cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On interference alignment over frequency selective channel

Interference alignment (IA) has proven to approach achieving optimal degrees of freedom (DoF) of interference channel. While IA over space dimensions is usually achieved through applying iterative algorithms, closed-form solutions exist for IA over frequency. However, these solutions put strict constraints on the number of subcarriers required and the number of DoF assigned to each user rendering it impractical to support more than 5 users [1]. In this paper, we propose two new approaches to relax these constraints and make it practical to use IA over frequency selective channel in SISO systems for arbitrary number of users, subcarriers and DoF. The two approaches apply the iterative methods developed for MIMO channels on SISO systems in both time and frequency domains. Moreover, we show the limitations of these iterative methods when applied on SISO systems and revisit the IA feasibility conditions deriving an upper bound on the DoF allowable for the users. Simulation results show the benefits of the proposed techniques over existing solutions and confirm the conjectures made in this paper.
Malignant lymphoma and leukemia with prominent ulceration: clinicopathologic correlation of 33 cases.

Abstract Background: The clinical and pathologic findings in patients with malignant lymphomas who presented with prominent cutaneous ulcers are described. Objective: Our purpose was to determine the histologic findings, type, and prognosis of lymphomas with cutaneous ulcers. Methods: Thirty-three patients (20 with cutaneous T-cell lymphomas, 10 with other non-Hodgkin's lymphomas, and 3 with leukemia) were retrospectively studied. Results: All patients had a poor prognosis; 23 died within 9 months after the onset of the ulcers. Patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma had a worse prognosis, had a higher incidence of systemic involvement, and more often had ulcers as an initial manifestation of lymphoma than did the patients with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. The histopathologic findings ranged from a nonspecific inflammatory infiltrate to ulcers with marked adjacent epidermal epider-motropism to ulcers with an angiocentric infiltrate. Conclusion: A variety of lymphomas may cause cutaneous ulceration. Adequate sampling of these ulcers is necessary for diagnosis. The average life expectancy after ulcer formation is 21 months.
Subjective and objective measurement of human accommodative amplitude

Abstract Purpose To assess objective and subjective methods to measure accommodation in a young human population. Setting Research laboratory, University of Houston, College of Optometry, Houston, Texas, USA. Methods Accommodation was measured in the right eye of 15 young subjects (9 women and 6 men) whose ages ranged from 23 to 28 years and 1 36-year-old subject. The mean age of all subjects was 26 years. Accommodation was stimulated and measured with 4 techniques. Two subjective measures (focometer and minus-lens procedures) were used. Accommodation was also stimulated with minus-lens-induced blur and with pilocarpine 6% and measured objectively with a Hartinger coincidence refractometer. Results Accommodative amplitudes measured with the 2 subjective methods agreed with each other but differed from the objectively measured amplitudes. Objectively measured accommodative amplitudes were similar in all subjects, with a mean of about 7.0 diopters. Accommodation stimulated with pilocarpine reached a maximum 33 minutes after administration. Individuals with light irides showed a stronger accommodative response to pilocarpine than subjects with dark irides. Conclusions Subjective measures of accommodation tend to overestimate true accommodative amplitude. Methods exist to measure accommodation objectively. These include stimulating accommodation with trial lenses or pilocarpine 6% and measuring the accommodative response with an objective optometer such as a Hartinger coincidence refractometer. Objective measures of accommodation should be used to determine whether accommodation can be restored in presbyopes.
EFFECTS OF VEHICLE BANDWIDTH AND VISUAL SPATIAL-FREQUENCY ON SIMULATION CUEING SYNCHRONIZATION REQUIREMENTS

Results of a recent flight simulation study suggested criteria for visual and motion cueing synchronization, but only for one vehicle bandwidth and one visual scene. The purpose of the study reported here was to determine if those synchronization criteria may be generalized. In particular, a complete factorial design was used to examine the flight simulation effects of the following five experimental factors: visual time delay, roll motion time delay, lateral motion time delay, vehicle bandwidth, and visual spatial frequency. Five experimental test pilots completed the full experimental matrix. The results show that the more limited set of synchronization criteria generalize for the variations examined. That is, regardless of the vehicle bandwidths or the visual cueing spatial frequencies examined, the same synchronization criteria are applicable for the visual, roll, and lateral cues. Thus, the results add further confidence to the recently suggested criteria, which suggested three guidelines. First, roll and lateral motion cues should be synchronized, but if they cannot be, the asynchronization should be no more than 40 msec. Second, the visual and roll motion cues should also be synchronized, but if they cannot be, the asynchronization should also be no more than 40 msec. Third, the synchronized roll and lateral motion cues can be allowed to lag, but should not lead, the visual cues. Nomenclature
Minor modifications of a cholecystokinin-B/gastrin receptor non-peptide antagonist confer a broad spectrum of functional properties.

