cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sydnon-äthylene. I Stereoselektive Darstellung von Sydnon-äthylenen aus Sydnon-aldehyden

Sydnone lassen sich in 4-Position nach VILSMEIER-HAAK formylieren. N(3)-Methyl- und N(3)-(p-Anisyl)-sydnon-(4)-carbaldehyd werden mit Athoxycarbonylmethan-phosphonsaurediathylester nach HORNER und mit verschiedenen Arylmethylphosphoniumsalzen nach WITTIG in Gegenwart starker Basen stereoselektiv olefiniert. Im letzteren Fall tritt besonders in Abwesenheit von Lithiumkationen eine Z-Selektivitat auf, die auf eine elektronische Wechselwirkung zwischen dem Sydnonring und dem aromatischen Substituenten des Phosphin-ylids im ersten Reaktionsschritt zuruckgefuhrt wird. Die Konfigurationsbestimmung der resultierenden Z- und E-Sydnonathylene erfolgt an Hand der 1H-NMR- und IR-Spektren. Sydnone Ethylenes. I Stereoselective Synthesis of Sydnone Ethylenes from Sydnone Aldehydes Sydnones are formylated in 4-position by the VILSMEIER-HAAK reaction. N(3)-Methyl- and N(3)-(p-Anisyl)-sydnone-(4)-carboxaldehyde react stereoselectively to sydnone ethylenes with diethyl ethoxycarbonylmethanephosphonate by HORNER reaction and with arylmethylphosphonium salts by WITTIG reaction in the presence of strong bases. In the latter case, especially in the absence of lithium cations, Z-selectivity is observed which is explained by electronic interaction between the sydnone cyclus and the aromatic substituent of the phosphine ylid in the first step of the reaction. The configuration of the obtained Z- and E-sydnone ethylenes is determined by means of 1H-NMR- and IR-spectra.
Inflated Federalism and Deflated International Law: Roberts CJ v. The ICJ

This article commences with an examination of the United State’s relationship to international law and a brief overview of the history of United States Supreme Court’s endorsement of international law. This general overview is followed by a more detailed review of the role that each of the three branches of the U.S. Government has played in international law. After addressing the general role of the three branches in international law, the article then focuses its analysis on the Medellin case and the ways in which the Supreme Court is currently guiding American jurisprudence regarding the role of the three branches of government in this area. The Medellin case is introduced with a review of the case’s background in the Texas state court system and the relevance of the ICJ decision to the Texas case. The article continues by providing a critical analysis of the Supreme Court’s judgment as it relates to the interaction of the three branches of United States Government in international law, and how these views reflect the views of the Federalist Society. The articles concludes by suggesting that there are assumptions and influences in modern American legal culture that bare on the Chief Justice’s judgment that are not historically consistent with the key role of the Judiciary in the making, application, and enforcement of international law. In particular, the article will examine the influence of the Federalist Society on the shaping of contemporary isolationist views on international law. In this sense, the article provides a mild plea in avoidance with regard to the direction that the Chief Justice is shepherding the Supreme Court, which is indeed determining the destiny of the United States with regard to its respect for international law and international obligation.
The multifunctional zona pellucida and mammalian fertilization

An early step in mammalian fertilization is species-restricted binding of sperm to the oocyte's zona pellucida (ZP), a thick extracellular coat. Sperm bind to the ZP of unfertilized oocytes, but not to the ZP of fertilized oocytes. Shortly after binding to the unfertilized oocyte ZP, sperm undergo the acrosome reaction (AR). Three mouse ZP glycoproteins, called mZP1-3, constitute the mouse oocyte's ZP and participate in the process of fertilization. For example, sperm exposed to unfertilized oocyte mZP3 at nanomolar concentrations are inhibited from binding to oocytes and undergo the AR; mZP1 and mZP2 have no effect. mZP3 from fertilized oocytes has no effect on sperm binding and is unable to induce the AR. These properties of mZP3 strongly suggest that it is a receptor for sperm and inducer of the AR. Mapping of the mZP3 combining-site for sperm suggests that it is located near the C-terminus of the polypeptide, in a region encoded by exon-7 of the mZP3 gene. This region of mZP3 is a site of positive Darwinian selection. When mZP3 exon-7 is fused to the Fc fragment of human IgG and sperm are exposed to the chimeric protein, the sperm are inhibited from binding to oocytes, suggesting that the inhibitory activity of mZP3 is dependent on this region of its polypeptide.
Propane Ammoxidation over Mo–V–Te–Nb–O M1 Phase Investigated by DFT: Elementary Steps of Ammonia Adsorption, Activation and NH Insertion into π-Allyl Intermediate

