cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fine-scale temperature structure in the bottom mixed layer on the Oregon shelf

Abstract Temperature and temperature-gradient records made as a freely-falling probe hit bottom show an extremely well-mixed layer on the Oregon continental shelf in September, 1974. Temperatures were uniform to within a few millidegrees in a 10-m deep layer. A reverse gradient of one to four times the adiabatic was found in the last 5 m or so, larger than the geothermal flux could maintain. The layer depth is similar to that of a turbulent Ekman layer. On vertical temperature-gradient spectra several subranges are seen. Estimates of eddy diffusivity by the Cox-Osborn-Hacker method agree within a factor of two with estimates calculated from the level of an assumed inertial sub-range in temperature gradient spectra. Possibly the layer is stabilized by a salinity gradient too small to be observed by the conductivity-temperature-depth probe, or by sediment load. Calculations of heat flux caused by the thermal storage of the sediments yield a flux of the correct order, but the opposite sign, of the calculated flux.
ANNUAL CYCLICITY OF GALL STONE PREVALENCE IN DEER MICE (PEROMYSCUS MANICULATUS GAMBELII)

The prevalence of gall stones (100% cholesterol) in a deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus) population located in Siskiyou County, California (USA) was studied on a monthly basis from February 1985 through January 1988. During each year we documented a pronounced annual cyclicity with peak prevalence (31 to 53%) during the winter and low prevalence (2 to 3%) during late summer. Gall stone prevalence was not related to sex or age of the animal. The earliest onset of gall stone production and the maximum prevalence achieved were associated with the greatest abundance of deer mice; lower levels of population abundance were associated with later onset of gall stone production and lower peak prevalences. This association of gall stone prevalence with both season and population abundance levels suggests that the causative factor(s) is/are related to the quality and availability of the diet.
How The User May Specify And Measure The Performance Of Image Intensifier Systems

A series of tests is described which can be used to determine whether image intensifier systems are operating properly. These methods minimize the amount of dis-mantling so that systems may be evaluated with minimum interruption of their regular use. New systems may be specified in terms of these tests to assure that minimum standards of performance are met at the time of system installation and acceptance. Suggestions are also given which describe the operating features of system components.
Computer aided study of human locomotion

A subject walking in front of a coded background is photographed with a high speed movie camera. For greater accuracy, the camera is moved parallel to the subject at his walking speed. The successive film frames are analyzed by a flying spot scanner under computer control. The computer program determines the location of the camera using the background code and finds the position co-ordinates of marker dots placed over various points of interest on the subject's body and limbs. From the location of the marker dots the trajectories of the various limbs and joints can be obtained in graphical form, as well as data pertaining to joint velocities and angular displacements. It is felt that this information can have important clinical use for assessing walking disabilities and for measuring gait improvement in amputees.
STUDIES ON LUMINOUS BACTERIA II. THE INFLUENCE OF TEMPERATURE ON THE INTENSITY OF THE LIGHT OF LUMINOUS BACTERIA.

1. A method has been described whereby the intensity of the light of luminous bacteria may be measured in a quantitative manner. 2. It is pointed out that the temperature coefficients for light intensity do not follow the van't Hoff rule, but are higher and vary with each 10° temperature interval. 3. From a comparison with other data it is found that the process is not a simple one, but that the observed curve is the resultant of several reactions which proceed simultaneously. 4. The discrepancies in the temperature coefficients in the neighborhood of the "optimum temperature" may be due to a process of coagulation of the colloidal particles of the enzyme. This coagulation will tend to cause a deviation of the curve away from that normal for chemical reactions.
Reliability of graphene interconnects and n-type doping of carbon nanotube transistors

Graphene and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have gained significant attention due to their potential applications in high performance electronics. In order to replace or integrate the current silicon based technology with carbon based electronics one should study the reliability of those devices to understand the feasibility of their applications. In this report we present the reliability of CVD synthesized graphene for transistor interconnects and also investigate the reliability of a metal-oxide based CNT doping technique that is an active area of research in the current CNT community.
A Human Rights-based Approach (HRBA) in Practice: Evaluating NGO DevelopmentEfforts

Human rights-based approaches (HRBAs) promise greater alignment of development efforts with universal norms as well as a focus on the root causes of poverty. While HRBAs have been widely adopted across the development sector, there is little systematic evidence about the actual impact of this strategic shift. Evaluating the effectiveness of HRBAs is challenging because various non-governmental and other organizations have developed very different understandings of how to apply a rights-based framework in the development context. This essay takes one small step towards the rigorous evaluation of HRBAs by offering a comprehensive review of rights-based programming implemented by Plan International, a child-centered organization. It shows that Plan’s adoption of HRBA-inspired strategies has transformed its interactions with local communities and added an explicit focus on the state as the primary duty bearer. There is evidence for a systematic increase in individual rights awareness, greater ownership exercised by community organizations, and the application of evidence-based advocacy aimed at scaling up proven program activities. But Plan’s peculiar brand of HRBA neglects collaboration with domestic social movements and civil society, largely avoids a more confrontational approach towards the state, and has yet to produce evidence for regular successful rights claims by disadvantaged communities against governmental representatives at local, regional, or national levels. The study also reveals a limited ability of Plan to address disparities and discrimination within local communities as well as a need to define clearly the organization’s own accountability and duties deriving from its presence in local communities across more than fifty developing nations.
Advanced simulation of mixed-material erosion/evolution and application to low and high-Z containing plasma facing components

