cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An Annual Plant Growth Proxy in the Mojave Desert Using MODIS-EVI Data.

In the arid Mojave Desert, the phenological response of vegetation is largely dependent upon the timing and amount of rainfall, and maps of annual plant cover at any one point in time can vary widely. Our study developed relative annual plant growth models as proxies for annual plant cover using metrics that captured phenological variability in Moderate-Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) satellite images. We used landscape phenologies revealed in MODIS data together with ecological knowledge of annual plant seasonality to develop a suite of metrics to describe annual growth on a yearly basis. Each of these metrics was applied to temporally-composited MODIS-EVI images to develop a relative model of annual growth. Each model was evaluated by testing how well it predicted field estimates of annual cover collected during 2003 and 2005 at the Mojave National Preserve. The best performing metric was the spring difference metric, which compared the average of three spring MODIS-EVI composites of a given year to that of 2002, a year of record drought. The spring difference metric showed correlations with annual plant cover of R2 = 0.61 for 2005 and R2 = 0.47 for 2003. Although the correlation is moderate, we consider it supportive given the characteristics of the field data, which were collected for a different study in a localized area and are not ideal for calibration to MODIS pixels. A proxy for annual growth potential was developed from the spring difference metric of 2005 for use as an environmental data layer in desert tortoise habitat modeling. The application of the spring difference metric to other imagery years presents potential for other applications such as fuels, invasive species, and dust-emission monitoring in the Mojave Desert.
Technological diffusion and the Union blockade

Abstract This paper answers the following question. If returns from smuggling cotton and contraband through the blockade of Confederate ports during the American Civil War were significantly lower than earnings from alternative investments, why did private firms so quickly adopt costly purpose-built steam ships in the face of the strengthening Northern blockade? First, we note that the rate of diffusion of steam ships, specially designed to run the blockade significantly exceeded any reported for innovations from the late 19th or early 20th century. Second, we correct an error in Stanley Lebergott's (1981) seminal work and conclude that that returns to infamous steamer, the Banshee (I) of 700% to be quite plausible. This finding of high returns is confirmed by two other historical sources, which have not been previously used. Additionally, we calculate that investors in the one of the leading blockade running firms, known as the Bee Company, earned in excess of 86% return on their investment, over double the profits previously reported. Finally, we demonstrate that adoption of purpose-built ships, significantly decreased the arrival rate of capture, thus increasing expected profits.
Are we waking up to the effects of NEFA

NEFA are mobilised from adipose tissues during fasting or stress. Under conditions of acute or chronic NEFA excess, skeletal muscle and hepatic insulin resistance may ensue. Hence, a wealth of literature has focused on the crosstalk between NEFA and glucose in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance. Sleep restriction has also been shown to acutely induce insulin resistance, and self-reported short sleep duration is associated with diabetes. In this issue of Diabetologia (DOI: 10.1007/s00125-015-3500-4), Broussard and colleagues examine the impact of acute sleep restriction on detailed 24 h metabolic profiles, including plasma NEFA. Here, we address the potential clinical relevance of these findings and pose questions for further research.
Shocking Policy: Municipal Liability for the Use of Tasers and Stun Guns by the Police

While Tasers and stun guns have proven to be effective tools for averting crises, these instruments have frequently resulted in lawsuits. Since the use of electronic energy devices by the police is in its early stages, effective policies to avoid liabilities are still in the making. This article examines cases filed under title 42 U.S.C. Section 1983 involving the use of Tasers and stun guns by police officers, where the municipalities have been sued for violating the constitutional rights of individuals. A municipality is deemed to be liable if constitutional rights of individuals are violated because of a faulty policy, procedure, or custom, established in Monell v. Department of Social Services of the City of New York (1978). This article concludes that agencies are not liable if they have specific policies in place addressing the appropriate use of Tasers and stun guns in response to crisis situations. Municipalities are, however, liable inter alia, when there are inadequate or broad policies, or a pr...
Temporally dimorphic recruitment of dopamine neurons into stress response circuitry in Drosophila.

Many studies have pointed to vulnerability to stress and stress-related pathologies at different timepoints during an individual’s lifespan. These sensitive windows are usually during periods of neural development, such as embryogenesis, infancy, and adolescence. It is critical to understand how neural circuitry may change as an individual ages in ways that could affect susceptibility to stress. Here we compare two stages in Drosophila melanogaster: sexual immaturity and sexual maturity. We used the genetic resources available in Drosophila to manipulate pre- and post-synaptic dopamine signaling in sexually immature and mature animals that were then assayed for heart rate and locomotor behavior in response to starvation and oxidative stress. Our results show significant differences in the stress response for sexually immature and mature animals for heart rate, periods of high mobility, mean velocity, and several other parameters of locomotor behavior. Our data show that dopamine neurons are differentially recruited into the stress response circuitry for sexually immature and mature individuals. By observing behaviors that have been previously shown in mammalian models to be affected by stress and altered in models of affective disorders, we provide a genetically tractable model for development and maintenance of the stress response circuitry during sexual maturation.
Acid-Sensing Ion Channels Contribute to Neurotoxicity

