cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evolutionarily Conserved Noncoding DNA

Noncoding deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), which includes all sequences within the genome except exon sequences that encode the protein-reading frames, harbours a wide variety of regulatory genomic features and elements. The availability of increasingly complete and accurate genomic sequence data from evolutionarily separated species – as well as diverse strain and ethnic variants within species – is providing an unprecedented opportunity to identify potentially functional regions within the genomic noncoding DNA. A variety of computational approaches enable genome-wide detection, characterisation and visualisation of highly conserved sequences and the occurrence of potentially functional elements within both the conserved and evolved elements. As a result of the continued discovery of these functional elements, the nongenic genetic neighbourhoods are now considered as keys to identifying regulatory elements that are essential for gene and chromosomal function. In this article is given an overview of the various known components of the noncoding DNA landscape and present some of the bioinformatic-based approaches and resources to identify and analyse the potential regulatory regions in genomic sequences. Key Concepts: An indeterminate fraction of the noncoding proportion of the human genome has a decisive role in regulating gene expression. Comparisons among genome sequences are keys to identifying the functional regions of noncoding DNA. Identifying and analysing ‘phylogenetic footprints’ is a standard approach to examine for potential regulatory regions. Two common features of long-range regulatory elements are that they are frequently conserved in other mammals and are unique within the human genome. It is not only the conservation of the noncoding DNA but also the loss of the same that holds some of the clues to understand our phenotypic complexity and diversity. Post-ENCODE, the genome is viewed as a network of collaborating RNA transcripts with many of the regulatory regions of proteins transcribed into RNA and serve as regulators (e.g., microRNAs and siRNAs). Keywords: phylogenetic footprint; noncoding DNA ; regulatory region; cis elements; repetitive elements; promoter; enhancer
Celebrating macromolecular crystallography: a personal perspective

The twentieth century has seen an enormous advance in the knowledge of the atomic structures that surround us. The discovery of the first crystal structures of simple inorganic salts by the Braggs in 1914, using the diffraction of X-rays by crystals, provided the critical elements to unveil the atomic structure of matter. Subsequent developments in the field leading to macromolecular crystallography are presented with a personal perspective, related to the cultural milieu of Spain in the late 1950’s. The journey of discovery of the author, as he developed professionally, is interwoven with the expansion of macromolecular crystallography from the first proteins (myoglobin, hemoglobin) to the ‘coming of age’ of the field in 1971 and the discoveries that followed, culminating in the determination of the structure of the ribosomes at the turn of the century. A perspective is presented exploring the future of the field and also a reflection about the future generations of Spanish scientists.
Rights-Based Clinical Practice with Survivors of Human Trafficking

Adopting a human rights-based approach can enhance the therapeutic quality of clinical social work with survivors of human trafficking and provide an opportunity for countering some of the deleterious effects of their trafficking experiences. Chapter 3 focuses on explicating the important role that rights-based social workers play in working with survivors of domestic and international human trafficking. The problem of human trafficking is defined and contextual issues and common sequelae described. Trafficked persons are identified as rights holders and relevant human rights mechanisms and tools are noted. Core principles for the clinical and forensic assessment and treatment of survivors of trafficking are illustrated consonant with a rights-based approach. Examples of macro efforts to address trafficking are introduced and the role of clinical social workers in effectively spanning micro and macro practice with this population is described. Suggested class activities and resources are provided at the end of the chapter.
The Impact of ePortfolios on Students’ Learning

LeBow College of Business at Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA, a private higher educational institution with an emphasis on technology and co-operative education, first implemented an ePortfolio program to undergraduate business students during the academic year of 2006-2007, which occurred after a prior one-year development and pilot program. The introduction of the ePortfolio was in conjunction with a major curriculum revision across the College. Although electronic portfolios had been used in various academic disciplines such as education, nursing and graphic design for several years, its application with students of business was relatively new. A number of researchers have found a positive impact of portfolios (Campbell, 2000; Baume and Yorke, 2003; Reese and Levy, 2009) but few have researched the impact on learning, in particular the students’ perceptions of learning, in a business curriculum. Based on five years of data, our study suggests that the use of ePortfolios across and through the business curriculum may have a positive effect on students’ perception of learning.
Direct reconstruction of T1 from k-space using a radial saturation-recovery sequence

Contrast agent concentration ([CA]) must be known accurately to quantify dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) MR imaging. Accurate concentrations can be obtained if the longitudinal relaxation rate constant T 1 is known both pre- and post-contrast injection. Post-contrast signal intensity in the images is often saturated and an approximation to T 1 can be difficult to obtain. One method that has been proposed for accurate T 1 estimation effectively acquires multiple images with different effective saturation recovery times (eSRTs) and fits the images to the equation for T 1 recovery to obtain T 1 values. This was done with a radial saturation-recovery sequence for 2D imaging of myocardial perfusion with DCE MRI. This multi-SRT method assumes that the signal intensity is constant for different readouts in each image. Here this assumption is not necessary as a model-based reconstruction method is proposed that directly reconstructs an image of T 1 values from k-space. The magnetization for each ray at each readout pulse is modeled in the reconstruction with Bloch equations. Computer simulations based on a 72 ray cardiac DCE MRI acquisition were used to test the method. The direct model-based reconstruction gave accurate T 1 values and was slightly more accurate than the multi-SRT method that used three sub-images.
The Pareto-dominant strategy-proof and fair rule for problems with indivisible goods

