cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A null model test of Floristic Quality Assessment: Are plant species' Coefficients of Conservatism valid?

Abstract Floristic Quality Assessment (FQA) was developed as a tool for quantifying the conservation value of natural areas based on their plant species composition and richness. Floristic Quality Assessment is based on Coefficients of Conservatism (C values) assigned to each plant species in a region or state. Each species i, is assigned a value Ci, on a scale of 0–10 by expert botanists, based on its fidelity to undegraded natural areas. A criticism of Floristic Quality Assessment is the subjective nature of these C values. Our objective was to determine if C values of individual species are indicative of the C values of species with which they co-occur. If subjectively assigned species’ C values carry meaningful information about plant assemblages and the conservation value of particular habitats, then individual species should tend to co-occur with species of similar C. We tested this hypothesis using occurrences of 1014 species in 388 forests and wetlands across Illinois, USA. Using a null model approach, we found that species co-occurred with species of similar C far more often than would be expected by chance; affirming the predictive ability of subjectively assigned C values. Furthermore, we quantified the extent to which each species was under- or overvalued relative to its co-occurring species assemblages to assess if any species C values were mis-assigned. Woody plants and perennial herbs, as groups, were undervalued as ecological indicators, i.e. their C values were too low. Several non-native species, which, by convention, are assigned a C of zero, were over- or under-valued relative to native species with a C of zero. Based on species occurrences across hundreds of sites, our results indicated that, despite their subjective basis, C values carry considerable ecological information, such that a given species can be used to predict the C values of its co-occurring assemblage. However, some species C values appeared less accurate than others. Our methodological approach could be applied in other states or regions to validate and refine C value assignments.
Mars: The case against permanent CO2 frost caps

Leighton and Murray have argued that there is a polar reservoir of solid CO_2 on Mars that lasts throughout the year and whose vapor pressure determines the mean partial pressure of CO_2 in the atmosphere. This model is discussed in the light of recent data, and several difficulties emerge. First, such a system might be unstable, owing to the tendency of poleward heat transport to increase with atmospheric pressure. Second, the annual retreat of the CO_2 frost cover would be slower according to the model than that observed. Moreover, the observations seem to indicate that the residual polar cap that lasts throughout the year is composed of water ice rather than CO_2. Finally, observations of water vapor in the atmosphere appear to be inconsistent with a permanent CO_2 cold trap in continuous existence for many years. These difficulties hold also for a CO_2 reservoir buried by water ice and for a hydrated CO_2 clathrate. If Leighton and Murray's model does not apply, several alternatives remain. First, the total accumulated CO_2 may simply be equal to that observed in the atmosphere. Second, there may be a buried reservoir of CO_2 that is not in vapor equilibrium with the atmosphere. Third, adsorption of CO_2 and water in the Mars regolith may control the amounts of these compounds observed in the atmosphere at present. Unfortunately, not one of these alternatives provides a satisfactory quantitative theory for the present CO_2 partial pressure in the atmosphere.
Solid solution softening and hardening in the group-V and group-VI bcc transition metals alloys: First principles calculations and atomistic modeling

The interaction of $d$ transition metal additions with dislocations was studied in bcc alloys by using the atomic row model with ab initio parametrization of the interatomic interactions. Opposite trends were obtained for the solute-dislocation interactions in the group-V (Nb, Ta) and group-VI (Mo, W) bcc metals: while additions with extra valence electrons enhance the double-kink nucleation and result in solid solution softening in the group-VI metals, they cannot cause the intrinsic softening in the group-V metals. Oppositely, additions with fewer valence electrons should lead to an intrinsic softening in the group-V metals and a strong hardening in the group-VI metals. The effect of electronic concentration on the solute-dislocation interaction is less pronounced in the group-V alloys, and other mechanisms may be dominant in their softening and hardening behavior.
Practical defenses against pollution attacks in intra-flow network coding for wireless mesh networks

Recent studies show that network coding can provide significant benefits to network protocols, such as increased throughput, reduced network congestion, higher reliability, and lower power consumption. The core principle of network coding is that intermediate nodes actively mix input packets to produce output packets. This mixing subjects network coding systems to a severe security threat, known as a \emph{pollution attack}, where attacker nodes inject corrupted packets into the network. Corrupted packets propagate in an epidemic manner, depleting network resources and significantly decreasing throughput. Pollution attacks are particularly dangerous in wireless networks, where attackers can easily inject packets or compromise devices due to the increased network vulnerability.In this paper, we address pollution attacks against network coding systems in wireless mesh networks. We demonstrate that previous solutions to the problem are impractical in wireless networks, incurring an unacceptably high degradation of throughput. We propose a lightweight scheme, DART, that uses time-based authentication in combination with random linear transformations to defend against pollution attacks. We further improve system performance and propose EDART, which enhances DART with an optimistic forwarding scheme. A detailed security analysis shows that the probability of a polluted packet passing our verification procedure is very low. Performance results using the well-known MORE protocol and realistic link quality measurements from the Roofnet experimental testbed show that our schemes improve system performance over 20 times compared to previous solutions.
XXVIII. A derivation of Planck's law of radiation by means of the adiabatic hypothesis

