cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Production of a fish taxocene in a Texas pond

Production rates of seven species of fishes were determined for one year in a 0.95 ha pond. Total annual production of all fishes in the pond was 209 g m−2y−1 (after the subtraction of 16.2 g m−2y−1 of negative production). Over 90% of the production occurred in the months of June through September, with young-of-the-year fishes contributing 84% of the total. When Y of Y fishes shifted to benthic diets in the spring, the small biomass of benthos available could not sustain the large biomas of fish. Severe competition for the available food then resulted in decreased production rates for the entire fish taxocene.
On a Max Type Recurrence Relation with Periodic Coefficients

We consider positive solutions of the following difference equation where A n , B n are positive and periodic with period 3. We prove that all solutions of the above equation are eventually periodic.
Role of transesophageal echocardiography guided cardioversion in patients with atrial fibrillation, previous left atrial thrombus and effective anticoagulation

Aims: The value of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) to prevent cardioversion-related thromboembolic events in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and left atrial (LA) thrombus is unclear. We compared the embolic risk associated with a strategy of follow-up TEE-guided direct-current cardioversion (DCCV) with that of blind DCCV in patients with AF, pre-existing LA thrombus and effective anticoagulation. Methods and results: We identified 67 subjects with TEE-documented LA appendage thrombi from a total of 520 consecutive patients with symptomatic non-rheumatic AF who were referred to us for elective DCCV. All patients received at least 4 weeks of effective warfarin therapy (target international normalized ratio, 2 to 3) before and after DCCV. At time of DCCV, 20 patients had TEE and 47 did not. There were no clinical and echocardiographic differences between the two groups. Thrombus resolution was documented in 18 (90%) patients. After a median follow-up of 4 weeks, two transient ischemic attacks were observed in patients who were blindly cardioverted and one in patients belonging to the TEE group. Sinus rhythm was documented at the time of each thromboembolic event. By multiple logistic regression analysis the TEE strategy was not associated with lower risk of thromboembolism as compared to blind DCCV (odds ratio 1.37; 95% confidence interval, 0.16% to 15.86%; p=0.20). Conclusion: In patients with AF, LA thrombus and effective anticoagulation, there is no difference in the risk of clinical thromboembolism between DCCV with or without follow-up TEE. Benefits of warfarin are related to thrombus resolution and prevention of new thrombus formation.
High yield expression of serine/threonine protein phosphatase type 5, and a fluorescent assay suitable for use in the detection of catalytic inhibitors.

Protein phosphatase type 5 (PP5) belongs to the PPP family of serine/threonine protein phosphatases and is expressed in most, if not all, human tissues. Although the physiological roles played by PP5 are not yet clear, PP5 is found in association with several proteins that influence intracellular signaling networks initiated by hormones (i.e., glucocorticoids) or cellular stress (i.e., hypoxia, oxidative stress). Recently, studies conducted with short interfering RNA and antisense oligonucleotides indicate that PP5 plays an important role in the regulation of stress-induced signaling cascades that influence both cell growth and the onset of apoptosis. Therefore, the identification of small molecule inhibitors of PP5 is desired for use in studies to further define the biological/pathological roles of PP5. Such inhibitors may also prove useful for development into novel antitumor agents. Here we describe methods to express and purify large amounts of biologically active PP5c, an inhibitor titration-based as...
An all atom computer simulation study of the liquid crystalline phase behaviour of alkenic fluoroterphenyls

We study the liquid crystalline phases formed by di-, tri- and tetrafluoroterphenyls using molecular dynamics simulations at the all atom level. We demonstrate the spontaneous assembly of the nematic, smectic A and smectic C phases upon cooling from the isotropic phase for difluoroterphenyls. We find that the trifluoroterphenyl system forms nematic and smectic C phases, and that the tetrafluoroterphenyl system forms only a nematic liquid crystal phase, in agreement with the experimental findings of Gasowska et al. (J. Mater. Chem., 2010, 20, 299; ref. 1). Our simulations are composed of 1500 molecules for a total of over 105 atomic sites, with timescales of 102 ns. Our results show that atomistic simulations are capable of capturing macroscopic changes in the phase behaviour of a series of compounds, even when only a small variation in molecular structure is made, in this case the substitution of one or two hydrogen atoms for fluorine atoms. This leads to the intriguing possibility of theoretically designing and screening molecules for targeted liquid crystalline phases and applications.
Articulation and student intentionality in professional development: A proactive model for teacher educators

Abstract The Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) professional development movement, community college students’ emerging intentionality, and the role of two‐ and four‐year higher education faculty intersect in a proactive model proposed by the author that advocates ECEC community college programs separate from the vocational tradition and establishes ECEC transfer degrees to four‐year programs. Degree structures must be built with flexibility, and encompass checkpoints and highly articulated options as student intentionality unfolds. The proactive model is constructed from Morgan's (1994) 21 st century model of professionalism and her conception of students’ emerging intentionality, combined with Brint and Karabel's (1989) models that attempt to explain why community colleges moved from conferring primarily transfer degrees to conferring primarily vocational degrees.
Behavioral supersensitivity to apomorphine following chronic narcotic treatment in the guinea pig.

