cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cortical and thalamic axon pathfinding defects in Tbr1, Gbx2, and Pax6 mutant mice: evidence that cortical and thalamic axons interact and guide each other.

During development, cortical areas establish precise reciprocal projections with corresponding thalamic nuclei. Pioneer axons from the cortex and thalamus first meet in the intermediate zone of the subcortical telencephalon (subpallium). Their close interactions in the subpallium suggest that they may use each other for guidance. To test this hypothesis, the development of corticothalamic and thalamocortical connections was studied in mice with mutations of transcription factor genes expressed specifically in the cortex (Tbr1), the dorsal thalamus (Gbx2), or both (Pax6). In Tbr1 mutants, cortical pioneer axons entered the subpallium at the appropriate time, but most stopped growing without entering the diencephalon. Surprisingly, thalamic axons (which do not express Tbr1) deviated into the external capsule and amygdala regions, without entering the cortex. Conversely, in most Gbx2 mutants, thalamic axons were reduced in number and grew no farther than the subpallium. Cortical axons (which do not express Gbx2) grew into the subpallium but did not enter the diencephalon. In one Gbx2– /– case, sparse thalamocortical and corticothalamic projections both developed, but in no case did one projection reach its target and not the other. In Pax6 mutants, neither corticothalamic nor thalamocortical axons reached their targets. These results suggest that thalamocortical and corticothalamic projections may not form independently. After reaching the subpallium, each projection may require a molecularly intact reciprocal projection for further guidance. This type of mechanism ensures that thalamocortical and corticothalamic axons project reciprocally. However, the exact nature of the interaction between cortical and thalamic pioneer axons remains to be elucidated. J. Comp. Neurol. 447:8–17, 2002. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Asymmetric Price and Volatility Adjustments in Emerging Asian Stock Markets

This paper tests the hypothesis that stock returns in emerging stock markets adjust asymmetrically to past information. The evidence suggests that both the conditional mean and the conditional variance respond asymmetrically to past information. In agreement with studies dealing with developed stock markets, the conditional variance is an asymmetrical function of past innovations, rising proportionately more during market declines. More importantly, the conditional mean is also an asymmetrical function of past returns. Specifically, positive past returns are more persistent than negative past returns of an equal magnitude. This behaviour is consistent with an asymmetric partial adjustment price model where news suggesting overpricing (negative returns) are incorporated faster into current prices than news suggesting underpricing (positive returns). Furthermore, the asymmetric adjustment of prices to past information could be partially responsible for the asymmetries in the conditional variance if the degree of adjustment and the level of volatility are positively related.
A Close-up of the ESCRTs

The ESCRT protein complexes assemble on the endosome into a protein network that sorts ubiquitinated transmembrane proteins into lumenal vesicles of the compartment. New structural information highlights the complexity of the ESCRT network.
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of porcine versus synthetic secretin for reducing symptoms of autism.

ABSTRACT Objective: To compare the effects of a single dose of biologic and synthetic porcine secretin to placebo on a variety of autism symptoms. Method: Eighty-five children with autism without other medical conditions and not taking other psychotropic medications participated (ages between 3 and 12 years, mean IQ = 55). Children were grouped into trios matched by age and communication level and then randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups: biologic secretin (2 CU/kg), synthetic secretin (0.4 μg/kg), and placebo. Measures collected 1 week before and 4 weeks after infusion included autism symptoms, language skills, and problem behaviors, gathered from parents, teachers, and investigators, who were all blind to treatment. Two-factor, repeated-measures analyses of variance (3 treatment levels by 2 repeated measures, pre- and postinfusion) were used to examine efficacy. Results: Direct observation measures did not show change over time related to secretin. Parent reports showed an overall reduction of symptom severity for all treatment groups, including the placebo group. One teacher-report measure showed decreases in autism symptoms in the placebo and synthetic secretin groups. Conclusions: No evidence that either biologic or synthetic secretin provided amelioration of symptoms beyond placebo was observed. This held true when children with and without gastrointestinal problems were examined separately.
Testosterone, Alcohol, and Civil and Rough Conflict Resolution Strategies in Lesbian Couples

The present study investigated the relations among testosterone level, acute alcohol consumption, and the use of violent (Rough) or non-violent (Civil) conflict resolution strategies in lesbian couples. The participants were 54 lesbian campers at a women's campground or spectators at a gay pride celebration who each provided a saliva sample for testosterone assay and completed a questionnaire. On the questionnaire, participants indicated whether they used Civil or Rough tactics to deal with domestic discord, and whether or not their use of these tactics varied with their use of alcohol. High testosterone women used Rough tactics equally when drinking as when not drinking, while low testosterone women used Rough tactics far more often when drinking than when not drinking. Alcohol appears to release violent tendencies in low testosterone women, who are characteristically restrained under sober conditions, but has little effect on high testosterone women.
Russia and the Near Abroad: Applying a Risk Barometer for War

