cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ground water quality in northern Michigan ecosystems as affected by land use patterns and geologic characteristics

Over 200 ground water wells in northern lower Michigan were sampled from nine land use classes and several geologic strata during 1974 and 1975 for concentrations of NO3N, NH4N, PO4P, Cl, Fe, Ca, Mg, K, and Na. Mean well depth was 38 ± 24 m, with 92% of the wells having depths of from 15 to 90 m. In general, the quality of ground water for the ions tested was within U.S. Public Health standards. Multiple comparison tests among land use classes for NO3N were significant (P < 0.05) and in every case agricultural related land use classes had concentrations above the regional mean of 0.72 ± 0.04 g m−3 (mg l−1) NO3N. The importance of both anthropogenic and natural Na inputs into ground water was noted for the region. The patterns of ion concentration for PO4P, K, Mg, and Ca showed only a few differences among land classes; while Cl and Fe concentrations had no discernible pattern. No significant differences in NH4N ground water concentration between immature agricultural ecosystems and mature forest systems were found.
Coronary Circulatory Effects of Increased Intrathoracic Pressure in Intact Dogs

The effect of increased intrathoracic pressure on coronary hemodynamics and coronary venous oxygen tension was evaluated in surgically instrumented dogs. Following abrupt increases in intrathoracic pressure, as systolic pressure decreased, the tension time index (TTI) fell 83 percent (P
Shadow profit maximization and a measure of overall inefficiency

Determining the profit maximizing input–output bundle of a firm requires data on prices. This paper shows how endogenously determined shadow prices can be used in place of actual prices to obtain the optimal input–output bundle where the firm’s shadow profit is maximized. This approach amounts to an application of the Weak Axiom of Profit Maximization (WAPM) formulated by Varian [(1984) The Non-parametric approach to production analysis. Econometrica 52:3 (May) 579–597] based on shadow prices rather than actual prices. At these shadow prices, the shadow profit of a firm is zero. The maximum shadow profit that could have been attained at some other input–output bundle is shown to be a measure of the inefficiency of the firm. Because the benchmark input–output bundle is always an observed bundle from the data, it can be determined without having to solve any elaborate programming problem.
Density functional study of the mechanism of a tyrosine phosphatase: I. Intermediate formation.

The first step in the catalytic mechanism of a protein tyrosine phosphatase, the transfer of a phosphate group from the phosphotyrosine substrate to a cysteine side chain of the protein to form a phosphoenzyme intermediate, has been studied by combining density functional calculations of an active-site cluster with continuum electrostatic descriptions of the solvent and the remainder of the protein. This approach provides the high level of quantum chemical methodology needed to adequately model phosphotransfer reactions with a reasonable description of the environment around the active site. Energy barriers and geometries along a reaction pathway are calculated. In the literature, mechanisms assuming both a monoanionic and a dianionic substrate have been proposed; this disagreement is addressed by performing calculations for both possibilities. For the dianionic substrate, a dissociative reaction pathway with early proton transfer to the leaving group and a 9 kcal/mol energy barrier is predicted (the expe...
Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis δ-endotoxin: Evidence of neurotoxic action

Abstract The neurotoxic, cytolytic, and lethal properties of a 25-kDa protein isolated from the δ-endotoxin of Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis (Bti) were compared with those of the alkaline-dissolved whole extract of the δ-endotoxin and the cytolytic enzyme phospholipase A 2 . In situ electrophysiological measurements of the ventral nerve cord of larval Trichoplusia ni treated at 15 and 25°C with various dosages of the three protein preparations showed that only the whole extract of the δ-endotoxin induced hyperexcitation. When the appearance of lactate dehydrogenase activity in the haemolymph of toxin-injected larvae was used to quantitate cell lysis, the cytolytic 25-kDa protein was found to be a potent cytotoxic factor like phospholipase A 2 , whereas cytotoxicity of the whole δ-endotoxin extract was relatively low. Bioassays at 28, 17, and 9°C demonstrated a positive temperature correlation with mortality for the whole toxin extract, but showed inverse correlations for the two cytolytic materials. This and previous studies indicate that insect mortality is not solely due to the cytolytic activity of the Bti δ-endotoxin upon injection into T. ni . An unidentified neurotoxic factor(s) exists within the Bti δ-endotoxin which induces hyperexcited activity in the insect nervous system. This and/or other factors impart the δ-endotoxin with biological and physiological activities different from the isolated cytolytic component.
Roles of Puf proteins in mRNA degradation and translation

