cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Art of War : system of systems engineering perspectives

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the ancient, 2,500 years old The Art of War by Sun Tzu from a system of systems engineering perspectives. The aim is to show that even for an emerging discipline in engineering the underlying concepts may be much more deeply rooted.Design/methodology/approach – The author approaches the subject by an in‐depth analysis of recent conceptualizations of system of systems engineering. The author relates by analysis these concepts back to business strategy. He illustrates from his own empirical work how corporate strategy is but an equivalent to “system” of systems. From original writings of Sun Tzu in The Art of War he then develops a generic model of system of systems.Findings – Ideas in system of systems engineering, an emerging multi‐discipline are far more deeply rooted in history, at least 2,500 years or even more. Using the cockpit of as an illustrative metaphor, the author argues for a research agenda to design an The Art of War boardroom information sys...
Implementation of a Community Pharmacy-Based Falls Prevention Program

Abstract Background Falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal unintentional injury among older adults in the United States. Multifaceted falls prevention programs, which have been reported to reduce the risk for falls among older adults, usually include a medication review and modification component. Based on a literature search, no randomized trials that have examined the effectiveness of this component have been published. Objective The aim of this article was to report on a retrospective process evaluation of data from a randomized, controlled trial conducted to examine the effectiveness of a medication review intervention, delivered through community pharmacies, on the rate of falls among community-dwelling older adults. Methods Patients were recruited through 32 pharmacies in North Carolina. Participants were community-dwelling older adults at high risk for falls based on age (≥65 years), number of concurrent medications (≥4), and medication classes (emphasis on CNS-active agents). The process evaluation measured the recruitment of patients into the study, the process through which the intervention was delivered, the extent to which patients implemented the recommendations for intervention, and the acceptance of pharmacists' recommendations by prescribing physicians. Results Of the 7793 patients contacted for study participation, 981 (12.6%) responded to the initial inquiry. A total of 801 (81.7%) participated in an eligibility interview, of whom 342 (42.7%) were eligible. Baseline data collection was completed in 186 of eligible patients (54.4%), who were randomly assigned to the intervention group (n = 93) or the control group (n = 93). Pharmacists delivered a medication review to 73 of the patients (78.5%) in the intervention group, with 41 recommendations for changes in medication, of which 10 (24.4%) were implemented. Of the 31 prescribing physicians contacted with pharmacists' recommendations, 14 (45.2%) responded, and 10 (32.3%) authorized the changes. Conclusions Based on the findings from the present study, coordination of care between community pharmacists and prescribers needs to be improved for the realization of potential beneficial effects of medication management on falls prevention.
Templating photodimerization of stilbazoles with water-soluble calixarenes

Water soluble six and eight membered calixarenes template the dimerization of trans-stilbazoles. In the absence of calixarenes at the concentrations employed stilbazoles mainly isomerize to the coresponding cis isomers. Calixarenes help to localize the olefins and orient them in a specific geometry to yield anti-head–tail dimers. Electrostatic interaction between the sulfonate anion and the pyridinium ion of the olefin and hydrophobic interaction between the olefin and the host cavity are believed to be responsible for the observed selectivity. 1H NMR spectra provide evidence for complexation but do not suggest the exact structure of the host–guest complex.
Mutation of human lymphoblasts by methylnitrosourea

The lag in phenotype expression of methylnitrosourea(MNU)-induced mutation to 6-thioguanine (6TG) resistance has been studied in a diploid human lymphoblastoid cell line. We find that a considerable period (8-12 days) elapses before new mutants appear in treated cultures; after 2 weeks, however, a stable maximum fraction is attained, as would be expected for a genetic mutation. We present preliminary data linking this phenotypic lag to the slow degradation rate of hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyl transferase (HGPRT) and to an apparent requirement for very low (less than 0.2% normal) cellular HGPRT content in order for cells to be resistant to 10 mug 6TG/ml. A series of reconstruction experiments are presented, the results of which support the conclusion that selective pressures in the assay procedure do not bias the quantitative estimates of induced mutant fraction.
Rat serum albumin synthesis in variant rat hepatoma cells

Variant subclones of the rat hepatoma cell line FU5-5 have been isolated that are altered in their production of rat serum albumin. Three of these variants, isolated in a random screening, have been categorized as high, intermediate, and low producers. They secrete albumin into the culture medium at different rates: 16, 1.7, and 0.3 microgram/mg cell protein/48 h. A fourth variant, isolated on the basis of altered morphology, secretes no detectable albumin. Unlike the albumin-producing variants, this null variant is also deficient in the level and inducibility of tyrosine aminotransferase activity. Albumin biosynthesis as determined in pulse-labeling experiments is affected similarly in the four variants, yielding albumin synthetic rates of 0.24, 0.035, 0.006, and less than 0.002% of total protein synthesis. The translatable albumin messenger RNA content in these variants was measured using a rabbit reticulocyte lysate system. The null variant contains no detectable mRNA, and the three quantitative variants contain levels of translatable albumin messenger RNA corresponding to 0.07, 0.03, and 0.005% of total stimulated polypeptide synthesis. The highest producing variant contains less translatable albumin mRNA than expected on the basis of cellular biosynthetic measurements, suggesting a translation efficiency difference in this clone. Cell hybrids constructed by fusing the high-producing clone and the null variant produce little or no albumin. This extinction indicates that the null variant contains a diffusible regulatory factor capable of decreasing albumin gene expression. The relatively stable and discrete heritable phenotypic changes exhibited by these clones may serve as a model for similar changes that occur during hepatic differentiation.
Synthesis of the proposed structure of mucoxin via regio- and stereoselective tetrahydrofuran ring-forming strategies.

