cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of Tax and Non-Tax Incentives and Investments: Evidence and Policy Implications

This paper is an update of an earlier 2009 paper and analyzes the role of Tax Incentives in promoting investment, their effectiveness and their revenue and other costs and political economy. The paper consolidates econometric work on the topic done by the authors covering the Caribbean, Francophone Africa and India; surveys of Investors in Jordan, Mozambique, Nicaragua and Serbia; and literature review. Building on existing literature on the subject and country experience with Incentives, the paper then examines the role of Investment Climate on the effectiveness of Incentives. Using cross-country data the paper finds that fiscal Incentives are particularly ineffective in attracting Investment in countries with poor Investment Climate. This is striking because it broadly supports country experience with incentives having been used successfully to encourage investment in some countries while failing in others. Very recent evidence suggests that governance has a similar effect with low tax rates being more effective in attracting foreign investments in better governed countries. Both these point to the importance a strong Investment Climate as well as strong institutions as a pre-requisite for the effectiveness of any investment promotion scheme using Incentives. The policy implications for a sound Incentive policy as well as the management and administration of Incentives are discussed.
Solvent Extraction of Cerium(III) Using an Aliphatic Malonamide: The Role of Acid in Organic Phase Behaviors

The extraction of Ce(NO3)3 with N,N′-dimethyl N,N′-dibutyl tetradecylmalonamide (DMDBTDMA) in n-dodecane (0.5 M) from acidic (3 M HNO3) and neutral (3 M LiNO3) media was studied by varying the aqueous cerium concentration up to and beyond the point of third phase formation (defined by the Limiting Organic Concentration or LOC). The acidic system showed better Ce(III) extraction (i.e., a higher distribution ratio, DCe), increased water extraction, and also a lower LOC than the neutral system. These observations are consistent with the micellar model, suggesting that acid pre-organizes the organic phase into hydrated reverse micelles that favor Ce(NO3)3 extraction while increasing the attractive potential between aggregates so that third phase formation happens more readily. The findings in this study underline the importance of aggregation in solvent extraction systems and provide the basis for a wider structural study on the effects of acid on the supramolecular structure of the organic phase.
Inferring likelihoods and climate system characteristics from climate models and multiple tracers

Characterizing the risks of anthropogenic climate change poses considerable statistical challenges. A key problem is how to combine the information contained in large-scale observational data sets with simulations of Earth system models in a statistically sound and computationally tractable manner. Here, we describe a statistical approach for improving projections of the North Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC). The AMOC is part of the global ocean conveyor belt circulation and transfers heat between low and high latitudes in the Atlantic basin. The AMOC might collapse in a “tipping point” response to anthropogenic climate forcings. Assessing the risk of an AMOC collapse is of considerable interest because it may result in major impacts on natural and human systems. AMOC projections rely on simulations from complex climate models. One key source of uncertainty in AMOC projections is uncertainty about background ocean vertical diffusivity (Kv), an important model parameter. Kv cannot be directly observed but can be inferred by combining climate model output with observations on the oceans (so-called tracers). Here, we combine information from multiple tracers, each observed on a spatial grid. Our two-stage approach emulates the computationally expensive climate model using a flexible hierarchical model to connect the tracers. We then infer Kv using our emulator and the observations via a Bayesian approach, accounting for observation error and model discrepancy. We utilize kernel mixing and matrix identities in our Gaussian process model to considerably reduce the computational burdens imposed by the large data sets. We find that our approach is flexible, reduces identifiability issues, and enables inference about Kv based on large data sets. We use the resulting inference about Kv to improve probabilistic projections of the AMOC. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bias in the Consumer Price Index: What is the Evidence?

Recent research has suggested that the upward bias of the U.S. consumer price index may be significant, and correcting the biases would have important long-run effects on the federal budget deficit. The author describes the sampling procedures used in constructing the consumer price index, and gives simple examples of formula bias and quality adjustment. He then reviews the empirical evidence, attempting to show which biases are reliably estimated and which estimates of bias are based on extrapolation and guesswork. The author discusses possibilities for further research leading to potential improvements in the consumer price index.
Cluster Cytometry for High Capacity Bioanalysis

Flow cytometry specializes in high content measurements of cells and particles in suspension. Having long excelled in analytical throughput of single cells and particles, only recently with the advent of HyperCyt sampling technology has flow cytometry’s multi-experiment throughput begun to approach the point of practicality for efficiently analyzing hundreds-of-thousands of samples, the realm of high throughput screening (HTS). To extend performance and automation compatibility we built a HyperCyt-linked Cluster Cytometer platform, a network of flow cytometers for analyzing samples displayed in high-density, 1536-well plate format. To assess performance we used cell and microsphere based HTS assays that had been well characterized in previous studies. Experiments addressed important technical issues: challenges of small wells (assay volumes 10 μL or less, reagent mixing, cell and particle suspension), detecting and correcting for differences in performance of individual flow cytometers, and the ability to reanalyze a plate in the event of problems encountered during the primary analysis. Boosting sample throughput an additional four-fold, this platform is uniquely positioned to synergize with expanding suspension array and cell barcoding technologies in which as many as 100 experiments are performed in a single well or sample. As high-performance flow cytometers shrink in cost and size, cluster cytometry promises to become a practical, productive approach for HTS and other large scale investigations of biological complexity.
Families' Resources and Accommodations: Toddlers with Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, and Developmental Delay

