cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Insulin and Dexamethasone Regulation of a Rat Hepatoma Messenger Ribonucleic Acid: Insulin Has a Transcriptional and a Posttranscriptional Effect*

Experiments were conducted to investigate the actions of glucocorticoids and insulin on the induction of a specific mRNA (p33-mRNA) expressed in rat H4 hepatoma cells. Previous studies have found a 10-fold increase in this mRNA following 60 min of insulin addition. In the present study, dexamethasone (Dex) induced the cellular concentration of p33-mRNA 10- to 15-fold. This effect was time and dose dependent. The effect of Dex could be accounted for by a 10- to 15-fold increase in p33-mRNA transcription. However, insulin administration resulted in only a 3-fold increase in the transcription of p33-mRNA. The insulin induction of transcription was time and dose dependent and was blocked by the addition of alpha-amanitin. There was no increase in the transcription of a control gene, beta-tubulin, by either insulin or Dex. Neither insulin nor Dex altered the stability of p33-mRNA. Since the cellular concentration of p33-mRNA was induced to a greater extent than was transcription, insulin must be regulating at least one other step in the sequence between RNA synthesis and RNA stability.
The oviposition behavior of the predator Orius insidiosus: acceptability and preference for different plants

The ability of natural enemies to reproduce within cropland and effectively suppress pests depends on the presence of plants on which to oviposit within the agroecosystems. Our research investigates the acceptability and preferences of a range of plants for oviposition by the predatory bug Orius insidiosus (Say) (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) in the laboratory. Within-plant preferences on pole beans as oviposition sites were evaluated in laboratory choice tests. The acceptability and preference of O. insidiosus females for pole bean, soybean, redroot pigweed, and velvetleaf were evaluated in choice and no-choice tests (respectively) in the laboratory. Observations on the acceptability of green foxtail, orchardgrass, buffalograss, smooth brome, redtop grass, blue grama, and tall fescue for oviposition were also conducted. O. insidiosus preferred to lay its eggs on the petiole and leaflet petioles of pole beans, and did not distinguish among nodes or petioles of different lengths. Although all broadleaved plants were suitable for egg development, the acceptability of these plants differed significantly, with pole beans being most acceptable and almost no eggs being laid on velvetleaf. Preference tests supported the results of the no-choice tests, with pole bean being the most preferred, and no eggs being laid on the velvetleaf. Green foxtail and orchardgrass were the only grass species found to be acceptable to O. insidiosus. The implications of soybean monocultures on the reproductive capacity of and biological control by O. insidiosus are discussed, as are possible mechanisms underlying the decision-making process for oviposition.
The trail of votes in Russia's 1999 Duma and 2000 presidential elections

Abstract Russia's array of political parties, based largely on Moscow-centered personalities with presidential aspirations rather than coherent policy programs, continued its seemingly directionless evolution in 1999 with the appearance of two new ‘parties’—Otechestvo and Edinstvo—each designed primarily to facilitate presidential aspirations. In contrast and despite wrenching economic changes, Russia from 1991 through 1996, at least, offers the picture of a surprisingly stable electorate in which the flow of votes across elections from one party or candidate to the next follows a coherent and not altogether unpredictable pattern. Aggregate election returns suggests that this pattern persisted through the 1999 Duma balloting to the 2000 presidential election. The KPRF, as well as Yabloko, won nearly as many votes in 1999 as in 1996, while the votes lost by Our Home Is Russia, the LDPR, Lebed's allies in 1996, and a bevy of other small and not altogether anti-reform parties nearly account for Otechestvo and Edinstvo totals. Here, however, we offer a close examination of official rayon-level election returns from both 1999 and 2000 and conclude that this picture of stability masks the importance we ought to attribute to the influence of regional governors and their abilities to direct the votes of their electorates in a nearly wholesale fashion. We argue, moreover, that this conclusion is important to the matter of reforming Russia's institutions so as to encourage a coherent party system. Specifically, rather than focus on electoral institutional reform, we argue that the principal culprit in explaining the failure of a coherent party system to materialize is the influence of Russia's super-presidentialism.
BLOOD TRANSFUSION INCREASES MORTALITY INDEPENDENT OF HEMOGLOBIN LEVELS IN ELDERLY PATIENTS UNDERGOING TRANSCATHETER AORTIC VALVE REPLACEMENT

Baseline anemia is associated with transfusions and increased risk of mortality in patients undergoing cardiac surgery and percutaneous coronary intervention. The impact of baseline anemia in patients undergoing transcatheter valve replacement (TAVR) remains unclear. Our cohort was divided into
Diabetes mellitus and diabetes-associated vascular disease

