cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Genetic diversity within a dominant plant outweighs plant species diversity in structuring an arthropod community

Plant biodiversity is being lost at a rapid rate. This has spurred much interest in elucidating the consequences of this loss for higher trophic levels. Experimental tests have shown that both plant species diversity and genetic diversity within a plant species can influence arthropod community structure. However, the majority of these studies have been conducted in separate systems, so their relative importance is currently unresolved. Furthermore, potential interactions between the two levels of diversity, which likely occur in natural systems, have not been investigated. To clarify these issues, we conducted three experiments in a freshwater sand dune ecosystem. We (1) independently manipulated plant species diversity, (2) independently manipulated genetic diversity within the dominant plant species, Ammophila breviligulata, and (3) jointly manipulated genetic diversity within the dominant plant and species diversity. We found that genetic diversity within the dominant plant species, Ammophila breviligulata, more strongly influenced arthropod communities than plant species diversity, but this effect was dependent on the presence of other species. In species mixtures, A. breviligulata genetic diversity altered overall arthropod community composition, and arthropod richness and abundance peaked at the highest level of genetic diversity. Positive nonadditive effects of diversity were detected, suggesting that arthropods respond to emergent properties of diverse plant communities. However, in the independent manipulations where A. breviligulata was alone, effects of genetic diversity were weaker, with only arthropod richness responding. In contrast, plant species diversity only influenced arthropods when A. breviligulata was absent, and then only influenced herbivore abundance. In addition to showing that genetic diversity within a dominant plant species can have large effects on arthropod community composition, these results suggest that understanding how species diversity and genetic diversity interact to influence community structure may be critically important for predicting the consequences of biodiversity loss.
A cryoprotectant effect of the dodecyl ether of polyethylene glycol (DEPEG) on flowering blackcurrant bushes

Abstract Treatment of 2-year-old blackcurrant bushes, at the early grape stage of flowering, with a 0.5% v/v spray of DEPEG prevented abscission of flowers following exposure to a simulated frost of −2°C for 3 hours. Untreated bushes subjected to the same low-temperature treatment suffered a 25% reduction in fruit set.
Morphological alterations of the glomerular (visceral) epithelium in response to pathological and experimental situations.

The glomerular (visceral) layer of Bowman's capsule is comprised of a unique population of cells which have been termed “podocytes.:” Arising from these cells are large major processes and numerous smaller foot processes which completely surround underlying glomerular capillary loops. Podocyte foot processes interdigitate with each other and are separated by spaces (filtration slits) which are designed to facilitate flow of a large amount of filtrate across the glomerular wall. Podocytes exhibit dramatic morphological changes in response to the nephrotic syndrome and some forms of acute renal failure and may play an important role in the pathophysiology of these conditions. In vitro and in vivo studies have shown that a reduction in the sialic acid component of a thick anionic surface coat plays a major role in the morphological changes that these cells exhibit in the nephrotic syndrome. Also, it has been shown that filamentous actin concentrated mainly within podocyte foot processes are the contractile elements responsible for altering the shapes of these processes. There is evidence to suggest that by altering the shapes of their foot processes, podocytes in the normal kidney are able to alter the number of fully patent filtration slits and thereby actively regulate the rate of solute efflux across the glomerular wall. In vitro and in vivo studies have indicated that cytoplasmic microtubules are probably not involved in alterations of the podocyte foot processes but do appear important in maintaining the morphological integrity of podocyte cell bodies and their major processes. In the present paper, the morphological changes which glomerular podocytes exhibit in response to the nephrotic syndrome, various forms of acute renal failure, and during in vitro incubation are discussed along with studies of the possible roles of cytoplasmic microtubules, microtubules, and the glomerular anionic surface coat in these changes.
Health-Related Quality of Life and Long-Term Therapy with Pravastatin and Tocopherol (Vitamin E) in Older Adults

Introduction: Concerns about the effects of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (‘statins’) on health-related quality of life may contribute to their underuse in older adults with and at risk for cardiovascular disease. These concerns also may prevent clinicians from enrolling older patients in clinical trials assessing the efficacy of statins as a preventive therapy for Alzheimer’s disease. Objective: To determine the effects of pravastatin and tocopherol (vitamin E), alone and in combination, on health-related quality of life in older adults. Study design: Double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, crossover study. Participants: Forty-one community-dwelling men and women aged ≥70 years with low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) ≥3.62 mmol/L (140 mg/dl) participated. Methods: Subjects received pravastatin for 6 months then pravastatin plus tocopherol for an additional 6 months (group 1), or tocopherol for 6 months then pravastatin plus tocopherol for an additional 6 months (group 2). Dosages were pravastatin 20mg daily and tocopherol 400IU daily. Main outcome measures: The following health-related quality-of-life measures were assessed at baseline, after 6 months and after 1 year: health perception, depression, physical function, cognitive function and sleep behaviour. In addition, data on adverse effects and laboratory abnormalities were obtained. Results: Pravastatin reduced levels of total cholesterol (−21%, p < 0.001) and LDL-C (−29%, p < 0.001). Health-related quality-of-life scores, physical adverse effects, muscle enzyme levels and liver function tests did not change after 12 months of therapy with pravastatin, tocopherol or their combination. Conclusion: Both pravastatin and tocopherol have a good safety profile, are well tolerated and do not adversely affect health-related quality of life in older patients with hypercholesterolaemia. Given the significant beneficial cardiovascular effects of statin therapy in older adults and the potential role of statins in prevention of Alzheimer’s disease, concerns about adverse effects on quality of life should not deter use of these medications in this population.
Evaluations Complémentaires de Sûreté des centrales nucléaires françaises