An enantioselective total synthesis of the proposed structure of mucoxin (1) is described. Mucoxin, an annonaceous acetogenin isolated from bioactive leaf extracts of Rollinia mucosa, is the first acetogenin containing a hydroxylated trisubstituted tetrahydrofuran (THF) ring. This natural product is a highly potent and specific antitumor agent against MCF-7 (breast carcinoma) cell lines (ED50 = 3.7 × 10-3 μg/mL compared to adriamycin, ED50 = 1.0 × 10-2 μg/mL). The total synthesis described herein features two regio- and stereoselective THF ring-forming reactions. The 2,3,5-trisubstituted THF portion (C13−C17) was accessed using a highly regioselective cyclization of a methylene-interrupted epoxydiol, and the 2,5-disubstituted THF ring (C8−C12) was conveniently assembled via a 1,2-n-triol cyclization strategy. The spectral data of the synthetic material and two of its diastereomers did not match the reported data for the natural product. On the basis of detailed spectroscopic analysis of the synthesized mo...
Viewing Pornography Depicting Unprotected Anal Intercourse: Are There Implications for HIV Prevention Among Men Who Have Sex with Men?

We used an Internet-based questionnaire to investigate whether viewing pornography depicting unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) was associated with engaging in UAI in a sample of 821 non-monogamous men who have sex with men (MSM). In the 3 months prior to interview, 77.2% viewed pornography depicting UAI, 42.6% engaged in insertive UAI, and 38.9% engaged in receptive UAI. Polytomous logistic regression of the 751 subjects who provided data on pornography viewing showed significantly elevated odds ratios for having engaged in receptive UAI, insertive UAI, and both receptive and insertive UAI associated with increasing percentage of pornography viewed that depicted UAI. We also found independently significant associations of engaging in UAI with age, use of inhalant nitrites, and HIV status. Although the data cannot establish causality, our findings indicate that viewing pornography depicting UAI and engaging in UAI are correlated. Further research is needed to determine if this observation may have utility for HIV prevention.
Ms. Farmer's Wheat Program Adventures—Before and after the 1996 Farm Bill: A Case Study for the Classroom

How did the 1996 farm bill change USDA's commodity programs? Find out by following Ms. Farmer as she explores her farming options under the 1995 and 1996 wheat programs. Will she plant less wheat and more alfalfa in 1996? When can she earn a marketing loan gain? Why are 1996 contract payments better than deficiency payments would have been? For answers to these questions—and more—read this "case study for the classroom."
An unabridged view of the TGF-β family

Which came first within the Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) superfamily, the TGF-β subfamily or the BMP subfamily? Of course, the answer depends upon how one defines `first': is it the first to come to the attention of researchers or the first to exist on the planet? The answer to the first
Regular Article: Integration by Cell Algorithm for Slater Integrals in a Spline Basis

An algorithm for evaluating Slater integrals in a B-spline basis is introduced. Based on the piecewise property of the B-splines, the algorithm divides the two-dimensional (r"1, r"2) region into a number of rectangular cells according to our chosen grid and implements the two-dimensional integration over each individual cell using Gaussian quadrature. Over the off-diagonal cells, the integrands are separable so that each two-dimensional cell-integral is reduced to a product of two one-dimensional integrals. Furthermore, the scaling invariance of the B-splines in the logarithmic region of the chosen grid is fully exploited such that only some of the cell integrations need to be implemented. The values of given Slater integrals are obtained by assembling the cell integrals. This algorithm significantly improves the efficiency and accuracy of the traditional method that relies on the solution of differential equations and renders the B-spline method more effective when applied to multi-electron atomic systems.
Quantitation and characterization of the trifluoroacetonyl derivative of cysteine: A useful NMR probe

Abstract 3-Bromo-1,1,1-trifluoropropanone (BrTFA) has been shown to be a sulfhydryl-specific reagent for proteins and peptides and, as such, a useful probe in protein NMR studies. This study describes two methods of quantitating the extent of sulfhydryl modification based on the stability of the γ,γ,γ-trifluoro-β-hydroxypropyl-cysteine derivative formed by the reduction of the γ,γ,γ-trifluoro-β-ketopropyl-cysteine group with NaBH 4 . The proposed products are verified by NMR, and the quantitation methods are shown to be generally applicable to peptides and proteins.
Infrared thermal-wave studies of coatings and composites

We present applications of our infrared thermal wave imaging system which was described in detail at Thermosense XII. In brief, the system consists of an infrared video camera and a real time image processor under the control of a computer workstation, together with various time- dependent heat sources. The heat sources are used to launch pulsed or periodic thermal waves into the target, and the camera is used to record the thermal waves scattered back to the surface by sub-surface thermal features (cracks, coating substrate boundaries, inter-ply delaminations, etc.). Recently we have succeeded in developing an additional capability for this instrumentation, namely the ability to make quantitative depth and thickness measurements. Furthermore, some of the authors, together with V. Vavilov of Tomsk Polytechnic, have demonstrated a capability of carrying out thermal wave tomography. We have recently extended this technique to real time with our system. We describe these recent developments and present several applications to the study of thickness variations and adhesion defects in coatings and composites.© (1991) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Gender differences in the renal nitric oxide (NO) system: dissociation between expression of endothelial NO synthase and renal hemodynamic response to NO synthase inhibition.

