cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The nuclear/mitotic apparatus protein NuMA is a component of the somatodendritic microtubule arrays of the neuron.

Neurons are terminally post-mitotic cells that utilize their microrubule arrays for the growth and maintenance of axons and dendrites rather than for the formation of mitotic spindles. Recent studies from our laboratory suggest that the mechanisms that organize the axonal and dendritic microtubule arrays may be variations on the same mechanisms that organize the mitotic spindle in dividing cells. In particular, we have identified molecular motor proteins that serve analogous functions in the establishment of these seemingly very different microtubule arrays. In the present study, we have sought to determine whether a non-motor protein termed NuMA is also a component of both systems. NuMA is a ~230 kDa structural protein that is present exclusively in the nucleus during interphase. During mitosis, NuMA forms aggregates that interact with microtubules and certain motor proteins. As a result of these interactions, NuMA is thought to draw together the minus-ends of microtubules, thereby helping to organize them into a bipolar spindle. In contrast to mitotic cells, post-mitotic neurons display NuMA both in the nucleus and in the cytoplasm. NuMA appears as multiple small particles within the somatodendritic compartment of the neuron, where its levels increase during early dendritic differentation. A partial but not complete colocalization with minus-ends of microtubules is suggested by the distribution of the particles during development and during drug treatments that alter the microtubule array. These observations provide an initial set of clues regarding a potentially important function of NuMA in the organization of microtubules within the somatodendritic compartment of the neuron.
Fast prediction of MRI RF-induced heating for a generic stent with arbitrary orientation using ANN

In this paper, a three-layer feed forward artificial neural network (ANN) is proposed to fast predict the radio frequency (RF)-induced heating for a generic stent with arbitrary posture under 1.5T MRI. The stent is studied of its RF-induced heating in various parameters, e.g. stent length, diameter and orientation, and the specific absorption rate (SAR) is adopted to characterize the heating level. 336 stent models are created and simulated based on the feasible stent parameters, 70% of which are utilized to train the ANN and the other 30% are utilized to test the performance of the ANN. It is shown that the simulated results and the predicted results are in good consistency. The maximum error between the target and the output is less than 7.6 W/kg. The correlation coefficient between the target and the output is larger than 0.998 for the testing data and 0.999 for all data.
Population dynamics of rodents and other small mammals.

Publisher Summary Studies of social behavior and dynamics in natural populations are important, because the behavior of the individual in nature is a basic factor in gene exchange between parts of a species population. This chapter is concerned principally with such population phenomena as: (1) localization of the individual, (2) dispersal, (3) pattern of reproductive behavior, (4) life span in nature, and (5) pattern of distribution. All have a bearing on the gene exchange and geographic differentiation within natural populations. The behavior in natural populations of rodents and other small mammals, as revealed by live-trapping and nest-box studies, theoretically has important effects on the gene exchange in these populations. Attachment of an individual to a limited area of familiar terrain or home range tends to restrict gene dispersal. Estimates of home-range size for 39 species of rodents and for 9 other species of small mammals, although difficult to compare because of the differences in technique, do show the widespread occurrence of the home-range habit. The size of the home range is affected by such attributes as sex, age, mobility, body size, and food habits, and by such ecologic factors as vegetative cover, size of area, and season of the year. Dispersal of the young away from the place of birth at the approach of sexual maturity is the most important means of dispersing genes through the population.
Energy Efficiency Optimization and Dynamic Mode Selection Algorithms for D2D Communication Under HetNet in Downlink Reuse

Device-to-Device communication (D2D) is a promising technique for improving fifth-generation cellular network (5G) spectrum and energy efficiency. However, limited user power and co-channel interference make designing an energy efficient D2D communication a difficult task. In this paper, a novel framework is proposed to optimize the energy efficiency of D2D communication coexisting with a heterogeneous network (HetNet) in downlink transmission. This optimization problem is mathematically formulated in terms of mode selection, power control, and resources allocation (i.e., NP-hard problem). The optimization fraction problem is simplified based on network load and is solved using different optimization methods. An innovative dynamic mode selection based on Fuzzy clustering is introduced. Proposed scheme performance is evaluated and compared to the standard algorithm. Simulation demonstrated the advantage of the proposed framework in terms of gain performance in both energy efficiency and number of successfully connected D2D users. Moreover, D2D communication improves energy efficiency of the heterogeneous network of Downlink transmission.
‘Where are you from?’: growing up African-Canadian in Vancouver: by Gillian Creese, Toronto, University of Toronto Press, 2019, 216pp., $32.95 (paperback), ISBN 9781487524562

Over the past several decades, metro Vancouver – much like Toronto and Montreal – has become one of Canada’s most diverse cities due to steady streams of immigrant populations from around the world...
The impact of preoperative tramadol-only use on outcomes following total knee arthroplasty - Is tramadol different than traditional opioids?