Diabetes-related cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in patients with type 2 diabetes. Hypertension is common among diabetics and has the same pathogenetic mechanisms as insulin resistance, in which the activated renin-angiotensin system contributes to the emerging high blood pressure and hyperglycemia. Hyperglycemia is one of the triggering factors for vascular dysfunction and clotting abnormalities and, therefore, for accelerated atherosclerosis in diabetes. Glycated hemoglobin levels, as a reflection of the degree of glycemia, are strongly associated with the risk of cardiovascular disease in diabetics and in the general population. Tight glycemic control, the treatment of dyslipidemia and raised blood pressure, in addition to the use of antiplatelet therapy, all powerfully reduce the risks associated with diabetes. Furthermore, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors might offer additional cardioprotection to diabetics above that provided by blood pressure reduction.
Degradation of immunoreactive albumin in young and old conscious female rats

The kinetics of inactivation of plasma albumin was studied in young (3-4 months) and old (25-28 months) Sprague-Dawley female rats. Conscious, free-moving animals carrying indwelling atrial and carotid cannulas received a single injection of [125I]-albumin (rat) via the carotid cannula. Sequential blood samples were removed at intervals during the following 120 min, and total (TR) and immunoprecipitable radioactivity (IPR) were determined in the corresponding plasmas. TR disappearance curves for young and old animals were almost identical but IPR disappearance curves showed a significantly faster decline in the young rats. The absolute plasma volumes for young and old rats were (mean +/- S.E.M.), 10.8 +/- 1.1 and 14.4 +/- 1.5 ml, respectively (P less than 0.05). The IPR/TR ratio, an estimate of albumin inactivation within the plasma space, showed a monoexponential decrease in vivo with a t 1/2 of 11.4 +/- 5.1 and 39.3 +/- 10.8 h (P less than 0.05) for young and old rats, respectively. The in vitro t 1/2s for albumin were 5.25 +/- 1.02 and 3.42 +/- 0.91 days (NS) for young and old rats, respectively. It is concluded that: the rate of albumin catabolism declines with age in the female rat; albumin is mainly inactivated in the extravascular space; and total plasma volume increases significantly with age in this species.
Reply to Henthorn and Deutsch: Ethnicity versus early environment: Comment on ‘Early Childhood Music Education and Predisposition to Absolute Pitch: Teasing Apart Genes and Environment’ by Peter K. Gregersen, Elena Kowalsky, Nina Kohn, and Elizabeth West Marvin [2000]

Drs. Henthorn and Deutsch have selectively analyzed our data and omitted a key factor in their analysis. A full analysis of our data does not support their conclusions. As shown in our original report [Gregersen et al., 2001], as well as by the work of others [Baharloo et al., 1998], two factors are associated with the development of AP: (1) the age at which formal musical training is begun and (2) exposure to ‘‘fixed do’’ training before the age of 7. Therefore, any difference between the prevalence of AP among subgroups of Asian subjects must take account of these two factors. We have investigated the association of these two factors among Asians with or without an Asian childhood in our study populations. For this analysis we included only Chinese, Korean, and Japanese subjects with childhoods in Asian countries (n1⁄4 48) compared with those in the same ethnic groups who grew up in North America (n1⁄419). The age of onset of formal musical training was slightly earlier in those with childhoods in Asia (6.1 years vs. 6.4 years), but this difference was not significant (P1⁄4 0.4, Wilcoxon rank). However, as shown in Table I, there was a strikingly increased risk of exposure to early fixed do training among Asians who grew up in an Asian country, with OR1⁄4 11.79 (95% CI 1.45–95.88, P1⁄4 0.0066, Fisher’s exact test), compared with Asians spending their childhood in North America. Similar associations are observed when the Chinese, Korean, and Japanese groups are analyzed separately. The rate of early fixed do training among Caucasians (5.9%) was similar to the rate in Asians who grew up in North America (5.5%). Furthermore, a multivariate analysis among Asians fails to support a strong independent effect of Asian childhood in the development of AP when exposure to fixed do training is taken into account (P> 0.1). To the extent that such an effect can be found, it is among Koreans and not in Chinese or Japanese. However, the numbers of subjects are small in these subgroups; therefore it would require a much larger study to provide support for an independent effect of the location of childhood upbringing on the development of AP in Koreans. For those wishing to explore these data further, the primary dataset is available at http://www.nslij-genetics.org/ap/. Thus, as we stated in our original report [Gregersen et al., 2001], a full data analysis reveals that age of music training and exposure to fixed do training before age 7 are the only factors that strongly predict
Robotic search for ices and hydrous minerals at the lunar poles using a combined X-ray diffraction and fluorescence instrument

Abstract There is a growing body of evidence that points to the survival of water or hydrous minerals on the Moon and the potential for large aqueous reservoirs in shadowed craters at the lunar poles. CheMin, an XRD/XRF instrument that is currently under development, could provide a definitive test of whether the polar hydrogen signal measured by the recent Lunar Prospector mission is an indication of a significant water reservoir or merely reflects an anomalously rich accumulation of solar-wind hydrogen. Proposed enhancements of CheMin could be used in conjunction with a drilling system capable of penetrating the upper few tens of centimeters of the lunar regolith to search for ices or hydrous minerals. This advanced version of the CheMin instrument would be within the size, mass, and power constraints of Ariane 5 micromissions.
Writing‐to‐learn Strategies in Secondary School Cell Biology: A mixed method study

