cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Voxel Carving Based 3D Reconstruction of Sorghum Identifies Genetic Determinants of Radiation Interception Efficiency

Changes in canopy architecture traits have been shown to contribute to yield increases. Optimizing both light interception and radiation use efficiency of agricultural crop canopies will be essential to meeting growing needs for food. Canopy architecture is inherently 3D, but many approaches to measuring canopy architecture component traits treat the canopy as a two dimensional structure in order to make large scale measurement, selective breeding, and gene identification logistically feasible. We develop a high throughput voxel carving strategy to reconstruct three dimensional representations of maize and sorghum from a small number of RGB photos. This approach was employed to generate three dimensional reconstructions of a sorghum association population at the late vegetative stage of development. Light interception parameters estimated from these reconstructions enabled the identification of both known and previously unreported loci controlling light interception efficiency in sorghum. The approach described here is generalizable and scalable and it enables 3D reconstructions from existing plant high throughput phenotyping datasets. For future datasets we propose a set of best practices to increase the accuracy of three dimensional reconstructions.
Pasquarelli, Susan Lee, Cole, Robert A., and Tyson, Michael J. (eds.) (2018). Passport to Change. Designing Academically Sound, Culturally Relevant, Shortterm, Faculty-led Study Abroad Programs. Sterling, VA: Stylus. 256 pages.

This is a book review of the title: Pasquarelli, Susan Lee, Cole, Robert A., and Tyson, Michael J. (eds.) (2018). Passport to Change. Designing Academically Sound, Culturally Relevant, Shortterm, Faculty-led Study Abroad Programs. Sterling, VA: Stylus. 256 pages.
Leveling the playing field in ICT design: Transcending knowledge roles by balancing division and privileging of knowledges

This article develops a conceptual model of users’ and designers’ knowledge roles in the information and communication technology design process. The “ideal” center at the intersection of the axes ...
T-cell receptor gene rearrangement clonality, flow cytometry status, and associated outcomes in early-stage CTCL.

e20087Background: Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma (CTCL) is a monoclonal lymphoproliferative disease. Studies hypothesize T-cell receptor gene (TCR) rearrangement and flow cytometry as means of predictin...
Toward an understanding of open access trends in business schools: A bibliometric analysis of the open access faculty publications of accounting departments at three universities

This paper examines the outcomes of a bibliometric analysis of open access (OA) and non-open access (non-OA) publications from the accounting departments of the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville,...
ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Methodology.

Abstract The ACR Appropriateness Criteria® (AC) are evidence-based guidelines that guide physicians on appropriate image ordering. The AC development and revision process follows a transparent methodology that includes the systematic analysis of current medical literature from peer-reviewed journals and the application of well-established guidelines standards (the Institute of Medicine’s Clinical Practice Guidelines We Can Trust) and methodologies (the RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) to rate the benefits and potential risks, or appropriateness, of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In the October 2020 release, the methodology is applied in the development of 198 AC documents covering 1,760 clinical scenarios to make more than 8,815 recommendations, authored by more than 600 members representing multiple expert societies, and using more than 6,200 references. The ACR is recognized as a qualified provider-led entity by CMS for the development of appropriate use criteria. This paper describes the methodology and illustrates adherence to the process in the development of the AC.
Challenges and Opportunities for CNS Practice Globally

Clinical nurse specialists (CNS) are an advanced practice nursing role. CNSs have expert knowledge, complex decision-making abilities, and enhanced skills for expanded practice in a specialty area. This book describes the CNS role and practice as it exists in 15 selected countries and identifies how CNS practice is shaped by the context in which practice takes place. The CNS role is well-established in some countries and is in varying stages of development in other countries. Regardless of the level of establishment, evidence demonstrates that CNSs are making an impact on the health and well-being of people. The chapters explore the common characteristics of CNS practice, education, and regulation. Areas of commonality include role definition, practice competencies, and expectations for improved clinical and fiscal outcomes. Greater variations reflect the educational and regulatory structure of a country. Our contributing authors, writing from the perspective of their country, have identified opportunities and challenges for the continuing growth and success of the CNS role. This closing chapter summarizes and reflects on the information from the chapter contributors representing geographic areas from North America, Europe, Middle East, Asia, and Oceania.
Police Stress and Deleterious Outcomes: Efforts Towards Improving Police Mental Health.

