cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Corporate Control Type, Strategy, Size and Financial Performance[1]

A cluster analysis of questionnaire data is used to classify a sample of 156 large United Kingdom firms according to their internal control type. Interactions between the control types identified, strategy and size, are hypothesized to have an impact upon financial performance. Testing these hypotheses raises a number of issues concerning the appropriateness of recommended strategy-structure fits.
Sequential advanced pharmacy practice experiences at one institution for students from three pharmacy schools

Purpose The structure and implementation of an advanced pharmacy practice experience (APPE) that was sequential in nature are described. Summary In early 2008, the pharmacy department of the Cleveland Clinic began conversations with three partner pharmacy schools in the surrounding area to accommodate rotations for advanced practice experiences pharmacy students. The resulting sequential APPE (SAE) program is offered at each school for four or five months and incorporates a longitudinal student project component to be completed over the SAE’s duration. Program coordination and scheduling are unique to this program, where rotations are set up outside of the typical rotation selection. Since 2009, 23 students have completed the program, and 10 are currently enrolled. The SAE program was implemented in 2009 and continues to provide a depth of experience for pharmacy students. Preceptors have reported that SAE students are more motivated, have goals that fit with the institution, and offer decreased orientation burden compared with traditional APPE students. Students report a maximum of 19 hours gained per month in decreased orientation time to the computer system and site, allowing them to focus more time on patient care. Over a five-month period, a student could gain 76 hours in clinical experience over the traditional APPE student due to the decreased orientation burden. Conclusion SAEs at one institution have proven advantageous to preceptors, students, and the site. SAEs have provided enriching student rotations while increasing site efficiencies, allowing longitudinal projects, and enhancing the site’s exposure to students as potential residency candidates.
Infrared Properties of Molecular Cirrus. I. Photometry of Extended Sources on IRAS Image Products

We have conducted a survey of IRAS images of the high-latitude molecular cirrus clouds cataloged by Magnani, Blitz, & Mundy. This paper reports the data reduction methods used in our survey and also studies the photometric accuracy that can be achieved for faint extended sources on IRAS image products. The principal topics covered are the modeling and removal of sky backgrounds at high Galactic latitude, and as a function of ecliptic latitude; the relative accuracy of different background models and methods of background removal; the integration of source flux on background-subtracted images; the proper definition of flux error bars, their calculation, and the minimum uncertainties set by the performance of the IRAS detectors; the creation of multiple-wavelength composite images; and the creation of temperature and opacity maps. We find that most error bars quoted for IRAS fluxes in the literature are incorrect. We conclude that the limiting surface brightness to which Sky Flux Plates may be used to study faint extended sources is approximately 0.05 MJy sr-1. The photometric issues discussed herein are relevant to all IRAS image products, including Sky Flux Plates, co-added images, and the IRAS Sky Survey Atlas (ISSA). We compare the accuracy of data reduction on different products and discuss their relative advantages and disadvantages. We are particularly concerned with the accurate removal of zodiacal backgrounds near the ecliptic plane, a region known as the ISSA Reject Set.
Effects of iron oxide nanoparticles on polyvinyl alcohol: interfacial layer and bulk nanocomposites thin film

Iron oxide (α-phase) nanoparticles with coercivity larger than 300 Oe have been fabricated at a mild temperature by an environmentally benign method. The economic sodium chloride has been found to effectively serve as a solid spacer to disperse the iron precursor and to prevent the nanoparticles from agglomeration. Higher ratios of sodium chloride to iron nitrate result in smaller nanoparticles (19 nm for 20:1 and 14 nm for 50:1). The presence of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) limits the particle growth (15 nm for 20:1 and 13 nm for 50:1) and favors nanoparticle dispersion in polymer matrices. Obvious physicochemical property changes have been observed with PVA attached to the nanoparticle surface. With PVA attached to the nanoparticle surface, the nanoparticles are found not only to increase the PVA cross-linking with an increase in melting temperature but also to enhance the thermal stability of the PVA. The nanoparticles are observed to be uniformly dispersed in the polymer matrix. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) microstructure also shows an intermediate phase with a strong interaction between the nanoparticles and the polymer matrices, arising from the hydrogen bonding between the PVA and hydroxyl groups on the nanoparticle surface. The addition of nanoparticles favors the cross-linkage of the bulk PVA matrices, resulting in a higher melting temperature, and an enhanced thermal stability of the polymer matrix.
Molecular engineering of supported metal oxide catalysts

This study demonstrates that molecular engineering of supported metal oxide catalysts is currently possible from molecular level information about the number of active surface sites and reactivity per site. Such fundamental information is currently obtainable from molecular spectroscopies such as Raman spectroscopy. The critical parameters that determine the number of active surface sites and reactivity per site are the specific oxide support, catalyst composition, and calcination temperature. The oxide support determines the maximum number of active surface sites and reactivity per site, and the catalyst composition and calcination temperature primarily determine the number of active surface sites. The synthesis method of supported metal oxide catalysts is not critical since it does not influence the number of active surface sites and the reactivity per site. The approach outlined in this study can be used to assist in the molecular engineering of numerous supported metal oxide catalytic systems.
Single path routing with delay considerations

