cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Enabling the management accountant to become a business partner: Organizational and verbal analysis toolkit☆

Abstract Research shows that management accountants are often members of teams established to improve processes and solve complex problems. This responsibility requires that accountants demonstrate the ability to organize and interpret verbal and quantitative information, as well as communicate and collaborate in a team environment. Common student complaints about teamwork are that too often some team members do not pull their weight and that some meetings do not accomplish anything. This paper addresses several objectives, the first of which is to describe organizational techniques that enable teams to function effectively. A framework for problem-solving commonly used in organizations that can be adapted for classroom use is then presented followed by a description of verbal analysis tools and an illustration of how each contributes to organizational decision making within the problem-solving framework. The paper concludes by providing insights into how these techniques can be integrated in taxation, information systems, audit, financial reporting, and management accounting courses.
H.-B. de Saussure: The First Mountain Meteorologist

Abstract The investigations of de Saussure on altitudinal effects on meteorological elements in the Alps during the 1780s are discussed. His ideas on the cause of cold in mountains and his attempts to determine evaporation and atmospheric transparency are especially notable and little known in comparison with the recognition of his contributions to developments in hygrometry.
Evaluating Participation in African Monetary Unions: A Statistical Analysis of the CFA Zones

Abstract Thirteen African nations are engaged in two monetary unions with France, often referred to as the CFA Zone. Despite the acknowledged benefits of Zone membership — a convertible currency, pooled resources and greater monetary and fiscal “discipline” — several observers have questioned whether particular aspects of the Zone such as the lack of autonomy of the two Central Banks and the surrender of the exchange rate as a policy instrument have impeded its members' growth. This paper addresses that question by testing whether CFA Zone countries had different GNP growth rates from selected “comparator” countries during 1960–1982. Results show that CFA countries grew significantly faster than comparator Sub-Saharan African countries but usually slower, and often significantly so, than the whole sample of developing countries. When the comparison is made by subperiod (before and after 1973), CFA countries' performance vis-a-vis that of their comparators improved during the 1973–1982 period, casting further doubt on the claim that the monetary union is not functioning adequately.
Ethnic differences in predictors of support for municipal affirmative action contracting

Objective. This study explores attitudes toward municipal affirmative action contracting among Anglos, African Americans, and Hispanics, testing predictors of support separately for each group and measuring changes over time. Methods. In five successive annual Houston-area surveys, U.S.-born Anglos, African Americans, Hispanics, and Hispanic immigrants evaluated a strong version of the city's affirmative action contracting program. Results. Ethnic contrasts in support were partly mediated by differences on the predictors. The predictors of affirmative action attitudes varied greatly by ethnic group. Changes in support across the five years appeared to be associated with the 1997 campaign surrounding the effort to end the city's affirmative action program, and with subsequent policy modifications. Conclusions. The ethnic divisions and the recent increases among all groups in support for the city's program underscore the value of crafting carefully targeted and flexible policies that are perceived to be responding only to documented disadvantage.
The Relationship among Oral Language, Decoding Skills, and Reading Comprehension in Children with Autism.

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship among oral language, decoding, and reading comprehension for children with autism. Participants included 13 English-speaking children with a diagnosis of high-functioning autism (IQ > 70) who were included in a typical classroom, and who had parents who spoke English. Parts of the Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals, OWLS: Listening Comprehension, and the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test were administered to measure oral language abilities, and parts of the Woodcock Reading Mastery Test and Test of Word Reading Efficiency were given to assess decoding and reading comprehension. Results indicated there was no significant relationship between phonology and decoding, but there was a significant relationship between semantics and decoding. There were also significant relationships between semantics and comprehension and syntax and comprehension.
A preliminary gene expression profile of acute graft-versus-host disease.

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is the treatment of choice for high-risk hematological malignancies, yet a major complication associated with this therapy is acute graft-v...
Proatherogenic and proinflammatory properties of immune complexes prepared with purified human oxLDL antibodies and human oxLDL.

Abstract Immune complexes (IC) prepared with human low density lipoprotein (LDL) and rabbit LDL antibodies induce foam cell transformation of human macrophages and activate the release of proinflammatory mediators by human macrophages and THP-1 cells. Because the affinity of human oxidized LDL (oxLDL) antibodies is lower than that of rabbit antibodies, IC formed with human antibodies could have limited pathogenic potential. Immune complexes prepared with human oxidized LDL (oxLDL) and purified human oxLDL antibodies (predominantly of the IgG1 and IgG3 isotypes) were presented to THP-1 cells using two protocols previously described in studies of the properties of LDL-IC prepared with rabbit antibodies. OxLDL/human oxLDL antibody IC immobilized by adsorption to red blood cells (RBC) induced the release of significantly higher levels of TNF from THP-1 cells (872–313 pg/ml) than oxLDL adsorbed to RBC (461–75.6 pg/ml) and caused a higher degree of cholesterol ester accumulation in the same cells (5.4–0.77 in cells incubated with IC-coated RBC vs 1.99–1.16 in oxLDL-coated RBC). Insoluble IC prepared with oxLDL/human oxLDL antibody were even more effective in promoting intracellular accumulation of cholesterol in THP-1 cells (total cholesterol = 53.8–13.5 and cholesterol esters = 24.0–7.2 mg/l in THP-1 cells incubated with insoluble IC (200 μg) vs total cholesterol = 32.4–8.2 and cholesterol esters = 7.7 ± 2.8 μg/l in THP-1 cells incubated with an identical concentration of oxLDL) and also induced the release of TNF. Thus we have demonstrated that IC prepared with human oxLDL and human oxLDL antibodies have the same atherogenic and proinflammatory properties as IC prepared with human LDL and rabbit LDL antibodies. This strongly supports the concept that modified LDL-IC present in circulation and/or tissues play an important pathogenic role in arteriosclerosis.
Effects of U.S. Private Schools: A Technical Analysis of Two Recent Claims:

Private High Schools Are Better Than Public, Study Concludes A major study by sociologist James S. Coleman concludes that Catholic and other private high schools provide a better education than public ones do, and in some respects are less racially segregated. ... [Supporters of public schools] fear that the findings could strengthen the case for tax credits to families paying tuition for private schools. (pp. Al, A13)
Properdin: approaching four decades of research

Properdin plays a key role in the alternative pathway by stabilizing the C3 convertase. This review chronicles the evolution of our knowledge of the structure and function of properdin over the 40 years since its discovery. The story begins with the first description of properdin and the controversy that ensued over its existence. Then, this review describes: the rediscovery and acceptance of properdin and the alternative pathway as important components of natural immunity; properdin structure and molecular sequence; speculations on the significance of sequence similarities to thrombospondin and other proteins, and properdin biosynthesis. Finally, this review characterizes properdin deficiency. Properdin does indeed appear to play an important role in homeostasis.
Structural Behavior of Oxygen Permeable SrFe0.2Co0.8Ox Ceramic Membranes with and Without pO2 Gradients

The oxygen partial pressure (pO2)-dependent structural behaviors of two dense tubular ceramic membranes in composition SrFe0.2Co0.8Ox with cubic perovskite structure have been investigated by high-temperature neutron powder diffraction: one in “static” mode and one in simulated-operation mode in which one side of the membrane was exposed to air and the other side to reducing gases with variable pO2 levels. Rietveld analysis on data collected for the membrane without pO2 gradients showed that the perovskite is stable in pO2 down to ∼10−12 atm, and at ∼10−14 atm it starts to decompose into a three-phase mixture containing layered intergrowth Ruddlesden–Popper phases Srn+1(Fe,Co)nOx with n=2 and 3, along with CoO with rocksalt structure. Similar phase evolution was observed when insufficient air flowed on the air side of the membrane exposed to a pO2 gradient. The data support a nonlinear model of oxygen content in perovskite across the membrane thickness, corresponding to a pO2 profile that is shallow inside and steep near the reducing side surface. Gas compositions measured with mass spectrometry indicated that oxygen is permeated from the air side to the reducing side of the membrane. The oxygen permeation fluxes at 900°C were estimated to be 0.4–0.9 sccm/cm2 for the ∼1 mm thick membrane containing perovskite, depending upon pO2 gradient.
Associations among Health Perceptions and Health Status within Three Age Groups

Using data from the 1984 Supplement on Aging to the National Health Interview Survey, the associations among five health perceptions and two indices of functional health status were investigated wi...
Synthesis of two storage proteins during larval development of the tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta

Abstract Studies of synthesis and accumulation of the two storage proteins arylphorin and female-specific protein (FSP) during the final two larval instars of the tobacco hornworm showed both stage and temporal specificity. Arylphorin was present in both stages, but its synthesis ceased during the molt, during starvation, and at the wandering stage, and then resumed about 24 hr after the onset of feeding. During the larval molt about 25% of injected iodinated arylphorin was incorporated into the newly forming fifth instar cuticle. The cessation of arylphorin synthesis was mimicked by exposure of the fat body to 1 μg/ml 20-hydroxyecdysone (20HE) in complete Grace's medium or to dilutions of Grace's medium greater than 50%. Lower concentrations of 20HE were ineffective, indicating that the cessation of synthesis in vivo was likely due to a combination of lack of excess nutrients and the hormonal milieu. The female-specific protein was not synthesized until the final larval instar, appearing first in females on Day 2 and later in males at the time of wandering, with synthesis continuing throughout the prepupal period. In vitro studies showed that this protein was synthesized as a 620-kDa protein, and then during secretion a 730-kDa immunoreactive form also appeared. Synthesis of FSP was inhibited by exposure of Day 2 fat body to 1 μg/ml 20HE for 24 hr. Ligation followed by 20HE infusion showed that the disappearance of FSP from the hemolymph during the prepupal period was controlled by the rising ecdysteroid titer.
In-house fabrication and testing capabilities for Li and Li-ion 18650 cells

