cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Making Regional Cooperation Work for South Asia’s Poor

South Asia has attracted global attention because it has experienced rapid GDP growth over the last two decades. What is not so well known is that South Asia is the least integrated region in the world. South Asia has opened its door to the rest of the world but it remains closed to its neighbors. Poor market integration, weak connectivity, and a history of friction and conflict have resulted in two South Asias. The first South Asia is dynamic, growing rapidly, highly urbanized, and is benefiting from global integration. The second South Asia is rural, land locked, full of poverty, and lagging. The divergence between the two South Asias is on the rise. Policy makers in South Asia have realized that countries and regions can not grow in isolation. The unique geography of South Asia - distance and density - has the potential to raise growth through increased flow of labor, capital, ideas, technology, goods and services within the region and with the rest of the world. Most lagging regions, in terms of both per capita income and poverty incidence, in South Asia are either land-locked or located in the border areas. Regional cooperation and market integration will unlock the development of these lagging regions in South Asia.
It wasn't exactly a day at the beach : EEG technology prior to 1960

ABSTRACT.The author recalls some aspects of the very earliest days of recording brainwaves. He discusses the equipment, techniques, and pitfalls encountered when the field of EEG technology was in its infancy.
Parametric study of irradiation effects on the ductile damage and flow stress behavior in ferritic-martensitic steels

Abstract Ferritic-martensitic steels are currently being considered as structural materials in fusion and Gen-IV nuclear reactors. These materials are expected to experience high dose radiation, which can increase their ductile to brittle transition temperature and susceptibility to failure during operation. Hence, to estimate the safe operational life of the reactors, precise evaluation of the ductile to brittle transition temperatures of ferritic-martensitic steels is necessary. Owing to the scarcity of irradiated samples, particularly at high dose levels, micro-mechanistic models are being employed to predict the shifts in the ductile to brittle transition temperatures. These models consider the ductile damage evolution, in the form of nucleation, growth and coalescence of voids; and the brittle fracture, in the form of probabilistic cleavage initiation, to estimate the influence of irradiation on the ductile to brittle transition temperature. However, the assessment of irradiation dependent material parameters is challenging and influences the accuracy of these models. In the present study, the effects of irradiation on the overall flow stress and ductile damage behavior of two ferritic-martensitic steels is parametrically investigated. The results indicate that the ductile damage model parameters are mostly insensitive to irradiation levels at higher dose levels though the resulting flow stress behavior varies significantly.
Creating the First Public Law Firm: The IPO of Slater & Gordon Limited (TN)

Slater & Gordon (SG 2) to illustrate the valuation of a service business and determine the key value drivers; 3) to explore the IPO process and the resulting corporate governance issues created by the public ownership of a law firm; and 4) to explore the optimal capital and ownership structures for a professional service firm.This case is appropriate for students in a wide variety of courses including introductory and advanced corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, restructuring, entrepreneurship, and valuation courses. To assist students with analyzing and preparing the case, there is an Excel workbook (“HBS Courseware”) available from HBS Publishing or the authors.
Behavioral-Level DFT via Formal Operator Testability Measures

The focus of this research is on the testability analysis of the operators in the behavioral description prior to synthesis. The controllabilities of the inputs to an operator and the observabilities of the outputs of the operation are computed from the value ranges of the variables that serve as the inputs and outputs. Candidate hard-to-test operations are selected for testability enhancement based on the computed testability measures for all the involved operations in the behavioral description. While value ranges have been applied to compute variable testability measures, this paper addresses computation of the operator testability. Experimental results show that circuits synthesized using our technique exhibit higher testability than variable selection while keeping the area-performance overhead to a minimum.
Design of a controller for a hybrid bearing system

Most large turbomachinery use fluid film journal bearings to support the rotor, limit vibrations, and to control potential instabilities. More recently, an alternate bearing technology has come into commercial use: active magnetic bearings. These bearings offer a number of advantages, particularly because they can provide very favorable dynamic properties, useful in managing rotor stability. To capitalize on the advantages of both bearing designs, we propose to explore the combination of both bearings into a single integrated bearing design, where the superior load capacity of journal bearings acts in concert with the controllability characteristics of active magnetic bearings to counteract the instability mechanisms of fluid film journal bearings.
IdeR is required for iron homeostasis and virulence in Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Summary Iron is an essential but potentially harmful nutrient, poorly soluble in aerobic conditions, and not freely available in the human host. To acquire iron, bacteria have evolved high affinity iron acquisition systems that are expressed under iron limitation often in conjunction with virulence determinants. Because excess iron can be dangerous, intracellular iron must be tightly controlled. In mycobacteria, IdeR functions as a global iron dependent transcriptional regulator, but because inactivation of ideR is lethal for Mycobacterium tuberculosis, it has not been possible to use genetics to fully characterize this protein's function or examine the requirement of iron regulation during tuberculosis infection. In this work, a conditional M. tuberculosis ideR mutant was generated and used to study the basis of IdeR's essentiality. This investigation uncovered positive regulation of iron storage as a critical aspect of IdeR's function in regular culture and a prominent factor for survival under stresses associated with life in macrophages. Moreover, this study demonstrates that IdeR is indispensable in the mouse model of tuberculosis, thereby linking iron homeostasis to virulence in M. tuberculosis.
Biochemistry of Nitrate Respiration in Pseudomonas stutzeri I. Aerobic and Nitrate Respiration Routes of Carbohydrate Catabolism