Abstract The importance of optimal routing arises in high traffic networks where the average delay across a link is sensitive to the assignment of routes to source-destination pairs. The current single path routing algorithms do not take into account the effects of routing multiple source-destination pairs over common links and, consequently, may not lead to a minimum delay allocation of routes. In this paper we formulate and study the problem of minimizing queueing delays by explicitly considering the impact of overlapping routes on links. The problem is shown to be NP -Complete. Specifically, we prove that the problem of finding a feasible solution is NP -Complete and thus no polynomial time approximation algorithms exist that provide solutions within a bounded distance from the optimum. Similar complexity results are shown when we consider the special case of a ring network and where it is desirable to minimize packet losses. We provide a polynomial time algorithm for constructing a minimum spanning tree within our routing model for the purpose of broadcasting. A new heuristic to minimize delays, the Sequential Minimum Costs algorithm is proposed for the case of a single source and multiple destinations.
The Effect of Mentorship and Sex-Role Style on Male-Female Earnings

The women in management literature contend that mentorship and sex-role style affect women's career success and ultimately earnings. We use data from the public accounting profession (N = 833) and a human capital wage decomposition model to examine the effect of mentorship and sex-role style on male-female wages and wage differentials. The results suggest that career mentorship modestly increases only women's earnings. However, sex-role style was found to significantly interact with gender to affect earnings and earnings differentials.
Characterization of a laminin receptor from human breast carcinoma tissue.

Human breast carcinoma contains high-affinity receptors for the basement membrane glycoprotein laminin. Plasma membranes isolated from tissue samples of human breast carcinoma exhibit specific, saturable, reversible, and displaceable binding to laminin. Fibronectin, collagen, and serum proteins fail to displace this bound laminin. Scatchard analysis is linear with a Kd of 1.8 × 10−9 M. The laminin receptor, isolated and purified 1200-fold by laminin-affinity chromatography, exhibits a molecular weight of 67 000 daltons as determined by gel electrophoresis. The receptor was verified to be located on the cell surface of the invading breast carcinoma cells by immunohistologic studies utilizing a peroxidase-conjugated fragment of the laminin molecule which contained the receptor-binding domain.
Risk factors and complications of subconjunctival hemorrhages in patients taking warfarin.

Abstract Objectives The aim of this study was to identify patients with subconjunctival hemorrhage (SCH) on warfarin therapy, to describe risk factors that may contribute to SCH development, and to identify complications related to SCH. Methods A retrospective chart review was conducted including patients treated at a university anticoagulation clinic over 2 years (4,334 patient visits). Data collection included patient demographics; international normalized ratios (INRs) before, at time of, and after SCH; risk factors for increased risk of bleeding; patient-reported complications related to SCH; recent changes in medication use; and warfarin dosage adjustments made in response to the event. The data were summarized using descriptive statistics and frequencies described as percentages. Results Fifteen SCH events were identified at an event rate of 0.35%. Two were excluded because of related surgeries near the time of SCH events. The average patient age was 67.3 years (range, 51 to 82). A total of 76.9% (n = 10) of patients had INRs within the goal range at the appointment before reporting the SCH. A total of 46.2% (n = 6) of patients reported alterations in medication regimens during the month preceding SCH. Various patient conditions were documented that may increase the risk of SCH development. No ophthalmic complications were associated with SCHs. Conclusions An SCH event rate of 0.35% was identified. Many factors may have precipitated SCH; however, ophthalmic complications were uncommon.
Incentive contrast effects in humans with monetary reinforcement and reaction time

Abstract In experiment 1, a reduction in amount of monetary reinforcement with humans produced a negative incentive contrast effect in a simple reaction time situation. In experiment 2, positive contrast occurred in human subjects following an increment in magnitude of monetary incentive in the same reaction time task. The results demonstrate the generality of human incentive contrast effects.
Aspirin inhibits ox-LDL-mediated LOX-1 expression and metalloproteinase-1 in human coronary endothelial cells.

Background : Aspirin is thought to exert salutary effects in vascular disease states by inhibiting platelet aggregation. Endothelial activation, accumulation of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) and intense inflammation also characterize atherosclerotic plaque in acute myocardial ischemia. Ox-LDL induces expression of lectin-like receptors (LOX-1) on endothelial cells and leads to the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which destabilize the atherosclerotic plaque. We hypothesized that aspirin may interfere with LOX-1 expression and subsequent MMP activation. Methods and results : Cultured human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAECs) were incubated with aspirin (1–5 mM), sodium salicylate (5 mM) or the cyclo-oxygenase inhibitor indomethacin (0.25 mM) before treatment with ox-LDL. Aspirin, in a dose- and time-dependent fashion, reduced ox-LDL-mediated LOX-1 expression ( P <0.01). Ox-LDL also increased MMP-1 expression and activity, and treatment of HCAECs with aspirin decreased this effect ( P <0.01). Ox-LDL also enhanced the activity of p38MAPK in HCAECs, and aspirin blocked this effect of ox-LDL ( P <0.01). Treatment of HCAECs with salicylate, but not indomethacin, resulted in a suppression of LOX-1 expression, an effect similar to that of aspirin. Importantly, both aspirin and salicylate, but not indomethacin, decreased superoxide anion generation in ox-LDL-treated HCAECs ( P <0.05). Conclusion : These observations suggest that aspirin inhibits ox-LDL-mediated LOX-1 expression and interferes with the effects of ox-LDL in intracellular signaling (p38MAPK activation) and subsequent MMP-1 activity. These novel effects of aspirin may complement its platelet inhibitory effect in acute myocardial ischemia.
Patient-derived tumor-reactive antibodies as diagnostic markers for ovarian cancer ☆

