cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Geological Sciences in the Antebellum South

This book was written for teachers and other scholars. An excerpt from Corgan's introduction gracefully places a new burden on the backs of those of us who fall into these categories. ‘…People of the nonscientific culture normally keep the records of civilization, for this group includes the historians, who control what posterity learns. Typically historians study just part of civilization and they emphasize the part they find most interesting: the nonscientific culture in which they are personally involved. … In studies of southern history, the individual scientific fields and science as a whole seem to suffer from systematic oversight. At a minimum they have not been overstudied. Yet science is deeply integrated into contemporary southern culture. … A dearth of contemporary scholarship should enhance the value of the present volume.’ Obviously, teachers and scholars should understand that there is now a tool available and ready to be used. Let's look at it.
Asthma and bacterial sinusitis in children

Signs, symptoms, and radiographic abnormalities of sinusitis are frequent in children with asthma; it is not known whether sinus inflammation is associated with bacterial infection or other mechanisms. Eight asthmatic patients with exacerbation of asthma despite bronchodilator therapy were studied after maxillary sinusitis was confirmed by radiographs. All had cough, wheezing, nasal stuffiness, rhinorrhea and were afebrile. Four patients had headaches, and two had facial pain. Maxillary sinus aspirates were obtained, and bacterial cultures were positive in five: Branhamella catarrhalis (2), nontypeable Hemophilus influenzae (2), Streptococcus pneumoniae (1). Nose and throat cultures did not correlate with sinus cultures. All patients received bronchodilators, and four of eight patients received steroids. All were treated for 14 to 28 days with antibiotics during which seven of the eight patients improved clinically including all with positive sinus cultures. Asthma-symptoms diary scores were kept by five; all demonstrated improvement. Pulmonary-function tests improved in five of seven patients after the antibiotic and asthma therapy including the four patients with positive cultures. Sinus radiographs cleared in three, improved in three, and were unchanged in two patients after antibiotic therapy.
A Chemical Ionization Mass Spectrometric Study of Fluorescamine and Fluorescamine - Amino Acid Derivatives

Abstract The chemical ionization mass spectra of fluorescamine and fluorescamine - amino acid derivatives have been studied using methane and ammonia as reagent gases. Major ions in the spectra are protonated molecular ions, adduct ions and ions formed by loss of an oxygen atom. Fluorescamine, 4-phenyl-spiro[furan-2(3H),1′-phthalan]3,3′-dione, is a powerful new fluorogenic reagent for assaying primary amines.1 and EI2 and EI3 mass spectrometric investigations of fluorescamine and its derivatives were carried out. Our present study reports the CI mass spectral analysis of fluorescamine and some of its amino acid derivatives.
Reassessment of Acceptor Passivation Models in p-Type Hydrogenated GaAs

The existing microscopic models of acceptor passivation in p-type hydrogenated GaAs are reviewed in light of new experimental results concerning the relative thermodynamic stability of the passivating complexes. In particular, the present model for neutralization of Group II acceptors, Be, Mg and Zn, on Ga sites is shown to be inadequate to account for the observed trends, which imply existence of a strong interaction between the hydrogen and acceptor. It is proposed that a direct acceptor-hydrogen bond is formed due to attractive Coulomb interaction between the ionized species. The relative stability of the pair complex can be then explained based on electronegativity of the acceptor species. Passivation at intermediate pair separations up to about twice the Bohr radius of the nearest acceptor, is also discussed.
PRECISION STRIKE CONCEPTS EXPLOITING RELATIVE GPS TECHNIQUES

Many future weapons and weapon carriers are expected to have an avionics suite that includes an integrated INS/GPS set. This relatively inexpensive means of navigation motivates examination of whether very high accuracy (∼ 10 ft circular error probable [CEP]) may be obtainable using only this set of weapon avionics operating in either a relative or differential GPS mode. This paper presents several different weapon system concepts that exploit such a capability to attack both fixed and stationary (but mobile) targets. It also addresses the theory behind each concept that enables the high accuracy and discusses the assumptions relating to each technique. Concepts explained include the use of aircraft equipped with an INS/GPS/syn-thetic aperture radar (SAR) avionics suite to perform a real-time relative targeting function for weapon initialization. The importance of reasonable aircraft maneuvers to enhance observability and speed up the three-dimensional (3-D) targeting fire control solution is also addressed. Simulation results for several realistic scenarios are presented.
CHANGES IN BLOOD VESSELS (CAPILLARY FRAGILITY) WITH INFLAMMATION

