cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillator pocket infection leading to extrusion of the generator device

A 52-year-old man with dilated cardiomyopathy underwent automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillator (AICD) placement. A follow-up visit eight weeks later revealed erythema of the implant site, but expectant management was pursued. Six months later, increasing redness, pain and extrusion of the generator device that morning on local treatment with hydrogen peroxide brought the patient to the hospital. A physical examination demonstrated no fever, a wound in the left upper chest with the extruded AICD battery, erythema and tenderness (Figure 1). Bacterial culture grew methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis. The patient subsequently underwent treatment with intravenous antibiotics and a complete AICD explantation (1). Figure 1) Photograph depicting an extruded automated cardioverter defibrillator battery covered with yellow crust, physcially intact leads, erythema and swelling of the surrounding area. The original incision made in the deltopectoral groove at the time of automated ...
Detection of Residual Myocardial Function in Coronary Artery Disease Using Post-extra Systolic Potentiation

Improved global or segmental wall motion following revascularization suggests potential reversibility of ischemic left ventricular dysfunction in coronary artery disease (CAD). This study evaluates the effectiveness of post-extra systolic potentiation (PESP) to detect latent residual contractile function. Quantitative left ventriculography was performed in 15 patients with CAD (including seven with significant asynergy) and in three normal controls. During the ventriculogram, a single extra-systole was introduced by an R-wave coupled stimulator (R-stimulus interval averaged 398 msec, with an average mA of 2.4). PESP improved segmental axis shortening in 51 of 55 normal axes and 15 of 17 hypokinetic or akinetic axes. It also increased both ejection fraction and mean rate of circumferential fiber shortening in 17 of 18 patients. No significant arrhythmia occurred with this technique. A single interposed beat with PESP in one ventriculogram is a safe, effective method to detect residual potential contractile function in myocardium that may be hypokinetic or akinetic under conditions of the study.
ALD processed MgZnO buffer layers for Cu(In,Ga)S 2 solar cells

CIGS thin film heterostructures are fabricated by low cost, solution based processes. While a standard process includes a CdS buffer layer, MgZnO provides a more environmentally friendly material. In this study, MgZnO thin films were deposited by atomic layer deposition and their physical properties were studied by changing various conditions including growth temperature, pressure, and doping ratio. CIGS photovoltaic devices with MgZnO buffer layers of varied properties were fabricated and compared with those with CdS buffer layers and without any buffer layer.
A new tribe, Bryantheae (Ericoideae: Ericaceae), composed of disjunct genera from South America and Japan

Bryantheae, a new tribe, is proposed within the Ericoideae (Ericaceae). Bryantheae is composed of Bryanthus (Japan) and Ledothamnus (South America). This clade was discovered during a larger study of the Ericoideae, and is based on multiple analyses of six genes. Several morphological characters are shared among members of this clade, but more study is needed in order to establish whether the character states are synapomorphic.
Coherence properties of the linear photon amplifier

Abstract The behavior of an amplifier consisting of N two-level atoms interacting with an incident optical field through first-order processes is considered. The statistics of the photons emerging at the output are related to the corresponding photon statistics at the input, and certain cross-correlation functions are evaluated. It is shown that if the input to the amplifier is in a squeezed state, then the output may be squeezed also, but only if the gain is not too high.
High Risk HLA-DR/DQ Genotypes for IDD Confer Susceptibility to Autoantibodies but DQB1*0602 does not Prevent them

Although HLA class II genes are important in insulin-dependent diabetes (IDD), their influence on the expression of IDD-associated autoantibodies (aAb) is unclear. We compared HLA-DRB1 and DQB1 gene frequencies in several Caucasian groups: 191 normal controls, 378 IDD patients, and 357 non-diabetic relatives of which 250 had no aAb, 107 had at least on aAb (79 ICA+, 31 GAD65+ and 49 IAA+), and 23 had both ICA+ and IAA+. We found that the frequencies of DR3/4 or DQB1*0201/0302 heterozygotes were significantly higher in aAb+ relatives compared to aAb- relatives. The frequencies of DR4/4 or DR4/X (X=non 3 or 4) and DQB1*0302/X (X=0201 or 0302) in aAb+ relatives were not different from the aAb- relatives (which were enriched for these haplotypes), but were significantly higher than normal controls. The frequencies of DR3/X or DQB1*0201/X were decreased in both aAb+ relatives and IDD patients. Interestingly, the dominant IDD-protective DQB1*0602 allele allowed the development of individual aAbs (10% of ICA+ and 8% IAA+ relatives had the allele), but was not observed in any high risk double aAb+, or GAD65Ab+ relatives. The latter finding was similar to that in our patients with IDD, in that only two of them (0.5%) had a DQB1*0602 allele. In conclusion, HLA-encoded susceptibilities to disease-relevant autoantibody production and IDD are concordant with the susceptibility alleles, but discordant for the protective DQB1*0602. Thus HLA genotyping for DQB1*0602 would impact on the selection of aAb+ relatives for disease prevention trials.
The photoactivated toxin cercosporin as a tool in fungal photobiology

