cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Development of RNAi methods to control the harlequin bug, Murgantia histrionica

The harlequin bug (HB), Murgantia histrionica, is a major pest of cabbage family plants throughout its range in the United States. RNA interference (RNAi) is a posttranscriptional gene silencing mechanism that is showing promise as a biopesticide due to the ability to target species-specific genes necessary for growth and/or survival with synthetic double-stranded RNA (dsRNA). In the present study, dsRNA stability assays revealed that nucleases present in the saliva of harlequin bugs did not rapidly degrade dsRNA. We tracked the movement and localization of radioactively labeled dsRNA in both mustard plant seedlings and harlequin bug nymphs that fed on treated host plants. Movement of 32 P-labeled-dsRNA from soil to plant and plant to insect was detected. The efficacy of RNAi in inducing mortality in harlequin bug adults and nymphs injected or fed with dsRNA targeting inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP), ATPase N2B (ATPase), serine/threonine-protein phosphatase PP1-β catalytic subunit (PP1), signal recognition particle 54 kDa protein (SRP), and G protein-coupled receptor 161-like (GPCR) genes was evaluated. Injection of dsRNA targeting candidate genes into adults caused between 40% and 75% mortality and induced significant knockdown of target gene expression. Feeding dsRNA targeting the IAP gene to nymphs by plant-mediated and droplet feeding methods induced knockdown of the target gene and caused 40-55% mortality. These findings suggest that RNAi may be a viable approach for managing this pest.
“They Teach You How to Weather the Storm, but They Don’t Teach You How to Dance in the Rain:” Veterans’ Perspectives on the Pathways to Criminal Justice Involvement

Some veterans face elevated risk of mental illness, alcohol, and drug use, and difficulty adjusting post-deployment, which can increase the risk of homelessness and contact with the criminal justice system (Elbogen et al., 2012). This study adds to the limited and mixed findings regarding factors associated with criminal offending among veterans. It explores, from veterans’ perspectives, what contributes to their criminal justice involvement. In-depth interviews with 28 U.S. Veterans on probation or parole explored their military service, mental health, and the events surrounding arrests. Findings indicate that substance use was a significant contributor to arrests. Alcohol and drugs were used to cope with trauma, interpersonal stress, and their transition from military service to civilian life. Some veterans indicated that substance use was evident and problematic prior to military service, while others found the military culture and conditions post-service contributed to problematic use. Veterans also entered the criminal justice system due to difficulties adjusting to civilian life and economic disadvantage.
Record Date, When-Issued and Ex-Date Effects in Stock Splits

Negative abnormal stock returns of about one percent occur near record dates of stock splits. Further, the lower the returns, the more positive are ex-date returns and when-issued premiums. A possible explanation of these related phenomena is that trading hindrances associated with record dates create trading inconvenience that is reflected in lower prices near record dates. In turn, anomalous positive ex-date returns arise in part from the abnormally low prices of unsplit shares caused by the negative record date returns.
Isolating an active and inactive CACTA transposon from lettuce color mutants and characterizing their family.

Dietary flavonoids play an important role in human nutrition and health. Flavonoid biosynthesis genes have recently been identified in lettuce (Lactuca sativa); however, few mutants have been characterized. We now report the causative mutations in Green Super Lettuce (GSL), a natural light green mutant derived from the red line NAR; and GSL-Dark Green (GSL-DG), an olive-green natural derivative of GSL. GSL harbors CACTA 1 (LsC1), a 3.9 kb active non-autonomous CACTA superfamily transposon inserted in the 5' untranslated region of anthocyanidin synthase (ANS), a gene coding for a key enzyme in anthocyanin biosynthesis. Both terminal inverted repeats (TIRs) of this transposon were intact, enabling somatic excision of the mobile element, which led to the restoration of ANS expression and the accumulation of red anthocyanins in sectors on otherwise green leaves. GSL-DG harbors CACTA 2 (LsC2), a 1.1 kb truncated copy of LsC1 that lacks one of the TIRs, rendering the transposon inactive. RNA-sequencing and reverse transcription quantitative PCR of NAR, GSL, and GSL-DG indicated the relative expression level of ANS was strongly influenced by the transposon insertions. Analysis of flavonoid content indicated leaf cyanidin levels correlated positively with ANS expression. Bioinformatic analysis of the cv. Salinas lettuce reference genome led to the discovery and characterization of an LsC1 transposon family with a putative transposon copy number greater than 1,700. Homologs of tnpA and tnpD, the genes encoding two proteins necessary for activation of transposition of CACTA elements, were also identified in the lettuce genome.
Intravascular OCT Imaging Artifacts

This chapter discusses many intravascular imaging artifacts that may be encountered when interpreting OCT images from coronary arteries in the clinic or in research settings. All OCT artifacts originate in either the propagation of light in the vessel lumen, signal acquisition or polar-to-rectangular conversion. When these artifacts are recognized and understood, OCT image interpretation can become much more accurate.
W. Douglas Evans and Gerald Hastings (Eds.). Public Health Branding: Applying Marketing for Social Change

