cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comments on “Tribalism as a socioeconomic formation”

The argument proposed by Professor Leonard M. Helfgott in a recent article in Iranian Studies (Vol. X,Nos.l2, 1977) cannot be accepted as an accurate evaluation of the social and economic structure of tribalism in Iran. The picture presented in his article portrays the situation almost solely in terms of theoretical considerations, with relatively little attempt to substantiate the theories with fact. As a result, a monolithic view of tribal society is put forth. The most objectionable theoretical approach proffered in his article is expressed in the following statement: "Tribal societies contain neither a concrete superstructural entity such as the state nor a separate economic sphere.... But that is not to say that these functions do not exist or are not necessary for the production of pre-state societies. Rather superstructural functions appear as embedded within the kinship system.111 Traditionally, tribes throughout Iranian history existed above and beyond the reach of the various kinship entities that they governed or controlled; indeed, they provided formal superstructures by which they exploited the various sources of wealth, and maintained order. The tribes were, through most of Iranian history, something more than just collectivities of pas-
Resistance to Activated Protein C: Comparison of Three Different PCR Methods for Detection FV R506Q.

Abstract Background: Resistance to activated protein C(APC) is the most prevalent identifiable risk factor for inherited thrombophilia. Over 90% of APC resistance results from a single point mutation in the Factor V gene. The mutation, termed FV R506Q of FV Leiden, predicts an abnormal Factor Va protein in which arginine, at amino acid position 506, is replaced by glutamine, rendering Factor Va resistant to proteolytic inactivation by APC, thus establishing a life long hypercoagulable state. The current study compared three different polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based approaches for the detection of FV R506Q. Methods and Results: Sixty-seven patient blood samples were genotyped by (1) analyzing for loss of a Mnl I recognition site, an acquired restriction-fragment-length polymorphism (RFLP) due to FV R506Q; (2) primer-engineered RFLP wherein the presence of FV R506Q results in generation of a novel Nla III recognition site; and (3) allele-specific PCR. Sixty-five of 67 patient samples yielded concordant genotype results by all three PCR methods. Of the remaining 2 of the 67 patients, a "nondiagnostic" result was obtained for either allele-specific PCR or primer-engineered RFLP. Conclusions: A comparative analysis of 67 patient samples demonstrated that primer engineered RFLP and allele-specific PCR offer feasible alternative or confirmatory testing approaches to Mnl I RFLP for the detection of FV R506Q. A high degree of diagnostic concordance was observed for all three methods, and no false positive or negative results were observed with the Mnl I RFLP technique. (Mol Diagn 1996 Dec;1(4):297-304)
Radiation dose reconstruction from L-band in vivo EPR spectroscopy of intact teeth: Comparison of methods

Abstract In vivo EPR tooth dosimetry is a more challenging problem than in vitro EPR dosimetry because of several potential additional sources of variation associated with measurements that are made in the mouth of a living subject. For in vivo measurement a lower RF frequency is used and, unlike in the in vitro studies, the tooth cannot be processed to optimize the amount and configuration of the enamel that is measured. Additional factors involved with in vivo measurements include the reproducibility of positioning the resonator on the surface of the tooth in the mouth, irregular tooth geometry, and the possible influence of environmental noise. Consequently, in addition to using the theoretical and empirical models developed for analyzing data from measurements of teeth in vitro, other unconventional and more robust methods of dose reconstruction may be needed. The experimental parameter of interest is the peak-to-peak amplitude of the spectrum, which is correlated to the radiation dose through a calibration curve to derive the reconstructed dose. In this study we describe and compare the results from seven types of computations to measure the peak-to-peak amplitude for estimation of the radiation-induced signal. The data utilized were from three sets of in vivo measurements of irradiated teeth. Six different teeth with different doses were placed in the mouth of a volunteer in situ and measurements of each tooth were carried out on three different days. The standard error of prediction (SEP) is used as a figure of merit for quantifying precision of the reconstruction. We found that many of the methods gave fairly similar results, with the best error of prediction resulting from a computation based on a Lorentzian line model whose center field corresponds to the known parameter of the radiation-induced EPR spectra of teeth, with corrections from a standard sample that was measured as part of the data acquisition scheme. When the results from the three days of measurement were pooled, the SEP decreased dramatically, which suggests that one of the principal sources of variation in the data is the ability to precisely standardize the measurement conditions within the mouth. There are very plausible ways to accomplish improvements in the existing procedures.
The Sunset of Humanitarian Intervention? The Responsibility to Protect in a Unipolar Era:

In spite of the current preoccupations, in the United States and in the United Nations, with the wars on terrorism and the occupation in Iraq, humanitarian intervention remains an important policy option. Future debates and action are framed by the International Commission on Intervention and State Sovereignty, whose report entitled The Responsibility To Protect and an accompanying research volume were published in December 2001. Future humanitarian crises will arise in conjunction with the need for military force to protect human beings, and so four shortcomings of the report are evident. First, the report is not as forward-looking as the commissioners thought or as many opponents feared. Second, the concerns of the most vehement critics, especially developing countries, are misplaced because the problem is too little humanitarian intervention, not too much. Third, the purported danger that the concept of the responsibility to protect might become a Trojan Horse to be used by the great powers to interven...
Mantle cell lymphoma of the hard palate: a case report and review of the differential diagnosis based on the histomorphology and immunophenotyping pattern

