cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Development of {110}〈001〉 annealing texture in Al-free and 0.1 %Mn-added 3 %Si-Fe alloy strips containing 95 ppm sulfur

The solubility of sulfur is calculated in 0.1 %Mn-added 3 %Si-Fe alloys. The segregation kinetics of sulfur is compared in the alloy containing 95 ppm sulfur, depending on the annealing atmosphere. The effects of pre-annealing and annealing atmosphere on final annealing texture are investigated. Segregation behaviors of sulfur at free surfaces and grain boundaries are compared and, during the selective growth, the importance of the grain boundary concentration of sulfur is emphasized. Finally, a correlation between the development of the annealing texture and segregation kinetics of sulfur in the alloy strip is discussed.
Homogeneous catalytic hydrogenation of soybean oil: palladium acetylacetonate

Soybean oil was hydrogenated with palladium acetylacetonate at 60–170 C, 150 psi hydrogen and 1–60 ppm palladium. The best linolenate selectivity (KLe/KLo=3.5−3.7) was found at 80–120 C. At 120 C palladium acetylacetonate hydrogenated faster than the heterogeneous Pd-on-carbon catalyst.Trans isomerization with the homogeneous catalyst was much higher compared to Pd-on-carbon catalyst. The low activity of the palladium complex at low temperatures was improved with the addition of triethylaluminum. Among other metal acetylacetonates tested only nickel and chromium were mildly active, whereas cobalt and copper were devoid of catalyst activity.
Causes and consequences of the lack of strategic foresight in the decisions of multinational enterprises to enter China

Abstract Strategic foresight, in the sense of ‘understanding the future’ [R.A. Slaughter. Futures studies as an intellectual and applied discipline. American Behavioral Scientist 42(3) (1998) 372–385; A.N. Whitehead. Modes of Thought. Free Press, New York, 1966], can play a significant role in the long term success, or failure, of business corporations. However, in understanding the development and management of strategic foresight within business enterprises, instances where lack of foresight was exhibited, can be equally instructive, especially when these business organizations are some of the world’s largest multinational corporations and they are faced with a situation they had met before: new market entry. By drawing on 42 in depth interviews, conducted by one of the authors with executives from Multinational Enterprises (MNEs) currently operating in China, this paper identifies the causes and consequences in the lack of foresight exhibited by many MNEs in their China-market entry strategies. In this way the foresight failure is distilled into two factors: Failure of understanding, and Failure of anticipation.
53 2D to 3D: interaction frequency maps to chromatin higher-order folded conformations

Chromatin is a fiber of histone proteins and DNA present in the nuclei of eukaryotic cells. The higher-order folding of chromatin into chromosomes, which affects various genomic processes ranging from transcription to recombination, has so far remained elusive. Recently, sophisticated experimental techniques, known as chromosome conformation capture, have been developed to measure the frequencies of interaction between different DNA segments within and across chromosomes (Dekker et al., 2002; Lieberman-Aiden et al., 2009). Such interaction frequencies (IFs) can in principle be used to deduce higher-order folding of the chromatin fiber, though this is a highly challenging computational problem. Here, we present novel computational approach to recover the ensemble of chromatin conformations consistent with a set of given IF measurements (Meluzzi & Arya, 2012). Our approach comprises three modules. A model builder builds a restrained bead-chain model of the examined chromosomal domain, capturing both the phy...
Doppler echocardiographic evaluation of patients with porcine mitral valves

The application of Doppler echocardiography to the study of valvular function has recently been extended to include prosthetic valves. We have used Doppler echocardiography to evaluate 40 patients with porcine mitral valves (PMV) implanted 0.5 to 99 months prior to examination. Three parameters of PMV flow were assessed: maximum diastolic left ventricular inflow velocity (Vmax), pressure half-time (P1/2t), and presence or absence of mitral regurgitation (MR). Normally functioning PMV (n = 29) were characterized by Vmax less than or equal to 180 cm/sec and P1/2t less than or equal to 160 msec. Within this group, P1/2t was not correlated significantly with the age of the patient nor with prosthesis size. Doppler correctly identified all 10 patients with MR. Among these 10 patients, Vmax was 206 +/- 53 cm/sec, significantly higher than the mean observed in normally functioning prostheses (136 +/- 24 cm/sec, p less than 0.001). In eight patients with stenosis of the PMV, mean P1/2t was 220 +/- 63 msec, and in seven of eight, it was greater than or equal to 180 msec (p less than 0.001 compared to normals). We conclude that: (1) Vmax less than or equal to 180 cm/sec, P1/2t less than or equal to 160 msec, and absence of systolic turbulence in the left atrium characterize normally functioning PMV; (2) P1/2t greater than or equal to 180 msec identifies patients with stenosis of the PMV; and (3) Doppler echocardiography can detect MR and separate mitral from tricuspid regurgitation.
On nonaxisymmetric entry flow at very low Reynolds numbers

The eigensolution of nonaxisymmetric entry flow of a Newtonian viscous fluid with very small Reynolds number in a semiinfinite rigid circular pipe is obtained. Leading eigenvalues are computed for steady flow and two periodic cases. The result shows that the entry length for nonaxisymmetric flows should be longer than the entry length for axisymmetric flows.
SDI the second time around

