cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Marine plankton metabolisms revealed.

Multi-omics and geochemical data reveal that dinoflagellates, abundant marine microorganisms, utilize numerous metabolic strategies to survive in diverse ocean environments.
Fully Dynamic Electrical Flows: Sparse Maxflow Faster Than Goldberg-Rao.

We give an algorithm for computing exact maximum flows on graphs with $m$ edges and integer capacities in the range $[1, U]$ in $\widetilde{O}(m^{\frac{3}{2} - \frac{1}{328}} \log U)$ time. For sparse graphs with polynomially bounded integer capacities, this is the first improvement over the $\widetilde{O}(m^{1.5} \log U)$ time bound from [Goldberg-Rao JACM `98]. Our algorithm revolves around dynamically maintaining the augmenting electrical flows at the core of the interior point method based algorithm from [Mądry JACM `16]. This entails designing data structures that, in limited settings, return edges with large electric energy in a graph undergoing resistance updates.
Dpp4+ interstitial progenitor cells contribute to basal and high fat diet-induced adipogenesis.

Abstract Objective The capacity to generate new adipocytes from precursor cells is critical for maintaining metabolic health. Adipocyte precursor cells (APCs) constitute a heterogenous collection of cell types; however, the contribution of these various cell types to adipose tissue expansion in vivo remains unknown. The aim of the current study is to investigate the contribution of Dpp4+ progenitors to de novo adipogenesis. Methods Single cell analysis has identified several transcriptionally distinct subpopulations of APCs, including Dpp4+ progenitor cells concentrated in the connective tissue surrounding many organs, including white adipose tissue (WAT). Here, we generated a Dpp4CreER mouse model for in vivo lineage tracing of these cells and their downstream progeny in the setting of basal or high fat diet (HFD)-stimulated adipogenesis. Results Dpp4CreER mice enabled specific temporal labeling of Dpp4+ progenitor cells within their native connective tissue niche. Following a dietary chase period consisting of chow or HFD feeding for 18 weeks, Dpp4+ progenitors differentiated into mature adipocytes within the gonadal and subcutaneous WAT. HFD stimulated adipogenic contribution from Dpp4+ cells in the gonadal but not the subcutaneous depot. Flow cytometry analysis revealed that Dpp4+ progenitors give rise to DPP4(−)/ICAM1+ preadipocytes in vivo. HFD feeding did not perturb the flux of Dpp4+ cell conversion into ICAM1+ preadipocytes in gonadal WAT. Conversely, in subcutaneous WAT, HFD feeding/obesity led to an accumulation of ICAM1+ preadipocytes without a corresponding increase in mature adipocyte differentiation. Examination of non-classical murine visceral depots with relevance to humans, including omentum and retroperitoneal WAT, revealed robust contribution of Dpp4+ progenitors to de novo adipogenesis, which was further stimulated by HFD. Conclusion Our data demonstrate that Dpp4+ interstitial progenitor cells contribute to basal adipogenesis in all fat depots and are recruited to support de novo adipogenic expansion of visceral WAT in the setting of HFD-induced obesity.
Case 45: A Cesarean Section with Twins

You find yourself in a remote area of northern Natal in South Africa. You have been there for about 2 years. You have learned medical relevant Zulu, which is the language spoken, and are enjoying your work as an anesthesiologist.
Atoll: A Scalable Low-Latency Serverless Platform

With user-facing apps adopting serverless computing, good latency performance of serverless platforms has become a strong fundamental requirement. However, it is difficult to achieve this on platforms today due to the design of their underlying control and data planes that are particularly ill-suited to short-lived functions with unpredictable arrival patterns. We present Atoll, a serverless platform, that overcomes the challenges via a ground-up redesign of the control and data planes. In Atoll, each app is associated with a latency deadline. Atoll achieves its per-app request latency goals by: (a) partitioning the cluster into (semi-global scheduler, worker pool) pairs, (b) performing deadline-aware scheduling and proactive sandbox allocation, and (c) using a load balancing layer to do sandbox-aware routing, and automatically scale the semi-global schedulers per app. Our results show that Atoll reduces missed deadlines by ~66x and tail latencies by ~3x compared to state-of-the-art alternatives.
Predicting professions through probabilistic model under social context

In this paper, we investigate the problem of predicting people's professions under social context. Previous work considering clothing information as well as fore/background context preliminarily proves the feasibility of predicting professions. In this paper, we discuss this problem in a more general case -- multiple people in one photo with arbitrary poses, and argue that with appropriately built partial body features, spatial relations, and background context, more appealing results are achieved by a probabilistic model. We conduct experiments on 14 representative professions with over 7000 images, and demonstrate the model's superiority with impressive results.
Vibrational dependence of the H2-H2 C6 dispersion coefficients

We use the sum-over-states formalism to compute the imaginary-frequency dipole polarizabilities for H2, as a function of the H–H bond length, at the full configuration interaction level of theory using atom-centered d-aug-cc-pVQZ basis sets. From these polarizabilities, we obtain isotropic and anisotropic C6 dispersion coefficients for a pair of H2 molecules as functions of the two molecules’ bond lengths.
Authors' response to "differentiating between body fat and lean mass - How should we measure obesity?"

