cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Late Cretaceous Oceans and the Cool Tropic Paradox

Oxygen isotopic proxies of paleo-sea surface temperatures (SSTs) suggest that Maastrichtian (about 66 million years ago) tropical SSTs were lower than those of today. They also demonstrate that Maastrichtian latitudinal SST gradients were much lower than those of the present. The low Maastrichtian SST gradients indicate that meridional heat transport was much greater or latitudinal differences in the balance of radiation to and from the sea surface were much less extreme during the latest Cretaceous than they are today, or that both conditions were true. These findings challenge traditional interpretations of “greenhouse” Late Cretaceous climates.
Dynamics of piecewise linear oscillators with van der Pol type damping

Abstract In the first part of this study, an analysis is presented for a class of strongly non-linear single degree-of-freedom oscillators, excited by harmonic forcing. The damping and restoring forces of these oscillators are symmetric piecewise linear functions of the velocity and displacement, respectively. More specifically, the stiffness is always positive but the damping coefficient assumes negative values for small displacement amplitudes, resembling the characteristics of the classical van der Pol oscillator. The existence, stability and bifurcation of symmetric, single-contact, periodic steady state solutions are first analysed. Then, numerical results are presented for several representative combinations of the system parameters. It is shown that the systems considered exhibit characteristics which are similar to those observed for the classical van der Pol oscillator. Also, for some sets of parameters they undergo bifurcations which lead to loss of stability of periodic or quasiperiodic solutions and the onset of irregular non-periodic response.
Conjugal transfer of pAMβ1 in Bacillus sphaericus 1593

The plasmid pAMβ1 has been successfully transferred from Streptococcus faecalis to Bacillus sphaericus by the method of filter mating. Subsequently, transfer of this conjugative plasmid has also been demonstrated between derivatives of B. sphaericus 1593, though at reduced frequencies. The transfer process was determined to be unaffected by either endogenous restriction enzyme activity of the recipient or the presence of exogenous DNase.
Strength Degradation and Simple Load Spectrum Tests in Rotor Blade Composites

This paper presents comprehensive residual strength data. These data were collected to aid the validation and development of a residual strength based lifetime prediction method. Such a model can be used to predict the lifetime of rotor blade materials subjected to variable amplitude fatigue. Residual strength tests were done on one multi-directional glassfiber/polyester material, which is representative of the material used in a wind turbine blade. This material has been characterized extensively in the DOE/MSU fatigue database. Both compressive and tensile residual strength tests were performed after three different fractions of the expected lifetime. Residual strength curves were determined in tension-tension, tension-compression, and compression-compression fatigue. In addition, simple load spectra, consisting of two load blocks with different amplitude, were investigated. These results are used, indirectly, to determine the form of the strength degradation model. The results seem consistent with the strength degradation found in the residual strength data.
The voltage dependence of NADPH oxidase reveals why phagocytes need proton channels

The enzyme NADPH oxidase in phagocytes is important in the body's defence against microbes: it produces superoxide anions (O2-, precursors to bactericidal reactive oxygen species1). Electrons move from intracellular NADPH, across a chain comprising FAD (flavin adenine dinucleotide) and two haems, to reduce extracellular O2 to O2-. NADPH oxidase is electrogenic2, generating electron current (Ie) that is measurable under voltage-clamp conditions3,4. Here we report the complete current–voltage relationship of NADPH oxidase, the first such measurement of a plasma membrane electron transporter. We find that Ie is voltage-independent from -100 mV to >0 mV, but is steeply inhibited by further depolarization, and is abolished at about +190 mV. It was proposed that H+ efflux2 mediated by voltage-gated proton channels5,6 compensates Ie, because Zn2+ and Cd2+ inhibit both H+ currents7,8,9 and O2- production10. Here we show that COS-7 cells transfected with four NADPH oxidase components11, but lacking H+ channels12, produce O2- in the presence of Zn2+ concentrations that inhibit O2- production in neutrophils and eosinophils. Zn2+ does not inhibit NADPH oxidase directly, but through effects on H+ channels. H+ channels optimize NADPH oxidase function by preventing membrane depolarization to inhibitory voltages.
DOMESTICATING WOMEN, CIVILIZING MEN: Rousseau's Political Program

I argue in this study that when Rousseau's oeuvre is read as a whole, the novels as well as the conventional texts of political theory, it reveals a political program for reform of the ancient regime. This reform is founded on a reform of domestic mores. Rousseau's attendant conception of the relations between private and public spheres is more unified than that found in modem sociology. Rousseau shows that the domestic role of women is a structural precondition for a "modern" society. Is freedom to be maintained only with the support of slavery? Perhaps. The two extremes meet. Everything outside nature has its disadvantages, civil society more than all the rest. -Jean-Jacques Rousseau In the eighteenth century Rousseau proposed a political program for the reform of politics through a reform of the household, the family, and gender roles. He specifically intended to show that through an education of the senses and of sentiment, men could perhaps one day come to rule themselves in democracy and equality. Although sociologists from Durkheim to Marx acknowledge their debt to Rousseau for his delineation of the social, distinct from the political and the economic, as well as for his discussion of childhood and political socialization to maturity, none address the specifically erotic/sexual dimensions of the political education which Rousseau proposes especially in his novels, La Nouvelle Hiloise and Emile.
Mast cell exocytosis: evidence that granule proteoglycan processing is not coupled to degranulation.

