cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
EFFECT OF CYSTEINE AND METHIONINE ON SULFATE UPTAKE AND PRIMARY PRODUCTIVITY BY AXENIC ALGAL CULTURES AND LAKE MICROPLANKTON COMMUNITIES1

The presence of up to 500 μg sulfur·l−1 of an equimolar mixture of cysteine and methionine had virtually no effect on the SO42- uptake rate of Navicula pelliculosa, (Breb.) Hilse whereas the rate of Ankistrodesmus falcatus (Corda) Ralfs was decreased by the presence of 500 μg S· l−1 and Anabaena flos-aquae (Lyngbye) Breb. by 50 μg S·l−1. Primary productivity in these axenic cultures was affected (decreased) only in A. falcatus. The C:S uptake ratio was lowest in N. pelliculosa and highest in A. falcatus. Considering these species as representative of groups of naturally occurring algae, patterns of SO42- uptake and primary productivity in a eutrophic and a moderately oligotrophic lake reflected the results of the algal culturing experiments: SO42- uptake rates, relative to primary productivity, were higher in the presence of diatoms and bluegreen algae and lower when green algae were present; the addition of the cysteine I methionine mixture to the lake waters decreased the rate of microplankton SO42- uptake in correlation with the makeup of the algal community; primary productivity decreased upon the addition of cysteine I methionine when green algae were relatively abundant. It is concluded that, in most fresh water systems, the effects of organic sulfur pollution on algal SO42- uptake and primary productivity are insignificant as compared to other ecological changes that occur due to that pollution.
More nearly optimal algorithms for unbounded searching, part I: the finite case

Given a function $F:N^ + \to \{ X,Y\} $ with the property that if $F(n_0 ) = {\text{Y}}$ then $F(n) = {\text{Y}}$ for all $n > n_0 $, the unbounded search problem is to use tests of the form “is $F(i) = {\text{X}}$?” to determine the smallest n such that $F(i) = {\text{Y}}$; the “cost” of a search algorithm is a function $c(n)$, the number of such tests used when the location of the first Y is n. A solution to this search problem specifies a prefix-free, binary encoding of the positive integers in which the cost $c(n)$ is the number of bits used to encode n It is shown that the “ultimate algorithm,” of Bentley and Yao [Inform. Process. Lett., 5 (1976), pp. 82–87], which is within an additive $\Theta (\lg ^ * n)$ factor of a lower bound on the cost of this problem, is “far” from optimal in the sense that it is just the second in an infinite sequence of search algorithms, each of which is much closer to optimality than its predecessor. A corresponding sequence of lower bounds is also given, based on Kraft’s...
A Scenario and Forecast Model for Gulf of Mexico Hypoxic Area and Volume

For almost three decades, the relative size of the hypoxic region on the Louisiana-Texas continental shelf has drawn scientific and policy attention. During that time, both simple and complex models have been used to explore hypoxia dynamics and to provide management guidance relating the size of the hypoxic zone to key drivers. Throughout much of that development, analyses had to accommodate an apparent change in hypoxic sensitivity to loads and often cull observations due to anomalous meteorological conditions. Here, we describe an adaptation of our earlier, simple biophysical model, calibrated to revised hypoxic area estimates and new hypoxic volume estimates through Bayesian estimation. This application eliminates the need to cull observations and provides revised hypoxic extent estimates with uncertainties corresponding to different nutrient loading reduction scenarios. We compare guidance from this model application, suggesting an approximately 62% nutrient loading reduction is required to reduce Gulf hypoxia to the Action Plan goal of 5000 km(2), to that of previous applications. In addition, we describe for the first time, the corresponding response of hypoxic volume. We also analyze model results to test for increasing system sensitivity to hypoxia formation, but find no strong evidence of such change.
Effect of blood flow on capillary transit time and oxygenation in excised rabbit lung.

Abstract We used an isolated perfused lung preparation of the rabbit to study the effect of increasing blood flow on pulmonary capillary transit time by two methods. In one method, capillary transit time was measured from fluorescent dye dilution curves from arterioles and venules of the subpleural microcirculation. Values of transit time were similar to those for the whole lung determined by dividing capillary blood volume by blood flow. Capillary transit times averaged 0.50–0.62 sec at a control blood flow of 80 ml min −1 kg −1 and decreased to 0.14–0.18 sec as blood flow increased to 6 times control. To determine whether the reduced transit time would limit O 2 transport, we studied the effect of blood flow on oxygenation. Two isolated rabbit lungs were perfused in series. Blood from one lung deoxygenated by ventilation with a N 2 CO 2 mixture was oxygenated by the test lung ventilated with air. Ventilation was matched to blood flow. P O 2 and P CO 2 were measured in blood flowing into and out of the test lung. At all flows, no significant alveolar gas-to-end-capillary blood P O 2 gradient (A-aDO 2 ) was measured. The isolated perfused rabbit lung showed no transit time limitation to oxygenation for blood flows that are consistent with heavy exercise in vivo.
Motivational Framing and Efficacy Maintenance: Animal Rights Activists” Use Of Four Fortifying Strategies