Authors' response to “Differentiating between body fat and lean mass—how should we measure obesity?”
Landscape smoothing of numerical permutation spaces in genetic algorithms

The recent popularity of genetic algorithms (GA's) and their application to a wide range of problems is a result of their ease of implementation and flexibility. Evolutionary techniques are often applied to optimization and related search problems where the fitness of a possible result is easily established. Although many landscapes are searched quickly, there are those, such as permutation landscapes, that are particularly challenging to the GA approach. This paper suggests an alternative approach, called landscape smoothing, to searching numerical permutation landscapes. This paper demonstrates that this approach is more effective than the usual schemes since it smoothes the original landscape in a way that allows GA exploitation to occur naturally using standard mutation and crossover operators.
Experiments in the Correction of Mirror Figures Via Force Deformation

The prospect of placing large astronomical telescopes in earth orbit, free of atmospheric degradations, has created a need for ultrahigh-quality large optics. Large mirrors, several meters in diameter, must be produced and maintained with a surface quality that is an order of magnitude better than that typically used in terrestrial telescopes. This paper describes the experimental development of automatic control techniques for correcting optical surfaces to a precision of 0.01 microns rms. The approach consists of interferometrically measuring the mirror figure error and then, using servomechanisms, push or pull on the back surface of the mirror to reform the optical surface
Evidence for volcanic ash fall in the Maya Lowlands from a reservoir at Tikal, Guatemala

Powder X-ray diffraction and petrographic analyses of reservoir sediments from Tikal, Guatemala have identified significant quantities of decomposed volcanic ash in the form of smectite and euhedral bipyramidal quartz crystals. X-ray fluorescence trace element content analysis was used to eliminate distant Sahara-Sahel and Antilles sources. The Zr/Y and Ni/Cr ratios of reservoir sediment from Tikal are consistent with a source from Central American volcanism (e.g., Guatemalan and Salvadoran). AMS radiocarbon dating of the smectite and crystalline quartz-rich reservoir sediments show that volcanic ash fell during the Preclassic, Classic, and Postclassic Maya cultural periods. It may now be possible to develop an effective chronology of ash fall at Tikal and the greater Peten. Published by Elsevier Ltd.
De-correlating CNN Features for Generative Classification

The problem of training a classifier from a handful of positive examples, without having to supply class specific negatives is of great practical importance. The proposed approach to solving this problem builds on the idea of training LDA classifiers using only class specific foreground images and a large collection of unlabelled images, as described in [11]. While we adopt the LDA training methodology of [11], we depart from HOG features and work with those extracted from a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) pre-trained on Image Net (Over feat). We combine Over feat features with the LDA training methodology to derive generative classifiers. When evaluated on a K-way classification problem, these classifiers are almost as good as those trained discriminatively using the same features. Unlike the HOG based approach of [11], our classifiers do not need any post-processing step of calibration, a step that requires positives and negatives. Finally, we show that in an instance retrieval setup, we can employ these generative classifiers to derive a novel query-expansion framework that achieves a significant performance boost by utilizing only the top ranked positive examples from an initial nearest-neighbor list.
Silica coated paper substrate for paper-spray analysis of therapeutic drugs in dried blood spots.

Paper spray is a newly developed ambient ionization method that has been applied for direct qualitative and quantitative analysis of biological samples. The properties of the paper substrate and spray solution have a significant impact on the release of chemical compounds from complex sample matrices, the diffusion of the analytes through the substrate, and the formation of ions for mass spectrometry analysis. In this study, a commercially available silica-coated paper was explored in an attempt to improve the analysis of therapeutic drugs in dried blood spots (DBS). The dichloromethane/isopropanol solvent has been identified as an optimal spray solvent for the analysis. The comparison was made with paper spray using chromatography paper as substrate with methanol/water as solvent for the analysis of verapamil, citalopram, amitriptyline, lidocaine, and sunitinib in dried blood spots. It has been demonstrated that the efficiency of recovery of the analytes was notably improved with the silica coated paper ...
Suppression of mixed lymphocyte reactions by alloantigen-activated spleen-localizing thymocytes.

Abstract Heavily irradiated BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice were injected intravenously with BALB/c thymocytes. At varying times thereafter spleen and lymph node cell suspensions from these animals were treated with mitomycin C and added as regulator populations to mixed lymphocyte reactions (MLR) with syngeneic responder cells. Alloantigen-activated spleen-localizing thymocytes suppressed MLR responses 40 to 95%. Suppressor activitity, manifested as a quantitative reduction in peak proliferative responses, was maximal 4 days after cell transfer. Antigenic specificity for the stimulator cell strain in MLR was not demonstrated. The effect of lymph nodelocalizing thymocytes as regulators in MLR was variable, but in most experiments these cells slightly enhanced responses. We conclude that splenic localization is an intrinsic property of the thymocyte subpopulation capable of suppressing MLR responses, and that the suppressor activity of this subpopulation is substantially enhanced by activation in allogeneic hosts.
Attitude and knowledge effects in prose processing