Constructing and maintaining a supportable daily routine is an important task for families with young children, particularly when the child has a disability. In this study, we examined relationships between children's developmental needs, disability diagnosis, and families' resources and accommodations. Participants included families with infants or toddlers receiving early intervention services because of Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, or developmental delay. Results provide evidence that the numbers and types of families' accommodations reflect their child's developmental needs, the child's diagnosis, and family income. The usefulness of examining accommodations as one approach for understanding the ways in which families organize their lives when they have a child with a disability is discussed.
Atypical hand-foot-and-mouth disease associated with coxsackievirus A6 infection.

Background Hand-foot-and-mouth disease (HFMD) is an acute viral illness commonly caused by coxsackievirus (CV)-A16 and enterovirus 71 infections. Recently, atypical HFMD has been reported in association with CV-A6, an uncommon enterovirus strain. Objective We sought to describe the clinical features of atypical HFMD associated with CV-A6 infection and its diagnostic laboratory evaluation. Methods Patients presenting to our institution with history and examination suggestive of atypical HFMD from January 2012 to July 2012 were identified. Morphology and distribution of mucocutaneous lesions were recorded. Enterovirus infection was assessed by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction of biologic specimens. Enterovirus type was determined by viral capsid protein 1 gene sequencing. Results Two adults and 3 children with atypical HFMD were identified. Four of 5 patients exhibited widespread cutaneous lesions. In 2 patients with a history of atopic dermatitis, accentuation in areas of dermatitis was noted. Associated systemic symptoms prompted 4 of 5 patients to seek emergency care, and both adults were hospitalized for diagnostic evaluation. Infection with CV-A6 was confirmed in all patients. Limitations This study is a case series from a single institution. Conclusion Consideration of the expanded range of cutaneous findings in atypical HFMD caused by CV-A6 infection may assist clinicians in diagnosis and management.
Clinical Aspects of Hibernating Myocardium

Hibernating myocardium is a condition that is characterized by persistently impaired myocardial and left ventricular function at rest resulting from reduced myocardial blood flow. It is a result of adaptation or from downregulation. It may occur in unstable and chronic stable angina, acute myocardial infarction, and LV dysfunction and congestive heart failure. Recovery of the hibernating myocardium has clearly been shown to occur by successful revascularization either by coronary bypass surgery or by percutaneous catheter techniques.
National Determinants of Cloning Policy

Objective. This research seeks to identify demographic factors that may account for national stance toward human cloning. Methods. A multiple logistic regression model serves as the basis for analysis. Cloning policy stance is characterized as restrictive or permissive, depending on whether the nation has expressed support for therapeutic cloning research—all nations oppose reproductive cloning. Results. Findings suggest that nations with higher per-capita incomes and permissive abortion laws are more likely to take a permissive stance toward cloning, supporting an immediate ban on human reproductive cloning, but allowing therapeutic cloning research to proceed. Countries favoring an immediate and total ban on both human reproductive and therapeutic cloning are more likely to have lower per-capita incomes and restrictive abortion laws. A relationship between the Roman Catholic population and cloning stance was investigated and found not to be significant. Conclusions. This article offers evidence that there may be systematic differences predisposing individual nations to act either restrictively or permissively with regard to cloning technology. Understanding the factors that shape sentiment and impel policy making may help inform the policy process as nations strive to create workable cloning policies both within their own borders and in the global community.
African American Factors for Student Success: Implications for Families and Counselors

Many students who navigate the terrain of higher education often seek support during their journeys through college. The purpose of this article is to examine the different kinds of support African American students receive from family during the college years. After doing a comprehensive review of the literature on word combinations such as African American undergraduate students and family relationships, the authors found that the literature was replete with articles, monographs, books, and special reports. To capture this information, this article was conceptualized into four broad categories of research: academic, emotional, social, and financial support. In the final section, a model for campus climate as it relates to students of color is discussed, and specific recommendations for African American families and counselors are given to help African American college students persist through college.
Learning production systems from examples

This paper describes a program that learns production systems. The user presents examples consisting of inputs together with the required program output for each. If the productions in their current form would result in the output specified by the user for each input, no learning is needed. Otherwise the program must modify the production system so that it produces the correct output. The productions take arbitrary strings of LISP atoms as input and produce characterizations of them as output. Such a characterization can be as simple as the name of a concept to which the string belongs, but may involve the assertion of many properties and relations describing the input.
Reverse Frozen Elephant Trunk Procedure for Rescue of a Thoracic Stent-Graft in the False Lumen

Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is now a common treatment for patients with descending aortic disease, including aortic dissection. As the indications for TEVAR have expanded, so has the complexity of complications. Retrograde aortic dissection may occur in 1% to 2% of patients after TEVAR. We present a patient who initially underwent TEVAR for a degenerative aneurysm followed by a proximal stent-graft extension for retrograde dissection that failed because of malposition within the false lumen. We performed a hybrid reverse frozen elephant trunk (RFET) operation as a salvage procedure for these complications.
Effects In Humans Of Intravenously Administered Endotoxin On Soluble Cell-Adhesion Molecule And Inflammatory Markers: A Model Of Human Diseases

SUMMARY 1. Endotoxin, a component of the cell wall of Gram-negative bacteria, could be a predisposing mediator of many pathological disorders. The present study was undertaken to determine the effects and time-course of acute endotoxin challenge on inflammatory and cell-adhesion molecule markers shedding in the plasma as potential surrogates. 2. Six normal male subjects per group (age range 21–35 years) were injected with 4 ng/kg, i.v., reference standard Escherichia coli (0113:h10:k) endotoxin or physiological saline. 3. Plasma inflammatory markers (tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6 and TNF-receptor I (RI)) and cell-adhesion molecule markers (soluble L-selectin, soluble P-selectin, soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1) were determined using sensitive and specific ELISA. 4. Tumour necrosis factor-α increased from a basal level of 2.8 pg/mL to approximately 800 pg/mL at 90 min after endotoxin. Similarly, IL-6 peaked 2–3 h after endotoxin injection, with a rapid decline by 6–8 h, and levels returned to basal values by 24 h. 5. In contrast, TNF-RI peaked at 2 h (increasing from basal levels of 900–3300 pg/mL) with a much slower decline and without return to basal levels at 24 h (1400 pg/mL). 6. Endotoxin resulted in a rapid rise in soluble L-selectin within 1 h, which increased from a basal of 150–425 ng/mL. This rapid rise in soluble L-selectin was sustained for up to 2.5 h and then rapidly declined to basal levels by 3.5 h. 7. In contrast, plasma soluble P-selectin levels showed a delayed and progressive increase up to 8 h (increasing from a basal level of 50–95 ng/mL), with a partial decline at 24 h (80 ng/mL). 8. Similarly, soluble VCAM-1 levels showed a progressive rise up to 24 h (increasing from basal values of 600–1000 ng/mL). 9. This acute human model of endotoxin exposure demonstrated an upregulation of inflammatory stimuli leading to a short-term hyperactivation of leucocytes and a more sustained activation of platelets and endothelium. 10. This model provides a non-invasive method for studying the complex effects of endotoxin-like pathogens on different cellular events using soluble plasma surrogate markers.
Therapeutic efficacy of combined blockade of CTLA-4 +/- PD-L1 +/- IDO is associated with re-activation of T cells directly within the tumor microenvironment

Meeting abstracts A major subset of human cancers is associated with CD8+ T cell infiltration yet tumor rejection fails due to the dominant effects of multiple immune inhibitory mechanisms. These include expression of the inhibitory receptors CTLA-4 and PD-1 by T cells and expression of the
Adjustment with the Euro: The Difficult Case of Portugal

In the second half of the 1990s, the prospect of entry in the euro led to an output boom and large current account deficits in Portugal. Since then, the boom has turned into a slump. Current account deficits are still large, and so are budget deficits. This paper reviews the facts, the likely adjustment in the absence of major policy changes, and examines policy options.
Detection of EWS-WTT fusion mRNA in ascites of a patient with desmoplastic small round cell tumor by RT-PCR

Desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT) is a rare, aggressive malignancy characterized cytogenetically by a unique translocation of chromosomes 11 and 22 [t(11:22)(p13:q12)], resulting in fusion of the EWS and WT1 genes. The presence of a unique fusion mRNA in DSRCT allows disease detection and diagnosis by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), as previously described in fixed paraffin-embedded material. In this report, EWS-WT1 fusion mRNA was detected in ascites from a patient with DSRCT by RT-PCR. RT-PCR results confirmed the diagnoses of DSRCT and of malignant ascites at the molecular level. RT-PCR assays for specific molecular markers, such as EWS-WT1 fusion mRNA, are potentially powerful methods that can complement routine histological, cytological, and/or immunohistologic assays.
Oral pentobarbital intake in rhesus monkeys: effects of drug concentration under conditions of food deprivation and satiation.

Abstract Pentobarbital-reinforced behavior was studied in four rhesus monkeys. A pentobarbital solution and water were concurrently available during 3-hr sessions; water was freely available between sessions. Both pentobarbital concentration and feeding conditions (deprivation versus satiation) were varied. In two other food-restricted monkeys subsequent food satiation eliminated pentobarbital-maintained responding. In two other food-restricted monkeys the effects of food satiation varied with the drug concentration. At the highest concentration, 4 mg/ml, food satiation did not alter responding, whereas at 2 mg/ml a moderate decrease occurred, and at 1 mg/ml responding was greatly reduced. During the food satiation phase, when the concentration was 4 mg/ml, responding was well maintained under several fixed-ratio sizes. Large quantities of pentobarbital were consumed, and intoxication was observed. Water-maintained responding occurred at low rates and did not vary across feeding conditions or drug concentration. The results support an interpretation in terms of a behavioral mechanism of action. Specifically, the effects of food deprivation on drug self-administration are to increase the magnitude of the reinforcing effects of the drug.
DETERMINATION OF URANIUM IN HIGH-GRADE URANIUM CONCENTRATES BY AN X-RAY EMISSION SPECTROGRAPHIC METHOD.