While a great deal of research has documented the role of perceived efficacy in the decision to participate in collective action, less attention has been paid to these perceptions beyond the onset ...
Parallel fabrication of magnetic tunnel junction nanopillars by nanosphere lithography

We present a new method for fabricating magnetic tunnel junction nanopillars that uses polystyrene nanospheres as a lithographic template. Unlike the common approaches, which depend on electron beam lithography to sequentially fabricate each nanopillar, this method is capable of patterning a large number of nanopillars simultaneously. Both random and ordered nanosphere patterns have been explored for fabricating high quality tunneling junctions with magnetoresistance in excess of 100%, employing ferromagnetic layers with both out-of-plane and in-plane easy axis. Novel voltage induced switching has been observed in these structures. This method provides a cost-effective way of rapidly fabricating a large number of tunnel junction nanopillars in parallel.
Synergy of pancratistatin and tamoxifen in inducing apoptosis in breast cancer cells

Commentary to:Synergy of Pancratistatin and Tamoxifen on breast cancer cells in inducing apoptosis by targeting mitochondriaPeter Siedlakowski, Amanda McLachlan-Burgess, Carly Griffin, Sridhar S. Tirumalai, James McNulty, Siyaram Pandey
Regioselective imide reduction : An issue in the total synthesis of staurosporine

Abstract An imide was regioselectively reduced to either of its corresponding lactams. These lactams serve as potent glycosyl acceptors and can be converted into the aglycone of staurosporine.
Nonlinear pulse propagation in the vicinity of a two-photon resonance.

We develop a formalism for studying pulse propagation in the vicinity of a two-photon resonance, in the spectral region where the effects of two-photon absorption are not overwhelming. The formalism predicts self-steepening and asymmetric spectral broadening in the transmitted pulse, as previously observed in experiments and numerical simulations involving atomic vapors and semiconductors.
Antimony Remediation Using Ferrate(VI)

This research investigates a remediation technique for antimony involving the adsorption and co-precipitation of aqueous antimony by in-situ formed ferric hydroxide. Flocculation is initiated by the oxidation of iron(II) with potassium ferrate(VI), K2FeO4, along with oxidation of the more toxic Sb(III) to Sb(V). A 3/1 mole ratio of Fe(II)/Fe(VI) and a total Fe/Sb mole ratio of 300/1 was needed to achieve total antimony concentrations below the maximum contaminant levels for drinking water (6 μg/l).
Towards scalable RDF graph analytics on MapReduce

In order to exploit the growing amount of RDF data in decision-making, there is an increasing demand for analytics-style processing of such data. RDF data is modeled as a labeled graph that represents a collection of binary relations (triples). In this context, analytical queries can be interpreted as consisting of three main constructs namely pattern matching, grouping and aggregation, and require several join operations to reassemble them into n-ary relations relevant to the given query, unlike traditional OLAP systems where data is suitably organized. MapReduce-based parallel processing systems like Pig have gained success in processing scalable analytical workloads. However, these systems offer only relational algebra style operators which would require an iterative n-tuple reassembly process in which intermediate results need to be materialized. This leads to high I/O costs that negatively impacts performance. In this paper, we propose UDFs that (i) re-factor analytical processing on RDF graphs in a way that enables more parallelized processing (ii) perform a look-ahead processing to reduce the cost of subsequent operators in the query execution plan. These functions have been integrated into the Pig Latin function library and the experimental results show up to 50% improvement in execution times for certain classes of queries. An important impact of this work is that it could serve as the foundation for additional physical operators in systems such as Pig for more efficient graph processing.
Optimal contention-free multiplexing for wireless access

The IEEE 802.11 (wi-fi) protocol was originally designed for devices with light load connecting to a wireless access point. With the success of 802.11, the density of Access Points has increased significantly. Now-a-days, each Access Point (AP) is associated with no more than a few mobile devices. New services like VOIP and streaming video have special service requirements. The popularity of these services has increased the load on the Access Points. Such features of these new applications require a more efficient Medium Access Control protocol (MAC). In this paper we develop an adaptive, distributed and contention free protocol that can meet the requirements of services that demand high data rates. The protocol statistically multiplexes opportunities for transmission for each node. The protocol is analyzed mathematically and optimized for performance. The simulation of wi-fi show that our approach is several times superior under heavy load conditions.
Welfare recipients or workers? Contesting the workfare state in New York City

This paper addresses how New York City's workfare program has structured opportunities for collective action by welfare recipients. As workfare blurs the distinction between wage workers and welfare recipients, it calls into question accepted understandings of the rights and obligations of welfare recipients and fosters new claims on the state. The concept of “cultural opportunity structures” can help to explain the political mobilization of workfare participants if it is linked to a Durkheimian tradition of cultural analysis attentive to symbolic classification. The dramaturgic approach to culture exemplified in the work of Erving Goffman can usefully complement this structural approach if a narrow focus on frames and framing processes is broadened to include interaction rituals and ceremonial profanation.
Use of transesophageal atrial pacing with adenosine infusion to evaluate ventricular preexcitation