Abstract Background Opioid use prior to total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is known to have detrimental influence on postoperative outcomes. Whether or not the same is true for tramadol is currently unclear. The aim of this study was to clarify the relationship between preoperative tramadol and postoperative complications. Methods The Truven Marketscan® Databases were used to conduct this retrospective cohort study. Patients undergoing primary TKA were identified and divided into cohorts based on preoperative medication status (i.e. opioid naive, tramadol-only, or non-tramadol opioids). Patient demographics, comorbidities, and 90-day outcomes were collected and compared between cohorts. Revision rates were analyzed at 1- and 3-years postoperatively. Univariate and multivariate analysis was performed. Results 336,316 patients were included and 23,097 (6.9%) were preoperative tramadol-only users. Tramadol-only patients (v. opioid naive) had increased odds of 90-day readmission (OR-1.07, 95%CI 1.02–1.12, p = 0.004), wound complication (OR-1.13, 95%CI 1.01–1.27, p = 0.34), and 3-year revision rates (OR-1.35, 95%CI 1.19–1.53, p Conclusions While tramadol-only use has lower risk than traditional opioids, tramadol-only use preceding TKA is associated with increased rates of readmission, wound complication and revision surgery. This is important information for prescribers who may be using tramadol to treat symptomatic knee arthrosis prior to arthroplasty referral and for thought leaders producing clinical practice guidelines. Level of Evidence: Level III, Prognostic.
Nitrogen Trichloride in Chlorine

In an article published in a recent issue of the Journal 1 a method for the determination of nitrogen trichloride in a liquid chlorine was presented. As a merchant producer of chlorine, Solvay Process Division, Allied Chemical Corp., determines nitrogen trichloride in liquid chlorine as a specification item according to its standard laboratory method.2 We have found, in the development of our method and in other related
Identification of a gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor orthologue in Caenorhabditis elegans

The Caenorhabditis elegans genome is known to code for at least 1149 G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), but the GPCR(s) critical to the regulation of reproduction in this nematode are not yet known. This study examined whether GPCRs orthologous to human gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor (GnRHR) exist in C. elegans. Our sequence analyses indicated the presence of two proteins in C. elegans, one of 401 amino acids [GenBank: NP_491453; WormBase: F54D7.3] and another of 379 amino acids [GenBank: NP_506566; WormBase: C15H11.2] with 46.9% and 44.7% nucleotide similarity to human GnRHR1 and GnRHR2, respectively. Like human GnRHR1, structural analysis of the C. elegans GnRHR1 orthologue (Ce-GnRHR) predicted a rhodopsin family member with 7 transmembrane domains, G protein coupling sites and phosphorylation sites for protein kinase C. Of the functionally important amino acids in human GnRHR1, 56% were conserved in the C. elegans orthologue. Ce-GnRHR was actively transcribed in adult worms and immunoanalyses using antibodies generated against both human and C. elegans GnRHR indicated the presence of a 46-kDa protein, the calculated molecular mass of the immature Ce-GnRHR. Ce-GnRHR staining was specifically localized to the germline, intestine and pharynx. In the germline and intestine, Ce-GnRHR was localized specifically to nuclei as revealed by colocalization with a DNA nuclear stain. However in the pharynx, Ce-GnRHR was localized to the myofilament lattice of the pharyngeal musculature, suggesting a functional role for Ce-GnRHR signaling in the coupling of food intake with reproduction. Phylogenetic analyses support an early evolutionary origin of GnRH-like receptors, as evidenced by the hypothesized grouping of Ce-GnRHR, vertebrate GnRHRs, a molluscan GnRHR, and the adipokinetic hormone receptors (AKHRs) and corazonin receptors of arthropods. This is the first report of a GnRHR orthologue in C. elegans, which shares significant similarity with insect AKHRs. In vertebrates, GnRHRs are central components of the reproductive endocrine system, and the identification of a GnRHR orthologue in C. elegans suggests the potential use of C. elegans as a model system to study reproductive endocrinology.
The Exact Crosstalk Prediction Model

This chapter contains sections titled: Decoupling the Transmission-Line Equations with Mode Transformations The SPICE Subcircuit Model Lumped-Circuit Approximate Models of the Line A Practical Crosstalk Problem
Reestruturação de esquemas familiares

Schemas, which organize thought and perception, are viewed by cognitive-behavior therapists as having an integral influence on emotion and behavior. The role of schema in family conflict and the specific interventions used in restructuring them during the course of family therapy are specifically addressed in this article. Additional discussion highlights the concepts of attributions, assumptions, and family standards, and the role they play in schemas, as well as the overall family dynamics. A series of steps are also suggested for facilitating the process of schema analysis and thought restructuring during the process of therapy with dysfunctional families
Identification and characterization of proteins that interact with Drosophila melanogaster protein kinase CK2.

D. melanogaster CK2 (DmCK2) is a highly conserved protein kinase that is composed of catalytic, α, and regulatory, β, subunits associated as an α2β2 heterotetramer. In order to analyze the functions of CK2 in this metazoan model, we have used the two hybrid approach to identify interacting proteins. One of these cDNAs, DmA24, encodes a novel polypeptide with no homologs in GenBank, and is notable in that it contains a bipartite nuclear localization signal and two sites for phosphorylation by CK2. In situ hybridization to polytene chromosomes indicates that the DmA24 gene is located at the 61D interval of chromosome II a region that also harbors 3 additional genes with similar structure. DmA24p interacts with DmCK2α, but not with DmCK2β, demonstrating that this interaction is specific for the catalytic subunit of CK2. In addition, the protein is phosphorylated by the holoenzyme purified from Drosophila embryos. These studies identify DmA24p as a potentially new physiological partner of DmCK2. In addition, we also report the results of a large-scale screen that has identified a new set of DmCK2-interacting proteins. Most notable among these are Surf6, a nucleolar protein involved in RNA processing, and Spalt, a homeotic protein. (Mol Cell Biochem 227: 91-98, 2001)
Longitudinal associations between brain structural changes and fatigue in early MS.