Abstract Plasma interactions with mixed-material surfaces are being analyzed using advanced modeling of time-dependent surface evolution/erosion. Simulations use the REDEP/WBC erosion/redeposition code package coupled to the HEIGHTS package ITMC-DYN mixed-material formation/response code, with plasma parameter input from codes and data. We report here on analysis for a DIII-D Mo/C containing tokamak divertor. A DIII-D/DiMES probe experiment simulation predicts that sputtered molybdenum from a 1 cm diameter central spot quickly saturates (∼4 s) in the 5 cm diameter surrounding carbon probe surface, with subsequent re-sputtering and transport to off-probe divertor regions, and with high (∼50%) redeposition on the Mo spot. Predicted Mo content in the carbon agrees well with post-exposure probe data. We discuss implications and mixed-material analysis issues for Be/W mixing at the ITER outer divertor, and Li, C, Mo mixing at an NSTX divertor.
Donor Deep Hypothermia or Donor Pretreatment with Prostaglandin E1 and Single Pulmonary Artery Flush for Heart-Lung Graft Preservation: An Experimental Primate Study

Abstract Using cardiopulmonary bypass to cool the graft and flushing the lungs with cold crystalloid solution are the most popular methods for clinical cardiopulmonary preservation. Heart-lung transplantation was carried out in 11 cynomolgus monkeys. Donor cardiac preservation was achieved with cold crystalloid cardioplegic solution (10 ml per kilogram of body weight) in all animals. Lung preservation was achieved with a rollerhead pump and by cooling (12°C) the donor in one group of 4 animals (deep hypothermia group) and infusing cold (4°C) modified Euro-Collins solution (15 ml/kg × 4 minutes) into the main pulmonary artery of 7 donors pretreated with prostaglandin E 1 (PGE 1 ) (PGE 1 group). PGE 1 was given intravenously (0.5 to 4.0 μg/kg/min) beginning 15 minutes prior to aortic cross-clamping and was continued during administration of the pulmonary cooling solution. In the deep hypothermia group, no pharmacotherapy was used. Grafts were stored at 4°C for about 6 hours. After heart-lung transplantation, arterial blood gases were measured on 40% inspired oxygen and 2 to 3 cm of positive end-expiratory pressure, and were significantly higher in the PGE 1 group than the deep hypothermia group after 8 hours of reperfusion ( p = 0.04). The partial pressure of arterial oxygen decreased significantly during the 8 hours of reperfusion in the deep hypothermia group (153 to 108 mm Hg; p = 0.01) and increased in the PGE 1 group (189 to 218 mm Hg; p = 0.0002). Eighty-six percent of the animals in the PGE 1 group survived more than 24 hours ( p = 0.03). There were no survivors in the deep hypothermia group. These results indicate that PGE 1 and single hypothermic flush yielded significantly better cardiopulmonary function and survival than pumping the donors into hypothermia with a roller-head pump.
Incorporation of tool-life variables in NC path planning

An integration of tool-life variables with optimization studies is not evident in present literature. It is our belief however, that such an integration is required to make analytical NC path planning real. A two step process for analysing the tool path planning problem was carried out. First a simple path planning program was created that finds the total length of cut in a face milling operation (of flat convex polygonal shapes) using a staircasing strategy. Next, the impact of the locus of cut, entrance and exit on face milling was analysed through extensive literature analysis. A prototype program was hence written to include the effects of these variables on path planning. By adding more process variables and by performing more analysis on the present software, total simulation of machining strategies can be performed analytically.
GAMI-CRM: Using de novo motif inference to detect cis-regulatory modules

In this work, we extend GAMI (Genetic Algorithms for Motif Inference), a de novo motif inference system, to find sets of motifs that may function as part of a cis-regulatory module (CRM) using a comparative genomics approach. Evidence suggests that most transcription factors binding sites are part of a CRM, so our new approach is expected to yield stronger candidates for de novo inference of candidate regulatory elements and their combinatorial regulation of genes. Thanks to our genetic algorithms based approach, we are able to search relatively large input sequences (100,000nt or longer). Most current computational approaches to identifying candidate CRMs depend on foreknowledge of the processes that the genes they regulate are involved in. In comparison with one leading method, Cluster-Buster, our prototype de novo approach, which we call GAMI-CRM, performed well, suggesting that GAMI-CRM will be particularly useful in predicting CRMs for genes whose interactions are poorly understood.
Subchronic inhalation study with vinyl fluoride: Effects on hepatic cell proliferation and urinary fluoride excretion