Writing‐to‐learn techniques can enhance learning, yet a need remains for more empirical research on the quality of learning that results from engaging in particular writing tasks with description of the instructional support for writing situated in context. This report builds on past research linking inquiry, social negotiation, and writing strategies to student learning assessed for recall and conceptual understanding. Assessments were administered after two different writing types: laboratory reports written in either a conventional (Control group) or a non‐traditional format using the Science Writing Heuristic (SWH group) and a summary report of concepts explored in the inquiry activities. Results following summary report writing indicated SWH students performed better on conceptual questions, recognized distinct thinking was required by the two writing types, and were more likely to describe learning as they were writing compared with Control group students. Females who used the SWH and wrote summary ...
Basic Student-Teaching Stuff

(1985). Basic Student-Teaching Stuff. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance: Vol. 56, No. 2, pp. 58-60.
Secondary electron yields from Mo and Mo/Cs surfaces by ion impact

Abstract Secondary electron yields resulting from positive ion impact (500 eV–2.5 keV) on a cesiated molybdenum target are reported. Yields of secondary electrons for He + and Ar + projectiles are measured as a function of the cesium/molybdenum target work function, and found to maximize when the work function is a minimum (φ ~ 1.5 eV). The secondary electron yield is always larger for the reduced work function target, however, the magnitude of the increase is dependent on both the ion kinetic energy and identity. Results are also presented for D + 2 impact between 50 eV and 1.0 keV. In this case, backscattered negative ions are also seen in addition to the secondary electrons.
Two generator subgroups of SL (2,C) and the hypergeometric, Riemann, and Lamé equations

For the purposes of constructing explicit solutions to second-order linear homogeneous differential equations on the Riemann sphere the Kovacic algorithm partitions the subgroups ofSL (2,C) into four classes and initially determines which class contains the differential Galois group of the input equation. We prove in the case of the hypergeometric and Riemann equations that the relevant class can be determined directly from the coefficients by elementary calculation. We also treat the (non-algebraic form of the) Lame equation, to which the Kovacic algorithm is not directly applicable. In that instance we combine the Kovacic results with ours to produce an algorithm for determining the class of the associated group. From the group-theoretic viewpoint the problem solved herein is the following: given arbitrary S,T?SL(2,C), determine which class contains the group ?S, T? generated by S and T.
Mammalian methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase. Partial purification, properties, and inhibition by S-adenosylmethionine.

Abstract 1. 1.5,10-Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (5-methyltetrahydrofolate:NAD oxidoreductase, EC 1.1.1.68) has been purified several hundred-fold from both rat and pig liver. 2. 2.A spectrophotometric assay for the purified enzyme is given and its optimum conditions have been studied. 3. 3.The enzyme is a flavoprotein specific for FAD. 4. 4.The enzyme is specific for NADPH as electron donor and the (+) diastereoisomer of 5,10-CH 2 =H 4 PteGlu as its physiological substrate. In addition, the enzyme exhibits a strong NADPH-specific diaphorase (reduced-NAD:lipoamide oxidoreductase, EC 1.6.4.3) or menadione reductase (reduced-NAD(P):(acceptor) oxidoreductase, EC 1.6.99.2) activity. 5. 5.Apparent K m values of the pig liver enzyme are: In the reduction of menadione: 49 μM for NADPH, 85 μM for NADH; in the reduction of methylenetetrahydrofolate: 33 μM for NADPH and 310 μM for NADH, and 21 μM for methylenetetrahydrofolate. 6. 6.All activities of the enzyme are strongly inhibited by S -adenosylmethionine. This inhibition is partially reversed by S -adenosylhomocysteine. The menadione reductase property of the enzyme is also inhibited by the folate substrates.
The Dermal Suspension Sling: Shaping the Inferior Pedicle during Breast Reduction

Complaints following reduction mammaplasty using the inferior pedicle include the migration of the deep tissue, a lack of medial fullness, poor projection, and bottoming-out. These are attributed to the lack of deep tissue suspension and skin envelope relaxation. We address these issues through horizontal dermal suspension and plication of the inferior pedicle. The inferior pedicle is designed with medial and lateral triangular flaps in the areas, which would normally be excised. These triangular flaps are deepithelialized and defatted. The flaps are attached to the chest wall above the inferior pedicle to create a dermal sling. The breast mound is further contoured by horizontally plicating the dermis below the nipple–areola complex (NAC), which creates projection and rotates the NAC into the desired position in relation to the chest wall. Sixty-six women have undergone breast reduction using the horizontal dermal suspension sling modification to the inferior pedicle breast reduction technique. Breast projection and shape were sustained during follow-up, of which the median interval was 16 months. Dermal suspension and horizontal dermal plication provides a structural foundation to the inferior pedicle. The sling-like effect from the dermal suspension maintains a defined inframammary fold and maintains medial and lateral borders of the breast. Horizontal dermal plication shortens the length of the inferior pedicle while generating improved breast projection by rotating the NAC anteriorly. The firmly shaped inferior pedicle breast mound allows the skin flap to drape over the breast mound with minimal tension.
New technique for submillimeter-wave reflector construction