Abstract Background Fatigue is a common and disabling symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Structural changes in several brain areas have been reported to correlate with fatigue in MS patients but none consistently. Objective To study the association between global and regional measures of brain atrophy and fatigue in patients with early relapsing MS. Methods Clinically isolated syndrome and relapsing MS patients within 12 months of clinical onset were enrolled in a neuroprotection trial of riluzole versus placebo with up to 36 months of follow-up. MRI metrics included brain volumes measured by SIENAX normalized measurements [normalized brain parenchymal volume (nBPV), normalized normal-appearing white and gray matter volume (nNAWMV and nGMV)] and T2 lesion volume (T2LV). Cortical thickness, thalamic volume and cerebellar cortical volume were measured using Freesurfer's longitudinal pipeline (v5.3) and a lesion inpainting approach. Fatigue was evaluated using the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS). Mixed model regression measured time trends and associations between imaging and fatigue severity, adjusting for age and sex. Results Forty-three patients (mean age 36 years; 31 females) were enrolled within 7.5±4.9 months of symptom onset. Baseline and change over baseline in lesion volumes, grey matter, white matter, basal ganglia and total parenchymal volumes were not associated with change in MFIS score over time. Lower thalamic volume at baseline predicted increasing physical subscale of MFIS score during the study ( p =0.017). There was a trend toward baseline thalamic volume and cerebellar cortical volume predicting subsequent change in total MFIS score ( p =0.055 and 0.082 respectively). On-study change in thalamic or cerebellar cortical volume was not associated with on-study change in MFIS score. Conclusion Global measures of tissue loss are not strongly associated with fatigue in patients with early MS. However, thalamic and cerebellar cortical atrophy may be predictive of subsequent changes in fatigue in these patients.
Fuzzy logic-based information processing in submarine combat systems

Current methods for data integration and decision support in submarine combat systems do not adequately account for uncertainty in an automated fashion, hence continuing a heavy reliance on operator manipulation of input data and human interpretation of output information. Fuzzy logic offers an enabling technology for automated uncertainty management in the data integration process. Application of this technology to the fuzzy characterization of contact speed with uncertain information is demonstrated, and is shown to provide significant improvement in tracking solution quality for the single-leg Target Motion Analysis problem. The uncertainty in the target end-point location is described by an enhanced Area of Uncertainty region, which is obtained through combination of the derived fuzzy range characterization with conventional probabilistic information. Follow-on efforts are in progress to address the issue of modeling uncertainty in the basic structure of a fuzzy logic system.
Local properties of knotted dogbone spaces

Abstract A knotted dogbone space is a dogbone space in which each handle of each solid double tori used in defining the decomposition is nontrivially knotted. We prove that for some points p of the resulting decomposition space, p does not have arbitrarily small simply connected open neighborhoods.
Analytical debates and policy learning: analysis and change in the federal bureaucracy

One of the primary agents of change within federal organizations is the policy analyst. This is so because analysts are formally charged with critiquing existing policies and the organizations that implement them, and with proposing new policies and implementation procedures. But it is often forgotten by both proponents and critics of policy analysis that analysts themselves work within — are are responsive to — an organizational context. This paper provides an attempt to view analysis as a process that initiates and responds to policy change, and that is constrained by the organizational context within which analysis takes place. A set of cases, drawn from energy policy at the federal level, are used to illustrate that process.
Magnetic resonance field strength effects on diffusion measures and brain connectivity networks.

Abstract The quest to map brain connectivity is being pursued worldwide using diffusion imaging, among other techniques. Even so, we know little about how brain connectivity measures depend on the magnetic field strength of the scanner. To investigate this, we scanned 10 healthy subjects at 7 and 3 tesla—using 128-gradient high-angular resolution diffusion imaging. For each subject and scan, whole-brain tractography was used to estimate connectivity between 113 cortical and subcortical regions. We examined how scanner field strength affects (i) the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the non-diffusion-sensitized reference images (b0); (ii) diffusion tensor imaging (DTI)-derived fractional anisotropy (FA), mean, radial, and axial diffusivity (MD/RD/AD), in atlas-defined regions; (iii) whole-brain tractography; (iv) the 113×113 brain connectivity maps; and (v) five commonly used network topology measures. We also assessed effects of the multi-channel reconstruction methods (sum-of-squares, SOS, at 7T; adaptive r...
Percutaneous Pulmonary Endoarterial Biopsy in an Experimental Model of Pulmonary Hypertension