L’annee 2011 a ete marquee par l’evenement exceptionnel que constitue l’accident grave de Fukushima. EDF, des la premiere semaine suivant l’accident, a tire les premiers enseignements pour le parc nucleaire et a mis en place un plan d’action au niveau de l’entreprise en s’appuyant sur le retour d’experience direct des evenements. Le present article explicite le cahier des charges des Evaluations Complementaires de Surete (ECS), ainsi que les methodes, l’organisation et le calendrier qu’EDF met en oeuvre pour y repondre. Un eclairage sur le positionnement de ce plan d’actions dans le contexte international tres evolutif est egalement donne.
Approaches to surface complexation modeling of Uranium(VI) adsorption on aquifer sediments

Uranium(VI) adsorption onto aquifer sediments was studied in batch experiments as a function of pH and U(VI) and dissolved carbonate concentrations in artificial groundwater solutions. The sediments were collected from an alluvial aquifer at a location upgradient of contamination from a former uranium mill operation at Naturita, Colorado (USA). The ranges of aqueous chemical conditions used in the U(VI) adsorption experiments (pH 6.9 to 7.9; U(VI) concentration 2.5 · 10−8 to 1 · 10−5 M; partial pressure of carbon dioxide gas 0.05 to 6.8%) were based on the spatial variation in chemical conditions observed in 1999–2000 in the Naturita alluvial aquifer. The major minerals in the sediments were quartz, feldspars, and calcite, with minor amounts of magnetite and clay minerals. Quartz grains commonly exhibited coatings that were greater than 10 nm in thickness and composed of an illite-smectite clay with occluded ferrihydrite and goethite nanoparticles. Chemical extractions of quartz grains removed from the sediments were used to estimate the masses of iron and aluminum present in the coatings. Various surface complexation modeling approaches were compared in terms of the ability to describe the U(VI) experimental data and the data requirements for model application to the sediments. Published models for U(VI) adsorption on reference minerals were applied to predict U(VI) adsorption based on assumptions about the sediment surface composition and physical properties (e.g., surface area and electrical double layer). Predictions from these models were highly variable, with results overpredicting or underpredicting the experimental data, depending on the assumptions used to apply the model. Although the models for reference minerals are supported by detailed experimental studies (and in ideal cases, surface spectroscopy), the results suggest that errors are caused in applying the models directly to the sediments by uncertain knowledge of: 1) the proportion and types of surface functional groups available for adsorption in the surface coatings; 2) the electric field at the mineral-water interface; and 3) surface reactions of major ions in the aqueous phase, such as Ca2+, Mg2+, HCO3−, SO42−, H4SiO4, and organic acids. In contrast, a semi-empirical surface complexation modeling approach can be used to describe the U(VI) experimental data more precisely as a function of aqueous chemical conditions. This approach is useful as a tool to describe the variation in U(VI) retardation as a function of chemical conditions in field-scale reactive transport simulations, and the approach can be used at other field sites. However, the semi-empirical approach is limited by the site-specific nature of the model parameters.
Serotonergic dorsal raphe nucleus projections to the cholinergic and noncholinergic neurons of the pedunculopontine tegmental region: a light and electron microscopic anterograde tracing and immunohistochemical study

The serotonergic dorsal raphe nucleus is considered an important modulator of state-dependent neural activity via projections to cholinergic neurons of the pedunculopontine tegmental nucleus (PPT). Light and electron microscopic analysis of anterogradely transported biotinylated dextran, combined with choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) immunohistochemistry, were employed to describe the synaptic organization of mesopontine projections from the dorsal raphe to the PPT. In a separate set of experiments, we utilized immunohistochemistry for the serotonin transporter (SERT), combined with ChAT immunohistochemistry at the light and electron microscopic levels, to determine whether PPT neurons receive serotonergic innervation. The results of these studies indicate that: (1) anterogradely labeled and SERT-immunoreactive axons and presumptive boutons invest the PPT at the light microscopic level; (2) at the ultrastructural level, dorsal raphe terminals in the PPT pars compacta synapse mainly with dendrites and axosomatic contacts were not observed; (3) approximately 12% of dorsal raphe terminals synapse with ChAT-immunoreactive dendrites; and (4) at least 2-4% of the total synaptic input to ChAT-immunoreactive dendrites is of dorsal raphe and/or serotonergic origin. This serotonergic dorsal raphe innervation may modulate cholinergic PPT neurons during alterations in behavioral state. The role of these projections in the initiation of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and the ponto-geniculo-occipital waves that precede and accompany REM sleep is discussed. J. Comp. Neurol. 382:302-322, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Laminagraphic study of mandibular condyle position when recording centric relation.