For over 10 years Sandia Labs have been involved in an US DOE-funded program aimed at developing electric vehicle batteries for transportation applications. Currently this program is called "Advanced Battery Research (ABR)." In this effort we were preparing 18650 cells with electrodes supplied by or purchased from private companies for thermal abuse and electrical characterization studies. Lately, we are coating our own electrodes, building cells and evaluating performance. This paper describes our extensive in-house facilities for slurry making, electrode coating, cell winding etc. In addition, facilities for electrical testing and thermal abuse will be described. This facility allows us to readjust our focus quickly to the changing demands of the still evolving ABR program. Additionally, we continue to make cells for our internal use. We made several 18650 cells both primary (Li-CFx) and secondary (Li-ion) and evaluated performance. For example Li-CFx cells gave ~2.9Ahr capacity at room temperature. Our high voltage Li-ion cells consisting of carbon anode and cathode based on LiNi 0.4Mn 0.3Co 0.3O2 in organic electrolytes exhibited reproducible behavior and gave capacity on the order of 1Ahr. Performance of Li-ion cells at different temperatures and thermal abuse characteristics will be presented.
Species heat and mass transfer in a human upper airway model

Abstract Steady 3-D airflow and scalar transport of ultrafine particles, d p Q in ≈15 l/min), ambient temperature variations (Δ T max =47 °C) influence the local velocity fields and vapor concentrations; however, the total and segmental deposition fractions of fuel vapor in the upper airway are essentially unaffected. (2) The inlet flow rate has a significant effect on vapor deposition, i.e., the higher the flow rate the lower the deposition fraction. (3) The convective heat transfer coefficient averaged over an individual bifurcation unit can be correlated as Nu =0.568( RePr ) 0.495 (600 Re The methodology outlined and physical insight provided can be also applied to other intake configurations, such as engine ports and inlets to air-breathing propulsion systems.
Resistance to bacteria in hemorrhagic shock. VII. Demonstration of leucotoxin in plasma of shocked rabbit.

Summary and Conclusions1) Normal macrophages from the peritoneal cavity of the normal and shocked rabbit, and granulocytes from the irritated peritoneal cavity of the normal rabbit show no significant morphologic injury after immersion in normal rabbit plasma for one hour at 37°C. But after immersion in plasma from rabbits in hemorrhagic shock, a considerable percent of the cells show morphologic injury. A large number of granulocytes show changes similar to those characteristic of the L.E. cells. These changes are reversible if the shock plasma is replaced by normal plasma. 2) Shock plasma produces a severe depression of the phagocytic index; the percent of bacteria ingested is some 40% less than in normal plasma, and the percent of cells containing bacteria is some 30% less than in normal plasma. Shock plasma also reduces the bacteriostatic power of the phagocytes. The granulocyte in this respect appears to be damaged more severely than the macrophage. The extent of the injury produced by the plasma fro...
A Bridge Too Far? Challenges in Evaluating Principal Effectiveness:

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to examine the assumptions underlying efforts to evaluate principal effectiveness in terms of student test scores, to review extant research on efforts to estimate principal effectiveness, and to discuss the appropriateness of including estimates of principal effectiveness in evaluations of principals. Method: We review 10 different strategies for estimating principal effectiveness based on student test scores, representing all of the strategies currently employed by states and districts. We base our reviews on the literature in three areas: use of test scores, evaluation, and statistical approaches to estimating the effects of individuals and schools on student test scores. Conclusions: We conclude there are currently no strategies to estimate principal effectiveness that accurately capture the independent effect of principals on student test scores; thus, these current strategies send inaccurate signals to both principals and those who make employment decisions about principals. Moreover, we also conclude a substantial proportion of principals could not be included in the most accurate strategies to assess principal effectiveness. Implications: This research has profound implications for states and districts implementing principal evaluation systems, particularly those making high-stakes decisions about principals based on statistical estimates of principal effectiveness. Indeed, such statistical estimates should be used not for making judgments
In vitro effects of iodinated contrast media on the growth of staphylococci.

Seven commonly used arthrographic contrast media were examined in vitro for bactericidal effects against Staphylococcus aureus under various conditions simulating clinical settings, using a wide range of bacterial populations (10(1) to 10(8) colony-forming units per ml). The media tested were: sodium diatrizoate and megulumine diatrizoate (E.R. Squibb and Sons, Renogragin-60 and Renografin-76), megulumine diatrizoate (E. R. Squibb and Sons, Renografin-M-60), sodium iothalamate and megulumine iothalamate (Mallinckrodt Chemical Works, Vascoray), sodium iothalamate (Mallinckrodt Chemical Works, Conray 400), meglumine iothalamate (Mallinckrodt Chemical Works, Conray 60), and sodium diatrizoate (Winthrop Laboratories, Hypaque sodium 50%). Effects secondary to the contrast medium used, dilution ratios of the specimens, and time elapsed between the collection and cultivation of the specimens were examined. The contrast material used was found to affect bacterial growth: the Renografin materials showed a bactericidal or bacteriostatic effect, while Vascoray, the Conray materials, and Hypaque sodium 50% failed to inhibit bacterial growth. Bacterial inoculum size exhibited a direct bearing on the bactericidal or bacteriostatic effects of the Renografin but had no effect with the other media. The results indicate that Vascoray, Conray and Hypaque sodium 50% are superior to the Renografin materials for use in arthrography and other procedures in which the aspirate is submitted for microbial culture, because they interfere less with the recovery of these microorganisms.
Enhancing nonlinear effects with micron-scale graphene-coated plasmonic structures