Male albino guinea pigs were treated for 3 weeks with methadone, morphine, haloperidol, or saline. One week and 5 weeks following termination of treatment they were challenged with the directly acting dopaminergic agonist apomorphine. At the week 1 test the haloperidol and saline groups did not differ, but behavioral supersensitivity was apparent in significantly elevated mean stereotypy scores of the methadone and morphine groups relative to the saline group. The source of differences in mean scores was a higher peak score rather than increased duration of action. At the week 5 test the scores of the methadone group were even higher, the morphine group's scores were equivalent to the saline group's, and the haloperidol group's scores were significantly depressed. This study indicates that a 3-week treatment period with methadone or morphine is sufficient to induce dopaminergic supersensitivity and suggests that there may be different time courses for the retention or expression of supersensitivity following these narcotics.
Inner magnetospheric superthermal electron transport: Photoelectron and plasma sheet electron sources

Two time-dependent kinetic models of superthermal electron transport are combined to conduct global calculations of the nonthermal electron distribution function throughout the inner magnetosphere. It is shown that the energy range of validity for this combined model extends down to the superthermal-thermal intersection at a few eV, allowing for the calculation of the entire distribution function and thus an accurate heating rate to the thermal plasma. Because of the linearity of the formulas, the source terms are separated to calculate the distributions from the various populations, namely photoelectrons (PEs) and plasma sheet electrons (PSEs). These distributions are discussed in detail, examining the processes responsible for their formation in the various regions of the inner magnetosphere. It is shown that convection, corotation, and Coulomb collisions are the dominant processes in the formation of the PE distribution function, and that PSEs are dominated by the interplay between the drift terms. Of note is that the PEs propagate around the nightside in a narrow channel at the edge of the plasmasphere as Coulomb collisions reduce the fluxes inside of this and convection compresses the flux tubes inward. These distributions are then recombined to show the development of the total superthermal electron distribution function in the inner magnetosphere and their influence on the thermal plasma. PEs usually dominate the dayside heating, with integral energy fluxes to the ionosphere reaching 10(exp 10) eV/sq cm/s in the plasmasphere, while heating from the PSEs typically does not exceed 10(exp 8)eV/sq cm/s. On the nightside, the inner plasmasphere is usually unheated by superthermal electrons. A feature of these combined spectra is that the distribution often has upward slopes with energy, particularly at the crossover from PE to PSE dominance, indicating that instabilities are possible.
Collateral sprouting of somatostatin-immunoreactive axons after partial deafferentation of the central nucleus of the rat amygdala.

Abstract These experiments utilize a paradigm developed to study plastic responses of peptidergic neurons in a discrete brain area following deafferentation. The central nucleus of the amygdala (CNA) is richly innervated by somatostatin-immunoreactive (SS-I) terminal axons. In the course of preliminary light microscopic (LM) investigations by this laboratory, changes were observed in the density of presumed SS-I terminals in the rat CNA after lesioning the medial input. The LM finding of increased density of presumed SS-I terminals in the CNA at the 10-day post-lesion stage underscored the need for a quantitative electron microscopic (EM) study of the SS-I components, including an evaluation of synaptic events at different survival periods. At the 3-day post-lesion stage, EM examination showed degenerating axons in the lesioned CNA, many already engulfed by astrocytes. None of the degenerating profiles were SS-I, supporting the view that the lesion did not interrupt, to any significant extent, SS-I axons entering the nucleus. EM surveys of the 10-day post-lesion material demonstrated that degenerated profiles had almost completely disappeared. Numbers of SS-I axon terminals, particularly of smaller-sized profiles, were increased by 22% over control value. Synaptic frequency was decreased by 16% below control value. Numbers of SS-I terminals making synapses were increased 3.4% above control value. At the 30-day post-lesion stage, the total number of SS-I terminal axons had increased 86% over controls, whereas the synaptic frequency had decreased by about a third below controls. The absolute number of SS-I terminals engaging in synapses had increased by 24% over controls. The 90-day post-lesion CNA showed a further increase in the number of SS-I axon profiles: 136% over control value. The synapse-to-axon ratio (synaptic frequency) of 27% was similar to that observed for the CNA from the unlesioned side or from unoperated animals. At this stage the number of SS-I synapses had increased by 135% over controls. This model presents many possibilities for studying neuroplasticity, particularly involving peptidergic neurons of the central autonomic nervous system.
An investigation of fracture initiation and resistance-curve behavior in concrete