Objective Most ovarian cancers are diagnosed at advanced stage (67%) and prospects for significant improvement in survival reside in early diagnosis. Our objective was to validate our array assay for the identification of ovarian cancer based on quantitation of tumor-reactive IgG.
The geometry of carbazole—(Ar) 2 from rotational coherence spectroscopy

Abstract Rotational coherence spectroscopy has been used to investigate the geometry of the carbazole—(Ar) 2 cluster. The data strongly indicate that the structure has one argon atom above and the other below the central ring of the carbazole moiety. This result is contrary to the minimum-energy structure predicted by calculations based on a widely used intermolecular potential energy function. Possible reasons for this discrepancy are discussed.
Hydrolysis of CuCl2 in the Cu–Cl thermochemical cycle for hydrogen production: Experimental studies using a spray reactor with an ultrasonic atomizer

The Cu-Cl thermochemical cycle is being developed as a hydrogen production method. Prior proof-of-concept experimental work has shown that the chemistry is viable while preliminary modeling has shown that the efficiency and cost of hydrogen production have the potential to meet DOE's targets. However, the mechanisms of CuCl{sub 2} hydrolysis, an important step in the Cu-Cl cycle, are not fully understood. Although the stoichiometry of the hydrolysis reaction, 2CuCl{sub 2} + H{sub 2}O {leftrightarrow} Cu{sub 2}OCl{sub 2} + 2HCl, indicates a necessary steam-to-CuCl{sub 2} molar ratio of 0.5, a ratio as high as 23 has been typically required to obtain near 100% conversion of the CuCl{sub 2} to the desired products at atmospheric pressure. It is highly desirable to conduct this reaction with less excess steam to improve the process efficiency. Per Le Chatelier's Principle and according to the available equilibrium-based model, the needed amount of steam can be decreased by conducting the hydrolysis reaction at a reduced pressure. In the present work, the experimental setup was modified to allow CuCl{sub 2} hydrolysis in the pressure range of 0.4-1 atm. Chemical and XRD analyses of the product compositions revealed the optimal steam-to-CuCl{sub 2} molar ratio to be 20-23 at 1more » atm pressure. The experiments at 0.4 atm and 0.7 atm showed that it is possible to lower the steam-to-CuCl{sub 2} molar ratio to 15, while still obtaining good yields of the desired products. An important effect of running the reaction at reduced pressure is the significant decrease of CuCl concentration in the solid products, which was not predicted by prior modeling. Possible explanations based on kinetics and residence times are suggested.« less
Effect of Reserpine on Heart Mitochondria

RESERPINE has been shown to uncouple oxidative phosphorylation of brain and liver mitochondria in vitro 1,2. In view of this, the effect of reserpine on heart mitochondria, in vivo and in vitro, and on the content of energy-rich phosphate compounds in heart muscle was studied.
R69-3 A Formula for Logical Network Cost

This paper presents an empirical formula C=K 1 (K 2 )ng·h/(g+h) for the average cost C of a two-level combinational logic network (switching circuit) implementing a single Boolean function with specified numbers of independent variables n, "one" vertices g, and "zero" vertices h (or don't-care vertices d=2n−g−h). K 1 and K 2 are constants that depend, generally, on the used technology and available types of moduli.
Ultrasonic beam reflection from lossy layered cylindrical shells

Nonspecular reflection from a two-layer curved elastic structure consisting of rubber bonded to the outer surface of a steel shell has been studied experimentally and theoretically. The reciever voltage, in a two-transducer experiment, is measured as a function of azimuthal scan angle. The bond rigidity between the rubber and steel is accounted for by a spring model. This model is incorporated into an asymptotic evaluation of the spectral reflection integrals, accounting for the receiver characteristics by electromechanical reciprocity. Decreasing bond rigidity acts to weaken the leaky wave excited in the underlying steel shell and provides a method to assess bond integrity, while the damping loss of the rubber is found to be only a scale factor. A disbond completely suppresses the leaky wave. In comparisons between experimental data and predictions, good agreement is generally seen, also at incident angles different from phase-matched Lamb mode coupling.
Isolated heterocysts of Anabaena variabilis synthesize envelope polysaccharide.