We study the problem of allocating a set of indivisible goods among a set of agents when monetary transfers are not allowed. We consider two interesting cases of this problem: (1) the supply of each object is exactly one; and (2) the supply of an object may be greater than one. Our central requirements are strategy-proofness and ex post fairness. We propose a particular rule satisfying strategy-proofness and no-envy (as well as equal treatment of equals). For the first case, it Pareto dominates any other rule satisfying strategy-proofness and equal treatment of equals. For the second case, it Pareto dominates any other rule satisfying strategy-proofness and no-envy.
DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION PHILOSOPHY FOR QUANTITATIVELY ORIENTED UNDERGRADUATE BUSINESS PROGRAMS

While the quantitative content of business programs has increased over the last decade, there is still room for improvement. One of the problems facing many schools is lack of mathematical ability among students. This is particularly true in schools with open admission policies. As an alternative to high admission standards, a school may partition its student body on the basis of mathematical ability and offer different programs to each group. Initially all students would follow a non-terminal mathematies sequence. Those performing well in this sequence would be encouraged to elect advanced courses in mathematics. A core of quantitative business courses would be provided. Quantitative programs in the functional areas of business would be built around this core. Alternative programs would be offered for non-quantitatively oriented students.
The Dosimetric Effect of Tumor Size and Position in Prone Radiation Therapy of Breast Using a Novel Stereotactic Breast Irradiation Device

ionization chamber array system (2D array) was used for dose measurement. Measurement sampling time of the 2D array was set to 50 ms, and a sensitivity correction that depended on gantry angle was applied. The dose difference on the central coronal plane between SSVMAT delivery and the original VMAT delivery was analyzed. The dose at the isocenter was also compared using the center chamber of the 2D array. Pass rate was calculated from the dose difference with a criterion of 1% for a region that delivered a dose higher than 10% of the maximum dose. Results: Mean differences in doses at the isocenter between VMAT and SSVMAT were not significant (0.5 0.5% for 10 s interval, 0.2 0.3% for 15 s interval, 0.2 0.2% for 20 s interval, 0.0 0.1% for 30 s interval, and 0.0 0.1% for 40 s interval, p > 0.05). Pass rates based on dose difference were 85 17% for 10 s interval, 99.9 0.2% for 15 s interval, 100 0% for 20 s interval, 100 0% for 30 s interval, and 100 0% for 40 s interval. SSVMAT with the breath-hold interval of 10 s had a significantly reduced pass rate (p Z 0.017). Conclusions: In the present study, a practical irradiation method that can be used to divide VMAT delivery into feasible breath-hold intervals was developed. Analysis of dose verification revealed that SSVMAT deliveries with intervals of 15 s or longer provided accurate doses. Author Disclosure: K. Noto: None. S. Ueda: None. T. Takanaka: None. A. Takemura: None.
Stress-life fatigue behavior of a Zr-based bulk metallic glass

Abstract Fatigue damage was characterized for a Zr-based bulk metallic glass to elucidate damage initiation and growth mechanisms. Damage was observed to initiate as shear bands or mixed-mode cracks propagating at ∼49° to the maximum applied stress axis after only a few stress cycles. The apparent lack of a damage initiation stage may account for the low endurance limit reported. The damage was often observed to initiate from pre-existing defects. At a characteristic length, the initial shear bands or mixed-mode cracks abruptly changed growth direction and propagated orthogonal to the maximum stress axis. The resulting “small” fatigue crack-growth rates were carefully characterized and shown to be consistent with “long” crack-growth rate behavior. Fatigue life was estimated from the observed initial defect sizes and small crack-growth rate behavior and life predictions were found to be consistent with measured stress life data.
A parameter‐choice method that exploits residual information

Most algorithms for choosing the regularization parameter in a discrete ill-posed problem are based on the norm of the residual vector. In this work we propose a different approach that seeks to use all the information available in the residual vector, and we show how to use statistical tools and fast Fourier transforms to extract this information efficiently. This approach leads to a computationally inexpensive parameter-choice rule based on the normalized cumulative periodogram, which is particularly suited for large-scale problems. (© 2008 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A new acceleration-based methodology for micro/meso-scale machine tool performance evaluation