This paper examines the effects of mix strength on the fracture initiation and resistance-curve behavior of concrete. The fracture initiation toughness and the resistance-curve behavior are shown to increase with increasing mix strength. However, the extent of stable crack growth is shown to decrease with increasing mix strength. The measured resistance-curve behavior is associated with the beneficial effects of crack-tip shielding due to ligament bridging mechanisms. The observed small- and large-scale bridging phenomena are then modeled using fracture mechanics models. The studies show that the measured resistance-curve behavior is predicted largely by considering the beneficial effects of ligament bridging. Finally, the implications of the results are then discussed for the design of durable concrete structures.
Correction of saddlebag deformity of the lower eyelids by superficial suction lipectomy

A simple, quick, and safe method for the correction of eyelid saddlebag deformity is presented. Past techniques involved intricate muscle transposition flaps and extensive dissection. Anatomic dissection clearly demonstrates that the saddlebag deformity is caused by an excess of subcutaneous fat in a well-defined space similar to the fat pads of the upper and lower eyelids. This newly described fat pad lies over the preorbital fibers of the orbicularis oculi muscle and at times extends into the malar area. The technique of superficial suction lipectomy for the removal of eyelid saddlebag deformity is simple and done with local anesthesia on an outpatient basis. Results in multiple patients with follow-up ranging from 1 to 7 years are presented.
Inferring Probabilities From Symmetries

Soulevant le probleme du calcul des probabilites concernant l'utilisation d'un dodecaedre comme de, l'A. se propose d'expliquer et de justifier l'application de la regle d'inference des symetries physiques au cas des probabilites physiques, en developpant la notion d'induction statistique non-enumerative. Examinant le principe d'indifference (ou principe de raison non-suffisante) comme regle d'inference des symetries epistemiques, ainsi que les differentes formulations de l'inference des symetries physiques, l'A. definit sa propre conception de l'induction statistique non-enumerative dans le domaine du mecanisme aleatoire
Ca2+ and receptor-associated protein are independently required for proper folding and disulfide bond formation of the low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein

The low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP) is a cysteine-rich, multifunctional receptor that binds and endocytoses a diverse array of ligands. Recent studies have shown that a 39-kDa receptor-associated protein (RAP) facilitates the proper folding and subsequent trafficking of LRP within the early secretory pathway. In the current study, we have examined the potential role of Ca2+ and its relationship to RAP during LRP folding. We found that depletion of Ca2+ following either ionomycin or thapsigargin treatment significantly disrupts the folding process of LRP. The misfolded LRP molecules migrate as high molecular weight aggregates under nonreducing SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, suggesting the formation of intermolecular disulfide bonds. This misfolding is reversible because misfolded LRP can be re-folded into functional receptor molecules upon Ca2+ restoration. Using an LRP minireceptor representing the fourth ligand binding domain of LRP, we also observed significant variation in the conformation of monomeric receptor upon Ca2+ depletion. The role of Ca2+ in LRP folding is independent from that of RAP because RAP remains bound to LRP and its minireceptor following Ca2+ depletion. Furthermore, Ca2+ depletion-induced LRP misfolding occurs in RAP-deficient cells. Taken together, these results clearly demonstrate that Ca2+ and RAP independently participate in LRP folding.
Minimally invasive surgical treatment of valvular heart disease

Cardiac surgery is in the midst of a practice revolution. Traditionally, surgery for valvular heart disease consisted of valve replacement via conventional sternotomy using cardiopulmonary bypass. However, over the past 20 years, the increasing popularity of less-invasive procedures, accompanied by advancements in imaging, surgical instrumentation, and robotic technology, has motivated and enabled surgeons to develop and perform complex cardiac surgical procedures through small incisions, often eliminating the need for sternotomy or cardiopulmonary bypass. In addition to the benefits of improved cosmesis, minimally invasive mitral valve surgery was pioneered with the intent of reducing morbidity, postoperative pain, blood loss, hospital length of stay, and time to return to normal activity. This article reviews the current state-of-the-art of minimally invasive approaches to the surgical treatment of valvular heart disease.
Renal biopsy findings predicting outcome in scleroderma renal crisis