Suction with a partial vacuum of -70 mm. Hg applied to normal skin of rabbits causes intracutaneous hemorrhage after an average time of 8 minutes. Inflammation produced by various agents, including turpentine, killed streptococci, staphylococci, pneumococci or meningococci, and filtrates from cultures of meningococci or typhoid bacilli, produces a series of changes that are almost uniform. Immediately after injection of the irritant there is greatly increased resistance to the production of hemorrhage by suction so that the time required may be from (1/2) hour to almost 2 hours. This increased resistance to suction applied to the surface of the skin is doubtless caused by contraction of blood vessels following injection of the irritant. The period of increased resistance is soon followed by diminished resistance of the vascular walls so that hemorrhage after 12 to 24 hours following injection occurs within from 1 to 4 minutes of suction. The subsequent course of events varies; resistance of the vascular wall to suction, designated for convenience capillary fragility, may return to normal after from 2 to 9 days (observed with turpentine, streptococcus), or for several days may considerably exceed this level (observed with staphylococcus, pneumococcus), or may remain at a low level for a week or more (observed with tuberculin). With inflammation in a sensitized animal (allergic inflammation) the preliminary period of resistance may be diminished and the appearance of capillary fragility hastened, so that hemorrhage occurs after 2 minutes of suction applied 6 hours after injection, and later it may fall to an even lower level (observed with hemolytic streptococci in sensitized animals). The preparatory injection of toxic substances, such as meningococcus or typhoid filtrate, used in the production of the Shwartzman phenomenon, causes inflammation with injury of small blood vessels indicated by susceptibility to hemorrhage with suction. It is probable that subsequent intravenous injection causes hemorrhage by further injury to these injured blood vessels.
Designing community surveys to provide a basis for noise policy

After examining reports from a large number of social surveys, two areas were identified where methodological improvements in the surveys would be especially useful for public policy. The two study areas are: the definition of noise indexes and the assessment of noise impact. Improvements in the designs of surveys are recommended which would increase the validity and reliability of the noise indexes. Changes in interview questions and sample designs are proposed which would enable surveys to provide measures of noise impact which are directly relevant for public policy.
Effects of 2,3,6‐TBA on seed germination, early development, and mortality of Pinus resinosa seedlings1

This study shows extreme phytotoxicity of 2,3,6-trichlorobenzoic acid (2,3,6-TBA) to Pinus resinosa seedlings in the cotyledon stage of development. 2,3,6-TBA caused abnormal seedling development and mortality.
Structure of a gene coding for human dihydrodiol dehydrogenase/bile acid-binding protein

The structure and sequence of the gene (DD/BABP) encoding a human dihydrodiol dehydrogenase/bile acid-binding protein (DD/BABP) were determined by analysis of genomic clones. Several overlapping clones containing parts of the gene were isolated from a lambda EMBL3 SP6/T7 library and characterized by restriction mapping and DNA sequencing. The gene spans approx. 16kb and consists of nine exons. The sizes of the exons range from 77 to 167 bp, whereas the intron sizes range from 375 to 3430 bp. The transcription start point (tsp) is located at -56 bp of the first ATG codon, as determined by primer extension. Neither a TATA box nor a CAT box was found upstream from the tsp. Southern blot analysis of the human genomic DNA, using the cDNA as the probe, revealed several additional hybridizing DNA bands, suggesting the existence of multiple related genes.
Using tap basis to implement the equivalence principle algorithm for domain decomposition in integral equations

A domain decomposition scheme based on the equivalence principle, also known as Huygens' principle, for integral equation solvers and the method of moments is introduced here. The equivalence principle allows the replacement of unknown currents distributed in a volume in space by equivalent currents residing on the surface that bounds the volume. In this manner, a problem of high complexity can be replaced by a surface of simpler shape. A tap basis is introduced to model the current that intercepts with the equivalence surfaces. Using this scheme, the current continuity is conserved and the singularity of the charges is avoided. The solution is shown to be accurate. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 48: 2218–2222, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.21933
Use of RAPD markers to determine the genetic diversity of diploid, wheat genotypes

The genetic diversity of two diploid wheat species, Triticum monococcum and Triticum urartu (2n=2x=14), was assessed using random primers and the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Electrophoretic analysis of the amplification products revealed a higher incidence of polymorphism in T. urartu than T. monococcum. Pair-wise comparisons of unique and shared polymorphic amplification products, were used to generate Jaccard's similarity coefficients. These were employed to construct phenograms using an unweighted pair-group method with arithmetical averages (UPGMA). The UPGMA analysis indicated a higher similarity among T. monococcum than T. urartu. Analysis of RAPD data appears to be helpful in determining the genetic relationships among genotypes.
Residual stress development in neat poly(etheretherketone)

Material property models for poly(etheretherketone) (PEEK) have been combined with a residual stress model to provide a means for investigating the effect of crystallization process on the residual stress development in semicrystalline materials. The analysis shows that crystallization causes an increase in the residual stress levels. This increase is affected through an increase in the resin modulus values and through the resin modulus build-up at higher temperatures. The shrinkage due to crystallization was found to have no effect on the residual stress development in neat PEEK.
Simulation and patient safety: The use of simulation to enhance patient safety on a systems level

