cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Soil microflora associated with pot cultures of Glomus intraradix-infected Citrus reticulata

Abstract Growth of Cleopatra mandarin ( Citrus reticulata ) was enhanced by Glomus intraradix in six pot culture tests. Eight general taxonomic and functional groups of microflora colonizing rhizospheres and non-rhizospheres of plants in these tests were quantified by lognormal transformations of data. Most microflora groups increased in the rhizospheres of most treatments compared with non-rhizosphere soil. Gram-negative bacteria, protein hydrolyzers, anaerobic and facultative anaerobes (in one of two tests), and fluorescent pseudomonads (in one of two tests) did not differ in rhizospheres of low P soil amended with G. intraradix , 630 μg g −1 P, and the low P control. Actinomycetes in one of two tests were significantly higher in the rhizosphere of G. intraradix -infected plants in low P soil than its control. In general, added P alone and with G. intraradix influenced increases of some microflora rhizosphere populations more than G. intraradix did alone, but chitin hydrolyzers were significantly reduced by added P. Lognormal transformations resulted in fewer significant increases in microflora of G. intraradix -infected roots than of non-transformed data, but lognormal transformation should be applied to analyses of data of this type.
Cystic fibrosis decreases the apical membrane chloride permeability of monolayers cultured from cells of tracheal epithelium.

Abstract The tracheal mucosa from a 12-year-old girl was digested with collagenase 4 hr after her death from cystic fibrosis. Forty million viable cells were obtained. The cells, plated at 10(6) per cm2 onto four Nuclepore filters coated with human placental collagen, formed confluent monolayers after 1 day. Their ultrastructure was similar to that of normal human cells. They were studied in conventional Ussing chambers or with intracellular microelectrodes on days 5-7 after plating. The monolayers displayed resistance of 380 +/- 50 omega X cm2 and short-circuit current (Isc) of 1.8 +/- 0.4 microA X cm-2. This resistance is similar to that obtained for dog or normal human monolayers. The Isc is less than normal human (approximately 3 microA X cm-2) or dog (approximately 10 microA X cm-2) cells. The cystic fibrosis cells resembled normal monolayers in that serosal ouabain and mucosal amiloride inhibited Isc, while mucosal ouabain or serosal amiloride had no effect. They differed from normal human or dog cells in that Isc was not inhibited by bumetanide and the stimulation of Isc by isoproterenol or prostaglandin E2 was greatly reduced or abolished. Addition of isoproterenol depolarized apical membrane potential (psi a) and decreased fractional resistance (fR) in normal human and dog but had no effect on psi a or fR in cystic fibrosis cells. Reduction of mucosal chloride from 120 to 5 mM by replacement with gluconate increased fR of dog and normal human monolayers and depolarized psi a by 22 (dog) or 30 (human) mV. In cystic fibrosis monolayers, chloride replacement hyperpolarized psi a by 2 mV and had little effect on fR. These results suggest that the primary defect in cystic fibrosis is reduced apical membrane chloride conductance.
Iceberg scours along the southern U.S. Atlantic margin

Rapid climate fluctuations associated with ice-sheet oscillations have resulted in pulses of iceberg discharge that are recorded by iceberg scour marks along continental shelves and ice-rafted debris deposits across the North Atlantic. Iceberg transport is largely controlled by ocean surface currents; therefore, iceberg trajectories can serve as a proxy for paleo-circulation studies. Records of iceberg transport from ice-rafted debris (i.e., Heinrich layers) in the North Atlantic suggest that most icebergs released during Quaternary glaciations were entrained in a cyclonic subpolar gyre restricted to polar and mid-latitudes; however, new data suggest that there may have been an additional southerly component of transport along the western Atlantic margin. Here, we present evidence of extensive iceberg scouring across the upper slope offshore of South Carolina, ~1000 km south of the proximal ice margin during Quaternary glacial maximums. The location and orientation of the keel marks suggest that icebergs were entrained in a southwestward-flowing coastal current. At present, warm waters of the rapid, northeastward-flowing Gulf Stream bathe the upper slope off the southeastern United States. An offshore shift in the Gulf Stream axis during sea-level lowstand may have allowed glacially fed coastal currents to penetrate farther south. This may be the first evidence of iceberg rafting to subtropical latitudes in the North Atlantic.
Microscopic FT-IR studies of epoxy adhesive films on chemically treated aluminum

Microscopic reflection-absorption FT-IR spectra were obtained on epoxy adhesive films on treated and untreated aluminum. Compositional differences were observed across the interphase. The epoxy on the untreated Al showed a large amount of the curing agent and its salt form near the surface relative to the bulk. In the case of the anodized Al surfaces, less curing agent was found, along with a relatively large amount of unreacted epoxy. An additional carbonyl band was found in the untreated Al sample, probably due to reaction of the curing agent with surface water. These results indicate that the surfaces are inducing selective adsorption, leading to differences in the composition of the cured adhesive bond.
Evaluation and development of models for resuspension of aerosols at short times after deposition

