cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Seedling Stage Drought-Induced Phenotypes and Drought-Responsive Genes in Diverse Cowpea Genotypes

Populations developed from crosses between parents contrasting in drought tolerance are used to identify drought-related genetic elements in crops. Easily assayable phenotypes and identifi cation of contrasting genotypes are important components of such studies. We investigated genotypic and phenotypic responses to seedling-stage drought of 14 cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] genotypes. Observations on stem greenness, unifoliate senescence, wilting, trifoliate abscission, and anthocyanin accumulation made twice weekly for 30 d after the last watering in greenhouse experiments were compared with survival and recovery dry weights to identify contrasting genotypes. Based on survival and recovery dry weights, four genotypes were identifi ed representing the drought-tolerance spectrum. The genotype IT93K-503–1 was highly tolerant and IT98K-499–39 was tolerant, whereas CB46 was susceptible and ‘Bambey 21’ was highly susceptible. Genotypes differed in all phenotypic responses assayed. Only stem greenness was correlated with survival and recovery dry weight (r > 0.60). Field droughtinduced senescence was correlated with greenhouse stem greenness, survival, and recovery dry weight (r > –0.56). Restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of 12 droughtrelated complementary DNAs generated 29 polymorphic bands among the 14 genotypes. Seven of these bands were correlated with different drought-related phenotypes. These fi ndings have utility for improved selection and molecular genetic studies of seedling drought tolerance in cowpea. W. Muchero and P.A. Roberts, Nematology Dep., Univ. of Califor
You Are Doing It Wrong Voicing Child/Research Birthing Choices

I, as have many other qualitative researchers, diligently report my demographics at the time I conduct and write my research in an effort to acknowledge that the researcher’s voice is part of the meanings he/she creates. While doing so acknowledges key elements of my positionality or research self, it invokes a modernist conceptualization of voice as stable and time as linear while simultaneously reifying social constructs of the body. In this article, I take up the question, “How can voice be partial while still contextually situated?” I present an introspective tale of the way my shifting self/body wrote my experiences of others’ births. Through the incorporation of flashbacks and flash forwards I offer an articulation of the folding nature of time as well as an exemplar of how the recognition of one’s own bodily experiences can engage the meanings present and absent as one works the limits of voice.
Development of diagnosis and treatment technology for brain disease using quantum material and nano probe pin device

New medical device technology is essential for diagnosing, monitoring, and curing wide spectrum of diseases, anomalies and inflictions. For neural applications, currently available devices are generally limited to either a curing or a probing function. In this paper we review the technology requirements for new neural probe and cure device technology currently under development. The concept of probe-pin device that integrates the probes for neurochemistry, neuroelectricity, temperature and pressure into a single embodiment with a wireless power transmission was designed for the purpose of deep brain feedback stimulation (DBFS) with insitu neural monitoring. The probe considered for monitoring neurochemistry is a microspectrometer. The feature and size of micro-spectrometer are defined for the DBFS device. Two types of wireless power transmission technology were studied for DBFS device operation. The test results of pig skin showed that both power transmission technologies demonstrated the feasibility of power feed through human tissue.
Cryo X-ray Tomography of Whole Cells at 50 nm Resolution

Soft X-ray tomography is an imaging technique that can examine whole, hydrated, biological specimens up to 10 microns thick at better than 50 nm resolution. In the energy range of Xrays used to examine cells, photons with energies between the K shell absorption edges of carbon (284 eV, λ=4.4 nm) and oxygen (543 eV, λ=2.3 nm), organic material absorbs approximately an order of magnitude more strongly than water. These photons readily penetrate the aqueous environment while encountering significant absorption from carbonand nitrogen-containing organic material. This generates a quantifiable natural contrast in fully hydrated cells and eliminates the need for chemical fixatives or contrast enhancement reagents to visualize cellular structures. We have used this imaging technique to reveal remarkable details of the nuclear and cytoplasmic architecture of fully hydrated whole cells[1]. We have also localized molecules in the nucleus and cytoplasm of these cells using immunogold labeling protocols[1]. We show here that cryo X-ray tomography of cells held in micro capillaries generates three-dimensional reconstructions of cells in their native state at better than 50 nm isotropic resolution. With X-ray imaging, the internal structures are not masked by ice and the resulting images are inherently of greater contrast. We present threedimensional tomographic reconstructions of yeast cells, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and bacteria, E. coli, revealing details of their internal structural organization at approximately 50 nm resolution. Data collection is extremely fast, with a complete data set for tomographic reconstruction requiring less than 3 minutes. In conclusion, X-ray tomography is an exciting new high-throughput approach for obtaining 3-D, quantifiable information from whole, hydrated cells.
A third isolated oxidation state for the family of [Mn12O12(O2CR)16(H2O)4] compounds. Synthesis, characterization and single-molecule magnetism properties of (PPh4)2[Mn12O12(O2CR)16(H2O)x] (x=3 or 4)