Abstract Micro-machining and micro/meso-scale machine tools (mMTs) use substantially different motion parameters than those used at the macro-scale. A new acceleration-based mMT performance evaluation methodology is developed based on an assessment of motion parameters, and in particular, unique acceleration requirements at the micro-scale. Performance evaluations using the new methodology are carried out on two prototype mMTs. Following errors are found for the most part to increase linearly with acceleration. The closed loop bandwidth is found to be the current major factor affecting acceleration capability for the machines tested. A linear model linking servo-update frequency, closed-loop bandwidth, acceleration and following error is proposed. The model results provide a basis for prescribing maximum acceleration values to maintain 10−2–10−3 relative accuracy. Future mMT component performance requirements are explored.
Internet Taxation and Principles of Good Tax Policy

Many of today's tax rules were designed for a pre-Internet age, meaning that they are challenged by Internet-based transactions and technologies. This article proposes a framework for analyzing current tax rules to identify issues of importance to the taxation of Internet transactions and e-commerce. The framework also applies to the evaluation of tax proposals that address Internet transactions and technologies. The framework is based on principles of good tax policy, which have been used and tested for many years. Such a framework can be applied to identify necessary changes to existing tax rules as well as the strengths and weaknesses of tax proposals applicable to the Internet and e-commerce.
Effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungal communities on growth of ‘Volkamer’ lemon in continually moist or periodically dry soil

Abstract Citrus volkameriana Tan. and Pasq. (‘Volkamer’ lemon) seedlings were inoculated with five different communities of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi collected from citrus orchards in Mesa and Yuma, AZ, USA, and undisturbed North American Sonoran Desert and Chihuahuan Desert soils. Plants were then grown in a glasshouse for four months under continually moist or periodically dry conditions achieved by altering watering frequency so that before watering events container soil water tensions were approximately −0.01 MPa (continually moist) or −0.06 MPa (periodically dry) one half way down the container profile. Plants grown in continually moist soil had greater shoot growth than plants grown in periodically dry soil. Plant P status did not limit growth, and there was no interaction between watering frequency and AM fungal inoculum treatments. Plants inoculated with AM fungi from the Yuma orchard soil had significantly less root dry weight and total root length, and lower photosynthetic fluxes than plants treated with inoculum from the other soils. Specific soil respiration and an estimated carbon cost to benefit ratio were also higher for plants inoculated with AM fungi from the Yuma orchard soil than for plants treated with inoculum from the other soils. The Yuma orchard inoculum was distinctive in that > 80% of the total number of AM fungal spores were from a single species, Glomus occultum. These data showed that root growth suppression of plants treated with the Yuma inoculum, compared with plants treated with inoculum from all other sites, was substantial and greater in magnitude than the effect of periodic soil drying. Suppression of root growth might have resulted from increased AM fungal activity resulting in higher carbon costs to the plant.
Top pair production in Randall-Sundrum models

If the lowest lying Kaluza-Klein states in Randall-Sundrum (RS1) models have masses in the 10\char21{}100 TeV range, direct production of these states at the LHC or ILC is impossible, and electroweak precision measurements may not be sufficiently sensitive. We address the possibility that high-precision measurements of top pair production at the ILC may provide the first evidence of these states. We consider RS1 models with fermions on and off the brane, with bulk left and right-handed mass terms, discuss brane kinetic terms and calculate corrections to top pair production in these models.
Econometric analysis of linearized singular dynamic stochastic general equilibrium models

In this paper I propose an alternative to calibration of linearized singular dynamic stochastic general equilibrium models. Given an a-theoretical econometric model as a representative of the data generating process, I will construct an information measure which compares the conditional distribution of the econometric model variables with the corresponding singular conditional distribution of the theoretical model variables. The singularity problem will be solved by using convolutions of both distributions with a non-singular distribution. This information measure will then be maximized to the deep parameters of the theoretical model, which links these parameters to the parameters of the econometric model and provides an alternative to calibration. This approach will be illustrated by an application to a linearized version of the stochastic growth model of King, Plosser and Rebelo.
Joint angle and contraction mode influence quadriceps motor neuron pool excitability.

Objective: The purpose of the study was to compare the central activation ratio (CAR) of eccentric contractions to isometric contractions at 30 and 70 degrees of knee flexion. Design: A repeated-measures design was used. CARs were measured at 30 and 70 degrees of knee flexion in 16 healthy subjects during both eccentric and isometric modes of contraction. CARs were measured using the superimposed burst technique. Results: Isometric CARs at 30 degrees (0.88 ± 0.069) of knee flexion were significantly higher (P < 0.001) than at 70 degrees (0.77 ± 0.1 16). Eccentric CARs were significantly higher (P = 0.013) at 70 degrees (0.87 ± 0.085) of knee flexion compared with 30 degrees (0.8 ± 0.09). At 30 degrees of knee flexion, isometric CARs were significantly higher (P = 0.003) than eccentric CARs. At 70 degrees, eccentric CARs were higher (P < 0.001) when compared with isometric CARs. Conclusions: Our results provide evidence that isometric measures at a single joint angle are not sufficient in generalizing activation of an entire muscle group for dynamic movements. CARs are significantly affected by joint angle and mode of contraction.
MMPI–A Forensic Case Studies: Uses in Documented Court Decisions

