended for triple therapy, safe and effective cyclosporine minimization was achieved. Lower cyclosporine doses were achieved in C2-monitored patients compared with C0-monitored patients, translating into lower immunosuppressive costs.
The multiscale coarse-graining method. II. Numerical implementation for coarse-grained molecular models

The multiscale coarse-graining MS-CG method S. Izvekov and G.A. Voth, J. Phys. Chem. B 109, 2469 2005; J. Chem. Phys. 123, 134105 2005 employs a variational principle to determine an interaction potential for a CG model from simulations of an atomically detailed model of the same system. The companion paper proved that, if no restrictions regarding the form of the CG interaction potential are introduced and if the equilibrium distribution of the atomistic model has been adequately sampled, then the MS-CG variational principle determines the exact many-body potential of mean force PMF governing the equilibrium distribution of CG sites generated by the atomistic model. In practice, though, CG force fields are not completely flexible, but only include particular types of interactions between CG sites, e.g., nonbonded forces between pairs of sites. If the CG force field depends linearly on the force field parameters, then the vector valued functions that relate the CG forces to these parameters determine a set of basis vectors that span a vector subspace of CG force fields. The companion paper introduced a distance metric for the vector space of CG force fields and proved that the MS-CG variational principle determines the CG force force field that is within that vector subspace and that is closest to the force field determined by the many-body PMF. The present paper applies the MS-CG variational principle for parametrizing molecular CG force fields and derives a linear least squares problem for the parameter set determining the optimal approximation to this many-body PMF. Linear systems of equations for these CG force field parameters are derived and analyzed in terms of equilibrium structural correlation functions. Numerical calculations for a one-site CG model of methanol and a molecular CG model of the EMIM + /NO 3 ionic liquid are provided to illustrate the method. © 2008 American
Kidney aging—inevitable or preventable?

The aging process affects all organs, including the kidneys. As part of this process, progressive scarring and a measurable decline in renal function occur in most people over time. The improved understanding of the processes that can lead to and/or hasten scarring and loss of renal function over time parallels advances in our understanding of the aging process. Clinical factors, including hypertension, diabetes mellitus, obesity, abnormal lipid levels and vitamin D deficiency, have been associated with increasing renal sclerosis with age. In addition, tissue factors such as angiotensin II, advanced glycation end products, oxidative stress and Klotho are associated with renal aging. These associations and possible interventions, including the control of blood pressure, blood sugar, weight, diet and calorie restriction might make renal aging more preventable than inevitable.
Identifying Personality Pathology Associated With Major Depressive Episodes: Incremental Validity of Informant Reports

Major limitations are associated with the use of a single source of information to assess personality pathology. The construct validity of standardized interviews and informant reports on personality pathology has been established relative to other measures of personality pathology, but it is also important to consider these measures in relation to other constructs that should be related to personality pathology. One example is major depression. In this study, we evaluated whether less common clinical methods of assessment for measuring the same personality pathology constructs, including semistructured interviews and informant reports, demonstrate unique validity, using major depressive episode (MDE) as the external criterion. This analysis focuses on a representative, community-based sample of 1,437 participants and informants. We conducted a hierarchical logistic regression analysis and determined the order of entering the predictor variables based on likelihood of being used in a clinical setting as w...
Theoretical and experimental study of relaxations in Al3Ti and Al3Zr ordered phases.

The aim of the present investigation was to elucidate the role of structural relaxations in determining the relative stability of ${L1}_{2}$, ${D0}_{22}$, and ${D0}_{23}$ structures in ${\mathrm{Al}}_{3}\mathrm{Ti}$ and ${\mathrm{Al}}_{3}\mathrm{Zr}$. This task was accomplished by a unique combination of total-energy electronic structure calculations and (for ${\mathrm{Al}}_{3}\mathrm{Zr}$) high resolution neutron diffraction with Reitveld refinement. Calculated and measured atomic displacements are in excellent agreement. Local relaxation is found to be responsible for the stability of the ${D0}_{23}$ structure in ${\mathrm{Al}}_{3}\mathrm{Zr}$, in agreement with experimental evidence.
Correlation in credit risk changes

Abstract The current economic climate makes understanding credit risk correlation particularly important. After allowing for a comprehensive set of observable firm-specific, industry, market, and macroeconomic factors, there is an economically significant co-movement in credit default swap spreads that remains to be explained. Including a time dummy completely accounts for the remaining co-movement, confirming the existence of a systematic component that has been previously unaccounted for. Our findings suggest that it may be important to consider unobservable risk factor(s) in credit risk models.
Population genomics and local adaptation in wild isolates of a model microbial eukaryote