Abstract The synthesis and characterization are reported of the two-electron reduced version of the [Mn12O12(O2CR)16(H2O)4] family of single-molecule magnets (SMMs). Reduction of the neutral complexes with 2 equiv. of PPh4I gives the (PPh4)2[Mn12O12(O2CR)16(H2O)x] (x=3 or 4). The crystal structure shows the overall Mn12 structure is maintained, with a 2Mn(II), 6Mn(III), 4Mn(IV) trapped oxidation state description. Magnetic characterization indicates a S=10 ground state and retention of SMM behavior.
Constituency Bias in a Federal Resource Management Agency: a Confirmatory Analysis

Abstract In a 1989 article, Ben Twight and Fremont Lyden compared the attitudes of national forest managers in the United States in 1981 with those of its major constituents to assess the extent to which the U.S. Forest Service was biased: were the beliefs and values of agency employees concerning resource management more representative of one of two major constituent groups, environmentalists and forest utilizers? The research tested Culhane's (Public Lands Politics: Interest Group Influence on the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management. Baltimore, Maryland: John Hopkins University Press. 1981) theory that the Forest Service occupies a middle ground in its attitudes relative to those of its environmental and utilization constituencies. They concluded that the agency did not; ideologically, district rangers were quite close to the Forest Service's utilizer constituency and relatively far from its environmentalist constituency. Given recent changes in the attitudes of Forest Services managers, the present study sought to answer the question: what do these changes reveal about the ideological position of the agency in 1981 vis a vis its position in 1990, and what are their implications for continuing concerns over the agency's representation of all interest groups? The response to survey questions of four groups—1990 district rangers and district rangers, environmentalists and forest utilizers in 1981—were combined for statistical comparison. Discriminant analyses were conducted to clarify the differences in the groups. Although the hypothesized bias of the Forest Service toward the traditional utilizer position was confirmed, the results also suggested that managers' values and attitudes had changed over the decade. The major issue underlying this bias—preservation versus utilization of resources—no longer adequately represented the agency's position, which has been fragmented into concerns with multiple issues.
Towards Formulation of a Space-Borne System for Early Warning of Floods: Can Cost-Effectiveness Outweigh Prediction Uncertainty?

The three most important components necessary for functioning of an operational flood warning system are: (1) a rainfall measuring system; (2) a soil moisture updating system; and, (3) a surface discharge measuring system. Although surface based networks for these systems can be largely inadequate in many parts of the world, this inadequacy particularly affects the tropics, which are most vulnerable to flooding hazards. Furthermore, the tropical regions comprise developing countries lacking the financial resources for such surface-based monitoring. The heritage of research conducted on evaluating the potential for measuring discharge from space has now morphed into an agenda for a mission dedicated to space-based surface discharge measurements. This mission juxtaposed with two other upcoming space-based missions: (1) for rainfall measurement (Global Precipitation Measurement, GPM), and (2) soil moisture measurement (Hydrosphere State, HYDROS), bears promise for designing a fully space-borne system for early warning of floods. Such a system, if operational, stands to offer tremendous socio-economic benefit to many flood-prone developing nations of the tropical world. However, there are two competing aspects that need careful assessment to justify the viability of such a system: (1) cost-effectiveness due to surface data scarcity; and (2) flood prediction uncertainty due to uncertainty in the remote sensing measurements. This paper presents the flood hazard mitigation opportunities offered by the assimilation of the three proposed space missions within the context of these two competing aspects. The discussion is cast from the perspective of current understanding of the prediction uncertainties associated with space-based flood prediction. A conceptual framework for a fully space-borne system for early-warning of floods is proposed. The need for retrospective validation of such a system on historical data comprising floods and its associated socio-economic impact is stressed. This proposal for a fully space-borne system, if pursued through wide interdisciplinary effort as recommended herein, promises to enhance the utility of the three space missions more than what their individual agenda can be expected to offer.
Contribution of Na+/H+ exchange to Na+ overload in the ischemic hypertrophied hyperthyroid rat heart.

Objective: The mechanisms responsible for intracellular ion homeostasis in ischemic hypertrophied myocardium are not fully known. Moderately hypertrophied hyperthyroid hearts (T3) are characterized by the bioenergetic changes and increased Na+/H+ exchange (NHE) activity comparable with those observed in humans and experimental models of hypertrophy. Here we test the hypothesis whether NHE inhibition in T3 heart improves ion homeostasis during ischemia and contractile function during recovery. Methods: We compared intracellular H+ (H+i) and Na+ (Na+i) accumulations during 28 min global ischemia in isolated perfused T3 and euthyroid (EUT) rat hearts with and without NHE inhibition by using 31P and 23Na NMR. Heart function was measured during control perfusion and 30 min following ischemic insult. Results: In T3 hearts ischemia caused: (1) faster and greater Na+i accumulation (534±25% of preischemic level versus 316±22% in EUT, P <0.001); (2) lower acidification (pHi 6.66±0.66 versus 6.12±0.12 in EUT, P <0.001); and (3) faster hydrolysis of ATP. NHE inhibition (amiloride 1 mM) in T3 hearts lead to: (1) delayed and lower Na+i accumulation by 35±5%; (2) faster and greater acidification (pHi 6.45±0.15, P <0.05); (3) delayed ATP degradation; and (4) improved heart function during recovery. When NHE was inhibited, all T3 hearts ( n =11) recovered 68±10% of their preischemic rate pressure product (RPP), while only two untreated T3 hearts (from 11) recovered ∼40% of preischemic RPP. Conclusions: These data suggest that NHE inhibition could be useful intervention for the prevention of ischemic/reperfusion cell injury and could improve the function of the hypertrophied heart after acute ischemia.
Sotalol: a beta blocker with unique antiarrhythmic properties.