Abstract Current technologies could support the deployment of strategic defences that are effective, affordable and stabilizing. With recent developments in space-based interceptors, in particular, it no longer seems to be a question of whether the technologies could be deployed, but whether one wants to deploy them. Missile attacks could not yet be rendered ineffective, but this goal can be approached in stages. The author examines the range of limited applications and describes the financial and technological demands posed by each.
Extending critical bandwidth allocation techniques for stored video delivery across best-effort networks

In this paper, we propose two new techniques for the delivery of compressed prerecorded video streams across best-effort networks like the Internet. Current approaches for the delivery of stored video across best-effort networks typically alter the quality of the video frames, the frame rate delivered to the user, or a combination of both. By using network feedback, these algorithms continually adjust the video quality to fit within the available network resources. These approaches, however, do not take advantage of the a priori information available from stored video streams, namely the frame sizes that the movie consists of. We will show how monitoring the a priori information and actively monitoring a client-side buffer can help smooth the video frame rate delivered to the user, providing a more consistent quality of video. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bupropion and desipramine increase dopamine transporter mRNA expression in the ventral tegmental area/substantia nigra of rat brain.

Abstract 1. 1. Regulation of dopamine transporter (DAT) mRNA was studied in rats treated with the DAT blocker bupropion (BUP; 15 or 30 mg/kg tid × 2d), the norepinephrine transporter blocker desipramine (DMI; 10 mg/kg/d × 2d), or saline. 2. 2. mRNA expression was assessed via in situ hybridization histochemistry. 3. 3. BUP and DMI both increased DAT mRNA expression in the ventral tegmental area/substantia nigra. 4. 4. These findings suggest that DAT mRNA expression in the brain may be regulated by both noradrenergic and dopaminergic mechanisms.
Ammonium assimilation in an Arthrobacter sp. “fluorescens”

Ammonium assimilation was studied in a nitrogenfixing Arthrobacter strain grown in both batch and ammonium-limited continuous cultures. Arthrobacter sp. “fluorescens” grown in nitrogen-free medium or at low ammonium levels assimilated NH4+via the glutamine synthetase/glutamate synthase pathway. When ammonium was in excess it was assimilated via the alanine dehydrogenase pathway. Very low levels of glutamate dehydrogenase were found, irrespective of growth conditions.
The course of some prefrontal corticofugals to the pallidum, substantia innominata, and amygdaloid complex in monkeys

Abstract Fiber degeneration resulting from medial prefrontal ablations in rhesus and squirrel monkeys was followed through a previously unrecognized trajectory. Degenerating fibers were traced caudally in a path ventromedial to the caudate nucleus. The majority entered and followed the stria terminalis and at midthalamic levels, left this bundle, descended vertically through the dorsolateral internal capsule, and entered the external and internal laminae of the globus pallidus. Some of these fibers turned medially to traverse the dorsal region of both lateral and medial pallidal segments, whereas the majority coursed ventrally into the substantia innominata and amygdaloid complex. Debris suggestive of preterminal degeneration was present in the pallidum, nucleus basalic, lateral hypothalamus, and amygdaloid nuclei. The presence of prefrontal fibers in the pallidal region indicates that previous degenerative studies of pallidal efferents, following lesions in this region, may require reconsideration.
Plastic deformation of polyethylene—iii mechanical properties and morphology of drawn low density polyethylene

Abstract Morphological and mechanical changes during drawing of polyethylene of low density (highly branched Lupolen of relatively high molecular weight and linear ACX of extremely high molecular weight) were studied by small angle X-ray scattering, observation of true stress-strain curves, crystallinity determination from density and calorimetric investigation of the debris after fuming nitric acid treatment. The low density of the samples is partly caused by branching and partly by high molecular weight. Both effects interfere with crystallization. The SAXS shows the formation of a two point pattern, which turns into a four point diagram at higher draw ratio. The long period decreases to a constant new long period independent of the thermal treatment of the original film. The crystallinity of annealed film drops during drawing to a value similar to that of the quenched material. All these facts are good evidence for microfibril formation as was already found in high density PE. The true stress-strain curves of the two PE types investigated yield a single master curve by multiplying the stress by a proper constant factor which, we believe, measures the ratio of intercrystalline link density of the two samples. But the curves differ significantly from those of high density PE. We believe that the differences are caused by the large differences in crystallinity and in the number of intercrystalline links. In particular, the large number of links increasing with molecular weight could be the cause for the low extensibility of polyethylene samples of low density compared to that of high density PE. The true stress-strain curves allow calculation of the work necessary for deformation of the volume element. This differential work density seems to be composed of two components: one, decreasing with higher draw ratio, is the work necessary for destruction of the original microspherulitic structure and formation of microfibrils; the other, increasing with draw ratio, contains the work for further deformation of the fibre structure by sliding motion of the microfibrils.
Tritylated oncolytics as prodrugs