(1923). XXVIII. A derivation of Planck's law of radiation by means of the adiabatic hypothesis. The London, Edinburgh, and Dublin Philosophical Magazine and Journal of Science: Vol. 45, No. 266, pp. 300-303.
A Proposed Scale to Measure Beliefs about the Consequences of Employing Homosexuals

Preliminary development of a scale to measure beliefs about the consequences of employing homosexuals is described. From responses of 182 managers from Southeastern US manufacturing, government, and service organizations principal components analysis yielded a single 13-item scale which exhibited strong item-total correlations and internal consistency reliability; Cronbach's alpha was .95. Evidence of predictive validity was provided by relatively strong correlations between beliefs about the consequences of hiring homosexuals and two indicators of discrimination in employment.
The Mexican Catholic Church and Constitutional Change Since 1929

(1997). The Mexican Catholic Church and Constitutional Change Since 1929. The Historian: Vol. 60, No. 1, pp. 77-86.
Role of gender in the toxicity of norcocaine.

Abstract Gender differences may significantly influence the toxicity of cocaine in mammals. In this study, the influence of gender on the toxicity of norcocaine, a pharmacologically active metabolite of cocaine, was compared with its parent compound in adult male and female rats. In addition, the plasma and tissue norcocaine concentrations were evaluated after the administration of norcocaine and cocaine. Norcocaine or cocaine was administered intravenously at a rate of 2 mg/kg/min until circulatory collapse. Arterial blood samples as well as heart, liver, and brain tissues were obtained at circulatory collapse for the measurement of concentrations of norcocaine as well as cocaine and its major metabolites. There were no gender-related differences in the doses of norcocaine required to produce circulatory collapse; however, there were significant gender-related differences in the norcocaine tissue-to-plasma concentration ratios (T:P ratios). After the administration of norcocaine, T:P ratios for heart, liver, and brain tissue were significantly greater in males. Furthermore, after cocaine administration, the hepatic norcocaine T:P ratio was approximately 3-fold greater in the male rats than in the female rats. In contrast, female rats had a greater percentage of norcocaine in the plasma at circulatory collapse after acute cocaine administration. Although no gender differences in the lethality of norcocaine were observed, it remains to be seen whether the gender differences in the distribution and uptake of norcocaine play a role in the hepatotoxicity of the drug, particularly after chronic exposure. (J Lab Clin Med 1999;133:590-96)
Structural and Spectroscopic Evidence for Intramolecular Agostic M···H−C and Dative Zr←F−C(ortho) Interactions in the Zwitterionic Metal Complexes [(C5H4)SiMe2(N-t-Bu)]M(+)(μ-C4H6)B(−)(C6F5)3, M = Ti, Zr

The reactions of equimolar amounts of [(C5H4)SiMe2(N-t-Bu)]M(C4H6) (M = Ti, Zr) and B(C6F5)3 proceed cleanly with the formation of the zwitterionic complexes [(C5H4)SiMe2(N-t-Bu)]M(+)(μ-C4H6)B(−)(C6F5)3. X-ray structural analyses of these novel compounds indicate that the π-allyl unit within the asymmetrical bridging cis-butadiene moiety adopts the Z-configuration. The structure of the zwitterionic Ti-betaine complex is stabilized by a pair of Ti(+)···H−CB(−) agostic interactions, whereas the structure of the Zr analogue features a dative Zr←F−C(ortho) interaction with a Zr−F distance of 2.324(1) A and a single Zr(+)···H−CB(−) agostic interaction. Variable-temperature 19F NMR data show that the broad ortho-F resonance for the three freely rotating perfluorophenyl groups at room temperature separates upon cooling (193 K) to produce six distinct signals at δ −124.8, −129.6, −131.8, −133.4, −135.7, and −189.2, consistent with the coordination of an ortho-F atom to the electrophilic Zr center. From a line sha...
Academic perspectives on the United States food and drug administration's guidance for industry on diabetes mellitus

