cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Noncommutative Berezin transforms and multivariable operator model theory

Abstract In this paper, we initiate the study of a class D p m ( H ) of noncommutative domains of n-tuples of bounded linear operators on a Hilbert space H , where m ⩾ 2 , n ⩾ 2 , and p is a positive regular polynomial in n noncommutative indeterminates. These domains are defined by certain positivity conditions on p, i.e., D p m ( H ) : = { X : = ( X 1 , … , X n ) : ( 1 − p ) k ( X , X ∗ ) ⩾ 0 for 1 ⩽ k ⩽ m } . Each such a domain has a universal model ( W 1 , … , W n ) of weighted shifts acting on the full Fock space F 2 ( H n ) with n generators. The study of D p m ( H ) is close related to the study of the weighted shifts W 1 , … , W n , their joint invariant subspaces, and the representations of the algebras they generate: the domain algebra A n ( D p m ) , the Hardy algebra F n ∞ ( D p m ) , and the C ∗ -algebra C ∗ ( W 1 , … , W n ) . A good part of this paper deals with these issues. The main tool, which we introduce here, is a noncommutative Berezin type transform associated with each n-tuple of operators in D p m ( H ) . The study of this transform and its boundary behavior leads to Fatou type results, functional calculi, and a model theory for n-tuples of operators in D p m ( H ) . These results extend to noncommutative varieties V p , Q m ( H ) ⊂ D p m ( H ) generated by classes Q of noncommutative polynomials. When m ⩾ 2 , n ⩾ 2 , p = Z 1 + ⋯ + Z n , and Q = 0 , the elements of the corresponding variety V p , Q m ( H ) can be seen as multivariable noncommutative analogues of Agler's m-hypercontractions. Our results apply, in particular, when Q consists of the noncommutative polynomials Z i Z j − Z j Z i , i , j = 1 , … , n . In this case, the model space is a symmetric weighted Fock space F s 2 ( D p m ) , which is identified with a reproducing kernel Hilbert space of holomorphic functions on a Reinhardt domain in C n , and the universal model is the n-tuple ( M λ 1 , … , M λ n ) of multipliers by the coordinate functions. In this particular case, we obtain a model theory for commuting n-tuples of operators in D p m ( H ) , recovering several results already existent in the literature.
The reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome associated with traumatic myelopathy: report of 5 cases

Pain is a frequent problem following recent traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI). Of specific concern in the rehabilitation setting is function-limiting hand pain which prevents optimal participation in therapy and limits independence. A treatable etiology of function-limiting hand pain in SCI is the reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome (RSDS). The presentation of RSDS in patients with recent SCI can be easily confused with that of dysesthetic (central origin) or radicular pain. Previous reports of RSDS associated with recent traumatic SCI have not been based on specific clinical criteria outlined in recent literature, and treatment has not been evaluated by objective outcome measures. This report describes 5 cases of RSDS associated with recent traumatic SCI that are identified by specific clinical criteria and are confirmed by a 3 phase bone scan. It is suggested that aggressive early intervention is necessary to obtain optimal functional outcome and minimize length of hospital-based rehabilitation.
Quantitative measurements of inorganic and organic arsenic by flameless atomic absorption spectrometry

Abstract Procedures are described for the determination of arsenicals in water and urine by flameless atomic absorption spectrometry ; these avoid the isolation and transfer of arsine(s) and permit some differentiation between the inorganic and organic (methyl) arsenic content of a sample. Samples of water or urine are heated with hydrochloric acid, and treated with iodide ion. Arsenic species, as the iodides, are extracted into chloroform and then either reextracted into deionized water for measurement of inorganic arsenic, or reextracted into dilute dichromate solution for total arsenic determination; the difference furnishes levels of organic arsenic. Aliquots of the final aqueous extracts are analyzed by graphite-furnace atomic absorption spectrometry, with an arsenic electrodeless discharge lamp. The lower detection limit for water and urine was 10 p.p.b. The recoveries (and Sg values) were: 87.0% (3.0) and 93.0 % (7.9), for inorganic arsenic in water and urine, respectively; 92.3 % (5.3) for mixtures of inorganic and methylated arsenic (total arsenic) in water and urine; and 98.7 % (3.9) and 88.4% (3.6) for dimethylarsenic in water and urine, respectively.
Disparities in the moral intuitions of criminal offenders: The role of psychopathy

The present study examined whether and in what ways psychopathy is associated with abnormal moral intuitions among criminal offenders. Using Haidt et al.’s Moral Foundations Questionnaire, 222 adult male offenders assessed for clinical psychopathy reported their degree of support for five moral domains: Harm Prevention, Fairness, Respect for Authority, Ingroup Loyalty, and Purity/Sanctity. As predicted, psychopathy total score explained a substantial proportion of the variance in reduced support for Harm Prevention and Fairness, but not the other domains. These results confirm that psychopathy entails a discrete set of moral abnormalities and suggest that these abnormalities could potentially help to explain the characteristic antisocial behavior of individuals with psychopathy.
Association and infinite divisibility for the Wishard distribution and its diagonal marginals