Many studies have shown that nitric oxide (NO) production is higher in the systemic vasculature of females than males and is stimulated during pregnancy, a high estrogen state. The present study was performed in rats to determine whether females had a greater expression of endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) in kidneys than did males; whether there were gender differences in the excretion of NO metabolites, nitrate/nitrite; and whether there were gender differences in the renal hemodynamic response to NO synthase inhibition. The renal levels of eNOS mRNA (as measured by ribonuclease protection assays) and protein (as measured by Western blot) were 80% higher in kidneys from females than from males (P < .001). Urinary excretion of NO metabolites, nitrate/nitrite, were not different between males and females. To inhibit eNOS, rats were treated with nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 3 to 4 mg/kg/day) for 2 weeks. Although there were no differences in basal renal hemodynamics between males and females, when factored for kidney weight, chronic L-NAME increased renal vascular resistance by 130% in males but by only 60% in females, and decreased renal plasma flow by 40% in males but had no effect in females. These data show that although the renal levels of eNOS mRNA and protein are higher in females than in males, the renal vasculature of males is more responsive to NO synthase inhibition. The data suggest that the renal vasculature of males may be more dependent on NO than is the renal vasculature in females.
Formation and thermoelectric property of TiO2 nanotubes covered by Te–Bi–Pb nanoparticles

Abstract A variety of strategies have been attempted to improve the performance of thermoelectric materials. The primary approach is to employ low-dimensional materials to reduce the lattice thermal conductivity as described by the Wiedemann–Franz law. That is, to decrease the thermal conductivity, rattling structures, point defects, vacancies and nanocomposites have been used to efficiently scatter phonons within or between the unit cell crystals. Complex crystalline structures have been used to decouple the electrical conductivity and thermal conductivity to achieve this goal. Based on such considerations, we have prepared TiO 2 nanotubes from titanium foils. These nanotubes are low-dimensional, thus, preferable to achieve low lattice thermal conductivity to generate favorable thermoelectric properties. Moreover, scattered Te–Bi–Pb nanoparticles have been deposited on the surface of the TiO 2 nanotubes via electrochemical method. The purpose of the nanoparticles is to further enhance the performance of the thermoelectricity, specifically in our case, to increase the Seebeck coefficient. From the results obtained, the best Seebeck coefficient for pure TiO 2 nanotubes is about 90 μV/K; while the best Seebeck coefficient for TiO 2 nanotubes covered with scattered Te–Bi–Pb nanoparticles is about 155 μV/K. This significant improvement could be explained by the quantum confinement in such a peculiar nanostructure.
An Automotive Piston Lubrication Model

An analytical study of the dynamics of a piston in a reciprocating engine was conducted. The analysis, which incorporates a hydrodynamic lubrication model, was applied to a V-8 automotive spark ignition engine. The variation of piston transverse position and rotation with crank angle, and the piston-skirt frictional power loss were calculated for different wrist pin locations, piston-to-cylinder clearances, and lubricant viscosities. The results obtained indicate that piston motion is strongly affected by the location of the wrist pin and that piston-skirt friction is increased significantly if the wrist pin is at an unfavorable position. In addition, piston dynamics were found to be sensitive to piston-cylinder bore clearance and lubricant viscosity, underscoring their importance in engine design. Presented at the 37th Annual Meeting in Cincinnati, Ohio, May 10–13, 1982
Comparison of Sr87Sr86 for sea-water strontium and the Eimer and Amend SrCO3☆

Abstract A series of analyses were undertaken to determine a precise difference between sea-water strontium and the Eimer and Amend SrCO3 standard. A mean difference between the sea-water composite and the Eimer and Amend SrCO3 of 0.00107 ± 0.000042 was obtained.
High-Tc, transition-edge superconducting (TES) bolometer on a monolithic sapphire membrane—construction and performance

Abstract Suspended, monolithic, 12 μm thick, low thermal mass r -plane sapphire membranes with predictable thermal isolation have been fabricated for use in the construction of TES bolometers. A thin film of YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7− ∂ (YBCO) high temperature superconductor grown epitaxially on one such membrane shows a sharp transition temperature at 90 K. Early performance results of a high- T c TES bolometer fabricated using a monolithic membrane are presented and compared to those of a previous kevlar fiber suspended TES bolometer. Merits of voltage biasing to improve noise and response time are briefly discussed. Monolithic sapphire membranes open the door for the development of 1D and 2D arrays of moderately cooled TES bolometers for far infrared exploration of the outer solar system.
Effects of cooperation on competitive systems.