Abstract Transesophageal atrial pacing with adenosine infusion is a useful adjunctive diagnostic tool for the evaluation of ventricular preexcitation and can be performed easily on an outpatient basis, obviating invasive evaluation and allowing appropriate management or referral for further electrophysiologic investigation.
Influence of the Conceptuses and the Maternal Pituitary on the Distribution of Multiple Components of Serum Relaxin Immunoactivity during Pregnancy in the Rat

Relaxin isolated from the ovaries of pregnant rats has a mol wt of 6,500; however, relaxin immunoactivity (RI) in the peripheral serum of pregnant rats is associated with three major components. Essentially all RI is associated with a large component (Cl, mol wt ∼ 60,000) on day 15 of pregnancy (day 15), but the distribution shifts progressively so that about 50% of the RI is associated with two smaller components (C2, mol wt ∼ 13,000; C3, mol wt ∼ 6,500) by day 19. The present study examined factors that might influence the distribution of RI among these three components. The distribution of RI in sera from ovarian vein and abdominal aorta on days 16 and 19 was compared after gel filtration through Sephacryl S-200. The distribution of RI among the three major components was similar for sera collected from the two sources. It is concluded that the progressive shift in the distribution of RI among the three major components during late pregnancy is attributable to dynamic changes in their secretion, rather...
Age-related trends in psychotropic medication use among very young children in foster care.

Objectives:The specific objectives were to investigate changes in the prevalence of psychotropic medication use for each year increase in age from three to six years old among children in foster care and to examine time-varying odds of longer duration of use by each year of age.Methods:A retrospective analysis of data on mental health and pharmacy services was conducted for 1,491 children age six and younger who were in foster care in 2010 and had at least 365 days in foster care during 2009–2011. A total of 178 children received at least one psychotropic medication from 2009 through 2011. Psychotropic prevalence and average days of use were calculated for each therapeutic class. Longitudinal regression models assessed the time-varying relationship between year of age and duration of use, controlling for demographic and clinical covariates.Results:Approximately 12% of children age six and younger in foster care for 365 days or more received at least one psychotropic medication over the three-year study pe...
SOME CONNOTATIONS OF COGNITIVE DISSONANCE THEORY

16 psychologists were asked to make two predictions about the volunteering behavior of Ss who had participated in a psychological experiment. The first prediction was to be based upon each psycholo...
Is a single positive blood culture for Enterococcus species representative of infection or contamination

Data on the clinical outcomes of patients with a single compared with multiple positive blood cultures for Enterococcus species is limited. We undertook a retrospective cohort study in adults with at least one positive blood culture for Enterococcus species in a single institution. Clinical outcomes included death and elimination of infection. We included 471 positive blood cultures from 206 enterococcal positive blood culture episodes in 189 patients. Multiple positive blood cultures for Enterococcus species occurred in 110/206 (53.4 %) episodes; 31.6 % of patients had diabetes mellitus; 42.9 % of patients had solid or hematologic malignancy; 26.5 % of patients were solid organ transplant recipients; hospital-acquired and healthcare-associated acquisition represented 55.3 % and 33.0 % of episodes, respectively. Thirty-five patients died and 110 episodes of enterococcal bloodstream infection were successfully treated. In the multivariable analysis, multiple positive blood cultures were not statistically significantly associated with an increased likelihood of in-hospital death [odds ratio (OR) 1.00, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.42-2.40] or elimination (OR 1.41, 95 % CI 0.76-2.64) compared with single positive blood cultures. Hematologic malignancy and diabetes mellitus were independently associated with in-hospital death (OR 2.83, 95 % Cl 1.02-7.82; OR 2.79, 95 % Cl 1.16-6.70, respectively). Infectious disease consultation was associated with a greater likelihood of elimination (OR 2.50, 95 % Cl 1.32-4.72). The clinical outcomes of patients with single versus multiple positive blood cultures with Enterococcus species were similar in our institution. Further studies should examine efficient methods to detect contamination versus true infection.
Framing and Shaming

Reframing the Agenda: The Impact of NGO and Middle Power Cooperation in International Security Policy. Edited by Kenneth Rutherford, Stefan Brem, Richard A. Matthew. Westport, CT: Praeger Publishers, 2003. 240 pp., $69.95 (ISBN: 0-275-97921-0). In this interconnected world, some observers worry about leaving the agenda of international relations solely to powerful states. The inability or unwillingness of major powers to make the “right” decisions has led nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), individuals, and smaller states to mobilize on various issues, from globalization to the Israeli–Palestinian conflict (see www.tikkun.org for a description of the recent, unofficial “Geneva Accord” for solving the latter conflict). Just how influential civil society and supporting states are in directing the agenda of international security is the question at the center of Reframing the Agenda . This edited volume argues that NGOs and “middle powers” significantly define the agenda of international security from small arms control and the landmine ban to redefining norms related to child soldiers and nuclear weapons. However, even though the editors have assembled an interesting set of articles reflecting how activists attempt to frame security debates and shame reluctant states into compromise, Reframing the Agenda falls short of a coherent empirical or theoretical argument that will convince readers of the potency of these political forces. The cases described in Reframing the Agenda represent a continuum of relative success in trying to frame and push the agenda of international security in the face of Great Power opposition. The collection …
Passive force generation and titin isoforms in mammalian skeletal muscle