Vinyl fluoride is used widely in the manufacture of fluoropolymers. Based in part on the structural similarity of vinyl fluoride to the hepatocarcinogens vinyl chloride and vinyl bromide, a TSCA Section 4 test rule mandated the testing of vinyl fluoride for oncogenicity. This report presents the results of a 90-day inhalation study in rats and mice with vinyl fluoride designed to set test concentrations for a subsequent oncogenicity study. Groups of 15 male and female rats and mice were exposed 6 hr per day, 5 days per week for approximately 90 days to target concentrations of 0, 200, 2000, or 20,000 ppm vinyl fluoride. Clinical chemical, hematological, and urine analyses were performed on rats after 45 and 90 days of exposure. A hematological evaluation was performed on mice following 45 and 90 days of exposure. A complete gross and microscopic evaluation was conducted at the end of the study. After 93 days on test, groups of five rats and five mice per sex were implanted with osmotic minipumps containing [3H]thymidine and were exposed for an additional 5 days to measure cell proliferation in liver, kidney, lung, and nasal cavity tissues. Results of the histopathological, clinical chemical, and hematological evaluations showed no significant effects of vinyl fluoride exposure at any concentration following either 45 or 90 days of exposure. A concentration-related increase in fluoride ion in urine was observed in rats at 45 and 90 days of exposure. A plateau in urinary fluoride excretion was observed at approximately 2000 ppm, suggesting saturation of vinyl fluoride metabolism. Vinyl fluoride-related cell proliferation effects were largely restricted to liver. Hepatic cell proliferation in male and female rats and mice was elevated at all concentrations. The response was similar at concentrations of either 2000 or 20,000 ppm and was consistent with concentration-response relationships for other haloethylenes. Taken together, the urinary fluoride excretion and hepatic cell proliferation data suggest a mechanistic link between the two effects. On the basis of these findings and experience with other haloethylenes, concentrations of vinyl fluoride to be tested for oncogenicity should be chosen such that the full linear range of the concentration-response curve is evaluated. The present study demonstrates through example the value of incorporating cell proliferation studies in standard testing protocols.
Texture based segmentation: automatic selection of co-occurrence matrices

Texture is one of the least understood areas in computer vision. One of the major short-comings of texture segmentation approaches has been the ad-hoc selection of the set of feature vectors. We present an approach to qualitatively select a sub-set of a large (in principle infinite) set of co-occurrence matrices. A transportation measure is used to determine the difference between co-occurrence matrices resulting from various textures. This results in an ordered set of matrices, of which the resulting segmentation performance is directly related to the transportation measure. By combining segmentation results from various matrices, the overall performance improves only when the matrices enhance different image areas. The most probable candidates for this can be obtained by using the same transportation measure applied to n dimensional co-occurrence data. Again, this results in an ordered set. Texture segmentation results indicate a monotone increase in performance when adding subsequent matrices results from the ordered set.
Liver Microsome and Flavin-Containing Monooxygenase Catalyzed Oxidation of Organic Selenium Compounds

Abstract Eight commercially available selenides, a selenol, and selenourea were examined for substrate activity with purified pig liver flavin-containing monooxygenase (FMO). While none of the aromatic heterocyclic selenides tested showed detectable activity, all dialkyl- and alkylaryl-selenides free from ionic groups stimulated NADPH- and FMO-dependent oxygen uptake. With limiting substrate the molar ratio of oxygen reduced to selenide added was 1:1. Analysis of products from N -[2-(methylseleno)ethyl]benzamide demonstrated that the selenide was quantitatively oxidized to selenoxide. Further oxidation of either the FMO-generated or synthetic selenoxides was not detected. The dialkyl- and alkylaryl-selenoxides are potent thiol oxidants and reaction rates for the oxidation of thiols by methylphenylselenoxide and N -[2-(methylseleninyl)ethyl]benzamide followed second order kinetics with rate constants from 3-4 × 10 3 M −1 s −1 at pH 7.4, 37°C. The rapid oxidation of thiols by these selenoxides demonstrates that the oxidation of selenides to selenoxides catalyzed by crude tissue preparations can be measured by following selenide-dependent oxidation of thiocholine by the procedure described earlier for the oxidation of thiourea (WXA Guo and D. M. Ziegler, 1991, Anal. Biochem. 198, 143-148). Activity measurements by this procedure indicated that the oxidation of dialkyl selenides by rat, guinea pig, or pig liver microsomes was catalyzed primarily by a monooxygenase with the properties of FMO. However, from 20 to 40% of the microsome-catalyzed oxidation of selenides bearing aryl substituents was sensitive to N -benzylimidazole, suggesting that P450-dependent monooxygenases also contribute, at least in part, to the oxidation of these xenobiotics.
A nonequilibrium model for dynamic simulation of tray distillation columns