Abstract The development of non-peptide agonists for peptide hormone receptors would markedly expand the treatment options for a large number of diseases. However, difficulty in identifying non-peptide molecules which possess intrinsic activity has been a major obstacle in achieving this goal. At present, most of the known non-peptide ligands for peptide hormone receptors appear in standard functional assays to be antagonists. Here, we report that a constitutively active mutant of the human cholecystokinin-B/gastrin receptor, Leu325 → Glu, offers the potential to detect even trace agonist activity of ligands which, at the wild type receptor isoform, appear to lack efficacy. The enhanced functional sensitivity of the mutant receptor enabled us to detect intrinsic activity of L-365,260, an established non-peptide antagonist for the cholecystokinin-B/gastrin receptor. Extending from this observation, we were able to demonstrate that minor structural modifications could convert L-365,260 into either: (i) an agonist or (ii) an inverse agonist (attenuates ligand-independent signaling). The ability to confer functional activity to small non-peptide ligands suggests that the properties of endogenous peptide hormones can be mimicked, and even extended, by considerably less complex molecules.
Developing an agent-based model on how different individuals solve complex problems

Purpose: Research that focuses on the emotional, mental, behavioral and cognitive capabilities of individuals has been abundant within disciplines such as psychology, sociology, and anthropology, among others. However, when facing complex problems, a new perspective to understand individuals is necessary. The main purpose of this paper is to develop an agent-based model and simulation to gain understanding on the decision-making and problem-solving abilities of individuals. Design/Methodology/approach: The micro-level analysis modeling and simulation paradigm Agent-Based Modeling Through the use of Agent-Based Modeling, insight is gained on how different individuals with different profiles deal with complex problems. Using previous literature from different bodies of knowledge, established theories and certain assumptions as input parameters, a model is built and executed through a computer simulation. Findings: The results indicate that individuals with certain profiles have better capabilities to deal with complex problems. Moderate profiles could solve the entire complex problem, whereas profiles within extreme conditions could not. This indicates that having a strong predisposition is not the ideal way when approaching complex problems, and there should always be a component from the other perspective. The probability that an individual may use these capabilities provided by the opposite predisposition provides to be a useful option. Originality/value: The originality of the present research stems from how individuals are profiled, and the model and simulation that is built to understand how they solve complex problems. The development of the agent-based model adds value to the existing body of knowledge within both social sciences, and modeling and simulation.
Spin Leonard pairs

Let $${\mathbb K}$$ denote a field, and let V denote a vector space over $${\mathbb K}$$ of finite positive dimension. A pair A, A* of linear operators on V is said to be a Leonard pair on V whenever for each B∈{A, A*}, there exists a basis of V with respect to which the matrix representing B is diagonal and the matrix representing the other member of the pair is irreducible tridiagonal. A Leonard pair A, A* on V is said to be a spin Leonard pair whenever there exist invertible linear operators U, U* on V such that UA = A U, U*A* = A*U*, and UA* U −1 = U*−1 AU*. In this case, we refer to U, U* as a Boltzmann pair for A, A*. We characterize the spin Leonard pairs. This characterization involves explicit formulas for the entries of the matrices that represent A and A* with respect to a particular basis. The formulas are expressed in terms of four algebraically independent parameters. We describe all Boltzmann pairs for a spin Leonard pair in terms of these parameters. We then describe all spin Leonard pairs associated with a given Boltzmann pair. We also describe the relationship between spin Leonard pairs and modular Leonard triples. We note a modular group action on each isomorphism class of spin Leonard pairs.
Tuki Ayllpanchik (our beautiful land): Indigenous ecology and farming in the Peruvian highlands

Based on ethnographic research with an Indigenous community in Junin, Peru, and involving over 21 participants, this article explores the link between Indigenous lands, environmental knowledge, cultural practices, and education. Drawing from traditional ecological knowledge and nature-mediated education, Indigenous community spaces as vital learning spaces are highlighted. Through the lens of family and community-scale farming, this article also discusses critical perspectives on Indigenous agricultural traditions, lessons in subsistence farming, food and notions of success for students, and globalisation. Finally, an argument is made for educational development to acknowledge the breadth of Indigenous ecological issues, to prioritize Indigenous lands, languages, and cultural practices, and to support collaborative research that underscores Indigenous epistemologies.
Economic efficiency and the common law

Do legal rules based on the common law in the U.S. result in economically efficient outcomes? Beginning with Posner and Rubin, a substantial amount of literature supports the hypothesis that there is a natural tendency for common law to evolve over time so as to yield economically efficient court rulings. According to this view, disputants will litigate whenever the existing rules are inefficient. If the rules are efficient then no such incentive exists, in which case the legal rules are affirmed. By respectifying the Rubin model as a two-person, non-cooperative, simultaneous-move game, the analysis presented in this paper appears to support the arguments put forth by Landes, Gould, Tullock, and others that there is a general tendency for the disputants to pursue an out-of-court settlement. The analysis also suggests that it may also be in the litigant's best interest to negotiate an out-of-court settlement when the legal rules are efficient if the expected net present value of accident and avoidance costs is less than the litigants' court costs. Finally, it may pay to litigate even when the legal rules are efficient if the expected net present value of accident and avoidance costs is greater than the sum of the litigants' court costs.
Training for a Career in Hepatology: Which Path to Take?

