bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Eigenschaften einer modernen Ein-/Ausgabe-Architektur (Characteristics of a Modern In/Out Architecture)
Authors: Lehmann H. , Spruth Wilhelm G.
Published: November 2003

Das Leistungsverhalten moderner kommerzieller Großrechner wird in ganz besonderem Maße durch die eingesetzte Ein-/Ausgabe (E/A)-Architektur mitbestimmt. Auf diesem Gebiet haben die S/390- und zSeries-Rechner eine Führungsposition mit inne, die auf einer ganzen Reihe von Einrichtungen beruht, die in anderen Rechnerarchitekturen (zum Teil noch) nicht verfügbar sind. Hierzu gehören neben Anderem ein getrenntes E/A-Kanal-Subsystem, das parallel zur CPU arbeitet, die Möglichkeit, über unterschiedliche Pfade dynamisch auf den gleichen Plattenspeicher zuzugreifen, oder eine Prioritätssteuerung, die über einen Work Load Manager eine kontinuierliche Anpassung der E/A-Ressourcen an sich dynamisch ändernde Belastungsprofile ermöglicht. Der vorliegende Beitrag enthält eine Übersicht über moderne E/A-Einrichtungen am Beispiel der S/390- und zSeries-Rechner und ihre Zuordnung in dem kommenden InfiniBand-Standard.
Die SQL-Norm (The SQL Standard)
Authors: Michels J.-E. , Kulkarni K. , Farrar C. M. , Eisenberg A. , Mattos N. , Darwen H.
Published: November 2003

In diesem Artikel geben die Autoren einen Überblick über die neuesten Funktionen der nächsten Version der SQL-Norm (SQL:2003) sowie eine kurze Zusammenfassung der vorhandenen Funktionalität in der aktuell gültigen Norm (SQL:1999) und den früheren Versionen. Zusätzlich wird auf ausgewählte Teile des Standards ausführlicher eingegangen. Abschließend wird kurz auf die Zukunft der SQL-Norm aus Sicht der Autoren eingegangen.
Testen sicherheitskritischer Software zwischen Theorie und Praxis: Eine Bestandsaufnahme (Testing Safety-Critical Software in Theory and Practice: A Summary)
Authors: Liggesmeyer P.
Published: November 2003

Dynamisches Testen wird — ungeachtet der bekannten Schwächen — in der Praxis häufig verwendet. Dies gilt auch für die Entwicklung sicherheitskritischer Software. Im Folgenden werden die Ursachen für diese Situation analysiert. Darüber hinaus werden die möglichen Alternativen untersucht sowie die Forderungen ausgewählter Standards in Bezug auf die Software-Prüfung diskutiert.
Uranyl(VI) complexes with alpha-substituted carboxylic acids in aqueous solution
Authors: Moll H. , Geipel G. , Reich T. , Bernhard G. , Fanghänel Th. , Grenthe I.
Published: November 2003

The complex formation in the binary uranium(VI)-glycolate, -α-hydoxyisobutyrate, -α-aminoisobutyrate systems in 1.0 M NaClO4 medium was studied by means of UV-vis, TRLFS, and EXAFS. An increase in absorption and a red shift of the spectra, 5 nm compared to the free UO2
2+, indicate a complex formation between UO2
2+ and α-substituted carboxylic acids already at pH 2. 1:1 complexes dominate the uranyl speciation in the glycolate, α-hydoxyisobutyrate, and α-aminoisobutyrate system at pH 2 and 3, respectively. At higher ligand concentrations a 1:2 complex between UO2
2+ and α-aminoisobutyric acid was observed. There is a very strong quenching of the U(VI) fluorescence in theuranyl–α-hydroxycarboxylate systems that can be quantitatively described by the Stern–Volmer equation. As a result of the strong quenching it is not possible to detect fluorescence spectra for these complexes using TRLFS. The UO2
2+(aq) concentration calculated from the Stern–Volmer equation was used to determine equilibrium constants which are in good agreement with those obtained by potentiometry and NMR spectroscopy. No quenching was observed in the α-aminoisobutyrate system and their fluorescence spectra could be deconvoluted into components for the different species present. The following stability constants result from our TRLFS experiments: a) for the glycolate system log β
UO₂(HOCH₂COO)⁺=2.52±0.20, b) for the α-hydroxyisobutyrate system log β
UO₂[HOC(CH₃)₂COO]⁺=3.40±0.21, and c) for the α-aminoisobutyrate system logβUO₂[NH₃C(CH₃)₂COO]²⁺=1.30±0.10 and log β
UO₂[NH₃C(CH₃)₂COO]₂²⁺=2.07±0.25. An increase of the fluorescence intensity connected with a red shift of the fluorescence emission spectra was observed in the system uranyl–α-aminoisobutyric acid. Fluorescence lifetimes and spectra were obtained for UO2
2+, UO2[NH3C(CH3)2COO]2+, and UO2[NH3C(CH3)2COO]2
2+. Uranium L
III-edge EXAFS measurements yielded an U-Oeq distance of 2.40 to 2.43 Å in the pH range from 2 to 4 in the α-hydroxyisobutyrate system showing a dominant bidentate coordination via the oxygens of the carboxylic group. Slightly shorter U-Oeq distances of 2.40 to 2.38 Å and no evidence for U-C distances around 2.90 Å in the glycolate system in this pH range may indicate a monodentate coordinated ligand via one oxygen from the carboxylic group. The decrease in the U-Oeq distance of the equatorial oxygens in both systems to 2.36-2.37 Å at pH values ≥5 is a strong indication for the formation of a chelate complex due to the deprotonation of the α-OH-group of the ligand. In the glycolate system in the pH range 5.5 to 11, the EXAFS spectrum showed evidence of U-U interaction at 3.81 Å indicating the formation of dimeric species.
Soluble and particle-bound234,238U,226Ra and210Po in ground waters
Authors: Vaaramaa K. , Lehto J. , Ervanne H.
Published: November 2003