Although introduced in 1965 as a specific betaadrenergic blocking agent,lF2 it is only in recent years that sotalol or MJ 1999 has begun to be recognized as a major therapeutic agent in cardiovascular disorders. The drug is now known to be devoid of membrane stabilizing or local anesthetic properties, intrinsic sympathomimetic actions, or cardioselectivity.3*4 Singh and Vaughan Williams5 and Singh and Hauswirth’j drew attention to the drug’s unique electrophysiologic properties over a decade ago. However, it is only in the last few years that the broad spectrum antiarrhythmic properties of the compound has become increasingly a subject of serious investigation. 7-g Sotalol is now regarded as an important class III antiarrhythmic agent in addition to being a specific beta-adrenoceptor blocking agent with a role in the treatment of hypertension, ischemic myocardial syndromes, and other disorders in which beta blockade is beneficial. The focus of this review is to develop a perspective on the role of the drug in cardiac arrhythmias relative to the pharmacodynamic properties of the compound.
Circular dichroism and Raman studies of the allosteric transition in methemoglobin.

Summary Circular Dichroism and resonant Raman spectra have been measured for methemoglobin with and without inositol hexaphosphate (IHP) between pH 5 and pH 9. The transition induced by IHP is accompanied by large changes in the rotational strength of the Soret band. Without IHP, the rotational strength of methemoglobin euqals that of oxyhemoglobin; with IHP it equals that of deoxyhemoglobin. The rotational strength of the 260 nm band shows no change with IHP; the Raman bands change in a manner indicative of a shift in spin state equilibrium. The most direct explanation of these results is that IHP changes quaternary structure with few tertiary changes. It is proposed that the Soret rotational strength is a quantitative marker for quaternary structure.
Effect of surface roughness on normal contact compression response

AbstractThis work presents a numerical model for normal engagement of two rough surfaces in contact. In this study, the Johnson translator system with a linear filter is used to transform a Gaussian white-noise input to an output surface with prescribed moments and autocorrelation function. The rough surface contact model employs influence coefficients obtained from finite element analysis of the contacting bodies. The contact solution accounts for the effects of macroscopic geometry and boundary conditions, and can be used to simulate engagement at a wide range of loads, including loads at which bulk effects dominate the response. A description of bulk deflection in terms of the displacement of the surface mean plane is also presented. The effects of surface topography on normal engagement stiffness are discussed.
Evidence for motor cortex dedifferentiation in older adults

Older adults (OA) show more diffuse brain activity than young adults (YA) during the performance of cognitive, motor, and perceptual tasks. It is unclear whether this overactivation reflects compensation or dedifferentiation. Typically, these investigations have not evaluated the organization of the resting brain, which can help to determine whether more diffuse representations reflect physiological or task-dependent effects. In the present study we used transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to determine whether there are differences in motor cortex organization of both brain hemispheres in young and older adults. We measured resting motor threshold, motor evoked potential (MEP) latency and amplitude, and extent of first dorsal interosseous representations, in addition to a computerized measure of reaction time. There was no significant age difference in motor threshold, but we did find that OA had larger contralateral MEP amplitudes and a longer contralateral MEP latency. Furthermore, the spatial extent of motor representations in OA was larger. We found that larger dominant hemisphere motor representations in OA were associated with higher reaction times, suggesting dedifferentiation rather than compensation effects.
Joint Bayesian analysis of forensic mixtures

Abstract Evaluation of series of PCR experiments referring to the same evidence is not infrequent in a forensic casework. This situation is met when ‘series of results in mixture’ (EPGs produced by reiterating PCR experiments over the same DNA mixture extract) have to be interpreted or when ‘potentially related traces’ (mixtures that can have contributors in common) require a combined interpretation. In these cases, there can be uncertainty on the genotype assignment, since: (a) more than one genotype combination fall under the same peak profile; (b) PCR preferential amplification alters pre-PCR allelic proportions; (c) other, more unpredictable technical problems (dropouts/dropins, etc.) take place. The uncertainty in the genotype assignment is in most cases addressed by empirical methods (selection of just one particular profile; extraction of consensual or composite profiles) that disregard part of the evidence. Genotype assignment should conversely take advantage from a joint Bayesian analysis (JBA) of all STRs peak areas generated at each experiment. This is the typical case of Bayesian analysis in which adoption of object-oriented Bayesian networks (OOBNs) could be highly helpful. Starting from experimentally designed mixtures, we created typical examples of ‘series of results in mixture’ of ‘potentially related traces’. JBA was some administered to the whole peak area evidence, by specifically tailored OOBNs models, which enabled genotype assignment reflecting all the available evidence. Examples of a residual ambiguity in the genotype assignment came to light at assumed genotypes with partially overlapping alleles (for example: AB + AC → ABC). In the ‘series of results in mixture’, this uncertainty was in part refractory to the joint evaluation. Ambiguity was conversely dissipated at the ‘potentially related’ trace example, where the ABC allelic scheme at the first trace was interpreted together with other unambiguous combinations (ABCD; AB) at the related trace. We emphasize the need to carry out extensive, blind sensitivity tests specifically addressing the residual ambiguity that arises from overlapping results mixed at various quantitative ratios.
The Extraterritorial Application of German Antitrust Law