Several submillimeterwave astronomical telescope projects have recently employed the use of cast aluminum, machined panels for the reflector surface. Although the resulting surface has several advantages, there are also some drawbacks. In particular, the weight per area is relatively high since it is difficult to make elaborate casting details in the backing ribs and there are quality control concerns in the casting process. To address these problems, we have developed an alternate method of forming the metal reflector blank prior to machining. We have used a high grade, proprietary cast aluminum sheet to form over a mold by slumping. Light- weightedbacking ribs are then welded to the rear. The particular application discussed here is a complete 1.5 m submillimeter wave reflector. The technique is of interest for smaller size panels typically used with large, submillimeter wavelength reflectors.© (1998) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Residual gasoline saturation in unsaturated soil with and without organic matter

Abstract The goal of this study was to investigate the influence of one variable, natural organic matter, on residual gasoline saturation in sandy soils. Capillary pressure-saturation ( P c − S ) relationships (air-gasoline) were determined for three physically-similar sandy soils, with different organic carbon contents (0.086%, 0.89% and 1.65%) and residual gasoline saturations were compared. Two initial moisture conditions, residual water saturation and air-dry, were evaluated. One soil type was packed to two different bulk densities. Visualization of the soils using cryo-scanning electron microscopy was performed to aid in better understanding the role of the organic matter in the soil. The results showed that soils with higher organic contents had higher residual gasoline saturations when starting with an initially air-dry soil. Increasing the bulk density of the same air-dried soil resulted in an increase in residual gasoline saturation. In the presence of a residual water saturation, however, residual gasoline saturations were virtually identical for the three soils and independent of bulk density; approximately 5–10 times lower than in soil that was initially air-dry. The presence of the residual water effectively coated the surface of the soil thereby reducing or eliminating gasoline/soil interactions. Some residual water may also be occupying very small pore spaces, making these locations inaccessible to the gasoline.
It's not random anymore.

Do mechanisms that facilitate evolution themselves evolveas an inevitable consequence of natural selection? This wasthe subject of two recent thought-provoking workshops; thefirst, ‘‘Evolvability: The Evolution of Evolution’’, organized bySimon Conway Morris (Cambridge) and Ard Lewis(Oxford) was held at the Villa Monastero in Varenna, Italy,April,15–17,2007;
Preliminary evidence of an association between increased REM density and poor antidepressant response to partial sleep deprivation

Abstract Background: One night of total sleep deprivation or of late-night partial sleep deprivation (PSD) produces a temporary remission in approximately 40–60% of patients with major depressive disorder; however, little is known about polysomnography (PSG) characteristics of responders to these types of sleep deprivation (SD). Methods: Twenty-three unmedicated unipolar patients (17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS17) >16) and 14 normal controls underwent 1 night of late-night PSD (awake after 3 a.m.) Subjects underwent baseline PSG and received the HDRS17 at standard times before and after PSD. Clinical response was defined as a reduction of >30% in the modified HDRS17 (omitting sleep and weight loss items) following PSD. Results: The 12 responders and 11 nonresponders did not differ from each other significantly on baseline HDRS17 or PSG variables. The only PSG variable correlating with percent decrease in modified HDRS17 was baseline REM density (Pearson’s r=−0.52, n=23, P=0.01.) In other words, the lower the baseline REM density, the more robust the antidepressant response was. Limitations: Subject numbers are relatively small. Conclusions: Increased REM density, which reflects the number of rapid eye movements per epoch of REM sleep, may be a physiological marker for severity or poor prognosis in a variety of psychiatric disorders, including relapse in recovering alcoholics, suicidality in schizophrenia, and poor response to PSD or interpersonal psychotherapy in depression.
Discussion on “Quickest Detection Problems: Fifty Years Later” by Albert N. Shiryaev

Abstract In his interesting article Professor Shiryaev reviewed how he got motivated from real-applications of target detection in radar systems to develop sequential change-point detection theory and also described different approaches to formulate mathematical problems. In our discussion of his article we focus on a couple of new real-world applications of sequential change-point detection and some new challenges as well.
Analysis of the toxic effects of physical and chemical properties of hypolimnetic waters by time series

Abstract A field experiment was conducted to identify potential causes of an existing fish kill problem and to identify useful control variables to assist in minimizing future fish kills. The experiment is described along with the mechanism deduced from earlier histological specimens and observed chemical phenomena. Time series analysis of chemical and biological variables is used to elucidate various hypothesis of the postulated fish kill mechanism.
A mixed methods study of how clinician 'super users' influence others during the implementation of electronic health records.