We give an example of a central Wishart matrix W with one degree of freedom and scale matrix of rank 2 such that the diagonal entries of W are not associated. This allows us to conclude that no central Wishart matrix with one degree of freedom and scale matrix of rank greater than 1 is associated. We also employ the connection between association and infinite divisibility to show that, despite former evidence to the contrary, there exist Gaussian vectors such that the vector of squares is not infinitely divisible. Similarly, we obtain another proof of Levy's result that no central Wishart matrix with scale matrix of rank greater than 1 is infinitely divisible.
Retroviral Matrix Domains Share Electrostatic Homology: Models for Membrane Binding Function throughout the Viral Life Cycle

The matrix domain (MA) of Gag polyproteins performs multiple functions throughout the retroviral life cycle. MA structures have an electropositive surface patch that is implicated in membrane association. Here, we use computational methods to demonstrate that electrostatic control of membrane binding is a central characteristic of all retroviruses. We are able to explain a wide range of experimental observations and provide a level of quantitative and molecular detail that has been inaccessible to experiment. We further predict that MA may exist in a variety of oligomerization states and propose mechanistic models for the effects of phosphoinositides and phosphorylation. The calculations provide a conceptual model for how non-myristoylated and myristoylated MAs behave similarly in assembly and disassembly. Hence, they provide a unified quantitative picture of the structural and energetic origins of the entire range of MA function and thus enhance, extend, and integrate previous observations on individual stages of the process.
“Written, published, … cross-indexed, and footnoted”: Producing Black Female Ph.D.s and Black Women's and Gender Studies Scholarship in Political Science

In an essay entitled “Variations on Negations and the Heresy of Black Feminist Creativity,” Black feminist Michele Wallace explores the difficulties of producing and presenting a “black female cultural perspective, which for the most part is not allowed to become written in a society in which writing is the primary currency of knowledge” (Wallace 1990, 54). Although she anticipates that some might find a defense of Black female cultural and political criticism “elitist,” she nevertheless remains, “convinced that the major battle for the ‘other’ of the ‘other’ [i.e., Black women] will be to achieve a voice, or voices, thus inevitably transforming the basic relations of dominant discourse. Only with these voices—written, published, televised, taped, filmed, staged, cross-indexed, and footnoted—will [Black women] approach control over [their] own lives” (66).
Guideline Adherence for Echocardiographic Follow-Up in Outpatients with at Least Moderate Valvular Disease.

Background Attention to resource utilization has led to increased scrutiny of the appropriateness of initial diagnostic imaging studies on the basis of current guidelines. Far less attention has been paid to examining the lack of appropriate follow-up studies. Methods A retrospective cross-sectional analysis was performed of 3,781 consecutive outpatients referred for transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) from July to December 2008. Data from the electronic medical records were extracted to see if patients with at least moderate left-sided valvular stenosis or regurgitation underwent subsequent echocardiographic studies within 60 days of the period recommended by the 2006 American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association valve guidelines document. Results Of 342 outpatients with at least moderate valve dysfunction, 38 (11%) were excluded for reasons that precluded the need for a follow-up study (e.g. death, surgery). Of the remaining 304 patients, only 179 (59%) underwent follow-up echocardiography within the recommended period. Rates of timely follow-up TTE were higher when ordering physicians were cardiologists or cardiovascular surgeons (65%) compared with primary care physicians or internal medicine specialists (45%) ( P P P = .002) and more likely to be male (odds ratio, 1.79; 95% CI, 1.12–2.85; P = .01). Conclusions To the authors' knowledge, this is the first study demonstrating low rates of compliance with guideline-recommended monitoring TTE in patients with at least moderate valve dysfunction. Cardiac practitioners have significantly better compliance. Strategies are needed to improve timely follow-up care in this population.
A Role-Playing Game for Teaching about Enterprise Process Integration

Many contemporary enterprises seek to transform their operations towards a more customer-oriented, value stream-based, end-to-end process orientation. Process integration—the act of working towards a state where information, deliverables, and work products flow smoothly among processes and their activities—is a prerequisite for this and for consistently effective operations. Process integration is especially critical at the enterprise level, where processes cross functional and organizational boundaries, yet sound integration seems to elude many enterprises. Some reasons for this include poor understanding of the motivations and methods for successful integration. This article presents a role-playing game that helps teach some of the motivations and methods for process integration. The participants play the roles of owners of various enterprise processes who must coordinate their input–output relationships. The ensuing discussions and negotiations open players’ eyes to the challenges and potential of prop...
The engineer and the paragraph

This is a 24-item checklist to aid an engineer in paragraph construction. The step-by-step procedure provides a basis for clear and concise communication.
A voice- and touch-driven natural language editor and its performance