A nonequilibrium model for the dynamic simulation of distillation columns is described. The nonequilibrium model includes the direct calculation of the rates of mass and energy transfer and is better able to model the actual physical processes occurring on a real distillation tray than is the conventional equilibrium stage model. Example calculations show that heat-transfer limitations and the vapor holdup above the froth cannot be neglected at elevated pressures. Back-computed Murphree tray efficiencies are not constant over time, which implies that the equilibrium model should not be used for dynamic simulations.
Metal surface interaction with Pi-acceptor molecules: PF3 adsorption

Abstract In a continuing effort to characterize the chemical properties of metal surfaces, infrared spectra of PF3 adsorbed on vanadium, iron, nickel, palladium, copper and aluminum evaporated into an oil matrix have been obtained. The spectra indicate adsorption without dissociation to give structures similar to PF3 coordination complexes with symmetric and asymmetric P-F stretching frequencies in the 800 cm−1 region and a P-F bending frequency in the 500 cm−1 region. As in the homogeneous complexes CO and PF3 can replace each other although on the surface CO is more tightly bound than PF3. The molecular orbital view of σ donation and π back bonding which has been successful with chemisorbed CO is shown to be useful also in understanding strengths of PF3 adsorption on different metals and shifts in infrared frequencies from metal to metal, with changing surface coverage and as PF3 is replaced by CO.
Internal wave generation in a global baroclinic tide model

Abstract The energy flux out of barotropic tides and into internal waves (“conversion”) is computed using a global domain multi-layer numerical model. The solution is highly baroclinic and reveals a global field of internal waves radiating way from generation sites of rough topography. A small number of sites where intense internal wave generation occurs accounts for most of the globally integrated work done on the barotropic tide and dominates sites such as the Mid-Atlantic ridge. The globally integrated conversion of the M 2 barotropic tide is 891 Gigawatts and the globally integrated rate of working of the ocean by astronomical forcing is 2.94 Terawatts. Both of these estimates are close to accepted values derived from independent methods. Regional estimates of conversion are also similar to previous inferences, lending additional confidence that the solution has captured the essential physics of low-mode internal wave generation and that numerical prediction of conversion has skill in regions where no previous estimates are available.
Strain-specific alteration of zebrafish feeding behavior in response to aversive stimuli

Behavioral management of risk, in which organisms must balance the requirements of obtaining food resources with the risk of predation, has been of considerable interest to ethologists for many years. Although numerous experiments have shown that animals alter their foraging behavior depending on the levels of perceived risk and demand for nutrients, few have considered the role of genetic variation in the trade-off between these variables. We performed a study of four zebrafish (Danio rerio (Hamilton, 1822)) strains to test for genetic variation in foraging behavior and whether this variation affected their response to both aversive stimuli and nutrient restriction. Zebrafish strains differed significantly in their latency to begin foraging from the surface of the water under standard laboratory conditions. Fish fed sooner when nutrients were restricted, although this was only significant in the absence of aversive stimuli. Aversive stimuli caused fish to delay feeding in a strain-specific manner. Strain...
Characterization of gangliosides by two-dimensional high-performance thin-layer chromatography

Abstract A method for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of complex mixtures of gangliosides by computer-assisted image densitometry is reported. Gangliosides were applied to silica gel high-performance thin-layer plates and developed in two dimensions using one of several solvent systems. The plates were developed with a resorcinol reagent and the gangliosides were visualized as bluish-purple bands or spots. The plates were scanned with a Biolmage Visage 110 image analyzer and saved to disk. The densities of the spots were determined and the quantities of gangliosides determined by comparison with an internal standard, GM 4 . Two-dimensional chromatography using chloroform-methanol-0.2% CaC1 2 (50:40:10) in the first dimension and n -propanol-ammonia(aq.) (6:3) in the second dimension gave linear and reproducible results when analyzed by image densitometry. Gangliosides isolated from human plasma were resolved with the above method. We suggest that the use of image densitometry improves the accuracy of quantitative analyses of complex mixtures of gangliosides by thin-layer chromatography.
The effects of obesity and exercise on the pharmacokinetics of caffeine in lean and obese volunteers

The effects of obesity, exercise, and the interaction of obesity and exercise were examined in 6 caffeine naive, untrained, nonsmoking, college males (3 lean (LV), 3 obese (OV)). Each subject received caffeine (oral, 5.83 mg·kg−1 lean body weight) or placebo (50 mg citrate) prior to 3 h of seated rest and prior to 90 min of treadmill walking (40% of their maximal aerobic power) followed by 90 min of seated recovery. Serum samples were collected at various times and analyzed for caffeine by HPLC. Pharmacokinetic analysis indicated that at rest, OV had a significantly higher absorption rate constant (Ka 0.0757 vs. 0.0397 min−1), lower elimination rate constant (Ke 0.0027 vs. 0.0045 min−1), and longer serum half-life (t1/2 4.37 vs. 2.59 h) in comparison to LV. In exercise, as well as at rest LV and OV had a large difference in the volume of distribution (43.2 vs. 101. 1) (rest, 54.1 vs. 103.1). Exercise consistently resulted in a decrease in the maximal serum concentration of caffeine and the area under the curve in OV while having no consistent effect on LV. The interactive effects of obesity and exercise could not be dissociated. However, these results demonstrate that both obesity and exercise have modified the pharmacokinetics of caffeine.
Potential applications of knowledge-based methods to computer security