Acidosis that occurs under pathological conditions not only affects intracellular signaling molecules, but also directly activates a unique family of ligand-gated ion channels: acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs). ASICs are widely expressed throughout the central and peripheral nervous systems and play roles in pain sensation, learning and memory, and fear conditioning. Overactivation of ASICs contributes to neurodegenerative diseases such as ischemic brain/spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and Huntington's disease. Thus, targeting ASICs might be a potential therapeutic strategy for these conditions. This mini-review focuses on the electrophysiology and pharmacology of ASICs and roles of ASICs in neuronal toxicity.
Behavioral characteristics of freemartins administered estradiol, estrone, testosterone, and dihydrotestosterone.

Abstract Eighteen genetic females born co-twin with males and diagnosed as being sterile intersexes (freemartins) were studied from birth to 79 weeks of age. Testosterone (T) and estrone (EI) were administered in Silastic capsules to two groups from birth to 50 weeks of age and other animals were left untreated. At 50 weeks the two treated groups had larger implants installed and the untreated animals were assigned to a new estrone (EII) and estradiol (E 2 ) treatment. Later a dihydrotestosterone (DHT) group was formed in comparison with new E 2 and testosterone propionate-enanthate (TP-TE) groups, plus untreated controls. Vulvar interest, Flehmen lip curl, mounting, and agonistic behavior were recorded daily for 30 min while animals were allowed social interaction. Agonistic behavior, interest in the genital area, and mounting were induced or stimulated by T, TP-TE, and E 2 , but not by DHT or estrone (EI or EII). Also, only animals in the T, TP-TE, and E 2 groups induced to mount displayed the standing type of behavioral estrus. Flehmen lip curl was stimulated only by T or TP-TE. The evidence is interpreted to indicate that T, per se, evokes the lip curl, but it probably stimulates other responses at the neural level by conversion to E 2 . Also, the freemartin response, the response of castrates to steroid hormones, and current knowledge of circulating steroid hormones in male and female cattle could be interpreted to indicate that the neural tissue responsible for sexual behavior in both sexes of this species may respond similarly in several respects.
X-RAY DIFFRACTION ANALYSIS OF PARTICLES INGESTED BY FILTER-FEEDING ANIMALS

The size and relative abundance of mineral particles ingested by two filter-feeding aquatic insects, Simulium vittatum Zett. (Diptera: Simuliidae) and Aedes triseriatus (Say) (Diptera: Culicidae) were determined by X-ray diffraction methods. Different minerals representing different particle size categories were supplied larval black flies and mosquitoes. Since minerals possess characteristic diffraction properties, their presence and relative abundance can be determined. Early instars of the black fly ingested and retained particles of three different size ranges; however, more coarse particles relative to fine particles were retained by smaller instars as compared with the larger instars. With mosquito larvae, there was a proportional increase in coarser material ingested with increasing age and size of larvae. Other applications of this method are discussed. ANALYSE PAR DIFFRACTION AUX RAYONS X DES PARTICULES INGEREES PAR LES ORGANISMES FILTREURS La dimension et l'abondance relative des particules minerales ingerees par deux larves d'insectes aquatiques se nourrissant par filtration. Simuhum vittatum (Diptera Simuliidae) et Aedes triseriatus (Diptera: Culicidae) ont ete determinees par diffraction aux rayons X. Divers mineraux sous forme de particules de differentes dimensions ont ete fournis aux larves de Simuhes et de moustiques. Puisque les mineraux sont caracterises par leurs proprietes de diffraction, on peut done verifier leur presence et determiner leur relative abondance. Les larves de Simulies des premiers stades retiennent et ingerent des particules de trois rangs de taille, cependant les particules plus grossieres sont mieux retenues dans l'appareil filtreur des jeunes larves, par comparaison avec les larves plus grandes. Avec les larves de moustiques il y a une augmentation de l'ingestion du materiel le plus grossier proportionnellement a l'accroissement d'âge et de taille des larves. D'autres applications de cette methode sont discutees.
Attitudes toward Suicide among English-Speaking Urban Canadians.