Summary Laminagraphs were made of each temporomandibular joint of 20 subjects (1) with the mandible forcefully retruded to centric relation and (2) with the mandible positioned by a closing force while an anterior guidance prosthesis was being used. The radiographs were compared by measurements of condylar position; results indicated the condyles to be significantly more superior in the glenoid fossa when anterior guidance was used. The difference in anterior-posterior positioning of the condyles appeared to occur randomly. Measurements of the joint spaces with the mandible in centric relation using anterior guidance indicated that mandibular condyles were not centered in the fossae. There seemed to be a range in the size of the space that could be considered normal.
Trypanosoma kansasensis sp. n. from Neotoma floridana in Kansas

Trypanosoma kansasensis sp. n. (Sarcomastigophora: Kinetoplastida) is described from three of 23 (13%) eastern woodrats (Neotoma floridana) collected from Pottawatomie County, Kansas (USA). All flagellates found in the blood of woodrats were trypomastigotes and are larger than T. neotomae in overall dimensions, especially flagellar length and the distance between the posterior end of the organism and kinetoplast. Liver infusion-tryptose (LIT) cultures of infected whole blood resulted in the transformation of some parasites into epimastigotes; however, there was no apparent increase in parasite numbers.
A Practical Iterative Learning Path‐Following Control Of An Omni‐Directional Vehicle

A new practical iterative learning control (ILC) updating law is proposed to improve the path following accuracy for an omni-directional autonomous mobile robot. The ILC scheme is applied as a feedforward controller to the existing feedback controller. By using the local symmetrical double-integral of the feedback control signal of the previous iteration, the ILC updating law takes a simple form with only two design parameters: the learning gain and the range of local integration. Convergence analysis is presented together with a design procedure. Simulation results on a difficult maneuver are presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed simple and yet practical scheme. The simulation is based on the model of a novel robotic platform, the Utah State University (USU) Omni-Directional Vehicle (ODV), which uses multiple “smart wheels,” whose speed and direction can be independently controlled through dedicated processors for each wheel.
Definition and measurement of the electrical and thermal resistances

An ideal potentiometer and a thermometer are defined in order to show the experimental situations leading to Landauer's formula for the electrical resistance and to the corresponding expression for the thermal resistance.
Modeling the Complex Dynamics of Derecruitment in the Lung

Recruitment maneuvers using deep inflations (DI) have long been used clinically with the objective of recruiting collapsed regions of the lung. Considerable uncertainty continues to exist, however, as to how best to employ recruitment maneuvers or even if they should be used routinely at all for patients receiving mechanical ventilation. Much of this uncertainty may arise from a lack of understanding about the dynamic nature of recruitment and derecruitment. To shed some light on this complex issue, we developed a time-dependent computational model of recruitment and derecruitment in the lung based on a symmetrically bifurcating airway tree in which each branch has a critical closing and opening pressure as well as pressure-dependent opening and closing speeds. Starting from the fully open state, the model underwent regular ventilation for 8 min followed by a series of identical DIs separated by 5 min of identical regular ventilation. We found that the geographical nature and extent of derecruitment before and 5 min after each DI were not always the same, demonstrating that the model exhibits multiple stable states. We conclude that the effectiveness of a recruitment maneuver is not only simply a function of the duration and magnitude of a DI, but may also have an unpredictable component arising from the distributed bi-stable nature of the derecruitment process itself.
Exposure to Violence, Social Cognitive Processing, and Sleep Problems in Urban Adolescents

Exposure to violence is associated with elevated levels of sleep problems in adolescence, which contributes to poor mental and physical health and impaired academic performance. However, reasons underlying the associations between exposure to violence and sleep difficulty have not been examined. This study tested a social cognitive processing path model linking experiences of witnessing and directly experiencing community violence and sleep problems. Participants were 362 early adolescents (M age = 12.45 years, SD = 0.59; range 11-14 years; 48.9% male; 51% Latino/a; 34% black) from urban communities enrolled in a middle-school-based intervention study on the east coast of the United States that was designed to reduce the negative effects of exposure to violence. All youth in the current study reported witnessing or directly experiencing community violence. Adolescents completed four school-based assessments over an 18-month period, reporting on their exposure to community violence, sleep problems, intrusive thoughts about and social constraints in talking about violence, and life events. A path model that included both victimization and witnessing violence revealed that wave 1 witnessing violence, but not victimization, was associated with elevated social constraints in talking about violence at wave 2, which was associated with elevated intrusive thoughts at wave 3, which was associated with poor sleep quality at wave 4. Prior levels of all constructs were controlled in the analysis, in addition to life events, single parent household status, children's age and sex, intervention condition, and school. Youth exposed to violence may benefit from help in processing their experiences, thus reducing social constraints in talking about their experiences and associated intrusive thoughts. This is turn may improve sleep outcomes.
Glomerulonephritis following Streptococcal Pneumonia