Puf proteins are regulators of diverse eukaryotic processes including stem cell maintenance, organelle biogenesis, oogenesis, neuron function, and memory formation. At the molecular level, Puf proteins promote translational repression and/or degradation of target mRNAs by first interacting with conserved cis-elements in the 3' untranslated region (UTR). Once bound to an mRNA, Puf proteins elicit RNA repression by complex interactions with protein cofactors and regulatory machinery involved in translation and degradation. Recent work has dramatically increased our understanding of the targets of Puf protein regulation, as well as the mechanisms by which Puf proteins recognize and regulate those mRNA targets. Crystal structure analysis of several Puf-RNA complexes has demonstrated that while Puf proteins are extremely conserved in their RNA-binding domains, Pufs attain target specificity by utilizing different structural conformations to recognize 8-10 nt sequences. Puf proteins have also evolved modes of protein interactions that are organism and transcript-specific, yet two common mechanisms of repression have emerged: inhibition of cap-binding events to block translation initiation, and recruitment of the CCR4-POP2-NOT deadenylase complex for poly(A) tail removal. Finally, multiple schemes to regulate Puf protein activity have been identified, including post-translational mechanisms that allow rapid changes in the repression of mRNA targets.
Stochastic analysis of mantle convection experiments using two‐point correlation functions

This paper discusses the stochastic analysis of spatially complex, time-dependent flows in spherical and cylindrical geometries where the reference states, internal heating rates, and boundary conditions are temporally invariant and rotationally symmetric. Snapshots of the aspherical temperature anomalies δT (r,Ω,t) from a single convection run are taken to be samples of a stationary, rotationally invariant random field, and the spatial two-point correlation function CTT(r,r′,Δ) is constructed by averaging over rotational transformations of this ensemble. Three subfunctions are extracted: the rms variation, the radial correlation function, RT(r,r′) = CTT(r,r′,0)/ σT(r)σT(r′), and the angular correlation function All three are useful in assessing the structural differences among mantle convection simulations, but the diagnostic properties of RT and its robustness with respect to low-pass filtering recommend it as a tool for testing stratification hypotheses against whole-mantle tomographic models.
Telecommuting and organization change

Abstract Telecommuting, working at home through a data terminal/micro processor, is feasible with today's technology. However, it has profound consequences for individuals, organizations, and society, particularly in widespread application. This paper explores the major impacts of telecommuting and suggests further areas for research.
SU‐FF‐T‐259: In‐Phantom Measurements of the Bremsstrahlung Dose for Megavoltage Electron Beams Incident On High Z Materials for Use in An Electron Multileaf Collimator

Purpose: There is a growing interest in the use of a multileaf collimator(MLC) for electron beam therapy to shape the fields as well as provide intensity modulated beams. One important consideration is the material and thickness of the collimating leaves. They must be sufficiently thick to stop the highest electron energy as well as minimize the bremsstrahlung radiation produced by the high Z material. In this work the total bremsstrtahlung dose is measured for megavoltage electron beams incident on three high Z materials used to simulate collimating leaves. Materials and Methods: A Varian Cl 2100 C is used to provide 6, 9, 12, 16 and 20 MeV electron beams. At the end of the standard cone are positioned high Z materials with thickness appropriate for multileaves. The high Z materials studied are cerrobend, brass and tungsten.Thermoluminescent dosimeters,radiographic film and a parallel‐plate ionization chamber are used to measure the x‐ray dose along the central beam axis in a solid‐water phantom at a source to surface of 100 cm. Film is used to obtain beam profiles at selected depths as well as provide an estimate of the beam quality. Results: The results show that for 20 MeV electrons the leakage as a percentage of the central‐axis (electron and x‐rays) dose is 4.4, 2.0 and 1.0 % for cerrobend, brass and tungsten, respectively, and 4.5% for the open field. The estimated beam quality of the x‐ray spectra inferred from the percentage depth dose measurements are 0.32, 0.63 and 0.86 MeV for brass, cerrobend and tungsten, respectively. Conclusion: The data show that 2 cm thick tungsten stops the 20 MeV electrons while reducing the bremsstrahlung dose to levels lower than that produced by the source in the unblocked field, and they also provide measurements for comparison with Monte Carlo calculations.
Transient temperature distributions in viscoelastic solids subject to cyclic deformations

When a viscoelastic solid is deformed, mechanical energy is necessarily dissipated in the form of heat. The present paper is concerned with the effect of this dissipation on the temperature field in the solid. The coupled heat equation is used to calculate the transient and steady-state temperature distributions in two situations: (1) simple-shear of an infinite slab, and (2) torsional oscillations of a circular rod.
Thoughts Evoked by MATCH and Other Trials

Many different processes are involved in platelet activation. Most drugs affect one of these chemical reactions. Theoretically, platelet functions (secretion, aggregation, and adhesion) can be reduced most effectively by using >1 agent or by inhibiting the final step in the attachment of the platelet to fibrin at the level of the glycoprotein IIb/IIIa (GpIIb/IIIa) receptor. Preliminary experience with oral and intravenous GpIIb/IIIa inhibitors has shown that bleeding is an important problem. In MATCH, 2 platelet function inhibitors, clopidogrel and aspirin, did prevent slightly more strokes (but not with statistical significance) but at the price of significantly more excess bleeding. Killing platelets causes bleeding. Platelets seem to swim happily in the blood until they reach an area of irregular or damaged endothelium, for example, on the surface of an ulcerated atherosclerotic plaque in a large artery. They then stick to that irregular surface and to each other in an attempt to heal the vascular irregularity. The white platelet–fibrin thrombus can break loose and embolize. The platelet plug also activates the coagulation cascade, promoting the formation of a red erythrocyte–fibrin-rich clot. Perhaps rather than killing the platelet, it might be better to inhibit platelet attachment to the endothelium. Antiplatelet drugs might do this but have not been tested thoroughly for their effect on endothelial–platelet interaction. Theoretically, antiplatelet agents should work by inhibiting formation of white clots. These tend to form on irregular …
Cellular abnormalities of folate deficiency