The steps-to-war theory has made important strides in uncovering the causes of interstate armed conflict. Scholars now have a reliable way to delineate the path to war or towards peace. This article explores the relationship between Russia and its ‘Near Abroad’ neighbors Estonia, Ukraine, and Georgia to investigate the probability of war and conflict in the region during the post-Cold War era. Here, we create a risk barometer for war by combining recent empirical findings with qualitative foreign policy analysis. The analysis demonstrates Estonia's probable successful path out of war with Russia, while the Ukraine's growing risk for coming conflict increases as the variables of interest pile on. Georgia and Russia have already had a war that followed the path outlined in the theory and might battle again in the future based on our findings. This article demonstrates how an empirical theory of international relations behavior can be used to explore the potential for future conflict in the region so as to i...
Manufacturing capacity and its measurement: a critical evaluation

Abstract The report reviews and analyzes the concept of productive capacity, identifies four capacities: nominal, available, actual, and idle, defines them precisely, and suggests approaches to their measurement.
Different types of opioid receptors mediating analgesia induced by morphine, DAMGO, DPDPE, DADLE and beta-endorphin in mice.

The effects of intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration of D-Phe-Cys-Tyr-D-Try-Orn-Thr-Pen-Thr-NH2 (CTOP), a selective mu-opioid receptor antagonist, (Allyl)2-Tyr-Aib-Aib-Phe-Leu-OH (ICI 174864) and (N,N-Bisallyl-Tyr-Gly-Gly-psi-(CH2S)-Phe-Leu-OH (ICI 154129), selective delta-opioid receptor antagonists on blocking analgesia induced by beta-endorphin, morphine, D-Ala2-NMePhe4-Gly-ol-enkephalin (DAMGO), D-Ala2-D-Leu5-enkephalin (DADLE) and D-Pen2-enkephalin (DPDPE) administered i.c.v. were studied in male ICR mice. The analgesia was assessed by the tail-flick and paw-licking (hot-plate) tests. The potencies of opioid agonists injected i.c.v. for producing analgesia were DAMGO greater than DADLE greater than beta-endorphin greater than morphine greater than DPDPE. Intracerebroventricular administration of CTOP (0.05 micrograms) selectively antagonized inhibition of the tail-flick and paw-licking response induced by morphine, DAMGO or DADLE but not beta-endorphin or DPDPE. ICI 174864 (5 micrograms) and ICI 154129 (5 micrograms) injected i.c.v. selectively antagonized analgesia induced by DPDPE or DADLE but not beta-endorphin, morphine or DAMGO injected i.c.v. These results indicate that analgesia induced by morphine and DAMGO is mediated by the stimulation of mu-opioid receptors while analgesia induced by DPDPE is mediated by the stimulation of delta-opioid receptors. DADLE-induced analgesia is mediated by the stimulation of both mu- and delta-opioid receptors. Analgesia induced by beta-endorphin is mediated by neither mu- nor delta-opioid receptors.
Specificity of a low free serum histidine concentration for rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract The concentration of free histidine in serum was subnormal ( P ⪡ 10 −5 ) in 285 patients with rheumatoid arthritis but not in 254 patients with other diseases such as sickness in general, infection, diabetes, osteoarthritis, heart disease, liver disease, rheumatic fever, cancer, and gout. No drug decreased the serum histidine concentration. In healthy subjects between the ages of 13 and 40 yr, the serum histidine concentration was slightly lower (14%, P = 0.04) in women than in men. There was a direct correlation ( r = 0.5, P = 0.004) between the serum histidine concentration and the duration of pregnancy. The literature (114 refs.) concerning the free blood histidine concentration in various conditions is reviewed. It is concluded that a low blood histidine concentration in a properly preserved casual specimen has a high degree of specificity for rheumatoid arthritis.
Selective-Area Epitaxy and In-Situ Etching of Gaas Using Tris- Dimethylaminoarsenic By Chemical Beam Epitaxy

In this study, we shall first report selective-area epitaxy (SAE) of GaAs by chemical beam epitaxy (CBE) using tris-dimethylaminoarsenic (TDMAAs), a safer alternative source to arsine (AsH3), as the group V source. With triethylgallium (TEGa) and TDMAAs, true selectivity of GaAs can be achieved at a growth temperature of 470°C, which is much lower than the 600°C in the case of using TEGa and arsenic (AS4) or AsH3. Secondly, we apply SAE of carbon-doped AlGaAs/GaAs to a heterojunction bipolar transistor (HBT) with a regrown external base, which exhibits a better device performance. Finally, the etching effect and the etched/regrown interface of GaAs using TDMAAs will be discussed.
Use of homoduplex ribosomal DNA spacer amplification products and heteroduplex cross-hybridization products in the identification of Salmonella serovars

