cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Empirical Investigation of the Influence of Fiscal Policy on Sri Lankas Economic Growth from 1990 to 2019

Fiscal policy is a macroeconomic instrument used by the government to steady the economy by instigating its revenue such as tax, foreign aid, trade surplus and expenditures. This study explores the impact of Fiscal Policy on the Economic Growth of Sri Lanka using the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) approach of cointegration by applying time-series data from 1990 to 2019. The findings of the study revealed that both in the long run and in the short run, fiscal policy has a significant impact on the Economic growth of the country. The value of the long-run coefficient indicates the relationship between fiscal policy and economic growth is stronger. Diagnostic tests such as serial correlation, functional form, normality of error term and heteroscedasticity and CUSUM stability tests are performed to check the heftiness of the ARDL model. To promote the economic growth of the country the government should be pursued an expansionary fiscal policy.
Microstructure Analysis of High-Density 316L Stainless Steel Manufactured by Selective Laser Melting Process

Selective laser melting (SLM) is used to fabricate nearly fully dense 316L stainless steel (SS) samples in this study. A variety of advanced characterization techniques were conducted to identify dominant phases, important crystallographic features, microstructural features, and elemental composition. Porosity of the sample was found to be 0.02% which is the lowest porosity content reported for SLM-processed 316L SS. Microstructural analysis exhibits some columnar grains with epitaxial growth representing complete adhesion between the layers. Existence of some fine cellular grains inside the melt pools is an indication of rapid solidification during the printing process. The strength of this study lies in the addition of new crystallographic information such as lattice parameters of SLM-processed 316L. Finally, using information obtained from the literature, it was possible to better understand the effect of chosen process parameters to achieve nearly fully dense material in the present study.
Investigation of Human Endogenous Retrovirus-K (ERVK) Expression and Function in Normal Placentation and Preterm Pregnancy

Background: There is a growing body of evidence indicating the importance of endogenous retrovirus (ERV) derived proteins during early development and reproduction in mammals. Recently, a protein derived from the youngest ERV in humans, ERVK (HML2), was shown to be expressed during human placentation. Since a number of highly similar ERVK proviral loci exist across the human genome, locus-specific analysis of ERVK transcription and identification of the coding sequence expressed in the human placenta is difficult. Thus, despite its activity in early human development, the native expression and function of ERVK in the human placenta remains largely uncharacterized. Results: In this study, we comprehensively examined locus-specific ERVK transcription across several human placental tissues and cell types. Through a combination of RNA-seq and siRNA knock-down analyses, we identified the expression of a single ERVK locus, ERVK11q23.3, as (1) being significantly upregulated in preterm compared to term placenta, (2) predominantly expressed by mononuclear trophoblasts, (3) capable of encoding a truncated viral-like envelope protein, and (4) contributing to the expression cytokines involved in both antiviral and anti-inflammatory innate immune responses in human placental trophoblasts and BeWo choriocarcinoma cells, respectively. Conclusions: Collectively, the results of this study highlight the utility of studying locus-specific ERVK expression, provide a thorough characterization of locus-specific ERVK transcription from human placental tissues, and indicate that altered expression of placental ERVK11q23.3 influences interferon antiviral response, which may contribute to preterm birth and other pregnancy complications.
The in vivo plasma clearance of iron from transferrins of low and high iron saturation.

1. The rate of in vivo release of iron from plasma transferrin samples at low and high saturation was measured simultaneously in fifteen subjects with differing amounts of body iron and different rates of erythropoiesis. Iron atoms bound to transferrin at low and high plasma iron saturation were identified by using tracer labels 55 Fe and 59 Fe respectively. Results were expressed as the plasma 55 Fe and 59 Fe half-clearance time. 2. Plasma iron clearance times ranged from 15·6 to 350 min, reflecting the different amounts of available iron and marrow requirements of the patients studied. The simultaneous rates of 55 Fe and 59 Fe clearance from the plasma were the same in thirteen patients. Clearances in two subjects showed differences between the two isotopes, but clearances of the identical paired isotopes in two other subjects showed no difference. 3. These results confirm earlier findings of homogeneity in the plasma iron pool, extending the observations to include varying per cent saturation of transferrin and varying rates of iron uptake.
Mechanical behavior of chemical

Hoop stress and tensile tests have been completed between 800° and 1600°C on chemical vapor deposited (C.V.D.) tungsten specimens. Scanning electron microscopy of slip surfaces showed a fairly constant value of slip band spacing of between 2 and 20 μ. Fracture face morphologies suggest a transition from brittle failure at 800cC to ductile fibrous failure at 1400°C. Slip band intersections are almost exclusively at 90 deg indicating 110 slip planes with <100= zone axes. The latter fact confirms earlier <100< fiber axis results from X-ray diffraction. Ductility first increased from 800° to 1400°C, above which it decreased.
The Fundamentals of Political Science Research: Multiple Regression Models II: Crucial Extensions