Police officers are subjected, daily, to critical incidents and work-related stressors that negatively impact nearly every aspect of their personal and professional lives. They have resisted openly acknowledging this for fear of being labeled. This research examined the deleterious outcomes on the mental health of police officers, specifically on the correlation between years of service and change in worldviews, perception of others, and the correlation between repeated exposure to critical events and experiencing Post-Traumatic Symptoms. The Cumulative Career Traumatic Stress Questionnaire- Revised (Marshall in J Police Crim Psychol 21(1):62−71, 2006) was administered to 408 current and prior law enforcement officers across the United States. Significant correlations were found between years of service and traumatic events; traumatic events and post-traumatic stress symptoms; and traumatic events and worldview/perception of others. The findings from this study support the literature that perpetual long-term exposure to critical incidents and traumatic events, within the scope of the duties of a law enforcement officer, have negative implications that can impact both their physical and mental wellbeing. These symptoms become exacerbated when the officer perceives that receiving any type of service to address these issues would not be supported by law enforcement hierarchy and could, in fact, lead to the officer being declared unfit for duty. Finally, this research discusses early findings associated with the 2017 Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act and other proactive measures being implemented within law enforcement agencies who are actively working to remove the stigma associated with mental health in law enforcement.
Serials cataloging, 1991-1996 : A review

Summary The published literature specific to serials cataloging for 1991-1996 and the work of the ALA ALCTS Serials Section's Committee to Study Serials Cataloging were reviewed to identify trends and developments. The cataloging of electronic journals emerged as a new topic during this period. A major examination of the Library of Congress rule interpretations, undertaken for the purposes of greater clarity and cataloging simplification, brought improvements to the LCRIs for serials. The CONSER Cataloging Manual was published, providing serials catalogers with a new and very important resource. The merger of CONSER with the newly established Program for Cooperative Cataloging was announced. Format integration advanced, with a combined volume replacing the several format-specific volumes. Diverse topics were explored in the literature.
Electron microscopy of the stratified epithelium lining the excretory canal of the dogfish rectal gland

In spite of a renewed interest in the rectal (salt-secreting) gland of the spiny dogfish, Squalus acanthias, the morphology of the stratified epithelium lining the central lumen and large ducts of this gland has been mentioned only briefly. The fluid removed from the duct of the rectal gland has been shown by Burger and Hess ('60a, b) and Burger ('62) to be a concentrated sodium chloride solution. The function of the stratified epithelium in the elaboration of this fluid is unknown. It is of interest to know if the stratified epithelium has morphological specializations which might suggest its function. The stratified epithelium of the central canal consists of surface cells, intermediate cells, and basal cells. Four types of surface cells can be distinguished: granular cells, mucous cells, flask-shaped cells, and cells with large mitochondria. The intermediate cells form a loose network. In the large extracellular spaces between the intermediate cells, free cells presumably of blood origin, can be seen. The basal cells lie on a basement membrane. There is a structural resemblance of the epithelium to that of the toad bladder.
The Art of Nation Branding

Nation Branding refers to the application of “marketing communications techniques to promote a nation’s image.” Past literature has recognized the arts and culture sector as an effective way in improving a country’s image. This paper explores the relationship between a nation’s arts and culture sector and its brand value, and investigates the role of government in this relationship over 50 countries. We find that while both arts and culture sector and dedicated ministry of culture correlated with a country’s brand value, the presence of a ministry diminished the effects of the arts and culture sector on brand value.
Hypersensitivity to DNA Cross-linking Agents Associated with Up-Regulation of Glucose-regulated Stress Protein GRP78

We have shown previously that NAD/poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-deficient cells that overexpress Mr 78,000 glucose-regulated stress protein (GRP78) are resistant to topoisomerase II inhibitors, such as etoposide, m-amsacrine, and doxorubicin. However, these cells have been found to be hypersensitive to DNA cross-linking agents, including melphalan, cisplatin, and 1,3-bis(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea (BCNU). These observations prompted us to examine whether overexpression of GRP78 is associated with modulation of cytotoxicity of clinically useful DNA-cross-linking agents such as melphalan, BCNU, and cisplatin. We up-regulated GRP78 in V79 Chinese hamster cells by 2-5-fold using two independent approaches that include exposure to 6-aminonicotinamide, or 2-deoxyglucose. Subsequently, these GRP78-overexpressing cells were trypsinized, plated in regular medium without GRP78-inducing agents, and allowed a 5-h attachment time before being treated with melphalan, BCNU, or cisplatin for 1 h to determine clonogenic survivals. In addition, repair of DNA cross-links induced by those agents were determined by alkaline elution assay. Our results show that the GRP78-overexpressing V79 cells are hypersensitive to DNA cross-linking agents compared to the control V79 cells. Furthermore, repair of drug-induced DNA cross-links appears to be considerably slower in these cells relative to that found in control V79 cells. Thus, our results suggest that (a) up-regulation of GRP78 is associated with an impairment of DNA cross-link repair, (b) up-regulation of GRP78 is associated with potentiation of cytotoxicity induced by alkylating and platinating agents, and (c) up-regulation of GRP78 can be considered as a potentially useful tool to modulate the cytotoxicity of clinically useful alkylating and platinating agents.
1999 Presidential Address to the National Society of Genetic Counselors.

