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The anomalous strange metal phase found in high-Tc cuprates does not follow the conventional condensed-matter principles enshrined in the Fermi liquid and presents a great challenge for theory. Highly precise experimental determination of the electronic self-energy can provide a test bed for theoretical models of strange metals, and angle-resolved photoemission can provide this as a function of frequency, momentum, temperature and doping. Here we show that constant energy cuts through the nodal spectral function in (Pb,Bi)2Sr2−xLaxCuO6+δ have a non-Lorentzian lineshape, consistent with a self-energy that is k dependent. This provides a new test for aspiring theories. Here we show that the experimental data are captured remarkably well by a power law with a k-dependent scaling exponent smoothly evolving with doping, a description that emerges naturally from anti-de Sitter/conformal-field-theory based semi-holography. This puts a spotlight on holographic methods for the quantitative modelling of strongly interacting quantum materials like the cuprate strange metals. Strange metal behaviour of high-Tc superconductors, characterised by unconventional electrical and thermodynamic properties, still poses challenges for theory. Smit et al. report experimental features in the self-energy of a strange metal that are consistent with predictions by holographic theoretical methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We explore the state of matter characterized by the charged timelike vector order parameter. We employ holographic duality in order to construct such a state and study its thermoelectric transport, fermionic spectral function and the character of the Meissner effect. We uncover the unusual features of this "timelike superconductor": the absence of the gap in the fermionic spectrum and co-existence of Drude peak and supercurrent in the AC transport, which are reminiscent to those of time-reversal-odd and gapless superconductors, correspondingly. We show that this state is dynamically stable and thermodynamically at least metastable. Along the way we develop the holographic model of the charged vector field, which acquires mass due to a variant of the Stueckelberg mechanism with the adjoint Higgs field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To solve many fundamental and applied problems, there are not enough regular measurements made in the water column or under the ice.This article describes the results of the development of a budget multipurpose stand-alone optical module for network and/or complex sub-satellite measurements of seawater fluorescence. The relevance of the study is determined by the need in autonomous networks of global underwater observation of the sea water optical parameters. The scientific novelty of the research consists in the development of universal optical modules that can be combined, both in a complex and unified complex for hydro-optical studies, and separately organized into a distributed network of hydro-optical measurements. This solution will allow to universalize the creation of complexes of underwater hydro-optical measurements, as well as to modernize existing underwater vehicles and instruments that do not have optical sensors. This will make possible to investigate the functioning processes of phytoplankton communities and the reproduction of dissolved organic matters in extended locations, to study the influence of hydrophysical processes on the distribution of bio-optical parameters of sea water, and to conduct sub-satellite measurements and eco-monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The possibilities of detection and operational analysis of chemical elements in seawater using ultrasonic spark spectroscopy are demonstrated. This study was carried out using a specially designed automated complex for spectral and hydrophysical studies, which was successfully tested for many days in field conditions in the Sea of Japan (cruise 81 of the R/V Professor Gagarinskii) and in the Atlantic Ocean (cruise 52 of the R/V Akademik Boris Petrov). New data on the distribution of dissolved chemical elements and the state of seawater have been collected with high spatial resolution along long routes and on multi-day study sites in the Sea of Japan and Atlantic Ocean. The complex and the methods used can be recommended for in-situ studies of the state of natural water basins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work we study the relaxation of the system of strongly correlated electrons, at charge neutrality, when the chemical potential undergoes a local change. This setup is a model for the X-ray absorbtion edge study in the half-filled graphene. We use holographic duality to describe the system as a classical Schwarzschild black hole in curved 4-dimensional AdS spacetime. Assuming the amplitude of the quench is small, we neglect the backreaction on the geometry. We numerically study the two relaxation regimes: the adiabatic relaxation when the quench is slow and the relaxation governed by the quasinormal modes of the system, when the quench is fast. We confirm the expectation that the scale of separation between the slow and fast regimes is set by the characteristic frequency of the quasinormal modes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study the fermionic spectral density in a strongly correlated quantum system described by a gravity dual. In the presence of periodically modulated chemical potential, which models the effect of the ionic lattice, we explore the shapes of the corresponding Fermi surfaces, defined by the location of peaks in the spectral density at the Fermi level. We find that at strong lattice potentials sectors of the Fermi surface are unexpectedly destroyed and the Fermi surface becomes an arc-like disconnected manifold. We explain this phenomenon in terms of a collision of the Fermi surface pole with zeros of the fermionic Green’s function, which are explicitly computable in the holographic dual. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analyze fermionic response of strongly correlated holographic matter in presence of inhomogeneous periodically modulated potential mimicking the crystal lattice. The modulation is sourced by a scalar operator that explicitly breaks the translational symmetry in one direction. We compute the fermion spectral function and show that it either exhibits a well defined Fermi surface with umklapp gaps opening on the Brillouin zone boundary at small lattice wave vector, or, when the wave vector is large, the Fermi surface is anisotropically deformed and the quasiparticles get significantly broadened in the direction of translation symmetry breaking. Making use of the ability of our model to smoothly extrapolate to the homogeneous Q-lattice like setup, we show that this novel effect is not due to the periodic modulation of the potential and Umklapp physics, but rather due to the anisotropic features of the holographic horizon. That means it encodes novel physics of strongly correlated critical systems which may be relevant for phenomenology of exotic states of electron matter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study the charge density response in holographic models with explicit trans- lation symmetry breaking which is relevant in IR. In particular, we focus on Q-lattices and the Bianchy VII helix. We show that the hydrodynamic sound mode is removed from the spectrum due to the strong momentum relaxation and therefore, the usual treatment of the plasmon as Coulomb-dressed zero sound does not apply. Furthermore, the dominant coherent modes in the longitudinal channel, which control the neutral density-density correlator, are the diffusive modes. We show these modes are strongly suppressed when the boundary Coulomb interaction is turned on. This renders the low frequency charge density response spectrum completely incoherent and featureless. At intermediate frequencies, we observe a broad feature — the fake plasmon — in the dressed correlator, which could be confused with an overdamped plasmon. However, its gap is set by the scale of translation symmetry breaking instead of the plasma frequency. This broad feature originates from the non-hydrodynamic sector of the holographic spectrum, and therefore, its behaviour, typical of strongly correlated quantum critical systems with holographic duals, deviates from the standard Fermi-liquid paradigm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The DiffraCalc software package is developed for automatic indexing of electron diffraction patterns. The program can operate with the existing base of X-ray diffraction data, containing information about the crystal structures of more than 100 thousands of materials. This information has been extracted from open sources. A compatibility with standard crystallographic files is implemented. In the indexing mode, the program automatically analyzes an experimental diffraction pattern, implementing a search for an appropriate phase from the list compiled by a user proceeding from the crystallographic database. The indexing mode algorithm is constructed using the method of pair reflections. In the simulation mode, the program calculates the electron diffraction pattern for a specified material, which is an additional way to verify the indexing results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A set of studies, tests, and technological works is performed to design promising high-strength vessel steels for reactors with supercritical coolant parameters. Compositions and technological parameters are proposed for the production of reference steel (within the limits of the grade composition of 15Kh2NMFA-A steel) and high-nickel steel. These steels are characterized by high properties, including metallurgical quality and service and technological parameters. Steel of the reference composition has high (higher by 15%) strength properties, improved viscoplastic properties, and ductile-brittle transition temperature t of at most-125°C. The strength properties of the high-nickel steel are higher than those of the existing steels by 40-50% and higher than those of advanced foreign steels by 15-20% at ductile-brittle transition temperature t of at most-165°C. Moreover, the designed steels are characterized by a low content of harmful impurity elements and nonmetallic inclusions, a fine-grained structure, and a low susceptibility to thermal embrittlement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mechanisms that lead to the altered uterine gene expression in women with endometriosis are poorly understood. Are these changes in gene expression mediated by proximity to endometriotic lesions or is endometriosis a systemic disease where the effect is independent of proximity to the uterus? To answer this question, we created endometriosis in a murine model either in the peritoneal cavity (proximal) or at a subcutaneous remote site (distal). The expression of several genes that are involved