Abstract The study of suicide must take place within a specific cultural context. Despite Canada's high rate of suicide, compared to that of the United States, there has been little research on the topic, including attitudes toward suicide among Canadians. The purpose of this study is to examine attitudes toward suicide in a Canadian English-speaking urban sample. A sample of 196 Canadian adults residing in six major cities were administered the Suicide Opinion Questionaire. The results are discussed along 10 major dimensions: the stigma of suicide; normality; the right to die; acceptability; cry, for help; mental illness; religion; antecedents; impulsivity; and incidence. Although some modal responses were obtained, the variability expressed has a number of implications for understanding and responding to suicide in Canada.
Gas generation from contact of radioactive waste and brine

Defense related activities have produced a legacy of waste that must now be addressed. Temporary storage of the waste presents a great risk to the environment from potential release of radioactive material. This has resulted in the need for a permanent waste repository. One aspect to verify that a permanent repository is feasible is to study the effects of radioactive waste when integrated into the disposal environment. Specific studies have been performed that study the gas generated from the direct contact of possible repository brine and radioactive waste. Four factors have been identified which influence the production of gases: radiolysis, microbial activity, corrosion, and evolved residual gas. The influence of these variables on the relative rates and total quantity of gases generated from waste contacted by brine are presented.
Psychosocial and sexual functioning in women with Turner syndrome

Survey data on the sexual and social functioning of 80 adult women with Turner syndrome are described, as well as data regarding health status and self-concept. Each woman completed the Tennessee Self-Concept Scale, sections of the Derogatis Sexual Functioning Inventory, and a questionnaire covering a wide range of demographic and medical information. The women with Turner syndrome reported lower self-concept compared to a normative sample. Sexual attitudes, gender role identity, and body image were assessed. The women with Turner syndrome tended to exhibit more conservative sexual attitudes and a more negative body image. In contrast to a normative sample, the women with Turner syndrome were less likely to have been sexually active. In addition, those currently involved in a stable relationship reported a lower frequency of sexual intercourse compared to a normative sample, although they generally reported moderate to high levels of sexual satisfaction. Regression analyses revealed that health status was associated with self-concept, and that sexual satisfaction was related to both a higher frequency of intercourse and a higher self-reported health status.
Believing in things

I argue against the standard view that ontological debates can be fully described as dis agreements about what we should believe to exist. The central thesis of the paper is that believing in Fs in the ontologically relevant sense requires more than merely believing that Fs exist. Believing in Fs is not even a propositional attitude; it is rather an attitude one bears to the term expressed by *Fs*. The representational correctness of such a belief requires not only that there be Fs, but also that the term expressed by 'Fs' should not misrepresent them. In certain cases we might believe that there are Fs without believing our conception of Fs applies to them. This may well be the situation we are in with regard to abstract entities of various sorts.
Multiple Spatially Overlapping Sets Can Be Enumerated in Parallel

A system for nonverbally representing the approximate number of items in visual and auditory arrays has been documented in multiple species, including humans. Although many aspects of this approximate number system are well characterized, fundamental questions remain unanswered: How does attention select which items in a scene to enumerate, and how many enumerations can be computed simultaneously? Here we show that when presented an array containing different numbers of spatially overlapping dots of many colors, human adults can select and enumerate items on the basis of shared color and can enumerate approximately three color subsets from a single glance. This three-set limit converges with previously observed three-item limits of parallel attention and visual short-term memory. This suggests that participants can select a subset of items from a complex array as a single individual set, which then serves as the input to the approximate number system.
Reversible condensation of mast cell secretory products in vitro.

We have investigated the mechanisms responsible for the condensation and decondensation of secretory products that occur in mast cell secretion. We show here that the hydrated matrix of an exocytosed secretory granule can be recondensed to its original volume by exposure to acidic solutions containing histamine at concentrations that mimic those found in vivo. Recondensation by acidic histamine began in the range of 1–10 mM with a dose response curve that was accurately predicted by a Hill type equation with four highly cooperative binding sites and a half maximum concentration of [Hi++] = 3.9 mM. Recondensation by histamine showed a sigmoidal dependency on pH (critical range pH 5.5–6.5) and was fully reversible. These experiments suggest that histamine, possibly by binding to anionic sites in the protein-heparin complex of the granule matrix, triggers a change in the polymeric structures of the granule matrix from an extended coil to a collapsed globular state. This may be a useful model for understanding the condensation of secretory products into dense core granules and their subsequent decondensation upon exocytosis.
Effects of John Henryism and anger-coping on mean arterial pressure changes in African American women

John Henryism (JH) is an active style of coping characterized by a belief that environmental events can be negotiated successfully via hard work and determination. Prior research suggests that high JH coupled with low socioeconomic status, an indirect measure of coping resources, predicts blood pressure status. This study examined the relation among JH, anger-coping, and mean arterial pressure changes in a sample of 39 African American female college volunteers. Mean arterial pressure was assessed before and during astandardized speaking task. Findings from the regression analyses indicated that JH was positively related to mean arterial responses during the speech period (p < .003). This main effect was qualified by a significant JH x anger-out interaction (p < .004). Although preliminary, these findings highlight the importance of examining psychological and physiological mechanisms that may underlie the previously observed relation among coping resources, JH, and arterial pressure.
Beta-1 integrins mediate substrate dependent effects of 1α,25(OH)2D3 on osteoblasts