In this article, we describe 8 legal cases reporting the use of the MMPI-A (Butcher et al., 1992) that were identified by an exhaustive search of the Westlaw database. These case studies provide a unique perspective on the uses of the MMPI-A as reflected in documented court decisions. For each case, we first provide a brief discussion of the legal issue or standard of law addressed by the MMPI-A findings. We then provide an abstract of the facts of the case and the nature of the involvement of the MMPI-A. We conclude each case with a more general discussion of the psychological uses and limitations of the MMPI-A as applied to this specific legal issue or standard. Not only do these cases display a wide range of legal issues, but they also provide an excellent opportunity to discuss some important uses and limitations of MMPI-A assessment when used as a component in a forensic evaluation.
The land use policy implementation system in Cameroon: Historical/contemporary perspectives and implications for national development

Abstract This paper analyses the interorganisational system for land policy implementation in Cameroon. The analysis reveals that the system has remained largely unchanged in terms of structure, organisation, composition and function since the colonial days. It is argued that this, and the fact that the system has, since independence, grown and proliferated for reasons unrelated to the task of land policy implementation, significantly inhibit its performance. Some suggestions on how the situation can be improved are proffered in the process. Particularly, it is recommended that serious efforts be made to decentralise the system, encourage interorganisational relationships amongst its members, and de-emphasise its regulatory role. The potential costs and benefits of this set of recommendations are also discussed. It is hoped that the analysis, the problems uncovered and the remedies suggested will be informative to land policy and administrative reform efforts in Cameroon in particular and developing nations in general.
Transcriptional Regulation of the EGF Receptor Promoter by HPV16 and Retinoic Acid in Human Ectocervical Epithelial Cells

Abstract We have previously demonstrated that human papillomavirus 16 (HPV16)-immortalized human ectocervical epithelial cells and cells derived from tumors which express HPV16 oncogenes express high levels of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) compared to normal cervical cells. We have also shown that proliferation of these cells is inhibited by retinoid treatment. We have hypothesized that the retinoid inhibition of cell proliferation may be due to the retinoid-dependent reduction in EGFR level. In this study we examine the regulation of EGFR expression in cervical cells with emphasis on two aspects: (1) the mechanism of retinoid-dependent suppression of EGFR levels in HPV16-positive cells and (2) the mechanism of EGFR upregulation by HPV16. EGFR levels were found to be elevated 5-, 3.7-, and 1.25-fold in the HPV16-immortalized ECE16-1, ECE16-D1, and ECE16-D2 cells, respectively, compared to normal cervical cells. Treatment of ECE16-1 and ECE16-D1 cells with retinoic acid suppresses proliferation, EGFR level, EGFR mRNA level, and EGFR promoter activity. The reduction in EGFR promoter activity appears to account for the reduction in EGFR protein and mRNA levels. In contrast, retinoic acid does not affect cell growth or EGFR level in ECE16-D2 cells or normal cervical cells. To study the mechanisms regulating EGFR expression in HPV16-positive cells, normal ECE cells were cotransfected with an EGFR promoter reporter plasmid and an expression plasmid encoding the HPV16 E6/E7 open reading frames. In the presence of E6/E7, EGFR promoter activity was increased by 2- to 3-fold, suggesting that the E6/E7 proteins are directly or indirectly responsible for the increased EGFR level and that the EGFR promoter contains the DNA elements necessary to mediate this response. Nevertheless expression of E6/E7 proteins did not confer retinoic acid regulation, as EGFR promoter activity remained elevated in normal cells cotransfected with pHPVE6/E7 and treated with retinoic acid. These results suggest that human papillomavirus and retinoic acid regulate EGFR levels by independent effects on the EGFR promoter.
Harvest of pulmonary artery endothelial cells from patients undergoing right heart catheterization.