This timely book succeeds in a number of ways. First, it symbolises the growing interest and application of social marketing approaches to an increasingly wide range of social problems where individual problem behaviours are a central focus. Second—and more important—it moves beyond the existing array of textbooks, monographs and “think pieces” to focus on a specific component of social programmes—branding. Branding, of course, is one of the central concepts and tools used in the private sector to achieve significant market shares and product and service growth. It is a shorthand device for communicating key elements of a firm’s fundamental value proposition and is, candidly, one of the key reasons brands like Coca-Cola, Nike and Tide achieve market dominance despite minimal bases in significant true product differences. In the service domain, brands like Ritz-Carlton or McDonald’s spend lavishly to position themselves as different from—
Once Upon a Time in Law: Myth, Metaphor, and Authority

We have long accepted the role of narrative in fact statements and jury arguments, but in the inner sanctum of analyzing legal authority? Surely not. Yet cases, statutes, rules, and doctrines all have stories of their own. When we talk about legal authority, using our best formal logic, we are actually swimming in a sea of narrative, oblivious to the water around us. As the old Buddhist saying goes, "We don’t know who discovered the ocean, but it probably wasn't a fish."This article teases out several familiar archetypes hidden in discussions of cases and statutes. In the midst of seemingly routine law talk are stories of birth and death, battle and betrayal, tricksters and champions. These stories are simultaneously true and false, world-shaping yet always incomplete. Their unnoticed influence over the law's development can be powerful. But we so seldom question familiar narratives, and these archetypes practically run in our veins. We should learn to recognize and interrogate these stories, attuned to their truths, alert to their limitations, and ready when necessary to seek other more accurate and complete stories for the law.
On the Stress Distribution at the Base of a Stationary Crack

In an earlier paper it was suggested that a knowledge of the elastic-stress variation in the neighborhood of an angular corner of an infinite plate would perhaps be of value in analyzing the stress distribution at the base of a V-notch. As a part of a more general study, the specific case of a zero-angle notch, or crack, was carried out to supplement results obtained by other investigators. This paper includes remarks upon the antisymmetric, as well as symmetric, stress distribution, and the circumferential distribution of distortion strain-energy density. For the case of a symmetrical loading about the crack, it is shown that the energy density is not a maximum along the direction of the crack hut is one third higher at an angle ± cos^(-1) (1/3); i.e., approximately ±70 deg. It is shown that at the base of the crack in the direction of its prolongation, the principal stresses are equal, thus tending toward a state of (two-dimensional) hydrostatic tension. As the distance from the point of the crack increases, the distortion strain energy increases, suggesting the possibility of yielding ahead of the crack as well as ±70 deg to the sides. The maximum principal tension stress occurs on ±60 deg rays. For the antisymmetrical stress distribution the distortion strain energy is a relative maximum along the crack and 60 per cent lower ± 85 deg to the sides.
Capital Inflows, Exchange Rate Flexibility and Credit Booms: Capital Inflows, Exchange Rate, Credit

The prospects of expansionary monetary policies in the advanced countries for the foreseeable future have renewed the debate over policy options to cope with large capital inflows that are, at least partly, driven by low interest rates in the financial centers. Historically, capital flow bonanzas have often fueled sharp credit expansions in advanced and emerging market economies alike. Focusing primarily on emerging markets, we analyze the impact of exchange rate flexibility on credit markets during periods of large capital inflows. We show that bank credit grows more rapidly and its composition tilts to foreign currency in economies with less flexible exchange rate regimes, and that these results are not explained entirely by the fact that the latter attract more capital inflows than economies with more flexible regimes. Our findings thus suggest countries with less flexible exchange rate regimes may stand to benefit the most from regulatory policies that reduce banks' incentives to tap external markets and to lend/borrow in foreign currency; these policies include marginal reserve requirements on foreign lending, currency-dependent liquidity requirements, and higher capital requirement and/or dynamic provisioning on foreign exchange loans.
On evaluating the flow stress in niobium of commercial purity

An analysis has been made of the CP niobium data presented in two papers by J.F. Fries, B. Houssin, G. Cizeron and P. Lacombe, Jour. Less-Com. Met. 33, 117 (1973) and J.F. Fries, C. Cizeron and P. Lacombe, Rev. Phys. Appl. 5, 371 (1970). This study involves a phenomenological procedure which assumes a rate controlling mechanism in which the force between a barrier and a mobile dislocation element varies inversely as the distance. The derived analytical curves obtained with this model are in very good agreement with all the experimental flow stress and strain-rate sensitivity data from 20 to about 600 K. This agreement supports the hypothesis that, in this particular CP niobium, the rate controlling mechanism might involve dislocation intersections where it is generally accepted that the force between an obstacle and a dislocation element varies inversely as the distance. The derived analytical curves obtained with this model are in very good agreement will all the experimental flow stress and strain-rate sensitivity data from 20 to about 600 K. This agreement supports the hypothesis that, in this particular CP niobium, the rate controlling mechanism might involve dislocation intersections where it is generally accepted that the force between an obstaclemore » and a dislocation element varies inversely as the distance between them. An analysis of the effect of the interstitials on the shape of the flow stress-temperature curve was also made for specimens tested above 300 K. It was found that the unusual flow stress peak that appears in the plateau region at 570 K might be explained in terms of overlapping of the dynamic strain aging stresses of the three interstitials O, C and N near 570 K. That the phenomenological model is not in agreement with the experimental data above 600 K is possibly due to dynamic recovery off the metal`s substructure.« less
Are Universities Creating Millennial Narcissistic Employees? An Empirical Examination of Narcissism in Business Students and Its Implications