Hepatology has matured significantly over the past two decades, and most gastroenterologists now believe that it is a distinct subspecialty. An unmet public health need exists for professional expertise in the care of patients with liver diseases. However, our current training programs are struggling to adequately recruit and train physicians with the appropriate expertise in advanced and transplant hepatology. This review briefly summarizes the recent discoveries and developments in clinical hepatology, describes the past and current training paradigms, and suggests potential pathways to improve the number and quality of physicians trained in advanced and transplant hepatology.
Comparison of reorganization of the somatosensory system in rats that sustained forelimb removal as neonates and as adults.

Studies of sensory pathways in several species indicate that the extent and form of reorganization resulting from deafferentation early in life vs. adulthood are not the same. The reasons for such differences are not well understood. To gain further insight into age-dependent mechanisms of reorganization, this study compared the consequences of neonatal vs. adult forelimb amputation in rats at multiple levels of the sensory pathway, including primary somatosensory cortex, brainstem, and dorsal root ganglia. At the cortical level, the average area of the functional forelimb-stump representation from rats amputated as adults was significantly smaller (P < 0.05) than that of neonatally amputated rats (4.3 ± 1.3 mm2 vs. 6.6 ± 1.5 mm2, respectively). At the brainstem level, neonatally amputated rat cuneate neurons possessed the following responsivities: 20% stump responsive, 40% responsive to both stump and hindlimb, 30% responsive to another body region, and 10% unresponsive. In contrast, cuneate neurons of adult amputated rats were 70% stump responsive, 2% responsive to both stump and hindlimb, and 30% unresponsive. A significantly (P < 0.001) greater percentage of the C6-C8 dorsal root ganglia neurons of adult amputated rats were unresponsive to peripheral stimulation vs. neurons from neonatally amputated rats (48% vs. 16%, respectively). These results indicate that the reorganization that occurs in response to forelimb amputation at birth vs. adulthood is distinctly different at each of these levels of the dorsal column–medial lemniscal pathway. Possible mechanisms to account for these differences are considered. J. Comp. Neurol. 465:335–348, 2003. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Pregnancy rates following fimbriectomy reversal via neosalpingostomy: a 10-year retrospective analysis.

Abstract Objective: To establish parameters associated with successful fimbriectomy reversal and to estimate monthly fecundability and cumulative pregnancy rates through life-table analysis. Design: Series report. Setting: University-based infertility clinic. Patient(s): Forty-one women undergoing surgery for tubal sterilization reversal. Intervention(s): Surgical fimbriectomy reversal. Main Outcome Measure(s): Time from sterilization to reversal, laparoscopy vs. laparotomy, uni- vs. bilateral fimbriectomy reversal, Bruhat vs. suture, tubal lengths, postsurgical hysterosalpingogram, ovulation induction, incidence of pregnancy and outcome, and life-table analysis to determine pregnancy rate. Result(s): The mean time from sterilization to reversal was 11.5 years. Of the 41 women who underwent fimbriectomy reversal, 6 (14.6%) conceived. Sixteen reversals were performed by laparotomy resulting in 4 (25%) pregnancies, whereas 25 were performed laparoscopically resulting in 2 (8%) pregnancies. Eight had unilateral salpingostomies and 33 bilateral, of which 1 of 8 (12.5%) and 5 of 33 (15.2%) conceived, respectively. Using the Bruhat technique, 1 of 11 (9%) conceived vs. 5 of 30 (16.7%) that underwent reversal using sutures. The mean postoperative tubal length for the 6 women who conceived was 8 cm vs. 6.7 cm in the 35 women who did not conceive. Postoperatively, 26 women received ovulation induction and 1 (3.8%) conceived whereas 5 (33.3%) conceptions occurred in 15 women who did not require ovulation induction. Using life-table analysis with 619 postsurgical cycles, the monthly fecundability was .0097. The cumulative conception rate after 5 years was 31.2%. Conclusion(s): Neosalpingostomy for the reversal of fimbriectomy sterilization represents a viable option for fertility restoration. The best candidates for this procedure are spontaneously ovulatory and have a tubal length of more than 7 cm.
Differential aggregation of the totally converted D and I forms of rabbit muscle glycogen synthase

Abstract The totally converted D and I forms of rabbit muscle glycogen synthase were digested with amylase and fractionated according to molecular size by gel filtration on Sepharose 4B. At 4 °C, there is a marked difference in the degree of aggregation of the two forms. The totally dependent D form is eluted in a sharp unaggregated peak at two thirds of the bed volume. The totally independent I form is eluted in a broad, largely excluded aggregated peak, beginning at the void volume. This finding suggests that when freed of glycogen, the totally independent I form shows a markedly greater tendency to aggregate to high molecular weights than does the totally dependent D form, and suggests a new mechanism of control.
FGF Signaling Regulates Rod Photoreceptor Cell Maintenance and Regeneration in Zebrafish