Water of five drilled wells was filtered with three membranes (pore size 0.45 µm-5 kD) to determine the soluble and particle-bound forms of234,238U,226Ra and210Po. Three of the waters were of Ca-HCO3type and two of Na-Cl type. Some of the waters also exhibited high concentrations of Fe, Mn and humic substances.234,238U was present entirely in soluble form in all waters, probably as uranyl ion (UO22+) in soluble carbonate complexes.226Ra was in soluble form in the waters with low concentrations of Fe and Mn, but 10% of the total226Ra activity was bound to particles in the Fe-Mn-rich waters. The behaviour of Po varied with water composition. Particle-bound210Po was observed to correlate with the combined concentration of iron and manganese in the raw waters. In the two of waters of Na-Cl type, in which the concentrations of Fe, Mn and humic substances were high, salinity of the waters did not enhance the solubility of polonium. Polonium was present in both soluble and particle-bound forms in all the ground waters.
Photoexcitation of europium(III) in various electrolytes: Dependence of the luminescence lifetime on the type of salts and the ionic strength
Authors: Nehlig A. , Elhabiri M. , Billard I. , Albrecht-Gary A.-M. , Lützenkirchen K.
Published: November 2003

The fluorescence characteristics (lifetime, excitation and emission spectra) of aqueous solutions of Eu(III) containing various supporting electrolytes such as HCl, NaCl, LiCl, CsCl, MgCl2, HClO4 and NaClO4 have been measured. The observed lifetime variations cannot be properly described neither through the hydration sphere phenomenological approach nor through a Stern–Volmer relationship. Long-range interactions between the excited ion and solvent molecules, in addition to an outer-sphere complexation with the anions, are proposed to account for the observed variations.
Characterization of complexation reactions of mono- and bidentate-hydroxymethyl phosphine ligands with the organometallic 99mTc(I)(OH2)3(CO)3
+ synthon
Authors: Kothari K. K. , Pillarsetty N. K. , Katti K. V. , Volkert W.A.
Published: November 2003

The complexation reactions of the 99mTc(I)-(CO)3(OH2)3
+ precursor with tris-hydroxymethylenephosphine (THP) and a diphosphine ligand analogue (HMPE) were studied at tracer levels. Results demonstrate rapid formation of 99mTc(I)(CO)3
+ complexes with both THP and HMPE. In the presence of excess THP, conversion of initial complexes to stable, well-defined 99mTc species occurs indicating coordination of phosphine groups to Tc(I) at all three sites trans to the carbonyl ligands.
Space-group determination of cubic and its superlattice-ordered rhombohedral phases of Zn63Mg23Er14 using the convergent-beam electron diffraction method
Authors: Saitoh K. , Kounis A. , Miehe G. , Fuess H. , Sterzel R. , Assmus W.
Published: November 2003

The space group of a cubic phase of Zn63Mg23Er14 has been determined to be F4̅3m by convergent-beam electron diffraction (CBED). This space group is in agreement with that assumed by X-ray structure analysis (Sterzel et al., Philos. Mag. Lett. 80 (2000) 239-247). A rhombohedral phase, which is considered as a superlattice ordered phase of the cubic phase, was found. The space group of the rhombohedral phase has been determined to be R3m by the CBED method.
Crystal and molecular structures of norbornene
Authors: Brunelli M. , Fitch A. N. , Jouanneaux A. , Mora A. J.
Published: November 2003

The ordered, low-temperature phase of the globular organic molecule norbornene, (bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-ene, C7H10), has been determined by high resolution powder X-ray diffraction using synchrotron radiation, by auto-indexing, then by intensity extraction and direct methods using the EXPO package. The structure is monoclinic, space group P21/c, Z = 4, with a = 7.6063(9) Å, b = 8.6220(1) Å, c = 8.749(1) Å, β = 97.24(1)° at 85 K. The structure was refined whilst restraining the molecule to m (Cs) symmetry as found in the gas phase. The molecular structure agrees with that obtained from ab-initio molecular orbital calculations, and is less distorted than that obtained from a previous solution of the structure involving an unrestrained refinement from conventional powder X-ray diffraction data (Min, Benet-Buchholz and Boese, 1998). Norbornene starts to transform to the hexagonal close-packed, orientationally-disordered, room-temperature form at around 116 K on warming.
Zinnhalogenverbindungen. III. Neuere Daten zur Kristall- und Molekülstruktur von Dimethylzinndichlorid, Me2SnCl2
Authors: Reuter H. , Pawlak R.
Published: November 2003

The crystal structure of dimethyltin dichloride, Me2SnCl2, known for a long time, has been corrected by means of four-circle diffractometer data, because in comparison to other diorganotin dichlorides serious doubts about the molecular geometry came up. The new, corrected values confirm the old structure model but supply more reliable data in view of the molecular parameters. In particular, the following values have been found for distances and angles: d(Sn-C) = 212.0(7) pm, d(Sn-Cl) = 238.9(2) pm, ∠(Cl-Sn-Cl) = 98.60(9)°, ∠(C-Sn-C) = 142.2(4)°. The length of the intermolecular tin···chlorine bridge was determined to 343.3 pm. This value shows that dimethyltin dichloride has a strong intermolecular association due to small sterical shielding of the tin atom by the methyl groups.
Synthesis and crystal structure of 2,3-bis[3-(2-pyridyl)pyrazol-1-yl]hydroquinone dihydrate at 158 K
Authors: Hagback P. H. , Steel P. J.
Published: November 2003

