cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nature of quantum jumps

Recent experiments have found abrupt changes in the intensity of laser light scattered off single ions and atoms. These abrupt changes have been interpreted as resulting from Bohr's ``quantum jumps'' of the ion or atom from one state to another. In Bohr's description, such quantum jumps are not predicted by the Schr\"odinger equation and are introduced by additional postulates into quantum theory. We consider here an alternative explanation of these experiments using only properties of solutions of the Schr\"odinger equation and avoiding Bohr's added postulate.
Physics of Formation, Acceleration, Reconnection and Compression of Two Field Reversed Configurations

A new experiment aims to form two field-reversed configurations (FRCs) and accelerate them into an interaction chamber in which they will collide, and undergo an adiabatic compression. Previous results obtained in a similar configuration showed that ion temperatures varied as a function of compression coil voltage, in the keV range. This paper outlines the physics of formation, acceleration, reconnection and compression of two FRCs.
Difficulties with estimating and interpreting species pools and the implications for understanding patterns of diversity

Evidence has been accumulating that species pools play a major role in regulating variations in small-scale diversity. However, our ability to unambiguously estimate and interpret species pools remains a major impediment to understanding the processes that control patterns of diversity. Two main approaches have been employed to evaluate the relationships between species pools and species diversity. The direct approach has been to estimate the actual sizes of species pools by sampling discrete areas at larger spatial scales and then relating these estimates to samples taken at smaller scales. The indirect approach has been to search for correlations between abiotic environmental factors and patterns of diversity that are indicative of gradients in species pools. Both of these approaches have substantial predictive capability but also have limitations that impair our ability to draw unambiguous interpretations about causal factors. A primary difficulty for the direct approach is in deciding which species in the larger pool of potential species are actually capable of living in a sample. In this regard, the indirect approach requires fewer assumptions and has the ability to detect previously unsuspected gradients in species pools. As with the direct approach, assessing the causes for observed gradients in species pools remains a limitation for the indirect approach. Consideration of experimental studies of potential niches suggests that it may be valuable to distinguish between potential and observed species pools if the role of competitive exclusion is to be fully assessed. This paper concludes by arguing for (1) an increased use of multivariate studies that examine the effects of species pools indirectly and (2) further experimental studies designed to determine potential species pools.
Gadopentetate-Induced status epilepticus

Abstract Gadopentetate dimeglumine (gadolinium) is the most commonly used magnetic resonance imaging contrast medium. This medium has an excellent safety record, although it has been associated with occasional serious adverse events, including seizures. We present the first reported case of gadopentetate-induced status epilepticus, and discuss some of the possible risk factors for gadopentetate-associated reactions.
Land use compounds habitat losses under projected climate change in a threatened California ecosystem.

Given the rapidly growing human population in mediterranean-climate systems, land use may pose a more immediate threat to biodiversity than climate change this century, yet few studies address the relative future impacts of both drivers. We assess spatial and temporal patterns of projected 21st century land use and climate change on California sage scrub (CSS), a plant association of considerable diversity and threatened status in the mediterranean-climate California Floristic Province. Using a species distribution modeling approach combined with spatially-explicit land use projections, we model habitat loss for 20 dominant shrub species under unlimited and no dispersal scenarios at two time intervals (early and late century) in two ecoregions in California (Central Coast and South Coast). Overall, projected climate change impacts were highly variable across CSS species and heavily dependent on dispersal assumptions. Projected anthropogenic land use drove greater relative habitat losses compared to projected climate change in many species. This pattern was only significant under assumptions of unlimited dispersal, however, where considerable climate-driven habitat gains offset some concurrent climate-driven habitat losses. Additionally, some of the habitat gained with projected climate change overlapped with projected land use. Most species showed potential northern habitat expansion and southern habitat contraction due to projected climate change, resulting in sharply contrasting patterns of impact between Central and South Coast Ecoregions. In the Central Coast, dispersal could play an important role moderating losses from both climate change and land use. In contrast, high geographic overlap in habitat losses driven by projected climate change and projected land use in the South Coast underscores the potential for compounding negative impacts of both drivers. Limiting habitat conversion may be a broadly beneficial strategy under climate change. We emphasize the importance of addressing both drivers in conservation and resource management planning.
Classical and Inverse Regression Methods of Calibration

The Classical and Inverse least squares methods of linear calibration are compared by Monte Carlo methods. The Inverse approach is found to be superior to the Classical approach from a mean squared error point of view.
An Action Spectrum for the Elicitation of Erythema in Skin persistently Sensitized by Photobound 8-Methoxypsoralen

Human skin can be rendered persistently photosensitive by topical application of aqueous 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP) and exposure to a suberythemogenic dose of more than 380 nm radiation. We report an action spectrum for the elicitation of phototoxic erythema induced by a second exposure of skin pretreated in this way. After correction for unsensitized skin erythema this action spectrum resembles the absorption spectrum of the 4',5'-monoadduct of 8-MOP to DNA. This suggests that the monoadduct is the chromophore for erythema elicited by the second irradiation, and supports the DNA crosslink as the crucial photoproduct causing phototoxic erythema due to 8-MOP in human skin.
HEMATOLOGY AND SERUM CHEMISTRY OF THE GOPHER TORTOISE, GOPHERUS POLYPHEMUS