OVERVIEW In this chapter we provide introductory discussions of and advice for commonly encountered research scenarios involving multiple regression models. Issues covered include dummy independent variables, interactive specifications, dummy dependent variables, influential cases, multicollinearity, and models of time-series data. EXTENSIONS OF OLS In the previous two chapters we discussed in detail various aspects of the estimation and interpretation of OLS regression models. In this chapter we go through a series of research scenarios commonly encountered by political science researchers as they attempt to test their hypotheses within the OLS framework. The purpose of this chapter is twofold – first, to help you to identify when you have hit these issues and, second, to help you to figure out what to do to continue on your way. We begin with a discussion of “dummy” independent variables and how to properly use them to make inferences. We then discuss how to test interactive hypotheses with dummy variables. Our third topic with dummy variables involves the interpretation of models in which our dependent variable is a dummy variable. We next turn our attention to two frequently encountered problems in OLS – outliers and multicollinearity. With both of these topics, at least half of the battle is identifying that you have the problem. Finally, we conclude with a discussion of a series of problems specific to the analysis of time-series data. BEING SMART WITH DUMMY INDEPENDENT VARIABLES IN OLS In Chapter 6 we discussed how an important part of knowing your data involves knowing the metric in which each of your variables is measured.
Geometric Algorithm Visualization, Current Status and Future

We give a survey of the current status of geometric algorithm visualization and offer some suggestions regarding geometric software library and future directions for visualization software.
Infrasonic acoustic waves generated by fast air heating in sprite cores

Acceleration, expansion, and branching of sprite streamers can lead to concentration of high electrical currents in regions of space, that are observed in the form of bright sprite cores. Driven by this electrical current, a series of chemical processes take place in the sprite plasma. Excitation, followed by quenching of excited electronic states leads to energy transfer from charged to neutral species. The consequence is heating and expansion of air leading to emission of infrasonic acoustic waves. Results indicate that ≳0.01 Pa pressure perturbations on the ground, observed in association with sprites, can only be produced by exceptionally strong currents in sprite cores, exceeding 2 kA.
The estrogen/creatinine ratio and the “estrogen index” in normal pregnancy

Abstract The estrogen/creatinine (E/C) ratio and the “estrogen index,” a new test based on direct spectrophotometric comparison of the estrogen to background impurities, were compared to total estrogen and estrogen concentration for their ability to reduce day-to-day variation in 24 hour urine specimens and for their relationship between random specimens and 24 hour specimens. The variability between 85 pairs of consecutive 24 hour urine specimens at 2 S.D. was 76.6 per cent for estrogen per milliliter, 71.4 per cent for total estrogen per 24 hours, 46.4 per cent for the E/C ratio, and 30.4 per cent for the “estrogen index.” The variability between 130 random voided urine specimens and their corresponding 24 hour collections was ± 70.5 for estrogen per milliliter, ± 23.6 per cent for the E/C ratio, and ± 12.9 per cent for the “estrogen index.” The E/C ratio and “estrogen index” in 785 random urine specimens from 500 normal pregnancies were determined, and their percentile curves were plotted.
Documents in international environmental law

A companion to the first volume in a three-volume set, this document collection includes all the key international legal instruments in this field. A third volume, published separately, includes the documents in European Community environmental law. The set of volumes gives a comprehensive account of one of the fastest-growing areas of international law - the principles and rules relating to the protection of the environment and the conservation of natural resources. It incorporates all the key material from the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development. The two-volume document set provides source material for the textbook. All three volumes are available as one book, or separately.
Precision measurement of the 5 s t 2 S 1 / 2 → 5 p t 2 P j → 8 s t 2 S 1 / 2 two-photon, two-color polarization spectrum in atomic Rb

Precision measurements on the 5s${\mathrm{}}^{2}$${\mathrm{S}}_{1\mathrm{/}2}$\ensuremath{\rightarrow}5p${\mathrm{}}^{2}$${\mathrm{P}}_{\mathrm{j}}$\ensuremath{\rightarrow}8s${\mathrm{}}^{2}$${\mathrm{S}}_{1\mathrm{/}2}$ two-photon, two-color polarization spectrum in atomic Rb are reported. As a result of interference between the transition amplitudes for the process, the spectrum is strongly frequency and linear polarization dependent in the vicinity of the 5s${\mathrm{}}^{2}$${\mathrm{S}}_{1\mathrm{/}2}$\ensuremath{\rightarrow}5p${\mathrm{}}^{2}$${\mathrm{P}}_{1\mathrm{/}2}$ and 5s${\mathrm{}}^{2}$${\mathrm{S}}_{1\mathrm{/}2}$\ensuremath{\rightarrow}5p${\mathrm{}}^{2}$${\mathrm{P}}_{3\mathrm{/}2}$ resonance transitions, with the linear polarization degree varying from nearly +100% to -100% over the approximate 500-${\mathrm{cm}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$ range of the data. For absorption of two collinearly polarized photons, complete destructive interference for the process occurs at a critical detuning from the 5s${\mathrm{}}^{2}$${\mathrm{S}}_{1\mathrm{/}2}$\ensuremath{\rightarrow}5p${\mathrm{}}^{2}$${\mathrm{P}}_{3\mathrm{/}2}$ resonance transition given by ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Delta}}}_{\mathrm{c}}$=-155.83(3) ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$. The location of ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Delta}}}_{\mathrm{c}}$ is determined primarily by the relative transition matrix elements through the 5p${\mathrm{}}^{2}$${\mathrm{P}}_{\mathrm{j}}$ multiplet, but also depends significantly on contributions from more energetic np${\mathrm{}}^{2}$P levels. The null in the excitation occurring at the critical frequency allows experimental determination of a type of sum rule that depends only on the atomic matrix elements and the value of ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Delta}}}_{\mathrm{c}}$. Such sum rules are defined and presented for the present experiment in Rb and for a recent similar experiment in Na.
Developmental expression ofα7 neuronal nicotinic receptor messenger RNA in rat sensory cortex and thalamus