Resuspension is known to transport hazardous particles in the natural environment, moving a fraction of deposited material back into the atmosphere. This process is notoriously difficult to model, given the complexity of the turbulent boundary layer and chemistry of the three-phase interface (air, liquid, solid) typically found at the land surface. Wind tunnel studies have demonstrated the importance of resuspension within a short time after deposition, but there exists no robust model for short-term resuspension. Numerical simulations of accidental or terrorist releases of hazardous materials need such a model to accurately predict fate and transport of the materials within hours to days after release. Many accepted conventional models were derived from resuspension data for aged sources, such as former weapons test sites; these data sets, and the associated models, may not be appropriate for short-time resuspension. The study described here reexamined historical wind tunnel data on short-term resuspension, with the goal of developing a model appropriate for numerical simulations. Empirical models are derived from these data using a suite of parameters (friction velocity, particle diameter, surface roughness, particle density, and time). These empirical models, and the wind tunnel data, are compared quantitatively with existing conventional models from the literature. The conventional models underpredict short-time resuspension, resulting in order-of-magnitude errors in predictions of resuspended mass. Only three models perform reasonably well: the empirical models derived from the data and an adaptation of the NCRP 129 model. More data are needed to validate the empirical models and build the physical understanding of the processes involved.
Geometric Modeling and Synthesis of Spatial Multimaterial Compliant Mechanisms and Structures Using Three-Dimensional Multilayer Wide Curves

A 3D multilayer wide curve is a spatial curve with variable cross sections and multiple materials. The performance of multimaterial compliant mechanisms and structures is enhanced by integrating multiple materials into one-piece configurations. This paper introduces a geometric modeling method for spatial multimaterial compliant mechanisms and structures by using 3D multilayer wide curves. Based on the introduced modeling method, a geometric synthesis approach is proposed. In this paper, every connection in a spatial multimaterial compliant mechanism or structure is represented by a 3D multilayer wide curve and the whole compliant mechanism or structure is modeled as a set of connected wide curves. The geometric modeling and synthesis are considered as the generation and optimization of the control parameters of the corresponding 3D multilayer wide curves. The performance of spatial multimaterial compliant mechanisms and structures is evaluated by the isoparametric degenerate-continuum nonlinear finite element procedure. The problem-dependent objectives are optimized and the practical constraints are imposed during the synthesis process. The effectiveness of the proposed geometric modeling and synthesis procedures is verified by the demonstrated examples.
Revised Lexicostatistical Classification of Salishan Languages

We are concerned here with the problem of subgrouping of language families, that is, the problem of determining the precise interrelations of a set of languages that are already known to be genetically related to one another. The similarity data that we are using consist of percentages of shared basic vocabulary (calculated by Swadesh). Two languages can share an item of vocabulary, (1) by both inheriting it from a common ancestor (wherever that ancestor got it from); (2) by one borrowing it from the other, or both borrowing it from some third source; (3) by means of some sort of universal process of sound symbolism; or (4) by chance. In this paper we are assuming that the effects of (3) and (4) are small enough to ignore (except as a residue). We are also assuming that at any given time depth a language has one and only one parent, and thus that the family tree of any group of languages will map from a unique beginner (protolanguage) through a series of one-to-many nodes (other later protolanguages) to the set of existing languages. We make this assumption of a taxonomic kind of structure not because we know it to be incontrovertible, but (1) because in order to select an appropriate kind of clustering technique we have to know what kinds of clusters we are looking for, and (2) because this is the kind of structure commonly posited in historical linguistics. Morris Swadesh presented in 1950 a classification of Salishan languages based on percentage s milarities in "selected basic vocabulary" of 30 languages and dialects of the family. Swadesh was well aware of problems with the original data (1950:157; Dyen 1962:156, n. 7). He viewed his method and results as approximations and not as substitutes for detailed recon-
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs in the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have had primacy for decades in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Their palliative value is undisputed, but their lack of effect on the course of disease has led many to recommend early intervention with the so-called disease-controlling drugs. However, most such drugs are ineffective, and alternative long term symptomatic therapies have not proven safer or as effective as NSAIDs. Therefore NSAIDs will continue to be used for control of residual pain and inflammatory symptoms.
Predicate union and the syntax of Japanese passives

This paper presents a relational account of the Japanese constructions that are commonly referred to as 'passives'. They are shown to all be multipredicate, monoclausal constructions, with the differences between them primarily attributable to optionality in the lexical argument structure of the 'passive' predicate. The proposed analysis explains the differences between passives and causatives, despite their sometimes identical case-marking. Further, evidence from the interaction of unaccusative verbs and passive is shown to lead to a formal revision of the i-Advancement Exclusiveness law. Finally, the differences between Japanese and Korean with respect to passives is reduced to a simple lexical difference between the two languages. This paper adopts an approach to multipredicate structures first proposed in Davies & Rosen (I988), and demonstrates its applicability to Japanese passive (-rare) constructions. It will show that a relational analysis can account in an insightful way for the grammatical properties exhibited by the dependents of the passive construction; properties only hinted at by an examination of surface case marking and thematic roles, and often obscured by them. It will also demonstrate that a proper account of case-marking must acknowledge the existence of three distinct classes of passive (-rare) constructions, rather than the two traditionally recognized in the literature. Other particular claims made in this analysis are: (i) all -rare constructions involve passive, including those which have an accusative Theme nominal and those constructed from intransitive predicates, (ii) a class of syntactically
Functional MRI of the rodent somatosensory pathway using multislice echo planar imaging.

