cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Spectral characterization of near-field thermal radiation using a nano-scale local thermal light source

We characterize the enhancement of thermal near-fields associated with surface/bulk resonances. Our results are distinct from far-field thermal emission and verify predictions of near-field enhancement of the electromagnetic local density of states.
A computer-assisted process for supersonic aircraft conceptual design

Design methodology was developed and existing major computer codes were selected to carry out the conceptual design of supersonic aircraft. A computer-assisted design process resulted from linking the codes together in a logical manner to implement the design methodology. The process does not perform the conceptual design of a supersonic aircraft but it does provide the designer with increased flexibility, especially in geometry generation and manipulation. Use of the computer-assisted process for the conceptual design of an advanced technology Mach 3.5 interceptor showed the principal benefit of the process to be the ability to use a computerized geometry generator and then directly convert the geometry between formats used in the geometry code and the aerodynamics codes. Results from the interceptor study showed that a Mach 3.5 standoff interceptor with a 1000 nautical-mile mission radius and a payload of eight Phoenix missiles appears to be feasible with the advanced technologies considered. A sensitivity study showed that technologies affecting the empty weight and propulsion system would be critical in the final configuration characteristics with aerodynamics having a lesser effect for small perturbations around the baseline.
Distortion and gain tracking in PCM quantizers with non-ideal transfer characteristics

An investigation of the effect of transfer characteristic non-idealities in PCM systems is presented, in terms of quantizer distortion and gain tracking, and for the case of sinusoidal oxcitation. Numerical results are presented for systems which deviate from the ideal segmented µ-255 law, for types of errors that can be easily classified.
City of Dust: A Cement Company Town in the Land of Tom Sawyer

Mark Twain's boyhood home of Hannibal, Missouri often brings to mind romanticised images of Twain's characters Huckleberry Finn or Tom Sawyer. This work tells another story of the Hannibal area - the exploitation and eventual destruction of Ilasco, Missouri.
Chinese Energy Companies’ Relations with Russia and Kazakhstan

This article concerns Chinese energy relations with Kazakhstan and Russia, surveying the foreign direct investment (fdi) behavior of Chinese National Oil Companies (nocs) in Kazakhstan and Russia. The first section provides a schematic overview of the general development of Chinese fdi strategy and behavior from the disintegration of the Soviet Union up until the present day. It systematically explains how that development occurred in three phases and gives some key indicators for distinguishing among the phases and the transition between successive phases. The second section looks more closely at the fdi strategy and behavior of the Chinese nocs specifically regarding Kazakhstan and Russia, periodizing it according to the first two of the three chronological phases distinguished in the first section. The third section of the article examines still more closely the phenomenon regarding Kazakhstan and Russia from the end of the last decade up until the present day, dividing the third above-mentioned phase into three subphases and inspecting the first two, of which the second is still ongoing. The fourth section of the article evaluates the conduct of Chinese nocs with regard to Kazakhstan and Russia from the standpoint of motives of corporate behavior and comparative incentive structures. The fifth section of the article concludes by introducing some caveats on the basis of a glance at recent behavior with respect to another large resource-rich country, Canada, where Chinese nocs have made massive fdi for some years now, but which has a rather different economic and social structure from Kazakhstan and Russia. The last section of the conclusion also includes a few final comments on the prospects for Chinese energy and Chinese nocs during the remainder of the decade and into the 2020s, on the basis of the analytical framework employed to structure the narrative analysis in the body of the article.
Information Growth in a Family of Weighted Logrank Statistics Under Repeated Analyses

Abstract The use of group sequential methods has become standard practice in the clinical-trial setting. Because patients are not all generally entered into a clinical trial at the same time and due to delayed outcomes, interim analyses are typically planned with respect to statistical-information time rather than calender time. In many cases it is sufficient for interim testing to be based upon the number of responses observed, e.g., the number of patients for whom a post-randomization blood pressure had been measured or the number of patients surviving past a given time period. In the case of censored survival data, the logrank statistic is a commonly used tool for comparing the survival experience of two or more groups. Assuming equal randomization and the null-hypothesis of no difference in survival, it is well know that statistical information grows in proportion to the number of events observed, making analysis planning on the information scale trivial. However, when weighted versions of the logrank...
Hubble Extra Solar Planet Interferometer

This paper describes a proposed third-generation Hubble instrument for extra-solar planet detection, the Hubble Extra-Solar Planet Interferometer (HESPI). This instrument would be able to achieve starlight cancellation at the 10 exp 6 to 10 exp 8 level, given a stellar wavefront with phase errors comparable to the present Hubble telescope wavefront. At 10 exp 6 starlight cancellation, HESPI would be able to detect a Jupiter-like planet next to a star at a distance of about 10 parsec, for which there are about 400 candidate stars. This paper describes a novel approach for starlight suppression, using a combination of active control and single-mode spatial filters, to achieve starlight suppression far below the classical limit set by scattering due to microsurface imperfections. In preliminary lab experiments, suppression by a factor of 40 below the classical scatter limit due to optical wavefront errors has been demonstrated.
Development, Characterization, and Application of a Cadmium-Selective Microelectrode for the Measurement of Cadmium Fluxes in Roots of Thlaspi Species and Wheat