Abstract 1. 1. Values for a wide range of hematological and serum chemistry variables were determined for the gopher tortoise, Gopherus polyphemus. 2. 2. Total leukocyte count, monocyte count, sodium, chloride and SOPT exhibited significant differences between fall and spring determinations. 3. 3. Total protein and cholesterol levels were significantly greater in females than males. 4. 4. These data are compared to literature hematology and serum chemistry values for the gopher tortoise and other reptiles.
Optical excitation with very low energy ions.

Optical excitation due to impact of very slow helium ions on Ar and Kr attributed to transfer of kinetic energy into internal electron energy
Multiple-zone single-mask junction termination extension&#8212;A high-yield near-ideal breakdown voltage technology

The junction termination extension (JTE) technique of Temple is investigated in detail by computer simulation and experimentally. A multiple-zone JTE can be fabricated with a well-controlled single ion-implantation through a single mask with laterally variable transparencies. Analog I-V trace records of over 40 000 samples were obtained for analysis. By grouping 49 JTE designs onto region of the wafer, the effects of the JTE variations and the material variations are separated. The JTE performance agrees well with the computer results. The multiple-zone JTE of sufficient extension size achieves an essentially ideal breakdown voltage unaffected by even a factor of two in ion-implant dose variations. The JTE performs well on both n- and p-type wafers. A best design has been applied to several lots of power devices, and a yield of 99.5 percent having breakdown-voltage values within 10 percent of the ideal has been obtained. The single-mask technique assures the producibility of this 100-percent guard JTE technology, which consumes only 30 percent of the extension area needed by field rings that, at best, produced about 70 percent of the ideal breakdown voltage.
Method for Determination of Codeine and Morphine in Rat Whole Blood by High Pressure Liquid Chromatography

Abstract A HPLC method to simultaneously determine codeine and morphine in rat whole blood has been developed and evaluated. This method is based on a selective extraction and reversed-phase chromatography which results in chromatograms with 220 to 3500 theoretical plates for morphine and codeine. Detection is by electrochemical oxidation at +1.2V vs Ag/AgCl. In this method, the procedure of blood centrifugation for plasma preparation is eliminated. Therefore, the blood volume required is decreased and the sensitivity of analysis is considerably increased. Concentrations of codeine and morphine are low as 2ng/ml can be quantitated in as little as 100 mcl of rat whole blood.
Functional characterization of a putative aquaporin from Encephalitozoon cuniculi, a microsporidia pathogenic to humans

The microsporidia are a group of obligate intracellular parasitic protists that have been implicated as both human and veterinary pathogens. The infectious process of these organisms is believed to be dependent upon the rapid influx of water into spores, presumably via aquaporins (AQPs), transmembrane channels that facilitate osmosis. An AQP-like sequence of the microsporidium Encephalitozoon cuniculi (EcAQP), when cloned and expressed in oocytes of Xenopus laevis, rendered these oocytes highly permeable to water. No permeability to the solutes glycerol or urea was observed. Pre-treatment of EcAQP-expressing oocytes with HgCl2 failed to inhibit their osmotic permeability, as predicted from EcAQP's lack of mercury-sensitive cysteine residues near the NPA motifs which line the AQP aqueous pore. EcAQP exhibits sequence identity to AQP A of Dictyostelium discoideum (26%) and human AQP 2 (24%). Further study of AQPs in microsporidia and their potential inhibitors may yield novel therapeutic agents for microsporidian infections.
RELAXATION OF ELECTRON VELOCITY IN A ROTATING NEUTRON SUPERFLUID: APPLICATION TO THE RELAXATION OF A PULSAR'S SLOWDOWN RATE.

We estimate the relaxation time $\ensuremath{\tau}$ of an average electron velocity relative to a dilute array of vortex cores in a rotating, $s$-wave-paired neutron superfluid. At low temperatures, $\ensuremath{\tau}$ is found to vary exponentially with $\frac{{\ensuremath{\Delta}}^{2}}{{\ensuremath{\epsilon}}_{F}}$, the energy scale of vortex core excitations, where $\ensuremath{\Delta}$ is the gap parameter and ${\ensuremath{\epsilon}}_{F}$ is the neutron Fermi energy. For reasonable choices of $\ensuremath{\Delta}$ and ${\ensuremath{\epsilon}}_{F}$, we find values of $\ensuremath{\tau}$ which include the values of a year and of several days observed, respectively, in the post-speedup relaxation of the Vela and Crab pulsars' slowdown rates.
Some Contingencies of the Professional Dance Musician's Career