The selective ammoxidation of propane into acrylonitrile catalyzed by the bulk Mo–V–Te–Nb–O system has received significant attention because it is more environmentally benign than the current process of propene ammoxidation and relies on more abundant propane feedstock. The reaction mechanism is proposed to consist of a series of elementary steps including propane oxidative dehydrogenation, ammonia and O2 activation, and NHx insertion into C3 intermediates. In this study density functional theory calculations have been performed to investigate the energetics of ammonia adsorption and activation in the proposed active center in the ab plane of the M1 phase. The formation of NH x (x = 0, 1, 2, 3) species is found to be highly favored on reduced, oxo-depleted metal sites. The reduced Mo site is determined to be the most favorable site for ammonia activation by comparing the reaction energy profiles for the sequential dehydrogenation of ammonia on the various metal sites. The activation barrier for the initial H abstraction from ammonia was found to depend strongly on the surface sites that stabilize H and NH2, and is as low as 0.28 eV when NH2 is stabilized by the reduced Mo site and H is abstracted by the telluryl oxo group. The subsequent step of surface NH insertion into a π-allyl gas intermediate was also found to have a low activation energy barrier of 0.03 eV on the reduced Mo site.
Pharmacological characteristics of agonistantagonist analgesics

A brief history and pharmacological characteristics of agonist-antagonist analgesics are presented. The importance of this class of compounds on the development of opioid-receptor concepts is described.
Evaluation of the clastogenic effects of 2-methoxyethanol in mice.

Abstract 2-Methoxyethanol (ethylene glycol monomethyl ether; EGME) is present in many industrial and consumer products, therefore, many individuals in the population are exposed to EGME. Although the toxicity of this compound is well documented its genotoxicity has not been adequately investigated using updated cytogenetic procedures. We have conducted studies to determine the clastogenic effects of EGME and its metabolite, methoxyacetaldehyde (MALD), in bone-marrow cells of B6C3F1 mice after their acute and subchronic exposure to the chemicals by the oral route. In addition, the effects after acute intravenous treatment with EGME were investigated. Mice treated with cyclophosphamide (CP) under similar experimental conditions were used as positive controls. Mice treated acutely with EGME or MALD were also implanted with bromodeoxyuridine tablets to label cells so that only cells at their first post-treatment mitoses were selected for chromosome analyses. Our data show that none of the concentrations of EGME (35–2500 mg/kg body weight) nor MALD (20–1000 mg/kg) caused any induction of chromosome aberrations even though cytotoxic doses were used. On the other hand, CP caused significant increases in chromosome damage. The data suggest that EGME and MALD are either non-clastogenic in vivo or that our mice are able to detoxify the two chemicals. In order to clarify these possibilities, pharmacokinetic and metabolic studies need to be conducted.
On helping small enterprises in developing countries

Abstract Given the increasing interest in the role that small-scale and informal economic activities play in the development process, the paper suggests a particular growth strategy not considered in the typical demand and supply strategies in the past. Referring to those small informal sector enterprises that employ workers — as distinct from those that “employ” only family members — the paper suggests giving credit to owners through the workers on certain conditions, as a way of inducing economic growth with a certain conception of justice. It is felt that “not only will this provide those at the bottom the prideful sense of feeling independent, it will also discourage a way of life that has a natural tendency to exploit those in an even more unfavorable position.”
Lacrimoauriculodentodigital syndrome with cleft lip/palate and renal manifestations.

Abstract Objective: To describe the largest family reported with the lacrimoauriculodentodigital (LADD) syndrome. Design: A family study of eight individuals with LADD syndrome. Setting: Pediatric Clinical Research Center at Oakland Children's Hospital. Patients: Eight individuals in a four-generation family. Main Outcome Measure: A diagnosis of LADD syndrome was determined by the presence of one or more of the characteristic lacrimal duct, auricular, dental, or digital malformations. Tear function and orofacial clefting were also considered in the final diagnosis of LADD syndrome. Results: Affected family members had the characteristic features of LADD syndrome, including cup-shaped ears; lacrimal duct obstruction; and dental, forearm, and digit malformations. In addition to the cardinal features of LADD syndrome, the proband was born with cleft lip and palate. The mother and sister of the proband have hydronephrosis, a rare feature of the disorder. Family members also have features not previously descri...
Thermal-image-derived dynamics of vertical ash plumes at Santiaguito volcano, Guatemala

Vertical ash plumes were imaged at Santiaguito (Guatemala) using a thermal camera to capture plume ascent dynamics. The plumes comprised a convecting plume front fed by a steady feeder plume. Of the 25 plumes imaged, 24 had a gas thrust region within which ascent velocities were 15–50 m s−1. A transition to buoyant ascent occurred 20 to 50 m above the vent, where ascent velocities declined to 4–15 m s−1. Plumes that attained greater heights had higher heat contents, wider feeder plumes and higher buoyant ascent velocities.
From Muscle Properties to Human Performance, Using Magnetic Resonance

Our goal is to show how muscle properties can be used to understand the exercise performance limitations of the elderly. We show that magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and spectroscopy are useful for noninvasively characterizing the structural and energetic properties of muscle in vivo. Determination of muscle volume and cross-sectional area is easily and rapidly accomplished by applying quantitative morphometric methods to MR images. New MR spectroscopic techniques provide a noninvasive "biopsy" of the oxidative, glycolytic, and contractile capacities of muscle fibers. We show how the structural and energetic properties measured by MR can be used to define the functional capacity of muscle and the contribution of this capacity to the performance of the whole body (e.g., VO2max). Finally, we relate these laboratory measures of muscle properties and performance to activities meaningful to the functioning of the elderly in everyday life, such as sustained walking and stair climbing.
Effects of surgery, anesthesia and intraoperative blood loss on immunocompetence☆