The extraterritorial reach of national economic regulation, particularly of antitrust laws, is one of the most controversial topics in the international legal community, largely because that community has failed to develop jurisdictional principles that both accommodate the regulatory needs of regulating states and are discriminating enough to avoid impinging on the legitimate interests of other states. As a result, international conflicts related to the assertion of jurisdiction have greatly increased in both frequency and intensity.' Assertions of extraterritorial jurisdiction by the United States have been the focal point of the controversy. Until the 1970's, the United States was the only country with both well-developed and strictly enforced antitrust laws and a legal regime permitting broad application of those laws to foreign conduct. Consequently, it was the only country with significant experience in applying antitrust provisions to conduct occurring outside its territorial boundaries. Outside the United States, the extraterritoriality issue has been seen largely in a defensive context-namely, how to respond to excessive jurisdictional claims by the United States. These problems have reached critical dimensions. While American courts and commentators flail about in search of principles to use in grappling with jurisdictional issues,2 major allies have ceased trying to cooperate with the United States to avoid excessive conflicts ofjurisdiction and have turned to so-called blocking legislation to attempt to protect their nationals and enterprises from the reach of United States antitrust laws.3 The extraordinary difficulties that American law has encountered in this area may be ascribed to two major causes: (1) an inability to define more clearly and concretize the "effects" principle, which is the basis for extending American jurisdiction over foreign conduct; and (2) a failure adequately to take into account the sovereign interests of other states. Recent West German law developments illuminate the dimensions of these two problems and provide guideposts toward useful solutions. In recent years,
A case study of communication channels in a graduate program

The investigators attempt to obtain a thorough understanding of the communication channels used in a graduate program, which is an independent academic unit. After collecting data with qualitative and quantitative research methods, the investigators analyze and present the findings regarding four major aspects: (1) the current communication channels used in the program; (2) how the students, faculty and staff perceived the communication methods utilized; (3) the relationship between students' viewpoints and the program's perspectives, and (4) suggestions for further improvement in the distribution of information.
Explaining Organizational Diseconomies of Scale in R&D: Agency Problems and the Allocation of Engineering Talent, Ideas, and Effort by Firm Size

The comparative efficiency and success of small firms in R&D remains largely unexplained. This paper empirically examines scale diseconomies in offering employment contracts as an explanation for diseconomies of scale in R&D. The paper argues that small firms more efficiently resolve the severe agency problems of hidden information and hidden behavior in R&D. Small firms more efficiently offer contracts that reward performance than large firms, and consequently, small firms attract and retain engineers with higher ability and skill. Further, small firms through these more performance-contingent contracts induce higher levels of effort than large firms. The study tests and generally confirms these hypotheses using data collected from 912 current and former engineering employees of two large high-technology companies.
Towards a publicly available, map-based regional software tool to estimate unregulated daily streamflow at ungauged rivers

Abstract. Streamflow information is critical for addressing any number of hydrologic problems. Often, streamflow information is needed at locations that are ungauged and, therefore, have no observations on which to base water management decisions. Furthermore, there has been increasing need for daily streamflow time series to manage rivers for both human and ecological functions. To facilitate negotiation between human and ecological demands for water, this paper presents the first publicly available, map-based, regional software tool to estimate historical, unregulated, daily streamflow time series (streamflow not affected by human alteration such as dams or water withdrawals) at any user-selected ungauged river location. The map interface allows users to locate and click on a river location, which then links to a spreadsheet-based program that computes estimates of daily streamflow for the river location selected. For a demonstration region in the northeast United States, daily streamflow was, in general, shown to be reliably estimated by the software tool. Estimating the highest and lowest streamflows that occurred in the demonstration region over the period from 1960 through 2004 also was accomplished but with more difficulty and limitations. The software tool provides a general framework that can be applied to other regions for which daily streamflow estimates are needed.
Development for and results of the use of a gastroesophageal reflux disease activity index as an outcome variable in a clinical trial

Abstract Due to the significant expense of obtaining frequent endoscopy and pH monitoring measures as outcome variables available for use in a multihospital clinical trial of gastroesophageal reflux disease, and the lack of a suitable inexpensive index of disease activity, evaluated for both reliability and validity, the study planning committee decided to develop an index of gastroesophageal reflux disease activity in a pilot study—to precede the clinical trial. In particular, the purpose of the pilot study was to find a reliable, valid, and inexpensive index of gastroesophageal reflux disease which could be obtained independently of the treating physician and used as an outcome variable in the clinical trial. This paper describes the pilot study and the statistical methodology used to derive and evaluate a gastroesophageal reflux disease activity index model. In addition, the results of the activity index's use in the subsequent clinical trial's longitudinal analyses are presented. Comparisons with the more expensive, and thus less frequently obtained, endoscopy and pH monitoring outcome variables are described.
Modified early generation testing procedure for yield selection in soybean.