When the hypervariable 16S-23S intergenic spacer regions found in prokaryotic ribosomal DNA (rDNA) are amplified from conserved adjacent sequences, homoduplex double-stranded DNA structures and heteroduplex structures containing substantial regions of single-stranded DNA are generated. The electrophoretic separation of these structures results in product profile patterns, which may be organized into highly correlated pattern groups of ribosomal spacer and heteroduplex polymorphism (RS/HP) types. In a test panel of 380 Salmonella strains that were analyzed by this procedure, 36 unique RS/HP types were observed. Of the 28 serovars in the test group, 21 showed single characteristic RS/HP types. The remaining seven serovars each contained multiple RS/HP types, which were also unique to individual serovars. Formation of heteroduplex structures with a substantially reduced electrophoretic mobility was observed in 29 of the 36 RS/HP pattern types. Because the mobility of these heteroduplex structures is sensitive to intergenic spacer sequence composition, the presence of these structures adds an additional diagnostic feature that is extremely useful in the differentiation of Salmonella serovars. The RS/HP types show sufficient diversity to be useful in the identification of many commonly observed Salmonella serovars. This analytical procedure is simple to perform and is well suited to rapid and inexpensive screening of large numbers of Salmonella strains.
Geometry of the wrist

Computed tomography (CT) scan data has been processes into quantitative geometric data for a range of wrists in varying attitudes. The geometric data has been processed to yield information concerning shape variation for the carpal bones, and to describe changes in location and orientation during wrist motion. The shape studies have concentrated on the hamate, scaphoid, and lunate. They reveal a range of variability, especially for such features as the hook of the hamate. >
Conserved Transcriptional Regulatory Mechanisms in Aortic Valve Development and Disease

There is increasing evidence for activation of developmental transcriptional regulatory pathways in heart valve disease. Here, we review molecular regulatory mechanisms involved in heart valve progenitor development, leaflet morphogenesis, and extracellular matrix organization that also are active in diseased aortic valves. These include regulators of endothelial-to-mesenchymal transitions, such as the Notch pathway effector RBPJ, and the valve progenitor markers Twist1, Msx1/2, and Sox9. Little is known of the potential reparative or pathological functions of these developmental mechanisms in adult aortic valves, but it is tempting to speculate that valve progenitor cells could contribute to repair in the context of disease. Likewise, loss of either RBPJ or Sox9 leads to aortic valve calcification in mice, supporting a potential therapeutic role in prevention of disease. During aortic valve calcification, transcriptional regulators of osteogenic development are activated in addition to valve progenitor regulatory programs. Specifically, the transcription factor Runx2 and its downstream target genes are induced in calcified valves. Runx2 and osteogenic genes also are induced with vascular calcification, but activation of valve progenitor markers and the cellular context of expression are likely to be different for valve and vascular calcification. Additional research is necessary to determine whether developmental mechanisms contribute to valve repair or whether these pathways can be harnessed for new treatments of heart valve disease.
SPIN-PAC: test compaction for speed-independent circuits

SPIN-PAC is a static test compaction method for speed-independent circuits. We demonstrate how the test sets can be compacted by combining multiple consecutive test vectors within a test sequence into a vector pair of higher Hamming distance, and by eliminating or pruning independent test sequences. We discuss the exponential nature of optimally solving this problem, we propose an efficient algorithm to approximate it, and we evaluate its performance through experiments.
The Pb Center at the Si-SiO2 Precipitate Interfaces in Buried Oxide Materials: 29Si Hyperfine Interactions and Linewidths

Electron Spin Resonance (ESR) has recently been very successfully applied to the problem of thermal oxide — Si interfaces1–3. That work resulted in the identification of the Pb center as the primary fast interface trap and the determination that its basic structure is a trivalent Si atom at the Si-SiO2 interface. In addition to the technological motivations, there is also fundamental interest in this defect, which is at the interface between a crystalline solid and an amorphous one, and, therefore, might be expected to have features characteristic of defects in both types of materials. The detailed ESR study of the structure of this defect is inhibited by the small fraction of interfacial atoms in a typical Si-SiO2 structure. It has recently been shown that the principal paramagnetic defect observed in silicon on insulator materials formed by oxygen implantation is a Pb center at the interface between Si and SiO2 precipitates in the Si film over the buried oxide layer4–6. The total precipitate surface area can be much greater than the simple surface area of an Si-SiO2 structure. This increased number of “interfacial” atoms affords the opportunity to conduct more detailed ESR studies of the Pb center than readily possible with Si-thermal oxide structures. In addition these interfaces are formed in a significantly different manner than the thermal oxide interfaces and a comparison of the Pb centers formed in the two manners may offer insights into their formation.
Identifying and addressing effectiveness in a user-centered design of voluntary medical incident reporting system

Two major challenges to current voluntary medical incident reporting system (VMIR) are underreporting and low quality reports, which make it difficult for health providers to effective use and learn from mistakes for patient safety improvement. According to prior researches on a variety of voluntary system design and usage in different domains such as aviation, system usability and utility were considered as significant contributing factors that influence the system acceptance. However, the published studies of dealing with these factors to maximize system acceptance and effectiveness in medical incident reporting domain are few and fragmented. In this study, we elaborated the background and problems in target domain of medical incident reporting firstly, and then synthesized practical and academic instance by unobtrusive data analysis and literature review to propose a design framework to the future applications. Finally, a developing computer-based prototype as a partial solution of proposed design was paraphrased to illustrate our initial progress on user-centered design of VMIR. It is expected to increase reporting efficiency and data quality that will promote a learning culture and help remove shame-blame barriers in collecting patient safety events.
Oesophageal leiomyosarcoma in dogs: surgical management and clinical outcome of four cases

