cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Near Isogenic Lines Confirm a Soybean Cyst Nematode Resistance Gene from PI 88788 on Linkage Group J

Soybean cyst nematode (SCN) (Heterodera glycines Ichinohe) is one of the most destructive soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] pests worldwide. The most common source of SCN resistance used in soybean breeding in the northern USA is PI 88788. Previous research has shown that PI 88788 carries a major quantitative trait locus (QTL) conferring SCN resistance on linkage group (LG) G, which is believed to be rhgl. The objective of our research was to map and confirm additional SCN resistance QTL in Bell, a cultivar with resistance from PI 88788. One hundred four F 4 -derived lines (F4 population) developed from crossing the cultivars Bell and Colfax were tested for associations between 54 molecular markers and resistance to SCN populations PA3 (HG type 7, race 3) and PA14 (HG type 1.3.5.6.7, race 14). Three populations of near isogenic lines (NILs) were developed from F 4 plants heterozygous for a region on LG J where a significant QTL was identified in the F 4 population. The NIL populations were tested with genetic markers and also for resistance to both SCN populations. In the F 4 population, SCN resistance QTL were identified at both rhgl and on LG J. The LG J QTL was confirmed in NIL populations and was given the confirmed QTL designation cqSCN-003. The effect of cqSCN-003 was diminished in the NIL populations compared to the F4 population. This was at least partially the result of segregation distortion in the F 4 population between the region containing rhgl and the region containing cqSCN-003. These results show the importance of verifying QTL in confirmation populations to estimate accurately their effects.
Titrating with Intravenous Oxytocins

A review of the way in which oxytocin stimulates uterine contraction, the physiologic reactions to overdosage, and the benefits of using fetal monitoring during induction.
Sustained expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor is required for maintenance of dendritic spines and normal behavior.

Abstract Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays important roles in the development, maintenance, and plasticity of the mammalian forebrain. These functions include regulation of neuronal maturation and survival, axonal and dendritic arborization, synaptic efficacy, and modulation of complex behaviors including depression and spatial learning. Although analysis of mutant mice has helped establish essential developmental functions for BDNF, its requirement in the adult is less well documented. We have studied late-onset forebrain-specific BDNF knockout (CaMK-BDNFKO) mice, in which BDNF is lost primarily from the cortex and hippocampus in early adulthood, well after BDNF expression has begun in these structures. We found that although CaMK-BDNFKO mice grew at a normal rate and can survive more than a year, they had smaller brains than wild-type siblings. The CaMK-BDNFKO mice had generally normal behavior in tests for ataxia and anxiety, but displayed reduced spatial learning ability in the Morris water task and increased depression in the Porsolt swim test. These behavioral deficits were very similar to those we previously described in an early-onset forebrain-specific BDNF knockout. To identify an anatomical correlate of the abnormal behavior, we quantified dendritic spines in cortical neurons. The spine density of CaMK-BDNFKO mice was normal at P35, but by P84, there was a 30% reduction in spine density. The strong similarities we find between early- and late-onset BDNF knockouts suggest that BDNF signaling is required continuously in the CNS for the maintenance of some forebrain circuitry also affected by developmental BDNF depletion.
Effectors of Lysine 4 Methylation of Histone H3 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae Are Negative Regulators of PHO5 and GAL1-10

Post-translational modifications of histone amino-terminal tails are a key determinant in gene expression. Histone methylation plays a dual role in gene regulation. Methylation of lysine 9 of histone H3 in higher eukaryotes is associated with transcriptionally inactive heterochromatin, whereas H3 lysine 4 methylation correlates with active chromatin. Methylation of lysine 4 of H3 via Set1, a component of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae COMPASS complex, is regulated by the transcriptional elongation Paf1-Rtf1 and histone ubiquitination Rad6-Bre1 complexes, which are required for the expression of a subset of genes. This suggests that lysine 4 methylation of histone H3 may play an activating role in transcription; however, the mechanism of Set1 function remains unclear. We show here that H3 lysine 4 methylation also negatively regulated gene expression, as strains without Set1 showed enhanced expression of PHO5, wherein chromatin structure plays an important transcriptional regulatory role. Di- and trimethylation of H3 lysine 4 was detected at the PHO5 promoter, and a strain expressing a mutant version of histone H3 with lysine 4 changed to arginine, (which cannot be methylated) exhibited PHO5 derepression. Moreover, PHO5 was derepressed in strains that lacked components of either the Paf1-Rtf1 elongation or Rad6-Bre1 histone ubiquitination complexes. Lastly, PHO84 and GAL1-10 transcription was also increased in set1Δ cells. These results suggest that H3 methylation at lysine 4, in conjunction with transcriptional elongation, may function in a negative feedback pathway for basal transcription of some genes, although being a positive effector at others.
Informing information science: the case for activity theory