Spangler, W. J. (Oregon State University, Corvallis), and C. M. Gilmour. Biochemistry of nitrate respiration in Pseudomonas stutzeri. I. Aerobic and nitrate respiration routes of carbohydrate catabolism. J. Bacteriol. 91:245–250. 1966.—The metabolic pathways of glucose catabolism were studied in Pseudomonas stutzeri under aerobic conditions and under conditions of nitrate respiration. Studies on both glucose and gluconate catabolism, by the radiorespirometric method, indicated that these substrates are degraded in the same manner, i.e., the Entner-Doudoroff and pentose phosphate pathways. There appeared to be no major shift in primary metabolic pathways when nitrate was used as the terminal hydrogen acceptor in nitrate respiration as opposed to aerobic respiration with free molecular oxygen. It was shown that glucose is not degraded to any appreciable extent under anaerobic conditions in the absence of nitrate. Tentative evidence suggests that the tricarboxylic acid cycle functions under both conditions of oxygen relationships and that the rate of carbon oxidation via the tricarboxylic acid cycle is slower with nitrate respiration than under aerobic conditions.
Creatine influence on acute high and low ethanol exposure on cardiac heart muscle (547.5)

Cardiovascular disease is among the major causes for increased morbidity and mortality rates. High alcohol consumption may lead to cardiomyopathy, cardiac arrhythmias, and a suite of other disorders. Previous studies in our lab have linked the Akt/PI3K (serine/threonine kinase/ phosphoinositide 3-kinase) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway to cardiovascular disease. Creatine acting as an energy source in the cell can activate mTOR which is a mediator in the Akt/PI3K pathway which is involved in activating stress relief signals. In this study, since we know that alcohol is a stressor in the cardiovascular system, we hypothesize that high creatine can abrogate the stress of alcohol. We tested cardiac tissue perfused with low and high alcohol and two levels of creatine (30 µM and 100 µM). Our data shows a 133% decrease in ERK1/2 activity with high alcohol and 30 µM creatine. However, ERK1/2 activity shows a 74% increase with high alcohol and 100 µM creatine. P38 expression showed a general de...
Human gene therapy for hereditary diseases: a review of trials

Human gene therapy trials directed at hereditary diseases, including adenosine deaminase (ADA) deficiency, familial hypercholesterolemia, and cystic fibrosis, are reviewed. Human gene therapy involves the introduction and expression of recombinant genes in somatic, nonreproductive cells with the intent to reverse or prevent a particular disease. Two methods for introducing genes into human cells are currently being used in clinical trials. Ex vivo gene delivery involves removing targeted cells from the patient's body, introducing the recombinant gene into the cells, and placing the modified cells back into the patient's body. In vivo gene delivery involves placing the recombinant gene directly into the patient's body, targeting the tissue or cell of interest. The transfer of the recombinant gene into the cell and the subsequent expression of the transgene product are the rate-limiting steps for successful gene therapy. A variety of methods, including the use of modified viruses and synthetic vectors, are currently being used in clinical trials. Since the approval and initiation of the first human gene therapy trial to treat ADA deficiency in 1989, there have been more than 170 approved gene therapy trials in the United States. More than 1500 patients have been enrolled in human gene therapy trials worldwide. Preliminary clinical trials have targeted diseases such as ADA deficiency, familial hypercholesterolemia, and cystic fibrosis. These trials have employed variable designs and strategies, making interpretation of the results difficult. However, the initial data are encouraging, and the procedures have been well tolerated. The clinical utility of human gene therapy remains to be defined; immediate efforts will focus on improving vector design to limit toxicity and enhance the efficiency of gene transfer.
Alogliptin in combination with metformin and pioglitazone for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Alogliptin is a selective dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor recently marketed for once-daily administration in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Fixed-dose combinations of alogliptin with both metformin and pioglitazone are also commercially available, providing a measure of convenience in addition to an effective mode of delivering combination therapy to improve glycemic control. Alogliptin has been studied clinically as initial therapy in treatment-naive patients with T2DM and as initial therapy or add-on in combination with other antidiabetic agents. Clinical trial data with alogliptin demonstrate clinical efficacy in terms of glycosylated hemoglobin A1c and fasting plasma glucose reductions when used both as monotherapy and as a component of two- or three-drug combination regimens for the treatment of T2DM. Extensive Phase II and Phase III clinical trial data support the use of alogliptin in combination with metformin and pioglitazone. Glycemic reduction with both combinations is similar to the sum of the respective monotherapies, with adverse event rates similar – or more moderate – than those observed with up-titration of monotherapy or the addition of other antihyperglycemic agents.
Investigation of smoke particulates generated during the thermal degradation of natural and synthetic materials

