cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Michael Jackson, Brian Ford-Lloyd and Martin Parry (eds.): Plant genetic resources and climate change

‘‘The climate change that has been predicted is an enormous challenge for society worldwide’’. This sentence taken from the preface to the book ‘‘Plant genetic resources and climate change’’ by its editors discloses the rationale for this book. Thirty-four contributors in sixteen chapters report on solid experience and recent scientific advancement that might help devise strategies or develop sustainable systems able to mitigate the effects of the oncoming climate change on crop plants growth, and hence on food production. This book comes almost 25 years after a volume by the same authors with a similar title: Climatic change and plant genetic resources, edited by CABI in 1990, and which gathered contributions presented at the Second International Workshop on Plant Genetic Resources, held in Birmingham, UK, in April 1989. The 1990 book mostly dealt with the effects of the green house effect on domesticated plants. In the latest 25 years, though, knowledge on the oncoming climate change has dramatically increased, and the effects of the global climate change have become evident. A new picture of the present-day knowledge and perspectives was, therefore, necessary. Three chapters of the 2014 book deal with the impact of climate change on agriculture sensu lato. Chapter 1 describes the strong interplay between food security and plant genetic resources (PGRs) by exploring the different potential uses of PGRs in contributing to crop adaptation and to crop resilience to external inputs. This chapter also outlines possible scenarios for future rice breeding in relation to climate change. Chapter 3 deals with the complex picture of the drivers of climate change, and analyses the different models that make it possible to explain it. Which future will us experience is not well understood yet, so different possible scenarios are reported and reviewed. Chapter 4, after analysing several concurring impacts of climate change on different areas, including social ones, urges for a substantial reduction of greenhouse gases. It is now clear that, if not moderated, these emissions are projected to considerably increase the risk of hunger for large segments of the world population. Six chapters concern different aspects of plant genetic resources conservation and use. Chapter 2 reviews the present day knowledge on PGRs conservation and use. Many important developments have come forth in this science since the pioneering efforts of the ‘‘genetic resources movement’’, thanks to the introduction of molecular tools for the description and use of PGRs and as a consequence of devising novel approaches to their rational use. Important achievements facilitating access to PGRs derived directly D. Pignone (&) Institute of Bioscience and Bioresources, National Research Council, Bari, Italy e-mail: domenico.pignone@igv.cnr.it
Comments on the use of electrochemical impedance for evaluation of disbonding of organic films

The recent discussion [1, 2] of the use of electrochemical impedance for studying the corrosion protection of steel by organic coatings requires some additional comments. Common to the previous discussion is the assumption that the coating must disbond from the metallic substrate either at the base of a pore or about the base of a pore before a `break point' can be observed in the impedance spectrum. This assumption is, in general, theoretically incorrect as has recently been pointed out by Kendig et al. [3] who consider the case of an organic coating having no disbonding. Consider a coating that contains ionic impurities, for example at a level consistent with that observed by Ruggieri and Beck [4] for a polyurethane coating equilibrated with 0.1M NaCl. It would then exhibit an impedance shown in Fig. 1 where the coating resistance, Rpo, due to the ionic transport is in parallel with the coating capacitance, Cc, and in series with a double layer capacitance, C o d , formed by contact of the polymer with the metallic substrate. Estimates for Cc are based on typical polymer dielectric constants and coating dimensions, while estimates for C o d can be derived from Debye±Huckel theory knowing the ionic concentration in the coating [4] and coating dielectric constant. As shown previously, this analysis can predict the onset of breakpoint frequencies at relatively high frequencies without the necessary assumption of disbonding or the existence of pores exposing bare metal [3]. The issue of predicting coating disbonding from impedance analysis is very important and must be carefully considered. Unfortunately, some hasty assumptions have been made in the past which can be misleading. Recent work in this laboratory suggests that impedance alone is not the best predictor of longer term coating behaviour, but such predictions require supplemental evaluation of corrosioninduced disbonding in order to predict coating life [5].
Pleiadene systems—II : On the mechanism of acepleiadylene formation—a vinylogous elimination in the acenaphthene series

Abstract A vinylogous dehydration mechanism is suggested for the formation of acepleiadylene from 5,10-dihydroacepleiadene-5,10-diol. Support for this mechanism is found in the conversion of 5-(α-hydroxybenzyl)acenaphthene to 5-benzylacenaphthylene by p -toluenesulphonyl chloride in pyridine solution. A hydride transfer mechanism for this reaction is ruled out by the observation that 4-(α-hydroxybenzyl)acenaphthene is not converted to an acenaphthylene derivative under the same conditions. Detailed syntheses of a number of acenaphthene derivatives are described.
Optimal Data-Space Partitioning of Spatial Data for Parallel I/O

