cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Tree establishment and growth using forage ground covers in an alley-cropped system in Midwestern USA

The integration of forage crops in an alley-cropped system was examined as a method of encouraging tree planting to increase farm income, improve soil quality, and enhance biodiversity on Midwestern U.S. farms. Crop and tree performance were evaluated in an alley-cropped system using four forage intercrops grown in tree alleyways to simulate a potential hay crop – oat (Avena sativa L.) and red clover (Trifolium pratense L.); oat, red clover, and red fescue (Festuca rubra L.); oat, red clover, and orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.); and oat and hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth) – compared to a herbicide, mowing and control (no management) treatment. Five tree species, divided into fast-growing hardwoods of two poplar (Populus spp.) clones [Crandon (P. alba L. × P. grandidentata Michx.) and Eugenei (P. deltoids Bartr. × P. nigra L.)], and silver maple (Acer saccharinum L.) were compared with two high-value, slow-growing hardwoods planted from seed and as seedlings: red oak (Quercus rubra L.) and black walnut (Juglans nigra L.). Tree survival in the first year was greater for the fast-growing species, and by the fourth year, tree height among the four forage treatments was equivalent for all upland locations. The oat/hairy vetch ground cover was associated with the shortest trees in the bottomland site. Herbicide-treated trees were taller than the average of the four forage treatments for all four planting conditions. Tree height in the mowing and the control treatments was not significantly different for all four planting conditions. The nutritive value of the forage crop was excellent in the second year of tree establishment, with crude protein content and digestibility at 17 and 71%, respectively, in the oat/red clover/red fescue treatment, suggesting the viability of forage crops as alternatives to herbicides in alley-cropped systems.
A socio-emotional relational framework for infidelity: the relational justice approach.

Current clinical models for addressing infidelity tend not to make social context issues a central focus; yet, societal gender and power structures, such as female responsibility for relationships and limited male vulnerability, affect the etiology of affairs and create power imbalances in intimate relationships. How therapists respond to these societal influences may either limit or enhance the mutual healing of both persons in the relationship. Thus attention to these societal processes is an ethical issue. This paper presents one perspective, the Relational Justice Approach, for working with infidelity. It places gender, power, and culture at the center of intervention in couple therapy, and includes three stages: (1) creating an equitable foundation for healing, (2) placing the infidelity in a societal context, and (3) practicing mutuality. Each stage is illustrated with case examples and contrasted with current practice regarding infidelity. 当前研究不忠行为的临床模式倾向于不把社会语境问题作为研究的中心点,然而社会性别和权力结构,譬如女性在关系中的责任和有限的男性脆弱性等,影响到婚外情病因学,并在亲密关系中造成权力失调。治疗师如何应对这些社会影响可能会限制或改善关系中双方的共同愈合;对这些社会过程的关注因此是一个伦理问题。本文为研究不忠行为提供了一个视角,即关系正义方法。该视角将性别、权力和文化置于夫妇治疗干预的中心,包括三个阶段:1)创造治愈的公平基础,2)把不忠行为置于社会环境中,3)实施相互性策略。我们用案例对每一阶段进行说明,并与当前的不忠行为研究进行对比。 Los modelos clinicos actuales para abordar la infidelidad tienden a quitar del eje central las cuestiones de contexto social. Sin embargo, las estructuras sociales de genero y poder, como la responsabilidad femenina de las relaciones y la limitada vulnerabilidad masculina, afectan la etiologia de las aventuras amorosas y generan desequilibrios de poder en las relaciones intimas. La manera en la que los terapeutas responden a estas influencias sociales puede limitar o mejorar la recuperacion mutua de ambos integrantes de la relacion. Por lo tanto, prestar atencion a estos procesos sociales es un asunto etico. En este articulo se presenta una perspectiva, el enfoque de justicia relacional, para trabajar con la infidelidad. Dicho enfoque coloca el genero, el poder y la cultura en el centro de la intervencion en la terapia de pareja y consiste en tres fases: 1) crear una base equitativa para la recuperacion, 2) ubicar la infidelidad en un contexto social, y 3) practicar la mutualidad. Cada fase se ilustra con ejemplos y se contrasta con la practica actual en relacion con la infidelidad.
Design considerations of GeoSAR

The primary purpose of GeoSAR is to demonstrate the feasibility of interferometric topographic mapping through foliage penetration. GeoSAR should become a commercially viable instrument after the feasibility demonstration. To satisfy both requirements, we have designed a dual frequency (UHF- and X-band) interferometric radar. For foliage penetration, a lower frequency (UHF) radar is used. To obtain better height accuracy for low backscatter areas, we proposed a high frequency (X-band) interferometric system. In this paper, we present a possible GeoSAR system configuration and associated performance estimation.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
X-Ray computed tomography examination and comparison of gas hydrate dissociation in NGHP-01 expedition (India) and Mount Elbert (Alaska) sediment cores: Experimental observations and numerical modeling