When relaxed striated muscle cells are stretched, a resting tension is produced which is thought to arise from stretching long, elastic filaments composed of titin (also called connectin). Here, I show that single skinned rabbit soleus muscle fibers produce resting tension that is several-fold lower than that found in rabbit psoas fibers. At sarcomere lengths where the slope of the resting tension-sarcomere length relation is low, electron microscopy of skinned fibers indicates that thick filaments move from the center to the side of the sarcomere during prolonged activation. As sarcomeres are stretched and the resting tension sarcomere length relation becomes steeper, this movement is decreased. The sarcomere length range over which thick filament movement decreases is higher in soleus than in psoas fibers, paralleling the different lengths at which the slope of the resting tension-sarcomere length relations increase. These results indicate that the large differences in resting tension between single psoas and soleus fibers are due to different tensions exerted by the elastic elements linking the end of each thick filament to the nearest Z-disc, i.e., the titin filaments. Quantitative gel electrophoresis of proteins from single muscle fibers excludes the possibility that resting tension is less in soleus than in psoas fibers simply because they have fewer titin filaments. A small difference in the electrophoretic mobility of titin between psoas and soleus fibers suggests the alternate possibility that mammalian muscle cells use at least two titin isoforms with differing elastic properties to produce variations in resting tension.
Neuroleftanalgesics: 2. Laboratory evaluation of combination of analgesics and neuroleptics with nitrous oxide

Mixtures of several analgesic and neuroleptic drugs were devised and used in sufficient dosage to provide smooth anaesthesia in dogs. The response of the cardiorespiratory system, metabolic reactions, and postanaesthetic recovery were compared from recordings of the vital signs, blood analyses, and direct observation. These data show that the mixtures of anileridine-thiopental (1:10), fentanyl-droperidol (1:50), fentanyl-thiopental (1:1000), meperidine-thiopental (1:4), pentazocine-thiopental (1:33), and methotrimeprazine-thiopental (1:40) provide satisfactory anaesthetic conditions when used along with the inhalation of nitrous oxide and oxygen, and pulmonary ventilation is controlled during the period of anaesthesia. The thiopental-d’tubocurarine mixture would have been included if it had not caused severe post-anaesthetic respiratory depression. It is suggested that similar conditions may be reproduced clinically with all of these mixtures, but there are two major disadvantages to using such an anaesthetic technique: controllability is difficult to maintain and delayed reactions may be highly undesirable.
Seasonal variations of C2–C4 nonmethane hydrocarbons and C1–C4 alkyl nitrates at the Summit research station in Greenland

[1] We report measurements of light (C2–C4) nonmethane hydrocarbons (NMHCs) and C1–C4 alkyl nitrates made at Summit, Greenland, over a full annual cycle (June 1997–1998). The remoteness of the Summit camp from industrial source regions resulted in trends of these trace gases that showed a clear seasonal variation with low variability. Variability (calculated as the percentage 1-sigma deviation of a running 10-point mean) averaged 7–9% for ethane over the entire study. The shorter-lived species (ethyne, propane, and the butanes) exhibited variability from 12–20% in winter to 20–100% in summer. The best fit curve to the annual cycle of ethane is a sinusoidal oscillation, but each of the shorter-lived NMHCs exhibited flat periods of low concentrations during the summer months. The C2–C4 NMHCs peaked between 8 and 24 February, with the longer-lived NMHCs maximizing latest. These data were broadly consistent with literature values, confirming that high-latitude Northern Hemisphere (NH) emissions are similar year to year. Employing their linear fall accumulation rates, we calculated average NMHC ratios versus ethane of 0.59(±0.10):0.33(±0.05):0.26(±0.08):0.14(±0.04) for propane, ethyne, n-butane, and i-butane, respectively. We suggest that these ratios represent useful quantities with which to compare averaged mid- and high-latitude NH emission ratios. We also report the first year-round observations of the seasonal cycle of light C1–C4 alkyl nitrates. Similar to the NMHCs, the seasonal trend of these gases shows primary dependence on transport to Summit during winter, and photochemical removal during summer. Unlike their parent NMHCs, alkyl nitrate concentrations did not asymptote to low levels during summer and they exhibited winter maxima later with decreasing photochemical lifetime.
Biodiesel combustion, emissions and emission control

Abstract The use of biodiesel is rapidly expanding around the world, making it imperative to fully understand the impacts of biodiesel on the diesel combustion process, pollutant formation and exhaust aftertreatment. Because its physical properties and chemical composition are distinctly different from conventional diesel fuel, biodiesel can alter the fuel injection and ignition processes whether neat or in blends. As a consequence, the emissions of NO x and the amount, character and composition of particulate emissions are significantly affected. In this paper, we survey observations from a spectrum of our earlier studies on the impact of biodiesel on diesel combustion, emissions and emission control to provide a summary of the challenges and opportunities that biodiesel can provide.
Kinetics of the CN + HCNO reaction.

