cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Psychometric properties of a symptom management self-efficacy scale for women living with HIV/AIDS

Abstract Context Many people with HIV/AIDS find it difficult to manage the symptoms of the disease, but by adopting effective symptom management behavior, they increase the potential of alleviating the burden of those symptoms. Self-efficacy is a recognized mediator of successful behavior change and is used by many researchers and clinicians when developing symptom management interventions. Despite this, an instrument measuring the self-efficacy of symptom management behavior specifically for people living with HIV/AIDS has not yet been made available. Objectives To introduce and test the psychometric properties of the HIV Symptom Management Self-Efficacy for Women Scale (HSM-SEWS) for women with HIV/AIDS. This scale, a new nine-item measurement instrument, was modified from the Chronic Disease Self-Efficacy Scale. Methods In this study, psychometric testing focused on the reliability and validity of the HSM-SEWS instrument. Reliability was assessed using Cronbach's alpha. Exploratory factor analysis with oblique promax rotation was used to examine validity and test hypothetical associations. Results Eighty-nine HIV-positive women were recruited and asked to complete the scale every four weeks for a total of 16 weeks. Factor analysis supported a one-factor solution explaining 93% of the variance among items. Internal consistency of the nine items was found to range from 0.83 to 0.93, with an overall Cronbach's alpha of 0.92. Conclusion Psychometric analyses suggest that the HSM-SEWS is a reliable and valid instrument that measures the self-efficacy of symptom management behavior in women with HIV/AIDS and can be used during interventions and in studies targeting this area of health care research.
Alternative user survey and group process methods nominal group technique applied to U.S. depository libraries

Abstract Understanding user needs need not be based on guesswork, yet there may be shortcut data collection alternatives to traditional expensive and timeconsuming library user surveys. Depository libraries are required to select useful materials to provide government information meeting the needs of area users. Assessing user needs is vital to library planning and to the development of library collection and public services policies. In any planning or assessment process, it is critical to define the specific planning purpose before determining the data to be collected and the methods of collection. There are various qualitative techniques for obtaining user information. Community surveys, published documents, library internal reports, and databases also yield user information. Alternatives to traditional user surveys provide the increased utility of improving communication among area information users and providers. A group process, which allows participants to hear each other, may be more effective and efficient than a written survey. The Nominal Group Technique (NGT), creates a listening forum , providing library administrators with information for planning.
Frequency Modulation and Transient Effects in the Resonant Propagation of Coherent Light Pulses

A theoretical analysis of the propagation of near resonant and linearly chirped light pulses through a resonant medium is presented under the restriction that the pulses are far enough off resonance or weak enough so that they do not significantly alter the atomic populations. If the pulses are of duration comparable to or less than the phase memory time T2 of the atoms, it is found that the transient response of the medium gives rise to amplitude- and phase-modulating effects. Analytic solutions are presented to describe the propagation of an off-resonant pulse which is very short compared with T2 and an off-resonant rectangular pulse. The evolution of a Gaussian pulse having a positive linear chirp is studied numerically.
Grading of Atypia in Nevi: Correlation with Melanoma Risk

Nevi with architectural disorder and cytologic atypia of melanocytes (NAD), aka "dysplastic nevi," have varying degrees of histologic abnormalities, which can be considered on a spectrum of grades of atypia. Somewhat controversial and subjective criteria have been developed for grading of NAD into three categories "mild," "moderate," and "severe." Grading involves architectural and cytological features, which often correlate with each other. Architectural criteria were intraepidermal junctional extension beyond any dermal component, complex distortion of rete ridges, and dermal fibrosis. Cytological criteria were based on nuclear size, dispersion of chromatin, prominence of nucleoli, hyperchromasia and variation in nuclear staining. Few tests have been made of the relationship between specific grades of atypia and patient risk for melanoma. Retrospective review of pathology reports was performed on 20,275 nevi examined between 1989 and 1996. From the total, 6,275 were diagnosed as NAD, which were in 4,481 patients. These patients were divided into those whose worst NAD was mild (2,504), moderate (1,657), or severe (320). Review of accession data revealed that a personal history of melanoma was present in 5.7% of patients with mild, 8.1% with moderate, and 19.7% with severe atypia. The male/female ratios were similar in each group. In the three groups, the mean ages of men were similar and of women were similar, but the mean age of men tended to be 6-11 yrs. older than women in each group. Family histories of melanoma were not considered. The odds ratio as a measure of association between NAD and personal history of melanoma, shows an odds ratio of 4.08 (2.91-5.7) for NAD-severe versus NAD mild, odds ratio 2.81 (2-3.95) for NAD-severe versus NAD-moderate and odds ratio 1.45 (1.13-1.87) for NAD moderate versus NAD-mild. These data show that the probability of having personal history of melanoma, for any given NAD patient, correlates with the NAD grade. Likewise, the risk of melanoma is greater for persons who tend to make nevi with high grade histological atypia.
Reinforcing effects of nicotine in humans and experimental animals responding under intermittent schedules of IV drug injection