Abstract The performance of a voice- and touch-driven natural language editor is described as subjects used it to do editing tasks. The system features the abilities to process imperative sentences with noun phrases that may include pronouns, quantifiers and references to dialogue focus. The system utilizes a commerical speaker-dependent connected-speech recognizer, and processes sentences spoken by human subjects at the rate of five to seven sentences per minute. Sentence recognition percentages for our expert speaker and for subjects, were 98 and around the mid 70s, respectively. Subjects had more difficulty learning to use connected speech than had been the case in earlier experiments with discrete speech.
An adaptive agent bidding strategy based on stochastic modeling

For a dynamic, evolving multiagent auction, we have developed an adaptive agent bidding strategy (called the p-strategy) based on stochastic modeling. The p-strategy takes into account the dynamics and resulting uncertainties of the auction process using stochastic modeling, and avoids the shortcomings of stochastic modeling by adaptively deciding when to use the model and when not to. Our experiments show that the p-strategy outperforms other candidate bidding strategies in a continuous double auction regardless of the status of the auction and the demography of the agent population.
Percutaneous BioOrganic Sealing of Duodenal Fistulas: Case Report and Review of Biological Sealants with Potential Use in Interventional Radiology

Biological sealants are being increasingly used in a variety of surgical specialties for their hemostatic and sealing capabilities. However, their use in interventional radiology has not been widely reported. The authors describe a case of duodenal perforation occurring after 15 years of gastric bypass surgery, in whom surgical diversion was unsuccessfully attempted and the leakage was successfully controlled using percutaneous administration of a combination of biological and organic sealants.
Kupffer cell inactivation delays repair in a rat model of reversible biliary obstruction.

Abstract Background. During cholestatic liver injury, Kupffer cells (KC) and activated macrophages modulate cell proliferation and subsequent matrix deposition. The role of KC in the restoration of cell architecture and matrix metabolism during repair following chronic cholestatic liver injury is unknown. Materials and methods. To determine the effect of KC inactivation, adult male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent bile duct suspension (BDS) for 5 days followed by reversal of the obstruction. Saline (control) and gadolinium chloride (10 mg/kg) were administered 1 day prior to BDS and 1 day prior to reversal, to inactivate KC during both injury and repair. Serum bilirubin and quantitative cell morphometry were compared to verify the reversibility of the model. Collagen content of the liver was measured in trichrome-stained paraffin sections using NIH imaging software. Results. Reversibility of the obstruction was verified by normalization of direct serum bilirubin, which peaked at 8.42 ± 0.76 mg/dL following 5 days of BDS and returned to sham-operated levels 2 days after reversal, 0.36 ± 0.15 mg/dL. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E)-stained paraffin-embedded liver sections from gadolinium-treated animals at 4 and 7 days after reversal exhibited persistent bile duct proliferation, matrix deposition, and inflammation. Gadolinium-treated animals had altered collagen metabolism compared to saline controls. Whereas the collagen content in the saline group slowly returned to sham-operated levels over time, the treatment group demonstrated progressive accumulation of collagen during repair which was statistically significant at 7 days following reversal (8.79%/mm 2 ± 2.17 in gadolinium group vs 2.33%/mm 2 ± 0.34 in saline group, P = 0.0003). Conclusions. These results demonstrate that inactivation of resident hepatic macrophages during liver repair impairs collagen metabolism, inhibits the resolution of fibrosis, and allows the persistence of inflammatory cell infiltrates in the portal areas. This is the first evidence of profibrogenic responses in the absence of an intact KC compartment during repair after cholestatic injury.
The talented interferon-gamma

IFN-γ is an extraordinarily pleotropic cytokine. It can not only heighten both the innate and adaptive immune response against pathogens and tumors, but also has the ability to maintain immune homeostasis. Since the effects of IFN-γ are cell and tissue specific, it is important to consider the recent advances in IFN-γ signaling in the context of different diseases. To this end, we review the involvement of IFN-γ in the pathogenesis of several inflammatory diseases, its therapeutic potential as an anti-tumor agent and its effects upon stem cells.
Reducing adolescent smoking through a school-based motivational intervention: A pilot study

Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States, and more than 20% of adolescents report current cigarette use. Schools are a viable setting in which to conduct brief interventions to reduce adolescent tobacco use; however, a standard therapy has not yet been established. The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of a motivational intervention on cigarette use in a school-based adolescent population. The study utilized a randomized controlled design in which participants were assigned to one of two conditions: two 30-minute sessions of a motivational intervention or assessment only. Results demonstrated that the intervention was effective in reducing daily cigarette use and symptoms of cigarette dependence for participants in the experimental group. The current findings are unique in being the first school-based motivational intervention delivered by school personnel to effectively reduce adolescent tobacco use.
Investigation of Aluminum Binding to a Datura innoxia Material Using 27Al NMR

