cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Deficiency of Brain Heme Oxygenase-1 in HIV-Infected Individuals: Potential Target for Adjunctive Therapy (P4.306)

OBJECTIVE: To determine the role of brain heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND). BACKGROUND: The continued prevalence of HAND in antiretroviral (ART)-treated individuals is thought to result from continued inflammation and oxidative stress within the peripheral and CNS compartments. HO-1 is critical for limiting inflammation, oxidative stress, and cellular injury within the CNS and other tissues. HO-1 protein expression is drastically reduced in HIV infected macrophages, the primary productive viral reservoir within the CNS, suggesting a potential role of HO-1 in HAND. DESIGN/METHODS: Protein and RNA expression were analyzed by Western blot and qPCR, respectively, in prefrontal cortex lysates from HIV- and HIV+ brains (n=156) from subjects from the National NeuroAIDS Tissue Consortium. RESULTS: HO-1 protein levels were deficient in the prefrontal cortex of HIV+ subjects compared to HIV- controls (p<0.01), with more severe HO-1 deficiency in HIVE subjects (p<0.001). HO-1 deficiency occurred in ART-naive and ART-experienced subjects. HO-1 deficiency correlated with CNS viral load (p<0.01) and with brain parenchymal markers of macrophage and innate immune activation (ISG15. MX1, CD163; p<0.01). HO-1 deficiency correlated with neurocognitive impairment in executive and speed of processing domains in the Caucasian subpopulation (p<0.01). Using our in vitro model of HIV-mediated neurodegeneration in which HIV-infected monocyte-derived macrophages (MDM) release neurotoxins, we have shown that pharmacologic inducers of HO-1, including dimethyl fumarate and monomethyl fumarate, decrease HIV-MDM neurotoxin production; in contrast inhibition of heme oxygenase activity increased neurotoxin production. CONCLUSIONS: HIV infection reduces CNS HO-1 protein expression and this deficiency may play a role in neuroinflammation and neurocognitive impairment in HAND patients. HO-1 is a targetable neuroprotective host factor that modulates macrophage-mediated neurodegeneration in HIV infection. Therapeutic inducers of HO-1 including dimethyl fumarate, which was recently approved by the FDA for the treatment of multiple sclerosis, should be studied further for their potential clinical efficacy in reducing the prevalence of HAND in ART-treated individuals. Study Supported by: NS043994 (DLK), MH095671 (DLK), and NS072005 (BBG) Disclosure: Dr. Gill has nothing to disclose. Dr. Ambegaokar has nothing to disclose. Dr. Kovacsics has nothing to disclose. Dr. Cross has nothing to disclose. Dr. Gelman has nothing to disclose. Dr. Kolson has nothing to disclose.
Parallel Machine Models (Deterministic)

A bank of machines in parallel is a setting that is important from both a theoretical and a practical point of view. From a theoretical point of view it is a generalization of the single machine, and a special case of the flexible flow shop. From a practical point of view, it is important because the occurrence of resources in parallel is common in the real world. Also, techniques for machines in parallel are often used in decomposition procedures for multi-stage systems.
Reduced menstrual blood loss by release of an antifibrinolytic agent from intrauterine contraceptive devices

Lippes Loop and Multiload intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUDs) were fitted with silicone rubber sleeves which either did not contain any compound (blank) or contained the antifibrinolytic agent, epsilon-aminocaproic acid (EACA. In vitro measurements showed that the antifibrinolytic agent was released from the sleeves for a period of 20 days. After insertion into women, the blank Lippes Loop IUDs and Multiload IUDs as well as copper-containing Multiload IUDs caused a significant increase in blood loss beginning with the first menstrual cycle after insertion. The enhanced blood loss was generally retained during subsequent menstrual cycles. By contrast, the menstrual blood loss induced by IUDs containing EACA sleeves was not significantly greater during the first menstrual cycle after insertion that the preinsertion levels. When no more EACA was released, menstrual blood loss increased to approximately the same level as that observed with the blank and copper IUDs. Thus, release of EACA from an IUD retains menstrual blood loss at approximately physiologic levels. These results encourage the development of IUDs that are capable of releasing antifirbrinolytic agents over a long period so that the antimenorrhagic effect is maintained.
Association of Developmental Venous Anomalies with Perfusion Abnormalities on Arterial Spin Labeling and Bolus Perfusion‐Weighted Imaging