The fate of individuals within occupational organizations has been studied in terms of the concept of career, defined by Hughes as "objectively … a series of statuses and clearly defined offices … typical sequences of position, achievement, responsibility, and even of adventure. … Subjectively, a career is the moving perspective in which the person sees his life as a whole and interprets the meaning of his various attributes, actions, and the things which happen to him." Hall's discussion of the stages of the medical career focuses more specifically on the career as a series of adjustments to the "network of institutions, formal organizations, and informal relationships" in which the profession is practiced.
The Lamina Limitans of Human Dentinal Tubules

Fractured coronal surfaces of both fixed and unfixed human teeth were examined by scanning electron microscopy following HCl demineralization and collagenase digestion. This treatment removed a considerable amount of matrix from the surface of dentin. Tubular structures, termed lamina limitans, were not affected by this treatment and remained on the surface of the tissue. The lamina limitans extended from the pre-dentin-dentin junction to the dentin-enamel junction. Further enzymatic digestion of unfixed specimens with hyaluronidase resulted in the complete removal of the lamina limitans. The susceptibility of the lamina limitans to hyaluronidase digestion indicates a high content of glycosaminoglycan, suggesting that they are extracellular in nature. These data provide further evidence that lamina limitans are not odontoblast processes.
Percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy. Results and long-term follow-up.

Ciaglia et al1 first reported percutaneous dilatational subcricoid tracheostomy in 1985. We are now reporting the results on 165 patients with follow-up on 52 patients who went on to decannulation. Our technique has been slightly modified and these points are emphasized. To date, there have been no significant perioperative or postoperative complications and no long-term complications on 52 patients who were followed clinically, postdecannulation, for from four months to five years. The procedure is recommended as simple, safe, and cost-effective. We feel it is the technique of choice for routine elective tracheostomy.
Spin Effects in Gravitational Collapse

We suggest that only slowly spinning stars undergoing gravitational collapse can eject their envelope in a supernova explosion and leave behind a remnant in the form of a neutron star or a pulsar. Faster spinning stars fail to explode and perhaps become black holes.
Analysis of parathyroid hormone (PTH)/secretin receptor chimeras differentiates the role of functional domains in the pth/ pth-related peptide (PTHrP) receptor on hormone binding and receptor activation.

The type 1 parathyroid hormore receptor (PTH1r) belongs to the class II family of G protein-coupled receptors. To delineate the sites in the PTH1r’s N-terminal region, and the carboxy-core domain (transmembrane segments + extracellular loops) involved in PTH binding, we have evaluated the functional properties of 27 PTH1-secretin chimeras receptors stably expressed in HEK-293 cells. The wild type and chimeric receptors were analyzed for cell surface expression, binding for PTH and secretin, and functional responsiveness (cAMP induction) toward secretin and PTH. The expression levels of the chimeric receptors were comparable to that of the PTH1r (60–100%). The N-terminal region of PTH1r was divided into three segments that were replaced either singly or in various combinations with the homologous region of the secretin receptor (SECr). Substitution of the carboxy-terminal half (residues 105–186) of the N-terminal region of PTH1r for a SECr homologous segment did not reduced affinity for PTH but abolished s...
An adaptive approach to indexing pervasive data

In a pervasive computing world data will be scattered among millions of devices and finding the right data will be a fundamental problem. Several proposed service discovery architectures can assist applications searching for data within local boundaries but there is currently no support for global access to data. We introduce an application-level protocol VIA* for building self-organizing, distributed, hierarchical data indices that adapt to dynamic query workloads. These indices efficiently route queries to relevant devices and reduce the overall workload of the system. Adapting to the query workload, VIA* uses a “query impedance” metric to approximate the optimal hierarchy for processing the expected query workload. Distributed, “logical” nodes in the interior of the hierarchy collect information about query impedance and forward this information to “data carrying” leaf nodes that react to improve the topology of the hierarchy. We present some findings from our workload testbed that demonstrate the performance and scalability characteristics of our approach and outline our research agenda
Autoregulation of Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Secretion in the Hamster: Evidence for Control at the Level of the Anterior Pituitary Gland*

Pituitary tissue obtained from proestrous, phenobarbital-treated hamsters was placed in organ culture, and the release rates of FSH and LH were monitored. Addition of LHRH to the culture medium increased gonadotropin release rates. Preincubation of pituitaries in medium that contained 1 μg purified FSH (NIADDK rat FSH-I-5) resulted in enhanced basal and LHRH-induced FSH release rates. Full expression of FSH hypersecretion by pituitary tissue occurred after 3-h exposure to purified FSH. This phenomenon appears to require adequate tissue calcium concentrations. Further, exposure of pituitaries to purified FSH slightly but significantly enhanced basal but not LHRH-stimulated LH release compared with that in untreated controls. Experiments that employed labeled FSH, reduced exposure time to purified FSH, or decreased calcium concentration in the medium proved that the increased FSH secretory rate was not due to contamination of the medium with the purified FSH used to stimulate the pituitary. These studies su...
Transbuccal Hypophysectomy in the Japanese Quail

