cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The effects of cortisone and desoxycorticosterone on the renal tubular reabsorption of phosphate and the excretion of titratable acid and potassium in dogs.

It has been demonstrated that the renal tubules of dog and man are capable of reabsorbing a fixed and limited quantity of phosphate per unit of time when presented with an excess in the glomerular filtrate (Pitts et al., 1944; Schiess et al., 1948). Since absorptive capacity is independent of glomerular filtration rate over a fairly wide range (Ayer et al., 1947) the renal mechanism which handles phosphate, like that which handles glucose, exhibits a true Tm relationship. More recently, it has been observed, in man, that an increased renal excretion of phosphate follows the administration of cortisone and ACTH. Moreover, negative phosphate balance, depletion of intracellular stores of phosphate and demineralization of bone have been observed in conditions of hyper-adrenocorticism (Albright 1942, Eliel et al., 1951; Ingbar et al., 1951; Pearson el al., 1950; Freeman et al., 1950; Soffer et al., 1950). Although logically inferred, it has not been clearly defined that this increment in phosphate excretion
Implementin spatial variation of impurity concentration in MOS transistor modeling

Analytical solution, numerical algorithms and computed curves of D. C. current-voltage characteristics are reported for MOS transistors with spatially varying impurity concentration profile in the basewell-channel region. The second generation industrial-consensus surface-potential approach is used. A family of analytical impurity concentration profiles is studied, including the exponential and Gaussian U-shaped, M-shaped, and L-shaped profiles. The current-voltage characteristics, especially in the subthreshold range, are influenced by the remote electric potential boundary conditions, including the basewell-body contact location, geometry and barrier type, and voltage
The Unmistakable Professional Promise of a Young Educational Psychology Researcher and Scholar

This article focuses on the early research domains investigated by Michael Pressley, along with the integrations and initiatives that were inspired by them. These research domains include verbal and imagery elaboration memory strategies, and developmental aspects of them; interrogative elaboration; pictorial strategies for language and literacy skill development (including the mnemonic keyword method of vocabulary learning and pictorial strategies for remembering text information); and memory strategy monitoring and test preparation. The article is liberally sprinkled with personal accounts and anecdotes of Mike's early career experiences (as a graduate student, postgraduate researcher, and young professor). From the very beginning, there was no mistaking the professional promise of this young educational psychology researcher and scholar.
Astrocytes block axonal regeneration in mammals by activating the physiological stop pathway

Regenerating sensory axons in the dorsal roots of adult mammals are stopped at the junction between the root and spinal cord by reactive astrocytes. Do these cells stop axonal elongation by activating the physiological mechanisms that normally operate to stop axons during development, or do they physically obstruct the elongating axons? In order to distinguish these possibilities, the cytology of the axon tips of regenerating axons that were stopped by astrocytes was compared with the axon tips that were physically obstructed at a cul-de-sac produced by ligating a peripheral nerve. The terminals of the physically obstructed axon tips were distended with neurofilaments and other axonally transported structures that had accumulated when the axons stopped elongating. By contrast, neurofilaments did not accumulate in the tips of regenerating axons that were stopped by spinal cord astrocytes at the dorsal root transitional zone. These axo-glial terminals resembled the terminals that axons make on target neurons during normal development. On the basis of these observations, astrocytes appear to stop axons from regenerating in the mammalian spinal cord by activating the physiological stop pathway that is built into the axon and that normally operates when axons form stable terminals on target cells.
Differential effects of low-dose docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid on the regulation of mitogenic signaling pathways in mesangial cells.

Abstract Although dietary fish oil supplementation has been used to prevent the progression of kidney disease in patients with IgA nephropathy, relatively few studies provide a mechanistic rationale for its use. Using an antithymocyte (ATS) model of mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis, we recently demonstrated that fish oil inhibits mesangial cell (MC) activation and proliferation, reduces proteinuria, and decreases histologic evidence of glomerular damage. We therefore sought to define potential mechanisms underlying the antiproliferative effect of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), the predominant aomega;-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids found in fish oil, in cultured MC. DHA and EPA were administered to MC as bovine serum albumin fatty-acid complexes. Low-dose (10-50 amu;mol/L) DHA, but not EPA, inhibited basal and epidermal growth factor (EGF)andash;stimulated [3H]-thymidine incorporation in MCs. At higher doses (100 amu;mol/L), EPA and DHA were equally effective in suppressing basal and EGF-stimulated MC mitogenesis. Low-dose DHA, but not EPA, decreased ERK activation by 30% (P alt; .01), as assessed with Western-blot analysis using phosphospecific antibodies. JNK activity was increased by low-dose DHA but not by EPA. p38 activity was not significantly altered by DHA or EPA. Cyclin E activity, as assessed with a histone H1 kinase assay, was inhibited by low-dose DHA but not by EPA. DHA increased expression of the cell cycle inhibitor p21 but not p27; EPA had no effect on p21 or p27. We propose that the differential effect of low-dose DHA vs EPA in suppressing MC mitogenesis is related to down-regulation of ERK and cyclin E activity and to induction of p21.
Energy density-flux correlations in an unusual quantum state and in the vacuum