Abstract A series of tritylated difluorodeoxynucleosides represent novel prodrugs in which there exists a predictable correlation between the electronic nature of the aromatic substituents on the trityl moiety and the acid mediated dissociation to free drug in ex vivo, in vitro and in vivo systems.
Microgravity Combustion of Thermite Mixtures for Welding in Space and for Production of Structural Materials from Lunar Regolith

Fabricating and repairing techniques based on combustion of thermite mixtures are of great interest for space applications due to low energy consumption and self-sustained behavior of the involved chemical reactions. Two such techniques investigated in the present paper are exothermic welding and combustion-based production of structural materials from lunar regolith. In both cases, the occurring combustion of thermite-type mixtures may be affected by reduced gravity. The present paper presents experimental results on the exothermic welding of copper rods and on the combustion of a lunar regolith simulant mixed with magnesium, obtained during parabolic flights of reduced gravity research aircraft.
Expression of HLA-B27 in transgenic mice is dependent on the mouse H-2D genes.

HLA-B27 transgenic mice in the context of various H-2 haplotypes were produced. A high expression of the HLA-B27 antigen was observed in mice homozygous for H-2b, H-2f, H-2s, H-2p, H-2r, and H-2k haplotypes. Mice of the H-2v haplotype expressed HLA-B27 at an intermediate level. Expression of HLA-B27 was minimal in mice of the H-2q and H-2d haplotypes. This was observed both on the B10 background and in DBA/2 or BALB/c mice. Only minimal expression of HLA-B27 could be detected in B10.PL (KuDd) or B10.RKDB (KkSkDdLb) mice, indicating that the low level of HLA-B27 expression maps to the H-2D gene or a very closely linked gene. Integration and transcription of the HLA-B27 gene does not appear to be different between high-expressing haplotypes and low-expressing haplotypes as determined by Southern and Northern blot analysis. However, expression of HLA-B27 on the cell surface correlated with the amount of HLA-B27 and beta 2M that could be immunoprecipitated with an anti-B27 antibody. Therefore, the association of the B27 heavy chain with endogenous beta 2M and subsequent expression on the cell surface are disrupted in mice with some class I H-2D genes. Possible mechanisms that might contribute to this defect in assembly, transport, and expression of class I molecules are discussed.
Elemental abundances of the B and A stars — III. Gamma Geninorum, HR 1397, HR 2154, HD 60825 and 7 Sextantis

Using ATLAS9 model atmospheres and additional spectroscopic data from the Kitt Peak coude-feed telescope obtained with a 3000-pixel-Iong CCD, camera 5, and grating A, we extend fine analyses of the B and A stars, y Gem, HD 60825 and 7 Sex. In addition, we study two moderately sharp-lined middle B stars, HR 1397 and 2154, whose elemental abundances we find to be generally within the range of values seen for superficially normal, main-sequence stars of similar temperatures.
Energy decay estimate for the boundary stabilization of the coupled wave equations

In this paper we shall study exponential stability and energy decay estimates of control problems of wave equations coupled in parallel by boundary feedback controllers. To this end, uniform decay of solutions of coupled wave equations with boundary energy dissipations in bounded regions (whose boundaries consist partly of nontrapping reflecting surfaces and partly of energy absorbing surfaces) are obtained in @?^n([email protected]?3).
Giant Cell Granulomatous Pulmonary and Myocardial Lesions in Necrobiotic Xanthogranuloma With Paraproteinemia

Objective To report three cases of pulmonary or myocardial disease (or both) and necrobiotic xanthogranuloma. Material and Methods Giant cell granulomas of the lung and myocardium were demonstrated in three patients who had pulmonary and myocardial lesions of necrobiotic xanthogranuloma in conjunction with skin lesions, leukopenia, paraproteinemia, and complement deficiencies. The patients were two men who were 47 and 64 years of age and a 39-year-old woman. Results Biopsies of skin and visceral lesions showed asteroid and cytoplasmic inclusions. B-cell lymphoid nodules were found. In one of the male patients, a major clonal T-cell receptor gene rearrangement was detected in the peripheral blood. Prednisone was ineffective in two of the patients. The other patient experienced regression of skin lesions and diminishment of a chest nodule after receiving alkylating agent therapy. Conclusion Establishing the correct diagnosis is important, and apparently it is possible to establish the nature of the myocardial and pulmonary lesions with use of appropriate scans and by biopsy. Successful treatment of necrobiotic xanthogranuloma skin lesions with corticosteroids or alkylating agents (or both) implies that evolution of serious disease that compromises the heart and lungs could be controlled.
Latency and association value as predictors of rate of verbal learning

Summary Associative latency time for 80 CVC trigrams was obtained from 40 S s. Mean associative latency and association value show a correlation, corrected for reliability, of – 0.80. From the 80 trigrams of known latency, five lists of paired associates were constructed, with 3-digit numbers as stimulus members, trigrams as response members. Eighteen different S s learned each list. The correlation of syllable latency to number of times syllables were correctly anticipated was 0.36 (low latency = frequent correct anticipation), and between association value and correct anticipations was + 0.41.
On Validating Engineering Design Decision Support Tools

In this article, an argument for validation of design-decision methods is presented. In the process of justifying the need for validation, several criteria for a valid design-decision method are introduced. These criteria represent a starting point from which the research community can continue to debate and ponder the validation issue. Under these criteria, a critical empirical investigation of two popular decision support methods, the House of Quality and Suh’s Axiomatic Design, is presented via a simple design problem and both are shown to violate some portion of the proposed definition of validity. The goal of this article is to raise awareness of potential flaws in popular design-decision aids and to promote debate on design validation within the concurrent engineering research community.
Trimethyltin disrupts N1 sensitivity, but has limited effects on the summating potential and cochlear microphonic.