Oesophageal leiomyosarcoma has yet to be reported in dogs. This retrospective case series describes the case management and clinical outcome of four dogs with oesophageal leiomyosarcoma treated by marginal excision alone. Histological features used to determine tumour grade included capsular invasion, percent necrosis, pleomorphism and mitotic rate. All tumours were designated grade 1 leiomyosarcoma. Excision of all grossly evident tumour tissue was achieved in two of the four cases; however, histopathologic evaluation showed tumour cells at the surgical margins in one of these two cases. Two dogs had grossly incomplete excision. Two dogs died from unrelated conditions, one 3 years and 5.5 months after surgery, the other at 65 days. One dog had persistent mega-oesophagus and was lost to follow-up 388 days after surgery and one dog is still alive (last follow-up 405 days after surgery). Despite large tumour size and incomplete excision, surgical removal of low-grade leiomyosarcomas can result in long-term resolution of clinical signs.
The induction of baboon glycodelin expression by progesterone is not through Sp1.

Glycodelin is a major secretory product of the uterine glandular epithelial cells of the human and non-human primate during the late luteal phase of the menstrual cycle and early pregnancy. Since progesterone levels are elevated during these periods we sought to determine how progesterone modulates glycodelin gene expression. Co-transfection of various deletions of the baboon glycodelin promoter with the progesterone receptor (PR) into Ishikawa cells, a human endometrial cell line, revealed that full progesterone responsiveness is retained within the region ‐119/+48. In COS-1 cells, a kidney cell line, progesterone failed to elevate luciferase levels when various deletion constructs and the PR were co-transfected. Mutation of the Sp1 site in the ‐67/+48 region lowered basal expression but did not affect the ability of progesterone to increase expression of the luciferase reporter in Ishikawa cells. These findings suggest that Sp1 sites are not involved in the progesterone regulation of the baboon glycodelin gene. We propose that progesterone induces a factor that regulates glycodelin gene expression in the uterus since we failed to obtain a similar response in a non-uterine cell line.
Fine root decomposition rates do not mirror those of leaf litter among temperate tree species

Elucidating the function of and patterns among plant traits above ground has been a major research focus, while the patterns and functioning of belowground traits remain less well understood. Even less well known is whether species differences in leaf traits and their associated biogeochemical effects are mirrored by differences in root traits and their effects. We studied fine root decomposition and N dynamics in a common garden study of 11 temperate European and North American tree species (Abies alba, Acer platanoides, Acer pseudoplatanus, Carpinus betulus, Fagus sylvatica, Larix decidua, Picea abies, Pseudotsuga menziesii, Quercus robur, Quercus rubra and Tilia cordata) to determine whether leaf litter and fine root decomposition rates are correlated across species as well as which species traits influence microbial decomposition above versus below ground. Decomposition and N immobilization rates of fine roots were unrelated to those of leaf litter across species. The lack of correspondence of above- and belowground processes arose partly because the tissue traits that influenced decomposition and detritus N dynamics different for roots versus leaves, and partly because influential traits were unrelated between roots and leaves across species. For example, while high hemicellulose concentrations and thinner roots were associated with more rapid decomposition below ground, low lignin and high Ca concentrations were associated with rapid aboveground leaf decomposition. Our study suggests that among these temperate trees, species effects on C and N dynamics in decomposing fine roots and leaf litter may not reinforce each other. Thus, species differences in rates of microbially mediated decomposition may not be as large as they would be if above- and belowground processes were working in similar directions (i.e., if faster decomposition above ground corresponded to faster decomposition below ground). Our results imply that studies that focus solely on aboveground traits may obscure some of the important mechanisms by which plant species influence ecosystem processes.
The Evaluation of Lifeline Electricity Rates Methods and Myths

This article first reviews the sections of the National Energy Act as it applies to electricity rate innovations. It then focuses on one particular rate structure ("lifeline" rates) and identifies three research designs commonly used to evaluate its effects. Finally, it discusses the analytic and interpretive assumptions inherent in these studies and suggests how these assumptions will have to be altered before social scientists can contribute effectively to policy research in this area.
Deficits of Ideokinetic Praxis in Chronic Schizophrenics on a Modified Version of the Luria-Nebraska Motor Scale.