A multislice EPI sequence was used to obtain functional MR images of the entire rat brain with BOLD contrast at 11.7 T. Ten to 11 slices covering the rat brain, with an in-plane resolution of 300 m, provided enough sensitivity to detect activation in brain regions known to be involved in the somatosensory pathway during stimulation of the forelimbs. These regions were identified by warping a digitized rat brain atlas to each set of images. Data analysis was constrained to four major areas of the somatosensory pathway: primary and secondary somatosensory cortices, thalamus, and cerebellum. Incidence maps were generated. Electrical stimulation at 3 Hz led to significant activation in the primary sensory cortex in all rats. Activation in the secondary sensory cortex and cerebellum was observed in 70% of the studies, while thalamic activation was observed in 40%. The amplitude of activation was measured for each area, and average response time courses were calculated. Finally, the frequency dependence of the response to forepaw stimulation was measured in each of the activated areas. Optimal activation occurred in all areas at 3 Hz. These results demonstrate that whole-brain fMRI can be performed on rodents at 11.7 T to probe a well-defined neural network. Magn Reson Med 52: 89 –99, 2004. Published 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc. †
Evidence for Asphericity in a Subluminous Type Ia Supernova: Spectropolarimetry of SN 1999by

We present polarization spectra near maximum light for the strongly subluminous Type Ia supernova SN 1999by that show that the supernova is intrinsically polarized. SN 1999by has an observed, overall level of polarization of ≈0.3%-0.8%, a rise of the polarization P redward of 6500 A, and a change in polarization across the Si II λ6150 feature of about 0.4%. The presentation of the polarization at different wavelengths in the Q-U plane is shown to be a powerful tool to determine the overall geometry and the interstellar component. The distribution of points with wavelength using this empirical Q-U plane method reveals that SN 1999by has a well-defined axis of symmetry and suggests an interstellar polarization (ISP) vector with PISP = 0.3% and position angle Θ = 150° with an error circle in the Q-U plane of radius about 0.1%. Synthetic non-LTE spectra for axisymmetric configurations based on delayed-detonation models have been computed assuming ellipsoidal geometry. The input ejecta structure and composition are based on a Chandrasekhar mass delayed-detonation model. The parameters of the explosion are chosen to reproduce the time evolution of IR spectra of SN 1999by without further adjustments. Spherical models are then mapped onto ellipsoidal geometries and the axis ratio, viewing angle, and ISP adjusted to provide the best agreement with the polarization spectra. Both flux and polarization spectra can be reasonably well reproduced by models with an asphericity of ≈20% observed equator-on. The general properties of the polarization can be understood as a consequence of the structure of subluminous models. Best fits are obtained for the theoretical models with PISP = 0.25% and Θ = 140°, consistent with the empirical method. We discuss our results for this subluminous Type Ia in the context of "normally bright" Type Ia supernovae. For normally bright Type Ia, the photosphere is near the inner iron-rich layers at maximum light and the ubiquitous iron lines give a rapid variation to the model polarization spectra. In subluminous models, the photosphere near maximum is in the silicon layers with fewer lines and a smoother overall polarization spectrum, as observed for SN 1999by. Though data are sparse, the low upper limits for polarization determined for many normal events in contrast to the high polarization in SN 1999by may suggest a relation between the asymmetry we observed and the mechanism that produces a subluminous Type Ia. Among various mechanisms, rapid rotation of the progenitor white dwarf and/or an explosion during a binary white dwarf merger process are likely candidates to explain the asphericity in SN 1999by.
Supercritical carbon dioxide explosion as a pretreatment for cellulose hydrolysis

Cellulosic material Avicel was treated with supercritical carbon dioxide to increase the reactivity of cellulose, thereby to enhance the rate and the extent of cellulose hydrolysis. Upon an explosive release of the carbon dioxide pressure, the disruption of the cellulosic structure increases the accessible surface area of the cellulosic substrate to enzymatic hydrolysis. This explosion pretreatment enhances the rate of the Avicel hydrolysis as well as increases glucose yield by as much as 50%.
Carbonyls in oxidizing fat. VII. A comparison of methods of isolating monocarbonyl compounds

Comparison of quantitative methods for the isolation of aldehydes from lard oxidized at 23C showed an extreme sensitivity of precursors to isolation conditions. Differences existed in the quantity and class compositions of the monocarbonyl compounds isolated. Acid conditions caused considerable breakdown of alkanal and alk-2-enal precursors. Steam distillation (100C) released alkanals, alk-2-enals, and alk-2,4-dienals. The mild Girard T method apparently produced a small amt of alk-2-enals from precursors, but except in the initial stages isolated the lowest amounts of aldehydes. Complete evaluation of the method for isolation of free aldehydes was not possible because alkanals were released from precursors during the vacuum distillation procedure (50C). The Schwartz (dilute phosphoric acid), Girard T, and vacuum distillation methods isolated similar amounts of alk-2,4-dienals. Curious changes in relationships, possibly indicative of oxidation stages, were observed as autoxidation progressed.
Optimal patterning of heterogeneous surface charge for improved electrokinetic micromixing