Endothelial dysfunction is a hallmark of pulmonaryarterial hypertension (PAH). Although the exact roleendothelial dysfunction plays in the initiation or progressionof PAH is not yet clear, impaired apoptosis and aberrantsignaling in endothelial cells is observed in most forms ofPAH. A variety of approaches have been utilized to studyendothelial cell biology in the context of PAH. Most studieshave focused on in situ visualization or puriﬁcation ofpulmonary artery endothelial cells (PAECs) from explantedlungs of PAH patients, using untransplanted human donorlungs as controls. Although very useful for comparingendothelial cell biology in PAH versus normal pulmonaryvasculature, this approach is unable to provide informationon dynamic changes in PAEC biology over time within aliving patient.The deﬁnitive diagnosis of PAH requires measurement ofmean pulmonary artery (PA) pressure via right heartcatheterization (RHC), and thus RHC serves as a “goldstandard” for diagnosis and as a gateway for the manage-ment of PAH patients. We hypothesized that PAECs mightbe dislodged from the PA vessel wall by the balloon tip ofthe ﬂow-directed pulmonary artery (Swan–Ganz) catheterduring RHC and would remain adherent to the balloon whenit is collapsed and the catheter extracted. Herein we reportour successful efforts to isolate, characterize and expandPAECs recovered from Swan–Ganz catheter balloons afterroutine RHC for the diagnosis and management of PAH.After obtaining institutional review board approval, 24patients undergoing RHC consented to participate in ourstudy. After the RHC procedure, the last 2 inches of theSwan–Ganz catheter, including the inﬂatable balloon, wascut and placed in a tube containing endothelial cell media(Cell Applications, Inc., San Diego, CA) and placed on iceuntil the samples were further processed. In the laboratory,catheter tips were washed vigorously 5 with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS)/trypsin and centrifuged at 1,500 rpmfor 10 minutes. The resulting pellets were re-suspended inammonium–chloride–potassium (ACK)/PBS solution tolyse the erythrocytes. These suspensions were centrifugedat 2,500 rpm for 10 minutes to pellet the cells. An aliquot ofthis ﬁnal cell harvest was analyzed by ﬂuorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) with antibodies for endothelialantigens and the balance transferred to primary culture.In these studies, we relied on the classic marker proﬁle forendothelial cells as reported in 2001 by Mancuso et al,
Stably Stratified Shear Turbulence: A New Model for the Energy Dissipation Length Scale

A model is presented to compute the turbulent kinetic energy dissipation length scale l(sub epsilon) in a stably stratified shear flow. The expression for l(sub epsilon) is derived from solving the spectral balance equation for the turbulent kinetic energy. The buoyancy spectrum entering such equation is constructed using a Lagrangian timescale with modifications due to stratification. The final result for l(sub epsilon) is given in algebraic form as a function of the Froude number Fr and the flux Richardson number R(sub f), l(sub epsilon) = l(sub epsilon)(Fr, R(sub f). The model predicts that for R(sub f) less than R(sub fc), l(sub epsilon) decreases with stratification. An attractive feature of the present model is that it encompasses, as special cases, some seemingly different models for l(sub epsilon) that have been proposed in the past by Deardorff, Hunt et al., Weinstock, and Canuto and Minotti. An alternative form for the dissipation rate epsilon is also discussed that may be useful when one uses a prognostic equation for the heat flux. The present model is applicable to subgrid-scale models, which are needed in large eddy simulations (LES), as well as to ensemble average models. The model is applied to predict the variation of l(sub epsilon) with height z in the planetary boundary layer. The resulting l(sub epsilon) versus z profile reproduces very closely the nonmonotonic profile of l(sub epsilon) exhibited by many LES calculations, beginning with the one by Deardorff in 1974.
Simian varicella virus antibody response in experimental infection of African green monkeys

: The humoral immune response to simian varicella virus (SVV) was investigated following primary and secondary experimental infection of African green monkeys. Neutralization and immunoprecipitation assays were used to determine antibody titers to SVV throughout the course of infection. The immune response to specific viral polypeptides was analyzed by immunoprecipitation analysis. The results demonstrate that the simian varicella model offers a useful approach to investigate immune mechanisms in human varicella zoster virus (VZV) infections.
High-threshold logic in class B transistor power amplifiers

A class B audio-frequency transistor power amplifier is described in which the advantages of zero-bias operation and electronic overload protection are achieved through the use of transistor logic. The amplifier is protected against a short to ground or power supply and has yielded below 0.2-percent distortion.
Constant-mass sequences of differentially-rotating polytropes

In this paper, differentially-rotating polytropic constant-mass sequences are compated by implementation of the so-called ‘constant units technique’. Then, numerical results concerning such constant-mass sequences are compared with their respective values obtained when corresponding constant-centraldensity sequences are computed.
A theoretical quantitative genetic study of negative ecological interactions and extinction times in changing environments

Rapid human-induced changes in the environment at local, regional and global scales appear to be contributing to population declines and extinctions, resulting in an unprecedented biodiversity crisis. Although in the short term populations can respond ecologically to environmental alterations, in the face of persistent change populations must evolve or become extinct. Existing models of evolution and extinction in changing environments focus only on single species, even though the dynamics of extinction almost certainly depend upon the nature of species interactions. Here, I use a model of quantitative trait evolution in a two-species community to show that negative ecological interactions, such as predation and competition, can produce unexpected results regarding time to extinction. Under some circumstances, negative interactions can be expected to hasten the extinction of species declining in numbers. However, under other circumstances, negative interactions can actually increase times to extinction. This effect occurs across a wide range of parameter values and can be substantial, in some cases allowing a population to persist for 40 percent longer than it would in the absence of the species interaction. This theoretical study indicates that negative species interactions can have unexpected positive effects on times to extinction. Consequently, detailed studies of selection and demographics will be necessary to predict the consequences of species interactions in changing environments for any particular ecological community.
Triple-differential cross sections for electron-impact ionization of helium

