Universal deformation rings and tame blocks

Let k be an algebraically closed field of positive characteristic, and let W be the ring of infinite Witt vectors over k. Suppose G is a finite group and B is a block of kG of infinite tame representation type. We find all finitely generated kG-modules V that belong to B and whose endomorphism ring is isomorphic to k and determine the universal deformation ring R(G,V) for each of these modules.Comment: 14 page

Combined endophytic inoculants enhance nickel phytoextraction from serpentine soil in the hyperaccumulator Noccaea caerulescens

This study assesses the effects of specific bacterial endophytes on the phytoextraction capacity of the Ni-hyperaccumulator Noccaea caerulescens, spontaneously growing in a serpentine soil environment. Five metal-tolerant endophytes had already been selected for their high Ni tolerance (6 mM) and plant growth promoting ability. Here we demonstrate that individual bacterial inoculation is ineffective in enhancing Ni translocation and growth of N. caerulescens in serpentine soil, except for specific strains Ncr-1 and Ncr-8, belonging to the Arthrobacter and Microbacterium genera, which showed the highest indole acetic acid production and 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid-deaminase activity. Ncr-1 and Ncr-8 co-inoculation was even more efficient in promoting plant growth, soil Ni removal, and translocation of Ni, together with that of Fe, Co, and Cu. Bacteria of both strains densely colonized the root surfaces and intercellular spaces of leaf epidermal tissue. These two bacterial strains also turned out to stimulate root length, shoot biomass, and Ni uptake in Arabidopsis thaliana grown in MS agar medium supplemented with Ni. It is concluded that adaptation of N. caerulescens in highly Ni-contaminated serpentine soil can be enhanced by an integrated community of bacterial endophytes rather than by single strains; of the former, Arthrobacter and Microbacterium may be useful candidates for future phytoremediation trials in multiple metal-contaminated sites, with possible extension to non-hyperaccumulator plants

Effluent Charges: Water Polution Control

Various schemes to abate pollution have been proposed as the answer to the problem: expansion of existing treatment facilities; imposition of heavy penalties on individual polluters; granting tax incentives to reduce pollution; an absolute prohibition on dumping of certain or all pollutants; and the imposition of effluent charges. The particular remedy that is pursued should be selected on the basis of its ability to eliminate the root causes of pollution. Therefore, before an effective solution may be formulated, it is necessary to consider the reasons for the existence of the water pollution problem

The Impact of 1992 on United States Export Control Laws

United States export control laws govern the majority of trade in dual use and defense related items and services between the United States and its major trading partners. The present system requires licenses and reexport authorization for the goods which are traded. For several years, however, United States trading partners have objected to the reach of these laws and United States industry has complained of the competitive disadvantage to which these laws subject many international companies. The onset of the economic integration of Europe, an integration which will result in the world\u27s largest market, has refocused United States congressional and executive branch attention back on the antiquated export control system. In partial response to this integration, the United States has implemented, and will continue to implement, major changes in the export control framework, not the least of which is a reduction in the various control lists governing exports, a concomitant reduction in the numbers and types of licenses required for trade with the European Community, and a greater utilization of COCOM as an effective tool to control diversion of goods to the Soviet Union

Jurisdictional Quagmire: the Implications of K-Mart Corp. v Cartier

The scope of this article extends solely to reviewing the pressing question of proper jurisdiction as between the CIT and the district courts regarding issues of international trade