cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Normative Bioethics in Hinduism

When the possibility of normative bioethics is assessed against the broader background of Hinduism, it becomes clear that normativity is not an obvious concept in this religion. Difficulties related to defining Hinduism make it equally hard to describe essential characteristics of Hindu bioethics. These problems are further compounded by the very limited number of publications on Hindu bioethics. Therefore, this study largely relies on empirical data to understand how Hindus develop normative arguments on bioethical issues. This investigation shows that Hindus apply religious concepts and ideas to bioethical issues through an approach that combines virtue ethics and deontological ethics. In the empirical data, karma appears as a guiding belief for arguments that are in line with virtue ethics, while belief in an almighty God motivates deontological arguments. Hindus themselves do not make a clear distinction between these two approaches, but rather combine them in an overarching argument. This Hindu way of dealing with bioethical issues can be understood through the philosophical concept saṃskāra. Through this approach, Hindu bioethics is able to integrate various perspectives and avoids the pitfalls of both ethical absolutism and relativism. This makes Hindu bioethics a very relevant example when scholars attempt to find ways to deal with normativity in global bioethics.
The Accuracy of Preoperative Axillary Ultrasound in the Diagnosis of Lymph Node Involvement at Motamed Cancer Institute, Iran

Background: Axillary lymph node (LN) status plays an important role in the local and systemic treatment of patients with breast cancer. Preoperative axillary ultrasound (AUS) is routinely used for the evaluation of axillary lymph nodes as a non-invasive method. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of axillary ultrasound in comparison with pathology in a referral breast center. Methods: During a cross-sectional study all patients with breast cancer presenting to the imaging department between September 2015 and August 2016 were evaluated for axillary lymph node status by ultrasound. After comparing these results with the pathology of LNs, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the ultrasound in the diagnosis of axillary lymph node involvement were measured. Results: Overall 140 patients were enrolled in the study. The mean age of patients was 48.87 (± 10.46) years with an age range between 25 - 81 years. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the ultrasound were reported as 56%, 88%, and 76%, respectively. The highest sensitivity rate was related to AUS + Physical examination (PE) with 70%. The best specificity was for AUS, about 88%, and the accuracy of AUS+PE was the highest about 80%. Conclusions: The sensitivity of the AUS in the diagnosis of axillary involvement in the Motamed Cancer Institute was moderate and the specificity was good. The combination of physical examination and ultrasound could improve the sensitivity in comparison to each one alone. If both are suspicious, axillary dissection could be considered when fine needle aspiration (FNA) or core needle biopsy (CNB) of the lymph node is not available.
The Nation-Building Process in Nineteenth-Century Spain

Romantic writers beginning with Washington Irving and Theophile Gautier, and the royalist volunteers who travelled to Spain from all over Europe during the Carlist wars, would complete this picture in the mid-nineteenth century. A number of factors thwarted the success of the nation-building process undertaken by liberal elites. Patriotism had taken to the stage at the beginning of the century linked to liberal revolution, and for several decades the idea of patria seemed to be in open conflict with the monarchy. During the second half of the nineteenth century traditional Catholic thinkers seemed to understand the importance of the new nationalist rhetoric and began to elaborate a patriotic canon opposed to the liberal version. The independence of the last colonial territories was only viewed as a personal loss by those intellectual and political elites who had worked so hard in the nation-building process: journalists, writers, politicians, lawyers, professionals.
Highly efficient eco-friendly X-ray scintillators based on an organic manganese halide.

Scintillation based X-ray detection has received great attention for its application in a wide range of areas from security to healthcare. Here, we report highly efficient X-ray scintillators with state-of-the-art performance based on an organic metal halide, ethylenebis-triphenylphosphonium manganese (II) bromide ((C38H34P2)MnBr4), which can be prepared using a facile solution growth method at room temperature to form inch sized single crystals. This zero-dimensional organic metal halide hybrid exhibits green emission peaked at 517 nm with a photoluminescence quantum efficiency of ~ 95%. Its X-ray scintillation properties are characterized with an excellent linear response to X-ray dose rate, a high light yield of ~ 80,000 photon MeV−1, and a low detection limit of 72.8 nGy s−1. X-ray imaging tests show that scintillators based on (C38H34P2)MnBr4 powders provide an excellent visualization tool for X-ray radiography, and high resolution flexible scintillators can be fabricated by blending (C38H34P2)MnBr4 powders with polydimethylsiloxane. Scintillation-based X-ray detection is promising for applications in various areas ranging from security to healthcare, and low-cost and eco-friendly scintillation materials would be beneficial. Here the authors report a facile solution growth of organic manganese halide for efficient X-ray scintillation.
Tavia Nyong’o. Afro-Fabulations: The Queer Drama of Black Life.

