cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Scaled LTPS TFTs for low-cost low-power applications

Low-temperature polycrystalline-silicon thin-film transistors (LTPS TFTs) have emerged as a promising technology for applications such as low-cost sensor networks. In this paper, we propose a LTPS TFT device optimization methodology based on scaling of silicon body (T si ) and buried oxide thickness (T box ). The proposed approach is applicable for both digital and analog circuits. Results show that using the proposed device we can achieve 133X improvement in oscillation frequency of a three-stage ring oscillator (RO) and 31% improvement in operational amplifier (OPAMP) gain (T si =10nm and T box =10nm) compared to the traditional device structures. We believe that proper optimization of TFT device geometry parameters is necessary to realize low-power, high-performance, and low-cost LTPTS TFT digital & analog/RF circuits.
Keeping in touch: Alumni development in community colleges

Involved alumni are alumni who will give, and then ask how they can do more. If a college knows how to cultivate and engage its alumni, it is well on the way to financial health and growth.
TM analysis of parabolic reflectors rim-loaded with a semicircular anisotropic jacket

The combined-field surface integral equations are applied to analyse practical cylindrical parabolic reflector antennas rim-loaded with homogeneous anisotropic material of semicircular shape. The response of the coated reflector to the TM polarized excitation is examined, since under such conditions the edge effects can noticeably influence its radiation pattern. The change in far-field radiation is investigated due to different coating material properties ranging from isotropic dielectric and permeable media to anisotropic materials for several values of the coating thickness. For the numerical solution, the system matrix for the composite structure is assembled so that its sparsity is reduced by correctly choosing the path of the integration. The equivalent currents on the antenna surface and the surface of the jacket are obtained, from which far-fields are then numerically calculated. The results of this study explore for the first time the possibility of improving the performance of the reflector ante...
Twinning and double twinning upon compression of prismatic textures in an AM30 magnesium alloy

Twinning mechanisms in a {1 0 1 ¯ 0}-fiber texture of an AM30 magnesium alloy were studied under profuse and nominal {1 0 1 ¯ 2} twinning conditions produced by different compression orientations. While {1 0 1 ¯ 2} twins took the form of fully residual twins upon profuse conditions, they were “stopped elastic” twins upon nominal conditions. Profuse nucleation of {1 0 1 ¯ 1}–{1 0 1 ¯ 2} and {1 0 1 ¯ 3}–{1 0 1 ¯ 2} double twins occurred as a two-shear mode mechanism which substantiated Crocker’s theory of double twinning. These two double twinning modes played an important role in rushing sample fracture.
Enhanced Raman forward scattering.

Recent experiments on laser wake-field acceleration have indicated a dramatically enhanced value of the accelerating field created through the process of the Raman forward scattering instability. However, the use of the Raman forward scattering instability can be improved. If the initial growth of the instability is from noise, its evolution has problems of reproducibility and is unpredictable in both time and space. We suggest the addition of a small amount of one of the scattered products to the laser pulse or plasma as a seed. This allows the instability to grow from a known and controllable source, giving predictable and reproducible results. Additionally, simulations show that the final wake field and pulse modulation occur much faster and are cleaner with a seed than without. Seeding is especially important when we are operating in the low plasma density or low laser pulse intensity regime. We discuss methods to produce a seed and applications for the production of short laser pulses and electron bunches by this process. \textcopyright{} 1996 The American Physical Society.
Optimal and adaptive reconstructive granulometric bandpass filters

Abstract Granulometric spectral decomposition results from partitioning an image according to the manner in which a granulometry diminishes the image. An optimal granulometric bandpass filter is one that passes spectral components in a way to minimize the expected area of the symmetric difference between the filtered and ideal images. The present paper treats bandpass optimization for reconstructive granulometries. For these, each connected grain in the input image is either fully passed or eliminated. Such filters are well-suited for elimination of clutter or, equivalently, locating grains in size-shape bands. The observed image is typically modeled as a disjoint union of signal and clutter grains and the filter is designed to best eliminate clutter while maintaining the signal. The method is very general: grains are considered to be realizations of random sets; there are no shape constraints on signal and noise grains; there are no similarity constraints between granulometric and image generators; and the method applies to overlapping grains by filtering the image model resulting from segmentation preprocessing. Three filter design paradigms are considered, one for optimal and two for adaptive filters.
Treaty Rights and the Right to Culture Native American Subsistence Issues in US Law

The interplay of treaty rights with the right to culture has produced a variety of results for Native American subsistence hunting and fishing rights in the United States. Where allocation and conservation measures fail to account for cultural considerations, conflict ensues. This article discusses three examples: waterfowl hunting in Alaska, Northwest salmon fishing, and Inuit and Makah whaling. Each demonstrates that treaty rights are a more powerful force than cultural rights in the law, but that both play important roles in actual policy outcomes. A more detailed examination of whaling indicates how the insertion of needs-based criteria into a framework of cultural rights shifts the benefit of presumption away from indigenous groups. The cultural revival issues and conflicting paradigms involved in Makah whaling policy debates indicate how notions of tradition, authenticity, and self-determination complicate the process of producing resource policies that recognize cultural diversity.
Sodium salicylate has no effect on cerebrospinal fluid [H+] in dogs with normal acid-base balance.