The authors investigate whether narcissism levels are significantly higher in undergraduate business students than psychology students, whether business schools are reinforcing narcissism in the cl...
Deviations from ozone photostationary state during the International Consortium for Atmospheric Research on Transport and Transformation 2004 campaign: Use of measurements and photochemical modeling to assess potential causes

[1] Nitric oxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) were monitored at the University of New Hampshire Atmospheric Observing Station at Thompson Farm (TF) during the ICARTT campaign of summer 2004. Simultaneous measurement of ozone (O3), temperature, and the photolysis rate of NO2 (jNO2) allow for assessment of the O3 photostationary state (Leighton ratio, Φ). Leighton ratios that are significantly greater than unity indicate that peroxy radicals (PO2), halogen monoxides, nitrate radicals, or some unidentified species convert NO to NO2 in excess of the reaction between NO and O3. Deviations from photostationary state occurred regularly at TF (1.0 ≤ Φ ≤ 5.9), particularly during times of low NOx (NOx = NO + NO2). Such deviations were not controlled by dynamics, as indicated by regressions between Φ and several meteorological parameters. Correlation with jNO2 was moderate, indicating that sunlight probably controls nonlinear processes that affect Φ values. Formation of PO2 likely is dominated by oxidation of biogenic hydrocarbons, particularly isoprene, the emission of which is driven by photosynthetically active radiation. Halogen atoms are believed to form via photolysis of halogenated methane compounds. Nitrate radicals are believed to be insignificant. Higher Φ values are associated with lower mixing ratios of isoprene and chloroiodomethane and lower ratios of NOx to total active nitrogen, indicating that photochemical aging may very well lead to increased Φ values. PO2 levels calculated using a zero-dimensional model constrained by measurements from TF can account for 71% of the observed deviations on average. The remainder is assumed to be associated with halogen atoms, most likely iodine, with necessary mixing ratios up to 0.6 or 1.2 pptv, for chlorine and iodine, respectively.
The Effects of Some Insecticides on the Metabolites of Blattella germanica

A study was made of the effects of some insecticides on the metabolites of adult German cockroaches ( Blattella germanica (L.)), by comparing the glucose, glycogen, fat, and water constituents of normal and exposed whole insects. Pieces of filter paper were impregnated with 5% concentrations of DDT, dieldrin, methyl parathion, and Strobane® (terpene polychorinates (65% chlorine)) in peanut oil. Insects were exposed to the various insecticides by being caused to walk on the pieces of filter paper for 2-minute periods. Insects exposed to DDT showed that 62% of glucose, 73% of glycogen, and 16% of fat were utilized in 3 days. Insects exposed to methyl parathion showed a 55%, 64%, 0% decrease in metabolites, respectively. Insects exposed to Strobane showed a 57%, 56%, 19% decrease in metabolites, whereas those exposed to dieldrin showed no change. There is thus some evidence to support the hypothesis that a reduction in metabolites is associated with the killing action of some insecticides, but also, that not all insecticides have this effect. Evidently dieldrin kills by some mechanism different from that operative with the other insecticides tested.
Agency, commitment and connection: embracing the roots of Chicano and Chicana Studies

The legacy of colonization breeds alienation and detachment from history and community. For Chicanos in universities, the solution for the alienation that Aguirre expresses begins with understanding how powerful ideological forces sustain structured inequality while they promote self‐hatred and identification with the master. Cordova makes the case that by embracing both our communities and the roots of Chicano and Chicana Studies, we find the passion, commitment and self‐discipline to find a voice and presence in the university that is meaningful not only personally but also to the communities that we serve.
Clinical usefulness of computerized ECG systems

Computer ECG systems provide a valuable function for ECG analysis, storage, retrieval, and serial comparison. The current systems can provide quality control of technician performance, acquisition equipment, and physician overreading. Its overall acceptability and clinical usefulness is documented in a clinical practice setting with a 90.4% computer-physician agreement in more than 20,000 ECGs. Computerized ECG systems have demonstrated their clinical usefulness in patient care.
Double exposure, multiple-field particle image velocimetry for turbulent probability density

Abstract A particle image velocimeter method is described in which double exposed fields of particles moving in a two-dimensional slice of a steady turbulent flow are photographed repeatedly to build up a statistical ensemble of flow field realizations on a single photographic plate. Each interrogation spot on the plate contains a sample of the probability density function of the two components of velocity that lie in the photographic object plane, assuming paraxial photography. Theory is developed showing how this sample can be measured by two-dimensional spatial correlation analysis, followed by deconvolution to remove the effects of finite particle image size. The probability density measurements are biased inherently against large velocities, but these effects can be minimized and/or corrected.
Process Research and Scale-Up for a β-3 Adrenergic Receptor Agonist