A Cd 2+ -selective vibrating microelectrode was constructed using a neutral carrier-based Cd ionophore to investigate ion-transport processes along the roots of wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) and two species of Thlaspi , one a Zn/Cd hyperaccumulator and the other a related nonaccumulator. In simple Cd(NO 3 ) 2 solutions, the electrode exhibited a Nernstian response in solutions with Cd 2+ activities as low as 50 nm. Addition of Ca 2+ to the calibration solutions did not influence the slope of the calibration curve but reduced the detection limit to a solution activity of 1 μm Cd 2+ . Addition of high concentrations of K + and Mg 2+ to the calibration solution to mimic the ionic composition of the cytoplasm affected neither the slope nor the sensitivity of the electrode, demonstrating the pH-insensitive electrode9s potential for intracellular investigations. The electrode was assayed for selectivity and was shown to be at least 1000 times more selective for Cd 2+ than for any of those potentially interfering ions tested. Flux measurements along the roots of the two Thlaspi species showed no differences in the pattern or the magnitude of Cd 2+ uptake within the time frame considered. The Cd 2+ -selective microelectrode will permit detailed investigations of heavy-metal ion transport in plant roots, especially in the area of phytoremediation.
Ultralate Referral and Presentation for Renal Replacement Therapy: Socioeconomic Implications

Background: Clinical and metabolic complications of late referral (LR) for dialysis therapy have been well documented, but there is a paucity of data on its socioeconomic implications. This study examines the role of lifestyle and socioeconomic status on referral pattern. Methods: During a 4-year period (1999 to 2002), we retrospectively reviewed records of all patients who initiated dialysis therapy at an urban tertiary-care center. Patients were classified into 3 categories according to the interval between first contact with a nephrologist and initiation of dialysis therapy: contact time of 3 months or longer indicates early referral (ER); 1 to less than 3 months, LR; and less than 1 month, ultralate referral (ULR). Results: Of 460 patients (97% African Americans, 3% Hispanics), 212 patients (46%) were ULR, 168 patients (37%) were LR, and 80 patients (17%) were ER. Compared with ER and LR patients, those with ULR had significantly ( P 2 [0.08 versus 0.13 and 0.12 mL/s/1.73 m 2 ]), but greater rates of temporary dialysis catheter use (92% versus 39% and 70%) and mortality (40% versus 15% and 26%, respectively). Logistic regression analysis showed an association between mortality and homelessness (odds ratio, 3.8; P P = 0.013), and alcoholism (odds ratio, 2.2; P = 0.009). Alcoholics (odds ratio, 2.5; P = 0.03), substance abusers (odds ratio, 5.5; P = 0.001), and the homeless/unemployed (odds ratio, 6.0; P = 0.004) were more likely to present as ULR cases. Patient-provided explanations for LR and ULR were denial (45%), unawareness of the presence of chronic kidney disease (30%), and economic difficulties (25%). Denial was more prevalent in LR (52%; P = 0.003) and ULR cases (39%; P = 0.003). Conclusion: Poor socioeconomic status is a major contributor to delayed referral. More efforts need to be directed at patient and physician chronic kidney disease educational awareness and improved health care access for inner-city and minority populations.
Barriers in the management of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis.

Objective To determine present practice for the management of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIOP) in veterans; to characterize provider knowledge, beliefs, and practice behaviors regarding management of GIOP; and to identify potential barriers and interventions in the management of GIOP. Methods To characterize current management of GIOP in an academic veterans administration medical center, we conducted a retrospective chart review of 100 patients who were prescribed a 90-day supply of prednisone. To assess clinicians' knowledge of GIOP clinical guidelines and perceptions of GIOP management, primary care clinicians and subspecialists completed a questionnaire and participated in focus groups. Results Chart review revealed that only 32 of 100 patients receiving long-term glucocorticoid treatment underwent bone mineral density testing, and only 32 patients were prescribed the recommended calcium supplements. Of the 23 providers who completed the questionnaire and participated in the focus groups, 4 correctly identified both the dose and duration of glucocorticoid use at which GIOP prevention measures should be instituted. Common GIOP management barriers cited by participants were lack of knowledge, having limited time during the clinic visit to address all problems, patient nonadherence, and system problems. The most commonly mentioned potential interventions were the use of computerized clinical reminders and patient education. Conclusion Clinicians frequently do not follow recommended guidelines for the management of GIOP. Improving the management of GIOP will likely require a fundamental redesigning of care processes for this disorder in order to overcome provider, patient-related, and system barriers.
Spatial Demography: An Opportunity to Improve Policy Making at Diverse Decision Levels