Abstract The distribution of α 7 messenger RNA expression was characterized in developing rat cortex and thalamus. Northern blot analysis of neonatal and adult cortex revealed a single messenger RNA transcript of 5.7 kb. Using in situ hybridization with both full length and short 35 S-labeled α 7 riboprobes, a distinct transient expression of messenger RNA within sensory cortex and thalamus, during early postnatal development, was observed. α 7 transcripts were expressed in low levels as early as embryonic day 13 in the ventricular zone of the neocortex, and as early as embryonic day 15 in the thalamic neuroepithelium. A marked increase in messenger RNA levels was observed during the late prenatal period in both sensory and non-sensory regions of the cortex and thalamus. Moderate to high levels of messenger RNA were maintained into the first postnatal week, followed by a decline into adulthood. α 7 messenger RNA expression was significantly higher in the anterodorsal, lateral dorsal, ventral posterior medial and ventral posterior lateral thalamic nuclei of postnatal day 7 pups than in adult brains. Expression of messenger RNA within dorsal lateral geniculate, ventral lateral geniculate and medial geniculate did not show a significant reduction with age. Within the developing cortex, messenger RNA expression delineated the primary somatosensory, auditory and visual cortices in a unique laminar pattern that was consistently and significantly higher than in the adult in superficial layer VI. Higher levels of expression were also observed in retrosplenial cortex at postnatal day 7 than in the adult. Tangential sections through postnatal day 7 cortex revealed low levels of α 7 messenger RNA expression delineating the primary sensory areas in layer IV, corresponding to acetylcholinesterase-labeled thalamocortical afferents. However, these sensory areas exhibited higher levels of α 7 messenger RNA expression and were more clearly defined in layer VI, but not by acetylcholinesterase staining. The distribution of α 7 messenger RNA within the developing thalamocortical system parallels the distribution of α-bungarotoxin binding sites and suggests that the receptor is localized on both thalamic cells and their cortical target neurons. This transient and distinct pattern of distribution of the α 7 neuronal nicotinic receptor, which coincides with the major phase of thalamocortical development, suggests that it may play a functional role in the development of cortical circuitry.
Large individual differences in minor ear output during dichotic listening

Using dichotic consonant-vowel (CV) stimuli, 150 highly educated adults were segregated into two groups. In the high-output group (n = 63), the mean number of CV syllables reported by the minor ear was more than half that of the major ear, while for the low-output group (n = 87), it was less than one-fourth. The low minor ear performance of the latter group immediately disappeared when CV syllables were separated by 90 ms. These subjects (44 male, 43 females) were unaware of their temporary minor ear incapacities. Although the mechanism and brain laterality significance of this phenomenon remain to be clarified, preliminary research indicates that members of each of these two groups have other differences in common.
The crystal structure of nitrophorin 2. A trifunctional antihemostatic protein from the saliva of Rhodnius prolixus.

Abstract Nitrophorin 2 (NP2) (also known as prolixin-S) is a salivary protein that transports nitric oxide, binds histamine, and acts as an anticoagulant during blood feeding by the insectRhodnius prolixus. The 2.0-A crystal structure of NP2 reveals an eight-stranded antiparallel β-barrel containing a ferric heme coordinated through His57, similar to the structures of NP1 and NP4. All four Rhodnius nitrophorins transport NO and sequester histamine through heme binding, but only NP2 acts as an anticoagulant. Here, we demonstrate that recombinant NP2, but not recombinant NP1 or NP4, is a potent anticoagulant; recombinant NP3 also displays minor activity. Comparison of the nitrophorin structures suggests that a surface region near the C terminus and the loops between β strands B-C and E-F is responsible for the anticoagulant activity. NP2 also displays larger NO association rates and smaller dissociation rates than NP1 and NP4, which may result from a more open and more hydrophobic distal pocket, allowing more rapid solvent reorganization on ligand binding. The NP2 protein core differs from NP1 and NP4 in that buried Glu53, which allows for larger NO release rates when deprotonated, hydrogen bonds to invariant Tyr81. Surprisingly, this tyrosine lies on the protein surface in NP1 and NP4.
The time during which beta-ecdysone is required for the differentiation in vitro and in situ of wing imaginal discs of Drosophila melanogaster.

