cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Does a Mixed-Species Landscape Reduce Inorganic-Nitrogen Leaching Compared to a Conventional St. Augustinegrass Lawn

Low maintenance vegetation may reduce N leaching following establishment compared to routinely fertilized conventional turfgrass lawns. Therefore, using a fi eld-scale facility we examined N leaching from contrasting residential landscape models established on a sandy soil. Four replications each of a St. Augustinegrass [Stenotaphrum secundatum (Walt.) Kuntze] monoculture (SA) and a mixed-species (MS) landscape were randomly assigned to 47.5-m 2 plots. Fertilizer N was applied to the SA landscape bimonthly at a rate of 50 kg ha –1 (total of 900 kg N ha –1 ), while the MS landscape was fertilized bimonthly at a rate of 40 kg N ha –1 only during establishment (total of 480 kg ha –1 ). Data were collected for 3 yr (16 mo to 52 mo after planting). Cumulative mean inorganic-N leached was 4.1 kg ha –1 and 7.4 kg ha –1 for the SA and MS landscapes, respectively. Relatively long establishment requirements for the MS landscape led to signifi cantly greater inorganic-N leaching (5.2 kg ha –1 ) in year 1 of the study compared to the SA landscape (1.3 kg ha –1 ). After year 1, inorganic-N leaching was comparable on both landscapes, although it was signifi cantly less on the MS landscape in year 3 when no fertilizer was applied. Overall, inorganic-N leaching was low (<2% of applied N) on both landscapes following establishment, indicating the importance of management practices rather than species composition for reducing N leaching from residential land use.
Synthetic cannabinoids: a new frontier of designer drugs.

Synthetic cannabinoid use has increased in the United States. The consequences are dangerous, and public health concern about these products has led to international control efforts. This commentar...
Cholesterol ester hydrolase(s) in mammalian brain: is there a myelin-specific cholesterol ester hydrolase?

The present study compared the properties of cholesterol ester hydrolase(s) in myelin and microsomes from rat, mouse and human brain. The results indicated that the enzyme activity in both myelin and microsomes from rat, mouse and human brain was optimal at pH 6.5 and required Triton X-100 for optimal activity. The enzyme activity in myelin was 3- to 4-fold higher in the presence of Trition X-100 than taurocholate. Addition of phosphatidyl serine enhanced (2 to 4 fold) the hydrolase activity in both myelin and microsomes. The properties of the enzyme in solubilized preparation of myelin were also similar to the properties of the enzyme in partially delipidated and solubilized preparations of microsomes. The activity was again optimal at pH 6.5, required Triton X-100 for optimal activity and was stimulated by phosphatidyl serine. These results indicate that the properties of cholesterol ester hydrolase in myelin are similar to those of the microsomal enzyme and that this is true for the fractions from both human and rodent brain. The data thus lead us to believe that the hydrolase activity in mammalian brain myelin and microsomes may reflect the distribution of a single enzyme in the two fractions rather than two distinct enzymes, one being specific to each fraction.
Reducing bycatch in the United States Gulf of Mexico shrimp trawl fishery with an emphasis on red snapper bycatch reduction

Abstract Bycatch, the capture of non-targeted species during commercial fishing, is a global problem that may require novel solutions. The nested cylinder bycatch reduction device (NCBRD), developed using laboratory behavioral studies ( Parsons and Foster, 2007 , Parsons et al., 2012 ), was herein evaluated for reducing bycatch in shrimp trawl fisheries and for its application in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico (GOM) fishery. We examined the efficacy of the NCBRD for retaining shrimp, for reducing total bycatch, and for reducing bycatch of juvenile red snapper (Lutjanus campechanus), a species that is presently over-fished in the GOM. Using paired trawling on-board leased, commercial fishing vessels, shrimp catch, total bycatch, and the catch of red snapper juveniles were compared from trawls equipped with an NCBRD and control trawls without. Depending upon configuration, trawls with an NCBRD captured about 46–100% of shrimp taken in controls, reduced total bycatch by 26–60% and, of particular note, reduced red snapper bycatch by about 50%. When catch rates were compared, 2.29 (±0.38 s.e.) snapper/h/trawl were taken with an NCBRD and 6.11 (±0.93 s.e.) snapper/h/trawl without, a highly significant (ANOVA, P = 0.0032, F = 9.39, d.f. = 1, 64) effect. Finally, using only red snapper captured in control trawls, we observed a significant effect of depth on red snapper capture with decreasing numbers of red snapper captured with increasing depth. In waters south of Galveston shallower than about 55 m, catch rates ranged from 4.5 to 23.4 snapper/h/trawl and in deeper water ranged from 0.3 to 2.4 snapper/h/trawl. We identified a highly significant relationship (P
What is the ground-state structure of the thinnest Si nanowires?