This paper describes results obtained in a program investigating the physical and chemical properties of particulates generated during the burning of three commonly used materials. Small samples of wood, rigid urethane foam and polyvinyl chloride plastic have been burned under non-flaming conditions at room temperature in a ventilated combustion products test chamber. Continuous measurements have been made of smoke particle average size, particle size distributions, particulate optical density, particulate volume and mass concentrations, and particulate index of refraction utilizing an aerosol sampling system and an in situ scattered and attenuated light optical system. Non-flaming tests have been run in different ventilation gas compositions and at three radiant heating levels in an attempt to simulate real-fire situations. A review of previous results obtained by the aerosol sampling system is followed by presentation of new data taken with the in situ optical system. This data shows that average smoke particle sizes tend to vary during a test. Furthermore, particle sizes are generally larger for tests run at the highest heating rates. Available data also indicates that the physical characteristics of the smoke particles are relatively for non-flaming conditions. These results are consistent with previously reported aerosol sampling data. Also, continuous optical density measurements are presented, which allow the determination of the relative tendency of a smoldering material to obscure vision under different conditions. Finally, scanning electron microscope photographs provide new information on the detailed nature of smoke particles generated during non-flaming combustion.
Update on the Treatment of Diabetic Foot Infections

This article brings the practicing clinician up to date on the current concepts regarding the medical treatment of diabetic foot infections. Topics include a review of the Infectious Diseases Society of America Practice Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Diabetic Foot Infections and a discussion of newer antibiotics such as linezolid, ertapenem, moxifloxacin, dalbavancin, tigecycline, ceftobiprole and iclaprim.
Multivariate simulation with DATASIM: The Mihal and Barrett study

A general-purpose data simulator,datasim, allows instructors and students to easily generate simulated data for experimental, crossbreak (frequency table), and multivariate research designs. Students can select any of a variety of data analysis problems from the built-in library and then obtain problem descriptions and “individualized” data sets to analyze and interpret.Datasim can also be used to generate, plot, and analyze interesting data sets for discussion in class, to demonstrate principles of sampling theory and research design, and to conduct sampling experiments (Monte Carlo research). Finally, the electronic blackboard capability of the program allows instructors to conveniently display multiple sources of information, such as outlines, graphs, sample data sets, anovas, and the like. The present paper focuses on the techniques and methods required to perform multivariate simulation. To this end, datasim is used to simulate a study by Mihal and Barrett (1976), which predicted auto accidents from measures of perceptual style, reaction time, and selective attention.
On recurrence relations for order statistics

Abstract The main purpose of this paper is to provide a unified approach to the treatment of linear recurrence relations for single or pairs of order statistics. Suppose such a relation has been proved in the simplest case when X1, …, Xn are independent variates having an arbitrary absolutely continuous distribution. It is pointed out that the same relation continues to hold when the X's are exchangeable, whether continuous or not. As has recently become well known, further generalizations are possible when the X's have any joint distribution. Attention is also drawn to a useful nonlinear recurrence relation due to Boncelet (1987).
Growth and differentiation of chicken embryo muscle cell cultures derived from fast- and slow-growing lines: Intrinsic differences in growth characteristics and insulin response

Primary myogenic cell cultures derived from 12-day embryos of genetically fast-growing chickens (fast cultures) and slow-growing chickens (slow cultures) were grown under identical conditions to examine differences in growth and differentiation at the cellular level. The two types of cultures exhibited significant (P<0.01) differences in proliferation, protein accumulation, response to the addition of insulin to the culture medium and the amount of insulin bound per nucleus. The fast cultures exhibited a larger number of both total nuclei and fused nuclei at 48, 72 and 96 h in culture, accumulated more protein per nucleus at 24, 48 and 72 h in culture and demonstrated a greater response to the addition of insulin to the culture medium, as reflected by increased fusion rate and protein accumulation at 24 h in culture. Maximal response to insulin in both types of cultures was obtained at 24 h to added insulin concentrations of 10−10−10−9M. Slow cultures bound more [125I]-insulin than fast cultures at 24 h in culture. These experiments suggest that different muscle growth potentials in animals of the same species are at least partly due to intrinsic cellular differences in the myogenic cells that give rise to adult muscle tissue.
Cytokinin-cytokinin-Induced tuber formation Tuber Formation on Stolons of Solanum tuberosum