A scaleable synthesis of the β-3 adrenergic receptor agonist, (4-{2-[2-(6-aminopyridin-3-yl)-(2R)-hydroxy-ethylamino]ethoxy}phenyl)acetic acid is presented. The key coupling step utilizes a silyl-p...
Epstein-Barr virus, fatal infectious mononucleosis, and Hodgkin's disease in siblings

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection in a family resulted in a fatal disseminated heterophil negative infectious mononucleosis syndrome in a nine-year-old girl. This was followed closely by a similar disease process in her six-year-old brother which evolved over a one-year period into Stage IIIB Hodgkin's disease. Finally, three years after the index EBV case in the daughter, the mother was diagnosed with a non-Burkitt's-type undifferentiated lymphoma that proved rapidly fatal. The EBV involvement in the sister and brother was well documented serologically and virologically. The pathologic diagnosis was established and confirmed by more than one pathologist. There was no obvious evidence for either a specific or general immune defect in any of the family members tested. The progression of the six-year-old boy's EBV infection from a benign, yet disseminated disease process into a histopathologically confirmed case of Hodgkin's disease offers a strong suggestion that this virus was not behaving solely as a passenger. Especially relevant is the fact that the boy never fully recovered from his EBV infection and essentially became persistently infected with the virus as evidenced by his EBV-EA serology and virology results.
Solar protons E > 100 MeV incident over antarctica during January February 1967

Commencing at 0825+3−1UT on January 28, 1967, a large and prolonged increase in the intensity of penetrating charged particles was observed by balloon-borne instruments floating over Byrd Station, Antarctica. (80°S, 120°W). A peak intensity of approximately 60 protons per cm2-secsteradian with E> 100 MeV occurred at about 1230 UT on the 28th. The event was under observation almost continuously over a period of about 100 hours until the intensity decayed below cosmic-ray background on February 1. The initial decay was rapid but, some 40 hours after onset, went over into a slow exponential decay characterized by a 20 hour time-constant. The decay phase of an additional, though considerably less intense, event was observed on February 3 and 4. Presumably both events had their origins in major disturbances on the far side of the sun since neither event has been definitely linked to any feature which existed on the visible disk within an appropriate time interval.
Metabolism of compound A by renal cysteine-S-conjugate β-lyase is not the mechanism of compound A-induced renal injury in the rat

Compound A [CF 2 =C(CF 3 )OCH 2 F], a vinyl ether produced by CO 2 absorbents acting on sevoflurane, can produce corticomedullary junction necrosis (injury to the outer stripe of the outer medullary layer, i.e., corticomedullary junction) in rats. Several halogenated alkenes produce a histologically similar corticomedullary necrosis by converting glutathione conjugates of these alkenes to halothionoacetyl halides. To test whether this mechanism explained the nephrotoxicity of Compound A, we blocked three metabolic steps which would lead to formation of a halothionoacetyl halide : 1) we depleted glutathione by administering dl-buthionine-S,R-sulfoximine (BSO) ; 2) we blocked cysteine S-conjugate formation by administering acivicin (AT-125); and 3) we inhibited subsequent metabolism by renal cysteine conjugate β-lyase to the nephrotoxic halothionoacetyl halides by administering aminooxyacetic acid (AOAA). These treatments were given alone or in combination to separate groups of 10 or 20 Wistar rats before their exposure to Compound A. We hypothesized that blocking these metabolic steps should decrease the injury produced by breathing 150 ppm of Compound A for 3 h. However, we found either no change or an increase in renal injury, suggesting that this pathway mediates detoxification rather than toxicity. Our findings suggest that the cysteine-S-conjugate-mediated pathway is not the mechanism of Compound A nephrotoxicity and, therefore, observed interspecies differences in the activity of this activating pathway may not be relevant in the prediction of the nephrotoxic potential of Compound A in clinical practice.
AN ANALYSIS OF THE THZ FREQUENCY SIGNATURES IN THE CELLULAR COMPONENTS OF BIOLOGICAL AGENTS

The development of an effective biological (bio) agent detection capability based upon terahertz (THz) frequency absorption spectra will require insight into how the constituent cellular components...
MOMENTUM MEASUREMENTS IN NUCLEAR EMULSIONS EXPOSED IN A MEGAGAUSS FIELD.