It is desirable to design partitioning methods that minimize the I/O time incurred during query execution in spatial databases. This paper explores optimal partitioning for two-dimensional data for a class of queries and develops multi-disk allocation techniques that maximize the degree of I/O parallelism obtained in each case. We show that hexagonal partitioning has optimal I/O performance for circular queries among all partitioning methods that use convex non-overlapping regions. An analysis and extension of this result to all possible partitioning techniques is also given. For rectangular queries, we show that hexagonal partitioning has overall better I/O performance for a general class of range queries, except for rectilinear queries, in which case rectangular grid partitioning is superior. By using current algorithms for rectangular grid partitioning, parallel storage and retrieval algorithms for hexagonal partitioning can be constructed. Some of these results carry over to circular partitioning of the data—which is an example of a non-convex region.
Semidefinite Relaxations, Multivariate Normal Distributions, and Order Statistics

Given the symmetric matrix \(Q = \left\{ {qij} \right\} \in {R^{n \times n}}\) and the constraint matrix \(A = \left\{ {{a_{ij}}} \right\} \in {R^{m \times n}}\), we consider the quadratic programming (QP) problem with linear and boolean constraints $$\begin{array}{l} Maximize q\left( x \right): = x'Qx\\ subject to \left| {\sum\limits_{j = 1}^n {{a_{ij}}{x_j}} } \right| = {b_i} = 1,...,m,\\ x_j^2 = 1,j = 1,...,n. \end{array}$$ (QP) Note that the constraint x j 2 =1 will force x j = 1 or x j = −1, making it a boolean variable.
Incumbent Responsiveness to Female Challengers

How do congressional incumbents respond to challengers, particularly female challengers? This article extends recent research on the effect of congressional challengers on legislative agenda setting by analyzing the symbolic effect of a female challenger on bill sponsorship and cosponsorship of women's issue legislation. The results indicate incumbents who ran against female challengers in the previous election are more likely to respond to that constituency through their legislative activities. However, in practice, there may be few significant policy effects, as incumbents challenged by female opponents are more likely to cosponsor, rather than sponsor, women's issue legislation. ?Como responden los miembros del Congreso a los candidatos y especialmente a las candidatas que les disputan su reeleccion? Este articulo amplia investigaciones recientes sobre el efecto de la presion electoral sobre distritos seguros en la definicion de la agenda. Lo hace analizando el efecto simbolico que produce la presion electoral de candidatas femeninas en distritos cuyo representante actual ha sido reelegido varias veces enfocandose en que tanto dicho representante patrocina o copatrocina proyectos de ley favorables a las mujeres. Los resultados indican que los representantes que contendieron contra mujeres en elecciones previas estan mas inclinados a responder al electorado femenino a traves de sus actividades legislativas. En la practica, sin embargo, puede haber pocos efectos politicos significativos, ya que los representantes estan mas inclinados a copatrocinar que a patrocinar leyes que favorecen a las mujeres.
Functional expression of TrpC1: a human homologue of the Drosophila Trp channel

TrpC1 appears to be a store-operated channel (SOC) when expressed in mammalian cells. In the present study, TrpC1 was expressed in Sf9 insect cells using the baculovirus expression system. Expression of TrpC1 caused an increase in basal cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) as a function of post-infection time. Basal Ba2+ influx, an index of plasmalemmal Ca2+ permeability, was also increased and was blocked by La3+. Although the thapsigargin-induced change in [Ca2+]i was greater in TrpC1-expressing cells than controls, Ba2+ influx was unaffected by thapsigargin. Whole-cell membrane currents recorded in TrpC1-expressing cells increased as a function of post-infection time and were (1) inwardly rectifying in symmetrical sodium gluconate solutions, (2) non-selective with respect to Na+, Ca2+ and Ba2+, and (3) blocked by La3+. Furthermore TrpC1 currents were unaffected by (1) thapsigargin, (2) dialysis of the cell with Ins(1,4,5)P3 or (3) dialysis of the cell with solutions containing high concentrations of the Ca2+ chelator, EGTA. These results suggest that TrpC1 forms non-selective cation channels that are constitutively active when expressed in Sf9 cells, but insensitive to depletion of the internal Ca2+ stores. Thus TrpC1 may be a subunit of a SOC which alone can form functional channels in Sf9 cells, but which requires additional subunits or cytoplasmic factors present in mammalian cells for expression of SOC activity.
Accounting For Agricultural Products: US Versus IFRS GAAP

Currently there is a mix of accounting guidance for agriculture producers in the US that is both GAAP including Accounting Statement Codification 905 and non-GAAP financial guidelines. Should the US adopt International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), this guidance would be replaced with International Accounting Standard (IAS) 41 – Agriculture. This study identifies systematic differences between the US and International accounting and reporting for agricultural assets and products. The study also finds that international and US agricultural accounting recognition and reporting guidance result in dissimilar reporting due to guidance interpretation. Valuation variances and definition differences including the requirement to change the agricultural asset recognition method from historical cost to fair value continue to be the basis of major reporting differences. Current US guidance on recognizing and reporting agricultural assets is more conservative than the international guidance. Overall, the US agricultural recognition and reporting guidance contains less information and is therefore less beneficial to financial statement users.
The ideal fetal head circumference calculation.