Trimethyltin (TMT), a model neurotoxicant, has previously been demonstrated to disrupt auditory thresholds in laboratory subjects. In this experiment we characterized the potency of this ototoxicant by means of a dose response study and then evaluated the functional effects of TMT administration when tone-bursts were presented at supra-threshold levels. Guinea pigs were anaesthetized and prepared for electrophysiological measurement of the compound action potential (CAP) and cochlear microphonic (CM). Subsequently averaged wave forms generated by tone-bursts of 0–80 dB SPL were evaluated in order to calculate both a N1 and a summating potential (SP) input-output function. We show that TMT at doses as low as 0.2 mg/kg produce elevations in N1, but not in the CM isopotential curve. Using exposures to 0.5 mg/kg TMT we show a profound reduction in the slope of the N1 input-output curve, but no shift in the SP. The results are consistent with the hypothesis that TMT disrupts function at the synapse between the inner hair cell and the Type1 spiral ganglion cell.
Ligand separation with a copper(II)-loaded polymeric ligand exchanger

The present study characterizes a new polymeric ligand exchanger (PLE) for enhanced separation of trace anionic ligands, and investigates related interfacial chemistry. Compared to conventional anion exchangers, the PLE exhibited significantly different selectivity sequence and elution profiles, which may be utilized in enhancing selective capture of target solutes and/or chromatographic separation of anionic ligands. Experimental data indicate that the exchanger phase pH is significantly higher across the resin−solution interface caused by the Donnan co-ion exclusion effect. Intraparticle diffusion appears to be the rate-limiting step during a typical fixed-bed column run. A linear free-energy relationship (LFER) was derived and experimentally validated between the binary separation factors and the aqueous phase metal−ligand stability constants.
Time-Dependent Phase Segregation of Dendrimer/n-Alkylthiol Mixed-Monolayers on Au(111): An Atomic Force Microscopy Study

The two-dimensional phase behavior of mixed-monolayers composed of poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) dendrimers and n-alkylthiols adsorbed to Au(111) surfaces was studied using tapping mode atomic force microscopy (TM-AFM). Mixed-monolayers were prepared by sequential immersion of Au(111) substrates into ethanolic solutions of, first, dendrimers and then n-alkylthiols. Films were prepared by systematically varying the dendrimer generation (G4, G6, and G8) and the n-alkylthiol chain length (CH3(CH2)xSH; x = 4, 11, 15). TM-AFM was used to monitor time-dependent morphological changes in the mixed-monolayers. Dendrimer monolayers immersed in hexane solutions of n-alkylthiols do not phase separate to an appreciable extent, which demonstrates the important role of dendrimer solvation in these processes. In contrast to the amine-terminated dendrimer monolayers, thiol-terminated dendrimers do not phase separate when exposed to ethanolic n-alkylthiol solutions, suggesting that one of the driving forces for this process is ...
Filmless multimedia display following cardiac catheterization

In traditional cardiac catheterization laboratories, anatomic images are acquired onto 35-mm cine film and presented in series with related information days, weeks, or months later to an audience of decision-makers. These data are projected onto a convenient light-colored wall or silver screen, while echocardiograms and electrophysiologic data are displayed using small single-user computer monitors. This presentation format is not ideal, because full audience participation is not fostered, image quality may be degraded, and small computer screens can be adequataly visualized only by those individuals immediately in front of them. Modern video multimedia systems now make an ideal data presentation format practical, in which all types of media including digitally acquired angiograms can be displayed in parallel with full annotation, using large diagonal multisync color monitors. This communication discusses how to design a multimedia conference center in which remotely acquired filmless digital images can be displayed and processed together with all other pertinent cardiac multimedia to a large audience.
The interaction of a conducting object with a supersonic plasma flow: ion deflection near a negatively charged obstacle

An experimental study of the interaction of a conducting object with a flowing plasma is described. Particular attention is given to the deflection of ions in the sheath of a negatively charged body. The experiments were conducted in a double plasma device in which a relatively weak longitudinal magnetic field may also be present. For the particular conditions used in these experiments, it was found that ion deflection occurs primarily near the edge of the body. A simple physical model is discussed which accounts for the observed dependences of the convergence of ion streams on the body potential and ion beam velocity. A density rarefaction wave is also observed in the wake region, which propagates into the ambient plasma at roughly the ion acoustic Mach angle. Finally, some preliminary observations of the spatial distribution of plasma noise in the wake region are presented.
Microbial communities in acid mine drainage