It has been hypothesized that the dissolution of mast cell granules at the time of degranulation results from proteoglycan cleavage coupled to exocytosis. To address this hypothesis, we studied granule proteoglycan before and after exocytosis in dog mastocytoma cells, which solubilize granule contents during exocytosis. 35S-labeled proteoglycans were extracted from unstimulated whole cells and cell degranulation supernatant. Sequential anion-exchange and gel filtration chromatography, followed by specific glycosaminoglycan digestion, identified chondroitin sulfate and heparin glycosaminoglycan and proteoglycan in unstimulated cells and degranulated material alike. Glycosaminoglycan type and charge density in degranulation supernatant were unchanged compared with unstimulated cells. There was no decrease in proteoglycan size with cell activation and exocytosis. Thus, granule release and solubilization does not appear to require exocytosis-coupled degradation of granule proteoglycans. Release in association with high-m.w. proteoglycans may serve to limit rates of diffusion and activity of proteases and other mast cell mediators.
Recipient intramuscular gene transfer of active transforming growth factor-β1 attenuates acute lung rejection

Abstract Background . Gene transfer into the donor graft has been demonstrated to be feasible in reducing ischemia-reperfusion injury and rejection in lung transplantation. This study was undertaken to determine whether intramuscular gene transfer into the recipient can also reduce subsequent lung graft rejection. Methods . Brown Norway rats served as donors and F344 rats as recipients. Recipient animals were injected with 10 10 plaque-forming units of adenovirus encoding active transforming growth factor β1 (group I, n=6), β-galactosidase as adenoviral controls (group II, n=6), or normal saline without adenovirus (group III, n=6) into both gluteus muscles 2 days before transplantation. Gene expression was confirmed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Graft function was assessed on postoperative day 5. Results . Successful gene transfection and expression were confirmed by the presence of active transforming growth factor β1 protein in muscle and plasma. Oxygenation was significantly improved in group I (group I vs II and III, 353.6 ± 63.0 mm Hg vs 165.7 ± 39.9 and 119.1 ± 41.5 mm Hg; p = 0.02 and 0.004). The muscle transfected with the transforming growth factor β1 showed granulation tissue with fibroblast accumulation. Conclusions . Intramuscular adenovirus-mediated gene transfer of active transforming growth factor β1 into the recipients attenuates acute lung rejection as manifested by significantly improved oxygenation in transplanted lung allografts. This intramuscular transfection approach as a cytokine therapy is feasible in transplantation and may be useful in reducing rejection as well as reperfusion injury.
Multiple sequence alignment in phylogenetic analysis.

Multiple sequence alignment is discussed in light of homology assessments in phylogenetic research. Pairwise and multiple alignment methods are reviewed as exact and heuristic procedures. Since the object of alignment is to create the most efficient statement of initial homology, methods that minimize nonhomology are to be favored. Therefore, among all possible alignments, the one that satisfies the phylogenetic optimality criterion the best should be considered the best alignment. Since all homology statements are subject to testing and explanation this way, consistency of optimality criteria is desirable. This consistency is based on the treatment of alignment gaps as character information and the consistent use of a cost function (e.g., insertion-deletion, transversion, and transition) through analysis from alignment to phylogeny reconstruction. Cost functions are not subject to testing via inspection; hence the assumptions they make should be examined by varying the assumed values in a sensitivity analysis context to test for the robustness of results. Agreement among data may be used to choose an optimal solution set from all of those examined through parameter variation. This idea of consistency between assumption and analysis through alignment and cladogram reconstruction is not limited to parsimony analysis and could and should be applied to other forms of analysis such as maximum likelihood.
Engineering of high purity ultra-long optical needle field through reversing the electric dipole array radiation

We report a new method to create high purity longitudinally polarized field with extremely long depth of focus in the focal volume of a high numerical aperture (NA) objective lens. Through reversing the radiated field from an electric dipole array situated near the focus of the high-NA lens, the required incident field distribution in the pupil plane for the creation of an ultra-long optical needle field can be found. Numerical examples demonstrate that an optical needle field with a depth of focus up to 8λ is obtainable. Throughout the depth of focus, this engineered focal field maintains a diffraction limited transverse spot size (<0.43λ) with high longitudinal polarization purity. From the calculated pupil plane distribution, a simplified discrete complex pupil filter can be designed and significant improvements over the previously reported complex filters are clearly demonstrated.
Controlling a Simulated Robot Using Machine Learning Techniques