Afro-Fabulations: The Queer Drama of Black Life analyses heterogeneous Black performances in audio-visual media using the “disjunctive synthesis” of “black polytemporality.” It considers how Black ...
Free Access to a Broad Contraceptive Method Mix and Women's Contraceptive Choice: Evidence from Sub-Saharan Africa

Financial barriers may restrict women's ability to use their preferred contraceptive methods, especially long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC). Providing free access to a broad contraceptive method mix, including both LARC and short-acting reversible contraceptives (SARC), may increase contraceptive use, meet women's various fertility needs, and increase their agency in contraceptive decisions. Linking facility and individual data from eight countries in sub-Saharan Africa, we use a propensity score approach combined with machine learning techniques to examine how free access to a broad contraceptive method mix affects women's contraceptive choice. Free access to both LARC and SARC was associated with an increase of 3.2 percentage points (95 percent confidence interval: 0.006, 0.058) in the likelihood of contraceptive use, driven by greater use of SARC. Among contraceptive users, free access did not prompt women to switch to LARC and had no effect on contraceptive decision-making. The price effects were larger among older and more educated women, but free access was associated with lower contraceptive use among adolescents. While free access to contraceptives is associated with a modest increase in contraceptive use for some women, removing user fees alone does not address all barriers women face, especially for the most vulnerable groups of women.
Mass transport release of heavy metal oxyanions from solidified/stabilized co-disposed flue gas desulfurization brine and coal fly ash monoliths

The coal-fired power industry faces pressing needs to improve disposal practices for the generated flue gas desulfurization (FGD) wastewater and coal fly ash (CFA). Zero-liquid-discharge (ZLD) strategies are gaining significant interest and can be achieved by co-disposing the concentrated FGD wastewater brine with CFA and Portland cement in a solidification/stabilization (S/S) process-a novel strategy that manages two wastes simultaneously. In this study, the stability of such S/S solids produced by utilizing bituminous CFA was evaluated for the mass transport release of major components (Ca2+, Cl-, Mg2+, Na+, and SO42-) and heavy metal oxyanions (As, Cr, and Se) in long-term leaching tests. Particularly, the impact of FeSO4 (FS) addition to the S/S mixture for the purpose of enhancing heavy metal immobilization was assessed. Results showed that FS addition to the S/S process decreased the solid's cumulative release and flux at shorter leaching times for the major components Ca2+, Cl-, Mg2+, Na+, and SO42-, but this effect was diminished over time. However, FS addition significantly decreased release of oxyanions As, Cr, and Se throughout the prolonged leaching time, indicating that FS addition could increase the likelihood of successful long-term disposal of S/S solids of concentrated FGD brines containing these heavy metal oxyanions. Results of this study can help the power industry to further assess and optimize the co-disposal ZLD strategy to minimize environmental risks.
Positive and negative synergies between the CEO's and the corporate board's human and social capital: : A study of biotechnology firms

This paper contributes to the corporate governance literature by developing and testing theory regarding positive and negative synergies between the CEO's and the board's human and social capital. Using a sample of 360 biotechnology firms that went public between 1995 and 2010, we demonstrate that accumulated public company board experiences of the CEO and the board have positive synergistic effects on IPO performance whereas the current board appointments have negative effects. While scientific educational backgrounds have positive synergies, industry-specific experiences produce either positive or counterproductive effects depending on the age and profitability of the firm. Thus, our paper contributes to the corporate governance and human and social capital literatures by describing the costs and benefits of specific types and combinations of CEO and board capital
Practical Principle of Least Privilege for Secure Embedded Systems

Many embedded systems have evolved from simple bare-metal control systems to highly complex network-connected systems. These systems increasingly demand rich and feature-full operating-systems (OS) functionalities. Furthermore, the network connectedness offers attack vectors that require stronger security designs. To that end, this paper defines a prototypical RTOS API called Patina that provides services common in featurerich OSes (e.g., Linux) but absent in more trustworthy $\mu$ -kernel based systems. Examples of such services include communication channels, timers, event management, and synchronization. Two Patina implementations are presented, one on Composite and the other on seL4, each of which is designed based on the Principle of Least Privilege (PoLP) to increase system security. This paper describes how each of these $\mu$ -kernels affect the PoLP based design, as well as discusses security and performance tradeoffs in the two implementations. Results of comprehensive evaluations demonstrate that the performance of the PoLP based implementation of Patina offers comparable or superior performance to Linux, while offering heightened isolation.
A policy review of electric personal assistive mobility devices

Abstract This paper reviewed the existing policy implemented to operate Electric Personal Assistive Mobility Device (EPAMD) on roadways, walkways, or sidewalks. The study examined the transportation policy of EPAMD for about 30 countries in the world, 50 states, and the District of Columbia in the U.S.A. The review focused on rules, regulations, and legislative issues related to EPAMD from diverse sources, including government websites and journal articles. The paper identified the gap(s) in the current policies and recommended changes to integrate and safely operate EPAMDs in the transportation system. The outcomes of this research will help the transportation agencies and policymakers to propose and implement the necessary rules and legislation for EPAMDs to improve the operations and safety of all road users.
Statistical optics modeling of dark-field scattering in X-ray grating interferometers: Part 1. Theory