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE To investigate the frequency and characteristics of developmental venous anomaly (DVA)-associated perfusion abnormalities on arterial spin labeling (ASL) and bolus perfusion-weighted imaging (PWI) and discuss their potential causes. METHODS We reviewed brain MR reports to identify all DVAs reported on studies performed between 2009 and 2012. DVA location and findings on PWI and/or ASL imaging were assessed by visual inspection. Sizes of DVAs were categorized as small ( 25 mm). For ASL, signal in the DVA, surrounding parenchyma, or associated draining vein was recorded. For PWI, changes on hemodynamic maps (cerebral blood volume [CBV], cerebral blood flow [CBF], mean transit time [MTT], and normalized time-to-peak of the residue function [Tmax]) were evaluated. Coexisting vascular malformations in association with DVAs were also identified. RESULTS Six hundred and fifty-two DVAs were identified in 632 subjects. Of these, 121 underwent both perfusion modalities, 15 only PWI, and 127 only ASL. ASL abnormalities were seen in 21/248 (8%), including signal in a draining vein (2/21, 10%), in the DVA (11/21, 52%), and in the parenchyma (8/21, 38%). On PWI, the majority of DVAs demonstrated abnormalities (108/136, 79%), typically increased CBF, CBV, MTT, and Tmax. There was no association between DVA size and presence of ASL signal (P = .836). Borderline statistical significance was found between DVA size and presence of PWI abnormality (P = .046). No relationship was found between the presence of a coexisting vascular malformation and presence of ASL (P = .468) or PWI abnormality (P = .745). CONCLUSIONS Perfusion changes with DVAs are common on PWI but uncommon on ASL. PWI findings are expected based on the anatomy and physiology of DVAs and are accentuated by gradient echo acquisition. DVAs with intrinsic ASL signal or signal in draining veins may be associated with arteriovenous shunting (transitional lesions).
Access control in decentralized, distributed systems

Distributed systems with decentralized control, such as peer-to-peer systems, computing grids across multiple organizations, and compositional web services require a rethinking of basic issues in their design and implementation. This dissertation establishes a model of these systems, examines the issues of programming models, access control, and trust, and proposes and evaluates new methods for implementing access control and trust management in these systems. We begin by abstracting these systems into the model of service-oriented systems that use associative interactions. It then examines the fundamental issues of access control in decentralized systems, and its greater requirements than in systems with central control. From this analysis we identify possible solutions for access control implementations that have not been explored. We then introduce a framework developed to support computation in these kinds of networks, and then together with the lessons learned from the taxonomy, offer and evaluate contractually-limited capabilities as an access control mechanism. We then address the questions of trust, cooperation, and access control decisions by offering and evaluating a reputation-tracking mechanism that incorporates a quantified measure of uncertainty, realizing that intrinsic to any system with decentralized control is the uncertainty of information arising from incomplete state. We show this mechanism promotes cooperation by throttling uncooperative nodes while providing high levels of service to cooperative nodes. We then further examine the question of reliability of these networks by introducing a logic for verifying access control properties. This logic unifies a logic of belief with temporal logic, and establishes formal models of these systems that can then be proven to possess desirable properties.
Therapeutic apheresis in kidney transplantation: a review of renal transplant immunobiology and current interventions with apheresis medicine

Transplantation is the treatment of choice for end stage renal disease. Kidney transplants convey both a significant survival advantage to the individual recipient as well as cost savings to the medical system. Circulating alloantibodies directed against donor human leukocyte antigens and blood group antigens are fairly common among potential recipients. They are known to injure allografts, shorten allograft survival, and limit access to kidney transplantation. Hence, screening for pretransplant alloantibodies using complement dependent cytotoxic cross-matching and more sensitive techniques such as the solid phase assays, have become routine in an attempt to avoid incompatible donor-recipient pairs and risk stratify those with donor specific antibodies (DSA). By removing harmful antibodies, therapeutic apheresis (TA) has become a critical tool for improving access to transplantation in cases where the immunologic risk had previously been considered unacceptable. It has also allowed us to transplant across the barrier of ABO blood group incompatibility and expand the pool of donors with reasonable success. Furthermore, it is an important tool in the treatment of antibody-mediated rejection. Advanced apheresis technologies, such as immunoadsorption, and the use of TA in combination with innovative paired-donor exchange programs, offer the potential to further improve access and outcomes, minimizing the short comings of one single form of therapy alone.
Relationship of Elementary and Secondary School Achievement Test Scores to College Performance

This study investigated the relationship between achievement test scores on the ITBS and ITED and academic success in college. The basic population consisted of approximately 2000 students who entered the University of Iowa as freshmen in 1977. Achievement test scores obtained in grades 4, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12 were available for a substantial portion of the population. Three measures of academic success in college were used: (1) first semester grade point average (December, 1977); (2) grade point average as of December, 1982; (3) graduation status (graduated/not graduated) as of December, 1982. Correlations between the achievement test scores and measures of college performance were similar to those reported for tests of the college entrance type. This study provides support for the predictive validity of the ITBS and ITED achievement test batteries.
Information Systems Service Quality: An Examination of User Expectations

This paper reports the results of a field study that examined the expectations of users as they relate to the quality of service offered by the information systems (IS) function within organizations. While the results indicate that users have consistently high expectations across organizations, the results also indicate that expectations can differ due to age and gender. The paper discusses the implications of these results, along with ways that management can use this information to better influence user expectations.
The Thyroid and Metabolism: The Action Continues

On March 27, 2008, the American Thyroid Association sponsored a research summit on the Thyroid and Metabolism. The goals of the summit were to explore emerging new concepts and potential therapies arising from recent insights into the action of thyroid hormone signaling. New advances have identified functions previously thought to be distinct from thyroid hormone signaling pathways and suggest new avenues of therapy for metabolic disease.
Field characteristics of deposits from spatter-rich pyroclastic density currents at Summer Coon volcano, Colorado