Abstract Natural gas from methane hydrate could provide a desireable resource. As part of a long-term investigation of producing gas from methane hydrate, lab-scale gas production tests have been performed using natural cores from India's Natural Gas Hydrate Program 01 Expedition (NGHP-01), and from the Mount Elbert Stratigraphic Well on the North Slope, of Alaska. Prior to performing the gas production tests, a number of cores from the NGHP-01 were scanned using X-ray computed tomography (CT) to examine the gas hydrate-bearing sediment structure, which guided the selection of the core for the gas production test. Disseminated gas hydrate, gas hydrate in veins, and gas hydrate in nodules were observed or inferred from the CT data. Data from numerous core segments are presented here and in the supplemental information. In our gas production test, the gas hydrate in the NGHP-01 core was dissociated by warming the core to above the stability point, and then depressurizing the sample. A preserved sample of gas hydrate-bearing sandstone from the Mount Elbert Test Well was dissociated by depressurization. In both tests, the internal temperature of the sample was monitored in two locations and the density changes at high spatial resolution were measured using X-ray CT scanning. Although there were indications of dissociation in the NGHP-01 core, no gas was produced. The Mount Elbert sample contained two distinct regions having different porosity and grain size distributions. The gas hydrate dissociation occurred initially throughout the sample as a result of lowering the pressure below methane hydrate stability conditions. This initial depressurization stage in the experiment reduced the temperature to the methane hydrate equilibrium point, and the pressure was controlled so that the temperature remained above the ice point. After that, dissociation occurred from the outside into the core sample as a result of heat transfer from the controlled temperature bath surrounding the pressure vessel. Numerical modeling of the laboratory test results using TOUGH + HYDRATE yielded a gas production curve that closely matches the experimentally measured curve.
Scaling behavior and velocity enhancement in self-aligned N-polar GaN/AlGaN HEMTs with maximum fT of 163 GHz

N-polar GaN/AlGaN HEMTs have recently been demonstrated as a potential technology for high frequency applications [1]. Excellent f T .L G product of 16.8 GHz-µm has been achieved for L G = 130 nm. As the devices are being scaled to further improve the performance, vertical scaling and hence, aspect ratio of the device becomes an important aspect of the device design. In this paper, we analyze self-aligned devices with varying gate-lengths fabricated on a 10 nm GaN channel with identical access regions to understand the effect of aspect ratio on the scaling of DC and RF device performance with gate-length scaling.
Return Sweep Latency in Reading with a Paralyzed Eye

The study concerned the distribution of directional control of eye movement in reading. With the paralysis of the right eye, progressive movements of the left eye were possible, but regressive movements were cancelled, being observed as drift. Base-out prism placed over the non-paralyzed eye allowed for the re-establishment of regressive movements. The results for this subject were explained on the basis of a large retinal error marker having been established. With the paralysis of one eye, base-out prisms reduce that error.
TU‐D‐T‐617‐06: The Optimization of Dose Delivery for Intraoperative High‐Dose‐Rate Radiation Therapy Using Curved HAM Applicators

Purpose: To quantify the effect of the curvature of flexible applicators on the dose distribution in high‐dose‐rate intraoperative radiation therapy (HDR‐IORT). Method and Materials:Treatment planning was performed with flat Harrison‐Anderson‐Mick applicators using 192 Ir as the radioactive source, and dwell times were optimized using dose‐pointoptimization techniques. These optimized dwell times were then used for the curved applicators, and the dose distributions that would actually be delivered to patients were determined. Shallow, moderate, and steep curvatures were considered. The discrepancies in dose distribution resulting from the applicator's curvature were quantified, and the regions receiving significant underdoses or overdoses were identified. Results: The dose directly below the central catheter was strongly dependent on the curvature of the applicator. Steep parabolic curves caused underdoses as large as 19% at the prescribed depth of 1 cm normal to the convex side of the applicator surface. The rate of dose reduction with increasing distance from the applicator surface was also greatly affected by applicator curvature. The local dose distribution was not greatly affected by the number of catheters. On the concave side of the applicator, curvature pushed the isodose curves from the applicator surface, causing overdosing. Data from these experiments could be used to create a simple library of treatment plans for curved geometries to complement existing libraries for flat applicators. Conclusion: The curvature of the applicator profoundly affects dosimetry and can be exploited to optimize coverage of the target during HDR‐IORT procedures. To ensure accurate dosedelivery, these dose perturbations must be accounted for in the planning process. We recommend maintaining a dosimetry atlas of various applicator sizes and curvatures in addition to one for flat applicators.
The effect of crack-tip material evolution on fracture toughness—An atomistic simulation study of the TiV alloy system