A fast, precise, and accurate x-ray emission spectrographic method has been developed for the determination of uranium in high-grade (70% to 99% U3O8) uranium concentrates. No chemical separations are required. After acid decomposition, yttrium is added as an internal standard, and the uranium in dilute acid solution is determined by x-ray emission techniques. The standard deviation obtained for the average of the mean by analysis of six portions of the same sample is 0.03% U3O8. Such precision is equivalent to that of the more complicated titrimetric methods conventionally used.
The effect of pH on sulfate availability in sphagnum peat

Abstract The influence of pH upon the availability of sulfate‐sulfur in sphagnum peat moss was studied. Samples of sphagnum peat moss amended with 0, 1.41, 2.82, 3.81 and 5.64 g/L Ca(OH)2, had pH values of 2.8, 3.7, 4.7, 5.8 and 7.0, respectively. Sulfate was extracted from peat samples with a 0.15% CaCl2.H2O or a 500 mg P/L (as Ca(H2PO4)2.H2O) extractant and quantified with a Dionex QIC ion Chromatograph. Sulfate availability from the CaCl2‐extracted solutions was greatest at pH 4.7 and 5.8, but highest at pH 4.7 only for the P‐extracted solutions, in which no measurable extracted sulfur was found at pH levels greater than 4.7.
Trialkylborane-Assisted CO2 Reduction by Late Transition Metal Hydrides

Trialkylborane additives promote reduction of CO2 to formate by bis(diphosphine) Ni(II) and Rh(III) hydride complexes. The late transition metal hydrides, which can be formed from dihydrogen, transfer hydride to CO2 to give a formate–borane adduct. The borane must be of appropriate Lewis acidity: weaker acids do not show significant hydride transfer enhancement, while stronger acids abstract hydride without CO2 reduction. The mechanism likely involves a pre-equilibrium hydride transfer followed by formation of a stabilizing formate–borane adduct.
CHANGES IN ABUNDANCE OF HARBOR SEALS IN MAINE, 1981–2001

Aerial counts of harbor seals (Pboca vitulina concolor) on ledges along the Maine coast were conducted during the pupping season in 1981, 1986, 1993, 1997, and 2001. Between 1981 and 2001, the uncorrected counts of seals increased from 10,543 to 38,014, an annual rate of 6.6 percent. In 2001 30 harbor seals were captured and radio-tagged prior to aerial counts. Of these, 19 harbor seals (six adult males, two adult females, seven juvenile males, and four juvenile females) were available during the survey to develop a correction factor for the fraction of seals not observed. The corrected 2001 abundance estimate was 99,340 harbor seals. Productivity in this population has increased since 1981 from 6.4% pups to 24.4% pups. The number of gray seals (Halichoerus grypus) counted during the harbor seal surveys increased from zero in both 1981 and 1986 to 1,731 animals in 2001.
Evaluating Exploratory Factor Analysis Which Initial‐Extraction Techniques Provide the Best Factor Fidelity?

Attacks by communication scholars on exploratory factor analysis (EFA) have cast doubt on prior findings based on the technique. The present study is one in a series of studies performed to test the ability of EFA to produce results that replicate known dimensions in a data set. It was designed to determine which of 7 initial extraction techniques produce the highest factor fidelity across 5 item distribution shapes and 3 sample sizes. Monte-Carlo-created data sets with known factors, known item distribution shapes, and a 30% error rate were submitted to EFA. Results from an analysis of variance (ANOH) indicate that image analysis reaches perfect factor fidelity with a smaller number of cases regardless of item distribution shape. This and other results reported in this study suggest that3ndings based on EFA should be viewed with cautious optimism and be evaluated according to the findings from this and similar studies.
Maternal Programming of Sexual Attractivity in Female Long Evans Rats

In mammals, maternal care influences the developing offspring across multiple domains. In Long Evans rats, for example, the quality of maternal care received as a pup influences later cognitive function, neuroendocrine responses to stress and behavioral measures of emotionality. Data from humans, non-human primates, and rodents also suggest that early life events may similarly perturb measures of sexual reproduction, with possible consequences for reproductive fitness. The current study examined whether or not male conspecifics differentially prefer females, as adult mating partners, that were reared under varying maternal conditions (assessed via the quantity of licking and grooming received; LG). Additionally, the impact of maternal care on adult female sexual motivation and behavior were quantified to determine if these behavioral characteristics are associated with any preference observed. In a mate preference task, male rats chose, almost exclusively, to mount, copulate and ejaculate with female rats reared under Low LG conditions. Under non-paced mating conditions, female Low LG rats display significantly more paracopulatory and copulatory behaviors compared to High LG rats. Due to its critical role in female paracopulatory behavior, progesterone receptor immunoreactivity (PR-ir) in the ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus (VMH) was also assessed in both groups of female rats. Estradiol induced PR-ir in the VMH was significantly higher in Low LG relative to High LG rats. Together, these data suggests that early life parental care may developmentally program aspects of behavior and physiology that subsequently influence sexual attractivity and behavior in adult females.
Adult female wildtype, but not oestrogen receptor β knockout, mice have decreased depression-like behaviour during pro-oestrus and following administration of oestradiol or diarylpropionitrile