Scleroderma renal crisis is irreversible in some patients despite aggressive treatment. This study was designed to identify pathologic prognostic features in scleroderma renal crisis. We retrospectively reviewed the pathology and the clinical records of 17 patients who underwent kidney biopsies during scleroderma renal crisis (group A, recovered renal function [n = 7]; group B, remained in renal failure or died [n = 10]). Multiple histologic features were assessed semiquantitatively (0-3) or as percentages. C4d staining of peritubular capillaries and small vessels was assessed semiquantitatively (0-3) in patients with scleroderma (n = 11), normotensive (n = 10), and hypertensive (n = 12) nonscleroderma native kidney controls. The percentage of thrombosed vessels (25.1 +/- 21.0 versus 5.6 +/- 12.3, P = .045) and the severity of glomerular ischemic collapse (2.9 +/- 0.3 versus 1.4 +/- 0.8, P = .001) were significantly higher in group B than in group A. Also, group B patients tended to have more severe acute tubular injury and vascular fibrinoid changes. The peritubular capillary C4d score in patients with scleroderma, normotensive controls, and hypertensive controls were 1.1 +/- 0.9, 0.3 +/- 0.7, and 0.3 +/- 0.5, respectively (P = .018, scleroderma versus other controls). Small vessel C4d score was higher in scleroderma compared to normotensive but not hypertensive controls. Within scleroderma samples, a significantly higher peritubular capillary C4d score (1.6 +/- 0.7 versus 0.3 +/- 0.5, P = .024) but not small vessel score was found in group B compared to group A. This tended to be associated with peritubular capillary leukocyte margination. Vascular thrombosis, severe glomerular ischemic collapse, and peritubular capillary C4d deposits in scleroderma renal crisis kidney biopsies correlated with increased risk of failure to recover renal function.
The association between alcohol use and intimate partner violence: Linear effect, threshold effect, or both?

The present study examined whether the association between alcohol and male-to-female intimate partner violence (IPV) is most meaningfully described as a linear relationship, a threshold effect, or both. Men in two nationally representative samples, the National Family Violence Survey (NFVS) and the National Survey of Families and Households (NSFH), were divided into similar drinking groups based on quantity and frequency of alcohol consumption. Analyses of the association between IPV and drinking category revealed that although linear associations between drinking classification and IPV were significant in both samples, the associated effect sizes were very small. Further, only heavy drinkers and binge drinkers were major contributors to the significant chi-squares. Overall, the results revealed both linear and threshold effects, and suggest that distinctions among drinking patterns may be more important than incremental increases in quantity or frequency in conceptualizing alcohol as a risk factor for IPV.
Suggestions as to future research in ground‐water hydrology

Determination of the ground-water supply available from any aquifer or in any specified area requires not merely the application of specific quantitative methods but also a broad and accurate knowledge of the geologic, hydrologlc, and geochemical factors that are involved, and consideration of the economic and legal limitations. Further research is needed as to geologic texture and structure in relation to the occurrence and movement of the water; the precise nature of specific yield, which determines the effective storage capacities of the aquifers; the molecular physics involved in the downward and upward movement of water in the zone of aeration, and quantitative evaluation of ground-water recharge and discharge; the hydraulics of ground water, as studied by pumping test methods, with special reference to boundary conditions; studies of perennial yield of aquifers of low permeability; the genesis of the mineral contents of ground water as determined through appropriate geologic, hydrologlc, and chemical studies; and methods of geophysical exploration and well logging for determining the occurrence of ground water. Serious study is also needed as to practicable methods of implementing the recently developed principles and methods of ground-water hydrology in the production of water supplies and the economic and legal problems involved.
Attractiveness of Synthetic Corn Volatiles to Feral Northern and Western Corn Rootworm Beetles (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

Synthetic corn volatiles and selected analogues were tested in corn fields for attractiveness to feral adults of northern corn rootworm, Diabrotica barberi Smith & Lawrence, and western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte. Attractiveness of test compounds was compared with that of reference standards, geranylacetone and (+)-alpha-terpineol for northern and western corn rootworm, respectively, and with two structural isomers of the reference standards, nerylacetone and (+)-alpha-terpinen-4-ol, which were the only test compounds not reported from corn. Compounds attracting to northern corn rootworms included nerylacetone, linalool, and geranyl acetate, although the best captures were only approximately 20% of those on traps baited with the geranylacetone reference standard. Linalool proved to be an effective western corn rootworm attractant that captured as many females as the (+)-alpha-terpineol reference standard. Methyl salicylate also showed moderate attractiveness to western corn rootworm females. Marginal captures (but statistically higher than control) of western corn rootworm females occurred on traps baited with nerylacetone, geranyl acetate, geraniol, and (-)-alpha-pinene. Linalool was the only new compound to attract western corn rootworm males, but the highest capture was only about twice that of control. Compounds that failed to attract either species or sex in numbers significantly exceeding control were (+)-alpha-terpinen-4-ol, (+)-alpha-pinene, carvacrol, thymol, and 1-octen-3-ol. Kairomonal attractants so far identified for corn rootworm adults generally are widely distributed in nature and thus unlikely to account for specificity of host-finding responses except as components of unique odorant blends.
Highest Impact Articles in Microsurgery: A Citation Analysis.