Despite the potential for electronic health records (EHRs) to improve patient safety and quality of care, the intended benefits of EHRs are not always realized because of implementation-related challenges. Enlisting clinician super users to provide frontline support to employees has been recommended to foster EHR implementation success. In some instances, their enlistment has been associated with implementation success; in other cases, it has not. Little is known about why some super users are more effective than others. The purpose of this study was to identify super users’ mechanisms of influence and examine their effects on EHR implementation outcomes.
A 56 kDa binding protein for Escherichia coli heat-stable enterotoxin isolated from the cytoskeleton of rat intestinal membranes does not possess guanylate cyclase activity

Proteins binding Escherichia coli heat-stable enterotoxin were isolated from the cytoskeleton of intestinal membranes using an affinity matrix of biotinylated ST immobilized on monomeric avidin-agarose. ST binding proteins were purified 343-fold using this affinity technique, with 7% of the initial binding activity recovered in these preparations. ST binding proteins isolated by affinity chromatography possessed a native and subunit molecular mass of 56 kDa. These preparations exhibited both high- and low-affinity binding sites for ST. Guanylate cyclase in extracts of the intestinal membrane cytoskeleton was completely recovered in fractions which did not associate with the affinity matrix. In addition, ST binding proteins isolated by affinity chromatography were devoid of guanylate cyclase activity. These data, taken together with those obtained previously with crude and partially purified receptors, suggest that ST binds to different proteins in intestinal membranes, some of which do not possess guanylate cyclase activity.
Advances in the understanding and treatmentof urinary tract infections in young women

Abstract Despite relative ease of management, the high rate of urinary tract infections (UTI)among young women presents substantial problems for the health care community. Although the majority of UTIs in young women are simple and uncomplicated, the rate of recurrence is substantial. Each treatment of UTI recurrence brings greater antibiotic resistance, requiring the use of broader spectrum and more expensive antibiotic therapy. Moreover, infection in patients with underlying urinary tract or systemic diseases can lead to serious medical and financial consequences. A better understanding of antibiotic resistance, particularly in regard to beta-laetamase-producing pathogens, has allowed us to develop more appropriate criteria for selecting antibiotics as well as the duration of therapy. The overall cost for treating UTIs in young women is a substantial health care expenditure, and requires an ongoing examination of new information concerning pathogenesis and available antibiotic therapies.
Facilitating Positive Emotional Labor in Peer-Providers of Mental Health Services

Emotional labor is the work of regulating feelings in the context of employment. Providers of consumer-based mental health services help others through their use of autobiographical experiences. These providers thus routinely perform emotional labor as they negotiate their working relationships with other service users, consumer-provider colleagues, and non-consumer coworkers. Absent organizational supports, these providers can experience emotional exhaustion leading to burnout and high turnover. Data provided from a qualitative study of consumer-providers' emotional labor indicates the salience of this construct and implicates the need for organizational cultures with relevant emotional labor supports.
The relationship between goals, performance, success, self-image, and involvement under different organization climates

Abstract This is an attempt to test the following causal chain of relationships: →support←goals→performance→success→self-image→involvement→future goals as hypothesized in Hall's ( Organizational Behavior and Human Performance , 1971 , 6 , 50–76) model of the development of work involvement. It was further hypothesized that there would be more evidence for the existence of this “success cycle” in an organization with a climate of high support and feedback than in an organization with lower levels of support and feedback. Data were collected near the beginning and end of the school year in two primary schools and analyzed with correlations and path analysis. The hypotheses received moderate support. As expected, more evidence for the success cycle was found in the high-support school. In the high-support organization, the person's own goals correlated with success, while in the lower-support school, the person's self-image was the main correlate of success.
USE OF ABSOLUTE GRAVITY MEASUREMENTS TO MONITOR GROUNDWATER IN THE ESPAÑOLA BASIN, NEW MEXICO

We present results of 32-month project using absolute gravity measurements to monitor groundwater in an arid to semi-arid region in northern New Mexico. Over 100 permanent gravity stations have been established in the groundwater basin. A-10 absolute gravity meters, manufactured by Micro-g LaCoste, Inc., have been used to monitor long-term gravity changes in the groundwater basin. Over fifty A-10 sites have been established; other gravity sites have been established by reference to the primary A-10 sites using Scintrex CG-3M and CG-5 relative gravimeters. Geodetic-quality GPS surveys were used to directly measure any possible elevation changes at the gravity sites. At good sites, away from regions where we expect changes due to groundwater removal, reproducibility of the A-10 measurements is ±4 μGal. Gravity stations were observed approximately every six months over the course of the project. Systematic changes in both gravity and station elevation have been observed at a number of sites. On the basis of our observations, we can delineate three areas which appear to have systematic changes in storage. We conclude that the use of high-precision absolute gravity measurements, in conjunction with precise observations of station elevation, can provide useful information for evaluating groundwater storage changes over time.
BUSINESS AND EMPIRE: A REASSESSMENT OF THE BRITISH CONQUEST OF BURMA IN 1885

Drawing upon recently published research and previously unseen archival sources, the article provides a new explanation of the British conquest of Burma in 1885. Previous explanations have attributed British motives for conquest to either the need to defend the eastern borders of Britain's Indian empire from French expansion in mainland south-east Asia, or the desire to open Burma and China to British trade and investment at a time of perceived economic depression. The article contends that while French expansionism certainly loomed large in the British decision to invade, commercial interests and considerations were pivotal in persuading the British government of the French threat. In particular, the role of London-based ‘gentlemanly capitalists’ in shaping government policy is emphasized and explored. In the process, new insights into the methods and strategies of City financiers are revealed. Besides contributing to the debate surrounding the ‘gentlemanly capitalism’ thesis of Cain and Hopkins, the article also evaluates the importance of socio-economic conditions in Burma itself as a factor which stimulated British expansion.
Configurational statistics of the DNA duplex: extended generator matrices to treat the rotations and translations of adjacent residues.