The dissolution of sulfide minerals such as pyrite (FeS2), arsenopyrite (FeAsS), chalcopyrite (CuFeS2), sphalerite (ZnS), and marcasite (FeS2) yields hot, sulfuric acid-rich solutions that contain high concentrations of toxic metals. In locations where access of oxidants to sulfide mineral surfaces is increased by mining, the resulting acid mine drainage (AMD) may contaminate surrounding ecosystems. Communities of autotrophic and heterotrophic archaea and bacteria catalyze iron and sulfur oxidation, thus may ultimately determine the rate of release of metals and sulfur to the environment. AMD communities contain fewer prokaryotic lineages than many other environments. However, it is notable that at least two archaeal and eight bacterial divisions have representatives able to thrive under the extreme conditions typical of AMD. AMD communities are characterized by a very limited number of distinct species, probably due to the small number of metabolically beneficial reactions available. The metabolisms that underpin these communities include organoheterotrophy and autotrophic iron and sulfur oxidation. Other metabolic activity is based on anaerobic sulfur oxidation and ferric iron reduction. Evidence for physiological synergy in iron, sulfur, and carbon flow in these communities is reviewed. The microbial and geochemical simplicity of these systems makes them ideal targets for quantitative, genomic-based analyses of microbial ecology and evolution and community function.
Directed cell growth on protein-functionalized hydrogel surfaces

Biochemical surface modification has been used to direct cell attachment and growth on a biocompatible gel surface. Acrylamide-based hydrogels were photo-polymerized in the presence of an acroyl-streptavidin monomer to create planar, functionalized surfaces capable of binding biotin-labelled proteins. Soft protein lithography (microcontact printing) of proteins was used to transfer the biotinylated extracellular matrix proteins, fibronectin and laminin, and the laminin peptide biotin-IKVAV, onto modified surfaces. As a biological assay, we plated LRM55 astroglioma and primary rat hippocampal neurons on patterned hydrogels. We found both cell types to selectively adhere to areas patterned with biotin-conjugated proteins. Fluorescence and bright-field modes of microscopy were used to assess cell attachment and cell morphology on modified surfaces. LRM55 cells were found to attach to protein-stamped regions of the hydrogel only. Neurons exhibited significant neurite extension after 72 h in vitro, and remained viable on protein-stamped areas for more than 4 weeks. Patterned neurons developed functionally active synapses, as measured by uptake of the dye FM1-43FX. Results from this study suggest that hydrogel surfaces can be patterned with multiple proteins to direct cell growth and attachment.
Spectral linewidth preservation in parametric frequency combs seeded by dual pumps

We demonstrate new technique for generation of programmable-pitch, wideband frequency combs with low phase noise. The comb generation was achieved using cavity-less, multistage mixer driven by two tunable continuous-wave pump seeds. The approach relies on phase-correlated continuous-wave pumps in order to cancel spectral linewidth broadening inherent to parametric comb generation. Parametric combs with over 200-nm bandwidth were obtained and characterized with respect to phase noise scaling to demonstrate linewidth preservation over 100 generated tones.
Force field influences in β‐hairpin folding simulations

All-atom force fields are now routinely used for more detailed understanding of protein folding mechanisms. However, it has been pointed out that use of all-atom force fields does not guarantee more accurate representations of proteins; in fact, sometimes it even leads to biased structural distributions. Indeed, several issues remain to be solved in force field developments, such as accurate treatment of implicit solvation for efficient conformational sampling and proper treatment of backbone interactions for secondary structure propensities. In this study, we first investigate the quality of several recently improved backbone interaction schemes in AMBER for folding simulations of a β-hairpin peptide, and further study their influences on the peptide's folding mechanism. Due to the significant number of simulations needed for a thorough analysis of tested force fields, the implicit Poisson-Boltzmann solvent was used in all simulations. The chosen implicit solvent was found to be reasonable for studies of secondary structures based on a set of simulations of both α-helical and β-hairpin peptides with the TIP3P explicit solvent as benchmark. Replica exchange molecular dynamics was also utilized for further efficient conformational sampling. Among the tested AMBER force fields, ff03 and a revised ff99 force field were found to produce structural and thermodynamic data in comparably good agreement with the experiment. However, detailed folding pathways, such as the order of backbone hydrogen bond zipping and the existence of intermediate states, are different between the two force fields, leading to force field–dependent folding mechanisms.
Testing phylogenetic hypothess using an Hennigian approach and DNA sequnence data

The assumption that maximum parsimony in a phylogenetic tree is achieved by the reduction of the number of overall homoplasies to a minimum is questioned and an alternative approach of using the most parsimonius distribution of taxa at each dichotomy suggested. This approach can be put into practice using Hennigian logic to determine relationships, DNA sequences data as the character set and standard statistical techniques to determine the significance to be placed on the resultipng phylogenetic tree. The logic and robustness of such an approach is described. A software package, SYNAPO, is availabe to assist such analyses.
Methyl iodide in the Greenland/Norwegian seas and the tropical Atlantic Ocean : Evidence for photochemical production