A grating-based Talbot-Lau X-ray interferometer provides three imaging modalities, namely attenuation, differential phase contrast, and dark field. Of these, dark-field imaging is uniquely capable of detecting and characterizing micron-scale fine structure in an object via small-angle scattering that reduces fringe visibility. Several empirical studies have been published showing the utility of this imaging modality for a wide range of applications. There also exists a more limited set of theoretical papers, based primarily on wave-optics formulations. In this two-part paper we present a comprehensive statistical optics model of the dark-field effect. In Part 1, we develop the theoretical underpinnings of the model with an emphasis on a scattering object comprising a random collection of microspheres, and in Part 2 [Opt. Express29, 40917 (2021)10.1364/OE.447798], we provide a variety of example simulation results.
STRUCTURAL STUDIES OF VINBLASTINE ALKALOIDS BY EXCITON COUPLED CIRCULAR DICHROISM

SCF-CI-dipole velocity MO calculations have shown that the bisignate circular dichroic curves of vinblastine/vincristine alkaloids at ca 210 and 220-230 nm are due to exciton coupling between the indoline and indole moieties. Furthermore, a combination of X-ray crystal structure data with MM2 local energy minimization provides a convenient means for estimation of the preferred solution conformation.
A Note on Monotone Iteration Method for Traveling Waves of Reaction-Diffusion Systems with Time Delay

For a monotone reaction-diffusion system with or without time delay, a standard approach to show the existence of a mono-stable traveling wave solution is the monotone iteration that requires the construction of a pair of upper and lower solution. In this note we will show that the monotone iteration approach can be improved by just constructing an upper solution. This improvement gives more freedom for the construction of an upper solution.
Isoquant‐Isocost Curves

This article describes isoquant and isocost curves and their use in the economic modeling of the firm. How these curves are designed, and the economic interpretation of each of these curves is presented. The article then examines their use in determining the optimal combination of inputs for a firm to choose in its production process. Keywords: inputs; costs; profit maximization; production substitutes
Characterization of Amylolytic Enzymes, Having Both α-1,4 and α-1,6 Hydrolytic Activity, from the Thermophilic Archaea Pyrococcus furiosus and Thermococcus litoralis

Extracellular pullulanases were purified from cell-free culture supernatants of the marine thermophilic archaea Thermococcus litoralis (optimal growth temperature, 90°C) and Pyrococcus furiosus (optimal growth temperature, 98°C). The molecular mass of the T. litoralis enzyme was estimated at 119,000 Da by electrophoresis, while the P. furiosus enzyme exhibited a molecular mass of 110,000 Da under the same conditions. Both enzymes tested positive for bound sugar by the periodic acid-Schiff technique and are therefore glycoproteins. The thermoactivity and thermostability of both enzymes were enhanced in the presence of 5 mM Ca2+, and under these conditions, enzyme activity could be measured at temperatures of up to 130 to 140°C. The addition of Ca2+ also affected substrate binding, as evidenced by a decrease in Km for both enzymes when assayed in the presence of this metal. Each of these enzymes was able to hydrolyze, in addition to the α-1,6 linkages in pullulan, α-1,4 linkages in amylose and soluble starch. Neither enzyme possessed activity against maltohexaose or other smaller α-1,4-linked oligosaccharides. The enzymes from T. litoralis and P. furiosus appear to represent highly thermostable amylopullulanases, versions of which have been isolated from less-thermophilic organisms. The identification of these enzymes further defines the saccharide-metabolizing systems possessed by these two organisms.
Basal Ganglia and the Regulation of Movement

The basal ganglia, composed of several groups of cells at the base of the cerebrum, plays an important role in the production of smoothly-linked behaviours. The means by which information is modulated in the basal ganglia by neurotransmitters and neuromodulators released in response to expected reward and to specific motor commands is a topic of active investigation. Keywords: basal ganglia; striatum; globus pallidus; dopamine
Correlation coefficients and sea-floor spreading an automated analysis of magnetic profiles

A computer correlation technique is described for comparing observed magnetic anomaly profiles to model profiles generated from a paleomagnetic time scale. A model is computed for a given spreading rate, divided into small segments, and each segment then compared to a corresponding unit of the data profile. Each model segment is systematically shifted and correlated with the data, and the resulting correlation functions are displayed in an ‘offset-age’ diagram. Interpretation of this diagram reveals possible histories involving faulting or changes of spreading rate that may be overlooked by the visual method, and quantitative estimates of the uncertainties in the spreading rates may be made.
The Southern Oscillation and El Niño

Publisher Summary This chapter examines the various aspects of the southern oscillation (SO) and El Nino. Over the tropical Pacific Ocean, the SO is associated with large year-to-year variations in the intensity of the trade winds and in rainfall patterns. The SO also has a signature that extends into the middle latitudes of each hemisphere during its winter season. Interannual sea-surface temperature variations in the tropical Pacific Ocean are primarily associated with a phenomenon known as El Nino. A typical El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) episode evolves in two stages. One stage involves principally the eastern tropical Pacific, and the other involves the central and western Pacific. The differences between individual ENSO events reflect the relative strengths, and on rare occasions the order of occurrence of the two stages. The eastward displacement in the tropical Pacific of the warm surface waters and the atmospheric convection affected the atmospheric circulation globally. The oceanic changes during ENSO are caused primarily by the weakening of the trade winds. The close relation between El Nino events and the seasonal cycle suggests that the phase of the initial perturbations that trigger instabilities cannot be random.
Altered brain response to verbal learning following sleep deprivation

