cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fifty years of change in northern upland forest understories: Identity and traits of “winner” and “loser” plant species

Abstract Resurveys of plant communities provide valuable information on changes in species composition over time and clues about how species respond to environmental change. We report results from resurveys of 62 upland forest stands in northern Wisconsin and the western Upper Peninsula of Michigan first surveyed around 1950. We identify plant species that have significantly increased or decreased in frequency in 1 m 2 quadrats (‘winners’ and ‘losers’) and evaluate the traits that distinguish these groups. Twenty-one winner species increased across sites (by 25–400%), while 21 loser species decreased (by 21–95%). Winners include both common, native species and five invading exotics. Many are grasses or sedges and most are abiotically pollinated or dispersed (e.g., Carex , which increased 286%). Losers are mostly rarer native forbs that rely on animals for pollination and/or dispersal. Losers appear sensitive to desiccation, anthropogenic disturbance, and/or herbivory by white-tailed deer (e.g., Streptopus roseus , which decreased 73%). Declines in loser species are heterogeneous and stochastic across sites whereas increases in winners are more uniform and deterministic. Increases in common widespread native species account for most of the community change we observe across sites. The fact that winners resist or tolerate deer herbivory while many losers are sensitive to deer suggests that deer may be a key driver of the shifts we observe in these forests.
Environments of deposition, paleocurrents, and provenance of Tertiary deposits along Kachemak Bay, Kenai Peninsula, Alaska

Abstract Grain-size distributions and sedimentary structures of Tertiary strata along Kachemak Bay indicate a variety of inchannel and overbank fluvial facies. A Markov analysis indicates cyclicity of these facies, probably caused by repeated and regular channel migration during subsidence. Fossils indicate a cool-temperate climate and probable freshwater deposition. Paleocurrent directions and sandstone composition suggest a metamorphic and sedimentary-clastic provenance during Homerian time with the addition of pyroclastics during Clamgulchian time. The Homerian Stage beds represent facies of braided-meandering streams whereas the Clamgulchian Stage beds represent facies of meandering streams. These streams flowed westward and northwestward from the Chugach-Kenai Mountains onto wooded, low-gradient, alluvial plains.
Comparative analysis of biodiesel–ethanol–diesel and biodiesel–methanol–diesel blends in a diesel engine

Abstract In this work, standard diesel fuel, biodiesel (45%)–methanol (10%)–diesel (45%), biodiesel (40%)–methanol (20%)–diesel (40%), biodiesel (45%)–ethanol (10%)–diesel (45%) and biodiesel (40%)–ethanol (20%)–diesel (40%) blends are tested in a compression ignited engine under the same operating conditions. Performance and emission characteristics of the engine fueled with biodiesel–methanol–diesel (BMD) and biodiesel–ethanol–diesel (BED) are compared to standard diesel fuel as the baseline. Overall, biodiesel–alcohol–diesel blends show a higher brakespecific fuel consumption than diesel. As alcohol concentrations in blends increase, CO and HC emissions increase, while NO emissions are reduced. Also, methanol blends are more effective than ethanol blends for reducing CO and HC emissions, while NO reduction is achieved by ethanol blends.
Effective diagonalization strategies for the solution of a class of optimal design problems

It is shown that it is possible to obtain optimal diagonalization strategies for the discretization of semiinfinite minimax optimal design problems. Both exact and approximate methods for the computation of these optimal diagonalization strategies are proposed. The algorithms for computing approximate diagonalization strategies yield very good approximations in much less computing time than needed to compute an optimal diagonalization strategy exactly. The proposed diagonalization strategies can be implemented by using estimation schemes to obtain approximations to the various quantities which determine an optimal strategy. Experimental results, involving the solution of optimal loop-shaping problems for multivariable linear feedback systems, show that the use of these implementable strategies leads to considerable savings in computer time over alternative approaches. >
Hamster Leydig Cells Are Less Sensitive to Ethane Dimethanesulfonate When Compared to Rat Leydig Cells both in Vivo and in Vitro