Abstract The time during which β-ecdysone is required for the apolysis and imaginal differentiation of wing discs of Drosophila both in vitro and in situ has been examined, and it is concluded that β-ecdysone is required as a sustained stimulus rather than as a trigger for differentiation. These results are compared with the requirement for β-ecdysone for the puffing of salivary gland polytene chromosomes during the prepupal stage (Richards, G. P., 1976, Develop. Biol. 48, 191–195). It is suggested that imaginal discs and larval salivary glands require different exposures to β-ecdysone to fulfill their developmental commitments and that the drop in β-ecdysone titer during the early prepupal stage, which is necessary for the subsequent puffing of the polytene chromosomes, plays little or no part in imaginal disc differentiation.
Democratic ideals and the urban experience

The test of civilization is the power of drawing the most benefit out of cities." Ralph Waldo Emerson What is the role of the urban experience in the construction of American democratic ideals? By looking at the disparate visions of a just society advanced by Jefferson and Hamilton, this paper will attempt to provide an account of the historical role of the urban experience in the construction of the American vision of democracy. Then, through the works of John Dewey and Lewis Mumford (and Robert Westbrook's account of their continuing disagreements), the essay will address some of the issues stemming from the role of urban experience in the processes of moral development. Then, through the work of Whitman, it will be argued that the urban experience is a necessary condition for the adequate development of democratic ideals. The essay will conclude with a brief analysis of some of the important elements of the urban experience, and their respective contributions to the construction of democratic values.
Inflammatory Response Assessment of a Hybrid Tissue-Engineered Heart Valve Leaflet

Despite substantial research in the past few decades, only slight progress has been made toward developing biocompatible, tissue-engineered scaffolds for heart valve leaflets that can withstand the dynamic pressure inside the heart. Recent progress on the development of hybrid scaffolds, which are composed of a thin metal mesh enclosed by multi-layered tissue, appear to be promising for heart valve engineering. This approach retains all the advantages of biological scaffolds while developing a strong extracellular matrix backbone to withstand dynamic loading. This study aims to test the inflammatory response of hybrid tissue-engineered leaflets based on characterizing the activation of macrophage cells cultured on the surfaces of the tissue construct. The results indicate that integration of biological layers around a metal mesh core—regardless of its type—may reduce the evoked inflammatory responses by THP-1 monocyte-like cells. This observation implies that masking a metal implant within a tissue construct prior to implantation can hide it from the immune system and may improve the implant’s biocompatibility.
Natural history of vegetations during successful medical treatment of endocarditis

Although initial morphologic features of vegetations have been related to the risk of early complications, there is little information about the natural history of the vegetations during medical treatment or the relation of morphologic changes in vegetation to late complications. To assess the evolution of valvular vegetations by echocardiography during treatment of infective endocarditis and to relate the morphologic changes in vegetation to late prognosis, serial echocardiograms of patients with successful medical treatment for native valve infective endocarditis were reviewed to assess the presence and morphologic features of valvular vegetations at the onset and at the end of therapy. The evolution of vegetation size, mobility, consistency, the extent of the disease, and the severity of valvular regurgitation were related to late complications such as embolism, valve replacement, or death occurring after the end of therapy. Forty-one vegetations were identified in 32 patients on initial echocardiograms. At the end of treatment, 29 vegetations were still present; 59% had no significant change in size and 52% appeared to be denser in consistency. Morphologic changes did not relate to late complications, but the presence of severe valvular regurgitations was associated with late valve replacement. The echocardiographic persistence of vegetations is common after successful medical treatment of infective endocarditis. In the absence of severe valvular dysfunction, however, persistent vegetations are not independently associated with late complications.
Spatially resolved monitoring for volatile organic compounds using remote sector sampling

Abstract Sector sampling for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is conducted within an integrated sampling scheme and relies on a wind direction sensor. The wind sensor directs whole air, sampled at a constant rate, into either an “IN” sector canister or an “OUT” sector canister; when the wind comes from the suspected emissions area, sample is routed into the IN sector canister; otherwise, sample is collected in the OUT sector canister. This method is analogous to “upwind/downwind” sampling but does not require two distinct sites or manual sampler control. For this set of experiments, the IN and OUT sectors were 90 and 270°, respectively, and the IN sector was centered on the VOC source. Two sampling sites were used. The first was about 2 miles north-northeast of a group of industrial facilities, and the second was located about 1 mile south-southeast of the same sources. Sites were operated concurrently with one sampler each; a third sampler was rotated between the sites to obtain duplicate samples. The air samples were analysed by gas chromatography for VOCs. The resultant data comparisons between IN and OUT duplicate samples show good correlation with expected VOC emissions, which were determined by grab samples within the target area. A t -test method for interpreting the sometimes subtle differences between IN and OUT sample data is presented.
Absorption of aroma volatiles of orange juice into laminated carton packages did not affect sensory quality.