The self-administration paradigm is an experimental model of drug dependence in which the reinforcing properties of drugs can be directly assessed. This paradigm avoids the possible confounding influence of nonpharmacologic factors which may contribute to drug taking in the nonlaboratory environment. When animals serve as subjects, social and cultural factors unique to humans may also be eliminated as confounding influences. Most drugs of abuse are self-administered by animals and humans under such conditions. Until 1981, laboratory studies of nicotine self-administration suggested that nicotine, in its own right, was only a marginally effective reinforcer. As will be shown in the present review, a study by Goldberg and his co-workers in 1981 [13] demonstrated clearly that nicotine could serve as a highly efficacious reinforcer in laboratory animals. There are several parameters which can function to substantially strengthen the behavior which leads to nicotine ingestion. These include the following: (1) intermittent availability of nicotine, (2) intermittent presentation of nicotine-paired stimuli, and (3) concurrent schedules of food reinforcement. Initial findings from a human IV nicotine self-administration study were consistent with those from the animal studies. Together these results confirm that nicotine can function to control behavior by serving as a reinforcer for animals and humans. The results also suggest that commonly used tobacco products function as ideal nicotine delivery systems for controlling behavior since they provide discrete nicotine-paired stimuli and lend themselves to intermittent nicotine delivery.
InP-based single photon avalanche diodes

We describe recent results for the performance and modeling of InP-based single photon avalanche diodes. At 1.55 mum, dark count probabilities < 2 times 10-7 ns-1 have been achieved at 220 K for a photon detection efficiency of 15%.
On tests for sex preferences.

This paper presents a critical evaluation of three widely used tests for sex preferences: sex ratio, parity progression ratio and ordinary least squares regression of birth interval. We show that under some appropriate conditions, the sex ratio is a valid test for sex preferences. The methods of parity progression ratio and OLS regression of birth interval fail to deal with right censoring and time varying covariates, which reduce the power of the tests. We suggest the use of hazard estimation to test for sex preferences. We demonstrate the differences among the tests by analyzing the retrospective fertility histories of the Chinese and the Malays in Malaysia. We find that unlike the two conventional methods, the hazard estimation gives clear and strong evidence of sex preferences among the Chinese in Malaysia.
Muscular co-contraction and control of knee stability.

Abstract A computerized radiographic technique was used to determine the effect of hamstring antagonist co-contraction on the stability of the joint during isometric knee extension. Data collected from 12 cadaver knees showed that significant anterior displacement and internal rotation of the tibia occurred during isolated quadriceps loading, whereas significant reduction in anterior displacement and rotation occurred upon simultaneous low-level loading of the hamstrings in the range of motion of 15°–80° flexion. Hamstrings co-contraction was ineffective in the range of 0°–15° of flexion. Larger hamstrings loads resulted in more pronounced reduction in the anterior displacement and rotation of the tibia. We concluded that hamstring co-contraction has significant effect on maintaining knee stability, providing synergistic action to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) by preventing excessive anterior displacement and internal rotation of the tibia. We also concluded that hamstring strength training is essential therapy in conservative treatment of ACL-deficient knees, as an adjunct therapy to ligament repair procedures and as preventive therapy in high-performance athletes subject to potential risk of ligamentous injuries.
On the relative preponderance of empathic sorrow and its relation to commonsense morality

Abstract Empathy is a nominally neutral term: in principle, the affective tone of empathic concern may be either negative (insofar as the relevant experience is that of apprehending and sharing in another's aversive state) or positive (i.e., apprehending and sharing in another's joy). Yet, we propose (Section 1) that, contrary to this standard conception of empathy as a potentially bivalent, generalized disposition towards emotional perspective-taking, in actuality, negative empathic responses, as a rule, (a) are more common, (b) are more differentiated, and (c) span a broader range of human relationships than their positive counterparts. Furthermore, we suggest that, barring certain types of privileged relationships, a failure to be empathetically aroused by another's good fortune is subject to far less severe (if any) social disapproval than the failure to share in another's aversive state. In Section 2, we posit that the negativity bias evident in the nature of our empathic concern may well be at the base of the negative–positive asymmetry found in the structure of commonsense morality, particularly as it expresses itself in the view that the furtherance of another's good has a greater moral claim on us in its negative form (e.g., the relief of suffering) than in its positive form (the promotion of “enjoyment”). We conclude by asking whether this moral (and the underlying empathic) asymmetry warrants our normative concern and we suggest that there are at least two reasons to think otherwise.
The role of gastrointestinal vagal afferents in the control of food intake: current prospects