Cercospora species are a highly successful group of fungi which pathogenize diverse species of economically important plants. Many Cercospora species produce a unique photoactivated and photoinduced polyketide toxin, cercosporin, which has been implicated as a pathogenicity factor. Illuminated cercosporin interacts with molecular oxygen to produce highly toxic singlet oxygen. Although nearly all organisms tested, including plants, mice and most fungi, are susceptible to cercosporin-mediated cell damage, Cercospora species are resistant. In general, little is known about how organisms protect themselves against singlet oxygen. Studies on how Cercospora species avoid autotoxicity are proving to be a valuable model in understanding this process in other systems. Furthermore, advances are being made in the understanding of how light regulates gene expression and cercosporin synthesis in Cercospora species. These studies are helping to elucidate mechanisms of gene regulation and light signal transduction for an environmental signal important in numerous fungal developmental processes, including secondary metabolite production.
Effect of saturated and unsaturated fats on the concentration of serum cholesterol and experimental atherosclerosis.

The feeding of a diet rich in unsaturated fats to rabbits produced no significant alteration of the serum cholesterol level, while the feeding of a diet rich in saturated fats produced an elevation of the serum cholesterol without the development of experimental atherosclerosis. The addition of unsaturated fats to a diet rich in cholesterol failed to prevent hypercholesterolemia and experimental atherosclerosis in rabbits.
Utilization of glucose by two strains of Entamoeba histolytica.

Abstract 1. 1. Washed trophozoites of Entamoeba histolytica (HK-9 and DKB strains) and controls containing bacterial associates were incubated with uniformly labeled glucose-C 14 . The amount of C 14 recovered in glycogen from both strains of the ameba and their controls and the amount of C 14 O 2 recovered from the DKB strain and its control are reported. 2. 2. The fact that C 14 was recovered in glycogen from both strains of the ameba but not from their controls suggests that the HK-9 and the DKB strains of E. histolytica utilize extracellular glucose. 3. 3. The fact that significantly greater amounts of C 14 O 2 were recovered from the DKB strain than from its control provides additional support for the suggestion that the DKB strain of E. histolytica utilizes extracellular glucose.
The Muslim Battalions: Soviet Central Asians in the Soviet-Afghan War

This article concerns the Soviet military's use of soldiers of Afghan ethnicities (Uzbek, Tajik, Turkmen, and others) during its war in Afghanistan, both as spetsnazand more generally in the 40th a ...
Chronic ethanol effects on the expression of phospholipase C isozymes and Gq/11-protein in primary cultures of astrocytes

Abstract The goal of this investigation was to determine whether chronic ethanol exposure alters the expression of specific protein sites distal to receptors [G q/11 -protein, phospholipase C (PLC) isozymes] in primary cultures of astrocytes obtained from neonatal rat cortex. The protein expression (immunolabeling) of the PLC- β 1 , - γ 1 , δ 1 isozymes of the G q/11 α subunit was determined by Western blot analysis using specific monoclonal antibodies. The PLC- β 1 , γ 1 , - δ 1 isozymes and the G q/11 α subunit migrated at apparent molecular masses (PLC- β 1 , 41 kDa; PLC- γ 1 , 145 kDa; PLC- δ 1 , 85 kDa; G q/11 α protein, 42 kDa). Thus, a PLC- β 1 fragment of 41 kDa, but not the biologically active 150 kDa PLC- β 1 , was detected in primary cultures of astrocytes. Chronic ethanol exposure (4 days) resulted in a significant increase in the expression of PLC- δ 1 , whereas under identical conditions, the expression of PLC- β 1 , - γ 1 , and of the α subunit of G q/11 -protein was not significantly altered in astrocytes. These results suggest that chronic ethanol exposure results in an increased expression of the PLC- δ 1 isozyme in primary cultures of astrocytes.
Copper in the marine environment∗ ‐ Part II

(1977). Copper in the marine environment — Part I. C R C Critical Reviews in Environmental Control: Vol. 8, No. 1-4, pp. 101-152.
Ambassador program for recruiting girls into engineering―appropriate messages, messengers, and modes of delivery

Although women make up more than half of the U.S. population, the percentage of women entering engineering is much lower. To address this discrepancy, the College of Engineering at Penn State has initiated an Engineering Ambassador Program that sends female engineering undergraduates to give talks in science and math classes within Pennsylvania high schools and middle schools. The main goal of these talks is to clarify what engineers do. What distinguishes our program are the specific messages in the talks and the presentation style of our ambassadors. The messages of our program's talks come from recommendations in the recent text Changing the Conversation [1]. The primary presentation style that our ambassadors rely on is an assertion-evidence style taught in a special presentations course [2]. Evaluations of the presentations by almost 500 students at six different schools across Pennsylvania (including two all-girls schools) indicate that the presentations are highly successful at communicating the messages. More powerful evidence for the efficacy of this program lies in the volunteered responses of girls to these presentations.
Chiral α-Branched Benzylic Carbocations: Diastereoselective Intermolecular Reactions with Arene Nucleophiles and NMR Spectroscopic Studies

