cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Seminal plasma factors that cause large elevations in cellular cyclic GMP are C-type natriuretic peptides

Seminal plasma (porcine) was shown to elevate cyclic GMP in Balb/3T3 cells (235-fold), NIH/3T3, Rat-2, but not in human T84 cells. Seminal plasma and C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) markedly elevated cyclic GMP of 293 cells stably transfected with the guanylyl cyclase-B (GC-B) receptor, but failed to elevate cyclic GMP concentrations of 293 cells stably transfected with the guanylyl cyclase-A receptor. The seminal plasma activity was analyzed by reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography; two major fractions were obtained and the amino acid sequence of one matched that of proCNP-103. For the second peak of activity, sequence could not be obtained but the purified material bound to antibody specific for CNP. CNP concentrations in seminal plasma and seminal vesicle fluid were shown to be 2,000- and 100,000-fold greater than those found in porcine brain, respectively. Significant amounts of immunoreactive CNP also were detected in tracheal mucosa and uterus suggesting a general signaling role for the peptide. That seminal plasma CNP serves a function during fertilization was suggested by finding expression of GC-B mRNA in the uterus/oviduct and CNP-stimulatable GC-B in the intact uterus. Therefore, some or all of the GC-B receptor appears to exist on the apical membrane of uterine epithelial cells.
Naming and integrity: self-verifying data in peer-to-peer systems

Today’s exponential growth in network bandwidth, storage capacity, and computational resources has inspired a whole new class of distributed, peer-to-peer storage infrastructrues. Systems such as Farsite [26.4], Freenet [26.6], Intermemory [26.5], OceanStore [26.10], CFS [26.7], and PAST [26.8] seek to capitalize on the rapid growth of resources to provide inexpensive, highly-available storage without centralized servers. The designers of these systems propose to achieve high availability and long-term durability, in the face of individual component failures, through replication and coding techniques.
Primary child health care by family nurse practitioners.

This study analyzes the child health care role of four family nurse practitioners (FNPs) serving 990 families with 1,300 children in a rural clinic 30 miles from a hospital base. In a 12-month program they were trained to give primary care, using standing orders, to all family members. Respiratory infections, well child care, psychogenic problems, allergic conditions and injuries comprised 75.5% of pediatric cases. The FNPs managed 70.3% of all cases without physician consultation. Respiratory infections, well child care and gastrointestinal problems which comprised 57% of all cases were managed with a combined consultation rate of 14.3%. The physician maintained primary responsibility for the management of 3% of all cases. Review of medical records revealed that 93% of the cases were managed properly by the FNPs. The positive experience reported in this study indicates that the FNP role should be developed as one method of providing primary health care.
Input Segmentation of Spontaneous Speech in JANUS: A Speech-to-speech Translation System

JANUS is a multi-lingual speech-to-speech translation system designed to facilitate communication between two parties engaged in a spontaneous conversation in a limited domain. In this paper we describe how multi-level segmentation of single utterance turns improves translation quality and facilitates accurate translation in our system. We define the basic dialogue units that are handled by our system, and discuss the cues and methods employed by the system in segmenting the input utterance into such units. Utterance segmentation in our system is performed in a multi-level incremental fashion, partly prior and partly during analysis by the parser. The segmentation relies on a combination of acoustic, lexical, semantic and statistical knowledge sources, which are described in detail in the paper. We also discuss how our system is designed to disambiguate among alternative possible input segmentations.
Effects of genes and stress on the neurobiology of depression.

Publisher Summary The chapter discusses the role of genes in the etiology of mood disorders. The effects of genes may be direct and indirect such as modulation of the effects of early life stress as well as current stress. Stress, particularly in early life, also contributes to the risk for mood disorders. Different types of stressful events have been found to increase risk for depressive episodes. There are gender differences in reactivity to stressful life events, with women more likely to experience a depressive episode in relation to stress connected with social networks and interaction, and men in relation to work, or divorce or separation. Vulnerability to the depressogenic effects of stress is also thought to have genetic underpinnings. Individuals with greater genetic liability for mood disorders are more likely to experience onset of a depressive episode in response to a stressful life event than those with no genetic liability. Although there are many gaps in the current knowledge, a model is emerging in which early life stress can interact with genetic vulnerability to lead to increased risk for mood disorders. This emerging model also identifies targets for both pharmacologic and psychosocial intervention and has greater potential for prevention than previous therapeutic approaches that have focused on treatment of acute episodes of major depression or mania or prevention of recurrent episodes. Further treatments may target effects of early childhood stress in at-risk individuals.
Hight-Performance Datapath Implementation on Field-Programmable Multi-Chip Module (FPMCM)

In this paper, a new design style for multi-FPGA system is proposed. It fills the large gap between high-level synthesis and the FPGA logic design by providing datapath circuit module library which can contain high-level simulation models as well as low-level circuit netlists. Some bit-serial circuit modules have been designed which are easy to partition and place within multiple FPGAs. Also, we have describe our novel work on Field-Programmable Multi-Chip Module which demonstrates its ability in reducing hardware size, reducing power consumption, reducing packaging cost and providing with high density chip-to-chip connections.
The fixed points of logic programs with Herbrand base N