Meals are the functional units of food intake in humans and mammals, and physiologic approaches to understanding the controls of meal size have demonstrated that the presence of food in the upper gastrointestinal tract plays a critical role in determining meal size. The vagus nerve is the primary neuroanatomic substrate in the gut-brain axis, transmitting meal-related signals elicited by nutrient contact with the gastrointestinal tract to sites in the central nervous system that mediate ingestive behavior. This article describes progress in examining the role of the vagal gut-brain axis in the negative-feedback control of meal size from four perspectives: neuroanatomic, neurophysiologic, molecular, and behavioral. Vagal afferents are strategically localized to be sensitive to meal-related stimuli, and their central projections are organized viscerotopically in the caudal brainstem. Vagal afferents are sensitive to mechanical, chemical, and gut and peptide meal-related stimuli and can integrate multiple such modalities. Meal-elicited gastrointestinal stimuli activate distinct patterns of c-fos neural activation within caudal brainstem sites, where gut vagal afferents terminate. Results of selective chemical and surgical vagal deafferentation studies have refined our understanding of the sites and types of critical gastrointestinal feedback signals in the control of meal size. Recent behavioral, molecular, and neurophysiologic data have demonstrated brainstem sites where centrally acting neuropeptides may modulate the processing of gut vagal afferent meal-related signals to alter feeding. Investigations of the structure and function of splanchnic visceral afferents and enterics and characterization of the integrative capacities of the hindbrain and forebrain components of the gut-brain axis are critical next steps in this analysis.
A Bond Strength Study of Luted Castable Ceramic Restorations

Accurate intra coronal castings can be produced using a castable ceramic-DICOR®-for which there is a need to identify a suitable luting cement. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the bond strength of three glass-ionomer luting cements and one resin cement to treated and untreated DICOR®, enamel, and dentin surfaces. Forty "cerammed" DICOR® specimens were assigned to four groups: (1-3) grit-blasting and bonding to each of the three glass-ionomer cements; and (4) acid-etching, silane coating, and bonding to the resin cement. Seventy enamel specimens were assigned to seven groups: (1-3) no etching and bonding to each of the glass-ionomer cements; (4-7) acid-etching and bonding to the glass-ionomer cements and the resin cement. Seventy dentin specimens were assigned to seven groups: (1-4) bonding to each of the three glass-ionomer cements and the resin cement; (5-7) polyacrylic acid preconditioning and bonding to each of the three glass-ionomer cements. The mean resin cement bond strengths (MN/m 2)...
Polymer process design—I. Continuous production of chain growth homopolymers

Abstract A procedure for the systematic design of polymer production processes is described which uses a combination of heuristics and design estimates to choose among alternatives and to identify the most promising candidate designs. The procedure is described in detail here for free radical solution homopolymers. This approach gives rapid estimates of sensitivities to parameter values; this can be used to identify the critical data in the design. As examples, the design of continuous plants for the manufacture of polystyrene, poly(methyl methacrylate), poly(vinyl acetate) and polyethylene are considered; the best candidate designs are similar to several existing processes. The number and types of reactors are found to depend upon the operating conditions and the form of the final product. For purification, a flash is used at low viscosities. For further purification, the wiped film device is preferred when relatively large residence times are acceptable, but the extruder has a significant economic advantage when the time of exposure to high temperatures must be limited. Sensitivities are used to rank a variety of parameters as to their relative influence on the economics and the product quality.
Introduction to Grammer and Interaction Papers

The present study reports on the use of a linguistic category "interrogative," which has been traditionally associated with the act of questioning, and its use in argument talk in Japanese. Based on the observation that interrogative utterances in argument data are regularly followed by non-answers, it is argued that interrogative utterances in argument sequences may not be designed/interpreted as doing questioning. Such use of interrogatives can become an orderly practice to which participants orient themselves in social activities recognizable as arguments. However, though an answer is not expected, the recipient invariably provides some form of response, or the initial speaker seeks such a response when none is provided. Thus the nature of interrogatives as a grammatical category seems to reside in the basic structural unit of social interaction [recipient-oriented action]-[response]. In general, this study is intended to show the dynamically interlocking relationship between grammar and interaction by exploring the intricate interplay between a local action for which interrogative grammar is employed, and the sequential environment and activity framework in which the action takes place.
Structure vs stability in polymer degradation

All materials are subject to aging, a process of long-term degradation, but not at the same rate or affected in the same manner. The wide variation in susceptibility (or resistance) of polymers to various degradative agents, e.g., oxidative, thermal, mechanical, chemical, biological, depend on their chemical composition and structure. Accordingly, the chemical, physical, and energy considerations inherent in the pure polymer are discussed in relation to degradative stability.
Hygric Swelling of Portland Brownstone

Portland Brownstone (PB) is a widely used building material, particularly in New York City, that is susceptible to severe deterioration from weathering. This stone contains clays that may cause damage by dilating during wetting/drying cycles. We have measured the swelling strain of PB in aqueous solutions to determine the effect of ionic strength (of KCl and CaCl2) and water activity (in isopropanol solutions). We have also measured the stress exerted during swelling when the expansion is constrained. These data permit calculation of the stresses produced during wetting/drying cycles, which are found to be comparable to the tensile strength of the stone.
Separation of artery and vein in contrast-enhanced MRA images