Abstract Isolated heterocysts, incubated for 1 h at 30°C with [ 14 C]mannose, synthesize [ 14 C]arabinose and [ 14 C]glucose, and incorporate the three 14 C-labeled sugars into their envelopes with glycosidic linkages characteristic of their envelope polysaccharide. In extracts of metabolic intermediates with hot 80% methanol, [ 14 C]mannose is associated with the nucleotide GDP and [ 14 C]glucose and [ 14 C]arabinose with UDP. Chloroform/methanolic extracts of the heterocysts contain phosphoglycolipids in which 14 C-labeled mannose, arabinose, and glucose are present. The lipids have the same R F as dolichol phosphate mannose under varying chromatographic conditions, and like polyisoprenol monophosphate glycolipids are stable to treatment with mild alkali but labile to mild acid hydrolysis. If bacitracin is added to the incubation mixture, 14 C-labeled nucleotide sugars accumulate, but incorporation of 14 C into envelope polysaccharide is greatly diminished. This observation supports the interpretation that polyisoprenol phosphoglycolipids are intermediates in the biosynthesis of this polysaccharide.
Ca2+ Alternans in a Cardiac Myocyte Model that Uses Moment Equations to Represent Heterogeneous Junctional SR Ca2+

Multiscale whole-cell models that accurately represent local control of Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release in cardiac myocytes can reproduce high-gain Ca2+ release that is graded with changes in membrane potential. Using a recently introduced formalism that represents heterogeneous local Ca2+ using moment equations, we present a model of cardiac myocyte Ca2+ cycling that exhibits alternating sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ release when periodically stimulated by depolarizing voltage pulses. The model predicts that the distribution of junctional SR [Ca2+] across a large population of Ca2+ release units is distinct on alternating cycles. Load-release and release-uptake functions computed from this model give insight into how Ca2+ fluxes and stimulation frequency combine to determine the presence or absence of Ca2+ alternans. Our results show that the conditions for the onset of Ca2+ alternans cannot be explained solely by the steepness of the load-release function, but that changes in the release-uptake process also play an important role. We analyze the effect of the junctional SR refilling time constant on Ca2+ alternans and conclude that physiologically realistic models of defective Ca2+ cycling must represent the dynamics of heterogeneous junctional SR [Ca2+] without assuming rapid equilibration of junctional and network SR [Ca2+].
Evolution of life history strategies for an asexual annual plant model

Abstract At any given moment in time a plant is partitioning total growth mass into its various component parts such as leaves, roots, reproductive material, etc. The view is taken that the plant has evolved a life history strategy to control this partitioning process. This paper illustrates the utility of optimal control theory for use in determining life history strategies which maximize fitness for a given asexual plant model. The optimal control methods are first used on a model previously analyzed by Professor Dan Cohen, who used a different method. His results of a change from 100% vegetable growth to 100% reproductive growth at a fixed switching time is again obtained. This 100% switching result is shown to be more generally applicable by using a qualitatively described model. However the switching time in general is shown to be a function of both leaf mass and time remaining to the end of the growing season. The allocation to toxin production is also considered. It is shown that under this model an inequality between system parameters must be satisfied before the plant should allocate growth to toxin production. Although the particular model explored here may rarely be realistic in nature, these same methods of optimal control theory can be applied in a similar fashion to many other proposed models of plant resource allocation.
Fibroblast growth factor signaling regulates Dach1 expression during skeletal development

Dach1 is a mouse homologue of the Drosophila dachshund gene, which is a key regulator of cell fate determination during eye, leg, and brain development in the fly. We have investigated the expression and growth factor regulation of Dach1 during pre- and postnatal skeletal development in the mouse limb to understand better the function of Dach1. Dach1 was expressed in the distal mesenchyme of the early embryonic mouse limb bud and subsequently became restricted to the tips of digital cartilages. Dach1 protein was localized to postmitotic, prehypertrophic, and early hypertrophic chondrocytes during the initiation of ossification centers, but Dach1 was not expressed in growth plates that exhibited extensive ossification. Dach1 colocalized with Runx2/Cbfa1 in chondrocytes but not in the forming bone collar or primary spongiosa. Dach1 also colocalized with cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors p27 (Kip1) and p57 (Kip2) in chondrocytes of the growth plate and in the epiphysis before the formation of the secondary ossification center. Because fibroblast growth factors (FGF), bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP), and hedgehog molecules (Hh) regulate skeletal patterning of the limb bud and chondrocyte maturation in developing endochondral bones, we investigated the regulation of Dach1 by these growth and differentiation factors. Expression of Dach1 in 11 days postcoitus mouse limb buds in organ culture was up-regulated by implanting beads soaked in FGF1, 2, 8, or 9 but not FGF10. BMP4-soaked beads down-regulated Dach1 expression, whereas Shh and bovine serum albumin had no effect. Furthermore, FGF4 or 8 could substitute for the apical ectodermal ridge in maintaining Dach1 expression in the limb buds. Immunolocalization of FGFR2 and FGFR3 revealed overlap with Dach1 expression during skeletal patterning and chondrocyte maturation. We conclude that Dach1 is a target gene of FGF signaling during limb skeletal development, and Dach1 may function as an intermediary in the FGF signaling pathway regulating cell proliferation or differentiation. Published 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Invertebrates yield a plethora of atypical guanylyl cyclases