Abstract The effects of surgery, anesthetic agents, and/or intraoperative blood loss on the immune system were studied by comparing the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative peripheral blood lymphocyte blastogenic responses to mitogens and antigens. All anesthetic agents were associated with some degree of immunosuppression, but some were differentially suppressive of either the T-cell or B-cell subpopulation of the peripheral blood lymphocytes. A greater depression of blastogenic responses was associated with ether than with halothane, and the B-cell responses seemed more selectively affected by ether. Cyclopropane anesthesia was more depressive than nitrous oxide, and both T- and B-cells were equally affected. The volume of blood lost during surgery was also correlated with the degree of immunosuppression. This anesthesia and surgery-associated immunosuppression persisted for at least 7 days.
Fluorescence Anisotropy Selective Technique (FAST): A New Approach to Multicomponent Fluorimetric Analysis

A new analytical approach to multicomponent fluorimetric analysis is presented theoretically and is experimentally demonstrated. The new approach, termed fluorescence anisotropy selective technique (FAST), allows one to directly resolve the individual components in complex mixtures on the basis of differences in the rotational diffusion rates of the components. Importantly, unlike steady-state polarization-based approaches, FAST does not require a priori information regarding the number of individual components. By the use of FAST, the individual emission spectra of the same fluorophore in two different microenvironments can be simultaneously determined even if the fluorescence lifetimes and emission spectra of the two components are extremely similar. To demonstrate the power of FAST, we show results for the simultaneous resolution of dansylamide bound to beta-cyclodextrin and human serum albumin. In this example, the fluorescence lifetimes of the two components are essentially identical.
TO OWN OR TO FRANCHISE?: THE INTERNATIONAL CONTROL DECISION FOR SERVICE COMPANIES

Franchising, which accounts for a significant share of the U.S. domestic service industry, has also become a major strategic alternative in the international expansion of U.S. service firms. This article attempts to explain the international franchising and control decision by U.S.-based service firms in terms of a theoretical framework that borrows from agency theory and transaction-cost analysis. Specifically, it attempts to answer the following question: Why would a well-established service firm choose to operate in certain countries through a franchising agreement whereas in others it would set up a wholly-owned subsidiary? In their empirical test of a sample of over 10,000 international service units that were either owned or franchised by 12 U.S. multinational service companies, the authors find that the most important determinants of the decision to franchise rather than own are the following four: (1) geographical distance from headquarters; (2) extent of cultural differences; (3) years of international experience; and (4) degree of concern about reputation or brand name. Greater geographic and cultural distance make service companies more likely to franchise, as do greater experience and familiarity with international business settings. Greater concern about brand name, by contrast, makes companies more likely to own than franchise. Measures of political and exchange risk have no detectable effect.
A model for the evolution of software and systems engineering project cultures throughout their life cycles

Software development projects are renown for exhibiting chaotic outcomes despite the application of recent development process paradigms. This paper argues that the development culture followed by a software project greatly contributes at a deeper level to its ultimate outcome. Five such cultures are discussed: the calendar driven culture, the requirements driven culture, the documentation driven culture, the quality driven culture, and the architecture driven culture. Each culture is characterized by the priority of objectives that it selects and the artifacts that it predominantly generates. Cultural shifts throughout a project life cycle are also often identified as unconscious responses to pressure exercised by the project stakeholders. This article presents a conceptual model that captures the cultural profile of a software project and estimates the cost and/or difficulty of shifting from one culture to another. Changing cultures can have severe consequences on a project success. An improved knowledge of the nature and objectives of each culture combined with a keen awareness of the impact of shifting cultures can mitigate chaotic outcomes by enabling better decision-making throughout a software project life cycle. The paper also attempts to establish the extent to which the results are also relevant to the Systems Engineering discipline. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Eng 8: 151–163, 2005
The Circle Diagram of a Transmission Network

The first circle diagrams of the character herein described were published almost simultaneously by Thielemans in Europe and Evans and Sels in this country. The diagram of Evans and Sels is not nearly as complete as Thieleman's, but is more easily constructed because of the mathematical methods employed to determine the circle centers and radii. The present paper is an elaboration of the work done by these two investigators. It coordinates the graphical and mathematical methods of construction and extends their application. The principal contributions of this article ore incorporated in Tables I and II and in the paragraphs concerning geometrical checks that may be applied to the circle diagram. Tables I and II include formulas for determining the coefficients of a large number of circular loci which have not been heretofore constructed by mathematical methods. Other formulas given in Tables I and II are to be found elsewhere, buit generally in a somewhat more complicated, although equivalent, form. The graphical checks that result from the geometrical properties of the circle diagram, as first investigated by Thielemans, have not heretofore been applied to diagrams derived by mathematical computations. By establishing the identity of the Thielemans and Evans and Sels diagrams, it has been possible to utilize the numerous geometrical properties of the diagram that Thielemans has worked out, as well as to make use of other graphical properties.
The digital museum in the life of the user