Abstract THE transbuccal approach of Hill and Parkes (1934) has proven to be a rapid and reliable method for hypophysectomy in Japanese quail. Although this approach requires considerable skill and causes some interference with the bird’s ability to feed, it has been widely used in the chicken because it allows good exposure of the anterior pituitary under direct vision. In a relatively small bird like Coturnix, where working space is cramped and the risk of inadvertent brain injury is substantial, visual control of the operation is of first importance. Since hypophysectomy of Coturnix was reported in abstract form (Opel, 1967), I have had many requests for clarification of the transbuccal approach as applied to the quail. Although the needed modifications of the well-described approach of Hill and Parkes are simple and obvious, beginning operators report a variety of unexpected problems, including difficulty in restraining Coturnix for anesthesia and in making the…
Relative effectiveness of some compounds for the control of cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity

Several procedures which have been reported as effective for the control of cisplatin induced nephrotoxicity were compared in the Sprague-Dawley rat using the same dose of cisplatin. The treatments examined were based on the use of sodium thiosulfate, sodium diethyldithiocarbamate (DDTC), glutathione (GSH), sodium N-methyl-D-glucamine dithiocarbamate (NaG) and S-2-(3-aminopropylamino)ethylphosphorothioic acid (WR-2721). The differences in the effectiveness of the procedures were assessed using BUN and serum creatinine values, histopathological examination, body weight changes, and renal platinum levels as indices. The effect of such treatments on the antineoplastic activity of cisplatin were examined with both the Walker 256 carcinosarcoma in the rat and the L1210 murine leukemia in mice. Under the conditions used, GSH was found to be more effective than the other nucleophiles in protecting against the nephrotoxicity of cisplatin while providing the least amount of interference with the antitumor activity as measured against the Walker 256 carcinosarcoma and the L1210 murine leukemia. Simultaneous i.v. administration of cisplatin and any of the sulfur-containing nucleophiles leads to a significant protection against the nephrotoxicity but reduced the anti-neoplastic activity of cisplatin when measured against the Walker 256 carcinosarcoma.
Sorption removal of oxygen by refractory materials from iron-nickel melts

It is shown that it is possible in principle to carry out the sorption deoxygenation of a metal by refractories. A highly developed surface helps to provide a more complete sorption deoxygenation.
Polyol accumulation in cultured human lens epithelial cells.

Abstract Human lens epithelial (HLE) cells in tissue culture accumulated significant levels of galactitol when they were cultured for 72 hr in medium containing 30 m m d -galactose. Polyol accumulation was accompanied by the appearance of vacuoles as seen by transmission electron microscopy. The number and size of intracellular vacuoles increased when the culture period was extended to 7 days. In addition, polyol accumulation was accompanied by loss of myoinositol. None of these changes occurred in cells exposed to 30 m l -galactose which is not a substrate for aldose reductase. The accumulation of galactitol, intracellular vacuole formation and loss of myoinositol observed in d -galactose-exposed cells were prevented by the inclusion of the aldose reductase inhibitor, sorbinil, in the culture medium. Comparison of the relative efficacies of two aldose reductase inhibitors indicate that AL 1576 is nearly 20 times more potent than sorbinil in inhibiting the human lens enzyme. It is concluded that vacuole formation in HLE cells is due to the osmotic effect of polyol formation brought about by the action of aldose reductase and that the etiology of human diabetic cataract may also involve the polyol pathway.
Public policy and the supply of food

Abstract Current policies and programs affecting the supply of food are examined and options assessed for changes that would help generate a food supply consistent with the US population eating according to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Potential policy and program changes are identified in three categories: eliminating existing domestic farm and trade program limitations on the US food supply; creating incentives or disincentives, such as taxes or subsidies, to produce foods consistent with the Dietary Guidelines; and influencing consumers directly to choose foods consistent with the Dietary Guidelines. Despite the trend toward liberalization, there remain a few changes in farm and trade policy that would increase consumption of under-consumed foods. Taxes and subsidies are difficult to apply without creating unintended adverse consequences, although removal of production input constraints may be effective. Strategies to influence consumer behavior have advantages over policies designed to affect supplies of foods. Rather than large program interventions, changes in consumer tastes and preferences would drive market forces to efficiently produce the needed food supply.
EXPRESSION OF RAT THROMBIN RECEPTOR AND MUTANTS IN THE BACULOVIRUS-INFECTED INSECT CELL SYSTEM

The rat thrombin receptor (TR-1) has been expressed in Sf9 cells. Two mutant receptors, one lacking a thrombin cleavage site (RTRM), and the other containing only the extracellular domain of the receptor (ECD), have been expressed. Antibodies to the thrombin receptor activating peptide (TRAP) and to the fibrinogen-binding exosite have been prepared. On Western blots these antibodies bound to TR-1 bands of 65-70 kDa and 44 kDa, similar bands for RTRM, and a doublet of about 10 and 12 kDa for ECD. The free cytosolic Ca++ concentration, measured by Fura-2, increased after thrombin or TRAP stimulation in the cells expressing TR-1. The RTRM cells did not respond to thrombin and had an attenuated response to TRAP. The ECD protein was found in the medium; it was not glycosylated. Both the mutants and the antibodies should be useful for studies of TR-1 structure and function.
Fit between corporate strategy and alliance purpose: implications on partnering firms' performance