Knowledge and attitude effects on text processing were explored in a four-phase experiment: (1) Subjects' knowledge of and attitude toward the USSR were assessed. (2) Subjects rated the nature of relations between the USSR and 18 countries, 6 pro-Soviet, 6 neutral, and 6 pro-Wester. (3) Passage “from Pravda” were presented about each country, with passage information being either Congruent or Incongruent with expectations of USSR statements. Subjects rated each passage for aggressiveness. (4) Cued recall and recognition tests were given on the passage contents. Results showed correlations of both aggressiveness ratings and recall with attitude in the Congruent condition, while for the Incongruent condition, these measures correlated with knowledge. A post hoc model was proposed in which knowledge and attitude are regarded as components of one system, with knowledge dominating processing when passage contents are high in information value and/or disagree with expectations, while attitude dominates processing when passage contents are of low information value and in agreement with expectations.
Novel pathways associated with bypassing cellular senescence in human prostate epithelial cells

Cellular senescence forms a barrier that inhibits the acquisition of an immortal phenotype, a critical feature in tumorigenesis. The inactivation of multiple pathways that positively regulate senescence are required for immortalization. To identify these pathways in an unbiased manner, we performed DNA microarray analyses to assess the expression of 20,000 genes in human prostate epithelial cells (HPECs) passaged to senescence. These gene expression patterns were then compared with those of HPECs immortalized with the human Papillomavirus 16 E7 oncoprotein. Senescent cells display gene expression patterns that reflect their nonproliferative, differentiated phenotype and express secretory proteases and extracellular matrix components. A comparison of genes transcriptionally up-regulated in senescence to those in which expression is significantly down-regulated in immortalized HPECs identified three genes: the chemokine BRAK, DOC1, and a member of the insulin-like growth factor axis, IGFBP-3. Expression of these genes is found to be uniformly lost in human prostate cancer cell lines and xenografts, and previously, their inactivation was documented in tumor samples. Thus, these genes may function in novel pathways that regulate senescence and are inactivated during immortalization. These changes may be critical not only in allowing cells to bypass senescence in vitro but in the progression of prostate cancer in vivo.
Near-field, broadband optical spectroscopy of metamaterials

Near-field, broadband optical spectroscopy of metamaterials is reported. A compact, easy to assemble supercontinuum light source, coupled with a near-field scanning optical microscope and spectrometer provide the means to locally probe the spectral response of a nanorod metamaterial sample. Spectral maps of near-field transmittance are obtained for the spectral range from 500 to 950 nm. In comparison to far-field measurement, the average of the near-field mappings shows a significant increase in transmittance. The uniqueness of the spectral maps and the increased transmittance indicates a strong nanoantenna effect between the sample and the plasmonic near-field aperture.
FITPOP, a heuristic simulation model of population dynamics and genetics with special reference to fisheries

Abstract Although, perceiving genetic differences and their effects on fish population dynamics is difficult, simulation models offer a means to explore and illustrate these effects. I partitioned the intrinsic rate of increase parameter of a simple logistic–competition model into three components, allowing specification of effects of relative differences in fitness and mortality, as well as finite rate of increase. This model was placed into an interactive, stochastic environment to allow easy manipulation of model parameters (FITPOP). Simulation results illustrated the effects of subtle differences in genetic and population parameters on total population size, overall fitness, and sensitivity of the system to variability. Several consequences of mixing genetically distinct populations were illustrated. For example, behaviors such as depression of population size after initial introgression and extirpation of native stocks due to continuous stocking of genetically inferior fish were reproduced. It also was shown that carrying capacity relative to the amount of stocking had an important influence on population dynamics. Uncertainty associated with parameter estimates reduced confidence in model projections. The FITPOP model provided a simple tool to explore population dynamics, which may assist in formulating management strategies and identifying research needs.
Light is Essential for Degradation of Ribulose‐1,5‐Bisphosphate Carboxylase‐Oxygenase Large Subunit During Sudden Death Syndrome Development in Soybean

: Fusarium solani f. sp. glycines (Fsg) has been reported to produce at least two phytotoxins. Cell-free Fsg culture filtrates containing phytotoxins have been shown to develop foliar sudden death syndrome (SDS) in soybean. We have investigated the changes in protein profiles of diseased leaves caused by cell-free Fsg culture filtrates prepared from Fsg isolates. Two-dimensional sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) was conducted to investigate the protein profiles of diseased and healthy leaves. An approximately 55 kDa protein was found to be absent in diseased leaves. Matrix-assisted laser desorption-ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometric analyses and a database search revealed that the missing protein is the ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) large subunit, which is involved in carbon assimilation and photorespiration. This result was confirmed by Western blot experiments. We have shown that light is essential for disappearance of the Rubisco large subunit initiated by cell-free Fsg culture filtrates. The disappearance of the protein is fairly rapid and occurs within 24 h, presumably due to degradation. Cell-free, Fsg culture-induced degradation of the Rubisco large subunit was accompanied by accumulation of reactive oxygen species under light conditions. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated nick end labelling experiments suggested that programmed cell death was initiated in leaves of seedlings fed with cell-free Fsg culture filtrates. These results suggest that, in the presence of light, Fsg culture filtrates containing phytotoxins cause degradation of the Rubisco large subunit and accumulation of free radicals and, thereby, initiate programmed cell death leading to foliar SDS development in soybean.
Variations in the subunit content and catalytic activity of the cytochrome c oxidase complex from different tissues and different cardiac compartments