In this paper we consider the question of the degree to which negative and positive energy are intertwined. We examine in more detail a previously studied quantum state of the massless minimally coupled scalar field, which we call a ''Helfer state.'' This is a state in which the energy density can be made arbitrarily negative over an arbitrarily large region of space, but only at one instant in time. In the Helfer state, the negative energy density is accompanied by rapidly time-varying energy fluxes. It is the latter feature which allows the quantum inequalities, bounds which restrict the magnitude and duration of negative energy, to hold for this class of states. An observer who initially passes through the negative energy region will quickly encounter fluxes of positive energy which subsequently enter the region. We examine in detail the correlation between the energy density and flux in the Helfer state in terms of their expectation values. We then study the correlation function between energy density and flux in the Minkowski vacuum state, for a massless minimally coupled scalar field in both two and four dimensions. In this latter analysis we examine correlation functions rather than expectation values. Remarkably, we see qualitativelymore » similar behavior to that in the Helfer state. More specifically, an initial negative energy vacuum fluctuation in some region of space is correlated with a subsequent flux fluctuation of positive energy into the region. We speculate that the mechanism which ensures that the quantum inequalities hold in the Helfer state, as well as in other quantum states associated with negative energy, is, at least in some sense, already encoded in the fluctuations of the vacuum.« less
Drift Demand Model for Bridge Columns Considering Shear-Flexure Interaction

This paper develops a simple yet reliable demand model for estimating the inelastic displacement and ductility of RC bridge columns considering their shear-flexure interactive behavior. Utilizing a coupled hysteretic model to realistically simulate the nonlinear behavior of columns and the rigorous dimensional analysis, the study revealed strong correlation between the normalized inelastic displacement and the dimensionless structure-to-pulse frequency, a proposed dimensionless nonlinearity index as well as the aspect ratio of columns. Two regressive equations are proposed and validated against the simulation results. The inelastic displacement of columns can therefore be estimated directly from structural and ground motion characteristics using the proposed model.
The ventral photoreceptor cells of Limulus. II. The basic photoresponse.

The ventral photoreceptors of Limulus polyphemus are unipolar cells with large, ellipsoidal somas located long both "lateral olfactory nerves." As a consequence of their size and location, the cells are easily impaled with microelectrodes. The cells have an average resting potential of -48 mv. The resting potential is a function of the external concentration of K. When the cell is illuminated, it gives rise to the typical "receptor potential" seen in most invertebrate photoreceptors which consists of a transient phase followed by a maintained phase of depolarization. The amplitude of the transient phase depends on both the state of adaptation of the cell and the intensity of the illumination, while the amplitude of the maintained phase depends only on the intensity of the illumination. The over-all size of the receptor potential depends on the external concentration of Na, e.g. in sodium-free seawater the receptor potential is markedly reduced, but not abolished. On the other hand lowering the Ca concentration produces a marked enhancement of both components of the response, but predominantly of the steady-state component. Slow potential fluctuations are seen in the dark-adapted cell when it is illuminated with a low intensity light. A spike-like regenerative process can be evoked by either the receptor potential or a current applied via a microelectrode. No evidence of impulse activity has been found in the axons of these cells. The ventral photoreceptor cell has many properties in common with a variety of retinular cells and therefore should serve as a convenient model of the primary receptor cell in many invertebrate eyes.
SELECTIVE ASYMMETRIC CAPITAL FINANCING BEHAVIOR: PREFERENCE TOWARDS EQUITY FINANCING

Using data from 1,217 publicly traded Chinese companies from 1994–2006, we show that the capital financing behavior of Chinese firms deviates substantially from the pecking order theory in that equity issues are always the preferred financing source for funding requirements. We further document the existence of a stylized asymmetric financing pattern — equity issues are used much more heavily over debt issues under the condition of a fund flow surplus versus a fund flow deficit, which is the result of Chinese firms selecting the degree of inherent equity-issue preference feasible to pursue given their fund flow condition.
Value of 2-[18F]-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose imaging with dual-head gamma camera in coincidence mode: Comparison with computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging in patients with suspected recurrent head and neck cancers