Abstract It has been reported that ethane dimethanesulfonate (EDS) is a Leydig cell toxicant that affects rats and hamsters (Kerr et al., 1987), while, in contrast, the Leydig cells of mice are relatively insensitive to the toxicant. In the rat, there is a rapid decline in levels of testosterone (T) within hours after EDS administration. However, T production, spermiogenesis, and fertility are restored within a few weeks as new Leydig cells are formed from undifferentiated cells in the interstitium of the testis. In an earlier study, we found, as expected, that ejaculated sperm counts (ESCs) reached a nadir 10 days after adult rats were dosed with EDS at 65 mg/kg ip along with serum and testicular T, testis and seminal vesicle weights, and in vitro T production, while, in contrast, EDS at 65 mg/kg had no effect on these endpoints in the Syrian hamster (Gray et al., 1992). In the current study, when EDS was administered to 6, 12, and 18 month old hamsters at 100 mg/kg, it produced subtle effects on serum T and sex accessory gland weights, while dramatic effects were seen in similarly exposed rats. In addition, when testes were examined by light microscopy all treated rats displayed severely reduced Leydig cell numbers, while, in contrast, only one-third of the EDS-treated hamsters were affected, having moderately reduced Leydig cell numbers. In support of the histological data, 3 β-HSD enzyme activity was reduced by 99% of control in EDS-treated rats, but it was reduced by only 35% of control in EDS-treated hamsters. An in vitro analysis of the effects of EDS on LH-stimulated T production by quartered testes demonstrated that the hamster testis was less sensitive to the direct effects of EDS than the rat testis. The IC50 after 3 hr in culture was greater than 1800 μg EDS/ml for the hamster quarter testes, while the IC50 for the rat quarter testes was 320 μg EDS/ml. In summary, these results demonstrate in vivo and in vitro that Leydig cells of hamsters are less sensitive to EDS than those of the adult rat.
Effects of bismuth citrate on the viability and function of Leydig cells and testicular macrophages.

Bismuth is present in several popular over-the-counter drugs for nausea and diarrhea and is occasionally abused by patients with chronic gastrointestinal disorders. The most common consequence of bismuth overdose is neurological dysfunction. In experimental animals, bismuth overdose results in lowered serum testosterone levels, suggesting that reproductive dysfunction may be an additional component of bismuth toxicity. Although the precise mechanisms responsible for the lowered testosterone levels are unknown, it has been shown that bismuth accumulates within testicular macrophages. This may be important because these cells, which are commonly found in direct contact with Leydig cells, are known to exert paracrine influences on the Leydig cells for local control of testosterone production. However, bismuth may also exert direct effects on Leydig cells because it passes by these cells on its way to the phagocytic macrophages. The purpose of the present studies was to isolate both testicular macrophages and Leydig cells from rat testis and study the direct effects of bismuth on these cells with regard to their viability and function. We found that when Leydig cells were treated for 24 h with bismuth (1–100 µM) no change in viability or secretion of testosterone was observed. However, when testicular macrophages were similarly treated with bismuth a significant effect on viability was observed with as little as 6.25 µM bismuth, with near-complete cell death at 50 µM after 24 h. However, bismuth had no effect on the viability on testicular macrophages at 50 µM up to 8 h, therefore, we studied the secretion of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) after 4 h of exposure to 50 µM bismuth and found no influence on the production of TNF-α. Taken together, it seems likely that bismuth has no direct effects on Leydig cells but, rather, lowers testosterone levels by killing testicular macrophages, thereby interrupting their local paracrine influence on Leydig cells through factors other than TNF-α. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Teacher Retention in Appalachian Schools: Evidence from Kentucky.

Abstract In this paper we analyze teacher attrition from Appalachian school districts over nearly twenty years of data. We employ a unique panel of public K-12 teachers active in Kentucky between 1986 and 2005, and discern several patterns of interest to scholars and policymakers. Inter-district mobility is rare in Kentucky, and rarer still among Appalachian teachers. Few teachers transfer between regions, but teachers are considerably more likely to leave Appalachia than to transfer to it. Our results also indicate that Appalachian teachers are more likely to exit the profession. One implication of this evidence is that improvements to teacher quality in such isolated areas would require a focus on the home labor pool.
Starter fertilizer and the method and rate of potassium fertilizer effects on cotton grown on soils with and without winter grazing by cattle