A case off glomerulonephritis following streptococcal pneumonia in an elderly man is described. The importance off considering the Streptococcus in the differential diagnosis off bacterial pneumonias is stressed. The nonsuppurative complication off this pneumonia is documented.
Asymptotics of special functions and the central limit theorem on the space n of positive n × n matrices

When n = 3 using methods similar to the author's (1984, J. Multivariate Anal.15, 261-276), an analog of the central limit theorem is obtained for rotation-invariant random variables on the [email protected]?"n of positive n x n real matrices (the symmetric space of the general linear group GL(n,@?) of n x n nonsingular real matrices). The necessary results from harmonic analysis onP"n are sketched.
TGF-β in glomerular disease

Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is an important cytokine in glomerular disease. Its major role may be to mediate extracellular matrix deposition, by both increasing the synthesis of matrix components and by reducing their degradation. Strong evidence supports the functional role for TGF-β in mesangial matrix expansion. However, TGF-β may also have other important functions in the glomerulus, including the regulation of cell proliferation, hypertrophy, and survival (apoptosis), as well as modulation of the local and systemic immune response.
Guillam- Barré Syndrome: Psychosocial Aspects Of Management

Abstract Guillain-Barre syndrome usually involves progressive, plateau, and recovery phases, each with its own distinctive psychosocial manifestations. The acute neurologic deficits render the patient physically helpless, and the need for mechanical ventilation in an intensive care unit may lead to anxiety, disorientation, and terror. In a prospective study of eight patients with GBS, certain psychosocial needs regularly recurred. These include early education of the patient and family about GBS, development of a means of communication with the paralyzed patient, and management of pain and hallucinations. Recommendations for practical management of these and related psychological needs are presented
Great Lakes ice classification using satellite C-band SAR multi-polarization data

Abstract The objective of this study is to advance development of algorithms to classify and map ice cover on the Laurentian Great Lakes using satellite C-band synthetic aperture radar (SAR) multi-polarization data. During the 1997 winter season, shipborne polarimetric backscatter measurements of Great Lakes ice types, using the Jet Propulsion Laboratory C-band scatterometer, were acquired together with surface-based ice physical characterization measurements and environmental parameters, concurrently with European Remote Sensing Satellite 2 (ERS-2) and RADARSAT-1 SAR data. This fully polarimetric dataset, composed of over 20 variations of different ice types measured at incidence angles from 0° to 60° for all polarizations, was processed and fully calibrated to obtain radar backscatter, establishing a library of signatures for different ice types. Computer analyses of calibrated ERS-2 and RADARSAT ScanSAR images of Great Lakes ice cover using the library in a supervised classification technique indicate that different ice types in the ice cover can be identified and mapped, but that wind speed and direction can cause misclassification of open water as ice based on single frequency, single polarization data. Using RADARSAT-2 quad-pol and ENVISAT ASAR dual-pol data obtained for Lake Superior during the 2009 and 2011 winter seasons, algorithms were developed for small incidence angle ( 35°) SAR images and applied to map ice and open water. Ice types were subsequently classified using the library of backscatter signatures. Ice-type maps provide important input for environmental management, ice-breaking operations, ice forecasting and modeling, and climate change studies.
A mouse model of the aniridia-Wilms tumor deletion syndrome

Deletion of chromosome 11p13 in humans produces the WAGR syndrome, consisting of aniridia (an absence or malformation of the iris), Wilms tumor (nephroblastoma), genitourinary malformations, and mental retardation. An interspecies backcross between Mus musculus/domesticus and Mus spretus was made in order to map the homologous chromosomal region in the mouse genome and to define an animal model of this syndrome. Nine evolutionarily conserved DNA clones from proximal human 11p were localized on mouse chromosome 2 near Small-eyes (Sey), a semidominant mutation that is phenotypically similar to aniridia. Analysis of Dickie's Small-eye (SeyDey), a poorly viable allele that has pleiotropic effects, revealed the deletion of three clones, f3, f8, and k13, which encompass the aniridia (AN2) and Wilms tumor susceptibility genes in man. Unlike their human counterparts, SeyDey/+ mice do not develop nephroblastomas. These findings suggest that the Small-eye defect is genetically equivalent to human aniridia, but that loss of the murine homolog of the Wilms tumor gene is not sufficient for tumor initiation. A comparison among Sey alleles suggests that the AN2 gene product is required for induction of the lens and nasal placodes.
In vivo imaging of raptor retina with ultra high resolution spectral domain optical coherence tomography