Invertebrate model systems have a long history of generating new insights into neuronal signaling systems. This review focuses on cyclic GMP signaling and describes recent advances in understanding the properties and functions of guanylyl cyclases in invertebrates. The sequencing of three invertebrate genomes has provided a complete catalog of the guanylyl cyclases in C. elegans, Drosophila, and the mosquito Anopheles gambiae. Using this data and that from cloned guanylyl cyclases in Manduca sexta, C. elegans, and Drosophila, plus predictions and models from vertebrate guanylyl cyclases, evidence is presented that there is a much broader array of properties for these enzymes than previously realized. In addition to the classic homodimeric receptor guanylyl cyclases, C. elegans has at least two receptor guanylyl cyclases that are predicted to require heterodimer formation for activity. Soluble guanylyl cyclases are generally recognized as being obligate heterodimers that are activated by nitric oxide (NO). Some of the soluble guanylyl cyclases in C. elegans may heterodimeric, but all appear to be insensitive to NO. The β2 soluble guanylyl cyclase subunit in mammals and similar ones in Manduca and Drosophila are active in the absence of additional subunits and there is evidence that Drosophila and Anopheles also express an additional subunit that enhances this activity.
Response acquisition with delayed reinforcement: A comparison of two-lever procedures

Groups of 8 experimentally naive rats were exposed during 8-hr sessions to resetting delay procedures in which responses on one lever (the reinforcement lever) produced water after a delay of 8, 16, 32, or 64 s. For rats in one condition, responses on a second (no-consequences) lever had no programmed consequences. For rats in another condition, responses on a second (cancellation) lever during a delay initiated by a response on the reinforcement lever prevented delivery of the scheduled reinforcer; responses on the cancellation lever at other times had no programmed consequences. Under both conditions and at all delays, most subjects emitted more responses on the reinforcement lever than did control rats that never received water emitted on either lever. At 8-s delays, both conditions engendered substantially more responding on the reinforcement lever than on the other lever, and performance closely resembled that of immediate-reinforcement controls. At delays of 16 and 32 s, however, there was clear differential responding on the two levers under the cancellation condition but not under the other condition. When the delay was 64 s, differential responding on the two levers did not occur consistently under either condition. These findings provide strong evidence that the behavior of rats is sensitive to consequences delayed by 8, 16, and 32 s, but only equivocal evidence of such sensitivity to consequences delayed 64 s. They also indicate that acquisition depends, in part, on the measure of performance used to index it.
Human geography without scale

The concept of scale in human geography has been profoundly transformed over the past 20 years. And yet, despite the insights that both empirical and theoretical research on scale have generated, there is today no consensus on what is meant by the term or how it should be operationalized. In this paper we critique the dominant – hierarchical – conception of scale, arguing it presents a number of problems that cannot be overcome simply by adding on to or integrating with network theorizing. We thereby propose to eliminate scale as a concept in human geography. In its place we offer a different ontology, one that so flattens scale as to render the concept unnecessary. We conclude by addressing some of the political implications of a human geography without scale.
Thermal properties and isothermal crystallization of syndiotactic polypropylenes: Differential scanning calorimetry and overall crystallization kinetics

Isothermal crystallization and subsequent melting behavior of five samples of syndiotactic polypropylene are presented. Crystallization studies were carried out in the temperature range of 60°C to 97.5°C using a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). Subsequent DSC scans of isothermally crystallized samples exhibited double melting endotherms. The high melting peak was concluded to be the result of the melting of crystals formed by recrystallization during the reheating process. Overall crystallization kinetics was studied based on the traditional Avrami analysis. Analysis of crystallization times based on the modified growth rate theory suggested that, within the crystallization temperature range studied, the syndiotactic polypropylenes crystal- lize in regime III. Kinetic crystallizability parameters also were evaluated, and were found to be in the range of 0.41°C s 21 to 2.14°C s 21 . © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 75: 44 -59, 2000
Endovascular treatment of acute ischaemic stroke

Summary The emphasis of treatments for acute ischaemic stroke during the past two decades has been on revascularisation. Endovascular treatment is a promising alternative for patients who are ineligible for standard intravenous thrombolytic therapy; however, its use is limited by the few randomised trials reported and the small number of practising neurointerventionalists. Although data are still being collected, important progress has been made. In this Review, we summarise the findings of the major clinical trials of endovascular treatment, and show that endovascular treatment of acute ischaemic stroke is a therapeutic option for patients who are disqualified from or do not improve on treatment with intravenous alteplase. Moreover, the American Heart Association has expanded its guidelines to include endovascular stroke therapies as a treatment option.
Selected Pseudoneoplastic Lesions of the Skin

Abstract Context.—Pseudoneoplastic cutaneous lesions are diverse, not only morphologically but also with respect to their causes and cellular lineages. They include proliferations of epithelial, as...
International Trade and Global Stability

Trade liberalisation has played a critical role in advancing peace and prosperity. Differences on agriculture have been the major impediment to a future multilateral trade round. The recent agreement on agriculture at the WTO meetings in Geneva may signal a breakthrough in that sector. This article analyses the benefits of recent trade agreements and examines the prospects for future ones. It also presents an alternative framework for advancing trade, the Global Free Trade Association.
Discharges of Purkinje cells and mossy fibres in the cerebellar vermis of the monkey during saccadic eye movements and fixation.