Abstract A persistence-extinction theory of coupled cooperative-competitive systems is developed for three dimension Lotka-Volterra systems. Model conclusions indicate, as intuitively expected, that protocooperation can be beneficial for all species in the community. An outcome that is, perhaps, unexpected is that a protocooperative species can drive a stable competitive community to extinction. The models are successively modified to include a hierarchy of obligatory interactions. Obligatory cooperation generally leads to an increased degree of extinction from the perspective that it is generally attained under weaker conditions and generally involves more species.
Generation of tunable mid-infrared picosecond pulses by means of MHz-rate optical parametric amplification of white-light continuum in GaSe

The output of the high-repetition-rate all-solid-state picosecond oscillator is used for direct pumping of optical parametric amplifier seeded with the white-light continuum generated in optical fiber to generate tunable mid-IR radiation.
Haemodynamic effects of verapamil administration after large doses of fentanyl in man.

Thirteen patients with good left ventricular function undergoing coronary artery revascularization were studied to determine the cardiovascular effects of verapamil, 75-150 μg-kg-1, after a largedose (100 μ,g-kg-1) of fentanyl, with pancuronium for muscle relaxation. The patients were continued on their usual cardiovascular medications until the time of surgery, which included nitrates, beta adrenergic blockers, and nifedipine. Anaesthesia with fentanyl was associated with decreases in mean arterial blood pressure, systemic vascular resistance, left ventricular stroke work index, and circulating catecholamine levels. Mean values were not further changed by verapamil, but individual patients had additional modest decreases in blood pressure and systemic vascular resistance. Cardiac index, however, was well maintained. Plasma catecholamines remained depressed after verapamil under the study condition. Thus, in patients with good left ventricular function, clinically relevant doses of verapamil were well tolerated even in the presence of an anaesthetic that included large doses of fentanyl, with suppression of circulating catecholamine levels.
An analysis of observed linear correlations between net photosynthesis and a canopy-temperature-based plant water stress index

Abstract Recent observations have shown significant linear correlations between leaf net photosynthesis and crop water stress index (CWSI), which essentially normalizes the stress-degree-day parameter for environmental variability. Resistance equations for canopy net photosynthesis (Nc) and evaporation are combined to express Nc in terms of CWSI. Calculations for cotton showed that the relationship between Nc and CWSI is somewhat curvilinear, when carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration within the stomatal cavities (Ci) is taken to be a constant fraction of the ambient CO2 concentration. However, when Ci is allowed to decrease with CWSI, as per observations, the curvilinearity between Nc and CWSI decreased to such an extent that the relationship between these two parameters becomes essentially linear. The present analysis suggests that the effect of soil water stress on canopy net photosynthesis under high radiation conditions could be inferred using infrared radiometric observations of canopy temperature, in addition to ambient air temperature and humidity.
Human resource issues affecting the survival of U.S. apparel manufacturing

Between 1988 and 1991, the market share of the U.S. apparel manufacturing industry became slightly more than 50% of retail sale costs. Previous to this period, domestic apparel manufacturers counted on increased automation to counteract decreasing market share. When this did not work, apparel manufacturers turned their attention to human resource issues as a means to improve worker retention, productivity, and product quality. Most of these management changes occurred during the past four years and are discussed in detail in this article.
Environmental contaminant effects on juvenile striped bass in the San Francisco Estuary, California, USA

The decline of pelagic organisms in the San Francisco Estuary (SFE) (California, USA) is attributed to several factors, including water diversions, invasive species, and exposure to environmental toxicants. The present study evaluated the effects of environmental contaminants on liver vitellogenin, metallothionein, 7-ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD), and benzyloxyresorufin O-deethylase (BROD) activity in juvenile striped bass (Morone saxitilis) in the SFE. Analysis of juvenile striped bass liver extracts revealed site-specific elevations of vitellogenin, metallothionein, and EROD biomarkers across the estuary. Although some striped bass in the estuary showed EROD activity similar to unhandled hatchery controls, several sites in the estuary showed significantly higher EROD activity that was in the range of beta-naphthoflavone (BNF)–injected, positive controls. Overall, EROD activity averaged 283% higher in estuary fish than in hatchery controls. Chemical analyses of extracts from semipermeable membrane devices (SPMDs) deployed in the estuary for one month showed elevated polyaromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) levels. Semipermeable membrane devices extract injections-induced metallothionein and BROD in striped bass livers. These data show that environmental exposures are impacting EROD and other biomarkers in the SFE striped bass population. Previous studies in our laboratory have associated poor larval development with maternal transfer of environmental contaminants. Further studies are needed to monitor contaminant exposures by the use of biomarkers and to integrate them into a more effective pelagic species recovery plan in the SFE. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2011;30:393–402. © 2010 SETAC
ZD7288 inhibits postsynaptic glutamate receptor-mediated responses at hippocampal perforant path-granule cell synapses.