We demonstrated efficient nonlinear coupling between local vibrating molecules and propagating polariton modes at the vibration frequency (namely, mid-IR frequencies) using suspended graphene waveguides. Each waveguide deposited a micron-scale periodic metal (plasmonic) structure. Nonlinear effect, at very modest pump laser intensities has been demonstrated; these intensity levels are often used in ordinary Raman experiments. The polariton mode propagated through fairly long distances, several IR wavelengths long, without a substantial loss. Thus, the suspended graphene has established itself as a unique waveguide for the THz/infrared region.
Protease inhibitor MG132 in cloning: no end to the nightmare

Nuclear reprogramming directed by the ooplasm is essential for producing cloned animals by somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). One component of the reprogramming process is the removal of somatic histone H1 variants followed by replacement by the oocyte-specific form, H1FOO [1]. Despite occurrence of this transition in 100% of SCNT constructs, cloned embryo development remains poor and cloned embryos express numerous somatic cell characteristics [2], indicating that reprogramming is slow or incomplete.
Calcium ionophore activity of a prostaglandin B1 derivative (PGBX)

Abstract A water soluble derivative of PGB1, designated PGBX, has been found to stimulate the release of Ca2+ from fragmented sarcoplasmic reticulum and heart mitochondria; its activity is almost two orders of magnitude greater than other prostaglandins. PGBX demonstrates ionophoretic activity in its ability to transfer Ca2+ from an aqueous to an organic phase.
Selenium Removal by Constructed Wetlands: Quantitative Importance of Biological Volatilization in the Treatment of Selenium-Laden Agricultural Drainage Water

Management of selenium (Se) -contaminated agricultural drainage water is one of the most important environmental issues in California. To evaluate the feasibility of utilizing constructed wetlands to remediate Se-laden drainage water and the role of biological volatilization in Se removal, 10 flow-through wetland cells were constructed in 1996 in Corcoran, California. The monthly monitoring study from May 1997 to December 1999 showed that the vegetated wetlands were capable of significantly reducing Se from the inflow drainage water; an average of 69.2% of the total Se mass in the inflow was removed. Most of the Se was retained in sediment, and <5% of the Se was accumulated in plant tissues. Selenium volatilization was highest in the rabbitfoot grass wetland cell, where 9.4% of the Se input was volatilized over a 2-year period. Volatilization was greater in spring and summer than in fall and winter. For example, in May and June of 1998, 35 and 48%, respectively, of the Se entering the rabbitfoot grass cell was volatilized, whereas in the winter months, <5% was volatilized. The feasibility of using constructed wetlands for Se remediation, methods for the enhancement of Se volatilization, and the importance of considering potential Se ecotoxicity are discussed.
Voluntary Euthanasia and the Right to Die: A Dialogue with Derek Humphry

Both the terminally ill and those responsible for their care may experience conflict and limited freedom of choice with respect to the right to die. Derek Humphry, founder of the Hemlock Society, shares his personal experience, as well as his efforts to educate the public and stimulate legal reform. He has dedicated more than a decade of prime professional years to this highly charged universal problem.
A platelet transcriptome revolution

Although platelets are anucleate, they have long been known to contain genomic material, specifically RNA, but the question remains; why should anyone care about an exquisitely detailed profile of RNA from a cell without a nucleus? For decades, the general observation of platelet RNA and the
T1ρ relaxation time of the meniscus and its relationship with T1ρ of adjacent cartilage in knees with acute ACL injuries at 3 T

Summary Objective The aim of this study was to assess the reproducibility of meniscus T1ρ measurements, and to study T1ρ relaxation time in the lateral meniscus (LM) and its relationship with adjacent cartilage T1ρ in knees with acute anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries at 3T magnetic resonance imaging. Method Quantitative assessment of the meniscus and cartilage was performed in 15 healthy controls and 16 ACL-injured patients using a T1ρ mapping technique. All ACL-injured patients were imaged prior to surgery within 1–3 months of injury. The anterior and posterior horns of LM and medial meniscus (MM) were associated with partitioned weight-bearing cartilage sub-compartments (anterior, central, and posterior). Results T1ρ measurements in the meniscus showed excellent reproducibility (coefficient of variation (CV) P P =0.005). At the posterior sub-compartment of lateral tibia (LT), significantly increased cartilage T1ρ values were found in patients compared with controls ( P =0.002). A significant correlation ( R 2 =0.47, P =0.007) was found between T1ρ values of posterior horn of LM and T1ρ values of posterior sub-compartment of LT cartilage in patients. Conclusion A strong injury-related relationship was demonstrated between meniscus and cartilage biochemical changes. T1ρ mapping techniques provide tools to quantitatively evaluate meniscus and cartilage matrix in patients with ACL injuries.
Scarring alopecia: clinical and pathologic study of 54 African‐American women