1. Discharges of Purkinje cells and of presumed mossy fibres were extracellularly recorded from vermal lobules VI and VII of two monkeys during saccadic eye movements and fixation. Among the units showing changes in activity in relation to either saccades or eye position, eighty-four units were identified as mossy fibres and ninety-one units were Purkinje cells. 2. Based on the discharge patterns associated with saccades, mossy fibre units were classified into long-lead burst, burst, and burst-tonic units. The long-lead burst units (twenty-eight units) started firing long before the saccades, the discharge consisting of a prelude (average lead time: 160 msec) and a burst (average lead time: 16 msec). In twenty-two units the saccade-related bursts showed a directional preference. The burst units (thirty-seven units) started firing slightly before the saccade onset (average lead time: 7·4 msec) and thirteen units showed directional preference. The bursts in burst-tonic units (thirteen units) had an average lead time of 0·2 msec. 3. Among the ninety-one Purkinje cells, eighty-eight cells showed bursts associated with saccades. Three units paused for all directions of saccades. 4. Seventy-one units out of the eighty-eight burst Purkinje cells showed bursts beginning approximately at the saccade onset (average lead time: 0·6 msec) and lasting throughout the saccade. The durations of bursts and saccades were highly correlated (correlation coefficients ranging from 0·70 to 0·88). 5. In the remaining seventeen burst Purkinje cells, the bursts followed the saccade onset (average delay: 32 msec). The bursts started approximately 40 msec before the end of a saccade and persisted on the average 70 msec after its completion. Peak firing rate occurred with a close temporal relation to the end of the saccade. 6. The tonic activity in nineteen mossy fibres and five Purkinje cells changed with eye positions. In the nineteen mossy fibres, there were thirteen burst-tonic and six tonic units. The activity in the five Purkinje cells was a linear function of horizontal eye position.
FDA’s Health Claim Review: Whey-protein Partially Hydrolyzed Infant Formula and Atopic Dermatitis

In this review, we explain how the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) used its evidence-based review system to evaluate the scientific evidence for a qualified health claim for 100% whey-protein partially hydrolyzed infant formula (W-PHF) and reduced risk of atopic dermatitis (AD). The labeling of health claims, including qualified health claims, on conventional foods and dietary supplements require premarket approval by the FDA. Health claims characterize the relationship between a substance (food or food component) and disease (eg, cancer or cardiovascular disease) or health-related condition (eg, hypertension). To determine whether sufficient evidence exists to support the qualified health claim, the FDA evaluated human intervention studies that evaluated the role of W-PHF in reducing the risk of AD. The FDA concluded there is little to very little evidence, respectively, to support a qualified health claim concerning the relationship between intake of W-PHF and a reduced risk of AD in partially breastfed and exclusively formula-fed infants throughout the first year after birth and up to 3 years of age. In addition, the FDA required a warning statement be displayed along with the health claim to indicate to consumers that partially hydrolyzed infant formulas are not hypoallergenic and should not be fed to infants who are allergic to milk or to infants with existing milk allergy symptoms.
Hypertension Caused by Salt Loading in the Dog

Experimental hypertension was produced in dogs by salt loading after renal mass had been surgically reduced to an estimated one-third normal. Salt loading was accomplished in one group of five dogs by administering isotonic saline in lieu of drinking water and in another group of six dogs by continuously infusing isotonic saline. Arterial pressure, cardiac output, heart rate, stroke volume, and total peripheral resistance were determined at frequent intervals during a 1-week control period and a 2-week salt-loading period in both groups. In addition, right atrial pressure, blood urea nitrogen, serum sodium, and serum potassium were determined in the group that was continuously infused. Both groups demonstrated an increase in mean arterial pressure to hypertensive levels, transiently increased cardiac output and stroke volume, initially depressed then subsequently increased total peripheral resistance, and initially depressed and variable heart rate. It is concluded that salt loading in a partially nephrectomized dog causes elevated arterial pressure that is initially induced by increased cardiac output but that is eventually sustained by increased peripheral resistance. Possible mechanisms are discussed.
Divergent origins of slow fetal growth: relevance to adult cardiovascular disease.