To our knowledge, mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) has never been reported in the hard palate, but it is commonly observed in the nasopharynx and Waldeyer's tonsillar ring. MCL is characterized by a diffuse infiltrate of small lymphocytes with the expression of CD5, CD20, and cyclin D1 (Bcl-1), but not CD10. MCL presenting in the hard palate must be accurately distinguished from other forms of so-called small B-cell lymphomas-such as small lymphocytic lymphoma, follicular lymphoma, and extranodal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue-because MCL possesses a worse prognosis. Awareness of MCL of the hard palate will prompt pathologists to perform adequate immunohistochemical analysis to aid in confirming the diagnosis.
Increased concentration of the free β-subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin in hyperemesis gravidarum

Objective. The amount of free β subunit hCG (free β) has been reported to be increased in trophoblast disease and Down's syndrome, conditions also associated with high total hCG. Increased total hCG has been reported in hyperemesis gravidarum. We sought to determine if sera from singleton gestations with hyperemesis gravidarum contained a higher proportion of free β hCG compared to controls of comparable gestational age.Methods. Sera from 39 patients with hyperemesis gravidarum was compared with that from 23 control subjects of comparable gestational age with respect to β hCG and its subunits (free β and free α).Results. Hyperemesis patients and controls were comparable with respect to age, weight and gestational age. The concentration of hCG was greater in hyperemesis patients (9237 ± 3613 ng/ml, mean ± s.d.) compared to controls (5543 ± 2290, p < 0.005) as was the concentration of free β hCG (101±70 ng/ml vs. 31 + 31,p < 0.001). Free α did not differ between hyperemesis patients and controls (399±231 ng...
Development of the Computer Controlled Seizure Testing Methodology

In this paper the computer controlled methodology and the testing apparatus were developed and designed to study seizure as a destructive wear. The seizure testing methodology is based on obtaining the power losses information in testing zone during any time of testing period. These losses are dueto the different friction coefficient in the area of load and sliding zone.They can be automatically recorded and recomputed into the friction force and\or friction coefficient. The friction force and\or friction coefficient - sliding distance relationship can be plotted and the starting point of mass transfer which results in increasing the friction coefficient can be detected. The test results are presented using developed methodology as well as traditional optical microscope and surfanalyzer.
On defining necessity in terms of entailment

In their book Entailment, Anderson and Belnap investigate the consequences of defining ‘Lp’ (it is necessary that p) in system E as (p→p)→p. Since not all theorems are equivalent in E, this raises the question of whether there are reasonable alternative definitions of necessity in E. In this paper, it is shown that a definition of necessity in E satisfies the conditions {⊢ E Lp→p, ⊢EL(p→q)→(Lp→Lq), ⊢E p→Lp} if and only if its has the form C 1→.C2→ ...→. Cn→p, where each C iis equivalent in E to either p→p or ((p→p)→p)→p.
Microvascular permeability characteristics of the isolated perfused ischemic rat heart.

Isolated perfused rat hearts were used to assess the effects of ischemia on coronary microvascular permeability. Small molecules (sorbitol and sucrose) and a large molecule (bovine albumin) were used as indicators of capillary permeability. Transcapillary fluxes of small molecules and albumin were assessed by the indicator-dilution and tissue sampling techniques, respectively. Transcapillary flux of sorbitol and sucrose were directly dependent on coronary flow and did not reflect increased capillary permeability induced by Ca2+-free perfusion. Albumin flux exhibited only a slight flow dependency and was increased by Ca2+-free perfusion and histamine. In hearts made severely ischemic for 20 min and moderately ischemic for 2 h and then reperfused, albumin flux was increased by 100 and 200%, respectively. In contrast, sorbitol flux was not altered in post-ischemic hearts. Concomitant with the increase in albumin flux, there was tissue edema which was confined to the interstitial space. This water represented an increase of about 20% of the interstitial space of control hearts. These studies demonstrate that small molecules may not be useful indicators of changes in microvascular integrity and that ischemia increases microvascular permeability which leads to tissue edema.
Two-Dimensional Polymerization of Lipid Bilayers: Effect of Lipid Lateral Diffusion on the Rate and Degree of Polymerization

Hydrated amphiphiles can yield quite complex lyotropic liquid crystals such as the lamellar (bilayer) and nonlamellar phases. Lamellar structures can be solidlike or liquid crystalline. An important characteristic of these lamellar phases is the lateral diffusion of the lipids which increases by ca. 102 at the main phase transition, Tm. The rate (Rp) and degree (Xn) of polymerization were determined for polymerizable lipids in these two phases. A determination of the effect of temperature between 25 and 45 °C on the Rp of redox-initiated polymerization of mono-SorbPC bilayers showed a discontinuity near the Tm. The calculated activation energy, Ea, and frequency factor, A, for the polymerization at temperatures below Tm are 10 kcal/mol and 107, respectively. A similar calculation for the polymerization at temperatures above the Tm gave an Ea = 24 kcal/mol and A = 1016. The degree of polymerization, relative to poly(methyl methacrylate) standards, for bilayers of mono-SorbPC at temperatures above and below...
Circular dichroism of adenine and thymine containing synthetic polynucleotides.