Abstract We consider logic programs over a Herbrand base which is naturally identified with N . Our logic programs P =( C , R ) consist of a regular (ultimately periodic) set C of constant rules and a finite, non-empty set R of simple rules. Fixed points of the program transformation T p are subsets of N . Examples are given of a (non-trivial) program with fixed points of arbitrary recursion-theoretic complexity. We introduce a transformation J p :2 N →2 N associated with a program P . Our main results prove that for all L⊆ N , J P ( L ) is a regular fixed points of T P . For two natural subclasses of programs, which we call positive and negative , we deduce that the fixed points of T P are fixed points of J P and therefore regular.
The parameters of documentary in the communications curriculum

Because “documentary” is such an ill‐defined concept, the instructor can only point to those demarcation lines which delimit the documentary area. In the communication curriculum, these parameters can be found in studying the attempts by critics at definition, examining the documentary still photograph, studying representative films of documentarists, following selected controversies, and analyzing the effect of the documentary on the audience.
Mass spectrometric characterization of crustacean hyperglycemic hormone precursor-related peptides (CPRPs) from the sinus gland of the crab, Cancer productus

Crustacean hyperglycemic hormone (CHH) precursor-related peptides (CPRPs) are produced during the proteolytic processing of CHH preprohormones. Currently, the physiological roles played by CPRPs are unknown. Due to their large size, direct mass spectrometric sequencing of intact CPRPs is difficult. Here, we describe a novel strategy for sequencing Cancer productus CPRPs directly from a tissue extract using nanoflow liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry. Four novel CPRPs were characterized with the aid of MS/MS de novo sequencing of 27 truncated CPRP peptides. Extensive modifications (methionine oxidation and carboxy-terminal methylation) were identified in both the full-length and truncated peptides. To investigate the origin of the modifications and truncations, a full-length CPRP was synthesized and subjected to the same storage and extraction protocols used for the characterization of the native peptides. Here, some methionine oxidation was seen, however, no methylation or truncation was evident suggesting much of the chemical complexity seen in the native CPRPs is unlikely due to a sample preparation artifact. Collectively, our study represents the most complete characterization of CPRPs to date and provides a foundation for future investigation of CPRP function in C. productus.
A cross-section precipitate extraction replica technique for surface-modified alloys

Abstract A precipitate extraction technique has been developed that, with simple modifications, should be applicable to a wide range of surface-modified alloys. In the example presented, a 2.25% Cr-1% Mo steel was irradiated with 14-meV nickel ions to produce a 3-μm-thick surface damage zone. The irradiated specimen was subsequently electroplated with iron, sectioned, and metallographically polished, and carbide extraction replicas were prepared by a multistage procedure. Using these techniques, the number density, size, morphology, crystallography, and chemistry of precipitates can be readily studied as a function of depth in the iradiated zone, i.e., versus displacement damage, injected ion effects, preimplanted gases, etc.
Quaternary Eustatic Sedimentary Accretion of Southern Bahamas Archpelago: ABSTRACT

Surficial geologic mapping indicates that the southern half of the Bahamas Archipelago is forming by the accretion of discrete depositional sequences resulting from successive eustatic sea level changes: (1) multiple beach and dune ridges, (2) estuarine, (3) lacustrine, (4) shallow subtidal, (5) reef and reef rubble, and (6) megadune complexes. The lithologies are accreted along unconformable erosional-solutional contacts--marine terraces and subaerial caliche crusts. During periods of significant transgression, sequences 1-5 are accreted. Sediments are predominantly skeletal and peloid. During periods of significant regression, megadune complexes are accreted. Ooids are the dominant sediment. Erosional-solutional features reflect areas of subaerial exposure and/or coastline erosion. Terraces at 10, 20, and 40 ft elevations are preserved along arid eastern Great Inagua Island. The calichification of Bahamian Quaternary carbonates has concentrated insoluble residues (quartz, feldspar, heavy minerals, crandallite, micrometeorites). Insoluble residue analysis provides a basis for the correlation of accreted eustatic sedimentary sequences. End_of_Article - Last_Page 289------------
The Euretics of Alice's Valise

Marcel Duchamp's Valise provides an organizing vehicle for a demonstration/explanation of “euretics” as a mode of research and teaching. Euretics applies to educational practices the tendency of avant-garde artists to use theory generatively. Euretics extends this productive relationship between theory and practice by adapting experimental art strategies to the exploration of theoretical questions. The question explored here is the supplementary relationship of two theories of meaning—communication by code and evocation by inference. The interdependence of the two modes (semantics and pragmatics), as they might be exploited in making an assignment to a class or conducting a research experiment, is demonstrated by borrowing the “valise” project as a version of packing a form with heterogeneous contents. This valise contains the intellectual ingredients needed to compose a discourse on method (giving an account of the invention of a new method, the method of euretics itself).
Culture Sustains the Hindu Rate of Growth in India

Will culture hold India back? Surendra Kaushik vehemently says no. It will reinforce economic growth, not undermine it.
Venous sinus stenting for idiopathic intracranial hypertension is not associated with cortical venous occlusion