Pristine silicon whiskers are compared through energy analysis by separating the surface, edge, and bulk contributions, and by energy computation for a variety of structures and diameters $d$. It is shown that for $dl6\text{ }\mathrm{n}\mathrm{m}$ a polycrystalline wire of five-fold symmetry, rather than single-crystal types, represents the ground state. It remains stable in molecular dynamics tests up to $\ensuremath{\sim}1000\text{ }\mathrm{K}$. Its specific surface reconstruction also stands out in that it favors kinetics of whisker growth and thus appears potentially realizable.
Guided-Mode Resonance Polarizers With 200-nm Bandwidth

Design, fabrication and characterization of wideband guided-mode resonance polarizers with a single silicon layer are presented. The fabricated polarizer has an extinction ratio of ~670:1 at central wavelength λc = 1563 nm.
Pheromone dispersion in forests.

A simple generic model for the dispersion of pheromones in a forestedecosystem is presented. Methods for the calculation of various concentration related parameters are described. The influence of different micrometeorological conditions on concentration profiles is discussed. Two separate studies from two different geographical locations lend support to the predictions of the dispersion model. For two different species of Dendroctonus beetles, aggregation behavior was correlated with meteorological condition resulting from inversion profiles.
Studying the organization in action: Membership categorization and interaction analysis

A current set of concerns in ethnomethodology and conversation analysis includes the question of how conversation analysis (CA) can deal with studies of social structure or studies of talk in institutional settings.
Processed total motile sperm count correlates with pregnancy outcome after intrauterine insemination.

Objectives. To determine the impact of processed total motile sperm (PTMS) count on pregnancy after partner intrauterine insemination (IUI). IUI is generally attempted before proceeding to more expensive and invasive assisted-reproductive techniques such as intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Several semen parameters have been shown to correlate with IUI outcome and may be useful when counseling couples. Methods. Four hundred thirty-eight couples with diverse causes of infertility underwent 1114 cycles of husband IUI during a 39-month period. The clinical and semen parameters were recorded for each couple and each insemination. The parameters were compared between those couples who achieved a pregnancy and those who did not. Results. The total number of pregnancies was 120, resulting in a pregnancy rate per cycle of 10.8% and a couple pregnancy rate of 27.4%. On multivariable logistic regression analysis, the PTMS count was independently associated with fertility after IUI (P = 0.0014). Moreover, the pregnancy rate was significantly lower for couples with less than 10 million PTMS (P <0.05). Conclusions. The results of this study have demonstrated that the PTMS count independently predicts success with IUI. Cycles with less than 10 million total motile sperm are significantly less likely to result in a pregnancy. If cause-specific therapy has failed, alternatives to IUI should be considered for couples when the PTMS count is less than 10 million.
Nutrient Limitation in Myriophyllum aquaticum

Abstract Myriophyllum aquaticum (Vell.) Verd. populations in two lakes and three drainage canals in northern California were screened for nitrogen and phosphorus deficiency using emergent leaf and sten1 critical concentration criteria. Seasonal variation in productivity and concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorus in emergent tissues were examined in one of the lentic populations, Park's Lake. Analysis of emergent leaf and stem tissues from Park's Lake indicated that N and P concentrations were below the upper 95% confidence limits on the critical concentrations during much of the growing season. N:P ratios indicated that N was more limiting than P early in the growing season, and P was more limiting than N late in the growing season. The other lentic population, sampled late in the growing season, was marginally P-limited. Neither N or P limited growth in the drainage canals. Productivity, and tissue concentrations of N and P, in Park's Lake were higher in shallow (<0.5 m) than in deep areas (0.5–1.0 m)...
Universal converter for platform independent procedural shaders in X3D

Each of the three currently available real time shading languages has limitations. The Microsoft HLSL (high level shading language) is Microsoft Windows specific. The NVIDIA Cg shading language is claimed to be platform independent, however our experimental testing results indicated that none of the ATI 9000 level cards could fully support the programs in the Cg toolkit browser [nVidia 2002]. That means we can't say that Cg is really a platform independent shading language. It is still unclear whether OpenGL Shading Language (GLSL) [Rost 2004] can achieve platform independence since it is only supported by a few graphics cards at this point. Until all shading languages achieve platform independence, there is a need to convert shaders in one language to another. Even after this point, the owners of older versions of GPUs will still need a bridge to connect to the newer shader format, especially when they try to publish their shaders on the Internet or load the other version shaders on their graphics card.In this talk, we propose a XML based Universal Converter (UC) for shaders. X3D is defined in XML and the X3D shader group [Carvalho et al. 2003] is working on a shader standard. Thus, we chose to use an XML shader format as the middle layer for the conversion between different shader languages (Figure 1.), so that it will be compatible with any new X3D standard. The UC design, shading languages mapping, difficulties we faced during the implementation and partial implementation results will be discussed.An example of converting a simple vertex shader in GLSL to XML to Cg vertex shader format and vice versa will be presented. The first step is to look at the two corresponding shading languages data-type mapping, structure mapping, qualifier mapping, attribute/semantics mapping, built-in functions mapping, and texture lookup functions mapping. In the presentation we will present mapping tables illustrating these.From looking at the mapping table, it will be apparent that it is not hard to implement the data type conversions. For example, vect2/ vect3/ vect4 and matrix2/ matrix3/ matrix4 in GLSL correspond to the float2/ float3/ float4 and float2x2/ float3x3/ float 4x4 in Cg respectively. We convert ivect/bvect in GLSL to vect type in Cg. That means the middle layer XML will employ the more general data type during parsing.Another issue is mapping attributes in GLSL corresponding to the semantics in Cg. For example, when we parse a structure like: "float4 position: POSITION" in Cg, we need to convert it to a corresponding GLSL built-in attribute "gl_vertex" which is already predefined in GLSL.Some standard library functions in the source language do not have counterparts in the target language. We solve this problem by implementing the "missing" functions using existing functions in the target language. For example,float4 lighting = lit(diffuse, specular, 32); II in Cg would be converted to the following code in GLSL:vec4 lighting; II in OpenGL shading languagelighting.x = 1.0;lighting.y = max(diffuse, 0.0);lighting.z = min(diffuse, speclar);if (lighting. z
Inducer-stimulated Fas targets activated endothelium for destruction by anti-angiogenic thrombospondin-1 and pigment epithelium–derived factor