To trace the development of folate-deficient abnormalities of morphology and DNA synthesis, Friend erythroleukaemia cells were grown in media containing 10(2), 10(3) and 10(4) ng of [3H]PteGlu1/ml and then transferred to folate-free media. Parameters examined were: intracellular folate levels; growth potential; morphology; dU suppression; and DNA content by flow microfluorimetry. The most sensitive indicators of folate-deficient cell growth were those related to DNA synthesis (dU and flow microfluorimetry). These became abnormal at intracellular folate levels of 0.2-0.5 ng/10(6) cells and markedly so below 0.1 ng/10(6) cells. Morphological criteria were less sensitive. Cells became megaloblastic at intracellular folate levels below 0.06 ng/10(6). The capacity of the cells to replicate in folate-free media was a function of the intracellular folate (ICF): duplications = 4.01 + ln(ICF)/0.67 (r = 0.993, P less than 0.001). These studies demonstrate that regardless of initial intracellular folate levels, cellular stigmata of folate deficiency appear when cellular folate falls below 3 X 10(5) molecules per cell (dU and flow microfluorimetry) and cells lose the capacity for further replication below 7-10 X 10(5) molecules. The intracellular folate level not only predicts early defects, but also determines the replicative capacity.
An initial-value method for integral operators—IV. Complex-valued kernels of laser theory

Abstract A new technique is presented for the calculation of the eigenvalues and eigenfunctions of complex-valued symmetric kernels which occur in laser theory. The method combines some classical results of integral equations and complex variables with a recent technique for transforming Fredholm integral equations into a Cauchy system of differential equations. The procedure is flexible and accurate, whereas many of the classical techniques, such as Rayleigh-Ritz, yield results of doubtful accuracy for the kernels of laser theory.
The low-frequency vibrations of molecular crystals. IV. boric acid

Abstract Far- ir spectra of B(OH)3, B(OD)3, and 10B(OH)3 have been measured from 500 to 33 cm−1 at room temperature and 10B(OH)3 at −170°. Raman spectra have been recorded with 4358 A mercury arc and 6328 A helium-neon laser excitation. Assignments are made for internal and lattice vibrations in terms of layer and crystallographic unit cell models. The O-H torsional frequency was observed near 800 cm−1, and the two-fold barrier to internal rotation around the H-O-B bond was calculated to be 23 kcal mole .
If-then-else as a concurrency inhibitor in eager beaver evaluation of recursive programs

Programs described via recursive equations provide many opportunities for concurrent computation. For example, a machine may choose to concurrently initiate the evaluation of all subexpressions within a given expression. This “eager beaver” evaluation strategy has been a highly touted avenue for introducing massive parallelism into computations. However, machines following a strict eager beaver policy will not be acceptable in applications such as process control where certain portions of computations must follow an explicit sequence. In addition, eager beaver evaluation can in some circumstances waste resources on evaluation of expressions that turn out to be irrelevant to the overall goal of a computation. Therefore, programmers need operators for specifying the order of evaluation of subexpressions within a recursive program.We contend that a sequential form of the if-then-else function and a generalization to encompass nondeterminacy may be used as an elegant mechanism for sequencing computations within an eager beaver environment. We illustrate the use of if-then-else for specifying computational sequences by describing three computations: a process control algorithm (the dining philosophers), a nondeterministic function (AMB), and three alternative algorithms for minimax tree search. Finally we discuss the performance of a simulated, eager beaver multiprocessor as it carries out these algorithms.
VHSIC - A Test Bed For Advanced Lithography

The VHSIC program is, by now, quite well known to many of you. I would like, however, to take a few minutes to review both the origins and the current status of the VHSIC program and particularly those areas which relate to high resolution, high throughput lithography for submicron silicon integrated circuits.
Simple BM25 extension to multiple weighted fields

This paper describes a simple way of adapting the BM25 ranking formula to deal with structured documents. In the past it has been common to compute scores for the individual fields (e.g. title and body) independently and then combine these scores (typically linearly) to arrive at a final score for the document. We highlight how this approach can lead to poor performance by breaking the carefully constructed non-linear saturation of term frequency in the BM25 function. We propose a much more intuitive alternative which weights term frequencies before the non-linear term frequency saturation function is applied. In this scheme, a structured document with a title weight of two is mapped to an unstructured document with the title content repeated twice. This more verbose unstructured document is then ranked in the usual way. We demonstrate the advantages of this method with experiments on Reuters Vol1 and the TREC dotGov collection.
MAPK pathway activation leads to Bim loss and histone deacetylase inhibitor resistance: rationale to combine romidepsin with an MEK inhibitor