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued Guidance for Industry, subtitled Diabetes Mellitus-Evaluating Cardiovascular Risk in New Antidiabetic Therapies to Treat Type 2 Diabetes. From an academic perspective, these regulatory requirements provide undue emphasis on the results of phase 2 trials not designed to test hypotheses about clinical cardiovascular events. Phase 2 trials should be considered hypothesis formulating either alone or in their meta-analyses. Thus, this FDA guidance for industry does not adequately emphasize the importance and necessity of well designed and conducted phase 3 trials of sufficient size, dose, and duration to test the hypothesis formulated from the meta-analysis of the phase 2 trials. We believe that the guiding principle about benefits and risks of drugs should be that rational decisions for individual patients and the health of the general public should be based on a sufficient totality of evidence. When that totality of evidence is incomplete, it is appropriate to remain uncertain. We believe phase 2 trials should be performed mainly for proof of concept and dose ranging. To detect reliably the most plausible small to moderate effects of drugs, the totality of evidence must include large scale randomized phase 3 trials. These individual trials must be of sufficient size, dose, and duration as well as achieve high adherence and follow-up. They must also achieve enough clinical endpoints to distinguish reliably between the null hypothesis of no effect and the most plausible alternative hypotheses of small benefit or harm.
Applications of Fluorescent Scanning in Nuclear Nedicine

Two aspects of fluorescent scanning have received insufficient attention in the past. The fluorescent scanning system is inherently tomographic and is capable of almost complete rejection of activity due to tracer outside the plane of interest. The fluorescent system is also capable of providing exact quantitative determinations of tracer content. These two unique attributes may be helpful in future medical applications of x-ray fluorescence.
Predicting High Temperature Ultimate Strength of Continuous Fiber Metal Matrix Composites

A model to predict the high temperature ultimate strength of a continuous fiber metal matrix composite (CFMMC) has been developed. The model extends the work of Rosen by including high temperature processes such as matrix creep, fiber-matrix de bond, and the effects of randomly spaced fiber breaks which typically exist in the MMC prior to loading. A finite element model (FEM), developed in the form of a representative volume element (RVE), is used to calculate the time-dependent stress field surrounding a fiber break. Variables included in the calculation are process-related parameters such as the fiber diameter, the fiber-matrix interface strength, and interface roughness. Statistical analysis is used to infer the strength of a large composite sample from the stress analysis of a single break provided by the FEM.
Relationship between In Vivo Receptor Occupancy and Efficacy of Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor Subtype 5 Allosteric Modulators with Different In Vitro Binding Profiles

Allosteric modulators of the metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 5 (mGlu5) have exciting potential as therapeutic agents for multiple brain disorders. Translational studies with mGlu5 modulators have relied on mGlu5 allosteric site positron emission tomography (PET) radioligands to assess receptor occupancy in the brain. However, recent structural and modeling studies suggest that closely related mGlu5 allosteric modulators can bind to overlapping but not identical sites, which could complicate interpretation of in vivo occupancy data, even when PET ligands and drug leads are developed from the same chemical scaffold. We now report that systemic administration of the novel mGlu5 positive allosteric modulator VU0092273 displaced the structurally related mGlu5 PET ligand, [18F]FPEB, with measures of in vivo occupancy that closely aligned with its in vivo efficacy. In contrast, a close analog of VU0092273 and [18F]FPEB, VU0360172, provided robust efficacy in rodent models in the absence of detectable occupancy. Furthermore, a structurally unrelated mGlu5 negative allosteric modulator, VU0409106, displayed measures of in vivo occupancy that correlated well with behavioral effects, despite the fact that VU0409106 is structurally unrelated to [18F]FPEB. Interestingly, all three compounds inhibit radioligand binding to the prototypical MPEP/FPEB allosteric site in vitro. However, VU0092273 and VU0409106 bind to this site in a fully competitive manner, whereas the interaction of VU0360172 is noncompetitive. Thus, while close structural similarity between PET ligands and drug leads does not circumvent issues associated with differential binding to a given target, detailed molecular pharmacology analysis accurately predicts utility of ligand pairs for in vivo occupancy studies.
Citizen video journalists and authority in narrative: Reviving the role of the witness:

New media technologies allow for unprecedented participation in the public sphere, with financial investments on a par with other mainstream hobbies. Citizen video journalists (VJs) are acquiring t...
The Perruche case and the issue of compensation for the consequences of medical error

The case of Nicolas Perruche gave rise to a national debate in France over compensation for serious consequences of medical error. Ultimately, legislation was enacted banning the cause of action known in Anglo-American law as wrongful life, and an agency was established to adjudicate subsequent claims. As other developed nations continue to wrestle with rapid increases in the cost of professional liability coverage and health care in general, a review of the Perruche case and its influence on French health policy may advance the discussion beyond the current stalemate of hardened advocacy positions.
Enrolling Brain-Dead Humans in Medical Research: Stakeholder Opinions

Background: Brain-dead humans retain many of the physiologic functions of living humans, but they are legally dead and cannot be physically harmed by participation in research. Stakeholder opinions about enrolling brain-dead humans in medical research are largely unknown. Methods: Exploratory interviews were conducted with members of three stakeholder groups—medical researchers, intensive care clinicians, and laypeople—to gauge support for and identify barriers to the conduct of research with brain-dead humans. Thematic analysis of interview transcripts was conducted based on a priori hypotheses and content analysis of interview transcripts. Results: Twenty-three of 31 participants (7/9 researchers, 8/10 clinicians, and 8/12 laypeople) indicated that research enrolling brain-dead humans who are not eligible for organ donation should be permitted, though all cited restrictions that should apply. Reservations about research involving brain-dead humans included (1) concern about maintenance of dignity or avo...
Twice Primed: Cyclin E Is Phosphorylated and Isomerized Before Being Ubiquitinated