The kinetics of the CN + HCNO reaction were studied using laser-induced fluorescence and infrared diode laser absorption spectroscopy. The total rate constant was measured to be k(T) = (3.95 ± 0.53) × 10-11 exp[(287.1 ± 44.5)/T] cm3 molec-1 s-1, over the temperature range 298−388 K, with a value of k1 = (1.04 ± 0.1) × 10-10 cm3 molec-1 s-1 at 298 K. After detection of products and consideration of secondary chemistry, we conclude that NO + HCCN is the only major product channel.
Identifying and measuring unintended outcomes.

Abstract Unintended outcomes of governmental actions have received little attention from evaluators. The argument made here is that outcome evaluations should routinely include efforts to identify and measure unintended outcomes. A systems perspective is presented which treats governmental actions as disequilibrating intrusions into reacting systems that produce an array of outcomes, only some of which are intended. Intended and unintended outcomes can be valued monetarily, in terms of human rights, or both; specifically, outcomes having monetary value alter both the level and distribution of income while outcomes with rights value alter the level and distribution of rights. More needs to be done on unintended outcomes. The systems approach offered here requires further elaboration. Design modifications that increase the chances of identifying and measuring unanticipated outcomes are needed, especially for designs based on non-equivalent groups and time-series data. Instrumentation is needed that will more accurately and sensitively register unanticipated outcomes. In the meantime, evaluators should pay more attention to theoretical predictions, the experiences of those involved with programs similar to the ones being evaluated, intercultural differences, and to unintended outcomes that originate within government itself.
Faculty without Students: Resource Allocation in Higher Education

Colleges and universities display substantial differences in the ratio of students to faculty across fields or disciplines. At Harvard University, for example, economics has about 16 majors (students majoring in the sub ject) per full-time-teaching equivalent, while in other departments such as astron omy, Slavic, German, and Celtic, the number of teaching faculty exceeds the number of majors. At the University of Virginia, the economics department teaches almost three times as many student credit hours (a measure of hours in the classroom multiplied by number of students in the class) as does the German
CXCR4 signaling mediates morphine-induced tactile hyperalgesia.

Morphine and related compounds are the first line of therapy in the treatment of moderate to severe pain. Over time, individuals taking opioids can develop an increasing sensitivity to noxious stimuli, even evolving into a painful response to previously non-noxious stimuli (opioid-induced hyperalgesia; OIH). The mechanism underlying OIH is not well understood although complex intracellular neural mechanisms, including opioid receptor desensitization and down-regulation, are believed to be major mechanisms underlying OIH. However, OIH may also be associated with changes in gene expression. A growing body of evidence suggests that cellular exposure to mu agonists upregulate chemokines/receptors and recent work from our laboratory implicates chemokine upregulation in a variety of neuropathic pain behaviors. Here we characterized the degree to which chemokines/receptors signaling is increased in primary afferent neurons of the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) following chronic morphine sulfate treatment and correlated these changes with tactile hyperalgesic behavior in rodents. We demonstrate that mRNA expression of the chemokine, stromal-derived factor-1 (SDF1/CXCL12) is upregulated following morphine treatment in sensory neurons of the rat. The release of SDF1 was found to be constitutive when compared with the activity dependent release of the C–C chemokine, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP1/CCL2) in a line of F11 neuroblastoma-sensory neuron hybrid cells. We further determined that there is pronounced CXCR4 expression in satellite glial cells and following morphine treatment, increased functional CXCR4 expression in sensory neurons of the DRG. Moreover, intraperitoneal administration of the specific CXCR4 antagonist, AMD3100, completely reversed OIH in the rat. Taken together; the data suggest that opioid-induced SDF1/CXCR4 signaling is central to the development of long lasting OIH and that receptor antagonists represent a promising novel approach to the management of the side effects associated with the use of opioids for chronic pain management.
Accessing a New Medication in Germany: A Novel Approach to Assess a Health Insurance-Related Barrier

Purpose Knowledge of the existence, position, and magnitude of barriers to equitable healthcare is an important consideration in shaping healthcare policies. Methods The authors developed a novel three-dimensional person-time-related hurdle model and followed a cohort of 7358 statutorily (SHI) and 457 privately health insured (PHI) patients with migraine headaches at 377 primary-care practices (MediPlus, IMS Health) in the second to fourth year of the HealthCare Structural Reform Act in Germany. Results For SHI compared with PHI migraine patients, there was a hurdle to receiving sumatriptan at all (2.4-fold lower hazard, 95% confidence interval, 1.8–3.2). Among patients who received sumatriptan, frequency and intensity of use differed only minimally between SHI and PHI patients. Conclusions These findings have implications for healthcare researchers and healthcare policies. The framework extends traditional hurdle models and can serve as a model for quantifying barriers to receipt of services under different funding policies.
An Intact Cuticle in Distal Tissues Is Essential for the Induction of Systemic Acquired Resistance in Plants