Elucidating the connection between genotype, phenotype, and adaptation in wild populations is fundamental to the study of evolutionary biology, yet it remains an elusive goal, particularly for microscopic taxa, which comprise the majority of life. Even for microbes that can be reliably found in the wild, defining the boundaries of their populations and discovering ecologically relevant phenotypes has proved extremely difficult. Here, we have circumvented these issues in the microbial eukaryote Neurospora crassa by using a “reverse-ecology” population genomic approach that is free of a priori assumptions about candidate adaptive alleles. We performed Illumina whole-transcriptome sequencing of 48 individuals to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms. From these data, we discovered two cryptic and recently diverged populations, one in the tropical Caribbean basin and the other endemic to subtropical Louisiana. We conducted high-resolution scans for chromosomal regions of extreme divergence between these populations and found two such genomic “islands.” Through growth-rate assays, we found that the subtropical Louisiana population has a higher fitness at low temperature (10 °C) and that several of the genes within these distinct regions have functions related to the response to cold temperature. These results suggest the divergence islands may be the result of local adaptation to the 9 °C difference in average yearly minimum temperature between these two populations. Remarkably, another of the genes identified using this unbiased, whole-genome approach is the well-known circadian oscillator frequency, suggesting that the 2.4°–10.6° difference in latitude between the populations may be another important environmental parameter.
What’s Copenhagen Got To Do With Chemistry Class? Using a Play to Teach the History and Practice of Science

Through the reading, study, and performance of Copenhagen, a play by Michael Frayn, chemistry students see the application of nuclear chemistry content, acquire a better understanding of the continuum from scientific research to technology design, and also become aware of the many and varied interrelationships of science with history and humanity. This article describes a method to use the play in a high school chemistry classroom as a vehicle for cross-disciplinary integration of chemistry content through the context of history and the development of scientists as people. Students experience the lives of two scientists, Niels Bohr and Werner Heisenberg, as they negotiate their academic and personal relationships surrounding basic atomic research during the historical time period surrounding World War II and the creation of the atom bomb. In student group discussions, tangents of discourse move from the various scientists' personalities and the iterative nature of scientific research, to questions of politics, ethics, and morality in a historic context as they discuss, debate, and decide upon ways to present the play so their peers will understand and appreciate the experience.
5-Hydroxy Fatty Acid Amides from δ-Lactones and Alkyl Glucamines

δ-Lactones derived from unsaturated fatty acids are useful precursors to fatty amides due to their enhanced reactivity. Consequently, temperature-sensitive glucamines were easily converted to their 5-hydroxy fatty acid amides in high yield (52–97%) by reaction with C18 and C20 δ-lactones. High yields of amides (52–97%) were obtained with little or no solvent at 90°C in less than 24 h. C18 δ-lactones were more miscible in the glucamine than the C20 δ-lactones and thus increased reaction rates and yields of amides. In addition, amidation reactions run in the absence of catalyst gave good yields, whereas reactions in the presence of base catalysts completely inhibited the reaction. The 1-(N-alkyl-5-hydroxy fatty acid amido)-d-glucitols are expected to have useful properties as biodegradable components in detergents.
Does knowledge of cervical length and fetal fibronectin affect management of women with threatened preterm labor? A randomized trial.

Objective The purpose of this study was to estimate the effect of sonographic cervical length (CL) and fetal fibronectin (FFN) on length of evaluation and outcomes in women with preterm labor (PTL). Study Design Women with threatened PTL were randomized to either a knowledge group (results of CL and FFN available and used according to study protocol), or a standard group (blinded to CL and FFN). Primary outcome was length of evaluation in triage. Results One hundred women were randomized. There was no significant difference between groups in length of evaluation, but in women with CL ≥ 30 mm, the mean time for evaluation was significantly shorter in the knowledge group (1:58 h ± 0:50 vs 2:53 h ± 0:50, P = .004). Incidence of spontaneous preterm birth (SPTB) in the knowledge group was significantly reduced (13.0 vs 36.2%, P = .01). Conclusion The knowledge of CL and FFN was associated with reduction in length of evaluation in women with CL ≥ 30 mm and in incidence of SPTB in all women with PTL.
Uncertainty Without All the Doubt

I investigate whether degreed beliefs are able to play the predictive, explanatory, and modeling roles that they are frequently taken to play. The investigation focuses on evidence—both from sources familiar in epistemology as well as recent work in behavioral economics and cognitive psychology—of variability in agents' apparent degrees of belief. Although such variability has been noticed before, there has been little philosophical discussion of its breadth or of the psychological mechanisms underlying it. Once these are appreciated, the inadequacy of degrees of belief becomes clear. I offer a theoretical alternative to degrees of belief, what I call the filter theory.
The composition of corn oil obtained by the alcohol extraction of ground corn