Various formulas have been employed to compute the circumference of an ellipse. These formulas can be separated into three groups: formulas for a circle, formulas for an incorrect ellipse, and a very complicated formula for a correct ellipse. The errors caused by the first two groups are termed systematic because they occur every time that one of these formulas is used. When measuring fetal head circumference, the errors increase as the fetal head is more ellipsoid, becoming more than 1% when the ratio of the biparietal to fronto-occipital diameter decreases to less than .70. Near term, when the fetal head is large, this could create an error in predicting gestational age of almost .8 weeks. The third group is associated with mathematical random errors because of the difficulty in using a cumbersome equation. All of these formulas and their shortcomings are analyzed. A calculation for the correct circumference of an ellipse is proposed using the simple formula for a circle times a correction factor. The correction factor depends solely on the ratio of the biparietal to fronto-occipital diameter. This formula should minimize random errors and eliminate systematic errors in the calculation of fetal head circumference and will permit a more accurate analysis of fetal age.
Comparison of human alkaline phosphatase isoenzymes. Structural evidence for three protein classes

The structural relationships among human alkaline phosphatase isoenzymes from placenta, bone, kidney, liver and intestine were investigated by using three criteria. 1. Immunochemical characterization by using monospecific antisera prepared against either the placental isoenzyme or the liver isoenzyme distinguishes two antigenic groups: bone, kidney and liver isoenzymes cross-react with anti-(liver isoenzyme) serum, and the intestinal and placental isoenzymes cross-react with the anti-(placental isoenzyme) antiserum. 2. High-resolution two-dimensional electrophoresis of the 32P-labelled denatured subunits of each enzyme distinguishes three groups of alkaline phosphatase: (a) the liver, bone and kidney isoenzymes, each with a unique isoelectric point in the native form, can be converted into a single form by treatment with neuraminidase; (b) the placental isoenzyme, whose position also shifts after removal of sialic acid; and (c) the intestinal isoenzyme, which is distinct from all other phosphatases and is unaffected by neuraminidase digestion. 3. Finally, we compare the primary structure of each enzyme by partial proteolytic-peptide ‘mapping’ in dodecyl sulphate/polyacrylamide gels. These results confirm the primary structural identity of liver and kidney isoenzymes and the non-identity of the placental and intestinal forms. These data provide direct experimental support for the existence of at least three alkaline phosphatase genes.
Epigenetic regulation of Ifng expression

Intensive characterization of the locus encoding interferon-γ provides new insight into how proper gene expression is achieved in polarizing T cells.NOTE: In the version of this News & Views initially published, the figure credit is missing. This figure should be credited to Ann Thomson. The error has been corrected in the HTML and PDF versions of the article.
A technique for producing a double-entry expectancy nomograph from observed proportions without distributional assumptions

A procedure for smoothing the proportions of a double-entry expectancy table is described. The product of the procedure is a nomograph from which can be read expectancies from combinations of values of two predictor variables. The nomograph might be used in admissions advising or in establishing standards for the admission of freshman students. The procedure is used to construct nomographs for predicting proportions of freshman-year grade point averages greater than or equal to 2.0 and for proportions greater than or equal to 3.0 from high school class percentile ranks and ACT composite scores for a sample of first-time freshmen. Effects of sample size and of the minimum size of groups of students used in estimating nomograph curves on the stability of the curves are examined. Suggestions for additional work on deriving expectancy nomographs are given.
Some conditions for 1-transitivity

Abstract Every 1-transitive finite or infinite graph is clearly both vertex-transitive and edge-transitive. The converse being false, this paper considers various sufficient conditions for a vertex-transitive, edge-transitive graph to be 1-transitive. Following a survey of known results, a new sufficient condition is presented for infinite, 3-connected, planar graphs, and a conjecture is proposed for infinite planar graphs of connectivity 2. Finally, a new infinite family of infinite graphs is constructed that are vertex-transitive and edge-transitive but not 1-transitive.
When it's time to stop writing policies: an inquiry into procedural injustice

Abstract The experience of injustice is hurtful to individuals and harmful to organizations. Few benefit from unfairness, though many are harmed. In the face of these problems, well-meaning organizations often attempt to reduce injustice by preparing written guidelines and formal procedures. Quite often, this is an effective strategy. Using formal procedures to make decisions can engender fairness, and therefore be of service to both employees and employers. Despite this, it is possible to be overzealous in the pursuit of policy. We explore this possibility in three parts. First, we discuss a variety of problems that may result from overly elaborate policies. Second, we investigate why organizations write costly procedures. We argue that process growth is an autocatalytic reaction in which existing procedures impel the creation of additional ones. Third, we consider some strategies for freeing organizations from the trap of legalistic procedures.
Growth impact of O3, NO2 and/or SO2 on Platanus occidentalis