Abstract Surface micron-scale and submicron scale features increase osteoblast differentiation and enhance responses of osteoblasts to 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D 3 [1α,25(OH) 2 D 3 ]. β 1 integrin expression is increased in osteoblasts grown on Ti substrates with rough microarchitecture, and it is regulated by 1α,25(OH) 2 D 3 in a surface-dependent manner. To determine if β 1 has a role in mediating osteoblast response, we silenced β 1 expression in MG63 human osteoblast-like cells using small interfering RNA (siRNA). In addition, MG63 cells were treated with two different monoclonal antibodies to human β 1 to block ligand binding. β 1 -silenced MG63 cells grown on a tissue culture plastic had reduced alkaline phosphatase activity and levels of osteocalcin, transforming growth factor β 1 , prostaglandin E 2 , and osteoprotegerin in comparison with control cells. Moreover, β 1 -silencing inhibited the effects of surface roughness on these parameters and partially inhibited effects of 1α,25(OH) 2 D 3 . Anti β 1 antibodies decreased alkaline phosphatase but increase osteocalcin; effects of 1α,25(OH) 2 D 3 on cell number and alkaline phosphatase were reduced and effects on osteocalcin were increased. These findings indicate that β 1 plays a major and complex role in osteoblastic differentiation modulated by either surface microarchitecture or 1α,25(OH) 2 D 3 . The results also show that β 1 mediates, in part, the synergistic effects of surface roughness and 1α,25(OH) 2 D 3 .
The Brief Reasons for Living Inventory for Adolescents (BRFL-A)

This study modified and evaluated the psychometric properties of the Reasons for Living Inventory (RFL) in samples of adolescents. Internal consistency reliability, corrected item-total scale correlation, and exploratory factor analysis procedures were used with a mixed sample of 260 adolescents to identify 14 items for the brief version of the RFL (BRFL-A). Confirmatory factor analyses provided support for the five-factor oblique structure of the BRFL-A in a psychiatric inpatient sample with a range of suicidal behaviors. Reliabilities of the BRFL-A subscales were satisfactory. Four of the five subscales differentiated between suicidal and nonsuicidal adolescents. Significant correlations were found between three BRFL-A subscales and several suicide indices. Convergent-discriminant validity was examined by correlating the BRFL-A subscales with the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-Adolescents (MMPI-A) Content Scales. Limitations of the study are discussed.
System considerations for maskless lithography

Lithographic processes for printing device structures on integrated circuits (ICs) are the fundamental technology behind Moore's law. Next-generation techniques like maskless lithography or ML2 have the advantage that the long, tedious and expensive process of fabricating a unique mask for the manufactured chip is not necessary. However, there are some rather daunting prblems with establishing ML2 as a viable commercial technology. The data rate necessary for ML2 to be competitive in manufacturing is not feasible with technology in the near future. There is also doubt that the competing technologies for the writing mechanisms and corresponding photoresist (or analogous medium) will be able to accurately produce the desired patterns necessary to produce multi-layer semiconductor devices. In this work, we model the maskless printing system from a signal processing point of view, utilizing image processing algorithms and concepts to study the effects of various real-world constraints and their implications for a ML2 system. The ML2 elements are discrete devices, and it is doubtful that their motion can be controlled to the level where a one-for-one element to exposed pixel relationship is allowable. Some level of sub-element resolution can be achieved with gray scale levels, but with the highly integrated manufacturing practices required to achieve massive parallelism, the most effective elements will be simple on-ofrf switches that fire a fixed level of energy at the target medium. Consequently gray-scale level devidces are likely not an option. Another problem with highly integrated manufacturing methods is device uniformity. Consequently, we analyze the redundant scanning array concept (RSA) conceived by Berglund et al. which can defeat many of these problems. We determine some basic equations governing its application and we focus on applying the technique to an array of low-energy electron emitters. Using the results of Monte Carlo simulations on electron beam profiles, we determine an empirical "impulse response" for each emitter and thus determine how each emission manifests itself in the final printed lithographic pattern. We apply methods to determine the best printable image for a variety of RSA geometries, including different levels of redundancy and achieved printer element spacing. We use concepts of total printing error to help quantify the printing quality. Through simulation, we report the effects of dead or missing elements. We also present some error analysis to account for non-ideal array positioning. Ultimately, we believe that printing quality should be the grounds for determining the necessary data rates to support competitive manufacturing with ML2 devices.
Displaying to females may lower male foraging time and vigilance in a lekking bird

ABSTRACT Males of many species use courtship behavior to attract mates. However, by doing so males may face the associated costs of increased energetic expenditure, reduced foraging time, and elevated predation risk. We investigated the costs of display in lekking male Sharp-tailed Grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus). We used lek-wide scan sampling to study how males allocated time among courtship display (“dancing”), agonism, foraging, and inactivity in relation to female numbers both within and across days. We also addressed the limited attention hypothesis and estimated visual attentiveness by videotaping 13 males and scoring head turns during these different activities. We found that the proportion of males engaged in display increased significantly with female numbers both within and across days. Additionally, foraging decreased with increasing female numbers both within and across days. Our results also suggested that agonism increased on days of high female attendance after females had left the lek. ...
Current controversies regarding the role of asbestos exposure in the causation of malignant mesothelioma: the need for an evidence-based approach to develop medicolegal guidelines.