The base-to-base virtual bond treatment of nucleic acids used in statistical mechanical calculations of polynucleotide chain properties has been refined by incorporating the six parameters that relate the positions and orientations of sequential rigid bodies. The scheme allows for the sequence-dependent bending, twisting, and displacement of base pairs as well as for asymmetry in the angular and translational fluctuations of individual residues. Expressions are developed for the generator matrices required for the computation, as a function of chain length, of various parameters measuring the overall mean extension and shape of the DNA. Quantities of interest include the end-to-end vector r, the square of the end-to-end distance r2, the square radius of gyration s2, the center-of-gravity vector g, the second moments of inertia S×2, and the higher moments of r and g. The matrix expressions introduced in the 1960s by Flory and co-workers for the determination of configuration-dependent polymer chain averages are decomposed into their translational and orientational contributions so that the methods can be extended to the rigid body analysis of chemical moieties. The new expressions permit, for the first time, examination of the effects of sequence-dependent translations, such as the lateral sliding of residues in A- and B-helices and the vertical opening of base pairs in drug–DNA complexes, on the average extension and shape of the long flexible double helix. The approach is illustrated in the following paper using conformational energy estimates of the base sequence-dependent flexibility of successive B-DNA base pairs. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Mechanisms, organisms and social systems

Summary To think about anything requires an imnage or concept of it, a model. To think about a thing as complex as a social system most people use a model of something similar, simpler and more familiar. Traditionally, two types of models have been used in efforts to acquire information, knowledge and understanding of social systems: mechanistic and organismic. But, in a world of accelerating change, increasing uncertainty and growing complexity, it is becoming apparent that these are inadequate as guides to decision and action. The growing number of social crises and dilemmas that we face should be clear evidence that something is fundamentally wrong with the way we think about social systems. In this paper we describe and try to explain the deficiencies of the two traditional ways of thinking about social systems. We then develop a third type of model, one we believe does not suffer from these inadequacies, a social system model which seeks to penetrate beyond the nature of machine and organisms to understand social systems in their own right.
Student Teaching In Japan: The Lesson

The Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) reports that the mathematics teaching in Japan is distinctly different from that found in the United States. They attribute part of that difference to the professional development practice of Lesson Study. However, is the pre-service preparation of Japanese mathematics teachers also different? In an effort to understand the Japanese secondary mathematics student teaching process better, the author spent two weeks in Japan at three different universities and their affiliated junior high schools observing student teachers as they interacted with their cooperating teachers. This article is a description of that process as seen through the eyes of an American mathematics teacher educator. The author found that the main focus of student teaching at the observed junior high schools is on the preparation, teaching and reflection on the lesson itself.
Soot black carbon concentration and isotopic composition in soils from an arid urban ecosystem

Abstract Black carbon (BC) is a poorly understood type of organic carbon but it is present in almost all environmental systems (i.e., atmosphere, soil and water). This work focuses on soot BC in desert soils and, in particular, urban soils from the Phoenix, Arizona metropolitan area. Soot BC is that fraction of black carbon formed from the condensation of gas phase molecules produced during burning. Soot BC in Phoenix area soils exhibits a range in both concentration and isotopic composition. Soot BC concentration in 52 soils (desert, agricultural and urban) ranges from 0.02–0.54 wt% and comprises from
Composition of turpentine from Pinus edulis wood oleoresin

Abstract Monoterpenoids and sesquiterpenoid hydrocarbons of Pinus edulis wood oleoresin were analyzed by chromatographic and spectroscopic methods. Monoterpenoid hydrocarbons (20·3%) were composed mainly of α-pinene, with camphene, β-pinene, 3-carene, sabinene, myrcene, limonene, β-phellandrene, trans -ocimene and terpinolene in secondary to trace amounts. Oxygenated terpenoids (0.28%) contained bornyl acetate and verbenone as major constituents, and linalool, camphor, terpinene-4-ol, citronellyl acetate, borneol, neral, α-terpineol, citronellol, nerol, and geraniol in smaller amounts. Oleoresin contained 1·1% of acetogenins, composed mainly of ethyl caprylate. Sesquiterpenoid hydrocarbons were high (5·7%) in oleoresin) and were composed of germacrene D as a major constituent (36·6%), of γ-amorphene, α-copaene, and longifolene as secondary constituents (5–20%), and β-farnesene, α- and γ-murolenes, β 1 -, γ-, δ-, and e-cadinenes, α-amorphene, δ-guaiene, sibirene, α-cubebene, β-copaene, β-ylangene, sativene, cyclosativene, β-bourbonene, α- and γ-humulenes, caryophyllene, α-longipinene and longicyclene in smaller amounts. Composition of P. edulis and of P. monophylla turpentines was found to be similar, with percentage of ethyl caprylate being the best distinguishing criterion.
Aberration limited resolution in Fraunhofer holography with collinated beams