The chiral benzylic alcohols 1-6 were prepared and subjected to S(N)1-type displacement reactions with various arene nucleophiles in acidic medium. Under optimized conditions (HBF(4).OEt(2), CH(2)Cl(2), -78 degrees C --> r.t.) the corresponding 1,1-diarylalkanes 11-18 and 20 were obtained in good chemical yields (48-99%). The facial diastereoselectivity of the reaction is high (d.r. = 91/9-97/3) when the substrate bears a stereogenic carbon center -CHtBuMe in the alpha-position to the electrophilic carbon atom. If the starting material was enantiomerically pure, no significant racemization was observed (94% ee --> 92% ee). The reactions proceed stereoconvergently as demonstrated by the conversion of the separated diastereoisomers syn-1a and anti-1a in separate reactions to the same product syn-11 (d.r. = 97/3). Further evidence for long-lived chiral benzylic carbocations as reaction intermediates was obtained from NMR studies in superacidic medium. The chiral cation 24 was generated in SO(2)ClF as the solvent at -70 degrees C employing SbF(5) as the Lewis acid and characterized by its (1)H and (13)C NMR spectra. NOE measurements suggest a preferred conformation in which the diastereotopic faces of the cation are differentiated by the two carbon substituents R and Me at the stereogenic carbon center in the alpha-position. The hypothesis is further supported by the observation that the diastereoselectivity of the substitution reaction decreases if the bulky tert-butyl (R = tBu) substituent in the substrate 1a is replaced by a smaller ethyl group (2a, R = Et).
Interactive dysmorphogenic effects of all-trans-retinol and ethanol on cultured whole rat embryos during organogenesis

Whole rat conceptuses (10.5 gestational days) were explanted into a culture medium containing all-trans-retinol (t-retinol, vitamin A1), ethanol, or combinations of the two alcohols at various concentrations, and were cultured at 37°C for 24 hr. Parameters emphasized in morphological analyses were branchial arch development, closure of neural tube, axial rotation, and development of otic vesicles and of optic cup. Additions of t-retinol alone to the culture medium resulted in significant decreases in viability at concentrations of 7.0 μM and above. A primary target site affected by t-retinol was the second branchial arch. With initial culture medium concentrations of 3.5 μM, 28% of embryos exhibited an underdeveloped second branchial arch, and the effect was concentration dependent. Incubations with t-retinol alone also caused failure of closure of neural tubes, underdevelopment/absence of otic and optic vesicles, and failure of normal axial rotation, but these effects were statistically significant only at the higher concentrations (10.5–14.0 μM). Incubations of conceptuses with ethanol alone resulted in statistically significant decreases in viability and increases of incidence of embryonic abnormalities at 50 mM but not at 10- or 20-mM concentrations. The embryo-toxicity of ethanol appeared less site-specific than that of t-retinol. However, ethanol-elicited developmental abnormalities included underdevelopment of the first and second branchial arches, abnormally open neural tubes, abnormally small or absent otic and optic vesicles, and incomplete axial rotation in common with effects elicited by t-retinol. In general, embryos incubated with combinations of t-retinol and ethanol showed lower survival rates and higher incidences of developmental abnormalities when compared to the calculated values expected for simple additive effects; i.e., interactive effects were most frequently greater than additive and probably synergistic but not antagonistic. To assist in the elucidation of possible mechanism(s) for the greater than additive/synergistic dysmorphogenic effects observed, concentrations of all-trans-retinoic acid (t-RA) and all-trans-retinal (t-retinal) in cultured conceptal tissues were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). HPLC analysis showed increases in conceptal tissue levels of both t-RA and t-retinal after conceptuses were exposed to t-retinol (10.5 μM) plus various quantities of ethanol for 24 hr. These observations, in combination with those of previous studies, suggested that the observed greater-than-additive/synergistic dysmorphogenic effects were not due to the inhibition by ethanol of conceptal biosynthesis of t-RA. Whether the increased levels of t-RA and t-retinal caused the observed greater than additive/synergistic dysmorphogenic effects remains to be elucidated. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Internal jugular vein thrombosis

This article presents 3 cases of internal jugular vein thrombosis secondary to central venous cannulation. Two patients were symptomatic with tender cervical swelling. In the third patient, the venous thrombosis was discovered as an incidental finding during major head and neck surgery. All patients responded to conservative management, and there were no instances of embolic phenomena.
A Rate-Independent Constitutive Model for Square Honeycomb Core

All-metal sandwich construction with square honeycomb core holds promise for significant improvements in stiffness, strength and blast resistance for built-up plate structures. Analysis of the performance of sandwich plates under various loads, static and dynamic, requires modeling of face sheets and core with some fidelity. While it is possible to model full geometric details of the core for a few selected problems, this is unnecessary and unrealistic for larger complex structures under general loadings. A continuum constitutive model is recently developed as alternative means of modeling the cores. The constitutive model falls within the framework of a compressible rate-independent, anisotropic elastic-plastic solid. A multi-scale computing approach based on it has been developed for modeling the sandwich structures. The validity of the approach is established by comparing numerical finite element simulations using the model with those obtained by a full three-dimensional meshing of the core geometry for a clamped sandwich plate with square honeycomb core subject to uniform pressure load. Limitations of the model are also discussed.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Fine structural changes in the nervous system of the regenerating hydra