Hyperpolarization-activated channels (I h ) are widely expressed in the nervous system and believed to play an important role in the regulation of membrane excitability and rhythmic activity. Recent evidence suggests that I h may be involved in long-term potentiation (LTP) in the hippocampus; however, the results are controversial. To explore the possible causes of these differing results, the effects of I h blockers on synaptic activity were evaluated in mouse hippocampal slices. ZD7288 (20 μM), a selective I h blocker, apparently prevented the induction of LTP while Cs + (1 mM), a commonly used I h blocker, had no effect on LTP at hippocampal perforant path-dentate granule cell synapses. In addition, ZD7288 but not Cs + abolished basal synaptic transmission. Results from voltage-clamp experiments showed that ZD7288 produced a very little inhibition on hyperpolarization-activated currents, indicating a weak expression of the I h in granule neurons. Outside-out patch recordings revealed that ZD7288 inhibited glutamate receptor-mediated responses, while Cs + had no effect on them. Meanwhile, ZD7288 reduced both α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionate and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor-mediated excitatory postsynaptic currents. The results suggest that ZD7288-induced reduction of synaptic transmission may result from its inhibition of the postsynaptic glutamate receptors on dentate granule neurons.
Short‐lived sites in nucleate boiling

An hypothesis is proposed to explain the origin of short-lived sites observed in nucleate pool boiling. Conditions are postulated under which microbubbles might circulate into the superheated liquid region and serve as the source of these nucleation sites. Consequences of this possible mechanism are examined for explanations of hysteresis effects and scatter of results in boiling research.
Correlation between two measures of self-esteem and drug use in a college sample.

The relationship between drug and alcohol use and self-esteem was investigated using students living in a co-ed dormitory. A questionnaire was distributed containing four sections including demographic information, the Coopersmith Self-esteem Inventory (1967), an A Priori Identity Crisis scale, and a frequency of drug/alcohol use scale. 66% of the questionnaires were returned, yielding a sample of 171 males and 219 females. Heavy use of alcohol was related to low self-esteem. No relationship, however, was found between drug use and self-esteem. The relationship between drug and alcohol use and psychopathology is discussed as being a continuum.
Rb-Sr ages of Precambrian dolerite and alkaline dikes, southeast Mysore state, India

Abstract Rb-Sr isochron ages have been determined for two suites of Precambrian dikes in the Bidadi-Harohalli area of southeast Mysore State. Whole-rock samples of unmetamorphosed dolerites yield an age of 2420±246 (2σ) m.y., which is a minimum value for the intruded Peninsular Gneiss and Closepet Granite. The dolerite magma originated in the mantle, as indicated by the initial 87 Sr/ 86 Sr ratio of 0.7012±0.0010 (2σ). A suite of alkaline dikes, also referred to as felsite and feldspar porphyry dikes, has an age of 832±40 (2σ) m.y., which correlates with the intrusion of the Chamundi Hill Granite and the feldspar porphyry dikes near Srirangapatnam. One of the alkaline dikes has a K-Ar age of 810±25 m.y., indicating an absence of subsequent thermal events in the area.
FPEX gamma-Radiolysis in the Presence of Nitric Acid

Abstract The solvent formulation known as FPEX (Fission Product Extraction) contains calix[4]arene‐bis‐(tert‐octylbenzo‐crown‐6) (BOBCalixC6) for Cs extraction; 4,4′,(5′)‐di‐(t‐butyldicyclohexano)‐18‐crown‐6 (DtBuCH18C6) for Sr extraction; 1‐(2,2,3,3,‐tetrafluoropropoxy)‐3‐(4‐sec‐butylphenoxy)‐2‐propanol (Cs‐7SB) modifier and trioctylamine (TOA) to aid in Cs stripping, all in an Isopar L diluent. This formulation has favorable extraction efficiency for Cs and Sr from acidic solution, and was investigated here for γ‐radiation stability. When FPEX was irradiated in contact with aqueous nitric acid, the extraction efficiency decreased only slightly when irradiated to absorbed doses as high as 200 kGy. The color of the organic phase changed to a deep yellow‐orange, and several new peaks related to radiolysis of the Cs‐7SB modifier were detected by GC‐ECD analysis. This had little effect on the solvent extraction distribution ratios. Possible reasons for this unexpected robustness under conditions of high radi...
Similarities of the effects of apomorphine and 3-PPP on serotonin neurons.

Abstract Acute administration of 3-3-hydroxyphenyl-N-n-propyl-piperidine (3-PPP), selectively increased intracellular serotonin (5-HT) fluorescence in the drosal raphe and 5-HT as well as 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) in the corresponding projection site of the dorsal raphe, the striatum. The effects are similar to those produced by systematic treatments with apomorphine (APO). Serotonin neurons in the median raphe and its corresponding terminal area hippocampus were not affected by either APO or 3-PPP. Haloperidol at a dose having no significant effect alone, antagonized the APO-induced elevation of striatal 5-HT. The differential effects of 3-PPP on the mesostriatal and mesolimbic serotonergic systems further confirm that the dorsal and median raphe nuclei constitute two anatomically and functionally distinct cell groups and the similarities of the effects of APO and 3-PPP indicate that dopamine autoreceptors may mediate the observed effects of APO on 5-HT neurons.
24ξ-Methylcholestane-3β,5α,6β,12β,25-pentol 25-monoacetate, a novel polyoxygenated marine sterol