Abstract A three‐year field study was conducted on a Decatur silt loam (clayey, kaolinitic, thermic Rhodic Paleudult) in North Alabama. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of winter grazing by cattle on the potassium (K) and starter fertilizer needs of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) the following season. Grazed and non‐grazed treatments were established by planting a wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cover crop in the fall and allowing cattle to graze half of the treatment area for 35 to 65 days in late winter‐early spring. After grazing, the grazed and non‐grazed wheat was killed and cotton was planted using a strip‐tillage system. Test areas had medium to high soil test ratings for K. Fertility treatments consisted of three rates of K (0, 37, and 74 kg K ha‐1), three methods of K application (surface broadcast; in‐row, band application at a depth of 30.5 cm; and surface banding using a spacing of 50.8 cm) and two rates of starter fertilizer (no starter and 168 kg#lbha‐l of a liquid 15–15–0...
High-Order-Accurate Methods for Complex Unsteady Subsonic Flows

Several issues related to the application of very high-order schemes for the finite difference simulation of the full Navier-Stokes equations are investigated. The schemes utilize an implicit, approximately factored time-integration method coupled with spatial fourth- and sixth-order compact-difference formulations and a filtering strategy of up to tenth order. For this last aspect a consistent optimization approach is developed to treat points near the boundary resulting in minimal degradation of accuracy. The problems investigated exhibit many of the challenging features of practical flows and include several with complications introduced by curvilinear meshes, viscous effects, unsteadiness, and three-dimensionality. The high-order method is observed to be very robust for every problem considered. The algorithm is demonstrated to be highly accurate compared to both second-order and upwind-biased methods. For several cases, particularly very-low-Mach-number flows, filtering is determined to be a superior alternative to scalar damping
Ethanol potentiates tumor necrosis factor‐α cytotoxicity in hepatoma cells and primary rat hepatocytes by promoting induction of the mitochondrial permeability transition

In the present study, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) cytotoxicity is shown to be potentiated by ethanol exposure in vitro in the human hepatoma cell line, HepG2, and in rat primary hepatocytes. Exposure of HepG2 cells and primary hepatocytes for 48 hours to concentrations of ethanol ranging between 50 and 100 mmol/L significantly increased TNF-alpha cytotoxicity compared with cells treated with TNF-alpha alone. The cell killing was associated with, and dependent on, the development of the mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT). Two inhibitors of MPT pore opening, cyclosporin A and bongkrekic acid, prevented TNF-alpha cytotoxicity in the presence of ethanol. In addition to inhibiting cell death caused by TNF-alpha, blockade of MPT pore opening prevented mitochondrial depolarization, cytochrome c redistribution from the mitochondria to the cytosol, caspase 3 activation, and oligonucleosomal DNA fragmentation. Unlike the potentiation of TNF-alpha cytotoxicity by the translational inhibitor cycloheximide, ethanol promoted TNF-alpha-induced cell killing by a mechanism that was independent of caspase-8 activity. HepG2 cells overexpressing cytochrome-P4502E1 were even more sensitized by ethanol to induction of the MPT by TNF-alpha and the resultant cytotoxicity than wild-type HepG2 cells. In addition, primary hepatocytes isolated from chronically ethanol-fed rats showed enhanced susceptibility to TNF-alpha cytotoxicity compared with their isocalorically matched controls. Again as with the HepG2 cells, inhibiting MPT pore opening prevented the cytotoxicity of TNF-alpha in the primary hepatocytes isolated from ethanol-fed animals.
Development of Immune Hyperinnervation in NGF-Transgenic Mice ☆

Sympathetic innervation of lymphoid tissues is localized to specific tissue compartments, but little is known of the "factors" that are important in establishing this pattern during development. Numerous studies have shown interactions of nerve growth factor (NGF) with the immune system, which may include modulation of immune innervation. We previously have shown that NGF transgenic mice, which overexpress NGF in skin and not immune tissues, have a dramatic hyperinnervation of splenic marginal zone and peripheral lymph node medulla and capsule. The purpose of the current studies was to determine if the presence of elevated NGF would alter immune system development and the process of sympathetic ingrowth. The results show that the splenic innervation in NGF transgenics gradually diverged from controls during the first two postnatal weeks, with the greatest change occurring between postnatal days 13 and 16 when the splenic organization was reaching the adult pattern. In contrast, the peripheral lymph nodes were hyperinnervated at an earlier age. mesenteric lymph nodes never diverged from the normal pattern. NGF levels in transgenic spleen were much higher than controls at postnatal days 1 and 2, when little innervation was present, and declined as the tissue matured, possibly because of NGF uptake by the ingrowing sympathetic fibers. This suggests that immune tissues are capable of concentrating NGF, which in turn may modulate the level of innervation by the sympathetic nervous system.
Training Grass Carp to Respond to Sound for Potential Lake Management Uses