Among birds, raptors are well known for their exceptional eyesight, which is partly due to the unique structure of their retina. Because the raptor retina is the most advanced of any animal species, in vivo examination of its structure would be remarkable. Furthermore, a noticeable percentage of traumatic ocular injuries are identified in birds of prey presented to rehabilitation facilities. Injuries affecting the posterior segment have been considered as a major impact on raptor vision. Hence, in vivo examination of the structure of the posterior segment of the raptors would be helpful for the diagnosis of traumatized birds. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the application of ultrahigh-resolution Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography (SD-OCT) for non contact in vivo imaging of the retina of birds of prey, which to the best of our knowledge has never been attempted. For the first time we present high quality OCT images of the retina of two species of bird of prey, one diurnal hawk and one nocturnal owl.
Experimental development of an endoscopic approach to neck exploration and parathyroidectomy

Abstract Background. Recent advances in minimally invasive surgical technology have the potential to lead to new applications outside body cavities. The purpose of the present study was to develop techniques for obtaining endoscopic exposure and access to the pretracheal space in the neck with the goal of performing neck exploration and parathyroidectomy and to evaluate the safety and efficacy of such an approach experimentally. Methods. The technique for endoscopic neck exploration was developed in eight adult mongrel dogs and was further evaluated in a survival dog model and in human cadavers. The pretracheal space was accessed by a 2.5 cm midline incision in the lower neck. This space was expanded with a balloon dissector, and exposure was maintained with an external lift device. A 5 or 10 12 mm midline port and two to four lateral 5 mm cervical ports were placed, and dissection was carried out with pediatric endoscopic instruments and an ultrasonic coagulator. Excised parathyroid tissue was verified histologically. Results. Two-gland parathyroidectomy was successfully completed in five of six dogs; inadequate exposure led to a failed procedure in one animal. Mean operative time was 130 ± 6 minutes, and there were no operative complications. Serum calcium levels did not change significantly after operation (p = not significant). At autopsy, approximately 20 ml of clear sterile fluid was present in the pretracheal space of every dog. In five human cadavers mean dissection time for attempted four-gland parathyroidectomy was 69 ± 38 minutes (range, 45 to 135 minutes). Four of four parathyroids were identified and removed in two patients, three of three parathyroids in one patient, three of four parathyroids in one patient, and two of four parathyroids in one patient. Conclusions. Parathyroidectomy may be performed safely and reliably in an animal model with minimally invasive techniques that can be applied to parathyroid dissection in human cadavers. These results suggest that an endoscopic approach to neck exploration and parathyroidectomy is potentially feasible and may warrant further study in clinical trials.
The influence of radiative transfer on the propagation of a temperature wave in a stratified diffusing atmosphere

An approximate solution is presented to the problem of the propagation of a temperature wave through a stratified medium which both diffuses and radiates heat. The solution is a combination of two waves whose relative amplitudes vary with the distance from the lower boundary. Apparent diffusivities computed from phase lag and attenuation coefficients can differ greatly from each other and can vary with height even if the actual diffusivity does not.An example, using parameters simulating the earth's atmosphere, suggests that analysis of the propagation of the diurnal wave upward from the earth's surface is likely to be inadequate if radiative effects are not considered.
Local and Global Stability Analysis on Flows around a SD7003 Airfoil

5). For better understanding of the formation and turbulent breakdown of laminar separation bubbles (LSB), both local and two-dimensional global linear stability analysis are applied to investigate the stability of a CFD time-averaged non-parallel flowfield over a SD7003 airfoil at Reynolds number 6×10 4 . The flow is found to be unstable at all wavenumbers examined. The most unstable modes from local and global stability analysis are close to each other, and the frequency of this mode is in agreement with CFD results. Spatial structures of the disturbances at most unstable modes are discussed. By applying the stability analysis, the temporal flow structures of the LSB can be examined with the most unstable modes of global stability results.
Free vascularized fibula in traumatic long bone defects and in limb salvaging following tumor resection: Comparative study

In this retrospective analysis, we present our experience with two groups of patients who had long bone defects secondary to trauma or tumor resection and who were treated with a free vascularized fibular graft for skeletal reconstruction. Both groups were comparable in number and average age of patients, length of bone defect, and mean follow-up (average 3 years both groups). The number of surgical procedures prior to microvascular grafting was significantly higher for the traumatic defects. Primary bone union in a mean period of 6 months occurred at a higher rate in the tumor patients; the trauma patients had a significantly higher nonunion rate, which required multiple additional surgical procedures. The latter did not, significantly, improve the rate of success in the trauma group. Residual limb shortening was present in one-half of the patients with traumatic defects. On the basis of this review, it appears that the scarred and relatively avascular soft tissues surrounding the long bone defects secondary to trauma affect the course and the final outcome of the microvascular fibular grafting. A similar procedure applied for limb salvaging after tumor resection is better. © 1993 Wiley-Liss Inc.
Effects of prescribed fire on winter assemblages of birds in ponderosa pine forests of northern Arizona.