2,3-Bis[3-(2-pyridyl)pyrazol-1-yl]hydroquinone dihydrate crystallises in the space group C2/c with half a molecule of the title compound and a water molecule in the asymmetric unit. A two-fold rotation axis relates the two 3-(2-pyridyl)pyrazol-1-yl substituents. The pyridine and pyrazole rings are approximately coplanar while the pyrazole ring is orthogonal to the benzene ring. Each water molecule is hydrogen bonded to the hydroxyl group and also to nitrogen atoms of two adjacent molecules; these hydrogen bonding interactions give rise to a two-dimensional network architecture.
Decafluoroquarterphenyl - crystal and molecular structure solved from X-ray powder data
Authors: Smrčok L. , Koppelhuber-Bitschau B. , Shankland K. , David W. I. F. , Tunega D. , Resel R.
Published: November 2003

The structure of decafluoroquarterphenyl has been solved and refined from laboratory X-ray powder data. Structure analysis and ab initio Hartree-Fock calculation showed that the molecules are held by electrostatic interactions and weak hydrogen bonds. A Rietveld refinement supported by slack constraints gave dihedral angles which agreed with those found in similar compounds. In molecules such as these, where the planarity of the rings is known a-priori, and there is little improvement in the fit to the diffraction data at the expense of distorting the structure, conventional slack constrained Rietveld refinement may not bring much additional information and therefore may not be worth the additional effort at the end of the structure solution process.
Determination of Gibbs Energies of Solvation of Monovalent Ions in Water, Methanol and Ethanol and Re-evaluation of the Interaction Energies
Authors: Lahiri S. C.
Published: November 2003

Single ion Gibbs energies of solvation of monovalent ions in water, methanol and ethanol with or without (ion-dipole, ion-quadrupole) interaction-terms have been determined. Widely different single ion values given in the literature usually do not include interaction terms. The method of calculation of interaction terms needs re-evaluation. The usual methods of calculation of ΔG°t(H+) values appear to be defective and ΔG°t(H+) values given in the literature appear to be too high. An alternative approach for the calculation of ΔG°h or s(H+) is suggested.
Particle Entropies and Entropy Quanta: IV. The Ideal Gas, the Second Law of Thermodynamics, and the P–t Uncertainty Relation
Authors: Zimmermann H. W.
Published: November 2003

The quantum thermodynamics of the ideal gas is treated by means of the particle entropies σ=ka. The non-dimensional entropy numbers a are calculated by the extended, temperature-dependent Schrödinger equation applying periodic boundary conditions. The Boltzmann constant k represents the atomic entropy unit. The quantized particle entropies a are used to calculate the Boltzmann distribution f=exp(α−a), the density of entropy levels D(a), the dimensionless chemical potential α=μ/kT, etc. – The thermodynamics of the ideal gas is treated on the basis of entropy quanta by means of the density matrix formalism. In this way we obtain the total particle entropy A, the thermodynamic entropy S (equation of Sackur-Tetrode), the internal and the Helmholtz free energy E and F, respectively, etc. Moreover, it can also be shown on the basis of entropy quanta that the entropy of a closed system in thermal equilibrium has a maximum value, S=S
max. Against this, the entropy S
′ of an arbitrary non-equilibrium state is always smaller, S′ < S
max (second law of thermodynamics). – Application of ordinary density matrix theory to a closed system of N particles leads to the result that the entropy S does not change in time, dS/dt=0, regardless whether we consider an equilibrium state, S=S
max, or a non-equilibrium state, S=S′. Consequently, S cannot irreversibly change from S′ to S
max. However, any irreversible process is accompanied by a positive entropy production P=dS/dt>0. In order to overcome this obvious contradiction, we discuss the entropy evolution in time by means of the commutator equation
G
=i[
P
,
t
], which is deduced from very general assumptions. Here
P
and
t
are the operators of the entropy production P and the time t. Accordingly,
P
and
t
do not commute in general, and hence P and t are not sharply defined simultaneously. Instead we have uncertainties ΔP and Δt, which are expressed by the uncertainty relation of the N-particle system, ΔPΔt≥(1/2)|〈
G
〉|=(γ/2)k. This P − t uncertainty relation easily allows a discussion of the evolution of the entropy S in time t from S′ to S
max. Now the irreversible steps are correctly described by the entropy production P=dS/dt > 0, and the thermal equilibrium by P=0, ∆P=0, and thus the lifetime ∆t=∞.
Combined use of platelet serotonergic markers and psychopathological scales as diagnostic screening of a psychotic versus a depressive disorder
Authors: Ramirez Nicolas , Arranz Belén , Martín Carmen , San Luis
Published: November 2003

A single case of a patient suffering from a first psychotic episode and the differential diagnoses between affective and psychosis is performed throughout the combined use of peripheral serotonergic markers and clinical psychopathological scales during a 6-months follow-up. The results suggest the need of performing further studies combining biological and clinical markers of psychiatric disorders.
Deposit insurance and specialization in commercial bank lending
Authors: Booth James R. , Booth Lena Chua
Published: November 2003