Abstract Future use of triploid grass carp Ctenopharyngodon idella as a control agent for aquatic macrophytes could be enhanced by efficient methods of removing the fish from stocked waters. In laboratory trials, we evaluated the ability to train triploid grass carp to move to a specific area for potential recapture by coupling low-frequency sounds (i.e., 1,000, 800, and 600 Hz) and grass carp feeding sounds with a food reward. Repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated that grass carp response times to sound stimuli declined over training sessions for all low-frequency sounds tested. Percent return rates averaged 94, 94, 88, and 71% for low-frequency sounds of 600, 800, and 1,000 Hz and grass carp feeding sounds, respectively. Our results suggest that sound can be used to attract triploid grass carp to a central area where they potentially can be removed.
Trace-Element Fingerprinting as a Guide to the Geographic Sources of Native Copper

Trace-element analyses of native copper from specific geological deposits can be used to determine locality “fingerprints” (population parameters) which, in turn, can be used with discriminant analysis to assign probable provenance to the raw material source for copper artifacts. A comprehensive analytical program has been underway for over a decade to provide trace-element fingerprint data for native copper deposits throughout the world. Results indicate that delineations can be made among geographic regions and between areas or mines within a region. This paper is based on 309 analyses of the concentrations in North American native copper and copper artifacts.
Carbon cluster anions: structure and growth from C5− to C62−

Abstract Carbon cluster anions are generated by laser desorption in a Smalley-type cluster source over a wide size range. The ions are mass selected and their isomer distributions and structures determined as a function of size, from C5− to C62−, using ion chromatography. The families of structures found were identical to those previously found for cation clusters, although the ranges of stability are quite different. For example, linear Cn− ions are detected to n = 30, while they are not detected above n = 10 for cations. The quantitative growth sequence is the same as for cations; linear at small sizes, transforming to a series of planar ring systems at intermediate values of n, followed by a very slow emergence of fullerenes at the largest values of n sampled. For n near 60, fullerenes comprise less than 20% of the isomers and planar rings more than 80%. For cations, fullerenes comprise more than 95% of the isomer distribution for even n in this size range. A number of possible explanations for this behavior are put forward. Annealing studies are performed for 10 ⩽ n ⩽ 30. At the low end of this size range annealing leads to pure linear isomeric distributions, but above n = 15 monocyclic rings begin to dominate. Between n = 20 and 30 annealing yields complete conversion of bicyclic planar rings to monocyclic rings.
The child behavior checklist broad-band scales predict subsequent psychopathology: A 5-year follow-up

Abstract Objective To evaluate the utility of the Child Behavior Check list (CBCL) for identifying children of parents with panic disorder or major depression at high-risk for future psychopathology. Methods Baseline Internalizing and Externalizing CBCL T-scores were used to predict subsequent depressive, anxiety, and disruptive behavior disorders at a 5-year follow-up in children of parents with panic disorder, major depression, or neither disorder. Results The Internalizing scale predicted subsequent agoraphobia, generalized anxiety disorder, separation anxiety disorder, and social phobia. In contrast, the Externalizing scale predicted subsequent disruptive behavior disorders and major depression. Conclusions The convergence of these results with previous findings based on structured diagnostic interviews suggests that the CBCL broad-band scales can inexpensively and efficiently help identify children at high risk for future psychopathology within a population of children already at risk by virtue of parental psychopathology.
Modeling the Out-of-Ecliptic Interplanetary Magnetic Field in the Declining Phase of Sunspot Cycle 22

We have developed a new model of the coronal and interplanetary magnetic field. The model includes the effects of large-scale horizontal electric currents flowing in the inner corona, of the warped heliospheric current sheet, and of heliospheric volume currents in the super-Alfvenic solar wind. The model determines the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) strength as well as its polarity from measurements of the photospheric magnetic field. A detailed comparison between the observed and calculated in-ecliptic IMF Bx in Cycles 22, confirms the fitness of the optimal set of free parameters inferred using data in Cycle 21. We can predict the latitudinal gradient of Bx in the declining phase of Cycle 22 and the temporal variation of the amplitude of the radial component of the IMF at various latitudes. The calculated IMF polarity and Bx strength agree best with the in-ecliptic observations when the photospheric field (measured with a A5250A magnetograph) is scaled up by a factor of two. Ulysses may provide the critical data to improve the model and check these inferences.
Distribution of class I and II human leukocyte antigens in the larynx.