USARSim group at NIST developed a simulated robot that operated in the Unreal Tournament 3 (UT3) gaming environment. They used a software PID controller to control the robot in UT3 worlds. Unfortunately, the PID controller did not work well, so NIST asked us to develop a better controller using machine learning techniques. In the process, we characterized the software PID controller and the robot’s behavior in UT3 worlds. Using data collected from our simulations, we compared different machine learning techniques including linear regression and reinforcement learning (RL). Finally, we implemented a RL based controller in Matlab and ran it in the UT3 environment via a TCP/IP link between Matlab and UT3.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Parametric optimization of sequence alignment

The optimal alignment or the weighted minimum edit distance between two DNA or amino acid sequences for a given set of weights is computed by classical dynamic programming techniques, and is widely used in Molecular Biology. However, in DNA and amino acid sequences there is considerable disagreement about how to weight matches, mismatches, insertions/deletions (indels) and gaps. Parametric Sequence alignment is the problem of computing the optimal valued alignment between two sequences as a function of variable weights for matches, mismatches, spaces and gaps. The goal is to partition the parameter space into regions (which are necessarily convex) such that in each region one alignment is optimal throughout and such that the regions are maximal for this property. In this paper we are primarily concerned with the structure of this convex decomposition, and secondarily with the complexity of computing the decomposition. The most striking results are the following: For the special case where only matches, mismatches and spaces are counted, and where spaces are counted throughout the alignment, we show that the decomposition is surprisingly simple: all regions are infinite; there are at most n2/3 regions; the lines that bound the regions are all of the form β = c+(c + 0.5)α; and the entire decomposition can be found in O(knm) time, where k is the actual number of regions and n are the lengths of the two strings. These results were found while implementing a large software package to do parametric sequence analysis, and in turn have led to faster algorithms for those tasks.
Improved methods for the extraction of polyphenol oxidase from d'anjou pears

Abstract The conditions for extracting polyphenol oxidase (PPO, monophenol monooxygenase, EC 1.14.18.1) from d'Anjou pears have been studied. Water extracts of pear PPO contained artefacts which were present as additional bands on polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis. Buffer extracts of an acetone powder did not remove sufficient endogenous phenolics to prevent browning of the extract. The following phenolic absorbents, arranged in order of increasing efficiency, reduced the formation of artefacts in extracts of PPO: PVPP, Amberlite XAD-4, Bio-Rad AG 1-X8, and Bio-Rad AG 2-X8. Greatest activity was extracted within a pH range of 5.6–5.9. Anion exchange resins were particularly effective in removing phenolics. XAD-4, AG 1-X8, or AG 2-X8 did not adsorb PPO and reduced the electrophoretically separable bands of PPO activity from 11 in water extracts to 3. The properties of the crude PPO were also studied.
Historical Distribution and Status of Southern Redbelly Dace Chrosomus erythrogaster In the Arkansas River Basin, Colorado

Museum specimens and literature records were used to determine the historical distribution and native status of redbelly dace in the Arkansas River Basin, Colorado. All specimens examined were southern redbelly dace (Chrosomus erythrogaster) and native status in the Arkansas River Basin was supported, in part, on the basis of a previously undiscovered specimen collected in 1913. Southern redbelly dace were documented in a geographically restricted area from near Canon City, Colorado, downstream to near Pueblo, and all locations were small tributary streams or off-channel ponds. The two remaining wild populations of southern redbelly dace in Colorado, and transplanted populations that originated from now extirpated populations, should be protected. Additional surveys should be conducted to determine if other populations exist in Colorado, which will better inform managers regarding future actions for the conservation of this species.
Temperature dependence of intracellular pH: Its role in the conservation of pyruvate apparentKm values of vertebrate lactate dehydrogenases

When apparent Michaelis constants (Km's) for pyruvate of M4-lactate dehydrogenases from differently thermally adapted vertebrates are measured at the species' normal cell temperatures, a marked degree of conservation inKm is observed, but only when the pH of the assay medium is varied in the manner in which intracellular pH varies with temperature in most animals (Fig. 2).Km measurements performed at a constant pH do not yield this high degree of interspecific conservation inKm (Figs. 2 and 3).
Community engagements with living sensing systems

We present the design and deployment of a bio-electronic sensing system. This system visualizes bacterial activity inside Winogradsky columns, which incubate soil samples to culture the naturally occurring microorganisms as they process metals and nutrients in the soil. Our month-long deployments with two urban communities offer insights into individual and collective appropriations of living sensing systems. These findings reveal future design trajectories that build on emergent themes in HumanComputer Interaction (HCI), including: new perspectives on materiality, which arise from integrating organic materials with the digital; a reframing of time, as systems shift from providing instant feedback to supporting prolonged engagement; and an emphasis on collective modes of participation beyond individual behavior change.
Transcriptional regulation of the MHC class II antigen presentation pathway

The genes encoding the major components of the antigen processing and presentation pathway (MHC class II, invariant chain and HLA-DM) are regulated in a coordinate and concerted fashion by a conserved group of transcription factors. The identification and characterization of these transcription factors over the past few years has provided insight into how these important genes and the process of antigen presentation are regulated. Regulation of the antigen processing genes includes mechanisms involving the epigenetic modification of DNA sequences and chromatin, and the control of nuclear import of transcription factors.
The binding characteristics and utilization of Aleuria aurantia, Lens culinaris and few other lectins in the elucidation of fucosyltransferase activities resembling cloned FT VI and apparently unique to colon cancer cells