The experiments described here were designed to investigate the possibility that central stimulation of respiration by salicylates may be due to changes in [H+] of cerebral fluids. Two groups (n=6 in each) of anesthetized, paralyzed, and mechanically ventilated dogs were studied for 6 hr. Renal pedicles were ligated to maintain blood salicylate level constant. Group II received 150 mg/kg Na salicylate intravenously at 0 hr after samples had been obtained. Group I (control) received equal volume of half-normal saline. Mean plasma salicylate levels were 18.9, 18.4, and 19.6 mg % at 0.5, 3, and 6 hr after administration of Na salicylate. Respective cisternal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels were 3.2, 4.8, and 5.9 mg %. Salicylate-induced hyperthermia was prevented by peritoneal cold dialysis, and a rise in PaCO2 was prevented by increasing ventilation. During the 6 hr of relatively normal systemic acid-base balance, cisternal CSF mean PCO2 values were 45.3, 43.6, and 49.3 mm Hg at 0, 3, and 6 hr in the control group; in group II, respective values were 46.9, 45.7, and 47.7 mm Hg. Cisternal CSF [H+] were 44.4, 45.2, and 50.5 nEq/L in group I at 0, 3, and 6 hr. Respective values in group II were 45.0, 47.5, and 50.6 nEq/L. These values were similar and statistically insignificant from those in group I. In both groups cisternal CSF [HCO 3 − ] fell about 2 and CSF lactate concentration rose about 1 mEq/L at 6 hr. We conclude that at the dose used in the present study, Na salicylate increases metabolic rate but does not significantly influence cisternal CSF [H+] up to 6 hr in dogs with normal systemic acid-base balance.
Transverse myelopathy secondary to injection of penicillin.

Summary A case report of transverse myelopathy following an intra-arterial injection of a viscid antibiotic is presented. Direct distribution of the material to the capillary bed best explains the patient's findings. Treatment of this complication is unsatisfactory, but it can be prevented by giving injections in the lateral thigh in the manner described.
Brainstem afferents to the basal forebrain in the rat.

Abstract Brainstem afferents to various nuclei of the basal forebrain of the rat were examined using the retrograde transport of wheat germ agglutinin-horseradish peroxidase. These forebrain nuclei included the medial septum-vertical limb of the diagonal band nucleus, the lateral septum, the nucleus of the horizontal limb of the diagonal band, the medial preoptic area and the magnocellular preoptic nucleus/substantia innominata. Medial septal-vertical limb of the diagonal band injections produced dense cell labeling in: raphe obscurus, nucleus incertus, central gray-pars alpha, locus coeruleus, raphe pontis, median raphe, nucleus of Darkschewitsch, a compact cell group within the mesencephalic gray dorsolateral to the nucleus of Darkschewitsch and the supramammillary nucleus. Lateral septal injections produced the heaviest cell labeling in the A1 and A2 areas (of Dahlstrom and Fuxe), the lateral parabrachial nucleus, the Kolliker-Fuse nucleus, the ventral tegmental area and the supramammillary nucleus. There were considerably fewer labeled cells overall with lateral septal as compared with medial septal injections. Brainstem projections to the horizontal limb of the diagonal band were pronounced. The most heavily labeled nuclei were A1, locus coeruleus, laterodorsalis (dorsolateral tegmental nucleus of Castaldi), raphe pontis, median raphe, lateral parabrachial nucleus, ventral tegmental area, nucleus of Darkschewitsch and the supramammillary nucleus. Medial preoptic area injections produced pronounced labeling in: A1 and A2 areas, raphe magnus, locus coeruleus, laterodorsalis, lateral parabrachial nucleus, pedunculopontine nucleus, peripeduncular nucleus and the supramammillary nucleus. The pattern of brainstem labeling obtained with magnocellular preoptic/substantia innominata injections was considerably different from the patterns seen with the other injections. Specifically, relatively few cell groups, essentially confined to the upper brainstem (rostral pons and midbrain), were densely labeled following magnocellular preoptic/ substantia innominata injections. These included the medial parabrachial nucleus, the pedunculopontine nucleus, the dorsal raphe nucleus, the ventral tegmental area and the supramammillary nucleus. With the exception of the supramammillary nucleus, each of these cell groups was more heavily labeled with magnocellular preoptic/substantia innominata injections than with others of this series. The above describes the major brainstem projections to each of the forebrain sites. Several additional brainstem nuclei sent significant but less pronounced projections to the basal forebrain, such that each forebrain nucleus (with the possible exception of the magnocellular preoptic nucleus/substantia innominata) received afferents from approximately 20–25 brainstem nuclei. The present results indicate a widespread brainstem influence over nuclei of the medial basal forebrain.
Smack down: copyright cases head to court (part 1)