Orange juice was stored in glass bottles and polyethylene/barrier material laminated cartons at 4 o C for 24 wk. Studies were carried out on the absorption of 19 orange juice aroma compounds (e. g ethyl butyrate, d-limonene) into low density polyethylene (LDPE). Sensory evaluations were performed on the same orange juice in different packages over the storage period. A reduction of d-limonene of up to 50% by absorption into the LDPE inside coating was observed. However, an experienced sensory panel did not distinguish between orange juice stored in glass bottles and polyethylene laminated cartons
L-phase bacteria in human heart tissue

Abstract Results of the examination of human heart tissue removed during open heart surgery suggest that some rheumatic fever patients may have an underlying infective carditis due to bacterial L-phase cells persisting in heart muscle tissue. The site of the infection is apparently intracellular.
Investigation of low energy interphase boundaries in agni by computer simulation and crystallite rotation

Using the embedded atom method, boundary energy calculations were done for (111)Ag//(001)Ni twist boundaries and interfaces between low-index planes of Ag and Ni. The E(θ) curve for (111)Ag//(001)Ni boundaries shows the existence of one deep cusp at θ = 0°, or at the variant θ = 30°. Experiments using the rotation of (111)Ag crystallites on (001)Ni film confirm this single cusp. Calculations for AgNi interfaces containing low-index planes show that those containing the (111) plane have the lowest energy while those with the (110) are highest.
Microscopic Imaging of Oxygen by Two-photon-excited Phosphorescence

Microscopic oxygen distributions in heterogeneous phantoms and cells were visualized by means of two-photon laser scanning microscopy, using phosphorescent probes with controllable quenching parameters and enhanced two-photon absorption cross-sections.
Accuracy of computerized tomography in deep neck infections in the pediatric population.

Abstract Objectives: Computerized tomography (CT) is used widely to diagnose deep neck infections (DNIs), and, generally, the decision of surgical intervention is based on findings of a CT study. This study examines the accuracy of CT in differentiating abscess versus cellulitis in DNIs (lateral pharyngeal and retropharyngeal). Study Design: This is a retrospective chart review study with re-evaluation of the CT scans by a blinded observer. Methods: A retrospective review of medical records of 80 patients with DNIs who were evaluated with a CT study was performed. CT scans of these patients were reviewed by a radiologist who was blinded to the clinical and surgical findings and to the original CT study report. To diagnose the infection and differentiate abscess from cellulitis, our radiologist scored the CT scans regarding the following variables: low-density core, rim enhancement, soft-tissue swelling, obliterated fat planes, and mass effect. Radiologic diagnosis was compared with operative findings (whether pus found at surgery or not) in all cases treated surgically. Accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of CT study were calculated. Results: Thirty-nine (49%) patients were treated medically with intravenous (IV) antibiotics alone, and 41 (%51) patients were treated both surgically and medically. The overall accuracy of CT in DNI was 63%. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were 68%, 56%, 71%, and 53%, respectively. Conclusion: CT study has important limitations in differentiating abscess versus cellulitis in DNIs. Clinical findings as well as CT diagnosis should guide the decision of surgery.
Conceptualizing knowledge-based entrepreneurship networks: perspectives from the literature

Efforts to promote and support knowledge-based entrepreneurship as a vehicle for economic development are increasingly focused on the importance of networks to entrepreneurial success. This article reviews the extant empirical literature and finds a striking consensus among multiple disciplinary perspectives: not only are networks important, network characteristics also mediate resources important to entrepreneurial performance. Unfortunately, current conceptual frameworks do not adequately account for the unique nature of knowledge spillovers and their role in innovation and economic dynamism. The article suggests that scholars embrace the nascent knowledge spillover theory of entrepreneurship to guide future empirical research on entrepreneurship networks and focus intently on their impact on entrepreneurial performance—and therefore economic growth.
Buoyancy-driven heat transfer during application of a thermal gradient for the study of vapor deposition at low pressure using an ideal gas

A mathematical model has been developed to determine heat transfer during vapor deposition of source materials under a variety of orientations relative to gravitational accelerations. The model demonstrates that convection can occur at total pressures as low as 10-2 mm Hg. Through numerical computation, using physical material parameters of air, a series of time steps demonstrates the development of flow and temperature profiles during the course of vapor deposition. These computations show that in unit gravity vapor deposition occurs by transport through a fairly complicated circulating flow pattern when applying heat to the bottom of the vessel with parallel orientation with respect to the gravity vector. The model material parameters for air predict the effect of kinematic viscosity to be of the same order as thermal diffusivity, which is the case for Prandtl number approx. 1 fluids. Qualitative agreement between experiment and the model indicates that 6-(2-methyl-4-nitroanilino)-2,4-hexadiyn-l-ol (DAMNA) at these pressures indeed approximates an ideal gas at the experiment temperatures, and may validate the use of air physical constants. It is apparent that complicated nonuniform temperature distribution in the vapor could dramatically affect the homogeneity, orientation, and quality of deposited films. The experimental test i's a qualitative comparison of film thickness using ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy on films generated in appropriately oriented vapor deposition cells. In the case where heating of the reaction vessel occurs from the top, deposition of vapor does not normally occur by convection due to a stable stratified medium. When vapor deposition occurs in vessels heated at the bottom, but oriented relative to the gravity vector between these two extremes, horizontal thermal gradients induce a complex flow pattern. In the plane parallel to the tilt axis, the flow pattern is symmetrical and opposite in direction from that where the vessel is positioned vertically. The ground-based experiments are sufficient preliminary tests of theory and should be of significant interest regarding vapor deposited films in microgravity.
Diffusional mass transport of nonadsorbed gases within porous structures: II. Structural significance of the convergent-divergent pore model