Kinetin-induced tuberization of isolated stolons was investigated with regard to accumulation of labelled kinetin, starch, protein and nucleic acid synthesis. Using kinetin-8-14C, it was found that more labelled meterial appeared at the locus of tyber formation that in other parts of the stolon. Substantial accumulation was evident before visible signs of tuber formation. The basal portion of the stolon also accumulated substantial amounts of labelled material. Kinetin-treated stolons showed extensive starch accumulation which was not evident in gibberellic acid-treated or untreated stolons. Starch accumulation occurred before any visible sign of tuber formation. There was no marked differences in the ability of the apical 0.5 cm of kinetin-treated and untrated stolons to incorporate 14 C uridine into RNA and 14C leucine into TCA precipitable protein. From these results it was concluded that kinetin-induced tuber formation may not involve the synthesis of new proteins. It is suggested that kinetin may be regulating tuber formation by suppressing starch hydrolase activity and stimulating starch synthetase activity whereas gibberellic acid inhibits tuber formation by promoting starch hydrolase activity or by suppressing starch synthesizing enzymes.
Analysis of the scale of errors in nearshore bathymetric data

Most studies of nearshore hydrodynamics, sediment transport, and morphology focus on bathymetric variability within a narrow band of spatial and temporal scales. Typically, these studies rely on bathymetry estimates derived from field observations consisting of discrete samples in space and time with varying degrees of measurement error. Sampling limitations, which result in aliasing, and measurement errors can significantly contaminate variability at resolved scales, and may lead to large errors in the representation of the scales of interest. Using a spectral analysis, interpolation errors were analyzed for three different nearshore bathymetric data sets, each of which targeted a different range of spatial scales. Bathymetric features that were unresolved or poorly resolved (e.g. beach cusps) introduced the potential for contamination in two of the data sets. This contamination was significantly reduced using an appropriate scale-controlled interpolation method, leading to more accurate representations of the actual bathymetry. An additional benefit of using scale-controlled interpolation is that interpolation errors may be estimated independently of actual observations, which allows one to design bathymetric sampling strategies that ensure that dominant scales are either resolved or largely removed. Finally, interpolation errors corresponding to a particular sample design can be used to determine which interpolated values contribute usefully to a band-limited analysis of bathymetric variability.
A study of some diffusion models of population growth.

Abstract The stochastic differential equations of many diffusion processes which arise in studies of population growth in random environments can be transformed, if the Stratonovich stochastic calculus is employed, to the equation of the Wiener process. If the transformation function has certain properties then the transition probability density function and quantities relating to the time to first attain a given population size can be obtained from the known results for the Wiener process. Some other random growth processes can be derived from the Ornstein-Uhlenbeck process. These transformation methods are applied to the random processes of Malthusian growth, Pearl-Verhulst logistic growth and a recent model of density independent growth due to Levins.
Utility of Lip Biopsy in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Sjogren's Syndrome

Objective: Sjogren's syndrome (SS) is an autoimmune disease involving primarily the salivary and lacrimal glands (“sicca” symptoms) with extraglandular features including joint and nervous system involvement. In patients with a questionable diagnosis of SS but severe extraglandular symptoms, a lip biopsy is often performed to firmly establish the diagnosis of SS. This study was undertaken to identify areas of uncertainty regarding the accuracy of biopsy interpretation and the diagnostic benefits of the procedure. Study Design: Retrospective review of clinical and pathologic data. Methods: Clinical data from 47 patients referred to the otolaryngology–head and neck surgery service for lip biopsy were reviewed. Archival pathologic specimens were scored using the currently accepted grading system. Results: The grading system was incorrectly applied during initial interpretation of 45% (n = 21) of specimens. This resulted in five (10%) pathologic misdiagnoses and 16 (34%) nondiagnoses. On re-interpreting the specimens with consistent application of the grading system, 62% (n = 29) of the biopsies were definitely positive, and 36% (n = 17) were negative. Neither positive serology nor the presence of sicca symptoms predicted a positive biopsy (likelihood ratio = 0.95 and 0.96, respectively). Lip biopsy guided treatment in at least 65% (n = 31) of patients but was ignored in the presence of other clinical findings in 17% (n = 8) of patients. Conclusions: Consistent application of the grading system is essential in avoiding incorrect diagnosis and aiding clinical decisions. However, not all patients undergoing lip biopsy will derive diagnostic benefit from the procedure. In this series, clinical symptoms and serology did not predict positive lip biopsy.
Almost-Delaunay simplices: nearest neighbor relations for imprecise points

Delaunay tessellations and Voronoi diagrams capture proximity relationships among sets of points in any dimension. When point coordinates are not known exactly, as in the case of 3D points representing protein atom coordinates, the Delaunay tessellation may not be robust; small perturbations in the coordinates may cause the Delaunay simplices to change. In this paper, we define the almost-Delaunay simplices, derive some of their properties, and give algorithms for computing them, especially for neighbor analysis in three dimensions. We sketch applications in proteins that will be described more fully in a companion paper in biology. http://www.cs.unc.edu/∼debug/papers/AlmDel.
The energy dependence of the fissionability of neptunium isotopes and the level density of highly deformed nuclei