Natural inhibitors of angiogenesis are able to block pathological neovascularization without harming the preexisting vasculature. Here we show that two such inhibitors, thrombospondin-1 and pigment epithelium-derived factor, derive specificity for remodeling vessels from their dependence on Fas/Fas ligand (FasL)-mediated apoptosis to block angiogenesis. Both inhibitors upregulated FasL on endothelial cells. Expression of the essential partner of FasL, Fas/CD95 receptor, was low on quiescent endothelial cells and vessels but greatly enhanced by inducers of angiogenesis, thereby specifically sensitizing the stimulated cells to apoptosis by inhibitor-generated FasL. The anti-angiogenic activity of thrombospondin-1 and pigment epithelium-derived factor both in vitro and in vivo was dependent on this dual induction of Fas and FasL and the resulting apoptosis. This example of cooperation between pro- and anti-angiogenic factors in the inhibition of angiogenesis provides one explanation for the ability of inhibitors to select remodeling capillaries for destruction.
Antipruritic Effect of an Opiate Antagonist, Naloxone Hydrochloride

Central elicitation of itch by morphine may result from binding to opiate receptors, mimicking the physiological binding of endorphins and enkephalins to these receptors. Pretreatment of normal subjects with naloxone hydrochloride resulted in diminution or abolition of histamine-provoked itch. These results suggest an important role for central opioid peptides as mediators of the itch sensation.
THE EFFECTS OF CYCLICAL OESTROGEN THERAPY AND SEQUENTIAL OESTROGEN/PROGESTOGEN THERAPY ON THE ENDOMETRIUM OF POST-MENOPAUSAL WOMEN

The effects of cyclical estrogen therapy and sequential estrogen/ progesterone therapy on the endometrium of postmenopausal women were investigated in patients attending a Menopause Clinic at the Chelsea Hospital for Women. 127 patients (77 menopausal and 50 perimenopausal) were given a uterine curettage before therapy in order to determine histological types of endometriums. 3 patients were found to have endometrial carcinoma and 9 had endometrial hyperplasia (1 with atypical byperplasia-AH and 8 with cystic glandular hyperplasia-CGH). 344 patients remained untreated because menopausal symptoms were absent. 81 patients received 1 of 4 types of therapy: 1) cyclical low dose estrogen therapy 3-week treatment cycles with 1 week pill-free; 2) cyclical high dose natural estrogens; 3) a sequential natural estrogen/progestogen regime 21 days of estrogen with progesterone added between Days 16-21 and a medication-free week; and 4) sequential estrogen/progestogen with progestogen given for 1 week each calendar month and the estrogen given continuously. Patients were seen every 4-8 months. A curettage was performed on all patients every 6-8 months. Endometrial tissue was examined and estrogen excretion was measured in a number of randomly selected patients on cyclical high-dose estrogen preparations. In 37 repeat curettages 25 patients had normal endometriums and 12 developed endometrial hyperplasia (8 had CGH and 4 AH). Judging from treatment schedules it is concluded that cyclical estrogen therapy was associated with endometrial hyperstimulation and that the incidence of hyperplasia was related to the dose of estrogen. Patients with endometrial hyperplasia prior to therapy and in patients developing hyperplasia during therapy benefited from the addition of progestogen for 5-7 days and the endometrium returned to normal. Patterns of vaginal bleeding also reflected incidence of endometrial hyperplasia. Patients who continued to have normal endometrium during cyclical estrogen therapy had a higher incidence of regular withdrawal bleeding a higher incidence of combined withdrawal and breakthrough bleeding and a lower incidence of "no bleeding."
Reporting Earnings at Summer Technology—A Capstone Case Involving Intermediate Accounting Topics

Summer Technology, Inc. (the Company) is a fast‐growing high‐technology firm and is facing many pressures, including those related to financial reporting. Financial analysts, however, are optimistic about the future of the Company. The firm is about to report its first annual profit, and the preliminary unreported results are just short of the analysts' consensus annual earnings forecast. This case requires financial analysis to evaluate a number of judgments involved in preparing financial statements and to prepare a recommendation to management with respect to reported earnings per share. The case's learning objectives are: (1) to increase understanding and exposure to the integration of financial reporting decisions with financial statement analysis, (2) to help students understand how business decisions impact reporting, (3) to demonstrate how decisions may be influenced by pressures to manage earnings and produce desirable financial results, and (4) to raise ethical issues in an accounting setting.
An intelligent tutor for normal form determination

In this paper an intelligent computer-aided instruction system for teaching normal form determination is described. The general architecture of intelligent tutoring systems is also discussed, as are the results of experience using the tool in an undergraduate database course.
Smoke Signals: An Alert for Oral Disease

The effects of smoking, specifically the influence it has on periodontal disease, are reviewed. Since the early 1600s, questions have been raised about the ill effects of smoking. Tobacco has long been linked to oral cancer and leukoplakia, but research in the last 20 years suggests an association with other oral diseases as well. Studies concerning the effects of smoking on the periodontal diseases-and the mechanisms involved-are reviewed.
Early development in males with Fragile X syndrome: a review of the literature.