Circular dichroism (CD) spectra of poly(dA), poly(dT), poly(dA)·poly(dT), and poly[d(A-T)]·poly[d(T-A)] have been measured as a function of temperature. From these data difference spectra have been calculated by subtracting the spectrum measured at low temperature from the spectra measured at higher temperatures. The CD difference spectra obtained upon melting of the two double-stranded polymers are very similar. From a comparison of these difference spectra with calculated ones it is shown that optical transitions near 272 nm (on A) and 288 nm (most probably on T) are present. The premelting changes of the CD spectrum of poly[d(A-t)]·poly[d(T-A)] are due to a change in conformation in which the secondary structure goes from a C- to B-type spectrum by increasing the A-type nature of the polymer. Such a change is not observed for poly(dA)·poly(dT). Instead, a transition between two different B-type geometries occurs.
A Deep Breath Bronchoconstricts Obese Asthmatics

Background: Asthma is characterized by the loss of a deep breath (DB)-induced bronchodilation and bronchoprotection. Obesity causes lung restriction and increases airway resistance, which may further worsen the capacity of a DB to induce bronchodilation; however, whether increasing BMI impairs the bronchodilatory response to a DB in asthmatics is unknown. Methods: The population consisted of 99 subjects, 87 with moderate to severe persistent asthma and 12 obese control subjects. Using transfer impedance we derived airway resistance (Raw). Participants breathed for 1 minute and took a slow DB followed by passive exhalation to functional residual capacity (FRC) and tidal breathing for another minute. Results: After a DB, obese asthmatics had the largest percent increase in Raw (median 9.8% interquartile range [IQR] 3.1–15.1), compared with overweight (6.5% IQR −1.3, 12.1) and lean (0.7% IQR −3, 7.9) asthmatics and obese controls (2.5% IQR –.6, 11) (p for trend = 0.008). The association between the percent i...
Perturbations of a Multimodal Network Model for Urban Transportation Planning

A theoretical planning model that consists of a composite set of modal networks for serving the population in an urban area or region is presented. By varying and controling various parameters in the model, an equilibrium of modal choices can be obtained by seeking the condition that no user can alter his path without experiencing an increase in cost. The equivalence between equilibrium conditions and a nonlinear programming problem will be established, following a fundamental theorem. Thus, under small perturbations in the composite network, either through changes in the frequency of certain trips or changes in the structure of the network, it is possible to linearize about the observed equilibrium to determine the effects of perturbations.
Long-term survival with skin metastases from carcinoma of prostate.

Abstract Skin metastases from carcinoma of the prostate are uncommon and generally have been considered the portent of a grave prognosis. Originally, the metastatic route of this malignancy was popularly thought to be hematogenous; a lymphatic route is described in this article. We present the case of a sixty-year-old man who lived for five years after an initial diagnosis of prostatic carcinoma and for three-and-one-half years after the appearance of skin metastases. We contend that skin metastases per se are not indicative of a poor prognosis, and that, as with metastases to other organs, the prognosis should be based on the histologic potential of the neoplasm as well as organ involvement elsewhere.
A flexible cross-linked multi-walled carbon nanotube paper for sensing hydrogen

Abstract Here we report on the construction and operation of a cross-linked aminated multi-walled carbon nanotube paper as a hydrogen sensor. The incorporation of palladium onto the surface of the paper resulted in p-type conduction as the resistance of the paper was measured, under exposure to hydrogen gas. When palladium nanocrystals were embedded into the cross-linked paper, n-type conduction was observed during hydrogen sensing. This investigation highlights the next stage in the development of functional nanotube paper.
The reinforcing effects of brief exposures to nitrous oxide in healthy volunteers

Abstract The reinforcing and subjective effects of brief (about 1.5 min) exposures to nitrous oxide, ranging from inspired concentrations of 20–80% in oxygen, were examined in 11 healthy volunteers. A choice procedure was used in which during each of four sessions, subjects first sampled a given concentration of nitrous oxide and placebo oxygen, and then chose between the two. 20, 40, 60 and 80% nitrous oxide were chosen by five, four, three, and three subjects, respectively—these choice levels did not exceed that of chance. All concentrations had psychoactive effects, and in general, concentration-related subjective effects were found. We conclude that in a medical setting, nitrous oxide inhaled in a manner similar to that when used recreationally in a naturalistic setting, does not function as a reinforcer across a wide range of concentrations, in subjects with a modest lifetime history of psychoactive drug use.
Predictors of clinically significant postprocedural hypotension after carotid endarterectomy and carotid angioplasty with stenting