Human colon carcinoma cell fucosyltransferase (FT) in contrast to the FTs of several human cancer cell lines, utilized GlcNAcbeta1,4GlcNAcbeta-O-Bn as an acceptor, the product being resistant to alpha1,6-L-Fucosidase and its formation being completely inhibited by LacNAc Type 2 acceptors. Further, this enzyme was twofold active towards the asialo agalacto glycopeptide as compared to the parent asialoglycopeptide. Only 60% of the GlcNAc moieties were released from [14C]fucosylated asialo agalacto triantennary glycopeptide by jack bean beta-N-acetylhexosaminidase. These alpha1,3-L-fucosylating activities on multiterminal GlcNAc residues and chitobiose were further examined by characterizing the products arising from fetuin triantennary and bovine IgG diantennary glycopeptides and their exoglycosidase-modified derivatives using lectin affinity chromatography. Utilization of [14C]fucosylated glycopeptides with cloned FTs indicated that Lens culinaris lectin and Aleuria aurantia lectin (AAL) required, respectively, the diantennary backbone and the chitobiose core alpha1,6-fucosyl residue for binding. The outer core alpha1,3- but not the alpha-1,2-fucosyl residues decreased the binding affinity of AAL. The AAL-binding fraction from [14C]fucosylated asialo fetuin, using colon carcinoma cell extract, contained 60% Endo F/PNGaseF resistant chains. Similarly AAL-binding species from [14C]fucosylated TFA-treated bovine IgG using colon carcinoma cell extract showed significant resistance to endo F/PNGaseF. However, no such resistance was found with the corresponding AAL non- and weak-binding species. Thus colon carcinoma cells have the capacity to fucosylate the chitobiose core in glycoproteins, and this alpha1,3-L-fucosylation is apparently responsible for the AAL binding of glycoproteins. A cloned FT VI was found to be very similar to this enzyme in acceptor substrate specificities. The colon cancer cell FT thus exhibits four catalytic roles, i.e., alpha1,3-L-fucosylation of: (a) Galbeta1,4GlcNAcbeta-; (b) multiterminal GlcNAc units in complex type chain; (c) the inner core chitobiose of glycopeptides and glycoproteins; and (d) the nonreducing terminal chiotobiose unit.
Cortical responses to light in unanesthetized monkeys and their alteration by visual system lesions.

Rhesus monkeys visual responses recorded before and after unilateral striate lesions, optic tract section and inferotemporal lesions
A Clp/Hsp100 chaperone functions in Myxococcus xanthus sporulation and self-organization

The Clp/Hsp100 proteins are chaperones that play a role in protein degradation and reactivation. In bacteria, they exhibit a high degree of pleiotropy, affecting both individual and multicellular phenotypes. In this article, we present the first characterization of a Clp/Hsp100 homolog in Myxococcus xanthus (MXAN_4832 gene locus). Deletion of MXAN_4832 causes defects in both swarming and aggregation related to cell motility and the production of fibrils, which are an important component of the extracellular matrix of a swarm. The deletion also affects the formation of myxospores during development, causing them to become sensitive to heat. The protein product of MXAN_4832 can act as a chaperone in vitro, providing biochemical evidence in support of our hypothesis that MXAN_4832 is a functional Clp/Hsp100 homolog. There are a total of 12 Clp/Hsp100 homologs in M. xanthus, including MXAN_4832, and, based on its mutational and biochemical characterization, they may well represent an important group.
Evaluation of laser Doppler flowmetry for measurement of capillary blood flow in the stomach wall of dogs during gastric dilatation-volvulus.

Objectives— To validate laser doppler flowmetry (LDF) for measurement of blood flow in the stomach wall of dogs with gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV). Animals— Six purpose-bred dogs and 24 dogs with naturally occurring GDV. Study Design— Experimental and clinical. Methods— Capillary blood flow in the body of the stomach and pyloric antrum was measured with LDF (tissue perfusion unit (TPU) before and after induction of portal hypertension (PH) and after PH plus gastric ischemia (GI; PH+GI) and compared with flow measured by colored microsphere technique. Capillary flow was measured by LDF in the stomach wall of dogs with GDV. Results— PH and PH+GI induced a significant reduction in blood flow in the body of the stomach (P=.019). A significant positive correlation was present between percent changes in capillary blood flow measured by LDF and colored microspheres after induction of PH+GI in the body of the stomach (r=0.94, P=.014) and in the pyloric antrum (r=0.95, P=.049). Capillary blood flow measured in the body of the stomach of 6 dogs that required partial gastrectomy (5.00±3.30 TPU) was significantly lower than in dogs that did not (28.00±14.40 TPU, P=.013). Conclusions— LDF can detect variations in blood flow in the stomach wall of dogs. Clinical Relevance— LDF may have application for evaluation of stomach wall viability during surgery in dogs with GDV.
Free-space optical wavelength diversity scheme for fog mitigation in a ground-to-unmanned-aerial-vehicle communications link