Purpose – This paper aims to highlight two recent copyright controversies that have implications for academic institutions in the USA.Design/methodology/approach – The paper focuses on the copyright infringement case against Georgia State University, detailing aspects of the lawsuit as they are noted in the complaint.Findings – The paper recognizes the well‐documented case against Georgia State University is strong, especially given contemporary views on fair use.Originality/value – This paper offers depth to important copyright stories that may affect US institutions.
A dose–effect study of repeated administration of buprenorphine/naloxone on performance in opioid-dependent volunteers

Based on its unique pharmacological profile, buprenorphine may produce less impairment in psychomotor and cognitive performance than methadone. However, the few studies that have investigated the performance effects of buprenorphine in opioid-abusing volunteers examined effects of single acute doses rather than effects of repeated dosing and included a very limited range of measures. The present inpatient study evaluated dose-related effects of repeated administration of the buprenorphine/naloxone combination product (8/2, 16/4, 32/8 mg, sublingual tablets) in eight opioid-dependent volunteers on performance of a broad range of tasks, following a period of 7-10 days of dosing at each level, in a double-blind, within-subject, crossover design. The testing battery included measures of psychomotor speed, time perception, conceptual flexibility, focused attention, working memory, long-term/episodic memory, and metamemory. Supporting the hypothesis of limited impairment with buprenorphine, results revealed minimal impairment in performance as buprenorphine/naloxone dose was increased four-fold. The only significant effect of dose was an impairment in episodic/long-term memory (recognition memory) performance at the highest dose (32/8 mg) relative to the two lower doses. Future studies incorporating larger sample sizes and non-drug controls, as well as directly comparing buprenorphine to methadone and LAAM are needed to further test the hypothesis of limited impairment with buprenorphine.
Working parent friendly schools: the role of school instrumental support in work–family conflict

Instrumental support can foster or ameliorate parent experiences of work–family conflict. Based on theories relating social support to stress, a framework for considering how school support affects work–family conflict is proposed and tested. Parent experiences of instrumental support (school schedules, school service provision, and staff accessibility) and school demands on parents (volunteer and homework involvement) were investigated in relation to levels of work–family conflict. Work demands were related to both family-interference-with-work and work-interference-with family; family demands related only to time-based family-interference-with-work. Perceptions of school scheduling as supportive were related negatively to both time- and strain-based work-interference-with family, whereas perceptions of school transportation services were related to both time- and strain-based family-interference-with-work. No buffering effects of these types of support were found. Implications for how community organiza...
Synthesis of the silver(I) complex of CH2[CH(pz4Et)2]2 containing the unprecedented [Ag(NO3)4]3− anion: A general method for the preparation of 4-(alkyl)pyrazoles

A general two-step method for the syntheses of 4-(alkyl)pyrazoles has been developed. The first step involves the reaction between organyl diethylacetals and the Vilsmeier reagent to give a mixture of ethoxy- and dimethylamino- acroleins. This mixture reacts directly with hydrazine monohydrogenchloride to yield the desired (4-substituted)pyrazoles. The 4-(phenyl)pyrazole derivative exhibited a markedly lower solubility in common organic solvents. In the solid state structure the phenyl and pyrazolyl groups are nearly coplanar and extensive intermolecular CH–π interactions organize the molecules in two-dimensional sheets that are held in a three dimensional arrangement by NH⋯N hydrogen bonds. Tetrakis[(4-ethyl)pyrazolyl]propane, CH2[CH(pz4Et)2]2, was prepared by a transamination reaction and reacts with Ag(NO3) to yield a compound with a 4 ∶ 3 metal ∶ ligand mole ratio that when crystallized by diffusion of Et2O into an acetone solution produced [Ag2{μ-CH2[CH(pz4Et)2]2}2]3[Ag(NO3)4]2 (1). This complex contains dimeric units in which two silver cations are sandwiched between two CH2[CH(pz4Et)]2 ligands and the counterion is the unprecedented tetra(nitrato)argentate anion. ESI mass spectral data support the existence of both the cationic dimeric units and the [Ag(NO3)4]− anion in solution.
Extracranial aneurysms of the distal posterior inferior cerebellar artery: Resection and primary reanastomosis as the preferred management approach

BACKGROUND Extracranial aneurysms of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) are rare, with only 22 reported cases in the English literature. For saccular extracranial distal PICA aneurysms not amenable to coiling, a surgically placed clip is not protected by the cranium postoperatively, and can be subject to movement in the mobile cervical region. Furthermore, fusiform or complex aneurysms cannot be clipped primarily. Resection and primary reanastomosis is a useful surgical approach not previously described for these extracranial lesions. CASE DESCRIPTION We report three cases of extracranially located distal PICA aneurysms successfully treated with this surgical strategy at our center. One patient harboring a broad necked saccular aneurysm originally underwent successful primary clipping of the aneurysm but sustained a second subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) on postoperative day 25 due to clip dislodgement from vigorous neck movement. The other two patients were found to have fusiform and complex aneurysms, respectively. All three patients were ultimately treated with resection and end-to-end PICA anastomosis, which successfully obliterated their aneurysms. CONCLUSIONS Resection and primary reanastomosis of extracranial distal PICA aneurysms averts the risk of clip dislodgement due to neck movement and/or compression by soft tissues in the upper cervical region. It is a safe and efficacious technique, which we propose as the preferred management strategy for these rare vascular lesions.
The need for quality assurance in vascular surgery.