This panel will explore the fascinating issue of the “digital museum in the life of the user.” As online museums, digital museum collections, and enhanced gallery devices become more common, it is important that we improve our understanding of how museum visitors make use of digital museum resources, online and in house. This panel, therefore, will discuss approaches to and the need for a better understanding of the users and usage of digital museums.
Translational control of development inC. elegans

Abstract Translational control by the 3′untranslated regions (3′UTRs) of mRNAs contributes to important events throughout the development of C. elegans. In oocytes and early embryos, maternal mRNAs are controlled by 3′UTR elements to restrict translation of their protein products to specific blastomeres. Localized translation is probably critical for specifying blastomere identity. In both germline and somatic cells, mRNAs from sex determining genes are translationally repressed by 3′UTR controls. These controls balance the activities that specify male and female cell fates. During larval development, the temporal sequence of cell lineages requires 3′UTR-mediated regulation of heterochronic genes by a small non-protein coding RNA. We review what is known about these translational control mechanisms in C. elegans. This overview illustrates that translational control by 3′UTR elements is a powerful mechanism for regulating the expression of multiple gene products in diverse cell types during development of a multi-cellular animal.
CO2 enrichment increases element concentrations in grass mixtures by changing species abundances

Atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) enrichment may increase plant growth more than the uptake of chemical elements from soil. Increased CO2 also may alter element levels in biomass from multi-species vegetation by changing plant species abundances. We measured concentrations of ten elements in aboveground tissues of three C4 grasses that had been exposed for 2-3 growing seasons to a continuous gradient in CO2 from 250 to 500 lmol mol -1 . The grasses, Bouteloua curtipendula, Schiz- achyrium scoparium, and Sorghastrum nutans, are competitive dominants in assemblages of tallgrass prairie vegetation growing on each of three soil types along a field CO2 gradient in central Texas, USA. Our objective was to determine whether CO2 influences element concentrations in grass mixtures by changing concentrations in individual species or shifting spe- cies abundances. Increased CO2 had little effect on element concentrations in grasses compared to differences observed among grass species and soils. Increasing CO2 from the pre-Industrial to elevated levels reduced the phosphorus concentration in grasses grown on a clay and sandy loam soil. Concentrations of most other elements did not respond to CO2 treatment. Cover of the mid-grass Bouteloua declined at higher CO2 levels as cover of the taller grass Sorghastrum increased. Concentra- tions of several elements were lower in Bouteloua than Sorghastrum; hence, this exchange of species at higher CO2 increased element concentrations in grass assemblages. Potential consequences include an improvement in the nutritional quality of plants for herbivores. Results highlight the underappreciated impact that CO2 enrichment may have on ecosystem functioning by changing plant composition.
Increases in testosterone levels and in copulatory behavior of male rhesus monkeys following treatment with human chorionic gonadotrophin

The sexual behavior of five male rhesus monkeys was observed before, during, and after administration of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) sufficient to induce increases in serum testosterone. Each male was given 12 half-hour pair tests with an estrogen-implanted ovariectomized female during each of the three phases of the study (Pretreatment, Treatment, Post-treatment). Summaries of selected categories of sexual and other social behaviors were tabulated for each phase of the study. Grooming, mount latency, and ejaculation frequency, as well as other behavioral measures, were unaffected by hormone treatment. However, latency to ejaculation decreased by 40% (P < 0.01) and mount rate increased by 71% (P < 0.05) during hormone administration. Sexual presentations by the female decreased by 38% (P < 0.05). Limb shaking decreased 55% during HCG treatment (P < 0.05). These findings demonstrate that increases in testosterone secretion subsequent to gonadotrophin injection in intact male rhesus monkeys can produce significant alterations in male and female sexual behavior.
Solid-state coordination chemistry of copper(II) tetrazolates: anion control of frameworks constructed from trinuclear copper(II) building blocks.

The products of the reactions of copper(II) starting materials with 4-pyridyltetrazole (4-Hpt) in N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF)/methanol solutions are determined by the anion identity and concentration. In the absence of chloride, the 3-D open-framework material [Cu3(OH)3(4-pt)3(DMF)4]·5DMF·3MeOH (1·5DMF·3MeOH) is isolated, while variations in the chloride concentration yield the 2-D and 3-D materials, 2 and 3, respectively. All three structures exhibit trinuclear copper(II) building blocks: the triangular {Cu3(μ3-OH)}5+ core in 1 and {Cu3Cl4(4-pt)4(4-Hpt)2}2− and {Cu3Cl2(4-pt)8}4− chains in 2 and 3, respectively. All three materials display microporosity, which is highly dependent on the method of sample preparation.
Scanning Tunneling Microscopy of Electrodeposited Ceramic Superlattices