A promising new approach to information science is activity theory. Activity theory not only emphasizes the centrality of practice as doing and activity, but also foregrounds setting and context as essential orienting concepts. Most importantly, activity theory can provide information science with a rich, unifying, and heuristically valuable vocabulary and conceptual framework that will facilitate both the continual betterment of practice and the secure transferability and cumulation of knowledge.
A Wired World: The Evolving Geography of Submarine Cables and the Shift to Asia

Submarine cables for telecommunications were an early catalyst of globalization and of transnational corporate production networks and they continue to facilitate global economic activity. This article describes increasing demand from Internet and mobile phones as well as new uses for cables, such as oil exploration and high-energy physics. We trace the history of submarine cables and their geography from their early days to the Internet era, and analyze a global data set of cables at four intervals since 1979. Although the traditional triad locations (Western Europe, North America, and East Asia) are among the best connected, new networks in new places—notably Asia—are poised to become key network nodes in the twenty-first century. Based on cable capacity, the future submarine cable network looks very different from the old, suggesting new economic geographies and new world cities for a new world economy.
Distribution of age provinces in Laurasia

Abstract The distribution of geochronologic provinces in the reconstructed supercontinent of Laurasia appears vaguely concentric, particularly in the case of the younger half of the total area. There is a suggestion of a coalescence or in situ growth, of roughly equidimensional ancient cratons into an inner ring, with increasingly younger mobile belts for the most part disposed peripherally outward. The youngest province almost completely circumscribes the earlier land mass.
Pulmonary Manifestations of the Yellow Nail Syndrome

The association of primary lymphedema with yellow discoloration of the nails has been termed the “yellow nail syndrome.” A third manifestation may be otherwise unexplained pleural effusion. Pulmonary complications are described in 12 patients with various combinations of the yellow nail syndrome. Eight of these patients had recurrent pleural effusions otherwise unexplained. In two patients, surgical procedures were necessary for control of the effusion. Five patients were found to have yellow nails and bronchiectasis, and pleural effusion was present in three of these; five patients had sinusitis. Chronic cough was a persistent finding in all 12 patients. The first manifestation of the yellow nail syndrome was either lymphedema or yellow nails, pleural effusion always appearing later. The time between the development of the various manifestations may vary from several months to many years. The presence of yellow discoloration of the nails is not necessary for a diagnosis; lymphedema and pleural effusion occurring alone or in combination are thought to represent the same syndrome. It may include a propensity toward the development of neoplasms.
Modeling and Validation of Heliostat Deformation due to Static Loading

Accurate and reliable models are necessary to predict the performance and efficiencies of concentrating solar power plant components and systems such as heliostats and central receiver systems. Heliostat performance is impacted from effects such as wind and gravity, and understanding the impact of these loads on the optical performance can yield heliostat designs that are potentially cheaper, while maintaining required structural stability. Finite element models of heliostats at the National Solar Thermal Test Facility (NSTTF) at Sandia National Laboratories in Albuquerque, NM, were developed to simulate displacements under different loading scenarios. Solidworks was used to develop the three-dimensional model of the NSTTF heliostat, and Solidworks Simulation was used to perform the finite element analysis with simulated loads along different points of the heliostat. Static displacement tests were performed on the NSTTF heliostat in order to validate these FEA models. The static test results provide us with a data set in which to properly calibrate the FEA model to better represent the NSTTF heliostat for future simulations of optical performance with impacts of wind and gravity sag. In addition to a single model validation, this real world test provides a method to validate and understand the structural stability of a heliostat under static loads.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
The impact of the electoral system on the transition to democracy in Africa: The case of Mali

Abstract The wave of countries undertaking a transition to democracy in Africa has raised a number of questions including the structural issue associated with the choice of an electoral system type. The choice of electoral systems has had a major impact on the emerging party system and the future of democratic government in Mali. The results of the proportionally based municipal and majority National Assembly elections are very different. A simulated proportional National Assembly election produced results that would have necessitated a coalition government, the stability of which would be uncertain. The majority system, on the other hand, produced a clear winner with an overwhelming majority of seats. In the choice of electoral systems, short-term stability may have been exchanged for longer-term democratic development.
USE OF COUNTERPROPAGATION NEURAL NETWORKS TO ENHANCE THE CONCURRENT SUBSPACE OPTIMIZATION STRATEGY

The paper explores the use of artificial neural networks in a concurrent optimization strategy that derives from a decomposition based approach to design of large-scale engineering systems. These problems are characterized by complex couplings that render parametric design methods inappropriate as solution tools. Decomposition methods reduce the large dimensionality problem into a sequence of smaller, more tractable optimization problems, each with a smaller set of design variables and constraints. The decomposed subproblems are rarely decoupled completely, and design changes in one subproblem have a profound influence on changes in another subproblem. Essential components of decomposition based design methods are strategies to identify a topology for problem decomposition, and to develop coordination strategies which account for couplings among the decomposed problems. The paper examines the effectiveness of artificial neural networks as a tool to both account for the coupling, and to develop methods to ...
Wavelet transform-based image processing using acousto-optic correlators