Background Cicatricial or scarring alopecia results in the destruction of hair follicles and is a significant cosmetic concern in African-American women. Objective To correlate the clinical examination and histologic findings in African-American women with scarring alopecia with a history of hairstyling practices. Methods We reviewed retrospectively the medical records and scalp biopsy specimens of 54 women with scarring alopecia. Patients were selected from two dermatologic practices in the Detroit Metropolitan area. Results Alopecia commonly presents in patients who use a variety of traumatic haircare techniques, including chemical and physical straighteners, traction, braiding, hair extensions, hair gluing, and chemical curls. Histologic findings are centered around the follicular infundibulum with a lymphocytic infiltrate and perifollicular fibrosis. Conclusion Traumatic hairstyling techniques are common in African-American women, and all result in a similar picture of a peri-infundibular lymphocytic infiltrate and fibrosis, leading to alopecia.
Extreme Relationship Standards in the Context of Discordant and Nondiscordant Couples.

Research suggests that extreme relationship standards are both positively and negatively associated with relationship satisfaction. This study tested the hypothesis that the association between relationship satisfaction and extreme standards is moderated by the status of the couple (i.e., discordant versus nondiscordant). Sixty-two couples completed a thought-listing task designed to assess relationship standards. Regression analyses supported the study hypothesis. Extreme standards were associated with higher levels of relationship satisfaction among nondiscordant wives but with lower levels of relationship satisfaction among discordant husbands and discordant wives. This study helps clarify the role of extreme standards in relationship functioning, and their potential contributions to both theoretical constructs of relationships as well as the increased efficacy of couples therapy.
Quantitative trait locus mapping reveals regions of the maize genome controlling root system architecture.

The quest to determine the genetic basis of root system architecture (RSA) has been greatly facilitated by recent developments in root phenotyping techniques. Methods that are accurate, high throughput, and control for environmental factors are especially attractive for quantitative trait locus mapping. Here, we describe the adaptation of a nondestructive in vivo gel-based root imaging platform for use in maize (Zea mays). We identify a large number of contrasting RSA traits among 25 founder lines of the maize nested association mapping population and locate 102 quantitative trait loci using the B73 (compact RSA) × Ki3 (exploratory RSA) mapping population. Our results suggest that a phenotypic tradeoff exists between small, compact RSA and large, exploratory RSA.
Polynomial taper model for Queensland plantation hoop pine.

Summary A stem taper model, involving a high order polynomial developed using plantation hoop pine (Araucaria cunninghamii Ait. ex D. Don) trees grown in Queensland, is presented. The stem profile for each tree was initially modelled using functions of diameter under bark and height, as the dependent and independent variables respectively. Parameter estimates from these individual tree regressions were subsequently modelled, using total height and diameter at breast height under bark (DBHub) as the independent variables. Finally, total height and DBHub were modelled in terms of predominant height' and diameter at breast height over bark (DBHob). The largest mean error in the estimates of stem diameter predicted using the final model, with predominant height and DBHob as the independent variables, was 0.12 cm. The overall mean relative error in the estimate of volume, based on coefficients modelled using predominant height and DBHob, was 0.20 per cent. Apart from its accuracy, the main advantages of the mo...
Attitudes of child health professionals toward hypnosis: implications for training.

Abstract A survey of child health professionals—pediatricians, pediatric nurses, child psychologists, and child psychiatrists—revealed that they have generally positive attitudes toward hypnosis but little knowledge of its specific advantages or applications. Recommendations are made for designing training opportunities in hypnosis which might enhance the probability that the professional will actually use hypnosis or refer a child elsewhere for hypnotherapy.
Differences in complications and outcomes for obese patients undergoing laparoscopic radical, partial or simple nephrectomy.