Summary Errors in healthcare feature in the 10 leading causes of death. The identification of the sources of such errors and the development of countermeasures whether against errors made by individuals or errors occurring due to latent conditions at system level are the key strategies in tackling this large problem. Simulation-based teaching can make meaningful contributions to this process in many ways and at many levels. At the level of the individual healthcare professional simulated clinical scenarios can raise awareness of the nature of the problem and demonstrate the relevance and need for training in a crew resource management type of course. At the level of an anaesthetic department such courses can help provide a common approach to problems in an area neglected by traditional teaching and so improve communication in this area. The use of simulation also extends to research and development. Study of the use of key resources, such as personnel or equipment, under stressful conditions in a simulated environment can help not only detect possible sources of error but can also help develop strategies to provide effective specific countermeasures.
Acinar adenomas of the pancreas in MRC-Wistar rats☆

Abstract Acinar cell adenomas of the pancreas, rarely found neoplasms, have been observed in MRC-Wistar rats randomly bred in the Eppley Institute for the last 6 years. Over 9000 rat pancreas were examined histologically. These were from rats treated with various chemicals (carcinogens and non-carcinogens) and from non-treated animals, all of which were maintained under similar standard conditions. The frequency of this lesion was 0·6 per cent and was apparently unrelated to administration of chemical carcinogens.
Cluster-reducing children's identification and production of /sk/ clusters

Five, speech-impaired, preschool children who inconsistently reduced /s/ +C clusters performed perceptual identification tasks and production tasks in which /sk/ was contrasted with /k/ and /g/ or ...
Active Cache Emulator

This paper presents the active cache emulator (ACE), a novel field-programmable gate-array (FPGA)-based emulator that models an L3 cache actively and in real-time. ACE leverages interactions with its host system to model the target system. Unlike most existing FPGA-based cache emulators that collect only memory traces from their host system, ACE provides feedback to its host by injecting delays to time dilate the host system such that it experiences hit/miss latencies of the emulated cache. Such active emulation expands the context of performance evaluations by allowing measurements of system performance metrics (e.g., CPI, operations per second, frame rate) in addition to the typical cache-specific performance metrics (e.g., miss ratio) provided by existing emulators. ACE is designed to interface with a front-side bus (FSB) of a typical Pentium-based PC system. ACE utilizes the FSB snoop stall mechanism to inject delays into the system. At present, ACE is implemented using a Xilinx XC2V6000 FPGA running at 66 MHz, the same speed as its host's FSB. Verification of ACE includes using the cache calibrator and RightMark memory analyzer software to confirm proper detection of the emulated cache by the host system, and comparing ACE results with SimpleScalar software simulations. Finally, ACE is used to study L3 caches for compute-intensive, throughput-oriented, and real-time gaming benchmarks (SPEC-CPU2000, SPEC-JBB2000, Quake3). The study shows that analyzing only cache-specific metrics, as done by existing L3 cache studies with FPGA emulators, is insufficient. Active emulation mitigates this issue by providing a broader performance view, allowing researchers make better research conclusion.
Relationship between burden of premature ventricular complexes and left ventricular function.

Background Frequent idiopathic premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) can result in a reversible form of left ventricular dysfunction. The factors resulting in impaired left ventricular function are unclear. Whether a critical burden of PVCs can result in cardiomyopathy has not been determined. Objective The objective of this study was to determine a cutoff PVC burden that can result in PVC-induced cardiomyopathy. Methods In a consecutive group of 174 patients referred for ablation of frequent idiopathic PVCs, the PVC burden was determined by 24-hour Holter monitoring, and transthoracic echocardiograms were used to assess left ventricular function. Receiver-operator characteristic curves were constructed based on the PVC burden and on the presence or absence of reversible left ventricular dysfunction to determine a cutoff PVC burden that is associated with left ventricular dysfunction. Results A reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (mean 0.37 ± 0.10) was present in 57 of 174 patients (33%). Patients with a decreased ejection fraction had a mean PVC burden of 33% ± 13% as compared with those with normal left ventricular function 13% ± 12% ( P 24% best separated the patient population with impaired as compared with preserved left ventricular function (sensitivity 79%, specificity 78%, area under curve 0.89) The lowest PVC burden resulting in a reversible cardiomyopathy was 10%. In multivariate analysis, PVC burden (hazard ratio 1.12, 95% confidence interval 1.08 to 1.16; P Conclusion A PVC burden of >24% was independently associated with PVC-induced cardiomyopathy.
A Theoretical Study of the Quantization Noise in Split Delta–Sigma ADCs

A theoretical analysis of the statistics of the quantization noise in split delta-sigma (DeltaSigma) analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) is presented. Sufficient conditions are derived that ensure that the quantization noise components of the constituent DeltaSigma modulators are asymptotically independent of each other, the input, delayed versions of themselves, and uniformly distributed. The application of the conditions is illustrated for two useful classes of split DeltaSigma ADCs.
In-situ etching of InP by a low pressure transient HCI process

Abstract Conditions are described for obtaining an in-situ etch for Inp subtrates, using hydrogen chloride gas. This is done by a transient process which avoids the need for maintaining an overpressure of phosphine during the etch step. It is shown that etching at low pressures can be carried out at an etching temperature which is compatible with the subsequent growth of lattice-matched GaInAs. The effect of varying the etching temperature, the HCI partial pressure, the total gas flow, and the substrate doping on the etch rate and morphology are also detailed. The etch process is shown to be to be kinetically controlled at reduced pressure and a polishing etch was achieved only at low etch rates. It is proposed that the desorption of InCl is the limiting step in this etch process.
Mechanistic Insight into the Dehydro-Diels-Alder Reaction of Styrene-Ynes.