Targeting proteins for irreversible degradation must be under tight control and is often regulated at the level of substrate-receptor binding. But does a protein really need to be marked twice with two different modifications, first phosphorylation and then isomerization, to bind its receptor, as van Drogen et al. (2006) show for cyclin E?
Microbial and soil parameters in relation to N mineralization in soils of diverse genesis under differing management systems

Oregon soils from various management and genetic histories were used in a greenhouse study to determine the relationships between soil chemical and biological parameters and the uptake of soil mineralized nitrogen (N) by ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.). The soils were tested for asparaginase, amidase, urease, β-glucosidase, and dipeptidase activities and fluorescein diacetate hydrolysis. Microbial biomass carbon (C) and N as well as metabolic diversity using Biolog GN plates were measured, as were total soil N and C, pH, and absorbance of soil extracts at 270 nm and 210 nm. Potentially mineralizable N (N0) and the mineralization rate constant (k) were calculated using a first order nonlinear regression model and these coefficients were used to calculate the initial potential rate of N mineralization (N0 k). Except for Biolog GN plates, the other parameters were highly correlated to mineralized N uptake and each other. A model using total soil N and β-glucosidase as parameters provided the best predictor of mineralized N uptake by ryegrass (R 2 =0.83). Chemical and biological parameters of soils with the same history of formation but under different management systems differed significantly from each other in most cases. The calculated values of the initial potential rate of mineralization in some cases revealed management differences within the same soil types. The results showed that management of soils is readily reflected in certain soil chemical and biological indicators and that some biological tests may be useful in predicting N mineralization in soils.
Influence of coulomb collisions on electrostatic waves in the ionosphere

The collisional damping rate of electrostatic LHR waves is calculated. At an altitude of 1000 km, the damping rate is typically a few sec−1. In the absence of an instability the LHR waves should therefore damp out in a time of the order of a second. Horita and Watanabe attribute the LHR noise bands to a Landau instability excited by high energy (~10 keV) electron streams. The instability growth rate depends on the thermal spread in the stream, but can exceed the collisional damping rate if this thermal spread is not too large. One effect of the collisional damping is to shift the lower cutoff of the noise bands up above the LHR frequency, the extent of the shift being dependent on the thermal spread in the electron stream.
The developmental role of material derived from the nucleus (germinal vesicle) of mature ovarian eggs

Abstract In the present study a biological activity test was developed for the material that is produced and stored in the oocyte nucleus (germinal vesicle) and later dispersed in the cytoplasm. The experimental method involved the transfer of germinal vesicle material to the blastocoels of mid to late blastulae. Intraspecific transfers of Rana pipiens germinal vesicle material to R. pipiens blastulae resulted later in enlarged head primordia. This suggests that germinal vesicle material is involved in axial organ formation. Interspecific transfers of R. catesbeiana or R. sylvatica germinal vesicle material to R. pipiens blastulae resulted in an inhibition of axial structures. This suggests that this material is species specific and is involved in the hybrid block to development. Germinal vesicle material loses its activity when heated at 55–60°C for 10 minutes. Intraspecific transfers of ovarian egg cytoplasm failed to produce a striking effect on development. However, interspecific transfers of R. catesbeiana cytoplasm to R. pipiens blastulae resulted in abnormal development. The abnormalities occurred later in development and were less severe than those produced by injections of germinal vesicle material.
Exo-C: A space mission for direct imaging and spectroscopy of extrasolar planetary systems

Exo-C is NASAs first community study of a modest aperture space telescope designed for high contrast observations of exoplanetary systems. The mission will be capable of taking optical spectra of nearby exoplanets in reflected light, discovering previously undetected planets, and imaging structure in a large sample of circumstellar disks. It will obtain unique science results on planets down to super-Earth sizes and serve as a technology pathfinder toward an eventual flagship-class mission to find and characterize habitable Earth-like exoplanets. We present the mission/payload design and highlight steps to reduce mission cost/risk relative to previous mission concepts. Key elements are an unobscured telescope aperture, an internal coronagraph with deformable mirrors for precise wavefront control, and an orbit and observatory design chosen for high thermal stability. Exo-C has a similar telescope aperture, orbit, lifetime, and spacecraft bus requirements to the highly successful Kepler mission (which is our cost reference). The needed technology development is on-course for a possible mission start in 2017. This paper summarizes the study final report completed in January 2015. During 2015 NASA will make a decision on its potential development.
Social and legal policy dimensions of violent juvenile crime