The fit between corporate strategy and alliance purpose is examined in this paper. While early research on alliances recognises various alliance purposes, their role in facilitating corporate strategy implementation is not delineated in the literature. Identifying two alliance purpose dimensions – impetus and context – we develop a framework to organise the different classes of alliance purposes. We argue that since alliances are moves to pursue corporate strategies, selecting alliance purposes to align with specific corporate strategies would increase the performance of partnering firms by facilitating successful strategy implementation.
Plant trichomes indirectly enhance tritrophic interactions involving a generalist predator, the red imported fire ant

Morphological defense traits of plants such as trichomes potentially compromise biological control in agroecosystems because they may hinder predation by natural enemies. To investigate whether plant trichomes hinder red imported Wre ants, Solenopsis invicta Buren (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), as biological control agents in soybean, Weld and greenhouse experiments were conducted in which we manipulated Wre ant density in plots of three soybean isolines varying in trichome density. Resulting treatment eVects on the abundance of herbivores, other natural enemies, plant herbivory, and yield were assessed. Trichomes did not inhibit Wre ants from foraging on plants in the Weld or in the greenhouse, and Wre ant predation of herbivores in the Weld was actually greater on pubescent plants relative to glabrous plants. Consequently, Wre ants more strongly reduced plant damage by herbivores on pubescent plants. This eVect, however, did not translate into greater yield from pubescent plants at high Wre ant densities. Intraguild predation by Wre ants, in contrast, was weak, inconsistent, and did not vary with trichome density. Rather than hindering Wre ant predation, therefore, soybean trichomes instead increased Wre ant predation of herbivores resulting in enhanced tritrophic eVects of Wre ants on pubescent plants. This eVect was likely the result of a functional response by Wre ants to the greater abundance of caterpillar prey on pubescent plants. Given the ubiquity of lepidopteran herbivores and the functional response to prey shown by many generalist arthropod predators, a positive indirect eVect of trichomes on predation by natural enemies might be more far more common than is currently appreciated.
“Because I’m still the parent, that’s why!” Parental legitimate authority during emerging adulthood

The current study sought to examine the discrepancies between parent and child reports of legitimate parental authority, to identify heterogeneity in college students’ perceptions of parental legitimate authority, and to examine potential variables that might differ as a function of group membership. Participants (Mage = 19.65, SD = 2.00, range = 18–29) consisted of 438 undergraduate students (320 women, 118 men) and at least one parent (376 mothers, 303 fathers). Results suggested that parents reported higher levels of legitimate authority than did children. Results found three groups and group membership varied as a function of perceptions of adult status, parental financial support, parental control, and the quality of the parent–child relationship. Discussion focuses on the implications of these findings for the parent–child relationship.
Outcome of Patients Treated with Definitive versus Palliative Radiation Therapy for Locally Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer after Poor Radiographic Response to Induction Chemotherapy

Materials/Methods: From January 1990 to December 2003, ninety-eight patients with clinical stage IIIA and IIIB NSCLC were treated with either definitive (n 64) or palliative RT (n 34) after displaying a poor radiographic response to induction chemotherapy, defined as either having no response (NR) or progressive disease (PD) at the primary site as determined by serial computed tomography (CT). All patients were treated initially using combination chemotherapy with 96% receiving a platinum-based regimen. The median number of cycles administered was 4 (range, 2–12). Median RT dose in the patients treated with definitive and palliative intent was 6000 cGy and 3000 cGy, respectively. CT-based RT planning was performed in 58% of the patients treated with definitive intent compared to 3% of those treated with palliative RT. Median Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) in the definitive and palliative RT groups was 80 and 70, respectively.
Data Clustering for Fitting Parameters of a Markov Chain Model of Multi-Game Playoff Series

We propose a Markov chain model of a best-of-7 game playoff series that involves game-to-game dependence on the current status of the series. To create a relatively parsimonious model, we seek to group transition probabilities of the Markov chain into clusters of similar game-winning frequency. To do so, we formulate a binary optimization problem to minimize several measures of cluster dissimilarity. We apply these techniques on Major League Baseball (MLB) data and test the goodness of fit to historical playoff outcomes. These state-dependent Markov models improve significantly on probability models based solely on home-away game dependence. It turns out that a better two-parameter model ignores where the games are played and instead focuses simply on, for each possible series status, whether or not the team with home-field advantage in the series has been the historical favorite - the more likely winner - in the next game of the series.
Will the Real Dominatrix Please Stand Up: Artistic Purity and Professionalism in the S&M Dungeon1