Cleaved cross sections of nanometer-scale ceramic superlattices fabricated from materials of the lead-thallium-oxygen system were imaged in the scanning tunneling microscope (STM). The apparent height differences between the layers were attributed to composition-dependent variations in local electrical properties. For a typical superlattice, the measured modulation wavelength was 10.6 nanometers by STM and 10.8 nanometers by x-ray diffraction. The apparent height profile for potentiostatically deposited superlattices was more square than that for galvanostatically deposited samples. These results suggest that the composition follows the applied potential more closely than it follows the applied current. The x-ray diffraction pattern of a superlattice produced under potential control had satellites out to the fourth order around the (420) Bragg reflection.
A deductive model of control of a problem solver

The efficiency of problem-solving computer programs, has suffered from such programs willingness to search problem spaces blindly and their inability to accept new information that would help. A new approach is described, in which the problem solver is driven by a theorem prover which retrieves and chooses among solution plans. The theorem prover can accept new deductive rules expressed in the problem solver's control vocabulary. In this way, the advantages of determinism and extensibility are achieved. A program called NASL embodying this approach has been implemented and applied to the domain of simple electronic circuit design.
Adsorption of NO on Rh(100)

Abstract The chemisorption and decomposition of NO on a Rh(100) surface have been investigated in the temperature range of 100–1400 K using thermal desorption mass spectrometry, Auger electron spectroscopy, low energy electron diffraction and work-function-change measurements. At 100 K, NO chemisorbs on Rh(100) with an initial sticking probability of unity. The saturation coverage is θ sat =0.65 ML (9.1×10 14 cm −2 ). At 100 K and all coverages, molecular NO dominates with, at most, a small dissociative contribution at low coverages. At saturation, approximately 54% of the adsorbate dissociates during heating and desorbs as N 2 and O 2 . Molecular NO desorption peaks occur at about 125 and 471 K. The desorption activation energy of the latter state is 25 kcal mol −1 . N 2 desorbs at about 155 K and between 430 and 830 K with peaks at 491, 650 and 725 K. The major O 2 desorption peak occurs at 1240 K. A NO species in which both the N and O atoms are bonded to the surface is proposed to account for NO, N 2 and O 2 desorption peaks observed between 470 and 495 K. No LEED pattern is observed for the adsorbate at 100 K. The work function increases with exposure and Δφ saturates at a maximum of +0.93 eV at θ =0.42 ML.
Dynamical and Thermodynamical Causes of Large-Scale Changes in the Hydrological Cycle over North America in Response to Global Warming*

AbstractThe mechanisms of model-projected atmospheric moisture budget change across North America are examined in simulations conducted with 22 models from phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project. Modern-day model budgets are validated against the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts Interim Re-Analysis. In the winter half year transient eddies converge moisture across the continent while the mean flow wets the west from central California northward and dries the southwest. In the summer half year there is widespread mean flow moisture divergence across the west and convergence over the Great Plains that is offset by transient eddy divergence. In the winter half year the models project drying for the southwest and wetting to the north. Changes in the mean flow moisture convergence are largely responsible across the west but intensified transient eddy moisture convergence wets the northeast. In the summer half year widespread declines in precipitation minus evaporation (P − E) ar...
Radar transmit waveform design for lossy propagation channels

This paper proposes that radar transmit codes can be tailored to a specific target scene through the use of Marginal Fisher Information (MFI). Where peak sidelobe level (PSL) and Total Integrated Sidelobe Level (TISL) are metrics frequently used in determining the quality of radar transmit codes, well performing free-space waveforms with low PSL and TISL may not be optimal for lossy propagation channels. When some knowledge is available regarding the propagation characteristics of the scene, MFI can be used to develop transmit codes with significantly increased estimation accuracy over codes designed to be optimal for free-space cases.
Influence of nuclear spin on angular distribution and polarization of photoelectrons: resonant two-photon ionization of Na

Abstract Resonant ionization of Na through its 3p levels by two pulsed lasers illustrates how coherent excitation of hyperfine levels affects the angular distributions of photoelectrons and of electron spin polarization. The effects appear as dependence of the distributions on the time interval between excitation and ionization pulses. Theoretical and experimental results are given for photoelectron distributions, and several microscopic parameters are determined. Theoretical predictions are given for angle- and time-dependence of spin polarization.
Breeding orange-winged Amazon parrots in captivity

Captive propagation of parrots for the companion bird trade provides a potential means of reducing the economic incentive to capture these birds from the wild. To test whether environmental and social manipulations might stimulate reproduction in captive, wild-caught orange-winged Amazon parrots (Amazona amazonica), we compared reproductive performance in pairs presented with nest boxes (controls) or nest boxes plus additional environmental and social manipulations (enriched group) consisting of misting, fruit supplementation, nest hole restriction, enlarged nest boxes, and pair separation/reunification. In the first breeding trial, in 1990, enriched pairs were more likely to lay eggs (six of seven enriched pairs vs. one of eight control pairs; P < 0.09). When treatments were reversed the following years (e.g., 1990 controls were exposed to enriched conditions in 1991), reproductive performance was not different between the groups (four of seven enriched pairs laid eggs vs. five of seven control pairs), although three pairs in the 1991 enriched group laid eggs which had not laid eggs before. These results are consistent with the idea that while enriched environments may enhance the probability of a first episode of egg laying in captivity, once pairs have laid eggs in captivity, little stimulation beyond that provided by nest box presentation is required to reinitiate egg laying. The environmental and social manipulations of the enriched conditions could be useful in increasing reproductive performance of captive Amazon parrots for the companion bird trade. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
"Describing our whole experience": the statistical philosophies of W. F. R. Weldon and Karl Pearson.