Al binding to biomaterial derived from cell wall fragments of the plant Datura innoxia has been investigated using solid-state 27Al NMR spectroscopy. Carboxylate groups have been determined to be the responsible functionalities for Al3+ binding to this material at pH 3.5. The binding of Al3+ directly to the polysilicate structure of the immobilized biomaterial was also observed. At pH 5.0, direct binding of the Al137+ polymer ion to the biomaterial was discovered. Carboxylate groups were also determined to be involved in the binding of Al3+ at pH 5.0. The presence of an additional octahedral Al-binding site was also suggested at the higher pH.
AUTOCRINE EFFECT OF OXYGEN ON CELL PROLIFERATION

We report the first evidence that oxygen tension regulates the synthesis of a protein with growth-promoting activity in human fibroblasts. Sparse cultures of embryonic fibroblasts were synchronized in the G0 portion of the cell cycle by serum starvation and then placed under either low (2.5%) or ambient (20%) oxygen for 24 hours. When serum was added to induce proliferation, the number of cells that initiated DNA synthesis was ten-fold greater in 2.5% than in 20% oxygen. Oxygen concentration did not affect the latent period for DNA synthesis. Exposure to 2.5% oxygen during G0 was sufficient to increase DNA synthesis. Oxygen also affected the mitogenic response to purified growth factors. Placing fibroblasts in 2.5% oxygen during G0 increased their mitogenic response to epidermal growth factor six-fold. For insulin-like growth factor 1 and platelet-derived growth factor, the increases were two-and six-fold, respectively. To understand how oxygen regulates cell proliferation at the level of gene expression, we harvested medium conditioned by G0 fibroblasts under 2.5% oxygen. This conditioned medium increased the mitogenic effect of epidermal growth factor on cells under 20% oxygen. This medium did not stimulate proliferation in the absence of added growth factor. Proteases abolished the activity of this conditioned medium. We conclude that reducing oxygen concentration below that of the ambient air induces fibroblasts to synthesize and secrete a protein with growth-promoting activity. This protein appears to enhance the mitogenic response to growth factors and may act by altering either receptors or intracellular mediators of the growth response.
Low-Temperature Pulsed-PECVD ZnO Thin-Film Transistors

We report high-quality ZnO thin films deposited at low temperature (200°C) by pulsed plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (pulsed PECVD). Process byproducts are purged by weak oxidants N2O or CO2 to minimize parasitic CVD deposition, resulting in high-refractive-index thin films. Pulsed-PECVD-deposited ZnO thin-film transistors were fabricated on plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition (PEALD) Al2O3 dielectric and have a field-effect mobility of 15 cm2/V s, subthreshold slope of 370 mV/dec, threshold voltage of 6.6 V, and current on/off ratio of 108. Thin-film transistors (TFTs) on thermal SiO2 dielectric have a field-effect mobility of 7.5 cm2/V s and threshold voltage of 14 V. For these devices, performance may be limited by the interface between the ZnO and the dielectric.
Lidar observations of sodium density depletions in the presence of polar mesospheric clouds

Abstract Since 1997, sodium resonance lidar and Rayleigh lidar measurements have been conducted simultaneously at the Sondrestrom upper atmosphere research facility near Kangerlussuaq, Greenland (67.0°N, 309.1°E) for studying the arctic mesosphere. The summertime lidar observations during the typical polar mesospheric cloud (PMC) season from June through August are used to investigate changes in the mesospheric sodium layer related to the presence of PMCs. Our observations demonstrate, on average, a 20% reduction in sodium density below the sodium peak altitude when PMCs are detected by the Rayleigh lidar. Individual PMC events can produce appreciable depletions in the lower half of the sodium layer. We have observed nearly 50% reduction in sodium column abundance below 92 km in the presence of a PMC with moderate backscatter strength. The magnitude of the depletion is correlated with PMC backscatter strength. New modeling results that include the photolysis of sodium bicarbonate have suggested that the reduction in sodium density may be associated with adsorption of sodium atoms onto the surface of the ice particles. The observed sodium depletion is not as significant as the depletion in iron density observed from the South Pole during the austral PMC summer months. This difference in depletion may result from the fact that the sodium layer resides a few kilometers higher than the iron layer, and, therefore, is exposed to presumably smaller ice particles (with less surface area) and, thus, has a reduced uptake rate on ice. Our observations extend previously reported reductions in iron and potassium in the presence of PMCs to include sodium, and support the role of heterogeneous chemistry on ice particles as a new and important process for sodium chemistry near the mesopause.
Vitamin D Deficiency/Insufficiency Practice Patterns in a Veterans Health Administration Long-Term Care Population: A Retrospective Analysis