Recently there has been a great deal of interest in the use of wavelets and implementation of wavelet transforms. We discuss applications of the wavelet transform to image analysis, including target recognition, rotation and scale invariance, and pattern recognition in the presence of background noise. We propose a method for both scale and rotation invariant pattern recognition based on wavelet features of an image. Wavelets offer advantages in these applications because of their improved ability to discriminate signals in the presence of noise. Performance can be improved by careful selection of the mother wavelet for a given application; we have chosen a two-dimensional Gaussian mother wavelet. Computer simulations of wavelet transform based pattern recognition are discussed, which illustrate scale and rotation invariant target recognition in the presence of noise. Because the wavelet transform is essentially a correlation between the input signal and the family of daughter wavelets, it may be implemented by any type of programmable correlator. In particular, acousto-optic devices offer several advantages; they are programmable and capable of changing their input functions in real time, and commercial devices are available which offer large time-bandwidth products. Acousto-optic image correlators are discussed as a potential implementation of the wavelet transform; by encoding a 1 dimensional wavelet filter bank as a 2 dimensional image, we can implement the wavelet transform image processor without requiring a 2 dimensional spatial light modulator. An alternative implementation utilizes a 2 dimensional array of acousto-optic correlators for a hybrid implementation of a quadrature mirror filter bank.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Oxidative stress promotes blood cell-endothelial cell interactions in the microcirculation.

Oxidative stress occurs when the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) exceeds the capacity of the cell to detoxify these potentially injurious oxidants using endogenous antioxidant defense systems. Conditions associated with oxidative stress include ischemia/reperfusion, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, and hypertension. The adhesion of circulating blood cells (leukocytes, platelets) to vascular endothelium is a key element of the pro-inflammatory and prothrombogenic phenotype assumed by the vasculature in these and other disease states that are associated with an oxidative stress. There is a growing body of evidence that links the blood cell-endothelial cell interactions in these conditions to the enhanced production of ROS. Potential enzymatic sources of ROS within the microcirculation include xanthine oxidase, NAD(P)H oxidase, and nitric oxide synthase. ROS can promote a pro-inflammatory/prothrombogenic phenotype within the microvasculature by a variety of mechanisms, including the inactivation of nitric oxide, the activation of redox-sensitive transcription factors (e.g., nuclear factor-ξB) that govern the expression of endothelial cell adhesion molecules (e.g., P-selectin), and the activation of enzymes (e.g., phospholipase A2) that produce leukocyte-stimulating inflammatory mediators (e.g., platelet-activating factor). The extensively documented ability of different oxidant-ablating interventions to attenuate blood cell-endothelial cell interactions underscores the importance of ROS in mediating the dysfunctional microvascular responses to oxidative stress.
The strategic management of uncertainty

Abstract As the economic environment becomes increasingly uncertain, the ways firms minimize the risks of, and capitalize on the opportunities presented by that uncertainty become correspondingly important. This paper develops a strategic approach to the management of uncertainty which firms can use to achieve a desirable balance of risk and return. It identifies four generic approaches to uncertainty which differ in the pattern and timing of their resource commitments, and which firms can choose from to offset the exogenous uncertainty they face. The paper then suggests the conditions under which each approach might be appropriate, and describes the important managerial issues surrounding the different approaches. It thereby provides a way to integrate the treatment of uncertainty into strategy making at all levels of the organisation.
Local heating induced by a nonhomogeneously distributed heat source

The thermal wave behavior in the vicinity of a fast-moving heat source is studied in this work. The heating zone is modelled by a circular region with a finite radius and the intensity of the heat-production rate is assumed to be nonhomogeneously distributed. The Green's functions obtained previously by Tzou [ASME J. Heat Transfer 111, 232–238 (1989); Int. J. Heat Mass Transfer 32, 1979–1987 (1989)] are used to integrate the temperature waves emanating from the heating zone. A complete description covering the subsonic, transonic and supersonic regimes is provided. Several distributions with practical importance are considered for the heat-production rate in the numerical examples.
Psychiatric implications of internal medicine

Only a few of the more glaring examples of the psychiatric implications and complications found in these general hospital cases have been briefly outlined.
Optimal shaped pupil coronagraphs for extrasolar planet finding

We examine several different approaches to achieving high contrast imaging of extrasolar planets. Rather than controlling the diffracted light by masking the star's image as in a classical coronagraph, we use the pupil's transmission function to focus the starlight. There are two broad classes of pupil coronagraphs examined in this paper: apodized pupils with spatially varying transmision functions and shaped pupils, whose transmission values are either 0 or 1. The latter are much easier to manufacture to the needed tolerances. This paper introduces several new shaped pupils and applies integration time and other metrics to them as well as to apodized pupils. These new designs can achieve nearly as high a throughput as the best apodized pupils and perform significantly better than the apodized square aperture design. The new shaped pupils enable searches of 50% -100% of thedetectable region, suppress the star's light to below 10 -10 of its peak value and have inner working distances as small as 2.8 λ/D.
Structural and Stereochemical Aspects of the Group 4 Metal Chemistry of Constrained-Geometry 2-(Indenyl)phenoxide Ligation