Knowledge-based techniques have much to offer security practitioners. After brief overviews of these techniques, we review applications described in the literature and suggest others. Applications in other domains that offer insights for security are also described. Requirements for knowledge system tools are discussed in the light of the suggested applications.
FindiLike: a preference driven entity search engine for evaluating entity retrieval and opinion summarization

We describe a novel preference-driven search engine (FindiLike) which allows users to find entities of interest based on preferences and also allows users to digest opinions about the retrieved entities easily. FindiLike leverages large amounts of online reviews about various entities, and ranks entities based on how well their associated reviews match a user's preference query (expressed in keywords). FindiLike then uses abstractive summarization techniques to generate concise opinion summaries to enable users to digest the opinions about an entity. We discuss how the system can be extended to support in situ evaluation of two interesting new tasks, i.e., opinion-based entity ranking and abstractive summarization of opinions. The system is currently supporting hotel search and being extended to support in situ evaluation of these two tasks. We will demonstrate the system in the domain of hotel search and show how in situ evaluation can be supported through natural user interaction with the system.
Bayesian Multimodel Inference for Geostatistical Regression Models

The problem of simultaneous covariate selection and parameter inference for spatial regression models is considered. Previous research has shown that failure to take spatial correlation into account can influence the outcome of standard model selection methods. A Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) method is investigated for the calculation of parameter estimates and posterior model probabilities for spatial regression models. The method can accommodate normal and non-normal response data and a large number of covariates. Thus the method is very flexible and can be used to fit spatial linear models, spatial linear mixed models, and spatial generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs). The Bayesian MCMC method also allows a priori unequal weighting of covariates, which is not possible with many model selection methods such as Akaike's information criterion (AIC). The proposed method is demonstrated on two data sets. The first is the whiptail lizard data set which has been previously analyzed by other researchers investigating model selection methods. Our results confirmed the previous analysis suggesting that sandy soil and ant abundance were strongly associated with lizard abundance. The second data set concerned pollution tolerant fish abundance in relation to several environmental factors. Results indicate that abundance is positively related to Strahler stream order and a habitat quality index. Abundance is negatively related to percent watershed disturbance.
An Unbalanced Two‐way Model With Random Effects Having Unequal Variances

Consider the model Yijk=μ + ai + bij + eijk (i=1, 2,…, t; j=1,2,…, Bi; k=1,2…,nij), where μ is a constant and a1,bij and eijk are distributed independently and normally with zero means and variances σ2adij and σ2, respectively, where it is assumed that the di's and dij's are known. In this paper procedures for estimating the variance components (σ2, σ2a and σ2b) and for testing the hypothesis σ2b = 0 and σ2a = 0 are presented. In the last section the mixed model yijk, where xijkkm are known constants and βm's are unknown fixed effects (m = 1, 2,…,p), is transformed to a fixed effect model with equal variances so that least squares theory can be used to draw inferences about the βm's.
Recurrent SMARCA4 mutations in small cell carcinoma of the ovary

Small cell carcinoma of the ovary, hypercalcemic type (SCCOHT) is a rare, highly aggressive form of ovarian cancer primarily diagnosed in young women. We identified inactivating biallelic SMARCA4 mutations in 100% of the 12 SCCOHT tumors examined. Protein studies confirmed loss of SMARCA4 expression, suggesting a key role for the SWI/SNF chromatin-remodeling complex in SCCOHT.
On the parameter β=Re/KC=D2/νT

Abstract This brief communication is a summary of the facts regarding the universalization in 1976 of a parameter β to fully nonlinear unsteady separated flows about bluff bodies nearly 125 years after its first appearance in a linearized analysis of unseparated viscous flow with very slow oscillations about a cylindrical rod and sphere by Sir George Gabriel Stokes [1851. On the effect of the internal friction of fluids on the motion of pendulums. Transactions of the Cambridge Philosophical Society 9(II), 8–106]. The primary purpose of Stokes was to show that “ the index of friction ” (the kinematic viscosity), in the equations of motion may be deduced from experiments for the vindication of the heuristic reasoning that went into the derivation by Navier [1827 . Memoire sur les lois du movement des fluides. Memoires de l’Academie de Sciences 6, 389–416.], Poisson [1831. Nouvelle theorie de l’action capillaire Bachelier, Paris.], de Saint-Venant [1843. Note a joindre un memoire sur la dynamique des fluides. Comptes Rendus 17, 1240–1244.] and Stokes [1845 . On the theories of internal friction of fluids in motion. Transactins of the Cambridge Philosophical Society 8, 287–305.] of what are now called the Navier–Stokes equations.
Prichard, Davidson and Action

L'A. repere une identite structurelle de raisonnement entre Prichard et Davidson quant a leur doctrine de l'action
Age and Social Composition Factors as Explanations for Cleavages in Socio-Political Values.