Seedlings of two half-sib families of American sycamore were exposed to 0.05 ppm O3, 0.10 ppm NO2, and/or 0.14 ppm SO2 for 6 h/day for 28 consecutive days. The treatments were O3, NO2, SO2 (each used alone), O3 + SO2, O3 +NO2, and O3 + NO2 SO2. Significant growth suppressions were noted for both families when exposed to O3 + SO2 or O3 + SO2 + NO2. The O3 + SO2 treatment had a more significant effect than O3 alone, and adding NO2 to the O3 + SO2 treatment further suppressed height growth significantly. A 45% and 34% growth suppression was observed for the two families (16-Syc-19 and 16-Syc-23), respectively, in response to the three pollutants in combination. The height growth of both families was significantly suppressed by O3 alone in some cases. Both families exhibited significant height growth recovery 2 weeks after removal of the pollutant stress. Pollution-induced foliar injury was never evident on the seedlings.
What does the clinician want to know from the toxicologist

The integration of the toxicological evaluation of a new drug with its pharmokinetics and pharmacological profiling within and across species will provide more robust information to guide the clinician when taking a drug into humans for the first time. Furthermore, understanding the mechanism of toxicity may allow prediction of the event in humans.
Computer aided classification of cell nuclei in the gastrointestinal tract by volume and principal axis

Normal function of the gastrointestinal tract involves the coordinated activity of several cell types Human disorders of motor function of the gastrointestinal tract are often associated with changes in the number of these cells. For example, in diabetic patients, abnormalities in gastrointestinal transit are associated with changes in nerves and interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC), two key cells that generate and regulate motility. ICC are cells of mesenchymal origin that function as pacemakers and amplify neuronal signals in the gastrointestinal tract. Quantifying the changes in number of specific cell types in tissues from patients with motility disorders is challenging and requires immunolabeling for specific antigens. The shape of nuclei differs between the cell types in the wall of the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore the objective of this study was to determine whether cell nuclei can be classified by analyzing the 3D morphology of the nuclei. Furthermore, the orientation of the long axis of nuclei changes within and between the muscle layers. These features can be used to classify and differentially label the nuclei in confocal volume images of the tissue by computing the principal axis of the coordinates of the set of voxels forming each nucleus and thereby to identify cells by their nuclear morphology. Using this approach, we were able to separate and quantify nuclei in the smooth muscle layers of the tissue. Therefore we conclude that computer-aided classification of cell nuclei can be used to identify changes in the cell types expressed in gastrointestinal smooth muscle.
ION PROPULSION SYSTEMS FOR SPACECRAFT

Performance characteristics and power requirements of existing electron-bombardment thrustors are presented in a form useful to electric-prop ulsion-system analysis and design. This information is based on experimental operation of laboratory thrustor modules of from 5-50 cm in diam and module and array power levels of up to 30 kw. Static and dynamic controls characteristics of electron-bombardment thrustors are summarized. From these data, it is evident that no serious problems should arise in control-syste m design. A thrustor circuit design is described which suppresses electric breakdowns to a magnitude sufficiently small to eliminate damaging interaction between the thrustor and the power-con version system. This circuit design is based on data obtained in operation of single thrustor modules and large thrustor arrays. It is shown that power-con version and thrustor weights and performance penalties could reduce the payload of a 500-kw, 28,500-lb Mars-orbiter vehicle by 5000 to 9000 Ib.
Turning points and commitment in post‐divorce relationships

The purpose of this study was to illuminate the post‐divorce experience through identifying turning points, reported commitment level, and patterns characteristic of post‐divorce relationships. Eleven turning points were identified and mean change in commitment level was assessed via the Retrospective Interview Technique (RIT), which requires participants to plot their relational stories on a graph. Upon visual examination, five patterns of post‐divorce relationships emerged from a holistic assessment and categorization of all RIT graphs. Implications for the application of turning points to the study of post‐divorce relationships are discussed, and research directions identified.
INTERLEUKIN - 1 RECEPTOR ANTAGONIST AND SOLUBLE TNFα RECEPTOR LEVELS IN URINE OF BREAST AND FORMULA - FED INFANTS. 469

INTERLEUKIN - 1 RECEPTOR ANTAGONIST AND SOLUBLE TNFα RECEPTOR LEVELS IN URINE OF BREAST AND FORMULA - FED INFANTS. 469
Fundamental Issues in the Simulation of Human Behavior: A Case in the Strategy of Behavioral Science

Every scientific study has its own unique case history. Unfortunately, most scientific papers present a greatly distorted and static image of the true history and sociology of a research project. This paper represents an attempt to report on selected aspects of the actual growth and development of a simulation project, especially as that process affected the development of a novel method for validating simulation models. The paper also represents a philosophical analysis of the concept of simulation, especially as that analysis formed an integral part of the study's development. One of the paper's main theses is that the teleology or purpose behind the construction of a simulation model is an ever present task-master guiding and influencing all the phases of a model's construction and validation. A general thesis is that a researcher's philosophy of science is as characteristic of him i.e., his psychology as it is of the phenomena he typically studies. The implications of these theses are illustrated in terms of the simulation of the engineering design behavior of a practicing mechanical engineer.
New theory of transport due to like-particle collisions