Fgf signaling is required for many biological processes involving the regulation of cell proliferation and maintenance, including embryonic patterning, tissue homeostasis, wound healing, and cancer progression. Although the function of Fgf signaling is suggested in several different regeneration models, including appendage regeneration in amphibians and fin and heart regeneration in zebrafish, it has not yet been studied during zebrafish photoreceptor cell regeneration. Here we demonstrate that intravitreal injections of FGF-2 induced rod precursor cell proliferation and photoreceptor cell neuroprotection during intense light damage. Using the dominant-negative Tg(hsp70:dn-fgfr1) transgenic line, we found that Fgf signaling was required for homeostasis of rod, but not cone, photoreceptors. Even though fgfr1 is expressed in both rod and cone photoreceptors, we found that Fgf signaling differentially affected the regeneration of cone and rod photoreceptors in the light-damaged retina, with the dominant-negative hsp70:dn-fgfr1 transgene significantly repressing rod photoreceptor regeneration without affecting cone photoreceptors. These data suggest that rod photoreceptor homeostasis and regeneration is Fgf-dependent and that rod and cone photoreceptors in adult zebrafish are regulated by different signaling pathways.
Decreased expression of the metabotropic glutamate receptor-4 gene is associated with neuronal apoptosis.

Cultured cerebellar granule neurons die by apoptosis when switched from medium containing elevated potassium (K+) and serum to serum-free medium containing low K+. Although cell death begins at about 16 hr, commitment to death occurs within 6 hr after the lowering of K+. We have used this paradigm to examine the role of metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR) genes in the regulation of neuronal survival. We find that the expression of one of the mGluR genes, the type-4 gene, is associated with increased neuronal survival. Lowering of K+ leads to an 80% decrease in mGluR-4 mRNA expression within 6 hr. Downregulation of mGluR-4 messenger RNA (mRNA) does not occur if low K+–induced death is prevented by treatment with insulin-like growth factor I or adenosine 3′,5′-cyclic monophosphate. If transcription is inhibited by actinomycin D, the difference in mGluR4 mRNA expression between cells switched to high-K+ medium and those switched to low-K+ medium is dramatically reduced, suggesting that decreased mGluR-4 gene transcription rather than increased mRNA breakdown is mainly responsible for the apoptosis-associated decrease in mGluR4 levels. Blockade of transcription also reduces mGluR4 mRNA expression in healthy neurons by more than 50% within 4 hr, suggesting that the mGluR4 mRNA has a relatively short half-life. In pharmacological experiments, we observe that the specific group III mGluR agonists such as L-amino-4-phosphobutyric acid and O-phospho-L-serine inhibit low K+–induced apoptosis. On the other hand, a selective mGluR4 antagonist, (RS)-α-cyclopropyl-4-phosphono-phenylglycine, induces apoptosis even in the presence of elevated K+. These results indicate that elevated mGluR4 expression or the activation of this receptor promotes survival and that an inhibition of such survival mechanisms contributes to apoptosis. J. Neurosci. Res. 53:531–541, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Diverse Path Routing with Interference and Reusability Consideration in Wireless Mesh Networks

Multipath routing has been extensively employed in wireless mesh networks (WMNs) for providing network reliability and survivability, therefore, improves energy consumptions. To provide network survivability, each user should be protected against failures, either node or link failures. For each request, a primary path is set up for normal transmission, and an alternate path (protection path) should also be provided to protect the request in case of network failure. In this paper, we study how to provide survivability using multi-path scheme for dynamic network traffic, where users' requests have random arrival times. Compared with previous work, our scheme considers interference and reusability factors when providing multiple paths for each request. By applying our scheme, the numerical results show that we can accommodate about 17% more requests than previous schemes. Meanwhile, the results show that our scheme not only accommodates more requests, but also takes less running time to find a solution for each request.
Fractionation by High Performance Liquid Chromatography of Microsomal Cytochrome P-450 Induced by Hexachlorobiphenyl Isomers

Abstract High performance liquid chromatography has been employed to fractionate rat liver microsomes under nondenaturing conditions. Selective detection at 405 nm allowed resolution of microsomal heme proteins into three peaks (A, B, and C). Cytochromes in the peaks retain their native property of binding CO after HPLC. Peak-A, first eluting, contains P-450 and is rich in cytochrome P-420. Peak-B is largely hemoglobin and peak-C is a major cytochrome P-450. The ratio of peak-C to A is increased by treatment of rats with phenobarbitone, β-naphthoflavone, 2,3,5,2′,3′,5′-hexachlorobiphenyl and 3,4,5,3′,4′,5′-hexachlorobiphenyl as compared to controls. The highest increment in the ratio is observed on feeding 3,4,5,3′,4′,5′-hexachlorobiphenyl. NADPH cytochrome c reductase elutes earlier than peak-C but cytochrome b5 is not separated from the major cytochrome P-450 peak. The separations obtained are highly reproducible and considerably faster than conventional gel permeation chromatography. The data presented...
Determination of formaldehyde and other aldehydes in automobile exhaust with an improved 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine method

Abstract An improved, simple and rapid method for the determination of formaldehyde and other aldehydes in automobile exhaust was developed. Sample collection and derivatization are performed directly in a midget impinger containing an acetonitrile solution of 2,4-dimitrophenylhydrazine and catalyst. This scheme eliminates the time-consuming and lengthy recovery steps required in other procedures and allows direct injection of an aliquot of the sample into a high-performance liquid chromatograph for analysis. Detection limits for formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, acrolein and benzaldehyde are 20, 10, 5 and 4 ppb*, respectively, for a 20-l exhaust sample. The analysis time is as short as 10 min if only formaldehyde and acetaldehyde are of interest. The technique was used to measure aldehyde emissions from ethanol-, gasoline- and diesel-fueled vehicles.
The stress-responsive Tortula ruralis gene ALDH21A1 describes a novel eukaryotic aldehyde dehydrogenase protein family