The composition and activity of cytochrome c oxidase (COX) was studied in mitochondria from rat liver, brain, kidney and heart and also in different compartments of the bovine heart to see whether any correlation exists between known oxidative capacity and COX activity. Immunoblot analysis showed that the levels of ubiquitously expressed subunits IV and Vb are about 8-12-fold lower in liver mitochondria as compared to the heart, kidney and brain. The heart enzyme with higher abundance of COX IV and Vb showed lower turnover number (495) while the liver enzyme with lower abundance of these subunits exhibited higher turnover number of 750. In support of the immunoblot results, immunohistochemical analysis of heart and kidney tissue sections showed an intense staining with the COX Vb antibody as compared to the liver sections. COX Vb antibody stained certain tubular regions of the kidney more intensely than the other regions suggesting region specific variation in the subunit level. Bovine heart compartments showed variation in subunit levels and also differed in the kinetic parameters of COX. The right atrium contained relatively more Vb protein, while the left ventricle contained higher level of subunit VIa. COX from both the ventricles showed high Km for cytochrome c (23-37 microM) as compared to the atrial COX (Km 8-15 microM). These results suggest a correlation between tissue specific oxidative capacity/work load and changes in subunit composition and associated changes in the activity of COX complex. More important, our results suggest variations based on the oxidative load of cell types within a tissue.
Real-Time Representation Versus Response Elicitation in Biosensor Data

Recognized stress management techniques include cultivating mindfulness, breathing exercises, and meditation. While these approaches have been shown to mitigate the negative effects of stress, they can be difficult to learn or consistently apply. To support these techniques, we developed MoodLight, a playful system that uses ambient colored light to provide feedback regarding an individual's current arousal levels. Like many affective computing systems, MoodLight was designed to help users observe their internal state and learn to relax. However, our findings indicate that prompting or leading feedback can be more effective than real time feedback in helping users relax. This work contributes to affective computing by suggesting alternative approaches to designing biofeedback systems for stress management.
Urban edges and the public realm

Abstract The physical disintegration of the US city has led not only to the disintegration of downtown areas but also the destruction of coherent districts and neighbourhoods. Cincinnati is no exception; the historic districts on the edge of the central city are in a state of terminal decline. This study of Cincinnati attempts to identify the basic structure and urban morphology of the neighbourhood which acts as a gateway to the city centre in one direction. Instead of merely addressing the housing problems and needs, the urban design framework investigates ways in which the public realm, through landscape design, can begin to reunify a previously semi-derelict district.
Theoretical investigation of field-line quality in a driven spheromak

Theoretical studies aimed at predicting and diagnosing field-line quality in a spheromak are described. These include nonlinear three-dimensional MHD simulations and analyses of confinement in spheromaks dominated by either open (stochastic) field lines or approximate flux surfaces. Three-dimensional nonlinear MHD simulations confirm that field lines are predominantly open when there is a large-amplitude toroidal-mode-number n = 1 mode. However, an appreciable volume of good flux surfaces can be obtained either during the drive-off phase of a scheme with periodic pulsed drive or for an extended period under driven conditions, with oscillating volume, when the odd-n modes are suppressed. If a configuration with radially localized perturbations can be achieved, a scaling analysis for a Rosenbluth?Bussac spheromak equilibrium indicates a favourable (1/Lundquist number) scaling to larger, higher-field devices. A hyper-resistivity analysis, which also assumes small-scale perturbations, reproduces well magnetic probe data in the sustained spheromak physics experiment, while an analysis of the same experiment based on one-dimensional transport along open field lines contradicts experimental observations in several key ways. The scaling analysis is also applied to reversed-field pinches and indicates that a completely determined scaling can be obtained with less approximation to the resistive MHD equations than indicated in the previous literature.
Controlled Nucleation of Ge Islands on Si and Self-Assembly of Nanoscale Island Clusters

Germanium nucleation on a silicon surface typically proceeds via spontaneous formation of nanoscopic islands, or quantum dots (QDs), at random locations. However, potential applications of epitaxial QDs, such as quantum cellular automata, require precise control of Ge island positions on Si in clusters with the individual islands' separation of tens of nanometers or less. Controlled Ge island placement with an inter-island separation down to 100 nm can be reliably obtained by depositing Ge onto a Si(001) surface modified with a low dose focused ion beam (FIB) pattern to create preferred nucleation sites for individual islands. Here we investigate QD self-assembly of multiple islands on single topographical features intended to obtain clusters of QDs with smaller separations. We observe formation of 50 nm clusters on a single location defined by the FIB patterning of a larger and shallower feature, where cluster formation is promoted by reduced surface diffusion. We also discuss cluster formation on single sites defined by residual trenches on a footprint of a larger island that has been desorbed. We propose that controlled placement of islands during the first deposition may result in greater control over subsequent cluster size and placement fidelity due to improved uniformity of target features.
Amino acid replacements associated with reversion and recombination within a coding unit.