The Diels–Alder reaction represents one of the most thoroughly studied and well-understood synthetic transformations for the assembly of six-membered rings. Although intramolecular dehydro-Diels–Alder (IMDDA) reactions have previously been employed for the preparation of naphthalene and dihydronaphthalene substrates, low yields and product mixtures have reduced the impact and scope of this reaction. Through the mechanistic studies described within, we have confirmed that the thermal IMDDA reaction of styrene–ynes produces a naphthalene product via loss of hydrogen gas from the initially formed cycloadduct, a tetraenyl intermediate. Alternatively, the dihydronaphthalene product is afforded from the same tetraenyl intermediate via a radical isomerization process. Moreover, we have identified conditions that can be used to achieve efficient, high-yielding, and selective IMDDA reactions of styrene–ynes to form either naphthalene or dihydronaphthalene products. The operational simplicity and retrosynthetic ort...
Leukemia Stem Cells and Microenvironment: Biology and Therapeutic Targeting

Acute myelogenous leukemia is propagated by a subpopulation of leukemia stem cells (LSCs). In this article, we review both the intrinsic and extrinsic components that are known to influence the survival of human LSCs. The intrinsic factors encompass regulators of cell cycle and prosurvival pathways (such as nuclear factor kappa B [NF-κB], AKT), pathways regulating oxidative stress, and specific molecular components promoting self-renewal. The extrinsic components are generated by the bone marrow microenvironment and include chemokine receptors (CXCR4), adhesion molecules (VLA-4 and CD44), and hypoxia-related proteins. New strategies that exploit potentially unique properties of the LSCs and their microenvironment are discussed.
The influence of sidechains on the calculated dimensions of three related bacterial polysaccharides.

The effect of van der Waals interactions between sidechain and backbone on the shape of three bacterial polysaccharides in solution has been investigated. The three polymers, namely, gellan, welan, and rhamsan, share the same four-sugar backbone repeating-unit. Gellan is unbranched, whereas welan and rhamsan display comblike branching. Consequently, the effect of chain branching on backbone conformation may be investigated. Van der Waals repulsive interactions of sidechain and backbone serve to limit, somewhat, the range of conformational freedom of the welan backbone in comparison to that of gellan. Attractive side-chain-backbone interactions, which may be as significant as 2-3 kcal/mol, predominate over much of the accessible conformational space of the welan backbone. Despite the strength of these interactions, the unperturbed shape of welan in solution is calculated to be very similar to that of the unbranched gellan. Attractive sidechain-backbone interactions in rhamsan have a modest influence on the conformational characteristics of the rhamsan backbone. The calculated, unperturbed conformation in solution is slightly more extended than that of gellan and welan, but the fundamental shape of the chain is changed only slightly. Significant differences in the physical properties of these polymers seem not to arise from differences in their random-coil conformations provoked by van der Waals interactions of sidechain and backbone. Other contributions to the sidechain-backbone interaction, e.g., hydrogen bonding, could be involved; interchain interactions are also likely to be important.
Detection of Helicobacter pylori with stool antigen test in children with gastroesophageal reflux disease

Detection of Helicobacter pylori with stool antigen test in children with gastroesophageal reflux disease
THE STRUGGLE BETWEEN THE CONSTITUTION AND ‘THINGS AFRICAN’

What happens when a liberal democracy encounters a politics of difference that it cannot embrace ethically or ideologically within its definition of the polity? This article attempts to make sense of the way in which struggles over ‘culture’ in post-apartheid South Africa have emerged from a concrete, ongoing history of difference. It argues that this history edges uneasily from an excoriation of ethnicity and ‘things African’ to pleas for the necessity of their recognition. It also shows that it is a history that sheds light on the vicissitudes of the life and times of the nation-state at the turn of the new century.
Towards Test Focus Selection for Integration Testing Using Method Level Software Metrics

The aim of integration testing is to uncover errors in the interactions between system modules. However, it is generally impossible to test all the interactions between modules because of time and cost constraints. Thus, it is important to focus the testing on the connections presumed to be more error-prone. The goal of this research is to guide quality assurance team wherein a software system to focus when they perform integration testing to save time and resources. In this work, we use method level metrics that capture both dependencies and internal complexity of methods. In addition, we build a tool that calculates the metrics automatically. We also propose an approach to select the test focus in integration testing. The main goal is to reduce the number of test cases needed while still detecting at least 80% of integration errors. We conducted an experimental study on several Java applications taken from different domains. Error seeding technique have been used for evaluation. The experimental results showed that our proposed approach is very effective for selecting the test focus in integration testing. It reduces considerably the number of required test cases while at the same time detects at least 80% of integration errors.
Global gene expression in a type 2 Gaucher disease brain