Abstract The Oligocene, deeply eroded Summer Coon composite volcano contains mafic andesite deposits that are massive to poorly bedded, have abundant flattened and deformed spatter clasts, have varying proportions of dense lithic clasts, and are supported mostly by a coarse-ash matrix. Although superficially these deposits resemble typical facies from Strombolian eruptions (emplaced ballistically, by fallout, and by rolling and local grain-avalanches down steep cone slopes), there are several lines of evidence that lead to an interpretation that the deposits were emplaced by pyroclastic density currents. These include local coarse-tail grading, deformation of spatter clasts in a down-flow direction, incorporation of matrix ash and lapilli into flattened spatter clasts, imbrication of large clasts, plastering of spatter on stoss sides of large lithic blocks and lenses of lithic-rich material on lee sides, deposition on angles less than the angle of repose, and a paucity of clast shapes associated with Strombolian mechanisms. The deposit characteristics are consistent with rapid sedimentation from a low-particle-concentration, turbulent flow onto an aggrading bed. We infer two potential mechanisms for generating these density currents: (1) explosive magma–water interaction involving lithic debris and relatively unfragmented melt; and (2) collapse of oversteepened upper cone slopes due to rapid accumulation of spatter from voluminous Strombolian eruptions.
Separation of pigmented and albino melanocytes and the concomitant evaluation of endogenous peroxide content using flow cytometry

Flow cytometry (FCM) has been used extensively to analyze various biological properties of the cell. In this report, we describe a method by which FCM was used to determine the light scattering profile of a mixed population of pigmented and non-pigmented melanocytes, plus its subsequent use for the sorting and separation of the two cell types. In addition, the relative peroxide content in pigmented and non-pigmented melanocytes was compared by flow cytometry. Cultured avian melanocytes from a pigmented control and from three genetically distinct albino sources were studied. FCM analysis of forward versus side light scatter within a mixed suspension of pigmented and amelanotic melanocytes distinguished two overlapping populations of cells. Sorting of these two populations demonstrated that the population exhibiting much side and minimal forward light scatter was primarily pigmented melanocytes, while conversely the population exhibiting less side and more forward scatter was principally non-pigmented cells. These two melanocyte types also demonstrated differences in levels of endogenous peroxides. The intracellular content of peroxide in the two subpopulations of cells was measured utilizing the nonfluorescent compound, 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA), which within the cell is oxidized by intracellular peroxides to a fluorescent dichlorofluorescein (DCF). Non-pigmented albino melanocytes had the highest quantity of endogenous peroxides, while heavily pigmented cells had considerably less peroxide-related fluorescence. The amount of this DCF fluorescence could be enhanced by increasing concentrations of DCF used in the assay. These flow cytometric methods are useful for isolating and culturing subpopulations of melanocytes expressing various pigment levels and to investigate the relationship between melanin and its precursors with hydrogen and lipid peroxides in melanocytes.
A coupled-cluster and MBPT study of B2H6 and BH3

Abstract Coupled-cluster and many-body perturbation theories have been applied to a study of diborane and borane. Results for the dissociation enthalpy of the former calculated with two large contracted Gaussian basis sets at the CCSD+ T (CCSD) level of approximation are in excellent agreement with experiment. In addition, harmonic vibrational frequencies and infrared absorption intensities computed at the correlated level are used in a critical assessment of the currently accepted vibrational assignments for both species.
Tangled webs: evidence of cross-talk between c-Raf-1 and Akt.

The apparent cross-communication that can occur between different cell signaling pathways indicates that some signaling mechanisms may be more complex than originally envisaged. Jun et al. discuss recent studies suggesting that two signaling pathways that can be activated by the same growth factor receptor, the Ras-Raf pathway and the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)–Akt (protein kinase B) pathway, can integrate with each other to generate a particular response, depending on the cell type and the stage of cell differentiation.
INSULIN-LIKE GROWTH FACTOR (IGF)-I AND -II AND IGFBP SECRETION BY OVINE SATELLITE CELL STRAINS GROWN ALONE OR IN COCULTURE WITH 3T3-L1 PREADIPOCYTES