It is a tremendous honor to be standing here today as president of the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC), and I want to express my appreciation for this opportunity. As I look to the year ahead and the different responsibilities of this position, I admit to having feelings of both excitement and some trepidation. It is a daunting task to lead an organization, especially into the next century, and at a time when the whole field of genetics is rapidly advancing. While I anticipate less sleep and more chocolate consumption in the year ahead, I am firmly committed to doing my best to represent and lead NSGC. I would like to share some thoughts about our annual education conferences and the recent board decision, the importance of our participation in the wider genetics community, and to present some projects for the coming year. The first NSGC Annual Education Conference that I attended was in 1987 in San Diego. I was then a student in the University of Michigan genetic counseling program, and my whole class was there—all two of us. I was 1 of 350 attending the conference. Since 1987, the number of conference attendees has grown to more than 800, and NSGC membership has more than doubled to almost 1,800. The fact is that the number of conference attendees in this room today significantly exceeds what was our total membership in 1987. Being at a conference, especially for the first time is overwhelming, and so I confess that I went off to the outdoor hot tub. I thought I was escaping, but I was mistaken. Instead, I was networking, albeit in a less formal setting! As I learned from the hot tub experience, networking is an important aspect of these conferences, and it occurs in a multitude of places. I initially became involved in NSGC thanks to the mentoring of my program director, Diane Baker, M.S. While I have given a lot of time to NSGC over the years, I have gained much in return—increased knowledge, new skills, and
Can Cooperation Survive Changes in Bargaining Power? The Case of Coffee

Abstract Most efforts at international cooperation are heavily conditioned by the relative bargaining power of the states involved. But often states expect their bargaining power to change over time. Can cooperation survive such changes—especially when they are unpredictable? I argue that the detailed provisions of international agreements, when chosen carefully, can help states take account of such changing political realities. In particular, I present a theory of optimal duration and renegotiation provisions in light of shocks to relative bargaining power. I then consider cooperation in the international coffee market, thereby illustrating two of the substantive implications of the theory, and briefly discuss other international agreements. Finally, I draw conclusions about the conditions under which international law can affect international cooperation, a topic hotly debated by international law scholars and political scientists.
Compliance Analysis of Forestry Best Management Practices in West Virginia

A total of 29 forestry best management practices (BMPs) were measured on 116 randomly selected sites harvested between November 2003 and March 2004 in West Virginia using four checklists on haul roads, skid trails, landings, and in streamside management zones (SMZs). Landowners were contacted to gain permission for site visits according to the random list. Data collected were analyzed statistically to examine the significant differences of BMP compliance rates among forester involvement, ownership, harvest method, and forest district. Results indicate that BMP compliance was generally better when a forester was involved with the harvest or on industry lands. Forester involvement, ownership, and harvest method did not significantly affect most of BMP compliance rates. BMP compliance on skid trails, at landings, and overall compliance by site differed significantly among six forest districts in West Virginia.
The Role of Stigma in Parental Help-Seeking for Perceived Child Behavior Problems in Urban, Low-Income African American Parents

Significant numbers of children have diagnosable mental health problems, but only a small proportion of them receive appropriate services. Stigma has been associated with help-seeking for adult mental health problems and for Caucasian parents. The current study aims to understand factors, including stigma, associated with African American parents’ help-seeking behavior related to perceived child behavior problems. Participants were a community sample of African American parents and/or legal guardians of children ages 3–8 years recruited from an urban primary care setting (N = 101). Variables included child behavior, stigma (self, friends/family, and public), object of stigma (parent or child), obstacles for engagement, intention to attend parenting classes, and demographics. Self-stigma was the strongest predictor of help-seeking among African American parents. The impact of self-stigma on parents’ ratings of the likelihood of attending parenting classes increased when parents considered a situation in which their child’s behavior was concerning to them. Findings support the need to consider parent stigma in the design of care models to ensure that children receive needed preventative and treatment services for behavioral/mental health problems in African American families.
Ignorance Is Bias: The Effect of Latino Losers on Models of Latino Representation

Nearly every aggregate study of minority legislative representation has observed outcomes of elections (officeholders), rather than the supply of minority candidates. Because of this, scholars have left a large amount of important data, the election losers, out of their models of minority representation. The evidence presented in this article demonstrates that voters in the United States cannot choose minority officeholders because there are rarely minority candidates on the ballot. I use state legislative candidate data from Carsey et al. (2008) and Klarner et al. (2012) to test models of Latino representation that correct for first-stage selection bias. Once candidate self-selection is taken into account, the probability of electing a Latino increases enormously. I then use data from 2010 to make out-of-sample predictions, which clearly favor the conditional model. Thus, our current understanding of Latino representation is significantly biased by ignoring the first stage of an election, a candidate's decision to run.
A bottom-up traffic demand model for long haul and metropolitan optical networks