Abstract The Embedded Atom Method (EAM) interatomic potentials and Molecular Dynamics simulations were used to study material evolution in a region surrounding the crack tip in the TiV system containing 0–35 at.% vanadium. The results show that depending on the amount of vanadium, which controls the relative thermodynamic stability of various phases in the TiV alloy system, material evolution in the crack-tip region can involve one or more basic processes. In the alloy containing up to approximately 15% V, material evolution takes place in a larger region surrounding the crack tip and dominated by the b.c.c. → h.c.p. and the b.c.c. → f.c.o. martensitic transformations and by a slip-type deformation process within the product (martensite) phase. In the alloy containing around 25 at.% vanadium, only materials adjacent to the crack tip undergo the b.c.c. → h.c.p. transformation, and no formation of the f.c.o. martensite is observed. Deformation by slip, due to emission of the dislocations from the crack tip, still takes place but only in the parent b.c.c. phase. When the amount of vanadium is 35 at.% or higher, no martensitic transformation takes place in the region surrounding the crack tip. Instead, the parent b.c.c. structure is found to undergo mechanical twinning. To quantify the effect of the aforementioned material evolution processes on fracture toughness, the component of the Eshelby's conservation F integral in the crack propagation direction was calculated for each of the alloys under investigation. This component of the F integral, which is equal to the force acting on the crack tip trying to extend it, was found to decrease as a result of each of the aforementioned material evolution processes in the region around the crack tip in each of the alloys studied, rendering the alloys tougher. The result further suggests that there is an optimum amount of vanadium in the TiV alloy system (around 15 at.%), which gives rise to the optimum cooperation of the basic material evolution processes and hence to the maximum toughness enhancement.
OBSERVABLE EFFECTS OF THE X-PROCESS MUON SOURCE.

The zenithal enhancements exhibited by calculated integral muon intensities at large zenith angles and high energies are examined for variations due to energy dependence of both the $\frac{K}{\ensuremath{\pi}}$ ratio in the conventional meson source of muons and the percentage of $X$-process at production. These enhancements are compared with the Utah underground measurements over a wide range of depth and zenith angle. The indicated energy dependence of the percentage of $X$-process at production is determined, and the implications of the resulting spectra for experimental investigations are discussed.
Molecular cloning of cDNAs encoding a guanine-nucleotide-releasing factor for Ras p21

The stimulation of a variety of cell surface receptors promotes the accumulation of the active, GTP-bound form of Ras proteins in cells. This is a critical step in signal transduction because inhibition of Ras activation by anti-Ras antibodies or dominant inhibitory Ras mutants blocks many of the effects of these receptors on cellular function. To reach the active GTP-bound state, Ras proteins must first release bound GDP. This rate-limiting step in GTP binding is thought to be catalysed by a guanine-nucleotide-releasing factor (GRF). Here we report the cloning of complementary DNAs from a rat brain library that encode a approximately 140K GRF for Ras p21 (p140Ras-GRF). Its carboxy-terminal region is similar to that of CDC25, a GRF for Saccharomyces cerevisiae RAS. This portion of Ras-GRF accelerated the release of GDP from RasH and RasN p21 in vitro, but not from the related RalA, or CDC42Hs GTP-binding proteins. A region in the amino-terminal end of Ras-GRF is similar to both the human breakpoint cluster protein, Bcr, and the dbl oncogene product, a guanine-nucleotide-releasing factor for CDC42Hs. An understanding of Ras-GRF function will enhance our knowledge of the many signal transduction pathways mediated by Ras proteins.
Measuring the Distribution of Ocean Mass Using GRACE

The Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE). which was successfully launched March 17. 2002. has the potential to create a new paradigm in satellite oceanography with an impact perhaps as large as was observed with (he arrival of precision satellite altimetry via TOPEX/Poscidon (T/P) in 1992. The simulations presented here suggest that GRACE will be able to monitor non-secular changes in ocean mass on a global basis with a spatial resolution of ~500 km and an accuracy of ~3 mm water equivalent. it should be possible to recover global mean ocean mass variations to an accuracy of ~1 mm, possibly much better if the atmospheric pressure modeling errors can be reduced. We have not considered the possibly significant errors that may arise due to temporal aliasing and secular gravity variations. Secular signals from glacial isostatic adjustment and the melting of polar ice mass arc expected to he quite large, and will complicate the recovery of secular ocean mass variations, Nevertheless, GRACE will provide unprecedented insight into the mass components of sea level change, especially when combined with coincident satellite altimeter measurements. Progress on these issues would provide new insight into the response of sea level to climate change.
Lack of sensitization and equivalent post-transplant outcomes with the Novacor left ventricular assist device.

Background Ventricular assist devices (VADs) are increasingly used to support critically ill heart failure patients awaiting transplantation. Previous work has focused on the Thoratec Heartmate VE device, use of which is associated with pre-formed antibody production. We reviewed our cumulative experience with the Worldheart Novacor VAD as a bridge to transplantation (BTT). Methods From January 1989 through October 2002, 39 patients required a VAD bridge, with 26 of 39 surviving to transplantation. Antibody levels were assessed by complement-dependent cytotoxicity assay at routine intervals and expressed as panel reactive antibody (PRA) levels. Post-transplant allograft rejection, coronary vasculopathy, and survival were compared between Novacor-supported patients and non-VAD transplant recipients. Results PRA values did not significantly change after VAD implantation (12.4% ± 11.2% vs 14.8% ± 12.3%, p = 0.28). Survival for the BTT patients was 80.4%, 75.7%, 64.0%, 64.0%, and 64.0%, respectively, for 1, 3, 5, 7, and 10 years post-transplant, with similar results for non-BTT patients. The freedom from coronary vasculopathy was 90.2%, 90.2%, 72.2%, and 72.2%, respectively, at 1, 3, 5, and 7 years post-transplant. Conclusions First, to our knowledge, this study is the first to examine the incidence of allosensitization after Novacor implant in detail. In contrast with previous results of work with other VAD systems, as assessed by PRA levels, Novacor patients did not become sensitized. Second, compared with 220 non-BTT patients who received transplants during a similar time frame, Novacor BTT patients had equivalent rejection profiles and survival. Finally, the incidence of transplant-associated coronary artery disease was lower than in previous reports.
A Metal-Chelating Pluronic for Immobilization of Histidine-Tagged Proteins at Interfaces: Immobilization of Firefly Luciferase on Polystyrene Beads