The reactivity of 2-(inden-3-yl)-4,6-di-tert-butylphenol (1) and its 2-methyl (2), 1,2-dimethyl (3), 2,4,7-trimethyl (4), and 1,2,4,7-tetramethyl (5) derivatives toward group 4 metal dialkylamides has been examined. Reaction of 1 equiv of the phenols 1−4 with the tetrakis(dialkylamido) compounds [M(NR2)4] (M = Ti, R = Me; M = Zr, R = Me, Et; M = Hf, R = Et) has allowed isolation of a series of bis(dialkylamido) compounds: e.g., [Ti(OC6H2{η5-Ind}-2-But2-4,6)(NMe2)2]. In these compounds the parent phenol was found to be deprotonated at both the phenolic OH and indenyl ring, leading to the elimination of 2 equiv of dialkylamine. Structural studies of eight of these derivatives allow the variation of metal and methyl substitution to be assessed. The metal coordination of the series of compounds is best described as pseudo-tetrahedral, with the indenyl ring occupying one site of a three-legged piano-stool geometry. The M−C(indenyl) distances are consistent with an essentially η5 coordination for all bis(dialk...
A reduced-order model for porous flow through thin, structured materials

Abstract Darcy’s equations are frequently used as a coarse-grained numerical expedient for modeling multiphase flow through complex porous materials. In some applications, the porous material may be quite thin, allowing the possibility of further simplification of the equations. In this paper we derive a reduced-order shell finite-element model for flow through thin porous materials using an approach similar to that taken to derive the Reynolds’ lubrication equation. We advance first a formulation that addresses generalized unstructured porous materials and then specialize the equations for certain structured cases. We also extend the model to account for multiphase, confined lubrication flow in an adjoining layer and gas transport within the pores. We apply the model to several problems of topical interest in micro- and nano-manufacturing processes.
Role of cellular redox state and glutathione in adenylate cyclase activity in rat adipocytes.

Abstract Adenylate cyclase in rat adipocyte membranes was inactivated as a result of treatment with sulfhydryl oxidants or with p- chloromercuribenzoate as well as by S-alkylating agents. The inhibition of the basal and isoproterenol- or glucagon-stimulated enzyme activity by the oxidants or the mercurial could be reversed by adding thiols to the isolated membranes. The activity of the enzyme paralleled the cellular glutathione (GSH) content. Lowering of intracellular glutathione by incubatng the cells with specific reactants resulted in the inhibition of both basal and hormone-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity in the isolated membranes. Activity could be partly restored by supplying glucose to the incubation medium of intact cells. The fluoride-stimulated adenylate cyclase was also inhibited by the oxidants or the sulfhydryl inhibitors. The results suggest that adenylate cyclase may be partialy regulated by oxidation-reduction. Thus, a direct relationship between both basal and hormone-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity and the cellular redox potential, determined by the cellular level of reduced glutathione, may be ascribed to the protection of the catalytic -SH groups of the enzyme from oxidative or peroxidative reactions and maintenance of the redox optimum for the reaction.
Breast relapse following primary radiation therapy for early breast cancer. II. Detection, pathologic features and prognostic significance.

Abstract In order to define better the nature of breast relapse following primary radiation therapy for early-stage invasive breast cancer, we examined the clinical patterns, methods of detection, histopathology and prognosis in 25 patients. Eighty-eight percent of these relapses occurred in the vicinity of the original tumor at an average of 33 months after treatment. Twelve percent occurred in a location distinctly separate from the primary tumor area at an average of 75 months after treatment. In 14 patients breast relapse was detected by physical examination (PE) alone, in 6 patients by mammography alone and in 5 patients by both. In eight of the patients whose relapses were detected by PE alone, mammography was not performed; mammograms were negative in the other six. In 89% of the patients who presented with a new abnormality on physical examination, the recurrence consisted predominantly or exclusively of invasive carcinoma. In contrast, in all six patients who presented with only a new mammography abnormality, the recurrence consisted predominantly or exclusively of intraductal carcinoma. Eighteen of these patients underwent salvage mastectomy, 3 were inoperable on clinical grounds and 4 refused mastectomy. Only 1 of the 18 patients who underwent mastectomy had a significant complication related to the surgery. Twenty-one of these 25 patients (84%) are alive without further recurrence up to 67 months (mean 24 months) after breast relapse. We conclude that (1) physical examination and mammography are both important for the detection of breast relapses: (2) secondary (salvage) surgery can be performed without significant complications; and (3) a breast relapse does not have the same grave prognosis as a local (chest wall) recurrence after mastectomy.
Purchasing decisions under stochastic prices: Approximate solutions for order time, order quantity and supplier selection