The fine structure of neurons from regenerating hydra was studied. The ganglion cells of regenerating hydra in contrast to those of normal hydra contain denser and sometimes multiple nucleoli, polyribosomes, and membrane-bounded accumulations of dense homogeneous material which appears to be elaborated by the Golgi apparatus. During regeneration, membrane-bounded dense granules disappear from the perikaryon of neurosecretory cells and accumulate in the processes. They are released by fusion of the vesicle membrane with the plasma membrane of the neurite. A large number of intermediate stages of differentiation of neurons from interstitial cells are present after 12 hours of regeneration. These observations support the hypothesis that neurosecretory substance released at nerve terminals plays a significant role in the regulation of growth and differentiation in the regenerating hydra.
Pattern dynamics in photorefractive bidirectional ring-resonator experiments

The complexity of the dynamics and the correlation between patterns in counterpropagating beams in a confocal bidirectional photorefractive ring oscillator (BaTiO3 pumped by a He–Ne 632.8-nm laser) depend significantly on the Fresnel number of the resonator. When the Fresnel number is increased to more than ∼5, the patterns lose their correlation through first interleaving their bright and dark regions and then losing correlation altogether. The alternation of modal patterns for low Fresnel numbers of a well-aligned cavity is caused by changes in the cavity length and results from room-temperature changes or slow movement of a mirror, and it is consistent with predictions from numerical simulations. When it appears that a few transverse modal patterns are superposed to form an evolving pattern, there is typically an intermode beat frequency of tens of millihertz, regardless of whether the empty-cavity eigenfrequencies are nearly degenerate or separated by hundreds of megahertz.
On-line partial filling micelllar electrokinetic chromatography-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry

On-line combination of partial filling micellar electrokinetic chromatography (PF-MEKC) and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) is demonstrated for the analysis of triazine herbicides including atrazine, propazine, ametryne and prometryne. In comparison with conventional micellar electrokinetic chromatography (MEKC), PF-MEKC involves filling a small portion of the capillary with a sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) micellar solution for achieving the separation. In PF-MEKC, the triazine analytes first migrate into the micellar plug where the separation occurs and then into the electrophoresis buffer which is free of surfactant. Consequently, the electroosmotic transfer of neutral triazine herbicides to ESI-MS at the end of PF-MEKC capillary is comparable to conventional capillary zone electrophoresis ESI-MS. Therefore, PF-MEKC-ESI-MS provides a mechanism for the separation and mass detection of neutral molecules without the interference of surfactant.
Iron Binding Site in a Global Regulator in Bacteria - Ferric Uptake Regulator (Fur) Protein: Structure, Mössbauer Properties, and Functional Implication

Fur protein plays key roles in regulating numerous genes in bacteria and is essential for intracellular iron concentration regulation. However, atomic level pictures of the iron binding site and its functional mechanism remain to be established. Here we present results of the first quantum chemical investigation of various first- and second-shell models and experimental Mossbauer data of E. Coli Fur, including 1) the first robust evidence that site 2 is the Fe binding site with a 3His/2Glu ligand set, being the first case in non-heme proteins, with computed Mossbauer data in excellent accord with experiment; 2) the first discovery of a conservative hydrogen bonding interaction in the iron binding site based on X-ray and homology structures; 3) the first atomic level hypothesis of active site reorganization upon iron concentration increase, triggering the conformational change needed for its function. These results shall facilitate structural and functional studies of Fur family proteins.
The NBS Atomic Time Scale System: AT(NBS), SAT(NBS), and UTC(NBS)

The accuracy involved both the 5 part in IOL3 uncertainty in NBS I11 and the frequency dispersion of the ensemble after calibration. To determine the precision capabilities, noise models were established for the time dispersion character is t ics of each clock in the ensemble, Some theoretical considerations based on these models yielded very encouraging predictions on both how to process the time data from each clock and on the precision capabilities of the ensemble.
Individual and Organizational Responses to Changing and Challenging Conditions

In this issue, we introduce three empirical articles, all of which concern our changing organizational environment. We take up the issues of corporate sustainability, organizational downsizing, and...
The interaction of nitrogen dioxide with monomolecular films of cholesterol, dihydrocholesterol, and cholesteryl acetate

Abstract The interaction of NO2 with monomolecular films of cholesterol, dihydrocholesterol, and cholesteryl acetate was studied. It appears that two different and relatively independent reactions occur in the presence of NO2. One reaction involves the 3-hydroxy group and leads to products which tend to be desorbed from the surface. The other reaction involves the 5,6 double bond and leads to products which remain on the surface, and which occupy a larger area per molecule than the non-reacted molecule. Thus, the orientation of cholesterol at a gas/ water interface, which is a function of surface pressure, influences both the rate of reaction and the reaction products in the presence of NO2.
HP1 Proteins Form Distinct Complexes and Mediate Heterochromatic Gene Silencing by Nonoverlapping Mechanisms