Abstract The relative probability, Γ n Γ f , of neutron evaporation and fission was determined for neptunium isotopes produced in bombardments of 238 U with protons of energy up to 22 MeV. The measurement involved the comparison of the numbers of neutrons emitted at 0° to fission fragments with those emitted at 90°. The observations are incompatible with the statistical theory expressions for Γ n Γ f , using the Fermi-gas expression for nuclear level densities with deformation-independent values for the level density parameter, a . They can be brought into accord with the theory if the value of a at the saddle point distortion is 10 to 15 % larger than that near the normal ground state. A difference of about this magnitude is suggested by microscopic calculations of the relevant level densities when they are allowed to include single-particle and pairing effects.
Low regularity solutions for a 2D quadratic nonlinear Schrödinger equation

We establish that the initial value problem for the quadratic nonlinear Schrodinger equation iu t - Δ u = u 2 , where u: R 2 x R → C, is locally well-posed in H s (R 2 ) when s > -1. The critical exponent for this problem is s c = -1, and previous work by Colliander, Delort, Kenig and Staffilani, 2001, established local well-posedness for s > -3/4.
An absence of offering: Parents of retarded children and their experiences with the clergy

The present study investigated the perspectives of parents of retarded children on their involvement with the clergy. Open-ended interviews and structured questionnaires were used to identify several areas of potential involvement by the clergy. These seemed not only important to parents, but also readily done by practicing clergy of local congregations. A general offering to help was the single most important service expected by parents. Several specific activities of both a religious and a secular nature were also discussed, along with recommendations for further research.
Increased Psychophysiological Variability of the Anisocoric Individual: A Neurological Model

Bilateral differences in the diameter of the two pupils, anisocoria, has been associated with everything from beri beri to psychological trauma. The one common finding in most studies dealing with anisocoria is the increased psychophysiological variability of this population. A neurological model is proposed explaining both the anisocoric condition and increase in autonomic variability. The model suggests that deficiencies in the ascending bulbar inhibitory system reduce tonic control of the medial reticular activating system and may be implicated in the etiology of anisocoria. The portions of the nervous system implicated are those reported by Lacey (1967) to be involved in “directional fractionation.” It is suggested that the anisocoric individual may provide a ready made “lesioned” sample with which to compare normal subjects. At the very least anisocoria represents another example of bilateral autonomic asymmetry. Possible research in this area is discussed.
Peasant society and clientelist politics.

The basic social relations of peasant life are directly related to an environment characterized by extreme scarcity. The major factor of productive wealth in agriculture is land, to which the peasant has little or no free access. Labor—his own, and that of his family members—is available to the peasant, but this relatively unproductive factor must be applied to land in order to generate wealth. Few other outlets for productive labor employment are available to him. When the peasant is able to combine land and labor in a wealth-generating endeavor, his productivity is likely to be extremely low, due to limiting factors such as technology, capital, marketing information, and credit. All of these life aspects combine to hold down the peasant's income and preclude savings. He is, in a word, poor.Furthermore, the peasant is powerless against many threats which abound in his environment. There are disease, accident, and death, among the natural threats. There are violence, exploitation, and injustice at the hands of the powerful, among the human threats. The peasant knows that this environmental constellation is dangerous. He also knows that there is relatively little he can do about his situation, and, accordingly, his culture often features themes of vulnerability, calamity, and misfortune. As George Foster has neatly summarized if, the outlook this situation engenders in the peasant is the “Image of the Limited Good.”
Hepatopulmonary syndrome associated with nodular regenerative hyperplasia after liver transplantation in a child.

HPS is a significant complication of portal hypertension in children with chronic liver disease and is an established indication for LT. It is characterized clinically by the triad of pulmonary vascular dilatation causing hypoxemia in the setting of advanced liver disease. NRH, a cause of non-cirrhotic portal hypertension, is characterized by diffuse benign transformation of the hepatic parenchyma into small regenerative nodules with minimal or no fibrosis. Development of NRH and HPS in pediatric LT recipients has not been reported, although occasional cases have been reported in adult LT recipients. In this report, we discuss a case of a three-yr-old male who developed HPS, two yr after LT. Pulmonary and cardiac causes for hypoxemia were ruled out by appropriate investigations including a chest X ray, echocardiogram, cardiac catheterization, and a CT angiographic study. The diagnosis of HPS was confirmed via bubble echocardiogram that demonstrated intrapulmonary shunting. Open liver biopsy revealed marked NRH. The patient underwent liver retransplantation that resulted in complete reversal of his pulmonary symptoms and normal oxygen saturations within three months after LT.
Double deoxygenation of PPN(NO2) using metal carbonyl clusters of cobalt, rhodium, and iridium