Abstract Although the generation of a megagauss magnetic field inevitably destroys the field-producing coil, the explosion is radial, permitting nuclear emulsions to be exposed in the field without physical damage. We report on the measurements of particle momenta by track curvature in nuclear emulsions exposed to a pulse of electrons from the Stanford Linear Accelerator while in a 0.92 MG field. The errors in the curvature measurements are accounted for by the effects of multiple Coulomb scattering alone. The rms error is given by the expression σ(ϱ)/ϱ = 2.5 l − 1 2 , curvature, is based.
Parental control, adolescent delinquency, and young adult criminal behavior

Adolescence and young adulthood are periods of increased autonomy. Higher levels of autonomy could increase the opportunities for risky behavior such as delinquency. During these periods of transition, the role of parental control becomes less clear. Previous studies have demonstrated the association between parental control and adolescent delinquency, but few have extended examination of such association into young adulthood. The purpose of the study is to examine the association between parental control and delinquency and parental control in adolescence and young adult criminal behavior. We propose that, even though adolescents seek autonomy during this stage, lack of parental control is positively associated with delinquency and has continued influence in young adulthood. Using a national longitudinal dataset, we analyzed the relationship between parental control and delinquency. Findings from regression analyses indicated that lack of parental control had a positive association with delinquency both concurrently and longitudinally into young adulthood. When analyzing delinquency in young adulthood, females reported a lower level of delinquency and younger age was associated with more delinquent behavior. Unexpectedly, parents’ college education was positively associated with delinquency in young adulthood. The findings suggest that parental control is still influential through the period of adolescence and early parental control is still influential in young adulthood. Ways to practice parental control and implications of results are further discussed.
Visual coding strategies and hemisphere dominance characteristics of stutterers

Abstract The current study examined the visual coding strategies and hemispheric dominance characteristic of stutterers and normal subjects. Subjects were required to phonate the vowel /a/ when tachistoscopically presented a flash of light. Following this procedure, unilateral, tachistoscopic letter-naming reaction times were obtained for the subjects at a rate of presentation producing approximately 90% errors. Adjusted letter-naming reaction times were derived by subtracting the vocal reaction times from the naming reaction times. Results of an ANOVA procedure on the reaction-time data showed that significant differences in letter naming did not exist between the visual fields for the normal subjects. Unlike these findings, however, significant right visual field advantages were found to exist for the stutterers. Analysis of errors showed that the normal subjects' confusions were primarily visual regardless of which visual field received the stimulation. For the stutterers, recognition errors for the left visual field were auditory whereas right visual field stimulations produced primarily visually based errors. Collectively, the current findings were interpreted as suggesting that the stutterers exhibited less efficient right-hemispheric transcoding operations which served to increase reaction times following left visual field input.
Active reduction of lateral-line sensitivity in swimming dogfish

1. A direct comparison of the relative sensitivity of the lateral-line system in swimming and in stationary fish was made by recording the total response of the anterior lateral-line nerve in decerebrate dogfish while the infraorbital lateral-line canals were stimulated. 2. During vigorous body movements, of the type made in “escape reactions”, the early components of the lateral-line response were attenuated by as much as 30 dB and the later components were completely abolished (Fig. 2). 3. This strong attenuation depended on two interacting factors: (i) the violent body movements created water currents which interacted destructively with the lateral-line stimulus; (ii) there was, in addition, an active reduction in sense-organ sensitivity which was attributed to the inhibitory action of the efferent lateral-line system.
β-Lactoglobulin Molten Globule Induced by High Pressure

‚-Lactoglobulin (‚-LG) was treated with high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) at 600 MPa and 50 °C for selected times as long as 64 min. The intrinsic tryptophan fluorescence of ‚-LG indicated that HHP treatment conditions induced a conformational change. HHP treatment conditions also promote a 3-fold increase in the extrinsic fluorescence of 1-anilinonaphthalene-8-sulfonate and a 2.6-fold decrease for cis-paraneric acid, suggesting an increase in accessible aromatic hydrophobicity and a decrease in aliphatic hydrophobicity. Far-ultraviolet circular dichroism (CD) spectra reveal that the secondary structure of ‚-LG converts from native ‚-sheets to non-native R-helices following HHP treatment, whereas near-ultraviolet CD spectra reveal that the native tertiary structure of ‚-LG essentially disappears. Urea titrations reveal that native ‚-LG unfolds cooperatively, but the pressure-treated molecule unfolds noncooperatively. The noncooperative state is stable for 3 months at 5 °C. The nonaccessible free thiol group of cysteine 121 in native ‚-LG became reactive to Ellman’s reagent after adequate HHP treatment. Gel electrophoresis with and without ‚-mercaptoethanol provided evidence that the exposed thiol group was lost concomitant with the formation of S-Slinked ‚-LG dimers. Overall, these results suggest that HHP treatments induce ‚-LG into hydrophobic molten globule structures that remain stable for at least 3 months.
Relation of global and regional left ventricular function to tomographic thallium-201 myocardial perfusion in patients with prior myocardial infarction

Abstract To determine the relation between regional myocardial perfusion and regional wall motion in humans, tomographic thallium-201 imaging and two-dimensional echocardiography at rest were performed on the same day in 83 patients 4 to 12 weeks after myocardial infarction. Myocardial perfusion and wall motion were assessed independently in five left ventricular regions (total 415 regions). Regional myocardial perfusion was quantitated as a percent of the region infarcted (range 0 to 100%) using a previously validated method. Wall motion was graded on a four point scale as 1 = normal (n = 266 regions), 2 = hypokinesia (n = 64), 3 = akinesia (n = 70), 4 = dyskinesia (n = 13) or not evaluable (n = 2). Regional wall motion correlated directly with the severity of the perfusion deficit (r = 0.68, p In patients with prior myocardial infarction, the severity of the tomographic thallium perfusion defect correlates directly with echocardiographically defined wall motion abnormalities, both globally and regionally. Hypokinetic regions have an intermediate reduction in perfusion compared with normally contracting or akinetic-dyskinetic regions. The combination of techniques described in this report may prove useful in the noninvasive evaluation of therapy designed to improve both regional perfusion and function.
Magnetic circuits with D-C magnetization and high alternating induction