Study objectives The aims of this study were: to evaluate the performance of a novel arterial biopsy catheter in obtaining pulmonary endovascular samples in hypertensive dogs; to compare the results of pulmonary endoarterial biopsy in hypertensive vs normotensive dogs; and to assess the histologic changes in the hypertensive model. Design and interventions Thirty-four dogs (27 with normal pulmonary arterial pressures and seven with pulmonary hypertension) were catheterized through an external jugular vein to obtain endovascular biopsy samples from distal pulmonary arteries 2 to 3 mm in luminal diameter. To induce pulmonary hypertension, seven dogs were given repeated infusions of 0.6- to 0.9-mm ceramic microspheres into the superior vena cava. Endoarterial samples were obtained at pulmonary systolic arterial pressures ranging from 10 to 110 mm Hg. Measurements and results Sixty-two biopsy catheterization procedures were performed in the 34 dogs. After 12 initial procedures of technique refinement, endoarterial samples were obtained in each of the last 50 procedures (21 in normotensive dogs and 29 in hypertensive dogs). The average number of endovascular biopsy samples retrieved was 7.1 (range, 2 to 12) from a mean of 8.6 (range, 2 to 15) biopsy attempts per catheterization (success rate=83%). The average biopsy piece measured 1.13 mm in length, 0.33 mm in depth, and up to 1.0 mm in width. The biopsy success rates and endoarterial sample sizes were similar in normotensive and hypertensive dogs. Smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells were grown from the biopsy samples. There were no significant procedural complications, except for one self-limited hemorrhage. Histologically, samples obtained from dogs with pulmonary hypertension showed characteristic changes when compared with biopsies from normotensive dogs. Conclusion This new endoarterial biopsy catheter was safe and effective when used to obtain pulmonary endoarterial samples in dogs with normal and experimentally elevated pulmonary arterial pressures. The quality and quantity of the biopsy samples allowed identification of pathologic changes.
Effects of Acidity in Precipitation on Terrestrial Vegetation

Over the last several decades rain in the Northeastern United States has become more acidic presumably as a result of anthropogenic inputs of SOx and NOx to the atmosphere and their conversion to H2SO4 and HNO3. Present experimental results suggest that acidic precipitation would initially affect organisms on leaf surfaces and epidermal cells of leaves of higher plants. More internal cell layers would be affected with increasing duration or frequency of exposure. Differences in responses of plant foliage among plant species to acidic precipitation appear to be due to the degree of leaf wetting and differences in responses of leaf cells to low pH rain. Moreover, within the same plant, particular structures or cell types may be more sensitive than others. If the United States is to utilize coal reserves for electric power generation that might increase rainfall acidity in the future, an assessment of the impact that acidic rain might have on terrestrial vegetation is necessary. In one experiment, field-grown soybeans were exposed to short duration rainfalls of either pH 4.0, 3.1, 2.7, or 2.3 to provide inputs of 50, 397, 998, or 2506 μeq of H+, respectively, above ambient levels throughout the growing season. Control plots received only ambient rainfalls. These additional H+ decreased seed yield, 2.6, 6.5, 11.4, and 9.5%, respectively. A treatment response function determined between H+ treatments and seed yield wasy=21.06−1.01 logx had a correlation coefficient of −0.90. Researchers must design additional experiments with adequate experimental controls to assess the impact that acidic rain, at the present pH levels of 3.0 to 4.0 or at anticipated worst-case levels, that could occur if the acidity of rain should increase. Only a holistic view of the impacts that acid precipitation may have on vegetation will enable optimal energy and environmental policy decisions to be made.
THE HOST-PARASITE INTERFACE OF ALBUGO CANDIDA ON RAPHANUS SATIVUS

The fine structure of the intercellular hyphae of the obligate parasite Albugo candida infecting radish does not differ markedly from that described previously for cells of Peronospora manshurica. The stalked, capitate haustoria do not contain nuclei and are packed with mitochondria and lomasomes. The fungal plasma membrane and cell wall are continuous from the intercellular hypha throughout the haustorium except that there is no evidence of fungal cell wall around a portion of the haustorial stalk proximal to the haustorial head. Within the vacuolate host mesophyll cell, the haustorium is always surrounded by host plasma membrane and with at least a thin layer of host cytoplasm. The host cell wall invaginates at the point of haustorial penetration to form a short sheath around the region of penetration, but normally there is no host cell wall around the balance of the haustorium. About 1% of the haustoria observed were necrotic, and these were invariably walled-off completely from host cytoplasm by host cell wall. An amorphous, moderately electron-dense encapsulation lies between the haustorium proper and the host plasma membrane and extends into the penetration region between the sheath and the fungal cell wall. Invaded host cells contain more ribosomal-rich ground cytoplasm than uninfected cells. Glandularlike systems of tubules and connecting vesicles are often numerous in host cytoplasm in the vicinity of haustorial heads. These tubules open into the encapsulation, their limiting unit membranes being continuous with the host plasma membrane. We suggest that these represent a secretory mechanism of the host specifically induced by the parasite. FINE-STRUCTURAL studies of the host-parasite interface are a logical step toward understanding the interactions of obligate parasites with their hosts. Moore and McAlear (1961b) published the
Calcium acetate, an effective phosphorus binder in patients with renal failure