Recent literature focuses on liquidity provision as a unique service provided by financial intermediaries. In this paper, we address why commercial banks dominate the provision of these services. Liquidity provision in lending is reflected in offering loan commitments. We argue that commercial banks have a unique advantage in providing this form of liquidity. This unique advantage derives from their access to deposit insurance, and perhaps to a lesser degree, their access to the discount window of the Federal Reserve System. We empirically examine business loans offered by commercial banks, investment banks, and insurance companies. We show that commercial banks have a comparative advantage in offering loan commitments with fixed‐formula floating interest rates. Other major financial intermediaries such as investment banks favor bridge loans for corporate restructuring, and insurance companies favor longer term fixed interest rate spot loans. These results are consistent with commercial banks' unique corporate lending role (that of liquidity provision) deriving from their access to fixed‐price deposit insurance.
Kuroshio path meander between the continental slope and the Tokara Strait in the East China Sea
Authors: Nakamura Hirohiko , Ichikawa Hiroshi , Nishina Ayako , Lie Heung‐Jae
Published: November 2003

Horizontal patterns and meander motions of the Kuroshio paths in the northern Okinawa Trough between the continental slope and the Tokara Strait are investigated using surface drifter buoy trajectory data, NOAA sea surface temperature (SST) measurements, and shipboard acoustic Doppler current profiler (ADCP) current observations. Temporal variations are also examined by spectral analyses of 1‐year moored velocity/temperature records along the continental slope near 28.8°–30.5°N and of the Kuroshio position time series in the Tokara Strait. Drifter buoy trajectories show that the Kuroshio paths in the northern Okinawa Trough are quasibimodal in character consisting of the northern paths and southern ones, which are associated with anticyclonic and cyclonic Kuroshio circulations, respectively. The Kuroshio position time series show that the northern paths tend to be persistent and intermittently undergo transition to southern paths at periods of 1–3 months. Moored current variations in the slope area and the Kuroshio path variations in the Tokara Strait are highly coherent near a period of 34 days due to the meander motions resulting from the transitions between the northern and southern paths. Successive NOAA SST images and shipboard ADCP current fields show that the transition from the northern path to the southern one is associated with a spatially growing cyclonic eddy, which is initially generated from a downstream‐propagating frontal meander with wavelength of about 200 km. When the cyclonic eddy grows into the scale of the northern Okinawa Trough (about 200‐km E–W, 250‐km N–S), the Kuroshio path changes from the northern path to the southern one.
Expression and characterization of human interferon‐β1 in the methylotrophic yeast Pichia pastoris
Authors: Skoko Nataša , Argamante Barbara , Grujičić Nataša Kovačević , Tisminetzky Sergio Gabriel , Glišin Vladimir , Ljubijankić Goran
Published: November 2003

We describe the heterologous expression of a human interferon‐β1 in the methylotrophic yeast Pichia pastoris. Biologically active recombinant human interferon‐β1 (rHuIFN‐β1) was secreted from shake‐flask‐grown P. pastoris cells into the medium using the Saccharomyces cerevisiae α‐mating factor prepro‐leader sequence at the level of (1–3)×105 i.u. (international units)/ml (6–12 mg/litre). An rHuIFN‐β1 with an N‐terminal sequence identical with that of native HuIFN‐β1 was purified and the specific activity was determined (2–3×107 i.u./mg). It was found that the secreted recombinant protein was partially N‐glycosylated.
Metabolic analysis of senescent human fibroblasts reveals a role for AMP in cellular senescence
Authors: ZWERSCHKE Werner , MAZUREK Sybille , STÖCKL Petra , HÜTTER Eveline , EIGENBRODT Erich , JANSEN-DÜRR Pidder
Published: November 2003

Cellular senescence is considered a major tumour-suppressor mechanism in mammals, and many oncogenic insults, such as the activation of the ras proto-oncogene, trigger initiation of the senescence programme. Although it was shown that activation of the senescence programme involves the up-regulation of cell-cycle regulators such as the inhibitors of cyclin-dependent kinases p16INK4A and p21CIP-1, the mechanisms underlying the senescence response remain to be resolved. In the case of stress-induced premature senescence, reactive oxygen species are considered important intermediates contributing to the phenotype. Moreover, distinct alterations of the cellular carbohydrate metabolism are known to contribute to oncogenic transformation, as is best documented for the phenomenon of aerobic glycolysis. These findings suggest that metabolic alterations are involved in tumourigenesis and tumour suppression; however, little is known about the metabolic pathways that contribute to these processes. Using the human fibroblast model of in vitro senescence, we analysed age-dependent changes in the cellular carbohydrate metabolism. Here we show that senescent fibroblasts enter into a metabolic imbalance, associated with a strong reduction in the levels of ribonucleotide triphosphates, including ATP, which are required for nucleotide biosynthesis and hence proliferation. ATP depletion in senescent fibroblasts is due to dysregulation of glycolytic enzymes, and finally leads to a drastic increase in cellular AMP, which is shown here to induce premature senescence. These results suggest that metabolic regulation plays an important role during cellular senescence and hence tumour suppression.
Constitutive nuclear factor κB activity is required to elicit interferon-γ-induced expression of chemokine CXC ligand 9 (CXCL9) and CXCL10 in human tumour cell lines
Authors: HIROI Miki , OHMORI Yoshihiro
Published: November 2003