To identify molecular determinants of histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDI) resistance, we selected HuT78 cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) cells with romidepsin in the presence of P-glycoprotein inhibitors to prevent transporter upregulation. Resistant sublines were 250- to 385-fold resistant to romidepsin and were resistant to apoptosis induced by apicidin, entinostat, panobinostat, belinostat, and vorinostat. A custom TaqMan array identified increased insulin receptor (INSR) gene expression; immunoblot analysis confirmed increased protein expression and a four- to eightfold increase in mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) kinase (MEK) phosphorylation in resistant cells compared with parental cells. Resistant cells were exquisitely sensitive to MEK inhibitors, and apoptosis correlated with restoration of proapoptotic Bim. Romidepsin combined with MEK inhibitors yielded greater apoptosis in cells expressing mutant KRAS compared with romidepsin treatment alone. Gene expression analysis of samples obtained from patients with CTCL enrolled on the NCI1312 phase 2 study of romidepsin in T-cell lymphoma suggested perturbation of the MAPK pathway by romidepsin. Immunohistochemical analysis of Bim expression demonstrated decreased expression in some skin biopsies at disease progression. These findings implicate increased activation of MEK and decreased Bim expression as a resistance mechanism to HDIs, supporting combination of romidepsin with MEK inhibitors in clinical trials.
Widespread occurrence of specific, high affinity binding sites for amino acids.

Abstract The high affinity binding of several amino acids to various membrane and protein preparations has been measured. Binding of radioactive amino acids suspected of being neurotransmitters and also of leucine and tyrosine to brain, liver and heart muscle membranes was saturable, reversible and stereospecific. Similar characteristics were found using chloroform-methanol extracted brain tissue and heat denatured albumin. Compounds thought to act as blockers of postsynaptic binding such as strychnine, bicuculline and kainic acid did not inhibit binding. Thus, specific high affinity interactions between amino acids and proteins are widespread and largely unrelated to neurotransmission.
Prospective industrial applications of the one atmosphere uniform glow discharge plasma

The majority of industrial plasma processing is conducted with glow discharges at pressures below 10 torr. This tends to limit plasma processing applications to high value workpieces as a result of the high capital cost of vacuum systems and the production constraints of batch processing. It has long been recognized that glow discharges would play a much larger industrial role if they could be generated at one atmosphere, and in ambient air. The one atmosphere uniform glow discharge plasma (OAUGDP) has these capabilities. The OAUGDP is a nonthermal, 'cold' RF glow discharge plasma that operates on displacement currents and has the time-resolved characteristics of a classical low pressure DC normal glow discharge. Exploratory tests have been conducted on a variety of prospective industrial applications of the OAUGDP, all at one atmosphere using air as the working gas. These applications include subsonic plasma aerodynamic effects, including flow acceleration and flow re-attachment and the electrohydrodynamic (EDH) flow control of neutral working gas; increasing the surface energy and wettability of fabrics, films, and solid surfaces; sterilizing medical equipment and air filters; stripping of photoresist and directional etching of possible microelectronic relevance and plasma deposition.
Perforator aneurysms of the posterior circulation: case series and review of the literature

Introduction Posterior circulation perforator artery aneurysms are sparsely reported in the literature. The natural history of these rare lesions remains unclear and their diagnosis and management are not well-defined. Methods We reviewed our institution9s medical records and performed a comprehensive literature search for cases of posterior circulation perforator aneurysms. Diagnostic imaging, management and clinical outcomes were the primary components of interest. Results Our first case was a 58-year-old patient who developed an infarct after attempted endovascular treatment of a basilar perforator artery aneurysm, the second case was a 55-year-old patient with a posterior cerebral artery perforator aneurysm who did well with conservative management and the third case was a 68-year-old patient who suffered an infarct after successful Onyx embolization of a superior cerebellar artery perforator aneurysm. From the literature we identified four case reports and four case series, all describing aneurysmal lesions of the basilar perforator arteries, giving a total of 17 cases including those from our institution. All cases presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage although 47% of initial vascular imaging studies failed to reveal the aneurysm. Cumulatively, 41% of patients were treated with microsurgery, 35% were treated with endovascular therapy and 24% were managed conservatively with subsequent spontaneous aneurysm resolution at a mean interval of 10 months after rupture. Conclusions Perforator aneurysms of the posterior circulation are diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Both microsurgical and endovascular treatment of posterior circulation perforator aneurysms are technically difficult, necessitating comprehensive management by an experienced cerebrovascular team.
A novel role for neutrophils as a source of T cell-recruiting chemokines IP-10 and Mig during the DTH response to HSV-1 antigen