The problem of what to do about violent delinquents has existed since the juvenile court was established in 1899. Doubts about the efficacy of rehabilitation, together with persistently high rates ...
Measuring Acculturation Gap Conflicts Among Hispanics: Implications for Psychosocial and Academic Adjustment

This study examined the factor structure and validity of the Acculturation Gap Conflicts Inventory (AGCI), a new instrument developed to measure the types of recurring conflicts that young people experience as part of the parent-child acculturation gap. Participants included 283 Hispanic young adults who completed the AGCI and existing measures of acculturation, family dynamics, psychosocial, and academic adjustment. Principal axis factor analysis revealed three factors with good internal consistency: Autonomy Conflicts, Conflicts over Preferred-Culture, and Dating/Being Out Late Conflicts. These factors correlated in the expected direction with acculturative stress and family dynamics variables. Autonomy Conflicts explained more than 25% of the variance in the acculturation gap conflicts items investigated, and this factor demonstrated incremental validity in predicting psychosocial and academic adjustment beyond the variance accounted for by other acculturative stress variables. The AGCI can be valuable to researchers from a variety of disciplines interested in measuring acculturation-related intergenerational conflicts among Hispanic youth that may be predictive of adjustment.
Molecular targets of lithium action.

▪ Abstract Lithium is highly effective in the treatment of bipolar disorder and also has multiple effects on embryonic development, glycogen synthesis, hematopoiesis, and other processes. However, the mechanism of lithium action is still unclear. A number of enzymes have been proposed as potential targets of lithium action, including inositol monophosphatase, a family of structurally related phosphomonoesterases, and the protein kinase glycogen synthase kinase-3. These potential targets are widely expressed, require metal ions for catalysis, and are generally inhibited by lithium in an uncompetitive manner, most likely by displacing a divalent cation. Thus, the challenge is to determine which target, if any, is responsible for a given response to lithium in cells. Comparison of lithium effects with genetic disruption of putative target molecules has helped to validate these targets, and the use of alternative inhibitors of a given target can also lend strong support for or against a proposed mechanism of ...
Differentiation of HL-60 cells is associated with an increase in the 35-kDa protein lipocortin I.

Lipocortin I, a 35-kDa protein, has been detected in terminally differentiated monocytes and neutrophils. This calcium-phospholipid binding protein appears to be identical to a 35-kDa protein that can serve as a substrate for the EGF-receptor/tryosine kinase. We have used the human myelocytic cell line HL-60 to explore whether differentiation of hematopoietic cells is associated with changes in the level of lipocortin I. We find that differentiation of HL-60 cells toward the macrophage lineage by the addition of phorbol esters or vitamin D3 or toward neutrophils with dibutyryl cyclic AMP or dimethyl sulfoxide is accompanied by an increase in the cellular content of lipocortin I. In comparison, treatment of HL-60 cells with bryostatin 1, a compound that activates protein kinase C but does not differentiate HL-60 cells, did not effect the level of 35 kDa protein. We have developed a radioimmunoassay to quantitate this protein by using a polyclonal antibody to a synthetic amino terminal peptide of the 35-kDa protein. This antibody recognizes purified pig lung 35-kDa protein as well as a single 35-kDa protein in HL-60 and A-431 cells as determined by Western blotting and immune precipitation. Differentiated HL-60 cells contain 2.6-fold the amount of 35-kDa protein found in undifferentiated HL-60 cells. Our findings that the addition of phorbol esters to HL-60 cells results in an increase in the mRNA for the 35-kDa protein and in an increase in the incorporation of 35S-methionine into the protein suggest that transcriptional activation or increased stability of the mRNA is responsible for the increased rate of synthesis and accumulation of lipocortin I during differentiation of these cells. In the absence of added divalent cations, we have determined that in differentiated HL-60 cells 79% of lipocortin I protein is located in the cytosol while 21% of the total cellular protein is bound to the particulate fraction. The 35-kDa protein can be removed from the particulate fraction by incubation with chelators or treatment with phospholipase A2 or phospholipase C. Addition of the calcium ionophore A23187 to intact differentiated HL-60 cells causes the 35-kDa protein to associate with the particulate fraction of the cell, suggesting that modulation of intracellular calcium levels may play a role in changing the intracellular location of this protein.
Causal inferences between leader reward behaviour and subordinate performance, absenteeism, and work satisfaction.