Objective To examine the antigenic distribution of human leukocyte antigens (HLA) of the human larynx. Study design and setting Twelve human larynges were examined for Class I (HLA-A, -B, -C) and Class II (HLA-DR) histocompatibility antigens using mouse monoclonal antibodies in an indirect immunoperoxidase assay. Structures of the larynx and surrounding tissues were examined and given a semiquantitative score based on HLA Class I and II expression. Results The mucosal surface epithelium of the larynx stains 2+ or stronger for HLA Class I antigens and 1+ for Class II antigens. The deeper submucosal glands stain 1+ for Class I antigens and 2+ or stronger for Class II antigens. Thyroid cartilage showed 2+ or stronger staining of the chondrocytes for Class I antigens only. Thyroid follicular cells also stain only for Class I antigens. Perichondrium and Schwann cells of nerves stain stronger for Class I antigens than Class II antigens. Cartilage matrix, muscle cells, and axons of nerves do not stain for either class of antigens. Endothelium stains 3+ for both classes of antigens. Conclusions The detailed distribution of major transplantation antigens in the human larynx is elucidated. Class II antigens implicated as initiators of organ transplant rejection were primarily found in 6 areas: mucosal surface epithelium, submucosal glands, ducts, vascular endothelium, perichondrium, and Schwann cells of nerves. The relevance of these findings to the initiation and detection of laryngeal allograft graft rejection is discussed.
grim promotes programmed cell death of Drosophila microchaete glial cells

The Inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP) antagonists Reaper (Rpr), Grim and Hid are central regulators of developmental apoptosis in Drosophila. Ectopic expression of each is sufficient to trigger apoptosis, and hid and rpr have been shown to be important for programmed cell death (PCD). To investigate the role for grim in PCD, a grim null mutant was generated. grim was not a key proapoptotic gene for embryonic PCD, confirming that grim cooperates with rpr and hid in embryogenesis. In contrast, PCD of glial cells in the microchaete lineage required grim, identifying a death process dependent upon endogenous grim. Grim associates with mitochondria and has been shown to activate a mitochondrial death pathway distinct from IAP antagonization; therefore, the Drosophila bcl-2 genes buffy and debcl were investigated for genetic interaction with grim. Loss of buffy led to microchaete glial cell survival and suppressed death in the eye induced by ectopic Grim. This is the first example of a developmental PCD process influenced by buffy, and places buffy in a proapoptotic role. PCD of microchaete glial cells represents an exceptional opportunity to study the mitochondrial proapoptotic process induced by Grim.
A transient expression of functional α2‐adrenergic receptors in white matter of the developing brain

Norepinephrine is a neurotransmitter with peripheral and central actions mediated by α-1, α-2, and β-adrenergic receptors. In this paper, we report an expression of α-2 adrenergic receptors in developing white matter tracts as revealed by [3H]RX821002 autoradiography. In rats, these receptors are present in the corpus callosum and anterior commissure at gestational day 20. Quantification of their postnatal expression reveals peak expression in the corpus callosum at postnatal day 1, which decreases with maturation and disappears by postnatal day 21. Expression in the anterior commissure is persistently elevated throughout the first ten days of postnatal development and then decreases to near background levels by postnatal day 21. Further characterization of the receptors by agonist-stimulated [35S]GTPγS binding verifies α-2 adrenergic receptors are functionally coupled to G proteins early in development and therefore are mature receptors. In situ hybridization did not detect mRNA for any of the α-2 adrenergic receptor subtypes (A, B, and C) in white matter tracts of postnatal day 5 brain. [3H]RX821002 emulsion autoradiography demonstrated autoradiographic grains that were of comparable density between cells and over cell bodies. Collectively, these data suggest that α-2 adrenergic receptors in neonatal commissures are synthesized at sites distant from their white matter expression and may be guiding the maturation of these brain commissures. Synapse 57:213–222, 2005. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Treatment of sleep disorders in epilepsy