Abstract The reaction of PP(NO 2 ) with M 4 (CO) 12 (M = Co, Rh) gives the nitrido clusters [M 6 N(CO) 15 ] − in 13 and 21% yields, respectively. A high yield synthesis (77%) of [Rh 6 N(CO) 15 )] − directly from Rh 6 (CO) 16 and PPN(NO 2 ) is also presented. PPN(NO 2 ) reacts with Ir 4 (CO) 12 to give the new isocyanato cluster, [Ir 4 (NCO)(CO) 11 ] − in 34% yield, while the direct synthesis of this isocyanate product occurs in 77% yield from PPN(N 3 ) and Ir 4 (CO) 12 . Modifications of published procedures for the preparation of [N(C 2 H 5 ) 4 ] 2 [Ir 6 (CO) 15 ] and Ir 6 (CO) 16 are reported that allow shorter reaction times and give higher yields. The reaction of Ir 6 (CO) 16 with one equivalent of PPN(NO 2 ) generates a new cluster, PPN[Ir 6 (CO) 15 (NO)], in 57% yield which is proposed to contain a bent nitrosyl ligand. An additional equivalent of PPN(NO 2 ) gives (PPN) 2 [Ir 6 (CO) 15 ] in 84% yield with the evolution of N 2 O as well as CO 2 .
Infectivity of tobacco ringspot virus nucleic acid preparations.

Abstract Infectious nucleic acid has been isolated from purified tobacco ringspot virus by a modification of the heat-denaturation method. The infectivity of these preparations ranged from 0.1 – 1.0% as compared with the nucleic acid in the virus. Tests conducted with this nucleic acid have given evidence that the associated infectivity cannot be due to contamination with residual whole virus: (1) Infectivity of the nucleic acid was destroyed by incubation with ribonuclease whereas whole-virus infectivity was not. (2) Infectivity of the nucleic acid remained in the supernatant after 2 hours ultracentrifugation, while that of whole virus was pelleted under identical conditions. (3) Infectivity of the nucleic acid was influenced by the concentration of phosphate buffer present in the medium used for inoculation, whereas that of whole virus was not. (4) Infectivity of the nucleic acid was usually destroyed during storage for several days at 4°, whereas whole virus activity remained constant for weeks at 4°. No characteristic virus particles could be found in electron micrographs of nucleic acid preparations which had ten times the activity of whole virus preparations that were shown to contain many characteristic particles. Phosphorus, nitrogen, and protein analyses and nucleotide composition have been obtained for lyophilized nucleic acid preparations. From these data it has been determined that there was 0.7% or less protein contaminant. There was, however, 20% less phosphorus and nitrogen than should be expected on the basis of the nucleotide composition. This discrepancy suggests that a nonnitrogenous contaminant was present in this material.
K+-induced dilation of hamster cremasteric arterioles involves both the Na+/K+-ATPase and inward-rectifier K+ channels.

Objective:The mechanism by which elevated extracellular potassium ion concentration ([K+]o) causes dilation of skeletal muscle arterioles was evaluated. Methods:Arterioles (n= 111) were hand-dissected from hamster cremaster muscles, cannulated with glass micropipettes and pressurized to 80 cm H2O for in vitrostudy. The vessels were superfused with physiological salt solution containing 5 mM KCl, which could be rapidly switched to test solutions containing elevated [K+]oand/or inhibitors. The authors measured arteriolar diameter with a computer-based diameter tracking system, vascular smooth muscle cell membrane potential with sharp micropipettes filled with 200 mM KCl, and changes in intracellular Ca2+concentration ([Ca2+]i) with Fura 2. Membrane currents and potentials also were measured in enzymatically isolated arteriolar muscle cells using patch clamp techniques. The role played by inward rectifier K+(KIR) channels was tested using Ba2+as an inhibitor. Ouabain and substitution of extracellular Na+with...
Simulating the biological effects of toxicants in aquatic microcosm systems

ABSTRACT Swartzman, G. and Rose, K.A., 1984. Simulating the biological effects of toxicants in aquatic microcosm systems. Ecol. Modelling, 22: 123–134. In this paper we discuss a strategy for developing an improved prediction of the biological effects of toxicant additions to aquatic ecosystems. This strategy involves combining single species bioassay results with microcosm and mesocosm studies using simulation models to predict the response of natural ecosystems. Work presently being conducted by the authors on intercomparing process equations from different models in the literature with respect to behavior of biota in microcosms is introduced. The usefulness of microcosm experiments for model development, calibration and validation is illustrated. Finally, the next phase of our research which involves combining the microcosm model with single species bioassay results is discussed.
Frequency Analysis of 3D GaAs MESFET Structures Using Full-Band Particle-Based Simulations

The goal of this contribution is to use a three dimensional (3D) full-band particle-based simulator to investigate 3D scaling effects of static and dynamic current-voltage characteristics of GaAs MESFET structures. The full-band particle-based simulator is also applied to a novel dual-gate GaAs MESFET structure.
NMR solution structure of alpha-conotoxin ImI and comparison to other conotoxins specific for neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors.