Barker and Osmond hypothesized nearly 20 years ago that fetal undernutrition leads to permanent alterations in the body’s structure and physiology and increases susceptibility to cardiovascular disease in adult life.1,2 Furthermore, they suggested that high blood pressure may be a link between an adverse intrauterine environment and the risk for cardiovascular disease.2 Since then, numerous epidemiologic studies have assessed the inverse relation between birth weight and blood pressure.3 Furthermore, experimental studies have supported this inverse association and have demonstrated that the timing, length, and degree of in utero insult, as well as postnatal influences, determine the adult phenotype.4–6 In humans, postnatal influences may also have an important impact on later development of cardiovascular disease in babies who are born small.2,7 Accordingly, Barker and colleagues7 recently suggested that 2 different pathways of childhood growth may precede development of hypertension and adult cardiovascular disease. Early development of more severe hypertension associated with obesity and insulin resistance is more common in individuals who are born …
State Policy and Guidance for Identifying Learning Disabilities in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students

This study investigates how state Departments of Education address the needs of culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) students as they relate to the identification of students with a specific...
Highly degenerated distal centrioles in rhesus and human spermatozoa

In humans and other mammals except rodents, the spermatozoa contribute the proximal centriole during fertilization. The inheritance of the distal centriole is not yet fully clear. In the present work, the distal centrioles of rhesus and human spermatozoa have been studied by transmission electron microscopy. The round and elongating rhesus spermatids possess both proximal and distal centrioles. The distal centriole extends posteriorly as an axoneme while the proximal centriole produces a microtubular adjunct. Ejaculated rhesus and human spermatozoa have intact proximal centrioles, but the distal centrioles have degenerated. The central pair of microtubules of the axoneme extends continuously into the distal centriolar region up to the sperm head. Serial transverse and longitudinal sections of the sperm neck region reveal few scattered microtubule duplexes or triplets in the distal centriolar region. The loss of the centriolar microtubules is more extensive on the ventral side of the neck region, the side where the proximal centriole resides. The distal centriole degenerates caudally from the rostral area. Immunogold electron microscopy with anti-beta-tubulin antibody showed that the distal centriolar regions possess 50% fewer gold particles than the proximal centrioles, indicating a significant loss of centriolar microtubules in the distal centriolar region. The A-tubules of the remaining triplets are filled with a dense material, as observed in the axoneme. Thus, rhesus and human spermatozoa introduce only proximal centrioles intact, whereas the distal centrioles are mostly disorganized in the mature spermatozoa.
An integer ambiguity resolution algorithm for real-time GPS attitude determination

The problem of integer ambiguity resolution must be solved to fully exploit the information contained in the GPS carrier phase measurements for real-time attitude determination. A new algorithm for integer ambiguity resolution that uses single-difference smoothed pseudorange measurements is proposed that has several advantages over the conventional algorithms such as the search methods and the motion-based algorithms. These advantages include minimal computational effort at each epoch and an analytically derived equation which calculates the expected time to ambiguity resolution. The validity and the performance of the new algorithm are investigated through simulations although processing real data will be necessary to verify the usability of the proposed algorithm in real situations.
Toward the Evolutionary Genomics of Gametophytic Divergence: Patterns of Transmission Ratio Distortion in Monkeyflower (Mimulus) Hybrids Reveal a Complex Genetic Basis for Conspecific Pollen Precedence

Conspecific pollen precedence (CPP) is a major component of reproductive isolation between many flowering plant taxa and may reveal mechanisms of gametophytic evolution within species, but little is known about the genetic basis and evolutionary history of CPP. We systematically investigated the genetic architecture of CPP using patterns of transmission ratio distortion (TRD) in F2 and backcross hybrids between closely related species of Mimulus (Phrymaceae) with divergent mating systems. We found that CPP in Mimulus hybrids was polygenic and was the majority source of interspecific TRD genome-wide, with at least eight genomic regions contributing to the transmission advantage of M. guttatus pollen grains on M. guttatus styles. In aggregate, these male-specific transmission ratio distorting loci (TRDLs) were more than sufficient to account for the 100% precedence of pure M. guttatus pollen over M. nasutus pollen in mixed pollinations of M. guttatus. All but one of these pollen TRDLs were styledependent; that is, we observed pollen TRD in F1 and/or M. guttatus styles, but not in M. nasutus styles. These findings suggest that species-specific differences in pollen tube performance accumulate gradually and may have been driven by coevolution between pollen and style in the predominantly outcrossing M. guttatus.
Phosphate, fibroblast growth factor 23 and retinopathy in chronic kidney disease: the Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort Study