Studies in people and animal models suggest that depression is influenced by natural fluctuations in the levels of 17beta-oestradiol (E(2)), as well as administration of E(2)-based therapies, such as selective oestrogen receptor modulators (SERMs). Elucidating the effects and mechanisms of E(2) is important to improve future E(2)-based therapeutics. An important question is whether effects of E(2) or SERMs for mood regulation act at the alpha or beta isoform of the oestrogen receptor (ER) because some of the unwanted trophic effects of E(2)-based therapies may involve actions at ERalpha, rather than ERbeta. In the present study, whether there are sex differences in depression-like behaviour of adult mice (experiment 1), and the effects of natural fluctuations in E(2) (experiment 2), or administration of E(2) or a SERM that has higher affinity for ERbeta than for ERalpha (diarylpropionitrile; DPN) to ovariectomised (experiment 3) wildtype and ERbeta knockout (betaERKO) mice were investigated. Results of this study supported our hypotheses that: there would be sex differences favouring males for depression-like behaviour and endogenous increases in, or exogenous administration of, E(2) or administration of an ERbeta SERM would decrease depression-like behaviour in wildtype, but not betaERKO, mice. In experiment 1, adult male mice spent less time immobile in the forced swim test (i.e., showed less depression-like behaviour) compared with female mice. In experiment 2, pro-oestrous (higher circulating E(2) levels), compared with dioestrous (lower circulating E(2) levels), mice had reduced immobility in the forced swim test; this effect was not observed in betaERKO mice. In experiment 3, administration of E(2) or DPN to ovariectomised wildtype, but not betaERKO, mice decreased immobility compared with vehicle administration, these data suggest that ERbeta may be required for some of the anti-depressant-like effects of E(2).
Third pharyngeal pouch sinuses: Report of a bilateral case with a review of the embryology and literature

Bilateral pharyngeal sinuses were found in a 71-year-old male Caucasian anatomic cadaver. As their ostia opened through the piriform recesses cranio-ventral to the plicae of the internal branches of the superior laryngeal nerves, they were determined to be of third pharyngeal (branchial) pouch origin. A publication review revealed that this instance was the tenth case of third pharyngeal pouch sinuses reported in the English literature, and the third case describing a bilateral occurrence. Histologic sections showed the sinuses were lined with a stratified squamous epithelium that was complexly evaginated on the lateral sinus wall. Despite the tendency to accumulate ingested matter, the sinus epithelium showed no chronic pathology. A review of branchial embryology suggested that the relative rarity of third (and fourth) pharyngeal pouch vestiges may be partly explained by the “ascensus” of the hypoglossal nerve and the aortic arch migrations lateral to the pharyngeal regions derived from these more caudal branchial pouches. However, as the literature of the last two decades has surprisingly revealed reports of 28 cases of fourth pharyngeal pouch sinuses, the third pouch sinuses are now the rarest of the reported endobrachial vestiges.
Mucin genes expressed by human female reproductive tract epithelia.

Recent characterizations of mucins at the molecular level indicate that at least eight mucin genes are expressed by epithelia of mucosal surfaces. The purpose of this study was to determine whether these cloned mucins, designated MUC1, MUC2, MUC3, MUC4, MUC5AC, MUC5B, MUC6, and MUC7, are expressed by epithelia of the female reproductive tract. Northern blot analysis, in situ hybridization, and immunohistochemistry were performed using RNA and tissue from surgically removed human reproductive tract specimens including endocervix, ectocervix, vagina, endometrium, and fallopian tube. Complementary DNA to the tandem repeat regions of MUCs 1, 2, 3, 5AC, 5B, and 6; oligonucleotides to the tandem repeat regions of MUCs 4, 6, and 7; and antibodies that recognize unique mucin tandem repeats were used. The data demonstrate that the endocervical epithelium expresses five mucin genes: MUCs 1, 4, 5AC, 5B, and 6. The ectocervical and vaginal epithelia express MUCs 1 and 4, although vaginal expression of MUC4 appears patchy. Endometrial epithelium expresses MUC1 and low amounts of MUC6. MUC6 immunoreactivity was detected only in scattered endometrial glands located in the basalis region in specimens from pre- and postmenopausal women. The only mucin detected in the fallopian tube was MUC1. These data indicate that the endocervical epithelium expresses multiple mucin genes and that the stratified epithelia of the ectocervix and vagina also produce mucins that may function in reproductive processes and protection of the reproductive tract tissues.
CHRONIC ALLOGENEIC DISEASE III. GENETIC REQUIREMENTS FOR THE INDUCTION OF GLOMERULONEPHRITIS