α-Conotoxins, peptides produced by predatory species of Conus marine snails, are potent antagonists of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), ligand-gated ion channels involved in synaptic transmission. We determined the NMR solution structure of the smallest known α-conotoxin, ImI, a 12 amino acid peptide that binds specifically to neuronal α7-containing nAChRs in mammals. Calculation of the structure was based on a total of 80 upper distance constraints and 31 dihedral angle constraints resulting in 20 representative conformers with an average pairwise rmsd of 0.44 A from the mean structure for the backbone atoms N, Cα, and C‘ of residues 2−11. The structure of ImI is characterized by two compact loops, defined by two disulfide bridges, which form distinct subdomains separated by a deep cleft. Two short 310-helical regions in the first loop are followed by a C-terminal β-turn in the second. The two disulfide bridges and Ala 9 form a rigid hydrophobic core, orienting the other amino acid side chains...
Achieving Target 2 of the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation: building a preliminary assessment of vascular plant species using data from herbarium specimens

The Global Strategy for Plant Conservation calls for a preliminary assessment of the conservation status of all known plant species by the year 2010. To date insufficient progress has been made on meeting this target. New efforts to develop a preliminary list beyond using the full IUCN criteria in plant assessments are needed. Here we present an algorithm that provides a preliminary assessment of the conservation status of plant species using data from herbarium specimens. We use Hawaiian specimen data from the United States National Herbarium to calibrate the parameters of the algorithm and then use specimen data from the Arecaceae, Commelinaceae, Gesneriaceae and Heliconiaceae as examples of the application of the algorithm. The algorithm was calibrated to insure 95% accuracy in placing the Hawaiian plant species into previously and independently determined threatened categories. Our results indicate that 28% of the Hawaiian taxa, 27% of the species of Arecaceae, 45% of the species of Commelinaceae, 32% of the species of Gesneriaceae, and 35% of the species of Heliconiaceae are NotThreatened and will not need any further evaluation for the preliminary assessment. Species identified here as Potentially Extinct and Potentially Threatened can be further assessed by additional herbarium material and/or conservation specialists for final evaluation using other assessment strategies (e.g., regional and national lists, taxonomic expert assessment, etc.).
Prevention of thromboembolism in atrial fibrillation. A meta-analysis of trials of anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs.

OBJECTIVE: Appropriate use of drugs to prevent thromboembolism in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) involves comparing the patient’s risk of stroke and risk of hemorrhage. This review summarizes the evidence regarding the efficacy of these medications.
Long-Range Order in One-Dimensional Ising Systems

The argument of Landau and Lifshitz for the absence of long-range order in one-dimensional systems is used to show that order is absent if the interaction energy falls off faster than ${n}^{\ensuremath{-}2}$. When the interaction falls off as ${n}^{\ensuremath{-}2}$, the order cannot go continuously to zero.
Bidirectional regulation of macrophage function by TGF-β

The dual role of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) in modulating macrophage function is an important concept gaining increasing recognition. In addition to its role as a 'macrophage-deactivating' agent, TGF-beta functions as a monocyte activator, inducing cytoke production and mediating host defence. These functions are context-dependent, modulated by the differentiation state of the cell, the local cytokine environment, and the local levels of TGF-beta in itself. In general, during the initial stages of inflammation, TGF-beta locally acts as a proinflammatory agent by recruiting and activating resting monocytes. As these cells differentiate specific immunosuppressive actions of TGF-beta predominate, leading to resolution of the inflammatory response. Increasing our understanding of the bidirectional regulation of macrophage function will facilitate prediction of the ultimate outcome of modulating TGF-beta levels in vivo.
Gene delivery approaches to heart failure treatment.

Heart failure remains a leading cause of worldwide morbidity and mortality. Despite recent advances in treatment and our increasing knowledge of pathophysiology and the molecular derangements involved in the failing heart, our ability to affect the underlying cardiac disease processes is limited. In recent years, there has been considerable interest in myocardial gene transfer as both an investigational and potential therapeutic modality. Ultimately, the goal of any such strategy is to reprogramme failing cardiac myocytes and correct the aberrant molecular events causing heart failure. So far, viral vectors have been utilised with success more frequently than any other method of gene delivery in animal models. Studies in animal models and in failing human cardiomyocytes in culture targeting specific molecular pathways, including the β-adrenergic receptor cascade and the myocyte intracellular calcium handling system, have shown encouraging results and offer hope that gene manipulation may provide novel adj...
Remote sensing contribution to land surface hydrology

Progress that has been made over the past decade in developing technology for hydrological observations from operational aircraft is described. Particular attention is given to research on soil moisture, snow cover, and vegetation. Future missions such as the ESA ERS-1 and Canada's Radarsat mission are considered.
Design Issues Related to the Creation and Delivery of Asynchronous Multimedia Presentations.