This article reviews the current bibliographic knowledge on early neurobehavioral development and milestones in Fragile X syndrome (FraX), with emphasis on males affected by the condition. Three broad areas of early development were examined: (1) gross and fine motor, (2) speech and language, and (3) social. The result of the current review indicates very limited information on the developmental milestones in all three areas. The scarce literature on motor development shows that in FraX there is an early developmental delay. Research on speech and language demonstrates pervasive deficits in conversational skills and severe developmental delay, with increasing discrepancy between language level and chronological age in young males with FraX. Finally, deficits in social development in FraX include abnormal gaze, approach and avoidance conflict, and high incidence of autistic spectrum disorders.
Directions in research on spiritual and religious issues for improving palliative care

Spiritual and religious issues are often important to people with serious illnesses. Spiritual beliefs and religious ceremonies may help patients near the end of life find meaning and comfort. Comprehensive palliative care ought to address patients' spiritual and religious needs and concerns as well as their physical distress. Puchalski et al. ( 2003 ) document the paucity of studies that collect empirical data on spiritual and religious issues in palliative care. They argue convincingly that more studies are essential in order to develop evidence-based standards for appropriate ways to address patients' spiritual and religious needs at the end of life. Such research would help us better understand how spiritual and religious concerns, beliefs, practices, and interventions might impact outcomes of end-of-life care. For instance, routine inquiry by physicians about patients' spiritual and religious concerns might lead to such outcomes as better relief of physical symptoms or improved quality of life. Puchalski et al. ( 2003 ) call for more empirical research on these important topics and also the development of better measures. For example, they point out the need for measurements of religiousness that account for more than a patient's denomination. They also found that very few of the available scales had undergone evaluation for internal consistency or test–retest reliability. Moreover, many existing instruments concerning spirituality are not validated for patients near the end of life.
Bioadhesion: a review of concepts and applications

Bioadhesion refers to the phenomenon where natural and synthetic materials adhere to biological surfaces. An understanding of the fundamental mechanisms that govern bioadhesion is of great interest for various researchers who aim to develop new biomaterials, therapies and technological applications such as biosensors. This review paper will first describe various examples of the manifestation of bioadhesion along with the underlying mechanisms. This will be followed by a discussion of some of the methods for the optimization of bioadhesion. Finally, nanoscale and macroscale characterization techniques for the efficacy of bioadhesion and the analysis of failure surfaces are described.
Chronic bronchitis: a neglected disease entity.

SUMMARY 1 The majority of adult males seen by us with chronic cough do not have tumor, tuberculosis, bronchial asthma, bronchiectasis or chronic pneumonitis, but rather chronic bronchitis. 2 A clinical study of 18 such coughers with chronic bronchitis is presented. 3 Inhalation of cigarette smoke was found to be the common agent in the production of chronic bronchitis. No other cause for the cough was demonstrated. 4 All showed evidence of pulmonary emphysema, usually of severe degree in long standing cases. 5 A study of 20 cases with autopsy evidence of pulmonary emphysema and without tuberculosis, tumor, or asthma, disclosed chronic bronchitis in all and the only associated bronchial disease in 18. Bronchiectasis was found in two cases. 6 It is felt that chronic bronchitis is the commonest cause of pulmonary emphysema. Mechanisms whereby this takes place are discussed. 7 A relationship between chronic bronchitis and bronchogenic carcinoma is alluded to. RESUMEN 1 La mayoria de los adultos del sexo masculino con tos cronica no tiene tumor, tuberculosis, asma bronquial, bronquiectasia o neumonitis cronica, sino mas bien bronquitis cronica. 2 Un estudio clinico de 18 tosedores con bronquitis cronica,-se presenta. 3 La inhalacion de humo de cigarrillo se encontro que era elagente mas comun en la produccion de la bronquitis cronica. (No se encontro otra causa de la tos). 4 Todos mostraron evidencias de enfisema pulmonar, generalmente severo en caso de larga duracion. 5 En el estudio de 20 casos con evidencias a la autopsia de tener enfisema pulmonar y sin tuberculosis, tumor, o asma, se encontro solo asociada la bronquitis cronica en 18 y solo en dos bronquiectasia. 6 Se cree que la bronquitis cronica es la causa mas comun del enfisema. Los mecanismos que intervienen se discuten. 7 Se hace alusion a una relacion entre la bronquitis cronica y el carcinoma bronquigenico. RESUME 1 La majorite des adultes du sexe masculin qui ont ete examines par les auteurs n'etaient atteints ni de cancer, ni de tuberculose, ni d'asthme, ni de bronchiectasie ou de pneumonie chronique, mais plutot de bronchite chronique. 2 Les auteurs presentent l'etude de 18 de ces tousseurs habituels, atteints de bronchite chronique. 3 La cause habituelle de cette bronchite chronique semble etre l'inhalation de fumee de cigarette. On ne put mettre en evidence aucune autre cause de cette toux. 4 Tous les malades avaient un emphyseme pulmonaire qui, generalement, etait tres important lorsque la maladie evoluait depuis longtemps. 5 Chez 20 malades pour lesquels l'autopsie aux en evidence l'existence d'emphyseme, on ne put constater ni tuberculose, ni cancer, ni asthme, mais chez tous une bronchite chronique et dans 18 cas une affection bronchique associee. Chez deux malades, il existe une dilatation des bronches. 6 Les auteurs estiment que la bronchite chronique est la cause la plus commune d'emphyseme pulmonaire. Ils mettent en discussion le mecanisme de cette constatation. 7 Ils font allusion a la relation qui unit la bronchite chronique et le cancer des bronches.
Top quark and Higgs masses in the SP (6)L ⊗ U(1) Y family model