The number of applications of spatial demography has been growing mostly since the 1990s. Ranging from simple visualization to sophisticated spatial analytical techniques, these applications bring a new layer of explanation to demographic phenomena. This paper reviews demographic studies that specifically addressed space with spatial statistical models, and that focused on fertility, mortality, migration, and population models. Additionally, it summarizes different spatial datasets and software freely available, as well as the challenges that exist for the development of spatial demography applications. These challenges include confidentiality issues, scale problems, and the lack of training on spatial analysis in population centers. Although the first and second challenges involve modeling and technical solutions, the latter depends only on demographers’ commitment and willingness to promote change. Several topics for future spatially focused research are also outlined. Finally, the paper makes a strong case regarding the significant contribution that spatial demography can make to the monitoring, evaluation, and implementation of population policies.
Modeling spatiotemporal patterns of building vulnerability and content evacuations before a riverine flood disaster

Abstract In this paper, a spatiotemporal framework is developed for identifying building vulnerabilities and content evacuations during riverine flooding events. This work investigates the spatiotemporal properties required to trigger building contents evacuations in the floodplain during a flood event. The spatial properties for building risks are based on topography, flood inundation, building location, building elevation, and road access to determine five categories of vulnerability, vulnerable basement , flooded basement , vulnerable first-floor , flooded first - floor , and road access . Using this framework, a model designed to track the spatiotemporal patterns of building evacuations is presented. The model is based upon real-time flood forecast predictions that are linked with building properties to create a model that captures the spatiotemporal ordering of building vulnerabilities and building content evacuations. Applicable to different communities at risk from flooding, the evacuation model is applied to a historical flood for a university campus, demonstrating how the defined elements are used to derive a pattern of vulnerability and evacuation for a campus threatened by severe flooding.
Cropping System and Nitrogen Effects on Mollisol Organic Carbon

Time, fertilizer, tillage, and cropping systems may alter soil organic carbon (SOC) levels. Our objective was to determine the effect of long-term cropping systems and fertility treatments on SOC. Five rotations and two N fertility levels at three Iowa sites (Kanawha, Nashua, and Sutherland) maintained for 12 to 36 yr were evaluated. A 75-yr continuous corn (Zea mays L.) site (Ames) with a 40-yr N-P-K rate study also was evaluated. Soils were Typic and Aquic Hapludolls and Typic Haplaquolls. Four-year rotations consisting of corn, oat (Avena saliva L.), and meadow (alfalfa [Medicago saliva L.], or alfalfa and red clover [Trifolium pratense L.]) had the highest SOC (Kanawha, 32.1 g/kg ; Nashua, 21.9 g/kg ; Sutherland, 27.9 g/kg). Corn silage treatments (Nashua, ≤18.9 g/kg ; Sutherland, ≤23.2 g/kg) and no-fertilizer treatments (Kanawha, 25.3 g/kg ; Nashua, ≤20.9 g/kg ; Sutherland, ≤23.5 g/kg) had the lowest SOC. A corn-oat-meadow-meadow rotation maintained initial SOC (27.9 g/kg) after 34 yr at Sutherland. Continuous corn resulted in loss of 30% of SOC during 35 yr of manure and lime treatments. SOC increased 22% when N-P-K treatments were imposed. Fertilizer N, initial SOC levels, and previous management affected current SOC levels. Residue additions were linearly related to SOC (Ames, r 2 = 0.40 ; Nashua, r 2 = 0.82 ; Sutherland, r 2 = 0.89). All systems had 22 to 49% less SOC than adjacent fence rows. Changing cropping systems to those that conserve SOC could sequester as much as 30% of C released since cropping began, thereby increasing SOC.
Long-term outcome of autologous transplantation of peripheral blood progenitor cells as postremission management of adult acute myelogenous leukemia in first complete remission.

Long-term outcome of autologous transplantation of peripheral blood progenitor cells as postremission management of adult acute myelogenous leukemia in first complete remission
Patient reported activities after reverse shoulder arthroplasty: part II

Background Reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) is becoming a commonly performed procedure. Surgeons are advised to select older patients with lower demands. This study defines patient reported activities following RSA. Materials and methods Seventy-eight patients with 81 treated shoulders (average age 73 years; 49 women, 32 men) completed a survey asking about clinical parameters: pain, motion, strength, and 72 different activities. Diagnoses were rotator cuff tear arthropathy in 70 shoulders, massive rotator cuff tears with psuedoparalysis in 6, and failed treatment for proximal humeral fractures in 5. Average time from surgery to survey was 3.6 years (range, 3-5). Results All clinical parameters were favorable. The 3 most commonly reported activities were low demand (cooking, baking, and driving), medium demand (gardening, leaf raking, and lawn mowing), and high demand (snow shoveling, wheelbarrow use, and dirt shoveling). These were comparable to the activities reported for total shoulder arthroplasty and hemiarthroplasty. There was no clinical or activity difference between those components with a lateral or a medial center of rotation. Conclusion A significant proportion of patients continue medium or high demand activities following RSA. These are similar to other types of shoulder arthroplasties. Future studies to determine the safety level of different activities would be helpful to counsel patients accordingly.
Depressive symptoms in inner-city mothers of young children: who is at risk?