Objectives To evaluate the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency in long-term care patients at a Veterans Health Administration (VHA) hospital and to assess treatment and follow-up of low vitamin D levels. Design Observational cohort study. Setting VA hospital extended care center (ECC). Participants 2218 ECC patients between January 2001 and December 2006 were screened. Measurement Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) level, vitamin D therapy regimen, time to follow-up, documented adverse event to vitamin D therapy. Results Of 2218 patients admitted to the ECC during the study period, 229 (10%) had a vitamin D level measured. Among these 229 patients, 49% were vitamin D sufficient (25[OH]D ≥30 ng/mL), 14% were insufficient (25[OH]D = 21–29 ng/mL), and 37% were deficient (25[OH]D ≤20 ng/mL). Sixty-nine percent of patients with low vitamin D levels received some form of vitamin D therapy, whereas 43% received treatment as well as follow-up evaluation of vitamin D status within 3 months. Only 13% received a formulation of vitamin D appropriate for the severity of their deficiency/insufficiency with concurrent calcium supplementation and had a repeat vitamin D level within 3 months. Conclusion Vitamin D levels were measured infrequently in long-term care patients. Among those monitored, the rate of vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency is high. Few patients with low vitamin D status received proper treatment and follow-up. These data support the need to educate physicians regarding the high prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency/deficiency among long-term care patients to ensure that patients with low vitamin D levels are identified and treated appropriately.
A method for the quantitative determination of glycerolipids containing O-alkyl and O-alk-1-enyl moieties

Abstract We have developed a spectrophotometric procedure, based on a combination of established methods, for the quantitative determination of alkyl and alk-1-enyl (plasmalogens) ether-linked glycerolipids. It depends upon the release of alkylglycerols and alk-1-enylglycerols from phospholipids by phospholipase C (Bacillus cereus) followed by saponification or by Vitride reduction of the phospholipids; aldehydes are subsequently formed and measured colorimetrically after reacting them with a fuchsin reagent. The total alkyl and alk-1-enyl content of glycerolipids is determined by oxidation of the sample with periodate to form aldehydes and alkylglycolic aldehydes. The O-alk-1-enyl lipid content is determined on a separate sample by measuring the aldehydes produced after acid hydrolysis. The quantity of O-alkyl lipids is calculated from the difference between the values obtained for the total ether-lipid content and that of the O-alk-1-enyl lipid content. Alternately, direct determination of alk-1-enylglycerols and alkylglycerols can be made if these hydrolytic products are first separated by thin-layer chromatography.
Signal transduction: Response regulators on and off

High resolution structures of the active phosphorylated forms of two-component response regulators have recently been reported. The results provide a basis for understanding how metabolic energy is coupled to signal transduction in cellular regulatory networks.
Sims determinations of ion-implanted depth distributions

Abstract The depth-profiling capabilities of the ion microprobe (SIMS) are applied to the measurement of projected ranges and standard deviations for 114 individual species/substrate combinations of ion-implanted material. The results are presented and compared with theoretical values for 79 cases. Basic agreement of the experimental and theoretical results is obtained, though the experimental data show the implanted profiles to be several hundred A deeper and broader than theory would suggest.
Counterflow method for measurement of Henry's law constants

Accurate knowledge of Henrys law constants of chemicals under environmental conditions can be important for design of treatment systems, and for understanding the fate of chemicals in the environme...
Comparison of Contour Based and Feature Based Tracking Methods for Control of Microbiorobots

Miniature robots should be precisely controlled because of a small workspace and size of their shapes. Small error of control could lead to failure of tasks such as an assembly. Tracking is one of the most important techniques because control of a small scale robot is hard to accomplish without object’s motion information. In this paper, we compare the feature based and the region based tracking methods with microbiorobot. Invariant features can be extracted using Scale Invariant Feature Transfrom (SIFT) algorithm because microbiorobot is a rigid body unlike a cell. We clearly showed that the feature based tracking method track exact positions of the objects than region based tracking method when objects are close contacted or overlapped. Also, the feature based tracking method allows tracking of objects even though partial object disappears or illumination is changed.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
AGAMOUS-Like15 promotes somatic embryogenesis in Arabidopsis and soybean in part by the control of ethylene biosynthesis and response.

Many of the regulatory processes occurring during plant embryogenesis are still unknown. Relatively few cells are involved, and they are embedded within maternal tissues, making this developmental phase difficult to study. Somatic embryogenesis is a more accessible system, and many important regulatory genes appear to function similar to zygotic development, making somatic embryogenesis a valuable model for the study of zygotic processes. To better understand the role of the Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) MADS factor AGAMOUS-Like15 (AGL15) in the promotion of somatic embryogenesis, direct target genes were identified by chromatin immunoprecipitation-tiling arrays and expression arrays. One potential directly up-regulated target was At5g61590, which encodes a member of the ethylene response factor subfamily B-3 of APETALA2/ETHYLENE RESPONSE FACTOR transcription factors and is related to Medicago truncatula SOMATIC EMBRYO-RELATED FACTOR1 (MtSERF1), which has been shown to be required for somatic embryogenesis in M. truncatula. Here, we report confirmation that At5g61590 is a directly expressed target of AGL15 and that At5g61590 is essential for AGL15’s promotion of somatic embryogenesis. Because At5g61590 is a member of the ETHYLENE RESPONSE FACTOR family, effects of ethylene on somatic embryogenesis were investigated. Precursors to ethylene stimulate somatic embryogenesis, whereas inhibitors of ethylene synthesis or perception reduce somatic embryogenesis. To extend findings to a crop plant, we investigated the effects of ethylene on somatic embryogenesis in soybean (Glycine max). Furthermore, we found that a potential ortholog of AGL15 in soybean (GmAGL15) up-regulates ethylene biosynthesis and response, including direct regulation of soybean orthologs of At5g61590/MtSERF1 named here GmSERF1 and GmSERF2, in concordance with the M. truncatula nomenclature.
Defective viral vectors as agents for gene transfer in the nervous system