(...)This paper describes a modified early generation testing procedure where the number of yield test plots required per cross has been reduced from 1860 to 175 plots, allowing a 10-fold increase in the number of crosses that are evalueted per year. This was accomplished by reducing the number of F 2 -derived lines per cross from 300 to 30 and by using single location, single replication data as a basis for selection in F 2,3 through F 2,4,6 . This modified early generation testing procedure has been used in a soybean breeding program since 1972, resulting in the release of eight high-yielding soybean cultivars
Do local contributions affect the efficiency of public primary schools

Abstract Are public schools that rely on local resources for a greater share of their financing more cost-effective? Could financial decentralization lead to more efficient schools? This paper attempts to answer these questions using cost, financial sources and student achievement data from Philippine primary schools, which are financed primarily from central sources but which also raise funds from other sources, to differing degrees. It concludes that schools which rely more heavily on local sources, such as contributions from the local school board, municipal government, parent-teacher associations (PTA) and other sources are more efficient—i.e. have lower cost, holding constant for enrollment and quality. A 1% increase in the share of financing coming from local sources will lead to a decline in total costs of 0.135%, or about the cost of providing for a place for one more student.
Pathophysiology of lipoprotein transport

A system for classification of genetic and acquired forms of hyperlipidemia in humans based on lipoprotein physiology is described. Most hyperlipidemia can be accounted for by defects in one of four sites of physiologic regulation: (1) triglyceride-rich lipoprotein production, (2) lipoprotein lipase-mediated triglyceride catabolism, (3) remnant lipoprotein catabolism, and (4) extrahepatic cholesterol-rich lipoprotein catabolism.
Optimal Design of Active Suspensions Using Damping Control

This paper studies the effect of optimal damping control suspensions on vehicle ride performance. The gain matrix is developed from second-order equations with the road roughness represented by a stochastic process. With only velocities as the feedback signal, the number of unknowns and measurements is reduced leading to more efficiency in data processing. The control is implemented on a quarter-car model which includes the tire damping effect. The spectral density is compared with those for passive and fully active systems.
Why hesitate introducing real-time magnetic resonance imaging into the electrophysiological labs?

This editorial refers to ‘Feasibility of real-time magnetic resonance imaging-guided electrophysiology studies in humans’ by P. Sommer et al ., on page 101 Catheter ablation using a standard fluoroscopy imaging guidance provides a cure for a plethora of cardiac arrhythmias and has become the cornerstone of arrhythmia management.1 Nevertheless, since the introduction of complex arrhythmias ablation into the electrophysiological (EP) labs, the need for more accurate imaging visualization and guidance tools has emerged. Despite the massive amount of research and financial investments into the novel ablation and imaging modalities, the outcome of complex ablation procedures has not improved, in fact it has been stable for the last decade. For example, atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation success rates are still reported to be between 40 and 80%.2–4 This dilemma, however, prompted interest in an alternative, complete ‘outside of the box’, concept. One of the imaging/ablation modalities, which has been suggested, is real-time magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-guided interventional procedure. Cardiac MRI is considered a great tool to help detecting the anatomy, function, and viability of the myocardium.5 Moreover, MRI imaging is an ideal method to detect and quantify critical …
Robust estimation of mixture complexity for count data

For finite mixtures, consistent estimation of unknown number of components, called mixture complexity, is considered based on a random sample of counts, when the exact form of component probability mass functions are unknown but are postulated to belong to some parametric family. Following a recent approach of Woo and Sriram [2006. Robust estimation of mixture complexity. J. Amer. Statist. Assoc., to appear.], we develop an estimator of mixture complexity as a by-product of minimizing a Hellinger information criterion, when all the parameters associated with the mixture model are unknown. The estimator is shown to be consistent. Monte Carlo simulations illustrate the ability of our estimator to correctly determine the mixture complexity when the postulated Poisson mixture model is correct. When the postulated model is a Poisson mixture but the data comes from a negative binomial mixture with moderate to more extreme overdispersion in one of its components, simulation results show that our estimator continues to perform well. These confirm the efficiency of the estimator when the model is correctly specified and the robustness when the model is incorrectly specified. A count dataset with overdispersion and possible zero inflation is analyzed to further illustrate the ability of our estimator to determine the number of components.
COMPARISON OF AIR AND HELIUM-OXYGEN FLOW VOLUME CURVES IN TWO-DAY OLD INFANTS