ABSTRACTPurpose: Obesity has increased dramatically in American society during the last 2 decades. While the laparoscopic approach is common for patients requiring radical and partial nephrectomy, it is unclear if this procedure leads to worse outcomes and complications in obese patients. We determined if obese patients undergoing laparoscopic radical (RN), partial (PN) and simple (SN) nephrectomy are at risk for worse surgical outcomes or increased complications.Materials and Methods: We retrospectively identified patients treated with nontransplant transperitoneal laparoscopic nephrectomies from 1998 to 2003. Patients with missing body mass index (BMI), operative, postoperative or pathological information were excluded from study. Obese patients (BMI 30 or greater) were compared to nonobese patients (BMI less than 30).Results: A total of 189 patients undergoing 117 RN, 44 PN and 30 SNs met study criteria, and 29.0% of patients were obese. Overall obese patients had longer operative times (280 versus 241...
Screening for preexisting cognitive impairment in older intensive care unit patients: use of proxy assessment

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of preexisting cognitive impairment (CI) in patients admitted to the medical intensive care unit (ICU) and compare two different proxy measures of preexisting CI in ICU patients. DESIGN: Cross-sectional comparative study. SETTING: Urban university teaching hospital. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred thirty patients aged 65 and older admitted to the medical ICU. MEASUREMENTS: Two previously validated proxy measures of CI: the Modified Blessed Dementia Rating Scale (MBDRS) and the Informant Questionnaire on Cognitive Decline in the Elderly (IQCODE). RESULTS: The prevalence of preexisting CI in the ICU, determined using a combination of the measures, was 42%. Agreement between the two CI measures was 86%, with a kappa of 0.69, with discrepancies being related to the different domains measured by each instrument. CONCLUSION: There is a high prevalence of preexisting CI in patients admitted to the medical ICU. Both the MBDRS and IQCODE can be used to screen for preexisting CI in situations where direct patient assessment is not feasible. Future studies are needed to address physician recognition of CI and its effect on patient care decisions and outcomes.
31P MRS studies of exercising human muscle at high temporal resolution.

Methods for measuring mitochondrial activity from 31 P magnetic resonance spectroscopy data collected during and after exercise were compared in controls, weight lifters, and peripheral vascular occlusive disease (PVOD) patients. There were trends toward increasing mitochondrial activity during exercise in order from PVOD patients, moderately active controls, highly active controls, to weight lifters. Results from PVOD patients show divergence of some measures due to 1) the non-exponential nature of phosphocreatine recovery, and 2) potential breakdown of [ADP] control of the mitochondria due to lack of oxygen (for Q max calculation). These results demonstrate the utility of obtaining and directly analyzing high time resolution data rather than assuming monoexponentlal behavior of metabolite recovery.
A Tip leads cytotoxic T cells to the crime scene in neuroinflammation.

By increasing the range of epitopes presented to lymphocytes, determinant spreading allows a more diverse response to ensue. Now the cellular culprits responsible for determinant spreading in the central nervous system have been identified: they are specialized dendritic cells that recruit CD8+ T cells to an autoimmune 'crime'.
Planarization of Polymeric Field-Effect Transistors: Improvement of Nanomorphology and Enhancement of Electrical Performance

The planarization of bottom-contact organic field-effect transistors (OFETs) resulting in dramatic improvement in the nanomorphology and an associated enhancement in charge injection and transport is reported. Planar OFETs based on regioregular poly(3-hexylthiophene) (rr-P3HT) are fabricated wherein the Au bottom-contacts are recessed completely in the gate-dielectric. Normal OFETs having a conventional bottom-contact configuration with 50-nm-high contacts are used for comparison purpose. A modified solvent-assisted drop-casting process is utilized to form extremely thin rr-P3HT films. This process is critical for direct visualization of the effect of planarization on the polymer morphology. Atomic force micrographs (AFM) show that in a normal OFET the step between the surface of the contacts and the gate dielectric disrupts the self-assembly of the rr-P3HT film, resulting in poor morphology at the contact edges. The planarization of contacts results in notable improvement of the nanomorphology of rr-P3HT, resulting in lower resistance to charge injection. However, an improvement in field-effect mobility is observed only at short channel lengths. AFM shows the presence of well-ordered nanofibrils extending over short channel lengths. At longer channel lengths the presence of grain boundaries significantly minimizes the effect of improvement in contact geometry as the charge transport becomes channel-limited.
Liquid chromatography of xanthines, analgesic drugs and coffee

Abstract A 4% cross-linked sulfonated polystyrene cation exchanger in the sodium or ammonium form is a useful stationary phase for the chromatography of xanthines, analgesic drugs and coffee. The eluent is aqueous ethanol with or without added buffers. The elution of weak acids and bases depends in a systematic way on the acidity of the resin and eluent, and this fact is used to improve separations.
Effect of forest and field habitat features on abundance of genera in nematode assemblages

Abundances of nematode genera were examined in several forest and field habitats located in close proximity in Florida, USA. Effects of selected habitat features were also evaluated, such as tree type, management and presence of litter, grasses or invasive species. Of 37 common taxa evaluated, ten were more abundant in forest and ten in field habitats. Several genera including Acrobeloides, Aphelenchoides and Mesocriconema were common in all habitats. Light management, consisting of mowing of grasses, negatively affected 19 taxa. More genera appeared adapted to closed forest over open forest, and most of these were more common in plots with oak trees or oak litter than in plots with pine. Numbers of Paratylenchus, Plectus and Xiphinema were further increased by the presence of herbaceous plants on the forest floor. When invasive elephantgrass (Pennisetum purpureum) was included in plots with other grasses, numbers of eight genera that typically were common in grass plots were further increased. Alaimus, Cervidellus and Wilsonema were negatively affected by the invasive elephantgrass. Most of the nine genera in guild Ba2 were more abundant in either forest (Acrobeles, Cervidellus, Plectus, Wilsonema) or grass (Eucephalobus, Zeldia) habitats, while Acrobeloides was common and two genera were rare in all habitats. The effects of habitats and habitat features on many different nematode taxa add to our growing knowledge of the ecological habits of free-living nematodes.
Size-biased Mating in Both Sexes of the Black-horned Tree Cricket, Oecanthus nigricornis Walker (Orthoptera: Gryllidae: Oecanthinae)