Gaucher disease is a member of a family of inherited disorders called sphingolipidoses that among others includes Tay-Sachs and Sandhoff diseases. It is caused by the accumulation of glucosylceramide (glucocerebroside) due to deficient activity of the enzyme glucosylceramide-beta-glucosidase (glucocerebrosidase). As with other glycosphingolipidoses, severe neurodegeneration is present in types 2 and 3 Gaucher disease. We have used Serial Analysis of Gene Expression (SAGE) to characterize the gene expression profiles in brain of patients with glycosphingolipid storage diseases to understand the molecular details of neurodegeneration. In the current study we have determined the gene expression profile from the brain of a patient with type 2 Gaucher disease, the acute neuronopathic form of the disorder. We found that the expression profile of the type 2 Gaucher brain is significantly altered relative to the normal control brain profile. There were also differences when compared with profiles from Tay-Sachs and Sandhoff patients, in particular in levels of genes related to macrophage activation. Intriguingly we found that gamma-synuclein, a family member of proteins involved the pathogenesis of other neurodegenerative disorders, was elevated in the one Gaucher type 2 patient brain we examined.
Human factors and usability in service quality measurement

The purpose of this study was to develop a modified measurement instrument for service quality that includes human factor considerations. Tangibles, reliability, responsiveness, assurance, and empathy were dimensions commonly used to measure service quality through a survey instrument termed SERVQUAL. A sixth dimension, usability, was added in a modified survey instrument termed SERVUSE. To examine the predictive power of both instruments, 200 patients at an on-campus health clinic were surveyed. The survey measured subject expectations and perceptions regarding the service system. Gap scores were calculated as the difference between these two measures. Positive gap scores reflected the exceeding of customer expectations. Negative gap scores reflected a failure to meet these expectations. The three response variables were perceived quality, satisfaction, and behavioral intention. Usability was found to be a significant predictor of all response variables. It also adds significant predictive value to the regression models when measuring behavioral intention. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Gauge dependence of atomic inner-shell transition rates from Dirac-Fock wave functions

Relativistic radiative and radiationless atomic inner-shell transition rates have been calculated with Dirac-Fock wave functions with the use of matrix elements that correspond to different gauges. Radiative rates computed in the length gauge are found to be larger than Coulomb-gauge results; for $K$-shell radiative widths, the difference is \ensuremath{\sim}20% at $Z=10$ and falls to \ensuremath{\sim}4% at $Z=30$; the difference for ${L}_{2}$ radiative widths is a factor of 2 at $Z=18$ and \ensuremath{\sim}7% at $Z=48$. Especially large discrepancies between length- and Coulomb-gauge results are found for $\ensuremath{\Delta}n=0$ radiative transition rates. Auger transition rates calculated in the Lorentz and Coulomb gauges agree to better than 1% in all cases tested here; it is inferred that in first-order perturbation theory the Auger rate is practically gauge invariant. Certain general features of the effects of relativity on radiationless transitions are also discussed. These effects can arise from relativistic changes in the transition energies, relativistic orbital effects, and relativistic aspects of the pertinent operators. The relative importance of these factors is evaluated.
Attempt to suppress curly top and beet western yellows by control of the beet leafhopper and the green peach aphid with insecticide-treated sugarbeet seed.

Effective doses of phorate and disulfoton were phytotoxic to seedling sugarbeet plants when they were used to treat the seed, particularly under moisture stress, and doses that were low enough so plant stands were not reduced appreciably did not control most insects on the small plants long enough. However, treatment of sugarbeet seed with disulfoton gave some protection for at least 3 months against curly top infection transmitted by the beet leafhopper, Circulifer tenells (Baker), though the same dose of disulfoton or phorate gave no control of the preen peach aphid, Myzus persicac (Sulzer), and therefore did not retard infection by beet western yellows. Larger populations of aphids developed on plants from treated seed than on those from untreated seed, which is in agreement with the hormoligosis theory which predicts stimulation from a mild stressing factor.
Spectroscopic Determination of the Vibrational Potential Energy Surface and Conformation of 1,3-Benzodioxole in Its S1(π,π*) Excited State. The Effect of the Electronic Excitation on the Anomeric Effect

The electronic absorption spectra and the laser-induced fluorescence spectra of supersonic-jet-cooled 1,3-benzodioxole molecules have been investigated to map out the vibronic energy levels in the ...
Star formation with 3-D adaptive mesh refinement: the collapse and fragmentation of molecular clouds