The current study was designed to examine the effects of muscle and fat stem cell coculture on the secretion of insulinlike growth factor (IGF)-I and -II and IGF binding proteins (IGFBP) by these cells. Two sheep satellite cell strains with negligible or high potential for differentiation (10A and 01, respectively) were placed in coculture with 3T3-L1 preadipocytes using a filter support to separate the two cell types. Media conditioned by the cells grown alone or in coculture were analyzed for IGFs by RIA or IGFBPs by ligand blotting. The numbers of satellite cells and preadipocytes declined throughout the 5-d culture period, although coculture slowed the 3T3-L1 decline but hastened the satellite cell decline. The satellite cell strains and 3T3-L1 cells secreted small amounts of IGF-I (≤2 ng/ml) and IGF-II (<10 ng/ml) over the 5-d culture period. Coculture did not increase the amount of IGF-I and -II in conditioned media. The lowly differentiating 10A cells secreted barely detectable amounts of the low molecular weight IGFBP-3 subunit (34 kDa), IGFBP-2 (28 kDa), and IGFBP-4 (18 kDa). Coculture of 10A and 3T3-L1 cells potentiated secretion of IGFBP-2 and-3. Strain 01, which readily differentiates, secreted high levels of both IGFBP-3 subunits (34 and 39 kDa) and IGFBP-2 (28 kDa), as well as significant amounts of the 18 kDa IGFBP-4. Coculture did not alter IGFBP secretion of 01 cells. This study showed that while IGF-I and -II levels in media conditioned by sheep satellite cell strains are low and relatively invariant, the intensity and complexity of IGFBP patterns increases with time in culture and with the potential for differentiation of the satellite cell strains. Coculture with preadipocytes appeared to potentiate IGFBP secretion while reducing satellite cell viability.
A stereotaxic attachment for implanting crystalline steroids in the brain.

Abstract A simple and efficient device for chronically implanting crystalline steroids in the brain is described. A disposable syringe is adapted so that a plunger extrudes a pellet into the desired brain area. The implanter is easily adapted to the drill holder of a Kopf Stereotaxic Instrument. The stereotaxic technique provides accurate implant localization along with minimal damage to associated neural structures.
Complete deficiency of thyroxine-binding globulin (TBG-CD Buffalo) caused by a new nonsense mutation in the thyroxine-binding globulin gene.

Complete deficiency of thyroxine-binding globulin (TBG-CD) is defined as undetectable TBG in the serum of affected hemizygous subjects. Four distinct mutations have been identified in the TBG gene that cause this phenotype: TBG-CDJ (Japan), TBG-CD6, TBG-CD5, and TBG-CD Yonago. We report a new mutation producing TBG-CD phenotype. Five family members were studied, including two affected males with undetectable TBG in serum and two obligatory heterozygote females with borderline low values. Sequencing of the exons encoding the mature protein, adjacent introns and the promoter region, revealed differences in two nucleotides compared to the common type TBG, both located in exon 3: TGG (Trp) → TAG (Stop) at codon 280 and TTG (Leu) → TTT (Phe) at codon 283. The former mutation was not previously described and the latter is a polymorphic variant. Genotyping revealed that the two affected males had the mutant and polymorphic allele and their obligatory heterozygous mothers have each a common type and a mutant alle...
Conceptual and mnemonic factors in paired-associate learning

Abstract Learning of a modified paired-associate task was studied in 144 school children. The type of stimulus material (pictures-words), the number of response alternatives (2–4), the matching of stimuli and response alternatives (Rule-Random), and the grade of the Ss (3rd-5th), all influenced the rate of learning. Interactions among these variables indicated that picture stimuli are relatively more helpful to the younger children, and the presence of a category reduces the relative advantage of pictures over words. An interaction implying that older Ss were better able to use the categorical material was absent. Analysis of the Two-Choice, Random data in terms of Bower's all-ornone learning model provided an adequate description of the course of learning. Deviations from the model in the other conditions suggest added processes are involved.
Effect of resonance scattering and impurity correlations on the thermodynamic and transport properties of superconducting alloys

A model due to Anderson is used to investigate the superconducting properties of nonmagnetic alloys of simple metals with transition-metal impurities. The alloys are assumed to be very dilute. The resonance-scattering effects in the alloys are related to the width $\ensuremath{\Gamma}$ of the bound $d$ state on each impurity, and the physical limit $\ensuremath{\Gamma}\ensuremath{\gg}k{T}_{c}$ is chosen. Here ${T}_{c}$ is the superconducting critical temperature of the alloy. The impurity correlations are dependent on the Coulomb interaction $U$ between $d$ electrons on opposite spin, and are included in the superconducting problem by a self-consistent Hamiltonian due to Ratto and Blandin. The order parameter, the electronic density of states $N(\ensuremath{\omega})$, and the specific heat are calculated for the superconducting state of the alloys at temperatures $T$ such that $0\ensuremath{\lesssim}T\ensuremath{\ll}{T}_{c}$. It is found that $N(\ensuremath{\omega})\ensuremath{\sim}{(\ensuremath{\omega}\ensuremath{-}{\ensuremath{\omega}}_{G})}^{\frac{1}{2}}$ close to the gap edge ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{G}$, and that $U$ has a strong effect on the thermodynamic properties of the alloys in this temperature range. The thermodynamic properties are also investigated in the temperature range $0\ensuremath{\ll}T\ensuremath{\lesssim}{T}_{c}$. It is found that they depend on the impurity correlations only through ${T}_{c}$. However, the transport properties of the alloys are strongly $U$-dependent for these temperatures, in particular the Josephson current. Finally, the relation to the Kondo effect is discussed and the results of the paper are considered in the light of experiment.
Psychosocial Sequelae of Visual Loss in Diabetes