To determine if the large or small airway is the major site of limitation to air flow in the newborn infant, we obtained partial maximal expiratory flow volume (MEFV) curves by passively increasing transpulmonary pressure in infants while they were breathing air and 5 minutes after they breathed an 80% helium, 20% O2 mixture (He+O2). Parental permission was obtained and 19 clinically normal term newborn infants, 3.18±0.42 kg (mean±1 SD). were studied between the second and third day of life. The maximal expired volume (mev) below functional residual capacity (FRC) was determined. Maximal expiratory flow rates at FRC (Vmax FRC) and at a pulmonary volume below PRC equivalent to 50% of the maximal expired volume (Vmax mev 50) were measured. There were no significant differences (p>.05) in mean flow rate. Only 6 of 19 subjects had Vmax FRC in helium greater by 30% or more than in air, and only 2 of these 6 had a Vmax mev 50 in helium that was greater than in air. Failure of flow rates to increase in the He+O2 mixture at these pulmonary volumes suggests that in healthy newborn infants, the small airway is the major site of resistance to flow limitation. Thus conditions causing airway irritation that result in even minor narrowing of the small airways could have serious consequences to newborn infants.
Ceanothus megacarpus chaparral: A synthesis of ecosystem processes during development and annual growth

The evergreen sclerophyll shrub,Ceanothus megacarpus, dominates the chaparral in many areas of the Santa Ynez Mountains, Santa Barbara County, California, USA. Often occurring in pure stands,C. megacarpus chaparral accumulates large amounts of aboveground live biomass during growth after fire as a result of high rates of net primary productivity (850 g/m2/yr) compared to other chaparral areas and Mediterranean scrublands of the world. Populations ofC. megacarpus are even-aged, growing from buried seed which requires heat treatment for germination. During the early years of stand development after fire, competition for water among the shrubs results in mortalities of up to 50% of the initial population. This competition is evident by changes in the population size-structure and dispersion pattern of the living shrubs. Water potential measurements during the summer drought show that smaller individuals are more severely stressed than larger individuals. Similarly, shrubs in younger stands develop lower water potentials than shrubs in older stands. There is little mortality after 15 to 20 years of growth; competition for water is alleviated in older stands presumably because the surviving shrubs have developed more extensive root systems. Leaf area reaches a steady-state of 1.6 m2/m2 in 20-year-old stands. At this stage of development, competition for light is manifest in shrub physiognomy, particularly in the death of lower branches.
Synthesis, crystal structure and reactivity of Mo 4 O 6 (O 2 ) 2 (μ 3 -O) 2 {(μ 2 -O,μ 3 -OC 8 H 14 } 2 (OPMePh 2 ) 2 : A self-assembled tetranuclear cluster containing two peroxide and two Trans-cyclooctanediol ligands

The reaction of MoO2Cl2(OPMePh2)2 with t-butylhydroperoxide (TBHP) in the presence of cis-cyclooctene yields the tetrameric complex Mo4O6(O2)2(μ3-O)2{(μ2-O,μ3-OC8H14}2(OPMePh2)2, (1). Additionally in the absence of cis-cyclooctene MoO(O2)Cl2(OPMePh2)2, MoO(O2)2(H2O)(OPMePh2), (2), and two novel yellow compounds can be isolated depending on the quantity of TBHP used and the reaction conditions. Both the starting material MoO2Cl2(OPMePh2)2 and tetramer 1 are capable of accomplishing the epoxidation of cis-cyclooctene as catalysts. The single crystal X-ray determined structures of complexes 1 and 2 are reported.
Prolonged history of silicic peralkaline volcanism in the eastern Pacific Ocean

Socorro Island, Mexico, is an alkaline and peralkaline volcanic island located in the eastern Pacific Ocean on a mid-ocean ridge spreading center that was abandoned at ∼3.5 Ma. Silicic peralkaline rocks comprise up to 80% of the surface of the island, rendering Socorro virtually unique in the Pacific Ocean. Precise, replicate 40Ar/39Ar ages of 21 peralkaline trachytes and rhyolites reveal a history of episodic volcanic activity from ∼540 to 370 ka that may have culminated with caldera formation; repose periods between these episodes may have had maximum duration of ∼30 kyr. After up to 200 kyr of quiescence, 40Ar/39Ar ages indicate that postcaldera silicic peralkaline activity commenced by 180 ka, forming the Cerro Evermann Formation. Postcaldera mafic alkaline lavas of the Lomas Coloradas Formation erupted dominantly between 70 and 150 ka based upon relative age relations. The dominant lithology of precaldera and syncaldera silicic peralkaline deposits on Socorro is nonfragmental and nonvesicular and lacks lithic fragments and fiamme; despite this, numerous lines of evidence including welding zonation, presence of a proximal ignimbrite or co-ignimbrite deposit, association with a caldera, and compositional heterogeneity within eruptive units suggest that they are dominantly ash flow tuffs. A change in eruptive style, from predominantly explosive to predominantly effusive, followed caldera formation and suggests that a change in the efficacy of magma degassing may be linked to caldera formation. On the basis of the presence of a caldera, the magma chamber associated with Socorro Island is shallow and probably resides within the upper oceanic crust or the edifice. This together with a prolonged history of silicic magmatism indicates that intrusion of mafic magma maintained thermal viability of the magmatic plumbing system. The minimum calculated growth rate for the entire volcanic edifice (7 × 10−4 km3/yr) exceeds those of nonhotspot off-axis volcanoes in the Pacific by almost an order of magnitude. Eruption rates for subaerial phases on Socorro may be several orders of magnitude smaller than this growth rate and are comparable to subaerial eruption rates of isolated ocean islands related to mantle plumes.
Fluorescence tomography with simulated data based on the equation of radiative transfer