We describe a powerful methodology for numerical solution of 3-D self-gravitational hydrodynamics problems with unprecendented resolution. This code utilizes the technique of local adaptive mesh refinement (AMR), employing multiple grids at multiple levels of resolution. These grids are automatically and dynamically added and removed as necessary to maintain adequate resolution. This technology allows solution of problems that would be prohibitively expensive with methods using fixed resolution, and it is more versatile and efficient than competing methods of achieving variable resolution. The application of this technique to simulate the collapse and fragmentation of a molecular cloud, a key step in star formation is discussed. The simulation involves many orders of magnitude of variation in length scale as fragments form. In this paper we describe the methodology and present illustrative applications for both isothermal and nonisothermal cloud collapse. We describe the numerical Jeans condition, a new criterion for stability of self-gravitational gas dynamic problems. We find that the uniformly rotating, spherical clouds treated here first collapse to disks in the equatorial plane and then, in the presence of applied perturbations, form filamentary singularities that do not fragment while isothermal. As the collapse enters the non-isothermal phase, we show the evolutionary sequence that leads to the formation of a binary system consisting of protostellar cores surrounded by distinct protostellar disks. The scale of the disks, of order 100 AU, is consistent with observations of gaseous disks surrounding single T-Tauri stars and debris disks surrounding systems such as Beta Pictoris.
The role of mixed function oxidases in kaurene metabolism in Echinocystis macrocarpa Greene endosperm.

Abstract Two of the initial reactions in the oxidative conversion of (−)-kaur-16-ene to the gibberellin plant growth hormones have been characterized in tissue homogenates of E. macrocarpa endosperm. The conversion of (−)-kaur-16-ene to (−) kaur-16-en-19-ol requires molecular oxygen and NADPH, and is inhibited by carbon monoxide. The photochemical action spectrum of light reversal of this inhibition shows a maximum at 450 mμ. The hydroxylation of (−)-kaur-16-ene under 18 O 2 results in a 78% incorporation of 18 O into the product (−)-kaur-16-en-19-ol. The conversion of (−)-kaur-16-en-19-aldehyde to (−)-kaur-16-en-19-oic acid also requires oxygen and NADPH and is inhibited by carbon monoxide. The photochemical action spectrum for this reaction shows a maximum reversal at 450 mμ. The reaction of carbon monoxide with reduced hemoproteins of endosperm shows bands in the Soret region at 422 and 453 mμ. The latter peak is thought to be due to a cytochrome, similar to the cytochrome P-450 of mammalian systems, which participates directly in the oxidative reactions discussed above. These findings suggest that the pathways for the biosynthesis of the gibberellin hormones in higher plants and the steroid hormones in animals are analogous in that both involve an initial sequence of nonoxidative steps involving water-soluble substrates and soluble cytoplasmic enzymes followed by a secondary sequence of aerobic, oxidative steps involving hydrophobic substrates and membrane-bound enzymes.
Amyloidogenesis in Organ-Limited Cutaneous Amyloidosis: An Antigenic Identity Between Epidermal Keratin and Skin Amyloid

Epidermal keratin was extracted and antibody against this protein was produced in rabbits. Various forms of organ-limited cutaneous amyloidosis (lichenoid, macular, and nodular amyloidosis, and basal cell epithelioma) and primary systemic amyloidosis were immunohistochemically examined to test the identity between epidermal keratin and skin amyloid. Amyloids in lichenoid and macular amyloidoses, and in basal cell epithelioma had an identical antigenicity with epidermal keratin, whereas amyloids in nodular amyloidosis and systemic amyloidosis did not have this identity. In addition, amyloid in lichen amyloidosis contained disulfide bonds as in keratin. Connective tissue components including filaments of fibroblasts and vascular endothelial cells did not react with this antikeratin antibody. It was concluded that at least some of the amyloid substance in organ-limited cutaneous amyloidosis is derived from degenerated epidermal keratinocytes through filamentous degeneration or apoptosis.
Determination of Mercury(II) by Fluorescence Using Deoxyribonucleic Acid Stabilized Silver Nanoclusters

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) stabilized silver nanoclusters were synthesized and showed strong excitation at 724 nm and fluorescence emission at 768 nm. Upon the addition of mercury(II), the fluorescence of the DNA silver nanoclusters was quenched. The use of DNA silver nanoclusters as fluorescent sensors for mercury(II) was investigated in buffered media. A linear dynamic range from 1.90 × 10−9 M to 2.4 × 10−8 M was observed for mercury (II) with a correlation coefficient of 0.9977 and a limit of detection of 1.90 × 10−9 M. Excellent selectivity toward mercury(II) was observed against a variety of metal ions. The results demonstrate that silver nanoclusters have potential application for the determination of mercury (II).
Noninvasive Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer Imaging of in vivo Premature Drug Release from Polymeric Nanoparticles