Background The effect of dural venous sinus stenting has been investigated for the treatment of idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) but the effect of stenting on the long-term patency of the cortical draining veins, especially the vein of Labbe (VOL), remains unknown. Methods We reviewed our database of 38 patients with IIH with 41 stented dural venous sinuses between October 2006 and December 2014. Demographic, clinical, and radiological data were reviewed. Follow-up catheter angiographic data were included when available. Results Stent placement spanned the ostium of the VOL in 35 patients (92.1%), with no immediate effect on the drainage of the VOL. Follow-up angiography (mean 35.1 months, range 1.7–80.7 months) was available in 24 patients, 21 of whom had stents spanning the VOL ostium. The VOL remained patent without occlusion or drainage alteration in all 21 patients. There were no immediate or long-term intracranial complications. Conclusions Dural venous sinus stenting for patients with IIH does not affect the immediate or long-term patency of the VOL and is not associated with intracranial complications.
Cytokine Regulation of iNOS Expression in Human Glial Cells

Abstract In this report, we review the evidence for the production of nitric oxide following cytokine activation of the inducible form of nitric oxide synthase by central nervous system glial cells, with particular reference to cells of human origin. The results suggest that cytokine regulation of this enzyme in human glial cells differs significantly from that found in cells of rodent or murine origin, with astrocytes rather than microglia being the major source of these products in inflamed nervous system tissue. The key activator of this enzyme in human astrocytes is IL-1 with IFNγ acting synergistically. In contrast to glial cells of rodent or murine origin, no down-regulatory effects were noted with the cytokines IL-4, IL-10, and TGFβ. The relevance of these data to human neuropathology is discussed.
On the determination of strength of belief for decision support under uncertainty—Part II: fusing strengths of belief

The problem of decision making under uncertainty is described and the difficulty of comparing actions with uncertain outcomes is noted. We discuss the role of valuation functions which convert an uncertain outcome into a single representative value and hence aid in the comparison of uncertain alternatives. The need for information about the strength of belief that a given outcome will occur is pointed out. We then look at various methods for obtaining this information. We consider in particular detail the situation in which the strength of belief is dependent on the outcome payoff.
Immunolymphoscintigraphy in Breast Cancer: Evaluation Using 131I-Labeled Monoclonal Antibody B72.3

Abstract Noninvasive axillary lymph node staging was investigated using [ 131 I]murine monoclonal antibody B72.3 in 16 patients with breast cancer scheduled for axillary dissection. [ 131 I]B72.3 was injected into ipsilateral finger webs or around the breast biopsy. Scintigraphy to 72 h and γ-counting/immunohistochemistry of nodes were performed. Specific antibody uptake (%ID/g) and the ratio of specific:nonspecific antibody uptake were not significantly different in tumor-positive versus tumor-negative nodes, suggesting that [ 131 I]B72.3 is unsuitable to discriminate axillary node tumor involvement.
Inverse Airfoil Design Utilizing CST Parameterization

An inverse airfoil design process is presented that makes use of the CST parameterization method. The CST method is very powerful in that it can easily represent any airfoil shape within the entire design space of smooth airfoils. This makes it an ideal modeling technique for an inverse design process because accurate airfoil geometry treatment is required. The downfall of some inverse design processes is that they do not accurately handle the leading edge region due to large ow gradients and high curvature distributions. One way to account for this is by representing airfoils with smooth analytic functions, such as the CST method. The inverse airfoil design process presented is based on the relation between pressure residuals and the required airfoil shape change. The pressure residuals give the sign of the normal vector with which to modify the airfoil shape. The CST method is then used as the smoothing algorithm. The inverse design method is simple, accurate, and ecient. It is shown to accurately determine the airfoil geometry in both subsonic and transonic ows. Since this method simply examines pressure distributions to modify the airfoil shape, the ow solver can be kept separate from the inverse design process, allowing any delity ow solver to be used.
Dextran-Coated Iron Oxide Nanoparticles: a Versatile Platform for Targeted Molecular Imaging, Molecular Diagnostics and Therapy

Advances in our understanding of the genetic basis of disease susceptibility coupled with prominent successes for molecular targeted therapies have resulted in an emerging strategy of personalized medicine. This approach envisions risk stratification and therapeutic selection based on an individual’s genetic makeup and physiologic state (the latter assessed through cellular or molecular phenotypes). Molecularly targeted nanoparticles can play a key role in this vision through noninvasive assessments of molecular processes and specific cell populations in vivo, sensitive molecular diagnostics, and targeted delivery of therapeutics.A superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle with a cross-linked dextran coating, or CLIO, is a powerful and illustrative nanoparticle platform for these applications. These structures and their derivatives support diagnostic imaging by magnetic resonance (MRI), optical, and positron emission tomography (PET) modalities and constitute a versatile platform for conjugation to target...
Manganese enhances peroxynitrite and leukotriene E4 formation in bovine aortic endothelial cells exposed to arsenic