OBJECTIVE: To identify factors associated with depressive symptoms in inner-city mothers of young children. DESIGN: A cross-sectional survey was administered to a convenience sample of English-speaking mothers attending a well-child visit for a child aged 6 months to 3 years in a hospital-based, inner-city, general pediatric clinic. The maternal interview collected data on sociodemographic characteristics, and mothers' health and financial status. Mothers completed the Psychiatric Symptom Index (PSI), a 29-item checklist shown to have very good validity and reliability in a multicultural population. A total score of >/=20 represents high levels of symptoms; scores >/=30 strongly suggest major depression. RESULTS: Two hundred seventy-nine mothers completed the PSI. Mothers ranged in age from 14 to 48 years (mean, 27 years). Seventy-one percent were unmarried; 57% received public assistance. Forty-two percent of mothers were Hispanic, 40% black, 9% white, and 10% mixed or other races. Forty-eight percent were foreign-born. Twenty-four percent reported having a medical condition; 6% had activity limitation because of illness. The mean PSI score was 19; 18% of mothers had a PSI score >/=30 and 39% scored >/=20. PSI scores did not vary by age, race, birthplace, educational level, employment, marital status, or family composition. PSI scores were higher for mothers receiving public assistance (21 vs 17), with self-reports of poor or fair financial status (22 vs 15) and poor health status (52 vs 17). Mothers with activity limitations because of illness had significantly higher PSI scores (34 vs 18). Multiple regression analyses confirmed the independent relationships of these maternal characteristics to high PSI scores. CONCLUSIONS: Depressive symptoms in inner-city mothers of young children are common. In this population of women with many risk factors, traditional sociodemographic risk factors did not successfully identify those who are depressed. However, mothers' self-reports of poor financial status, health status, or activity limitation because of illness were associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms. These findings may assist clinicians in distinguishing which mothers are likely to be depressed when almost all are at high risk. Language: en
Mutations in GERANYLGERANYL DIPHOSPHATE SYNTHASE 1 affect chloroplast development in Arabidopsis thaliana (Brassicaceae).

UNLABELLED PREMISE OF THE STUDY Within plastids, geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase is a key enzyme in the isoprenoid biosynthetic pathway that catalyzes the formation of geranylgeranyl diphosphate, a precursor molecule to several biochemical pathways including those that lead into the biosynthesis of carotenoids and abscisic acid, prenyllipids such as the chlorophylls, and diterpenes such as gibberellic acid. • METHODS We have identified mutants in the GERANYLGERANYL DIPHOSPHATE SYNTHASE 1 (GGPS1) gene, which encodes the major plastid-localized enzyme geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase in Arabidopsis thaliana. • KEY RESULTS Two T-DNA insertion mutant alleles (ggps1-2 and ggps1-3) were found to result in seedling-lethal albino and embryo-lethal phenotypes, respectively, indicating that GGPS1 is an essential gene. We also identified a temperature-sensitive leaf variegation mutant (ggps1-1) in A. thaliana that is caused by a point mutation. Total chlorophyll and carotenoid levels were reduced in ggps1-1 white tissues as compared with green tissues. Phenotypes typically associated with a reduction in gibberellic acid were not seen, suggesting that gibberellic acid biosynthesis is not noticeably altered in the mutant. In contrast to other variegated mutants, the ggps1-1 green sector photosynthetic rate was not elevated relative to wild-type tissues. Chloroplast development in green sectors of variegated leaves appeared normal, whereas cells in white sectors contained abnormal plastids with numerous electron translucent bodies and poorly developed internal membranes. • CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that GGPS1 is a key gene in the chlorophyll biosynthetic pathway.
Rev variation during persistent lentivirus infection

The ability of lentiviruses to continually evolve and escape immune control is the central impediment in developing an effective vaccine for HIV-1 and other lentiviruses. Equine infectious anemia virus (EIAV) is considered a useful model for immune control of lentivirus infection. Virus-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) and broadly neutralizing antibody effectively control EIAV replication during inapparent stages of disease, but after years of low-level replication, the virus is still able to produce evasion genotypes that lead to late re-emergence of disease. There is a high rate of genetic variation in the EIAV surface envelope glycoprotein (SU) and in the region of the transmembrane protein (TM) overlapped by the major exon of Rev. This review examines genetic and phenotypic variation in Rev during EIAV disease and a possible role for Rev in immune evasion and virus persistence.
Physiological mechanisms of aquatic prey capture in sunfishes: Functional determinants of buccal pressure changes

Abstract 1. 1. Cranial muscle electromyograms, buccal pressures, and gill apparatus movements were measured simultaneously during prey capture in two species of sunfishes. 2. 2. The gill apparatus of sunfishes functions as a dynamic resistance within the mouth cavity that regulates water flow during feeding. 3. 3. Gill apparatus motion and activity of the levator operculi and epaxial muscles were the best statistical predictors of buccal pressure variables.
Evaluating environmental liability through risk premiums charged on loans to agribusiness borrowers