A fairly simple theory is given and criteria have been established for analysis or design of magnetic circuits in which there are an unbalanced or d-c magnetization and a high alternating induction. High values of alternating induction and a nonlinear relation between induction B and field strength H are characteristics of magnetic circuits in power apparatus, in contrast to magnetic circuits in audio components. The relation between induction and field strength during cyclic variation is given approximately by the d-c magnetization curve of the magnetic circuit. Maximum and minimum values of induction correspond to maximum and minimum values of field strength, but the average values of B and H are not simply related. The demagnetizing effect of an alternating field superimposed upon a direct field is the reduction of average induction after the application of the alternating field. This effect is due to the nonlinearity of the magnetization function. A simple circuit using the test sample and an auxiliary transformer has been devised for obtaining data on magnetic cores by direct measurement. Test results for representative cores have been organized in a manner suitable for design use. Excitation volt-amperes, optimum per-cent gap, and core loss may be found as a function of a-c induction and unbalanced field strength. The data on magnetic materials are applicable to reactors and to transformers with unbalanced direct current such as units for supplying half-wave rectifiers. Analysis of the frequency components aids in understanding the operation of half-wave supply circuit. Only the induced voltage of the primary winding and the average secondary current affect the magnetic circuit.
Finding the edge connectivity of directed graphs

Abstract We present two algorithms for finding the edge connectivity of a given directed graph G. The first algorithm runs in O(nm) time, where n is the number of vertices and m is the number of edges in G. The second algorithm runs in O(λ2n2) time, where λ is the edge connectivity of G. Combining both algorithms yields an O(MIN{m, λ2n}n) time algorithm for finding the edge connectivity of directed graphs. We also present an O(MIN{m, k2n}n) time algorithm for deciding whether the edge connectivity of a given directed graph G is at least k. Both algorithms are superior to the best known algorithms for finding the edge connectivity of directed graphs.
Splinting Strategies to Overcome Confounding Wound Contraction in Experimental Animal Models.

Significance: Clinical healing by secondary intention frequently occurs in skin that is firmly anchored to underlying (human) connective tissue. Small animals (rodents) are extensively utilized to model human cutaneous wound healing, but they heal by wound contraction, a process that is limited in the human and confounds quantitative and qualitative evaluation of experimental wound repair. Recent Advances: To alleviate wound contraction in loose-skinned species, practical solutions include choosing anatomical sites with firmly attached dermis and subcutis (e.g., rabbit ear) or performing mechanical fixation of the skin by using one of a number of devices or splints. In each case, the wound volume remains relatively constant, allowing the histomorphometric or biomolecular quantification of the cellular response under well-controlled, experimental conditions. In addition, the defined aperture of the splinted wound allows the placement of a variety of materials, including scaffolds, cells, and biologically a...
Deuterium relaxation of a partially oriented methyl group. I. Multiple quantum spin-echo spectra of acetonitrile-d3 in nematic solution

Abstract Experimental procedures are described for stimulation and detection of two-dimensional multiple quantum spin-echo spectra of deuterated acetonitrile, partially ordered in nematic Licristal Phase 5. By proper choice of the interval between two strong 90° excitation pulses, optimal stimulation of coherences of any desired order can be achieved. Phase-cycling procedures which result in suppression of all signals except those of a preselected multiple quantum order are described. It is shown that certain coherences of even order 0, 2, 4, and 6 yield spectra whose linewidths are suitable for relaxation measurements.
Experimental design aids the development of a differential scanning calorimetry standard test procedure for pharmaceuticals

Abstract Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) is one of the important thermoanalytical techniques for preformulation studies of pharmaceutical substances. DSC studies can be used to characterize the melting behavior, crystallization, solid–solid transitions and chemical reactions of drugs. The attainment of proper results in a DSC experiment is dependant on a number of factors. The purpose of this study was to establish the appropriate condition for DSC performance. Factorial design and matrix analysis was used extensively in this study. The variables considered in this study were the sample size, heating rates, atmosphere, crucible type and relative humidity (RH). Two model drugs, benzoic acid (typical melting range: 121–123 °C, heat of fusion: 147 J/g) and vanillin (typical melting temperature: 81–83 °C, heat of fusion: 135 J/g) with sample size ranges of 3–5 and 10–12 mg were exposed to heating rates of 2 and 10 °C/min with atmospheres of air and nitrogen. The crucible types evaluated were open crucibles, crimped crucibles without pinhole and crimped crucible with pinhole. The samples were stored under 0, 25, 60 and 100% RH to evaluate the effect of RH on DSC performance. The study in this laboratory established a general protocol for DSC performance, which included the use of a small sample size range (3–5 mg), a low heating rate (2 °C/min), nitrogen as the atmosphere, crimped crucible without pinhole, and storage of the samples in a dry atmosphere (0% RH). Exceptions to the established protocols under various conditions are also discussed.
A Comparison of QRS Complexes Resulting From Unipolar and Bipolar Pacing: Implications for Pace-Mapping