Technology has advanced to the point where it is now possible to create and distribute digital multimedia recordings of class lecture over the Internet to remote learners. More importantly, the pri...
Incomplete block designs

When a block design is needed for controlling the effects of nuisance factors, but the blocks cannot be made sufficiently large to accommodate all the treatments, incomplete block designs can be used instead. Basic design issues of block size, connectedness, and randomization are discussed in this chapter. Balanced incomplete block designs, group divisible designs, and cyclic designs, which are three efficient types of incomplete block designs, are described in greater detail. Formulas for the analysis of incomplete block designs are given, including simplifications for balanced incomplete block designs and group divisible designs. A specific experiment designed as a cyclic group divisible design is described and analyzed. A discussion of sample size calculation and factorial experiments in incomplete block designs is also included. The concepts introduced in this chapter are illustrated through several real experiments. The use of SAS and R software is illustrated for both the design and analysis of incomplete block designs.
Sex dimorphism and depot differences in adipose tissue function.

Abstract Obesity, characterized by excessive adiposity, is a risk factor for many metabolic pathologies, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Numerous studies have shown that adipose tissue distribution may be a greater predictor of metabolic health. Upper-body fat (visceral and subcutaneous abdominal) is commonly associated with the unfavorable complications of obesity, while lower-body fat (gluteal–femoral) may be protective. Current research investigations are focused on analyzing the metabolic properties of adipose tissue, in order to better understand the mechanisms that regulate fat distribution in both men and women. This review will highlight the adipose tissue depot- and sex-dependent differences in white adipose tissue function, including adipogenesis, adipose tissue developmental patterning, the storage and release of fatty acids, and secretory function. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Modulation of Adipose Tissue in Health and Disease.
Pair potential model of intermetallic phases III

Abstract A model of intermetallic phases is developed based upon a standard pair potential. The parameters in this relationship are fitted to the cohesive energies and lattice parameters of the pure metal components. The effect of electronegativity difference (electrochemical factor) is taken into account quantitatively using the Gordy model of electronegativity and the effect of electron transfer on the screening constant. The model has been applied to the prediction of lattice parameters of homoelectronic (similar outer electron character) phases having cubic structures. For 88 out of 92 such phases the root-mean-square deviation between predicted and observed lattice parameters is 0.47 per cent, which is better than obtained using available methods of predicting lattice parameters by at least a factor of three.
Changing Multiple-Choice Test Answers: An Informal Look

A number of studies performed primarily with students studying education and psychology suggest a generally held belief that more points are to be lost than gained by changing initial answers on multiple-choice tests. A survey of 442 undergraduate business students tended to confirm the results of a recent inquiry that implied business administration students appear to hold a similar belief.
515 HOMOZYGOUS β-THALASSEMIA WITH HIGH LEVEL OF Hb A2

A 15 y o Black male with severe anemia, splenomegaly and typical thalassemic blood picture had 12.4% Hb A2. Family studies (table) were consistent with homozygosity for the β-thal. gene. The α/non-α globin synthesis ratio of the father's reticulocytes revealed the presence of α-thal. Analysis of the proband's A2 Hb showed asparagine at δ Tp 2 and one methionine residue at δ Tp 13 suggesting a normal δ chain structure. The α/non-α ratio and % Hb F in the proband were lower than usual for homozygous β-thal. These values and the marked increase in Hb A2 are probably due to the ameliorating effect of an associated α-thal. gene rather than to the presence of a Miyada-like hemoglobin, as has been postulated for a similar kindred (Biochem. Genet.: 10, 135, 1973).
Cardiovascular responses to microinjections of nicotine into the caudal ventrolateral medulla of the rat

This study focuses on the role of nicotinic receptors located in the caudal ventrolateral medullary depressor area (CVLM) in regulating/modulating cardiovascular function. Blood pressure and heart rate were monitored by standard techniques in urethane-anesthetized, artificially ventilated, adult male Wistar rats. Multi-barreled glass-micropipettes (tip size 20-40 microm) were used to make microinjections (100 nl) into the CVLM. Concentrations of nicotine ranging from 250 micromto 10 mM were microinjected unilaterally into the CVLM. The maximum depressor and bradycardic responses were elicited by a 1 mM concentration of nicotine. Sequential microinjections of mecamylamine (1 mM), an antagonist for nicotinic receptors containing alpha3beta4 subunits, then alpha-bungarotoxin (1 microm), an antagonist for nicotinic receptors containing alpha-7 subunits, were made into the CVLM. Microinjecting a combination of a nicotinic receptor blocker and toxin resulted in the complete blockade of the cardiovascular responses induced by nicotine (1 mM, 100 nl). These results indicate that: (1) nicotinic receptors are present in the CVLM; (2) activation of these receptors results in depressor and bradycardic responses; (3) for a complete blockade of nicotine-induced cardiovascular responses, it is necessary to use a combination of mecamylamine and alpha-bungarotoxin; (4) since mecamylamine and alpha-bungarotoxin are known to block nicotinic receptors containing alpha3beta4 and alpha-7 subunits, respectively, two different subtypes of nicotinic receptors (one which contains a combination of alpha3beta4 subunits, and one which contains alpha-7 subunits) must be present in the CVLM; and (5) it is not clear whether these two subtypes of nicotinic receptor are located on the same or different populations of CVLM-neurons.