Objectives Significant hypotension after carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and carotid angioplasty with stenting (CAS) has been correlated with adverse outcomes. The objective of this study was to determine risk factors that predict hypotension after patients undergo CEA and CAS. Methods The review included 1474 CEA patients and 157 CAS patients who underwent procedures from 2002 to 2008. Specific patient characteristics, such as comorbid diseases, degree of carotid stenosis, presence of neurologic symptoms, and preprocedure medications, were assessed. Also reviewed were specific postprocedural clinical outcomes, including hypotension requiring pressors, myocardial infarction, stroke, death, and hospital length of stay. Results The incidence of clinically significant hypotension was 12.6% in CEA patients and 35% in CAS patients ( P P = .022), increased mortality (2.1% vs 0.1%, P 2 days (46.3% vs 27.4%, P = .01). Hypotension was not associated with increased postprocedural strokes (0.8% vs 0.6%, P = .75) or recurrent neurologic symptoms (0.4% vs 0.3%, P = .55). Preoperative nitrate use predicted a greater incidence of postprocedural hypotension ( P = .043). A history of tobacco use was correlated with postprocedure hypotension ( P = .033). Preprocedural strokes, the use of calcium channel blockers, β-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, prior myocardial infarction, degree of preprocedural carotid stenosis, type of stent, previous ipsilateral and contralateral interventions, and female gender did not correlate with postprocedural hypotension ( P >.05). Conclusions Postprocedural hypotension occurs more commonly with CAS than CEA and is associated with increased postprocedural myocardial infarction and length of stay, and death. Nitrates and tobacco use predict a higher incidence of postprocedural hypotension. High-risk patients should be aggressively managed to prevent the increased morbidity and mortality due to postprocedural hypotension.
HEART RATE AND FLUENCY PERFORMANCE AMONG HIGH- AND LOW-ANXIOUS MEN FOLLOWING AUTONOMIC STRESS

Given the well-known associations between the right frontal lobe and negative effective states, as well as the involvement of the right posterior region in the modulation of autonomic nervous system arousal, anxiety is thought to be associated with relative right hemisphere activity (or decreased left hemisphere activity). However, recent evidence suggests that the left hemisphere predominantly modulates parasympathetic efferents, while the right hemisphere predominantly modulates sympathetic efferents of the autonomic nervous system. Thus, the left hemisphere should also play a role in anxiety, as anxiety is associated with decreased parasympathetic activity (increased heart rate). In order to investigate this hypothesis, the present experiment examined the influence of a well-known autonomic stressor (cold pressor) on heart rate (HR), and verbal and nonverbal fluency performance. Fifteen high level (HI) anxious and 15 low level (LO) anxious men completed verbal and nonverbal fluency measures after they were asked to place their left hand in ice water for 45 s. HI anxious subjects demonstrated opposing HR patterns during performance of the verbal (increased HR) and nonverbal (decreased HR) fluency tasks following cold pressor stimulation. In addition, HI anxious men generated fewer words per minute on the verbal fluency task than did LO anxious men. Although the data are supportive of functional right hemisphere activity among anxious individuals, the contribution of decreased left hemisphere activity (i.e., reduced parasympathetic activity and diminished verbal fluency performance) is also discussed.
Patient and Institutional Characteristics Associated with Initial Computerized Tomography in Children Presenting to the Emergency Department with Kidney Stones

Purpose: Professional associations recommend ultrasound as the initial imaging study in children with suspected nephrolithiasis but computerized tomography remains frequently used. We identified patient and institutional characteristics associated with computerized tomography as the first imaging study in children with nephrolithiasis diagnosed in the emergency department.Materials and Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study of children 2 to 18 years old with nephrolithiasis who were referred to a freestanding pediatric hospital from 2003 to 2012. We identified the imaging modality first used to evaluate the child. Medical directors at the emergency department where children were first evaluated were sent a questionnaire to ascertain emergency department characteristics. Multivariate hierarchical logistic regression models were used to determine patient and institutional characteristics associated with initial computerized tomography.Results: Of 536 eligible children 323 (60.2%) were evaluated at em...
Symposium introduction and overview adjuvant therapy of breast cancer: Perspectives for the '80s

In July of 1982, a symposium was held in Colorado Springs, Colorado, entitled “Adjuvant Therapy of Breast Cancer: Perspectives for the 80's”. Information in this area is evolving so quickly that it was extremely useful to gather leading researchers in the field for informal presentations and discussion to exchange ideas and analyze data. Hopefully, this exchange of information will lead to a more cooperative effort in protocol development and to protocols which ask not only treatment questions, but also biologic questions.
Diverse central effects of chlorpromazine.