Cross-magnetic-field transport due to like-particle collisions is discussed for the parameter regime lambda sub D much greater than r sub L, where lambda sub D is the Debye length and r sub L is the characteristic Larmor radius of the colliding particles. A new theory based on collisionally produced E x B drifts predicts a particle flux which exceeds the flux predicted previously, by the factor (lambda sub D/r sub L)-squared much greater than 1.
Competitor and vendor influence on the adoption of innovative applications in electronic commerce

Abstract The rapid growth of the Internet over the past 5 years has greatly increased interest in its potential use of the Internet for electronic commerce (EC), particularly as a vehicle for transactions between customers and suppliers. Today, Internet-based EC applications are in their infancy and investments in innovative information technology (IT) applications are risky and expensive. The managerial decision, to adopt these EC applications early or wait for the technology to become more established, is not trivial. Early adoption poses significant demand and technological risks, but the rewards could be great. We report on an empirical investigation of the influences on the adoption decision for one of the earliest EC applications, the automated teller machine (ATM) system, to determine whether marketing efforts by hardware and software vendors, imitation of competitors or a mixture of influences affected these decisions among bank managers. We develop a time series of cumulative ATM adoption estimates for 1971–1992 and use these data to fit three models from the diffusion of innovation literature, the external, internal and mixed influence models. The results suggest that imitation and communication among industry competitors was most important, but marketing efforts by the technology vendors were also important in the first few years after the introduction of the technology.
A web-based tool for visualization and collaborative annotation of physiological databases

In this paper we present a novel Web-based service, available through Physionet (www.physionet.org) that utilizes a Java applet front-end for visualization and integrates seamlessly with WFDB-based back-end CGI scripts to facilitate simple point-and-click user interaction and data annotation. The service allows users to peruse visually all ECG databases available on Physionet through a Web browser. The Web tool displays waveforms and accompanying derived time series and histograms for information such as heart rate, QT-interval and ST-segment deviation. By virtue of its Web interface and centralized storage of annotations, this service for database visualization and annotation promotes worldwide collaboration for the development of more robust databases in far less time than with conventional, manual practices
Preparing Secondary Subject Area Teachers to Teach Linguistically and Culturally Diverse Students.

(2004). Preparing Secondary Subject Area: Teachers to Teach Linguistically and Culturally Diverse Students. The Clearing House: A Journal of Educational Strategies, Issues and Ideas: Vol. 77, No. 5, pp. 202-208.
Weyl's spectral asymptotics formula for nonelliptic operators of the Dirichlet problem

One considers the asymptotic behavior of the spectrum of the Dirichlet problem for a class of operators with constant coefficients, including in it the hypoelliptic operators. For this class one obtains the classical Weyl formula of spectral asymptotics. The “residual” of the distribution function of the spectrum is estimated in terms of the measure of the interior boundary layer of the level surface of the operator symbol. These results can be carried over also to the vectorial case. One considers separately the class of operators whose quadratic form corresponds to the differential norm of the Sobolev type. For the indicated class one describes all possible elementary generalizations of the Weyl formula
The shuttle-box behaviour of albino rats during prolonged exposure to moderate-level radiation.

Experiments on rats indicate that perceptual mechanisms may take a minor but real role in the behavioral response to low-level radiation. This perceptual response was observed to be stronger in male than in female rats. (C.H.)
Hallucinations and sleep disorders in PD Six-year prospective longitudinal study

Objective: To assess prospectively progression and relationship of hallucinations and sleep disorders over a 10-year longitudinal study of patients with Parkinson disease (PD). Methods: Eighty-nine patients with PD were recruited to fill cells of normal sleep without hallucinations (n = 20), sleep fragmentation only (n = 20), vivid dreams/nightmares (n = 20), hallucinations with insight (n = 20), and hallucinations without insight (n = 9). At baseline, 0.5, 1.5, 4, 6, and 10 years, sleep disorders and hallucinations were assessed by standardized scales with the longitudinal data analyzed by generalized estimating equations with assumptions of linearity in time. Results: At 10 years, we could account for all subjects (27 interviewed, 61 deceased, and 1 too ill for interview). Hallucination prevalence and severity increased over time ( p p = 0.0001). Acting out dreams also increased over time ( p = 0.001). In contrast, presence of vivid dreams/nightmares or sleep fragmentation did not increase over time. For all visits, the prevalence of sleep fragmentation did not differ between subjects with vs without hallucinations (odds ratio [OR] = 1.50, p = 0.09). However, severe sleep fragmentation was associated with concurrent hallucinations (OR 2.01, p = 0.006). The presence of hallucinations was also highly associated with concurrent vivid dreams/nightmares (OR = 2.60, p p = 0.0004). Among the baseline nonhallucinators, no sleep abnormalities at study entry predicted future development of hallucinations. Conclusions: Hallucinations and sleep abnormalities follow very different patterns of progression in PD over 10 years. Whereas patients with hallucinations often have concurrent sleep aberrations, no sleep problem is predictive of future hallucinations.
Genetic Analyses of Conserved Residues in the Carboxyl-Terminal Domain of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Integrase