Asbestos is a group of fibrous silicate minerals that includes two mineralogic groups: amphiboles and serpentines. While the carcinogenic role of amphiboles (eg, crocidolite and amosite) is well established, medical "experts" that tend to strongly advocate their views currently argue in medicolegal cases multiple specific issues regarding the carcinogenicity of asbestos fibers. For example, it is controversial whether chrysotile causes malignant mesothelioma (MM); what are the specific carcinogenic thresholds for amphiboles and chrysotile; what occupations are truly at risk to develop MM as a result of asbestos exposure; what is the role of chrysotile in the development of peritoneal MM; how to assign causation in individuals exposed to multiple industrial products containing variable concentrations of various asbestos fibers; and, what criteria should be used to accept causation in household exposure cases and others. The causation criteria currently acceptable in U.S. courts are surprisingly flexible and subject to variable interpretation by medical "experts." At a time where thousands of individuals are claiming causation of MM by asbestos exposure, there is a need to develop more specific causation guidelines based on scientific evidence. Evidence-based medicine has been proposed as a new approach to the study, teaching, and the practice of medicine and has been used as a process of systematically reviewing the relevant studies in the literature to assess their scientific validity and development of guidelines. This article summarizes some of the current controversies regarding the role of asbestos exposure in the causation of MM and suggests the need for future evidence-based medicine-type studies to develop causation guidelines that could be used consistently during litigation.
Highlights from HST/NICMOS

The near-infrared camera and multi-object spectrometer (NICMOS) was installed in the Hubble Space Telescope in February 1997. After 22 months of operation the 110 kg supply of solid N2, which cooled the NICMOS-3 HgCdTe detectors, was exhausted. The cryostat warmed up leaving the instrument in an electromechanically functional, but scientifically non-viable, passive state. Following a three year suspension of observations, an active cooling system featuring a reverse Brayton cycle micro-turbine was installed and integrated with NICMOS during HST servicing mission 3B. As a result the NICMOS detectors and cold optics have successfully been re-cooled to operationally effective temperatures and the science program has begun. We review the operating characteristics of the NICMOS instrument, its new cooling system, and its performance both in absolute terms and in comparison to its previous on-orbit incarnation. We discuss the scope and nature of the astronomical investigations that have been and are again enabled with NICMOS. Additionally, we present some of the first scientific results from programs executed with the re-cooled NICMOS. 2004 Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of COSPAR.
Angles of repose that exceed modern angles

Angles of repose for naturally occurring materials are known to be a function of, among other geologic parameters, the acceleration of gravity and cohesion between particles. Thus, steeper angles may have been recorded in ancient sediments because Earth9s acceleration of gravity was less than now. Published data suggest that eolian and aqueous sediments have documented these changes. Previously, angles of repose steeper than modern angles were attributed to structural steepening and soft-sediment deformation. More detailed study is required to separate the contribution that each of many factors may have had in specific cases of ancient angles of deposition.
Substrate dependence of Purcell enhancement in ZnO-Ag multilayers

Ag films in Ag-MgO-ZnO thin film multilayers support surface-plasmon-polaritons whose evanescent fields can dramatically affect the ZnO exciton recombination rate. Ultraviolet femtosecond pump-probe spectroscopy and photoluminescence spectroscopy on these multilayers demonstrate that for MgO film thicknesses of 30 nm or less, the ZnO photoluminescence is enhanced, while the recombination rate is dramatically reduced for film thicknesses of 40-60 nm, resulting in quenched photoluminescence. A comparison of heterostructures grown on Si and Al2O3 confirms that this phenomenon is substrate independent, though Si substrates do allow for surface plasmon polariton outcoupling through Si waveguide modes. (© 2011 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Relation between erythropoietin plasma level and oxygen requirements.

SummaryThe level of erythropoietin has been measured in the plasma of starved or hypophysectomized rats with lowered oxygen requirement after stimulation by hypoxia, cobalt, or anemia. Also, polycythemic rats have been submitted to hypoxia or cobalt. A reduced erythropoietin response was observed in hypophysectomized and starved rats after stimulation by hypoxia. The diminished response was not so striking after stimulation by cobalt, probably because the concentration of the cobalt in the plasma was higher in these groups. Response to cobalt and hypoxia was also reduced in polycythemic rats.
Investigation of the lowest triplet state of the pyrochlorophyllide a—apomyoglobin complex by zero-field optically detected magnetic resonance spectroscopy

Abstract The zero-field fluorescence-detected triplet state magnetic resonance spectra have been obtained for the pyrochlorophyllide a—apomyoglobin complex at 2 K. The triplet state zero-field splittings and spin sublevel dynamics were detected on the resolved features of the structured low-temperature fluorescence. Structured fluorescence is not observed for pyrochlorophylide a in an organic matrix under identical conditions. These data are interpreted in terms of the local binding site of the pyrochlorophyllide a chromophore in the protein and the low-temperature conformation of the protein matrix.
Continuities and discontinuities: Future directions for research in educational psychology