Summary The desiccation-tolerant plant Tortula ruralis is an important experimental system for the study of gene control in response to severe water deficit-stress. EST gene discovery efforts have identified a cDNA ALDH21A1 encoding a member of the aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) gene super family. The deduced polypeptide ALDH21A1 contains the ALDH active site signature sequence and 17 residues correlated with enzymatic activity, however ALDH21A1 is ≤30 % identical to known ALDH proteins. Based upon established nomenclature for ALDH proteins, ALDH21A1 describes a novel eukaryotic ALDH protein family designated ALDH21. ALDH21A1 has a predicted molecular mass of 52.9 kDa, and a predicted pI of 5.9. Genomic blot analysis indicated that ALDH21A1 is present in 1-to-2 copies within the haploid T. ruralis genome. RNA blot hybridizations were used to analyze expression of ALDH21A1 in response to desiccation, ABA, UV, and NaCl. ALDH21A1 steady-state transcript levels increased in response to all treatments and were more abundant within the polysomal mRNA fraction of salt-treated gametophytes. The data suggest that ALDH21A1 plays an important role in the detoxification of aldehydes generated in response to desiccation- and salinity-stress, and we postulate that ALDH21A1 expression represents a unique stress tolerance mechanism.
Predicting mutual fund performance using artificial neural networks

Abstract This study utilizes an artificial neural network (ANN) approach to predict the performance of equity mutual funds that follow value, blend and growth investment styles. Using a multi-layer perceptron model and GRG2 nonlinear optimizer, fund-specific historical operating characteristics were used to forecast mutual funds' risk-adjusted return. Results show that ANN generates better forecasting results than linear models for funds of all styles. In addition, our model outperforms that of Chiang et al. [Chiang WC, Urban TL, Baldridge GW. A neural network approach to mutual fund net asset value forecasting. Omega Int J Manage Sci 1996:24;205–215.] in predicting the performance of growth funds. We also employed a heuristic approach of variable selection via neural networks and compared it with the stepwise selection method of linear regression. Results are encouraging in that the reduced ANN models still outperform the linear models for growth and blend funds and yield similar results for value funds.
Lipolytic Enzyme Activity of Macrophages in Bovine Mammary Gland Secretions

Abstract The ability of macrophages isolated from the involuted bovine mammary gland and pooled raw milk to secrete lipolytic enzymes was investigated. Macrophages obtained from the involuted gland and maintained in cell culture secreted lipolytic enzymes into culture medium for up to 120h. Leukocytes in pooled raw milk were separated using Ficoll discontinuous density gradients. Macro-phages secreted lipolytic enzymes into the gradient while fractions containing polymorphonuclear leukocytes and lymphocytes did not possess lipolytic activity. Enzyme activity of macrophages from pooled raw milk averaged .1% of the total milk lipoprotein lipase activity present in the original milk samples. Fresh raw milk with a macrophage concentration increased to 2.5×10 6 cells/ml contained 11.6% higher milk lipoprotein lipase activity after storage for 48h at 4°C. These results indicate that macrophages isolated from bovine mammary secretions produce lipolytic enzymes that could influence milk lipoprotein lipase activity in raw milk over storage.
Superconductivity and optimum electronegativity

Abstract It is observed that the optimum electronegativity for superconductive metals and binary alloys is about 4eV by Mulliken's scale. This critical value is at the midpoint in the span of metal electronegativity values. It is suggested that the electronegativity equilibration scheme in harmony with density functional formalism could be useful for the systematic understanding of superconductive materials.
The Effect of Juvenile Hormone on the Respiratory Metabolism of Silkworm Pupae, as Recorded with a New Semi‐Micro Device

Steen J. B. The effect of juvenile hormone on the respiratory metabolism of silkworm pupae, as recorded with a new semi-micro device. The respiration of Polyphemus pupae during normal pupal-adult development has been compared to that during abnormal development as induced by juvenile hormone. Respiration was measured as oxygen-uptake with a new semi-micro recording spirometer. Striking differences were found and it is suggested that the respiratory response may be used as a sensitive assay for the juvenile hormone.
Phase formation and superconductivity in PIT-type (Bi,Pb)-1212

It was shown via powder-in-tube (PIT) processing that the (Bi,Pb)-1212 phase readily forms inside a silver sheath at 920 C in air. Composition, oxygen pressure, time, and temperature were all varied to study their effects on (Bi,Pb)-1212 phase purity and superconductivity.
Review: Fortschrittliche Karpfenteichwirtschaft (Progressive Management of Carp Ponds)

Abstract Wilhelm Wunder E. Schweizerbart'sche Verlagsbuchhandlung, Stuttgart, 1949. 385 pp., 219 illus. Price, 40 DM ($10).
Diallel analysis of yield components of snap beans exposed to two temperature stress environments