The effects of sleep deprivation on the neural substrates of cognition are poorly understood. Here we used functional magnetic resonance imaging to measure the effects of 35 hours of sleep deprivation on cerebral activation during verbal learning in normal young volunteers. On the basis of a previous hypothesis1, we predicted that the prefrontal cortex (PFC) would be less responsive to cognitive demands following sleep deprivation. Contrary to our expectations, however, the PFC was more responsive after one night of sleep deprivation than after normal sleep. Increased subjective sleepiness in sleep-deprived subjects correlated significantly with activation of the PFC. The temporal lobe was activated after normal sleep but not after sleep deprivation; in contrast, the parietal lobes were not activated after normal sleep but were activated after sleep deprivation. Although sleep deprivation significantly impaired free recall compared with the rested state, better free recall in sleep-deprived subjects was associated with greater parietal lobe activation. These findings show that there are dynamic, compensatory changes in cerebral activation during verbal learning after sleep deprivation and implicate the PFC and parietal lobes in this compensation.
Coefficient of Friction Measurements of Fiberglass/Epoxy at Cryogenic Temperatures

Composite materials are widely used for insulation and structure in superconducting magnets. The design of appropriate superconducting windings requires a knowledge of the magnitudes of all sources of local heating that might drive the superconductor normal.
The soldiers project: a psychoanalytically-informed free clinic for military service members and their families.

The panel ‘The Soldiers Project: A Psychoanalytically‐informed Free Clinic for Military Service Members and their Families,’ chair: Kate Schechter (Chicago, USA) began with an introduction to the P...
Endothelial cell confluence regulates cyclooxygenase-2 and prostaglandin E2 production that modulate motility.

Endothelial cells line the vasculature and, after mechanical denudation during invasive procedures or cellular loss from natural causes, migrate to reestablish a confluent monolayer. We find confluent monolayers of human umbilical vein endothelial cells were quiescent and expressed low levels of cyclooxygenase-2, but expressed cyclooxygenase-2 at levels comparable with cytokine-stimulated cells when present in a subconfluent culture. Mechanically wounding endothelial cell monolayers stimulated rapid cyclooxygenase-2 expression that increased with the level of wounding. Cyclooxygenase-2 re-expression occurred throughout the culture, suggesting signaling from cells proximal to the wound to distal cells. Media from wounded monolayers stimulated cyclooxygenase-2 expression in confluent monolayers, which correlated with the level of wounding of the donor monolayer. Wounded monolayers and cells in subconfluent cultures secreted enhanced levels of prostaglandin (PG) E2 that depended on cyclooxygenase-2 activity, and PGE2 stimulated cyclooxygenase-2 expression in confluent endothelial cell monolayers. Cells from subconfluent monolayers migrated through filters more readily than those from confluent monolayers, and the cyclooxygenase-2-selective inhibitor NS-398 suppressed migration. Adding PGE2 to NS-398-treated cells augmented migration. Endothelial cells also migrated into mechanically denuded areas of confluent monolayers, and this too was suppressed by NS-398. We conclude that endothelial cells not in contact with neighboring cells express cyclooxygenase-2 that results in enhanced release of PGE2, and that this autocrine and paracrine loop enhances endothelial cell migration to cover denuded areas of the endothelium.
Disparate lympho‐erythroid donor to recipient chimaerism in a β°‐thalassaemia bone marrow transplant recipient with red cell indices indicative of apparent full engraftment

A 4-year-old girl with transfusion-dependent beta(0)-thalassaemia received an HLA-identical bone marrow transplant (BMT) from her beta(0)-thalassaemia trait sister. Prior to BMT, chromosomal analysis revealed the recipient to have 46,XX,9qh+, a polymorphic variant of the heterochromatin region of chromosome 9, which her donor did not have. Within 1 month post-BMT, 89% of nucleated bone marrow cells were of donor origin. One year later, donor engraftment had decreased to 44% and 34% in nucleated bone marrow cells and blood lymphocytes, respectively. By 2 years, donor lymphocyte engraftment fell to 5%, raising concern of possible graft rejection. To examine erythroid chimaerism, globin synthesis by individual erythroid progenitor cell derived colonies (BFU-E) was analysed. On days 1000 and 1130 post-BMT, 79% and 77% of colonies, respectively, synthesized beta-globin and therefore were of donor origin.
Home STI testing: The adolescent female’s opinion