Triple-differential cross sections for electron-impact ionization of helium are calculated in the distorted-wave approximation. A general distorted-wave formalism for ionization is presented for two coordinate systems---one with the $z$ axis parallel to the direction of the incident electron and one with the $z$ axis parallel to the momentum-transfer direction. Cross sections in the scattering plane are compared with experimental results and with other theoretical calculations. Cross sections out of the scattering plane are presented and spatial symmetries are discussed.
Calycadenia hooveri (Asteraceae), a new tarweed from California

In accord with its cytological and morphological distinctiveness and its geographical disjunction, the Sierran element ofC. pauciflora A. Gray is described as a new species,C. hooveri. Its chromosome number ofn = 7 is documented for the first time. Evidence from cytogenetic analysis of synthetic hybrids is presented to support the conclusion thatC. hooveri is more closely related toC. villosa DC. than toC. pauciflora. Characteristics of ligule morphology and the distribution of the peculiar saucer-shaped glands on the peduncular and receptacular bracts of these species also support the new interpretation.
Predicting the Pattern of International Trade in the Neoclassical Model: As Synthesis

I propose a framework that takes a set of conceivable outcomes as the primitive and a prediction is defined by identifying a subset on the set of conceivable outcomes. This notion of predictability serves as an organizing principle for characterizing pattern of trade predictions in single economy and integrated equilibrium formulations of the neoclassical trade model. I identify allocative efficiency as the unifying subset selection criterion for the different formulations of the neoclassical trade model, ranging from Ricardo's (1817) original comparative advantage formulation to the multi-cone Heckscher-Ohlin specification with multiple countries, goods and factors.
Ten years' experience with methotrexate and folinic acid as primary therapy for gestational trophoblastic disease

Methotrexate and folinic acid was administered as primary therapy in 185 patients with gestational trophoblastic disease between 1974 and 1984. Methotrexate and folinic acid induced complete remission in 147 (90.2%) of 163 patients with nonmetastatic disease and in 15 (68.2%) of 22 patients with low-risk metastatic disease. Sustained remission was achieved in 132 (81.5%) patients following only one course of chemotherapy. All patients with methotrexate resistance subsequently achieved remission with Actinomycin D or combination chemotherapy. Methotrexate when administered with folinic acid was associated with granulocytopenia, thrombocytopenia, and hepatotoxicity in 11 (5.9%), 3 (1.6%), and 26 (14.1%) patients, respectively. The human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) regression curve served as a reliable guide for the administration of chemotherapy and enabled the attainment of a high remission rate while limiting chemotherapy exposure. Methotrexate and folinic acid achieves an excellent therapeutic outcome with limited chemotherapy exposure and effectively limits systemic toxicity.
Investigation on the effects of fiber composites at concrete joints

Abstract This investigation involves parametric studies of the application of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composite laminates to exterior beam–column joints to increase their moment capacity. Three beam–column joint models were examined using various fiber composite laminates and wraps, and various thickness. Composite laminates and wraps considered were made out of epoxy and fibers such as E-glass, carbon, and kevlar. One beam–column joint model without FRP reinforcement was used as a control specimen for comparison. The other two beam–column joint models studied included laminates bonded to the tensile faces with and without wraps. The wraps were provided to prevent the peeling of the laminates. The finite element analysis results indicated that the choice of the fiber composite materials, the laminate and wraps arrangement and thickness affected the enhancement of the structural joint performance significantly. Furthermore, an increase in the moment capacity of up to 37% was observed when the joints were reinforced with FRP laminates and were compared to the control specimen.
Tutorial : S-system analysis of continuous univariate probability distributions

This tutorial describes the numerical analysis of continuous univariate probability functions with S-systems. These are computationally efficient nonlinear ordinary differential equations that contain virtually all ordinary differential equations as special cases. After a brief introduction to S-systems, it is shown how central and noncentral probability distributions, as well as auxiliary functions such as Bessel, Gamma, and Beta functions, can be recast equivalently as S-systems. The representation of distributions as S-systems permits rapid computation of function evaluations over wide ranges of random variables, as well as moments, quantiles, power and inverse power. It also offers transformation methods and various options of approximation. The recasting procedure employs elementary mathematics and needs to be executed only once. The tutorial contains a catalogue of recast S-system representations for nearly all relevant distributions and auxiliary functions, and thus enables the reader to evaluate d...
Physical gelation in ethylene–propylene copolymer melts induced by polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) molecules