Results of in vitro assays identified residues in the C-terminal domain (CTD) of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) integrase (IN) important for IN-IN and IN-DNA interactions, but the potential roles of these residues in virus replication were mostly unknown. Sixteen CTD residues were targeted here, generating 24 mutant viruses. Replication-defective mutants were typed as class I (blocked at integration) or class II (additional reverse transcription and/or assembly defects). Most defective viruses (15 of 17) displayed reverse transcription defects. In contrast, replication-defective HIV-1(E246K) synthesized near-normal cDNA levels but processing of Pr55(gag) was largely inhibited in virus-producing cells. Because single-round HIV-1(E246K.Luc(R-)) transduced cells at approximately 8% of the wild-type level, we concluded that the late-stage processing defect contributed significantly to the overall replication defect of HIV-1(E246K). Results of complementation assays revealed that the CTD could function in trans to the catalytic core domain (CCD) in in vitro assays, and we since determined that certain class I and class II mutants defined a novel genetic complementation group that functioned in cells independently of IN domain boundaries. Seven of eight novel Vpr-IN mutant proteins efficiently trans-complemented class I active-site mutant virus, demonstrating catalytically active CTD mutant proteins during infection. Because most of these mutants inefficiently complemented a class II CCD mutant virus, the majority of CTD mutants were likely more defective for interactions with cellular and/or viral components that affected reverse transcription and/or preintegration trafficking than the catalytic activity of the IN enzyme.
Atmospheric chemistry: are plant emissions green?

Hydrocarbon emissions from living vegetation are thought to be harmful to the atmosphere. But the latest study suggests that the negative impact of these emissions in pristine environments is less than expected.
The Eternal Path to Communism: From Marx via Lenin and Stalin to Solzhenitsyn and Gorbachev

It is shown that the destination of communists can never be reached. The goal of the perfect society is one which lies beyond the powers of human nature. The analytical teachings of Marxism were accepted by Lenin who devoted himself to the implementation of them in a Russian setting and thereby creating a socialist society. The Party was the dictatorship of the proletariat and not averse to the use of force. Stalin sought to create the centrally planned economy with a mailed fist and became a self‐appointed dictator at the same time as he paid lip service to the Marxist‐Leninist ideology. Solzhenitsyn decries the evils of the USSR and attributes them to the evils of the Marxist‐Leninist ideology. Gorbachev, alive to the shortcomings of the socialist society and the dangers of a nuclear war has, unlike his predecessors, assumed the role of diplomat and peacemaker. Communism is still bent on world domination.
Current surgical management of ulcerative colitis

Inflammatory bowel disease is divided into 2 major disease entities: Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Ulcerative colitis is characterized by contiguous inflammation of the colorectal mucosa, always beginning in and involving the rectum and progressing for variable distances proximally within the colon. In ulcerative colitis, medical therapy, which is not curative, is directed at controlling symptoms and reducing the underlying inflammatory process. However, emergent or elective removal of the colon and rectum does cure the disease and also eliminates the possibility of developing a malignancy. Here we present the current surgical treatment of ulcerative colitis and issues in the management of ulcerative colitis. We discuss indications for surgical treatment, elective and emergent operative management, early and late complications of surgery, and functional results.
Temporal integration of pungency

Four experiments explored possible temporal summation in olfaction and the common chemical sense. In one experiment, participants judged the perceived magnitude of various concentrations and durations (1.25 - 3.75 s) of the pungent odorant ammonia and the nonpungent odorant isoamyl butyrate. The perceived magnitude of ammonia increased during an inhalation whereas the magnitude of isoamyl butyrate did not. Time-intensity trading relations for ammonia indicated nearly perfect temporal summation. In another experiment, modulation of the concentration of ammonia during an inhalation led to assessments of perceived magnitude that confirmed the high degree of temporal summation seen in the first experiment. That is, approximately equal time-integrated mass of inhaled ammonia led to approximately equal perceived intensity. A third experiment indicated that temporal summation for ammonia arose from its pungency rather than from its odor, a fourth that trigeminally-mediated reflex apnea in response to ammonia also exhibits temporal summation. The degree of temporal summation measured with the reflex came very close to that assessed psychophysically. When stimulated with ammonia, the common chemical sense behaves more like a total mass detector than a concentration detector. The investigation raises the possibility that the short-term sensory reaction to most pungent stimuli may follow this simple rule.
Elastic field for eccentrically loaded rigid plate on multilayered solids