KADISH, A.H,, ET AL.: A Comparison of QRS Complexes Resulting From Unipolar and Bipolar Pacing: Implications for Pace-Mapping. To examine differences in QRS configuration produced by bipolar versus unipolar pacing, 12-lead electrocardiograms recorded during bipolar (distaJ cathode] pacing with 5- and 10-mm intereJectrode distances were compared to electrocardiograms recorded during unipolar cathodal pacing from the distal catheter pole. Pacing was performed at a cycle length of 500 msec using each of the two bipolar configurations at current strengths equal to late diastolic threshold, twice threshold and 10 mA. The pacing site was at the right ventricular apex in 15 patients and at various left ventricular locations in 14 patients. The electrocardiograms recorded during bipolar and unipolar pacing were compared by two independent observers for minor QRS configuration changes, major configuration changes and amplitude changes. Minor configuration differences between unipolar and bipolar pacing occurred occasionally when the interelectrode distance during bipolar pacing was 5 mm (mean ± S.D. 0.5 ±1.2 leads per electrocardiogram]. However, when the interelectrode distance was 10 mm, minor configuration differences were seen more commonly (1.3 ± 2.0 leads per electrocardiogram; P < 0.05 vs 5-mm distance]. Major configuration differences were uncommon with either configuration at all current strengths. Pacing at 10 mA produced a larger number of configuration differences than pacing at either threshold or twice threshold [P < 0.05). Amplitude differences were seen in a mean of 1.9 ± 2.1 leads per electrocardiogram with the 5-mm interelectrode distance and a mean of 2.9 ± 2.1 leads using the 10-mm interelectrode distance (P < 0.05J. In conclusion: fl] bipolar ventricular pacing can result in QRS complexes that are different from those obtained with unipolar pacing at the same catheter iocation, presumably due to an anodal contribution during bipolar pacing; (2) increasing the interelectrode distance and stimulus intensity increases these differences; and (3] because the proximal electrode's contribution to depolarization can alter the QRS configuration during pacing in a variable way, the use of bipolar pace-mapping to localize sites of origin of ventricular tachycardia may result in less spatial resolution than unipolar pace-mapping. (PACE, Vol. 14, May, Part I 1991]
Auditory sequencing and left cerebral dominance for language

Abstract The Sequencing Test, which evaluates the capacity to maintain and utilize the sequential aspects of a verbal acoustic input, has demonstrated significant differences in this capacity in brain damaged and normal subjects: left brain damaged worse than right brain damaged worse than controls. Subjects with left brain damage without aphasia performed as well as subjects with right brain damage. Of the 29 aphasics given this test 27 had a significantly deficient performance by comparison with the non-aphasic brain-damaged subjects. Thus, although disturbances in “auditory sequencing” ability may be found following brain damage in general, they are significantly more prominent in aphasic subjects. It is proposed that the left cerebral hemisphere is dominant for language in right-handed individuals, at least in part, because of its predominant capacity to manipulate the sequential aspects of verbal acoustic inputs.
Cloning and characterization of differentially expressed genes in imbibed dormant and afterripened Avena fatua embryos

To analyze the patterns of gene expression associated with seed dormancy in wild oat (Avena fatua), we have isolated cDNA clones corresponding to genes that are differentially expressed in dormant and afterripened line M73 embryos. Gene transcripts of these clones were maintained in embryos of imbibed dormant caryopses, but declined rapidly in afterripened embryos after imbibition. GA3 treatment of dormant caryopses, which breaks dormancy, could lower the transcript levels in dormant embryos. When the germination of afterripened caryopses was inhibited by high temperature (35 °C), the decline in abundance of the transcripts in afterripened embryos was arrested. These genes were expressed to various degrees in water-stressed, but not in unstressed, 7-day-old seedlings. The expression of the genes was also ABA-inducible in afterripened embryos. The expression patterns in non-dormant line SH430 wild oat were similar to those of afterripened M73. DNA sequence analyses indicated that some of the cDNA clones encode LEA (late embryogenesis-abundant) proteins and aldose reductase. The significance of the expression of these genes in maintaining seed dormancy or longevity is discussed.
Single-Molecule Magnets: Structural Characterization, Magnetic Properties, and 19F NMR Spectroscopy of a Mn12 Family Spanning Three Oxidation Levels