Ten snap beans (‘Barrier’, ‘Brio’, ‘Carson’, ‘Cornell 502’, ‘CT 70’, ‘HB 1880’, ‘Hystyle’, ‘Labrador’, ‘Opus’ and ‘Venture’) were selected for differential temperature tolerance and used as parents in a complete diallel mating design. The 45 F1 hybrid lines (with reciprocals) and parents were screened at 32 ∘C day/28 ∘C night, and in a separate experiment, 16 ∘C day/10 ∘C night, during reproductive development in replicated controlled environments. Variation for yield under temperature treatments was observed among parents and hybrids, with certain hybrids exceeding parental performance. Significant (P≤ 0.0001) general combining ability (GCA), and significant (P≤ 0.05) specific combining ability (SCA) were observed for yield components including pod number, seed number, and seeds per pod. There was evidence that pod number and seeds per pod under temperature stress are under separate genetic control. Reciprocal effects and heterosis were not significant. GCA could not be predicted from parental performance. The breeding line ‘Cornell 502’ had the highest GCA under high temperature, and the cultivar ‘Brio’ had the highest GCA under low temperature. The cross ‘Brio’ × ‘Venture’ was high yielding in both temperature treatments. Heat tolerance and chilling tolerance were associated in certain parents and hybrids. However, performance under high and low temperature treatments was not generally correlated in the parents and hybrids, indicating that these traits should be selected separately.
A quantitative analysis of the relationship between an online homework system and student achievement in pre-calculus

Supporting student success in entry-level mathematics courses at the undergraduate level has and continues to be a challenge. Recently we have seen an increased reliance on technological supports including software to supplement more traditional in-class instruction. In this paper, we explore the effects on student performance of the use of a computer software program to supplement instruction in an entry-level mathematics course at the undergraduate level, specifically, a pre-calculus course. Relying on data from multiple sections of the course over various semesters, we compare student performance in those classes utilizing the software against those in which it was not used. Quantitative analysis of the data then leads us to conclusions about the effectiveness of the software as well as recommendations for future iterations of the course and others like it.
Magnetic resonance imaging of human brain function

BACKGROUND Previously the exclusive domain of the technology of positron emission tomography, functional MRI is now proving capable of mapping functional regions of the human cortex in near real time during specific task activations or in response to any hemodynamic stress. Of particular interest is the opportunity to observe secondary cortical responses, activation due to imagined tasks, memory function, time-resolved pathways through cortical regions, and activation in sub-cortical structures. METHODS AND RESULTS One method of functional MRI uses blood oxygenation changes, which can be imaged continuously while functional centers are being stimulated. Image intensity can become darker if there is more deoxygenated blood and brighter if more oxygenated blood enters the brain. This concepts works in all perfused tissues in the body, and allows use of the blood oxygenation mechanism to image neuronal activation. A second method takes advantage of the fact that the protons within the MRI slice are always partially saturated by the rapid rate of imaging. As blood flow delivers unsaturated blood water protons into an imaged slice, these arterially-delivered protons will appear very bright in the image. Visualization of this effect is accomplished by simple image subtraction or by comparison of intensity changes as a function of the paradigm application frequency. Using either approach leads directly to a functional map. CONCLUSIONS At present, clinical applications are rapidly moving toward routine non-invasive mapping of distortions of the functional motor and somatosensory cortex and other cortical regions as a result of brain tumors. Other clinical applications include the observation of the effect of degenerative diseases such as multiple sclerosis. Alzheimer's disease, stroke, migraine, epilepsy, and other diseases causing neuronal loss and Parkinsonism. Functional MRI and its applications will continue to grow exponentially throughout the decade.
Artemisia scoparia enhances adipocyte development and endocrine function in vitro and enhances insulin action in vivo (LB771)

Background: Failure of adipocytes to expand during periods of energy excess can result in undesirable metabolic consequences. Blinded screening studies have indicated that Artemisia scoparia (SCO) ...
Fate of Transformation Products of Synthetic Chemicals

With increasing utilization of various synthetic chemicals, the adverse impact of these chemicals is of concern due to their occurrence in the environment. The subsequent transformation products pose considerable risk on the ecosystem and human health. However, for most currently used synthetic chemicals, the fate of their transformation products are yet to be elucidated, which forces most current risk assessment to focus on parent chemicals. In this article, general processes and principles of environmental fate of chemical transformation products are illustrated; various influential factors such as physiochemical properties of transformation products and conditions of the environmental media are described; a mass balance approach used to investigate the environmental fate is discussed.
Lessons from Experiences with High Inflation

In economies where price control has been the rule, the most serious concern may be recognition of the inflation problem. Beyond the initial correction of subsidies there is the broader issue of the risk of a serious inflation. This article looks at the problem of high inflation in developing countries in Europe and Latin America and draws lessons from historical experience. It analyzes the dynamics of the interaction among deficit finance, institutional innovation in financial markets, dollarization, and the s'hortening of wage contracts in high-inflation situations. When stabilization is undertaken, there is neither immediate, spontaneous resumption of longer adjustment periods for wages and prices nor instant increase of real money demand to noninflationary levels. Incomes policy-freezing exchange rates, wages, and prices-is advocated as an effective supplement to the inevitable budget cut to make up for institutional inertia and facilitate the start of the stabilization process.
Portable trace compression through instruction interpretation