This paper presents an analytical investigation of the contact problem of a multilayered elastic solid subjected to the eccentric indentation of a rigid circular plate in the framework of classical elasticity. The total number of the dissimilar layers is an arbitrary integer n. These elastic layers can rest either on a dissimilar elastic halfspace or on a rigid rock base. The rigid circular plate is in smooth contact with the multilayered elastic solid. The classical theory of Fourier integral transforms is employed to solve the partial differential equations governing the behaviour of the multilayered elastic solid subjected to surface loading. Systems of standard Fredholm integral equations of the second-kind are then developed to govern the interaction between the rigid plate and the multilayered elastic solid. Explicit solution expression is further presented for the elastic field in the multilayered solid due to the eccentric indentation of the rigid plate. Closed-form results are respectively obtained for the singular stress field at the rigid plate edge in the multilayered elastic solid and for the elastic field in a homogeneous elastic halfspace induced by the eccentric indentation of the rigid plate. In particular, an asymptotic technique is utilized to overcome the difficulty associated with the convergence and singularity of the solution near or at the surface of the multilayered solid. Numerical results are presented to verify the techniques adopted in the paper and to illustrate the effect of layering material non-homogeneity on the elastic field induced by the eccentrically loaded rigid plate. The solution can be applied to the interpretation of non-destructive testing of layered materials such as highway and airport pavements.
Neural cell fate analysis in zebrafish using olig2 BAC transgenics

We describe here simple methods for producing transgenic zebrafish reporter lines using BAC clones. The use of BAC clones facilitates creation of useful transgenics as the large amounts of genomic DNA they contain increase the likelihood that reporter gene expression will be properly regulated. Combined with recent advances in live embryo image analysis, this strategy has the potential to greatly advance the investigation of neural cell behavior during development.
Response of high resolution drift tubes to relativistic heavy ions

Abstract We report the results of various tests undertaken in a program to develop a drift tube hodoscope for a cosmic ray balloon experiment intended to search for extragalactic antimatter. Included are studies of mechanical integrity, electron drift velocity, tube gain, space charge saturation effects as measured for relativistic iron nuclei, and delta ray backgrounds associated with signals from iron projectiles. Implications of the results of these studies with regard to the use of drift tubes on baloon borne experiments are discussed. It is found that a spatial resolution of σ ∼ 300 μ m can be achieved over a dynamic range from Z = 20 to 30 with little degradation from delta ray effects for suitably chosen tube gains and discriminator threshold settings.
FUEL ETHANOL PRODUCTION FROM AGRICULTURAL L1GNOCELLULOSIC FEEDSTOCKS - A REVIEW

ABSTRACT Over the past three decades significant efforts have been made towards the conservation of fossil-based fuels and the exploration and exploitation of new renewable sources. The focus primarily has been on the outlook for alternatives to the petroleum products. In this spectrum alcohol manufacture from biomass has attracted a large attention all over the world which could be used as an alternative source to petrol or in blends with petrol The National Research Council (NRC) has substantially emphasized on the reduction of CO2 emissions and the other so-called green house gases. The NRC committee also recommends better evaluations of the processes for converting the biomass / lignocellulosic wastes to ethanol that will lessen the U.S. dependence on foreign oil. Among the factors behind the move to bio-based materials are the environmental concerns, the availability of abundant, renewable agricultural and forest resources that are both inexpensive and under-utilized.
Risk factors for developing brain herniation during diabetic ketoacidosis

The charts were reviewed of children admitted in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) to one hospital within 12 years. The frequency of brain herniation after admission was nine of 153 children admitted for one or more episodes of DKA. The severity of acidosis and hypercapnea were the most reliable risk factors. None of the children who maintained a blood pH greater than 7.1 and a capillary blood partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PCO2) greater than 20 mm Hg manifested brain herniation. The rate of initial fluid administration in severe DKA was also a risk factor. Of 119 patients having a blood pH less than 7.1 or PCO2 less than 20 mm Hg, none of 32 receiving less than 25 mL/kg, one of 42 receiving 25-50 mL/kg, and eight of 40 receiving more than 50 mL/kg of intravenous fluid during the first (in Patient 9, the second) 4 hours of therapy sustained brain herniation. Equally dehydrated unaffected patients initially receiving 25-50 mL/kg/4 hours of intravenous fluid did not develop signs of hypovolemia or worsening DKA. In this series, hydrating at a rate greater than 50 mL/kg during the first 4 hours offered no advantage and was associated with an increased risk of brain herniation.
Radiation fields from polygonal sources

Abstract The calculation of the radiation field D (x, y, z) produced by a uniform polygonal source is of considerable practical importance. Fock showed that there are advantages in replacing the traditional surface integral by a contour integral, using Stokes' theorem. This innovation, however, has not yet penetrated very deeply. It seemed worthwhile, therefore, to systematize the procedure and to show how easily results can be obtained by the Fock method. An incidental conclusion of the paper is that the radiation field from a polygonal source often differs by less than one per cent from the field produced by a circular disk of the same area. Thus the simple disk formula can often be substituted for the more complicated polygonal formula.
Controlling Phase Transition Behavior of Thermally Responsive Metal Affinity Hydrogels: A Molecular Design Approach