The interrelationship of sleep and epilepsy is described. Seizures and their treatment, including antiepileptic medications, may affect sleep. In turn, sleep disorders may influence seizure control and contribute to daytime sleepiness in epilepsy patients. Parasomnias and other sleep-related disorders may mimic epileptic seizures, although the history and video-EEG polysomnography are often useful in distinguishing these events. The treatment of epilepsy patients with sleep disorders or sleep complaints, such as sleepiness or insomnia, is discussed. Diagnosis and treatment of coexisting sleep disorders may improve not only daytime sleepiness, but also seizure control. Sedating AEDs may benefit epilepsy patients with insomnia, and stimulating AEDs may benefit epilepsy patients with daytime sleepiness.
Parallax Correction in the Analysis of Multiple Satellite Data Sets

This letter describes a general solution to the parallax correction issue concerning the collocation of measurements of the same object from different satellites that use different viewing geometries. Two examples in cloud remote sensing are described with case studies. The applicability of the parallax correction is also discussed. Correct collocation of data collected by multiple satellites is needed in order to avoid introducing incorrect information in the data fusion of multiple sensors on different satellite platforms.
Solid state coordination chemistry of the copper cyanide–organoamine system: hydrothermal syntheses and structural characterization of [{Cu2(bpy)2(CN)}Cu5(CN)6] and [Cu4(CN)4(biquin)]

The hydrothermal reactions of CuCN and Cu(NO3)2·2.5H2O with the appropriate organonitrogen ligand in water yielded a one-dimensional chain, [Cu4(CN)4(biquin)] 1, and a material with a two-dimensional anionic honeycomb network and interpenetrating binuclear cations, [{Cu2(bpy)2(CN)}Cu5(CN)6] 2.
Continuous glucose monitoring counseling improves physical activity behaviors of individuals with type 2 diabetes: A randomized clinical trial.

Aims: Despite the known benefits, 60% of individuals with diabetes do not engage in regular physical activity (PA). This pilot study tested the effects of a counseling intervention using continuous glucose monitoring system (CGMS) feedback on PA self-efficacy, PA levels, and physiological variables. Methods: Adults (N = 52) with type 2 diabetes (non-insulin requiring, inactive) were randomized to intervention (n = 27) or control (n = 25) groups. Both groups received 90 min of diabetes education with a follow-up phone call 4 weeks later. The intervention group also received counseling derived from self-efficacy theory. This intervention included feedback on each participant’s CGMS graph and used role model CGMS graphs to clearly depict glucose reductions in response to PA. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and 8 weeks. Results: Participants receiving the intervention had higher self-efficacy scores than the control group for sticking to activity/resisting relapse at 8 weeks (p < 0.05), indicating more confidence in maintaining a PA program. Intervention group participants light/sedentary activity minutes decreased significantly (p < 0.05), moderate activity minutes increased significantly (p < 0.05), and, HbA1c and BMI decreased significantly (p < 0.05). Conclusions: These data suggest that PA counseling interventions using CGMS feedback for individuals with type 2 diabetes may improve PA levels and reduce risk factors for diabetesrelated complications.
Synthesis mechanism of grain-oriented lead-free piezoelectric Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3–BaTiO3 ceramics with giant piezoelectric response

In this paper, we report the synthesis of [001]pc/[012]Rh (pc: pseudo cubic, Rh: rhombohedral) grain oriented lead-free piezoelectric 0.93(Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3)–0.07BaTiO3 (NBT–BT) ceramic with Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3 (NBT) as the seed template. The difference in surface energy along with the chemical potential gradient between the stable NBT seeds and the metastable liquid phase was the driving force for the growth of textured grain. Interfaces in the microstructure were found to be coherent at the atomic scale facilitating the domain wall motion with an applied electric field. The strong texturing in [001]pc/[012]Rh was found to result in extra structural distortions manifested by a decreasing lattice parameter and increasing rhombohedral angle (α). The textured specimen exhibited rather ordered domains with smaller size as compared to its randomly oriented counterpart. The piezoelectric response was found to increase monotonously with the increase in the degree of texturing and the optimized microstructure was found to provide 200% enhancement in the magnitude of piezoelectric coefficient (d33 ∼ 322 pC N−1) as compared to its randomly oriented form (d33 ∼ 160 pC N−1).
PACING AND ANXIETY LEVEL ON THE PURSUIT ROTOR.