Viral vectors have attracted great interest as vehicles for gene therapy. Due to concerns regarding continued viral gene expression in several systems, new approaches have been sought for gene transfer in the nervous system. This article reviews the general concepts and basic biology of defective viral vectors. These are vectors which can package into a viral coat but contain no viral genes, thereby allowing efficient gene transfer in the absence of viral gene expression in target cells. The defective herpes simplex virus (HSV) vector has been applied to numerous interesting questions in neurobiology. The inability to completely eliminate helper viruses has raised concern regarding the application of this vector to human disease. The adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector has recently been introduced into the nervous system. This vector harbors no viral genes, however helper viruses can also be completely eliminated from the system. Although the smaller size may limit the range of applications for this vector, it has received great interest as a potential agent for gene therapy in the nervous system. Potential future directions are discussed as well.
Kπ resonance effect to the form factors in the kl3 decays.

The form factors in the leptonic three-body decays of K mesons are studied in terms of the dispersion-theoretic techniques developed by Goldberger and Treiman (phys. Rev. 1l0: ll78(l958)). Assuming that the K pi resonance has a dominant contribution to the dispersion integral, it is shown that the consequences of the partially conserved current hypothesis follow from the theory under the weaker conditions on the high energy behavior of the divergence of the current. (auth)
Isolation and characterization of an active-site peptide from a monoterpene cyclase labeled with a mechanism-based inhibitor.

Abstract (+)-Pinene synthase and (+)-bornyl pyrophosphate synthase from culinary sage ( Salvia officinalis L.: Lamiaceae) catalyze the coupled isomerization and cyclization of geranyl pyrophosphate to the indicated bicyclic monoterpenes. The reaction parameters for these monoterpene cyclases have been well defined but the two enzymes have proved difficult to separate and purify in sufficient amounts for detailed structural characterization. A method was developed for the isolation of the two cyclases from highly enriched sage leaf oil gland extracts and for the efficient copurification of the two enzymes to about 95% as judged by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE); the preparation yielded two overlapping species on two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis as expected. The cyclases were copurified and labeled with the highly selective mechanism-based irreversible inactivator 6-[1- 3 H] cyclopropylidene-3 E -methyl-hex-2-en-1-yl pyrophosphate, subjected to cleavage with CNBr, and the resulting covalently modified peptides were isolated by SDS-PAGE for blotting to a polyvinylidene difluoride membrane and N-terminal amino acid sequence analysis. A radiochemically abundant 5-KDa peptide of the cleavage mixture was shown to be highly homologous, through 22 residues, to a segment (Leu 197 -Glu 218 ) of (−)-4 S -limonene synthase from spearmint ( Mentha spicata L.: Lamiaceae), the only monoterpene cyclase for which the complete deduced amino acid sequence is known. These results illustrate the use of the mechanism-based inhibitor for purification and structural studies with the monoterpene cyclases, and they define a presumptive active site region that bears a highly conserved sequence among these enzymes from the mint (Lamiaceae) family.
Genetic diversity of dodder (Cuscuta spp.) collected from commercial cranberry production as revealed in thetrnL (UAA) intron

Swamp dodder (Cuscuta gronovii) is a parasitic plant detrimental to cranberries. Observation of emergence of dodder seeds collected from a cultivated cranberry bog in Massachusetts revealed 2 or more peak emergence times during 4 consecutive growing seasons. Molecular methods were used to investigate genetic variation among the emerging dodder seedlings. On emergence, dodder seedlings were collected and analyzed for DNA sequence diversity in thetrnL (UAA) intron, a noncoding region of chloroplast DNA. DNA sequence analysis of 87 seedlings collected during the 1999 and 2000 growing seasons revealed the presence of 2 dodder ecotypes, designated A and B. Comparative DNA sequence analysis indicated that in thetrnL (UAA) intron, the sequence of ecotype A is identical to that ofCuscuta gronovii, whereas the sequence of ecotype B is closest to that ofCuscuta attenuata (99.3% sequence identity; 293 bases considered). ABg/II restriction enzyme cut site was identified that distinguished between thetrnL (UAA) introns of ecotypes A and B. Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) was used to analyze the sequences of 100 seedlings collected during the growing seasons of 2001 and 2002. Only 10 of the 187 samples were ecotype A, all of which emerged on or before May 7 in the growing seasons. Therefore, the predominant dodder haplotype found in this study may be a close relative ofC. attenuata and notC. gronovii, the common species found in cranberry bogs.
Laying the Base for the Future: One Cornerstone of the Javits Act.