HP1 proteins are a highly conserved family of eukaryotic proteins that bind to methylated histone H3 lysine 9 (H3K9) and are required for heterochromatic gene silencing. In fission yeast, two HP1 homologs, Swi6 and Chp2, function in heterochromatic gene silencing, but their relative contribution to silencing remains unknown. Here we show that Swi6 and Chp2 exist in nonoverlapping complexes and make distinct contributions to silencing. Chp2 associates with the SHREC histone deacetylase complex (SHREC2), is required for histone H3 lysine 14 (H3K14) deacetylation, and mediates transcriptional repression by limiting RNA polymerase II access to heterochromatin. In contrast, Swi6 associates with a different set of nuclear proteins and with noncoding centromeric transcripts and is required for efficient RNAi-dependent processing of these transcripts. Our findings reveal an unexpected role for Swi6 in RNAi-mediated gene silencing and suggest that different HP1 proteins ensure full heterochromatic gene silencing through largely nonoverlapping inhibitory mechanisms.
Reaction time, race, and racism

Abstract The claim (Jensen, 1975) that blacks are slower than whites in choice (but not simple) reaction time is examined. It is false. The claim (Jensen, 1985) that Muhammad Ali was shown to have a “very average” reaction time is examined. It is false. The claim (Vernon & Jensen, 1984) that an unpublished technical report showed blacks to be inferior to whites on a relatively content-free mental processing task is examined. It is false. Suggestions are made concerning relevant questions that might be addressed by students of race differences in intelligence.
Phosphorescence and fluorescence spectrometry of phenyl-substituted silanes

Abstract The fluorescence and phosphorescence spectral characteristics of twelve phenyl-substituted silanes have been determined; phosphorescence lifetimes are also presented. Limits of detection by fluorimetry and phosphorimetry are compared and the possibility of luminescence assay is discussed. Fluorimetry and phosphorimetry are shown to be complementary in achieving the highest analytical sensitivities.
Value of stress myocardial perfusion single photon emission computed tomography in patients with normal resting electrocardiograms: an evaluation of incremental prognostic value and cost-effectiveness.

Background— The incremental value and cost-effectiveness of stress single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) is of unclear added value over clinical and exercise treadmill testing data in patients with normal resting ECGs, a patient subset known to be at relatively lower risk. Methods and Results— We identified 3058 consecutive patients who underwent exercise dual isotope SPECT, who on follow-up (mean, 1.6±0.5 years; 3.6% lost to follow-up) were found to have 70 hard events (2.3% hard-event rate). Survival analysis used a Cox proportional hazards model, and cost-effectiveness was determined by the cost per hard event identified by strategies with versus without the use of SPECT. In this cohort, a normal study was associated with an exceedingly low hard-event rate (0.4% per year) that increased significantly as a function of the SPECT result. After adjusting for pre-SPECT information, exercise stress SPECT yielded incremental value for the prediction of hard events (χ2 52 to 85, P<0.001) and signi...
Pretreatment of hybrid poplar by aqueous ammonia

Enzymatic hydrolysis of hybrid poplar treated by ammonia recycle percolation (ARP) was studied applying cellulase enzyme supplemented with additional xylanase or pectinase. The effect of xylanase addition was much more significant than pectinase addition. Conversion of ARP-treated hybrid poplar to ethanol was carried out by simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) and SS and cofermentation (SSCF). The maximum ethanol yield observed from the SSCF experiment was 78% of theoretical maximum based on the total carbohydrate (glucan + xylan). The same feedstock was also treated by soaking in aqueous ammonia (SAA), a batch pretreatment process with lower severity than ARP. The test results indicated that relatively high severity is required to attain acceptable level of digestibility of hybrid poplar. In order to lower the severity of the pretreatment, addition of H2O2 was attempted in the SAA. Addition of H2O2 significantly enhanced delignification of hybrid poplar due to its oxidative degradation of lignin. Several different H2O2 feeding schemes and different temperature profiles were attempted in operation of the SAA to investigate the effects of H2O2 on degradation of lignin and carbohydrates in hybrid poplar. More than 60% of lignin in hybrid poplar was removed with stepwise-increase of temperature (60–120°C after 4h of reaction). Increase of carbohydrate degradation was also observed under this condition. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2009
Reply to J. G. Lockwood

The comments made by Dr Lockwood raise interesting questions regarding the energy balance accompanying the ice ages, but also reveal several misunderstandings. Contrary to his second sentence, I do not "assume that the latent heat of fusion released during the growth of the Wiirm/Wisconsin conti- nental ice-sheets was absorbed by the oceans, since there might be radiative balance at the top of the atmosphere", but rather maintain that i f a radiative balance were to prevail at all times (which I strongly doubt), then the latent heat must be absorbed by the oceans. I further open for con- sideration the possibility suggested by preliminary theoretical results (Saltzman and Vernekar, 1975, henceforth called S-V) that, contrary to our intuitions, the imbalance could be such that the net radiation is negative during an interglacial period and positive during a glacial period. In this case, the temperature of the ocean should be rising during a significant part of the period of glacial growth and during maximum glaciation, consistent with Newell’s (1974) scenario. There is no question that if paleotemperature analyses of the deeper ocean water fail to reveal a relative warmth during the ice age, there must be a negative radiation balance during glacial growth and mechanisms such as described by Lockwood could very well be dominant. DOI: 10.1111/j.2153-3490.1978.tb00834.x
Voronoi trees for hierarchical in-network data and space abstractions in wireless sensor networks