Pluronic is a surface-active poly(ethylene oxide)−poly(propylene oxide)−poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO−PPO−PEO) triblock copolymer. The PEO chains of the triblock form a hydrophilic, protein-repelling interface at hydrophobic surfaces. The protein-repelling property of Pluronic surfactants was used as an activity-preserving foundation on which to develop a scheme for specific protein immobilization at hydrophobic interfaces through immobilized metal affinity. A nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) group was coupled to the terminal hydroxyl groups of the PEO chains of Pluronic F108 to create a metal-chelating Pluronic (F108-NTA). Recombinant firefly luciferase (FFL) with C-terminal histidine tags was used as a test protein. Histidine-tagged FFL adsorbed strongly to untreated polystyrene beads but retained much less than 1% of its bioluminescence activity. An equivalent amount of histidine-tagged FFL bound to polystyrene beads treated with the chelating Pluronic, but only in the presence of Ni2+ ions. The firefly lucifer...
On the formation of a nuclear stratosphere at finite temperature

Abstract Theoretical results concerning the formation of a nuclear stratosphere in hot nuclei are presented. The calculations, which are based on the temperature dependent Hartree-Fock treatment of a realistic effective hamiltonian, show that self-consistent nuclear density distributions evolve into a contracted volume region accompanied by a surface region. This tail formation mechanism could explain recent experimental data about enhanced 1H/4He emission rates in very excited compound nuclei.
Improvement of measurement precision of SPME-GC/MS determination of tributyltin using isotope dilution calibration.

A unique approach was developed to improve the precision of quantification of tributyltin (TBT) in sediments by solid phase microextraction (SPME) using isotope dilution GC/MS. The precision of the analytical technique was initially evaluated using standard calibration solutions. In selective ion monitoring (SIM) mode, the relative standard deviation (RSD) obtained for TBT based on peak area response was 18% (n = 11). When an internal standard, tripropyltin (TPrT), was used, the RSD decreased to 12%. A significant improvement in the precision using SPME was noted when a 117Sn-enriched TBT spike was employed; the RSD decreased 4-fold to 3%. Detection limits of 0.2 and 20 ng(Sn) L-1 were achieved with SPME sampling and liquid−liquid extraction, respectively. Six analyses were performed for determination of TBT in PACS-2 sediment Certified Reference Material using both standard additions and isotope dilution procedures. For the latter, a 117Sn-enriched TBT spike was used. A concentration of 0.88 ± 0.03 μg g-...
Synthesis maps of ultraviolet observations of neutral interstellar gas

Copernicus and IUE measurements of neutral hydrogen column densities have been taken for about 140 stars distributed between 10 and 3000 pc from the sun and plotted in several maps to directly yield estimates of contours of neutral hydrogen column density in the 5-500 x 10 to the 17th/sq cm range. These maps show that low column density neutral hydrogen is asymmetrically distributed around the sun with a 'hole' in the neutral hydrogen located in the third quadrant. This distribution mirrors that of nearby B stars associated with the Gould belt. The maps clearly show the directions in which observations at wavelengths less than 912 A will be most successful.
Expression of STAT3 and SOCS3 in Pancreatic Acinar Cells1,2

Background The signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) and suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) pathways are involved in organ inflammation. In the pancreas, however, the STAT3 and SOCS3 response to inflammatory stimuli is unknown. Therefore, we hypothesized that mRNA expression for these signaling proteins would be induced in response to pro-inflammatory mediators TNFα and LPS. Because activation of STAT3 and SOCS3 is also linked to cytokine stimulation, we tested TNFα and LPS, either alone or in combination with IL-1β or IL-6 in an in vitro model using rat pancreatic acinar cells. Methods Rat pancreatic acinar cells (AR42J) were treated with combinations of LPS (10 μg/ml) or TNFα (10, 100, or 200 ng/ml) in the presence or absence of IL-1β or IL-6 for 15, 30, 45, 60, 180, or 360 min. At each time point, total RNA was purified and analyzed via RT-PCR for STAT3 and SOCS3 mRNA expression. Results LPS and TNFα activated STAT3 and SOCS3 in pancreatic acinar cells. STAT3 mRNA expression was significantly ( P P P P P Conclusions We have shown that LPS and TNFα are potent mediators of STAT3 and SOCS3 expression in the pancreas and that the cytokines IL-6 and IL-1β are indirectly involved in the signaling pathway. Alteration of the STAT pathway should be explored as a therapeutic target for treatment of pancreatic inflammation.
Does anterior lumbar interbody fusion promote adjacent degeneration in degenerative disc disease? A finite element study