Amino acid substitutions associated with forward mutation and reversion at the A58–A78 site of the A gene of the Escherichia coli tryptophan synthetase were examined. The following five replacements involving four amino acids at the same position in the A protein were found: Gly→Asp, Cys; Asp→Gly, Ala; Cys→Gly. The relationships between these four amino acids, examined in terms of their coding units defined in vitro , allowed tentative assignments of specific coding units to these four residues. Genetic recombination within the A58–A78 coding unit was also demonstrated and the primary structure changes in the A proteins of the recombinants were determined.
1009-48 Radiofrequency-induced Lesions Around the Coronary Sinus Ostium Assisted Solely by Endoscopy: Their Effects on Atrioventricular Nodal Properties

Although two anatomically distinct inputs from the areas around the coronary sinus ostium (CSos) to the atrioventricular node (AVN) were reported, their electrophysiologic effects on AVN properties are not well known. We have recently shown in the dog that radiofrequency catheter ablation can be assisted by means of balloon-tipped fiberoptic endoscopy. Thus, we examined the feasibility of this technique in creating lesions around CSos by radiofrequency energy and assessed the effects of such lesions on AVN properties in 11 anesthetized dogs. After pharmacological denervation with intravenous propranolol 1 mg/kg and atropine 0.2 mg/kg, basic intervals and Wenckebach cycle length (WCl) were obtained. AVN conduction curves were constructed at multiple cycle lengths using atrial extrastimulus testing. We then ablated areas between CSos and the tricuspid valve in 2 dogs (Group 1) and those above CSos in 6 (Group 2). In 4 dogs in Group 2, the same areas in Group 1 were then ablated. The remaining 3 dogs served as controls (Group 3). Measurements were repeated after each ablation procedure using the same doses of the drugs. At the end of each experiment, pathological examination was performed. Results Radiofrequency ablation was possible in all dogs under direct vision without fluoroscopy. Basic intervals and WCL showed no changes. Group 1 showed shifting of the AV nodal curve downward (facilitation) in 1 dog and development of 2: 1 AVN block in another after ablation. In Group 2, block in slow pathway was noted in 1 dog, facilitation of the AVN curve in 3, and no change in 2. Further ablation in the area in Group 1 resulted in AVN block in 1 and showed no change in 3. No changes were demonstrated in Group 3. Pathologic study confirmed transferal lesions in the expected areas. Conclusions This technique can be used to safely assist catheter ablation in dogs. Ablation in the tested areas modified AVN properties but the changes were not consistent. These observations may suggest that these anatomical inputs do not necesarily have specific electrophysiologic characteristics but overall effects on the AVN are due to their interactions.
Nanoclay syntactic foam composites-High strain rate properties

Abstract The effect of nanoclay on the high strain rate mechanical properties of syntactic foam composites is studied. Nanoclay syntactic foam composites are fabricated with 10, 30 and 60% microballoon volume fractions, each having 0, 1, 2 and 5% volume fraction of nanoclay. High strain rate tests using split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) apparatus are performed on all types of composites. Quasi-static tests are also carried out on MTS-810 machine to compare the results with the dynamic SHPB results. It is found that inclusion of 1% nanoclay volume fraction gives the optimum enhancement in peak stress and modulus of nanoclay syntactic foam composites. In addition, specimens tested at high strain rate are shown to exhibit higher stress and modulus compared to those tested at low strain rate. Scanning electron microscopy is performed to study the fracture behavior under different loading rates.
An approach to decreasing the peak electrical demand in residences

Abstract A project to reduce the peak electrical demand by 65% for a new residential housing development in the Desert Southwest portion of the US is described. The period of the peak demand is considered to be 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm local daylight savings time. Four general approaches are being used to accomplish this. One is the use of a very energy conserving design for the buildings. Second, all of the residences have a photovoltaic array on them. Third, some new approaches to demand side management are being developed whereby the utility and the customer interact. Finally, a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) is being evaluated. Results found to date are summarized in this paper. Predictions for success are given and work remaining is outlined.
Effects of p-cresol and chlorophenols on pentachlorophenol biodegradation.