Previous studies on tree crickets have demonstrated female choice of males based on size and courtship feeding but less is known about sexual selection under conditions of direct mating competition. I studied courtship, aggression and mating of the black-horned tree cricket Oecanthus nigricornis (Walker) to test size-related sexual selection under conditions of direct sexual competition. Results show that larger individuals of both sexes mated more frequently than their smaller counterparts, and this was due to the ability of large individuals to out compete rivals. Large males achieved the advantage by aggressively reducing courtship by small males, whereas large females responded to male courtship more quickly but with little aggression. Although there was no evidence here for mate choice, there were advantages for having larger mates; fecundity increased with female size and spermatophores (which females consume after mating) increased with male size. Size of the specialized metanotal courtship gift, however, was not related to male size.
Do desert rodents form metacommunities

Numerous model systems have informed classical ideas of the deterministic structure of natural communities. Although a number of important insights have been gained from desert rodents, little is known regarding the relative role of local environmental and spatial processes that embody the emerging metacommunity paradigm in structuring these model systems. We compared patterns of community composition based on environmental characteristics and estimates of spatial isolation by distance to test predictions characterizing contemporary models of metacommunity structure. Analyses were based on rodent community structure at 31 sites within the Mojave Desert. Consistent with previous studies of rodent communities, local environmental characteristics accounted for a significant amount of variation in community structure. Nonetheless, spatial isolation by distance contributed significantly to structure as well, even after accounting for the shared effect between environmental and spatial descriptors. Indeed, regional collections of rodent communities represent metacommunities and a metacommunity perspective promises to complement much that has been learned from primarily local perspectives. Examination of data suggested that the mass effects model of metacommunity structure may best describe regional patterns of species composition, at least for this data set. Moreover, 2 further important insights emerge from analyses. First, important life-history differences among taxa translate into different spatial effects that are likely due to dispersal abilities. Second, despite the spatially uncorrelated nature of environmental variation across our sampling array much of the structure of this metacommunity could be attributed to the shared effects of spatial and environmental characteristics. Typically, empirical analyses of metacommunity structure have attributed this variation to spatial structure generated by environmental spatial autocorrelation, but our analyses suggested that this component of variation may to some degree represent a unique yet underappreciated spatial effect. Moreover, this substantive component of variation suggests that prior analyses of empirical metacommunity structure provide conservative estimates of regional spatial effects and that the role of dispersal in determining metacommunity structure may be greater than is commonly considered.
What do hospitalists think about inpatient mammography for hospitalized women who are overdue for their breast cancer screening

BACKGROUND A recent study showed that many hospitalized women are nonadherent with breast cancer screening recommendations, and that a majority of these women would be amenable to inpatient screening if it were offered. OBJECTIVE Explore hospitalists' views about the appropriateness of inpatient breast cancer screening and their concerns about related matters. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted among 4 hospitalist groups affiliated with Johns Hopkins Medical Institution. χ2 and t-test statistics were used to identify hospitalist characteristics that were associated with being supportive of inpatient screening mammography. RESULTS The response rate was 92%. Sixty-two percent of respondents believed that hospitalists should not be involved in breast cancer screening. In response to clinical scenarios describing hospitalized women who were overdue for screening, only one-third of hospitalists said that they would order a screening mammogram. Lack of follow-up on screening mammography results was cited as the most common concern related to ordering the test. CONCLUSIONS Future studies are needed to evaluate the feasibility and potential barriers associated with inpatient screening mammography. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2015;10:242–245. © 2015 Society of Hospital Medicine
Maternal food restriction modulates cerebrovascular structure and contractility in adult rat offspring: effects of metyrapone