Long-term exposure to arsenic in drinking water has been linked to cancer and other health effects, including cardiovascular disease. Arsenic in the environment is found in combination with a range of metals that could influence its toxicity. Manganese, in particular, is a metal that is typically found in conjunction with arsenic in contaminated groundwater. Peroxynitrite is a powerful oxidant formed from the reaction between nitric oxide and superoxide anion. Arsenic has been shown to increase the formation of peroxynitrite in bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAECs) and promote the formation of 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NY) in the atherosclerotic plaque of ApoE−/−/LDLr−/− mice. Arsenic exposure also increases leukotriene E4 (LTE4) formation in both the mice and BAECs, an effect that is partially reversed by the addition of Nω-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME), a nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor. In the present study, we investigated the effect of adding nontoxic concentrations of manganese along with arsenic to BAEC cultures. Manganese increased arsenic toxicity and enhanced peroxynitrite, 3-NY, and LTE4 formation in BAECs. Addition of l-NAME reduced 3-NY formation induced by arsenic/manganese mixtures, but in contrast to its effect on arsenic alone, l-NAME actually increased LTE4 synthesis in BAECs treated with the arsenic/manganese combination. Overall, these data suggest that manganese may exacerbate the toxic effects of arsenic on the vascular system.
1/f Noise in GaN HEMTs grown under Ga-rich, N-rich, and NH3-rich conditions

Abstract The magnitude of the low-frequency 1/f noise in GaN/AlGaN HEMTs grown under Ga-rich, N-rich, and NH3-rich conditions varies in response to hot-electron stress. Density-functional-theory (DFT) calculations show that the Ga vacancies that are responsible for the positive shift in pinch-off voltage due to electrical stress in Ga-rich and N-rich devices do not contribute significantly to the observed changes in 1/f noise with electrical stress. The N anti-sites that cause negative shifts in pinch-off voltage in ammonia-rich devices can cause an increase in the noise magnitude after stress. DFT calculations also show that singly hydrogenated and dehydrogenated Ga–N divacancies also can contribute to the noise before and after stress, respectively. A decrease in noise magnitude is also observed in some devices after stress.
Open-Structured Materials: Skutterudites and Clathrates

There are a large number of inorganic compounds with open-framework structures that entrap atoms or molecules within the lattice. Of these, the skutterudites and type I clathrates have gained the greatest attention from the perspective of thermoelectric applications. The crystal structure of these materials can be considered as being open in the sense that they possess voids whereby interstitially placed atoms are bounded loosely, thereby creating localized disorder in an otherwise well-ordered, covalently bonded lattice. The optimum situation occurs if the intrinsic mobility is relatively high due to the well-ordered, periodic structure of the crystal framework while the phonons are scattered by localized disorder. Substantial experimental and theoretical research has been devoted to these two material systems over the past decade. This effort has shown that the physical properties are directly related to their unique crystal structures, as well as the different compositions that can be synthesized in order to modify these physical properties.
Budd-Chiari syndrome: Radiologic findings.

Key Concepts: 1 Diagnosis of Budd-Chiari syndrome can be made on the basis of radiological imaging alone without the need for liver biopsy. 2 Ultrasonography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging all show various degrees of occlusion of the hepatic veins and/or inferior vena cava. Hypertrophy of the caudate lobe may also be seen. 3 Computed tomographic and magnetic resonance imaging give a better idea of hepatic perfusion. Image reconstruction of the inferior vena cava is also possible. 4 Hepatic venography demonstrates a spiderweb pattern diagnostic of Budd-Chiari syndrome. 5 Pressure measurements in the portal vein and infrahepatic inferior vena cava are necessary to determine whether a surgical portosystemic shunt will be successful. 6 Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt provides definitive treatment in many patients; this is not discussed. Liver Transpl 12:S21–S22, 2006. © 2006 AASLD.
The numerical accuracy of 3He optical-model calculations at 70 MeV

Small differential cross sections, such as those measured at back angles for 70 MeV 3He elastic scattering (typically below 10−4 mb/sr past 130°), are difficult to calculate accurately when they result from considerable cancellation in the partial-wave sum. The codes GENOA, GIBELUMP, SNOOPY3, and DWUCK differ by as much as 212 orders of magnitude on σ(θ) for an optical-model potential describing 60Ni 3He, 3He)60Ni scattering at 71 MeV. This calculation is repeated, with a modified version of GIBELUMP, for wide ranges of the parameters affecting numerical accuracy. A study of errors in scattering matrix elements and cross sections, as functions of these parameters, reveals that criteria commonly used to determine the matching radius and number of partial waves employed in optical-model calculations yield insufficient values in this case.
Equilibrium of a sequence of auctions when bidders demand multiple items

Abstract We construct an ex post perfect equilibrium in a sequence of second-price auctions with two bidders where each bidder’s marginal values for additional units are decreasing. This equilibrium implies an increasing path of transaction prices and is ex post efficient.
Reaction of α-cellulose with SbCl3–KOH–AsCl3†

α-Cellulose dissolves in a mixture of SbCl3, KOH, and AsCl3. The resulting product as identified by PMR and infrared spectroscopy is α-D-glucose. This product is unexpected, and an explanation for its formation is suggested.
RADIATIVE HEAT EXCHANGE BETWEEN SURFACES WITH SPECULAR REFLECTION