Environmental activities of a company may result in payments for hazardous waste site costs. Based upon current financial accounting standards, prospective payments for these costs are not always reported as liabilities on financial statements. Agribusiness lenders require complete information on the environmental status of agribusiness borrowers in order to assess the potential effects of environmental liability. In addition, agribusiness lenders have been held responsible by the judicial system for the environmental problems of their borrowers. Publicly available, financial and environmental data was used to develop models to quantify the effects of environmental status regardless of whether environmental liabilities are included in the financial statements. The results indicate that environmental status is dependent upon source of environmental hazard and company size, adjusted for industry affiliation. Affiliation with particular 4-digit SIC codes reduces the probability of the borrower being considered a significant environmental liability risk. [EconLit Citations: Q13, K32, G20]. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Photochemical production of nitrous acid on glass sample manifold surface

[1] Significant production of HONO was observed on glass sample manifold wall surface when exposed to sunlight during the PROPHET 2000 summer measurement intensive. It is hypothesized that the artifact HONO was produced by photolysis of adsorbed nitric acid/nitrate on the manifold wall surfaces followed by the subsequent reaction of produced NO2 and adsorbed H2O on surface. This observation suggests against the use of an unshielded glass manifold as a sampling inlet for the measurement of atmospheric HONO. It may also have some implications in interpreting field NOx data measured using similar glass inlet manifolds, especially from the clean remote environments where NOx is low and HNO3 is a major fraction of NOy.
Charting Different Types of Social Interaction Objectives in Parent-Infant Dyads.

This research was supported by Special Education Programs, U.S. Office of Education, Grant #508001795. The opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the policy position of the U.S. Department of Education, and no official endorsement by the U.S. Department of Education should be inferred.
Strychnine poisoning successfully treated with diazepam

A 15-year-old girl with strychnine-induced convulsions was successfully treated with diazepam. Diazepam seems to have advantages over barbiturates because of its mild central nervous system-depressant effects and may prove to be the drug of choice in the therapy of strychnine-induced convulsions. The theoretical basis for using diazepam in strychnine intoxication is discussed.
Innovative neonatal ventilation and meconium aspiration syndrome.

Respiratory failure remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the neonatal population. Infants with hypoxemic respiratory failure because of meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS), persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN), and pneumonia/sepsis have a potential for increased survival with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Other treatment options previously limited to inotropic support, conventional ventilatory management, respiratory alkalosis, paralysis and intravenous vasodilators have been replaced by high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV), surfactant, and inhaled nitric oxide (iNO). HFOV has been advocated for use to improve lung inflation while potentially decreasing lung injury through volutrauma. Other reports describe enhanced efficacy of HFOV when combined with iNO. Subsequent to studies reporting surfactant deficiency or inactivation may contribute to neonatal respiratory failure exogenous surfactant therapy has been implemented with apparent success. Recent studies have shown that iNO therapy in the neonate with hypoxemic respiratory failure can result in improved oxygenation and decreased need for ECMO. In this article, the authors place in context of a system-based strategy the prenatal, natal and postnatal management of babies delivered through meconium stained amniotic fluid (MSAF) so that adverse outcomes are minimized, and the least number of babies require innovative ventilatory support. At Pennsylvania Hospital, over a six-year period (1995 to 2000), 14.5% (3370/23,175 of live births babies were delivered with MSAF. These data show that 4.6% (155/3370) of babies with MSAF sustained MAS. Overall, 26% (40/155) of babies with MAS needed ventilatory support or 0.17% of all live-births); of these only 20% (8/40 or 0.035% of live births) needed innovative ventilatory support. None died or needed ECMO. These data describe the impact of a system-based approach to prevent and manage adverse outcomes related to MSAF at regional Level III perinatal center.
Affinity labeling of AMP-ADP sites in heart phosphofructokinase by 5-p-fluorosulfonylbenzoyl adenosine.

Abstract The purine nucleotide derivative, 5′-p-fluorosulfonylbenzoyl adenosine (5′-FSO 2 B Z Ado) functions as an affinity label for the allosteric sites of phosphofructokinase. The modified enzyme at pH 6.9 is insensitive to allosteric inhibition by ATP, activation by AMP, c-AMP, ADP and shows no sigmoidal kinetics for fructose-6-P. The reaction does not appear to occur at the catalytic site since modification of the enzyme does not significantly affect its specific activity nor its Michaelis constant at pH 8.2. ADP, and to a much lesser degree AMP and ATP, protects the enzyme from modification by the adenosine reagent. The modified enzyme essentially does not bind significant amounts of AMP, c-AMP, ADP, but still binds an analog of ATP, AppNHp. The adenosine affinity label will be of value in studies on the nature of the AMP-ADP allosteric sites.
Na, Al, and O Abundances of Open Clusters NGC 7142, NGC 6939, and IC 4756

We present an analysis of echelle spectra of stars in three open clusters obtained with the Hydra multiobject spectrograph on the WIYN 3.5 m telescope. Abundances of Fe, O, Si, Ca, Na, Al, and Ni have been determined via equivalent width analysis and spectrum synthesis. Mean abundances for each cluster are compared to those of previous studies and of other clusters in the literature, with emphasis on exploring the enhancements of Na and Al seen in many open clusters. All three clusters show enhanced values of [Na/Fe] and [Al/Fe], while the abundances of Fe, O, Si, and Ca are consistent with their ages and locations in the Galactic disk.
Mesenchymal Progenitors and the Osteoblast Lineage in Bone Marrow Hematopoietic Niches