Summdry.-The relationship of manifest anxiety to performance level on both the unpaced and the paced pursuit rotor, as well as to transfer between the two kinds of practice, was investigated. Ss were 40 university men and women wirh no previous experience. The mosr obvious relationship with anxiety was obtained in the case of the highly anxious male Ss. Previous work done by the present investigator (Nance, 1962) comparing paced and unpaced pursuit rotor work gave the impression that a personality factor might influence level of performance and transfer shift from one type of work to the other. Specifically, high scores of male Ss suggested operation of a motivational variable. Generally speaking, differences between the sexes in pursuit rotor performance have been frequently obtained, with higher scores for men being the rule. Perhaps anxiety level may be thought of as both a personality variable and a motivational variable. The present study investigated the role of anxiety level in decerlnining performance on the pursuic rocor of 40 undergraduate psychology students, 26 men and 14 women. Prior to analyzing the data, one male was eliminated because of previous experience. The pursuit rocor had been modified co allow for both paced (conventional) and unpaced work (Nance, 1947). T he black masonite turntable was 12 in. across, with a %-in. silver target set level with the surface. The center of the target was 1 in. from the nirntable's edge. The stylus was silver-tipped, hinged, and was 10 in. long. During paced trials, the curntable revolved clockwise at 60 rpm.
Nurse Scheduling: From Academia to Implementation or Not?

The scheduling of nursing staff is a long-standing problem with myriads of research models published by academia. The exploratory research that we discuss examines the models that academia has produced and the models that hospitals have actually used. We use data from many sources, including research articles, e-mail and telephone surveys, an industry database, and a software source catalog. Only 30 percent of systems that research articles discuss are implemented, and there is very little academic involvement in systems that third-party vendors offer. We examine causes for the research-application gap and discuss directions for future academic research to make it more applicable.
Circumferential venolysis and paraclavicular thoracic outlet decompression for “effort thrombosis” of the subclavian vein

Effort thrombosis of the subclavian vein (Paget-Schroetter syndrome) has long been considered a primary thrombotic process, but recent experience suggests that it may commonly result from repeated mechanical compression. Increased awareness of the pathophysiology of this syndrome can allow timely, improved diagnostic screening and the use of specific surgical intervention to relieve the venous consequences. During the past 15 years we have treated six patients with mechanical compression in the thoracic outlet causing surgically correctable venous occlusive problems. There were four men and two women with an average age of 38 years (range 26 to 53 years). All patients exhibited pain, swelling, and cyanosis of the upper extremity, with worsening venous congestion on abduction of the arm. Five of six patients were originally treated for effort thrombosis of the subclavian vein with arm elevation and anticoagulation; two also underwent immediate thrombolytic therapy with urokinase. Venography was prompted in each case by positional symptoms during follow-up and showed irregular stenosis of the subclavian vein adjacent to the first rib. All patients underwent extended first rib resection and circumferential venolysis (one patient underwent bilateral procedures); one was performed through a transaxillary approach, two through a supraclavicular approach, and four through a new, "paraclavicular" approach. All subclavian veins appeared normal after venolysis. Five of six patients also underwent complete scalenectomy and brachial plexus neurolysis. In each patient, venous and neurogenic symptoms resolved and venography confirmed a patent subclavian vein, with follow-up ranging from 11 months to 13 years (mean 3.8 years).
Applications of Aqueous Thermometric Titration to Pharmaceutical Analysis

Aqueous thermometric titration with standard HCI, NaOH, or AgNO 3 as titrant was used successfully for the analyses of aminophylline (ethylenediamine and theophylline), chlorpheniramine maleate, chlorpromazine hydrochloride, hydrochlorothiazide, and niacinamide. Most of the determinations were based on titration volumes. In cases where the curvature of the enthalpogram in the vicinity of the end point was severe, the quantitative result was derived from the temperature change due to the reaction. Exploratory studies of the applicability of simple aqueous thermometric titration, without prior separation of ingredients, to the analysis of solid and liquid dosage forms of the above compounds were conducted. With all but 1 of the solid dosage forms investigated, no interferences from inert ingredients were observed. In some of the liquid dosage form systems studied, the vehicles interfered with the titrations, while in others they did not.
Prediction-based Prefetching for Remote Rendering Streaming in Mobile Virtual Environments

Remote Image-based rendering (IBR) is an effective solution for rendering complex 3D scenes on mobile devices. A server renders the 3D scene and streams the rendered images to the client. However, sending a large number of images is inefficient due to the possible bandwidth limitations of wireless connections. In this paper, we propose a server-side prefetching scheme that predicts client movements and hence prefetches the corresponding images. In addition, an event driven simulator was designed and implemented to evaluate the performance of the proposed scheme. The simulator was used to compare between prediction-based prefetching and prefetching images based on spatial locality. Several experiments were conducted to study the performance using different movement patterns and different virtual environments (VEs). The results have shown that the hit ratio of the prediction-based scheme is greater than the localization scheme in the case of random and circular walk movement patterns by approximately 35% and 17%, respectively. For a VE with high level of details, the proposed scheme outperforms the localization scheme by approximately 13%. However, for a VE with low level of details, the localization based scheme outperforms the proposed scheme by only 5%.
Cutaneous and Mucosal Blistering Secondary to “Huffing”