Abstract In this letter we investigate whether the extension of the standard model into the SP (6)L⊗ U(1)Y family model can significantly change the renormalization group predictions of m1 and mH, under the compositeness condition at some ultraviolet cutoff Λ. We found, quite surprisingly, that for realistic values of the flavor scale Δ (104−105GeV) and for very large Λ (⪆ 10 15 GeV ) , mt and mH are lowered only slightly from their standard model values.
Inhibition of p66ShcA redox activity in cardiac muscle cells attenuates hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis

Apoptotic myocyte cell death, diastolic dysfunction, and progressive deterioration in left ventricular pump function characterize the clinical course of diabetic cardiomyopathy. A key question conc...
Versatile search of scanned Arabic handwriting

Searching handwritten documents is a relatively unexplored frontier for documents in any language. Traditional approaches use either image-based or text-based techniques. This paper describes a framework for versatile search where the query can be either text or image, and the retrieval method fuses text and image retrieval methods. A UNICODE and an image query are maintained throughout the search, with the results being combined by a neural network. Preliminary results show positive results that can be further improved by refining the component pieces of the framework (text transcription and image search).
The Distensibility Characteristics of the Portal Vascular Bed

The distensibility of the splanchnic portion of the portal system has been evaluated by studying pressure and volume changes with or without any interruption of blood flow. The results of these determinations indicate two types of distensibility of the system: (1) a rapid elastic distension representing relatively small volumes, and (2) a secondary phase of slow distension, designated "delayed compliance," which represents a significantly greater volume change. It is concluded that delayed compliance is of major importance in the pooling of blood in peripheral blood vessels under conditions of maintained elevation of venous pressure.
Channel capacity and beamforming for multiple transmit and receive antennas with covariance feedback

We consider the capacity of a narrowband point to point communication system employing multiple-element antenna arrays at both the transmitter and the receiver with covariance feedback. Under covariance feedback the receiver is assumed to have perfect channel state information (CSI) while at the transmitter the channel matrix is modeled as consisting of zero mean complex jointly Gaussian random variables with known covariances. Specifically we assume a channel matrix with i.i.d. rows and correlated columns, a common model for downlink transmission. We determine the optimal transmit precoding strategy to maximize the Shannon capacity of such a system. We also derive closed form necessary and sufficient conditions on the spatial covariance for when the maximum capacity is achieved by beamforming. The conditions for optimality of beamforming agree with the notion of water-filling over multiple degrees of freedom.
Interactional Sequences in Shared Book-Reading between Parents and Children with Histories of Language Delay:

In this article, we argue against deficit models of early literacy common in the field of speech pathology, proposing instead a competence-based view of early literacy as the concurrent development of language practices develop through social interaction. We look specifically at shared book-reading, developing a discourse analysis of case study data that show how parents do considerable interactional work to position their children with language delays as competent and active co-constructors of meaning in this important early literacy activity.
A potent immunosuppressive retroviral peptide: cytokine patterns and signaling pathways.

A synthetic bioactive peptide composed of 17 amino acids (CKS-17) homologous to a highly conserved region of human and animal retroviral transmembrane envelope proteins induces not only significant immunoregulatory functions but also exhibits Th1-inhibiting properties, as described by its ability to suppress cell-mediated immunity and inhibit the production of interleukin (IL) 12, IL-2, gamma interferon, and tumor necrosis factor alpha, while enhancing IL-10. An important molecular mechanism responsible for the observed cytokine profiles by CKS-17 is provided by our findings demonstrating that this small peptide activates several intracellular signaling molecules, i.e., elevates intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels, and induces phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1 and 2, mitogen-activated protein kinase/ERK kinase (MEK), protein kinase D, Raf1, and phospholipase C gamma1 (PLCγ1). The activation of ERK1/2 is via the PLCγ1-protein kinase C-Raf1-MEK signaling cascade. The activation of both ERK1/2 and cAMP appears to be via a mechanism sensitive to AG879, a receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor, but not to AG825, AG1296, or AG1478. Furthermore, phosphoinositide-3 kinase appears to mediate the CKS-17-induced activation of ERK1/2, but not of cAMP. A specific amino acid sequence as well as the dimerization of this peptide is required to confer these biological activities. The results obtained are compelling and reproducible. This highly conserved molecule may enable us to understand a basic mechanism(s) of intracellular signaling pathways, regulation of Th1/Th2 cytokines, immunosuppression, and immunologic tolerance.
Higher Irradiance and Photodynamic Therapy for Age-Related Macular Degeneration (An AOS Thesis)