Background Microsurgery has developed significantly since the inception of the first surgical microscope. There have been few attempts to describe “classic” microsurgery articles. In this study citation analysis was done to identify the most highly cited clinical and basic science articles published in five peer-reviewed plastic surgery journals. Methods Thomson/Reuters web of knowledge was used to identify the most highly cited microsurgery articles from five journals: Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Annals of Plastic Surgery, Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery, Journal of Reconstructive Microsurgery, and Microsurgery . Articles were identified and sorted based on the number of citations and citations per year. Results The 50 most cited clinical and basic science articles were identified. For clinical articles, number of total citations ranged from 120 to 691 (mean, 212.38) and citations per year ranged from 30.92 to 3.05 (mean, 9.33). The most common defect site was the head and neck ( n = 15, 30%), and flaps were perforator and muscle/musculocutaneous flaps ( n = 10 each, 20%, respectively). For basic science articles, number of citations ranged from 71 to 332 (mean, 130.82) and citations per year ranged from 2.20 to 11.07 (mean, 5.27). There were 27 animal, 21 cadaveric, and 2 combined studies. Conclusions The most highly cited microsurgery articles are a direct reflection of the educational and clinical trends. Awareness of the most frequently cited articles may serve as a basis for core knowledge in the education of plastic surgery trainees. Level of Evidence III.
Neuropsychological Abilities of Preschool-Aged Children Who Display Hyperactivity and/or Oppositional-Defiant Behavior Problems

This study focused on gaining a better understanding of the neuropsychological abilities of preschool-aged children who show elevated levels of hyperactivity and oppositional-defiance. It examined the performance of children aged 48 to 67 months on tests of attention/executive function, language, memory, and sensorimotor abilities, as measured by the NEPSY and Conners' K-CPT. Two hundred thirty-seven children were divided into four subgroups based on mothers' report of behavior using rating scales and a diagnostic interview: hyperactive only (HYP), oppositional-defiant only (OD), hyperactive and oppositional-defiant (HYP/OD), and nonproblem. Children in the HYP/OD group scored significantly worse than nonproblem children on four of nine subtests on the NEPSY, including one test of executive function, one test of language comprehension, and both tests of short-term verbal memory. However, only the test of executive function (Statue) showed significant predictive power, and, while specificity of this subtes...
Student Loans and Repayment Rates: The Role of For-profit Colleges

This paper examines the institutional determinants of federal loan status for a recent cohort of college students. We first set out how institutions influence loan accumulations and repayment rates, with particular focus on for-profit colleges. We then test a set of hypotheses about loan status and repayment using national data on loans, defaults, and repayments merged with college-level data. For all measures of loan status there are significant raw gaps between for-profit colleges and public and not-for-profit colleges. After controlling for student characteristics, measures of college quality, and college practices, large gaps in loan balance per student remain: students in for-profit colleges, especially the 2-year colleges, borrow approximately four times as much as they would have at a 2-year public college. For a student attending the ‘average’ college, their repayment rate is predicted to be 5 [9] percentage points lower if that college is for-profit compared to public [non-profit]. Repayment rates are also lower for colleges with higher proportions of minority students and with lower graduation rates; contrary to some claims, single-program institutions appear to have higher repayment rates.
Performance correlates of social behavior and organization: Social rank and reversal learning in crab-eating macaques ( M. fascicularis )

Seventeen male crab-eating macaques drawn from two captive troops, were tested on a brightness discrimination, reversal learning task. Fourteen of these animals completed ten reversals. It was found that the performance of the three highest ranking animals from each troop, taken together, was poorer than that of the lower ranking animals that were tested. The high ranking animals made more errors before reaching criterion on both initial learning and the reversal problems. Analysis of error patterns revealed that, while the high ranking animals had no more difficulty than the others in withholding their responses to the previously correct stimulus following reversals, they did not adopt the correct strategy as soon as the low ranking animals. The results have been interpreted in terms of a carry-over of a hypothetical factor or factors resulting from pressures created by the ongoing social dynamics involved in establishing and maintaining a given social rank at the time laboratory testing occurred.
Electronic journals, the Internet, and scholarly communication

L'A. examine le role des journaux electroniques et de l'internet dans la communication scientifique, en faisant ressortir les contributions de la litterature empirique et comportementale en recherche sociale et socio-technique. L'etude des comportements des auteurs, des lecteurs et autres avec les periodiques electroniques est precedee d'une typologie : periodiques purement electroniques, periodiques initialement electroniques avec egalement diffusion sur papier, periodiques initialement imprimes avec egalement diffusion electronique, periodiques diffuses des le depart parallelement sous forme papier et electronique. Deux modeles conceptuels dominent la litterature sur l'edition scientifique electronique : le modele dit standard et le modele de reseau socio-technique. Les avantages relatifs des periodiques electroniques - vitesse de publication, cout de production, prix, possibilites de recherche et d'acces, citations, interactivite - ne doivent pas masquer les problemes lies a l'archivage et au plagiat. L'evaluation de la legitime des periodiques electroniques peut se faire en examinant differents aspects : utilite des periodiques, analyse de citations, impact des publications electroniques au niveau de la carriere, processus d'evaluation interpair.
First photoelectron timing error evaluation of a new scintillation detector model