Objective: The aim of the present study was to assess the value of dual-head gamma-camera (DHGC) imaging in the coincidence mode using 2-[18F]-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose in differentiating recurrent tumor from posttreatment changes in previously treated head and neck cancer. Methods: This was a single-center prospective study performed with the approval of our Institutional Review Board. Twenty-nine patients with suspected recurrent head and neck cancers were prospectively enrolled in this study. Dual-head gamma-camera imaging in the coincidence mode followed computed tomography (CT; n = 24)/magnetic resonance imaging (MRI; n = 5) within a period of 1 week (mean = 3.5 days) in all patients. Thirteen patients had definite pathologic confirmation of recurrence by undergoing a biopsy. Sixteen patients, however, did not have a definite pathologic confirmation and were followed clinically. The mean duration of follow-up for the subgroup of patients who were followed clinically was 22.8 months (range: 4-48 months). Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) for CT/MRI and DHGC imaging in the coincidence mode were calculated. Results: The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and accuracy of CT/MRI in the detection of recurrent cancer were 76.5%, 58.3%, 72.2%, 63.6%, and 69%, respectively. In contrast, the sensitivity (100%), NPV (100%), and accuracy (82.8%) of DHGC imaging in the coincidence mode were superior to that of CT/MRI. Dual-head gamma-camera imaging in the coincidence mode had a specificity (58.3%) and PPV (77.3%) comparable to those of CT/MRI. Conclusion: Our data suggest that modified positron emission tomography with DHGC imaging in the coincidence mode is a useful tool in the assessment of recurrent head and neck cancer.
Ultralow Temperature Anelasticity of Aluminum-Magnesium Alloys

Results of internal friction measurements on the commercial aluminum-magnesium alloys 5052, 5086 and 5486 are reported here over the temperature range 50 mK to 300 K, and compared with published data on alloy 5056. Effects of heat treatment and explosive bonds on the internal friction are evaluated. The quality factor of proposed multi-layer aluminum-alloy spherical resonant-mass detectors of gravity waves is shown to be seriously degraded, if layer interfaces exhibit large-amplitude wavy explosive bonds. Shear modulus variations from 50 mK to 10 K are obtained from high-resolution frequency measurements.
Hemolytic-uremic syndrome during an outbreak of Escherichia coli O157:H7 infections in institutions for mentally retarded persons: clinical and epidemiologic observations.

Purpose: To describe an outbreak of Escherichia coli O175:H7 infection resulting in a high rate of progression to hemolytic-uremic syndrome, and to attempt to identify predictors of and risk factors for progression. Design: Case-control study among employees and comparison of daily clinical features in two groups: infected residents with subsequent development of HUS and those who had no complications. Setting: Two institutions for retarded persons in Utah. Patients: Twenty residents with E. coll O157:H7 infection (13 culture confirmed, 2 probable, and 5 possible); HUS developed in 8, and 4 died. Thirty-one infected employees (3 with culture-confirmed, 6 with probable, and 22 with possible infection). Measurements and main results: In a case-control study among employees, infection was independently assoclated with eating ground beef from a single lot prepared at several barbecues and with close contact with a resident who had diarrhea. Five of eight residents in whom HUS developed had received trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, compared with none of seven who had no subsequent complications ( p =0.026); this finding may reflect antimicrobial treatment of patients with more severe illness. Compared with infected residents without complications, persons with HUS were younger (median age 13 vs 27 years, p =0.043) and, by the third day of illness, had higher leukocyte counts (median 23.7×10 9 /L vs 9.1×10 9 /L, p =0.018) and temperature (median 38.5°C vs 37.0° C, p =0.016). Leukocytosis peaked on day 4, more than 24 hours before signs of HUS appeared. Conclusions: Food-borne outbreaks of E. coli O157:H7 in insitutions may have devastating effects. Leukocytosis and fever may precede and predict HUS in patients with E. coli O157:H7 infection.
MARS: A momentum achromat recoil spectrometer

Abstract We are building a Momentum Achromat Recoil Spectrometer (MARS) for use with the new K500 superconducting cyclotron at Texas A&M University. MARS uses a unique optical design utilizing two dispersive planes to combine a momentum achromat with a recoil mass spectrometer. This configuration makes MARS applicable to a broad range of nuclear reaction studies utilizing inverse kinematics. It also leads to a system that is well matched to the range of secondary particle energies that will be produced in reactions with K500 beams. MARS will have a typical mass resolution of δM M ≅ 1 300 , with an energy acceptance of ± 9% ΔE E and a geometric solid angle of up to 9 msr. A beam swinger system will allow reaction products in the angular range 0° to 30° to be studied. MARS will be used to study both the excited states and decay properties of very proton- and neutron-rich nuclei. MARS will also be used to provide a reaction mechanism filter to assist investigations of the dynamics of heavy ion collisions and to produce secondary radioactive beams for reaction and spectroscopic studies of particular interest for nuclear astrophysics. We describe the design of MARS, together with a brief discussion of the scientific program planned for it.
Propagation of waves in a two-photon absorbing medium

Abstract Electromagnetic waves propagating in a two-photon absorbing medium are analyzed from a theoretical point of view. The reflectivity deduced from this scheme is found to decreased linearly with increasing light intensity.
A fuzzy logic-based decision model to satisfy goals for successful product/service introduction