CH 3 I was measured in open ocean waters during two cruises to the tropical Atlantic Ocean and a late fall cruise to the Greenland and Norwegian Seas (GSNS). In warm, tropical surface waters subject to high solar irradiance, average CH 3 I saturation anomalies were positive (1.5-7.7 pmol kg -1 ), indicating a sea-to-air flux. This contrasted with negative saturation anomalies (-0.65 ± 0.02 pmol kg -1 ) measured in cold surface waters of the open ocean GSNS subject to low-light. High latitude oceans may therefore be a significant sink for atmospheric CH 3 I during the fall and winter. The locations and/or seasons where samples were analyzed were all characterized by relatively low biological production and the CH 3 I saturation anomaly along 19°S decreased from 7.7 ± 0.6 to 3.4 ± 0.4 pmol kg -1 when entering a more productive upwelling zone. Taken together these observations suggest a chemical, as opposed to biological, production mechanism for this compound in the open ocean. Within the open ocean of the GSNS, multiple linear regression between the observed CH 3 I saturation anomaly and variables including light intensity, water temperature, CFC-11 saturation (indicator of gas exchange and deep mixing), and distance from the Norwegian Coastal Current (indicator of coastal or southem sources) showed that light intensity was the only significant predictor, explaining 79 % of the variance. Photochemical production may, therefore be dominant source of CH 3 I within the open ocean and this may have important implications for the large-scale, seasonal cycling of iodine between the ocean and the atmosphere.
Arabidopsis RIN4 Is a Target of the Type III Virulence Effector AvrRpt2 and Modulates RPS2-Mediated Resistance

Type III pili deliver effector proteins (virulence factors) from bacterial pathogens to host cells. Plants express disease resistance (R) proteins that respond specifically to a particular type III effector by activating immune responses. We demonstrated previously that two unrelated type III effectors from Pseudomonas syringae target and modify the Arabidopsis RIN4 protein. Here, we show that AvrRpt2, a third, unrelated type III effector, also targets RIN4 and induces its posttranscriptional disappearance. This effect is independent of the presence of RPS2, the Arabidopsis R protein that senses AvrRpt2. RIN4 overexpression inhibits multiple phenotypes associated with AvrRpt2 function. Conversely, disruption of RIN4 results in RPS2-dependent lethality. RPS2 and RIN4 physically associate in the plant. We suggest that RIN4 is the target of the AvrRpt2 virulence function, and that perturbation of RIN4 activates RPS2. Thus, RIN4 is a point of convergence for the activity of at least three unrelated P. syringae type III effectors.
Cyclic-di-GMP-Mediated Repression of Swarming Motility by Pseudomonas aeruginosa: the pilY1 Gene and Its Impact on Surface-Associated Behaviors

The intracellular signaling molecule cyclic-di-GMP (c-di-GMP) has been shown to influence surface-associated behaviors of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, including biofilm formation and swarming motility. Previously, we reported a role for the bifA gene in the inverse regulation of biofilm formation and swarming motility. The bifA gene encodes a c-di-GMP-degrading phosphodiesterase (PDE), and the ΔbifA mutant exhibits increased cellular pools of c-di-GMP, forms hyperbiofilms, and is unable to swarm. In this study, we isolated suppressors of the ΔbifA swarming defect. Strains with mutations in the pilY1 gene, but not in the pilin subunit pilA gene, show robust suppression of the swarming defect of the ΔbifA mutant, as well as its hyperbiofilm phenotype. Despite the ability of the pilY1 mutation to suppress all the c-di-GMP-related phenotypes, the global pools of c-di-GMP are not detectably altered in the ΔbifA ΔpilY1 mutant relative to the ΔbifA single mutant. We also show that enhanced expression of the pilY1 gene inhibits swarming motility, and we identify residues in the putative VWA domain of PilY1 that are important for this phenotype. Furthermore, swarming repression by PilY1 specifically requires the diguanylate cyclase (DGC) SadC, and epistasis analysis indicates that PilY1 functions upstream of SadC. Our data indicate that PilY1 participates in multiple surface behaviors of P. aeruginosa, and we propose that PilY1 may act via regulation of SadC DGC activity but independently of altering global c-di-GMP levels.
Oral contraceptives: a review of the literature.

After exploring the possible mechanism of action of oral contraceptives through an estrogen progestin combination as well as by means of the sequential method the pathophysiologic and side effects of the pill as it appears in the literature is explored in depth. Thromboembolitic disease is the only condition in which there is a definite association with the use of oral contraceptive pill and there is some doubt as to how strong the association really is. Some studies suggest that mortality from thromboembolic disorders which can be attributed to the pill is about 3/100000 per year. Studies have also shown that mortality trends from thromboembolitic disease among women of childbearing ages were parallel to the increased use of oral contraceptives among this group of women however the data may be weak. Data from various sources indicate that the estrogenic component of the pill are primarily responsible for the thrombogenic effect with estrogen increasing platelet adhesiveness and enhancing coagulability. Progestogens on the other hand enhance fibroinolysis and do not alter platelet function or coagulation. Other side effects of the pill such as naseau headaches and weight gain are usually not of any serious consequence. According to 1 study amenorrhea after cessation of the pill has occurred in very small numbers but 98% of the women are ovulatory within 3 months after cessation of the pill. The oral contraceptive pill may actually have beneficial effects on genital and endometrial cancer due to the pills progesterone content. Estrogens have shown both a positive and negative influence on cancer of the uterus and breast depending on the menopausal status of the women. It is generally agreed that the best dosage of hormones in the pill is the lowest possible varying with the size and body weight of the woman among other factors. Some studies have shown that in Puerto Rico IUD users have a higher continuation rate than characteristics than the pill users thereby making the 2 groups incomparable.
Properties and performance modelling of finite buffer M/G/1/K networks