in endometrial receptivity (homeobox A10 [Hoxa10], homeobox A11 [Hoxa11], insulin-like growth factor binding protein 1 [Igfbp1], Kruppel-like factor 9 [Klf9], and progesterone receptor [Pgr]) was measured in the eutopic endometrium of mice transplanted with either proximal or distal endometriosis lesions. Decreased expression of Hoxa10, Igfbp1, Klf9, and total Pgr genes was observed in the eutopic endometrium of mice with peritoneal endometriosis. In the mice with distal lesions, overall expression of these genes was not as severely affected, however, Igfbp1 expression was similarly decreased and the effect on Pgr was more pronounced. Endometriosis does have a systemic effect that varies with distance to the end organ. However, even remote disease selectively and profoundly alters the expression of genes such as Pgr. This is the first controlled experiment demonstrating that endometriosis is not simply a local peritoneal disease. Selective alteration of genes critical for endometrial receptivity and endometriosis propagation may be systemic. Similarly, systemic effects of endometriosis on other organs may also be responsible for the widespread manifestations of the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the major cause of anovulatory infertility. Although the genetic basis of PCOS is not well understood, it is a common metabolic and endocrine disorder. This study investigates the possible genomic variants associated with PCOS in Pakistani women from the Punjab region. DNA samples from 96 patients with genetically unrelated PCOS and 96 controls were analyzed by direct sequencing to determine the polymorphisms of different loci on follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (fshr), follicle-stimulating hormone β (fshrβ), luteinizing hormone chorionic gonadotropin (lhcgr), luteinizing hormone β (lhβ), estrogen receptor α (esr1), and estrogen receptor β (esr2) genes. Significant associations were observed within the genotype frequencies, allele frequencies, and multi-single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) haplotype analysis of most polymorphisms studied. This study identified new SNPs at positions 605+52 Del/T in lhcgr genes occurring in this particular subpopulation. The strong r2 value suggests that polymorphisms in the fshr and esr1 genes were in linkage disequilibrium. Our study provides evidence of statistically significant associations between susceptibility to PCOS in Pakistani women and the gene polymorphisms mentioned earlier. This suggests that the susceptible loci for PCOS lie within or very close to the chromosomal regions spanning these genes. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

We study local temperature fluctuations in a 2+1 dimensional CFT on the sphere, dual to a black hole in asymptotically AdS spacetime. The fluctuation spectrum is governed by the lowest-lying hydrodynamic modes of the system whose frequency and damping rate determine whether temperature fluctuations are thermal or quantum. We calculate numerically the corresponding quasinormal frequencies and match the result with the hydrodynamics of the dual CFT at high temperature. As a by-product of our analysis we determine the appropriate boundary conditions for calculating low-lying quasinormal modes for a four-dimensional Reissner-Nordström black hole in global AdS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A comparative evaluation is made of the thermal stability and radiation resistance of VVER-1000 vessel materials and new compositions of 15Kh2MFA-A steel of modifications A and B with low nickel content 0.2-0.8%. For this, complex structural studies and mechanical tests were performed on samples of materials in the following states: the initial state; after isothermal soaking at 330°C up to 7500 h, provoking grainboundary embrittlement of heat treatment in the interval of maximum development of reversible temper brittleness; and, accelerated irradiation to fluence corresponding to the service life of a reactor vessel to 60 or more years. The advantages of reducing the nickel content of steel with the new compositions, which is expressed in their improved radiation resistance and thermal stability, are shown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endometriosis has been associated with aberrant methylation in the eutopic endometrium. Using a genome-wide methylation array, we identified differentially methylated genes in the endometrium from women with or without endometriosis. One hundred and twenty genes were significantly altered by >1.5-fold. In all, 59 genes were significantly hypermethylated and 61 genes were significantly hypomethylated. Changes in gene expression associated with the altered methylation status were validated using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. A limited number of candidate genes are selectively methylated in the endometrium of women with endometriosis. Several genes not previously associated with endometriosis are aberrantly methylated and expressed. These include O-6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase, dual specificity phosphatase 22, cell division cycle associated 2, inhibitor of DNA binding 2, retinoblastoma binding protein 7, bone morphogenetic protein receptor, type 1B, tumor necrosis factor receptor 1B, zinc finger protein receptor 681, immunoglobulin superfamily, member 21, and tumor protein 73. Aberrant DNA methylation and gene expression of these genes may contribute to abnormal regulation of endometrial cell