This study evaluated whether degree of related visual impairment is associated with degree of psychological symptoms in general, and specifically more somatization, depression, anxiety, phobic anxiety, fear of hypoglycemia, and stress. A total of 49 volunteer subjects with diabetes-induced visual impairment were subdivided into totally blind and partially sighted groups, and were compared with 62 nonvisually impaired adults with diabetes. All were given the Brief Symptom Index, the Hypoglycemic Fear Survey, and the Perceived Stress Scale, along with a general questionnaire assessing demographic characteristics. Mean scores of the partially sighted group did not differ from the nonvisually impaired group, but the blind subjects reported more general psychological symptoms, somatization, anxiety, and phobic anxiety. Significantly more blind than sighted subjects exhibited clinical elevations on anxiety, phobic anxiety, and fear of hypoglycemia. Regression analysis confirmed the significant visual loss on psychological functioning and revealed large individual differences in how patients respond to visual loss. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED)
TH‐D‐201C‐05: Monitoring Response of Liver Cancer to Targeted Radiation Therapy with a Novel 31P/1H MRS Coil

Purpose: To present a novel multi‐channel dual‐tuned 31P/1H MRS coil which allows for non‐invasive acquisition of in‐vivo phosphorus (31P) spectroscopy data from the whole liver. We hypothesize MRS data collected with this coil can improve the assessment of early tumor response to targeted radiation therapy.Method and Materials: A novel dual‐tuned 8‐channel 31P/1H coil for a Siemens 3T Tim Trio whole Body MRI scanner was designed and validated. The coil consists of two plates placed anterior and posterior of the patient's torso with four 31P receive elements (24×20 cm2) each. Furthermore each plate has one 31P transmit element and one 1H transmit‐receive element. Thus the coil allows for 31P MRS conventional MRI and 1H MRS during the same scan session. For our clinical study the 31P MRS data was acquired with a 2D slice selective free‐induction‐decay (FID) sequence using the following parameters: TE 2.3 ms TR 1 s field of view (FOV) 400×400×30 mm3 nominal voxel size 25×25×30 mm3 30 weighted averages. Each free‐induction‐decay (FID) was acquired with 2048 points over a bandwidth of 5000 Hz. The resulting scan time was about 25 min. Results: In vivo 31P liver spectra and 1H MRIimages of the entire liver were successfully acquired in healthy volunteers and patients undergoing targeted radiation therapy. The optimized 31P MRS sequence allowed for identification and quantification of ATP phosphomonoesters (PME) phosphodiesters (PDE) and inorganic phosphate (Pi) metabolites throughout the liver on an axial slice. Metabolic differences between healthy and malignant livertissue were clearly identified. Conclusions: We have shown that our novel 31P/1H MRS coil allows for assessing 31P metabolites in lesions located in deep tissue while being able to run conventional MRIimaging scans during the same scan session.
The growth of pores in graphitized carbon reacted with carbon dioxide

Abstract Cylinders of a very pure graphitized porous carbon were reacted to 10, 20 and 30 per cent burnoff at 1030°C. Based upon pore size distributions obtained from the unburned carbon and from radial sections of the cylinders at each percentage burnoff, the major portion of early pore development apparently occurred by preferential burning of single crystallites of carbon. This yielded pores of approximately the same size as the original carbon crystallites. These pores reached a maximum volume, whereupon further development in this range of pore sizes ceased. Burning away of the walls of the larger pores then became the major portion of the reaction.
Nanostructure‐Driven Analyte–Interface Electron Transduction: A General Approach to Sensor and Microreactor Design

A concept describing the nanostructure-directed dynamics of acid/base interaction and the balance between physisorption and chemisorption on an extrinsic semiconductor interface is evaluated and compared for n- and p-type semiconductors. The inverse hard/soft acid/base (IHSAB) concept, as it complements the HSAB concept, defines the nature of a dominant physisorption behavior and enables the creation of a matrix of controllable interactions. The technology results in the coupling of Lewis acid/base chemistry with the extrinsic semiconductor majority carriers. Nanoporous silicon layers facilitate the application of nanostructured metal/metal oxides, which provide sensitivity and selectivity for the modified interface. Applied fractional depositions can produce a dominant reversible physisorptive (sensors) or chemisorptive (microreactors) interaction at the semiconductor interface as the nanostructures act as antennas to focus the interaction. The dynamic natures of n- and p-type silicon are evaluated and compared, by focusing on the controlled manipulation of these semiconductors as they are modified with nanostructures and interact with the gas-phase analytes. The observed semiconductor responses correlate well with the temperature dependence of the extrinsic semiconductor, the population of the donor or acceptor levels, and the inherent mobilities of electrons. The response of the modified n-type semiconductors is found to exceed that of comparable p-type systems. The IHSAB concept can be extended to assess the properties of several additional semiconductor interfaces including nanowires. The results obtained not only pertain to sensor and microreactor array design, but also suggest the importance of the dynamic changes created, as the majority charge-carrier concentrations are manipulated and the Fermi energies are modified through chemical interaction.
Phytosociology of Sinharaja—A contribution to rain forest conservation in Sri Lanka