Abstract Experimental results of counterdiffusion studies are correlated with the convergent-divergent pore structure model proposed previously. Relationship of the parameters of the model to porous structure properties is discussed; it is shown that these quantities may be determined from the volume-area distribution of a material and that the model may thus be employed for prediction of porous structure effects on diffusional mass transport.
Surgical treatment of carcinoma of the thyroid gland.

ATTEMPTS to devise a standardized surgical procedure for managing carcinoma of the thyroid gland have not been signally successful, chiefly because of the marked differences in biologic behavior of the different types of carcinoma. Thus, a procedure that is rational for the management of papillary lesions is irrational for the treatment of malignant adenomas and diffuse adenocarcinomas. Removal of thyroid, contiguous tissues and zones of venous and lymphatic spread is an impossibility because of neighboring vital structures; and the necessity of radical operation in the majority of cases has been challenged. Survival and recurrence rates have been disappointing in the evaluation of the procedures which have been proposed, partly because of the slow natural progress of lower grades of malignancy and partly because of extremely rapid progress of more malignant lesions. In addition, because of differences in fundamental criteria of malignancy adopted by different pathologists, results following treatment at ...
Comparative studies of the respiratory functions of mammalian blood. 8. Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) and African elephant (Loxodonta africana africana).

Respiratory characteristics of blood from four Asian and three African elephants were studied. Oxygen dissociation curves of whole blood were constructed at 37 °C and corrected to a plasma pH of 7.40. The mean blood P50 values were 25.2 ± 0.5 and 23.2 ± 1.3 mm Hg for Asian and African elephants, respectively, and these values are significantly different (p<0.01). The Bohr factors for both species were similar and averaged -0.351 ± 0.029 Δ log PO2/ΔpH. The Haldane effect was similar in both species (5.5 vol% ΔCCO2 at PCO2 = 40 mm Hg). The concentration of 2,3-diphosphoglycerate in elephant blood is similar to that found in normal human blood. The blood morphology of both species was similar except that the leukocyte count was significantly higher in Asian elephants. Starch gel electrophoresis showed that hemoglobin of Asian elephants travels at a slower rate than hemoglobin of African elephants, but both migrate faster than human A hemoglobin. African elephant (Loxodontu africuna africana) Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) Blood oxygen capacity Bohr effect Haldane effect Hemoglobin electrophoresis Oxygen dissociation curve 2,3-Diphosphoglycerate (2,3-DPG)
Developing a Cadre of Transdisciplinary Health Disparities Researchers for the 21st Century

In the NIMHD-funded Health Disparities Research Center of Excellence at Meharry, faculty and scholars are trained to better address environmental health issues by integrating longitudinal, multi-systemic, spatially, and temporally referenced analytical methods. These methods include computational, multilevel, and spatial analyses through a transdisciplinary team model.
Behavioral alterations in adolescent and adult rats caused by a brief subtoxic exposure to chlorpyrifos during neurulation

The widely used organophosphate insecticide, chlorpyrifos (CPF), elicits neurobehavioral abnormalities after apparently subtoxic neonatal exposures. In the current study, we administered 1 or 5 mg/kg/day of CPF to pregnant rats on gestational days 9-12, the embryonic phase spanning formation and closure of the neural tube. Although there were no effects on growth or viability, offspring showed behavioral abnormalities when tested in adolescence and adulthood. In the CPF-exposed groups, locomotor hyperactivity was noted in early T-maze trials, and in the elevated plus-maze; alterations in the rate of habituation were also identified. Learning and memory were adversely affected, as assessed using the 16-arm radial maze. Although all CPF-exposed animals eventually learned the task, reference and working memory were impaired in the early training sessions. After training, rats in the CPF group did not show the characteristic amnestic effect of scopolamine, a muscarinic acetylcholine antagonist, suggesting that, unlike the situation in the control group, muscarinic pathways were not used to solve the maze. These results indicate that apparently subtoxic CPF exposure during neurulation adversely affects brain development, leading to behavioral anomalies that selectively include impairment of cholinergic circuits used in learning and memory. The resemblance of these findings to those of late gestational or neonatal CPF exposure indicates a prolonged window of vulnerability of brain development to CPF.
Toroidally symmetric polynomial multipole solutions of the vector Laplace equation

Abstract A coherent method is given for generating to arbitrary order, the toroidally symmetric, polynomial multipole solutions of the vector Laplace (Grad-Shafranov operator) equation. In a source-free region, the toroidal component of a toroidally symmetric magnetic vector potential may be conveniently expanded in terms of these multipoles which at large aspect ratio reduce to the simple cylindrical form ( X + iZ ) m . The set of multipoles considered in previous work is shown to be incomplete and additional ones are derived which partially resolve this difficulty. The expansion technique is criticized, and several practical examples are given.
In victory, magnanimity: US foreign policy, 1989–1991, and the legacy of prefabricated multilateralism