We address the problem of spatial queries in Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN) via hybrid overlays, where the data values may correspond to different physical phenomena and sensors may be correlated with spatial constraints. We show how hierarchical data and space abstractions can be used to represent Voronoi Cell based partitions of the sensing field and use Voronoi Trees to efficiently map the hierarchical abstractions for energy-efficient processing. The proposed scheme is simulated on the SidNET, a JiST/SWANS based sensor network simulation platform. The performance results show significant advantages in terms of accurate field representation at different levels of the tree hierarchy with a trade-off in query processing delay.
Dermal excisional wound healing in pigs following treatment with topically applied pure oxygen

Hypoxia, caused by disrupted vasculature and peripheral vasculopathies, is a key factor that limits dermal wound healing. Factors that can increase oxygen delivery to the regional tissue, such as supplemental oxygen, warmth, and sympathetic blockade, can accelerate healing. Clinical experience with adjunctive hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) in the treatment of chronic wounds have shown that wound hyperoxia may increase granulation tissue formation and accelerate wound contraction and secondary closure. However, HBOT is not applicable to all wound patients and may pose the risk of oxygen toxicity. Thus, the efficacy of topical oxygen treatment in an experimental setting using the pre-clinical model involving excisional dermal wound in pigs was assessed. Exposure of open dermal wounds to topical oxygen treatment increased tissue pO2 of superficial wound tissue. Repeated treatment accelerated wound closure. Histological studies revealed that the wounds benefited from the treatment. The oxygen treated wounds showed signs of improved angiogenesis and tissue oxygenation. Topically applied pure oxygen has the potential of benefiting some wound types. Further studies testing the potential of topical oxygen in pre-clinical and clinical settings are warranted.
Generation of thiyl and ascorbyl radicals in the reaction of peroxynitrite with thiols and ascorbate at physiological pH.

Abstract Electron spin resonance (ESR) spin trapping was utilized to investigate the reaction of peroxynitrite with thiols and ascorbate at physiological pH. The spin trap used was 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide (DMPO). The reaction of peroxynitrite with DMPO generated 5,5-dimethylpyrrolidone-(2)-oxy-(1) (DMPOX). Formate enhanced the peroxynitrite decomposition but did not generate any detectable amount of formate-derived free radicals. Thus, the spin trapping measurements provided no evidence for hydroxyl (OH) radical generation in peroxynitrite decomposition at physiological pH. Thiols (glutathione, cysteine, and penicillamine) and ascorbate reacted with peroxynitrite to generate the corresponding thiyl and ascorbyl radicals. The one-electron oxidation of thiols by peroxynitrite may be one of the important mechanisms for peroxynitrite-induced toxicity and ascorbate may provide a detoxification pathway.
Sodium vapor pressure losses in a multitube, alkali-metal thermal-to-electric converter

A model was developed to calculate the vapor pressure losses and characterize the vapor flow regimes on the cathode side of a multitube, vapor-anode, alkali-metal thermal-to-electric converter (AMTEC) cell, with internal chevron's radiation shields. The dusty gas model was used to predict the vapor flow over a wide range of pressures, including the free-molecular, transition, and continuum flow regimes. Results showed that the vapor flow on the cathode side of a multitube AMTEC cell is typically in the transition regime, and that the pressure loss in the chevron's shield accounts for about 50% of the total pressure losses. An analysis is also performed to optimize the conical chevron's geometry for minimum pressure loss.
The effects of bud self-pollination and open flower self-pollination on the field characteristics of broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. Italica)

Broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica) progenies grown from seed obtained by greenhouse budpollination (BP), open-flower self-pollination (OS), open-flower self-pollination with ether treatment of the stigma (OSE), and cross.pollination (CP) were compared in the field. For plant height, plant weight, head diameter, and head weight, BP resulted in the lowest values, OS and OSE were intermediate, and CP gave highest values. BP was highest, OS and OSE intermediate, and CP lowest for days to head emergence and days to harvest. Differences between OS and OSE were slight and all were non-significant for the 7 lines with complete data, but were significant for plant weight and head diameter when 20 lines were analyzed by the unweighted means method. The comparison BP versus OS-OSE was non-significant for plant height in both analyses and for head weight in the 7-line analysis only. In a second experiment using only BP and OS, and omitting days to head emergence, trends were similar but only the effects on head diameter were statistically significant. In the greenhouse, BP produced much more seed than either OS or OSE, and CP produced more than BP. Treatment of the stigma of open flowers with ether to overcome self-incompatibility did not result in greater seed production. Weight/100 seeds was higher in CP but did not differ among the three self-pollination methods.
Understanding the Pathogenicity of Vibrio Cholerae via Two-Color Live-Cell Super-Resolution Microscopy