The pathogenesis of glomerulonephritis in F1 hybrid mice injected with parental spleen cells was investigated in several ways. Whenever glomerulonephritis developed, the lesion had the typical morphology produced by antigen-antibody complexes. Experiments employing backcross mice demonstrated that the antigen is supplied by the recipient and that it is specified by the H-2 gene complex, or by a locus closely linked to H-2. The source of the antibody was investigated by staining glomerular lesions with fluorescein isothiocyanate-tagged anti-immunoglobulin allotype sera. Only donor-type allotypes could be detected. The ability of the donor's immunocytes to respond to the recipient's histocompatibility antigens in such a way as to produce nephritogenic immune complexes varied from strain to strain, and seemed to be controlled by a gene unrelated to H-2. The results suggest that cell surface antigens, such as histocompatibility antigens, may be of importance in the pathogenesis of several kinds of glomerulonephritis.
Late varicella-zoster virus dendriform keratitis in patients with histories of herpes zoster ophthalmicus.

Purpose To describe the characteristics and course of late varicella-zoster virus (VZV) dendriform keratitis in patients with histories of herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO); to describe responses of corneal lesions to antiviral treatment; and to investigate risk factors for recurrence. Design Retrospective case series. Methods Included were patients known to have 1 or more episodes of dendriform lesions beginning at least 2 weeks after HZO in 2 academic practices. Epithelial lesions were evaluated for the presence of VZV DNA by a polymerase chain reaction assay. Demographic, medical, and ophthalmic data were collected for each episode. Responses to treatment with antiviral medications were evaluated. Cumulative risk of recurrence was determined using Kaplan-Meier analysis; potential risk factors for recurrence (age, systemic disease, lesion characteristics, corticosteroids) were evaluated using univariate Cox proportional hazard models. Results We identified 20 patients (14 women; median age, 65 years) who met inclusion criteria. Dendriform lesions were pleomorphic with thickened, opaque epithelium. Seven patients had systemic diseases characterized by altered immune function. VZV DNA was identified in 15 of 16 cases tested, and all lesions responded to antiviral therapy. The 1-year incidence of first recurrence was 95.8 lesions per 100 person-years of follow-up. Patients had multiple recurrences, but risk of recurrence appeared to decrease over time. No statistically significant risk factors for recurrence were identified. Conclusions Late dendriform lesions associated with HZO are foci of productive VZV infection. Lesions can be treated effectively with topical or systemic antiviral agents. Patients can have multiple recurrences of dendriform lesions despite treatment.
Integral dependent spin couplings in CI calculations

Integral dependent spin‐couplings are constructed which yield one spin coupling per product of orbitals and which reproduce the energy through third order. These couplings yield about 98.5% of the correlation energy obtained by using all spin couplings. Extension of this method to multireference zeroth order states requires little extra effort.
Sequence-dependent variations in the backbone geometry of a synthetic DNA fibre

There are many examples of proteins which interact with specific DNA sequences (see references cited in refs 1 and 2). It is not clear whether specificity is derived from proteins sensing directly the base sequence of the DNA or is a result of unique secondary or tertiary structural features induced by certain DNA sequences. Recent studies have indicated the occurrence of several types of symmetries and sequence irregularities in DNA regions which interact with regulatory proteins, but they do not provide information on three-dimensional structure3. The Watson–Crick base-paired double helix can be observed in different conformations4–6, depending on humidity and salt concentration. Within the limited resolution of X-ray fibre diffraction at high relative humidity and in the appropriate salt conditions, studies indicate that natural DNA as well as synthetic repeating polynucleotide duplexes adopt essentially the same average secondary structure, namely the B conformation7. This implies that all residues adopt a single backbone conformation. Recently, however, a high-resolution proton NMR study8 has demonstrated that a change from a regular conformation may occur at the junction region of block copolymers. 31P NMR studies strongly suggest that alternating polynucleotides can have alternating backbone conformations in solution9,10. Klug et al.11 have proposed an alternating structure for poly(dAdT)·poly(dAdT), based on a single crystal X-ray diffraction study of the tetranucleotide, dA-dT-dA-dT (ref. 12). We report here structural 31P NMR studies which show the existence of such variation in the fibre form of a synthetic DNA, poly(dAdT)·poly(dAdT). This confirms our earlier conclusion13 that natural DNA has a non-uniform backbone conformation.
Application of the level set method for multi-phase flow computation in fusion engineering

Abstract Numerical simulation of multi-phase flow is essential to evaluate the feasibility of a liquid protection scheme for the power plant chamber. The level set method is one of the best methods for computing and analyzing the motion of interface among the multi-phase flow. This paper presents a general formula for the second-order projection method combined with the level set method to simulate unsteady incompressible multi-phase flow with/out phase change flow encountered in fusion science and engineering. The third-order ENO scheme and second-order semi-implicit Crank–Nicholson scheme is used to update the convective and diffusion term. The numerical results show this method can handle the complex deformation of the interface and the effect of liquid–vapor phase change will be included in the future work.
Eating rates in normal and hypothalamic hyperphagic rats.