While age group differences on social and political values have been frequently documented in survey data, it is often claimed that these differences are due to social composition factors rather th...
The contribution of foreign subsidiaries to host country national competitiveness

Abstract In this article, we develop a conceptual model of national competitiveness, focusing on the influence of foreign subsidiaries on the competitiveness of their host countries. Essentially, we view foreign subsidiaries as potential sources of resources important to a nation in developing and maintaining its international competitiveness. We argue that there is a set of subsidiary characteristics that enables a foreign subsidiary to contribute to the national competitiveness of its host country. These characteristics include the strategic role of the subsidiary, the level of technology employed in the subsidiary's processes, the type of training provided by the parent company, and the degree to which the subsidiary is part of an interdependent network of international subunits of the firm. National policy implications are discussed.
Novel anticoagulants and laboratory testing

Summary The introduction of several oral direct anticoagulants within the past 2–3 years has dramatically changed clinical practice and has also impacted on utilization and interpretation of coagulation laboratory testing. This article reviews the effects of the oral thrombin inhibitor, dabigatran, and the oral factor Xa inhibitors, rivaroxaban and apixaban, on screening and diagnostic coagulation tests, and describes methods for measuring the their anticoagulant activity in plasma. Currently, there are evidence gaps regarding the role of laboratory testing for surveillance and management of adverse events associated with these new anticoagulants which do not require routine therapeutic drug monitoring. This is a rapidly changing field, and coagulation laboratory experts have a major role in ensuring patients receive appropriate testing and accurate interpretations of results.
Fractionation of hydrocarbons of human hair lipids by chromatographic and thermal diffusion methods

Abstract Hair lipids from adult white and Negro men were individually pooled, the two batches saponified and the unsaponifiable portions in petroleum ether chromatographed over alumina. The column on elution with petroleum ether as such and containing 5 and 10% chloroform, yielded Fractions I–II, inclusive, on removal of the solvents; 100% chloroform eluted another portions. Fraction IV, which in contrast to the latter three, was essentially free of hydrocarbons. Waxy components of C 20 —C 44 , all normal hydrocarbons, were obtained from Fractions I, II and III by treatment with acetone and ranged highest in Fraction I. The residual fluid (Frac. I-Oil) was chromatographed in petroleum ether solution over silica gel and contained olefinic hydrocarbons in addition to paraffinic and naphthenic components. The corresponding oils from Fractions II and III were high in unsaturated hydrocarbons, notably squalene. Good enrichment of the saturated hydrocarbons was accomplished by use of thermal diffusion. The distribution of carbon (C p and C N ) and the mean naphthenic number per molecule ( R N ) for cuts obtained by this criterion were calculated by the n-d-M method; the highest ( R N was in the range of 5.5. Temperature programmed gas chromatography showed the presence of C 15 —C 34 hydrocarbons in the initial liquid mixture and derived cuts, all of the normal paraffins in this range being represented as summarized in Table V.
Soil carbon release along a gradient of physical disturbance in a harvested northern hardwood forest

Abstract Changes in soil respiration associated with forest harvest could increase net loss of CO2 to the atmosphere relative to pre-harvest values. By excavating quantitative soil pits across a gradient of physical disturbance in a harvested northern hardwood forest, this study examines C release from mineral soil. Mineral soil samples were analyzed for pH, percent organic matter (%OM), C and N concentration, δ13C, and total C per unit area. Results show a relationship between degree of disturbance and C concentration in soil 10–30 cm beneath the O-horizon. Highly disturbed sites show C depletion, with horizons from disturbed sites containing 25% less total C than the least disturbed sites. δ13C signatures of soil profiles at these sites show vertical mixing of plant-derived material into deeper mineral horizons. Mixing, as a result of physical disturbance, could have led to the observed C depletion by physical or chemical destabilization, or through the promotion of microbial respiration in deep mineral soil. Regardless of the mechanism, these results suggest elevated CO2 emissions from soil following harvest, and, thus, have implications for the validity of wood biomass as a carbon neutral energy source.
Synthesis of organic osmolytes and salt tolerance mechanisms in Paspalum vaginatum