A bottom-up traffic model featuring traffic demand estimations, application-specific growth projections and detailed demand-to-working network capacity conversion factors is described and applied to both long haul and metropolitan networks (with >85% accuracy).
Honor Thy Father and Mother?: How Intestacy Law Goes Too Far in Protecting Parents

American intestacy law frequently forces children to honor financially their father and mother, but little evidence suggests they want to, at least after their own deaths. Although the parent-child relationship is one of the most innate and primordial of all human bonds, this bond does not seem to manifest itself in a child’s sense of financial obligation to his parents after his death. Much has been written on the role of parents’ obligations and intentions toward their children. Parents owe a duty of support to their children in all states, and children are the primary recipients of parental affection, even sometimes before the surviving spouse. As a result, children are frequently the primary beneficiaries of their parents’ estates after death. Surprisingly little scholarship, however, exists on the reverse phenomenon of children’s obligations or intentions toward parents in a like context. Although not all states impose an obligation on children to support parents in necessitous circumstances, a natural affinity undoubtedly exists between children and parents given the nearness of the blood relationship and a child’s desire to reciprocate for the love and support given to him by his parents over the course of his lifetime. This Paper examines the unexplored issue of parental inheritance from children in the context of intestacy. Part I of this Paper delineates the general theories that motivate the basic rules of intestate inheritance. After doing so, Part II explores those purposes in the context of a child dying and being survived by (a) parents and a surviving spouse; (b) parents and siblings; and (c) so-called “bad” parents. Within each of these three situations, this Paper reviews the current approaches in the United States and posits which approach is the dominant trend in the area and why. Finally, Part III assesses the evidence with regard to the purposes of intestacy, finds American law largely defective, and concludes with suggestions for reform.
Self-anchoring in conversation: Why language users do not do what they 'should'

An old story about J. Edgar Hoover illustrates the miscommunication of intentions. When Hoover noticed that the text of a memo his secretary typed had spilled into the page margins, he scribbled a note to her: “Watch the borders.” The next day agents were on high alert on the border with Mexico. The question we'd like to address in this paper is this: Why did Hoover miscommunicate? We propose that much miscommunication is systematic. It results from the nature of language use. We attempt to demonstrate our point by noting the similarities between the way people make decisions and the way they use language. As in decision making, uncertainty is inherent in the way people use language. The way language users overcome this uncertainty leads to systematic errors. When we attempt to understand what speakers mean, we must infer what they mean from what they say. This is because all utterances are ambiguous. “Borders” is lexically ambiguous, but ambiguity in language goes beyond lexical ambiguity. In fact, everything people say is ambiguous because it can convey more than one intention. To overcome this inherent ambiguity, we propose that language users rely on certain heuristics of language use. As with other heuristics, they are generally successful but they occasionally lead to systematic error. In this chapter, we propose that speakers, addressees, and overhearers reduce the uncertainty of linguistic utterances by using an anchoring and adjustment heuristic.
Aggressive behavior and its associations with posttraumatic stress and academic achievement following a natural disaster

Despite an abundance of evidence linking maltreatment and violence-related trauma exposure to externalizing problems in youth, there is surprisingly little evidence to support a direct link between disaster exposure and youth aggressive behavior. This study tested the theory that there is primarily an indirect association between disaster exposure and aggression via posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. The current study also examined the association between aggression and academic achievement. A sample of 191 4th- to 8th-grade minority youth who experienced Hurricane Katrina were assessed for aggressive behavior using the Peer Conflict Scale (PCS), disaster exposure, PTSD symptoms, and academic achievement. Structural equation modeling of the set of associations was consistent with the theory suggesting that there is an indirect link between disaster exposure and aggression through PTSD symptoms. Aggression was negatively associated with academic achievement, and modeling indicated that the set of associations was age and gender invariant. Findings advance the theoretical understanding of the linkage between aggression and disaster exposure. Findings also support the utility of the PCS in disaster research and the link between PCS scores and academic achievement.
Morphology of the Frontal fault zone, southwest Oklahoma: Implications for deformation and deposition in the Wichita uplift and Anadarko basin

Structural fabrics along the northern margin of the Wichita uplift, southwestern Oklahoma, are compared with depositional patterns in the adjacent Anadarko basin. The Frontal fault zone, the structural transition between the uplift and basin, is divisible into three segments that reflect the partitioning of deformation along the northern margin of the uplift. Variations in Pennsylvanian isopach patterns within the Anadarko basin suggest changing conditions of tectonic loading along the basin's southern margin. Anomalously thin sections of syntectonic rocks in the deep basin are interpreted to have been deposited on the crests of growing anticlines.
The PBB episode in Michigan: an overall appraisal.