The quantification of a nonuniform quantum yield or fluorophore absorption distribution is of major interest in molecular imaging of biological tissue. We introduce what is believed to be the first fluorescence image reconstruction algorithm based on the equation of radiative transfer that recovers the spatial distribution of light-emitting fluorophores inside a highly scattering medium from measurements made on the surface of the medium. We obtain images of either the quantum yield or the fluorophore absorption.
A 3-D application of the Bymoment method for electromagnetic scattering

One can find various mesh truncation techniques in the literature for the finite element solution of electromagnetic scattering problems. In this paper, a mesh truncation approach referred to as the three-dimensional bymoment method is considered. This approach uses two z-directed Hertz vector potentials instead of three Cartesian field components to formulate the relevant boundary conditions. The pertaining FEM field solutions are calculated by treating the scattering problem as an interior region problem. The FEM field solutions are then numerically "coupled" on a second boundary surface that is conformal to the first one and completely enclosed by it. The "coupling" procedure yields a set of expansion coefficients, with the help of which the total field solution is written as an appropriate linear combination of the interior region FEM field solutions.
Prevention and abolition of ouabain-induced ventricular tachycardia by potassium canrenoate in dogs.

It has been shown that spironolactone (Aldactone) protects the rat against myocardial necroses induced by digitoxin (Selye et al., 1969) through the induction of hepatic microsomal enzymes (Solymoss et al., 1969). The present study investigated whether spironolactone (S) and potassium canrenoate (K Can), a newly synthesized specific antagonist of aldosterone, had protective effects against ouabain (OU)-induced ventricular tachycardia (VT) in dogs. After a priming dose of 7.5 μg/kg, OU was infused at a rate of 2 μg/kg i.v. to the following 4 groups of pentobarbital anesthetized dogs until the development of VT: (I) 8 control dogs; (II) 5 dogs pretreated with i.m. S, 5 mg/kg, twice daily for 5 days; (III) 8 dogs receiving a simultaneous infusion of K Can 0.02 mEq/min plus OU; (IV) another 8 dogs receiving a simultaneous potassium chloride (KCl) infusion, also 0.02 mEq/min, plus OU. VT occured at 34±1 min in the control group; 32±1 min in group II, 47±4 min in group III (p<0.02, compared to groups I, II and IV), and 34±2 min in group IV. VT was converted by 0.5 mEq of K Can to sinus rhythm in 6 of 11 dogs; all conversion took place within 1 min after K Can injection. No conversion of VT was noted either after the administration of equivalent amount of S (8 experiments) or KCl (10 experiments). These data indicate that K Can has potent antiarrhythmic activity in OU toxicity. This antiarrhythmic activity of K Can probably was not related to the potassium ion, and was not mediated by a mechanism related to the induction of drug-metabolizing enzymes in the liver.
Value: A retail‐level assessment

Retailers talk about giving value to consumers, but the literature yields no clear definition of value. This study represents an initial attempt to define value empirically from a retailer and consumer perspective based on consumer user experience with apparel products and retailers chosen to shop. If one can determine the attributes that are most important to consumers, then it may be possible to utilise value as a strategic competitive advantage in differentiating a retailer and a product in what consumers ever‐increasingly see as commoditised products and stores. There are importance attribute differences for the retailer chosen to shop and values related to the product and the store.
Using Genetic Algorithms to Create Multicriteria Class Intervals for Choropleth Maps

Abstract During the past three decades a large body of research has investigated the problem of specifying class intervals for choropleth maps. This work, however, has focused almost exclusively on placing observations in quasi-continuous data distributions into ordinal bins along the number line. All enumeration units that fall into each bin are then assigned an areal symbol that is used to create the choropleth map. The geographical characteristics of the data are only indirectly considered by such approaches to classification. In this article, we design, implement, and evaluate a new approach to classification that places class-interval selection into a multicriteria framework. In this framework, we consider not only number–line relationships, but also the area covered by each class, the fragmentation of the resulting classifications, and the degree to which they are spatially autocorrelated. This task is accomplished through the use of a genetic algorithm that creates optimal classifications with resp...
Hobby-Eberly Telescope natural ventilation system upgrade