CXC ligand 10 (CXCL10) and CXCL9 are chemoattractants for activated T cells and possess angiostatic activity. Both CXCL9 and CXCL10 have been considered as important components for the anti-tumour activities of interferon-γ (IFNγ) and interleukin-12 in animal models. In this article we show that the CXCL9 and CXCL10 genes in some types of human tumour cell lines are not inducible by IFNγ and we describe experiments designed to explore the molecular mechanisms involved in this impaired induction. The human oral squamous carcinoma line Ca9-22 and the glioma line A172 failed to express CXCL9 and CXCL10 mRNAs in response to IFNγ, whereas other carcinoma lines including HSC-2 did express these mRNAs. Production of these chemokine proteins was also impaired in Ca9-22 cells. The impaired expression was not due to any deficiency in the IFNγ/signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1)-dependent signalling pathway. Instead, analysis of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) activity revealed that the constitutive low level of NF-κB activity, which is seen in cells that express these chemokines, was absent in Ca9-22 and A172 cells. Activation of NF-κB in Ca9-22 cells restored the expression of IFNγ-stimulated CXCL9 and CXCL10 mRNAs. In contrast, inhibition of the constitutive NF-κB in HSC-2 cells by adenovirus-mediated gene transfer of a dominant-negative IκBα suppressed the IFNγ-induced expression of the CXCL9 and CXCL10 mRNAs. These results indicate that constitutive NF-κB activity, which is often associated with tumour development, is required for the induced expression of CXCL9 and CXCL10 genes in human tumour cell lines in response to IFNγ.
Effects of [3H]glucosamine concentration on [3H]chondroitin sulphate formation by cultured chondrocytes
Authors: MROZ Paula J. , SILBERT Jeremiah E.
Published: November 2003

GlcN (glucosamine) is now promoted over the counter for implied treatment of osteoarthritis, ostensibly by stimulating biosynthesis of cartilage chondroitin sulphate. In order to evaluate whether exogenous GlcN has any stimulatory effect, we have incubated mouse chondrocytes with [35S]sulphate and various amounts of GlcN, to determine whether any increment in chondroitin [35S]sulphate formation occurs. Similarly we have used varying concentrations of [3H]GlcN to determine the dilution of incorporation into [3H]chondroitin sulphate due to provision of endogenous GlcN by metabolism from glucose at two different glucose concentrations. The incorporation of both 35S and 3H was essentially linear over a 5 h time period. We found no stimulation of chondroitin [35S]sulphate synthesis at lower concentrations of GlcN, and a significant reduction at higher concentrations. Even at concentrations of [3H]GlcN that were greater than could be achieved with standard doses of oral GlcN, there was significant dilution of exogenous GlcN. Furthermore, an artificial acceptor for glycosaminoglycan synthesis in cell culture, 4-methylumbelliferyl β-d-xyloside, did not modify the provision of GlcN from endogenous sources, even though it stimulated chondroitin sulphate synthesis 4 –5-fold at each GlcN concentration. We conclude that the cells have excess capacity to form maximal amounts of GlcN from glucose so that exogenous GlcN does not stimulate chondroitin sulphate synthesis.
Interaction of the protein tyrosine phosphatase PTPL1 with the PtdIns(3,4)P2-binding adaptor protein TAPP1
Authors: KIMBER Wendy A. , DEAK Maria , PRESCOTT Alan R. , ALESSI Dario R.
Published: November 2003

It has been postulated that PtdIns(3,4)P2, one of the immediate breakdown products of PtdIns(3,4,5)P3, functions as a signalling molecule in insulin- and growth-factor-stimulated pathways. To date, the tandem-PH-domain-containing protein-1 (TAPP1) and related TAPP2 are still the only known PH-domain-containing proteins that interact strongly and specifically with PtdIns(3,4)P2. In this study we demonstrate that endogenously expressed TAPP1, is constitutively associated with the protein-tyrosine-phosphatase-like protein-1 (PTPL1 also known as FAP-1). We show that PTPL1 binds to TAPP1 and TAPP2, principally though its first PDZ domain [where PDZ is postsynaptic density protein (PSD-95)/Drosophila disc large tumour suppressor (dlg)/tight junction protein (ZO1)] and show that this renders PTPL1 capable of associating with PtdIns(3,4)P2in vitro. Our data suggest that the binding of TAPP1 to PTPL1 does not influence PTPL1 phosphatase activity, but instead functions to maintain PTPL1 in the cytoplasm. Following stimulation of cells with hydrogen peroxide to induce PtdIns(3,4)P2 production, PTPL1, complexed to TAPP1, translocates to the plasma membrane. This study provides the first evidence that TAPP1 and PtdIns(3,4)P2 could function to regulate the membrane localization of PTPL1. We speculate that if PTPL1 was recruited to the plasma membrane by increasing levels of PtdIns(3,4)P2, it could trigger a negative feedback loop in which phosphoinositide-3-kinase-dependent or other signalling pathways could be switched off by the phosphatase-catalysed dephosphorylation of receptor tyrosine kinases or tyrosine phosphorylated adaptor proteins such as IRS1 or IRS2. Consistent with this notion we observed RNA-interference-mediated knock-down of TAPP1 in HEK-293 cells, enhanced activation and phosphorylation of PKB following IGF1 stimulation.
A Miocene rodent nut cache in coastal dunes of the Lower Rhine Embayment, Germany
Authors: Gee Carole T. , Sander P. Martin , Petzelberger Bianka E. M.
Published: November 2003

A fossil burrow system containing a food cache was discovered in coastal facies in the Lower Rhine Embayment near Cologne, Germany, in the lignite sequences of the Garzweiler open‐pit mine. Because these sediments are of Burdigalian age (late Early Miocene), this cache appears to be the geologically oldest food cache to date. The burrow occurs in the Morken Sand beds (horizon 5D), and it is hypothesized here that it was excavated by a Miocene burrowing animal from the surface of a palaeosol into the underlying dune sand in an interdune area. Based on the morphology of the burrow system and the size of the galleries, the burrow was made by a rodent, most likely a large hamster (e.g. Lartetomys or Karydomys) or, conceivably, a large ground squirrel. The chambers, and sometimes the galleries, of the burrow were filled with a monospecific cache of considerable size, estimated here as a minimum of 1800 nuts, although it was probably much larger. This food cache, a larder hoard, consisted of the three‐dimensionally preserved nuts of Castanopsis pyramidata (Fagaceae). Because many extant rodents are long‐term larder hoarders in regions experiencing seasonal food shortages (e.g. those with cold winter conditions or a dry season), the occurrence of this type of food cache in the Early Miocene implies an acute or chronic scarcity of food resources which, in turn, may be linked to either seasonal cycles in food availability in the backbeach environment or, plausibly, may possibly foretell the onset of climatic seasonality in the entire region.
Primary renal synovial sarcoma with inferior vena cava and right atrium invasion
Authors: CHEN PAUL CHIH‐HSUEH , CHANG YEN‐HWA , YEN CHUEH‐CHUAN , PAN CHIN‐CHEN , CHIANG HUNG
Published: November 2003