One disturbance of motility in schizophrenia is the blocking of voluntary action, or ambitendency. Although the traditional explanation for this disorder is psychological, the documentation of psychomotor slowing in the literature suggests the possibility of a neurologic pathogenesis. It was hypothesized that disconnection between the ideatory and motor components of a voluntary action described as ambitendency is similar to the ideokinetic apraxia of disease of the left frontal cortex. It was also hypothesized that because of this presumed anatomical locus, manifestation of ideokinetic apraxia in schizophrenia would be correlated with corticomotor slowing of the dominant hand. to test these hypotheses, a modified version of the Motor Scale of the Luria-Nebraska Neuropsychological Examination and jhe Finger Tapping Test of the Halstead-Reitan Neuropsychological Battery were administered to 10 chronic undifferentiated schizophrenics, 10 paranoid schizophrenics, 10 patients with major depressive disorders, ...
An analysis of horizontal fracture initiation during hydrofrac stress measurements in granite at North Conway, New Hampshire

SUMMARY The in-situ state of stress was investigated using the hydro-fracturing technique in a cored, borehole in granite at North Conway, New Hampshire, USA. A total of 21 successful tests were made in fracture-free intervals to a depth of 579m. Of the 18 tests in which oriented impressions were taken of induced fractures, 16 were found to be sub-horizontal. Laboratory and finite element simulations show that these fractures could not have been a result of stresses induced by the packer system. Although a conventional analysis in which the borehole wall is assumed to be a smooth continuum would not admit the possibility of horizontal fracturing, we present a simple analysis, based on the experimental result of Jaeger (1963) and the theoretical work of Haimson (1968), that shows that if the fluid intrudes micro-cracks in the borehole wall, horizontal fractures can be initiated where the least horizontal stress is only modestly greater than the vertical stress. For rocks of microdarcy permeability the wellbore pressure must be raised to breakdown levels in less than ten seconds if the effect is to be suppressed. The shut-in pressures provided an unusual opportunity to measure the vertical stresses. The results show that the vertical stress closely followed the calculated overburden to a depth of 400 m. Three measurements below 415 m, however, yielded vertical stresses which are distinctively sub-lithostatic.
TLR4 Activation Under Lipotoxic Conditions Leads to Synergistic Macrophage Cell Death through a TRIF-Dependent Pathway

Macrophage dysfunction in obesity and diabetes may predispose to the development of diabetic complications, such as infection and impaired healing after tissue damage. Saturated fatty acids, such as palmitate, are present at elevated concentrations in the plasma of patients with metabolic disease and may contribute to the pathogenesis of diabetes and its sequelae. To examine the effect of lipid excess on macrophage inflammatory function, we determined the influence of palmitate on LPS-mediated responses in peritoneal macrophages. Palmitate and LPS led to a profound synergistic cell death response in both primary and RAW 264.7 macrophages. The cell death had features of apoptosis and necrosis and was not dependent on endoplasmic reticulum stress, ceramide generation, or reactive oxygen species production. Instead, we uncovered a macrophage death pathway that required TLR4 signaling via TRIF but was independent of NF-κB, MAPKs, and IRF3. A significant decrease in macrophage lysosomal content was observed early in the death pathway, with evidence of lysosomal membrane damage occurring later in the death response. Overexpression of the transcription factor TFEB, which induces a lysosomal biogenic program, rescued the lysosomal phenotype and improved viability in palmitate- and LPS-treated cells. Our findings provide new evidence for cross-talk between lipid metabolism and the innate immune response that converges on the lysosome.
cGMP-Dependent Protein Kinases and cGMP Phosphodiesterases in Nitric Oxide and cGMP Action

To date, studies suggest that biological signaling by nitric oxide (NO) is primarily mediated by cGMP, which is synthesized by NO-activated guanylyl cyclases and broken down by cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases (PDEs). Effects of cGMP occur through three main groups of cellular targets: cGMP-dependent protein kinases (PKGs), cGMP-gated cation channels, and PDEs. cGMP binding activates PKG, which phosphorylates serines and threonines on many cellular proteins, frequently resulting in changes in activity or function, subcellular localization, or regulatory features. The proteins that are so modified by PKG commonly regulate calcium homeostasis, calcium sensitivity of cellular proteins, platelet activation and adhesion, smooth muscle contraction, cardiac function, gene expression, feedback of the NO-signaling pathway, and other processes. Current therapies that have successfully targeted the NO-signaling pathway include nitrovasodilators (nitroglycerin), PDE5 inhibitors [sildenafil (Viagra and Revatio), vardenafil (Levitra), and tadalafil (Cialis and Adcirca)] for treatment of a number of vascular diseases including angina pectoris, erectile dysfunction, and pulmonary hypertension; the PDE3 inhibitors [cilostazol (Pletal) and milrinone (Primacor)] are used for treatment of intermittent claudication and acute heart failure, respectively. Potential for use of these medications in the treatment of other maladies continues to emerge.
The Santa Rosa Event: 40Ar/39Ar and paleomagnetic results from the Valles rhyolite near Jaramillo Creek, Jemez Mountains, New Mexico