Calcium salts are increasingly used as phosphorus binders in patients with chronic renal failure. Calcium carbonate is the principal salt presently utilized, however, other calcium salts may be more effective and safer phosphorus binders. Theoretical calculations, in vitro experiments, and in vivo studies in normal subjects have shown calcium acetate to be a more effective phosphorus binder than other calcium salts. This salt has not previously been studied in patients with chronic renal failure. We used a one-meal gastrointestinal balance technique to measure phosphorus absorption, calcium absorption and phosphorus binding in six patients with chronic renal failure. Calcium acetate was compared with calcium carbonate and placebo. Equivalent doses (50 mEq Ca++) of calcium acetate bound more than twice as much phosphorus (106 +/- 23 mg) as calcium carbonate (43 +/- 39 mg) P less than 0.05. When phosphorus binding was factored for calcium absorption, calcium acetate bound 0.44 mEq HPO4 =/mEq absorbed Ca++ compared with 0.16 mEq HPO4 = bound/mEq Ca++ absorbed with calcium carbonate. More efficient phosphorus binding permits serum phosphorus concentration to be controlled with lower doses of calcium salts. The higher phosphorus binding/calcium absorption ratio coupled with a lower dose indicates that less calcium will be absorbed when calcium acetate is used for phosphorus control. Markedly positive calcium balance, hypercalcemia and ectopic calcification should be less likely to occur with this drug than other calcium salts.
Genetic manipulation of a latent defect in yeast cytochrome biosynthesis utilizing cytoduction.

Abstract The effects of a mit − mutation, oxi2 , and the ρ° mutation on expression of a defective nuclear structural gene for δ-aminolevulinic acid synthase ( cyd1 ) were compared. The technique of cytoduction was used to introduce oxi2 mitochondria into a cyd 1ρ° recipient cell, thereby permitting comparison of isonuclear strains. Like ρ°, the oxi2 mutation caused an apparent unmasking of the cytochrome deficiency associated with the cyd1 mutation, provided cells were grown on glucose. When cyd1 strains with ρ + , ρ° or oxi2 mitochondrial genotypes were grown on galactose medium, substantial cytochrome formation occurred in each case. It is concluded that the exacerbation of the cyd1 -dependent cytochrome deficiency by ρ° or oxi2 mutations depends upon glucose repression. However, derepression resulting from growth on galactose medium does not fully overcome the cyd1 defect, since both cyd 1ρ° oxi2 strains require added δ-aminolevulinic acid for maximum cytochrome biosynthesis.
Availability and extractability of soil manganese in a liming experiment.

Abstract The availability of soil Mn to corn in relation to extractability of soil Mn by EDTA, Mg(NO3)2, CH3COONH4, hydroquinone, H3PO4, and NH4H2PO4 as affected by liming was evaluated under field conditions on a single soil type. EDTA, Mg(NO3)2 and CH3COONH4‐extractable Mn were related inversely to available Mn. No useful relationships were found between hydroquinone, H3PO4, and NH4H2PO4‐extractable soil Mn and Mn uptake by sweet corn.
Interstitial collagen polymorphism in rat liver with CCl4-induced cirrhosis

The hepatotoxin, CCl4, was used to develop cirrhosis in rats in an attempt to compare fibrosis of this experimental disease with the alcoholic liver disease in humans. Several observations noted were as follows: (1) Collagen synthesis was increased by as much as 5-fold during the experimental period. Removal of the hepatotoxin led to a dramatic reduction of collagen synthesis within 2 weeks. The increased collagen synthesis was more marked after 21 and 80 days of CCl4 administration as compared with the rate after 200 days of administration. (2) Type III collagen from liver from rats with fibrosis was purified and eight CNBr-derived peptides characterized by molecular weight and amino acid composition. (3) After CNBr digestion of whole livers, quantitation of alpha 1(I)-CB8 and alpha 1-(III)-CB8 revealed that both type I and type III interstitial collagens, were increased by the same amount when measured in terms of either net synthesis or total collagen in the liver. At all stages, rat liver contained 35--40% type III collagen when compared with the total quantity of type I and type III interstitial collagens.
Effects of agricultural market policy on crop production in China

This paper investigates the effects of Chinese market policy on crop production in the reform process. After a brief review of the policy changes due to the reform, the theoretical significance of Chinese market policies for crop production is demonstrated diagrammatically. It is shown that under the current market system the production of main crops is significantly influenced by both market and quota prices. While relatively high quota reduces the influence of market prices on production, relative price changes between competing crops will lead to shifting farmers’ cultivation preferences if inputs are constant. Empirical analysis, based on cross-section data for the period 1985–1997 from the province of Zhejiang, confirms these hypotheses. The effects of policy variables, however, prove to be crop-specific. If the potential of crop production in China is to be better used, an even more market-oriented agricultural policy is required.
Managing Resistance: An Essential Consulting Skill for Learning Disabilities Teachers