Abstract Two experiments were conducted to determine if hypothalamic hyperphagic rats eat at a faster than normal rate and if slowing the rate of eating would reduce their overeating. Experiment 1 used a 45 mg pellet eatometer to measure 24-h meal patterns and eating rates in control rats and rats made hyperphagic with medial hypothalamic (MH) knife cuts. The MH hyperphagic rats consumed larger and more frequent meals but ate at a slower rate than did control animals during both the dynamic and static phases of the syndrome. In Experiment 2, rats were given 30-min test meals with the same pellets presented in food cups (rather than one pellet at a time as with the eatometer). The MH rats consumed the pellets at the same rate as the controls, although their meals were twice as large. Experiment 1 also determined if slowing the rate of eating would reduce MH hyperphagia; eating rates were constrained by increasing the delay between successive pellet deliveries (normally
Early Elementary Teachers' Receptivity to Tobacco Prevention in One Rural U.S. State

Although tobacco prevention programs in public schools may be effective, most focus on high school or middle school students. To assess teacher receptivity at an earlier level, 2,290 early elementary (K-3) teachers in one rural state attended a training workshop that included grade-specific tobacco prevention materials. Four weeks later, 986 completed a follow-up questionnaire. Even on the initial questionnaire, an overwhelming majority thought that tobacco prevention should start in early elementary school, and that they could make a difference in reducing youth tobacco use. Following training, there was a 25 percent increase in number of teachers who had taught tobacco prevention at least once. Early elementary teachers were receptive to grade-specific tobacco prevention efforts that were integrated into their existing curriculum.
The Political Economy of the Egyptian and Arab Revolt

This article advances a framework for understanding the political economy of the Egyptian and Arab revolts. After almost three decades of implementing neoliberal economic policies, the Egyptian economy was nevertheless stagnating in the early 2000s and political unrest was increasing. In response two key policy decisions were undertaken by the ruling elite, one to embark on a programme of further liberalisation and privatisation in the hope of attracting foreign direct investment and the other to use the global war on terror framework as a means of repressing internal dissent. While these decisions ‘succeeded’ in the short term, they also created the conditions which led to the uprisings.
A Generalized Bulk-Degradation Model for Hydrogel Networks Formed from Multivinyl Cross-linking Molecules

A theoretical model has been developed to describe the degradation behavior of hydrogels formed from multivinyl cross-linking molecules. Kinetic information was incorporated into the model to predict the cleavage of the cross-links and structural information was included to describe the mass loss from the network. Mass loss from the networks was shown to depend on many parameters, such as the number of vinyl groups on the cross-linking molecule and the average number of cross-linking molecules reacted into each kinetic chain. Other parameters that influenced the mass loss profile are the weight fraction of the network that is contained in the cross-linking molecule, the propensity to form primary cycles, and the hydrolysis kinetic constant. Two other macroscopic properties, volumetric swelling ratio and compressive modulus, were examined as a function of the average number of cross-links per kinetic chain. Through this modeling approach, the degradation of many realistic systems can be understood and pred...
Patient-Specific Modeling of Corneal Refractive Surgery Outcomes and Inverse Estimation of Elastic Property Changes

The purpose of this study is to develop a 3D patient-specific finite element model (FEM) of the cornea and sclera to compare predicted and in vivo refractive outcomes and to estimate the corneal elastic property changes associated with each procedure. Both eyes of a patient who underwent laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for myopic astigmatism were modeled. Pre- and postoperative Scheimpflug anterior and posterior corneal elevation maps were imported into a 3D corneo-scleral FEM with an unrestrained limbus. Preoperative corneal hyperelastic properties were chosen to account for meridional anisotropy. Inverse FEM was used to determine the undeformed corneal state that produced <0.1% error in anterior elevation between simulated and in vivo preoperative geometries. Case-specific 3D aspheric ablation profiles were simulated, and corneal topography and spherical aberration were compared at clinical intraocular pressure. The magnitude of elastic weakening of the residual corneal bed required to maximize the agreement with clinical axial power was calculated and compared with the changes in ocular response analyzer (ORA) measurements. The models produced curvature maps and spherical aberrations equivalent to in vivo measurements. For the preoperative property values used in this study, predicted elastic weakening with LASIK was as high as 55% for a radially uniform model of residual corneal weakening and 65% at the point of maximum ablation in a spatially varying model of weakening. Reductions in ORA variables were also observed. A patient-specific FEM of corneal refractive surgery is presented, which allows the estimation of surgically induced changes in corneal elastic properties. Significant elastic weakening after LASIK was required to replicate clinical topographic outcomes in this two-eye pilot study.
Viscosity Dependence of Static Friction in Lubricated Metallic Line Contacts