The Hobby-Eberly Telescope (HET) enclosure is receiving a series of modifications to improve dome seeing, including removal of residual heat loads from the optical path, increased insulation of the enclosure, and ventilation of the enclosure ring wall and dome. Analysis indicates that the contribution of dome seeing with the new system will be less than 0.05 arc seconds. The design of the HET enclosure lends itself to very large ventilation openings in the stationary portion of the enclosure also referred to as the "ring wall", with supplementary openings in the rotating dome. The ventilation design implemented has opened approximately 58% of the ring wall, and will open 8% of the dome, in the coming year, in order to achieve natural ventilation of 22 air changes per hour at the minimum design wind velocity of 3.5 mph. A system of ventilation louvers similar in design to the Kitt Peak Observatories 4-meter telescope was determined to be the most practical and cost effective design for use in the ring wall. Conventional off-the-shelf louvers are proposed for the dome, due to constraints in its design. Special considerations for retrofitting an operating facility included a custom hoist mounted on the dome for installation of the louvers (5000lb./ea.), and an inflatable curtain to protect the telescope during foul weather. The ring wall ventilation system has been in full operation since early April 2002 and is part of a program in progress to substantially improve the HET dome seeing.
An Analytical Approach To Creation of Parenteral Feeding Solutions: Implementation on a Microcomputer

The creation of a parenteral feeding regimen can be described in mathematical terms by a system of algebraic equations. An example of such a system having clinical applicability is discussed in detail. Since the system is too cumbersome for use by hand or calculator, a microcomputer program incorporating the system was developed, and is also discussed.
Centrifugal-Acceleration Modes for Incompressible Fluid in the Leakage Annulus Between a Shrouded Pump Impeller and Its Housing

An algorithm is developed for calculating complex eigenvalues and eigenvectors associated with the fluid resonances and is used to analyze the perturbed flow in the leakage path between a shrouded-pump impeller and its housing. The eigenvalues obtained are consistent with the forced-response curves. First- and second-natural-frequency eigensolutions are presented for mode shapes corresponding to lateral excitations, and first-natural-frequency eigensolutions are presented for mode shapes corresponding to axial excitation.
Nonlinear Adsorption in Layered Porous Media Flow

Dispersion and adsorption of solute in multilayer saturated porous media with constant specific discharge are examined in the present work. Differential equations are formulated for describing the solute concentration in two-layer porous media. A general nonlinear equilibrium adsorption isotherm of the Freundlich type is considered. The nonlinear coupled differential equations are solved by the orthogonal collocation method to give the solute concentration distributions in the media when subject to a step-change or an exponential input. It is found that under many circumstances, the general dispersion model can be reduced to a simpler plug-flow model by neglecting the dispersion component in the governing differential equations. A criterion for this simplification is also suggested.
Inhibition of yeast inorganic pyrophosphatase by nucleotidylsulfates.

The influence of some purine nucleotides on the activity of yeast inorganic pyrophosphatase was investigated. The nucleotidylsulfates examined were found to exert a significant inhibition. Guanylylsulfate and inosinylsulfate depressed the rate of the pyrophosphatase reaction markedly, adenylylsulfate and its deoxy analog inhibited to a lesser but still significant extent.
Partial purification and characterization of glycerokinase from chicken liver

Abstract 1. 1. Glycerokinase from chicken liver was partially purified, and kinetic mechanism studied. 2. 2. The enzyme has an optimum pH of 10 and is inhibited by glucose competitively and by ADP by mixed inhibition. 3. 3. The affinity of the enzyme for various nucleotides in decreasing order was ATP > GTP > CTP = UTP > ITP. 4. 4. The enzyme showed apparent Km values of 0.025 mM and 0.0075 mM for glycerol and ATP, respectively. Kinetic behavior revealed that the enzyme shows a ping-pong mechanism.
Issues for statisticians in pharmaco‐economic evaluations

Economic evaluations of new pharmaceutical products are of increasing importance to pharmaceutical companies. In this paper we investigate a number of topics of greater or lesser importance to statisticians who need to involve themselves in pharmaco-economic evaluations. These range from the need to consider whether traditional randomized clinical trials provide the most appropriate setting for an economic evaluation, to the more technical question of how to handle cost-effectiveness ratio data, including the issue of the most appropriate inferential apparatus - hypothesis testing, confidence intervals or Bayesian methods.
Mechanisms of immune stimulation by bacterial DNA.

Bacterial DNA promotes powerful immune system activation because of its content of characteristic sequence motifs. These sequences induce cellular changes that promote inflammation and the generation of Thl responses. This activation involves internalization of DNA as well as the activation of NF-κB and stress kinases. Future studies will identify DNA-binding molecules that are key to these activation events and may serve as targets for novel immunomodulatory agents.
An optimal parallel algorithm using exclusive read/writes for the rectilinear Voronoi diagram

Abstract We present the first optimal parallel algorithm to compute the Voronoi diagram in the rectilinear ( L 1 , Manhattan) metric. The algorithm constructs the Voronoi diagram of n points on the plane under the rectilinear metric on an EREW PRAM with n /log n processors in O(log 2 n ) time. The processor-time product of O( n log n ) is optimal and improves the previous best by a factor of order log n . Some new techniques are developed that should have applicability to many geometric problems under the rectilinear metric and, possibly, other L p metrics.