Abstract Purpose To assess sexually active adolescent females' attitudes of home tests for sexually transmitted infections. Methods This study represents a follow-up to a study on adolescent attitudes toward different sampling methods for STI testing. In the initial study participants completed a pre-examination health survey, provided first void urine (FVU) and self-collected vaginal swab samples followed by a pelvic examination with STI screening by endocervical swabs. Participants' attitudes about the three collection techniques were assessed at the end of the visit. For the current study, this same group of ethnically diverse adolescents (13–20-years-old) was contacted by telephone 9 months after their initial clinic visit to re-assess their attitudes about the three specimen collection techniques and to evaluate their attitudes regarding the use of home STI testing. Friedman tests of mean ranks evaluated teens' rankings of STI sampling methods and multivariate regression analysis was used to identify predictors of home test preference. Results Home urine testing was the first choice for STI screening followed by the FVU, self-obtained vaginal swab and endocervical swab collected in a clinical setting. FVU was preferred to self-collected vaginal swabs ( p = .01). Adolescents who worried about having an STI were more likely to favor home urine testing (OR 5.5, p = .01). Only 22% would seek any STI screening if asymptomatic. Conclusions Because young women preferred home STI testing, this may be an additional option, as the foundation for such testing kits has progressed. Adolescent preferences may be heavily influenced by the pelvic examination experience. Because of the largely asymptomatic nature of CT infections, multiple screening options (clinical and home-based) need to be available to increase access to care.
Neuronal nitric oxide modulates morphine antinociceptive tolerance by enhancing constitutive activity of the μ-opioid receptor

Abstract NO is a key mediator of morphine antinociceptive tolerance. This work was conducted to evaluate the specific effects of NO on μ-opioid receptor activity. To investigate the effects of morphine- and l -arginine (the NO precursor)-induced increases in NO, five groups of rats were treated with saline, l -arginine (100-, 300-, or 500-mg/kg/h), or morphine 3-mg/kg/h for 8 h on Day 1; brain tissue was collected on Day 2. To evaluate the effects of additional increases in NO on morphine-induced alterations of the μ-opioid receptor, six groups of rats were treated with 8-h intravenous infusions for two consecutive days as per the following scheme (Day 1:Day 2): saline:saline (control); saline:morphine 3-mg/kg/h (tolerant); l -arginine 500-mg/kg/h:saline (NO control); l -arginine 100-mg/kg/h:morphine 3-mg/kg/h; l -arginine 300-mg/kg/h:morphine 3-mg/kg/h; and l -arginine 500-mg/kg/h:morphine 3-mg/kg/h (supertolerant). Brain tissue was collected at the end of Day 2. The time course of effects on morphine-induced receptor alterations due to increased NO also was evaluated. Brain tissue was analyzed for changes in radioligand (agonist and antagonist) binding and [ 35 S]GTPγS binding (agonist and antagonist). In the absence of agonist exposure, NO produced an alteration in the μ-opioid receptor that increased receptor activity. In the presence of agonist, NO increased constitutive activation of the μ-opioid receptor and reduced the ability of a selective μ-opioid agonist to activate the μ-opioid G-protein-coupled receptor; these molecular effects occurred in a time course consistent with the development of antinociceptive tolerance. This work establishes important NO-induced alterations in μ-opioid receptor functionality, which directly lead to the development of opioid antinociceptive tolerance.
Enhancement of the Ion-Transport Selectivity of Layered Polyelectrolyte Membranes through Cross-Linking and Hybridization

Layer-by-layer deposition of polyelectrolytes on porous supports is a convenient method for producing ultrathin membranes with moderate ion-transport selectivities. This study shows that the capping of poly(styrene sulfonate) (PSS)/poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH) membranes with a few layer pairs of poly(acrylic acid) (PAA)/PAH results in dramatic increases in anion-transport selectivity. Deposition of less than eight total layer pairs yields reliable Cl-/SO42- and Cl-/Fe(CN)63- selectivities up to 150 and 3000, respectively. Field-emission scanning electron microscope images show that the surface structure of PAA/PAH is altered by deposition on PSS/PAH, and we surmise that the PAA/PAH on these hybrid films is less strongly hydrated than the surface of pure PAA/PAH membranes. This would result in a higher surface charge density and more Donnan exclusion of multiply charged ions. Termination of membranes with PAH rather than PAA greatly reduces (in some cases reverses) Cl-/SO42- selectivities, demonstr...
NLEAP model simulation of climate and management effects on N leaching for corn grown on sandy soil

Abstract The Nitrate Leaching and Economic Analysis Package (NLEAP) model was used to evaluate effects of climate and N fertility on nitrate leaching from a 3-yr field experiment of continuous corn (Zea mays L.). Half of the plots were randomly chosen to be either nonirrigated or irrigated (based upon calculated potential evapotranspiration). Three replications of nitrogen (N) fertility (56, 112 and 224 kg ha−1) were used. Soil was a Hecla sandy loam to loamy sand (Pachic Udic Haploboroll). Soil and climate data were from the upper Midwest U.S.A. database for NLEAP. On-site data were used in the model when available. This study shows that NLEAP is capable of integrating data collected for nonirrigated and irrigated conditions on sandy soil for a wide range of N treatments and predicting the nitrate available for leaching (NAL). Precipitation distribution and amount were different in each year. Calculated NAL provided an excellent indicator of potential nitrate leaching hazard. NLEAP output showed that leaching of residual N on this sandy soil is very sensitive to early-spring precipitation. The NLEAP model provided valuable insights concerning effects of climate and N and irrigation management on N leaching. To obtain optimum yields while minimizing nitrate leaching, this study indicates the need to use soil and plant-tissue testing, post-emergence N-fertilizer application, and modem irrigation-scheduling technology. Also, use of the NLEAP model along with field-plot experiments provide additional important information concerning timing of N-leaching events relative to climate and an additional assessment of the effectiveness of fertilizer-N management decisions.
HEIGHT, GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT AND SUICIDE AND HOMICIDE