A general timing system model for a scintillation detector developed by Hero et al. (1990) was experimentally evaluated. The detector consists of a scintillator and a photodetector such as a photomultiplier tube (PMT) or an avalanche photodiode. The model uses a Poisson point process to characterize the light output from the scintillator. This timing model was used to simulate a bismuth germanate (BGO) scintillator with a Burle 8575 PMT using first photoelectron timing detection. Evaluation of the model consisted of comparing the root-mean-square error from the simulations with the error from the actual detector system. It is found that the general model compares well with the actual error results for the BGO/8575 PMT detector. >
Substrate and Temperature Dependent Morphology of rf-Sputtered Indium Nitride Films

The morphology of rf-sputtered films of the wide bandgap semiconductor InN on a variety of substrates over a range of temperatures have been studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). For films deposited on fused quartz and the (111) face of silicon, there is a transition from an off-normal inclination to a fully textured (0001) film with increasing substrate temperature. In contrast, films deposited on the (0001) face of sapphire are textured or heteroepitaxial depending on the substrate temperature. For the heteroepitaxial domains, the rotation of the reciprocal lattice of InN by 30° to that of the sapphire substrate was established by X-ray precession photography. Finally, STM has proven to be a practicable method for non-destructively determining the substrate and temperature dependence of the grain size and surface roughness of these textured and heteroepitaxial films.
Optical coherence tomography: technology and applications

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is an emerging biomedical imaging modality which can generate high resolution, cross-sectional images of microstructure in biological systems. OCT is analogous to ultrasound B mode imaging, except that it uses light instead of sound. Because the velocity of light is extremely high, direct electronic detection is not possible and imaging is performed using low coherence interferometry. Echoes of light from the specimen or tissue are correlated or interfered with light that travels a known reference path length. OCT images are generated by measuring the echo time delay of optical backscattering in the tissue as a function of transverse position and the data can be displayed as a false color or grey scale image. The axial resolution is determined by the coherence length of the light source. Imaging resolutions of 1 to 15 /spl mu/m can be achieved.
Testing fit with nuisance location and scale parameters

For each n, X1(n),…, Xn(n) are independent and identically distributed random variables, each with cumulative distribution function F(x) which is known to be absolutely continuous but is otherwise unknown. The problem is to test the hypothesis that , where the cumulative distribution function Gx is completely specified and satisfies certain regularity conditions, and the parameters θ1, θ2 are unknown and unspecified, except that the scale parameter θ2, is positive. Y1 (n) ≦ Y2 (n) ≦ … ≦ Yn (n)are the ordered values of X1(n),…, Xn(n). A test based on a certain subset of {Yi(n)} is proposed, is shown to have asymptotically a normal distribution when the hypothesis is true, and is shown to be consistent against all alternatives satisfying a mild regularity condition.
Skin photosensitivity: duration and intensity following intravenous hematoporphyrin derivates, HpD and DHE.

In this pilot study, the duration and degree of skin photosensitivity after intravenous injection of HpD or DHE was tested sequentially once a week, using a solar simulator delivering 19.5 ± 1.5 J cm−2 to an area of skin 1.4 cm diameter. The longest duration of skin photosensitivity was 7 weeks amongst the 12 patients studied. In 180 other patients, the incidence of sunburn following PDT was less than 10% over a period of 7 y. Sunburn was always minimal (mild redness and swelling–no blisters), and required no systemic therapy or hospitalization. The reaction subsided within 2-3 days. The low incidence was attributed to good verbal and written instructions in methods of prevention delivered to not only patients, but spouse, family members and friends by the investigator.
Comparative effects of furnished and battery cages on egg production and physiological parameters in White Leghorn hens

Laboratory animal well-being can be improved by housing the animals in species-specific natural or near-to-natural environments. An enriched environment may have a similar effect on chickens. The purpose of this study was to examine if housing environment (furnished cages vs. battery cages) effects the well-being of laying hens. One hundred ninety-two 1-d-old non-beak-trimmed White Leghorn W-36 chicks were reared and randomly assigned into battery cages or furnished cages at 19 wk of age. The furnished cages had wire floors and solid metal walls, with perches, a dustbathing area, scratch pads, and a nestbox area with concealment curtain. Ten hens were housed per cage, providing a stocking density of 610 cm2 of floor space per hen. The battery cages were commercial wire cages containing 6 birds per cage, providing 645 cm2 of floor space per hen. Body weight and egg production were calculated from 25 to 60 wk of age. The peripheral concentrations of dopamine, epinephrine, norepinephrine, serotonin, corticosterone, and IgG were analyzed at 30, 40, 50, and 60 wk of age. Compared with the hens housed in the battery cages, the hens housed in the furnished cages were significantly heavier from 30 to 60 wk of age (P 0.05). The concentrations of serotonin were reduced, whereas corticosterone was increased from 50 to 60 wk of age in the hens housed in the battery cages (P<0.05) but not in those housed in the furnished cages, which may indicate that the hens housed in the battery cages were stressed. Although further studies remain to be completed, the present results suggest that furnished cages may be a favorable alternative for housing laying hens.
Weight Selection in Feedback Design With Degree Constraints