Although the effects of prenatal undernutrition on adult cardiovascular health have been well studied, its effects on the cerebrovascular structure and function remain unknown. We used a pair-fed rat model of 50% caloric restriction from day 11 of gestation to term, with ad libitum feeding after birth. We validated that maternal food restriction (MFR) stress is mediated by glucocorticoids by administering metyrapone, a corticosterone synthesis inhibitor, to MFR mothers at day 11 of gestation. At age 8 mo, offspring from Control, MFR, and MFR + Metyrapone groups were killed, and middle cerebral artery (MCA) segments were studied using vessel-bath myography and confocal microscopy. Colocalization of smooth muscle α-actin (SMαA) with nonmuscle (NM), SM1 and SM2 myosin heavy-chain (MHC) isoforms was used to assess smooth muscle phenotype. Our results indicate that artery stiffness and wall thickness were increased, pressure-evoked myogenic reactivity was depressed, and myofilament Ca2+ sensitivity was decreased in offspring of MFR compared with Control rats. MCA from MFR offspring exhibited a significantly greater SMαA/NM colocalization, suggesting that the smooth muscle cells had been altered toward a noncontractile phenotype. MET significantly reversed the effects of MFR on stiffness but not myogenic reactivity, lowered SMαA/NM colocalization, and increased SMαA/SM2 colocalization. Together, our data suggest that MFR alters cerebrovascular contractility via both glucocorticoid-dependent and glucocorticoid-independent mechanisms.
Cross-modal transitivity in a California sea lion (Zalophus californianus)

The ability of an experimentally experienced female California sea lion to form transitive relations across sensory modalities was tested using a matching-to-sample procedure. The subject was trained by trial-and-error, using differential reinforcement, to relate an acoustic sample stimulus to one member from each of two previously established visual classes. Once the two auditory–visual relations were formed, she was tested to determine whether untrained transitive relations would emerge between each of the acoustic stimuli and the remaining stimuli of each 10-member visual class. During testing, the sea lion demonstrated immediate transfer by responding correctly on 89 % of the 18 novel transfer trials compared to 88 % on familiar baseline trials. We then repeated this training and transfer procedure twice more with new auditory–visual pairings with similar positive results. Finally, the six explicitly trained auditory–visual relations and the 56 derived auditory–visual relations were intermixed in a single session, and the subject’s performance remained stable at high levels. This sea lion’s transfer performance indicates that a nonhuman animal is capable of forming new associations through cross-modal transitivity.
Test-Retest Reliability of the Lateral Step-Up Test in Young Adult Healthy Subjects

The lateral step-up test is often utilized by clinicians to assess lower extremity performance capabilities. Reliability of the lateral step-up test, however, is not available. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the test-retest reliability of a 15-sec and a 50-repetition lateral step-up test on a .15-m (6-inch) and .2-m (8-inch) step. For each of the 15-sec lateral step-up tests, subjects were asked to perform as many repetitions as possible during the 15-sec time frame, while for each of the 50-repetition lateral step-up tests, subjects were asked to perform 50 repetitions as quickly as possible. Eighteen healthy subjects were studied. Data were analyzed through a repeated measures analysis of variance, intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) (2, 1), and standard errors of measurement. The ICC values were .90 and .94 for the .15-m and .2-m 15-sec lateral step-up tests and .91 and .96 for the .15-m and .2-m 50-repetition lateral step-up tests, respectively, revealing test-retest reliability to be high for each of the tests. Significant differences, however, were noted between the testing days for each of the 50-repetition lateral step-up tests, indicating that the measures may not be stable. No significant differences were seen between testing days for either of the 15-sec lateral step-up tests. While the results support the use of each of the 15-sec lateral step-up tests as reliable, stable measures of lower extremity performance, caution should be used when interpreting the results of either of the 50-repetition lateral step-up tests if used as demonstrated in this study.
Observations of tropical cyclones with a 60, 118 and 183 GHz microwave sounder

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory's High Altitude MMIC Sounding Radiometer (HAMSR) is a 25 channel microwave sounder with channels near the 60 GHz and 118 GHz oxygen lines and near the 183 GHz water vapor line. It participated in three hurricane field campaigns, CAMEX-4, TCSP and NAMMA The absolute calibration of the HAMSR brightness temperatures is shown to be better than 1.5 K. A non-linear iterative optimal estimation based retrieval algorithm is developed to retrieve atmospheric temperature and absolute humidity profiles. Comparisons of the retrieved profiles with coincident dropsonde profiles during NAMMA show excellent agreement at all altitudes, with the exception of a 30% residual dry bias in the absolute humidity profile above 4 km. The warm core structure of Hurricane Erin in 2001 and Hurricane Emily in 2005 is retrieved. The 60/118 GHz channels which have matched clear air weighting functions are used to assess convective intensity in the eye wall through the relative scatter darkening between the two channels.
Dynamic power management for power optimization of interconnection networks using on/off links

Power consumption in interconnection networks has become an increasingly important architectural issue. The links which interconnect network node routers are a major consumer of power and devour an ever-increasing portion of total available power as network bandwidth and operating frequencies upscale. In this paper, we propose a dynamic power management policy where network links are turned off and switched back on depending on network utilization in a distributed fashion. We have devised a systematic approach based on the derivation of a connectivity graph that balances power and performance for a 2D mesh topology. This coupled with a deadlock-free, fully adaptive routing algorithm guarantees packet delivery. Our approach realizes up to 37.5% reduction in overall network link power for an 8-ary 2-mesh topology with a moderate network latency increase.