Systemic acquired resistance (SAR), initiated by a plant upon recognition of microbial effectors, involves generation of a mobile signal at the primary infection site, which translocates to and activates defense responses in distal tissues via unknown mechanism(s). We find that an acyl carrier protein, ACP4, is required to perceive the mobile SAR signal in distal tissues of Arabidopsis. Although acp4 plants generated the mobile signal, they failed to induce the systemic immunity response. Defective SAR in acp4 plants was not due to impairment in salicylic acid (SA)-, methyl SA-, or jasmonic acid-mediated plant hormone signaling pathways but was associated with the impaired cuticle of acp4 leaves. Other cuticle-impairing genetic mutations or physical removal of the cuticle also compromised SAR. This cuticular requirement was relevant only during mobile signal generation and its translocation to distal tissues. Collectively, these data suggest an active role for the plant cuticle in SAR-related molecular signaling.
Vehicle integration issues for hybrid energy storage systems

As part of General Motors (GM) ongoing effort in engineering the next generation energy storage systems for future electric vehicles, this paper presents many of the key system and vehicle level issues that GM has found to be relevant or unique to the use of Li-ion batteries in vehicle applications. The issues presented include battery life, thermal management, crash worthiness and electronic monitoring systems. A focused effort on understanding each of these issues is underway at GM, but additionally, work is being done to optimize how these issues interact with each other at the vehicle level. This optimization is a key element to ensuring the vehicle ultimately meets customer expectations. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Theory of Steady Wind-Driven Currents in Shallow Water with Variable Eddy Viscosity

Abstract A theory is given for steady wind-driven currents in shallow water (friction depth comparable to total depth) in which the vertical eddy viscosity varies linearly with depth, from zero at the bottom to a maximum at the surface. The theory is presented in a form suitable for numerical computations of currents in real, enclosed basins. The local surface value of the vertical eddy viscosity depends on the surface wind stress, the bottom roughness, and the flow itself; this leads to a quasi-linear equation for the determination of the surface slope or the vertically-integrated mass flux. Results are given for the simple case of a pure drift current in water of uniform depth, and these results are compared with those for a constant vertical eddy viscosity.
Long‐term changes in concentrations and flux of nitrogen in the Mississippi River Basin, USA

Current and historical data show that nitrogen concentrations and flux in the Mississippi River Basin have increased significantly during the past 100 years. Most of the increase observed in the lower Mississippi River has occurred since the early 1970s and is due almost entirely to an increase in nitrate. The current (1980–99) average annual nitrogen (N) flux from the Mississippi Basin to the Gulf of Mexico is about 1 555 500 t year−1, of which about 62% is nitrate-N. The remaining 38% is organic nitrogen and a small amount of ammonium. The current (1980–99) average nitrate flux to the Gulf is almost three times larger than it was during 1955–70. This increased supply of nitrogen to the Gulf is believed to be partly responsible for the increasing size of a large hypoxic zone that develops along the Louisiana–Texas shelf each summer. This zone of oxygen-depleted water has doubled in areal extent since it was first measured in 1985. The increase in annual nitrate flux to the Gulf can be largely explained by three factors: increased fertilizer use, annual variability in precipitation and increased streamflow, and the year-to-year variability in the amount of nitrogen available in the soil-ground water system for leaching to streams. The predominant source areas for the nitrogen transported to the Gulf of Mexico are basins draining southern Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio. Basins in this region yield 1801 to 3050 kg N km−2 year−1 to streams, several times the N yield of basins outside this region. Published in 2001 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multiple phases of protien gels

Abstract A multiple phase transition was observed in gels made by covalently cross-linking proteins in either native or denatured state. The enzymatic activity of the gels prepared from native α-chymotrypsin was determined for each of the multiple phases. The reversibility of the swelling degrees and the enzymatic reaction rates upon phase transition suggests that the protein is at a free energy minimum and thus in a phase.
Chemically imaging living cells by scanning electrochemical microscopy

Scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) is useful in probing and characterizing interfaces at high resolution. In this paper, the general principles of this technique are described and several applications of SECM to biological systems, particularly to living cells, is discussed, along with several example systems. Thiodione was detected and monitored electrochemically during the treatment of hepatocytes with cytotoxic menadione. The antimicrobial effects of silver(I) was followed by SECM through bacterial respiration. Living HeLa cells were shown to accumulate ferrocencemethanol (FcMeOH) and generated positive feedback for FcMeOH oxidation that can be further used to monitor the cell viability. Finally, individual giant liposomes, as cell models, with encapsulated redox compounds were successfully probed by SECM. In general SECM has the advantage of very high spatial resolution and versatility, especially for the detection of electroactive substances.
The association of periodic alternating nystagmus with periodic alternating gaze. A case report.