Background The increase in the number of anterior lumbar interbody fusions being performed carries with it the potential for the long-term complication of adjacent segmental degeneration. While its exact mechanism remains uncertain, adjacent segment degeneration has become much more widespread. Using a nonlinear, three-dimensional finite element model to analyze and compare the biomechanical influence of anterior lumbar interbody fusion and lumbar disc degeneration on the superior adjacent intervertebral disc, we attempt to determine if anterior lumbar interbody fusion aggravates adjacent segment degeneration.
The exacerbation component of impairment and risk in pediatric asthma.

Purpose of review The new guidelines for assessment of asthma control emphasize two domains: impairment and risk. Exacerbations of asthma are an important component of risk but have not received as much attention as the day-to-day symptoms that make up impairment. The purpose of this review is to report what has recently been learned about exacerbations. Recent findings Exacerbations occur in the context of both controlled and uncontrolled asthma. Exacerbations are a strong independent risk factor of further exacerbations. This suggests that unrecognized factors may be involved in susceptibility to exacerbations in addition to more commonly recognized triggers such as viruses, allergens, and poorly controlled asthma. Such factors may be the result of genetic variation. Recent evidence now shows a residual effect on lung function from an exacerbation event. There are no current specific intervention measures to prevent exacerbations but attention to management practices continues to look at the role of the emergency department in improving care. Summary The presence of exacerbations is considered a risk factor of the likelihood of further exacerbations and requires assessment of the triggers identified with history of exacerbations, host factors, atopic disposition, exposure to allergens, adherence to prescribed medications, and preventive measures to reduce future risk of such an event.
Solute Retention in Column Liquid Chromatography. V. the Column Dead Volume

Abstract Methods of determination of the column void volume with two homologous series of solutes (alkyl-substituted aromatic hydrocarbons and phenyl-substituted aliphatic alcohols) are considered in terms of correlation coefficients r of plots of log V'R against carbon number over the temperature range 10[ddot]-30[ddot]C. The homologous series methods provide self-consistent fits as well as temperature-invariant data for the aromatic hydrocarbons, but not for the alcohols, for which a mixed retention mechanism is said to obtain. A new graphical method of determining the best-fit value of VA is introduced that makes use of plots of r against assumed VA. In contrast to work reported elsewhere by others, each of the series of compounds studied in this work clearly exhibits a maximum. Those for the aromatic hydrocarbons are temperature-invariant; however, this is not so for the alcohols, which is taken as evidence of thermal and/or multiple sorption interactions of these solutes with the stationary phase.
Landslide Soils and Geomorphology in Bridger-Teton National Forest, Northwest Wyoming

Active landslides are evident throughout Bridger-Teton National Forest (BTNF), and northwestern Wyoming has one of the highest landslide densities in the country. Land use changes and increased dem...
A new geophysical index

The statistics on geographic distribution of AGU membership in the United States (Eos, 63, 667, August 31, 1982) led me to the introduction of a new geophysical index, which I suggest be called the JGR Index (not after my own initials). It is defined as the number of AGU members per 100,000 inhabitants and measures the degree of interest in, and loyalty to, AGU of the population of a given state. Using preliminary population data from the 1980 census, the following interesting order emerges: Comment to DOI:10.1029/EO063i035p00659-01
Utility of serial EEGs in neonates during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

We found electroencephalographic (EEG) studies to be useful for monitoring cerebral function, for confirming seizure activity, and for limited prediction of short-term outcome in 145 neonates who required extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) of reversible respiratory failure. The EEG tracings were classified as normal or as mildly, moderately, or markedly abnormal; abnormal recordings were further classified as focal, diffuse, or predominantly lateralized. A significant decrease in frequency and degree of EEG abnormalities was observed in recordings obtained after ECMO compared to those obtained prior to (P = .001) or during ECMO (P = .001). There was no significant increase in marked EEG abnormalities when recordings obtained before and during ECMO were compared (P = 0.41). Of 11 infants with electrographic seizures during ECMO, 7 (64%) either died during their nursery courses or were developmentally handicapped at age 1 year which is a significantly greater adverse outcome than that observed in infants without EEG seizure activity (P less than .003). No consistently lateralized EEG abnormalities were observed during or after ECMO when compared to tracings obtained before cannulation of the right common carotid artery. There was no acute change in EEG rhythm or amplitude over the right cerebral hemisphere during right common carotid artery cannulation. Our observations support the value of serial EEG in the assessment of cerebral function in critically ill infants undergoing ECMO. They further suggest that, in this patient population, cannulation of the right common carotid artery is a safe procedure that does not result in lateralized abnormalities of cerebral electrical activity.
A partial purification and characterization of two amino peptidases from Cucurbita maxima cotyledons