Professional dominatrices (pro-dommes) are a group that has received little sociological attention. I use Pierre Bourdieu's claims about art as a tool for illuminating important tensions within this corner of social life, where I find evidence of an embattled purity regime that has implications beyond the walls of the dominatrix' s "dungeon." In particular, I argue that pro-dommes' discourse resonates with Bourdieu's description of the "anti- 'economic' economy of pure art," employed by relatively autonomous avant-garde artists who disavow economic criteria for success as a means to legitimate themselves and symbolically distance themselves from the commercial end of the art world. Using this theory as a structural analogy for pro-domme/ client relationships sheds light on claims to professionalism and the microdynamics of control within service-industry interactions more generally.
Lidar-based mapping of leaf area index and its use for validating GLOBCARBON satellite LAI product in a temperate forest of the southern USA

article i nfo Lidar provides enhanced abilities to remotely map leaf area index (LAI) with improved accuracies. We aim to further explore the capability of discrete-return lidar for estimating LAI over a pine-dominated forest in East Texas, with a secondary goal to compare the lidar-derived LAI map and the GLOBCARBON moderate- resolution satellite LAI product. Specific problems we addressed include (1) evaluating the effects of analysts and algorithms on in-situ LAI estimates from hemispherical photographs (hemiphoto), (2) examining the effectiveness of various lidar metrics, including laser penetration, canopy height and foliage density metrics, to predict LAI, (3) assessing the utility of integrating Quickbird multispectral imagery with lidar for improv- ing the LAI estimate accuracy, and (4) developing a scheme to co-register the lidar and satellite LAI maps and evaluating the consistency between them. Results show that the use of different analysts or algorithms in analyzing hemiphotos caused an average uncertainty of 0.35 in in-situ LAI, and that several laser penetration metrics in logarithm models were more effective than other lidar metrics, with the best one explaining 84% of the variation in the in-situ LAI (RMSE=0.29 LAI). The selection of plot size and height threshold in calculating laser penetration metrics greatly affected the effectiveness of these metrics. The combined use of NDVI and lidar metrics did not significantly improve estimation over the use of lidar alone. We also found that mis-registration could induce a large artificial discrepancy into the pixelwise comparison between the coarse-resolution satellite and fine-resolution lidar-derived LAI maps. By compensating for a systematic sub- pixel shift error, the correlation between two maps increased from 0.08 to 0.85 for pines (n=24 pixels). However, the absolute differences between the two LAI maps still remained large due to the inaccuracy in accounting for clumping effects. Overall, our findings imply that lidar offers a superior tool for mapping LAI at local to regional scales as compared to optical remote sensing, accuracies of lidar-estimate LAI are affected not only by the choice of models but also by the absolute accuracy of in-situ reference LAI used for model calibration, and lidar-derived LAI maps can serve as reliable references for validating moderate-resolution
Materials Issues In X-Ray Mask Repair by Focused Ion Beams

In x-ray mask repair high Z absorber features, such as gold or tungsten, must be removed or added. The main challenges are the small lateral dimensions (0.25 µm and below) and the thickness of the absorbers (~ 0.5 µm) The focused ion beam appears to be the best tool developed to meet this challenge. Unwanted features are removed by ion milling while missing absorber is reconstructed using ion induced deposition from a locally piped-in precursor gas. The high aspect ratio of the features complicates both of these processes. Milling away 0.5 µm thick absorber can lead to redeposition of the sputtered material on neighboring features. The crystal grains of the absorber mill at different rates depending on orientation which results in nonuniform features. A possible alternative which only works with W absorber is to use ion assisted etching. In ion induced deposition a precursor gas such as dimethylgold hexafluoro acetylacetonate is provided by a capillary tube aimed at the region scanned by the ion beam. The incident Ga+ ions, usually at energies in the 25–100 keV range, dissociate the adsorbed precursor molecules leaving a deposit of gold mixed with carbon. The carbon content can approach 50 atomic % resulting in an x-ray attenuation which is about one half of that of pure gold. A number of unexplored materials science issues are associated with mask repair including: the reduction of the carbon content, redeposition both from milling and from induced deposition, milling as a function of crystal orientation and energy, and deposition of high aspect features. The technology is well enough developed so that mask repair of 0.25 µm features can be considered. However, a better understanding of the materials science aspects of x-ray mask repair will help to advance the state-of-the-art.
Congenital lobar emphysema of right middle lobe-transition from an opaque lung to hyperlucent lung in a neonate