Cholera afflicts more than 5 million people annually. Here, we investigate the virulence pathway of this epidemic disease with live-cell single-molecule fluorescence imaging in Vibrio cholerae cells, the bacterium responsible for producing the cholera toxin. In the Gram-negative pathogen V. cholerae, virulence gene expression is under control of an unusual set of membrane proteins. Here, a membrane complex including two activators, ToxR and TcpP, binds the toxT promoter, recruits RNA polymerase, and activates toxT gene expression leading to activation of ToxT-controlled virulence genes. To circumvent the diffraction limit of light, which bounds the resolution of optical microscopy to ∼250 nm, we use single-molecule tracking and super-resolution techniques like Photoactivated Localization Microscopy (PALM) to achieve resolutions more than an order of magnitude better than the diffraction limit. We have created fusions of the membrane-bound transcription activators TcpP and ToxR with orthogonal photo-(re)activatable fluorescent proteins, and in this study, we examine the dynamics and co-localization patterns of single PAmCherry-TcpP and mCitrine-ToxR molecules in the virulence pathway. We also image V. cholerae cells that have knockouts of ToxR and/or TcpP to determine if the protein dynamics change in the absence of the binding partner. This work aims to identify characteristics of TcpP and ToxR motion to understand their regulatory behavior in the transcriptional activation of the gene toxT and subsequent activation of downstream virulence genes, and to establish a model for the formation of the ToxR/TcpP/toxT protein-DNA complex important in early pathogenesis. In addition to elucidating the regulatory pathway of V. cholerae, the impact of this work will be to further provide a general model for outer-membrane-bound transcription control in bacteria and nuclear-membrane-bound transcription in eukaryotic cells.
INTESTINAL OBSTRUCTION : II. A STUDY OF A TOXIC SUBSTANCE PRODUCED BY THE MUCOSA OF CLOSED DUODENAL LOOPS.

The blood of closed duodenal loop dogs is not toxic to normal dogs. The blood of dogs that have been fatally poisoned with duodenal loop fluid is likewise non-toxic to normal dogs. The mucosa of closed or drained duodenal loops contains a toxic substance quite similar to the toxic material found in the lumen of the closed loops. This toxic substance is absorbed from the mucosa itself and not from the lumen of the drained loops. The same is probably true of the closed loops which have an intact mucosa. It seems highly probable that the poison is formed by the mucosa and is in great part absorbed directly from it by the blood. Normal intestinal mucosa contains no toxic substance nor can it neutralize in vitro the toxic substance produced in the closed loops. There is no evidence that the toxic material when given intravenously is excreted by the intestine or held by the intestinal mucosa in any demonstrable form. The toxic substance is not absorbed from the normal intestinal tract. Destruction of the mucosa in a closed loop by means of sodium fluoride prevents the formation of the toxic substance. This fact furnishes the final proof that the mucosa is the essential factor in the elaboration of the poisonous material.
The effects of estrogen and progesterone on glycogen and the enzymes involved in its metabolism in the cat uterus

In the endometrium of the spay cat, estradiol treatment causes a drastic reduction in glycogen content. The initiation of simultaneous progesterone treatment causes a replenishment of glycogen with the levels surpassing those observed in the spayed animal. The effect of the hormones on glycogen synthetase I follows the same pattern as the changes in glycogen content, while the effect on phosphorylase a is the mirror image. The total content of glycogen synthetase and phosphorylase do not show appreciable changes with the same hormone treatment. The possible reproductive role of these changes in glycogen content are discussed.
Pupal colour dimorphism in swallowtail butterflies: timing of the sensitive period and environmental control

. Two North American swallowtail butterflies with pupal colour dimorphism, Eurytides marcellus (Cramer) and Papilio troilus L., use chiefly the colour of the pupation substrate to determine pupal colour, and are affected hardly (P.troilus) or not at all (E.marcellus) by substrate texture. The use of colour cues in these species is in contrast to the greater importance of texture in two other sympatric swallowtails (Hazel & West, 1979). E.marcellus larvae evacuate the gut and start prepupal wandering around mid-day. If they have not reached the sensitive period for pupal colour determination by nightfall they will delay the sensitive period until the next day. Among other North American swallowtails with pupal colour dimorphism there is no tendency for those species that use textural cues for pupal colour determination to evacuate the gut later in the day than those using pupation site colour.
Transformation of mammalian cells by overexpressing H2O2-generating peroxisomal fatty acyl-CoA oxidase

Peroxisome proliferators induce qualitatively predictable pleiotropic responses, including development of hepatocellular carcinomas in rats and mice despite the inability of these compounds to interact with and damage DNA directly. In view of the nongenotoxic nature of peroxisome proliferators, it has been postulated that hepatocarcinogenesis by this class of chemicals is due to a receptor-mediated process leading to transcriptional activation of H2O2-generating peroxisomal fatty acyl-CoA oxidase (ACOX) in liver. To test this hypothesis, we overexpressed rat ACOX in African green monkey kidney cells (CV-1 cells) under control of the cytomegalovirus promoter. A stably transfected CV-1 cell line overexpressing rat ACOX, designated CV-ACOX4, when exposed to a fatty acid substrate (150 microM linoleic acid) for 2-6 weeks, formed transformed foci, grew efficiently in soft agar, and developed adenocarcinomas when transplanted into nude mice. These findings indicate that sustained overexpression of H2O2-generating ACOX causes cell transformation and provide further support for the role of peroxisome proliferation in hepatocarcinogenesis induced by peroxisome proliferators.
International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea : 1998 Survey