Abstract The structure and floristic composition of the vegetation over 30 cm girth at breast height (gbh) in five relatively undisturbed forest sites, each 5 ha in extent, in the Sinharaja International Man and Biosphere rain forest reserve investigated reveal a similarity in their (a) mean density of individuals (594–769) per ha, (b) basal area (36·0–41·6 m2) per ha and vertical distribution of individuals. The 17 427 individuals enumerated were identified into 211 species, 119 genera and 43 families. Contribution of endemic species to density, basal area and floristic richness in terms of total species complement ranged between 75–93%, 87–93% and 64–75% respectively. Clusiaceae [Improtance Value Index (IVI) = 27·3–78·1] and Dipterocarpaceae (IVI = 39·9–50·3) were the two most dominant families in this forest. Based on height attained by mature individuals of a species, 59 canopy, 49 subcanopy and 103 understorey tree species were discerned. In all except sample site 2, Garcinia hermonii (Clusiaceae) followed by Xylopia championii (Annonaceae) dominated the understorey tree stratum, but in the subcanopy and canopy the dominants were more diverse. Of the 211 species recorded, 40% had population densities of 10 individuals or less per 25 ha and 43% were restricted either to one or two sites sampled. These species, particularly the endemics among them, may be considered vulnerable species and further encroachments into the reserve will jeopardise their survival. Even for those endemics once widespread in the lowland wet zone of the island, Sinharaja has now become the last refugium as most of their habitats have been modified, leaving a mere 9% of the wet zone land area under natural forest cover. This too, is fragmented and inadequately protected. Conserving Sinharaja in its entirety is therefore all the more important and is highlighted in this phytosociological survey.
A Teacher's Conception of Definition and Use of Examples When Doing and Teaching Mathematics.

To contribute to an understanding of the nature of teachers’ mathematical knowledge and its role in teaching, the case study reported in this article investigated a teacher’s conception of a metamathematical concept, definition, and her use of examples in doing and teaching mathematics. Using an enactivist perspective on mathematical knowledge, the authors give an account of the case of Lily, a prospective, then beginning, teacher who conceived of mathematical definition as an object with particular form and function and engaged in purposeful, specialized use of examples when doing and teaching mathematics. Lily’s case illustrates how a teacher’s interpretation of examples (as exemplifications or single instances) and conception of the form and function of definitions can influence her doing and teaching mathematics. An implication is that teacher preparation should foster teachers’ abilities to use examples purposefully to provide students with rich opportunities to engage in mathematical processes such ...
Variant structure in metal-organic-chemical-vapor-deposition-derived SnO2 thin films on sapphire (0001)

Tin oxide (SnO2) thin films were deposited on sapphire (0001) substrate by metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) at temperatures of 600 and 700 °C. The microstructure of the deposited films was characterized by x-ray diffraction (XRD) and high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). At the growth conditions studied, films were single-phase rutile and epitaxial, but showed variant structures. Three distinct in-plane epitaxial relationships were observed between the films and the substrate. A crystallographic model is proposed to explain the film morphology. This model can successfully predict the ratio of the width to the length of an averaged grain size based upon the lattice mismatch of the film-substrate interface.
Optimization formulation and monotonic solution method for the Witsenhausen problem

The Witsenhausen counterexample is examined. The problem is reduced to an optimization problem over the space of quantile functions. Calculus of variation methods are applied, and necessary conditions are generated. Aspects of the structure of the problem and the solution are discussed. A numerical method generating a sequence of solution approximations with monotonically decreasing cost is constructed, based on the necessary conditions. The limit of the method satisfies the necessary conditions.
Simulations of the neutral structure within the dusk side aurora

Observations of neutral winds from rocket release experiments within the premidnight and postmidnight substorm recovery phase aurora, show very large E-region neutral winds of several hundred m/s, where winds measured on the dusk side are even larger than those on the dawn side. These large winds are also associated with strong shears, and there is evidence that some of the regions below these shears may be unstable. The mechanisms which generate this strong vertical structure are not well understood. It is also not known whether the acceleration conditions in the pre and post midnight sectors of the aurora may produce significantly different neutral responses on the dawn and dusk sides. Simulations have been performed using a three-dimensional high resolution limited area thermosphere model to try to understand the neutral structure within the dawn and dusk side aurora. When simulations are performed using auroral forcing alone, for equivalent conditions within the dawn and dusk sectors, differences are found in the simulated response on each side. When measured values of auroral forcing parameters, and background winds and tides consistent with recent observations, are used as model inputs, some of the main features of the zonal and meridional wind observations are reproduced in the simulations, but the magnitude of the peak zonal wind around 140 km tends to be too small and the maximum meridional wind around 130 km is overestimated. The winds above 120 km altitude are found to be sensitive to changes in electric fields and ion densities, as was the case for the dawn side, but the effects of background winds and tides on the magnitudes of the winds above 120 km are found to be relatively small on the dusk side. The structure below 120 km appears to be related mainly to background winds and tides rather than auroral forcing, as was found in earlier studies on the dawn side, although the peak magnitudes of simulated wind variations in the 100 to 120 km altitude range are smaller than those observed. The source of the strong shears measured around 110 km altitude on the dusk side is uncertain, but may be related to different kinds of oscillations, such as gravity waves, non migrating semidiurnal tides, or secondary oscillations produced by non linear interactions between waves.
Detection and discrimination of four Aspergillus section Nigri species by PCR