Execution traces are a useful tool in studying processor and program behavior. However, the amount of information that needs to be stored makes them impractical in uncompressed form. This is especially true for full-state traces that can capture up to kilobytes of processor state for every instruction. In this paper we present Zcompr — a compression scheme that allows practical usage of full-state traces that are billions of instructions long. It allows complete state reproducibility, sufficient even for validation purposes, that is fully portable between different operating systems and host platforms. The compression scheme exploits the general similarity between compression and prediction. A simplified functional simulator is used to predict instruction effects in a repeatable manner. Its predictions can be used to reproduce those effects at decompression time, limiting the amount of information that needs to be stored per instruction. Final trace densities achieved by our scheme are on the order of two bits per instruction, with typical decompression speeds of 300 KIPS.
An Analysis of OO Mutation Operators

This paper presents results from empirical studies using object-oriented, class-level mutation operators. Class mutation operators modify OO programming language features such as inheritance, polymorphism, dynamic binding and encapsulation. Most previous empirical studies of mutation operators used statement-level operators, this study asked questions about the static and dynamic nature of class-level mutation operators. Results include statistics on the various types of mutants, how many are equivalent, new rules for avoiding creation of equivalent mutants, the difficulty of killing individual mutants, and the difficulty of killing mutants from the various operators. The paper draws conclusions about which mutation operators are more or less useful, leading to recommendations about how future OO mutation systems should be built.
Effect of an inhaled glucocorticosteroid on mast cell and smooth muscle beta 2 adrenergic tolerance in mild asthma.

BACKGROUND: Regular inhaled beta 2 agonist therapy is associated with loss of bronchoprotection to indirect bronchial provocation challenges such as allergen or adenosine monophosphate (AMP), while directly acting challenge is less affected, implying preferential mast cell tolerance. Glucocorticosteroids may reverse such beta 2 adrenoreceptor tolerance and upregulate mast cell beta 2 adrenoceptor function. METHODS: The effect of single high dose glucocorticosteroids on terbutaline induced loss of bronchoprotection was studied in a placebo controlled, double blind, cross-over study. Fifteen asthmatic subjects who were not taking inhaled glucocorticosteroids underwent two 10-day treatment periods with terbutaline (500 micrograms four times daily via Turbohaler), each followed by a single dose of inhaled budesonide (800 micrograms via Turbohaler) or identical placebo. RESULTS: Regular treatment with terbutaline resulted in significant loss of bronchoprotection to AMP (mean difference (95% CI) -1.7 (-3.0 to 0.4) doubling dilutions) but not to methacholine (mean difference -0.1 (-1.0 to 0.8) doubling dilutions). Single high dose budesonide increased the protective effect of terbutaline more to AMP than to methacholine challenge (+0.76 (0.3) doubling dilutions compared with +0.13 (0.4) doubling dilutions, respectively). The mean (SE) difference between budesonide and placebo for methacholine challenge was 0.08 (0.14) whereas that for AMP was 0.075 (0.15); p = NS. The difference in PC20 was not statistically significant when compared with placebo for either challenge agent. CONCLUSIONS: Inhaled glucocorticosteroids in a single dose had no significant effect in restoring terbutaline induced loss of bronchoprotection, implying that mast cell beta 2 adrenoceptor sensitivity is not restored by a single dose of an inhaled glucocorticosteroid in asthma.
Comparison of Season-Long Grazing Applied Annually and a 2-Year Rotation of Intensive Early Stocking Plus Late-Season Grazing and Season-Long Grazing

This research measured steer gains, aboveground biomass remaining at the end of the growing season, and economic returns of tallgrass prairie grazed under season-long stocking (SLS-C) and a grazing system that included a 2-yr rotation of SLS-rotated (SLS-R) and intensive early stocking (IES; 23normal stocking rate)þlate-season grazing at the normal stocking rate (IESþLSGR). We hypothesized that even though the stocking rate on the IESþLSG-R pasture was above the recommended rate, the greater regrowth availability in the late season would result in steers gaining as well as or better than those stocked SLS at the normal rate. By rotating the IESþLSG treatment with SLS over 2 yr, we anticipated that the aboveground biomass productive capacity of the IESþLSG pasture would be restored in one growing season. Further, we hypothesized that the increased stocking rate with IESþLSG would increase net profit. Comparing traditional season-long stocking to the system, which was a
ETS transcription factors: oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes as therapeutic targets for prostate cancer

ETS factors represent one of the largest families of transcriptional regulators and have known functional roles in many biological processes. Significantly, ETS factors have oncogenic and suppressive activity and their aberrant expression is associated with many of the processes that lead to prostate cancer progression. The targeting of transcription for therapeutic gain has met with some success. Therefore, better understanding the mechanisms that regulate ETS factor activity during both normal and aberrant transcription provides a novel means to identify processes that may be targeted in order to re-establish the normal ETS regulatory networks that are perturbed in cancer. Specific examples of altered ETS factor expression are highlighted, and therapeutic technologies that may be used to target ETS factors and their cofactors and downstream target genes in prostate cancer are discussed.
The Deterrent Value of Democratic Allies