BACKGROUND Elevated circulating concentrations of phosphate and fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) contribute to the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Retinopathy is a common manifestation of microvascular disease in CKD, but its associations with phosphate and FGF23 have not been studied. We tested the hypothesis that higher serum phosphate is associated with more severe retinopathy in individuals with CKD, independent of FGF23 and known risk factors for retinopathy. METHODS We tested the associations of serum phosphate and plasma FGF23 with retinopathy in a cross-sectional analysis of 1800 participants in the Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort Study who underwent fundus photography. Retinopathy severity was graded according to the Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Severity score, and retinal venous and arterial diameters were measured. RESULTS Mean estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was 46.5 ± 15.4 mL/min/1.73 m(2), mean serum phosphate was 3.7 ± 0.6 mg/dl and median plasma C-terminal FGF23 was 133 RU/mL (interquartile range 87.2, 217.8 RU/mL). In multivariable ordinal logistic regression models, higher serum phosphate was associated with greater retinopathy severity independent of hypertension, diabetes, CKD severity and FGF23 [adjusted odds ratio of being in one higher category of retinopathy severity: 1.19 per 1 standard deviation increase; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.05, 1.36; P = 0.007]. Presence of diabetes or hypertension did not modify the results. Higher serum phosphate was also independently associated with greater retinal venous diameter (multivariable-adjusted 1.70 µm increase per 1 standard deviation increase in phosphate; 95% CI 0.46, 2.93; P = 0.007). FGF23 levels were not independently associated with retinopathy severity or retinal venous diameter, and neither FGF23 nor phosphate was associated with retinal arterial diameter. CONCLUSIONS Among individuals with moderate-to-severe CKD, higher serum phosphate but not FGF23 was independently associated with more severe retinopathy and microvascular retinal venous dilatation.
CLINICAL TRIALS OF VARICELLA VACCINE IN HEALTHY ADOLESCENTS AND ADULTS

From the beginning of laboratory development and clinical trials of the varicella vaccines, immunizations of adolescents and adults have been of priority consideration because of the disproportionately high morbidity and mortality of natural varicella in these populations. Although not frequent, the increased risk of secondary complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis, physician visits, hospitalizations, and death in the adult has been substantiated in population-based surveys.h* With the increased use of daycare and nursery programs for young children, an increased opportunity for virus spread to their parents, caretakers, and teachers has occurred. The increased number of health care workers caring for patients with reactivation of latent varicella-zoster virus (VZV) infection has also increased the number of adults exposed to varicella. Those who are susceptible are at risk of severe clinical disease. In contrast to the immunogenicity of varicella vaccine in healthy children, adolescents and adults require a two-injection schedule to have similar seroconversion rates and antivaricella antibody titers.
Frequency, hematopathology, and detection of a new isodicentric variant of deletion 20q

The ider(20)(p11.21)del(20)(q11q13) anomaly was recognized only recently. Thus, its frequency and clinical significance has not been extensively studied. Due to small size and ambiguous G-band pattern, ider(20q) is usually missed in cytogenetic studies. Furthermore, the commercial FISH probe D20S108 does not distinguish among del(20q), ider(20q), and monosomy 20. Thus, we determined the frequency and hematopathology of patients with ider(20q), and the best cytogenetic methods to detect chromosome 20 anomalies. To do this, we performed FISH on interphase and metaphase cells for 12 patients with -20,+mar and 12 patients with only del(20q) in their karyotype. The marker chromosome in patients with -20,+mar proved to be ider(20q). FISH with D20S108 and 20qter distinguished ider(20q) from del(20q) and monosomy 20. Review of blood and bone marrow slides for nine patients with ider(20q) showed that one had acute myeloid leukemia and eight had myelodysplastic syndromes. Patients with ider(20q) had a more consistent presentation of multilineage dysplasia with additional involvement of the granulocytic series than patients with del(20q). This study shows ider(20q) is common in clinical practice--1/10th the incidence of del(20q)--and is strongly associated with myelodysplasia and acute myeloid leukemia.
Analysis of plane extrudate-swell of highly elastic liquids with molecular constitutive equations

Plane, two-dimensional, polymer extrusion is analyzed by means of the Curtiss-Bird integral constitutive equation, streamlined finite-elements and Newton iteration. The Reynolds number is zero, the surface tension negligible and the melt does not slip at the wall. Starting from the Newtonian liquid of zero elasticity, the Newton iteration converged, within three to five iterations, up to a maximum Weissenberg number beyond 3500. The predicted values of the die-swell at low elasticity are in agreement with those reported in the literature. At higher elasticities, the die-swell increases monotonically and levels off. Two other models examined, the Doi-Edwards and the Papanastasiou-Striven-Macosko models, diverged at low Weissenberg numbers, however, the actual point of divergence was a function of the number of relaxation times. It appears that the second term of the Curtiss-Bird model, which incorporates the link tension coefficient, c, enhances significant numerical stability, in addition to the one due to the relaxation spectrum, as its different convergence behavior from the Doi-Edwards model implies.
Inventory Record Inaccuracy, Double Marginalization, and RFID Adoption

Most retailers suffer from substantial discrepancies between inventory quantities recorded in the system and stocks truly available to customers. Promising full inventory transparency, radio frequency identification (RFID) technology has often been suggested as a remedy to the problem. We consider inventory record inaccuracy in a supply chain model, where a Stackelberg manufacturer sets the wholesale price and a retailer determines how much to stock for sale to customers. We first analyze the impact of inventory record inaccuracy on optimal stocking decisions and profits. By contrasting optimal decisions in a decentralized supply chain with those in an integrated supply chain, we find that inventory record inaccuracy exacerbates the inefficiencies resulting from double marginalization in decentralized supply chains. Assuming RFID technology can eliminate the problem of inventory record inaccuracy, we determine the cost thresholds at which RFID adoption becomes profitable. We show that a decentralized supply chain benefits more from RFID technology, such that RFID adoption improves supply chain coordination.