Abstract The Dempster–Shafer theory of evidence is applied to a multiattribute decision-making problem where the decision maker must determine which of several products/services have the best opportunity for success in a competitive marketplace. Multiattribute decisions are generally constrained by the uncertainty inherent in assessing the relative importance of each attribute element that is needed for success and the evaluation of the product/service to be introduced. The relative importance of each attribute element deemed necessary for success is assessed by the decision maker as a goal to be met. The evaluation of each product/service is addressed through expert opinion about the degree to which each element is contained in each product/service. Then the belief and plausibility that a product/service will satisfy the decision maker's goal are calculated. The decision to introduce a product or service depends on the evaluation of the anticipated loss from introduction of a product/service into a competitive market.
Theoretical calculations of heterojunction discontinuities in the Si/Ge system.

We present a theoretical study of the structural and electronic properties of pseudomorphic Si/Ge interfaces, in which the layers are strained such that the lattice spacing parallel to the interface is equal on both sides. The self-consistent calculations, based on the local density functional and ab initio pseudopotentials, determine the atomic structures and strains of minimum energy, and the lineup of the Si and Ge band structures. The presence of the strains causes significant shifts and splittings of the bulk bands. We derive values for the band discontinuities for (001), (111), and (110) interfaces under different strain conditions, and discuss the validity of the density-functional methods for the analysis of the interface problem. Spin-orbit splitting effects in the valence bands are included a posteriori. We express our results in terms of discontinuities in the valence bands, and deformation potentials for the bulk bands, and compare them with recent experiments on Si/${\mathrm{Si}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{x}}$${\mathrm{Ge}}_{\mathrm{x}}$ heterostructures.
Investigating human perceptions of robot capabilities in remote human-robot team tasks based on first-person robot video feeds

It is well-known that a robot’s appearance and its observable behavior can affect a human interactant’s perceptions of the robot’s capabilities and propensities in settings where humans and robots are co-located; for remote interactions the specific effects are less clear. Here, we use a remote interaction setting to investigate possible effects of simulated versus real first-person robot video feeds. The first experiment uses subject-level comparisons of the two video conditions in a multi-robot setting while the second and third experiments focus on a single robot, single video condition using a larger population (via Amazon Mechanical Turk) to study betweensubjects effects. The latter experiments also probe the effects of robot appearance, video feed type, and stake humans have in the task. We observe a complex interplay between interaction, robot appearance, and video feed type as they affect perceived collaboration, utility, competence, and warmth of the robot.
Science Librarians Analysis of the 2012 Nobel Prize in Medicine: The Work of Sir John B. Gurdon and Shinya Yamanaka

The Nobel Committee awarded the 2012 Physiology or Medicine Prize jointly to Sir John B. Gurdon, D.Phil., D.Sc. F.R.S., University of Cambridge, Great Britain, and Shinya Yamanaka, M.D., Ph.D., Kyoto University, Japan, and the Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, for landmark cell biology, stem cell discoveries that “mature cells can be reprogrammed to become pluripotent” (Nobelprize.org 2012). According to the Nobel Assembly at Stockholm's Karolinska Institute: “These groundbreaking revelations have completely changed our view of cell development and specialization of cells” (Nobelprize.org 2012). This article provides an overview of their work.
Cannabinoid and dopamine interaction in rodent brain: effects on locomotor activity

We investigated interactions between cannabinoid and dopamine receptor systems in ICR mice. Mice were treated with the cannabinoid agonist levonantradol, the D(1) dopamine agonist 6-Br-APB, or the D(2) dopamine agonist quinelorane, or with combinations of these drugs. In addition, the D(1) antagonist SCH23390 was administered both alone and in combination with levonantradol. Two tests were used to evaluate changes in motor function: the immobility (ring stand) test and the catalepsy (bar) test. Levonantradol increased immobility and catalepsy in a dose-dependant manner. Both the D(2) agonist quinelorane and the D(1) agonist 6-Br-APB were able to attenuate the motor dysfunction caused by levonantradol. Administration of the D(1) antagonist SCH23390 enhanced the effects of levonantradol, producing a leftward shift of the log dose-response curve. These results differ from the augmentation by D(2) agonists of the hypoactivity induced by levonantradol in non-human primates [Meschler JP, Clarkson FA, Mathew PJ, Howlett AC, Madras BK. D(2), but not D(1) dopamine receptor agonists potentiate cannabinoid-induced sedation in nonhuman primates. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2000;292:952-959], suggesting that conclusions about the interactions between the dopamine and cannabinoid receptor motor systems in rodents may not extend to primates.
Principles for linking fish habitat to fisheries management and conservation