Polybrominated biphenyls (PBB) were used as a fire retardant. In common with other halogenated hydrocarbons, PBBs are lipophilic and resistant to chemical and metabolic degradation. Cattle on about 25 Michigan farms were exposed to as much as 250 g per head of PBB when it was accidentally mixed in cattle feed in 1973 to 1974. Livestock exposures several orders of magnitude lower occurred on several hundred other farms because of carryover and equipment contamination in feed mills. Approximately 85% of the Michigan population received some exposure to PBB because dairy product marketing involves mixing milk from many farms. A few cases of high human exposure, which may have been as great as 10 g, occurred when residents of the more highly exposed farms consumed their own products. Although numerous clinical signs and pathological changes were reported in exposed cattle, only anorexia, lacrimation, emaciation, hyperkeratosis, and kidney damage were confirmed in controlled studies. The acute toxicity of PBB in laboratory animals is low, but a variety of subacute effects have been reported. Induction of microsomal enzymes, enlargement and histopathological changes of the liver, fetotoxicity, and immunosuppression are among the more significant. Epidemiological studies of exposed humans have revealed no pattern ofmore » clinical signs or symptoms that were related to PBB exposure. A complete evaluation of the human consequences of exposure to PBB await the conclusion of long-term epidemiological studies. 84 references.« less
Role Perceptions, Satisfaction and Performance Moderated by Organization Level and Participation in Decision Making

The article discusses a study which looked at the relationships between role perception and employee satisfaction and performance. Participation in decision making was more effective when there wer...
The Available Potential Energy of Storms

Abstract The storm's available potential energy and its rate of change are derived for a vertically walled volume encircling the storm and extending from the surface to the top of the atmosphere. The rate of change includes explicit expressions for the generation of the storm's available potential energy, for its conversion to kinetic energy, and for its change through boundary work and energy flux. The theoretical results in isentropic coordinates show that it is not desirable to conduct available potential studies in a quasi-hydrostatic atmosphere for regions of limited vertical extent. The results also show the difficulty of inferring kinetic energy change from a total potential energy budget of a limited atmospheric domain. Opposite time rates of change for the storm's total and available potential energy are allowed through boundary processes for frictionless isentropic flows within mechanically open regimes. The relation of the available potential energy of storms to the available potential energy o...
The Impact of Supervised Exercise on the Psychological Well-Being and Health Status of Older Veterans:

This study examined the impact of supervised exercise on the health status (measured by the Sickness Impact Profile [SIP]) and well-being (measured by the Psychological General Well- Being Index [PGWB]) of a sample of 43 elderly veterans. The intervention consisted of 90 minutes of exercise, 3 days per week at 70% of maximal capacity. Twenty-three (53%) partici pants completed a 1-year follow-up. The mean PGWB score increased significantly from 83.0 ± 15.8 to 89.4 ± 8.9 (p = .01). Cardiovascular fitness (measured by treadmill performance) increased significantly (p = .004). Baseline SIP scores were low (little dysfunction) and changed little. The study suggests that small but significant improvements in well-being accompany physiological benefits that the elderly experience with exercise.
The Emergent System in Informatics: Trends and Challenges

This paper reports that change in informatics is occurring very rapidly and that the systems of the future will be quite different from those of today. It is noted that this situation poses two major problems, one specific to the use of informatics in education and the other more general. Regarding education, the historic result of knowledge-based changes has been a widening of the gap between industrialized and other nations, and a great challenge is to prevent this from happening as informatics advances. The more general problem is the danger to all human life.
Thermal Infrared Spectral Imager for Airborne Science Applications

An airborne thermal hyperspectral imager is underdevelopment which utilizes the compact Dyson optical configuration and quantum well infrared photo detector (QWIP) focal plane array. The Dyson configuration uses a single monolithic prism-like grating design which allows for a high throughput instrument (F/1.6) with minimal ghosting, stray-light and large swath width. The configuration has the potential to be the optimal imaging spectroscopy solution unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) due to its small form factor and relatively low power requirements. The planned instrument specifications are discussed as well as design trade-offs. Calibration testing results (noise equivalent temperature difference, spectral linearity and spectral bandwidth) and laboratory emissivity plots from samples are shown using an operational testbed unit which has similar specifications as the final airborne system. Field testing of the testbed unit was performed to acquire plots of emissivity for various known standard minerals (quartz). A comparison is made using data from the ASTER spectral library.
A dual-axis dual-lateral position-sensitive detector for charged particle detection

Abstract A dual-axis dual-lateral position-sensitive detector has been developed for charged particle detection. This detector consists of a 20×20 mm square double-sided p-on-n silicon structure with a highly uniform resistive junction and ohmic layers with equi-potential channels. This detector was developed for the possible integration into the FAUST array. In-beam experimental results reveal a detector position resolution better than 200 μm with a non-linearity of 0.002% (rms). The energy resolution as determined from a 228Th alpha source is ∼80 keV for the 6.778 MeV alpha.
DNA sequencing: Detecting methylation with force

An atomic force microscope with antibodies attached to its tip can be used to determine methylation patterns in individual DNA strands by making hundreds of force spectroscopy measurements.
Sudden Death in a Patient with Carney's Complex.