Abstract 24ξ-Methylcholestane-3β,5α,6β,12β,25-pentol 25-monoacetate has been isolated from an Alcyonarian and its structure was established in part through extensive high resolution mass spectral and nmr studies and partly through the nonidentity of one of its degradation products with 24ξ-methylcholestane-3β,5α,6β,12α-tetrol synthesized from deoxycholic acid.
Three-dimensional dendrite-tip morphology at low undercooling

We investigate the three-dimensional morphology of the dendrite tip using the phase-field method. We find that, for low undercoolings, this morphology is ostensibly independent of anisotropy strength except for a localized shape distortion near the tip that only affects the value of the tip radius {rho} [which is crudely approximated by {rho}{approx_equal}(1-{alpha}){rho}{sub Iv} where {rho}{sub Iv} is the Ivantsov tip radius of an isothermal paraboloid with the same tip velocity and {alpha} is the stiffness anisotropy]. The universal tip shape, which excludes this distortion, is well fitted by the form z=-r{sup 2}/2+A{sub 4}r{sup 4} cos 4{phi} where |z| is the distance from the tip and all lengths are scaled by {rho}{sub Iv}. This fit yields A{sub 4} in the range 0.004-0.005 in good quantitative agreement with the existing tip morphology measurements in succinonitrile [LaCombe et al., Phys. Rev. E 52, 2778 (1995)], which are reanalyzed here and found to be consistent with a single cos 4{phi} mode nonaxisymmetric deviation from a paraboloid. Moreover, the fin shape away from the tip is well fitted by the power law z=-a|x|{sup 5/3} with a{approx_equal}0.68. Finally, the characterization of the operating state of the dendrite tip is revisited in the light of these results.more » (c) 2000 The American Physical Society.« less
Amplitude instability and phase instability of quantum-cascade lasers under Kerr effect

In this paper, we study the phase and amplitude instability mechanisms of mid-infrared quantum-cascade lasers with Fabry-Perot cavity. The phase instability exhibits the single-mode nature and the amplitude instability is the multi-mode Risken-Nummedal-Graham-Haken kind of instability. The stability analysis is performed based on the nonlinear Maxwell-Bloch formulism. The phase instability and amplitude instability are decoupled based on the symmetry and anti-symmetry of propagating modes in the cavity. We also discuss the influences of Kerr nonlinearity from optical transitions on these instability mechanisms. The Kerr nonlinearity exhibits as the combination of saturable absorber effect in the transverse direction and the self-phase modulation in the longitudinal direction. The saturable absorber could lower the threshold of both instability mechanisms. The self-phase modulation has impact on the instability spectra of quantum-cascade lasers. It could not only broaden the unstable frequency domain, but also transform it from the single-mode to the multi-mode domain.
Repeat Expansion Affects Both Transcription Initiation and Elongation in Friedreich Ataxia Cells

Expansion of a GAA·TTC repeat in the first intron of the frataxin (FXN) gene causes an mRNA deficit that results in Friedreich ataxia (FRDA). The region flanking the repeat on FRDA alleles is associated with more extensive DNA methylation than is seen on normal alleles and histone modifications typical of repressed genes. However, whether these changes are responsible for the mRNA deficit is controversial. Using chromatin immunoprecipitation and cell lines from affected and unaffected individuals, we show that certain marks of active chromatin are also reduced in the promoter region of the FXN gene in patient cells. Thus, the promoter chromatin may be less permissive for transcription initiation than it is on normal alleles. Furthermore, we show that the initiating form of RNA polymerase II and histone H3 trimethylated on lysine 4, a chromatin mark tightly linked to transcription initiation, are both present at lower levels on FRDA alleles. In addition, a mark of transcription elongation, trimethylated H3K36, shows a reduced rate of accumulation downstream of the repeat. Our data thus suggest that repeat expansion reduces both transcription initiation and elongation in FRDA cells. Our findings may have implications for understanding the mechanism responsible for FRDA as well as for therapeutic approaches to reverse the transcription deficit.
SOURCES OF PROFESSIONAL STAFF TURNOVER IN PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRMS REVEALED BY THE EXIT INTERVIEW

Abstract Employee and employer stated reasons for leaving public accounting were studied together with the conditions surrounding departure and the best and least liked qualities of CPA firm work. Data collected after employee terminations on selected aspects of the work was shown to be a good predictor of whether employees left of their own volition or at the request of the firm and revealed several areas suitable for improving personnel relationship and reducing professional staff turnover.
Panregional Synthesis of Ocean Ecosystem Dynamics: Third Annual U.S. GLOBEC Pan-Regional Synthesis Workshop; Boulder, Colorado, 17–20 February 2009

U.S. Global Ocean Ecosystem Dynamics (GLOBEC) is a research program organized by oceanographers and fisheries scientists to address the question of how climate variability, including global climate change, may affect the structure and function of marine ecosystems. Initiated in 1990, U.S. GLOBEC has until now comprised three regional programs—Northwest Atlantic/Georges Bank, Northeast Pacific, and Southern Ocean—and a series of technology and modeling development projects. The U.S. GLOBEC program has now entered its final panregional synthesis phase, which focuses on comparing and contrasting results from the different regions in the prior phases of U.S. GLOBEC and on extending these results to other comparable ecosystems worldwide. Ten panregional projects have been funded through the U.S. National Science Foundation. These projects address three synthetic themes: the influence of climate change on physical and biological processes, population dynamics and recruitment of target species, and ecosystem structure and function. The titles and abstracts of the ten funded projects can be viewed at http://www.usglobec.org/funded.php.
Heterochrony in plant development