Abstract The need for quality assurance in vascular surgery can be deduced from the variability in unruptured abdominal aneurysm operative death rates in a group of patients large enough that factors influencing mortality rates other than quality of care can be controlled. Operative mortality rate for 3570 patients undergoing unruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm repair was determined for all non-Veterans Administration surgeons and hospitals in New York State from 1985 to 1987. The average annual number of aneurysm operations per surgeon was 3.6, and per hospital it was 10.2. Unruptured aneurysm repair mortality for surgeons performing 1 to 5 aneurysm operations per year was 10% whereas for surgeons performing more than 26 aneurysm operations per year it was 6% ( p hospitals performing 1 to 5 aneurysm operations per year was 14% and for hospitals performing more than 38 aneurysm operations per year it was 5% ( p surgeons , respectively ( p hospitals , respectively ( p
The Imperial Counteroffensive: Contradictions, Challenges and Opportunities

ABSTRACT A major issue for understanding world developments since September 11 is the projection of power by the US imperial state. Under conditions of an economic crisis and the decline of US influence in various parts of the world, the events of September 11 created conditions for a renewed effort by the United States, under the administration of George W. Bush, to re-establish and consolidate its hegemony. This paper examines the political dynamics of these developments in the context of the war declared by the US imperial state against “international terrorism.” This war is shown to be just another political and military offensive in a protracted class war. The paper examines some recent permutations of this war and its implications for developments in Latin America and elsewhere.
The effect of the dispersal kernel on isolation-by-distance in a continuous population

Under models of isolation-by-distance, population structure is determined by the probability of identity-by-descent between pairs of genes according to the geographic distance between them. Well established analytical results indicate that the relationship between geographical and genetic distance depends mostly on the neighborhood size of the population which represents a standardized measure of gene flow. To test this prediction, we model local dispersal of haploid individuals on a two-dimensional landscape using seven dispersal kernels: Rayleigh, exponential, half-normal, triangular, gamma, Lomax and Pareto. When neighborhood size is held constant, the distributions produce similar patterns of isolation-by-distance, confirming predictions. Considering this, we propose that the triangular distribution is the appropriate null distribution for isolation-by-distance studies. Under the triangular distribution, dispersal is uniform over the neighborhood area which suggests that the common description of neighborhood size as a measure of an effective, local panmictic population is valid for popular families of dispersal distributions. We further show how to draw random variables from the triangular distribution efficiently and argue that it should be utilized in other studies in which computational efficiency is important.
A Pilot Project for Group Cognitive Retraining with Elderly Stroke Patients

The purpose of this study was to develop a cognitive retraining group program that facilitated adaptive motor skill patterns used in upper extremity dressing. Five elderly males with a history of stroke participated in a treatment group which consisted of eight sessions over a two week period. A comparison of pretest and posttest scores on two cognitive measures and one ADL measure revealed that three of the five participants demonstrated improvement in cognitive functioning and upper extremity dressing. Further research using a controlled clinical setting and a control group is recommended to more accurately assess the effect of cognitive retraining groups on ADL performance in elderly stroke patients.
Modifying the Process of Treatment to Meet the Threat of AIDS

Treatment for drug users is unlikely to receive sufficient resources to expand to the level of treatment need. Moreover, there is indication that a substantial minority of injection drug users have never initiated needed treatment in spite of long histories of injecting drugs. Given the potential for that population to contract and spread AIDS, it is important that we explore street-based treatment alternatives derived from findings regarding the efficacy of outreach/intervention programs. Those programs were found both to reduce drug-taking behaviors of injecting drug users and to prepare those users for clienthood. Additional strategies that need to be explored include: aftercare, behavioral counseling for sex partners of drug treatment clients, and partial (i.e., survival) treatment services for clients who cannot be accommodated within existing treatment capacity.
Effects of Forest Management on Running Buffalo Clover (Trifolium stoloniferum Muhl. ex A. Eaton) Distribution and Abundance in the Fernow Experimental Forest