Carney’s complex is a rare autosomal dominantly inherited multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome that involves spotty skin pigmentations, recurrent cardiac myxomas, endocrine hyperactivity, pituitary adenomas, peripheral nerve tumors, testicular tumors, and ovarian lesions. We present a case of sudden cardiac death in a 40 year old female with a history of Carney’s complex with recurrent cardiac myxomas presenting for exploratory laparotomy and enblock adnexal resection of a slowly enlarging right sided ovarian mass. This case highlights the risk for sudden death in these patients as well as the preoperative assessment that should be undertaken by the anesthesiologist as it relates to Carney’s complex.
Purification and characterization of the β2-adrenergic receptor from calf lung

Improved methods for the solubilization and purification of the mammalian beta 2-adrenergic receptor have allowed this protein to be characterized further. In the present study, the beta 2-adrenergic receptor has been solubilized from calf lung membranes using a 0.4% digitonin/0.08% cholate-Tris buffer with multiple proteinase inhibitors. This solubilization buffer produced 60-75% solubilization of the receptor, which retained complete ligand-binding activity as determined by Scatchard analysis. Subsequent receptor purification employed a modified acebutolol-agarose affinity resin. The eluate from the affinity resin was then purified further by HPLC-gel exclusion chromatography on a Spherogel TSK-3000 column. The receptor, detected by [3H]dihydroalprenolol or [125I]iodocyanopindolol binding, eluted with a retention time identical to that of IgG (Stokes radius 49 A). Autoradiography following SDS-PAGE of the purified iodinated receptor clearly demonstrated two distinct bands: a major band of 67 kDa and a minor band of 53 kDa. With the addition of leupeptin to the proteinase inhibitor regimen, the 53-kDa band became less apparent. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis indicated that the 67-kDa peptide behaved as a predominantly single species with a pI of 6.0 +/- 0.2. The purified receptor protein recognized adrenergic ligands with a specificity identical to that of the membrane-bound beta 2-adrenergic receptor.
Ionic Conductivity of Nanostructured Block Copolymer/Ionic Liquid Membranes

Nanostructured mixtures of ionic liquids and polymers are of great interest for a wide variety of electrochemical applications. Understanding the relationship between composition, structure, and ionic conductivity for these mixtures is essential for designing new materials. In this work, the effect of nanostructure on ionic conductivity, σ, is investigated for model mixtures of diblock copolymers and ionic liquids that are selective for one of the polymer microphases. It is demonstrated that the concentration dependence of σ is a function of the total volume fraction of ionic liquid and described well by percolation theory. This scaling behavior encourages the design of membranes where the amount of a mechanical component in the block copolymer can be increased to improve the strength of the membrane without sacrificing conductivity. The temperature dependence of σ is a function of the amount of ionic liquid exclusively in the conducting domain. Comparing σ for mixtures of the diblock copolymer poly(styre...
Distribution and scanning electron microscope (SEM) observations of authigenic pyrite from a Pacific deep-sea core

Abstract Authigenic pyrite in a variety of forms occurs in a deep-sea core taken on Monterey Fan off the coast of central California. The pyrite under scanning electron microscope examination has been shown to occur in a hierarchy of forms; the larger forms are spherical while the smallest may be spherical, cubic, octahedral, or pyritohedral. Pyrite apparently concentrated at the Holocene-Pleistocence boundary appears to reflect burrowing activity and/or differing organic content during these two epochs.
Development of Generalized Parameters for Canine Multibody Meniscus Models From Experimental Data

It has been established that in order to accurately model a knee joint a reasonable approximation of the soft tissues present is necessary1. Models which include these soft tissue structures are able to better reproduce joint kinematics, loading, and analyze the impact of damage and pathological joint behavior1. Simulating the behavior of these tissues requires either a detailed understanding of materials properties that can be implemented via finite element models or the production of an empirical model that can be implemented inside other model frameworks2,3. This study explores the application of multibody (MB) modeling techniques in an attempt to capture the flexible behavior of biological tissues inside of a rigid body mechanics software, MD ADAMS (MSC software, Santa Ana, California), by tuning the performance to experimental data using design of experiments (DOE).Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Hierarchy in Political Discussion