Analogous to CD4+ T cells, neutrophils are essential participants in delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) to Herpes simplex virus type 1 antigen. However, what role they play in this cellular immune response is unclear. The recent recognition that neutrophils are potent producers of chemokines led us to hypothesize that they may help recruit CD4+ effector T cells. In the present study, we show that neutrophil depletion was accompanied by a marked decrease in the numbers of CD4+ and CXC receptor 3+ (CXCR3+)-expressing cells migrating to the DTH site and a sharp drop in the levels of interferon-inducible protein 10 (IP-10) and monokine induced by IFN-gamma (Mig). Purified mouse neutrophils were stimulated directly by IFN-gamma to secrete these chemokines, and neutrophils at the DTH site expressed IP-10. IFN-gamma knockout mice, which manifested depressed ear-swelling following DTH challenge, made little IP-10 and no Mig. Reconstitution of these mice with IFN-gamma induced CXCR3 ligand synthesis. Depletion of neutrophils or CD4+ T cells but not CD8+ T cells markedly reduced IFN-gamma levels, suggesting the former were direct (or indirect) cellular sources of this cytokine. Collectively, our results support the hypothesis that neutrophil production of T cell-recruiting chemokines contributes to the regulation and amplification of the DTH response.
The Relationship Between Physical Activity and Perceived Health Status in Older Women: Findings from the Woman’s College Alumni Study

Using data collected from the Woman’s College (WC) Alumni Study, the purpose of this study was to determine whether perceived health status is related to physical activity in older women. A multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to examine the relationship between amounts of physical activity and self-reported health status. The results of the current study reveal that the level of physical activity is significantly correlated with perceived health status. The findings of this study have implications for the assessment of older individuals’ health and may lead to interventions that are tailored to increase physical activity among older women.
Patterns of conifer establishment and vigor on montane river floodplains in Olympic National Park, Washington, USA

In the Pacific Coastal Ecoregion, coniferous trees are often prescribed for riparian restoration, yet little is known about their establishment on floodplains under natural conditions. In this study, 10- to 50-year-old floodplain surfaces of six rivers were surveyed to (1) quantify conifer distribution along study reaches, (2) describe relationships between conifer presence and selected biological and environmental variables, and (3) compare growth rates and relative vigor of conifers among sites. We found conifers on 17%–36% of the plots we sampled. Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis (Bong.) Carriere) was most common on the wetter sites, while Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco) was most common on the drier sites. Other conifers common to adjacent terraces were extremely rare. Douglas-fir preferred elevated sites with shallower soils and fewer hardwood competitors (e.g., Alnus rubra Bong. and Salix spp.) than similar plots without conifers. For Sitka spruce, the variables examined revealed no ...
A Highly Sensitive and Selective Surface-Enhanced Nanobiosensor

Nanosphere lithography (NSL) derived triangular Ag nanoparticles were used to create an extremely sensitive and specific optical biological and chemical nanosensor. Using simple UV-vis spectroscopy, biotinylated surface-confined Ag nanoparticles were used to detect streptavidin down to one picomolar concentrations. The system was tested for nonspecific binding interactions with bovine serum albumin and was found to display virtually no adverse results. The extremely sensitive and selective response of the Ag nanoparticle sensor indicates an exciting use for biological and chemical sensing.
Effect of Framing Factor on Clear Wall R-value for Wood and Steel Framed Walls

In the current practice of testing and theoretical analysis of building envelope assemblies, the amount of structural members incorporated into the total wall area is commonly called a framing factor. It used to be expressed as a percent of the total wall area. Traditionally, for wood-framed walls, the framing factor has been considered to be between 10 and 14%. According to the report prepared in 2002 by Enermodal Engineering for California Energy Commission, there is 27% framing in current residential walls in California. A similar study performed by the American Society of Heating Refrigeration and Air-conditioning Engineers in 2003 has concluded an average 25% of framing factor for all US residential buildings.In order to incorporate this finding into theoretical and experimental procedures of heat transfer analysis, representative geometries for wood and steel-framed walls need to be redefined. In this article, R-values for various percentages of framing according to different methods of calculation ...
Isolation and rapid identification of an abundant self-peptide from class II HLA-DRB1*0401 alleles induced by measles vaccine virus infection

Class II HLA-DR genes play an important role in the immune response to viral antigens. The effect of measles vaccine virus (MVV) infection on the induction of self-peptides presented by HLA-DR molecules during the immune response to viral infection is poorly known. Here, we describe a strategy for isolation and rapid sequence determination of an MVV-inducible class II bound peptide from a membrane protein (Leu-13). Peptides bound to HLA-DR4 (DRB1*0401 peptide complex) were eluted from immunoaffinity-purified HLA-DR4, peptides were differentially screened by MALDI-TOF-MS and subsequently sequenced by post source decay (PSD)-MALDI-TOF-MS. Human B-cells infected with MVV demonstrated an enhanced pattern of self-peptide production after MVV infection. This relatively simple analytical protocol provides a sensitive method for the direct identification of peptides associated with MHC class II DR molecules. More broadly, this same approach can be used to identify sequences of specific MVV processed peptides presented by any class II MHC DR molecule.
The crisis in employment and consumer demand: Reconciliation with environmental sustainability