In 44 nations of the world, gross national product per capita was a stronger predictor of suicide and homicide rates than was the average height of the population.
Cavity quantum-electrodynamical response to a gravitational wave

What is the rate of information transfer from a gravitational wave (GW) transmitter to a receiver To this end we consider how electromagnetic modes in a cylindrical cavity respond to circularly polarized gravitational radiation. It is found that a GW changes the refractive index inside the cavity. In fact, the cavity interior becomes birefringent for electromagnetic modes circulating in opposite directions. A linearly polarized cavity mode is thus subjected to Faraday rotation by the GW. In addition, for a cavity mode circulating in the same sense as the GW, the refractive index becomes complex: the cavity interior exhibits antidamping, but only over a finite interval of the applied GW frequency. Inside this interval the cavity mode becomes unstable and its frequency locks onto one-half the GW frequency ( parametric excitation''). Outside this interval the cavity mode breaks the lock-in synchronization with the GW. Instead, the mode evolves in a stable fashion and, like a counterrotating mode, only suffers a frequency pulling away from its unperturbed value. The quantum-mechanical response of the cavity oscillator is expressed as a spinning top precessing around a fictitious magnetic field in a fictitious three-dimensional Lorentz space. In the absence of any impinging GW this magneticmore » field is timelike and straight up. In the presence of a GW this magnetic field gets changed. The vectorial change is directly related to the frequency and the maximum amplitude of the GW. The resultant magnetic field is tilted and timelike for stable evolution, but spacelike for unstable evolution. The set of observables of a simple harmonic oscillator (SHO) is decomposed into mutually exclusive and jointly exhaustive sets of spin-{ital j} objects. They make up the finite representations of the symmetry group of the three-dimensional Lorentz space arena for the cavity oscillator influenced by a GW.« less
Metal cluster ions: the bond energy of diatomic manganese(1+)

Production de Mn 2 + par ionisation dissociative de Mn 2 (CO) 10 sous impact electronique, et etude de l'energie de liaison de Mn 2 + a partir de la dissociation par collision avec des atomes Ar. Potentiel d'ionisation adiabatique de Mn 2
Assembly of Human Hemoglobin (Hb) β- and γ-Globin Chains Expressed in a Cell-free System with α-Globin Chains to Form Hb A and Hb F

Rates of in vitro synthesis of radiolabeled γ and β chains made in a cell-free transcription/translation system were similar, but expressed globin chains were unstable. The addition of unlabeled β or γ chains at the start of chain synthesis generated radiolabeled β4 or γ2 and γ4 chains, respectively. If unlabeled α-globin chains were added at the start of chain synthesis, then approximately equal amounts of radiolabeled αβ or αγ bands were generated. If unlabeled Hb A or Hb F was added to reactions containing radiolabeled αβ or αγ prior to electrophoresis, then radiolabeled Hb A or Hb F tetramers, respectively, were generated. If α chains were added after synthesis of radiolabeled γ chains made in the presence of unlabeled γ chains, then little radiolabeled αγ formed. In contrast, if α chains were added after synthesis of radiolabeled β chains made in the presence of unlabeled β chains, then radiolabeled α2β2 formed. These findings suggest that β and γ chains associate with α chains during or soon after translation. This would prevent the formation of unstable monomers as well as stable γ2 dimers and suggests that α chains may bind to nascent non-α chains, acting as folding catalysts to promote functional tetrameric hemoglobin formationin vivo.
Proteomic analysis of V-ATPase-rich cells harvested from the kidney and epididymis by fluorescence-activated cell sorting

Proton-transporting cells are located in several tissues where they acidify the extracellular environment. These cells express the vacuolar H+-ATPase (V-ATPase) B1 subunit (ATP6V1B1) in their plasm...
On abstract stochastic bilinear equations with white noise inputs

We study the response of a class of stochastic bilinear hyperbolic (oscillatory) systems to multiplicative noise inputs. We formulate them as bilinear abstract Cauchy problems in the framework of (finitely additive) white noise theory. We show that the solution can be expressed in terms of the integral of the noise, which enables us to study relevant stochastic properties of the solution.
Truncus arteriosus with single pulmonary artery: influence of pulmonary vascular obstructive disease on early and late operative results.