Consultation has become an increasingly important part of the special education service delivery system for students with learning disabilities (LD). However, special education teachers implementing consultation programs with general education teachers should expect to encounter some resistance to their efforts. This article explores the characteristics of resistance and discusses various manifestations of resistance in consultative interventions. It offers teachers of students with LD strategies for managing specific types of resistance as well as a general plan for minimizing resistance. Suggestions for evaluating the impact of resistance management strategies are also included.
Parkinson disease and smoking revisited Ease of quitting is an early sign of the disease

Objective: To assess whether being able to quit smoking is an early marker of Parkinson disease (PD) onset rather than tobacco being “neuroprotective,” we analyzed information about ease of quitting and nicotine substitute use. Methods: For this case-control study, we identified 1,808 patients with PD diagnosed between 1996 and 2009 from Danish registries, matched 1,876 population controls on sex and year of birth, and collected lifestyle information. We estimated odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals with logistic regression adjusting for matching factors and confounders. Results: Fewer patients with PD than controls ever established a smoking habit. Among former smokers, those with greater difficulty quitting or using nicotine substitutes were less likely to develop PD, with the risk being lowest among those reporting “extremely difficult to quit” compared with “easy to quit.” Nicotine substitute usage was strongly associated with quitting difficulty and duration of smoking, i.e., most strongly among current smokers, followed by former smokers who had used nicotine substitutes, and less strongly among former smokers who never used substitutes. Conclusions: Our data support the notion that patients with PD are able to quit smoking more easily than controls. These findings are compatible with a decreased responsiveness to nicotine during the prodromal phase of PD. We propose that ease of smoking cessation is an aspect of premanifest PD similar to olfactory dysfunction, REM sleep disorders, or constipation and suggests that the apparent “neuroprotective” effect of smoking observed in epidemiologic studies is due to reverse causation.
Pharmacological inhibition of FGF receptor signaling inhibits LNCaP prostate tumor growth, promatrilysin, and PSA expression

Previously we have shown that the matrix metalloproteinase matrilysin (MMP-7) is overexpressed in human prostate cancers compared with normal epithelium. However, the mechanism for this overexpression is not understood. Human prostate fibroblasts have been shown to express certain fibroblast growth factors (FGFs), including FGF-1. Evidence from our laboratory and others has indicated that FGFs can regulate the expression of certain matrix metalloproteinases, including matrilysin. The goal of this study was to determine whether pharmacological inhibition of FGFR signaling would alter LNCaP tumor growth as well as expression of promatrilysin when LNCaP cells were co-injected subcutaneously with human prostate fibroblasts into athymic nude mice. For these inhibitor studies, AG1-X2 beads were coated with the pharmacological FGFR inhibitor SU5402 and were co-injected along with LNCaP and human prostate fibroblast cells (PF). Mice injected with LNCaP/PF and LNCaP/PF/beads alone demonstrated significant tumor growth, whereas mice injected with LNCaP/PF/SU5402-coated beads showed a significant decrease in tumor volume and weight. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that significant promatrilysin expression in tumors was inhibited by the FGFR inhibitor SU5402. Serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and promatrilysin levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The mice injected with LNCaP/PF and LNCaP/PF/beads expressed promatrilysin and serum PSA levels that were inhibited by co-injecting with SU5402. Therefore, pharmacological inhibition of FGF receptor signaling results in a decrease in the growth of LNCaP tumors generated subcutaneously by co-injecting LNCaP cells and human prostate fibroblasts. The inhibition in tumor growth was correlated with a decrease in tumor promatrilysin expression and a decrease in serum promatrilysin and PSA.
Use of cryostat sections for measurement of Ca2+ uptake by sarcoplasmic reticulum.

Abstract Calcium uptake of cardiac muscle and fast-twitch and slow-twitch skeletal muscle of rabbit was measured in 10-μm thin sections. Ca 2+ uptake showed K + , Mg 2+ , Ca 2+ , and oxalate dependence and required ATP. The contribution of mitochondria to the Ca 2+ uptake could be ruled out, since inclusion of ruthenium red or sodium azide in the medium did not show inhibition. The method, which avoids unphysiological fragmentation of the sarcoplasmic reticulum, has the added advantage of requiring only 0.1 to 0.3 g of muscle and permitting simultaneous histochemical studies from the same muscle block.
Remittances and income distribution.

The objective of this paper is to examine the affect of foreign remittances on the distribution of incomes in the home country. As noted recently by Stark, Taylor and Yitzhaki (1986), there are few works which deal with the distributional impact of revenues from abroad. This is probably due to the lack of adequate data, since the available data in most instances refer only to the overall magnitude of transfers (i.e. are considered almost exclusively from a balance of payments perspective). More empirical information on the distributional effects of workers' remittances is needed for the following reason. Existence of remittances can no longer be considered a transitory phenomenon. The importance of inter‐country migrations remains high and remittances continue to provide a substantial portion of foreign exchange resources for a number of countries. Their distributional effects cannot be ignored. Thus even if migration and the inflow of remittances associated with it do raise welfare in the source country when income distribution is implicitly assumed unchanged (see Djajic, 1986) the effects can be ambiguous once this assumption is relaxed. If remittances tend to lower overall income inequality their effect can be both positive in welfare terms and politically stabilising. The reverse, however, holds if they lead to an increase in income inequality.
Magmatic effects of the lunar late heavy bombardment