A case of Behcet's syndrome is presented with retinal branch vein obstruction as the initial ocular feature. Proteian systemic involvement included recurrent aphthous stomatitis, recurrent retinal branch vein obstruction, cutaneous and urogenital ulceration. arthritis and possible neurological involvement. The clinical and immunological features of Behqet's syndrome are discussed.
Attitudes Toward HPV Vaccination Among Low-Income and Minority Parents of Sons A Qualitative Analysis

Objective. To characterize the attitudes of low-income and minority parents/guardians toward vaccinating sons against human papillomavirus (HPV). Methods. In 2010-2011, we conducted qualitative interviews with 68 black, 24 white, and 28 Latino parents/guardians of sons. We identified attitudes related to HPV vaccination, vaccine mandates for males and females, and adolescent male sexuality using constructs from the Health Belief Model and methods based in grounded theory. Results. Most participants were concerned that their sons could be exposed to HPV through sexual experimentation and believed that the consequences of HPV infection could be severe; thus, 75% would accept HPV vaccine for their sons. Yet the lack of efficacy and safety information specifically pertaining to males posed barriers. More black (73%) and Latino (86%) than white (44%) participants supported school-entry requirements for HPV vaccination. Conclusions. Low-income and minority parents/guardians were generally receptive toward vacci...
S-Nitrosothiol Signals in the Enteric Nervous System: Lessons Learnt from Big Brother

Nitric oxide (NO) is a functionally important neurotransmitter signaling molecule generated by mammalian and bacterial nitric oxide synthases (NOS), and by chemical conversion of dietary nitrite in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Neuronal nNOS is the most abundant isoenzyme in the enteric nervous system, and targeted deletion in transgenic mice has clearly demonstrated its importance in normal gut function. Enteric neuropathy is also often associated with abnormal NO production, for example in achalasia and diabetic gastroparesis. Not surprisingly therefore, aberrant nNOS activity is widely implicated in enteric disease, and represents a potential molecular target for therapeutic intervention. One physiological signalling mechanism of NO bioactivity is through chemical reaction with the heme centre of guanylyl cyclase, resulting in the conversion of cGMP from GTP. This second messenger nucleotide signal activates cGMP-dependent protein kinases, phosphodiesterases and ion channels, and is implicated in the neuronal control of GI function. However, few studies in the GI tract have fully related NO bioactivity with specific molecular targets of NO-derived signals. In the central nervous system (CNS), it is now increasingly appreciated that NO bioactivity is often actively transduced via S-nitrosothiol (SNO) signals rather than via activation of guanylyl cyclase. Moreover, aberrant S-nitrosylation of specific molecular targets is implicated in CNS pathology. S-nitrosylation refers to the posttranslational modification of a protein cysteine thiol by NO, forming an endogenous SNO. Because cysteine residues are often key regulators of protein function, S-nitrosylation represents a physiologically important signaling mechanism analogous to other posttranslational modifications, such as O-phosphorylation. This article provides an overview of how neurotransmitter NO is produced by nNOS as this represents the most prominent and well defined source of SNO production
Dasheng and RIRE2. A nonautonomous long terminal repeat element and its putative autonomous partner in the rice genome.

Dasheng is one of the highest copy number long terminal repeat elements and one of the most recent elements to amplify in the rice ( Oryza sativa ) genome. However, the absence of any significant coding capacity for retroviral proteins, including gag and pol , suggests that Dasheng is a nonautonomous element. Here, we have exploited the availability of 360 Mb of rice genomic sequence to identify a candidate autonomous element. RIRE2 is a previously described gypsy -like long terminal repeat retrotransposon with significant sequence similarity to Dasheng in the regions where putative cis factors for retrotransposition are thought to be located. Dasheng and RIRE2 elements have similar chromosomal distribution patterns and similar target site sequences, suggesting that they use the same transposition machinery. In addition, the presence of several RIRE2 - Dasheng element chimeras in the genome is consistent with the copackaging of element mRNAs in the same virus-like particle. Finally, both families have recently amplified members, suggesting that they could have been co-expressed, a necessary prerequisite for RIRE2 to serve as the source of transposition machinery for Dasheng . Consistent with this hypothesis, transcripts from both elements were found in the same expressed sequence tag library.
PHENETIC SIMILARITY AND MÜLLERIAN MIMICRY AMONG DARKLING GROUND BEETLES (COLEOPTERA: TENEBRIONIDAE)

Species of tenebrionid beetles in the genera Coelocnemis and Eleodes share high similarity in dorsal features. Similar species are largely sympatric in occurrence, and the distributions of some species pairs are almost identical. These congruences in appearance and geographic distribution are interpreted as evidence of Mullerian mimicry. All these beetles produce quinonoid secretions, presumably used in defense against vertebrate predators. The widespread occurrence of defensive secretions, and the similarities in dorsal silhouette and cuticular sculpturing, suggest that Mullerian mimicry is of general importance among tenebrionid beetles. The common black coloration of tenebrionids probably has an aposematic function, since black contrasts sharply with most substrates under the crepuscular lighting conditions in which tenebrionid activity typically occurs. The suitability of numerical phenetic methods for the description and analysis of convergence and mimicry phenomena is discussed.
T3 disease at presentation or pathologic involvement of four or more lymph nodes predict for locoregional recurrence in stage II breast cancer treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy and mastectomy without radiotherapy.