Abstract There are two motivations commonly ascribed to historical actors for taking up statistics: to reduce complicated data to a mean value (e.g., Quetelet), and to take account of diversity (e.g., Galton). Different motivations will, it is assumed, lead to different methodological decisions in the practice of the statistical sciences. Karl Pearson and W. F. R. Weldon are generally seen as following directly in Galton’s footsteps. I argue for two related theses in light of this standard interpretation, based on a reading of several sources in which Weldon, independently of Pearson, reflects on his own motivations. First, while Pearson does approach statistics from this “Galtonian” perspective, he is, consistent with his positivist philosophy of science, utilizing statistics to simplify the highly variable data of biology. Weldon, on the other hand, is brought to statistics by a rich empiricism and a desire to preserve the diversity of biological data. Secondly, we have here a counterexample to the claim that divergence in motivation will lead to a corresponding separation in methodology. Pearson and Weldon, despite embracing biometry for different reasons, settled on precisely the same set of statistical tools for the investigation of evolution.
Peripheral circulatory control mechanisms in congestive heart failure

Two abnormalities occur in the resistance vessels in congestive heart failure. First, there is an increased sympathetic tone to the peripheral resistance vessels. Whether or not sympathetic tone is increased at rest depends on the severity of the heart failure and the symptomatic status of the patient. On the other hand, there appears to be a massive sympathoadrenal discharge during exercise which acts to attempt to maintain blood pressure and perfuse essential organs at the expense of nonessential circulations. The afferent limb of this reflex may originate in active skeletal muscle and be supernormally activated by the products of excessive anaerobic metabolism. Reduced baroreceptor activity in heart failure may preferentially facilitate the expression of this response. Second, there appears to be increased “vascular stiffness” of the peripheral arterioles that may be secondary to an increased vascular sodium content or a manifestation of increased tissue pressure seen in edema. During exercise this stiffness reduces the ability of the resistance vessels to dilate. This leads to a higher level of oxygen extraction which is adequate under basal conditions but is insufficient to meet aerobic needs of active muscle and results in a systemic lactic acidemia. Interventions that reduce sympathetic alpha adrenergic tone or restore normal arteriolar dilator capacity might be expected to have the adverse effect of producing exertional syncope.
DSPs in communications

The author describes how dropping prices, rising speeds and the ability to be reprogrammed in-situ make digital signal processor chips (DSPs) more attractive than ever in the field of communications applications.
A mass-balance approach to basin sedimentation: Constraints on the recent history of the Turkana basin

Abstract The Turkana Basin provides some excellent examples of mass-balance constraints on recent basin history. High sedimentation rates in the basin imply that major river-captures occurred in the recent geologic past. The chemistry of the lake is that to be expected for a relatively deep closed basin alkaline lake after several thousand years. Mass balance in the water budget shows that major changes in lake levels over a short-time interval can only result from catastrophic events.
Staining Rickettsiae in Yolk-Sac Cultures.

Rickettsiae in yolk sacs are not stained well by the Macchiavello technique, and experiments were undertaken to understand the mechanisms involved. It was found that the citric acid destaining step was not effective and that most of the basic fuchsin was lost from the rickettsiae during the application of methylene blue, another basic dye. A staining technique was then evolved with carbol basic fuchsin in pH 7.45 phosphate buffer (0.4% dye, 0.4% phenol, 0.07 M buffer), followed directly by 0.8% aqueous malachite green oxalate. This technique worked well for R. mooseri, R. prowazeki, R. rickettsii, R. akari, and R. buretii, but for R. tsutsugumushi a modification was needed, whereby 4% aqueous Fe(NO3)3·9H2O was used as destaining solution, and 0.5% aqueous fast green as the counter-stain.
Theoretical studies on competitive binding of caldesmon and myosin S1 to actin: prediction of apparent cooperativity in equilibrium and slow-down in kinetics of S1 binding by caldesmon.