This paper analyzes purchasing strategies for retailers regarding the best timing and amount of purchases when operating under combined timing and quantity flexibility contracts in an environment of uncertain prices. To decrease the computational complexity and make the procedure adaptable to the case of multiple suppliers, we introduce, analyze, and compare a “time strategy” and a “target strategy” and then develop a hybrid “adaptive target strategy” to facilitate and improve the purchasing decision for the case of option contracts with generally rising prices. The adaptive target strategy is simpler and more intuitive than the traditional binomial lattice method, while the risk of failing to meet a target profit can also easily be calculated. We then extend the solution procedure to maximize expected profits in an environment of selecting among multiple suppliers with potentially different price processes, and we further provide risk analysis to help determine a good estimate for the number of option contracts from different suppliers to generate in order to create adequate risk protection. Numerical analysis demonstrates how the number of candidate suppliers impacts the expected profit and the risk. Monte Carlo simulation results demonstrate that the developed solution procedures provide satisfying outcomes and that the calculation is fast, even for multiple-dimension and multiple-supplier cases.
Synthetic and structural chemistry of amidinate-substituted boron halides

The following new amidinate-substituted boron halides are reported: [PhC{N(SiMe3)}2]BCl2 (6), [MeC{NCy}2]BCl2 (10), [Mes*C{NCy}2]BCl2 (11), [MeC{NiPr}2]BCl2 (12), and [FcC{NCy}2]BBr2 (13). Compound 6 was prepared via the trimethylsilyl chloride elimination reaction of BCl3 with N,N,N′-tris(trimethylsilyl)benzamidine, and compounds 10–12 were prepared by salt metathesis between the lithium amidinates [RC(NR′)2]Li and BX3. Compound 13 was prepared via the insertion of 1,3-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide into the B-C bond of ferrocenyldibromoborane FcBBr2. The molecular structures of 6, 10, 11, 13 and the known compound [PhC{N(SiMe3)}2]BBr2 (1) were established by single-crystal X-ray diffraction.
Transforming Growth Factor-β1 Induces the Differentiation of Myogenic Cells into Fibrotic Cells in Injured Skeletal Muscle: A Key Event in Muscle Fibrogenesis

Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) is thought to play a crucial role in fibrotic diseases. This study demonstrates for the first time that TGF-β1 stimulation can induce myoblasts (C2C12 cells) to express TGF-β1 in an autocrine manner, down-regulate the expression of myogenic proteins, and initiate the production of fibrosis-related proteins in vitro. Direct injection of human recombinant TGF-β1 into skeletal muscle in vivo stimulated myogenic cells, including myofibers, to express TGF-β1 and induced scar tissue formation within the injected area. We also observed the local expression of this growth factor by myogenic cells, including regenerating myofibers, in injured skeletal muscle. Finally, we demonstrated that TGF-β1 gene-transfected myoblasts (CT cells) can differentiate into myofibroblastic cells after intramuscular transplantation, but that decorin, an anti-fibrosis agent, prevents this differentiation process by blocking TGF-β1. In summary, these findings indicate that TGF-β1 is a major stimulator that plays a significant role in both the initiation of fibrotic cascades in skeletal muscle and the induction of myogenic cells to differentiate into myofibroblastic cells in injured muscle.
Prescription drug samples: making decisions with imperfect data.

Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center, Milwaukee, WI, USA; Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA; Section of General Internal Medicine, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
Washington University's Pig Roast: Ending Sociology and Jeopardizing Liberal Arts.

In its September 25, 1989 issue Time magazine also mentions the Washington University decision in connection with a short article on the increased costs of higher education and the apparent need for universities to choose among disci plines. No doubt this national-level publicity pleases Washington University's administration, since costs and the need to choose which programs to support have been their public explanation for the decision to close the sociology de partment. But for anyone with an institutional memory, this decision is a sad one, for Washington University had been the home of at least two full generations of top-flight sociologists. Even in the years before World War II the department had two out of four faculty who were to go on to serve as president of the American Sociological Association?Stuart Queen and L. L. Bernard. Arnold Rose came to the depart ment after the war, adding another future ASA president to the list, although he
Molecular mechanisms and cellular effects of glucocorticosteroids

GCSs exert their anti-inflammatory effects through influencing multiple signal transduction pathways. Their most important action is switching off multiple activated inflammatory genes through inhibition of HAT and recruitment of HDAC2 activity to the inflammatory gene transcriptional complex. In addition, GCSs may activate several anti-inflammatory genes and increase the degradation of mRNA encoding certain inflammatory proteins. This broad array of actions may account for the striking effectiveness of GCSs in complex inflammatory diseases such as asthma and the difficulty in finding alternative anti-inflammatory drugs. There is now a better understanding of how the responsiveness to GCSs is reduced in patients who have severe asthma, who have asthma and smoke, and who have COPD. An important mechanism now emerging is a reduction in HDAC2 activity as a result of oxidative stress. These new insights into GCS action may lead to new approaches to treating inflammatory lung diseases and in particular to increasing effectiveness of steroids in situations where they are less effective.
The effect of N-aryl bisphosphineamine ligands on the selective ethylene tetramerization