The Jaramillo Event was originally defined by Doell and Dalrymple in 1966 on the basis of K^Ar ages from sanidine in the normally, transitionally and reversely magnetized rhyolite domes named Cerro del Abrigo, Cerro Santa Rosa I and Cerro Santa Rosa II, respectively, that erupted following collapse of the archetypal Valles Caldera, New Mexico. We have collected new paleomagnetic data from the three domes and new 40 Ar/ 39 Ar laser fusion and furnace incremental heating experiments on sanidine crystals from the Cerro Santa Rosa I rhyolite. Step-wise alternating field and thermal demagnetization techniques applied to 52 samples from seven sites indicate that the original paleomagnetic results of Doell and Dalrymple [Science 152 (1966) 1060^1061] are valid. Cerro del Abrigo is normally magnetized, whereas the Santa Rosa I dome is transitional with an inclination of 363‡ toward the east and the Santa Rosa II dome is of reversed polarity. Twenty-five laser fusion experiments on sanidine crystals from the the Cerro Santa Rosa I dome, together with the saddle-shaped spectrum obtained by incrementally heating the sanidine in a furnace reveal that this rhyolite contained a small but significant component of excess argon prior to eruption. Our preferred age of 936 ˛ 8 ka (˛ 2c) for the Santa Rosa I rhyolite is based on the concordant laser fusion isochron and incremental heating plateau ages. This age is significantly older than was inferred on the basis of earlier laser fusion 40 Ar/ 39 Ar results that suggested a trapped component characterized by a 40 Ar/ 36 Ar ratio lower than the atmospheric value of 295.5. Our new age distinguishes the Santa Rosa I dome by 65 kyr from the termination of the Jaramillo normal subchron 1001 ˛ 10 ka and by 37 kyr from basaltic lavas at Haleakala and Tahiti, which record the Kamikatsura Event 899 ˛ 6 ka. Moreover, this determination is a factor of three more precise than the best previous estimate for a proposed geomagnetic event in this time period. The Cerro Santa Rosa I rhyolite dome, once intimately linked with the end of the Jaramillo Event and the acceptance of plate tectonic theory, now defines a highly resolved feature, the Santa Rosa Event, in a terrestrial geomagnetic reversal time scale that is consistent with the global record of magnetic field intensity from marine sediments. fl 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Tetherin Inhibits HIV-1 Release by Directly Tethering Virions to Cells

Tetherin is an interferon-induced protein whose expression blocks the release of HIV-1 and other enveloped viral particles. The underlying mechanism by which tetherin functions and whether it directly or indirectly causes virion retention are unknown. Here, we elucidate the mechanism by which tetherin exerts its antiviral activity. We demonstrate, through mutational analyses and domain replacement experiments, that tetherin configuration rather than primary sequence is critical for antiviral activity. These findings allowed the design of a completely artificial protein, lacking sequence homology with native tetherin, that nevertheless mimicked its antiviral activity. We further show that tetherin is incorporated into HIV-1 particles as a parallel homodimer using either of its two membrane anchors. These results indicate that tetherin functions autonomously and directly and that infiltration of virion envelopes by one or both of tetherin's membrane anchors is necessary, and likely sufficient, to tether enveloped virus particles that bud through the plasma membrane.
Shadow price based genetic algorithms for the cutting stock problem

The Cutting Stock Problem (CSP) is an integer combinatorial optimisation problem (an NP hard problem). It is an important problem in many industrial applications. In recent years, various traditional algorithms have been applied to the CSP, such as the Linear Programming (LP), the Branch and Cut (BC), the Evolutionary Algorithm (EA), etc. To continue improve performance, this paper proposes a novel Shadow Price based Genetic Algorithm (SPGA) to solve the CSP. The main contribution of this work is to combine distinct methods to generate better solutions. The experimental results have shown that the new SPGA has produced much better solutions than the classic Genetic Algorithm (GA) and other bio-inspired algorithms. This paper also demonstrates the new algorithm's capability of solving multi-objective optimisation problems.
Prospective randomized study of corticosteroids in the management of premature rupture of the membranes and the premature gestation.

Abstract A prospective randomized study involving patients with premature rupture of the membranes between the twenty-elghth week and thirty-fourth week of pregnancy was conducted. Patients with chorioamnionitis, advanced labor, and fetal distress, as well as those mature lecithin/sphingomyelin ratios and/or Gram stains positive for bacteria were delivered immediately. The remaining randomized. One group received betamethasone. Tocolytic agents were used in this group when necessary. After 48 hours all patients given corticosteroids(CS group) were delivered. The second group was mamaged expectanly (EM group)and were delivered only when spontaneous labor or infection occurred. A total of 160 patients were randomized, 80 in each group. Maternal outcome, including chorioamnionitis and cesarian section rates, was not different; however, the endometritis rate was significantly higher int the CS group (p 4 weeks) was higher in the neonates in the CS group (p
Post Merger Changes in the Riskiness of the Loan Portfolio

The recent problems in the financial sector suggest that various types of loans present different types of risk over and above the normal charge-offs. This paper examines the risk associated with post-merger variability in the charge-off rate and the non-performing loan rate, and the implications this variability has for the institution. It develops a new measure of risk to profitability in a bank's loan portfolio based on traditional portfolio theory. This measure is used to examine the risk levels in the loan portfolios of merging bank holding companies (BHCs) and the change in risk that occurs in the years following the merger. The paper finds that the combined loan portfolios of merging BHCs have higher than average levels of charge-offs and higher than average risk in their portfolios in the year prior to the merger. Using the new measure of risk, our research finds that the level of risk is increased after the merger as the surviving banks shift their portfolios toward loans with potentially higher risk and higher returns.
The Lawyers' Movement in Pakistan