Identifying habitat preferences of species of concern is fundamental to the practice of conservation, but disturbances and other environmental processes can substantially affect suitability. Trifolium stoloniferum, or running buffalo clover, is a federally endangered plant species that occurs on the Fernow Experimental Forest in West Virginia. Previous work and extensive anecdotal evidence suggests that this species is maintained in part by periodic disturbances to its habitat. In the Fernow Experimental Forest, this disturbance is in the form of intermittent logging activities. We investigated the role of forest harvesting practices and environmental variables in fostering T. stoloniferum at the stand level. Censuses have been conducted on T. stoloniferum occurrences in the Fernow since 1994, and occurrences are grouped by subcompartment or watershed, which are the basic management units within this experimental forest. Site characteristics and disturbance history were assessed for their impact upon T. stoloniferum presence and density. Classification tree analysis identified total number of forest harvest events in a subcompartment since 1948 as the most important predictor of T. stoloniferum presence or absence. Regression tree analysis identified aspect as important in determining T. stoloniferum abundance, with west-facing compartments supporting larger populations. This study confirms the importance of disturbance in maintaining T. stoloniferum populations. However, site characteristics independent of disturbance history are also predictors of T. stoloniferum presence and abundance, suggesting that managers attempting to restore or create habitat for T. stoloniferum should account for the interaction between disturbance history and site characters in determining suitability of habitat for T. stoloniferum.
Heterogeneous Catalysis for the Conversion of Sugars into Polymers

The synthesis of commodity polymers from biomass presents interesting challenges and opportunities for new catalytic chemistries. Starting from glucose, reaction pathways to a variety of monomers for commodity polymers are presented. The first step for each pathway is the isomerization of glucose to fructose. This reaction can now be accomplished in aqueous media with hydrophobic, large pore molecular sieves that contain Lewis acid sites as catalysts. A typical catalyst is a pure-silica molecular sieve having the zeolite beta topology and containing a small amount of framework Sn^(4+) (Sn-Beta). Dehydration of fructose into 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) provides a convenient path that can lead to 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) for the synthesis of polyethylene furanoate (PEF) or purified terephthalic acid (PTA) (via Diels–Alder reactions) for the synthesis of polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Recent progress on the dehydration of lactic acid could open new routes to acrylic acid and acrylonitrile that are used to produce polyacrylic acid and polyacrylonitrile, respectively, provided more selective catalysts for the retro-aldol deconstruction of fructose are developed.
Mechanical Failure of Bent Optical Fiber Subjected to High Power

As optical fiber penetrates further into the communications infrastructure and comes closer to the home or business, higher optical power levels are expected. Several studies have shown that sharply bent optical fiber will fail prematurely when exposed to high optical power levels. In an extreme case, where the fiber is bent to a maximum bend stress on the order of 2 GPa and subjected to a power level of 1–2 W in the near-infrared wavelength window, optical fiber will fail in minutes. Time to failure decreases with increasing bend stress and optical power. A recent report suggests that power levels in the range of a few hundred milliwatts may be enough to induce delayed failure in bent fiber. This study explores the progression of events leading to failure. Light that escapes the core of bent fiber passes into the coating, where a small amount is absorbed and converted to heat. The coating heats to a stable temperature and visually darkens with time. This is followed by an abrupt rise in temperature, which occurs as the coating transforms to a highly absorptive material, consistent with thermal runaway. The abrupt rise in coating temperature stimulates viscoelastic deformation of the glass. Glass deformation is explained in terms of the ability of highly quenched glass to experience viscous flow at temperatures well below the glass transition range (i.e. sub-Tg aging or relaxation). As the glass portion of the fiber moves toward a “kinked” configuration, it concentrates more power on a smaller region of coating, resulting in further temperature increase. There is no evidence of the fiber fuse effect in the lower viscosity glass core. The final kinked configuration of the glass fiber leads to complete attenuation of the light and failure is complete. Coating decomposition is self-limiting with no visible flame. A coating with a refractive index near or below that of silica was found to virtually eliminate this failure mode.
Bioequivalence and Bioavailability Clinical Trials: A Status Report from the National Institutes of Health ClinicalTrials.gov Registry.

Drug development is an expensive process that is marked by a high-failure rate. For this reason early stage bioequivalence and pharmacokinetic studies are essential in determining the fate of new drug products. In this study, we sought to systematically assess the current trends of ongoing and recently completed bioequivalence and bioavailability trials that have been registered within a national clinical trials registry. All bioequivalence and bioavailability studies registered in the United States ClinicalTrials.gov registry from late-2007 through 2011 were identified. Over this period, more than 2300 interventional bioequivalence and bioavailability trials were registered. As of 2013, the vast majority of studies (86%) have been completed, 10% are actively recruiting participants, and the remainder are engaged in data analysis (4%). When compared to completed trials, ongoing trials are in later phases of clinical development, recruiting larger numbers of participants, and more likely to recruit women and children ( P <0.001 for all). These data suggest that the quality of bioequivalence and bioavailability studies has improved rapidly, even over the last five years. However, further work is needed to sustain – and accelerate – these improvements in the design of bioequivalence and bioavailability studies to ensure that safe and efficacious medicines swiftly reach healthcare providers and their patients.
Individual variation in acorn production by five species of southern Appalachian oaks