Abstract In rats, small doses of chlorpromazine (4 mg/kg, i.p.) cause a decrease in gross behavior and motor activity which is readily reversible by D -amphetamine. The effects of larger doses of chlorpromazine (16 mg/kg, i.p.) cannot be reversed by D -amphetamine alone, but can be reversed by the combination of D -amphetamine and cholinergic blocking agents such as atropine. These large doses of chlorpromazine yield brain levels of the drug which inhibit acetylcholinesterase by >50%in vitro.
Evidence that electroconvulsive shock alters memory retrieval rather than memory consolidation

Abstract Four experiments reported here suggest that most experiments claiming that electroconvulsive shock (ECS) disrupts memory consolidation are confounded because of differences in activity levels and brain excitability states that exist between the experimental and control animals when they are tested for retention. Results of the first experiment showed that ECS increased open field activity levels. The effect of ECS upon brain excitability levels was determined in the second experiment by measuring the intensity of an electrical stimulus, delivered to a subcortical area, that would elicit a conditioned response. A transient decrease lasting 4 days was produced. Recovery of a learned response following ECS administration was investigated in the third experiment; the response was the avoidance of stepping off a platform. There was recovery when ECS induced increases in activity levels were controlled, and the recovery followed the same time course as the changes in brain excitability. A fourth experiment demonstrated that when activity levels and brain excitability states were equalized, ECS did not produce even a transient disruption of the avoidance response. These experiments show that ECS does not disrupt memory fixation which is dependent upon a neural reverberation process for consolidation, but suggest that memory retrieval may depend upon brain excitability states. The hypothesis is offered here that the neurological aspect of learning may involve changes in levels of brain excitability as reflected in the thresholds of functional neural systems, that retention implies a maintenance or reconstruction of these modifications of brain excitability, and that failure of retention occurs whenever brain excitability is modified away from that established by the training procedure.
In situ EXAFS and FTIR studies of the promotion behavior of Pt–Nb2O5/Al2O3 catalysts during the preferential oxidation of CO

Abstract The promotional effect of Nb to Pt/Al2O3 supported catalysts during the preferential oxidation of CO (PROX) was studied using various spectroscopic techniques. Addition of small amounts of Nb ( O moieties at low Nb loadings. At higher Nb loadings, IR suggests the formation of three-dimensional Nb2O5 aggregates. The surface of the Nb containing catalysts is complex containing reduced and oxidized Pt which is modified by NbOx species either surrounding the Pt crystallites or decorating them.
Telomeric 3′ Overhangs Derive from Resection by Exo1 and Apollo and Fill-In by POT1b-Associated CST

Summary A 3′ overhang is critical for the protection and maintenance of mammalian telomeres, but its synthesis must be regulated to avoid excessive resection of the 5′ end, which could cause telomere shortening. How this balance is achieved in mammals has not been resolved. Here, we determine the mechanism for 3′ overhang synthesis in mouse cells by evaluating changes in telomeric overhangs throughout the cell cycle and at leading- and lagging-end telomeres. Apollo, a nuclease bound to the shelterin subunit TRF2, initiates formation of the 3′ overhang at leading-, but not lagging-end telomeres. Hyperresection by Apollo is blocked at both ends by the shelterin protein POT1b. Exo1 extensively resects both telomere ends, generating transient long 3′ overhangs in S/G2. CST/AAF, a DNA polα.primase accessory factor, binds POT1b and shortens the extended overhangs produced by Exo1, likely through fill-in synthesis. 3′ overhang formation is thus a multistep, shelterin-controlled process, ensuring functional telomeric overhangs at chromosome ends.
Persistent intraclonal variations in cell dry mass and DNA content in Paramecium aurelia

Abstract 1. 1. Different cell lineages in genetically homogeneous stocks of Paramecium aurelia differ from one another in the mass of the cell at division and in its macronuclear DNA content. 2. 2. These differences persist for varying periods of time during vegetative reproduction, but the descendant cells become randomized in respect to the ancestral cells in these properties after a number of days and many cell generations. 3. 3. There is a highly significant correlation between cell mass and DNA content. There is at most a small positive correlation, perhaps no correlation at all, between mass and division rate. Therefore, the differences in mass at division result from differences in cell growth rate, not from differences in division rate. 4. 4. A stock homozygous for a gene ( am ) that causes unequal macronuclear division to be more frequent than usual shows a greater variability than the normal stock in the dry mass and in the DNA content of predivision cells. Again the two quantities are closely correlated. 5. 5. These data are interpreted to mean that the initial variable is the amount of DNA, and that this in turn affects the growth rate and consequently the cell size. 6. 6. No direct evidence for regulatory mechanisms for restoring a “normal” cell size has been obtained, but such regulatory mechanisms exist since the coefficients of variation do not continue to increase indefinitely. Regulation must be slow, however, in respect to the cell generation time. 7. 7. A clone of P. aurelia can be looked upon as consisting of a number of cell lineages undergoing irregular cyclic variations in cell size and DNA content as a result of repeated unequal division and opposing regulation towards normal. These regulatory cycles appear to last for several days or perhaps even longer and for many cell generations. 8. 8. Comparison is made with somewhat similar information for mammalian cells and for another ciliate, Tetrahymena pyriformis .
Buried Precambrian Rocks of South Dakota

Early Precambrian granitic gneiss, mafic schist, and granite, outlined by prominent east-northeast-trending magnetic and gravity anomalies, are extensive in the buried basement of northeastern South Dakota, the southwestern-most extension of the Superior geological province. These rocks were involved in widespread orogenesis about 2500 m.y. ago. In central and western South Dakota equally prominent geophysical anomalies define the trend of middle Precambrian rocks. A middle Precambrian sedimentary succession in the Black Hills was deformed and intruded by granite approximately 1700 m.y. ago. Four distinct metamorphic belts which possibly date mainly from middle Precambrian time are recognized. A large granite terrane in southern South Dakota is tentatively interpreted as having formed 1430 to 1460 m.y. ago. The basement complex in southeastern and central South Dakota is overlain by a sheet of Sioux Quartzite. A new Rb-Sr age determination on a rhyolite suggests that the Sioux Quartzite is at least 1470 m.y. old.
Neomycin inhibits secretion of apolipoprotein[a] by increasing retention on the hepatocyte cell surface