Abstract Studies of birds in winter are rare in wildlife ecology despite winter being a critical time for birds. We examined winter assemblages of birds in ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) forests of northern Arizona following prescribed fire. We conducted point counts on two study sites in northern Arizona from mid-October to mid-March 2004–2006. Each site had one unit treated by prescribed fire a full growing season before the point counts began, paired with control unit(s) of similar structure. We detected 39 species during the survey. Nine species comprised 81% of all detections; eight of these were year-round residents of the area. Dark-eyed juncos (Junco hyemalis) were the most numerous, comprising 23% of all detections. Assemblages were similar between treatments (Sorenson similarity index = 0.85) and years (Sorenson similarity index = 0.85), and rank abundance of species between burn and control units were correlated (Spearman's ρ = 0.83). Therefore, assemblages of birds in winter were simil...
Evolving complexity and cost dynamics in the semiconductor industry

The evolving complexity of the relationship between cost and technical capacity is illustrated within the context of the industrial linkage between equipment suppliers and device producers. Extending previous work that demonstrated looming equipment affordability problems facing semiconductor manufacturers, the evidence presented here suggests that the same affordability pressures can afflict semiconductor equipment suppliers, perhaps even more severely. These circumstances have the potential to set in motion a series of adjustment responses so vigorous that they may well substantially rework long-familiar industry fundamentals.
Replacement of Taxes on Farm and Residential Property by Increasing the State Income Tax in Illinois: A Simulation

Property taxation has long been the focus of debate and criticism. Decreasing reliance on property taxation requires either cutting government services or increasing reliance on alternative revenue sources. This study estimates the effect on the statutory tax burden of partly or fully replacing the farm and residential property tax with an increased state income tax in Illinois, according to groupings of counties.
An optimized initialization algorithm to ensure accuracy in quantum Monte Carlo calculations

Quantum Monte Carlo (QMC) calculations require the generation of random electronic configurations with respect to a desired probability density, usually the square of the magnitude of the wavefunction. In most cases, the Metropolis algorithm is used to generate a sequence of configurations in a Markov chain. This method has an inherent equilibration phase, during which the configurations are not representative of the desired density and must be discarded. If statistics are gathered before the walkers have equilibrated, contamination by nonequilibrated configurations can greatly reduce the accuracy of the results. Because separate Markov chains must be equilibrated for the walkers on each processor, the use of a long equilibration phase has a profoundly detrimental effect on the efficiency of large parallel calculations. The stratified atomic walker initialization (STRAW) shortens the equilibration phase of QMC calculations by generating statistically independent electronic configurations in regions of high probability density. This ensures the accuracy of calculations by avoiding contamination by nonequilibrated configurations. Shortening the length of the equilibration phase also results in significant improvements in the efficiency of parallel calculations, which reduces the total computational run time. For example, using STRAW rather than a standard initialization method in 512 processor calculations reduces the amount of time needed to calculate the energy expectation value of a trial function for a molecule of the energetic material RDX to within 0.01 au by 33%.
Imported and Storm-Generated Near-Ground Vertical Vorticity in a Simulated Supercell*

The authors use a high-resolution supercell simulation to investigate the source of near-ground vertical vorticity by decomposing the vorticity vector into barotropic and nonbarotropic parts. This way, the roles of ambient and storm-generated vorticity can be isolated. A new Lagrangian technique is employed in which material fluid volume elements are tracked to analyze the rearrangement of ambient vortex-line segments. Thiscontributionisinterpretedasbarotropicvorticity.Thestorm-generatedvorticityistreatedastheresidual between the known total vorticity and the barotropic vorticity. In the simulation the development of near-ground vertical vorticity is an outflow phenomenon. There are distinct ‘‘rivers’’ of cyclonic shear vorticity originating from the base of downdrafts that feed into the developing near-ground vortex. The origin of these rivers of vertical vorticity is primarily horizontal baroclinic production, which is maximized in the lowest few hundred meters AGL. Subsequently, this horizontal vorticity is tilted upward while the parcels are still descending. The barotropic vorticity remains mostly streamwise along the analyzed trajectories and does not acquire a large vertical component as the parcels reach the ground. Thus, the ambient vorticity that is imported into the storm contributes only a small fraction of the total near-ground vertical vorticity.
A care bundle for management of central venous catheters.