We present an approach for feedback design which is based on recent developments in analytic interpolation with a degree constraint. Performance is cast as an interpolation problem with bounded analytic functions. Minimizers of a certain weighted-entropy functional provide interpolants having degree less than the number of constraints. The choice of weight parameterizes all such bounded degree solutions. However, the relationship between the weights and the shape of corresponding transfer functions is not direct. Thus, in this paper we develop a formalism that guides weight selection.
Dopamine D3 receptor-preferring agonists increase dendrite arborization of mesencephalic dopaminergic neurons via extracellular signal-regulated kinase phosphorylation

Clinical improvements in Parkinson's disease produced by dopamine D3 receptor-preferring agonists have been related to their neuroprotective actions and, more recently, to their neuroregenerative properties. However, it is unclear whether dopamine agonists produce their neurotrophic effects by acting directly on receptors expressed by the mesencephalic dopaminergic neurons or indirectly on receptors expressed by astrocytes, via release of neurotrophic factors. In this study, we investigated the effects of the dopamine D3 receptor-preferring agonists quinpirole and 7-hydroxy-N,N-di-propyl-2-aminotetralin (7-OH-DPAT), as well as of the indirect agonist amphetamine, on dopaminergic neurons identified by tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity (TH-IR). Experiments were performed on neuronal-enriched primary cultures containing less than 0.5% of astrocytes prepared from the mouse embryo mesencephalon. After 3 days of incubation, both quinpirole (1-10 microm) and 7-OH-DPAT (5-500 nm) dose-dependently increased the maximal dendrite length (P < 0.001), number of primary dendrites (P < 0.01) and [3H]dopamine uptake (P < 0.01) of TH-IR-positive mesencephalic neurons. Similar effects were observed with 10 microm amphetamine. All neurotrophic effects were blocked by the unselective D2/D3 receptor antagonist sulpiride (5 microm) and by the selective D3 receptor antagonist SB-277011-A at a low dose (50 nm). Quinpirole and 7-OH-DPAT also increased the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) within minutes, an effect blocked by pretreatment with SB-277011-A. Inhibition of the D2/D3 receptor signalling pathway to ERK was obtained with PD98059, GF109203 or LY294002, resulting in blockade of neurotrophic effects. These data suggest that dopamine agonists increase dendritic arborizations of mesencephalic dopaminergic neurons via a direct effect on D2/D3 receptors, preferentially involving D3 receptor-dependent neurotransmission.
Elu(ci)d(at)ing Epistemological Impasses: Re-Viewing the Qualitative/Quantitative Debates in Psychology

For more than two decades, psychology has witnessed repeated, largely unheeded calls for the integration of qualitative and quantitative methods in research. This article examines some of the reasons behind the difficulties with — and resistance to — integrating these approaches, focusing on psychological, social, and political factors that are glossed over in most discussions of what has come to be known in certain quarters as the QQD: the qualitative/quantitative debates. In an effort to bring some new voices to the table, we interviewed 20 doctoral students enrolled in a social-personality psychology program at the City University of New York (CUNY) about how they think about and choose research methods in their own work, and how the qualitative/quantitative divide plays out in their lives as researchers. The students varied considerably in their backgrounds, their tenure in the program, the topics they study, and the research methods they employ. Regardless of these differences, all respondents had much to say that went beyond what is usually discussed in the QQD. They raised such issues as the relationship between epistemology and methodology, attitudes about qualitative and quantitative methods, prospects for integrating the two approaches, and the impact of methodological choices on scholarly careers. In our preliminary analysis of the interviews, we read for common themes across respondents, but also looked within each interview for unique perspectives. Respondents spoke about the place of science in psychology, their social identity as researchers, and power dynamics within the profession that are rarely discussed in the vast and cacophonic literature that constitutes the QQD. These exploratory interviews reveal the need for lifting up psychological, social, and political forces to the light of empirical investigation. Taken together, these interviews further suggest that beyond individual struggles, the methodological choices with which people grapple are community struggles, with important implications for graduate training and the socialization of psychologists, as well as the long-standing debates on what counts as knowledge in psychology.
Dispersion quality of magnetic tapes prepared from a waterborne formulation