The passage of the Jacob K. Javits Gifted and Talented Students Education Act in 1988 was truly a watershed moment in the field of gifted education. The National Research Center on the Gifted and Talented (NRC/GT) represented one part of the overall agenda of research and services supported by the Javits Act. How the Javits Act came to be and the rationale and decisions that formed the underlying framework for Javits are the foci of the first part of this article. The second part of this article provides a brief overview of the NRC/GT organization and mission. Multiple research teams associated with the NRC/GT implemented quantitative and qualitative research studies, invited outstanding scholars in the field to contribute to our research series, and carried out leadership duties assigned to the Center, which have been complementary additions to many contributions made by the other Javits projects over the past several decades.
Waveguide Electroabsorption Modulator on Si Employing Ge/SiGe Quantum Wells

We report the first waveguide optical modulator on Si that employs the quantum-confined Stark effect. For a 6 V swing, the contrast ratio is 7.72 dB at 1476nm, and exceeds 3 dB over 14nm bandwidth.
Free Thyroxine Estimates in Nonthyroidal Illness: Comparison of Eight Methods

Eight methods for estimating free serum T4 were compared for 26 patients with nonthyroidal illnesses (NTI) and 16 hypothyroid patients with comparable total T4 (TT4) concentrations. Free T4 values were determined by equilibrium dialysis, enzyme immunoassay (Abbott), antibody-coated tube (Clinical Assays), antibody-coated microfine silica (Corning Immunophase), microencapsulated antibody (Damon), and free T4 index using the T3 uptake ratio or thyroxine-binding globulin method. Equilibrium dialysis, Clinical Assays and Abbott methods usually provided free T4 estimates in the normal range in NTI patients with low TT4 values and differentiated them from hypothyroid patients with comparable TT4 levels. In contrast, the other methods gave decreased free T4 estimates in the low TT4-NTI groups and often did not distinguish them from hypothyroid patients. The normal free T4 estimates by equilibrium dialysis, Clinical Assays, and Abbott methods in the low TT4– NTI patients are consistent with the. previous findings...
Conditional Tek promoter-driven deletion of arginyltransferase in the germ line causes defects in gametogenesis and early embryonic lethality in mice.

Posttranslational protein arginylation mediated by Ate1 is essential for cardiovascular development, actin cytoskeleton functioning, and cell migration. Ate1 plays a role in the regulation of cytoskeleton and is essential for cardiovascular development and angiogenesis—capillary remodeling driven by in-tissue migration of endothelial cells. To address the role of Ate1 in cytoskeleton-dependent processes and endothelial cell function during development, we produced a conditional mouse knockout with Ate1 deletion driven by Tek endothelial receptor tyrosine kinase promoter expressed in the endothelium and in the germ line. Contrary to expectations, Tek-Ate1 mice were viable and had no visible angiogenesis-related phenotypes; however, these mice showed reproductive defects, with high rates of embryonic lethality in the second generation, at stages much earlier than the complete Ate1 knockout strain. While some of the early lethality originated from the subpopulation of embryos with homozygous Tek-Cre transgene—a problem that has not previously been reported for this commercial mouse strain—a distinct subpopulation of embryos had lethality at early post-implantation stages that could be explained only by a previously unknown defect in gametogenesis originating from Tek-driven Ate1 deletion in premeiotic germs cells. These results demonstrate a novel role of Ate1 in germ cell development.
Research Methodology In Management: Current Practices, Trends, And Implications For Future Research

This study is a comparison of the strategies employed in management research in two periods, 1995–97 and 1985–87. Through a content analysis of articles from the Academy of Management Journal, Admi...
A differential game approach to the dynamic mixed behavior traffic network equilibrium problem

Abstract The dynamic mixed behavior traffic network equilibrium model is formulated as a noncooperative N-person nonzero-sum differential game under the open-loop information structure. A simple network is considered where one origin-destination pair is connected by parallel arcs and two types of players - User Equilibrium (UE) and Cournot-Nash (C-N) - interact through the congestion phenomenon. Each of UE and C-N players attempts to achieve its own prescribed objective by making a continuum of simultaneous decisions of departure time, route, and departure flow rate over a fixed time interval. The necessary and sufficient conditions are derived and given economic interpretation as a dynamic game theoretic generalization of the mixed behavior traffic network equilibrium principle which requires equilibration of average costs for UE players and equilibration of marginal costs for C-N players. An approximate iterative algorithm is proposed for solving the model in discrete time, which makes use of the augmented Lagrangian method and the gradient method. A numerical example is presented and future extensions of the model and the algorithm are also discussed.
Thermal breakdown of solid dielectrics

The purpose of this paper is to correlate the work which has been done on thermal breakdown and to put it in a form in which it can be used by the electrical engineer in the calculation of breakdown voltage. Besides a treatment of the Fock theory, the paper includes the derivation of new formulas for breakdown of very thin and very thick samples and for internal temperature rise and current.
SUICIDALITY AND RISK-TAKING BEHAVIORS: AN ECOLOGICAL STUDY OF YOUTH BEHAVIORS IN 29 STATES