A longitudinal field study, using corrected cross-lag correlations, investigated the causal inference relationships between perceived leader reward behaviour and subordinate performance, absenteeism, and work satisfaction in a controller's department of a merchandising organization. The results revealed that: (a) perceived positive leader reward behaviour served as a source of causation for subordinate performance and work satisfaction; (b) perceived punitive leader behaviour acted as a source of causation for subordinate work dissatisfaction; and (c) subordinate performance and absenteeism served as sources of causation for perceived punitive leader behaviour. The results support the belief that perceived performance-contingent rewards given by the leader can be a significant influence on subordinate attitudes and behaviour.
A young man with a femoral hernia presenting as periumbilical pain

The case of a 21-year-old man presenting with constant periumbilical pain is reported. The patient had a left groin mass which on palpation exacerbated his pain. The patient was taken to surgery where an incarcerated femoral hernia was repaired. A brief and uncomplicated postoperative course followed. The anatomy and clinical manifestations of femoral hernias are presented.
Mixed Metal Oxide Sorbents

High temperature desulfurization can be accomplished by using solid sorbents containing oxides of metals which form stable Sulfides. These oxides by themselves cannot meet the requirements of Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle (IGCC) and Integrated Gasification Fuel Cell (IGFC) applications. When metal oxides are mixed together and properly calcined, they form solid solutions and/or new solid compounds with markedly different thermodynamics, kinetics and physical properties. Thus, by adding other oxides to the primary desulfiirization species, it may be possible to improve its sulfur removal efficiency, prevent or slow the reduction to elemental metal, prevent sulfate formation, improve dispersion and modify porosity and pore size, and impart structural strength and stability.
Ground moving target engagement by cooperative UAVs

The purpose of this tutorial paper is to present an application example for the MultiUAV cooperative control simulation. MultiUAV has been used to simulate a cooperative moving target engagement (CMTE) scenario, with a team of UAVs acting as a sensor and communication network to cooperatively track and attack moving ground targets. This scenario illustrates the utility of MultiUAV for cooperative control applications requiring heterogeneous vehicles with varied sensor, communication, dynamic, and weapon capabilities. A human supervisor designates one or more moving ground targets for the vehicles to attack. The vehicle agents must then autonomously and cooperatively determine which vehicles perform the required tasks, when the tasks are performed, and what flight paths are used. This requires assigning time-dependent cooperative and joint tasks, where multiple sub-elements of the primary task must be accomplished by different vehicles, for any of the tasks to have value. This paper focuses on the unique requirements of the CMTE scenario and how they are addressed in the MultiUAV simulation.
Knowledge management, organizational culture and Anglo-American higher education:

La culture organisationnelle a un impact direct sur la facon dont sont incorporees et utilisees les technologies de l'information et de la communication et sur les resulats de la gestion des connaissances (GC) dans l'entreprise. La culture organisationnelle au sein des universites est hybride et se repartit entre deux hemispheres, l'un reserve aux objectifs academiques et l'autre a la gestion, chacun determinant un certain type d'applications de GC.
Anionic polymerization and copolymerization of acrylophenone

The n-butyllithium-initiated polymerization of a mixture of acrylophenone (AP) and styrene produces only poly(AP), indicating that a chain ending in an AP enolate ion is not sufficiently nucleophilic to add to styrene. Radical copolymerization of AP and styrene yields a polymer containing 65% AP (at 41% conversion). In contrast, lithium dispersion-initiated polymerization of AP and styrene produces a product containing 50–99% AP, depending upon conversion. This observation is discussed in terms of current knowledge concerning alkali metal-initiated polymerization.
Double beam RF MEMS switches for wireless applications

A double cantilever beam MEMS switch has been developed for wireless applications. The two beams are controlled by a single actuation electrode. This switch has low pull-in voltage of 15 V and fast switching speed of 60 /spl mu/s. An RF performance with >-50 dB isolation below 5 GHz and <-0.18 dB up to 30 GHz was observed.
Interventions for Extracranial Carotid Artery Stenosis: An Update

Clinical trials demonstrate that stroke risk after the periprocedural period is similar for carotid angioplasty and stenting (CAS) and carotid endarterectomy (CEA), making CAS an acceptable alternative to CEA. However, there tends to be a higher procedural risk of stroke for CAS than for CEA and a potentially higher rate of myocardial infarction in patients undergoing CEA as compared to CAS. Furthermore, lower rates of complications with revascularization and of post-revascularization stroke have been attributed to advances in medical management, improved surgical technique, and new devices. We discuss identifying patients who may have higher complication rates and recent clinical studies and medical advances directed at reducing stroke risk in patients with extracranial carotid stenosis.
Singlet exciton fission in thin films of tert-butyl-substituted terrylenes.