Purpose: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) using verteporfin was the first pharmacologic therapy for neovascular age-related macular degeneration and changed the treatment paradigm for a major, blinding disease. The experimental work in the nonhuman primate was essential in developing treatment parameters for verteporfin PDT that could successfully occlude choroidal neovascularization with limited injury to the neural retina. Early in the preclinical primate studies, we hypothesized that higher irradiances could be used for ocular PDT than had been used in dermatology and other applications, which typically utilized an irradiance of 150 to 200 mW/cm 2
Generalized Analysis for the Evaluation of Search Strategy Effects on PN Acquisition Performance

Pseudonoise (PN) coding may be incorporated into the signal structure of a communication system for a variety of reasons. Once present, the PN code must be appropriately acquired before it can be tracked by the receiver. Toward this end various acquisition schemes have been proposed. These schemes include combinations of predetection/postdetection processing and code search strategies. With regard to the latter, a uniform search over the entire code uncertainty region would be undertaken in the absence of a priori epoch information. In the presence of such information a more sophisticated scheme, which may generally be termed an "expanding window search," would tend to reduce acquisition time. The present paper focuses on uniform and expanding window search strategies with the goal of analytically developing the PN acquisition time statistics as functions of salient system parameters such as predetection SNR, detection and false alarm probabilities, false alarm penalty time, and a priori information on epoch location. The significance of this analysis is its general applicability to arbitrary postdetection processing schemes-e.g., fixed dwell and sequential detection. Computed performance results account for the above salient parameters, wherein sequential detection is employed in conjunction with uniform and selected expanding window search strategies. Performance curves demonstrate the utility of the analysis and provide intuitive insight into performance sensitivity to search strategy.
Low-voltage analog circuit design based on biased inverting opamp configuration

Analog circuit designs that use inverting opamp configuration can be converted into low-voltage designs by biasing the opamp input common-mode voltage to near one of the supply rails. This is achieved by introducing a current source or a resistor between the opamp negative input terminal and one of the supply rails. Hence, in this technique, opamps with limited input common-mode range can be used. In addition, switches can be incorporated in these circuits to allow a wide range of applications. This technique also allows large input and output signal swings (close to rail-to-rail), even at a very low-voltage supply. To demonstrate the proposed technique, four track-and-hold amplifiers (THA's) and a 10 bit digital-to-analog converter (DAC) have been designed in a conventional 1.2 /spl mu/m CMOS process and tested at a 1 V supply. The DAC consumes less than 0.45 mW and has a maximum throughput of 1 MS/s, with close to rail-to-rail output (0.1-0.9 V). The maximum differential nonlinearity error and integral nonlinearity error were measured to be 1.7 least significant bits (LSB's) and 3.0 LSB's, respectively. Each THA dissipates less than 0.35 mW and achieves a hold mode total harmonic distortion of less than -61 dB for a 100 kHz, 1.4 V/sub p-p/ differential input signal, sampled at a rate of 1 MS/s.
Addition of rifampin to combination antibiotic therapy for Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteremia : prospective trial using the Zelen protocol

A multicenter, prospective randomized trial was conducted to determine if the addition of rifampin to a combination therapy of an antipseudomonal beta-lactam agent and aminoglycoside improves the outcome of patients with Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteremia. The Zelen protocol for randomized-consent design was used. Consent was sought only from patients randomized to the experimental therapy (rifampin+). If the experimental therapy was refused, the patient would then receive the standard combination therapy (control); however, when outcome was evaluated, all patients randomized to the rifampin+ group, including those that declined rifampin, were compared with the control group. One hundred twenty-one consecutive hospitalized patients with positive blood cultures for P. aeruginosa were enrolled. Entry was stratified for prior use of empiric antipseudomonal antibiotics, neutropenia, severity of illness, and presence of pneumonia. Fifty-eight patients were randomized to receive rifampin (600 mg orally every 8 h for the first 72 h and then every 12 h for a total of 10 days) plus a beta-lactam agent plus an aminoglycoside. Sixty-three received the standard therapy of a beta-lactam plus an aminoglycoside agent (control). Bacteriologic cure occurred significantly more frequently in patients randomized to the rifampin+ regimen. Breakthrough or relapsing bacteremias occurred in 2% of the three-drug (rifampin+) group, compared with 14% for the two-drug (standard therapy) group. Despite this favorable trend in bacteriological response, no significant differences in survival were seen for the two treatment groups. Rifamycin derivatives warrant further clinical study as antipseudomonal agents. The Zelen protocol appears well suited for comparative trials of antimicrobial agents.
Periodicity and local complexity