Abstract This paper argues that a sustainable industrial system depends not only on good environmental and public health outcomes, but also on adequate employment and earning capacity in a well-functioning and equitable economic system. These concerns are likely to dominate future national political debates, requiring responses that increase the earning capacity of individuals through changes in the nature of work and employment, and in the ownership of productive capital. Making the economy greener, while certainly necessary for long-term economic and societal survival, does not necessarily mean more and better paying jobs on a large enough scale to make serious progress to reducing unemployment and underemployment. At present, national and global reforms are focused on improving the financial system, which is not synonymous with reforming the economic system or improving the economic status of individual citizens. This paper discusses specific policies and initiatives that need to be considered to ensure sustainable employment and livelihoods.
Phylogenetic Relationships among Dracaenoid Genera (Asparagaceae: Nolinoideae) Inferred from Chloroplast DNA Loci

The global evolutionary pattern among the dracaenoid plant genera Dracaena, Pleomele, and Sansevieria has remained ambiguous. Their classification has been disputed due to different taxonomic interpretation and the difficulty in morphological characterization of the species and genera. This study explores the phylogenetic analysis of 95 species representing all three genera using four combined chloroplast intergenic spacer DNA regions (trnL-trnF, ndhF-rpl32, trnQ-rps16, and rpl32-trnL). The combined dataset was analyzed using parsimony, maximum likelihood, and Bayesian analysis. Results show that 1) dracaenoids are monophyletic; 2) the Hawaiian Pleomele species are the sister group to the remainder of the dracaenoid clade; 3) species of Dracaena and the remaining Pleomele are intermixed; 4) Sansevieria is monophyletic, but nested within Dracaena; 5) the Central American species D. americana and D. cubensis are the sister group to the remainder of the non-Hawaiian dracaenoid species. The Hawaiian Pleomele are morphologically and phylogenetically distinct from the remaining dracaenoids and are recognized as a distinct genus, Chrysodracon, and new species combinations are made. Dracaena is paraphyletic in regards to Sansevieria and those species should be recognized as species of Dracaena. The polyphyletic status of Pleomele species nested within Dracaena confirms previous morphology based studies that combined these genera.
Changing aspects in the treatment of squamous cell carcinoma of the oral tongue.

Two groups of patients were compared. In group 1, consisting of 304 patients treated from 1958 to 1972 (minimum observation time of 5 years), the local and regional control rate was 35 per cent. In group 2, consisting of 126 patients treated 1978 to 1983 (median observation time of 58 months), the local and regional control rate was 60 per cent (p<0.0001). The local and regional control rates were improved for all stages, but the differences were significant only for stages T1N0, T2N0, T3N0 and TXN2.3. The actuarial survival rates also showed improvement in group 2 patients. The incidence of treatment failure, with regard to the neck alone or tongue and neck combined, decreased from 51 per cent to 27 per cent with the newer techniques. The greatest improvement was observed in patients with T1N0 and T2N0 tumors. There was also a decrease in the failure rates in patients with the more advanced tumors.
Interactive plan hints for query optimization

Commercial database systems expose query hints to fix poor plans produced by the query optimizer. However, current query hints are not flexible enough to deal with a variety of non-trivial scenarios, and can be at times cumbersome for DBAs to interact with. In this demonstration we present a framework that enables visual specification of hints to influence the optimizer to pick better plans. Our framework goes considerably beyond existing hinting mechanisms and significantly improves the usability of such functionality.
Least-squares estimation in phasor-based synchronized frequency measurements

This paper investigates the applications of leasts-quares (LS) estimation in phasor-based synchronized frequency measurements. First, LS estimation is developed for synchronized frequency measurements with DFT error-free phasors. Second, LS estimation for legacy synchronized frequency measurements is reviewed. Third, the LS estimation for synchronized frequency measurements proposed in [9], which has a better dynamic performance, is developed. The performance of the discussed methods is illustrated with computer simulations and phasor measurement unit (PMU) testing.
Review Essay: The Elephants in the Room: Ethnicity and Violence Against Women in Post-Communist Slovakia:

This essay examines the complexities in understanding the issues related to intimate partner violence in Slovakia. It explores the cultural factors as well as the EU efforts that influence the quest to implement measures designed to document, eliminate, and prevent violence against women in pre- and post-Communist Slovakia. In addition, this article addresses the general toleration of domestic violence, particularly when it occurs within the Roma ethnic group, and the attitudes of government entities, public authorities, and nonprofit organizations in their reform efforts. This article concludes with some suggestions for future research and policy.
Optimal control of service in branching exponential queueing networks

This paper studies the optimal control of the service rate of an arbitrarily located key node in a general acyclic queueing network in which an exogenous arrival can join any node and customers, upon service completion, are routed probablistically. The objective function for the model is the sum of the holding costs, service costs, and the service completion rewards from all the nodes in the network. The exponential service rate for the key node is controlled dynamically as the state of the network system evolves in time. It is shown, for usual cost models, that the optimal service rate for the key node is nonincreasing or nondecreasing, depending on where a service completion occurs in the network. The effect of adding a marginal customer somewhere in the network is also shown. The analysis can be approximate for extreme cost models.
Insights on practice variations in the management of lymphoma and leukemia