Atmospheric weather conditions adversely affect the performance of free-space optical communications systems. Fog present in the atmosphere has the largest impact on free-space optical systems. We use simulation techniques to investigate the performance of a slant-path, wavelength-diversified free-space optical link between a ground station and an unmanned aerial vehicle in the presence of radiation fog. The free-space optical link is configured to operate using the simultaneous transmission of three wavelengths, 0.85, 1.55, and 10 µm, connecting a ground station to an unmanned aerial vehicle operating at either a 4- or 8-km altitude. The link is further analyzed by combining the multiple carrier wavelengths into either an equal-gain diversity scheme or a selective diversity scheme. The simulation results are obtained using ALTM and PcModWin simulation software from Ontar Corporation. The results obtained demonstrate that the use of either an equal-gain diversity scheme or a selective diversity scheme enables the deployment of a ground-to-air free-space optical communications link. Furthermore, a selective diversity scheme demonstrates a received power approximately three times greater than an equal-gain diversity scheme.
The first 100 consecutive, robot-assisted, intracorporeal ileal conduits: evolution of technique and 90-day outcomes.

Abstract Background Robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) has evolved over the last few years to become an acceptable alternative option to open radical cystectomy. Most series of RARC used an open approach to urinary diversion. Even though robot-assisted intracorporeal urinary diversion (RICUD) is the natural extension of RARC, few centers have reported their experiences with RICUD in general, and in particular, of robot-assisted intracorporeal ileal conduits (RICIC). Objective To report our experience with RICIC using the Marionette technique. Design, setting, and participants The first 100 consecutive patients who underwent RARC and RICIC, and had ≥3 mo of postoperative follow-up were included in this study. Patients were divided into four groups of 25 patients each to study the evolution of our surgical technique. Intervention RICIC. Outcome measurements and statistical analysis Intraoperative, pathologic, and 90-d postoperative outcomes for the four groups and the overall cohort were compared using the Fisher exact test (categorical variables) and the Kruskal-Wallis test (continuous variables). Continuous variables were reported as median (range) and categorical variables were specified as frequency (percentage). Results and limitations Overall operative and specific diversion times were 352 and 123min, respectively. Estimated blood loss was 300ml, lymph node yield was 24, and positive surgical margin rate was 4%. Length of hospital stay increased from 7 d for group 1 to 9 d for group 4. The overall 90-d complication rate was 81%; 19% of complications were high grade. Infections were the most common complications, representing 31% of all complications. There were no statistically significant intergroup differences except in diversion time, intraoperative transfusions, and length of stay. Conclusions RICIC diversion is safe, feasible, and reproducible. Larger series with longer follow-up are needed to validate the procedure and define its place in the minimally invasive urologic armamentarium. Quality of life studies need to be conducted to compare benefits of intracorporeal urinary diversion.
Direct Regulation of Prokaryotic Kir Channel by Cholesterol

Our earlier studies have shown that channel activity of Kir2 subfamily of inward rectifiers is strongly suppressed by the elevation of cellular cholesterol. The goal of this study is to determine whether cholesterol suppresses Kir channels directly. To achieve this goal, purified prokaryotic Kir (KirBac1.1) channels were incorporated into liposomes of defined lipid composition, and channel activity was assayed by 86Rb+ uptake. Our results show that 86Rb+ flux through KirBac1.1 is strongly inhibited by cholesterol. Incorporation of 5% (mass cholesterol/phospholipid) cholesterol into the liposome suppresses 86Rb+ flux by >50%, and activity is completely inhibited at 12–15%. However, epicholesterol, a stereoisomer of cholesterol with similar physical properties, has significantly less effect on KirBac-mediated 86Rb+ uptake than cholesterol. Furthermore, analysis of multiple sterols suggests that cholesterol-induced inhibition of KirBac1.1 channels is mediated by specific interactions rather than by changes in the physical properties of the lipid bilayer. In contrast to the inhibition of KirBac1.1 activity, cholesterol had no effect on the activity of reconstituted KscA channels (at up to 250 μg/mg of phospholipid). Taken together, these observations demonstrate that cholesterol suppresses Kir channels in a pure protein-lipid environment and suggest that the interaction is direct and specific.
Teacher Evaluation: A National Dilemma

There have been teacher evaluations probably as long as there have been schools. However, the role and use of teacher evaluations have changed as the schools have changed. The public no longer views education in the favorable light of the past. Negative publicity and low achievement scores in some districts have caused many parents to work toward replacing incompetent teachers with competent ones. This outcry from the public (i.e., parents of school children) has put added responsibility and pressure on administrators to show or demonstrate that they have competent teachers. One of the few ways to prove incompetence is through the use of teacher evaluations, and those evaluation instruments vary greatly in content and format. Administrators also differ greatly in method and frequency of evaluations. Some states mandate as to frequency and specific domains to be established or used, but very little uniformity exists as to administrator training in observation and the instruments used.
Stochastic control of linear systems with nonclassical information and an arbitrary number of controllers