We consider the complexity of bi-infinite words in one and two dimensions. A result of Morse and Hedlund in one dimension states that if the complexity, pξ(n), of a word satisfies pξ(n) ≤ n for some n, then the word ξ is periodic. The corresponding question in two dimensions (whether pξ(m, n) ≤ mn implies that ξ is periodic) is known as the Nivat conjecture. In this paper, we strengthen the one-dimensional result of Morse and Hedlund and prove a weak form of the Nivat conjecture, namely that if for a bi-infinite two-dimensional word ξ, pξ(m, n) ≤ mn/16 then ξ is periodic.
Winsor & Newton original handbooks: a surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) and Raman spectral database of dyes from modern watercolor pigments

Background: Winsor & Newton Ltd. has been one of the main fine art products providers since its establishment in 1832, being responsible for the manufacture of a wide assortment of materials ranging from oils and pigments to brushes and papers. All the items produced over the years have been indexed in a comprehensive historical archive. Original Winsor & Newton handbooks are a powerful resource which can offer insight into the world of artists’ materials, and knowledge of artists’ choices through the identification of substances employed to obtain particular colors. Scientific analyses of various kinds have been carried out on Winsor & Newton art materials over the years; however, a detailed study of the organic dyes contained in the watercolors manufactured by the company has never been performed thus far to our knowledge. Results: In the present study, we examined a number of color washes on drawing paper from two historical Winsor & Newton catalogues dating to the 19th and 20th century. An appropriate database was thus built, including surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) and Raman spectra of organic colorants from a wide variety of shades. While the selection of colors offered by the company in the 19th century mostly included lakes prepared from plant and insect dyes, i.e. madder and cochineal, some tints based on synthetic dyes were also found in the 20th century handbook. Conclusions: The present article sheds new light on the chemical composition of a number of original Winsor & Newton color washes in terms of organic colorants contained in each shade. A special attention was dedicated to the analysis of those colors for which the formulation was ambiguous or not specified by the manufacturers, such as dragons’ blood and most of the alizarin-based pigments. In addition, we were able to correct erroneous indications provided by Winsor & Newton on the composition of some tints, as in the case of violet carmine, and study how the formulation of certain pigments has been modified over the centuries.
UVA causes dual inactivation of cathepsin B and L underlying lysosomal dysfunction in human dermal fibroblasts.

Cutaneous exposure to chronic solar UVA-radiation is a causative factor in photocarcinogenesis and photoaging. Recently, we have identified the thiol-dependent cysteine-protease cathepsin B as a novel UVA-target undergoing photo-oxidative inactivation upstream of autophagic-lysosomal dysfunction in fibroblasts. In this study, we examined UVA effects on a wider range of cathepsins and explored the occurrence of UVA-induced cathepsin inactivation in other cultured skin cell types. In dermal fibroblasts, chronic exposure to non-cytotoxic doses of UVA caused pronounced inactivation of the lysosomal cysteine-proteases cathepsin B and L, effects not observed in primary keratinocytes and occurring only to a minor extent in primary melanocytes. In order to determine if UVA-induced lysosomal impairment requires single or dual inactivation of cathepsin B and/or L, we used a genetic approach (siRNA) to selectively downregulate enzymatic activity of these target cathepsins. Monitoring an established set of protein markers (including LAMP1, LC3-II, and p62) and cell ultrastructural changes detected by electron microscopy, we observed that only dual genetic antagonism (targeting both CTSB and CTSL expression) could mimic UVA-induced autophagic-lysosomal alterations, whereas single knockdown (targeting CTSB or CTSL only) did not display ‘UVA-mimetic’ effects failing to reproduce the UVA-induced phenotype. Taken together, our data demonstrate that chronic UVA inhibits both cathepsin B and L enzymatic activity and that dual inactivation of both enzymes is a causative factor underlying UVA-induced impairment of lysosomal function in dermal fibroblasts.
Adjustment to Loss among Adolescents

The purpose of the present investigation was to explore the adjustment of adolescents who had experienced the death of a parent relative to those who had experienced parental divorce. A 3 (type of ...
Miscellaneous new taxa of Bromeliaceae (XVI)

Four new taxa of Bromeliaceae are described:Billbergia acreana from Brazil;Pitcairnia chocoensis from Colombia; andGuzmania diazii andPitcairnia filifera from Peru. Also included is the new nameWerauhia moralesii from Costa Rica. Miscellaneous new taxa of Bromeliaceae (XV) appeared in Selbyana 21: 125–131. 2000.
Dick Niebuhr: Some Personal Memories *

The essays in this issue of Harvard Theological Review were originally presented at a celebration in honor of Richard R. Niebuhr on the occasion of his retirement as Hollis Professor of Divinity at Harvard Divinity School. On that day, May 7, 1999, many of Dick's colleagues, friends, and students past and present gathered to pay tribute to him and his forty-three years of service at Harvard. The papers that were delivered and the memories that were shared all told of the profound effect that Dick's teaching, scholarship, and friendship has had on those who have had the pleasure of working and talking with him over the years.
Reduction in aortic smooth muscle beta-adrenergic responsiveness results in enhanced norepinephrine responsiveness in the Dahl salt-sensitive rat.