AbstractClinical practice guidelines are systematically developed statements designed to assist practitioners in making decisions about appropriate healthcare for specific clinical circumstances. Their successful implementation should improve quality of care by decreasing inappropriate variation and expediting the application of effective advances to everyday practice. Despite wide promulgation, guidelines have had limited effect on changing physician behaviors. This two-part review article highlights variations in the current recommended management of lymphoma (Part I) and leukemia (Part II), with some focus on targeted therapies. Focus on variations that may be amenable to educational programs designed for physicians were also considered in the review. For the purpose of this report, “variation” is defined as any deviation in the treatment or management of a particular hematologic malignancy where practice guidelines exist. Specific studies that demonstrate factors that may cause variations in clinical ...
The pattern and structure of genetic diversity of Schoenoplectus maritimus: Implications for wetland revegetation

Abstract When collecting seed for wetland restoration projects, it is important to understand the genetic diversity within and among source populations to balance the risks of inbreeding and outbreeding depression while maintaining genetic diversity to maximize adaptive potential. To inform future restoration projects, we investigated the patterns and structure of genetic diversity of Schoenoplectus maritimus L. Lye stands within six wetlands in Utah and Idaho, U.S.A. S. maritimus , a perennial wetland plant, reproduces via seed and clonal spread and is an obligate outcrosser. Our results indicate the presence of five weakly differentiated populations and one distinct population (Fish Springs). We found high levels of genetic diversity with the majority (92%) of diversity found within rather than among sites (8%). We also found that the proportion of viable seed produced was surprisingly high within stands (mean = 0.64 ± 0.02) given that S. maritimus is a clonally spreading plant. Taken together, these findings indicate that (1) all populations sampled were genetically distinct and (2) the high levels of genetic diversity, and therefore increased availability of outcross pollen, may contribute to the high proportion of viable seeds produced. We suggest that each population be treated as an independent management unit to preserve population structure and that seeds be collected broadly within one or a few populations in close geographic proximity to a proposed restoration site to minimize the risk of inbreeding or outbreeding depression and increase the adaptive potential of restored plant populations.
Equivalence of paper-and-pencil and computerized self-report surveys in older adults

Research is lacking on the equivalence of paper-and-pencil and computer-administered surveys in older adult samples. In addition, few comparability studies have used best practices for examining equivalence. The current study investigated quantitative (means), qualitative (internal consistency and intercorrelations), and auxiliary (missing items, completion time, and comfort) equivalence for completing self-report surveys in paper-and-pencil or computerized conditions in an older adult sample. One hundred and eight older adults ages 60 and over were randomly assigned to a paper-and-pencil or computer condition and completed questionnaires assessing personality, social desirability, and computer self-efficacy. Results generally showed qualitative equivalence, with some notable differences for quantitative and auxiliary equivalence. The authors examined paper-and-pencil and computer data collection in older adults.The authors investigated the equivalence of these methods for self-report surveys.The authors tested for quantitative, qualitative, and auxiliary equivalence.As expected, results supported qualitative equivalence.As expected, results were mixed for quantitative and auxiliary equivalence.
An exploratory analysis of cigarette price premium, market share and consumer loyalty in relation to continued consumption versus cessation in a national US panel

Introduction Brand equity and consumer loyalty play a role in continued purchasing behaviour; however, this research has largely focused on non-addictive products without counter-marketing tactics. We examined the impact of brand equity (price premium, market share) and consumer loyalty (switching rates) on smoking cessation (discontinued cigarette purchases for 1 year) among smokers in a consumer panel. Methods In Spring 2015, we analysed 1077 cigarette-purchasing households in the Nielsen Homescan Panel. We analysed cessation in relation to brand equity, consumer loyalty, other purchasing behaviours (nicotine intake, frequency), sociodemographics and tobacco control activities (per state-specific data) over a 6-year period (2004–2009) using Cox proportional hazard modelling. Results The sample was 13.28% African-American; the average income was $52 334 (SD=31 445). The average price premium and market share of smokers’ dominant brands were $1.31 (SD=0.49) and 15.41% (SD=19.15), respectively. The mean brand loyalty level was 0.90 (SD=0.17), indicating high loyalty. In our final model, a higher price premium and market share were associated with lower quit rates (p=0.039); however, an interaction effect suggested that greater market share was not associated with lower cessation rates for African-American smokers (p=0.006). Consumer loyalty was not associated with cessation. Other predictors of lower quit rates included a higher nicotine intake (p=0.006) and baseline purchase frequency (p Conclusions Smokers of high-equity cigarette brands are less likely to quit, perhaps due to strong brand–consumer relationships. Thus, continued efforts should aim to regulate tobacco marketing efforts in order to disrupt these relationships to promote cessation.
Stress Cardiomyopathy in the Setting of COPD Exacerbation