proliferation and function in women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tributyltin (TBT) is a common environmental contaminant used as the active ingredient in many products such as a biocides, wood preservatives, disinfecting agents, and antifouling paints. The TBT is a known endocrine disruptor. The aim of the current investigation was to determine the toxicity of TBT in the reproductive tract of adult male Syrian hamsters and to ascertain whether this compound results in untoward effects on apolipoprotein E (ApoE), a lipoprotein central to sex hormone synthesis. The TBT was administered orally to male Syrian hamsters at doses of 50, 100, and 150 ppm/kg for 65 days of treatment. We determined body weight, testis weight, sperm count, sperm morphology, testis histology, ApoE expression, serum lipid profile, testosterone level, follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR), and steroid hormone receptor expression compared to vehicle-treated controls. High doses of TBT significantly affected each of these parameters in Syrian hamsters. Weight and morphology of the testis were altered as well as sperm production. Real-time reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed that expression of ApoE messenger RNA was upregulated in testes from TBT-treated groups compared with controls while the expression of androgen receptor, FSHR, estrogen receptor α (ESR1), and estrogen receptor β (ESR2) was decreased. We posit that exposure to TBT hinders intracellular cholesterol transport resulting in abnormal sex steroid biosynthesis and subsequent spermatogenic defects. Importantly, these effects may account for the decreased level of normal sperm observed in hamsters exposed to TBT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The results of investigations of the structure and uniformity of the YO distribution in reactor EP-450 (12Kh13M2BFR) dispersion-strengthened ferrite-martensite steel are presented. It is found that electricpulse plasma sintering of powders of matrix steel and dispersion-strengthening oxides can be one of the methods for fabricating reactor steel. Optical and transmission electron microscopy investigations show that quite uniform grains are formed in a compact and no appreciable porosity is seen visually. Steel with structure in the form of flakes with mechanical alloying time 15 h possesses the best chemical composition with quite uniform YO distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the observation of the spatially modulated static mode in the spectrum of fluctuations around the condensed phase of the holographic d-wave superconductor. The mode involves the time component of the gauge field that is related to the charge density wave in the dual superconductor. No additional ingredients are added to the action of four dimensional theory. We speculate on the relevance of the observed mode to the formation of the pseudogap state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The human endometrium follows a predictable pattern of development during the proliferative phase. Endometrial thickness increases after day 3 and then plateaus at days 9 to 10 of the menstrual cycle despite continued high serum levels of estrogen. We hypothesized that proliferative phase endometrium undergoes more than simple estrogen responsive growth, rather it is characterized by complex time-dependent functional activities reflected in differential gene expression. Nine endometrial RNA samples from healthy participants were subjected to microarray analysis and 15 samples were used for quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The samples were divided into early, mid, or late proliferative phase. The early proliferative phase showed higher expression of genes including transforming growth factor β2, chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 18 (CCL18), and metallothionein 2A. The mid-proliferative phase was characterized by higher expression of heat shock proteins and implantation-associated genes including Indian hedgehog, secreted frizzled protein 4, and progesterone receptor. In the late proliferative phase, we identified increased angiotensin II receptor, type 2 and large decrease in expression of genes related to natural killer (NK) cell function. We demonstrate a unique gene expression signature at distinct time points within the proliferative phase. The early proliferative phase is characterized by tissue remodeling, angiogenesis, and modulation of inflammation; the mid-proliferative phase is characterized not only by proliferation in response to estrogens but also marks the onset of expression of genes required for endometrial receptivity and a dampening of estrogen responsiveness. In the late proliferative phase, changes in immune function and NK cells predominate. The proliferative phase is not simply a uniform period of estrogen responsive endometrial growth that can be considered as a single experimental time point when evaluating endometrial development; rather the proliferative phase is complex with differing functions and patterns of gene expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ferromagnetic Ising model without external field on an infinite Lorentzian triangulation sampled from the uniform distribution is considered. We prove uniqueness of the Gibbs measure in the high temperature region and coexistence of at least two Gibbs measures at low temperature. The proofs are based on the disagreement percolation method and on a variant of the Peierls contour method. The critical temperature is shown to be constant a.s. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The endometria of women treated with long-term progestin-only contraceptives (LTPOCs) display abnormally enlarged, fragile blood vessels, decreased endometrial blood flow, oxidative stress, and unpredictable focal abnormal endometrial bleeding. Because human studies on the effects of LTPOC treatment are constrained for ethical and practical reasons, we assessed the suitability of nonoophorectomized guinea pigs (GPs) to best mimic the hormonal milieu of women. The present study demonstrates that treatment of GPs parallels the morphological changes following LTPOC treatment of the human endometrium and ovaries. Specifically, treatment resulted in larger hyperemic, uteri compared with controls. Histopathologic and immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated fewer endometrial glands, decreased luminal mucus, increased numbers of blood vessels, and focal hemorrhage. While increased staining for the cell mitosis marker, Ki67, was present in the zona functionalis, no such increase occurred in the basalis. Lastly, effects on vasomotor features of uterine arteries suggest changes that favor increased resistance and reduced blood flow promoting decreased ability to withstand elevations in transmural pressure. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

We propose the description of algorithms and computational techniques accelerating the calculation of orientation, stabilization, approximate estimate of the wind velocity with the use of the software as applied to the designed mini unmanned aerial vehicle of the combined scheme, namely, the convertiplane, that is capable to takeoff and land vertically, hover, and fly as an airplane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endometriosis is an often painful disorder in which the endometrial glands and stroma grow outside the uterus. The disease affects women’s quality of life and is a common cause of infertility. In this review, we describe promising new developments in the field based on in vitro assays and rodent models, each of which has the potential to be beneficial in the treatment of this disease. We will specifically describe the role of anti-inflammatory drugs, selective estrogen, or progesterone modulators, statins, antiangiogenic agents, and the potential for targeting stem cells as likely methods to hone in and eliminate endometriosis. The most promising of these potential therapies are currently slated for further testing in both rodent and nonhuman primate trials. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background: Uterine serous papillary adenocarcinoma (USPC) is a highly aggressive variant of endometrial cancer. Human immuno-conjugate molecule (hI-con1) is an antibody-like molecule targeted against tissue factor (TF), composed of two human Factor VII (fVII) as the targeting domain, fused to human immunoglobulin (Ig) G1 Fc as an effector domain. We evaluated hI-con1 potential activity against primary chemotherapy-resistant USPC cell lines expressing different levels of TF.Methods: A total of 16 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded USPC samples were evaluated by immunohistochemistry (IHC) for TF expression. Six primary USPC cell lines, half of which overexpress the epidermal growth factor type II (HER2/neu) receptor at 3+ levels, were assessed by flow cytometry and real-time PCR for TF expression. Sensitivity to hI-con1-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (IDCC) was evaluated in 5-hour-chromium release assays. Finally, to investigate the effect of interleukin-2 (IL-2) on IDCC, 5-h (51)Cr assays were also conducted in the presence of low doses of IL-2 (i.e., 50-100 IU ml(-1)).Results: Cytoplasmic and/or membrane TF expression was observed in all 16 (100%) USPC samples tested by IHC, but not in normal endometrium. High expression of TF was found in 50% (three out of six) of the USPC cell lines tested by real-time PCR and flow cytometry when compared with normal endometrial cells (NECs; P<0.001). Uterine serous papillary adenocarcinoma cell lines overexpressing TF, regardless of their high or low HER2/neu expression, were highly sensitive to IDCC (mean killing+/-s.d., 65.6+/-3.7%, range 57.5-77.0%, P<0.001), although negligible cytotoxicity against USPC was seen in the absence of hI-con1 or in the presence of Rituximab control antibody. The addition of low doses of IL-2 further increased the cytotoxic effect induced by hI-con1 against chemotherapy-resistant USPC.Conclusion: hI-con1 induces strong cytotoxicity against primary chemotherapy-resistant USPC cell lines overexpressing TF. The hI-con1 may represent a novel therapeutic agent for the treatment of patients harbouring advanced, recurrent and/or metastatic USPC refractory to standard treatment modalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By means of the cathode differential pulse polarography on a mercury drop electrode the reactions of Zn2+, Cd2+, and Pb2+ ions with the spiro[pyridobenzopyranes] of the indoline series in DMSO were studied. Tetrabutylammonium perchlorate was used as the background electrolyte. It is found that well soluble heavy metal complexes of the spiro[indolin-pyridobenzopyranes] are formed in DMSO. The number of ligands, the step and the general stability constants of the obtained complex compounds are evaluated. The distribution curves of all the complexes under investigation are plotted. The spiropyrane complexes were also studied by means of the spectrophometric method. Good agreement of the results obtained by two different methods was established. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Factor VII binds trans-membrane tissue factor to initiate hemostasis by forming thrombin. Tissue factor expression is enhanced in decidualized human endometrial stromal cells during the luteal phase. Longterm progestin only contraceptives elicit: 1) abnormal uterine bleeding from fragile vessels at focal bleeding sites, 2) paradoxically high tissue factor expression at bleeding sites; 3) reduced endometrial blood flow promoting local hypoxia and enhancing reactive oxygen species levels; and 4) aberrant angiogenesis reflecting increased stromal cell-expressed vascular endothelial growth factor, decreased Angiopoietin-1 and increased endothelial cell-expressed Angiopoietin-2. Aberrantly high local vascular permeability enhances circulating factor VII to decidualized stromal cell-expressed tissue factor to generate excess thrombin. Hypoxia-thrombin interactions augment expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and interleukin-8 by stromal cells. Thrombin, vascular endothelial growth factor and interlerukin-8 synergistically augment angiogenesis in a milieu of reactive oxygen species-induced endothelial cell activation. The resulting enhanced vessel fragility promotes abnormal uterine bleeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract  Simple stochastic models for phylogenetic trees on species have been well studied. But much paleontology data concerns time series or trees on higher-order taxa, and any broad picture of relationships between extant groups requires use of higher-order taxa. A coherent model for trees on (say) genera should involve both a species-level model and a model for the classification scheme by which species are assigned to genera. We present a general framework for such models, and describe three alternate classification schemes. Combining with the species-level model of Aldous and Popovic (Adv Appl Probab 37:1094–1115, 2005), one gets models for higher-order trees, and we initiate analytic study of such models. In particular we derive formulas for the lifetime of genera, for the distribution of number of species per genus, and for the offspring structure of the tree on genera. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spiropyrans of the indoline series were studied by differential pulse voltammetry in DMSO solutions. The experimental data obtained were supported by quantum-chemical calculations performed to examine the structural features and thermodynamic stability of a series of spiro-pyrans. The calculations revealed a correlation between the peak potential ( E p) of spiropyrans and the energy of the lowest unoccupied π orbital. Procedures were developed for identification and quantitative determination of all the spiropyrans in DMSO on a mercury dropping electrode in the concentration range from 1 × 10−7 to 1 × 10−6 M. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider the uniform infinite planar triangulation, which is defined as the weak limit of the uniform distributions on finite triangulations with N triangles as N → ∞. Take the ball of radius R in an infinite triangulation. One of the components of its boundary separates this ball from the infinite part of the triangulation, and we denote its length by ℓ(R). The main question we study is the asymptotic behavior of the sequence ℓ(R), R = 1, 2,..., called the triangulation profile. First, we prove that the ratio ℓ(R)/R2 converges to a nondegenerate random variable. Second, we establish a connection between the triangulation profile and a certain time-reversed critical branching process. Finally, we show that there exists a contour of length linear in R that lies outside of the R-ball and separates this ball from the infinite part of the triangulation. Bibliography: 8 titles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corrosion-electrochemical behavior of tube stills of a 18–10 steel combined with the case component members from plain carbon steels in circulating water of petroleum refineries is investigated. It was ascertained that the reasons for accelerated corrosion of tube panels, as well as origination and development of pitting corrosion perforating the bundle tubes, are as follows: a high content of chlorine ions in the circulating water and its periodical acidification; the contact between the two highly different steels accepted when manufacturing the coolers; and precipitation of corrosion products on the inner surface of tubes during shutdowns of the process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main substance of the paper concerns the growth rate and the classification (ergodicity, transience) of a family of random trees. In the basic model, new edges appear according to a Poisson process of parameter λ and leaves can be deleted at a rate μ. The main results lay the stress on the famous number e. A complete classification of the process is given in terms of the intensity factor ρ=λ/μ: it is ergodic if ρ≤e[sup -1], and transient if ρ>e[sup -1]. There is a phase transition phenomenon: the usual region of null recurrence (in the parameter space) here does not exist. This fact is rare for countable Markov chains with exponentially distributed jumps. Some basic stationary laws are computed, e.g. the number of vertices and the height. Various bounds, limit laws and ergodic-like theorems are obtained, both