Finite buffer, single-server queueing systems and networks are difficult to analyze since the length of time a customer spends in the system does not follow the Markovian property. A two-moment approximation schema is developed for the probability distribution of M/G/1/K systems and extended to the analysis of M/G/1/K queueing networks. The general purpose of this paper is to develop a flexible and practical transform-free approach for computing the probability distribution and performance measures of the system as well as identify the underlying properties of these systems. It is shown that for most performance measures, a sigmoid or S-shaped curve with an inflection point at @r=1 appears as K->~. This has direct implications for the analysis and optimization of such systems. The performance modelling of the M/G/1/K queueing networks of general topologies along with extensive numerical results accompany the paper along with the linear concave performance measures for these systems.
An event model and its implementation for multimedia information representation and retrieval

This work presents a novel framework, built around the notion of an event, for modeling, storage, analysis, and querying of multimedia data. We present an event model using which multimedia data, its spatio-temporal characteristics, and a variety of other potentially flexibly defined attributes can be represented. We also describe the design of a distributed event-based information management system that allows interpretation of multimedia data based on event definitions, storage of such event-based media data, and definition of various types of queries on such information. Examples involving event-based modeling and querying of multimedia data from different settings are presented to illustrate the approach.
Temperature measurement and equilibrium dynamics of simulated annealing placements

One way to alleviate the heavy computation required by simulated annealing placement algorithms is to replace a significant fraction of the higher or middle temperatures with a faster heuristic, and then follow it with simulated annealing. A crucial issue in this approach is the determination of the starting temperature for the simulated annealing phase-a temperature should be chosen that causes an appropriate amount of optimization to be done, but makes good use of the structure provided by the heuristic. A method for measuring the temperature of an existing placement is presented. The approach is based on the measurement of the probability distribution of the change in cost function, P( Delta C), and makes the assumption that the placement is in simulated annealing equilibrium at some temperature. The temperature of placements produced by both a simulated annealing and a min-cut placement algorithm are measured, and good agreement with known temperatures is obtained. The P( Delta C) distribution is also used to give an interesting view of the equilibrium dynamics of simulated annealing. >
Age-related CD8 T Cell Clonal Expansions Constrict CD8 T Cell Repertoire and Have the Potential to Impair Immune Defense

Peripheral T cell diversity is virtually constant in the young, but is invariably reduced in aged mice and humans. CD8+ T cell clonal expansions (TCE) are the most drastic manifestation of, and possible contributors to, this reduced diversity. We show that the presence of TCE results in reduced CD8+, but not CD4+, T cell diversity, and in functional inability to mobilize parts of the CD8+ T cell repertoire affected by TCE. In the model of herpes simplex virus (HSV)-1 infection of B6 mice, >90% of the responding CD8+ T cells use Vβ10 or Vβ8 and are directed against a single glycoprotein B (gB498-505) epitope, gB-8p. We found that old animals bearing CD8+ TCE within Vβ10 or Vβ8 families failed to mount an effective immune response against HSV-1, as judged by reduced numbers of peptide-major histocompatibility complex tetramer+ CD8 T cells and an absence of antiviral lytic function. Furthermore, Vβ8 TCE experimentally introduced into young mice resulted in lower resistance to viral challenge, whereas Vβ5+ TCE induced in a similar fashion did not impact viral resistance. These results demonstrate that age-related TCE functionally impair the efficacy of antiviral CD8+ T cell immunity in an antigen-specific manner, strongly suggesting that TCE are not the mere manifestation of, but are also a contributing factor to, the immunodeficiency of senescence.
Isoform specificity of the Na/K-ATPase association and regulation by phospholemman.