The bone marrow cavity is essential for the proper development of the hematopoietic system. In the last few decades, it has become clear that mesenchymal stem/progenitor cells as well as cells of the osteoblast lineage, besides maintaining bone homeostasis, are also fundamental regulators of bone marrow hematopoiesis. Several studies have demonstrated the direct involvement of mesenchymal and osteoblast lineage cells in the maintenance and regulation of supportive microenvironments necessary for quiescence, self-renewal and differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells. In addition, specific niches have also been identified within the bone marrow for maturing hematopoietic cells. Here we will review recent findings that have highlighted the roles of mesenchymal progenitors and cells of the osteoblast lineage in regulating distinct stages of hematopoiesis.
Polyethylene glycol embedding: a technique compatible with immunocytochemistry, enzyme histochemistry, histofluorescence and intracellular staining

A technique is described which permits rapid processing of neural tissue for light microscopic analysis of sections of 1-40 microns thickness. This technique was developed as an alternative to paraffin embedding. When compared to paraffin, polyethylene glycol (PEG) offers the following advantages: 10-15 degrees C lower embedding temperatures, net tissue shrinkage of less than 5% vs approximately 50% in paraffin, and approximately one-half the embedding time. Tissue orientation during embedding and sectioning is particularly easy to control, e.g. 500 microns brain slices can be routinely flat-embedded and sectioned at 5 microns to form excellent ribbons. Since PEG is water-soluble, tissue may be dehydrated with a series of aqueous PEG solutions; the embedding matrix is easily removed by washing with a variety of aqueous buffers. These procedures allow subsequent electron microscopic analysis of material with generally well preserved ultrastructure. However, PEG is hygroscopic, thus tissue blocks become soft and difficult to section in high (greater than 90%) relative humidity. PEG was found to be compatible with intracellular staining with Lucifer yellow, horseradish peroxidase enzyme histochemistry, aqueous histofluorescence and immunocytochemical demonstration of neuronal peptides and glial fibrillary acidic protein.
Atomistic Analysis of Crystal Plasticity in Copper Nanowire

Plastic deformation in a model copper wire under tensile loading is modeled using three dimensional atomistic simulations. The primary objective is to gain fundamental insight into the nano-scale deformation features. An initial defect is utilized in the model to trigger plastic deformation in a controlled manner. A parametric study is performed by varying the atomic interaction range used in the model. When the interaction distance is small, slip is observed to be the dominant deformation mechanism. A slight increase in the interaction range results in phase transition from the FCC structure to a BCC structure. Re-orientation of the BCC lattice also occurs at later stages of the deformation. The phase transition mechanism is further enhanced if the nanowire is attached to a flat substrate.
Fatigue-creep crack propagation path in solder joints under thermal cycling

The present study investigates the thermal fatigue crack propagation path in a eutectic solder joint between a 2512 leadless chip resistor and a printed wiring board which had experienced thermal cycling between -55 and 125°C. This was achieved through the microstructural examination of fractured surfaces of the joints. Patches of finely spaced striations were observed in a predominant shear strain field in the joints. These striations were attributed to the tensile strain components in the field and used to add the identification of the fatigue crack propagation direction. It was observed that cracks did not simply propagate across the depth of the joint from the inner end (the heel) to the outer end (the toe) in the longitudinal direction, but from a corner point on the free edge of the heel to the center across the joint depth, making an angle of about 70° with respect to the longitudinal direction.
Using Self-Categorization Theory to Understand Relational Demography–Based Variations in People's Responsiveness to Organizational Culture

We investigated how demographic differences affected people's responses to organizational cues to cooperate with their coworkers. Officers from a large financial services firm who were more demogra...
INTERPERSONAL AGGRESSION IN URBAN MINORITY YOUTH: MEDIATORS OF PERCEIVED NEIGHBORHOOD, PEER, AND PARENTAL INFLUENCES

This study examined perceived social environment and personal control variables as predictors of interpersonal aggression in urban minority youth. Perceived environmental factors included neighborhood risk, friends' delinquency, and parental monitoring practices, which were examined as direct predictors of aggression and as indirect predictors mediated by anger control skills and risk-taking characteristics. The sample consisted of 452 primarily African-American sixth-graders attending New York City public schools. Structural equation modeling indicated that better perceived parental monitoring practices were directly associated with less aggression and had an indirect effect that was mediated by better anger control skills. Perceived neighborhood risk and friends' delinquency were directly associated with more aggression and had indirect effects that were mediated by greater individual risk-taking. Implications of these findings for prevention interventions are discussed. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Shock vaporization of anhydrite and global effects of the K/T bolide