Abstract Bisphosphineamine (PNP) ligands with various aryl substituents attached to the N atom of the ligand backbone were synthesized and tested together with Cr(acac)3 as ethylene tetramerization catalysts. Activated by methylaluminoxane, the best ligand with 3,5-dimethylphenyl attached to N atom achieved selectivity as high as 86.13% (1-octene and 1-hexene) and catalytic activity up to 4.98 × 106 g/mol Cr h toward 1-octene. It was established that the increase of m-substitution steric bulk in the aryl skeleton led to a dramatic increase of catalytic activity. Interestingly, with the increase of steric bulk in the o-substitution of the aryl ring, the catalytic activity declined and the selectivity of the catalyst changed from predominant tetramerization to trimerization. It was concluded that fine tuning of the N-aryl moiety of the PNP ligand in molecular structure is essential for obtaining efficient catalysis of ethylene tetramerization.
CONTINGENCY PLANNING FOR THE IMPACT OF OIL SPILLS IN DIFFERENT COASTAL ENVIRONMENTS OF CANADA

Planning for a cleanup operation of the shore zone requires consideration of the physical nature of the coast, including the sediment types, wave energy levels, and tidal range. Beaches exist in a dynamic state and are continuously changing in response to littoral processes. In addition to these temporal variations, there is frequently considerable variability of shoreline types and process characteristics within a small region. In eastern Canada, contingency planning must cover rocky shorelines, sand beaches, and muddy coasts. There also is a wide range of littoral process environments, from the exposed Atlantic coast to the sheltered Bay of Fundy, which has tidal ranges of 10-15 m. Three examples from eastern Canada illustrate the variability of shorelines and processes in the context of cleanup planning.
On the mechanism of intramolecular charge transfer in para-disubstituted diphenylacetylenes containing electron-donating and electron-accepting groups: role of πσ∗ state in electron-transfer dynamics

Abstract Evidence is presented for direct involvement of πσ C  C ∗ state in the intramolecular charge transfer of p -disubstituted diphenylacetylene containing an electron-donating group at one end and an electron-withdrawing group at the other. Comparison of the computed potential energy curves and the experimental transient absorption spectra with the corresponding data for N,N -dimethylaminobenzonitrile (DMABN) suggests that the πσ C  N ∗ state may also play a central role in the photoinduced electron-transfer of DMABN and related molecules.
Liquid Crystalline Solvents as Mechanistic Probes. IV. The Influence of Ordered Media on the Norrish Type II Photoprocesses in α-Diketones

The Norrish II photoreactions of octane-4,5-dione (1) and 1,6-diphenylhexane-3,4-dione (2) have been investigated at several temperatures and in isotropic and ordered (liquid crystalline) media. The sole photoproducts detected in all solvents are 1/1 diastereomeric mixtures of α-hydroxycyclobutanones. The quantum yields for disappearance of 1 and 2 tend to decrease as the temperature increases in all media investigated. Whereas the quantum yield ratio for disappearance of 1 in cholesteric mesophases and hexane is greater than one, the ratio for disappearance of 2 is less than one. Possible explanations for these observations, based upon the influence of solvent order on solute conformational lability, are advanced.
Determination of the Tryptophan Content of Feed and Feedstuffs by Ion Exchange Liquid Chromatography

A method for determining the tryptophan content of feed and feedstuffs was established. This method involved three steps: alkaline hydrolysis, pretreatment of the hydrolysate for chromatog-raphy, and measurement of tryptophan by ion exchange liquid chromatography. With this method, the recovery of tryptophan in egg-white lysozyme, which is a pure protein with six tryptophan residues, was 97%. It was shown that co-existing nutrients, such as carbohydrate, fiber, and free or combined ash, did not affect the recovery of tryptophan in lysozyme, but that the recovery of tryptophan was reduced by the presence of fat. Therefore, defatting of feed and feedstuffs is necessary to obtain accurate values for tryptophan analysis by this method. The tryptophan contents of some proteins, feedstuffs, and feeds were determined under the optimum conditions established in this study.
Differences in fundamental frequency, jitter, and shimmer among four types of infant vocalizations

An inaudible voice variable, known to be influenced by stress-arousal in adults, was recently discovered to differ significantly among four situationally defined types of infant vocalizations. Other research suggests that jitter in adults also may be altered by stress-arousal. Further, there is a lack of normative data on jitter and shimmer in infant vocalizations. These findings prompted this study comparing F0, jitter, and shimmer among four situationally defined vocalizations ("pain," "hunger," "fussy," and "cooing") of 2-6-month-old infants. Data showed no significant difference in either jitter or shimmer among the four vocalizations; no significant difference in F0, jitter, or shimmer due to the sex or age of infant; a significant difference in F0 among "hunger," "cooing," and either "pain" or "fussy" vocalizations; and no significant difference in F0 between "pain" or "fussy" cries.
Free Tissue Transfer for Limb Salvage in High-Risk Patients: Worth the Risk