Abstract  Primary renal synovial sarcoma is an uncommon and perhaps under‐diagnosed disease. We report a case of renal tumor in a 19‐year‐old man. Clinically, the tumor mimicked renal cell carcinoma with renal vein, inferior vena cava and right atrium invasion. Histologically, the tumor consisted of monophasic, high‐grade, spindle cell components. The diagnosis was validated by fluorescence in situ hybridization and reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction, which demonstrated SYT‐SSX translocation: a characteristic cytogenetic finding for synovial sarcoma. Our case shows that synovial sarcoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of renal tumors, especially in adolescents and young adults. Proper molecular analysis should be undertaken to attain a definitive diagnosis.
Aggressive angiomyxoma in the scrotum expressing androgen and progesterone receptors
Authors: CHIHARA YOSHITOMO , FUJIMOTO KIYOHIDE , TAKADA SATOSHI , HIRAYAMA AKIHIDE , CHO MASAKI , YOSHIDA KATSUNORI , OZONO SEIICHIRO , HIRAO YOSHIHIKO
Published: November 2003

Abstract  Aggressive angiomyxoma is a rare benign mesenchymal myxoid tumor that arises from the pelvic soft tissues and perineum in relatively young females. This tumor has the ability to infiltrate locally and has a high risk of local recurrence after extirpation, but no potential to metastasize. We report here a rare case of aggressive angiomyxoma that developed in the scrotum of a 47‐year‐old male. Immunostaining of the resected specimen revealed that the tumor cell nuclei stained strongly and diffusely for androgen receptors (80% of the tumor cells), and moderately and partly for progesterone receptors (20% of the tumor cells). However, staining was negative for estrogen receptors. It is highly suggested that the growth of aggressive angiomyxoma in males may depend on androgen manipulation, contrary to its frequent and close association with estrogen receptor expression, which has been reported in females.
Myeloperoxidase response to peritonitis in an experimental model
Authors: Yao Veronica , McCauley Rosalie , Cooper Deborah , Platell Cameron , Hall John C.
Published: November 2003

Introduction:  Patients with peritonitis often exhibit systemic manifestations of sepsis, especially in the lungs. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the local and systemic effects of the neutrophil response to peritonitis in a rat model.

Methods:  Fifty Wistar rats were randomized to either a control group or a peritonitis group (5 mg zymosan intraperitoneal). Groups of five animals were killed at 4, 18, 24, 48 and 96 h for evaluation of the morphology of the peritoneum (mesothelial imprint), the number and phenotype of cells within peritoneal fluid (flow cytometry), and myeloperoxidase activity within the peritoneal fluid and distant organs (enzyme assay).

Results:  Zymosan produced macroscopic evidence of peritonitis and on microscopy there was disruption of peritoneal mesothelial cells. This was accompanied by an influx of neutrophils between 4 and 48 h (P < 0.001) and macrophages between 48 and 96 h (P < 0.001). There was also an increase in myeloperoxidase activity within peritoneal fluid between 4 and 48 h (P < 0.05), the lung at 4 h (P < 0.01) and the liver at 48 h (P < 0.001).

Conclusion:  The present study has confirmed the validity of using zymosan to create a low‐morbidity model of peritonitis. Besides the anticipated peritoneal response, there were distant effects of neutrophil activation within the lungs and liver. In the future, strategies that modulate neutrophil activation within these organs might play a useful adjunctive role in the management of patients with peritonitis.
Plant–soil biota interactions and spatial distribution of black cherry in its native and invasive ranges
Authors: Reinhart Kurt O. , Packer Alissa , Van der Putten Wim H. , Clay Keith
Published: November 2003

One explanation for the higher abundance of invasive species in their non‐native than native ranges is the escape from natural enemies. But there are few experimental studies comparing the parallel impact of enemies (or competitors and mutualists) on a plant species in its native and invaded ranges, and release from soil pathogens has been rarely investigated. Here we present evidence showing that the invasion of black cherry (Prunus serotina) into north‐western Europe is facilitated by the soil community. In the native range in the USA, the soil community that develops near black cherry inhibits the establishment of neighbouring conspecifics and reduces seedling performance in the greenhouse. In contrast, in the non‐native range, black cherry readily establishes in close proximity to conspecifics, and the soil community enhances the growth of its seedlings. Understanding the effects of soil organisms on plant abundance will improve our ability to predict and counteract plant invasions.
Rotational transitions of SO, SiO, and SiS excited by a discharge in a supersonic molecular beam: Vibrational temperatures, Dunham coefficients, Born–Oppenheimer breakdown, and hyperfine structure
Authors: Sanz M. Eugenia , McCarthy Michael C. , Thaddeus Patrick
Published: November 2003