A molecular design approach is used to develop thermally responsive metal affinity hydrogels of N-isopropylacrylamide which can retain the nature of the overall volumetric response of the base gels and provide highly specific affinity separation. The synthesis of a novel iminodiacetic acid monomer to obtain metal affinity hydrogels with the right hydrophobic/hydrophilic balance is described and compared to a grafting technique presented in an earlier study. Copolymerization of this monomer with N-isopropylacrylamide and detailed characterization of both materials by various spectroscopic and elemental analysis techniques are presented. Preliminary experiments on the equilibrium swelling and critical analysis of the phase transition of the N-isopropylacrylamide gels incorporated with these novel metal affinity groups indicate that these gels retain the phase transition behavior of the base gels.
Simulations of the Photospheric Magnetic Activity and Outer Atmospheric Radiative Losses of Cool Stars Based on Characteristics of the Solar Magnetic Field

The observed disk-integrated radiative losses from the outer atmospheres of stars with convective envelopes are determined by the distribution of magnetic field over their surfaces. Earlier modeling of the random walk transport of the solar photospheric magnetic field with the classical Leighton model has given us insight into how field patterns form and evolve on large scales. This paper presents the first comprehensive simulations of the dynamic photospheric magnetic field of the Sun down to the scale of the mixed polarity network, thus incorporating all flux involved in outer atmospheric heating. The algorithm incorporates the classical diffusion model but includes ephemeral regions (which populate the network that contributes significantly to the disk-integrated chromospheric emission) and the early phase of decay of active regions (which is important for the field patterns in very active stars). Moreover, individual flux concentrations are tracked and subjected to collisions and fragmentation, and the flux dispersal is made dependent on the flux contained in the concentrations, as observed on the Sun. The latter modification causes the model to be nonlinear. Tests demonstrate that the new model successfully describes the solar magnetic field. The model is then used to simulate the field on other cool stars covering several orders of magnitude in activity and to estimate the surface-averaged radiative losses associated with that field. The stellar extrapolations are based on the statistical properties of solar bipolar regions throughout the cycle. Simulations in which only the frequency of flux emergence is changed to simulate stars of different activity are shown to be consistent with the observed nonlinear relationships between disk-averaged radiative losses from chromospheres and coronae of cool stars. Consequently, the properties of the solar magnetic field from small ephemeral regions up to large active regions are compatible with stellar observations. Stellar observations suggest that those field properties are not the only ones that can explain the flux-flux relationships, however, because also stars with polar spots or persistent active longitudes obey these same flux-flux relationships. The model is also used to understand how rapidly flux is processed in stellar photospheres in stars with activity patterns like the Sun: the average total absolute magnetic flux Φ* (Mx) at the stellar surface is found to be proportional to the mean rate of flux emergence and cancellation E* (Mx s-1) within the range from E☉ up to 10E☉, where E☉ is the flux injection rate for the active Sun. This linearity is primarily a consequence of an activity-dependent change in the shape of the flux histogram for emerging bipoles. This change reflects that active regions and ephemeral regions have a different dependence on dynamo strength. The implications of the results of the simulations for the dynamo and for the relationship between activity and stellar rotation are discussed.
Lecithin depletion in hepatic microsomal membranes of rats fed on a choline-deficient diet

Abstract Total, rough and smooth microsomes were isolated from the liver of rats fed on a choline-supplemented or a choline-deficient diet for 24 hr. Some of the preparations were subjected to washing procedures in order to eliminate the luminal contents of, and materials absorbed to, the microsomal vesicles. The neutral lipid and phospholipid composition of the various preparations was determined. A marked depletion of lecithins was found to occur in liver microsomes of rats fed on the choline-deficient diet. In the same animals, the content of cholesterol and of triglycerides was decreased in rough microsomes but increased in smooth microsomes. There was also a shift toward more unsaturated lecithins in total microsomes. These findings indicate that feeding a choline-deficient diet to rats can result in alterations of structural lipoproteins, such as those of the microsomal membranes of hepatocytes, as well as of soluble lipoproteins, such as the VLDL of plasma. As a consequence of the latter, a fatty liver develops. The alterations of the microsomal membranes appear instead to be responsible for other functional derangements, such as the delay in the intracellular transport of albumin, observed in the liver of rats fed a choline-deficient diet. Metabolic reactions catalyzed by enzymes having a functional requirement for phospholipids may be also influenced by the changed lipid composition of the microsomal membranes.
Stress Analysis of Submerged Cylindrical Structures by Elasticity and Shell Theories

A thick-walled circular cylinder, made of either isotropic or composite material, is analyzed using closed-form solutions to two different theories. The cylinder is submerged, so that the loading includes gravity body forces, external hydrostatic pressure at the outer boundary, and a physically realistic distribution of counterbuoyancy force at the inner boundary. The elasticity theory is formulated as one in plane strain using the Airy stress function. The shell theory used is a refined thick shell theory formulated in terms of generalized displacements.