Understanding in vivo drug release kinetics is critical for the development of nanoparticle-based delivery systems. In this study, we developed a fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) imaging approach to noninvasively monitor in vitro and in vivo cargo release from polymeric nanoparticles. The FRET donor dye (DiO or DiD) and acceptor dye (DiI or DiR) were individually encapsulated into poly(ethylene oxide)-b-polystyrene (PEO-PS) nanoparticles. When DiO (donor) nanoparticles and DiI (acceptor) nanoparticles were coincubated with cancer cells for 2 h, increased FRET signals were observed from cell membranes, suggesting rapid release of DiO and DiI to cell membranes. Similarly, increased FRET ratios were detected in nude mice after intravenous coadministration of DiD (donor) nanoparticles and DiR (acceptor) nanoparticles. In contrast, another group of nude mice i.v. administrated with DiD/DiR coloaded nanoparticles showed decreased FRET ratios. Based on the difference in FRET ratios between the two g...
321 Dihydrotestosterone Antagonizes Glucocorticoid-de-Pendent Surfactant Synthesis in Explant Culture

Male fetuses produce less pulmonary surfactant than female fetuses during the active phase of lung maturation characterized by increased synthesis of saturated phosphatidylcholine (SPC). A previous study has shown that Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) can inhibit SPC production by the fetal rabbit lung in vivo (Nielsen et al JCI 69; 611, 1982). The present study was designed to test whether DHT antagonizes glucocorticoid-stimulated surfactant synthesis by fetal rabbit lung explants, a system in which active SPC synthesis is glucocorticoid-dependent. Day 19 fetal lung explants were cultured in Waymouth's medium plus 10% charcoal-stripped fetal calf serum (FCS-) and 10−7M DHT, 10−7M cortisol or 10−7M DHT+10−7M cortisol for 9 days (=day 28 in utero). Ex-plants maintained in FCS- showed no increase in 3H-choline incorporation into 3H-SPC; cortisol caused a 4-fold increase in SPC synthesis; DHT had no effect on baseline SPC synthesis - however DHT-treated explants did not respond to a cortisol challenge. Furthermore, sex-specific explants showed no difference in either baseline or cortisol-challenged SPC synthesis. These data support the hypothesis that the sex difference in pulmonary surfactant production is due to androgen antagonism of cortisol-stimulated surfactant phospholipid synthesis. There is extensive evidence that this increase in SPC synthesis is due to glucocorticoid stimulation, and that the delay in male surfactant production is due to androgen inhibition. This study was supported by NIH grant #28315.
Microinjections of a dopamine D1 receptor antagonist into the ventral tegmental area block the expression of cocaine conditioned place preference in rats

Abstract Stimulation of dopamine (DA) D1 receptors in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) is involved in primary rewards. In the current study we investigated whether VTA D1 receptor stimulation likewise plays a role in mediating the rewarding effects of cocaine-associated stimuli, using the cocaine conditioned place preference (CPP) paradigm. Rats were prepared with cannulae so as to allow microinjections in the VTA and later conditioned to a cocaine-associated environment using the CPP paradigm. Prior to each conditioning session rats were injected with either saline or cocaine (10 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) and then placed in one of the two sides of the CPP apparatus. Sessions lasted 30 min a day over a period of eight days, such that rats alternated daily between consistently experiencing cocaine in one side and saline in the other. On the test day, which was conducted one day after conditioning, rats were given bilateral microinjections of one of four doses of the D1 antagonist, SCH 23390, (0, 2, 4 or 8 μg/0.5 μl) directly into the VTA and allowed free access to both sides of the apparatus. Preference for either side was measured as time spent in each side and compared to the same measures taken before conditioning. The D1 antagonist produced a dose-related, significant reduction in the preference for the cocaine-paired side compared to vehicle. These data suggest that the expression of cocaine conditioned place preference requires stimulation of VTA D1 receptors and, as such, are the first to suggest a role for VTA dendritically released DA in cocaine-, or other reward-, related learning.
Investment Flows, Economic Growth, and Corruption in African Countries: An Analysis

The analysis of corruption in international business is a relatively new phenomenon, and for the past two decades, many studies have attempted to capture the economic impact of the corruption in a country. However, most of these studies have concentrated their analysis to the experiences of the developed countries. None or very few of the current works have addressed the corruption issue in the context of foreign direct investment and economic growth in the developing countries. This work examines theoretically, as well as empirically, the incidence of corruption in the context of foreign direct investment in the developing countries, especially several African countries that signed a treaty to reduce the incidence of corruption in their respective countries.
Quantum mechanical and experimental analyses of TNT metabolite 2-hydroxylamino-4,6-dinitrotoluene