Ecological correlations over 29 continental states in a survey indicated that youth suicidality in 1993 was most strongly associated with measures of substance use and abuse, confirming associations consistently found at the individual level of analysis.
Architectural level risk assessment tool based on UML specifications

Recent evidences indicate that most faults in software systems are found in only a few of a system's components [1]. The early identification of these components allows an organization to focus on defect detection activities on high risk components, for example by optimally allocating testing resources [2], or redesigning components that are likely to cause field failures. This paper presents a prototype tool called Architecture-level Risk Assessment Tool (ARAT) based on the risk assessment methodology presented in [3]. The ARAT provides risk assessment based on measures obtained from Unified Modeling Language (UML) artifacts [4]. This tool can be used in the design phase of the software development process. It estimates dynamic metrics [5] and automatically analyzes the quality of the architecture to produce architectural-level software risk assessment [3].
A clinical trial with live attenuated rubella virus vaccine (Cendehill 51 strain).

Twenty-one subjects were inoculated with Cendehill strain, rubella virus vaccine; 21 other patients were uninoculated contact subjects. Vaccinees and contacts were intimately associated for a 45 day study period. All but one of the immunized patients developed HAI antibody titer to rubella virus, whereas no contact subjects developed rubella antibody. Rubella virus was recovered from the nose or throat of 81 per cent of the vaccinated subjects and viremia was noted in one vaccinee on study day 11. No clinical illness could be attributed to the rubella vaccine.
International Relations as a Prismatic System

Conventional theories of international relations assume, implicitly, the model of an “inter-state system.” According to this model, individually states possess a set of characteristics which differ fundamentally from the characteristics of a system of those states interacting with each other. On this basis we can construct theories about the behavior of component states in the system, and more general propositions about the nature of the inter-state system viewed as a whole. Some of the difficulties of this model will be noted here, and an alternative model proposed.Before pointing to these difficulties, however, we need a clear image of the inter-state model. A classic formulation is contained in a speech given by former Secretary of State John Foster Dulles at a meeting of the American Society for International Law. In it Mr. Dulles identified six characteristics of the nation-state: (1) laws which “reflect the moral judgment of the community”; (2) political machinery to revise these laws as needed; (3) an executive body able to administer the laws; (4) judicial machinery to settle disputes in accord with the laws; (5) superior force to deter violence by enforcing the law upon those who defy it; and (6) sufficient well-being so that people are not driven by desperation to ways of violence. The international system, Mr. Dulles pointed out, in large part lacks these characteristics. He went on to assess the limited success of attempts, ranging from the League of Nations and Kellogg-Briand Pact through the United Nations, to create such a “state system” or “order” at the international level. Mr. Dulles sadly reported that, despite notable progress in the development of international law and judicial machinery, the desired international order does not, as yet, exist.
A quantitative and qualitative analysis of suicidal preadolescent children and their families

This study identified a sample of suicidal preadolescent children who also were depressed, aggressive, and socially isolated. The study explored the dimensions of cohesion and control associated with the families of these children. Two hypotheses were suggested: 1) the families have a deficit in emotional bonding and 2) the families have a chaotic disciplinary style. It also seems likely that children learn suicidal behavior through observation of others in their family and social contexts.
Asymmetric laplace laws and modeling financial data

Asymmetric Laplace laws form a subclass of geometric stable distributions, the limiting laws in the random summation scheme with a geometric number of terms. Among geometric stable laws, they play a role analogous to that of normal distribution among stable Paretian laws. However, with steeper peaks and heavier tails than normal distribution, asymmetric Laplace laws reflect properties of empirical financial data sets much better than the normal model. Despite heavier than normal tails, they have finite moments of any order. In addition, explicit analytical forms of their one-dimensional densities and convenient computational forms of their multivariate densities make estimation procedures practical and relatively easy to implement. Thus, asymmetric Laplace laws provide and interesting, efficient, and user friendly alternative to normal and stable Paretian distributions for modeling financial data. We present an overview of the theory of asymmetric Laplace laws and their applications in modeling currency exchange rates.
Optimal backpressure routing for wireless networks with multi-receiver diversity

We consider the problem of optimal scheduling and routing in an ad-hoc wireless network with multiple traffic streams and time varying channel reliability. Each packet transmission can be overheard by a subset of receiver nodes, with a transmission success probability that may vary from receiver to receiver and may also vary with time. We develop a simple backpressure routing algorithm that maximizes network throughput and expends an average power that can be pushed arbitrarily close to the minimum average power required for network stability, with a corresponding tradeoff in network delay. When channels are orthogonal, the algorithm can be implemented in a distributed manner using only local link error probability information, and supports a ''blind transmission'' mode (where error probabilities are not required) in special cases when the power metric is neglected and when there is only a single destination for all traffic streams. For networks with general inter-channel interference, we present a distributed algorithm with constant-factor optimality guarantees.