Shock vaporization experiments were carried out for 30% porous anhydrite up to 76 GPa. Shocked fully or partially vaporized samples interact with overlying LiF windows whose velocity histories are monitored using a velocity interferometer to obtain pressure bounds for incipient and complete vaporization for CaSO_4. Experimental data and thermodynamic calculations indicate that these shock pressures are 81 ± 7 and 155 ± 13 GPa for crystal anhydrite, and 27 ± 1 and 67 ± 6 GPa for porous anhydrite, respectively. A one-dimensional finite-difference code was used to simulate the measured velocity profiles. The vaporized products can be described by a simple Gruneisen thermal equation of state where the effective Gruneisen parameter varies from 1.5 to 0.73 upon release from 76 to 25 GPa. Using the above criteria, and recent lithic models of the impact site, the mass of degassed S has been estimated from the Chicxulub impact. For asteroids of 10 and 20 km in diameter impacting the Earth at 20 km/s, the mass of degassed S in SO_2 or SO_3 is found to be 0.5 × 10^(17) to 2 × 10^(17) g. Simple extrapolation of Sigurdsson's [H. Sigurdsson, Assessment of the atmospheric impact of volcanic eruptions, in: V.L. Sharpton, P.D. Ward (Eds.), Global Catastrophes in Earth History: An Interdisciplinary Conference on Impact, Volcanism, and Mass Mortality, Geol. Soc. Am. Spec. Pap. 247 (1990) 99–110.] formula yields a global cooling prediction of ≳10°C.
Teaming Up: Making the Transition to a Self-Directed, Team-Based Organization

The article reviews the book “Teaming Up: Making the Transition to a Self-Directed, Team-Based Organization,” by Darrel Ray and Howard Bronstein.
NBS field-strength standards and measurements (30 Hz to 1000 MHz)

A description is given of the CW field-strength and associated measurement instrumentation and techniques used for the calibration of both commercial and military field-strength meters in various frequency bands of the overall range from 30 Hz to 1000 MHz, which have been developed at the National Bureau of Standards during the past 25 to 30 years. The techniques are applicable only for evaluating the strength of steady-state, ac fields varying sinusoidally in time, and are not intended for use in broad-band applications of any kind. Two principal types of field-strength standards and a prototype near-zone field-strength meter are described: 1) magnetic-field-strength standards (30 Hz to 30 MHz), 2) electric-field-strength standards (30 to 1000 MHz), and 3) near-zone electric-field-strength meter and interim field-strength standards (150 kHz to 30 MHz).
Clintonomics: The Great Leap Backwards

Clintonomics cannot and will not work. The US economy is likely to continue to stagnate just as it did under George Bush.
Simultaneous pancreatic-renal transplant scintigraphy

99mTc-DTPA scintigraphy was evaluated in seven patients as a technique to assess perfusion of the transplanted pancreas and kidney. Such scans provide high-quality images of both organs in both the flow phase and later phases. The radionuclide is readily available and its brief effective half-life allows repeated evaluations at short intervals. 131I-hippuran, the major radiopharmaceutical for renal transplant scintigraphy, does not allow visualization of the transplanted pancreas or evaluation of its blood supply. Although the blood glucose is a gross indicator of the function of the pancreatic allograft, pancreatic scintigraphy with 99mTc-DTPA in one case was capable of detecting graft dysfunction before elevation of the blood glucose occurred. While additional studies will be necessary to determine the predictive value of this test, 99mTc-DTPA is valuable for pancreatic-renal transplant evaluation.
Albert Sidney Beckham: The First African American School Psychologist:

Albert Sidney Beckham was the first African American to hold the title school psychologist. This article examines the life and professional career of Beckham in the context of his contributions to the field of school psychology. It explores his graduate education, the founding of Howard University's Psychological Laboratory and his research and practice as a school psychologist at the Institute for Juvenile Research and Chicago Bureau of Child Study. While much has been written on individual contributors to the field of school psychology, there is virtually no mention of any practitioners of colour. Thus, the purpose of this article is to begin a process of inclusion by mainstreaming the work of a pioneer in the field of school psychology.
DNA twist as a transcriptional sensor for environmental changes

A variety of reports describe shifts in the environment which cause a corresponding change in the measured linking number of plasmid DNA isolated from bacterial cells. This change in linking number is often attributed to a change in superhelical density. This, coupled with the observation that transcription is often dependent upon the superhelical density of the DNA template seen in vitro, has led to the suggestion that superhelical density may control expression of certain genes. However, since many environmental changes could, in principle, influence DNA twist itself, then the measured differences in linking number, delta Lk, may simply be a consequence of variation in twist according to the relationship delta Lk = delta Tw + delta Wr, where delta Tw and delta Wr are changes in twist and writhe, respectively. In fact, we show that when an environmental change causes a change in the helical pitch of the DNA, and if the superhelical density of DNA is regulated to remain constant according to the homeostatic model of Menzel and Gellert, then delta Lk approximately delta Tw. We have found that there are a number of published reports describing variation in promoter activity as a function of linking number that can be explained by considering twist. We suggest that there are classes of sigma 70 promoters whose ability to be recognized by RNA polymerase is exquisitely sensitive to the relative orientation of the -35 and -10 regions, and environmental conditions can control this relative orientation by changing DNA twist.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Glucocorticoid use in acute lymphoblastic leukaemia