This paper presents a near automatic process for separating vessels from background and other clutter as well as for separating arteries and veins in contrast-enhanced MR angiographic (CE-MRA) images, and an optimal method for the 3D visualization of vascular structures. The anatomic separation process utilizes fuzzy connected object delineation principles and algorithms. Its first step is the segmentation of the entire vessel structure from the background and other clutter via absolute fuzzy connectedness. Its second step is to separate artery from vein within this entire vessel structure via relative fuzzy connectedness. After 'seed' points are specified inside artery and vein in the vessel-only image, the regions of the bigger aspects of artery and vein are separated in the initial iteration. Further regions are added with subsequent iterations so that the detailed aspects of artery and vein are included in later iterations. This approach has been applied to EPIX Medical Inc's CE-MRA data. 3D images/movies of vessels, arteries, and veins have been created. Shell renditions are colored differently for arteries and veins in a composite display. This approach can produce separated artery and vein images with high quality, reliability, and minimal user interaction, in a clinical setting. All case studies were performed on a Gateway Pentium PC under Linux, and the whole procedure per study was completed in a few minutes.© (2000) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
PHLOEM STRUCTURE IN THE CARBONIFEROUS FERN PSARONIUS (MARATTIALES)

Description anatomique detaillee du phloeme des tiges, de differents specimens de Psaronius, et comparaison avec la structure de phloeme des membres existants de Marattiales
Baroclinic Turbulence in the Ocean: Analysis with Primitive Equation and Quasigeostrophic Simulations

AbstractThis paper examines the factors determining the distribution, length scale, magnitude, and structure of mesoscale oceanic eddies in an eddy-resolving primitive equation simulation of the Southern Ocean [Modeling Eddies in the Southern Ocean (MESO)]. In particular, the authors investigate the hypothesis that the primary source of mesoscale eddies is baroclinic instability acting locally on the mean state. Using local mean vertical profiles of shear and stratification from an eddying primitive equation simulation, the forced–dissipated quasigeostrophic equations are integrated in a doubly periodic domain at various locations. The scales, energy levels, and structure of the eddies found in the MESO simulation are compared to those predicted by linear stability analysis, as well as to the eddying structure of the quasigeostrophic simulations. This allows the authors to quantitatively estimate the role of local nonlinear effects and cascade phenomena in the generation of the eddy field.There is a modes...
Hamid Reza Kusha, Islam in American Prisons: Black Muslims' Challenge to American Penology.

(2012). Hamid Reza Kusha, Islam in American Prisons: Black Muslims' Challenge to American Penology.. Black Theology: Vol. 10, No. 2, pp. 216-218.
The bicameral principle in the new mexico legislature

The possibilities latent in the bicameral system when one party dominates the senate and the other the house. The results justify the National Municipal League's proposal contained in our Model State Constitution for a single–chamber legislature.
ASYMPTOTIC VERTEX FUNCTION IN A CROSSING SYMMETRIC BOOTSTRAP MODEL OF THE HADRONS.

An asymptotic solution to an off-shell, nonlinear, crossing-symmetric bootstrap equation for the vertex function is found, thus determining the explicit dependence of the asymptotic vertex function on all three variables. The equation bootstraps the entire vertex function rather than just the coupling constant, and describes the constituents of a composite particle as composite particles. The asymptotic solution is characterized by a constant which we show to be universal, i.e., independent of the types of particles coupling to a given vertex. This allows us to predict the relative rates of decrease of all hadronic form factors. The predicted behavior for the $\mathrm{NN}\ensuremath{\gamma}$ and the ${N}^{*}N\ensuremath{\gamma}$ form factors is in good agreement with experiment. Several extensions and further tests of the theory are proposed and will be discussed in future papers.
Low-Loss Constant-False-Alarm Rate Processors

Constant-False-Alarm Rate (CFAR) processors are used when the interference characteristics are not known a priori or change with time. When the unknown characteristic is only the level of the interference, a common CFAR implementation is the normalizer. This processor obtains an estimate of the interference level by arithmetically averaging the outputs of the resolution cells adjacent to the test cell. The test cell output is divided by the average and the normalized output is independent of the interference level. Therefore, a CFAR action is obtained. The penalty associated with the need to estimate the interference level is that the signal-to-interference ratio (SIR) required for target detection increases over the SIR value required for a known level noise background. Conventional normalizing C FAR circuits use the same configurations when detecting targets in interference regions and in clear regions. The CFAR penalty incurred in the clear region can be reduced by using processors that recognize the region is clear so that normalization is not necessary. An analysis of the target detection performance for a particular modified CFAR processor is given. It is shown that the decreased CFAR penalty in the clear is coupled with an increase of false alarm rate in the clutter regions.
Cloning and characterization of the 5-aminolevulinate synthase gene(s) from Rhodobacter sphaeroides