The syntheses, crystal structures, and magnetic properties of [Mn12O12(O2CC6F5)16(H2O)4] (2), (NMe4)[Mn12O12(O2CC6F5)16(H2O)4] (3), and (NMe4)2[Mn12O12(O2CC6F5)16(H2O)4] (4) are reported. Complex 2 displays quasi-reversible redox couples when examined by cyclic voltammetry in CH2Cl2: one-electron reductions are observed at 0.64 and 0.30 V vs ferrocene. The reaction of complex 2 with 1 and 2 equiv of NMe4I yields the one- and two-electron reduced analogues, 3 and 4, respectively. Complexes 2·3CH2Cl2, 3·4.5CH2Cl2·1/2H2O, and 4·6C7H8 crystallize in the triclinic P1, monoclinic P2/c, and monoclinic C2/c space groups, respectively. The molecular structures are all very similar, consisting of a central [MnIVO4] cubane surrounded by a nonplanar alternating ring of eight Mn and eight μ3-O2- ions. Peripheral ligation is provided by 16 bridging C6F5CO2- and 4 H2O ligands. Bond valence sum calculations establish that the added electrons in 3 and 4 are localized on former MnIII ions giving trapped-valence MnIV4MnII...
Char fragmentation and fly ash formation during pulverized-coal combustion

Abstract Experimental measurements of char and fly ash size distributions are reported in the size range from approximately 0.5 to 100 μm for three coals, ranging in rank from high-volatile bituminous coal to lignite. These measurements are coupled with a theoretical model of fly ash formation to determine the extent of char fragmentation as a function of initial char particle size. These data reveal several mechanistic aspects of fragmentation. The extent of fragmentation is strongly dependent or size and coal rank. Bituminous coals may form over 100 fragments per char particle at large initial char particle sizes (above 80 μm) and less than 10 at small initial char particle sizes (less than 20 μm). Lignites fragment less extensively, with the number of fragments per original char particle being less than 5 at all particle sizes. These results partially resolve some apparent discrepancies in published studies of fragmentation.
Resource Partitioning in Ecological Communities

To understand resource partitioning, essentially a community phenomenon, we require a holistic theory that draws upon models at the individual and population level. Yet some investigators are still content mainly to document differences between species, a procedure of only limited interest. Therefore, it may be useful to conclude with a list of questions appropriate for studies of resource partitioning, questions this article has related to the theory in a preliminary way. 1) What is the mechanism of competition? What is the relative importance of predation? Are differences likely to be caused by pressures toward reproductive isolation? 2) Are niches (utilizations) regularly spaced along a single dimension? 3) How many dimensions are important, and is there a tendency for more dimensions to be added as species number increases? 4) Is dimensional separation complementary? 5) Which dimensions are utilized, how do they rank in importance, and why? How do particular dimensions change in rank as species nuimber increases? 6) What is the relation of dimensional separation to difference in phenotypic indicators? To what extent does the functional relation of phenotype to resource characteristics constrain partitioning? 7) What is the distance between mean position of niches, what is the niche standard deviation, and what is the ratio of the two? What is the niche shape?
Review article: anti-inflammatory mechanisms of action of Saccharomyces boulardii

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 30, 826–833 Summary Background Saccharomyces boulardii, a well-studied probiotic, can be effective in inflammatory gastrointestinal diseases with diverse pathophysiology, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and bacterially mediated or enterotoxin-mediated diarrhoea and inflammation. Aim To discuss the mechanisms of action involved in the intestinal anti-inflammatory action of S. boulardii. Methods Review of the literature related to the anti-inflammatory effects of this probiotic. Results Several mechanisms of action have been identified directed against the host and pathogenic microorganisms. S. boulardii and S. boulardii secreted-protein(s) inhibit production of proinflammatory cytokines by interfering with the global mediator of inflammation nuclear factor κB, and modulating the activity of the mitogen-activated protein kinases ERK1/2 and p38. S. boulardii activates expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-γ) that protects from gut inflammation and IBD. S. boulardii also suppresses ‘bacteria overgrowth’ and host cell adherence, releases a protease that cleaves C. difficile toxin A and its intestinal receptor and stimulates antibody production against toxin A. Recent results indicate that S. boulardii may interfere with IBD pathogenesis by trapping T cells in mesenteric lymph nodes. Conclusions The multiple anti-inflammatory mechanisms exerted by S. boulardii provide molecular explanations supporting its effectiveness in intestinal inflammatory states.
Primary glaucoma triple procedure in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma: The effect of mitomycin C in patients with and without prognostic factors for filtration failure

Purpose To investigate the effect of adjunctive mitomycin C on primary glaucoma triple procedure in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma with and without one or more of the prognostic factors for filtration failure of primary glaucoma triple procedure. Those factors include being of African-American race, having a preoperative intraocular pressure of 20 mm Hg or more on maximum tolerated medications, and being on two or more medications preoperatively. Methods Study patients consisted of 197 consecutive patients with primary open-angle glaucoma who were randomly assigned to receive either no adjunctive mitomycin C (101 eyes of 101 patients) or to receive adjunctive subconjunctival mitomycin C (96 eyes of 96 patients) during the primary glaucoma triple procedure. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis comparisons were made between respective subgroups with and without prognostic indicators for filtration failures using a relatively stringent set of criteria for filtration success of primary glaucoma triple procedure. Results There was no statistically significant ( P = .117) difference in filtration success of primary glaucoma triple procedure between the control and mitomycin C groups. Adjunctive mito-mycin C significantly ( P P > .05) change the filtration outcome of the primary glaucoma triple procedure. Conclusion These findings establish the basis for selective use of mitomycin C in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma undergoing primary glaucoma triple procedure.