A set of eight simple ecological and social principles is proposed that could enhance the understanding of what constitutes fish 'habitat' and, if implemented, could contribute to improved management and conservation strategies. The habitat principles are a small, interrelated sub-set that may be coupled with additional ones to formulate comprehensive guidelines for management and conservation strategies. It is proposed that: 1) habitat can be created by keystone species and interactions among species; 2) the productivity of aquatic and riparian habitat is interlinked by reciprocal exchanges of material; 3) the riparian zone is fish habitat; 4) fishless headwater streams are inseparable from fish-bearing rivers downstream; 5) habitats can be coupled - in rivers, lakes, estuaries and oceans, and in time; 6) habitats change over hours to centuries; 7) fish production is dynamic due to biocomplexity, in species and in habitats; 8) management and conservation strategies must evolve in response to present conditions, but especially to the anticipated future. It is contended that the long-term resilience of native fish communities in catchments shared by humans depends on incorporating these principles into management and conservation strategies. Further, traditional strategies poorly reflect the dynamic nature of habitat, the true extent of habitat, or the intrinsic complexity in societal perspectives. Forward-thinking fish management and conservation plans view habitat as more than water. They are multilayered, ranging from pools to catchments to ecoregions, and from hours to seasons to centuries. They embrace, as a fundamental premise, that habitat evolves through both natural and anthropogenic processes, and that patterns of change may be as important as other habitat attributes.
Primary hemangioendotheliosarcoma of heart, diagnosed by angiocardiography: review of the literature and report of a case.

Primary malignant tumors of the heart are rare and are seldom recognized before death. This paper reports a case of primary hemangioendotheliosarcoma of the right atrium of the heart, which was diagnosed clinically by angiocardiography. A brief review of the literature is also presented. No reports are to be found in the literature of the antemortem diagnoses of a primary hemangioendotheliosarcoma of the heart by angiocardiography. Autopsy findings are included.
Speaking Fo and cepstral periodicity analysis of conversational speech in a 105-year-old woman: variability of aging effects.

Summary We investigated speaking fundamental frequency and periodicity of voicing during conversational speech in a 105-year-old woman. Analyses revealed higher mean speaking fundamental frequency compared to previously published data obtained from elderly women. In the absence of normative data, the results of cepstrum analyses performed on vowels produced during connected speech revealed less periodicity for the 105-year-old woman's voice than for a 35-year-old woman's voice. The main finding of this study indicates that previously reported group trends regarding aging effects on mean speaking fundamental frequency of the female voice cannot simply be attributed to all elderly individuals. These results stress the importance, for clinical and research purposes, of recognizing the existence of considerable intra- as well as intersubject variability in the effects of aging on the voice.
129 NONINVASIVE DETERMINATION OF SYSTEMIC RESISTANCE AND CARDIAC OUTPUT FROM THE ARTERIAL PRESSURE WAVEFORM

129 NONINVASIVE DETERMINATION OF SYSTEMIC RESISTANCE AND CARDIAC OUTPUT FROM THE ARTERIAL PRESSURE WAVEFORM
Liberal Market Economy or Composite Regime? Institutional Legacies and Labor Market Policy in the United States

In comparative political economy the United States is denominated a “liberal market economy” characterized by market-based labor policy, but American political development studies suggest that national-level comparisons, which assume government institutions are a coherent package, may be misguided. In the decentralized American polity, many combinations of state-market relationships have emerged as state governments invest in labor market performance and economic agents adjust their market strategies. Analyses that conceive regimes as sets of complementary institutions that constrain individuals and government officials have difficulty explaining changing patterns of policy and market organization. This article investigates these policy developments to make a constructionist argument that departures from historical paths are possible because institutional agents can reflect on performance and adjust strategies. Building on the political development insight about the complexity of governing authority as well as the comparativists' critique of economic convergence, the article argues that innovation in America's composite regime is best understood against the institutional legacies of labor and race relations regulation. The argument is illustrated by evidence of the diversity of labor market policies in the states during the 1990s.
The Septal Organ of the Rat During Postnatal Development

The septal organ of Masera (SO) is a small, isolated patch of olfactory epithelium, located in the ventral part of the nasal septum. We investigated in this systematic study the postnatal development of the SO in histological sections of rats at various ages from the day of birth (P1) to P666. The SO-area increases to a maximum at P66-P105, just as the animals reach sexual maturity, and decreases thereafter, significantly however only in males, indicating a limited neurogenetic capacity for regeneration. In contrast, the main olfactory epithelium area continues to expand beyond P300. The modified respiratory epithelium ('zwischen epithelium') separating the SO and the main olfactory epithelium contains a few olfactory neurons up to age P66. Its length increases postnatally so that the SO becomes more ventral to the OE. Although the position of the SO relative to other anatomical landmarks changes with development it is consistently located just posterior to the opening of the nasopalatine duct (NPAL). Thus, a possible function of the SO is in sensing chemicals in fluids entering the mouth by licking and then delivered to the nasal cavity via the NPAL; therefore the SO may be involved in social/sexual behavior as is the vomeronasal organ (VNO). We suggest that the SO is a separate accessory olfactory organ with properties somewhat different from both OE and VNO and may exist only in species where the NPAL does not open into the VNO.
An ergodic theorem for iterated maps