The rheological behavior of ethylene–propylene (EP) copolymers containing polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) molecules was investigated by means of wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD), oscillatory shear, stress and strain controlled rheology in the molten state and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) in the solid state. WAXD results showed that the majority of POSS molecules in the EP melt were present in the crystal form. Oscillatory shear results showed that the EP/POSS nanocomposites exhibited a solid-like rheological behavior compared with the liquid-like rheological behavior in the neat resin, i.e. POSS caused physical gelation in EP. While POSS exhibited only a minimum effect on the flow activation energy of EP, the high POSS concentration samples were found to induce higher yield stress than the neat resin. This behavior was similar to the Bingham rheology, indicative of a structured fluid. DMA results indicated that the presence of POSS increased the Young's modulus as well as the Tg of the EP copolymer. These results suggested that two types of interactions contributed to the physical gelation in EP/POSS melts were present: the strong particle-to-particle interactions between the POSS crystals and the weak particle-to-matrix interactions between the POSS crystals and the EP matrix.
An innovative approach to Software Engineering term projects, coordinating student efforts between multiple teams over multiple semesters

Software Engineering projects typically go through stages of development, with implementation near the end. Following the normal order in a school semester leaves students with little time to develop code and little to show for their efforts besides long written reports. Students also work in a bubble, having little contact with anyone outside their immediate group. This paper describes an innovative approach in which students work on two half-projects in parallel during a semester, implementing a design developed by previous students while simultaneously developing a new design to be implemented by a following group. This approach not only starts implementation early, it also forces the students to coordinate their efforts with two different groups of students, whom they may or may not ever meet in person. That experience has not always been enjoyable, but it has demonstrated the value of quality documentation far more effectively than any lecture ever could. An added benefit is that they experience two different approaches to software engineering, and work on problems in two different domains. This novel approach to a team-based semester project is easily applied to any field in which a term project is employed, with little adjustment needed for particular subject areas.
Building Peer Relationships in Talk: Toddlers’ Peer Conversations in Childcare:

How do very young children use talk to create relationship? Are there associations between the quality of children’s relationships and their language use? Do children’s pragmatic abilities relate to other language competencies? This qualitative study addresses these questions using naturalistic data from a daycare setting by looking at the spontaneous peer talk in two overlapping dyads of toddler girls. This analysis indicates that young children have considerable pragmatic skill in using talk to create and maintain relationship. Children’s relational style and language use seem closely connected: the different talk styles of the two dyads instantiate and support their distinct relational styles. Further, different styles of relational talk appear to tap different language abilities. Considered with other studies looking at young children’s language and particularly pragmatic skills, this analysis suggests that young children’s language capabilities in the context of specific relationships merit further a...
RATIO OF THE LATTICE THERMAL CONDUCTIVITIES OF NORMAL AND SUPERCONDUCTING INDIUM

Measurements are reported of the thermal conductivity of ten specimens of indium with small amounts of tin and bismuth, with residual resistivities between 0.12 and 6 \ensuremath{\mu}\ensuremath{\Omega} cm. The normal-state lattice conductivity shows the characteristic variation with electronic mean free path previously reported for other metals. The ratio of the lattice conductivities in the superconducting and normal states in the region where electron scattering predominates is in reasonable agreement with the theoretical predictions of Bardeen, Rickayzen, and Tewordt.
Pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy. A review of current concepts

Diabetic retinopathy characteristically appears some 12 to 15 years after the onset of diabetes mellitus. Approximately one-half of diabetics in a random population will show retinopathic changes. 1–6% will develop the blinding form while the remainder will retain essentially normal vision. The basic lesion appears to be a selective loss of capillary mural cells. Retinal capillaries which have lost their mural cells become high-volume shunts, develop outpouchings which become microaneurysms that tend to leak plasma proteins and red blood cells into the surrounding retina. These same vessels can give rise to new formed vessels on the optic nerve head which may penetrate a short distance into the vitreous body with subsequent plasma leakage or gross intravitreal hemorrhage. Other new formed capillaries grow in the potential space between the retina and cortical vitreous. Plasma constituents and red cell breakdown products result in shrinkage of the vitreous body. Such shrinkage causes traction on the new vessels attached jointly to the retinal surface and the cortical vitreous resulting in recurrent hemorrhage and eventual retinal detachment. Conditions which raise the intraocular pressure or decrease the central retinal artery pressure seem to protect the retina against the destructive changes of diabetic retinopathy.
Intersegmental coordination of swimmeret rhythms in isolated nerve cords of crayfish

In crayfish,Pacifastacus leniusculus, abdominal ganglia that can generate the motor pattern normally associated with swimmeret beating continue to do so when the number of connected ganglia is reduced from six to two. The period and phase of the rhythm produced by these shortened chains of ganglia are the same as those produced by the full abdominal nerve cord. These results demonstrate that interactions between any two neighboring ganglia suffice to establish the metachronal phase-lag characteristic of the swimmeret rhythm.
Imaging of cytosolic Ca2+ transients arising from Ca2+ stores and Ca2+ channels in sympathetic neurons.