Abstract A method has been developed for calculating the radiant interchange in an enclosure containing specularly reflecting surfaces. Consideration is given to systems composed of two specular surfaces and an unrestricted number of black surfaces. The method is illustrated by numerical examples and comparisons are made with the heat transfer results for diffusely reflecting surfaces.
Seismic analysis of thin shell structures

Abstract We consider in this paper a vertically erected, axisymmetric shell, resting on a horizontal foundation. The foundation is subjected to a time-dependent motion in both the vertical and horizontal directions. The motion may be produced by an event such as an earthquake or explosion. An estimate of the response of the shell to such excitation can be obtained from the solution for time-dependent boundary conditions. This solution is adapted here for an analysis with the response spectrum of earthquakes, which has been pioneered by Biot and Housner. The modes of free vibration are calculated by the multisegment, direct numerical integration method using classical shell theory. An actual design case of a containment vessel of a nuclear power plant built in the US is presented. An estimate of the dynamic response of the shell to an earthquake is obtained for all the relevant variables, such as stresses and displacements. As an example, an estimate for the axial stress of the response is given at various stations of the shell.
Oxygen and strontium codoping of La 2 Ni O 4 : Room-temperature phase diagrams

We present a detailed room-temperature x-ray powder diffraction study on ${\mathrm{La}}_{2\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{Sr}}_{x}\mathrm{Ni}{\mathrm{O}}_{4+\ensuremath{\delta}}$ with $0\ensuremath{\leqslant}x\ensuremath{\leqslant}0.12$ and $0\ensuremath{\leqslant}\ensuremath{\delta}\ensuremath{\leqslant}0.13$. For $x=0.02$, 0.04, and 0.06 the oxygen content phase diagrams of the Sr-doped samples show a similar sequence of pure phases and miscibility gaps as for pure ${\mathrm{La}}_{2}\mathrm{Ni}{\mathrm{O}}_{4+\ensuremath{\delta}}$. We find a weak Sr-doping dependence of the $\ensuremath{\delta}$ range for the pure low-temperature orthorhombic (LTO), low-temperature tetragonal, and high-temperature tetragonal (HTT) phases, but overall, the $\ensuremath{\delta}$ ranges of the different phases do not vary strongly for $x\ensuremath{\leqslant}0.06$. Drastic changes are observed for $x=0.08$ and 0.12, where miscibility gaps successively disappear. For $x=0.12$ all oxygen-doped samples are in the HTT phase. The mechanism responsible for the suppression of the phase separation seems to involves multiple factors, including the Coulomb interaction between Sr impurities and interstitial oxygens as well as the reduction of the $\mathrm{Ni}{\mathrm{O}}_{6}$ octahedral tilt angle. The doping dependence of the lattice parameters shows clear differences for pure Sr and pure O doping. With the exception of the LTO phase, the in-plane lattice parameters explicitly depend on the type of dopant, rather than the net hole content $p=x+2\ensuremath{\delta}$. In contrast, the orthorhombic strain in the LTO phase as well as the $c$-axis length appears to depend only on $p$, however, in the case of the $c$-axis length this ``universal'' behavior turns out to be coincidental. Our results also show that the chemical pressure of La-site dopants is highly anisotropic, whereas that of O interstitials appears to be more isotropic. In general, this study reveals that for an investigation of the intrinsic properties of ${\mathrm{La}}_{2\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{Sr}}_{x}\mathrm{Ni}{\mathrm{O}}_{4}$ with $x\ensuremath{\lesssim}0.12$, samples have to be annealed carefully to achieve $\ensuremath{\delta}=0$, since already an excess oxygen content as small as $\ensuremath{\delta}=0.01$ leads to phase separation.
The unimolecular and collisionally activated decompositions of fluorine-substituted tetraphenyltetrahedrane ions on the microsecond time-scale

Unimolecular and collision-induced decomposition products of [C4(C6H5)2(C6H4F)2]+˙ generated from four unsymmetrical sources include [C14H10]+˙ and [C14H8F2]+˙ and so provide evidence for a tetrahedral intermediate. Other decompositions show substantial influence of the position of the ρ-fluorophenyl ring on ion energy distributions. This influence may be related to the reported absence of peaks diagnostic for the tetrahedral intermediate from the spectrum of the equivalent ion from the appropriate 13C-labeled analog. Alternatively the difference in spectra can be correlated with lifetimes of ions.
Cultural Variation and Mycorrhizal Status of Blueberry Plants in NW Oregon Commercial Production Fields

ABSTRACT Ericoid mycorrhizal fungi (EMF) form symbiotic relationships with roots of blueberry plants providing increased access to nutrients from fertilizers and soil. In August of 2001, we sampled 55 fields in Oregon to assess the mycorrhizal status of blueberry plants under production conditions and to determine whether any relationships exist between field characteristics, root distribution, soil characteristics and level of colonization by mycorrhizal fungi. Variation in measured soil characteristics, root type, root distribution and mycorrhizal colonization occurred with cultivar, field age, bed type, rate of nitrogen fertilization, irrigation type, and mulch. Root biomass was lower in the upper 15 cm of soil compared to 15-30 cm depth. Distribution of roots between the two sampled depths varied significantly with field age, nitrogen fertilization rate, and the time of 50% harvest for the different cultivars sampled. Root length was generally greatest in the upper 15 cm of the soil than at the 15-30 ...
Induction of glioblastoma multiforme in nonhuman primates after therapeutic doses of fractionated whole-brain radiation therapy.