Despite its theoretical and empirical importance, no studies to date have examined the deterrent value of democratic allies. To fill this void, this study concentrates precisely on this issue. The general premise is that challengers select targets based on their expectations about the reliability of their allies. These expectations are, in turn, based on the magnitude of political costs that an ally�s leader would pay for failing to honor its international commitments. In democracies, the domestic audience would punish a leader for failing to defend an ally, but only if they care about the issue at stake. For this reason, I argue that democratic allies only effectively deter challenges against those partners that are of a greater strategic importance. In the absence of such strong interests, targets with democratic allies are more likely to be challenged. I find strong support for this argument in a quantitative test from 1816 to 2002. This study also suggests that the findings from previous tests of democratic alliance reliability may need to be interpreted through the lenses of sample selection bias. Challengers initiate disputes when democratic allies have low interests, suggesting the potential for a biased sample that primarily includes the most unreliable democratic allies.
Large-area Metal Grid Ultraviolet Filter Fabricated by Nanoimprint Lithography

For the first time, a wafer-scale metal grid UV filter is fabricated by nanoimprint lithography and demonstrates cut-off wavelength of 350 nm, peak transmission of 27% at 285 nm and rejection ratio of 20 dB at visible wavelength.
Stopping the Primal RAGE Reaction in Myocardial Infarction Capturing Adaptive Responses to Heal the Heart

The report of Andrassy and colleagues1 in the current issue of Circulation adds to the growing body of evidence that the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) and its ligands, particularly high mobility group box-1 (HMGB1), are central mediators of ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in the heart.1–4 A major cause of injury, especially in the reperfusion phase, is the influx of inflammatory cells into the stressed heart. Andrassy and colleagues show that infiltrating leukocytes express proinflammatory HMGB1 and that HMGB1 plays fundamental roles in injury responses in the I/R heart. In homeostasis, HMGB1 is largely a nuclear protein. In stress conditions, HMGB1 may be released from injured cells, particularly on necrosis. The chief receptor for HMGB1, RAGE, is expressed in multiple cell types in the I/R heart, such as inflammatory cells, and also in cardiomyocytes and vascular cells (endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells).2 Although HMGB1 may interact with distinct receptors beyond RAGE (for example, toll receptors),5 the current study of Andrassy and colleagues reveals major roles for RAGE in transducing the effects of HMGB1 in the heart, as administration of recombinant HMGB1 or antagonists of this molecule had significant proinjury effects in the wild-type mouse heart, but no additive effects were noted in mice devoid of RAGE. The biology of RAGE, however, is complex and extends beyond HMGB1 in the injured heart. Article p 3216 In addition to HMGB1, other ligands of RAGE likely play pivotal roles in the response to ischemia or I/R in the heart. For example, rapid generation of pre–advanced glycation end products (AGE) species (methylglyoxal) and AGEs in transient occlusion/reperfusion of the LAD coronary artery has been illustrated.2 In hypoxia, in both the murine heart and in isolated primary murine endothelial cells, AGE-immunoreactive species are central mediators of regulation of …
Impaired MEK Signaling and SERCA Expression Promote ER Stress and Apoptosis in Insulin-Resistant Macrophages and Are Reversed by Exenatide Treatment

Accumulation of toxic lipids evokes the unfolded protein response (UPR) and apoptotic death of macrophages and vascular cells in atherosclerotic plaques. Primary macrophages from insulin-resistant ob/ob and insulin receptor (Insr)−/− mice display increased apoptosis in response to loading with free cholesterol or oxysterol, but underlying mechanisms have not been elucidated. We show increased activation of all three major branches of the UPR in response to free cholesterol or oxysterol loading in insulin-resistant macrophages. Inhibition and rescue experiments revealed that defective MEK/extracellular signal\x{2013}related kinase (ERK)/cAMP-responsive element–binding protein (CREBP) signaling in insulin-resistant macrophages leads to decreased expression of sarcoplasmic endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca2+-ATPase, depletion of ER calcium stores, PKR-like ER kinase activation, and ER stress–associated apoptosis. Activation of macrophage glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor via the antidiabetic drug exenatide led to improvements in both ERK and AKT signaling and reversed the increase in UPR and apoptosis of insulin-resistant macrophages in atherosclerotic lesions of ob/ob.Ldlr−/− and Insr−/−.Ldlr−/− mice. Increased signaling via GLP-1 receptor or the CREBP activator protein kinase A thus offers a way to rescue insulin-resistant macrophages from excessive ER stress responses and apoptosis in insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
Minimum-distortion functional for one-dimensional quantisation

The minimum rth-mean distortion resulting from quantisation of a one-dimensional signal is considered. In particular, the worst-case value of this minimum distortion is examined for signals satisfying rth-moment constraints. Numerical results are presented for the particular cases of minimum-mean-squared-error (r = 2) and minimum-mean-absolute-error (r = 1) quantisation.