Abstract In this study, a combined quantum mechanical and experimental analyses were performed to investigate crystal structure of the immediate degradation product of TNT, 2-hydroxylamino-4,6-dinitrotoluene (2-HADNT) and to reveal its important chemical properties. Leakage of 2-HADNT has caused serious environmental pollution and therefore raises widespread concerns. In the quantum mechanical analysis, the B3LYP/6-311+G ** , B3LYP/aug-c-pVDZ, M06HF/aug-cc-pVDZ, and MP2/aug-cc-pVDZ methods were employed for geometrical optimization and single point calculations of chemical properties of the compound. Such properties include highest unoccupied molecular orbitals (HOMO) – lowest occupied molecular orbitals (LUMO) separation, dipole moment, atomization energy, and vibrational frequencies. Experimental analysis and validation showed that the energy minimized structures acquired from the quantum mechanical analysis were very similar to those obtained by X-ray crystallography. The 6-NO 2 groups twist out of plane with respect to the benzene ring in both the crystallographic and energy minimized structures. The 4-NO 2 group exhibits co-planarity with the phenyl ring in both the crystallographic and energy minimized structures as well. Unlike TNT, however, the energy barrier to orthogonal conformation is only 3.8 kcal/mol. In addition, considerable discrepancies between results obtained from the MP2 and B3LYP methods were observed, which suggest that it has to be very careful when applying B3LYP method to study such class of compounds. Through this study, a more accurate description of the chemical properties of dispersion-dominated aromatic systems was acquired. The chemical properties found from this study can help researchers to better understand the compound of 2-HADNT and to develop effective management plans for such compound so as to minimize its impact on the environment.
Lao economic policies and effective rates of protection

Abstract The Lao People's Democratic Republic (PDR) has embarked on the process of accession to the World Trade Organization. Part of that process involves compilation of information on the country's trade and related policies, and development of analytical frameworks that Lao and other researchers can use to understand the effects of these policies. This paper calculates effective rates of protection for tradable-good sectors included in the Lao input–output table. In the process, it surveys and models import tariffs and export taxes, non-tariff trade measures, relevant tax and investment policies, and implicit taxes and subsidies in water and electricity rates.
A fusion technology demonstration facility (TDF)

Abstract This paper describes a facility for generating engineering data on the nuclear technologies needed to build an engineering test reactor (ETR). The facility, based on a tandem mirror operating in the Kelley mode, could be used to produce a high neutron flux (1.4 MW/m2) on an 8 m2 test area for testing fusion blankets. Runs of more than 100 hours, with an average availability of 30%, would produce a fluence of 5 MW·yr/m2 and give the necessary experience for successful operation of an ETR.
Neovascularization in acute venous thrombosis

Objective The aim of this study was to describe the phenomenon of arteriovenous fistula (AVF) formation in venous thrombus. Methods Patients referred to the vascular laboratory for evaluation for deep venous thrombosis were included. Duplex ultrasound scanning was used to detect flow within the thrombus. The flow patterns and the resistivity index were obtained in the veins above/proximal and below/distal to the thrombus, in the adjacent arteries, and within the perivenous vessels. Patients with trauma, hemodialysis access, endovenous ablation, known AVF, or inflammatory conditions were excluded. Results There were 22 patients with AVF flow in thrombosed veins. Deep veins were involved in 15 cases and superficial veins in the remainder. Perivenous vessels feeding the AVF in the thrombus could be clearly identified in 16 patients (19 vein segments). In 21 of 22 patients, multiple flow channels were present throughout the involved thrombosed vein segment. These flow channels were isolated to a single vein segment. They measured Conclusion Neovessels were found with AVF flow in thrombi of superficial and deep veins. They had variable length and multiple flow channels, with inflow from perivenous arteries. The flow in the adjacent main arteries was not affected, and no systemic symptoms were detected. The exact etiology and natural history of this phenomenon are not known, and its clinical significance is unclear.
Renal oncocytoma: Long-term follow-up and flow cytometric DNA analysis

We report a retrospective study on the clinicopathologic features and flow cytometric DNA analysis of ten renal oncocytomas compared with a control group of ten randomly selected renal cell carcinomas. Among the oncocytoma patients, no recurrences or metastases were noted over an average follow-up of 6.7 years (range = 6 months to 16 years). Reproducible, high-quality DNA histograms were obtained on the paraffin-embedded specimens by using our modified flow cytometric procedure. One aneuploid (10%) and two hyperdiploid tumors (20%) were found in the oncocytoma group. There was no correlation between these abnormal DNA histographic patterns and survival or tumor stages. On the contrary, a good correlation was found between tumor grades and DNA ploidy in the controls. We conclude that renal oncocytoma is a clinically benign tumor, yet it may exhibit varying degrees of flow cytometric DNA abnormalities, which have no predictive value on survival and probably reflect the characteristics of oncocytes rather than its malignant potential.
Assessment of leader problem-solving capabilities.

Abstract We describe the development of and initial psychometric evidence for a set of five constructed response measures designed to assess complex problem-solving skills and knowledge expected to influence leadership. Structured (cued) and unstructured (uncued) problem solving scenarios intended to assess process skills associated with creative problem solving are presented first. Solution construction tasks developed to assess attention to constraints and characteristics in the broader problem context are presented next. Finally, social judgment tasks intended to assess understanding of people and social systems and a task sort to assess knowledge of leadership roles are presented. Preliminary evidence for the reliability and construct validity of these constructed response measures supports their efficacy in assessing skills that underlie effective organizational leadership.