Abstract The primary aberrations in standard in-line Fraunhofer holography with collimated beams of different recording and reconstruction wavelengths are described. Marechal's criterion is then applied to establish the aberration limited size resolution of micro-objects. The resolution is described in terms of the recording and reconstruction wavelengths, the number of side lobes recorded, and the number of far-field distances. The particular case of a ruby laser recording with reconstruction by a HeNe laser is discussed in detail.
Amyloid β Peptide-(1–42) Induces Internalization and Degradation of β2 Adrenergic Receptors in Prefrontal Cortical Neurons

Emerging evidence indicates that amyloid β peptide (Aβ) initially induces subtle alterations in synaptic function in Alzheimer disease. We have recently shown that Aβ binds to β2 adrenergic receptor (β2AR) and activates protein kinase A (PKA) signaling for glutamatergic regulation of synaptic activities. Here we show that in the cerebrums of mice expressing human familial mutant presenilin 1 and amyloid precursor protein genes, the levels of β2AR are drastically reduced. Moreover, Aβ induces internalization of transfected human β2AR in fibroblasts and endogenous β2AR in primary prefrontal cortical neurons. In fibroblasts, Aβ treatment also induces transportation of β2AR into lysosome, and prolonged Aβ treatment causes β2AR degradation. The Aβ-induced β2AR internalization requires the N terminus of the receptor containing the peptide binding sites and phosphorylation of β2AR by G protein-coupled receptor kinase, not by PKA. However, the G protein-coupled receptor kinase phosphorylation of β2AR and the receptor internalization are much slower than that induced by βAR agonist isoproterenol. The Aβ-induced β2AR internalization is also dependent on adaptor protein arrestin 3 and GTPase dynamin, but not arrestin 2. Functionally, pretreatment of primary prefrontal cortical neurons with Aβ induces desensitization of β2AR, which leads to attenuated response to subsequent stimulation with isoproterenol, including decreased cAMP levels, PKA activities, PKA phosphorylation of serine 845 on α-amino-2,3-dihydro-5-methyl-3-oxo-4-isoxazolepropanoic acid (AMPA) receptor subunit 1 (GluR1), and AMPA receptor-mediated miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents. This study indicates that Aβ induces β2AR internalization and degradation leading to impairment of adrenergic and glutamatergic activities.
Simulation of Jet-Induced Geysers in Reduced Gravity

Control of cryogenic propellant tank pressure during tank refueling and expulsion in low gravity is an important technical challenge to overcome for future long duration missions in space. One method proposed to control tank pressurization involves the use of jet-induced geysers. Two-dimensional computational models have been developed and used with limited success in previous efforts to predict geyser heights in microgravity. A three-dimensional flow simulation is used to model jet-induced geysers in reduced gravity. Geyser flows are commonly characterized by the presence of turbulent jets, transient flow, deforming free surfaces, and surface tension effects. As is the case for many turbulent flow applications, accuracy in simulating complex turbulent flows is critically dependent on the selection of a suitable turbulence model. The sensitivity of the simulation geyser predictions to a suite of popular turbulence models is assessed. Simulation results are compared to available experiment results. By expanding upon the work already completed, the model is used to simulate a broad range of cases within the experiment test matrix. Simulation results suggest the two dimensional simulation using the k-e turbulence model provides the most accurate results for jet-induced geysers in reduced gravity when compared to available experiment data.
Aortography in children with abdominal masses

The aortographic findings in 9 infants and children with abdominal masses arereported and the diagnostic value of these findings is compared with those obtained by intravenous urography. The intravenous urogram was adequate to suggest the correct diagnosis in 4 patients; however, the aortogram offered additional useful information. In 3 patients the correct diagnosis was made only after aortograms were obtained. Aortography has proved a safe and useful procedure in the differentiation of abdominal masses such as Wilms' tumor, neuroblastoma, and obstructive renal lesions.
Chromosomes of lemuriformes. II. Chromosome polymorphism in Lemur fulvus collaris (E. Geoffroy 1812).