Species of Aspergillus section Nigri are not easily distinguished by traditional morphological techniques, and typically are identified by DNA sequencing methods. We developed four PCR primers to distinguish between Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus welwitschiae, Aspergillus carbonarius and Aspergillus tubingensis, based on species-conserved differences in the calmodulin gene sequence. PCR amplification from total DNA using these primers was species specific; no amplification occurred from nontarget species DNA for each primer pair. Species-specific PCR could distinguish between species in mixed DNA templates, indicating a utility in determining culture uniformity of isolated Aspergillus strains. In addition, with these primer sets, each species could be detected in soil following mixed-species inoculation with Aspergillus spores. This indicates that PCR with these species-specific primers may be useful in determining the distribution of Aspergillus species in environmental samples without the need for species identification from isolated strains, as well as detecting species that may be infrequently isolated by culture-based methods.
A method to estimate the composition of the bulk silicate Earth in the presence of a hidden geochemical reservoir

Abstract The possibility of a hidden geochemical reservoir in the deep mantle has long been debated in geophysics and geochemistry, because of its bearings on the structure of the core–mantle boundary region, the origin of hotspots, the style of mantle convection, the history of the geomagnetic field, and the thermal evolution of Earth. The presence of such hidden reservoir, however, may invalidate existing models for the composition of the bulk silicate Earth because these models invariably assume that major chemical differentiation in the mantle follows the compositional trend exhibited by upper-mantle rocks. This article presents a new method to estimate the composition of the bulk silicate Earth by explicitly taking into account the possibility of a hidden reservoir. This geochemical inference is formulated as a nonlinear inverse problem, for which an efficient Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithm is developed. Inversion results indicate that the formation of a hidden reservoir, if any, took place at low pressures probably within the first 10 Myr of the history of the solar system and was subsequently lost from the Earth by impact erosion. The global mass balance of the bulk silicate Earth is revisited with the inversion results, and the depletion of highly incompatible elements in the present-day Earth is suggested to be moderate.
Geography and dispersal of Galapagos Islands vascular plants

NEARLY every naturalist who has dealt, with the Galapagos Islands since Darwin1 has pointed out the flora's obvious geographical affinities with tropical America, stressing relationships with South America, Mexico, Central America and the West Indies. But as the tropical American flora has become better known, most Galapagos species once thought to be only Mexican, Central American or West Indian in their extra-Galapagean distributions also have been found to occur in northern and western tropical South America (for example, the widespread Zanthoxylum fagara (L.) Sarg., Rutaceae) or to have been incorrectly identified (for example, the endemic Chamaesyce viminea (Hook, f.) Burch, Euphorbiaceae). Svenson2 first indicated the flora's lack of affinity with Mexico and Central America. The study reported here is the first to present evidence that West Indian relationships do not exist. After publication of the Flora of the Galapagos Islands3 and several subsequent papers4–12, it is now also possible to quantify the geographical relationships of the vascular flora and to study the plants' dispersal mechanisms. This study shows the flora's relationships to be with adjacent South America and and that birds have had the most important role in plant dispersal to the islands.
Dynamical evolution of hadronic matter in relativistic collisions.

We use the (3+1)-dimensional string-parton model to study relativistic collisions of heavy ions at CERN energies. Various inclusive hadronic observables, such as transverse energy, [ital dE][sub [ital T]]/[ital d][eta], and rapidity distributions, are calculated and compared with WA80 and NA35 data. We study secondary interactions that occur during the dynamical evolution, and show that these interactions tend to fill the midrapidity region. The dynamical evolution of the energy density of produced mesons and their thermodynamic properties are also studied.
Neonatal meningococcal meningitis

Summary A 7-day-old infant developed meningococcol meningitis while in a well baby nursery. Group B, N. meningitides was cultured from the infant's spinal fluid, blood, nose, and throat, as well as from the throats of the mother and 4 nursery personnel. The relatively benign course in this and other reported cases of neonatal menigococcal meningitis is in contrast to other forms of neonatal meningitis and to meningococcal disease in older infants.
Nasopalatine duct cyst: An analysis of 334 cases

The nasopalatine duct cyst (NPDC) is the most common cyst of nonodontogenic origin in the maxilla. However, the information reported about this lesion consists primarily of small surveys and isolated case reports. The purpose of this retrospective investigation was to gather demographic, clinical, and histologic data on a large series of NPDCs, and to compare the findings with those of previous studies. In this study, the overall mean age at diagnosis was 42.5 years, and there was a slight male predilection. The mean radiographic diameter was 17.1 mm, but 75% of the lesions were 20 mm or less in diameter. Symptoms were present in at least 70% of the cases. Only 28% of the specimens contained respiratory epithelium. There was no correlation between radiographic size, patient's age, presenting symptoms, or type of epithelium. Recurrence was noted in only 2% of the cases.
Remote Measurement of the Position and Surface Circulation of Hurricane Eloise by HF Skywave Radar