Neomycin therapy reduces plasma levels of low density lipoprotein and lipoprotein[a] (Lp[a]). To determine whether neomycin directly alters the biogenesis of Lp[a], we have examined the effect of neomycin on apolipoprotein[a] (apo[a]) synthesis and secretion in primary cultures of baboon hepatocytes. Using this system, we have previously shown that apo[a] is synthesized as a lower molecular weight precursor that upon maturation becomes associated with the cell surface before release into the culture medium. Treatment of hepatocytes with 10 mM neomycin reduced levels of apo[a] in the culture medium by as much as 12-fold. Although a portion of the reduced secretion could be accounted for by a reduction in total protein synthesis, the greatest effect of neomycin on apo[a] secretion was to decrease the release of mature apo[a] from the hepatocyte cell surface into the culture medium. Treatment of hepatocyte cultures with trypsin confirmed that mature apo[a] in neomycin-treated cells was still transported to the cell surface. Examination of related antibiotics demonstrated that inhibition of apo[a] secretion is a general property shared by the deoxystreptamine antibiotics. The mechanism by which neomycin affects the apo[a]-cell surface interaction is not known, but neomycin is known to perturb cell surface membranes, inhibit the interaction of some ligands with their cell surface receptors, and inhibit the metabolism of phosphatidylinositol 4,5 biphosphate. These studies suggest that cell surface association of apo[a] may play a role in Lp[a] biogenesis in vivo.
Budget Shortfalls, Employee Compensation, and Collective Bargaining in Local Governments

The purpose of this study was to examine how local governments are responding to budget shortfalls and to explore how compensation practices across the United States are correlated to changes in service delivery. One hundred thirty-four of the largest cities and counties responded to a mail survey, for a response rate of 45 percent. A large percentage (95 percent) of local govern- ments reported experiencing budget shortfalls. In response, local governments are reducing their workforces, laying employees off and/or utilizing reserves rather than raising taxes and/or scaling back wages and benefits. Type of government (county or city) and collective bargaining were asso- ciated with budget shortfalls. Despite the fiscal distress of governments, average cost of living increases were between 2 and 3 percent for each of the two years surveyed and nearly half of respondents reported increases in employee benefits (fewer than 10 percent reported any decreases). Collective bargaining was significantly associated with higher increases in benefits, increased cost-of-living adjustments, and responses to budget shortfalls.
Scaling reliability and modeling of ferroelectric capacitors

We report on reliability properties of MOCVD PZT ferroelectric capacitors as a function of film thickness. Data is presented for fatigue, thermal depolarization, and imprint. It is important to be able to model these parameters as they can significantly affect the switching polarization, which in turn affects the signal margin of an FRAM circuit. A ferroelectric SPICE model is presented that can be used to accurately simulate hysteresis and switching polarization behavior. This model agrees with experimental data and can be used to simulate FRAM circuit behavior through Ȝend of lifeȝ.
A simple analytical model mimics complex physiological behavior

The authors have previously described the use of nonparametric transfer function analysis in combination with broadband respiration to compute the magnitude and phase relations between respiration, heart rate (HR), and arterial blood pressure (ABP). These experimental results have led to the formulation of a model of HR and ABP control which includes the mechanical feedforward from HR to ABP, the baroreflex feedback from ABP to HR, and respiration as a noise source which directly affects HR through central modulation of autonomic activity while affecting ABP through mechanical thoracic coupling. Despite the fact that causality was not built into the ABP-HR relation, analytic transfer functions from the model closely simulate many of the observed experimental phenomena. The findings suggest that the complex transfer relations observed with a relatively simple analysis of respiration, HR, and ABP can be understood in terms of feedback loop between ABP and HR, with respiration as an external noise source. >
Functional Measurement Assessment of Young Children's Ability to Predict Future Behavior

The reported experiments demonstrate that young children's ability to use previous behavioral information to predict future behavior emerges on quantitative, but not dischotomous, judgment tasks. In a first experiment, kindergartners, second graders, and fourth graders made quantitative liking judgments and predictions for peers after being presented 2 pieces of behavioral information. Children of all 3 age groups used both pieces of information in their liking judgments and predictions. In a second experiment, kindergartners were presented with 2 types of tasks; one was a quantitative prediction, comparable to the task in Experiment 1, and the second were dichotomous predictions, comparable to judgment tasks typically used in other experiments. Children's predictions were significantly more consistent with the behavioral information on the quantitative task than on either of the dichotomous tasks. These results suggest that young children believe in the stability of interpersonal behavior, but have difficulty dealing with the complexity of some prediction tasks.
T = 32 states in 11C