Abstract Plants proceed through several distinct phases of growth and development in their life cycle. Under normal conditions, one phase terminates as another begins, but the relative time at which the phases initiate and terminate can be altered experimentally. New phenotypes are obtained when two developmental phases are expressed at the same time, as well as when phases are shifted coordinately. By analyzing these phenotypes, we can learn how plants normally regulate the transitions between developmental phases.
Materials selection criteria and performance analysis for the TITAN-II reversed-field-pinch fusion power core

Abstract The TITAN-II reactor is a compact, high-neutron-wall-loading (18 MW/m2) design. The TITAN-II fusion power core (FPC) is cooled by an aqueous lithium-salt solution that also acts as the breeder material. The use of an aqueous solution imposes special constraints on the selection of structural and breeder material because of corrosion concerns, hydrogen embrittlement, and radiolytic effects. In this paper, the materials engineering and design considerations for the TITAN-II FPC are presented. Material selection criteria, based on electrochemical corrosion mechanisms of aqueous solutions coupled with radiolysis of water by ionizing radiation, resulted in the choice of a low-activation ferritic steel as structural material for TITAN-II. Stress corrosion cracking, hydrogen embrittlement, and changes in the ductile-to-brittle transition temperature of ferritic alloys are discussed. Lithium-nitrate (LiNO3) salt was chosen over lithium hydroxide (LiOH) because it is less corrosive and reduces the net radiolytic decomposition rate of the water. The dissolved salt in the coolant changes the thermophysical properties of the coolant results in trade-offs between the lithium concentration in the coolant, neutronics performance, thermal and structural design. The TITAN-II design requires a neutron multiplier to achieve an adequate tritium breeding ratio. Beryllium is the primary neutron multiplier, assuming a maximum swelling of about 10% based on continuous self-limiting microcracking/sintering cycles.
Dissolved copper-complexing ligands in cultures of marine bacteria and estuarine water

We have determined concentrations and conditional stability constants of dissolved copper-complexing ligands in chemostat cultures of autotrophic (Synechococcus) and heterotrophic (Vibrio) marine bacteria, and in estuarine waters. Ligands with high affinity for copper were detected in Vibrio and Synechococcus cultures, and ligand production by Vibrio was dependent on the copper concentration in the medium. While Synechococcus cultures produced ligands in excess of the copper concentration, Vibrio ligands were copper-saturated in the growth medium. Synechococcus cultures produced ligands at concentrations of 2 μM when the copper concentration was incrementally increased in the chemostat. Copper-complexing ligands were quantitatively removed from an estuarine water sample utilizing a modified immobilized copper ion affinity chromatography (IMAC) protocol. The ligands were recovered from the column by elution with either acidified, UV oxidized seawater or with a glycine eluent. These results show that heterotrophic bacteria have the potential to contribute to the pool of strong copper-complexing ligands in natural waters and that relatively high concentrations of these ligands can be produced in cultures. Improvements in the IMAC protocol for isolation of copper-complexing ligands are promising for their isolation and purification from natural waters and cultures.
Broad scale patterns in mesozooplankton biomass and grazing in the eastern equatorial Pacific

Abstract We investigated biomass distributions and grazing rates of mesozooplankton in the eastern equatorial Pacific between 110°-140°W and 4°S-4°N during cruises in December 2004 (EB04) and September 2005 (EB05). Median (±SE) euphotic zone estimates of zooplankton biomass, collected with a 200-μm mesh net, varied from 2.27±0.24 g dry weight m −2 during EB04 to 3.13±0.22 g dry weight m −2 for EB05 (however, when stations from overlapping regions were compared, no significant differences were found between years). Trends in gut fluorescence estimates of mesozooplankton grazing followed biomass, with significantly higher median rate estimates during EB05 (3.39±0.32 mg pigment m −2 d −1 ) than during EB04 (2.31±0.34 mg pigment m −2 d −1 ). Spatial gradients in mesozooplankton biomass and grazing on meridional transects sampled at 110°W in 2004 and 140°W in 2005 could be interpreted as either in situ growth/grazing responses or downstream advective flows relative to spatial patterns in phytoplankton. The present zooplankton biomass estimates for the equatorial Pacific are 80–90% higher than those from similar measurements made by the US Joint Global Ocean Flux Studies EqPac Program in 1992. Our grazing rates similarly exceed EqPac estimates by a factor of 2 or 3, in absolute terms and as percent of phytoplankton biomass consumed daily (11% - EB04; 14% - EB05). Although the equatorial region has not been regularly sampled between EqPac and the present study, both the magnitude and the direction of the observed changes are consistent with the documented decadal increase in mesozooplankton biomass in the adjacent North Pacific Subtropical Gyre based on monthly sampling at Stn. ALOHA, as well as an increase in the strength of the trade winds. These results may be indicative of a general shift up in productivity or community size structure and role of mesozooplankton in the open-ocean tropical/subtropical Pacific, and they provide important time points for validating the performance of ecosystem models of the region.
Gene nomenclature by default, or BLASTing to Babel