Congenital Lobar Emphysema (CLE) is a rare congenital malformation of the lung characterized by over distension of a lobe of a lung due to partial obstruction of the bronchus. CLE often presents a diagnostic and therapeutic dilemma. We report a case of a 3 week old neonate who presented with sudden onset of respiratory distress related to CLE affecting the right middle lobe. Chest X-ray showed overexpansion of the right middle lobe, collapse of the ipsilateral lower lobe and shift of mediastinum. Lobectomy was performed successfully under general anaesthesia. Chest X-ray done at 6 hours of age showed an opaque right middle lobe which progressively became hyperlucent at 3 weeks of age requiring surgical intervention.
Ribosome Concentration Contributes to Discrimination against Poly(A)− mRNA during Translation Initiation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Inactivation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae poly(A) polymerase in a strain bearing the temperature-sensitive lethal pap1-1 mutation results in the synthesis of poly(A)- mRNAs that initiate translation with surprising efficiency. Translation of poly(A)- mRNAs after polyadenylation shut-off might result from an increase in the ratio of ribosomes and associated translation factors to mRNA, caused by the inability of poly(A)- mRNAs to accumulate to normal levels. To test this hypothesis, we used ribosomal subunit protein gene mutations to decrease either 40 or 60 S ribosomal subunit concentrations in strains carrying the pap1-1 mutation. Polyadenylation shut-off in such cells results in a nearly normal ratio of ribosomes to mRNA as revealed by polyribosome sedimentation analysis. Ribonuclease protection and Northern blot analyses showed that a significant percentage of poly(A)-deficient and poly(A)- mRNA associate with smaller polyribosomes compared with cells with normal ribosome levels. Analysis of the ratio of poly(A)-deficient and poly(A)- forms of a specific mRNA showed relatively more poly(A)- mRNA sedimenting with 20-60 S complexes than do poly(A)+ forms, suggesting a block in an early step of the translation initiation of the poly(A)- transcripts. These findings support models featuring the poly(A) tail as an enhancer of translation and suggest that the full effect of a poly(A) tail on the initiation strength of a mRNA may require competition for a limited number of free ribosomes or translation factors.
Time and Encoding Effects in the Concealed Knowledge Test

Although the traditional “lie detector” test is used frequently in forensic contexts, it has (like most test of deception) some limitations. The concealed knowledge test (CKT) focuses on participants’ recognition of privileged knowledge rather than lying per-se and has been studied extensively using a variety of measures. A “guilty” suspect’s interaction with and memory of crimescene items may vary. Furthermore, memory for crimescene items may diminish over time. The interaction of encoding quality and test delay on CKT efficiency has been previously implied, but not yet demonstrated. We used a response-time based CKT to detect concealed knowledge from shallow and deep study procedures after 10-min, 24-h, and 1-week delays. Results show that more elaborately encoded information afforded higher detection accuracy than poorly encoded items. Although classification accuracy following deep study was unaffected by delay, detection of poorly elaborated information was initially high, but compromised after 1 week. Thus, choosing optimal test items requires considering both test delay and initial encoding level.
Exterminate all operating system abstractions

The defining tragedy of the operating systems community has been the definition of an operating system as software that both multiplexes and abstracts physical resources. The view that the OS should abstract the hardware is based on the assumption that it is possible bath to define abstractions that are appropriate for all areas and to implement them to perform efficiently in all situations. We believe that the fallacy of this quixotic goal is self-evident, and that the operating system problems of the last two decades (poor performance, poor reliability, poor adaptability, and inflexibility) can be traced back to it. The solution we propose is simple: complete elimination of operating system abstractions by lowering the operating system interface to the hardware level.
Novel methodology for in situ carbon dioxide enrichment of benthic ecosystems

Future climate change will likely represent a major stress to shallow aquatic and coastal marine communities around the world. Most climate change research, particularly in regards to increased pCO2 and ocean acidification, relies on ex situ mesocosm experimentation, isolating target organisms from their environment. Such mesocosms allow for greater experimental control of some variables, but can often cause unrealistic changes in a variety of environmental factors, leading to “bottle effects.” Here we present an in situ technique of altering dissolved pCO2within nearshore benthic communities (e.g., macrophytes, algae, and/or corals) using submerged clear, open-top chambers. Our technique utilizes a flow-through design that replicates natural water flow conditions and minimizes caging effects. The clear, open-top design additionally ensures that adequate light reaches the benthic community. Our results show that CO2 concentrations and pH can be successfully manipulated for long durations within the open-top chambers, continuously replicating forecasts for the year 2100. Enriched chambers displayed an average 0.46 unit reduction in pH as compared with ambient chambers over a 6-month period. Additionally, CO2 and HCO3− concentrations were all significantly higher within the enriched chambers. We discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this technique in comparison to other ex situ mesocosm designs used for climate change research.
Leptospirosis in Rehabilitated Pacific Harbor Seals from California

Renal disease was observed in two rehabilitated Pacific harbor seals (Phoca vitulina richardsii) from a facility in California (USA). The seals had leukocytosis and high serum phosphorus, blood urea nitrogen and creatinine concentrations. A retrospective study of leptospiral antibody serum titers indicated both seals had elevated titers to Leptospira interrogans serovar grippotyphosa. A third seal, which died about the time when the index cases occurred, also had elevated titers to L. interrogans serovar grippotyphosa. Post mortem histopathologic examination of all three seals showed tubular necrosis consistent with interstitial nephritis; spirochetes were seen within the kidney parenchyma of the third seal. Sea lions (Zalophus californianus) or elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris) housed near the harbor seals were possible sources of exposure, but local wildlife also could have been responsible.
FORMATION AND COARSENING BEHAVIOR OF Y2BACUO5 FROM PERITECTIC DECOMPOSITION OF YBA2CU3O7-X