Abstract Micromixing is a key step in realizing fast analysis time in many bio-chemical, biological and detection applications of lab-on-a-chip (LOC) devices. The conventional T-mixer design requires longer channel lengths and times to achieve complete mixing owing to its dependence on transverse diffusion. As the surface properties of the microchannel govern the electro-osmotic flow characteristics, surface heterogeneity (non-uniform zeta potentials) can be exploited to generate vortices or specific flow structures to improve the mixing performance. Previous studies have shown that localized circulations or non-axial flow induced due to the presence of heterogeneity augment micromixing performance. However, the effect of heterogeneous charge patterns on mixing performance has not been studied systematically. In this computational study, a binary numerical optimization problem is formulated to achieve best mixing performance by identifying the optimal heterogeneous charge pattern. The resulting optimal design generates the most favorable transverse flow structure to provide optimal mixing performance. Various other configurations (staggered, herringbone, etc.) are examined over a range of operating conditions. The optimal design is found to be superior for all operating conditions with over 3-fold improvement in mixing performance with respect to homogeneous T-mixer.
The Cdc42p GTPase is involved in a G2/M morphogenetic checkpoint regulating the apical-isotropic switch and nuclear division in yeast.

The Cdc42p GTPase is involved in the signal transduction cascades controlling bud emergence and polarized cell growth in S. cerevisiae. Cells expressing thecdc42 V44A effector domain mutant allele displayed morphological defects of highly elongated and multielongated budded cells indicative of a defect in the apical-isotropic switch in bud growth. In addition, these cells contained one, two, or multiple nuclei indicative of a G2/M delay in nuclear division and also a defect in cytokinesis and/or cell separation. Actin and chitin were delocalized, and septin ring structure was aberrant and partially delocalized to the tips of elongated cdc42 V44Acells; however, Cdc42V44Ap localization was normal. Two-hybrid protein analyses showed that the V44A mutation interfered with Cdc42p's interactions with Cla4p, a p21(Cdc42/Rac)-activated kinase (PAK)-like kinase, and the novel effectors Gic1p and Gic2p, but not with the Ste20p or Skm1p PAK-like kinases, the Bni1p formin, or the Iqg1p IQGAP homolog. Furthermore, the cdc42 V44A morphological defects were suppressed by deletion of the Swe1p cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitory kinase and by overexpression of Cla4p, Ste20p, the Cdc12 septin protein, or the guanine nucleotide exchange factor Cdc24p. In sum, these results suggest that proper Cdc42p function is essential for timely progression through the apical-isotropic switch and G2/M transition and that Cdc42V44Ap differentially interacts with a number of effectors and regulators.
iTree: Exploring time-varying data using indexable tree

Significant advances have been made in time-varying data analysis and visualization, mainly in improving our ability to identify temporal trends and classify the underlying data. However, the ability to perform cost-effective data querying and indexing is often not incorporated, which posts a serious limitation as the size of time-varying data continue to grow. In this paper, we present a new approach that unifies data compacting, indexing and classification into a single framework. We achieve this by transforming the time-activity curve representation of a time-varying data set into a hierarchical symbolic representation. We further build an indexable version of the data hierarchy, from which we create the iTree for visual representation of the time-varying data. A hyperbolic layout algorithm is employed to draw the iTree with a large number of nodes and provide focus+context visualization for interaction. We achieve effective querying, searching and tracking of time-varying data sets by enabling multiple coordinated views consisting of the iTree, the symbolic view and the spatial view.
A method to account for variation of average compressor inlet pressure during instantaneous distortion analyses

Instantaneous distortion analyses compare a time-varying value of an index (or 'surge margin used up') with a critical level (or 'available surge margin' of the compressor) to determine inlet-engine compatibility. Unless freestream conditions or propulsion system controls are changing, it is generally assumed that the available surge margin of the compressor is accurately determined from the steady-state operating point. Results are presented which show that variations of average compressor inlet pressure may occur without changes in freestream conditions or propulsion system controls. The volume dynamics of the compressor will cause these pressure variations to be attenuated and delayed by the time they reach the exit. This will cause the compressor pressure ratio (and available surge margin) to vary with time. A method is presented to calculate the available surge margin as a function of time and incorporate it into an instantaneous distortion analysis. Results show that inlet pressure variations which cause only a small change at the compressor exit can cause a significant variation in the available surge margin.
Phenylalanine deaminase in plant parasitic nematodes.