The lawyers of Pakistan call for Pervez Musharraf's trial under Article 6 of the Constitution. Article 6 reads as follows: "Any person who abrogates or attempts or conspires to abrogate, subverts or attempts or conspires to subvert the Constitution by use of force or show of force or by other unconstitutional means shall be guilty of high treason." An independent Judicial Commission must be established to investigate whether Caesar has violated Article 6 of the Constitution. An open and fair trial, but without granting any immunity to the defendant, will restore the supremacy of the Constitution and verify the claims of Caesar whether the judges he removed were indeed aiding and abetting terrorists and conspiring to harm the nation, forcing Caesar to proclaim emergency and abrogate the Constitution.
Effect of Structure on the Stability of Nematic Mesophases

Studies into the effect of structural modifications on the central ring of liquid crystals of the type Open image in new window in which the central group is a non-benzenoid ring are rare (1, 2, 3). It was our purpose to extend the range of such ringed compounds and to reinvestigate some previously reported systems. As noted by Young et al (4) molecular modifications must be systematic and must be accompanied by as small a perturbation of the molecular properties as possible if one is to correctly analyze the results only in terms of the specific modification made. Therefore we have employed identical terminal and wing groups and have chosen central rings which insure the same length-to-breadth ratio as found in the molecule chosen as the reference compound bis-(p-methoxyphenyl)-terephthalate.
Structure of Cuticular Lyrifissures in Tetranychus urticae

Three pairs of cuticular lyrifissures were found in Tetranychus urticae Koch between the dorsolateral row of setae on the idiosoma of all stages of both sexes. The structures were pitlike with a thin epicuticular covering. A fibrous basal area was present. Lyrifissures of adult females and quiescent female deutonymphs were similar in structure. The most likely function of the lyrifissures is as a mechanoreceptor. The porous nature of the lyrifissures may indicate a possible secondary role in quiescent female deutonymphs as a passive release site for a sex attractant.
Specificity in cationic interaction with poly(N-isopropylacrylamide).

Classical molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were conducted for PNIPAM in 1 M monovalent alkali chloride salt solutions as well as in 0.5 M divalent Mg2+ and Ca2+ chloride salt solutions. It was found that the strength for the direct alkali ion–amide O binding is strongly correlated with the size of the ionic radius. The smallest Li+ ion binds strongest to amide O, and the largest Cs+ ion has the weakest interaction with the amide bond. For the divalent Mg2+ and Ca2+ ions, their interactions with the amide bond are weak and appear to be mediated by the water molecules, particularly in the case of Mg2+, resulting from their strong hydration. The direct binding between the cations and amide O requires partial desovlation of the ions that is energetically unfavorable for Mg2+ and also to a great extent for Ca2+. The higher cation charge makes the electrostatic interaction more favorable but the dehydration process less favorable. This competition between electrostatic interaction and the dehydration process...
Employment Effects of Grant-in-Aid Effects

Grants-in-aid have become a major tool of intergovernmental relations in the United States. The grant device is popular because it enables the federal or state governments to pursue one set of objectives while still acknowledging varied local preferences and experiences. Grants have been used, because of their versatility, to further a broad range of distinct policy goals including support and improvement of traditional governmental functions, provision of new and innovative public services and equalization of service levels among governmental jurisdictions.' But since grant-in-aid systems usually rely on local institutions to achieve these public goals, it is often difficult to determine what changes in governmental behavior grants have actually produced.
Analysis and surveillance of influenza during 2011-2012

OBJECTIVE To understand the epidemiological characteristics of influenza in Shijingshan District of Beijing so as to provide scientific evidence for the early warning and control of influenza epidemic effectively.METHODS The analysis was conducted on the surveillance and etiological detection data of influenza like illness(ILI)in 11 sentinel hospitals of the district during 2011-2012,then the proportion of ILI cases in outpatient visits,the isolation rate of virus,and the subtypes of the influenza virus were observed.RESULTS From Sep 2011 through Aug 2012,a total of 26 693 ILI cases were reported in the 11 hospitals,the average ILI percentage was 2.11% of the outpatient visits,reaching to the peak in the first quarter of 2012.Totally 1011 pharyngeal swab samples were collected from the ILI cases and 44(4.35%)strains were tested positive for influenza virus,including 1strain of A(H3N2)virus,9 strains of B virus/Victoria lineage,8 strains of B virus/Yamagata lineage,and 26 strains of virus unspecified.CONCLUSION The influenza presents as its epidemic peak in winter in Shijingshan District,and the predominant strain is the influenza B virus.The influenza epidemic keeps at a low level,with the epidemic peak postponed.
Embryonal Carcinoma of the Testis in Elderly Men

A rare case of pure embryonal carcinoma of the testis in a black man in the tenth decade of life is presented, as well as a review of the literature on germ cell testicular tumors in men 60 years old or more. It is noteworthy that nearly 9 per cent of testicular tumors occur in this age group and a third of these tumors are of germ cell origin.
Political Business Cycles: An Emergent-Dynamic Reformulation