Magnetic tape samples, containing cobalt-modified /spl gamma/-Fe/sub 2/O/sub 3/ pigments, were prepared from a waterborne coating formulation in pilot coating trial. The quality of the pigment orientation and dispersion were characterized using magnetic hysteresis loops and remanence curves. The interparticle interaction field parameter, /spl alpha/, was determined by integrating the /spl delta/M plot. In general samples having good particle dispersion, as measured by /spl alpha/, also had good particle orientation, as measured by the squareness. However, a number of samples having the same value of squareness had different values of /spl alpha/. The results suggest that a measurement of squareness alone was not an adequate measure of dispersion, but must be supported by remanence measurements. Values of /spl alpha/ (-0.369 to -0.261) for the waterborne dispersions approached those of a commercial VHS tape (/spl alpha/=-0.286). >
Verifiable Privacy-Preserving Sensor Network Storage for Range Query

We consider a hybrid two-tiered sensor network consisting of regular sensors and special sensors with large storage capacity, called storage nodes. In this structure, regular sensors "push” their raw data to nearby storage nodes and the sink diffuses queries only to storage nodes and "pull” the reply from them. We investigate security and privacy threats when the sensor network is deployed in an untrusted or hostile environment. The major concern is that storage nodes might easily become the target for the adversary to compromise due to their important role. A compromised storage node may leak the data stored there to the adversary breaching the data privacy. Also, it may send wrong information as the reply to a query breaking the data integrity. This paper focuses on range query, a fundamental operation in a sensor network. The solution framework includes a privacy-preserving storage scheme which utilizes a bucketing technique to mix the data in a certain range, and a verifiable query protocol which employs encoding numbers to enable the sink to validate the reply. We further study the performance of event detection, an application implemented by range query. Our simulation results illustrate that our schemes are efficient for communication and effective for privacy and security protection.
Iron deficiency and iron-deficiency anemia in the first two years of life: strategies to prevent loss of developmental potential

This article examines the association of iron deficiency (ID) and iron deficiency anemia (IDA) with children's development and behavior, with the goal of providing recommendations to prevent the developmental loss associated with these conditions. Children's risk for ID and IDA is particularly high during the second 6 months of life when prenatal stores are depleted. Longitudinal studies from infancy through adolescence and early adulthood suggest that socioemotional development is uniquely vulnerable to ID and IDA, perhaps being associated with shared neural pathways, and the effects of early iron deficiencies may be irreversible. In addition to direct effects on brain function, ID and IDA may also affect child development indirectly through non-responsive mother-child interactions. Maternal ID is a global problem that may contribute to high rates of maternal depression and non-responsive caregiving. Intervention trials illustrate that children benefit from both nutritional intervention and early learning interventions that promote responsive mother-child interactions. Recommendations to reduce the developmental loss associated with ID and IDA are to reduce the incidence of these conditions by efforts to prevent premature birth, delay cord clamping, ensure adequate maternal iron status, provide iron-rich complementary foods, and ensure access to postnatal interventions that promote responsive mother-infant interaction patterns and early learning opportunities for infants.
The Bi-Polar Prepubescent Adolescent: A Literature Review and Clinical Case Study of an Eleven-Year-Old Black Female

This paper describes the difficulty of diagnosing Bipolar Disorder in the prepubescent adolescent through a review of the literature on the subject and an actual clinical case study. An eleven-year-old premenarche "'unofficial adoptee" was seen by the author first in a psychiatric emergency room and then an in-patient children's unit of a major urban psychiatric facility in 1985. The progress of her diagnosis from an adjustment disorder, conduct disorder, and oppositional disorder to a personality disorder and finally Bi-polar Disorder is discussed in terms of differential diagnosis and the need for certain family, social, cultural, psychological, and biological information. The unique behavioral presentation of adolescent bipolars, in comparison to adults with this disorder, is also presented by example and corroborated by reports in the literature. The difference in cycling patterns and the more common occurrence of mixed features in young bi-polars is another point stressed by this paper. Finally, the ...
Adaptive thresholding for proactive network problem detection

The detection of network fault scenarios has been achieved using the statistical information contained in the Management Information Base (MIB) variables. An appropriate subset of MIB variables was chosen in order to adequately describe the function of the node. The time series data obtained from these variables was analyzed using a sequential generalized likelihood ratio (GLR) test. The GLR test was used to detect the change points in the behavior of the variables. Using a binary hypothesis test, variable level alarms were generated based on the magnitude of the detected changes as compared to the normal situation. These alarms were combined using a duration filter resulting in a set of node level alarms, which correlated with the experimentally observed network faults and performance problems. The algorithm has been tested on real network data. The applicability of our algorithm to a heterogeneous node was confirmed by using the MIB data from a second node. Interestingly, for most of the faults studied, detection occurs in advance of the fault (at least 5 min) and the algorithm is simple enough for potential online implementation: thus allowing the possibility of prediction and recovery in the future.