The effects of three aromatic compounds, p-cresol, 2,4-dichlorophenol (DCP), and 2,4,6-trichlorophenol (TCP), on cell growth and pentachlorophenol (PCP) degradation by a Flavobacterium species were investigated. While p-cresol was not degraded by this bacterium, DCP and TCP were simultaneously degraded with PCSP. Both DCP and TCP lowered cell growth and PCP degradation rate. Cell growth was modeled by cell death, because p-cresol, DCP, and TCP were toxic to the organism. A new model was used to predict cell death rate in a mixture of two toxic compounds from the cell death kinetics for each individual compound. PCP degradation rates were modeled by conventional inhibition models, but only over a small concentration range for the secondary toxic compound. However, a new empirical model described PCP degradation over a wider concentration range of the secondary toxic compound.
The marketing concept in perspective

A re-evaluation of the marketing concept appears to be in the making. The focus of research designed to facilitate this re-evaluation is likely to be of considerable importance to the future development of marketing theory. Research designed to better define the role and scope of the marketing concept seems to offer the most promise. Such research would be an aid to determining where the marketing concept should fit into a comprehensive theory of marketing. Limitations of the marketing concept are well documented in the literature suggesting a need for a broader framework of marketing theory. It seems imperative that academicians accept the responsibility for developing a more comprehensive general theory of marketing, one relevant to both the micro and macro aspects of a functioning system. Such flexibility seems to be a minimal requirement.
Rice ubiquitin promoters: deletion analysis and potential usefulness in plant transformation systems.

Strong constitutive promoters form a cornerstone for basic and applied research using transgenic plants. GUS (β-glucuronidase) expression levels from constructs containing RUBQ1 or RUB2 rice ubiquitin promoters were 8- to 35-fold higher in transgenic rice [Oryza sativa (L.)] plants, respectively, when compared to the 35S promoter. Deletion analysis of the 5′-upstream region of RUBQ2 revealed a putative enhancer region that produced a 2.4-fold increase in transient GUS expression. Southern blot analysis showed that three to seven copies of the GUS gene were stably inserted into R0 and R1 plants and inherited in a monogenic fashion.
S100A1 Regulates Neurite Organization, Tubulin Levels, and Proliferation in PC12 Cells

As a first step in determining what cellular processes are regulated by the calcium-modulated protein S100A1 isoform in neurons, the effects of ablated S100A1 expression on neurite organization and microtubule/tubulin levels in PC12 cells were examined. A mammalian expression vector containing the rat S100A1 cDNA in the antisense orientation with respect to a cytomegalovirus promoter was constructed and transfected into PC12 cells. Indirect immunofluorescence microscopy confirmed decreased S100A1 protein levels in all three stable transfectants (pAntisense clones) that expressed exogenous S100A1 antisense mRNA. In response to nerve growth factor, pAntisense clones extended significantly more neurites than control cells (4.01 ± 0.16 versus 2.93 ± 0.16 neurites/cell). This increase in neurite number was accompanied by an increase in total α-tubulin levels in untreated (4.0 ± 0.6versus 1.76 ± 0.4 ng of α-tubulin/mg of total protein) and nerve growth factor-treated pAntisense clones (4.15 ± 0.4 versus 2.04 ± 0.5 ng of α-tubulin/mg of total protein) when compared with control cells. At high cell densities, pAntisense clones exhibited a significant decrease in anchorage-dependent growth. In soft agar, pAntisense clones formed significantly more colonies (153 ± 8%) than control cells (116 ± 5%). However, the pAntisense soft agar colonies were significantly smaller than those observed in control cells (40.6 ± 3.0 versus 59.5 ± 1.2 μm). These data suggest that cell density inhibits both anchorage-independent and -dependent growth of pAntisense clones. In summary, ablation of S100A1 expression in PC12 cells results in increased tubulin levels, altered neurite organization, and decreased cell growth. Thus, S100A1 may directly link the cytoskeleton and calcium signal transduction pathways to cell proliferation.
The rhetoric of expertise: E. O. Wilson and sociobiology

In contrast to the “structural account” of scientific expertise, which ties the expert's discourse closely to disciplinary constraints, this essay develops a “rhetorical account,” showing how experts can move fluidly among disciplinary criteria and use paradigms more as strategies than constraints. Wilson, the exemplar here, projects his sociobiology into several discourse frames, each presuming a different audience, purpose, and persona for himself as expert. This shifting of frames has not only enabled Wilson to exert a great deal of influence on the social sciences and public discourse, it has also enabled him to elude disciplinary standards of evaluation.
Experiences of Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality-Funded Projects That Implemented Practices for Safer Patient Care

Objectives. To synthesize lessons learned from the experiences of Agency forHealthcare Research and Quality-funded patient safety projects in implementing safepractices.DataSources. Self-reporteddatafromindividualandgroupinterviewswithOriginal,Challenge,andPartnershipsinImplementingPatientSafety(PIPS)grantees,from2003to 2006.Study Design. Interviews with three grantee groups (n560 total) implementing safepractice projects, with comparisons on factors inﬂuencing project implementation andsustainability.Data Collection. Semi-structured protocols contained open-ended questions onlessons learned and more structured questions on factors associated with projectimplementation and sustainability.PrincipalFindings. Thegranteessharedcommonexperiences,frequentlyidentifyinglessons learned regarding structural components needing to be in place before imple-mentation, components of the implementation process, components of interventions’results needed for sustainability, changes in timelines or activities, unanticipated issues,and staff acceptance/adoption. Also, fewer Original grants had many of the factorsrelated project to implementation/sustainability than the PIPS or Challenge granteeshad.Conclusions. Although much of what was reported seemed like common sense, sur-prisingly few projects actually planned for or expected many of the barriers or facil-itators they experienced during their project implementation. Others implementingpractice improvements likely will share the experiences and issues identiﬁed by theseimplementation projects and can learn from their lessons.Key Words. Patient safety, safe practices, implementation, program evaluation
Fatigue in aviation