This article investigates not the causes of the end of the Cold War but the legacy of its ending for international politics in the post-Cold War era. To do so, this essay offers the concept of ‘settlement architecture’ as a way of understanding the political resolution that follows a historical moment of thoroughgoing transformation, of which the end of the Cold War was a prime example. In particular, it explores both the nature of the settlement architecture advanced successfully by Washington and Bonn in 1990, namely prefabricated multilateralism, and the consequences of that settlement.
The effect of Neuragen PN® on Neuropathic pain: A randomized, double blind, placebo controlled clinical trial

A double blind, randomized, placebo controlled study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the naturally derived topical oil, "Neuragen PN®" for the treatment of neuropathic pain. Sixty participants with plantar cutaneous (foot sole) pain due to all cause peripheral neuropathy were recruited from the community. Each subject was randomly assigned to receive one of two treatments (Neuragen PN® or placebo) per week in a crossover design. The primary outcome measure was acute spontaneous pain level as reported on a visual analog scale. There was an overall pain reduction for both treatments from pre to post application. As compared to the placebo, Neuragen PN® led to significantly (p < .05) greater pain reduction. Fifty six of sixty subjects (93.3%) receiving Neuragen PN® reported pain reduction within 30 minutes. This reduction within 30 minutes occurred in only twenty one of sixty (35.0%) subjects receiving the placebo. In a break out analysis of the diabetic only subgroup, 94% of subjects in the Neuragen PN® group achieved pain reduction within 30 minutes vs 11.0% of the placebo group. No adverse events were observed. This randomized, placebo controlled, clinical trial with crossover design revealed that the naturally derived oil, Neuragen PN®, provided significant relief from neuropathic pain in an all cause neuropathy group. Participants with diabetes within this group experienced similar pain relief. ISRCTN registered: ISRCTN13226601
Attenuated Purine Production During Subsequent Ischemia in Preconditioned Rabbit Myocardium is Unrelated to the Mechanism of Protection

Abstract Preconditioned hearts release less purines during ischemia than virgin hearts. This study tested whether this reduced purine production is related to the mechanism of protection by ischemic preconditioning. Coronary effluent from isolated rabbit hearts was collected and purine (adenosine+inosine+hypoxanthine) levels were measured. All hearts underwent two cycles of 5 min global ischemia, each followed by 10 min reperfusion. In the first minute of reflow after the first ischemic period untreated hearts released 155±14 nmol purines per g wet weight, but only 104±16 nmol/g following the second bout of ischemia ( P m ), which prevents the infarct size-limiting effect of ischemic preconditioning by blocking adenosine receptors, was present in the perfusate, the pattern of purine release was not altered (151±13 nmol/g during the first minute after the first 5-min ischemic episode dropping to 117±6 nmol/g after the second ischemic period, P m ) or phenylephrine (0.1 μ m ) 15 min prior to the first ischemia did not affect purine release during early reperfusion after either the first (144±16 nmol/g and 153±12 nmol/g, respectively) or second (84±12 nmol/g and 111±9 nmol/g, respectively) bout of ischemia. Since the attenuated purine release was apparently unaffected by the presence or absence of a protected state, we conclude that this pattern is unrelated to the mechanism by which preconditioning protects the heart.
Ion-ion correlations in charged colloidal suspensions

Abstract We investigate the role played by the correlations between the screening counterions in the thermodynamic behavior as a colloidal suspension. A local density functional based on the one component plasma theory is employed to incorporate this effect into the Poisson–Boltzmann theory for this problem. The Helmholtz free energy for this system is derived, showing no indication of phase separation.
Energy release rate and contact zone in a cohesive and an interface crack by hypersingular integral equations

Solution of Cauchy-type singular integral equations permits the evaluation of the fracture parameters at the crack tips very accurately. However, it does not permit the determination of the crack opening and sliding displacements while ensuring no crack surface interpenetration unless the location of the contact zone is known a priori. In order to circumvent this shortcoming, this study presents a solution method based on the Hadamard-type singular integral equations to obtain the crack opening and sliding displacements directly while enforcing the appropriate conditions to prevent interpenetration. Furthermore, the crack opening displacements are physically more meaningful and readily validated against the finite element analysis predictions. The numerical solutions of the hypersingular integral equations provide not only crack opening and sliding displacements directly but also the stress intensity factors and energy release rates. Also, the behavior of the energy release rate is examined as the cohesive crack located parallel to the interface approaches the interface from either the soft or the stiff side of the interface. The limiting value of the energy release rate is established by considering an interface crack. As the cohesive crack approaches the interface from either side of the interface, the energy release rate approaches to that of the interface crack. However, the length of contact zone between the cohesive crack surfaces under uniform shear loading does not approach to that of the interface crack.
Factors for Calculating Two-Sided Prediction Intervals for Samples from a Normal Distribution