In an earlier report we observed alterations in aortic smooth muscle α- and β-adrenergic responsiveness in the Dahl rat. The present study was designed to define the time course of these changes and further characterize the alterations in this model of hypertension. Four-week-old male Dahl salt-sensitive (DS) rats were placed on either a normal (DSN) or high salt diet (8% NaCl; DSH). Aortic smooth muscle responsiveness was studied at 3 and 6 weeks of the dietary treatment. No differences were seen between the 2 groups in either the contractile response to KCl or the relaxation responses to sodium nitrite and acetylcholine. Isoproterenol-induced relaxation was significantly attenuated and contractile response to norepinephrine (NE) were enhanced at 3 weeks of treatment in DSH rats, however, no differences were seen between the 2 groups at 6 weeks. Since alterations were seen only at 3 weeks of treatment, aortic smooth muscle responsiveness to the specific α-agonists phenylephrine (α1), guanfacine (α2) and ...
Importance of peer mentoring of faculty

Many faculty members have started their academic careers in a sink-or-swim environment with little mentoring and guidance from senior colleagues or support structures. Despite the hardships and rocky starts, and often through trials and errors, many of us managed to survive and thrive. That was possible in earlier days, but the intensifying and ever increasing demands on new faculty, both in research, especially sponsored research, and in the classroom, have made it nearly impossible for a new faculty member to launch without a proper mentoring and support structure. In this talk, we address the modern challenges facing junior faculty, and present mentoring ideas and systems to help address those challenges. In particular, we identify the various areas where new faculty members need help, how best to provide it, and available resources that departments, department heads/chairs, and senior faculty can use for effective mentoring and faculty development.
Trust, Cooperation, and Polycentric Climate Negotiations

The lack of progress in global climate negotiations has caused scholars to refocus on prospects for lower-level agreements that might substitute for, supplement, or motivate a global mitigation agreement. This paper contributes to the emerging literature on polycentric approaches to climate change mitigation by arguing that: (1) the global climate is a common-pool resource, rather than a public good; (2) climate change negotiations are not a prisoner’s dilemma but an “assurance game,” the outcome of which depends on subjectively perceived probabilities of cooperation, which in turn depend on levels of mutual trust developed over time in multiple and diverse faceto-face interactions; (3) the UN’s massive, stilted, and brightly spotlighted climate change meetings clearly have failed to build the mutual trust needed for effective collective action on climate change; and (4) the greater number and frequency of communications afforded by polycentric approaches, including informal as well as informal, bilateral as well as multilateral, negotiations are more likely to inculcate mutual trust over time. Of particular interest among ongoing, sub-global negotiations is the recently established “US-China Climate Change Working Group.”
Outcome of Very Low Birth Weight Infants in Industrialized Countries: 1947–1987

Neonatal intensive care has led to a progressive improvement in the survival of very low birth weight (VLBW, < 1,500 g) infants. However, it has not been established whether there has been a simultaneous increase or decrease in the prevalence of handicapping conditions in this group of children. To explore this question, a meta-analysis was performed using outcome data of 32 developmental studies of VLBW infants born in industrialized countries between 1947 and 1987. The authors' results show that the proportion of VLBW infants who survived and had an intact outcome progressively increased between 1947 and 1987--from 147 per 1,000 live births in the period 1947-1965 to 498 per 1,000 in the period 1980-1987 (p < 0.01). The prevalence of major handicapping conditions for the subset of VLBW infants who weighed < 1,000 g at birth increased, resulting from the increasing survival rates. However, the prevalence of major handicapping conditions among all children with VLBW decreased from 147 per 1,000 live births in 1947-1965 to 45 per 1,000 in 1980-1987 (p = 0.02). The authors' meta-analysis suggests that improved survival of VLBW infants has not been accompanied by an increase, but more likely a decrease, in the prevalence of handicapping conditions in this birth weight group.
Aggressive Behavior and Sex

Aggressive behavior and sex in the context of various human cultures are reviewed in order to explore how they coexist within a framework of normal sexual behavior. Existing psychological theories of the interrelationship of aggressive and sexual behavior are examined, and the most recent research with sexual aggressives is outlined.
A Simple Auxiliary Function for the Mean Value Theorem

This is certainly an improvement because an additional hypothesis is justifiable only if it delivers a stronger conclusion or an easier proof. I know of no proof of Rolle's theorem that makes use of the vanishing of / at the end points. The main (only?) purpose of Rolle's theorem is to serve as a lemma for the more general mean value theorem. Whether (1) or (1') is given in Rolle's theorem, the mean value theorem is usually proved by first introducing the auxiliary function
Steepened generalization gradients after massed extinction to the CS

Pigeons received intermittent reinforcement for pecking at a vertical-line stimulus. Ss were then tested for generalization to other line orientations under one of the following conditions: (a) 20 min. of massed extinction to the vertical line, followed by a standard generalization test; (b) 20 min. of massed extinction to a horizontal line, followed by the generalization test; or (c) generalization test without any prior extinction. Both pre-extinguished groups showed steeper gradients than the group that had not been extinguished.