Conversion of phenylalanine-1-C14 to phenylpyruvic acid-1-C14 was demonstrated with homogenates of Tylenchus agricola and Pratylenchus penetrans, giving the first evidence of a deamination system in plant parasitic nematodes. A commercially prepared paper strip, designed to test for the presence of phenylalanine deaminase in bacteria, was also utilized and found to be useful as a rapid method for identification of this enzyme in nematode homogenates.
A NOVEL GENE DELETION ASSOCIATED WITH XERODERMA PIGMENTOSUM AND TYPE IA GROWTH HORMONE DEFICIENCY. 611

A 15 year old Chilean male, the product of a consanguineous uncle-niece marriage, has type IA GH deficiency and xeroderma pigmentosum (XP), both rare autosomal recessive disorders. Type IA growth hormone (GH) deficiency which is due to a 6.7 or 7.6 kb GH gene deletion is associated with production of antibodies in response to growth hormone therapy. XP causes freckling, xerosis and a variety of skin cancers. The underlying defect is abnormal DNA repair. Eight complementation groups A through G exist for XP. The chromosomal location of most of these genes has been identified (except for the `variant' type). None of these genes are known to map to the the GH locus on chromosome 17q22-q24. The XP in our patient is associated with skin freckling, actinic keratosis and basal cell carcinoma of the face. Fibroblast DNA repair studies following exposure to mitomycin C and ultraviolet C are compatible with`variant' XP. Molecular studies of the growth hormone gene locus show a novel deletion extending 5′ from the GH gene cluster and including the GH gene. GH deficiency and XP appear to be co-segregating in this family. One male sibling with GH deficiency died at the age of 4 years. He was not old enough to have developed XP and none of the remaining 6 brothers have GH deficiency or XP. We postulate that the unique gene deletion causing GH deficiency in this family, is also the location of a previously unmapped`variant' XP gene.
Increased intracellular pH is not necessary for ribosomal protein S6 phosphorylation, increased protein synthesis, or germinal vesicle breakdown in Xenopus oocytes

An increase in intracellular pH (pHi) and ribosomal protein S6 phosphorylation during Xenopus oocyte maturation has been reported by several laboratories. In this paper, the question of whether the pHi increase is necessary to induce S6 phosphorylation, an increase in protein synthesis, or germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) was assessed using sodium-free medium and the putative NaH exchange blocker amiloride. Sodium-free medium decreased basal pHi by 0.3 unit and prevented increases in pHi in response to both insulin and progesterone, but S6 phosphorylation occurred normally with both hormones. GVBD occurred normally in sodium-free medium in response to progesterone, but the effect of insulin was reduced by 60%. In sodium-containing medium, amiloride inhibited GVBD and prevented insulin or progesterone-induced increases in pHi but the hormone-induced increase in S6 phosphorylation was unaffected. In the absence of sodium, amiloride inhibited GVBD but did not affect pHi, indicating that amiloride inhibits GVBD by a pHi-independent mechanism. Both progesterone and insulin increased protein synthesis in oocytes by 35%, and amiloride inhibited basal protein synthesis but not the increase with hormone. In the presence of cholera toxin, protein synthesis increases with insulin were inhibited but increased S6 phosphorylation was unaffected. Priming of animals with pregnant mare's serum gonadotropin prior to oocyte isolation reduced the time required for progesterone-induced GVBD, and increased the synchrony of GVBD of the oocyte population. Priming also increased oocyte basal pHi and basal protein synthesis as well as the magnitude of the increase in protein synthesis with progesterone but had no effect on S6 phosphorylation. The results indicate that in Xenopus oocytes increased pHi is not necessary for increased S6 phosphorylation, increased protein synthesis, or GVBD in response to insulin or progesterone nor is increased S6 phosphorylation sufficient for GVBD or increased protein synthesis.
Identification of c-Src tyrosine kinase substrates in platelet-derived growth factor receptor signaling

Abstract c-Src non-receptor tyrosine kinase is an important component of the platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) receptor signaling pathway. c-Src has been shown to mediate the mitogenic response to PDGF in fibroblasts. However, the exact components of PDGF receptor signaling pathway mediated by c-Src remain unclear. Here, we used stable isotope labeling with amino acids in cell culture (SILAC) coupled with mass spectrometry to identify Src-family kinase substrates involved in PDGF signaling. Using SILAC, we were able to detect changes in tyrosine phosphorylation patterns of 43 potential c-Src kinase substrates in PDGF receptor signaling. This included 23 known c-Src kinase substrates, of which 16 proteins have known roles in PDGF signaling while the remaining 7 proteins have not previously been implicated in PDGF receptor signaling. Importantly, our analysis also led to identification of 20 novel Src-family kinase substrates, of which 5 proteins were previously reported as PDGF receptor signaling pathway intermediates while the remaining 15 proteins represent novel signaling intermediates in PDGF receptor signaling. In validation experiments, we demonstrated that PDGF indeed induced the phosphorylation of a subset of candidate Src-family kinase substrates – Calpain 2, Eps15 and Trim28 – in a c-Src-dependent fashion.
Pereormance analysis of slotted ALOHA for land mobile satellite networks