Consider a Markov process on a locally compact metric space arising from iteratively applying maps chosen randomly from a finite set of Lipschitz maps which, on the average, contract between any two points (no map need be a global contraction). The distribution of the maps is allowed to depend on current position, with mild restrictions. Such processes have unique stationary initial distribution [BE], [BDEG].We show that, starting at any point, time averages along trajectories of the process converge almost surely to a constant independent of the starting point. This has applications to computer graphics.
Fire affects ecophysiology and community dynamics of central Wisconsin oak forest regeneration

In order to understand better the ecophysiological differences among competing species that might influence competitive interactions after, or in the absence of, fire, we examined the response to fire of four sympatric woody species found in intermediate—sized gaps in a 3—yr—old mixed oak forest in central Wisconsin. Selected blocks in the forest were burned in April 1987 by a low—intensity controlled surface fire. The fire had significant effects during the following growing season on community structure, foliar nutrient concentrations, and photosynthesis. Acer rubrum seedling density declined by 70% following the fire, while percent cover increased several—fold in Rubus allegheniensis. In general, leaf concentrations of N, P, and K were increased by the fire in all species, although the relative enhancement decreased as the growing season progressed. Daily maximum photosynthetic rates were 30—50% higher in burned than unburned sites for Prunus serotina, Quercus ellipsoidalis, and R. allegheniensis, but did not differ between treatments for A. rubrum. Mean sunlit photosynthetic rates and leaf conductances were stimulated by the burn for all species, with the greatest enhancement in photosynthesis measured in Q. ellipsoidalis. Leaf gas exchange in R. allegheniensis was most sensitive to declining leaf water potential and elevated vapor pressure gradient, with Q. ellipsoidalis the least sensitive. Fire had no discernable effect on water status of these plants during a year of relatively high rainfall. In comparison with other species, A. rubrum seedlings responded negatively after fire–both in terms of survival/reproduction (decline in the number of individuals) and relative leaf physiological performance. Fire enhanced the abundance of R. allegheniensis and the potential photosynthetic performance of R. allegheniensis, P. serotina, and particularly Q. ellipsoidalis. We conclude that post—fire stimulation of net photosynthesis and conductance was largely the result of enhanced leaf N concentrations in these species.
Abstraction in predictive state representations

Most work on Predictive Representations of State (PSRs) focuses on learning a complete model of the system that can be used to answer any question about the future. However, we may be interested only in answering certain kinds of abstract questions. For instance, we may only care about the presence of objects in an image rather than pixel level details. In such cases, we may be able to learn substantially smaller models that answer only such abstract questions. We present the framework of PSR homomorphisms for model abstraction in PSRs. A homomorphism transforms a given PSR into a smaller PSR that provides exact answers to abstract questions in the original PSR. As we shall show, this transformation captures structural and temporal abstractions in the original PSR.
An exploratory study of discrete time state-space models using kriging

An exploratory study of the application of kriging as an approximated model of complex dynamic systems is presented in this paper. This technique, which has its roots in the geology community, is gaining popularity for its simplicity and ability to track the error of the reduced model, making it attractive for engineering applications. Our proposed methodology, called dynamic mapping kriging, requires the generation of representative function evaluations, and then uses them in a recursive state-space formulation to represent the evolution of the process. By demonstrating on a highly simplified model, our intention is to present the relevant elements of this methodology, focusing on the design of the function evaluations as a crucial factor in the accurate representation of the system. We illustrate the advantages that the error prediction has as a tool to improve our technique and as a measurement to bound the error dynamics, and give some final recommendations about the applications of this methodology to build approximated models.
Policy Experimentation and the Emergence of Domestic Voluntary Carbon Trading in China

As China has become the largest greenhouse gas (GHG) emitter in terms of total annual emissions, to promote GHG emissions reduction in China turns out to be crucial to the success of the global efforts to address climate change. This paper explores the development of the Chinese Domestic Voluntary Carbon Market (DVCM) in order to understand how carbon trading institutions have emerged and developed in China. To do this, it traces and analyzes the roles of the Chinese government and other key actors. Through process tracing and literature review, it argues that the pre-legislation and territorially fragmented development pattern of the Chinese DVCM has resulted from the activities of Chinese local governments and non-state actors under the policy experimentation approach adopted by the Chinese central government. It concludes with brief comments on the Chinese policy experimentation approach, and suggests that some measures can be taken to promote voluntary emissions reduction and policy learning.
Variation in International Cancer Mortality: Factor and Cluster Analysis