Abstract Large volumes of mare basalts are present on the surface of the moon, located preferentially in large impact basins. Mechanisms relating impact basins and mare basalt eruptions have previously been suggested: lunar impacts removed low-density material that may have inhibited eruption, and created cracks for fluid flow [Icarus 139 (1999) 246], and lunar basins have long been described as catchments for magma (e.g., [Rev. Geophys. Space Phys. 18 (1980) 107] and references therein). We present a new model for melt creation under near side lunar basins that is triggered by the impacts themselves. Magma can be produced in two stages. First, crater excavation depressurizes underlying material such that it may melt in-situ. Second, the cratered lithosphere rises isostatically, warping isotherms at the lithosphere–asthenosphere boundary which may initiate convection, in which adiabatic melting can occur. The first stage produces by far the largest volume of melt, but convective melting can continue for up to 350 Ma. We propose that giant impacts account for a large portion of the volume and longevity of mare basalt volcanism, as well as for several compositional groups, including high alumina, high titanium, KREEP-rich, and picritic magmas.
Universality aspects of the metal-nonmetal transition in condensed media

Our objective in this paper is to provide a simple, conceptual, framework for describing the metalnonmetal (MNM) transition in systems that can be viewed in terms of a lattice of impurity states embedded in a host matrix. From an extensive analysis of experimental data, we find that a particular (scaled) form of the Mott criterion, ${n}_{c}^{\frac{1}{3}}{a}_{H}^{*}=0.26\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.05$, is applicable over a range of approximately ${10}^{10}$ in critical densities (${n}_{c}$) and approximately 600 \AA{} in Bohr radii (${a}_{H}^{*}$). Here ${a}_{H}^{*}$ is defined as an appropriate radius associated with a realistic wave function for the localized state in the low-electron-density regime. The systems of interest range from tight-binding (Frenkel) metal-atom states in the rare-gas solids to shallow (Wannier-like) states in the group-IV $a$ semiconductors and indium antimonide. The possible origins of this apparent universality have been formulated from a consideration of Berggren's interpretation of the Hubbard model for the transition, as applied to condensed systems. In essence, it appears that the role of the host matrix in the phenomenon of MNM transition is important primarily in the sense that it determines the form of the radial distribution of the (localized) impurity state. We suggest that once these matrix-induced modifications to the (gas-phase) donor state are taken into account, the ensuing transition to the metallic state (at finite impurity concentrations) reduces to a one-electron problem in a suitably renormalized concentration grid.
Vapor pressures of osmium, rhodium, and ruthenium carbonyls

Vapor pressures of solid Os3(CO)12, Rh6(CO)16, and Ru3(CO)12 were determined by the gravimetric torsion effusion method. The vapor pressures of Os3(CO)12 ranged from 10−6 to 10−3 kPa at 349 to 396 K. There was virtually no decomposition of the Os3(CO)12, and the measured molecular weight was nearly the same as that of the actual value of 906.7 g/mol. The vaporization studies of Rh6(CO)16 showed that it decomposed to Rh metal between 325 and 365 K. The measured molecular weight of the effusing gas from the solid Rh6(CO)16 was 27.75 g/mol, close to that of carbon monoxide compared to the values expected in absence of decomposition of 1065.56 g/mol. The Ru3(CO)12 vaporization was complex as there was partial decomposition (approximately 52%) of the carbonyl to metallic Ru, as suggested by the difference in the molecular weight of the vaporizing species of 107.58 g/mol compared to the actual value of 639.33 g/mol. The total vapor pressures of these three carbonyls, the average molecular weights of the effusing gases, equilibrium constants for the vaporization reactions, their enthalpies, entropies, and Gibbs energies have been determined.
A randomized comparison of a 3-week and 6-week vascular surgery simulation course on junior surgical residents' performance of an end-to-side anastomosis

Objective We assessed the effect of an open vascular simulation course on the surgical skill of junior surgical residents in performing a vascular end-to-side anastomosis and determined the course length required for effectiveness. We hypothesized that a 6-week course would significantly increase the surgical skill of junior residents in performing an end-to-side anastomosis, while a 3-week course would not. Methods We randomized 37 junior residents (postgraduate year 1 to 3) to a course consisting of three (short course, n=18) or six (long course, n=19) consecutive weekly 1-hour teaching sessions. Content focused on instrument recognition and performance of an end-to-side vascular anastomosis using a simulation model. A standardized 50-point vascular skills assessment (SVSA) measured knowledge and technical proficiency. Senior residents (postgraduate year 4 to 5) were tested at baseline. Junior residents were tested at baseline and at 1 and 16 weeks after course completion, and their scores were compared with baseline and senior resident scores. Residents and faculty completed a standardized anonymous evaluation of the course. Results Baseline scores between short-course and long-course participants were not different. At baseline, junior residents had significantly lower SVSA scores than senior residents (36 ± 7 vs 41.4 ± 2.5; P = .002). One week after course completion, SVSA scores for short-course (43.5 ± 2.9 vs 34.2 ± 7.5; P = .008) and long-course (43.9 ± 5.6 vs 38.3 ± 5.9; P = .006) participants were significantly improved from baseline. SVSA scores decreased slightly at 16 weeks but remained above baseline in short-course (39 ± 6.2 vs 34.2 ± 7.5; P = .03) and long-course (40 ± 4.5 vs 38.3 ± 5.9; P = .08) participants. Long vs short course length didnot affect improvement in SVSA scores at 1 or 16 weeks. In short-course and long-course participants, SVSA scores at 1 and 16 weeks were not significantly different from senior resident scores. Course ratings were high, and 95% of residents indicated the course "made them a better surgeon." Residents and faculty felt the educational benefit of the course merited the investment of resources. Conclusions An open vascular simulation course consisting of three weekly 1-hour sessions increased the surgical skill of junior residents in performing a vascular end-to-side anastomosis to that of senior residents on a standardized assessment. A 6-week course provided no additional benefit. This study supports the use of an open vascular simulation course to teach vascular surgical skills to junior residents. A course consisting of three 1-hour sessions is an effective and efficient component of a simulation program for junior surgical residents in a busy surgical center.
The Generalized System of Preferences of the United States: Does it Promote Industrialization and Economic Growth of the Least Developed Countries?

The Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) - a system of differential and favorable trade arrangements toward less developed countries - has been around since the early 1970s. A primary objective of GSP schemes, sponsored by developed industrialized countries, especially by the United States and the European Union, has been to promote industrialization and economic growth in developing countries through trade rather than aid. The outcome of such programs have, however, been mixed. This paper identifies some of the underlying political and economic dynamics which led to abysmal failure of the US GSP schemes, especially in respect to the Least Developed Countries (LDCs). The paper suggests that GSP schemes would be more effective if they are brought under the binding WTO rules, the supply constraints of the LDCs are addressed more resourcefully, and developed countries grant more dependable market access to LDC exports.
SU‐GG‐J‐59: Variation of Target Position Determined by Gold Fiducial Markers for Radiotherapy of Pancreatic Cancers

Purpose: To determine daily positional variations of the target relative to skeleton during pancreatic IMRT. To assess the dosimetric impact of these variation to target and critical organ. Methods: Eight patients with pancreatic cancer underwent placement of at least 3 gold fiducials by endoscopic ultrasound guidance. Patients were immobilized using alpha‐cradle for gated CT simulation and gated IMRT. Gated CTimages were acquired with either prospective gating or retrospective gating (4D‐CT). IMRT was planned and treated at end of expiration. A gated on‐board kilovoltage (kv) image was acquired daily in the treatment position prior to IMRT. The gated kV image was registered with a DRR from the gated CT based on skeletal anatomy. The deviation in fiducial position in anterior‐posterior, superior‐inferior and left‐right directions were recorded. IMRT plans were calculated to estimate change of DVH when patient was shifted with mean daily deviation for each patient. Results: The mean (and range) daily (n=25 fractions) deviation for 8 patients between images based on skeletal fusion and fiducial location were 0.2 cm (0.1–1.0 cm), 0.5 cm (0.2–1.5 cm) and 0.4 cm (0.2–2.0 cm) in the anterior‐posterior, superior‐inferior and left‐right directions. The dose coverage at 95% target volume would decrease by 3.7% (median, ranged 1.5–6.2%; n=8) when patient daily position was not adjusted. The cord max dose would increase by 5.8% (median, range 0.1–26.6%, n=8) when patient daily position was adjusted. The cord dose would not change (median 0% range −1.2–5.1%, n=8) when patient daily position was adjusted only in the S‐I direction. Conclusions: The daily soft‐tissue set‐up variations of target in the treatment of pancreatic cancer were measured. An additional margin is needed around the target when IMRT is delivered using skeletal registration without fiducials. Without real‐time re‐optimization, position adjustment using daily image‐guidance might need compromise between tumor and critical organs.
Optical absorption and magnetotransport in quantum wires in a perpendicular magnetic field

Abstract A periodic array of δ function potentials are used to simulate the potential barriers between quantum wires in the presence or absence of lattice site dislocation. The exact eigenenergies and eigenfunctions are found by employing a numerical diagonalization procedure. Based on these results, a self-consistent field theory is derived for the mid-infrared absorption coefficient of the system. The crossover from a cyclotron mode to two tunneling coupled modes and finally to edge and 1D lattice magnetoplasmon modes with increasing modulation strength is investigated. The magnetic field enhanced and suppressed electron tunneling, associated with the evolution to cyclotron modes at strong magnetic fields passing through the formation of tunneling coupled modes, is observed. The edge mode excitation energy oscillates as a function of the electron density. These oscillations correspond to a soft or hard potential wall for which the electron states are extended or localized, respectively. The displacement of the 1D lattice magnetoplasmon modes under strong modulation is found to be periodic and corresponds to the evolution from a complex unit cell which is composed of one narrow and one wide quantum wire to a simple unit cell containing only one quantum wire. The magnetoresistivities and the associated conductivities are also calculated for the lateral surface superlattice. At strong potential modulation there is a giant peak in the Hall conductivity and many peaks in its resistivity in the quantum regime. With strong modulation, the suppression of the transverse conductivity along with oscillations in its resistivity are obtained.