Acorns are an important wildlife food resource and seed source for oak regeneration. Most acorn production studies note wide and consistent differences in acorn productivity among individuals, but none clearly demonstrate determinants of productivity. Acorn production by black, northern red, scarlet, chestnut and white oak was measured from 1993 to 1997 in the southern Appalachians was measured and compared among species and individuals. To standardize comparisons among different sized trees and simplify for use by forest managers, the number of acorns per tree were converted to the number/m 2 BA (basal area). On average, white oak produced the most acorns and chestnut oak the fewest. Northern red and white oak produced higher green weight and dry biomass than the other three species. There was a significant positive relationship between tree basal area and the number of acorns produced per crown for all species (r 2 between 0.10 and 0.27). However, this is because larger trees have greater crown areas for producing acorns, and not because they produce more acorns per unit area of crown. Alone, BA was significantly, positively correlated with the number of acorns/m 2 BA only in black, northern red (p < 0.06) and white oak (not in scarlet or chestnut oak) but explained little of the variation in acorn production among individuals. Trees25 cm DBH of most species produced significantly fewer acorns/m 2 BA than their larger counterparts. However, many small (<23 cm DBH) scarlet oaks originating from a 1967 clear-cut were prolific producers, whereas white oaks (<25 cm DBH) in the same stand were not. Frequency of acorn production ranged from never to yearly among individuals. Good producers (trees producing5-year species mean) composed 20% (chestnut oak) to 46% (northern red oak) of sample populations but contributed disproportionately to the acorn crop in moderate and good crop years. Good producers produced acorns more frequently and had more acorns/m 2 BA on fruiting trees than did poor producers. However, in any given year good and poor producers were similarly represented in the fruiting population. Hence, good producers could not be easily identified by the presence of acorns during poor crop years, nor could poor producers be identified by an absence of acorns in good crop years. # 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Contributions of demography and dispersal parameters to the spatial spread of a stage-structured insect invasion.

Stage-structured models that integrate demography and dispersal can be used to identify points in the life cycle with large effects on rates of population spatial spread, information that is vital in the development of containment strategies for invasive species. Current challenges in the application of these tools include: (1) accounting for large uncertainty in model parameters, which may violate assumptions of ''local'' perturbation metrics such as sensitivities and elasticities, and (2) forecasting not only asymptotic rates of spatial spread, as is usually done, but also transient spatial dynamics in the early stages of invasion. We developed an invasion model for the Diaprepes root weevil (DRW; Diaprepes abbreviatus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)), a generalist herbivore that has invaded citrus- growing regions of the United States. We synthesized data on DRW demography and dispersal and generated predictions for asymptotic and transient peak invasion speeds, accounting for parameter uncertainty. We quantified the contributions of each parameter toward invasion speed using a ''global'' perturbation analysis, and we contrasted parameter contributions during the transient and asymptotic phases. We found that the asymptotic invasion speed was 0.02-0.028 km/week, although the transient peak invasion speed (0.03- 0.045 km/week) was significantly greater. Both asymptotic and transient invasions speeds were most responsive to weevil dispersal distances. However, demographic parameters that had large effects on asymptotic speed (e.g., survival of early-instar larvae) had little effect on transient speed. Comparison of the global analysis with lower-level elasticities indicated that local perturbation analysis would have generated unreliable predictions for the responsiveness of invasion speed to underlying parameters. Observed range expansion in southern Florida (1992-2006) was significantly lower than the invasion speed predicted by the model. Possible causes of this mismatch include overestimation of dispersal distances, demographic rates, and spatiotemporal variation in parameter values. This study demonstrates that, when parameter uncertainty is large, as is often the case, global perturbation analyses are needed to identify which points in the life cycle should be targets of management. Our results also suggest that effective strategies for reducing spread during the asymptotic phase may have little effect during the transient phase.
The Gamma to Alpha Transformation in Thin Film Alumina

Many forms of low temperature alumina have been identified [1]. These are collectively referred to as transitional forms. The particular form depends strongly on the starting material (e.g., hydrated, thermally oxidized, alkoxide, etc.), the impurities present, and on thermal history. Although different forms of transition alumina are sometimes referred to as phases, none can be considered a true polymorph of corundum, i.e., α-alumina. Transformations from one form to another which occur upon heating are not reversible, although they are quite reproducible [2]. These different transitional structures are therefore considered to comprise different states of reordering. Figure 1 is a compendium of powder x-ray diffraction patterns from all known transitional aluminas and several aluminum hydroxides [3]. It i.s obvious that there are several crystallographic spacings which are nearly common to all forms.
High frequency XYZ-axis single-disk silicon gyroscope

This paper reports on the design and implementation of a single-disk capacitive gyroscope capable of sensing rotation rates around x, y and z axes. A single crystal silicon disk is operated in its appropriate in-plane and out-of-plane modes in the MHz frequency range to sense the z-axis and xy-axis rotation rates, respectively. Utilizing a single disk for measuring rate around all three axes minimizes the form factor compared to approaches using three separate proof masses. Due to high frequency operation, both in-plane and out-of plane modes can achieve high quality factors (Q) in moderate vacuum (1-10Torr), facilitating the wafer-level encapsulation of the device. In addition, the device bandwidth, in the range of 20 to 50 Hz, is suitable for the relatively fast response time requirements of consumer electronics applications.
Environmental justice in Appalachia Ohio? An expanded consideration of privilege and the role it plays in defending the contaminated status quo in a white, working-class community