Glucocorticoids (prednisone and dexamethasone) play an essential part in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), but their optimum doses and bioequivalence have not been established. Results of preclinical studies have shown that dexamethasone has a longer half-life and better CNS penetration than does prednisone. In prospective randomised trials, dexamethasone improved control of CNS leukaemia. At a prednisone-to-dexamethasone dose ratio of less than seven, dexamethasone (6-18 mg/m(2) per day) resulted in a better event-free survival than did prednisone (40-120 mg/m(2) per day), and high-dose dexamethasone (10-18 mg/m(2) per day) improved the outcome of T-cell ALL and high-risk ALL. However, dexamethasone caused more adverse effects, including infection, bone fracture, osteonecrosis, mood and behaviour problems, and myopathy. At a dose ratio greater than seven, the two drugs showed no difference in efficacy. Therefore, the efficacy of prednisone and dexamethasone is dose dependent and needs to be carefully assessed against the toxic effects. Moreover, although dexamethasone generally showed increased activity in ALL cells in vitro, the dose ratio of the two drugs that exerted equivalent cytotoxic effects differed substantially in samples from individuals. The selection of the type and dose of glucocorticoid should be based on the risk of relapse, treatment phase, and the chemotherapeutic drugs used concomitantly.
An in situ Al K-edge XAS investigation of the local environment of H+- and Cu+-exchanged USY and ZSM-5 zeolites.

Aluminum coordination in the framework of USY and ZSM-5 zeolites containing charge-compensating cations (NH4+, H+, or Cu+) was investigated by Al K-edge EXAFS and XANES. This work was performed using a newly developed in-situ cell designed especially for acquiring soft X-ray absorption data. Both tetrahedrally and octahedrally coordinated Al were observed for hydrated H−USY and H−ZSM-5, in good agreement with 27Al NMR analyses. Upon dehydration, water desorbed from the zeolite, and octahedrally coordinated Al was converted progressively to tetrahedrally coordinated Al. These observations confirmed the hypothesis that the interaction of water with Bronsted acid protons can lead to octahedral coordination of Al without loss of Al from the zeolite lattice. When H+ is replaced with NH4+ or Cu+, charge compensating species that absorb less water, less octahedrally coordinated Al was observed. Analysis of Al K-edge EXAFS data indicates that the Al−O bond distance for tetrahedrally coordinated Al in dehydrated U...
The effects of intensive care unit staffing on patient outcomes following microvascular free flap reconstruction of the head and neck: a pilot study.

Objective To determine if the implementation of the closed intensive care unit (ICU) at our institution altered clinical outcomes in patients who had undergone microvascular free flap reconstruction of the head and neck by the Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Service. Design Retrospective medical chart review. Setting A single tertiary medical center. Patients The open ICU cohort had 52 flaps performed on 50 patients, and the closed ICU cohort had 52 flaps performed on 52 patients. Main Outcome Measures Fifty-two free flap reconstructions of head and neck defects were performed on 50 patients who were admitted to an open ICU. The length of stay (LOS) in the ICU and hospital and incidence of complications were compared with those of 52 patients who underwent 52 free flap reconstructions and were admitted to a closed ICU over a separate period. Results The mean length of stay in the ICU was 44 and 45 hours in the open and closed ICU cohorts, respectively (P = .90). The incidence of surgical and medical complications was similar in the open and closed ICU cohorts (P > .05). Conclusions There does not appear to be a significant difference in patient outcome between open and closed ICU care in our study.
Learning at the Core: Toward a New Understanding of Academic Advising

This paper’s the result of our attempt to untangle the various meanings of “developmental academic advising.” We argue that the model of developmental academic advising should be abandoned and replaced by alternative theoretical traditions. We draw upon some recent critiques of the student development movement to suggest that the developmental academic advising movement has lost sight of the central mission of higher education. We indicate that other theories about advising are more promising, and we offer the educational concept of praxis as an alternative way of thinking about academic advising.
Mapping shadows in very high-resolution satellite data using HSV and edge detection techniques

Multispectral scanners (MSS) such as IKONOS have very high spatial resolution and therefore, provide excel- lent source of information about terrestrial features. The im- agesfromthesescannersmaycontainshadowsthatcanleadto partial or complete loss of radiometric information, leading to misinterpretation or inaccurate classification. In addition, the identification of shadows is critical for several applications. The goal of this study is to develop computer-based algo- rithms to detect shadows from IKONOS panchromatic (1× 1 m) and MSS bands (4×4 m). We converted subsets of IKONOS pan and MSS images over New York City to HSV color space, and used histogram analysis to determine an intensity threshold. Potential sunlit and shadow areas were demarcated and edge detection techniques were employed to eliminate the non-shadow, low-intensity areas and identify shadow areas on the image subsets. We tested the results on a time series of datasets to develop a robust model that has the capability to detect shadows and extract them from high- resolution satellite imagery.
Dialectical behavior therapy as treatment for borderline personality disorder

Abstract Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a structured outpatient treatment developed by Dr Marsha Linehan for the treatment of borderline personality disorder (BPD). Dialectical behavior ther...