Phospholemman (PLM) phosphorylation mediates enhanced Na/K-ATPase (NKA) function during adrenergic stimulation of the heart. Multiple NKA isoforms exist, and their function/regulation may differ. We combined fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) and functional measurements to investigate isoform specificity of the NKA-PLM interaction. FRET was measured as the increase in the donor fluorescence (CFP-NKA-α1 or CFP-NKA-α2) during progressive acceptor (PLM-YFP) photobleach in HEK-293 cells. Both pairs exhibited robust FRET (maximum of 23.6 ± 3.4% for NKA-α1 and 27.5 ± 2.5% for NKA-α2). Donor fluorescence depended linearly on acceptor fluorescence, indicating a 1:1 PLM:NKA stoichiometry for both isoforms. PLM phosphorylation induced by cAMP-dependent protein kinase and protein kinase C activation drastically reduced the FRET with both NKA isoforms. However, submaximal cAMP-dependent protein kinase activation had less effect on PLM-NKA-α2 versus PLM-NKA-α1. Surprisingly, ouabain virtually abolished NKA-PLM FRET but only partially reduced co-immunoprecipitation. PLM-CFP also showed FRET to PLM-YFP, but the relationship during progressive photobleach was highly nonlinear, indicating oligomers involving ≥3 monomers. Using cardiac myocytes from wild-type mice and mice where NKA-α1 is ouabain-sensitive and NKA-α2 is ouabain-resistant, we assessed the effects of PLM phosphorylation on NKA-α1 and NKA-α2 function. Isoproterenol enhanced internal Na+ affinity of both isoforms (K½ decreased from 18.1 ± 2.0 to 11.5 ± 1.9 mm for NKA-α1 and from 16.4 ± 2.5 to 10.4 ± 1.5 mm for NKA-α2) without altering maximum transport rate (Vmax). Protein kinase C activation also decreased K½ for both NKA-α1 and NKA-α2 (to 9.4 ± 1.0 and 9.1 ± 1.1 mm, respectively) but increased Vmax only for NKA-α2 (1.9 ± 0.4 versus 1.2 ± 0.5 mm/min). In conclusion, PLM associates with and modulates both NKA-α1 and NKA-α2 in a comparable but not identical manner.
Aspirin Responsiveness in Healthy Volunteers Measured with Multiple Assay Platforms

Background: We evaluated the sensitivity, precision, and concordance of 4 assays designed to detect aspirin responsiveness or resistance. Methods: Twenty-nine healthy laboratory volunteers took 80 mg aspirin for 7 days, and a subset of volunteers took 325 mg aspirin for an additional 7 days. We measured platelet function by light transmission aggregometry with arachidonic acid, PFA-100, and VerifyNow. PFA-100 and VerifyNow assays were performed in duplicate to assess method imprecision. Some volunteers had samples taken within 2–4 h of the final dose of aspirin and again within 20–24 h of the final dose. We measured urinary 11-dehydro-thromboxane B2 at baseline and after 80 or 325 mg aspirin. Results: No volunteers were nonresponsive to aspirin therapy as measured by the PFA-100. One of 29 participants demonstrated lack of response to aspirin as measured by VerifyNow and urinary 11-dehydro-thromboxane B2; 2 of 29 demonstrated lack of response as measured by light transmission aggregometry. Imprecision was 90%) between all assays. Neither aspirin dose (80 vs 325 mg) nor timing between final dose of aspirin and blood draw (2–4 vs 20–24 h) affected any of the assays. Conclusions: Light transmission aggregometry, PFA-100, VerifyNow, and urinary 11-dehydro-thromboxane B2 are all sensitive to the effects of aspirin in healthy individuals. Variables such as aspirin dose, timing between final dose of aspirin and blood collection, and imprecision do not affect the ability of the assays to detect aspirin effect on platelet function.
World-Economic Theories and Problems: Quigley vs. Wallerstein vs Central Civilization

This is one in a series of papers on civilizational issues. Its predecessors have argued for the existence of a world system/civilization, "Central Civilization," born regionally in the Middle East about 1500 B.C. in the collision of two smaller, expanding local civilizations, expanded throughout the globe, engulfing all competing civilizations to become the unique global social system in the last 100-150 years. If continuing social struggles both are and imply continuing social entities, there is social continuity-stabilities, trends and cycles--in the struggles forming and maintaining Central Civilization.ill A consequence of accepting Central Civilization as a genuine entity, or a reason for treating it as a fruitful heuristic, is, in particular, the finding that it possesses a political cycle (states system--univcesal empire) characteristic of other entities commonly treated as civilizations (Wilkinson, 1986; 1987, 53-56; 1988) as well as a political evolution (from multistate anarchy to balance-of-power) incipient but never successfully established in other world systems (Wilkinson, 1985).
Microprocessor Standards

The current status of standardization efforts proceeding under the IEEE Computer Standards Committee of the IEEE Computer Society is summarized as of October 1979. Names and addresses are listed as sources for further information.
Incorporation of 3 H-thymidine into PHA-stimulated rabbit peripheral blood lymphocytes. Kinetics of the response.

SummaryRabbit PBL were shown to incorporate predictably high levels of 3H-TdR following stimulation with PHA. The conditions necessary for optimal stimulation of rabbit PBL were: (a) separation of lymphocytes from whole blood by the Hypaque-Ficoll technique; (b) 2 × 106 PBL per culture in RPMI-1640 containing 5–10% heat-inactivated, autologous plasma; (c) 48 hr culture period; (d) 5 μg/ml PHA-P; and (e) 1 μCi/ml 3H-TdR added to cultures 22 hr before termination. Under these conditions, individual and group variations in the response to PHA were slight, and PBL responsiveness to other mitogens as well as to antigen were good.