Significance: Mircosurgical free tissue transfer is a powerful tool in the arsenal of reconstructive surgeons, oftentimes as the final option in limb salvage before amputation. Patients presenting for limb salvage frequently carry with them multiple co-morbidities such as diabetes mellitus, end-stage renal disease, and peripheral vascular disease. Surgeons are oftentimes hesitant to attempt free tissue tranfer in these medically complex individuals due to beliefs that the patient would not tolerate prolonged anesthesia, the surgery is doomed to fail, or the patient would be better off with an amputation. Because amputees actually demonstrate higher mortality rates, the decision to not to proceed with limb salvage should be made with great care. Recent Advances: By reviewing the success rates with free tissue transfer for limb salvage in high-risk patients, the target articles have shown that this option is indeed viable even in this patient population. Specifically, reasonable success rates are presented ...
The effect of trace impurities on the stress-corrosion cracking susceptibility and fracture toughness of 18Ni maraging steel

Abstract A series of 18Ni maraging steels of overall commercial purity but containing also deliberate impurity additions of S, P, C, Cr and Si + Mn has been studied. The fracture toughness and stress-corrosion resistance (determined using plane-strain fatigue-precracked specimens tested in 35x NaCl solution) of these steels have been compared to the fracture toughness and stress—corrosion resistance of a commercial-purity 18Ni maraging steel with no deliberate impurity additions, and to a similar steel prepared from special high-purity melting stock. The most important conclusions reached are that: (I) Ultra-high purity steels do not have significantly improved stress—corrosion resistance but show useful increases in fracture toughness when the C content is less than 0005 per cent; (II) Simultaneous additions of Mn + Si result in extremely low fracture toughness values; (III) High C contents (greater than 003 per cent) result in marginally improved stress—corrosion resistance; (IV) High Cr contents result in rather poor stress—corrosion properties. The fracture toughness results have been correlated with the electron transmission microstructure of the steels and the results of a fractographic analysis of the fracture surfaces.
Reproducibility of blood pressure values in normotensive subjects.

The reproducibility of whole-day blood pressure (BP) averages was evaluated in 56 normal volunteers. Blood pressure was monitored using a non-invasive automatic device that measured BP at 7.5 minute intervals for a 24h period. The whole-day systolic BP averages were closely similar on the two study days, 119 10 (S.D) and 117 11 mm Hg. A difference between the two whole-day averages of systolic blood pressure of greater than 10 mm Hg was found in 10 subjects. Values for the diastolic BP averages were 75 7 and 73 8 mm Hg with differences of greater than 5 mm Hg found in 15 subjects. Strong consistency of BP averages during the separate study days was also found for shorter monitoring periods: the 2h period (8 AM to 10 AM), the daytime period (6AM to 10PM) and the nighttime period (10PM to 6AM). Thus, blood pressure values obtained using a non-invasive ambulatory monitoring device are reproducible in the majority of normotensive control subjects.
Spontaneous discharge originates in the dorsal root ganglion at the onset of a painful peripheral neuropathy in the rat.

The activity of myelinated primary afferents was recorded from the dorsal roots 1-3 days after creation of a painful peripheral neuropathy in rats. The effects on spontaneous discharge of acute transections at various points along the injured sciatic nerve and the dorsal root were determined, as were the effects of K+ channel blockers applied topically to two putative sites of impulse origin: the injured region of the nerve and the dorsal root ganglion (DRG). Transections just proximal to the nerve injury and just distal to the DRG failed to halt the discharge, but spontaneous discharge disappeared when the transection was made just proximal to the DRG (i.e. between the DRG and recording electrode). K+ channel blockers (4-aminopyridine and gallamine triethiodide) applied to the DRG increased the frequency of spontaneous discharge or initiated activity from silent fibers. Applications of K+ channel blockers to the injured region of the nerve were without effect. Thus, the spontaneous discharge and the sensitivity to K+ channel blockade seen in A beta and A delta primary afferents at the time of the onset of the neuropathic pain syndrome appear to originate in the DRG.
Self-starvation and activity stress in Brattleboro rats

In order to examine the susceptibility of Brattleboro rats to self-starvation and activity stress, as evidenced by ulcer formation, four conditions were studied: (1) ad-lib access to food and water in an individual home cage, (2) ad-lib access to food and water in an activity-wheel cage, (3) ad-lib access to water and 1-h access to food in an individual home cage, and (4) ad-lib access to water and 1-h access to food each day in an activity-wheel cage. In the first two conditions, neither Brattleboro nor control animals developed ulcers. In the third condition, some rats in each group developed pits in the glandular portion of the stomach. Significant differences appeared in the fourth condition. Brattleboro rats developed more stomach pathology in both the nonglandular and glandular portions of the stomach than controls. The results were not due to variations in running behavior. The data indicate that the lack of vasopressin or physiological results of this deficit render Brattleboro rats more sensitive to self-starvation and activity stress than control animals.
5'-nucleotidase activity in developing chick pectoral muscle.