Abstract An enzyme fraction containing two similar aminopeptidases has been isolated from Cucurbita maxima Duch. var. Hubbard cotyledons in purified form using l -leucine amide as the principal substrate. The substrate specificity of one of the two enzymes was similar to leucine aminopeptidase and the other varied only in that it hydrolyzed l -leucylglycylglycine at about three times the rate of leucine aminopeptidase. Evidence is presented that showed that a third peptidase which hydrolyzed l -leucylglycine more rapidly than either of the two aforementioned enzymes was also a constituent of squash cotyledons. This third peptidase was removed during the purification procedure and not studied in detail. The hydrolysis of l -leucine amide by the purified fraction was activated by Mg++ and Mn++ and inhibited by EDTA, (NH4)2SO4 and high concentrations of NaCl. The highest pH optimum of the purified fraction was between 8·0 and 8·5, however there was also a lower pH optimum at pH 7·0. The peptidase activity of the fraction increased at a relatively uniform rate from 25 to 45°, increasing about three-fold within this range. The Km value was 2·4 × 10−2 M/L with l -leucine amide as the substrate at pH 7·6.
1690 DIRECT MEASUREMENT OF LOCAL CEREBRAL BLOOD FLOW (ICBF) IN THE GREYHOUND: Possible Relationship to Intraventricular Hemorrhage in the Newborn

The pathogenesis of neonatal periventricular-intraventricular hemorrhage (PVH-IVH) remains unclear, although an aberration in cerebral hemodynamics imposed upon prematurity appears fundamental. Microthermistors were implanted in the cerebral cortex of 17 adult greyhounds. An analog-digital hybrid system developed using the IBM PC computer to provide simultaneous continuous 1CBF data at four discrete sites. Variables of peak inspiratory pressure (PIP), positive and expiratory pressure (PEEP), total minute ventilation and pulse pressure were investigated through a 1 mm burr hole as well as 2 cm craniotomy to compare cranial compliance effects. Positive pressure ventilation induces a fluctuating pattern of 1CBF with blood flow lowest during peak inspiration. A large craniotomy defect (simulating the open fontanel), high PIP or high PEEP accentuate this effect. The use of a small burr hole to simulate a closed fontanel results in the obliteration of the fluctuating pattern and the enhancement of beat-to-beat changes in 1CBF that were directly proportional to pulse pressure. These data suggest that hemodynamic changes produce fluctuations in local tissue perfusion which are dependent upon cranial compliance. The exact relation of such changes to the pathogenesis of PVH-IVH requires continuous 1CBF measurement in the subependymal zone in the human newborn or an animal model.
Herpes simplex virus gene products required for viral inhibition of expression of G1-phase functions.

Abstract HSV infection blocks G1 events in the cell cycle and arrests host cell growth in the G1 phase. To further define the mechanism of the effect and determine the viral gene product(s) responsible, we examined various mutant viruses for their effects on cell cycle regulatory proteins (pRb, cyclin D1, and cdk4) and on cell cycle progression into S phase. Unlike the wild-type virus, the ICP27 mutant virus was defective for blocking the phosphorylation of pRb proteins, and the normal pRb pattern was restored in cells infected with a rescued virus. The virion host shutoff ( vhs ) function, DNA replication, and late gene functions were not required for the virus-induced effects on pRb protein. BrdU incorporation in synchronized HSV-infected cells showed that ICP27 was required for blocking the cell cycle in the G1 phase. Furthermore, ICP27, ICP4, ICP0, and vhs were required for blocking the induction of the G1 cell cycle regulators cyclin D1 and cdk4 in HSV-infected cells. Both ICP27 and the vhs function contributed to the reduction of cyclin D1 mRNA levels in HSV-infected cells. These results provide evidence that HSV-1 ICP27 protein is essential for viral inhibition of G1-phase functions and that certain other HSV proteins are required for some of the viral effects on the cell cycle. Finally, these results show that HSV-1 ICP27 and vhs act jointly to reduce host mRNA levels in infected cells.
Steady-State Simulation with Replication-Dependent Initial Transients: Analysis and Examples

The replicated batch means RBM method for steady-state simulation output analysis generalizes both the independent replications IR and batch means BM methods. We analyze the performance of RBM in situations where the underlying stochastic process possesses an additive initial transient. Our analysis differs from prior work in that the initial transient is stochastic, and hence the sample paths of the transient process may be replication dependent, and possibly also correlated across replications. We provide asymptotic expressions for the mean and variance of the RBM estimators of the steady-state mean and variance parameter of the stochastic process being simulated. We then use our results to study the performance of RBM as a function of the number of replications, initialization method for the replications, and decay rate of the associated initialization bias. Our results provide guidance on when IR, BM, or a combination thereof is the best choice, and also on effective choices of initial states for the replications.
The impact of computer mediated communication systems monitoring on organizational communications content