Abstract The position and surface wind direction field of Hurricane Eloise was observed by measuring sea backscatter from the Gulf of Mexico through the use of an HF skywave radar situated in central California. A radar map of the surface wind direction field was compiled from the direction of the ocean gravity waves 8 m long, and compared to the surface wind directions measured at National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Data Buoy Office open ocean moored buoys EB10 and EB04. Agreement to within 10% was found. A radar position fix was determined from the radar-derived surface wind map and showed agreement to within 35 km of the position estimated from the official National Hurricane Center track.
Specific heat of cellulose nitrate

Abstract The specific heat of four military grade cellulose nitrates was measured from 298 to 390 K by use of differential scanning calorimetry. Over this temperature range the specific heat may be represented as follows: Grade B. C p= (0.0184±0.7640) cal g-1K-1; Grade C (Type I). C p=(0.0201±0.7860) cal g-1K-1; Grade C (Type II). C p=(0.0241±0.7910) cal g-1K-1; Grade D (Pyroxylin), C p=(0.0256±0.8170) cal g-1K-1; where 0=T1000 K.
Increased endothelial nitric oxide synthase activity in the hyperemic vessels of portal hypertensive rats

Abstract Background/Aim: Portal hypertension is characterized by splanchnic hyperemia due to a reduction in mesenteric vascular resistance. Mediators of this hyperemia include nitric oxide. This is based on several reports indicating a marked splanchnic hyporesponsiveness in portal hypertension to vasoconstrictor stimuli both in vitro and in vivo , and a subsequent reversal using specific inhibitors of nitric oxide synthase. The objective of this study was to determine firstly whether the functional activity and/or expression of nitric oxide synthase is altered in portal hypertensive vasculature and secondly which isoenzyme form was responsible for the preferential response to nitric oxide blockade in these animals. Methods: We compared nitric oxide synthase functional activity in the hyperemic vasculature of sham and portal hypertensive rats (following partial portal vein ligation). Nitric oxide synthase activities were determined by measuring the conversion of L-arginine to citrulline using ion-exchange chromotagraphy and the amount of immunodetectable nitric oxide synthase in sham and portal hypertensive vessels was determined by Western blot. Results: Ca 2+ -dependent nitric oxide synthase activity was significantly elevated ( p Conclusion: We conclude that enhanced endothelial nitric oxide synthesis may in part contribute to the hyperdynamic circulation of portal hypertension.
Market value and accounting implications of off-balance-sheet items

Abstract This paper examines the value relevance of a previously unexplored off-balance-sheet asset: originated mortgage servicing rights. Also, it provides evidence regarding an assertion that mortgage bank managers manage their reported earnings by swapping portfolios of originated servicing rights with other servicers. The evidence suggests that despite the absence of originated servicing rights in the balance sheet, they are priced by investors. Regarding the earnings management assertion, the evidence suggests that firms facing net losses before recognizing gains on sales of servicing are more likely to recognize discretionary gains, ceteris paribus. This work makes several contributions: (1) It provides evidence about investors' valuation of off-balance-sheet items in a setting where the sample firms are homogeneous and the item in question is of substantial economic importance to the firms; (2) It provides evidence regarding an off-balance-sheet item that has not been studied previously; (3) It provides a test of earnings management in a setting that does not require the estimation of discretionary accruals; and (4) It investigates an issue of current interest to accounting policy makers and to firms in the mortgage banking industry.
Phospholipid synthesis in human embryo fibroblasts infected with herpes simplex virus type 2.

The effect of herpes simplex virus type 2 infection on the synthesis of phospholipids in human embryo fibroblasts was determined at temperatures permissive (35 C) or nonpermissive (42 C) for virus replication. Incorporation of [32P]i was decreased by herpes simplex virus type 2 in fection after 6 hr, which corresponds to the time of initiation of progeny virus production. No differences were observed in the relative incorporation of [32P]i into phospholipid classes. In another series of experiments, cells were labeled with [3H] ethanolamine before infection and with [14C] ethanolamine after infection. The incorporation of [14C] ethanolamine was also decreased after 6 hr of infection. When choline was substituted for ethanolamine, a similar, although less pronounced, decrease in incorporation was seen in infected cells compared to mock-infected cells. During abortive infection at 42 C, incorporation of [3H] thymidine into cellular DNA was stimulated, but the incorporation of phospholipid precursors was decreased. Total phospholipid composition and phospholipid acyl group composition were not changed appreciably during abortive or productive infection, regardless of whether the cells were labeled before or after infection. In conclusion, these data indicated that, during herpes simplex virus type 2 infection, the incorporation of lipid prescursors into phospholipid was decreased. The stimulation of cellular DNA synthesis previously observed during abortive infection at 42 C was not paralleled by a detectable stimulation of total phospholipid synthesis. Neither productive nor abortive infection resulted in significant phospholipid compositional changes in the host cell; however, both resulted in a marked inhibition of phospholipid synthesis.