The literature on political business cycles follows two analytical conventions: (1) polity is reasonably reduced to a single agent who is either opportunistic or partisan and (2) economy is an equilibrated entity that is subject to politically inspired shocks. This paper pursues a different conceptualization of the relationship between politics and macro-level variability, and is based on three key differences from conventional formulations: (1) macro variables are not direct objects of choice but are just aggregates that emerge out of some micro structure of relationships, (2) a presumption that competitive processes are naturally turbulent replaces the standard focus on equilibrium states, and (3) polity and economy are treated not as point-mass entities but as an entangled ecology of enterprises. Within this alternative framework, variability is a normal feature of open competition, and with the intensity of that variability depending on the constitutional framework that governs the ecology of enterprises that comprise a political economy.
A New Class of Targetable, Genetically Encoded Single-Color Biosensors for Multiplexed Monitoring of Phosphoinositides

Phosphoinositides are involved in numerous signaling processes, even though they represent only a small fraction of all phospholipids in cellular membranes. Phosphoinositide species can be interconverted reversibly, allowing them to serve as second messengers to activate signaling downstream or as membrane anchors by recruiting specific proteins. Many membrane proteins, especially ion channels, are regulated through direct interactions with specific phosphoinositide species. Several genetically encodable biosensors have been engineered to observe phosphoinositide signaling in living cells. These biosensors signal the binding of specific binding domains to phosphoinositides by either translocation of fluorescence or changes in FRET efficiency. However, monitoring further parameter or multiple phosphoinositide species simultaneously, especially in different cellular compartments, still poses a challenge. This hinders a full understanding of the role that phosphoinositides play in multi-step signaling pathways. In order to facilitate multiplexed imaging, we tested different strategies for developing single-color intensity based sensors and identified a generalizable unimolecular sensor design for phosphoinositides based on the sensor InPAkt. Targeting green and red fluorescent sensors for PI(4,5)P2, PI(3,4)P2 and PI(3,4,5)P3 to different plasma membrane compartments, we were able to investigate phosphoinositide dynamics and additional parameters simultaneously during Gq and growth factor signaling.
A study of interstellar aldehydes and enols as tracers of a cosmic ray-driven nonequilibrium synthesis of complex organic molecules

Complex organic molecules such as sugars and amides are ubiquitous in star- and planet-forming regions, but their formation mechanisms have remained largely elusive until now. Here we show in a combined experimental, computational, and astrochemical modeling study that interstellar aldehydes and enols like acetaldehyde (CH3CHO) and vinyl alcohol (C2H3OH) act as key tracers of a cosmic-ray-driven nonequilibrium chemistry leading to complex organics even deep within low-temperature interstellar ices at 10 K. Our findings challenge conventional wisdom and define a hitherto poorly characterized reaction class forming complex organic molecules inside interstellar ices before their sublimation in star-forming regions such as SgrB2(N). These processes are of vital importance in initiating a chain of chemical reactions leading eventually to the molecular precursors of biorelevant molecules as planets form in their interstellar nurseries.
Mapping a path for precision cancer therapies

The future of precision cancer medicine will be dictated in part by the degree to which diverse tumor genotypes and tissue lineages can be connected with specific, druggable vulnerabilities. One approach to this challenge is to perform large-scale drug sensitivity screens in genomically annotated
The Difficulty of Sustaining Humanity

To be human, in Coleridge’s sense, is not a natural state but one that must constantly be reaffirmed by choices. In a notebook of 1827 he summarised this painful responsibility: ‘for man what is not won by himself, by himself will be lost’. Unlike the animals, who remain as they are born, man is born naked, mute, ignorant. ’Even these must be Products of his own Act, he must win them by his Will.’1 In view of this responsibility to choose a distinctly human life for oneself and to prevent lapses into a behaviour that was always potentially bestial – to prevent oneself from becoming ‘loveless as the fish, merciless as the snake that kills by poison & cruel as the tiger that indulges its lust of destruction ere yet he appeases his thirst & hunger’ – it was not surprising that the will sometimes failed, that human beings ceased to be entirely human. Balancing the multiple elements of the person was equally difficult; individual human beings sometimes failed to sustain their own coherence.
Multi-scalar analysis of geospatial agricultural data for sustainability

Concerns for environmental sustainability are leading to a growing interest understanding geospatial data. At the same time, the availability of high-resolution imagery from satellites and unmanned air systems is increasing rapidly. However, the processing techniques that are available within geographic information systems are not yet adapted to big data challenges and opportunities. We propose a logarithmically scaling alternative to widely used window aggregation techniques, and integrate it with the localized computation of regression lines and correlations. Our approach, furthermore, enables a multi-scalar analysis at no additional computational cost. We demonstrate the potential for the proposed technique in the context of agriculturally relevant relationships, in particular between yield and vegetation indexes, which have the goal of reducing fertilizer use through a targeted application of nitrogen during the season. To demonstrate scaling and general usefulness of our techniques we furthermore examine relationships between different bands of remotely sensed data.