Abstract The 11B(τ, t), 9Be(τ, n) and 10B(p, p') reactions have been employed to investigate T = 3 2 states in 11C. States are observed at 12.17±0.05, 12.57±0.07 and 13.92±0.05 MeV excitation having widths of 250±50, 350±100 and 250±50 keV, respectively. The strength with which these states are populated in the 11B(τ, t) reaction are compared to the population of the T = 3 2 states in 11B by the 11B(τ, τ') reaction. The first two of these states in 11C are observed to decay predominantly by proton emission to the T = 1 state in 10B at 1.74 MeV. These states are, thus, tentatively identified as the first three T = 3 2 states in 11C.
Linking an ecosystem model and a landscape model to study forest species response to climate warming

No single model can address forest change from single tree to regional scales. We discuss a framework linking an ecosystem process model {LINKAGES) with a spatial landscape model (LANDIS) to examine forest species responses to climate warming for a large, heterogeneous landscape in northern Wisconsin, USA. Individual species response at the ecosystem scale was simulated with LINKAGES, which integrates soil, climate and species data, stratified by ecoregions. Individual species biomass results, simulated by LINKAGES at year 10, were quantified using an empirical equation as species establishment coefficients (0.0-l.0). These coefficients were used to parameterize LANDIS, thus integrating ecosystem dynamics with large-scale landscape processes such as seed dispersal and fire disturbance. Species response to climate warming at the landscape scale was simulated with LANDIS. LANDIS was parameterized with information derived from a species level, forest classification map, and inventory data. This incorporates spatially-explicit seed source distributions. A standard LANDIS run with natural fire disturbance regime and current climate was conducted for 400 years. To simulate the effects of climate change, the differences in species establishment coefficients from current and warmer climates were linearly interpolated over the first 100 years assuming climate warming will occur gradually over the next century. The model was then run for another 300 years to examine the consequences after warming. Across the landscape, the decline of boreal species and the increases of temperate species were observed in the simulation. The responses of northern temperate hardwood species vary among ecoregions depending on soil nutrient and water regimes. Simulation results indicate that boreal species disappear from the landscape in 200-300 years and approximately same amount of time for a southern species to become common. Warming can accelerate the re-colonization process for current species such as found for eastern hemlock, where moisture does not become limiting. However, the re-colonization is strongly affected by available seed source explicitly described on the landscape. These phenomena cannot be simulated with most gap models, which assume a random seed rain.
Correlation of Fourier transforms of pulsed electric field waveform and microorganism inactivation

The real /spl Rfr/[F(/spl omega/)] and imaginary /spl Jfr/[F(/spl omega/)] Fourier transform parameters of temporal waveforms comparable to those used in PEF (pulsed electric field) studies of microorganism S/sub f/ (survival fraction) as a function of waveform have been calculated. log S/sub ft/ is a linear function of the log of the ratio of areas /spl Jfr/[F(/spl omega/)]//spl Rfr/[F(/spl omega/)] and log of /spl Jfr/[F(/spl omega/)]//spl Rfr/[F(/spl omega/)]+/spl Jfr/[F(/spl omega/)]. The correlation with the largest slope, was found for the latter ratio. The log (S/sub f/) also was found to correlate with the log of the integrated pulse magnitude M(/spl omega/) and log of temporal pulse area. The correlation coefficients are /spl ges/0.95.
Precedent autonomy should be respected in life-sustaining treatment decisions

In the 2011 landmark case of W v M, the English Court of Protection ruled that it was unlawful to withdraw artificial nutrition and hydration from a woman who had been in a minimally conscious state for 8 years. From the perspective of the court, the absence of a written advance directive negated the woman's previous, autonomous interests and, consequently, emphasis was given to her current welfare and well-being. While life itself is a moral good, prolonging life for a person in regular pain with no hope of recovering to a more complete state of awareness simply because that person only verbalized her wishes about her treatment decisions seems to drastically undervalue the principle of autonomy. We refute the notion that it is the role of the court to prolong life insofar as it can and argue that withholding and withdrawing life sustaining technologies from patients in a minimally conscious state can be ethically justified.
WA2--Comparison of theory and experiment for a transversely excited high-pressure CO 2 laser

Small-signal gain and laser output power have been measured as a function of time for a pin-resistor transversely excited atmospheric (TEA) CO 2 laser gain device. Both fixed-mirror and Q -switched rotating-mirror laser cavities were studied. A set of coupled differential equations describing the mechanisms underlying gain and lasing behavior are presented. Electrical excitation of the CO 2 and N 2 vibrational modes, collisional relaxation of vibrational energy, and interaction with TEM 00 and plane-wave laser radiation are explicitly treated. Electrical excitation is calculated using the measured time-resolved voltage and current input to the TEA CO 2 gain tube in conjunction with a simple model of the discharge geometry. A single adjustable parameter relating to the physical extent of the electrical discharge enters the calculations. Direct comparisons are made between the measured quantities and the numerical predictions of the model. The value of the adjustable parameter that gives close waveform fits is consistent with the results of other experiments. Use of the rotating-mirror Q -switched cavity resulted in laser pulses with enhanced peak power for one set of the device parameters studied. An explanation of the phenomenon is presented and a limitation on the applicability of the technique in terms of gas mixtures is discussed.
Maglev Guideway Cost and Construction Schedule Assessment