The 5-aminolevulinate synthase gene (hemA) from Rhizobium meliloti was used to probe a genomic lambda bank derived from Rhodobacter sphaeroides DNA. Two phage clones were found to bear homology to the Rhizobium probe. Southern hybridization analysis of the two lambda phage clones, which we designated lambda Hem 10 and lambda Hem 12, showed that the homology to the Rhizobium hemA gene was localized to a 3.1-kb SalI fragment derived from lambda Hem 10 and a 7.0-kb SalI fragment derived from lambda Hem 12. Each of the SalI fragments was subsequently cloned into the multiple cloning site of pUC19 in both orientations relative to the lac promoter. Restriction analysis confirmed that each SalI fragment was unique. It was also shown from Southern hybridization analysis that the regions of homology within each of the R. sphaeroides restriction fragments and the Rhizobium probe were different. Further, we have tentatively concluded that each R. sphaeroides hemA gene shows a relatively low degree of homology to the other. Data obtained from in vitro transcription-translation studies in a homologous R. sphaeroides cell-free system, and complementation of hemA mutations of both Escherichia coli and R. sphaeroides by either of the putative hemA clones suggested the presence of a gene encoding 5-aminolevulinate synthase on each DNA sequence. The fact that 5-aminolevulinate synthase activity could be demonstrated in mutant strains complemented in trans with either cloned DNA fragment further supported this conclusion.
Movement of a maxillary central incisor across the midline

This report describes the two-phase orthodontic treatment of a 7-year-, 6-month-old girl who presented with bilateral gemination of the central incisors. The left side demonstrated a complete gemination, resulting in two separate teeth (#9 and #9a). On the right side the gemination was incomplete, resulting in a large tooth mass (#8) that was 11.5 mm wide with a large pulp chamber and two apices. The tooth mass was extracted and the left central incisor (#9) was successfully moved across the midline (through the midpalatal suture area). The supernumerary incisor (#9a) was then used in the upper left central incisor area.
A sense of belonging and perceived stress among baccalaureate nursing students in clinical placements

Summary Introduction The rigorous efforts students put into baccalaureate nursing programs to become a professional nurse is compounded by their need to have a sense of belonging in their clinical placements. In addition, the students' perceived stress may contribute to their physiological and psychological wellbeing undermining academic achievements and confidence. Background A sense of belonging and perceived stress have research history in psychological and sociological realms; but not used together in the nursing profession as applied in clinical placements. The Perceived Stress Scale is a psychological instrument used globally; however, the Belongingness Scale-Clinical Placement Experience (BES-CPE) measurement tool has not been used in published research in the United States. Methods A descriptive correlational research design examining the relationship between a sense of belonging and perceived stress among baccalaureate nursing students in clinical placements. Three measurement tools were used for data collection: BES-CPE, Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) and demographic questionnaire. Students were able to access the online survey through SurveyMonkey®. Participants A national study was conducted using 1296 volunteer nursing students from the National Student Nurses Association (NSNA) database. These nursing students were currently enrolled in a baccalaureate nursing program, 18 years of age and completed at least one clinical experience. Results The findings from this study revealed a statistically significant low inverse relationship (r = − .277) between a sense of belonging and perceived stress among baccalaureate nursing students in their clinical placements. The findings also supported the use of BES-CPE as a reliable and valid measurement tool for nursing students in clinical placements. Conclusion The results of this study supported the concept of a sense of belonging as a fundamental human need, having a positive influence and impact on students' learning, motivation and confidence. In contrast, perceived stress has negative consequences on the students' self-concept, learning skills and competence.
Psychiatric and Physical Sequelae of Childhood Physical and Sexual Abuse and Forced Sexual Trauma Among Individuals With Serious Mental Illness

Trauma and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) frequently co-occur with serious mental illness, yet the unique mental and physical health influences of childhood physical abuse (CPA), childhood sexual abuse (CSA), and forced sexual trauma on individuals with serious mental illness remain unevaluated. The present study of 172 individuals with serious mental illness investigated the adverse effects of CPA, CSA, and forced sexual trauma on severity of PTSD and depression, and overall mental and physical health functioning. Data analysis consisted of chi-square tests, independent t tests, bivariate odds ratios, and linear regressions. Prevalence of CPA (44.8%), CSA (29.1%), and forced sexual trauma (33.1%) were elevated, and nearly one third of participants (31.4%) reported clinical PTSD. Participants exposed to CSA or forced sexual trauma evidenced bivariate ORs ranging from 4.13 to 7.02 for PTSD, 2.44 to 2.50 for major depression, and 2.14 to 2.31 for serious physical illness/disability. Sexual trauma exposure associated with heightened PTSD and depression, and reduced mental and physical health functioning, with CSA uniquely predicting PTSD, depression, and physical health difficulties. CPA less significantly affected these clinical domains. Sexual traumas have profound negative effects on mental and physical health outcomes among individuals with serious mental illness; increased screening and treatment of sexual traumas is needed.
A Comparative Study of the Use of “Iconic” versus “Generic” Advertising Images for Destination Marketing