Mortality rates for cancers of 13 sites in 34 countries were analysed using two data reduction techniques factor and cluster analysis. Factor analysis identified two independent underlying factors which appear to influence cancer mortality patterns. The first factor which appears to be related to affluence may represent the combined effects of high fat diets and cigarette smoking common in developed countries. The second factor may reflect the common consumption of beverages of a high tannin content such as tea red wine and mate as well as the smoking or chewing of black tobacco. Two factor scores were computed for each country and the countries were were then ranked according to their scores on each factor. Cluster analysis aggregated countries into seven distinct groups using these factor scores as the clustering criteria. Each of the groups thus defined displays a distinctive profile of site-specific cancer mortality rates. This methodology shows promise as a means of summarizing large sets of data on morbidity and mortality from a variety of cancers (and possibly other chronic diseases as well) in diverse populations. (EXCERPT)
Web-Based Technology Use and Computer Self-Efficacy as Predictors of Faculty Perceptions of Support for the Implementation of eLearning

This study examine faculty levels of implementation of web-based instructional technology (WBIT) and computer self-efficacy beliefs (CSE) as factors associated to faculty perception of institutional mechanisms and its relative importance as conditions supporting the implementation of elearning in higher education. Using a sample of 334 faculty teaching at selected universities in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, faculty perceptions of support mechanisms were examined. Findings reveal that factors such as stages of concern about using WBIT, levels of use, and measures of computer self-efficacy provide an explanation of the perception differences. Developing a profile of faculty WBIT use and self-efficacy beliefs is anticipated to provide insight for the development of strategies and administrative practices necessary for eLearning to succeed in higher education institutions.
Two adolescents at risk for schizophrenia: A family case study

This is a study of the complex factors that contributed to the development of adolescent psychoses in two “stepbrothers,” ages 12 and 15. The identified patient, the younger boy, was in what appeared to be a reversible stage of early adolescent psychosis and his 15 year old newly acquired stepbrother in a nonreversible stage. Each boy was a mentally gifted, neurologically handicapped adolescent who was inextricably vulnerable on the basis of his neurodevelopmental sensitivity to specific immobilizing parental fears and conflicts. Their inherent problems set them apart from their intact teenage sisters and affected the nature and quality of their total life experience. Those working with psychotic children and their families must bear these relationships in mind for optimal strategic intervention and change. In the management of psychotic adolescents and their families, the individual and family therapist could work to everyone's disadvantage if these important neurodevelopmental difficulties are not considered.
Detection of vapors of explosives and explosive-related compounds by ultraviolet cavity ringdown spectroscopy

The detection of vapors of dinitrobenzenes and dinitrotoluenes by UV cavity ringdown spectroscopy (CRDS) was investigated. Absorption cross sections at 248 nm were estimated by measurements on saturated vapors and compared with solution-phase values. The computed subparts per 109 detection sensitivity with no effort at preconcentration was demonstrated through measurements on diluted flows. The factors affecting measurements on 1 atm total pressure were considered, and it was demonstrated that Rayleigh scattering by air will reduce the detection sensitivity by 5%-10%. The UV absorption spectra of these compounds are broad, resulting in a relatively poor selectivity for single-wavelength measurements with the UV CRDS technique.
A 500µW neural tag with 2µV rms AFE and frequency-multiplying MICS/ISM FSK transmitter

Advances in electronic-neural interfaces have shown great potential for both neuroscience research and medical devices. Much of the work to date has focused on short-range inductive links for power and communication transfer [1]. There is an emerging need for active miniaturized systems that stream neural data in the far field, which would enable the observation of brain activity in unconstrained animals such as mice or moths. Such systems cannot rely on near-field power transfer, and must be powered by small batteries or energy harvesters. We present a 500µW fully integrated neural interface that wirelessly streams a digitized neural waveform over 15m.
Barely alive memory servers: Keeping data active in a low-power state

Current resource provisioning schemes in Internet services leave servers less than 50p utilized almost all the time. At this level of utilization, the servers' energy efficiency is substantially lower than at peak utilization. A solution to this problem could be dynamically consolidating workloads into fewer servers and turning others off. However, services typically resist doing so, because of high response times during reactivation in handling traffic spikes. Moreover, services often want the memory and/or storage of all servers to be readily available at all times.In this article, we propose a family of barely alive active low-power server states that facilitates both fast reactivation and access to memory while in a low-power state. We compare these states to previously proposed active and idle states. In particular, we investigate the impact of load bursts in each energy-saving scheme. We also evaluate the additional benefits of memory access under low-power states with a study of a search service using a cooperative main-memory cache. Finally, we propose a system that combines a barely-alive state with the off state. We find that the barely alive states can reduce service energy consumption by up to 38p, compared to an energy-oblivious system. We also find that these energy savings are consistent across a large parameter space.
The effect of junior residents on surgical quality: a study of surgical outcomes in breast surgery