Abstract Synthesis of organic compounds in response to salinity stress and their contribution to organic osmotic adjustment were investigated in seashore paspalum ( Paspalum vaginatum Swartz). Nine genotypes exhibiting the widest range of salt tolerance were grown in sea-salt amended nutrient solution in a greenhouse. Salinity ranges were 1.1 (EC w 0, control) to 49.7 dS m −1 (EC w 50) based on electrical conductivity of the solution (EC w ). Organic osmolytes most important within seashore paspalum under salinity stress were proline, Gly-betaine, and trigonelline in terms of explaining intraspecific salt tolerance differences and, therefore, should be the focus of biotechnology approaches to enhance these traits. While these osmolytes differed in accumulation with increasing salinity and absolute concentrations among salt tolerant and intolerant genotypes, the magnitude of responses was not sufficiently large to suggest use for salt screening as physiological/biochemical markers. Fructose concentration increased with salinity, especially for salt sensitive ecotypes, and may have potential as a marker. Glucose, sucrose, and myo -inositol tended to increase with salinity, but changes did not relate to intraspecific salt tolerance, while mannitol and sorbitol were not affected by salinity. Proline demonstrated a 20.8-fold increase averaged across genotypes from EC w 0 to EC w 50 salinity. Proline was the primary organic osmolyte for osmotic adjustment accounting for an average of 9.3% to total solute potential ( Ψ s ) at EC w 50 and 56% of the organic solute contribution to Ψ s . In the salt tolerant genotype, SI 93-2, proline and Gly-betaine exhibited greater absolute concentration and accumulation rate relative to the least salt tolerant, Adalayd. The intraspecific role of Gly-betaine did not relate to osmotic adjustment differences, suggesting another role perhaps in protection of the thylakoid membrane.
Lepton-flavor-violating decays of the Z boson in a left-right supersymmetric model.

We study the one-loop supersymmetric contributions to lepton-flavor violating Z -boson decays in a fully left-right symmetric model. In addition to right-handed scalar neutrinos, the decays could receive important contributions from doubly-charged triplet Higgsinos which couple to leptons only. We find that the decay widths reach present experimental bounds and discuss mass constraints for the contributing supersymmetric partners.
Differential modes of regulation of interleukin-1β expression by extracellular matrices

Extracellular matrices (ECMs) can stimulate human monocytic cells to express interleukin-1β (IL-1β), a proinflammatory cytokine implicated in the regulation of tissue inflammation. In this study, we explored the intracellular mechanisms responsible for ECM induction of IL-1β using human promonocytic U937 cells transfected with the full-length human IL-1β gene promoter connected to a reporter gene. Using this system, we demonstrated that the ECM molecules fibronectin (FN), type I collagen (Coll), fibrin (Fb) and laminin (Lm) induced transcription of the IL-1β gene (which was associated with a modest increase in IL-1β protein secretion) in suspended cells, when used in their soluble monomeric form. This effect was mimicked or blocked by anti-integrin monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and was dependent on the activation of protein kinase C (PKC). Three of the ECMs tested (FN, Coll and Fb) induced the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), whereas Lm had no effect. FN, Coll and Fb (but not Lm) also induced DNA binding of the transcription factor activator protein-1 (AP-1), but not that of nuclear factor-κB. Co-transfection of U937 cells with a competing AP-1 oligomer blocked the IL-1β response induced by FN, but not that induced by the other ECMs. By inhibiting AP-1 translocation, glucocorticoids also blocked the FN-induced response, but not that of the other ECMs. These studies suggest that the signalling pathways which mediate ECM induction of IL-1β expression in human monocytic cells converge at the level of PKC activation. However, they diverge in other aspects, as demonstrated by the differential activation of MAPKs and the need for diverse transcription factors.
The Carboxyl-terminal Region of EBP50 Binds to a Site in the Amino-terminal Domain of Ezrin That Is Masked in the Dormant Molecule

Abstract EBP50 (ezrin-radixin-moesin-bindingphosphoprotein 50) was recently identified by affinity chromatography on the immobilized NH2-terminal domain of ezrin. Here we map and characterize the regions in EBP50 and ezrin necessary for this association. Using blot overlays and in solution binding assays, the COOH-terminal 30 residues of EBP50 were found to be sufficient for an association with residues 1–286 of ezrin. EBP50 did not bind to full-length (1–585) ezrin, indicating that the EBP50 binding site is masked in the full-length molecule. Ezrin contains two complementary self-association domains known as N- and C-ERMADs (ezrin-radixin-moesin-associationdomains), encompassing residues 1–296 and 479–585, respectively. An ezrin 1–583 construct lacking the two terminal residues necessary for this association was found to have an unmasked EBP50 binding site. Moreover, binding of EBP50 and the C-ERMAD to ezrin residues 1–296 was found to be mutually exclusive, with the C-ERMAD having a higher affinity. These results suggest that in full-length ezrin, the binding site for EBP50 is masked through an intramolecular N/C-ERMAD association. Based on these and additional results, we propose a model whereby dormant ezrin can be activated to bind EBP50 on its NH2-terminal end and F-actin on its COOH-terminal end. Since EBP50 is proposed to bind membrane proteins through its PDZ domains, this provides a molecular description of the regulated linkage of microfilaments to membranes in cell surface microvilli.
Abstract 1044: Silencing p130cas in ovarian carcinoma induces autophagic cell death