Abstract Factors r(k, n; γ) for a normal distribution are given such that one may be 100γ% confident that the two-sided prediction interval will contain all of k future values, where and s are the sample mean and standard deviation from n previous observations. A special case is a prediction interval for a single future observation, which can also be obtained using percentage points of the Student t-distribution. Curves which indicate the extent to which two previously proposed approximations over-estimate r(k, n; γ) are also given. One of these, based on a Bonferroni Inequality, gives generally satisfactory results for all cases except for small n and large k, but frequently requires unusual percentage points of the Student t-distribution.
Modelling the NW India monsoon for the last 40 000 years

Modeling of the monsoon requires at least a hemispheric model. At present such models require inputs such as ice cover and other parameters. The model used in the present work uses only irradiance and volcanic aerosol estimates, modeling the ice cover by first modeling the glacial volume and area. The net annual continental ice accumulation rate must be intergrated to obtain the global glacial volume. The integration may be done analytically and combined with a global volcanicity index time-series to give a volcanically modulated glacial model. This combined integral model matches both the general variation of glacial volume and the short-term events as well. This model is then combined with the calculated irradiance to drive a hemispheric heat-budget model yielding monthly hemispheric surface temperatures. The model matches most known climatic events seen in field data. The model also yields monthly evaporation values for the hemisphere that can be used to estimate the rainfall, much of which is monsoonal. The match with the history obtained from the pollen record is fairly good. Assuming that the N-S component of the northern Arabian Sea summer windfield is proportional to the annual contrast of hemispheric temperature and that the W-E component is proportional to the N-S temperature gradient, one may then model the Late Pleistocence and Holocence wind direction and strength. Preliminary estimates are consistent with much of the field data.
Pseudomonic acid derivatives from a marine bacterium

The spongeDarwinella rosacea was found to harbor a host of marine microorganisms. One of these bacteria was identified as a marineAlteromonas species. The organic extract of this bacterium was antimicrobial, and the activity was traced to two novel pseudomonic acid derivatives1 and7. The structures of these compounds were elucidated by interpretation of the spectral data and extensive use of 2-dimensional NMR techniques and NOE studies on the parent compounds and the acetate derivatives2 and8.
Laser ablation time-of-flight mass spectral studies of metal-substituted phthalocyanines

We have obtained time-of-flight mass spectra for metal complexes of tetrakis(cumylphenoxy)phthalocyanines, MPc(CP)4, by pulsed laser ablation from frozen benzene solutions. The Pc complexes themsel...
Paradoxes, Double Binds, and Reflexive Loops: An Alternative Theoretical Perspective†

This article presents a new theory of reflexivity in systems of social meaning and action. It is argued that Russell's Theory of Logical Types, which formed the basis of the early work of the Palo Alto group, rests upon an inappropriate and largely outdated epistemology. The theory offered here rejects the assumption that reflexivity and paradox are coterminous. It is further argued that reflexivity is a natural and necessary feature of human systems of meaning. New analytic tools are offered for discerning problematic from nonproblematic reflexive loops. The new tools take the form of a symbol that can be used to represent the rules that organize reflexive relationships. The theory also contains a set of statements designed to delimit conditions under which problematic reflexive loops have ramifications for persons' mental health.
Hot Chips 22

This introduction to the special issue on Hot Chips 22 briefly discusses the conference and introduces the articles selected for publication.
Bleomycin, unlike other male-mouse mutagens, is most effective in spermatogonia, inducing primarily deletions.

Dominant-lethal tests [P.D. Sudman, J.C. Rutledge, J.B. Bishop, W.M. Generoso, Bleomycin: female-specific dominant lethal effects in mice, Mutat. Res. 296 (1992) 205-217] had suggested that Bleomycin sulfate (Blenoxane), BLM, might be a female-specific mutagen. While confirming that BLM is indeed a powerful inducer of dominant-lethal mutations in females that fails to induce such mutations in postspermatogonial stages of males, we have shown in a specific-locus test that BLM is, in fact, mutagenic in males. This mutagenicity, however, is restricted to spermatogonia (stem-cell and differentiating stages), for which the specific-locus mutation rate differed significantly (P<0.008) from the historical control rate. In treated groups, dominant mutations, also, originated only in spermatogonia. With regard to mutation frequencies, this germ-cell-stage pattern is different from that for radiation and for any other chemical studied to date, except ethylnitrosourea (ENU). However, the nature of the spermatogonial specific-locus mutations differentiates BLM from ENU as well, because BLM induced primarily (or, perhaps, exclusively) multilocus deletions. Heretofore, no chemical that induced specific-locus mutations in spermatogonia did not also induce specific-locus as well as dominant-lethal mutations in postspermatogonial stages, making the dominant lethal test, up till now, predictive of male mutagenicity in general. The BLM results now demonstrate that there are chemicals that can induce specific-locus mutations in spermatogonia without testing positive in postspermatogonial stages. Thus, BLM, while not female-specific, is unique, (a) in its germ-cell-stage specificity in males, and (b) in inducing a type of mutation (deletions) that is atypical for the responding germ-cell stages (spermatogonia).