Abstract Background Patients are often concerned about the participation of junior trainees in their operative treatment. Breast-conserving therapy (BCT) for nonpalpable breast lesions requires the use of localization devices and carries a significant risk for positive margins of excision. It was therefore hypothesized that the participation of junior residents in BCT operations for nonpalpable breast lesions could result in an increased rate of positive margins of excision. Methods Retrospective analysis of a prospective database of all patients with nonpalpable tumors who underwent BCT from August 1999 to August 2009 was performed. Patient and tumor characteristics and factors involved in resection were analyzed. A ≥2-mm margin of normal breast tissue beyond tumor was considered an adequate margin. Chi-square analysis and Student's t test were performed to determine relationships between independent variables and margin status. Results Of 308 BCT procedures for nonpalpable tumors, 241 (78%) were performed by attending surgeons and junior residents (group 1) and 67 (22%) by attending surgeons without resident assistance (group 2). The operations for group 1 took significantly longer than the operations for group 2 (mean, 130 vs 116 min, P = .006). Intraoperative reexcision of margins was performed for 37% of group 1 patients and 31% of group 2 patients ( P = .249), and reoperation for inadequate margins was performed in 11% of group 1 patients and 13% of group 2 patients ( P = .361). Conclusions Junior resident participation in BCT procedures was not associated with higher rates of inadequate margins of excision. Patients can be reassured that junior resident involvement in their BCT operations is safe and effective.
Age-specific fecundity and offspring survivorship in the Caribbean fruit fly, Anastrepha suspensa , after diflubenzuron treatment

Late third stage (7-day-old) larvae and 1-day-old pupae of Anastrepha suspensa Loew (Dip-tera: Tephritidae) were dipped for 5 min in suspensions of 25% WP Dimilin® (diflubenzuron) at six dosages ranging from 0.003-0.1% a.i. Diflubenzuron caused significant (P < 0.05) mortality during the pupal stages of both groups treated. Consequently, the resulting adult populations were drastically reduced. The incidence of crumpled wings, deformed abdomens and ovipositors in these adults was 2–7 times and 4–9 times higher than the respective controls of treated larvae and pupae. The morphological abnormalities altered mating competitiveness of males and successful copulation and oviposition by females. Fecundity of females was reduced and diflubenzuron effects persisted into the first generation and caused decreased egg viability. Adults fed a 0.1% a.i. diflubenzuron-treated diet for 27 days had no significant mortality, but had decreased fecundity. However, their pattern of oviposition did not differ from the control. Fecundity levels similar to the control’s were achieved 6 days after the treated diet was replaced by normal diet. Diflubenzuron treatment of adults also drastically decreased the survivorship of first-generation individuals between egg-hatch and pupation. However, almost all individuals that pupated emerged as adults. No abnormalities were observed in first-generation adults or in the survivorship of their offspring.
Performance and Scaling of Wireless Ad Hoc IPv6 Stateless Address Autoconfiguration under Mobile Gateways

Autoconfiguration mechanisms in general, and stateless address autoconfiguration in particular, are highly desirable capabilities of military mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs). However, IPv6 stateless autoconfiguration schemes for MANETs still have to be refined, and a convincing demonstration is needed to show that these schemes can cope with the dynamic, infrastructure-free environment wherein MANETs operate. In this paper we provide a literature survey of autoconfiguration schemes designed for MANETs. In addition, we look at a specific stateless autoconfiguration scheme (by Jelger and Noel, SECON 2005). This scheme provides globally routable IPv6 prefixes to a MANET, attached to the Internet via gateways. We examine this approach through OPNET simulation, applying new mobility models to encourage squad-like clusters around gateways, introducing mobility to the gateways, and scaling the number of ad hoc nodes and the number of gateways independently. We then comment on the performance of the Jelger-Noel addressing scheme in terms of protocol overhead, autoconfiguration time, prefix hold times, and prefix stability.
Knitting technique and structural matrix for deadlock analysis and synthesis of Petri nets with sequential exclusion

Zhou and DiCesare (1991) presented the deadlock-free condition (DFC) of a Petri net (PN) containing sequential mutual exclusion (SME). This paper generalizes the DFC found by Zhou and DiCesare. The structural matrix (S-Matrix) plays an important role in the knitting technique because it is used to record the structural relationship among the processes and thus can be used to detect the violation of the synthetic rules upon a new generation of paths in the PN. To synthesize the SME, the construction of S-Matrix need to be enhanced. This paper also discusses the algorithm to construct the S-Matrix for the use of knitting technique to synthesize PNs with and without SME. An example of this algorithm is given. >
A 200-300 GHz Heterodyne Receiver

A heterodyne receiver for the 200-300 GHz region has been developed and used in astronomical observations. Two room temperature Schottky diode mixers are used to cover this range, with LO power provided by frequency multiplied klystrons. A single crossed-waveguide frequency multiplier covers the entire range, and is found to produce adequate output power by either doubling or tripling. Signal-local oscillator diplexing is done with a quasi-optical diplexer based on a Martin-Puplett interferometer. The best system sensitivities obtained with the two mixers have been 2500 K SSB at 230 GHz and 2900 K at 285 GHz.