Fourier transform microwave spectroscopy has been used to investigate vibrational excitation and relaxation of diatomic molecules produced by an electric discharge in the throat of a supersonic nozzle. Rotational transitions of SO, SiO, and SiS, in vibrational states up to v=33 for S32O16, v=45 for Si28O16, and v=51 for Si28S32 in their ground electronic states have been detected. The isotopic species S33O16, S34O16, Si29O16, Si28O18, Si29S32, and Si28S34 have also been observed in highly excited vibrational states. Microwave transitions include up to v=22 for the second lowest excited electronic state b 1Σ+ of SO (∼10 510 cm−1 above ground) have also been detected. Effective vibrational temperatures have been derived for each species, and a general model is proposed to qualitatively explain the observations. Vibrational excitation is caused by inelastic collisions with the hot electrons produced in the discharge. The subsequent vibrational populations are largely determined by vibration–vibration energy transfer via molecule–molecule binary collisions. Two regions can be inferred from the data: one characterized by a temperature of around 1000 K and a second region with a temperature of several thousand degrees Kelvin. Improved Dunham coefficients and correction terms for the breakdown of the Born–Oppenheimer approximation have been determined for b 1Σ+ SO, X 1Σ+ SiO, and X 1Σ+ SiS. Nuclear spin-rotation hyperfine structure for the Si29 isotopic species of SiO and SiS has been observed in all highly excited vibrational states.
Stability of the ion-temperature-gradient-driven mode with negative magnetic shear
Authors: Uchida M. , Sen S. , Fukuyama A. , McCarthy D. R.
Published: November 2003

A model for transition to the enhanced reverse shear or negative central shear mode triggered in tokamaks is proposed. This model takes into account the linear behavior of the ion temperature gradient (ITG) driven perturbation, considered nowadays as the dominant source of anomalous energy losses in the low confinement mode, in the presence of a radially varying parallel velocity. Analytic and numerical studies show that when the magnetic shear has the same sign as the second derivative of the parallel velocity with respect to the radial coordinate, the ITG mode may become more unstable. On the other hand, when the magnetic shear has the opposite sign to the second derivative of the parallel velocity, the linear ITG mode may be completely stabilized. This result is similar to our earlier works on parallel velocity shear instability [S. Sen et al., Phys. Plasmas 7, 1192 (2000); D. R. McCarthy et al., Phys. Plasmas 8, 3645 (2001)].
On the M-function and Borg–Marchenko theorems for vector-valued Sturm–Liouville equations
Authors: Andersson E.
Published: November 2003

We will consider a vector-valued Sturm–Liouville equation of the form  R[U]≔−(PU′)′+QU=λWU,   x∈[0,b),  with  P−1,   W,   Q∈Lloc1([0,b))m×m  being Hermitian and under some additional conditions on  P−1  and  W.  We give an elementary deduction of the leading order term asymptotics for the Titchmarsh–Weyl M-function corresponding to this equation. In the special case of  P=W=I,   Q∈L1([0,∞))m×m  and the Neumann boundary conditions at 0, we will also prove that M=(1/−λ)(I+R)(I−R)−1, where  R=limn→∞ Rn=∑n=1∞Qn,  for recursively defined sequences  {Rn}  and  {Qn}.  If  Q∈Lloc1([0,b))m×m,   0<b⩽∞,  the same formula is valid with an exponentially small error for large λ. It is clear that expansions of this type are helpful in finding representatives of the KdV invariants. For  P=W=I,  we prove that the spectral measure corresponding to the equation  R[U]=λU  uniquely determines  Q  as well as  b  and the boundary conditions at 0 and  b.  We finally give a new proof of a local form of the Borg–Marchenko theorem (cf. Gesztesy and Simon, “On local Borg–Marchenko uniqueness results,” Commun. Math. Phys. 211, 273–287 (2000), Chap. 3); a theorem which is due to Simon [see Simon, “A new approach to inverse spectral theory, I. fundamental formalism,” Ann. Math. 150, 1–29 (1999)] in the scalar case. For applications to physics, it is worth mentioning that vector-valued Sturm–Liouville equations appear in some problems in magneto-hydro-dynamics.
The role of the focusing field profile on the stability of periodically focused particle beams
Authors: Moraes J. S. , Rizzato F. B. , Pakter R.
Published: November 2003

In this paper, the role of the focusing field profile on the stability of periodically focused particle beams is investigated, paying special attention to the transport within the new regions of stability found recently for vacuum-phase advances well above 90° [R. Pakter and F. B. Rizzato, Phys. Rev. Lett. 87, 044801 (2001)]. In particular, a solenoidal focusing field profile that goes from a smooth sinusoidal-like function to a sharp-edged step-funcion as a continuous parameter is varied is considered. It is shown that the new regions are always present, but may be very sensitive to changes in the focusing field profile. Specifically, as the focusing field becomes more localized, the new regions become narrower, occur at higher vacuum phase advances, and present a larger number of nonlinear resonances and chaos in the beam envelope phase space. Although in all the cases analyzed here it was found that there is a relatively thick layer of regular trajectories isolating the matched solution from the chaotic region, self-consistent simulations show that envelope phase-space chaos may affect beam dynamics, leading to some small emittance growth.
Hamiltonian equations in R3
Authors: Ay Ahmet , Gürses Metin , Zheltukhin Kostyantyn
Published: November 2003

The Hamiltonian formulation of N=3 systems is considered in general. The most general solution of the Jacobi equation in R3 is proposed. The form of the solution is shown to be valid also in the neighborhood of some irregular points. Compatible Poisson structures and corresponding bi-Hamiltonian systems are also discussed. Hamiltonian structures, the classification of irregular points and the corresponding reduced first order differential equations of several examples are given.
A geometric renormalization group in discrete quantum space–time
Authors: Requardt Manfred
Published: November 2003