The ALOHA protocol has been proposed for accessing reservation channels in demand-assigned channel access protocols for land mobile satellite communications networks. This paper provides a rigorous performance analysis of both the slotted ALOHA protocol and two-packet replication ALOHA protocol taking into account the effects of the fading multipath communications environment. Throughput, delay and stability of these two protocols are determined using a Gilbert channel error model with memory. Comparison of slotted ALOHA and two-packet replication ALOHA shows that a smaller average delay can be achieved by replication. Moreover average throughput is improved in some cases. However replication reduces stability.
Methods of conjugate directions versus quasi-Newton methods

It is shown that algorithms for minimizing an unconstrained functionF(x), x ∈ En, which are solely methods of conjugate directions can be expected to exhibit only ann or (n−1) step superlinear rate of convergence to an isolated local minimizer. This is contrasted with quasi-Newton methods which can be expected to exhibit every step superlinear convergence. Similar statements about a quadratic rate of convergence hold when a Lipschitz condition is placed on the second derivatives ofF(x).
Interactions between large macro models and time series analysis

Building large models, with little dynamics, was long considered to be an alternative to small dimensional time series models involving many lags. The advantages of one modelling methodology are compared to others; such as the size of the model, the use of economic theory, and simultaneity in specification. The question of how to evaluate the possible relative advantages of these alternatives is discussed. The conclusion is that in the future, time series models have to become larger, that is, involve more variables and that some lessons can be learnt from the construction of current large econometric models. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Kinematic analysis of workpart fixturing for flexible assembly with automatically reconfigurable fixtures

The basic concept of an adaptable fixturing system and its hardware implementation are described. The system employs reconfigurable fixture elements that are used to locate and hold various workparts for assembly. The fixture configuration can be changed automatically depending upon the workpart geometry and the assembly operations required. Analytic tools are developed for designing fixture layouts. Kinematic modeling, analysis, and characterization of workpart fixturing are presented. The condition for a fixture layout to locate a given workpart uniquely at a desired location is derived. Desirable fixture layout characteristics are obtained for loading and unloading the workpart successfully despite errors in workpart manipulation. The fixturing of a plastic cover of an electrical appliance with complex shape is used as an example to verify the analytic results and for demonstrating the concept.
Effect of serum on human rosett-forming cells in fetuses and adult blood.

Abstract The action of fetal calf serum and gamma globulin-free calf serum in the rosette formation between sheep red blood cells and mononuclear cells was studied in the lymphoid tissues of 12 human fetuses and the blood of 50 adults. It was found that serum increases the number of rosette-forming cells (RFC) in the fetal thymus, spleen, and blood, and in the adult blood. In contrast, rosette formation was decreased or abolished in fetal bone marrow. In one fetus studied, the bone marrow RFC showed phagocytic activity while in the other lymphoid tissues the RFC did not possess such activity. RFC from adult blood were not able to ingest carbon particles. Some normal subjects were followed during several months for their blood RFC performed in presence of serum; no important variation was noted. Therefore, the use of serum appears to be a valuable tool for studying thymus-derived cells.
A Multiple-Frame Pel-Recursive Wiener-Based Displacement Estimation Algorithm

In this paper, a multiple frame formulation of the pel-recursive Wiener-based displacement estimation algorithm [1] is presented. The derivation of the algorithm is based on the assumption that both the so-called update of the initial estimate of the displacement vector and the linearization error are samples of stochastic processes. A linear least-squares estimate of the update of the initial estimate of the displacement vector from the previous frame to the current is provided, based on w observations in a causal window W of each of the v previous frames. The sensitivity of the pel-recursive algorithms in the areas where occlusion occurs is studied and their performance is improved with adaptive regularization of the inverse problem that is involved. Based on our experiments with typical video-conferencing scenes, we concluded that the multiple frame Wiener-based algorithm performs better than the two-frame Wiener-based pel-recursive algorithm with respect to robustness, stability, and smoothness of the velocity field.
Potential competition for biomass between biopower and biofuel under RPS and RFS2.

Abstract Driven by Renewable Portfolio Standards and Renewable Fuel Standard, biopower generation and biofuel production will increasingly compete for the same biomass resource over the next two decades. We use a linear programming model to study this competition as well as other interactions between the two policies. Our model describes the U.S. renewable energy portfolio by explicitly accounting for all major renewable energy resources, unique resource availability and policy requirements in all 50 states and Washington, DC, and policy deadlines set by all RPS and RFS2 policies within a 2013–2035 modeling horizon. Our modeling results were used to address five important questions regarding interactions between RPS and RFS2 and the impact on U.S. renewable energy portfolio.
The granuloma in tuberculosis--friend or foe?