Summary Pilot fatigue is a significant, but often under-reported problem in both civilian and military aviation operations. Although estimates vary, official statistics indicate that fatigue is involved in at least 4–8% of aviation mishaps, and surveys of pilots and aircrew members reveal that fatigue is an important concern throughout today's 24/7 flight operations. Regulatory efforts aimed at limiting flight hours and ensuring at least minimal periods of crew rest have to some extent mitigated fatigue-related difficulties in the cockpit, but it is clear that much remains to be done about this insidious threat to air safety. Scheduling factors, sleep deprivation, circadian disruptions, and extended duty periods continue to challenge the alertness and performance levels of both short-haul and long-haul pilots and crews. Solutions for these problems are not straightforward, but they can be developed through the cooperative efforts of scientists, regulators, managers, and the pilots themselves. Over the past 20 years, scientific understanding of human sleep, fatigue, and circadian rhythms has expanded considerably. The thorough integration of this new knowledge into modern crew-resource management practices will facilitate the establishment of optimal crew scheduling routines and the implementation of valid aviation fatigue countermeasures.
Damage initlation prediction in ductile failure

Determination des parametres des materiaux necessaires a la prevision de la rupture. L'un de ces parametres est la deformation moyenne e N decrite sous la forme: √e N =1/H(σ c -σ m ) ou σ m est la contrainte moyenne, H et σ c sont des constantes de materiaux. Determination de H et σ c par des essais de choc et de traction sur un alliage d'aluminium et un acier. Validite de l'equation pour une contrainte moyenne nulle dans le cas d'une torsion
Electronic data interchange: a multi-industry investigation using grounded theory

Interorganizational systems (IOS) based on electronic data interchange (EDI) are being increasingly used. However, trading partners in EDI-based IOS vary in terms of their extent of EDI use. This paper presents a grounded-theory based study of EDI use in four organizations in different industries. The methodology allows the study of EDI use from perspectives of causal conditions, types of EDI use, strategies for encouraging EDI use, consequences of EDI use, and contextual factors. Such a qualitative study facilitates an understanding of how and why different factors impact EDI use. Under-researched issues, such as internal use of EDI, impact of EDI on different types of employees, and use of EDI for collective benefit of multiple organizations are discussed.
Procedures, Instructions, and Specifications: A Challenge in Audience Analysis

Procedures, instructions, and specifications demand precise and imaginative audience analysis. Although these three communications tasks ask an audience to participate in an operation, the specific purpose and audience of each is unique. Recognizing this uniqueness provides the technical communications teacher with challenging student assignments and the technical writer and editor with useful questions to ask in analyzing these audiences. This article describes the audiences that read procedures, instructions, and specifications, provides examples of each communication task, suggests assignments in each for technical communications teachers, and lists questions for technical writers and editors to ask about audiences of each task.
Mechanical Properties of Carbon Nanotubes

Nano-scale finite element approach was used to predict the mechanical properties of carbon nanotubes. The unit-cell isolation scheme was same as that from Eric Seather [1], and nothing was assumed to exist inside any nanotube. Arm-chair, zigzag and chiral type of nanotubes with different radii were discussed in detail. The longitudinal modulus of nanotubes Ez was found to decrease with increasing nanotube radius, but to be independent of nanotube helicity. The modulus was not over 0.5 TPa for any case. Meanwhile, Poisson’s ratio νzθ was also predicted.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
A phase I study of a daily x3 schedule of intravenous vinorelbine for refractory epithelial ovarian cancer.

Abstract Purpose. To determine the toxicity and activity of intravenous vinorelbine given daily for 3 consecutive days every 3 weeks in patients with platinum-resistant epithelial ovarian cancer. Patients and methods. Between September 1994 and October 1995, 23 women with refractory epithelial ovarian cancer were entered onto this phase I study. All patients had measurable disease and platinum-resistant tumor, and prior therapy was limited to a maximum of two prior regimens. Nineteen (83%) were assessable for toxicity and 20 (87%) were assessable for response. Vinorelbine was administered intravenously daily for 3 consecutive days; this was repeated every 21 days. The starting dose was 20 mg/m 2 daily ×3, with dose escalation by 5 mg/m 2 daily ×3. Dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) was defined as grade 4 granulocytopenia for >3 days, grade 4 thrombocytopenia, neutropenic fever, or grade 3 or greater nonhematologic toxicity. The maximal tolerated dose (MTD) was defined as the highest dose level at which 10,000/μL. Clinical response, progression-free survival, and survival were also determined. Results. Nineteen patients evaluable for toxicity received a total of 135 cycles of vinorelbine. The major DLT was neutropenia. The MTD of vinorelbine without filgrastim support was established as 20 mg/m 2 daily ×3. The MTD of vinorelbine with filgrastim support was established as 25 mg/m 2 daily ×3. Of 20 patients evaluable for response, 2 patients (10%) had a complete response and 4 (20%) had a partial response, for an overall response rate of 30%. Conclusion. These results warrant further study of vinorelbine in patients with platinum-resistant epithelial ovarian cancer. However, further study of the daily ×3 schedule may not be warranted because of failure to achieve higher weekly dose intensity and because of nonhematologic toxicity in the form of intense bone pain.
Generalization of Schur’s Test and its Application to a Class of Integral Operators on the Unit Ball of $${\mathbb C^n}$$