Two terrylene chromophores, 2,5,10,13-tetra(tert-butyl)terrylene (1) and 2,5-di(tert-butyl)terrylene (2), were synthesized and studied to determine their singlet exciton fission (SF) efficiencies. Compound 1 crystallizes in one-dimensional stacks, whereas 2 packs in a slip-stacked, herringbone pattern of dimers motif. Strongly quenched fluorescence and rapid singlet exciton decay dynamics are observed in vapor-deposited thin films of 1 and 2. Phosphorescence measurements on thin films of 1 and 2 show that SF is only 70 meV endoergic for these chromophores. Femtosecond transient absorption experiments using low laser fluences on these films reveal rapid triplet exciton formation for both 1 (τ = 120 ± 10 ps) and 2 (τ = 320 ± 20 ps) that depends strongly on film crystallinity. The transient absorption data are consistent with formation of an excimer state prior to SF. Triplet exciton yield measurements indicate nearly quantitative SF in thin films of both chromophores in highly crystalline solvent-vapor-anne...
Everyone Sees Color: Toward a Transformative Critical Race Framework of Early Literacy Teacher Education

This article builds a rationale for using the transformative pedagogy of critical race theory (CRT) to reframe early literacy teacher education and create counternarratives to address pervasive issues of inequity among minoritized students. This article also highlights the tensions that resulted from the author’s use of such a framework: Preservice teachers enrolled in the author’s early literacy methods course expressed feelings that focusing on issues of race and racism was at the expense of their “literacy training,” problems accepting the idea that they could be personally biased, and notions that the CRT frame was inapplicable to them because they were at White schools. This article makes practical suggestions for teacher educators’ efforts to counter such tensions and use CRT in order to address inequitable practices and meet the needs of minoritized students.
A Roadside Survey of Rhesus Monkeys in Bengal

Field surveys in Bengal in October and November 1962, indicated a scarcity of monkeys in observable roadside habitats. In Bengal one monkey group was seen on the average of every 160 miles of roadside travel, whereas in Uttar Pradesh in 1959 and 1960 one monkey group was seen on the average of every 10 miles.
The survey on the content of lead and cadmium in freshwater clam in the region of Mingbei and serving suggestions

Objective:Learn the content of Lead(Pb) and Cadmium(Cd) in river snail and corbicula fluminea sold in the markets along the river of Jian Xi and Futun Xi in Mingbei region. Methods: Investigate Bellamya aeruginosa,Yellow snail,Corbicula fluminea in 18 markets near the main rivers in areas,analyse the content of Pb and Cd by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry quantitatively.Results: The average contents of Pb in total 23 sample is 1.19 mg/kg up to as much as 2.58 mg/kg.Then after nurturing one day,The average is 0.62 mg/kg,and two days later,they reduce to is 0.36 mg/kg.The figure about Cd is 0.75 mg/kg in average with the maxmum 8.04 mg/kg.the average contents decline to 0.37 mg/kg after one day of feeding and down to 0.21 mg/kg by two days' feeding.Conclusion: According to GB 18406.4-2001,the safety requirements of agriculture product quality and Non-Pollution aquatic product[1](Pb0.5 mg/kg,Cd0.1 mg/kg).The average contents of Pb in freshwater clams is 2.38 times as much as the standard,that of Cd is 7.5 times as much as the standard.It means that the water in rivers of Jian and Futun have been polluted by Cd and Pb.Such amounts reduce significantly after feeding mussels in clean water.Thus,it is suggested to feed mussels over two days before the further progress.
THE DEVELOPMENT MODEL IN TOURISM RESOURCES OF QINGHAI-TIBET BASED ON THE POLE-AXIS SYSTEM THEORY

This paper analyzes the spatial allocation characteristics of tourism resources and its exploitation at present time in Qinghai province and Tibet province,then points out that in order to optimize the tourism spatial structure and to ensure its sustainable development,we must take the Pole-axis theory as guidance to establish the tourism exploitation structure which is ordered and systematically.
Follow-up on platelet transfusion causing decreased postoperative survival after liver transplantation.

Background: Platelet transfusions have been identified as an independent risk factor for survival after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). In this study, we analyzed the specific causes of mortality and graft loss in relation to platelet transfusions during OLT. Methods: In a series of 449 consecutive adult patients undergoing a first OLT, the causes of patient death and graft failure were studied in patients who did or did not receive perioperative platelet transfusions. Results: Patient and graft survival were significantly reduced in patients who received platelet transfusions, compared with those who did not (74% vs 92%. and 69% vs 85%, respectively at 1 yr; P < 0.001). Lower survival rates in patients who received platelets were attributed to a significantly higher rate of early mortality because of acute lung injury (4.4% vs 0.4%; P = 0.004). There were no significant differences in other causes of mortality between the two groups. The main cause of graft loss in patients receiving platelets was patient death with a functioning graft. Conclusions: These findings suggest that platelet transfusions are an important risk factor for mortality after OLT. The current study extends previous observations by identifying acute lung injury as the main determinant of increased mortality. The higher rate of graft loss in patients receiving platelets is related to the higher overall mortality rate and does not result from specific adverse effects of transfused platelets on the grafted liver.
Therapeutic implications of myocardial lactate metabolism in patients considered candidates for emergency myocardial revascularization.