Several laboratories have reported cooperative binding of S1 to actin in the presence of caldesmon. This cooperative binding has been interpreted with a model similar to that proposed for the binding of S 1 to regulated actins in which the binding affinity of S 1 is controlled by the position of the tropomyosin filaments. In a recent paper [Sen, A., Chen, Y., Yan, B., and Chalovich, J. M. (2001) Biochemistry 40, 5757-64], we showed qualitatively that Sl binding resulted in rapid dissociation of caldesmon from actin or actin-tropomyosin. This suggests that the cooperativity observed in the case of caldesmon is not due to a conformational change in actin-caldesmon but to the displacement of caldesmon. We show in this paper that the pure competitive binding model, in which both Sl and caldesmon are competing for the same binding sites on actin, can simulate quantitatively the effect of caldesmon on both the equilibrium and the kinetics of Sl binding to actin. This model successfully predicts an apparent cooperativity for the binding of S 1 to actin-caldesmon without the need to assume multiple actin-caldesmon structures and produces a decreased rate of S 1 binding to actin in the presence of caldesmon. This suggests that the inhibitory action of caldesmon on the actin-activated ATPase activity of myosin in solution and on the generation of active force in a contracting muscle may be simply due to the blocking of myosin binding sites on actin by caldesmon.
Immunogenicity of an inactivated Rift Valley fever vaccine in humans : a 12-year experience

Rift Valley fever (RVF) virus causes serious and fatal disease in animals and man. To protect personnel who work with RVF virus in the laboratory, or troops who may be exposed to this virus, the US Army successfully developed an improved version of inactivated RVF vaccine, TSI-GSD-200. From early 1986 to late 1997, 598 at-risk workers at the US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID) were vaccinated as part of an occupational safety and health program. The subjects of this study received three subcutaneous doses (0, 7 and 28 days) of 0.5 ml of TSI-GSD-200. A total of 540 vaccinees (90.3%) initially responded (group A) with an 80% plaque-reduction neutralization antibody titer (PRNT80) of ≥1:40; whereas 58 subjects (9.7%) were initial nonresponders (group B) failing to achieve this titer. Volunteers who either failed to respond or who achieved a titer of ≥1:40 but whose titer waned below 1:40 were boosted 1–4 times with the same vaccine. Among 247 group A subjects who received the first recall injection, 242 (98%) were successfully boosted, achieving a PRNT80 ≥1:40. Thirty-three of 44 (75%) initial nonresponders were converted to responder status after the first booster, which is a lower rate than that of group A (P<0.001). After the primary series and the first booster, Kaplan–Meier analysis showed 50% probability of group A members maintaining a titer of ≥1:40 for approximately eight years; whereas group B had a 50% probability of maintaining a titer for only 204 days. Group A immune response rates to boosts 1–4 ranged from 87 to 100% with geometric mean titers (GMTs) ranging from 80 to 916. Boosts 1–4 immune response rates of group B volunteers ranged from 67 to 79% with GMTs ranging from 90 to 177. Minor side effects to TSI-GSD-200 were noted in 2.7% of all vaccinees after primaries and 3.5% of all vaccinees who had primaries and up to four boosters. We conclude that the use of TSI-GSD-200 is safe and provides good long-term immunity in humans when the primary series and one boost are administered.
Mandating HPV Vaccination -- Private Rights, Public Good

To the Editor: Those who oppose mandating vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV) as a condition for school entry generally open the debate with two fundamental questions. First, how can the...
gigas, a Drosophila Homolog of Tuberous Sclerosis Gene Product-2, Regulates the Cell Cycle

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is an autosomal dominant disorder leading to the widespread development of benign tumors that often contain giant cells. We show that the Drosophila gene gigas encodes a homolog of TSC2, a gene mutated in half of TSC patients. Clones of gigas mutant cells induced in imaginal discs differentiate normally to produce adult structures. However, the cells in these clones are enlarged and repeat S phase without entering M phase. Our results suggest that the TSC disorder may result from an underlying defect in cell cycle control. We have also identified a Drosophila homolog of TSC1.
Kinetic Evaluation of Nonlinear Drug Elimination by a Disposition Decomposition Analysis. Application to the Analysis of the Nonlinear Elimination Kinetics of Erythropoietin in Adult Humans

The disposition–decomposition analysis (DDA) methodology enables isolation of the overall elimination and distribution effects in pharmacokinetics and facilitates analysis which focuses on drug elimination kinetics and does not require a specific structured modeling of drug distribution processes. A computer algorithm enables a curve fitting and a kinetic estimation by integration of the convolution type integrodifferential equation in the DDA. The approach is demonstrated in an analysis of the nonlinear disposition kinetics of erythropoietin (Epo) in 10 healthy, adult human subjects who each received 10, 100, and 500 U/kg iv bolus doses of Epo. The nonlinearity is analyzed according to a Michaelis–Menten type nonlinear elimination function, considering simultaneous fitting to the data from all three doses in each subject. The simultaneous fittings produced estimates of the Michaelis–Menten parameters (mean, % CV) Vm, (901 mU/mL/h, 19.4%) and km (4814 mU/mL, 24.6%). A linear clearance parameter is defined as the asymptotic clearance value approached when the drug level decreases toward zero. The degree of nonlinearity reached from various dosings was quantified in terms of a clearance ratio which is defined as the ratio between the linear clearance and the clearance estimated for the maximum drug concentration encountered at the given dose level. The subjects showed very little nonlinearity at the 10 U/kg dosing with a mean clearance ratio of 1.07 (2.1% CV) A statistically significant increase in the degree of nonlinearity was observed in the Epo elimination kinetics as the dosing level was increased to 100 and 500 U/kg, reaching clearance ratios of 1.66 (14% CV) and 4.33 (27% CV), respectively. A zero value for the global elimination rate parameter in all 30 dosings indicates that Epo's elimination is entirely accounted for by nonlinear pathway(s).
Late Type III Endoleak and Graft Failure of an Ancure Stent-Graft