We model quantum space–time on the Planck scale as dynamical networks of elementary relations or time dependent random graphs, the time dependence being an effect of the underlying dynamical network laws. We formulate a kind of geometric renormalization group on these (random) networks leading to a hierarchy of increasingly coarse-grained networks of overlapping lumps. We provide arguments that this process may generate a fixed limit phase, representing our continuous space–time on a mesoscopic or macroscopic scale, provided that the underlying discrete geometry is critical in a specific sense (geometric long range order). Our point of view is corroborated by a series of analytic and numerical results, which allow us to keep track of the geometric changes, taking place on the various scales of the resolution of space–time. Of particular conceptual importance are the notions of dimension of such random systems on the various scales and the notion of geometric criticality.
Superintegrable systems in Darboux spaces
Authors: Kalnins E. G. , Kress J. M. , Miller W. , Winternitz P.
Published: November 2003

Almost all research on superintegrable potentials concerns spaces of constant curvature. In this paper we find by exhaustive calculation, all superintegrable potentials in the four Darboux spaces of revolution that have at least two integrals of motion quadratic in the momenta, in addition to the Hamiltonian. These are two-dimensional spaces of nonconstant curvature. It turns out that all of these potentials are equivalent to superintegrable potentials in complex Euclidean 2-space or on the complex 2-sphere, via “coupling constant metamorphosis” (or equivalently, via Stäckel multiplier transformations). We present a table of the results.
Noise suppression and enhanced focusability in plasma Raman amplifier with multi-frequency pump
Authors: Balakin A. A. , Fraiman G. M. , Fisch N. J. , Malkin V. M.
Published: November 2003

Laser pulse compression–amplification through Raman backscattering in plasmas can be facilitated by using multi-frequency pump laser beams. The efficiency of amplification is increased by suppressing the Raman instability of thermal fluctuations and seed precursors. Also the focusability of the amplified radiation is enhanced due to the suppression of large-scale longitudinal speckles in the pump wave structure.
Global existence for small initial data in the Born–Infeld equations
Authors: Chae Dongho , Huh Hyungjin
Published: November 2003

We prove global existence of a classical solution for small initial in the Cauchy problem of the Born–Infeld system describing nonlinear electromagnetism. For the proof we crucially use the null form structure of the the nonlinear terms under the Lorentz gauge condition.
On variations in discrete mechanics and field theory
Authors: Guo Han-Ying , Wu Ke
Published: November 2003

In this paper, we propose the difference variational approach with variable step-length for discrete mechanics and field theory. Based upon the Hamilton’s principle for the vertical variations and the horizontal variations, we get the equation of motion and the relevant relations between the equation of motion and conservation law of the energy/energy-momentum tensor for continuous as well as for the discrete systems, respectively. For those discrete cases, these relations determine the variable step-length of the differences. In addition, by taking the double operation of vertical exterior differential on action, we show that there should exist the Euler–Lagrange cohomology for both continuous and variable step-length difference cases in general. This indicates that the necessary and sufficient condition for symplectic/multisymplectic structure preserving properties is the relevant Euler–Lagrange one-form being closed in each case. Our approach can be applied to both the Lagrangian formalism and the Hamiltonian formalism, via discrete Legendre transformation, for the difference discrete mechanics and field theory.
Multivariable orthogonal polynomials associated with tensor products of the oscillator algebra 𝖇(1)
Authors: Lievens S. , Van der Jeugt J.
Published: November 2003

It is well known that the tensor product of n+1 lowest weight representations of (a generalization of) the oscillator algebra 𝔟(1) can be depicted by a binary coupling tree. With each such binary coupling tree, we associate a polynomial Rl(h)(x) that will turn out to be an n-variable Hermite polynomial. We prove that the polynomials Rl(h)(x) associated with a fixed binary coupling tree are orthogonal over the n-dimensional real space for some weight function, which is independent of the shape of the considered binary coupling tree. The connection coefficients expressing a polynomial associated with a given binary coupling in terms of polynomials associated with another binary coupling tree are the 3nj-coefficients of 𝔟(1).
Deficiency indices of operator polynomials in creation and annihilation operators
Authors: Otte Peter
Published: November 2003

We present a new method to compute deficiency indices of operators that are homogeneous polynomials in one pair of creation and annihilation operators. To this end we prove a classification theorem for special cubic forms by means of SU(1,1) transformations and derive new non-self-adjointness criteria for Jacobi-like matrices. The method presented illuminates and systemizes former results of Rabsztyn.
Investigation of thermal contact resistance in injection molding using a hollow waveguide pyrometer and a two-thermocouple probe
Authors: Bendada A. , Derdouri A. , Lamontagne M. , Simard Y.
Published: November 2003

This Note describes an apparatus that characterizes the nature of thermal contact between polymer and mold through the different phases of a typical injection molding cycle. The key idea is the combination of the measurements provided by a hollow waveguide pyrometer and a two-thermocouple probe to determine the thermal contact resistance (TCR). The hollow waveguide pyrometer is used for the on-line monitoring of the temperature at the surface of the polymer stream, while the two-thermocouple probe is utilized to determine via an inverse heat conduction procedure the heat flux crossing the polymer-mold interface and the temperature at the cavity surface. The experimental results show that TCR between polymer and mold is not negligible and not constant with time.
Low-frequency waves in collisional complex plasmas with an ion drift
Authors: Khrapak S. A. , Yaroshenko V. V.
Published: November 2003

A self-consistent model of low-frequency linear waves in collisional complex (dusty) plasmas with an ion drift is presented. Plasma conditions relevant to recent wave experiments under microgravity conditions are considered. Ion-neutral, ion-dust, and neutral-dust collisions, as well as external forces acting on the grains and grain charge variations in the presence of the wave are taken into account. A linear dispersion relation is obtained and some limiting cases are analyzed. Comparison of the obtained theoretical results with the experiments under microgravity conditions is presented.