This article continues the annual survey of matters connected with the International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea during the year 1998. It follows on the similar survey published in a previous volume of this journal. It is structured in the same way, dealing in order with the 1998 Meeting of States Parties and relevant matters from the 53rd session of the United Nations General Assembly, and is concluded with an account of the Tribunal's work in 1998. 1
A model of thermal conductivity for planetary soils: 2. Theory for cemented soils

[1] A numerical model of heat conduction through particulate media made of spherical grains cemented by various bonding agents is presented. The pore-filling gas conductivity, volume fraction, and thermal conductivity of the cementing phase are tunable parameters. Cement fractions <0.001–0.01% in volume have small effects on the soil bulk thermal conductivity. A significant conductivity increase (factor 3–8) is observed for bond fractions of 0.01 to 1% in volume. In the 1 to 15% bond fraction domain, the conductivity increases continuously but less intensely (25–100% conductivity increase compared to a 1% bond system). Beyond 15% of cements, the conductivity increases vigorously and the bulk conductivity rapidly approaches that of bedrock. The composition of the cements (i.e. conductivity) has little influence on the bulk thermal inertia of the soil, especially if the volume of bond <10%. These results indicate that temperature measurements are sufficient to detect cemented soils and quantify the amount of cementing phase, but the mineralogical nature of the bonds and the typical grain size are unlikely to be determined from orbit. On Mars, a widespread surface unit characterized by a medium albedo (0.19–0.26) and medium/high thermal inertia (200–600 J s−0.5 m−2 K−1) has long been hypothesized to be associated with a duricrust. The fraction of cement required to fit the thermal data is less than ∼1–5% by volume. This small amount of material is consistent with orbital observations, confirming that soil cementation is an important factor controlling the thermal inertia of the Martian surface.
A follow-up study of the influence of early malnutrition on development. V: delayed development of conservation (Piaget)

Abstract Performance on Piaget's conservation tasks of graded difficulty was measured in Barbadian school children, ages 9-15 years, with histories of protein-energy malnutrition in the first year of life and their matched comparisons. Previously malnourisheo children below the age of 13 years or younger showed delays in performing conservation tasks. After age 14 this difference was no longer apparent, in contrast to persistent deficits in IQ in these same children. Moreover, direct comparison of performance on the Piaget tests and on IQ in individual children confirmed that these two measures test different intellectual skills. Environmental conditions measured concurrently had an effect on conservation scores, although a significant effect resulted from the early history of malnutrition even when the environmental factors were controlled. It is concluded that conservation task skills in this age group are sensitive to the effects of early malnutrition and that these are independent of IQ. Moreover, tests of conservation may be useful in a variety of cultural settings as an alternative to other forms of cognitive testing.
A Comparison of the Performance of Protocols in Packet Radio Networks

The relative performance and merits of a number of multiple access protocols for multihop packet radio networks are compared. The effects of network size, topology, connectivity, and noise immunity are also studied.
Observed Diurnal Oscilliatins of Pressure and Density in the Upper Stratosphere and Lower Mesosphere

Abstract Two recent series of meteorological rocket measurements in the upper stratosphere and lower mesosphere conducted in the summer and fall of 1965 at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico, indicate a significant diurnal oscillation of pressure and density in this region. The amplitude of observed pressure oscillations over an averaged layer from 52 to 58 km varied from 4–7 per cent with a mean value of 5 per cent, while the amplitude of density averaged through the same layer varied from 3–5 per cent with a mean of 3.5 per cent. Harmonic analyses of the heights of the 1.0-, 0.6- and 0.4-mb surfaces indicate maxima. at approximately 1400 and 1200 hours (local time) for the summer and fall series, respectively. In the vicinity of 55 km the total range of the diurnal oscillations of pressure and density as evidenced by these data was found to he almost as large as the seasonal variability.
Characterization of Network Topology to Support Infrastructure Asset Management

Recent advances in network theory hold promise for improving how infrastructure managers make decisions about their portfolio of assets. A framework that incorporates contemporary perspectives of networks is presented, which permits modeling the topology of an infrastructure network. The framework is capable of characterizing the components of the overall system and subnetworks and the direct and indirect interactions among these components. This framework is applied to a transportation system, which allows the authors to investigate the importance of the various components as elements of a complex network and use this data to support transportation asset management. The study shows that the links determine how the infrastructure network grows and that problems like congestion can be addressed by analyzing other factors related to topology, such as speed, unit size, and lane width. The proposed methodology appears promising as an asset management tool.
Mechanisms of decarboxylation of ortho-substituted benzoic acids

The rotational transition state in the isomerization of the syn- to anti-conformer for the parent and substituted benzoic acids has been characterized and the decarboxylation mechanism for these acids has been determined. A previously unreported intermediate in the salicylic acid decarboxylation pathway has been observed, demonstrating that there is a change in the reaction mechanism when the ortho-group participates in the development of the transition state. The intermediate, in a shallow well, has a keto-like structure. While salicylic acid reacts through the keto-like intermediate, other substituted benzoic acids, including 2-aminobenzoic acid, follow the previously reported direct mechanism.