for the transient and ergodic regimes. In particular, when the system is transient, the height of the tree grows linearly as the time t→∞, at a rate which is explicitly computed. Some of the results are extended to the so-called multiclass model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endometrial gene expression can be regulated exquisitely by cyclical changes in ovarian steroid concentration. Although hormonal induction of many of these genes occurs through classical steroid response elements, other endometrial genes respond to steroids at the transcriptional level but do not contain steroid response elements. A family of transcription factors, namely the Sp1 family, has now been implicated as important mediators of steroid hormone action in the endometrium during the periimplantation and postimplantation periods. This review summarizes the current literature regarding the role of the Sp1 protein family in regulating the response to steroid hormones of genes for tissue factor, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1, uteroglobin, and uteroferrin in the endometrium. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Copyright of American Potato Journal is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of American Potato Journal is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Powdery scab of potato, incited by Spongospora subterranea var. subterranea (Walk.) Lagerh., was recently identified in Israel. Experiments were conducted to determine the role of tuber-borne inoculum in inciting the disease, and to eradicate tuber- and soilborne inoculum. Dipping for 2 min in a mixture of 0.75% ai. pentachloronitrobenzene and 0.03% a.i. organic mercury was found to be highly effective in controlling tuber-borne inoculum. Soil fumigation with methyl bromide or treatment with metham-sodium in irrigation water provided good control of soilborne inoculum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The possible role of rising soil temperatures and of fertigation in predisposing melon (Cucumis melo) and watermelon (Citrullus vulgaris) to the, thermophilic ascomycete Monosporascus eutypoides is evaluated. Emphasis is placed on the possible involvement of advanced cultivation practices in changing plant environment and morphology. The geographical range of the organism in Israel is described. kg]Key Words: Cucumis melo; Citrullus vulgaris; Monosporascus eutypoides; soil temperature; fertigation; plastic mulch; tunnels; shoot:root ratio; water stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The importance of soilborne pathogens is discussed with regard to their buildup, factors leading to severity of disease, and control measures. The role of monoculture, stress conditions and pathogen survival is considered. Among control measures, cultivar tolerance and soil fumigation are analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A collapse of melon plants ( Cucumis melo L.) grown under both winter and summer conditions in Israel was shown to be incited by the soilborne pathogen Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goid. Although symptoms were noted in the crown area of the plant, results of root isolations confirmed that the damage encountered under local conditions was due primarily to a root rot caused by this pathogen. We found infection to be more prevalent in summer than in winter sowings, and collapse in the summer occurred sooner in later than in earlier sowings. Methyl bromide fumigation controlled the pathogen, prevented collapse, and increased yield as compared with the control treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The vesicular arbuscular fungus Glomus mosseae (Nicol. & Gerd.) Gerd. & Trappe was retrieved from citrus trees growing in loess soil in the Negev region of Israel. Inoculation of citrus seedlings with the mycorrhizal fungus greatly increased the growth of plants in soil low in phosphorus. Rough lemon responded more than Sour orange. Vesicular arbuscular mycorrhiza caused higher concentrations of P and Cu and lower concentrations of N, K and Ca in leaves of inoculated plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The importance of Verticillium wilt of potato and its control are discussed. Among the factors considered in controlling the disease are the role of seed tubers in disseminating the pathogen, the interaction of nematodes and fungus, chemical eradication, the use of tolerant or resistant cultivars, and integrated control measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pratylenchus thornei was found in fields in the northern Negev infesting alfalfa, barley, potatoes, trifolium, watermelon and wheat. Females, males and larvae invaded the cortical root tissue, leading to root collapse and a reduction in shoot weight. P. thornei is active under irrigated conditions in the autumn, winter and spring, whereas in unirrigated fields it is active in the winter only. The optimal soil temperature for its reproduction is between 18° and 22°C. The nematode survives the dry hot season probably in a desiccated quiescent state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reaction of two tomato varieties, Gilat 38 ( Verticillium resistant) and Rehovot 13 ( Verticillium susceptible), to inoculation with Meloidogyne javanica and Verticillium dahliae, was examined. The nematode did not break the resistance of Gilat 38 to the fungus, but it enhanced fungus incidence and symptoms in Rehovot 13. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]