This research reports the results of an empirical study that compared the effectiveness of two advertising approaches, “generic” versus “iconic,” in affecting a destination image. While politics may dictate that a state (as studied herein) or national tourism office may feel the need to spread advertising funds across a range of destinations, the experiment conducted for this study suggests that a focus on well-known iconic sites may well represent the more effective approach.
Below‐ground interactions with arbuscular mycorrhizal shrubs decrease the performance of pinyon pine and the abundance of its ectomycorrhizas

Summary • Few studies have examined how below-ground interactions among plants affect the abundance and community composition of symbiotic mycorrhizal fungi. • Here, we combined observations during drought with a removal experiment to examine the effects of below-ground interactions with arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) shrubs on the growth of pinyon pines (Pinus edulis), and the abundance and community composition of their ectomycorrhizal (EM) fungi. • Shrub density was negatively correlated with pinyon above- and below-ground growth and explained 75% of the variation in EM colonization. Consistent with competitive release, pinyon fine-root biomass, shoot length and needle length increased with shrub removal. EM colonization also doubled following shrub removal. EM communities did not respond to shrub removal, perhaps because of their strikingly low diversity. • These results suggest that below-ground competition with AM shrubs negatively impacted both pinyons and EM fungi. Similar competitive effects may be observed in other ecosystems given that drought frequency and severity are predicted to increase for many land interiors.
Reduced Parameterization for Optimization of Low-Thrust Gravity-Assist Trajectories: Case Studies

Low-thrust trajectories can be modeled as a series of impulsive ( ΔV) maneuvers connected by conic arcs. We study new ways of parameterizin g the ΔV vectors with a reduced number of variables and constraints. When optimizing low-thrust gravity-assist trajectories, the ΔV magnitudes can be parameterized with switch on/off times of the engine; the steering angles can be parameterized with coefficients of a Chebyshev series. We present numerical results for several missions, including: Earth-Jupiter rendezvous, Earth-MarsVesta flyby, Earth-Mercury rendezvous and a seven-synodic- period Earth-Mars roundtrip mission. In most of these cases, we found significant improvements in convergence speed (with acceptable accuracy) with the new formulations.
System Design of Robots for Application to In-Space Assembly

This paper presents the design of an experimental system for assembly applications in space. The prototypical application is the assembly of mechanical trusses. The system used an air-hockey table to simulate a frictionless two-dimensional space. Assembly robots fly on the surface finding, gathering and assembling the relevant parts to perform the construction. The system design involved building the FIMER Robots, the test bed, the sensing system for position and velocity feedback and the control scheme. This paper describes the hardware and software used in the various sub-systems and includes calibrations and measurements and the results of experiments.
Vectorial secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor by polarized human endometrial epithelial cells.

Abstract Objective: To analyze directional vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) secretion in polarized human endometrial epithelial cell cultures. VEGF has distinct distribution patterns in human endometrium. Stromal cells are diffusely positive for VEGF messenger RNA and protein, whereas glandular epithelium shows focal VEGF immunostaining at the apical surface. The epithelial distribution suggests that VEGF is secreted into gland lumina, potentially influencing the nutrition and/or apposition of the developing blastocyst. Design: Controlled in vitro study of protein secretion by polarized endometrial epithelial cells established on polyethylene filters. Setting: University hospital. Patient(s): Endometrial biopsies were obtained from healthy, ovulatory women undergoing elective surgery. Intervention(s): Primary endometrial epithelial cells were cultured. Main Outcome Measure(s): VEGF mRNA and protein production were measured in polarized cells. The vectorial secretion of VEGF was determined. Result(s): VEGF production by endometrial epithelial cells was verified by Northern blotting and immunoassays of conditioned media. The mean (±SD) apical secretion of VEGF was 3.9 ± 1.4 ng per 10 5 cells every 48 hours and the mean (±SD) basal secretion was 0.8 ± 0.2 ng per 10 5 cells every 48 hours. In contrast, the apical and basal secretion of a soluble cellular isoform of fibronectin were 2.76 ± 0.96 ng per 10 5 cells every 48 hours and 2.64 ± 1.79 ng per 10 5 cells every 48 hours, respectively. Conclusion(s): VEGF is secreted preferentially into the lumina of endometrial glands. Apical VEGF may be an endometrial signal for blastocyst development or implantation.
Electrical-thermal co-analysis for power delivery networks in 3D system integration