Abstract Central venous catheters (CVCs) are an essential tool in paediatric intensive care, providing a means to monitor patient haemodynamics and to administer fluids, nutrition, blood products and medications. Because multiple factors contribute to the high risk of catheter related infection, a multi-strategy approach is required to prevent such infections. Using contemporary literature and clinical audit findings a 'care bundle' was created for use within the PICU at Birmingham Children's Hospital. This care bundle groups together best practices in order to prevent catheter related bloodstream infection.
Thermodynamic structure of collision-dominated expanding plasma: Heating of interplanetary coronal mass ejections

We investigate the thermodynamic structure of interplanetary coronal mass ejections (ICMEs) using combined surveys of the ejecta between 0.3 and 20 AU. ICMEs are shown to have a moderate expansion in the solar wind compared with theoretical predictions. The expansion seems to be governed by a polytrope with gamma approx. 1.3 in this distance range. We find that Coulomb collisions are important contributors to the ion-ion equilibration process in the ICME plasma. The alpha-proton differential speed quickly drops to below 10 km/s due to strong Coulomb collisions. However, the two species of particles are far from thermal equilibrium with a temperature ratio T(sub alpha/T(sub p) = 4-6, suggestive of a preferential heating of alpha particles. The plasma heating rate as a function of heliocentric &stance required for the temperature profile is deduced by taking into account the expansion and energy transfer between protons and alphas via Coulomb collisions. The turbulence dissipation rate is also inferred from the inertial range power spectrum of magnetic fluctuations within ICMEs. Comparison of the turbulence dissipation rate with the required heating rate shows that turbulence dissipation seems sufficient to explain the ICME heating. Sources powering the turbulence are also investigated by examining the instabilities induced by temperature anisotropies and energy deposition by pickup ions.
Characterization of stress in the absorber of X-ray masks using a holographic technique

Abstract The distortion of X-ray masks is directly related to the stress of the absorber used. Because of this, it is very important be able to determine the value of the absorber stress in order to be able to control, or reduce, the distortion of the masks. A simple technique, double exposure holographic interferometry, is described. Its application in measuring the stress of electrodeposited gold films, and the effect that several deposition parameters have on the gold stress are described.
Shift-variant m-D systems and singularities on T/sup m/: implications for robust stability

This brief addresses the robust asymptotic and BIBO (bounded-input bounded-output) stability of a class of linear shift-variant multidimensional systems. Using a shift-invariant comparison system, necessary and sufficient conditions for the stability of the entire family of systems are derived. >
A method for achieving constant rotation rates in a microorthogonal linkage system

Silicon micromachine designs include engines that consist of orthogonally oriented linear comb-drive actuators mechanically connected to a relating gear. These gears are as small as 50 /spl mu/m in diameter and can be driven at rotation rates exceeding 300000 r/min. Generally, these engines will run with nonuniform rotation rates if the drive signals are not properly designed and maintained over a range of system parameters. We present a method for producing constant rotation rates in a microengine driven by an orthogonal linkage system. We show that, provided the values of certain masses, springs, damping factors, and lever arms are in the right proportions, the system behaves as though it were symmetrical. We will refer to systems built in this way as being quasi-symmetrical. We show that if a system is built quasi-symmetrically, then it is possible to achieve constant rotation rates even if one does not know the form of the friction function or the value of the friction. We analyze this case in some detail.
Instruction by retinoic acid of incisor morphology in the mouse embryonic mandible

Endogenous retinoids are present in the embryonic mouse mandible and reach a peak in concentration at the time of the formation of the dental lamina. All-trans retinoic acid is present in a 10-fold higher concentration in the future incisor region of the mouse embryonic mandible at day 11.5. It was found here that exogenous all-trans retinoic acid has pleiotropic effects on the pattern of odontogenesis when applied before the formation of the dental lamina. These effects include a change in the pattern of the dental lamina, supernumerary buds and incisors in the diastema region, and replacement of molars with incisors in the molar region. Thus retinoic acid appears to instruct incisor morphology in the mouse embryonic mandible.
Institutions, Capabilities, and Contracts: Make or Buy in the Electric Utility Industry

This paper integrates transaction cost economics with the resource-based view of the firm and new institutional economics to examine how firms' capabilities and institutional environments influence governance decisions. We demonstrate that the impact of firm capabilities on governance choice varies with the level of transaction costs, which is itself a function of the institutional environment. Based on panel data for 240 investor-owned utility companies in 1990–2007, we find that firms with strong institutional safeguards, prior contracting experience, and inferior firm production capabilities will buy more electricity, and make less, to meet increases in demand. We also find that institutional safeguards substitute for prior contracting experience and increase the influence of production capabilities on governance decisions. These findings suggest that firm heterogeneity is a significant factor in governance decisions and that firms' capabilities and institutional environments merit additional consideration in the study of firm governance.
ON THE INFRARED HALL EFFECT ABOVE Tc IN YBCO