Contrary to prevailing wisdom, the tubercular granuloma may facilitate, rather than contain, the spread of infection by Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
The origin of alkanes found in human skin surface lipids

Lipids extracted from human skin contain variable amounts of paraffin hydrocarbons. Although the composition of these alkanes strongly resembles petroleum waxes, it has been proposed that they are biosynthetic products of human skin. To investigate this question, skin surface lipids from 15 normal subjects were analyzed for the amount and composition of alkanes, using quantitative thin-layer chromatography and quarts capillary gas chromatography. The alkanes were found to constitute 0.5% to 1.7% of the skin lipids. Subjects differed greatly in the chain length distribution of their alkanes between 15 and 35 carbon atoms, and in the relative amounts of normal alkanes (like those in petroleum waxes) and branched chain alkanes (like those in petroleum lubricating oils). In 6 subjects, the alkane content of cerumen from each ear was examined to investigate whether alkanes arrive at the skin surface by a systemic route or by direct contract with environmental surfaces. No trace of alkanes was found in 11 of the 12 cerumen samples. Using a tandem accelerator mass spectrometer for carbon-14 dating, a combined sample of the skin surface alkanes was found to have a theoretical age of 30,950 years, similar to that of a sample of petrolatum. These analyses indicate that the alkanes found on the surface of human skin are mixtures of a variety of petroleum distillation fractions that are acquired by direct contamination from the environment.
Online Optimization through Preprocessing for Multi-stage Production Decision Guidance Queries

We consider optimization problems expressed in Decision Guidance Query Language that may involve linear arithmetic constraints, as well as finite domain and binary variables, and focus on a class of Multi-Stage Production problems in which only a part of the problem is dynamic, i.e., the demand for the output product in a manufacturing process, whereas the rest of the problem is static, i.e., the connectivity graph of the assembly processes and the cost functions of machines. We propose the online-decomposition algorithm (ODA) based on offline preprocessing that optimizes each static problem component for discretized values of shared constraint variables, and approximate the optimal aggregated utility functions. ODA uses the pre-processed approximated aggregated cost functions to decompose the original problem into smaller problems, and utilizes search heuristics for the combinatorial part of the problem based on the pre-processed look-up tables. We also conduct an initial experimental evaluation which shows that ODA, as compared with MILP, provides an order of magnitude improvement in terms of both computational time and the quality of found solutions for a class of problems for which preprocessing is possible.
Achaete-scute homolog 1 expression closely correlates with endocrine phenotype and degree of differentiation in sinonasal neuroendocrine tumors

Primary sinonasal tumors with neuroendocrine differentiation (STNDs) are uncommon, with overlapping histology. According to the amount of neuroendocrine component, they can be subcategorized into esthesioneuroblastoma, high-grade sinonasal neuroendocrine carcinoma/small cell carcinoma, and sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma. Achaete-scute homolog 1 (ASH1) is a master gene for neuroendocrine differentiation and is expressed in fetal and adult neuroendocrine tissues. Expression of ASH1 protein may be a useful marker for cancers with neuroendocrine features. The aim of this study was to compare and assess the value of ASH1 protein expression/levels in STND. We reviewed the morphological features and performed immunohistochemical analyses for ASH1 in 30 samples of surgically resected cancers with neuroendocrine differentiation from our institution. Achaete-scute homolog 1 was found to be expressed in STND, indicating that it is instrumental in the development of a subset of neurons and neuroendocrine cells and plays a key role in regulating neuroendocrine differentiation in tumor cells. Achaete-scute homolog 1 levels were associated with the degree of STND tumor differentiation (high-grade tumors show increased expression of this protein), correlating well with studies indicating that expression of ASH1 appears to be restricted to immature cells.
Thermal stability and degradation of aromatic polyamides. Part 2. Structure-reactivity relationships in the pyrolysis and hydrolysis of benzamides

Abstract An experimental study to determine the effect of ring and nitrogen substitution on the rate and product distribution of the pyrolytic and hydrolytic degradation of polyamides was carried out. Two families of benzamides were chosen as models of the amide functionality obtained from the reaction of an aromatic acid and an aliphatic amine. The first family included benzamide and other primary amides with ring substituents. The second family comprised secondary or tertiary amides. The benzamides were reacted in an inert argon atmosphere and in the presence of added water at 350°C. The influence of nitrogen substitution was dramatic; the rate of disappearance of the primary amides was an order of magnitude faster than that for secondary or tertiary amides. The major products formed from primary amides were the corresponding benzonitrile and benzoic acid, which was a secondary product of pyrolysis and a primary product of hydrolysis. Pyrolysis of secondary and tertiary benzamides led to the corresponding lesser-substituted benzamide. A combination of a free radical and a concerted mechanism was proposed that accounted for the conversion and product selectivities for both families of benzamides. A nonspecific free radical mechanism with short chain length combined with a [1,3] sigmatropic shift and subsequent fission described the reaction of primary benzamides and methyl substituted benzamides that lacked a β CH. The higher selectivity to benzamide and benzonitrile for benzamides witha β CH suggested β-carbon directed chemistry. Appliction of a free radical mechanism with nonzero chain length afforded benzamide and benzonitrile, but failed to account for the observed product selectivities. A concerted reaction mechanism with a six-membered cyclic transition state led to high selectivity of benzamide and benzonitrile.
New developments in obesity