Nineteen patients with truncus arteriosus and single pulmonary artery had corrective operations at the Mayo Clinic from 1969 to 1983. At operation, their ages ranged from 4 months to 20 years (mean 8.1 years). The preoperative pulmonary resistance divided by 2 was used to predict the degree of pulmonary vascular obstructive disease at operation. The influence of elevated pulmonary resistance and the intraoperative postrepair ratio of pulmonary artery to left ventricular pressure on operative and late mortality were examined. The outcome of patients with single pulmonary artery was compared with the outcome of 148 patients with truncus arteriosus and two pulmonary arteries operated on during the same period. Patients with a single pulmonary artery had an operative mortality similar to that of patients with two pulmonary arteries (32 versus 28%, p > 0.05). Late mortality was, however, significantly greater (p 0.10). Truncus arteriosus with single pulmonary artery is associated with poor postoperative survival, and although elevated pulmonary resistances preoperatively did not predict outcome, elevated intraoperative postrepair pulmonary artery to left ventricular pressure ratios were associated with increased operative and late survival, suggesting a deleterious role of pulmonary hypertension.
Hepatitis B virus replication in human HepG2 cells mediated by hepatitis B virus recombinant baculovirus

A novel transient mechanism for studying hepatitis B virus (HBV) gene expression and replication using recombinant HBV baculovirus to deliver the HBV genome to HepG2 cells was generated. In HBV baculovirus infected HepG2 cells, HBV transcripts, and intracellular and secreted HBV antigens are produced; replication occurs as evidenced by the presence of high levels of intracellular replicative intermediates and protected HBV DNA in the medium. Density-gradient analysis of extracellular HBV DNA indicated that the DNA was contained predominantly in enveloped HBV virions. Covalently closed circular (CCC) DNA is present indicating that, in this system, HBV core particles are capable of delivering newly synthesized HBV genomes back into the nuclei of infected cells. HBV gene expression is driven exclusively from endogenous promoters. Levels of HBV gene expression and replication can be achieved in HBV baculovirus-infected HepG2 cells which far exceed levels found in HepG2 2.2.15 cells. HBV baculovirus infection of HepG2 cells lends itself readily to experimental manipulation as follows: 1) HBV expression can be initiated any time relative to seeding of HepG2 cells; 2) levels of HBV replication can be regulated over a wide range simply by changing the baculovirus multiplicity of infection; 3) HBV replication is readily detectable by one day post infection with HBV baculovirus and persists at least through day eleven post infection; and (4) the transient nature of the infection can be extended and/or enhanced by superinfecting the cultures. We conclude that infection of HepG2 cells by HBV recombinant baculovirus represents a simple to use and highly flexible system for studying the effects of antivirals and/or cytokines on HBV production and for understanding HBV replication and pathogenesis at the molecular level.
Spin Tunneling via Dislocations in Mn 12 Acetate Crystals

We show that dislocations should be the main source of spin tunneling in ${\mathrm{Mn}}_{12}$ crystals. Long range strains caused by dislocations produce broad distribution of relaxation times that has been seen in many experiments. When the external magnetic field is applied along the $c$ axis of the crystal, local rotations of the magnetic anisotropy axis due to dislocations result in the effective local transverse magnetic field that unfreezes odd tunneling resonances. Scaling law is derived that provides universal description of spin tunneling for all resonances.
Heart and heart-lung transplantation: An update

Heart and heart-lung transplantation have been established as effective treatments for a wide variety of end-stage cardiopulmonary diseases. Recent years have seen refinements in surgical techniques for cardiopulmonary replacement as well as the selection and postoperative care of thoracic transplant recipients. Despite substantial clinical progress, however, significant problems remain, particularly donor organ shortage, graft rejection, opportunistic infection, and limited organ preservation techniques. Basic and clinical research are currently addressing these problems. In this brief review, we provide an update of our experiences with heart and heart-lung transplantation in the West (particularly at Stanford University), an outline of the active issues in the field, and some thoughts about the development of thoracic transplantation in Asia.
A Perspective for Roffers, Cooper, and Sultanoff

Roffers, Cooper, and Sultanoff conclude that there is support for the use of skill-based training methods to increase counselor trainees' skill applications, but there is a great need to assess whether trainees' skills lead to positive client outcome. The author presents a perspective on the extensive evidence that already exists to support the connection between trainees' skills and positive client outcome.
Thermochemical modeling of the U1−yGdyO2±x phase

Abstract A thermodynamic model for the U1−yGdyO2±x phase was developed using the compound energy formalism (CEF) with a three sublattice approach and is an extension of the already successful CEF representation of the fluorite UO2±x phase. The Gibbs energies for the end-members created by the addition of Gd to the cation sublattice are estimated using the lattice stability of a fictive gadolinium oxide fluorite structure compound from density functional theory. The model interaction parameters are determined from reported oxygen potential–temperature–composition measurements. The calculated results are in good agreement with the experimental data and the trends are consistent. The CEF for the U1−yGdyO2±x solid solution can be combined with other representations of actinide and fission product containing fluorite UO2 phases to develop multi-component models within the CEF framework.
Metastasis-associated kinase modulates Wnt signaling to regulate brain patterning and morphogenesis