A summary of construction cost and scheduling information is presented for four maglev guideway designs on an example route from Baltimore, MD to Newark, N.J. This work results from the National Maglev Initiative (NMI), a government-industry effort from 1989 to 1994. The system design concepts used as a basis for developing cost and construction scheduling information, were submitted by four industry consortia solely for this analysis, and represent their own unpublished designs. The detailed cost and construction schedule analyses cover the main guideway only. A summary estimate was made for stations, power distribution systems, maintenance facilities, and other types of infrastructure. The results of the analyses indicate a number of design aspects which must receive further consideration by future designers. These aspects will affect the practical and economic construction and long-term maintenance of a high-speed maglev guideway.
Variability in TCP round-trip times

We measured and analyzed the variability in round trip times (RTTs) within TCP connections using passive measurement techniques. We collected eight hours of bidirectional traces containing over 22 million TCP connections between end-points at a large university campus and almost $1$ million remote locations. Of these, we used over 1 million TCP connections that yield 10 or more valid RTT samples, to examine RTT variability within a TCP connection. Our results indicate that contrary to observations in several previous studies, RTT values within a connection vary widely. Our results have implications for designing better simulation models, and understanding how round trip times affect the dynamic behavior and throughput of TCP connections.
Determination and Pharmacokinetics Study of β-Lactamase in Rat Plasma by Fluorimetric HPLC

For the determination of in vivo beta-lactamase activity, a high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method was established, and the pharmacokinetics of beta-lactamase after intravenous administration to the rats was analyzed using this standardized HPLC method. The plasma samples containing beta-lactamase were reacted with ampicillin (substrate) and further processed to make them fluorescent. The fluorescent compound of interest was separated using HPLC at room temperature using the excitation and the emission wavelengths of 410 nm and 475 nm, respectively. For the pharmacokinetic studies, 252 mU of beta-lactamase solution was administered to the rats through the tail vein injection (n = 6). The blood samples were withdrawn from the tail vein at different time points and analyzed by HPLC for beta-lactamase activity. For the HPLC method of beta-lactamase in plasma samples, the peak area showed a good correlation within the concentration ranges of 0.126-12.6 mU/mL (10-1000 ng/mL). The coefficients of variations were within 0.56-6.24, and the percentage recovery were within 102-107. After the intravenous injection, plasma concentration at the time zero (C(p0)) was 11.47 +/- 0.48 mU/mL, and no beta-lactamase was detected 24 h after the injection. The volume of distribution (V(d)) was 22 mL. An elimination half-life (t(1/2)) of 4.12 +/- 0.5 h and AUC of 79.4 +/- 12.9 mU.hr/mL were also calculated. The HPLC fluorimetric method was a very sensitive and reproducible method for the detection of beta-lactamase in plasma. The disposition of beta-lactamase after intravenous administration followed one-compartment and first-order kinetics.
Family-Guided Assessment for IFSP Development: Jumping Off the Family Assessment Bandwagon

The assessment of family strengths and needs for Individual Family Service Plan development has engendered considerable anxiety among early intervention practitioners. In the search for appropriate...
Observations on the administration of iridodial-7-14C to vinca rosea

Abstract It has been suggested that iridodial is a biosynthetic intermediate between geraniol and loganin, which is a precursor of the non-tryptophan derived portion of vindoline, catharanthine, ajmalicine, and other indole alkaloids found in Vinca rosea . Iridodial-7- 14 C was synthesized from ethyl iodide-1- 14 C and fed to V. rosea plants, which afforded vindoline having negligible activity. It thus seems unlikely that iridodial is a precursor of loganin.
Rejection with hemodynamic compromise in the current era of pediatric heart transplantation: a multi-institutional study.

Background Survival after pediatric heart transplant has improved over time, as has the incidence of overall rejection. We studied the effect of era on the occurrence and outcome of rejection with hemodynamic compromise (HC). Methods Data from 2227 patients who received allografts between 1993 and 2006 at 36 centers in the Pediatric Heart Transplant Study were analyzed to determine incidence, outcome, and risk factors for rejection with HC in early (1993–1999) and recent (2000–2006) eras. Rejection with HC was classified as severe (RSHC) when inotropes were used for circulatory support and mild (RMHC) when inotropes were not used. Results Of 1217 patients with any episode of rejection, 541 had rejection with HC. Freedom from RMHC improved at 1 year (81% vs 90%, p p p = 0.24). Survival after RSHC (63% at 1 year and 49% at 5 years) was worse than after RMHC (87% at 1 year and 72% at 5 years, p p p = 0.01), and non-A blood type (HR, 1.51;, 95% CI, 1.11–2.04,; p = 0.01), but the only risk factor for RMHC was earlier era of transplant (HR, 1.94; 95% CI, 1.56–2.41; p Conclusions The incidence of RMHC has declined over time but the same era effect has not occurred with RSHC. Close follow-up after RSHC is crucial because mortality is so high.