Abstract The activity of the plasma membrane enzyme 5′-nucleotidase varies dramatically during the embryonic development of chick pectoral muscle. The specific activity is greatest at early stages of differentiation (8-day embryos), falls to a minimum on days 12–14, then rises again in older embryos. In cultured muscle cells obtained from embryonic chick muscle the 5′-nucleotidase activity is essentially absent. Muscle cells grown in the presence of bromodeoxyuridine, an inhibitor of muscle differentiation, contain enhanced levels of 5′-nucleotidase activity. These results indicate that 5′-nucleotidase may be absent in muscle fibers, but present in other cells of muscle tissue.
Relation of tensile strength-porosity effects in ceramics to porosity dependence of Young's modulus and fracture energy, porosity character and grain size

Abstract The dependence of tensile strength σ on the porosity P of ceramics is considered, based on recent theories and observations of failure from pores and emanating microstructural cracks. Extensions of a model for such failure based on a colinear array of pore-crack combinations is used to evaluate such σ dependence and its relationship to the porosity dependence of Young's modulus E and fracture energy γ as well as the dependence of strength on the grain size G. It is shown that the porosity dependences of σ, E and γ should usually be similar, as is generally observed. It is also shown that the dependences of σ on both P and G are generally separable even if the sizes of the cracks surrounding the pores are related to G. The concept of pore linkage due to connection by cracks following preferred (mainly grain boundary) paths is introduced, and is suggested to be much more common than pore linkage due to cracking from overlapping stress fields of closely spaced pores.
Fitting the Continents

THE discussion1 by Dr. C. H. Barnett and Sir Harold Jeffreys calls for comment. First, the original suggestion that the Earth might be expanding, on the basis of experimental fit of the 200-m depth contours of the continental shelves, was made by O. C. Hilgenberg in 19332. Further, Sir Harold Jeffreys's objection that there is too much implied distortion can be met. The pseudo- viscosity of the crust3,4 and observed distortion by shear5,6 would lead one to expect continental distortion in any event; and the outline of the continental margins may have changed in geological time, by accretion of the continents7,8, by loss of continental crust9, or both.
Physicochemical and biological aspects of Nitinol as a biomaterial

AbstractThe rapid increase in the development of medical devices using nearly equiatomic Ni–Ti alloys (Nitinol) provides evidence of their advantages as biomaterials. Two generic properties of Nitinol, thermally induced shape recovery and superelasticity, are successfully employed for medical uses. However, several aspects of the alloys' short and long term efficacy have yet to be comprehensively determined, especially parameters relating to surface and corrosion performance. The present review surveys studies carried out internationally over about the past 10 years aiming at an improved understanding of Nitinol's surface, corrosion, and biocompatibility features. A critical survey is given of the surface condition of alloys modified using various advanced techniques, oxidised in air–water–steam mixtures, and passivated using chemical–electrochemical procedures. Surface parameters and their importance to the improvement of Nitinol's corrosion resistance and biological performance are discussed on the basi...
Nesiritide in Acute Decompensated Heart Failure: A Pooled Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Background Previous randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating nesiritide for the treatment of acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) have reported wide variances in mortality hazard ratios for nesiritide vs controls, but these individual trials were neither designed nor powered to evaluate mortality. This study used relevant data from all RCTs of nesiritide in ADHF completed as of June 2006 to independently estimate the effect of nesiritide on 30- and 180-day mortality. Hypothesis Administration of nesiritide to treat patients with ADHF does not significantly increase mortality at 30 or 180 days. Methods Six trials met prespecified criteria for inclusion in this analysis. Primary data from these trials were obtained from Scios Inc. (Fremont, CA). Statistical models were fitted to estimate 4 effects: dose response, differing control groups, vulnerable subgroup interactions, and time of death relative to nesiritide administration. All models included 4 baseline covariates that were significantly and independently associated with mortality. Results Complete covariate data were available in 1472 of 1538 subjects (96%). The risk-adjusted hazard ratio for mortality was 1.05 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.85–1.30) at 30 and 1.00 (95% CI: 0.88–1.14) at 180 days with no clear relationship to nesiritide dose. In addition to consistent results across 2 time points, no significant evidence of sensitivity to control group or baseline risk factors was found. Conclusions Currently available data suggest nesiritide does not significantly increase mortality at 30 or 180 days. Copyright © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dr. Abraham has received research grant funding and honoraria from and has served as a consultant for Scios Inc. Dr Trupp has been a member of Speakers Bureau for Scios Inc. Scios Inc. provided an unrestricted grant for Dr. Jarjoura's and Keding Hua's time in performing these statistical analyses. Neither Dr. Jarjoura nor Mr. Hua has any other relationship with the sponsor. Maureen O'Sullivan provided editorial support with funding from Ortho-McNeil Janssen Scientific Affairs. The authors have no other funding, financial relationships, or conflicts of interest to disclose.
Molecular Arrangement in Mesophases of Some p-n-Alkoxybenzoic Acids

The properties of an even homologous series of alkoxy benzoic acids have been investigated in the crystalline and mesomorphic states by means of thermal microscopy, x-ray scattering and dilatometry...