ABSTRACTEnvironmental justice addresses inequitable distributions of health risks from exposure to pollution and other hazards. Appalachian residents of southeastern Ohio who live along the Ohio River are disproportionately subject to industrial pollution. Of particular concern is the DuPont Washington Works plant where perfluorooctanoic acid, or C8, was used to make consumer products. Although company officials became aware in 1984 that the water supply of Little Hocking, Ohio, was tainted with C8 coming from its plant, residents were not notified until 2002. Subsequent studies determined a number of health problems, including cancer, are linked to residents’ exposure. This qualitative study asked Little Hocking residents and environmental regulators if they consider C8 contamination in Little Hocking an injustice. Results indicate a lack of consensus – even among affected residents – concerning DuPont's® actions as constituting an injustice. This finding, among others, is used to argue that many residen...
Effect of Environmental Variables on the Stress Corrosion Cracking of Inconel 600 Steam Generator Tubing

Pressurized water reactor steam generator tubing fabricated from Inconel 600 with processing histories typical of past and current production methods has been evaluated for stress corrosion crackin...
Daring to practice low-cost medicine in a high-tech era.

A child with chest pain or tics, a toddler who is limping, a 12-year-old girl with abdominal pain or headaches, an infant whose fever does not respond to antibiotics — these are age-old challenges that pediatricians face. I have been teaching pediatrics to residents and medical students for more than three decades, but over the past few years, as I've watched trainees at work, sitting at their computers, and ordering and monitoring tests, I've grown worried that the practice of medicine has tipped out of balance. Recent advances in scientific knowledge and technology have resulted in the development of a . . .
FREQUENCY-DEPENDENT MATE SELECTION IN MORMONIELLA VITRIPENNIS.

The minority effect in mating or the advantage of the rare-type male has been described in several species in the genus Drosophila (Petit, 1958; Ehrman et al., 1965; Ehrman, 1966, 1972b; Ehrman and Petit, 1968; Spiess and Spiess, 1969; Borisov, 1970; and see reviews by Petit and Ehrman, 1969 and Petit, 1972). Basically, the phenomenon is a frequency-dependent sexual selective process; when males of one type are lower in frequency than a more common type male, the rarer of the two appears to have a relatively increased mating advantage over the more frequent male. Although exact mechanisms involved in such frequency-dependent mate selection have not been completely determined, there is evidence which suggests that females have the capacity to "recognize" differences among males and that olfaction may at least play a role (Ehrman, 1969, 1972a). In addition to intrinsic interest in the mechanisms involved, the above mentioned investigators all have pointed out that the mating advantage of minority males can serve as a form of balancing selection in the maintenance of genetic variation in populations. Along these lines, Anderson (1969) has developed mathematical models to deal with polymorphisms as an outcome of frequency-dependent mate selection. However, in order to comment on its general evolutionary significance, it would seem desirabLe to determine how widespread the minority effect phenomenon is in addition to its existence in the genus Drosophila. A minority effect is suggested
Chromatographic Monitoring Methods for Organic Contaminants Under the Safe Drinking Water Act

Le controle s'effectue sur des polluants tels que le trihalomethane, des composes organiques volatils, des pesticides, des PCB (biphenyle polychloro)
A seroepidemiological investigation on hepatitis E in Beijing

Objective To study seroprevalence of anti-HEV IgG among natural population in Beijing,so as to provide evidence for local prevention and control of hepatitis E.Methods A multi-stage random cluster sampling method was used to select study subjects aged over one year from general population in Beijing.All subjects were interviewed by questionnaire and their venous blood specimens were collected for testing anti-HEV IgG with enzyme-linked immunosobent assay(ELISA)kits manufactured by the Kehua Inc.Data were analyzed by SPSS version 13.0 software.Results Crude seroprevalence of anti-HEV IgG was 8.13 percent(95% CI of 7.37%～8.89%)among natural population in Beijing,and 6.53 percent after standardization.No significant difference in prevalence of anti-HEV IgG was found between males and females.It appeared an increasing trend in the prevalence with age.Prevalence was lower in urban areas than that in rural ones(χ2=4.556,P=0.033).Conclusion In general,seroprevalence of anti-HEV IgG is relatively low among natural population in Beijing,but higher in some rural areas.
PCA as a practical indicator of OPLS-DA model reliability.