Wnt signaling is a major pathway regulating cell fate determination, cell proliferation and cell movements in vertebrate embryos. Distinct branches of this pathway activate β-catenin/TCF target genes and modulate morphogenetic movements in embryonic tissues by reorganizing the cytoskeleton. The selection of different molecular targets in the pathway is driven by multiple phosphorylation events. Here, we report that metastasis-associated kinase (MAK) is a novel regulator of Wnt signaling during morphogenetic movements, and eye and brain development in Xenopus embryos. Injected MAK RNA suppressed Wnt transcriptional reporters and activated Jun N-terminal kinase. Furthermore, MAK was recruited to the cell membrane by Frizzled 3, formed a complex with Dishevelled and phosphorylated Dsh in vitro. The regional brain markers Otx2, En2 and Gbx2 were affected in embryos with modulated MAK activity in a manner consistent with a role for MAK in midbrain-hindbrain boundary formation. Confirming the inhibitory role for this kinase in Wnt/β-catenin signaling, the midbrain patterning defects in embryos depleted of MAK were rescued by the simultaneous depletion ofβ -catenin. These findings indicate that MAK may function in different developmental processes as a switch between the canonical and non-canonical branches of Wnt signaling.
A phase II trial of weekly topotecan for patients with secondary platinum-resistant recurrent epithelial ovarian carcinoma following the failure of second-line therapy.

Abstract Objective. To determine the response rate, progression-free survival and toxicity associated with weekly topotecan administered to patients with platinum-sensitive recurrent epithelial ovarian (EOC) in the third-line setting. Methods. Patients with measurable platinum-sensitive EOC following failure of second-line chemotherapy were eligible for this phase II study. All patients were initially treated with cytoreductive surgery and platinum/paclitaxel-based chemotherapy. Continuous, weekly topotecan was administered at a starting dose of 4 mg/m 2 . Toxicity and efficacy were assessed at various time points after initiation of therapy. Results. Twenty nine patients were enrolled in this prospective study. Toxicity was acceptable with grade 1/2 nausea being the most commonly experienced side effect (52%). Nine patients (31%) had grade 3/4 leukopenia; however, only 3 patients had febrile neutropenia. Thirteen patients had a treatment delay and six required dose reductions. Twenty two patients were evaluable for efficacy. The overall response rate for weekly topotecan was 13.6% [95% CI; −0.7–27.9%] with 1 complete response, and 2 partial responses. Twelve patients (54.5%), including 2 with minor responses, had stable disease for a median duration of 18 weeks. Conclusions. Weekly topotecan at the current schedule in the third-line setting in patients with platinum-sensitive recurrent EOC has modest clinical activity. Toxicity associated with this regimen is acceptable but growth factor support, dose reductions, or schedule alterations may need to be considered in many of these patients.
Negative dromotropism of adenosine under beta-adrenergic stimulation with isoproterenol.

Abstract Adenosine depresses atrioventricular (AV) nodal function by binding to specific A 1 receptors which activate the acetylcholine, adenosine-regulated potassium current. In addition, adenosine can act to antagonize the effects of β-adrenergic stimulation on AV nodal function. To assess the negative dromotropic effects of adenosine under β-adrenergic stimulation, 15 patients were studied during clinical electrophysiologic study. During high right atrial pacing at a cycle length of 400 to 600 ms, adenosine was injected intravenously at an initial dose of 0.5 mg followed by a stepwise increment of 0.5 or 1.0 mg given at 5-minute intervals until a maximal dose of 12 mg was achieved or AV block developed. Intravenous isoproterenol (1 to 3 μg/min) was then infused to accelerate sinus rate by 20 to 30% during which intravenous injection of incremental doses of adenosine as described was repeated. The AV nodal conduction time (AH interval) was measured at each dose of adenosine. Dose-response curves of AV nodal conduction time (expressed as percent increase in AH interval) were studied during the control state and during isoproterenol infusion. The dose of adenosine required to produce AV nodal Wenckebach block, the increase in the AH interval by 50% (ED 50 ) and the maximal response (E max ) were 3.4 ± 0.9 mg, 1.8 ± 0.9 mg and 60 ± 4%, respectively, in the control state, and 3.7 ± 0.8 mg, 2.0 ± 0.7 mg and 56 ± 4%, respectively, during isoproterenol infusion. No significant changes in ED 50 , E max and the dose of adenosine yielding AV nodal Wenckebach block could be demonstrated between the control state and during isoproterenol infusion. Thus, the negative dromotropic effects of adenosine on AV nodal conduction remained unchanged with β-adrenergic stimulation. These findings suggest that adenosine may remain efficacious in terminating catecholamine-sensitive supraventricular tachycardia involving the AV node as part of the reentrant circuit.
In Vitro Transcriptional Activation by a Metabolic Intermediate: Activation by Leu3 Depends on α-Isopropylmalate

In the absence of the leucine biosynthetic precursor alpha-isopropylmalate (alpha-IPM), the yeast LEU3 protein (Leu3p) binds DNA and acts as a transcriptional repressor in an in vitro extract. Addition of alpha-IPM resulted in a dramatic increase in Leu3p-dependent transcription. The presence of alpha-IPM was also required for Leu3p to compete effectively with another transcriptional activator, GAL4/VP16, for limiting transcription factors. Therefore, the addition of alpha-IPM appears to convert a transcriptional repressor into an activator. This represents an example in eukaryotes of direct transcriptional regulation by a small effector molecule.