Some scholars posit that the influence of opinion leaders within a social network can provide an efficient division of labor of knowledge acquisition. Opinion leaders, however, are only one type of influential discussion partner in a social network. Although untested in the current literature, if political discussion amounts to pressure from social superiors to vote or think a certain way, discussion may not increase political comprehension. I tested this effect in Japan, a country that has a high level of social hierarchy. Using data from a new nationally representative survey during the 2005 Japanese Diet elections, I test the determinants of the social transfer of political expertise. I found that political discussion from superiors does increase vote similarity, but does not increase political knowledge. I also found that hierarchical pressure is focused disproportionately on women and youth. However I show as well that discussion with opinion leaders increases political knowledge.
REDEFINING THE DISTRIBUTIONAL BOUNDARIES OF THE NORTHERN AND CALIFORNIA SPOTTED OWLS: IMPLICATIONS FOR CONSERVATION

Abstract The Northern Spotted Owl (Strix occidentalis caurina) is listed as a threatened species. However, the range description given at the time of listing is inconsistent with the range delineation given by the American Ornithologists' Union checklist of North American birds. Despite the quandary that this inconsistency represents regarding the area of protection afforded the Northern Spotted Owl, the range used in listing is consistent with the actual range suggested by mtDNA haplotypes diagnostic for the subspecies. The range description used in the listing decision of the Northern Spotted Owl and in many conservation plans have been repeated through time without a formal revision or basis for support. Based on current knowledge of Spotted Owl locations we revise the range limits for both Northern and California (S. o. occidentalis) Spotted Owls. Redefinicion de los Limites de las Distribuciones de Strix occidentalis caurina y S. o. occidentalis: Implicaciones para Conservacion Resumen. La lechuza St...
Statistical aspects of electronic and structural properties in partially ordered semiconductor alloys

We have investigated the statistical effects of spontaneous ordering on the electronic and structural properties of a semiconductor alloy as a function of order parameter using an empirical pseudopotential method in conjunction with a valence force field method in a supercell approach. The theoretical modeling yields valuable information on the statistical fluctuation of electronic properties, which includes the individual band edge as well as the band gap, for understanding the effects of ordering on various optical and transport measurements. The results on the average bond lengths and the statistical distributions of different types of bonds provide a guideline for the measurability of the effects of ordering in a partially ordered alloy in terms of the order parameter.
A bubble chamber measurement of η′ (960) → γγ and η′ (960) → πoπoη (η → 3πo) decay rates☆

Abstract We have studied the reaction π + d → p(p) + kγ , k = 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 at a beam momentum of 2.15 GeV/ c . From the k = 2 sample we find a branching ratio BR 1 = Γ ( η ′ → γγ )/ Γ ( η ′ → all) = 0.126 ± 0.075. Using the k = 6 data, we find BR 2 = Γ ( η ′ → π o π o η : η → 3 π o )/ Γ ( η ′ → all) = 0.11 ± 0.06.
Amorphous silicon bolometer for fire/rescue

Thermal imaging sensors have completely changed the way the world views fire and rescue applications. Recently, in the uncooled infrared camera and microbolometer detector areas, major strides have been made in manufacturing personal fire and rescue sensors. A family of new amorphous silicon microbolometers are being produced utilizing low cost, low weight, ultra low power, small size, high volume vacuum packaged silicon wafer-level focal plane array technologies. These bolometers contain no choppers or thermoelectric coolers, require no manual calibration and use readily available commercial off-the-shelf components. Manufacturing and packaging discoveries have allowed infrared sensitive silicon arrays to be produced with the same methods that have driven the rapidly advancing digital wireless telecommunications industries. Fire and rescue professionals are now able to conduct minimum time thermal imaging penetration, surveillance, detection, recognition, rescue and egress while maintaining situational awareness in a manner consistent with the modern technological applications. The purpose of this paper is to describe an uncooled micro bolometer infrared camera approach for meeting fire/rescue wants, needs and requirements, with application of recent technology advancements. This paper also details advances in bolometric focal plane arrays, optical and circuit card technologies, while providing a glimpse into the future of micro sensor growth. Technical barriers are addressed in light of constraints and lessons learned around this technology.
Evidence-based psychological treatments for disruptive behaviors in individuals with dementia.

In this article, the authors review the literature regarding evidence-based psychological treatments (EBTs) forbehavioral disturbances in older adults with dementia, as proposed by the American Psychological Associ-ations Committee on Science and Practice of the Society for Clinical Psychology. Fifty-seven randomizedclinical trials were reviewed for inclusion on the basis of titles or abstract information. Forty-three wereexcluded either because they did not meet EBT methodological criteria or because they involved environ-mental or psychoeducational nursing interventions in which the psychological component could not beseparately evaluated. Fourteen studies were considered for inclusion as EBTs; of these, 8 showed significantdifferences between treatment and control groups. Results of this review indicate that behavioral problem-solving therapies that identify and modify antecedents and consequences of problem behaviors and increasepleasant events and individualized interventions based on progressively lowered stress threshold models thatinclude problem solving and environmental modification meet EBT criteria. Additional randomized clinicaltrials are needed to evaluate the generalizability and efficacy of these and other promising psychologicalinterventions in a variety of settings with individuals who have a range of cognitive, functional, and physicalstrengths and limitations.Keywords: dementia, behavioral disturbances, Alzheimers disease, evidence-based treatment
Binders for higher-solids coatings. IV. Liquid–crystalline acrylic lacquers