The current proliferation of mammalian genomes is creating a nomenclature issue caused by naming genes based on their best BLAST hit to a gene in another annotated genome. The rat genome is relying heavily on the mouse genome for nomenclature, but not all rat genes have direct orthologues in the mouse; often, there are paralogous groups of genes -- due to expansions of that gene subfamily in one or the other genome. Many of these genes have already been assigned names in the rat, so that renaming them based on BLAST scores leads to duplicate sets of names. The supposed orthology created by name sharing across genomes is not always found. These inaccurate names are appearing in frequently used sites, such as the University of California Santa Cruz Genome Browser. The example of rat cytochrome P450 (Cyp) genes is presented here, but other gene families are also likely to be affected.
FAHR: Focused A* Heuristic Recomputation

In this paper we introduce Focused A* Heuristic Recomputation (FAHR), an enhancement to A* search that can detect and correct large discrepancies between the heuristic cost-to-go estimate and the true cost function. In situations where these large discrepancies exist, the search may expend significant effort escaping from the “bowl” of a local minimum. A* typically computes supporting data structures for the heuristic once, prior to initiating the search. FAHR directs the search out of the bowl by recomputing parts of the heuristic function opportunistically as the search space is explored. FAHR may be used when the heuristic function is in the form of a pattern database. We demonstrate the effectiveness of the algorithm through experiments on a ground vehicle path planning simulation.
Wavelet Based Spatial Scaling of Coupled Reaction Diffusion Fields

Multiscale schemes for transferring information from fine to coarse scales are typically based on some sort of averaging. Such schemes smooth the fine scale features of the underlying fields, thus altering the fine scale correlations. As a superior alternative to averaging, a wavelet based scheme for the exchange of information between a reactive and diffusive field in the context of multiscale reaction-diffusion problems is proposed and analyzed. The scheme is shown to be efficient in passing information along scales, from fine to coarse, i.e. up-scaling as well as from coarse to fine, i.e. down-scaling. In addition, it retains fine scale statistics, mainly due to the capability of wavelets to represent fields hierarchically. Critical to the success of the scheme is the identification of dominant scales containing the majority of useful information. The scheme is applied in detail to the analysis of a diffusive system with chemically reacting boundary. Reactions are simulated using kinetic Monte Carlo (KMC) and diffusion is solved by finite differences. Spatial scale differences are present at the interface of the KMC sites and the diffusion grid. The computational efficiency of the scheme is compared to results obtained by local averaging, and to results from a benchmark model. The spatial scaling scheme ties to wavelet based schemes for temporal scaling, presented elsewhere by the authors.
DNA Ploidy as a Significant Predictor of Recurrence‐Free Survival in Male Patients with Breast Cancer

: DNA flow cytometry has been extensively studied in female breast carcinoma. However, there is limited data evaluating DNA ploidy in male breast cancer. In order to further assess the prognostic significance of DNA ploidy in male breast carcinoma, we retrospectively reviewed 55 cases (52 patients) of histologically proven male breast carcinoma treated at our institution from January 1971 through January 1992. Of the 55 cases, 32 paraffin-embedded blocks were available for DNA flow cytometry analysis. As of June 1993, median follow-up is 7.0 years. In the overall population of 55 cases, univariate analysis identified TNM stage, tumor size, and nodal status as significant prognostic indicators of overall survival and disease-free survival. In the 32 cases available for DNA flow cytometry, both local recurrences and distant metastases were more frequent in the aneuploid population. Univariate analysis revealed DNA ploidy to be a significant prognostic factor for local recurrence-free survival and distant metastasis-free survival. DNA ploidy correlated significantly with stage at diagnosis (p =.04), tumor size (p =.04) and nodal status (p =.02). In a multivariate analysis of 26 patients on whom all data were available (DNA ploidy, tumor size, clinical stage and nodal status), DNA ploidy was an independent predictor of disease-free survival (p =.05). In this retrospective analysis, we conclude that DNA ploidy has prognostic significance in male breast carcinoma.
Constraints on Q at long periods from Earth's rotation

In this work we assess constant Q and frequency-dependent Q models of mantle anelasticity. Our assessment uses the degree 2 Love numbers we had inferred previously from a comparison of observed and predicted changes in the length of day at monthly, fortnightly, and nine-day lunar tidal periods. The comparison accounted for variable contributions to the tidal signals by dynamic oceans, and allowed for axial core-mantle coupling that was either complete or absent. The Love number derived from an earlier analysis of the period of the Chandler wobble is also employed. We find that the similarity of the degree 2 Love number inferred at a nine-day period to that at seismic frequencies, combined with the significant amount of relaxation at the Chandler period, together imply that Q models operating within the seismic band cannot extend all the way to long tidal periods. Our analysis of Q also allows us to refine estimates of the Love number at fortnightly and monthly periods.
Visual system anomalies in human ocular albinos

Visually evoked potentials recorded from two types of human ocular albinos demonstrated significant hemispheric asymmetry following monocular stimulation. The asymmetry is indicative of disorganization of retinogeniculostriate projections similar to that reported for mammals with total albinism. Abnormal optic projections are associated with lack of ocular pigment and are not associated with any specific generalized pigment defect.