We generalize the classical Schur’s test to the boundedness of integral operators from Lp to Lq spaces equipped with possibly different measures, for \({1\le p\le q < \infty}\) . As an application, we determine exactly when a class of integral operators are bounded from \({L^p(\mathbb{B}_{n},dv_{\alpha})}\) to \({L^q(\mathbb{B}_{n},dv_{\beta})}\) , where \({1\le p\le q < \infty, \mathbb{B}_{n}}\) is the unit ball of n-dimensional complex Euclidean space \({\mathbb{C}^n}\) , and \({dv_{\alpha}}\) and \({dv_{\beta}}\) are weighted area measures on \({\mathbb{C}^n}\) . The result generalizes a result by Kures and Zhu.
Minimax optimization of multi-degree-of-freedom tuned-mass dampers

Abstract Many methods have been developed for the design of a single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) absorber to damp SDOF vibration. Yet there are few studies for the case where both the absorber and the main system have multiple degrees of freedom. In this paper, an efficient numerical approach based on the descent-subgradient method is proposed to maximize the minimal damping of modes in a prescribed frequency range for general viscous or hysteretic multi-degree-of-freedom (MDOF) tuned-mass systems. Examples are given to illustrate the efficiency of the minimax method and the damping potential of MDOF tuned-mass dampers (TMDs). The performance of minimax, H2, and H∞ optimal TMDs are compared. Finally, the results of an experiment in which a 2-DOF TMD is optimized to damp the first two flexural modes of a free–free beam are presented.
Success and complications associated with placement of fully covered removable self-expandable metal stents for benign esophageal diseases (with videos)

Background Fully covered esophageal self-expandable metal stents (FCSEMSs) are thought to induce less mucosal hyperplasia and are potentially removable. They may constitute an attractive alternative for the treatment of benign esophageal diseases. Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of FCSEMSs in the treatment of benign esophageal diseases. Design Patients referred for management of benign esophageal disease underwent placement of an FCSEMS and were entered into a prospective database and analyzed retrospectively for clinical response, efficacy, and morbidity. Setting Two tertiary care centers with long-standing experience in the management of benign esophageal strictures. Patients Between January 2006 and September 2007, 35 patients (mean age 61 years, range 20-85 years) underwent FCSEMS placement for benign esophageal diseases at 2 tertiary academic medical centers. There were 19 patients with benign esophageal strictures and 16 patients with leaks/perforations. Intervention Temporary placement of FCSEMS until stricture resolution. Main outcome measurements Clinical response, efficacy, and morbidity. Results Indications for stent placement were esophageal leak/fistulae (n = 12), refractory benign strictures (n = 10), anastomotic strictures (n = 7), perforations (n = 4), and radiation-induced strictures (n = 2). Immediate complications were chest pain (2 patients), stent migration (2 patients), dysphagia (1 patient), respiratory compromise (1 patient), and arrhythmia (1 patient). Long-term complications included recurrent dysphagia (6 patients), aspiration pneumonia (2 patients), globus sensation (2 patients), abdominal pain (2 patients), and fever (1 patient). Stent migration was observed in 12 patients (34%). After placement, dysphagia scores at 1 month improved significantly from 3.1 ± 1.0 to 1.2 ± 1.3 (P Conclusion Use of FCSEMSs for benign esophageal conditions was associated with frequent stent migration and long-term improvement in only one third of patients. Further investigation is required before recommending FCSEMS placement to treat benign diseases of the esophagus and to further characterize the subgroup that might benefit from these interventions.
Does "Main Street" Promote Sense of Community? A Comparison of San Francisco Neighborhoods

Creating “community” has long been a goal of urban planners. Although such rhetoric abounds in planning circles, what it all means is unclear. In this article, the authors review the community psychology and urban planning literature, defining sense of community within the context of how the built environment might facilitate or impede it. They then present their research, which tests the effects of “main street” on sense of community in four San Francisco neighborhoods. Results indicate that respondents in neighborhoods exhibiting characteristics of a main street town (Bernal Heights and West Portal) have significantly higher sense of community than do respondents from a high-density neighborhood (Nob Hill) and from a more suburban-style city neighborhood (Sunset).