Two previously unreported diploid numbers, 2N = 50 and 2N = 51, from five individual Lemur fulvus collaris are described. In both chromosome complements, the nombre fondamental is 64. The 2N = 50 complement is composed of 7 pairs of bi-armed chromosomes, 17 pairs of acrocentric chromosomes with small short arms, and acrocentric sex chromosomes. The 2N = 51 complement is identical with these exceptions: Only one member equivalent to bi-armed pair 6 of L. f. collaris (2N = 50) is present, and two extra acrocentrics are found in the 2N = 51 complement. G-banding analyses suggest that these chromosomes are a heteromorphic pair of the Robertsonian type. This conclusion is supported by evidence from studies of meiotic pairing relationships of the three chromosomes and the complements of hybrids resulting from interspecific matings. Comparison of the 2N = 50 and 2N = 51 complements with a published 2N = 48 complement suggests that these new karyotypes do not provide a lineal link between the 2N = 52 and 2N = 48 karyotypes (Rumpler, Y., and R. Albignac 1969 C. R. Soc. Biol., 163: 1989-1992).
Stereospecific high-performance liquid chromatography of taxifolin, applications in pharmacokinetics, and determination in tu fu ling (Rhizoma smilacis glabrae) and apple (Malus × domestica).

A stereospecific method of analysis of racemic taxifolin (+/-3,5,7,3',4'-pentahydroxyflavanone) in biological fluids is necessary to study pharmacokinetics and disposition in fruit and herbs. A simple high-performance liquid chromatographic method was developed for the determination of all four taxifolin enantiomers. Separation was achieved on a Chiralcel(R) OJ-RH column with UV detection at 288 nm. The standard curves in serum were linear over a range of 0.5-100.0 microg/mL for each enantiomer. The mean extraction efficiency was >88.0%. Precision of the assay was <15% (CV), and was within 12% at the limit of quantitation (0.5 microg/mL). The bias of the assay was <15%, and was within 6% at the limit of quantitation. The assay was successfully applied to stereospecific disposition of taxifolin enantiomers in rats and to the quantification of taxifolin enantiomers in tu fu ling (Rhizoma smilacis glabrae) and apple (Malus x domestica).
Organophosphate Flame Retardants in Needles of Pinus ponderosa in the Sierra Nevada Foothills

Haloalkyl phoshates act as flame retardants when added to polymers. They are used extensively in important commercial products such as textiles, building materials, and packaging materials. Tris(2-chloroethyl)phosphate (TCEP) is used as a flame retardant additive in such products as polyurethane and polyisocyanurate foams, c adhesives t backing, flame retardant aints, (Hutzinger et al., 1976; USEPA, lacquers, coatings, resins and 1988; Green, 1993). dichloroisopropyl)phosphate (TDCPP) and tris(2-chloropropyl)phos Tris( 1,3hate (TCPP) are also used as flame retardant additives in flexible plastic products such as polyurethane foam (Figure 1.).
Pharmacology of diuretics

The diuretics in our therapeutic armamentarium have predictable effects based on their nephron sites of action. All but spironolactone must reach the lumen or urinary side of the nephron to exert their effects. Thus, in settings of decreased renal function, doses must be increased to deliver more diuretic into the urine. In other edematous disorders, such as congestive heart failure (CHF) and cirrhosis, adequate amounts of diuretic reach the site of action if renal function is satisfactory. Diminished response in these conditions is caused by a decrease in the sensitivity of the nephron to the diuretic, the mechanism of which is unknown. Rather than using large single doses of diuretic in CHF and cirrhosis, multiple doses and/or combinations of diuretics should be used. Therefore, thiazide diuretics coupled with loop diuretics are most logical because they affect different nephron sites and the thiazide counteracts distal nephron hypertrophy that may occur with loop diuretics alone. Ample studies have shown that such combinations can result in a truly synergistic response. Using pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of diuretics, we can design therapeutic regimens in which satisfactory control of fluid and electrolyte homeostasis can be achieved in the vast majority of patients.
Energetics of African wave disturbances derived from the FSU Global Spectral Model

The FSU Global Spectral Model including comprehensive physical parameterization and high resolution (T 106) is used to make predictions to 48 hours for two cases of African easterly wave disturbances which occurred during FGGE. Model output is compared with FGGE III-b analyses to qualitatively assess the model's performance. The results of energetics calculations for the two case studies are included in this study. These calculations are based on model output to 24 hours. The energetics results confirm that combined barotropic/baroclinic instability provides the primary energy source for the African waves. Such energetics results, based on individual case studies, also provide an interesting and valuable comparison with compositing studies on African waves. An aspect of this study deals with the definition of a double jet stream structure at 700 mb for the two cases under consideration. The energetics patierns in zones to the north and south of each of these jets are separately portrayed.
South Africa’s Renegade Reels: The Making and Public Lives of Black-centered Films

Over the past two decades, scholars have increasingly analyzed South African cinema. The country’s deep history of filmmaking and movie consumption as well as its growing presence in global cinema ...
Using Government Performance Management Data to Identify New Business Opportunities: Examples from Government Services Outsourcing in the United States:

This article describes how the private sector can utilize government performance management data to identify business opportunities. Governments around the world today are making increased use of outsourcing, performance management and performance budgeting. Utilizing readily available data that can often be accessed via the World Wide Web, private sector businesses can identify current business opportunities in terms of what services governments are outsourcing, in what amounts and at what costs. Additionally, potential future business opportunities can be identified in terms of what services governments are currently providing in-house, at what costs and with what results. Armed with this information, private sector businesses can readily identify markets for their goods and services.