A previously reported synthetic procedure was used to graft oligo-p-hydroxybenzoic acid (oligo-PHBA) to COOH-functional acrylic copolymers. Most of the products were side-chain LC copolymers. Length of the mesogenic oligo-PHBA groups averaged up to five aromatic rings per group. Because these long mesogenic groups have a strong tendency to form LC domains, it was possible to prepare LC side-chain copolymers having as little as 5 mol % of mesogenic monomer. Thus this synthetic procedure provides a versatile route for exploration of the properties of LC copolymers having relatively few but especially effective mesogenic groups. The potential utility of such LC copolymers as binders for nonbake coatings was assessed. Variables studied were molecular weight and Tg of the acrylic copolymer backbone, number and average length of oligo-PHBA segments, and the presence or absence of a flexible spacer between the acrylic backbone and the PHBA segments. Optimum LC copolymers have moderate (15,000–30,000) Mn, low (−10°C) backbone Tg, and low (5–7.5 mol %) population of long (5 PHBA units) oligo-PHBA units. Such copolymers have two major advantages as coatings binders: They form concentrated, stable, low-viscosity dispersions in common solvents, a very desirable characteristic for application. Coating films have excellent adhesion to metal, and they have an extraordinary combination of hardness (H–2H) and impact resistance (> 80 in. Ib). These properties are key indicators of coating performance and indicate that LC copolymers have excellent potential for use as binders for nonbake coatings. Other properties remain to be investigated.
Angiotensin II and sympathetic activity in patients with congestive heart failure

Abstract Objectives . This study was designed to determine the effects of intravenous angiotensin II infusions and the short-term effects of enalaprint on venous plasma norepinephrine and norepinephrine spillover in patients with stable chronic congestive heart failure. Background . Angiotensin II has been shown experimentally to stimulate norepinephrine release. Such effects, if present in humans with congestive heart failure, could be of pathophysiologic and pharmacologic importance. Methods . In study 1,60-min angiotensin II (5 ng/kg per min) infusions were administered in eight patients with chronic New York Heart Association functional class II and III congestive heart failure. Heart rate, arterial pressure, forearm venous plasma norepinephrine, norepinephrine clearance (estimated from the clearance of tritiated norepinephrine) and norepinephrine spillover were measured after 30 min in the supine position and after 15 min each of head-up and head-down tilt. All patients were studied in a double-blind manner on two occasions with vehicle control infusions. In study 2,14 patients comparable to those in the first study had similar measurements made in the supine position before and 30 and 60 min after the administration of enalaprilat (i mg intravenously). Eight patients received a double-blind vehicle control. Results . In study 1, there were no effects of angiotensin II on heart rate, plasma norepinephrine, norepinephrine clearance or norepinephrine spillover compared with the vehicle control when the patient was in the sapine position. Mean arterial pressure increased from 85 ± 13 to 95 ± 10 mm Hg with angiotensin II. During upright tilt, plasma norepinephrine and norepinephrine spillover increased comparably with angiotensin II and the vehicle control, During head-down tilt, plasma norepinephrine decreased with both angiotensin II and the vehicle control. Norepinephrine spillover remained elevated relative to control values on both study days during head-down tilt. In study 2, both enalaprilat and vehicle coatrol administration were associated with a slight decrease in mean arterial pressure (5 ± 2 vs. 3 ± 4 mm Hg, p = NS), out bo changes were seen in plasma norepinephrine. Norepinephrine clearance and spillover decreased comparably with time after both enalaprilat and vehicle control. Conclusions . Neither the infusion of angiotensin II nor the acute administration of enalaprilat significantly alters the activity of the sympathetic nervous system as reflected by plasma norepinephrine or systemic venous norepinephrine spillover in patients with chronic congestive heart failure. These data weaken the hypothesis that angiotensin II is an important regulator of sympathetic activity in congestive heart failure.
Effects of a Spill of LNG on Mean Flow and Turbulence under Low Wind Speed, Slightly Stable Atmospheric Conditions *

Of the many liquefied natural gas (LNG) spill experiments in the 1980 Burro and 1981 Coyote series at the Naval Weapons Center (NWC), China Lake, California, only one was observed to affect the mean flow and turbulence in the near-surface atmospheric boundary layer. This experiment, Burro 8, was conducted under atmospheric conditions that permitted the gravity flow of the cold, dense gas to be almost independent of the atmospheric boundary layer. The mean flow kinetic energy was damped proportionately more than the turbulent kinetic energy. These effects of the Burro 8 LNG spill were observed at only one instrument station.