All commercial corn oil is obtained by the hexane extraction of corn germ. The chemical composition of commercial corn oil has been well characterized. This study was under-taken to quantitatively evaluate the lipid composition of corn oil obtained by the ethanol extraction of ground, whole corn kernels. When corn oil was obtained by extracting ground corn kernels (ground corn) with polar or nonpolar solvents, the resulting corn oil contained much higher levels of hydroxycinnamate steryl esters (≈0.3%) than those found in commercial hexane-extracted corn (germ) oil (≈0.02%). The levels of valuable tocopherols and tocotrienols were also significantly higher in kernel oil than in traditional corn germ oil. We previously reported that when corn oil was obtained by extracting corn kernels with polar solvents, the oil contained two polyamine conjugates, diferuloylputrescine and p-coumaroyl feruloylputrescine. In the current study, when ground corn was extracted with ethanol, the resulting corn oil contained about 0.5% diferuloylputrescine and about 0.2% p-coumaroyl feruloylputrescine. This is the first study to quantify these unique compounds in corn oil extracted by new techniques. This compositional information is important because this new oil is being considered for human food use.
Toward an understanding of wilderness participation

Abstract Seventeen variables were used to explain differences in wilderness use or nonuse in samples of the general public and wilderness users from Illinois. The variables important in determining who will use wilderness are different from those that are important in influencing the amount of use among present users. Some traditional demographic variables have been found to be of lesser importance than some nondemographic variables. Results from multivariate analysis indicate that of the 17 variables tested, sex had the greatest influence in determining both who uses wilderness and who intends to use wilderness in the future. The other standard socioeconomic variables of income, age, and occupation were of little importance, relative to the other variables used, in predicting who would use wilderness. Of the personality variables, only leisure values were important in distinguishing users from nonusers. The measures of wilderness values (approval, purism, and information) were important in determining wh...
Vector fields and classical theorems of topology

The Author defines a new Index Theory in order to obtain new unified proof for some well known theorems (e.g. the Intermediate Value Theorem, Rouche's Theorem, The Gauss-Bonner Theorem, etc.) (Editor's abstract).
Observability gramian for nonlinear systems

In this paper, we propose a novel approach for the construction of observability gramian for nonlinear systems. For linear systems observability gramian is obtained as a solution of matrix Lyapunov equation, for nonlinear systems we show that the observability gramian information can be obtained from the solution of Lyapunov measure equation. Lyapunov measure equation is introduced in (U. Vaidya, 2007) to provide necessary and sufficient condition for almost every where stability of an invariant set in nonlinear systems. Gramian result for the linear systems forms a special case of the proposed observability gramian approach using transfer operator. For system with output measurement we use set oriented numerical methods are used for the finite dimensional approximation of the gramian.
Resistance to denaturation by periodate of a dialyzable form of BALB-c histocompatibility antigen.

SummaryBALB/c histocompatibility antigen solubilized by Triton X-100, and a small molecular form derived from it by digestion with papain, were examined for inactivation by periodate and for carbohydrate content. Treatment with a low concentration of periodate reduced by about 75% the antigenic activity of the original macromolecular form of the antigen, as judged by inhibition of anti-BALB/c alloantibodies in several in vitro tests, but did not have this effect on the small molecular unit. Also, carbohydrate analysis of the macromolecular antigen showed it to contain mannose, glucose, glucuronic acid and n-acetyl galactosamine, whereas no sugars were detectable in the small molecule.
Does poverty constrain deforestation? Econometric evidence from Peru

This paper examines the relationship between income and land clearing for households living in tropical forest regions. A simple model of the agricultural household that clears land for agriculture is developed to investigate the relationship between lagged income and cleared land holdings. Analysis of panel data from Peru suggests that lagged income is positively correlated with clearing, though at a decreasing rate, and, because of labor market constraints, clearing is positively correlated with household labor availability. This work suggests that small increases in the incomes of the poorest are unlikely to reduce deforestation in this context.
The synthesis and Pharmacological Study of Some Mercurated Allyl Derivatives of Barbituric Acid

Five mercurated allyl derivatives of barbituric acid were studied in an attempt to add to the already existing knowledge about the relationship between chemical structure of mercurial diuretics and their therapeutic efficacy. Two isomeric mercurated monoallyl, two isomeric mercurated diallyl, and one mercurated triallyl derivative were prepared and their properties described. A study of their toxicity and diuretic qualities was made on rats and mice.
Agency problems associated with managers having disincentives to abandon investments

Abstract Non-optimal abandonment policy can arise from managers having disincentives to terminate projects. Statman and Caldwell demonstrate that psychological and pecuniary disincentives cause agency costs that are borne by shareholders; they argue that market forces and financial managers are capable of eliminating or greatly reducing the agency costs. This paper takes the pessimistic view that, because of the phenomenon of selective filtering of information, the agency costs are not easily averted. The agency costs are manifest by (1) overinvestment at the time of project initiation, (2) practices that increase the value of risky debt, (3) poor investment policy when capital rationing exists, and (4) non-optimal working capital management decisions. Filtering of information is exacerbated by management information systems that are inadequate to provide the quality of data needed for capital budgeting decisions.