Background Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Orthogonal Projections to Latent Structures Discriminant Analysis (OPLS-DA) are powerful statistical modeling tools that provide insights into separations between experimental groups based on high-dimensional spectral measurements from NMR, MS or other analytical instrumentation. However, when used without validation, these tools may lead investigators to statistically unreliable conclusions. This danger is especially real for Partial Least Squares (PLS) and OPLS, which aggressively force separations between experimental groups. As a result, OPLS-DA is often used as an alternative method when PCA fails to expose group separation, but this practice is highly dangerous. Without rigorous validation, OPLS-DA can easily yield statistically unreliable group separation.
The Effect of Protandim® Supplementation on Athletic Performance and Oxidative Blood Markers in Runners.

The purpose of this study determined if oral supplementation of Protandim® (a nutraceutical) for 90 days improved 5-km running performance and reduced serum thiobarbituric acid-reacting substances (TBARS) at rest, an indicator of oxidative stress. Secondary objectives were to measure whole blood superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), and glutathione peroxidase (GPX), at rest and 10 minutes after completion of the race before and after supplementation as well as quality of life. In a double-blind, randomized, placebo controlled trial, 38 runners [mean (SD) = 34 (7) yrs; BMI = 22 (2) kg/m2] received either 90 days of Protandim® [1 pill a day, n = 19)] or placebo (n = 19). Randomization was done in blocks of two controlling for sex and 5-km baseline performance. A 5-km race was performed at baseline and after 90 days of supplementation, with blood samples taken before and 10-min after each race. Fasting blood samples were acquired at baseline, after 30, 60, and 90 days of supplementation. TBARS, SOD, GPX, and GSH were assayed in an out-of-state accredited lab. Running performance was not altered by Protandim® or placebo [20.3 (2.1) minutes, with an -8 (33) seconds change in 5-km time regardless of group]. There was no change in TBARS, SOD, or GPX (at rest) after three months of Protandim® supplementation compared to placebo. However, in a subgroup ≥ 35 years of age, there was a 2-fold higher increase in SOD in those taking Protandim® for three months compared to those on placebo (p = 0.038). The mean post-race change in TBARS (compared to pre-race) increased by about 20% in half of the subjects, but was not altered between groups, even after three months of supplementation. Quality of life was also not different between the two conditions. In conclusion, Protandim® did not (1) alter 5-km running time, (2) lower TBARS at rest (3) raise antioxidant enzyme concentrations compared to placebo (with exception of SOD in those ≥ 35 years old) or, (4) affect quality of life compared to placebo. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov {"type":"clinical-trial","attrs":{"text":"NCT02172625","term_id":"NCT02172625"}}NCT02172625
Perceived ability to cope with trauma among U.S. combat veterans

The Perceived Ability to Cope With Trauma (PACT) scale measures perceived forward-focused and trauma-focused coping. This measure may also have significant utility measuring positive adaption to li...
Association Between Direct-to-Consumer Advertising and Testosterone Testing and Initiation in the United States, 2009-2013

Importance Testosterone initiation increased substantially in the United States from 2000 to 2013, especially among men without clear indications. Direct-to-consumer advertising (DTCA) also increased during this time. Objective To investigate associations between televised DTCA and testosterone testing and initiation in the United States. Design, Setting, and Population Ecologic study conducted in designated market areas (DMAs) in the United States. Monthly testosterone advertising ratings were linked to DMA-level testosterone use data from 2009-2013 derived from commercial insurance claims. Associations between DTCA and testosterone testing, initiation, and initiation without recent baseline tests were estimated using Poisson generalized estimating equations. Exposures Monthly Nielsen ratings for testosterone DTCA in the 75 largest DMAs. Main Outcomes and Measures (1) Rates of new serum testosterone testing; (2) rates of testosterone initiation (in-office injection, surgical implant, or pharmacy dispensing) for all testosterone products combined and for specific brands; and (3) rates of testosterone initiation without recent serum testosterone testing. Results Of 17 228 599 commercially insured men in the 75 DMAs, 1 007 990 (mean age, 49.6 [SD, 11.5] years) had new serum testosterone tests and 283 317 (mean age, 51.8 [SD, 11.3] years) initiated testosterone treatment. Advertising intensity varied by geographic region and time, with the highest intensity seen in the southeastern United States and with months ranging from no ad exposures to a mean of 13.6 exposures per household. Nonbranded advertisements were common prior to 2012, with branded advertisements becoming more common during and after 2012. Each household advertisement exposure was associated with a monthly increase in rates of new testosterone testing (rate ratio [RR], 1.006; 95% CI, 1.004-1.008), initiation (RR, 1.007; 95% CI, 1.004-1.010), and initiation without a recent test (RR, 1.008; 95% CI, 1.002-1.013). Mean absolute rate increases were 0.14 tests (95% CI, 0.09-0.19), 0.05 new initiations (95% CI, 0.03-0.08), and 0.02 initiations without a recent test (95% CI, 0.01-0.03) per 10 000 men for each monthly ad exposure over the entire period. Conclusions and Relevance Among US men residing in the 75 designated market areas, regional exposure to televised direct-to-consumer advertising was associated with greater testosterone testing, new initiation, and initiation without recent testing.