The paper addresses both the discrete and continuous time linear-quadratic control problem with an arbitrary number of controllers each of which is making proprietary measurements. To force a tractable solution, the structure of the controllers have been fixed, resulting in a time varying matrix parameter optimization problem. Necessary conditions for the solution of the discretized problem are given. The analogous conditions for the continuous case are referenced; viz., the document from which this paper is an abridgement. An example is considered which permits comparison of the solutions developed here to that resulting from the separation principle.
Scaling distributions of quarks, mesons, and proton for all p T , energy, and centrality

We present the evidences for the existence of a universal scaling behavior of the production of $\pi^0$ at all transverse momenta in heavy-ion collisions at all centralities and all collision energies. The corresponding scaling behavior of the quarks is then derived just before the quarks recombine with antiquarks to form the pions. The degradation effect of the dense medium on the quark $p_T$ is derived from the scaling distribution. In the recombination model it is then possible to calculate the $p_T$ distributions of the produced proton and kaon, which are scaling also. Experimentally verifiable predictions are made. Implications of the existence of the scaling behavior are discussed.
Rapid uptake of 15N-ammonium and glycine-13C, 15N by arbuscular and ericoid mycorrhizal plants native to a Northern California coastal pygmy forest

Abstract While it is well established that plants are able to acquire nitrogen in inorganic form, there is less information on their ability to ‘short circuit’ the N cycle, compete with microbes, and acquire nitrogen in organic form. Mycorrhizal fungi, known to enhance nutrient uptake by plants, may play a role in organic N uptake, particularly ericoid mycorrhizas. We asked the question—Can mycorrhizal fungi increase the ability of plants to take up organic N, compared to inorganic N? Here, we report on the abilities of three plant species, ericoid mycorrhizal Rhododendron macrophyllum and Vaccinium ovatum and arbuscular mycorrhizal Cupressus goveniana ssp. pigmaea , to acquire C and/or N from an organic and an inorganic N source. All three species are native to a California coastal pygmy forest growing in acidic, low-fertility, highly organic soils. In a pot study, glycine- α 13 C, 15 N and 15 N-ammonium were applied to pygmy forest soil for 17 or 44 h. Ericoid mycorrhizal species did not demonstrate a preference for either inorganic or organic sources of N while Cupressus acquired more NH 4 -N than glycine-N. For all species, glycine-N uptake did not increase after 17 h suggesting glycine uptake and glycine immobilization occurred rapidly. Both glycine-N and glycine-C were recovered in shoots and in roots suggesting that all species acquired some N in organic form. Regression analyses of glycine-N and glycine-C recovery in root tissue indicate that much of the glycine was taken up intact and that the minimum proportion of glycine-N recovered in organic form was 85% ( Cupressus ) and 70% ( Rhododendron ). Regressions were non-significant for Vaccinium. For all species, glycine-N remained predominantly in roots while glycine-C was transferred to shoots. In contrast, NH 4 -N remained in roots of ericoid plants but was transferred to shoots of arbuscular mycorrhizal Cupressus . Since net N mineralization rates in pygmy forest soils are low, our results suggest that organic N may be an important N source for plants in this temperate coniferous ecosystem regardless of mycorrhizal type. Acquisition of amino acid C by these species also may partially offset the carbon cost to plants of hosting mycorrhizal fungi.
The complement system in chronic glomerulonephritis: three newly associated aberrations.

This report provides a description of 3 patients with chronic glomerulonephritis who present unique serum complement system deficiencies associated with different kidney histopathology and immunopathology. One patient has a severe deficiency of hemolytic C1 predominantly due to diminished C1r function; this abnormality is associated with the end stage of glomerulonephritis. A second patient has a selective deficiency of hemolytic C2 function associated with a membranous glomerulopathy. The third patient has hereditary angioedema with decreased levels of hemolytic C4 and C2; this patient's glomeruli show basement membrane thickening, centrolobular and glomerular hyalinization, mesangial proliferation, and interstitial round cell infiltration similar to that seen in patients with the C3-deficient form of chronic glomerulonephritis in children. The possible basis for the deficiencies and the questions that these natural experiments raise concerning the direct or indirect participation of the complement system in immune injury to the kidney are discussed.
Changing rates of globin chain synthesis during erythroid cell maturation in thalassemia

Abstract The rates of synthesis of the α-, β- and γ-chains of hemoglobin by reticulocytes of patients with β-thalassemia major were compared to those in nucleated erythroid precursors from the same individuals. Nucleated erythroid precursors were freed from reticulocyte contamination by Dextran sedimentation. Cells were incubated with radioactive amino acids, solubilized in cold acid-acetone and their globin chains separated by carboxymethyl cellulose chromatography in 8 m -urea. β-Chain synthesis was 1.5-fold greater in thalassemic nucleated erythroid precursors than in reticulocytes. This decrease in the relative rate of β-chain synthesis with cell development is compatible with an increased rate of decay of the β-chain synthesizing capacity, which may be unique to thalassemic erythroid cells. γ-Chain synthesis in thalassemic nucleated erythroid precursors appeared to occur at only one-half the rate of reticulocyte γ-chain synthesis. This difference may reflect selective survival of thalassemic cells with higher rates of γ-chain synthesis.
Seleno-L-Methionine Protects Against β-Amyloid and Iron/Hydrogen Peroxide-Mediated Neuron Death