Introduction. Stress cardiomyopathy, or takotsubo cardiomyopathy, is an acute, reversible left ventricular dysfunction usually initiated by a psychological or physical stress. We report this case of stress cardiomyopathy following a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation and the subsequent treatment. Case Description. A 49-year-old white female with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease presented to the emergency room via emergency medical services with worsening severe shortness of breath and productive cough for 2 weeks but denied any chest pain on arrival. On presentation, she was noted to be tachypneic, using her accessory muscles and with bilateral coarse expiratory wheezing on lung auscultation. Initial electrocardiogram demonstrated sinus tachycardia. She was treated with multiple albuterol treatments. Soon afterwards, the course was complicated by hypoxic respiratory failure eventually requiring intubation. Her repeat electrocardiogram showed acute changes consistent with myocardial infarction, and an echocardiograph demonstrated apical akinesia with an ejection fraction of 25% to 30%. The patient was urgently taken for cardiac catheterization, which showed no angiographic evidence of coronary artery disease. Three days after initial presentation, a repeat transthoracic echocardiogram showed overall left ventricular systolic function improvement. Discussion. This case provided a unique look at the difficulty of balancing catecholamines in a patient with bronchospasm and stress cardiomyopathy.
Electrolytic Reactive Barriers for Chlorinated Solvent Remediation

The e-barrier is an emerging technology that applies fundamental electrochemical principles to a permeable reactive barrier (PRB). The e-barrier consists of closely spaced (e.g., 1 centimeter [cm]) permeable electrodes installed in a trench that intercepts a plume of contaminated groundwater (Figure 17.1). Low-voltage direct current (DC) sufficient to drive the degradation reactions of interest is applied to the electrodes. If sufficient electrical potential is applied, oxidizing conditions develop at the anode (positive electrode) and reducing conditions develop at the cathode (negative electrode). Since a complete electrical circuit is present, the dissolved contaminants are subject to sequential oxidation-reduction or reduction-oxidation, depending on the sequence of charges applied to the electrode set. This sequence can be altered depending on the contaminant of interest and the chemistry of the local groundwater. Through sequential oxidation-reduction (or reduction-oxidation), an aqueous phase chlorinated compound is degraded into thermodynamically favored carbon dioxide or methane and chloride.
Interfacial Properties of Ultrahigh-Performance Concrete and High-Strength Concrete Bridge Connections

AbstractRecently, ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) has been utilized in highway bridge connections, where its superior strength and durability help to reduce joint cracking and enhance transverse load transfer. According to the load and resistance factor design (LRFD) bridge design procedure specified by AASHTO, the strength of the connections is dependent on the adhesion and friction between the connected materials. The objective of the present research is to identify the adhesion value between UHPC and high-strength concrete (HSC) with varying degrees of roughness. To this end, UHPC-HSC specimens were tested in direct tension according to ASTM protocols, and the maximum tensile stress at failure was obtained. Test results show that the average maximum tensile stress for the UHPC-HSC specimens with a smooth interface exceeds that determined from past research for any degree of roughness. Furthermore, the average maximum tensile stress increases with the degree of roughness. The results from the dir...
States in the Gap of Improved a-Ge:H Studied by Photomodulation Spectroscopy

The photomodulation spectra of a-Ge:H of average photoelectronic quality(ηµτ = 1 x 10−10cm2/V) and of improved quality (ηµτ ≈ 3 x 10−7cm2/V), produced under different plasma conditions in an r.f. diode reactor by glow discharge, were measured at 80K and are analyzed in analogy with earlier studies of a-Si:H. The spectra of the poorer material are dominated by transitions between dangling bond states and the conduction and valence bands. By contrast, the spectra of the better material require contributions of transitions from the band tail states, indicating that the reduced defect density has resulted in pump-beam induced quasi-Fermi levels reaching near the conduction and valence band edges. A very acceptable fit between plausible density-of-states distributions and the experimental spectra has been found.
Synchrotron Photoemission Studies of the Structure of Thermally Grown Si3N4 ON Si(100)

Synchrotron photoemission measurements of the Si(2p) and N(ls) levels have been made on Si3N4 thin films grown in-situ by high temperature reaction of Si(100) with NH3. The tunability of the excitation photons allowed the mean-free-path of the emitted photoelectrons to be varied, thereby providing the capability to determine not only the types of chemical species present, but their location within the film as well. The structure of these films consists of an outer monolayer (ML) of Si atoms on top of stoichiometric Si3N4. In addition, there are a smaller number (1/2 ML) of Si atoms with intermediate oxidation states at the Si3N4/Si interface.
Using Strategic Leverage Through Learning © to Address Organizational Challenges

This chapter describes how organizations that have used our model have improved organizational learning and performance in ways that led to substantial gains in achieving their strategic goals. Our model illustrates the value of diagnosis and intervention using a learning approach to change. We describe the different ways that the model and instruments can be used: to guide new interventions, to assess and improve existing interventions, to explore new opportunities, or to extract lessons learned by deepening insights into system dynamics. We discuss ways that organizations can use our model and diagnostic survey tools to assess their system learning and performance, and underlying system dynamics.