In this paper, an electrical-thermal co-analysis method for power delivery networks in 3D system integration is proposed. For electrical analysis, temperature-dependent electrical resistivity of conductors is taken into account. For thermal analysis, Joule heating effect due to the current flowing through conductors is considered. The proposed co-analysis method is carried out using Rgen and ChipJoule of IBM EIP Tool Suite. An example of 3D integration system including stacked chips, power delivery network, glass-ceramic substrate, through-silicon vias, controlled collapse chip connections (C4s), underfill material, and TIM is analyzed using the proposed method. The simulation results show that the temperature effect on IR drop can not be neglected. The error of not considering thermal effect on IR drop is about 20% in the example.
On the capacity of flash memories

Flash memories are the most widely used type of non-volatile electronic memories. Compared to magnetic recording and optical recording, flash memories have the unique property that their cell levels, which represent data, are programmed using an iterative procedure that monotonically shifts each cell level upward toward its target value. In this paper, we study the capacity of flash memories to store data. We explore the relationship among their capacity, programming precision and programming time. The study is focused on the capacity of single cells, and an optimal programming algorithm is presented.
Using Patient Encounter Logs for Mandated Clinical Encounters in an Internal Medicine Clerkship

Background: Patient encounter logs help assess a student's educational experience. The use of a grading incentive linked to the mandatory documentation of prespecified clinical encounters has been insufficiently studied. Purposes: Given this, our objectives were to determine (a) if mandating student exposure to patients with 18 key training problems leads to the successful documentation of these encounters, (b) the degree of difficulty students and clerkship directors experienced in meeting these mandates, (c) the accuracy of mandated log entries, and (d) how often the log entries were questioned or rejected by preceptors. Methods: Ninety-two 3rd-year internal medicine students and 6 internal medicine clerkship directors at 9 geographically dispersed hospitals and 30 ambulatory sites participated in the study. Over a single academic year, we directly measured the completion rate of mandated logs, the degree of their accuracy as judged against faculty-generated logs of two required videotaped standardized ...
Preparation of polystyrene labeled with amino groups at specific sites

The preparation of monodisperse polystyrene substituted with single dimethylamino groups is described. Three methods are adopted. The first involves the use of a dimethylamino-substituted initiator to give an end amino group. The second uses an ester coupling reaction with a dimethylamino-substituted methyl valeric ester to give a central amino substituent. The third method, which is capable of giving an amino substituent at any selected place along the chain, uses a dimethyl-amino-substituted butadiene derivative as a comonomer in a sequential polymerization. This latter method takes advantage of the unusual reactivity ratios of styrene and dienes in anionic copolymerization.
A programmable co-processor for profiling

Aggressive program optimization requires accurate profile information, but such accuracy requires many samples to be collected. We explore a novel profiling architecture that reduces the overhead of collecting each sample by including a programmable co-processor that analyzes a stream of profile samples generated by a microprocessor. From this stream of samples, the co-processor can detect correlations between instructions (e.g., memory dependence profiling) as well as those between different dynamic instances of the same instruction (e.g., value profiling). The profiler's programmable nature allows a broad range of data to be extracted, post-processed, and formatted, as well as provides the flexibility to tailor the profiling application to the program under test. Because the co-processor is specialized for profiling, it can execute profiling applications more efficiently than a general-purpose processor. The co-processor should not significantly impact the cost or performance of the main processor because it can be implemented using a small number of transistors at the chip's periphery We demonstrate the proposed design through a detailed evaluation of load value profiling. Our implementation quickly and accurately estimates the value invariance of loads, with time overhead roughly proportional to the size of the instruction working set of the program. This algorithm demonstrates a number of general techniques for profiling, including: estimating the completeness of a profile, a means to focus profiling on particular instructions, management of profiling resources.
Marijuana : costs of abuse, costs of control

Introduction: The Issue and the Argument The Marijuana Problem The Marijuana Consumption Problem The Marijuana Market Problem and the Role of Enforcement Marijuana Consumption Levels: 1986 Summary: The Goals of Marijuana Policy Choosing a Marijuana Policy Four Theories of Drug Enforcement Effectiveness Supply and Enforcement: 1982 The Dynamics of Marijuana Demand: Enforcement Effects on Consumption The Dynamics of Marijuana Supply: Enforcement Effects on Illicit Markets Enforcement Effects on Corrupting Criminal Organizations Implementation and Ancillary Issues Summary: A Marijuana Policy for 1982 Evaluating Marijuana Policy Evaluating Marijuana Enforcement, 1982-1986 The Question of Legalization A Marijuana Policy Recommendation Bibliography Index
Racial Salience and the Obama Vote