Abstract Purpose: To help define the clinical and pathologic predictors of locoregional recurrence (LRR) in breast cancer patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy and mastectomy without radiotherapy for early-stage disease. Methods and Materials: We retrospectively reviewed the outcomes of all 132 patients with Stage I or II breast cancer treated in prospective institutional trials with neoadjuvant chemotherapy and mastectomy without radiotherapy between 1974 and 2001. The clinical stage (American Joint Committee on Cancer 1988) at diagnosis was I in 5%, IIA in 46%, and IIB in 49% of patients. The median age at diagnosis was 49 years. All patients were treated with either a doxorubicin-based neoadjuvant regimen or single-agent paclitaxel. The total LRR rates were calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method, and comparisons were made with two-sided log–rank tests. The median follow-up was 46 months. Results: The actuarial LRR rate at both 5 and 10 years was 10%. Factors that correlated positively with LRR included clinical Stage T3N0 ( p = 0.0057), four or more positive lymph nodes at surgery ( p = 0.0001), age ≤40 years at diagnosis ( p = 0.0001), and no use of tamoxifen. In the patients who did not receive tamoxifen, estrogen receptor-positive disease correlated positively with LRR ( p = 0.0067). The 5-year LRR rate for the 42 patients with clinical Stage T1 or T2 disease and one to three positive lymph nodes at surgery was 5% (only two events). Conclusion: For patients with clinical Stage II breast cancer, T3 primary disease, four or more positive lymph nodes after chemotherapy, and age ≤40 years old predicted for LRR. For most patients with clinical T1 or T2 disease and one to three positive lymph nodes, the 5-year risk for LRR was low, and the routine inclusion of postmastectomy radiotherapy does not appear to be justified.
The Multifunction Jail: Policy Makers' Views of the Goals of Local Incarceration

As scholars of local corrections have noted, jails hold a myriad of inmates for widely diverse reasons. What remains unclear, however, is what purpose or purposes jails are expected to serve. Despite considerable research on the degree of support for various correctional goals, little is known about what goals people want local jails to pursue. Using a survey of local criminal justice leaders in Orange County, Florida, this study examines the preferences policy makers hold regarding the appropriate functions of jails. Our results suggest that these policy makers supported several utilitarian goals but were most supportive of rehabilitation and serving the needs of those with mental health and substance abuse problems. Lesser support was expressed for incapacitation, deterrence, retribution, and detention. The implications of these findings for criminal justice policy and for future research are discussed.
Multidisciplinary management and emerging therapeutic strategies in aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage

The management of patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage demands expertise to anticipate, recognise, and promptly treat the many neurological and systemic complications. For this reason, these patients are best cared for in high-volume medical centres with multidisciplinary teams and should preferably be treated in a specialised intensive care unit. Endovascular occlusion and surgical clipping provide complementary alternatives for the treatment of aneurysms. Perfusion scans are redefining the way we detect delayed ischaemia as a growing body of evidence indicates that monitoring vessel diameter is insufficient to prevent cerebral infarctions. Statins, endothelin antagonists, and magnesium sulfate infusion are among the novel strategies being tested for neuroprotection and attenuation of vasospasm. The effectiveness of these treatments is supported by strong experimental data and they represent a new generation of therapeutic options developed from the understanding that vasospasm is primarily caused by endothelial dysfunction.
Surface Polar Lipids Differ in Male and Female Phlebotomus papatasi (Diptera: Psychodidae)

The polar lipids on the surface of the Old World sand fly, Phlebotomus papatasi (Scopoli), were analyzed by high-resolution mass spectrometry. Blood-fed females and nonblood-fed females and males were separately analyzed and compared. The major polar lipids were found to be long-chain diols and fatty acids. Relatively high levels of diacylglycerols were found in blood-fed females and in males. A wide variety of lipids were found at low levels, including esters, sterols, monoacylglycerols, and hydroxy fatty acids. Blood-fed females had several lyso lipids and N-acyl amino acids that were not found on unfed females or males. These substances may be surfactants used in blood feeding. Heneicosenoic acid was found on females at more than twice the level of males, suggesting it could be a component of a female pheromone. Four substances were identified on males at twofold higher levels than on females: tetradienoic acid, methoxyhexadecasphinganine, butyl octadecanoate, and diacylglycerol(14:1/12:0/0:0). These could be short-range pheromones involved in courtship, and they will be further analyzed in future behavioral bioassays.
Microsystem performance evaluation

A description is given of the Microsystem Performance Evaluation System (MPES), a computer-based tool to aid the developer of microsystems in deriving quantitative figures of merit of alternate approaches to the design of microsystems. It can be used to identify potential bottlenecks, and to provide quantitative tradeoffs of various solutions proposed for fixing the bottlenecks to assure optimized products. The quantitative evaluation also facilitates the product selection. Major topics discussed include tracing methodology, workload characterization, simulation modeling, model validation and performance analysis. >