The authors report a case of a delayed type IIIb endoleak with sac expansion 6 years after an endovascular repair of an abdominal aortic aneurysm with an Ancure bifurcated stent-graft. The presumed etiology of the leak was secondary to erosion of the main body graft material by metal stents placed within the graft to correct kinking of the iliac limbs at the index operation. The endoleak was successfully treated by endovascular means with an aortouni-iliac device, contralateral iliac plug followed by a femoral-to-femoral bypass graft.
Imbalance of approach and avoidance: the yin and yang of anxiety disorders.

Two interesting articles from Harvard University investigators in this issue of Biological Psychiatry challenge us to reconsider and re-think the complexities of the underlying neurobiology of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). We will refer to these articles with a view to highlighting their unique contributions to the literature and the new directions they motivate for translational research in PTSD and other anxiety disorders.
Effects of a simulated estrous cycle on sodium, volume, ACTH, and AVP in sheep☆

Abstract The studies were designed to test for effects of acute increases in estradiol and progesterone, similar in magnitude and duration to those in the ovine estrous cycle, on adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and plasma vasopressin (AVP) under resting conditions and in response to hypotension. Ewes (7 per group) were studied as intact, ovariectomized, ovariectomized and treated with progesterone for 7–8 days, or subsequently treated with estradiol. During progesterone treatment plasma sodium and AVP were increased significantly. However, neither plasma volume nor blood pressure was altered. Plasma AVP responses to hypotension were not altered by either progesterone or estradiol treatment. The peak plasma ACTH response to hypotension was not altered by steroid treatment; however, the duration of the response was greater in progesterone-treated ewes than in intact ewes. The results indicate that changes in gonadal steroids similar to those in the ovine estrous cycle cause a small increase in plasma sodium that stimulates AVP, but do not alter regulation of blood pressure or volume or AVP or ACTH responses to hypotension.
Liquidity and the Term Structure of Interest Rates

The data, 136. — Short-term interest rates, 136. — Long-term interest rates, 137. — Interest rate differentials, 137. — Preferences for liquidity of principal lenders, 141. — A closer approximation, 143. — Appendix, 144.
Changes in Temperatures of Tissues After Systemic Applications of Short Wave Electric Fields

ConclusionsThese experimental data show that, in living animals, the temperatures of certain different types of tissues are affected to different degrees by the systemic application of the shortwave electric field. Muscle tissine is affected slightly more than is subcutaneous tissue : intra-articular tissue is affected more than is muscle tissue. Furthermore, it has been shown that the reactions of anesthetized animals to general hyperthermia produced by this physical agent (short electric nave fields) are quantitatively different from those produced in unanesthetized animals. Measurements of temperatures of tissues of dead animals have shown that bone is heated much more markedly than is muscle tissue and they have indicated that the changes of temperature produced by this high frequency field are strictly dependent on the position and constitution of the various tissues.
Configurational Instability of Degenerate Electronic States

The implications of the Jahn-Teller theorem are discussed with special reference to the case where the forces tending to lower the symmetry of electronically degenerate molecular states are of the same order as the restoring forces encountered during typical vibrations. It is shown that the resulting dynamical situation may be described as a particular kind of coupling between low-frequency electronic motions and nuclear modes.
Subclavian artery stenting: factors influencing long-term outcome.

This study provides extended follow-up of a nonrandomized series of symptomatic patients who underwent subclavian stent-supported angioplasty (SSA) with emphasis on preprocedure factors that may have influenced outcome. The endpoints of mortality and restenosis were analyzed using backward stepwise logistic regression with the following clinical variables: coronary artery disease, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, smoking, diabetes mellitus, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic renal insufficiency/failure, and hypothyroidism. Restenosis is reported based on prospective serial noninvasive studies and/or angiography. Mortality was evaluated by retrospective database review and inquiry to the State Department of Health and Human Services' statistical registry in patients who were lost to follow-up. Over a 9-year period (mean follow-up, 36.1 +/- 30.4 months; maximum observation, 109.5 months), 101 stents were placed in 91 consecutive patients (37 male, 54 female). The mean age at intervention was 62.03 +/- 9.3. The procedure was technically successful in 89 patients 97% (mean pre- and postoperative stenosis and pressure gradients were 90.2% +/- 9.4% vs. 3.7% +/- 6.6%, P 0.05), but the same were less likely to die during follow-up (P > 0.001). Also, the presence of hypothyroidism (P = 0.004) and increasing age (P = 0.068) were positively correlated with all-cause mortality. This study suggests that SSA is predictable, safe, and durable. The diagnosis of symptomatic subclavian disease is of prognostic importance, with age and male gender representing important predictors of all-cause long-term mortality. The strong association of increased mortality with hypothyroidism is difficult to discard and raises the question of a yet to be described thyroid steal phenomena.