Barack Obama's successful campaign for president renewed both scholarly and popular interest in understanding the extent to which race remains a barrier for African American candidates in American elections. Despite a substantial body of work that indicates that African Americans do face significant barriers to winning White votes, initial interpretations of the 2008 election results suggest that the Obama vote was not depressed because of his race. In this paper, I introduce a relatively unobtrusive measure of racial salience to examine whether these initial interpretations are correct. I find that when race was a more salient factor for White voters, they were substantially less likely to vote for Obama and were more likely to think that Obama was focusing attention on African Americans during the campaign. I estimate that the salience of race for some Whites may have cost Obama as much as 3% of the White vote. Thus, this paper indicates that even in Obama's historic 2008 campaign, African American candidates continue to face barriers to winning White support.
Neural Crest Cell Dynamics Revealed by Time-Lapse Video Microscopy of Whole Embryo Chick Explant Cultures

DiI-labeled cranial neural crest cells were followed in whole embryo chick explant cultures using time-lapse confocal microscopy. Neural crest cells emerged along the dorsal midline of all rhombomeres. There was a small amount of mixing of neural crest cells between adjoining rhombomeres as cells emerged from the dorsal midline; this mixing persisted during their migration out of the neural tube. Neural crest cell-free zones lateral to rhombomere 3 (r3) and r5 resulted from neural crest cells migrating in either rostral or caudal directions to join other neural crest cells exiting adjacent to r2, r4, or r6. Neural crest cells migrated in a wide variety of individual cell behaviors, ranging from rapid unidirectional motion to stationary and even backward movement (toward the neural tube). Neural crest cells also migrated collectively, extending filipodia to form chain-like cell arrangements. In the midbrain and r1 region, many chains stretched from the dorsal midline to just beyond the lateral extent of the neural tube. In the r7 region, cells linked together and stretched laterally from the neural tube to other neural crest cells migrating into the third branchial arch. The unpredictable cell trajectories, the mixing of neural crest cells between adjoining rhombomeres, and the diversity in cell migration behavior within any particular region imply that no single mechanism guides migration. The regional differences in cell migration characteristics suggests that influential factors may vary spatially along the rostrocaudal axis in the head.
Towards a Typology of Production and Operations Management Systems

A typology for production and operations management is developed, and example propositions are stated to illustrate usefulness. The intent is to demonstrate that typology development provides a meaningful methodology for reappraisal, integration, and synthesis within production and operations management. The specific typology provided focuses on technical transformation activities and alternative managerial responses to these activities.
Network-based classification of recurrent endometrial cancers using high-throughput DNA methylation data

DNA methylation, a well-studied mechanism of epigenetic regulation, plays important roles in cancer. Increased levels of global DNA methylation is observed in primary solid tumors including endometrial carcinomas and is generally associated with silencing of tumor suppressor genes. The role of DNA methylation in cancer recurrence after therapeutic intervention is not clear. Here, we developed a novel computational method to analyze whole-genome DNA methylation data for endometrial tumors within the context of a human protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, in order to identify subnetworks as potential epigenetic biomarkers for predicting tumor recurrence. Our method consists of the following steps. First, differentially methylated (DM) genes between recurrent and non-recurrent tumors are identified and mapped onto a human PPI network. Then, a PPI subnetwork consisting of DM genes and genes that are topologically important for connecting the DMs on the PPI network, termed epigenetic connectors (ECs), are extracted using a Steiner-tree based algorithm. Finally, a random-walk based machine learning method is used to propagate the DNA methylation scores from the DMs to the ECs, which enables the ECs to be used as features in a support vector machine classifier for predicting recurrence. Remarkably, we found that while the DMs are not enriched in any cancer-related pathways, the ECs are enriched in many well-known tumorgenesis and metastasis pathways and include known epigenetic regulators. Moreover, combining the DMs and ECs significantly improves the prediction accuracy of cancer recurrence and outperforms several alternative methods. Therefore, the network-based method is effective in identifying gene subnetworks that are crucial both for the understanding and prediction of tumor recurrence.
De behavior of Si diodes in magnetic fields

The effect of applying a transverse magnetic field on forward biased Si p-n junctions is investigated, and the results obtained suggest the possibility of employing magnetic measurements to evaluate the physical properties of semiconductor devices.
DNA cytophotometry of chromosomes in a case of chronic myelogenous leukemia

The DNA-stain content of human metaphase chromosomes is measured by use of quantitative cytochemistry, scanning cytophotometry, and image-processing techniques. This approach is applied to chromosomes from a female with chronic myelogenous leukemia. Measurements are normalized for each cell and expressed on a scale by which the sum of the measurements for the 44 autosomal chromosomes is 100 units; the normalized measurements are compared with standard values from eight normal persons. Banding analysis of the leukemic cells shows a 9q+/22qtranslocation. This is confirmed by the DNA measurements; 0.42 units are involved. In addition, measurements of both leukemic and nonleukemic cells reveal a 9+/20-translocation that cannot be detected visually; 0.12 units are involved. Neither translocation shows a net loss of DNA; any loss exceeding 0.05 units (6 x 106 base pairs of DNA) would be significant ( P < 0.05). These results illustrate the power of this approach and bear on the etiology of chronic myelogenous leukemia.