Increasing evidence suggests a role for oxidative stress in several neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), and that selenium compounds may function as antioxidants. To evaluate the antioxidant mechanism of selenium, primary rat hippocampal neurons were pretreated with seleno-L-methionine (SeMet) for 16 h prior to treatment with iron/hydrogen peroxide (Fe2+/H2O2) or amyloid beta peptide (Aβ25–35); free radical generation was assessed using laser confocal microscopy and CM-H2DCFDA and APF. Treatment with Fe2+/H2O2 or Aβ significantly decreased cell survival and increased free radical generation compared to cultures treated with vehicle alone. In contrast, cultures pretreated with SeMet showed significantly (p < 0.05) increased survival and significantly lower CM-H2DCFDA and APF fluorescence compared to Fe2+/H2O2 or Aβ treated cultures. To determine if SeMet protection was mediated by glutathione peroxidase (GPx), levels of GPx protein and activity were measured using confocal micros...
Axenizing Vorticella convallaria

SYNOPSIS. Vorticellas were subjected to achromycin, polymyxin, and mixtures of penicillin-streptomycin to remove bacterial contaminants. Although achromycin and polymyxin were most effective in controlling bacteria isolated from vorticella cultures, they proved too toxic for practical use. However, certain dilutions of penicillin-streptomycin were tolerated by vorticellas and, therefore, were incorporated into the axenizing procedure. Yeasts did not yield to the antibiotics and had to be removed by washing and dilution. Sterile vorticellas were finally obtained by transfer of groups of individuals through 6 washes. One of these, the 4th, lasted 8 hours and contained diluted penicillin-streptomycin.
Comparative Survival and Growth of Atlantic Salmon from Egg Stocking and Fry Releases

Abstract First summer survival and subsequent growth of Atlantic salmon Salmo salar planted as eggs and fry in a tributary of Cayuga Lake, New York, were examined for 3 years. Atlantic salmon were planted in December 1999–2001 in 20 Whitlock–Vibert (W–V) egg incubators, each containing 300 eyed eggs. The following May, 500 fin-clipped Atlantic salmon fry were released in the same stream section. In autumn, a backpack electroshocker was used to capture fry to assess survival and growth. Mean survival was significantly greater for fry (27.9%) than eggs (0.8%). In autumn, mean length was significantly greater for Atlantic salmon released as fry (90.1 mm) than those planted as eggs (76.2 mm), probably owing to accelerated growth in the hatchery caused by warmer water temperatures (i.e., hatchery, 9.4°C; stream, 5.1°C). Releasing Atlantic salmon fry in May was nearly 11 times more costly in terms of hatchery effort than was releasing eggs in December. Although the survival of Atlantic salmon eggs in W–V incuba...
Transient photoconductivity in GaAs as measured by time-resolved terahertz spectroscopy

The onset and decay of photoconductivity in bulk GaAs has been measured with 200-fs temporal resolution using time-resolved THz spectroscopy. A low carrier density $(l2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{16} {\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}3})$ with less than 100-meV kinetic energy was generated via photoexcitation. The conductivity was monitored in a noncontact fashion through absorption of THz (far-infrared) pulses of several hundred femtosecond duration. The complex-valued conductivity rises nonmonotonically, and displays nearly Drude-like behavior within 3 ps. The electron mobilities obtained from fitting the data to a modified Drude model $(6540 {\mathrm{cm}}^{2}{\mathrm{V}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}{\mathrm{s}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ at room temperature with $N=1.6\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{16}{\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}3},$ and $13600 {\mathrm{cm}}^{2}{\mathrm{V}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}{\mathrm{s}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ at 70 K with $N=1.5\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{16}{\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}3})$ are in good agreement with literature values. There are, however, deviations from Drude-like behavior at the shortest delay times. It is shown that a scalar value for the conductivity will not suffice, and that it is necessary to determine the time-resolved, frequency-dependent conductivity. From 0 to 3 ps a shift to higher mobilities is observed as the electrons relax in the $\ensuremath{\Gamma}$ valley due to LO-phonon-assisted intravalley absorption. At long delay times (5--900 ps), the carrier density decreases due to bulk and surface recombination. The time constant for the bulk recombination is 2.1 ns, and the surface recombination velocity is $8.5\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{5}\mathrm{c}\mathrm{m}/\mathrm{s}.$
X-ray morphologies of Abell clusters

Results are presented for X-ray measurements made with the Einstein Observatory's IPC for a sample of 49 Abell clusters, which were used to determine quantitative measures of two morphological parameters of these clusters, the orientation and ellipticity. Consideration is given to the techniques used for estimating and removing background noise in the images and for determining the variation of these parameters with the flux level of a cluster. It was found that most clusters are clearly flattened; for 20 of these clusters, the orientation was unambiguously determined. A catalog of cluster properties is presented.
Supercomputer-based visualization systems used for analyzing output data of a numerical weather prediction model