Object. To determine the acute and long-term effects of a therapeutic dose of brain radiation in a primate model, the authors studied the clinical, laboratory, neuroimaging, molecular, and histological outcomes in rhesus monkeys that had received fractionated whole-brain radiation therapy (WBRT). Methods. Twelve 3-year-old male primates (Macaca mulatta) underwent fractionated WBRT (350 cGy for 5 days/week for 2 weeks, total dose 3500 cGy). Animals were followed clinically and with laboratory studies and serial magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. They were killed when they developed medical problems or neurological symptoms, lesions appeared on MR imaging, or at study completion. Gross, histological, and molecular analyses were then performed. Nine (82%) of 11 animals that underwent long-term follow up (> 2.5 years) developed neurological symptoms and/or enhancing lesions on MR imaging, which were defined as glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), 2.9 to 8.3 years after radiation therapy. The GBMs were categorized as ...
Arbitration, mediation, and sexual harassment.

The 1998 Supreme Court decisions in Faragher v. City of Boca Raton and Burlington Industries, Inc. v. Ellerth recognized an affirmative defense to hostile environment sexual harassment claims based in part on the existence of an effective policy prohibitiong sexual harassment in the workplace. The promulgation or refinement of policies prohibiting sexual harassment will likely lead to an increase in complaints of sexual harassment. This article concludes that mediation and arbitration procedures which follow recognized standards of due process are appropriate means to resolve these claims and may substantially contribute to the Title VII goal of eradicating discrimination from the workplace.
Truck driver turnover: what rate is good enough?

Purpose – To develop a decision tool that may be used conveniently by motor carriers to answer the questions: “Does my company need to lower the truck driver turnover rate?” and “If so, by how much?”Design/methodology/approach – Combines statistical and mathematical procedures to present a method that calculates, by considering a variety of carrier characteristics, the “desirable” truck driver turnover rate for each carrier.Findings – Simulation results imply that the model may be used by all types of motor carriers, regardless of whether their drivers exhibit homogeneous or heterogeneous job‐quitting behaviors.Research limitations/implications – The “desirable” turnover rate may be used as both: the critical value that determines whether a carrier needs to reduce the turnover rate or not (i.e. the upper bound of the acceptable turnover range), and the approximate target turnover rate to be attained in the short run.Originality/value – The proposed model shall help motor carriers identify their “target” d...
A simple and versatile argon laser microbeam.

thus very similar to that observed by light microscopy. While the staining was predominantly in the nucleus, there was a trace of lead deposition in the cytoplasm (figs l-3). There was virtually no deposition of lead in the control preparations incubated in the presence of lead nitrate but without the glycerophosphate substrate (fig. 4). When uranyl acetate staining was followed by staining with lead citrate there was an increase in electron density of the preparations, and especially of the nucleolus and chromatin (fig. 5). There was, however, no lead staining comparable to that observed in the preparations stained for acid phosphatase (figs 2, 3). The localization of the enzyme in the nucleolus is similar in light and electron micrographs (figs 1, 2, 3) and corresponds to the light fibrillar areas (arrows) in the control preparations incubated in the absence of substrate (figs 4, 5). It would appear therefore, that the acid phosphatase of nucleolini demonstrable by light microscopy can also be visualized in electron micrographs and that the sites of the enzyme correspond to relatively electron lucent fibrillar spherical areas in the nucleolus, the fibrillar centres described by Recher et al. [5]. In summary, an acid phosphatase that is active at pH 5.0 has been demonstrated by light and electron microscopy in the nucleolini or fibrillar centres, and to a lesser degree in the nucleoplasm.
Synthesis and Characterization of Tetrachlorodiarylethyne-Linked Porphyrin Dimers. Effects of Linker Architecture on Intradimer Electronic Communication.

The effects of incorporating chloro groups at all ortho positions of a diphenylethyne linker that bridges the zinc and free base (Fb) components of a porphyrin dimer (ZnFbB(Cl4)) have been investig...
Minimal effect of acute experimental hepatitis induced by lipopolysaccharide/D-galactosamine on biotransformation in rats.

Abstract When administered with d -galactosamine, lipopolysaccharide endotoxins produce a good experimental animal model of hepatitis. This galactosamine plus endotoxin model has been used widely, but the acute effect of this fixed combination of two chemicals on hepatic and extrahepatic biotransformation has not been determined. Therefore, either 2 or 4 hr after a single intraperitoneal dose of 300 mg/kg galactosamine plus 30 μg/kg lipopolysaccharide was administered, serum, liver, kidney, intestine, and spleen were collected. Serum enzymes (alanine and aspartate aminotransferases, sorbitol dehydrogenase, and γ-glutamyltranspeptidase) were elevated dramatically 2 and 4 hr after treatment. Cytochrome P450 monooxygenase activity toward benzo-[a]pyrene was increased in kidney 4 hr after treatment, whereas dealkylation of 7-methoxycoumarin or 7-ethoxyresorufin was unchanged in any tissue at either time point. An increase in UDP-glucuronosyltransferase activity toward 4-methylumbelliferone and 4-hydroxybiphenyl was noted in the intestine. Conjugation of 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene with glutathione was increased in intestine and spleen 2 hr after treatment. γ-Glutamyltranspeptidase activity was unaltered in all tissues studied. Reduced glutathione concentrations were increased significantly by different amounts depending on which organs were studied 2 or 4 hr after treatment. These results indicate that galactosamine/lipopolysaccharide-induced liver injury is not accompanied by major effects on the examined biotransformation reactions.
Zonal distribution of paracetamol glucuronidation in the isolated perfused rat liver