Background: p130Cas is a central node for many cancer signaling pathways. We have previously established the clinical significance of p130cas overexpression in ovarian carcinoma and the therapeutic efficacy of silencing p130cas with siRNA in an orthotopic mouse model of ovarian carcinoma. The focus of the current work is to establish the mechanism by which p130cas gene silencing decreases tumor growth. Methods: To determine the specific mechanisms by which p130cas gene silencing abrogates tumor growth, in vitro measures of cell viability (MTT), apoptosis (TUNEL by FACS), autophagy (acridine organ staining by FACS and immunoblotting), and cell signaling (immunoblotting) were performed. Results: p130Cas treatment with siRNA yielded a 21 (SKOV3TRip2, p Conclusions: Silencing p130Cas with siRNA decreases tumor cell viability by induction of both apoptotic and autophagic pathways establishing p130cas as a novel therapeutic target in ovarian carcinoma. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1044.
Oral Contraceptive Use as a Risk Factor for Premenopausal Breast Cancer: A Meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE To perform a meta-analysis of case-control studies that addressed whether prior oral contraceptive (OC) use is associated with premenopausal breast cancer. METHODS We searched the MEDLINE and PubMed databases and bibliography reviews to identify case-control studies of OCs and premenopausal breast cancer published in or after 1980. Search terms used included breast neoplasms, oral contraceptives, contraceptive agents, and case-control studies. Studies reported in all languages were included. Thirty-four studies were identified that met inclusion criteria. Two reviewers extracted data from original research articles or additional data provided by study authors. We used the DerSimonian-Laird method to compute pooled odds ratios (ORs) and confidence intervals (CIs) and the Mantel-Haenszel test to assess association between OC use and cancer. RESULTS Use of OCs was associated with an increased risk of premenopausal breast cancer in general (OR, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.09-1.29) and across various patterns of OC use. Among studies that provided data on nulliparous and parous women separately, OC use was associated with breast cancer risk in both parous (OR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.20-1.40) and nulliparous (OR, 1.24; 95% CI, 0.92-1.67) women. Longer duration of use did not substantially alter risk in nulliparous women (OR, 1.29; 95% CI, 0.85-1.96). Among parous women, the association was stronger when OCs were used before first full-term pregnancy (FFTP) (OR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.28-1.62) than after FFTP (OR, 1.15; 95% CI, 1.06-1.26). The association between OC use and breast cancer risk was greatest for parous women who used OCs 4 or more years before FFTP (OR, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.26-1.82). CONCLUSION Use of OCs is associated with an increased risk of premenopausal breast cancer, especially with use before FFTP in parous women.
Economic Conditions and Voting On Ballot Propositions

In this study the authors assess the relationship between economic conditions and results from state ballot proposition elections in California. They propose that voters are less likely to adopt po...
“Screen-to-screen” testing: An exploratory study of oral proficiency interviewing using video teleconferencing

Abstract In many oral testing situations a direct meeting is arranged of an examiner and an examinee. This type of face-to-face testing requires the physical presence of both participants at the same location. Because this requirement cannot always be met in practice, alternative oral testing procedures using audio recordings have been developed in the past. These semi-direct procedures, however, preclude direct linguistic interaction. This paper reports and discusses a study on the use of modern media techniques in long-distance oral testing that preserve the possibility of interaction by using video teleconferencing. Two test administration modes, face-to-face and screen-to-screen are compared in an experimental design. It is shown that based on quantitative analyses high agreement between both modalities of test administration can be achieved. Qualitative evaluation seems to indicate that the screen-to-screen modality is acceptable although there is a general preference for the face-to-face modality. It is concluded that long-distance oral testing offers a viable alternative if the high costs involved can be justified.
The lower limit of latitude (US sector) of northern quiet auroral arcs, and its relation to Dst(H)

Northern quiet arcs in lower limit of latitude /us sector/ and its relation to magnetic storms & to the ring current magnetic field intensity
The Nature of Ethnocentric Attribution Bias: Ingroup Protection or Enhancement?

Abstract Drawing on the self-attribution bias literature (Miller & Ross, 1975), ethnocentric attribution is reexamined in terms of two potentially distinct ingroup-serving biases: Attributing ingroup negative and outgroup positive behavior to external causes may function to protect or maintain group-esteem, whereas making internal causal attributions for ingroup positive and outgroup negative behavior may function to promote or enhance it (Hewstone, 1990). Two experiments examined the hypotheses that (1) protective attribution alone can account for ethnocentric attribution bias, and (2) enhancement bias occurs primarily in response to acute intergroup conflict. In Experiment 1, artificial groups, varying in level of intergroup contention, provided causal attributions for videotaped positive and negative intergroup behavior. Results showed that only protective attributions increased in response to low-level conflict, relative to non-conflict control groups, and accounted for the observed attribution bias. In Experiment 2, African and Korean American students were exposed to a conflict or neutral prime in an embedded survey manipulation of conflict. Consistent with Experiment 1, conflict increased protective attribution for positive behavior but did not influence enhancement attributions. Results are discussed in terms of differences between self- and group-serving causal attributions and the conditions potentially necessary to engage protective or enhancement biases.