The purpose of this article is to suggest future directions for research in educational psychology as we enter our second hundred years of psychology in America. The basic theme is that there are both continuities and discontinuities in our development from the early days of Hall, Thorndike, James, and Dewey to the current multiplicity of perspectives represented in educational psychology. Eight issues are presented that will guide future research directions. They include. (a) specifying basic constructs; (b) developing integrative models and linkages between constructs; (c) returning to the problems of acquisition, learning, and transfer; (d) applying models from the sciences and mathematics; (e) dealing with the discontinuity of contextual and cultural models; (0 including content and disciplinary perspectives; (g) adapting to diversity; and (h) developing multiple perspectives an the unit of analysis issue. The article concludes with a call for the allowance of multiple perspectives and multiple possib...
TIP, an integral membrane protein of the protein-storage vacuoles of the soybean cotyledon undergoes developmentally regulated membrane accumulation and removal

Protein storage vacuoles (PSVs) in soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) cotyledon cells are formed by subdivision of the central vacuole early in seed maturation. They persist until the fifth or sixth day after germination when the central vacuole re-forms. The major integral membrane protein of PSVs, called Tonoplast Integral Protein or TIP, is highly conserved in the seeds of higher plants (K.D. Johnson et al. 1989, Plant Physiol. 91, 1006-1013). The primary sequence of TIP indicates that it may be a pore protein, although of unknown function (K.D. Johnson et al. 1990, Plant Cell 2, 525-532). TIP is apparently seed-specific and is localized in the protein-storage-vacuole membrane of the storageparenchyma cells and the tonoplast of provascular cells. Using correlated immunoblot and electron microscopicimmunocytochemical assays, we have studied TIP accumulation during seed maturation and its disappearance during seed germination. We have determined that the accumulation of TIP in the protein-storage-vacuole membrane is not correlated with the presence or concentration of stored protein in the organelle. Accumulation of TIP occurs primarily after the division of the central vacuole into protein-storage vacuoles is complete and most of the stored protein has been deposited. Transport of TIP to the PSV membrane is apparently mediated by the Golgi apparatus. Quantitative SDS-PAGE (sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis)-immunoblots indicate that, after germination is initiated, TIP abundance is unchanged for the first 4d, but that between days 5 and 7 of growth its abundance decreases drastically. TIP is removed from the PSV membrane prior to the completion of storageprotein mobilization and concurrently with re-formation of the central vacuole. The mechanism of TIP removal appears to involve autophagic sequestering of membrane inside the PSV. The developmental regulation of TIP insertion and removal indicates a physiological function of TIP during late seed maturation or early seedling growth.
Activity-dependent activation of presynaptic protein kinase C mediates post-tetanic potentiation.

Activity-dependent activation of presynaptic protein kinase C mediates post-tetanic potentiation
An analytical solution for the capture zone of two arbitrarily located wells

Abstract A capture zone of pumping well(s) in an aquifer with regional groundwater flow has been widely used to help design a pump-and-treat system for groundwater containment and remediation. Based on the theorem of potential and the principle of superposition, an analytical solution is derived in this study to calculate the capture zone for two arbitrarily located wells that pump water from a confined aquifer at an equal flow rate. The general two-well capture zone is composed of two sub-capture zones, one for each well. The shapes of the two sub-capture zones and their relative locations change with variations of the orientation and the separation of the two wells. The solution can be useful in verifying available numerical codes, as well as in solving practical field problems.
Caspase‐8: a key role in the pathogenesis of diabetic embryopathy

Maternal diabetes causes neural tube defects in embryos, which are associated with increased apoptosis in the neuroepithelium. Many factors, including effector caspases, have been shown to be involved in the events. However, the key regulators have not been identified and the underlying mechanisms remain to be addressed. Caspase-8, an initiator caspase, has been shown to be altered in diabetic embryopathy, suggesting a role as an upstream apoptotic regulator. Using mouse embryos as a model system, this study demonstrates that caspase-8 is required for the production of hyperglycemia-associated embryonic malformations. Caspase-8 was shown to be expressed in the developing neural tube. Its activity, as evidenced by enhanced cleavage, was increased by hyperglycemia. These changes were associated with increased formation of the active cleavage of Bid. Inhibition of caspase-8 activity in high glucose-challenged embryos reduced the rate of embryonic malformation and this was associated with decreased apoptosis in the neuroepithelium of the neural tube. Inhibition of caspase-8 activity also reduced hyperglycemia-induced Bid activation and caspase-9 cleavage. These data suggest that caspase-8 may control diabetic embryopathy-associated apoptosis via regulation of the Bid-stimulated mitochondrion/caspase-9 pathway.
SU‐D‐BRA‐05: Prostatectomy Patient's Bladder and Rectum Inter‐Fraction Organ Motion and Deformation Can Be Described by a Gaussian Signed Distance Field