1. The lobular distribution of paracetamol conjugation was studied using antegrade and retrograde perfusion of isolated rat liver. After addition of 25 mg of paracetamol, recovery of sulphate from antegrade perfusions was greater than from retrograde perfusions indicating periportal predominance of this metabolic pathway.2. Recovery of sulphate was greater than recovery of glucuronide after addition of 25 mg of paracetamol during both antegrade and retrograde perfusions. Recovery of sulphate was similar after addition of 25 or 100 mg of paracetamol, whereas recovery of the glucuronide was increased at the higher dose, indicating a higher capacity for glucuronidation than for sulphation, but a higher affinity for sulphation.3. Recovery of glucuronide from antegrade and retrograde perfusions was similar after addition of 25 mg of paracetamol, but was greater from antegrade perfusions after addition of 100mg. This indicates that drug concentration may be an important determinant of the zonal distribution of ...
Crosswell Reflection Velocity Analysis

4 method of cross-well reflection velocity analysis is introduced in his paper. It uses previously derived cross-well reflection moveout equations (Smalley, 1992). These moveout equations are based upon a previously derived cross-well CLP (common lateral point) stacking coordinate system (Smalley, 1992). The method showed in this paper has a similar objective to the surface seismic velocity analysis procedure. We are attempting to find velocities from the cross-well reflections that will give us an accurate depth conversion and can align the reflection data so that the stack will be optimized. The cross-well gather analogous to the surface seismic CMP gather (CLP VLMO gather) is used to align reflection data so that the stack will be optimized. The theory is derived for the constant velocity case and then is extended to the variable velocity case. Real data gathers and a stack are shown using the cross-well reflection velocity analysis and are compared to a stack using a tomogram velocity. The stack using cross-well reflection velocity analysis shows a clear improvement from the constant velocity tomogram stack.
Biodegradation of Thermoplastic Polyurethanes from Vegetable Oils

Thermoplastic urethanes based on polyricinoleic acid soft segments and MDI/BD hard segments with varied soft segment concentration were prepared. Soft segment concentration was varied from, 40 to 70 wt%. Biodegradation was studied by respirometry. Segmented polyurethanes with soft segments based on polyricinoleic acid degrade relatively slow losing about 11% carbon after 30 days, but faster than corresponding petrochemical polyesterurethanes. Since biodegradation proceeds mainly through the soft segments, higher soft segment content polymers displayed slightly higher biodegradation. Polyurethanes with dispersed hard domains in the soft phase displayed slightly faster biodegradation than those with co-continuous morphology. Polyester diol degrades slower than castor oil but significantly faster than the polyurethanes with built in soft segments from the same diol. Castor oil biodegrades slower than soybean oil.
Response to Comment on "Intermittent Plate Tectonics?"

Korenaga takes issue with our proposal that intermittent plate tectonics provides a solution to the thermal catastrophe paradox, arguing that the heat flux in the absence of plate tectonics is too high. We show that this flux is small enough and changes rapidly enough in response to variations in slab flux to produce a reasonable thermal history back to at least 3 billion years ago.
Subunit Interactions and Requirements for Inhibition of the Yeast V1-ATPase

Disassembly of the yeast V-ATPase into cytosolic V1 and membrane V0 sectors inactivates MgATPase activity of the V1-ATPase. This inactivation requires the V1 H subunit (Parra, K. J., Keenan, K. L., and Kane, P. M. (2000) J. Biol. Chem. 275, 21761–21767), but its mechanism is not fully understood. The H subunit has two domains. Interactions of each domain with V1 and V0 subunits were identified by two-hybrid assay. The B subunit of the V1 catalytic headgroup interacted with the H subunit N-terminal domain (H-NT), and the C-terminal domain (H-CT) interacted with V1 subunits B, E (peripheral stalk), and D (central stalk), and the cytosolic N-terminal domain of V0 subunit Vph1p. V1-ATPase complexes from yeast expressing H-NT are partially inhibited, exhibiting 26% the MgATPase activity of complexes with no H subunit. The H-CT domain does not copurify with V1 when expressed in yeast, but the bacterially expressed and purified H-CT domain inhibits MgATPase activity in V1 lacking H almost as well as the full-length H subunit. Binding of full-length H subunit to V1 was more stable than binding of either H-NT or H-CT, suggesting that both domains contribute to binding and inhibition. Intact H and H-CT can bind to the expressed N-terminal domain of Vph1p, but this fragment of Vph1p does not bind to V1 complexes containing subunit H. We propose that upon disassembly, the H subunit undergoes a conformational change that inhibits V1-ATPase activity and precludes V0 interactions.
Ethylene oxidation on silver powder: A tap reactor study