Formation and coarsening behavior of the Y2BaCuO5 (211) phase has been examined in samples produced by peritectic decomposition of pure YBa2Cu3O7−x (123), resulting in 211 crystals and the liquid phase [BaCuO2-CuO]. Through various temperature (1020 °C-1060 °C) and time (0.25 h-10 h) studies, the fundamental coarsening behavior was determined. At 1040 °C, 211 crystals coarsen significantly over a 10 h period. The acicular crystals can be modeled by the diffusional ripening law, r–r0 = (Kt)1/3, where r=V1/3. However, the log-normal distributions of the lengths, widths, and volumes for each coarsening run are much wider than general ripening theory would predict. Results from coarsening studies at 1020 °C and 1060 °C for 3 h reveal that the 211 crystal volume increases with increasing superheat. Prior coarsening of the 123 grain size yields much larger 211 particles, suggesting that the 211 crystals must nucleate at the 123 grain boundaries during peritectic decomposition, and this nucleation governs the size of the 211 crystals for short coarsening times. Addition of properitectic 211 (15 mole %) to pure 123 before peritectic decomposition strongly influences the particle habit of the resulting 211 crystals. Without any additions, acicular or needle-like 211 crystals result from the melting of 123. However, when equiaxed properitectic 211 is added to the 123, the resulting 211 is faceted, but still equiaxed. If acicular 211 is added to the starting composition, the resulting 211 is needle shaped. These results will be discussed in terms of 123 melt-texturing and directional solidification processing.
Does the Influence of Oblate-Like Distortions in Larger Raindrops Make a Difference in Collection and Evaporation Parameterizations?

This note documents the results of more exact parameterizations for continuous-collection growth and evaporation against simpler traditional ones. Although the main focus is on improving research models, the research results also apply to high-resolution forecast models because the use of lookup tables can make the proposed evaporation, terminal velocity, and collection parameterizations as fast as or faster than proposed ones. It is shown that the older method of ignoring oblate-like distortions of shapes in raindrops, truncated at a maximum diameter of 8 mm, gives a solution like that including oblate-like distortions but only because of two large errors that nearly cancel. The biggest differences from the solutions using oblate-like distortions in shape arise from parameterizations that incorporate more exact approximations (e.g., sweep-out diameter) that are not combined with appropriately more exact approximations for other variables dependent on diameter (e.g., terminal velocity).
Dislocations in Ceramic and Metal Crystals

Although crystal dislocations were invented to explain the plastic behavior of metals and most of the early theory was developed with metal crystals in mind, it seems clear that the final stages of research and development of knowledge about dislocations will be concerned with their behavior in ceramic crystals.
Simulation Analysis and Operation Statistics of Commutation Failure in HVDC Transmission System

By means of electromagnetic transient simulation program a detailed model of HVDC power transmission system actually operated in current power grids is built,and detailed variation of electric quantities during the commutation failure process in HVDC power transmission system,the duration of commutation failure and its impacts on AC power transmission grid as well as DC block caused by commutation failure are analyzed.The statistical analysis on commutation failure in HVDC power transmission system with receiving end in Shanghai is performed.Research results show that commutation failure leads to severe fluctuation of such electrical quantities as DC current,DC voltage and DC power,however the duration of the fluctuations usually is not longer than 100ms,so its impact on AC power system is transitory,meanwhile the there is low probability of DC block caused by commutation failure.
Bacterial culture and drug sensitivity analysis of urine samples in one hospital

Objective To analyze the basic distribution and drug sensitivity of the midstream urine culture bacterium in our hospital in the past two years,and find the common infection bacteria and sensitive drugs,in order to facilitate the clinical treatment of urinary tract infections in children.Methods Automatic dilution method with automatic bacteria identification analyzer and drug susceptibility analysis system were used to do urine culture,identification and drug sensitive analysis in our hospital.Results The main bacteria cultured from urine were Enterococcus faecium,Escherichia coli,S.hemolyticus,streptococcus bovis,Staphylococcus Sciuri,S.lugdunensis Streptococcus,staphylococcus cohnii,Klebsiella spp,Citrobacter Werkman and Gillen,Monilia albican,which had high rates of drug resistance.Conclusion The main pathogenic bacteria cultured from urine are Escherichia coli,Enterococcus faecium,Monilia albican,avoiding abuse of antibiotics,clinical treatment of urinary tract infections should be treated according to the results of drug susceptibility in children.
Physician-Assisted Suicide: The Culture of Medicine and the Undertreatment of Pain

Pain control is one of the key points of contention in current debates about physician-assisted suicide. Defenders of physician-assisted suicide argue that a competent patient’s desire to relieve intractable pain and suffering is a compelling reason for permitting this practice (Quill et al., 1992; Brock, 1993; Quill et al., 1997). Opponents contend that physician- assisted suicide is not required to relieve pain and suffering because these symptoms can almost always be controlled with good pain management and palliative care (Singer and Siegler, 1990; Emanuel, 1998; American Medical Association (AMA), 1997). Both sides of this issue acknowledge that it is important to offer patients quality end-of-life care, including adequate pain control.