Comparison of two supercomputer-based visualization systems developed over a half-year period show that the visualization/animation efficiency is largely dependent upon the efficiencies of individual computers, networking, and memory management.Using a meteorological database, a case study is presented to illustrate a selection of parameters based on physical laws. Then, three-dimensional animations of selected parameters are made and used for investigating the evolutions of winter cyclone systems. The results indicate an animation with combined parameters that are physically related and reveal important cyclonic development mechanisms that could not have been seen by an animation with an individual parameter.
Evolution of Quasar Radio and Optical Luminosity

Arakelian's method4 of distinguishing between evolution of the optical and radio luminosities of quasars has been applied to samples freed from the selection effects that he did not allow for. It is found, contrary to his conclusion, that the optical and radio luminosities of quasars evolve similarly with time.
Transmission Switching With Connectivity-Ensuring Constraints

This paper seeks to improve the computational time needed to solve transmission switching problems. Transmission switching provides an effective way to reduce operating costs in power system operations by altering the topology of the trans- mission network. However, determining the optimal set of lines to switch creates an enormous computational burden. Trans- mission switching formulations add binary decision variables for many transmission lines in the system to indicate if they are switched. This creates a very weak formulation that is difficult to solve. Altering the transmission topology by switching lines can affect the reliability of the network, for instance, by creating islands. Additional reliability constraints need to be added to the problem formulation. These constraints can potentially make an already difficult problem even harder. This paper takes a different approach to the transmission switching problem. Rather than preventing islanding by using constraints in the problem formulation, we look at how they can be used to improve the solution process. Specifically, we develop a cutting plane algorithm to generate valid inequalities and fi xv ariables based on the fact that optimal solutions to the transmission switching problem that do not contain islands exist.
Linear expected-time algorithms for connectivity problems (Extended Abstract)

Researchers in recent years have developed many graph algorithms that are fast in the worst case, but little work has been done on graph algorithms that are fast on the average. (Exceptions include the work of Angluin and Valiant [1], Karp [7], and Schnorr [9].) In this paper we analyze the expected running time of four algorithms for solving graph connectivity problems. Our goal is to exhibit algorithms whose expected time is within a constant factor of optimum and to shed light on the properties of random graphs. In Section 2 we develop and analyze a simple algorithm that finds the connected components of an undirected graph with n vertices in O(n) expected time. In Sections 3 and 4 we describe algorithms for finding the strong components of a directed graph and the blocks of an undirected graph in O(n) expected time. The time required for these three problems is Ω(m) in the worst case, where m is the number of edges in the graph, since all edges must be examined; but our results show that only O(n) edges must be examined on the average.*
Using attitudinal and descriptive database information to understand interactive buyer-seller relationships

Abstract The need to increase our understanding of consumer-seller relationships has been touted by both academics and direct marketers. Particularly needed are research efforts designed to provide greater theoretical and practical guidance into understanding buyer-seller relationships by incorporating a variety of disciplines, including consumer behavior, psychology, and sociology. This exploratory study reports the findings of an empirical investigation of the use of relationship-oriented attitudinal data to classify customers for the purpose of building stronger relationships. The results indicate that customers can be segmented by using relationship-oriented attitudinal variables such as trust, commitment, and relationship benefits/bonds. The resulting segments have different customer profiles, and segment membership can be accurately predicted using these profiles.
Physiological and subjective effects of acute cocaine withdrawal (crash) in rats.

Abstract The physiological and subjective effects of high acute doses of cocaine and the subsequent homeostatic acute withdrawal syndrome were measured in rats. Radiotelemetry recordings of body temperature and activity were monitored in rats for 48 h after 32 mg/kg cocaine (COC) and saline (SAL) were administered by both intraperitoneal and subcutaneous (SC) routes. COC initially produced hypothermia and hyperactivity, followed by a prolonged hyperthermic and hypoactive rebound that seemed to peak around 12 h after injections. The SC route of administration produced the greatest rebound effect. Eight additional rats were monitored for EEG activity by telemetry for 48 h after SC administration of SAL or 32 mg/kg COC. COC produced an initial decrease in alpha and beta wavelength bands, with a trend toward increases in alpha and beta power demonstrated from the 10th through 14th h after injections. Using a three-choice haloperidol (HDL), saline, and COC drug discrimination task, we demonstrated a COC-like subjective state produced during the 10th through 12th h after a 32-mg/kg SC COC injection with no HDL-like responding engendered during any tested period of the acute or rebound effects of COC. These data provide evidence for an acute COC withdrawal syndrome (crash) in rats occurring 10–14 h after a high-dose COC treatment.
Evaluation of higher-order effective potentials with dimensional regularization

A new and simple method for evaluating high-order effective potentials is presented. It is based on the renormalization procedure of 't Hooft and Veltman used in conjunction with the scheme of dimensional regularization. Explicit calculations of the effective potential of a scalar field in two-loop approximation are carried out.