Abstract The oxidation of ethylene over silver powder catalysts was studied between 475 and 575 K at pressures of circa 10 Torr under transient conditions that allowed reactions of atomic and molecular oxygen to be distinguished. Dioxygen and d 4 -ethylene were pulsed separately over silver powder in a microreactor with pulse durations of 200 μs, and the products were detected by a multiplexed mass spectrometer. This method, denoted as temporal analysis of products, allows either simultaneous pulsing of the reactants or pulse delays ranging from a few milliseconds to minutes. In these experiments both ethylene oxide and carbon dioxide were detected as products. Ethylene oxide formed instantaneously on the time scale of the reactant pulse, but carbon dioxide formed with a much slower time constant, characteristic of the decomposition of surface carbonate, indicating the importance of secondary interactions of CO 2 with surface oxygen in the kinetics of CO 2 formation. Pulse-probe experiments, in which the catalyst was first loaded with adsorbed atomic oxygen and then reacted with anaerobic ethylene pulses or ethylene-oxygen mixtures, showed that the adsorbed species giving rise to ethylene oxide is atomic, not molecular, oxygen.
Identification of regions in the Moloney murine leukemia virus SU protein that tolerate the insertion of an integrin-binding peptide.

Abstract Targeting of retroviral vectors to specific cells has been attempted through engineering of the surface (SU) protein of the murine leukemia viruses (MuLVs), but in many cases this has adversely affected protein function and targeted delivery has been difficult to achieve. In this study, we have inserted a 15-mer peptide that binds specifically to the αvβ3 integrin into the Moloney MuLV SU protein, including regions that are surface exposed in the crystal structure of the ecotropic receptor-binding domain. We have concentrated in particular on the variable regions VRA, VRB, and VRC, which are responsible for the use of distinct cellular receptors by different MuLV subtypes and therefore may be more likely to accommodate a heterologous binding moiety. Despite these considerations, only 8 of 26 insertion sites were tolerated, including two separate regions in VRA, a cluster of sites in VRC, and previously identified sites at the N-terminus of the protein and in the proline-rich region immediately downstream of the receptor-binding domain. When expressed on retroviral vector particles, all of the viable proteins retained the ability to bind to and transduce murine cells, although the VRC mutants and an insertion in VRA gave reduced binding and titer. Finally, although all of the viable chimeras could bind to αvβ3 in a solid-phase binding assay, we were unable to demonstrate expanded tropism for αvβ3-expressing human cells. This study highlights the difficulty of engineering the Moloney MuLV SU protein, even when structural information is available, and provides guidelines for the insertion of peptide ligands into the SU protein.
Homology and causes.

Homology is resemblance caused by a continuity of information. In biology it is a unified developmental phenomenon. Homologies among and within individuals intergrade in several ways, so historical homology cannot be separated sharply from repetitive homology. Nevertheless, the consequences of historical and repetitive homologies can be mutually contradictory. A detailed discussion of the rise and fall of the “premolar-analogy” theory of homologies of mammalian molar-tooth cusps exemplifies such a contradiction. All other hypotheses of historical homology which are based on repetitive homology, such as the foliar theory of the flower considered phyletically, are suspect.
For High‐Risk Infants and Their Parents: Postnatal Discussion Groups and Well‐Baby Clinics Operate in Storefront

The project was directed by Elizabeth A. Regan, RN, RS, MS, Head, Community Health, University of Wisconsin‐Extension, and funded by interested individuals and organizations. This multidisciplinary effort to improve health services for high‐risk babies and their families resulted in ongoing meetings with parents of these babies, a well‐baby clinic in the community, inservice education far involved professionals, and improved communication between parents and professionals.
The Effect of Microstructural Differences on NA2SO4-Induced Corrosion of Superalloy CMSX-4 at High Temperatures

Single crystal (SC) nickel based superalloys have been used in aero engine applications for a long time. The SC casting techniques are not yet widely used in the land based engine components because of their much larger size which makes casting and the subsequent heat treatment more difficult. In large casting, microporosity and elemental segregation are more severe. The γ/γ′ eutectic structure and dendritic arm spacing are also larger due to large casting size. All these defects will affect the heat treatment process and the subsequent service properties, including the resistance to oxidation and hot corrosion. In this work, as-cast and heat treated CMSX-4 specimens from small and large blades were used to study the effects of cast defects and heat treatment on Na2SO4 -induced hot corrosion resistance of the single crystal superalloy. The tests were carried out between 900 to 1000°C, for times ranging than 10 to 600 hours in the presence of a Na2SO4 deposit. The specimens from as-cast large blade underwent catastrophic attack after a short exposure time. But the initiation time for catastrophic attack approximately doubled in the case of wholly solution heat treated specimens. It is thus likely that although the hot corrosion resistance of this single crystal material is not as good as that of IN738, proper heat treatment can improve its hot corrosion resistance.Copyright © 1997 by ASME