Employer monitoring of communications is prevalent and on the rise due in part to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, the Health Insurance Privacy Protection Act, and other legislation in the U.S. and other countries. However, the critical effect of this new activity on what is communicated in companies has not been assessed. This dissertation examines the impacts of computer mediated communication systems monitoring on neutral, incriminating and exculpatory content, as well as the overall volume of communications issued on monitored and non-monitored computer mediated communication systems. Incriminating communication is cataloged in a hazard communications taxonomy for this investigation. A controlled laboratory experiment has subjects participate in an instant messaging discussion on a topic for which they are likely to be aware of information that is incriminating to their organization, or its members, or both. Consistent with self awareness theory, monitored subjects engage in significantly less overall and neutral communication. They volunteer fewer high intensity hazard communications, but are less likely to curtail low intensity hazard communications. They issue denials about more incriminating topics. Contributions to research include theory development, especially in the area of standard selection; application of self-awareness theory to the new domain of computer mediated communications monitoring; a research framework; a taxonomy and coding scheme for the new hazard communications constructs; and a relative standards influence instrument and methodology for use in studying competing standards. Implications for corporate monitoring and communications policies are discussed, and a research agenda is outlined.
Mindfulness as a Potential Means of Attenuating Anger and Aggression for Prospective Criminal Justice Professionals

This study is the first to examine the potential role of mindfulness for attenuating anger and aggression in prospective criminal justice professionals. The Mindful Attention Awareness Scale, Aggression Questionnaire, Hostile Attribution Bias Scale, and Thought Recognition Inventory were administered to 272 undergraduate criminal justice majors. The results of a multivariate analysis of variance model indicated that dispositional mindfulness related negatively with self-reported aggression and hostile attribution bias and positively with thought recognition. A possible relationship between mindfulness and thought recognition may operate to influence other mechanisms to heighten mental health, as well as reduce anger and aggression. The potential benefits of mindfulness and thought recognition training for criminal justice professionals and prospective criminal justice professionals are discussed.
909-27 Prognostic Value of Dobutamine Stress Echocardiography in Patients with Left Ventricular Dysfunction

The prognostic value of demonstrable myocardial viability (MV) was evaluated in 57 consecutive pts (mean age 65 ± 11.74% male) with left ventricular dysfunction (LVD-ejection fraction ≤ 40%) who underwent dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE). Myocardial segments were scored at baseline and low dose dobutamine (2.5–20 mcg/kg/min) using a 16 segment model. Significant MV was defined as an improvement of baseline wall motion score in ≥ 4 segments with low dose dobutamine. Long term follow up was obtained in all pts (mean 13.5 months). Significant MV was demonstrated in 37 pts (65%). There was no difference in resting ejection fraction between pts with or without MV (27% vs 25%, p = 0.48). Fourteen pts (25%) had cardiac events (9 cardiac deaths, 5 MI). Actuarial event free survival was strongly related to the presence of MV as shown below: Download : Download high-res image (79KB) Download : Download full-size image Two year cardiac mortality was lower in pts with MV (5%) than in those without MV (30%, P l 0.01). These data indicate that demonstration of significant MV with DSE has important prognostic value in pts with LVD which is independent of resting ejection fraction.
A research note: the outcome of GC/MS/MS confirmation of hair assays on 93 cannabinoid (+) cases.

Abstract This article reports the outcome of gas chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry confirmations for THC and carboxy-THC on 93 hair samples screened by RIA for cannabinoids. The samples were taken from probationers in Pinellas County, FL, who voluntarily provided the research staff with six hair and six urine specimens, collected at 1-month intervals. There were 40 samples that were RIA (+), urinalysis (−). Samples were selected which had cannabinoid (+) outcomes for hair, urine, or both. The THC and/or the carboxy-THC was (+) on confirmation. Of these 40 samples, 22 were (+) for both THC and carboxy-THC, 15 were (+) for THC but not carboxy-THC, and three were carboxy THC (+), but THC (−). Only one sample had a (+) RIA, but was (−) for both THC and carboxy-THC on confirmation. RIA detection of cannabinoids was confirmed in nearly all cases. Most cases that were RIA (−) but urine (+) were cannabinoid (+) when analyzed by GC/MS/MS.
Introduction: The Evolving Nature of the Employment Relationship: Growing Concerns in Management Practice, Law, and Policy

This is the second of two special issues of Employee Responsibilities and Right Journal that focuses on the evolving nature of the employment relationship. Our initial call for papers yielded a tremendous response of high-quality manuscripts that warranted a second issue to further delve into some of the many ways the employment relationship is being redefined. The papers were assigned randomly to each issue and while they deal with diverse subject areas, all are insightful and provocative in their presentations of cutting-edge issues that challenge practitioners. Each paper will challenge readers to think about the issues raised within as well as the implications the issues have for how we manage and think about employment. The first paper, “Unfair Dismissal in Turkish Employment Law,” by Bakirci takes a cross-cultural look at the nature of arbitrary dismissal under employment at will. Until recently, Turkey has followed a practice somewhat analogous to the employment-at-will doctrine used in the United States. However, pressures to provide additional safeguards for employees have been introduced as Turkey attempts to develop policies more consistent with those of the European Union. The process has not been an easy one as multiple acts have been introduced, passed, and repealed. This paper looks at the process by which Turkey has attempted to alter long-held traditions in employment and social policy as well as the challenges and controversies associated with such action. Questions remain relative to whether there is true support for and conviction toward these practices and policies and what will happen in actual practice once the new law is fully implemented. The second paper, “Protecting the Rights of Alleged Sexual Harassment Perpetrators: Guidance From the Decisions of Labor Arbitrators,” by Lucero, Middleton, and Valentine addresses an issue that has been at the forefront of employment law for nearly a generation and does not promise to go away anytime soon. Much of what has been written about sexual harassment has focused on analyzing how the courts have constructed sexual harassment relative to Title VII as well as how employers should investigate allegations of harassment as well as prevent such behavior from happening in the first place. This paper, however, takes the too-frequently ignored or forgotten perspective on sexual harassment and reminds us that alleged sexual harassment perpetrators have rights as well. The doctrine of “innocent
Action, responsibility and the ability to do otherwise