Purpose: The inter‐fraction organ motion/deformation can be conveniently modeled using Bayesian theory with Normal‐gamma conjugate prior if signed distance from any fixed point in space to surface of the organ of interest obeys normal distribution. In this study, we investigated whether the inter‐fraction motion/deformation of bladder and rectum observed from clinical prostatectomy patients satisfy this normality condition. Method and Materials: 285 treatment planningCT and daily CT‐on‐rails scans from 7 prostatectomy patients were used in this study. Both bladder and rectum were contoured on all scans. Each patient's daily CT‐on‐rails scans were registered to his treatment planningCT and the bladder/rectum contours were mapped into treatment planningCT space for analysis. A cubic box with orientations along treatment planningCTimage axes is defined to contain all bladders/rectums with 2cm margin. For each voxel inside this box (size: 2mm×2mm×1.5mm), its distance to the bladder/rectum surfaces was measured. Sign is added to the distance to indicate whether a point is inside or outside of an organ of interest. Now the inter‐fraction motion/deformation of bladder/rectum can be characterized by the distance variation from the voxels to the bladder/rectum surface. Jarque‐Bera normality statistical test was employed to examine whether the signed distances obey normal distribution. Results: For each patient, the signed distance to bladder or rectum from at least 99.99% of the voxels passed the Jarque‐Bera test with p‐value 0.05. Conclusions: For prostatectomy patients, their bladder or rectum inter‐fraction organ motion/deformation can be statistically described by a Gaussian signed distance field. This makes it possible to use Bayesian statistics model with Normal‐gamma conjugate prior to predict bladder or rectum daily location and shape during a prostatectomy patient fractionated radiotherapy.
Staffing the Classroom: How Urban Principals Find Teachers and Make Hiring Decisions.

Despite the importance of teachers and the fact that teacher hiring is decentralized in most school districts, we know relatively little about the process through which individual principals hire faculty for their schools. Using interviews with 31 Chicago principals, we explore how principals find job candidates, whether they collaborate with their faculty and administrative staff when hiring, and whether and how these principal behaviors vary systematically by school level and by whether schools are higher or lower achieving. We find that principals in higher achieving schools network more to find candidates, whereas principals in lower achieving schools rely more on hiring resources provided by the district and frequently hire their own substitute and student teachers. Implications for research and practice are discussed.
A phase I and pharmacodynamic study of sequential topotecan and etoposide in patients with relapsed or refractory acute myelogenous and lymphoblastic leukemia.

Abstract We designed a pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic phase I study of sequential topotecan (2.55–6.3 mg/m 2 ) by 72 h infusion followed by five daily doses of etoposide for patients with refractory acute leukemia based upon synergistic anti-tumor activity of topoisomerase I and II inhibitors in vitro. Eight of the 29 patients achieved bone marrow aplasia and two patients achieved clinical remission. Common grade 3–4 toxicities included hepatic and gastrointestinal dysfunction, and correlated with increased steady-state plasma topotecan concentration. The predicted up-regulation of topoisomerase II activity by topoisomerase I inhibition was not observed at this dose and schedule and may provide insight into the modest anti-leukemia activity of the regimen.
Ultrasonic Attenuation Based Inspection Method for Scale-up Production of A206–Al2O3 Metal Matrix Nanocomposites

A206–Al2O3 metal matrix nanocomposite (MMNC) is a promising high performance material with potential applications in various industries, such as automotive, aerospace, and defense. Al2O3 nanoparticles dispersed into molten Al using ultrasonic cavitation technique can enhance the nucleation of primary Al phase to reduce its grain size and modify the secondary intermetallic phases. To enable a scale-up production, an effective yet easy-to-implement quality inspection technique is needed to effectively evaluate the resultant microstructure of the MMNCs. At present the standard inspection technique is based on the microscopic images, which are costly and time-consuming to obtain. This paper investigates the relationship between the ultrasonic attenuation and the microstructures of pure A206 and Al2O3 reinforced MMNCs with/without ultrasonic dispersion. A hypothesis test based on an estimated attenuation variance was developed and it could accurately differentiate poor samples from good ones. This study provides useful guidelines to establish a new quality inspection technique for A206–Al2O3 nanocomposites using ultrasonic nondestructive testing method.
The natriuretic action of histamine

Abstract Infusion of histamine (0.25, 0.5 or 1.0 μg/kg·min) into the renal artery of anesthetized dogs produced a prompt, reversible, dose-related, ipsilateral natriuresis, diuresis, and elevation of renal blood flow. Changes in sodium excretion were found to correlate highly with changes in renal blood flow. While the clearance of para-aminohippuric acid increased in a dose-related manner during histamine infusion, inulin clearance was not significantly altered. Infusion of histamine during renal vasodilatation produced by infusion of mannitol resulted in no significant alterations of renal blood flow, clearances of inulin or para-aminohippuric acid, urine flow, or sodium excretion. When renal blood flow was held constant with an aortic clamp during histamine infusion, sodium excretion decreased significantly while inulin clearance remained unchanged. Pretreatment of animals with the antihistamic tripelennamine significantly reduced renal responses to histamine infusion. The data are consistent with the hypothesis that the natriuretic response to histamine is dependent upon homodynamic changes and not a direct blockade of sodium transport.
AN ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF COTTONSEED WHEY PROCESSING