Abstract Changes in cytosolic free Ca 2+ concentration ([Ca 2+ ] i ) due to Ca 2+ entry or Ca 2+ release from internal stores were spatially resolved by digital imaging with the Ca 2+ indicator fura-2 in frog sympathetic neurons. Electrical stimulation evoked a rise in [Ca 2+ ] i spreading radially from the periphery to the center of the soma. Elevated [K 2+ ] o also increased [Ca 2+ ] i , but only in the presence of external Ca 2+ , indicating that Ca 2+ influx through Ca 2+ channels is the primary event in the depolarization response. Ca 2+ release or uptake from caffeine-sensitive internal stores was able to amplify or attenuate the effects of Ca 2+ influx, to generate continued oscillations in [Ca 2+ ] i , and to persistently elevate [Ca 2+ ] i above basal levels after the stores had been Ca 2+ -loaded.
Predicting pharmacists' adjustment of medication regimens in Ramadan using the Theory of Planned Behavior

Abstract Background During Ramadan, many Muslim patients may choose to abstain from food, drink and oral medications from dawn to sunset. Objectives This study explored the utility of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) model in predicting community pharmacists' Medication Regimen Adjustment (MRA) behavior for patients during Ramadan. Methods A sample of pharmacists was drawn from a recent list of community pharmacies in the Alexandria governorate. A cross-sectional, self-administered survey was completed by community pharmacists to determine their attitudes and behaviors regarding adjustment of medication regimens around Ramadan. Multiple linear regression was used to predict MRA as a function of the TPB constructs and four other factors – "pharmacist initiation of the conversation on MRA," "number of hours worked," "age," and "religion" of pharmacist. Results Two hundred seventy-seven (92.9%) of the 298 approached pharmacists participated. While 94.2% reported performing one or more kinds of MRA around Ramadan for at least one patient, the majority of these were for a small percentage of patients. The most common MRA was changing the frequency of taking the medication followed by the dose of the medication, the dosage form of the medication and the medication itself. Statistically significant predictors of MRA in the final model included patient social pressure (PSP) ( β = 0.274, P β = 0.217, P β = 0.207, P = 0.001), initiating communication ( β = 0.167, P = 0.001) and the number of working hours (β = 0.145, P = 0.005). Conclusions The TPB appears to have utility in predicting pharmacists' MRA behavior. Pharmacists may be open to a larger MRA role than they are currently performing. There is a need to prepare pharmacists who are frequently requested to adjust patients' medication regimens to make sure they provide a safe transition for fasting patients into and out of Ramadan.
On multivariate mean remaining life functions

Abstract The concept of the mean remaining life function is extended to the multivariate case. Some general characterization properties of multivariate mean remaning life functions (mmrl) are studied, it is shown that they determine the joint pdf uniquely. Inter alia a basic convergence result is proved for a sequence of mmrl functions. The multivariate loss of memory property of a pdf is characterized in terms of the mmrl function. The relationship between the mmrl function and the hazard-gradient is discussed.
Classification of corrosion defects in NiAl bronze through image analysis

Corrosion surface damage in the form of pitting and micro-cracks is observed in many metals. Cracks usually initiate from the pits and grow under cyclic stresses and eventually lead to material failure. An image analysis based on wavelet transforms and fractals was used to study the corrosion morphology of nickel aluminum bronze metal under varying corrosion conditions and applied stresses. Image feature parameters were extracted and analyzed to classify the pits/cracks in the metal samples. The results obtained indicate that classification of pits/cracks is possible with image analysis and may be used for correlating service/failure conditions based on corrosion morphology.
Polar fields during the rising phase of cycle 22

High-resolution magnetograph observations of the polar magnetic fields have been obtained at intervals of time since the end of 1986 at Big Bear Solar Observatory. The Big Bear data differ from the low-resolution, full-disk magnetograph observations in that the 2 arc sec resolution makes it possible to resolve concentrated field upward of 100 G. The purpose of this ongoing observation is to examine the evolution of polar fields during the expected polarity reversal as cycle 22 passes its maximum phase, and secondly, to study the polar magnetic field: its true field strength, distribution, and how it compares to other parts of the quiet Sun.
Modulation transfer functions of the human visual system revealed by magnetic field measurements

Properties of a neural source of magnetic field localized in the occipital lobe was measured in a steady-state paradigm using contrast reversing gratings. Comparisons with scalp potentials provided evidence that the evoked field was associated with intracellular currents. Its modulation transfer functions were similar to the analogous functions for the scalp potential and the detection of a grating. Moreover, the amplitude of the evoked field was linearly related to the potential amplitude and their phases were nearly identical. An analysis of the results in terms of theoretical relations between evoked field and potential led us to conclude that these two measures may yield a similar characterization of the source when one dipolar source predominantly gives rise to both measures, but they may yield complementary information when multiple sources contribute to the measures.