Abstract Obesity is an important health problem. Worldwide epidemiological data show that its frequency is rising steeply, probably because of a reduction in physical activity and bad eating habits. Health risks are most prominent in the central type of obesity, due to the relatively increased lipolytic activity, which leads to a series of events. The overall results of treatment are not satisfactory. Drugs, such as orlistat, fluoxetine, and ephedrine/caffeine, may be useful. The first results with leptin treatment are encouraging, but not yet optimal. Research on various neuropeptides and β3-agonists is promising. Prevention of obesity is extremely important but difficult.
The Effect of Claw and Beak Reduction on Growth Parameters and Fearfulness of Two Leghorn Strains

Commercial equipment used by the turkey industry at hatch sterilizes the germinal tissue of the claw with microwave energy and the beak tissue with infrared energy. This effectively trims the claws and beaks of the birds. Two strains of Leghorn chicks (1,200 each strain) were utilized to test this technique on chickens. Half were subjected to the claw reduction (RC) technique at hatch, and half retained intact claws (IC). The beaks of one-third of the birds in the claw treatments were reduced (BT) at hatch using the infrared technique, one-third were precision trimmed at 7 d, and one-third were not trimmed (IB). Body weight, weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion, mortality, and fearfulness were measured. Rearing followed standard commercial feeding and husbandry procedures. The RC birds had significantly lower BW, except from 3 to 6 wk, and had significantly lower feed consumption from 8 to 18 wk. The 1 d BT birds experienced significantly lower BW from 3 to 14 wk and ate less total feed by 4 wk. Mortality was less than 2.1% for all treatments. From 6 to 8 wk, fearfulness score (a subjective scale of 1 to 10) peaked at 8 to 10 for IC birds and 3 to 4 for RC birds. By 16 to 18 wk, fearfulness score subsided to 2 to 3 for RC and 6 to 8 for IC. Beak trimming and reduction of claw growth at hatch allowed pullets to be grown to sexual maturity on less feed and with a lower level of observed fearfulness using standard husbandry practices.
Gas chromatographic determination of methamphetamine and its metabolite amphetamine in human plasma and urine following conversion to N-propyl derivatives

A gas chromatographic method for the simultaneous determination of methamphetamine and its metabolite amphetamine in human plasma and urine is described. The method utilizes reductive alkylation with propionaldehyde and sodium borohydride to produce N-propyl derivatives, which have excellent chromatographic properties. Structural analogs of the analytes, p-methylmethamphetamine and p-methylamphetamine, are used as internal standards. The method has good precision and accuracy for concentrations ranging from less than 10 ng/ml to 5000 ng/ml and has been used to measure plasma concentrations as part of a pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic study of methamphetamine in humans.
The dietary fatty acid 10E12Z-CLA induces epiregulin expression through COX-2 dependent PGF2α synthesis in adipocytes

Abstract Conjugated linoleic acids (CLAs) are a group of dietary fatty acids that are widely marketed as weight loss supplements. The isomer responsible for this effect is the trans -10, cis -12 CLA (10E12Z-CLA) isomer. 10E12Z-CLA treatment during differentiation of 3T3-L1 adipocytes induces expression of prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase-2 (Cyclooxygenase-2; COX-2). This work demonstrates that COX-2 is also induced in fully differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes after a single treatment of 10E12Z-CLA at both the mRNA (20–40 fold) and protein level (7 fold). Furthermore, prostaglandin (PG)F 2α , but not PGE 2 , is significantly increased 10 fold. In female BALB/c mice fed 0.5% 10E12Z-CLA for 10 days, COX-2 was induced in uterine adipose (2 fold). In vitro , pharmacological COX-2 inhibition did not block the effect of 10E12Z-CLA on adipocyte-specific gene expression although PGF 2α was dose-dependently decreased. These studies demonstrate that PGF 2α was not by itself responsible for the reduction in adipocyte character due to 10E12Z-CLA treatment. However, PGF 2α , either exogenously or endogenously in response to 10E12Z-CLA, increased the expression of the potent mitogen and epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor (EGFR) ligand epiregulin in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Blocking PGF 2α signaling with the PGF 2α receptor (FP) antagonist AL-8810 returned epiregulin mRNA levels back to baseline. Although this pathway is not directly responsible for adipocyte dependent gene expression, these results suggest that this signaling pathway may still have broad effect on the adipocyte and surrounding cells.
Respiratory Tract Deposition of Ultrafine Particles in Subjects with Obstructive or Restrictive Lung Disease

To evaluate the effects of lung disease on deposition of inhaled ultrafine particles (less than 0.1 micron diameter), we measured total respiratory tract deposition of nonhygroscopic particles of 0.02 to 0.24 micron in five subjects with obstructive lung disease and three subjects with restrictive lung disease and compared it with that in ten normal subjects. Deposition was measured as concentration difference of five size fractions in inhaled and exhaled air using an electrical aerosol analyzer. The data showed that deposition of these ultrafine particles was increased in subjects with obstructive lung disease when compared with normal subjects, while it was unchanged in subjects with restrictive lung disease. The increase in deposition in the subjects with obstructive lung disease was significant for particle sizes 0.04 to 0.24 micron. Possible mechanisms for increased deposition in airway obstruction include increased transit time of particles, abnormal expiratory collapse of airways due to flow limitation, and flow perturbations resulting from decreased airway caliber.