Cardiac angiography has had limited success in predicting the potential for salvage of jeopardized ischemic myocardium. In this context, we have examined the effect of coronary sinus pacing on myocardial lactate extraction in order to determine its predictive role. All 159 patients with unstable angina or acute myocardial infarction were found angiographically suited for coronary bypass surgery. In addition, myocardial lactate extraction was assessed prior to, during, and after coronary sinus pacing. Conventional medical treatment was carried out in 72 patients, whereas 87 patients were treated with coronary bypass surgery. Therapy was determined on clinical and angiographic grounds, independent of myocardial lactate extraction. In medically treated unstable angina, patients with a myocardial lactate production (MLP) of greater than 15 percent showed an in-hospital mortality rate of 21.4 percent; no deaths were observed in those with less than 15 percent MLP (p 15 percent MLP versus 0 percent mortality
Comparison of Esophageal, Rectal, and Gastrointestinal Temperatures During Passive Rest After Exercise in The Heat: The Influence of Hydration.

Context: It is unknown how valid esophageal, rectal, and gastrointestinal temperatures (TES, TRE, and TGI) compare after exercise-induced hyperthermia in various hydration states. Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the differences between TES, TRE, and TGI during passive rest following exercise-induced hyperthermia under two different hydration states: euhydrated (EU) and hypohydrated (HY). Design: Randomized-crossover design. Setting: Controlled laboratory setting. Participants: Nine recreationally active male participants (mean±SD; age, 24±4; height, 177.3±9.9cm; body mass, 76.7±11.6kg; body fat, 14.7±5.8%). Intervention: Participants completed two trials (EU and HY) consisting of a bout of treadmill exercise (a 10 minute walk ranging 4.8-7.2km·hr-1 at a 5% grade followed by a 20 minute jog ranging 8.0-12.1km·hr-1 at a 1% grade) in a hot environment (ambient temperature, 39.3±1.0°C; relative humidity, 37.6±6.0%; wet bulb globe temperature, 31.3±1.5°C) followed by passive rest. Main outc...
Preoperative and Postoperative Medical Management for Rheumatoid Hand Surgery

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a progressive disease of joint inflammation with systemic and extra-articular features. The evolving understanding of its pathogenesis has led to revolutionary development of targeted therapy that is changing its course and associated morbidity and mortality. Nevertheless, a substantial number of patients will experience progression of their disease leading to disability. Reconstructive hand surgery remains an important complimentary therapeutic option in restoring function and improving quality of life for patients with RA. Preoperative management of the disease and comorbidities is critical in optimizing the surgical outcome. Postoperative wound and joint infections remain a serious concern and can be minimized by reducing the intensity of immunosuppression. A multidisciplinary approach involving the surgeons, rheumatologists, primary care physicians, anesthesiologists, radiologists, and rehabilitation specialist is essential for a successful outcome.
EUS-guided intrahepatic portosystemic shunt with direct portal pressure measurements: a novel alternative to transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunting

Background and Aims Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunting involves the creation of a low-resistance channel between the portal vein (PV) and the hepatic vein (HV), and is routinely performed under angiography. The aims were to evaluate (1) safety and technical feasibility; (2) procedural duration; and (3) subjective workload assessment of EUS-guided intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (EIPS). Methods Five Yorkshire pigs were used in the study. The HV or inferior vena cava (IVC) was identified using a linear-array echoendoscope and accessed with a 19-G FNA needle preloaded with a digital pressure wire. Mean pressure was recorded. The needle was advanced into the PV, where pressure measurements were again taken, and ultimately exchanged over a guidewire. A lumen-apposing metal stent was deployed under EUS and fluoroscopic guidance, with distal and proximal ends positioned inside the PV and HV (IVC), respectively. Dilation was performed, and pressure measurements repeated. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Task Load Index (TLI) was scored. Animals survived 2 weeks before necropsy. Results EIPS was successful in 5 out of 5 pigs. Mean time required for EUS identification, needle access, pressure measurement, and stent placement was 43 (31-55) minutes. NASA TLI scores revealed moderate workload. Mean baseline pressure measurements were PV 7.0 (5-9) and HV/IVC 5.0 (3-7) mm Hg and PV 6.3 (5-7) and HV/IVC 6.0 (4-7) mm Hg after. All animals survived 2 weeks. No bleeding was seen on necropsy. Conclusions This study demonstrates the technical feasibility of EIPS using LAMS, with direct portal pressure measurement, in a survival model. In addition, the procedure was performed quickly with moderate technical demand.
Snow precipitation measurement and analysis during MASCRAD Winter observations

We present our continued studies of winter precipitation within the MASCRAD (MASC + Radar) project, using multi-angle snowflake camera (MASC), 2D-video disdrometer, computational electromagnetic scattering methods, and state-of-the-art polarimetric radar. We also introduce some recent advancements to the observation and analysis process, and discuss new illustrative results.