The static friction of metallic line contacts is measured at a range of loads and under dry and lubricated conditions, where the effect of a lubricant is characterized using hydraulic fluids of different viscosities. Results indicate that viscosity does affect static friction but this dependence is a function of load such that static friction increases with viscosity at low loads and decreases with viscosity at high loads. These observations are interpreted in terms of the ability of highly pressurized fluid to limit the plastic deformation of surface asperities. Hypotheses are supported by measurements of statistical parameters that characterize the surfaces after testing.
Cloning and analysis of a murine PIAS family member, PIASγ, in developing skin and neurons

Signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) proteins are latent cytoplasmic transcription factors that become activated in response to stimulation by various cytokines. Recently a new family of five structurally related proteins, called PIAS (Protein Inhibitor of Activated STAT) has been identified as potentially important downregulators of this pathway. Members of the PIAS family of STAT inhibitors may play a prominent role in the downregulation of STAT-mediated signaling processes. In this article we describe the isolation of the cDNA and expression of the gene for the murine homologue of the human STAT inhibitor family member PIASγ. The cDNA for mPIASγ encodes a protein of 507 amino acids that is highly homologous to the human protein and is expressed in the mouse as early as d 7.5 of gestation. In situ hybridizations of staged mouse embryos localized the transcript for the PIASγ gene to the limbs, neuroepithelium, and the inner root sheath of the hair follicle, suggesting a role in the development of these structures. Immunostaining studies with a polyclonal antibody (PAb) recognizing human PIASγ localized the protein in the hair follicle of human scalp hair and in monkey neuronal cells. Thus PIASγ exhibits a highly selective pattern of expression, suggesting that it modulates the response of cells to developmental cues.
Kinetic modeling of the hydrolysis of sucrose by invertase

The kinetics of the enzymatic hydrolysis of sucrose by invertase have been examined, with particular emphasis on high substrate concentration. Initial rates of reaction were determined by following the production of glucose directly as a function of time over a wide range of substrate concentrations (0.04M to 2.06M). The resulting data reveal a reaction rate that increases gradually until the sucrose concentration reaches about 0.29M, after which the reaction velocity decreases with increasing sucrose concentration. Previous workers (e.g., Nelson and Schubert1) have reported a peak reaction velocity as determined by indirect polarimetric measurements of glucose, at a sucrose concentration of about 0.17M. These measurements, however, neglect the intermediate oligosaccharides formed by the transferase action of invertase,8–10 and assume equal amounts of glucose and fructose. According to Anderson et al.,10 these oligosaccharides interfere by producing an erroneously low reaction rate. Experimental results of this work confirm Anderson's observations, and show a further reaction rate increase of nearly 20% between sucrose concentrations of 0.177M and 0.285M under the same conditions of temperature, pH, and enzyme-concentration. Effects of substrate diffusion, solution viscisity, water concentration, and substrate inhibition were experimentally studied and the results incorporated into a kinetic model that has proven satisfactory in modeling the experimental results. This model takes into account inhibition by primary substrate, with concentration of the secondary substrate water, as a rate limiting factor at sucrose concentrations greater than 0.285M. The effects of the mixing, in terms of volumetric power input, on the relation rate have been tested. Approximately 40-fold increase in volumetric power input caused on increase in the reaction rate. These experiments have shown that bulk mass transfer is not a rate limiting factor under the experimental conditions.
Fine structure studies on mitosis in endosperm metaphase of Haemanthus katherinae Bak.

A series of studies on mitosis in plant endosperm has been initiated, combining various techniques of light microscopy with electron microscopy. The choice of material is the endosperm of the African blood lily Haemanthus katherinae Bak., which has the advantage that it already has been studied in detail with the light microscope, that it can be observed in the living state for long periods before fixation, and it does not have thick cellulose walls which cause difficulties in fixation and embedding for electron microscopy. One of the fixatives which has been found satisfactory for preserving the spindle structure is a solution of one percent osmium tetroxide in 0.2 M sodium acetate, using a slightly acid pH of 6.0 as a stabilizing factor. In this study the evaluation of the fixative was based on qualitative observations in a large number of cells, of the difference in spindle birefringence between living and fixed material, general appearance in phase contrast, and the presence and condition of the mitotic structures at the electron microscope level. Using this fixative, the following observations were made on metaphase cells:
Band matrices with Toeplitz inverses

Abstract It is shown that a square band matrix H =( h ij ) with h ij =0 for j − i > r and i − j > s , where r+s is less than the order of the matrix, has a Toeplitz inverse if and only if it has a special structure characterized by two polynomials of degrees r and s , respectively.
Fell Pony Syndrome in a Pony in North America

A 5-week-old Fell Pony colt was examined for fever, lethargy, and anemia. The colt had been lethargic for 1 week before examination, had continued to nurse, had a temperature of 104°F (40°C), and was treated with ceftiofur (5 mg/kg IM q12h). Approximately 36 hours before examination, the colt developed watery diarrhea. Blood work performed by the referring veterinarian on the day of admission revealed a PCV of 10%.