Here it is argued that in order for something someone “does” to count as a genuine action, the person needn’t have been able to refrain from doing it. If this is right, then two recent defenses of the principle of alternative possibilities, a version of which says that a person is morally responsible for what he has done only if he could have refrained from doing it, are unsuccessful.
Structural and Optical Property Investigations on Mg-Alloying in Epitaxial Zinc Oxide Films on Sapphire

We have synthesized single-crystal epitaxial MgZnO films by pulsed-laser deposition. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy/ion channeling were used to characterize the microstructure, defect content, composition and epitaxial single-crystal quality of the films. In these films with up to ∼ 34 atomic percent Mg incorporation, an intense ultraviolet band edge photoluminescence at room temperature and 77 K was observed. The highly efficient photoluminescence is indicative of the excitonic nature of the material. Transmission spectroscopy revealed that the excitonic structure of the alloys was clearly visible at room temperature. Post-deposition annealing in oxygen reduced the number of defects and improved the optical properties of the films. The potential applications of MgZnO alloys in a variety of optoelectronic devices are discussed.
Influence of Steric Bulk on the Relative Stability and Interchangeability of the Various Oxidation States for Nickel Complexed with 1,2-Bis(Dialkylphosphino)Benzene

Abstract The reduction potentials and electrochemical reversibilities of a series of nickel complexes of 1,2-bis(dialkylphosphino)benzene are sensitive to the steric bulk of the alkyl substituents. With very large ligands, electroreduction is accompanied by rapid secondary chemical reaction, and spectroscopic evidence for the intermediacy of a coordinatively unsaturated species is presented. The potentials required for electrooxidation of these complexes are shifted to more positive potentials by increasing bulk of the alkyl substituents on the bisphosphino ligands.
An adaptive-covariance-rank algorithm for the unscented Kalman filter

The Unscented Kalman Filter (UKF) is a nonlinear estimator that is particularly well suited for complex nonlinear systems. In the UKF, the error covariance is estimated by propagating forward a set of “sigma points,” which sample the state space at intelligently chosen locations. However, the number of sigma points required scales linearly with the dimension of the system, so for large-dimensional systems such as weather models, the approach becomes intractable. This paper presents an approximate version of the UKF, in which the error covariance is represented by a reduced-rank approximation, thereby substantially reducing the number of sigma points required. The method is demonstrated on a one-dimensional atmospheric model known as the Lorenz 96 model, and the performance is shown to be close to that of a full-order UKF.
Feedback linearization control of current and arc length in GMAW systems

In this paper we design a model based nonlinear controller for a GMAW system. The controller uses nonlinear state feedback to exactly linearize and decouple the GMAW system. The linearized system is then controlled using 2-PI controllers. The effect of parameters uncertainty over the closed loop system performance is investigated and simulations that show the system performance are presented.
Improved characterization of medically relevant fungi in the human respiratory tract using next-generation sequencing

Background: Fungi are important pathogens but challenging to enumerate using next-generation sequencing because of low absolute abundance in many samples and high levels of fungal DNA from contaminating sources. Results: Here, we analyze fungal lineages present in the human airway using an improved method for contamination filtering. We use DNA quantification data, which are routinely acquired during DNA library preparation, to annotate output sequence data, and improve the identification and filtering of contaminants. We compare fungal communities and bacterial communities from healthy subjects, HIV+subjects, and lung transplant recipients, providing a gradient of increasing lung impairment for comparison. We use deep sequencing to characterize ribosomal rRNA gene segments from fungi and bacteria in DNA extracted from bronchiolar lavage samples and oropharyngeal wash. Comparison to clinical culture data documents improved detection after applying the filtering procedure. Conclusions: We find increased representation of medically relevant organisms, including Candida, Cryptococcus ,a nd Aspergillus, in subjects with increasingly severe pulmonary and immunologic deficits. We analyze covariation of fungal and bacterial taxa, and find that oropharyngeal communities rich in Candida are also rich in mitis group Streptococci, a community pattern associated with pathogenic polymicrobial biofilms. Thus, using this approach, it is possible to characterize fungal communities in the human respiratory tract more accurately and explore their interactions with bacterial communities in health and disease.