A kinetic theory is developed for the infrared Hall effect. Expressions for the dynamic conductivity σ(ω), ω = laser frequency, and other transport coefficients are shown to be obtained by applying the conversion rule: γ0 → γ -iω to those for the static coefficients, where γ0 (γ) are the static (dynamic) scattering rates. The observed T2-law of in YBa2Cu3O7 are shown to arise from the drift velocity of the low-energy Cooper pairs (pairons) moving with the linear dispersion relation: e = (2/π) vFp, where vF is the Fermi velocity.
Critical Analysis of NANDA Nursing Diagnosis Taxonomy I

The NANDA Nursing Diagnosis Taxonomy I is analyzed in relation to standards of taxonomy in general, to nursing theory and to its application to nursing practice. An overview of an alternative taxonomic scheme is presented.
Clinical evaluation and verification of the hyperthermia treatment planning system hyperplan

Abstract Purpose: A prototype of the hyperthermia treatment planning system (HTPS) HyperPlan for the SIGMA-60 applicator (BSD Medical Corp., Salt Lake City, Utah, USA) has been evaluated with respect to clinical practicability and correctness. Materials and Methods: HyperPlan modules extract tissue boundaries from computed tomography (CT) images to generate regular and tetrahedral grids as patient models, to calculate electric field (E-field) distributions, and to visualize three-dimensional data sets. The finite difference time-domain (FDTD) method is applied to calculate the specific absorption rate (SAR) inside the patient. Temperature distributions are calculated by a finite-element code and can be optimized. HyperPlan was tested on 6 patients with pelvic tumors. For verification, measured SAR values were compared with calculated SAR values. Furthermore, intracorporeal E-field scans were performed and compared with calculated profiles. Results: The HTPS can be applied under clinical conditions. Measured absolute SAR (in W/kg), as well as relative E-field scans, correlated well with calculated values (±20%) using the contour-based FDTD method. Values calculated by applying the FDTD method directly on the voxel (CT) grid, were less well correlated with measured data. Conclusion: The HyperPlan system proved to be clinically feasible, and the results were quantitatively and qualitatively verified for the contour-based FDTD method.
Contradictory findings on one-year mortality following ICU delirium.

In contrast to prior studies (Table 1), Wolters and colleagues [1] reported no significant association between delirium and 1-year survival among Dutch ICU survivors. The authors attributed this finding to a novel adjustment of their Cox survival model for the sum of patients’ Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scores (obtained three times daily). Hence, we wish to enquire about the results of their multivariable model if re-run without SOFA adjustment: is the adjusted hazard ratio for delirium statistically significant? This contradictory result also could be attributable to other issues, rather than this unique adjustment that combined SOFA score and length of stay, as described below. Table 1 Selected studies evaluating mortality after ICU delirium The study’s 1-year mortality was 18%, with 59% of survivors discharged home. In contrast, 1-year mortality in a prior US study was 41% [2], raising the question of whether Dutch ICU survivors are healthier than those in some prior studies? Perhaps delirium is more strongly associated with mortality in frail ICU survivors. The Dutch study also reported that delirium was associated with increased cognitive impairment without impaired quality of life. Consequently, we wonder if care for cognitively impaired individuals is better in the Netherlands, hence conferring less risk of mortality to ICU survivors with cognitive impairment. Finally, what were the results of testing the proportional hazards assumption in the Cox model? If the association between delirium and mortality is time-dependent [3], with the hazard greatest shortly after discharge, as per a prior Dutch study [4], a single hazard ratio over 1 year could attenuate this measure and violate the proportional hazards assumption.
Community assembly responses to warming and increased precipitation in an early successional forest

Experimental climate manipulations provide the opportunity to link predicted changes in climate to the process of community assembly. We studied plant community assembly of a recently harvested forest exposed to three years of experimental 2°C warming and 20% increased precipitation. By the end of the experiment, trees were the only functional group that shifted composition in response to warming and precipitation treatments (p = 0.03), while the composition of the grass, forbs, and shrub/small tree/vine functional groups were unresponsive. Individual species within groups were associated with specific treatments, but did not result in a predictable community composition shift. Temporal dynamics of functional group cover were more sensitive to treatment effects than single, static measures of plant community responses such as biomass. Both static and dynamic plant analyses revealed interactive effects of warming and increased precipitation on cover and biomass of grass and all plants together (grass cover p < 0.01, grass biomass p = 0.02, total cover p < 0.01, total biomass p = 0.05). Short forb cover was negatively affected by increased precipitation throughout our experiment (p = 0.03). Grass, tree, and shrub/small tree/vine functional groups showed independent year effects on cover that can be attributed to successional development of the forest community (all p ≤ 0.01). Random forest modeling indicated that cover of other plant functional groups and static plot-level variables such as plot location and components of soil texture were often the most important predictors of cover for a given functional group, while temperature and moisture availability measures were the least important. Importance of predictors of functional group cover varied greatly among random forest models from different treatments, suggesting that diverse environmental factors constrain functional group cover and may provide resilience of community assembly to climate change.