The economics of processing the whey-type liquids from protein isolation from cottonseed flour to recover constituents of value and simultaneously remove a serious water pollution threat were investigated. Two processing systems were evaluated for use with wheys from two protein isolation procedures. System 1 consisted of ultrafiltration (UF) membrane processing followed by reverse osmosis membrane processing. System 2 consisted of UF processing followed by concentration of UF permeate by vacuum evaporation. Hypothetical whey plants evaluated were sized to process wheys from protein isolation plants producing 7,000,000 lb of storage protein isolate annually by either the Selective Precipitation Procedure (Process B) or the Two-Step Extraction Procedure (Process C). System 1 showed a slightly higher profitability than System 2. Process C whey processing proved to be more profitable than Process B whey processing. However, economically attractive annual rates of return on total capital invested before income taxes were obtained in each instance. These were 25.7% and 40.7% for System 1, Processes B and C, respectively.
Development of a passive dosimeter for hydrogen fluoride monitoring.

A reliable passive dosimeter has been developed for sampling of airborne hydrogen fluoride vapor. The device is small (7.7 cm×5.4 cm×1.9 cm) and can easily and conveniently be worn on one's lapel. It consists of polyethylene and polypropylene parts and an alkaline impregnated polypropylene collection element. It is completely self-contained requiring no pumps, impingers, or sampling tubes. Subsequent to sampling, the collection element is analyzed quickly and easily with a fluoride selective-ion electrode. Laboratory tests were conducted to determine precision, linearity, interference effects, influences of temperature and humidity, and collection element stability over time. Results of the tests indicate that the GasbadgeTM HF dosimeter is an excellent passive HF monitor for work spaces, and that results obtained with it are accurate within ±17.4% in the action range and ±10.3% overall. These results have been corroborated in a field study.
Silver complexes of a novel tripodal N-heterocyclic carbene ligand: Evidence for significant metal-carbene π-interaction

A novel N-heterocyclic tridentate polycarbene ligand has been synthesized and stabilized as its corresponding silver complex. An electronic structure investigation reveals significant pi-bonding interactions within the Ag-carbene unit of the [(TIMEMe)2Ag3]3+ cation. Thus, reaction of [1,1,1-tris(3-methylimidazolium-1-yl)methyl]ethane tribromide (1a; {[TIMEMe](Br)3}, prepd. via reaction of 1,1,1-tris(bromomethyl)ethane with N-methylimidazole) with NH4PF6 in MeOH gave [TIMEMe](PF6)3 (1b). Reaction of 1a and 1b with Ag2O in DMSO gave title compds., [(TIMEMe)2Ag3](Ag8Br14) (2a) and [(TIMEMe)2Ag3](PF6)3 (2b) resp. The crystal structures of 1a, 2a, and 2b were detd. and electronic structures via DFT calcns. were discussed. [on SciFinder (R)]
Malignant mixed Müllerian tumor of the endometrium in a young woman with polycystic ovaries.

A 19-year-old female with Stein-Leventhal syndrome and polycystic ovaries was found to have a malignant mixed Mullerian tumor (MMMT) of the uterus with superficial myometrial invasion. This patient is the youngest reported with MMMT of the endometrium. The association of endometrial malignancies and polycystic ovaries is reviewed. The tumor was found to have above normal levels of estradiol and progesterone receptors. A possible role of estrogen stimulation in the genesis of some MMMTs is suggested.
ApaTools: a software toolbox for approximate polynomial algebra

Approximate polynomial algebra becomes an emerging area of study in recent years with a broad spectrum of applications. In this paper, we present a software toolbox ApaTools for approximate polynomial algebra. This package includes Maple and Matlab functions implementing advanced numerical algorithms for practical applications, as well as basic utility routines that can be used as building blocks for developing other numerical and symbolic methods in computational algebra.
Binding of α-adrenergic receptors stimulates the anti-mycobacterial activity of murine peritoneal macrophages

Abstract The effects of adrenergic stimulation of the anti-mycobacterial activity of peritoneal macrophages was investigated. We found that epinephrine and norepinephrine stimulated macrophages to suppress the growth of Mycobacterium avium . Stimulation was mediated by binding to the α2 adrenergic receptor. The addition of the α2 agonist clonidine to cultures resulted in an inhibition of mycobacterial growth and the effect of epinephrine was blocked by the α-antagonist phentolamine. Treatment of the macrophages with propranolol, a β-antagonist, potentiated the effect of epinephrine. Epinephrine mediates its effect by stimulating the expression of macrophage activation genes.