: Hydrocarbons are a diverse group of organic compounds found in many households. Volatile substance abuse most often occurs in teenagers and younger adults. Recognition of the cutaneous side effects of hydrocarbon exposure by physicians is important because teens may not always admit to their abuse.
Identifying RF-DNA instances via phase differences

Recently, DeJean and Kirovski introduced RF-DNA, a new anti-counterfeiting technology that uses randomly conceived objects that exhibit highly distinctive RF electromagnetic properties [1,2]. They proposed a simple measurement, magnitudes of the s 1,2 RF responses, as a distinguishing trait, an RF “fingerprint,” among different RF-DNA instances. The “fingerprint” of each object is cryptographically signed with the private key of the issuer. The signature, the “fingerprint,” and the data associated with the tag are then stored on a low-cost storage such as an RFID and attached to the object. Verification of the resulting RF-DNA instance is done using an inexpensive off-line device that verifies the stored signature using the widely-proliferated public key of the issuer and then compares the in-field scanned “fingerprint” with the “fingerprint” signed during issuing to confirm the authenticity of the RF-DNA instance. The security aspects of this system are reviewed in [3]. RF-DNA has a unique property in that by knowing the RF “fingerprint” it is rather difficult to produce a 3D object that can have it. In this paper, we explore RF “fingerprints” constructed based upon the phase of the s 1,2 RF responses - an alternative that demonstrates equally powerful performance with relative simplicity of analog implementation via Gilbert mixer cells.
Are DIT scores empirically distinct from measures of political identification and intellectual ability? A test using post‐9/11 data

Emler, Renwick, and Malone (1983) argued against a developmental interpretation of the Defining Issues Test (DIT), suggesting instead that it actually measures a social psychological phenomenon – political identification. On the other hand, Sanders, Lubinski, and Benbow (1995) have argued that DIT scores measure intellectual ability. In this study, we pitted the DIT against measures of political identification and intellectual ability in order to test its ability to incrementally predict variation in post-9/11 attitudes. We found that both DIT-2 scores and political identification were significant predictors of attitudes toward restricting human rights/civil liberties, while our index of intellectual ability (i.e. ACT scores) was not. DIT-2 scores, political identification and intellectual ability each accounted for significant variation in attitudes toward President George W. Bush in our undergraduate college sample during the spring of 2004.
INVOLVE: Developing Interactive Workspaces That Impact Communication and Task Performance When Using Virtual Prototypes

AbstractIndustry shifts to the use of digital tools have created a need for new means and methods for approaching team interaction and planning for collaborative tasks, in particular, the shift from typical and understood interactions based on paper media to dynamic multimedia when using virtual prototypes in alignment with advanced visualization, analysis, and simulation tools. The INVOLVE framework was developed to respond to the need for planning for collaborative tasks focused on the architecture, engineering, and construction industry when using virtual prototypes. This study presents the elements of the INVOLVE framework, then demonstrates the validation in team interaction when different media configurations are used for two different collaborative tasks, a schematic site plan development, and a four-dimensional schedule review. The team interactions were implemented through a series of quasi-experiments within a collaborative interactive workspace. Observational methods were used to quantify the t...
BIOLOGICAL GLASS: A STRATEGY TO SURVIVE DESICCATION AND HEAT

![Figure][1] Anhydrobiosis is an astounding strategy that allows certain insects, crustaceans, nematodes, rotifers and tardigrades to survive severe dry and/or extreme cold or hot conditions they often encounter. During anhydrobiosis the animal enters an almost completely desiccated state
Propranolol Treatment of Cavernous Malformations with Symptomatic Hemorrhage

Background Cerebral cavernous malformations are more common than generally thought, affecting approximately 1 in every 250 adults. Most of these lesions are asymptomatic or have a relatively benign course, but a small minority behave aggressively and present with recurrent episodes of symptomatic hemorrhage. A safe and effective medical treatment option for the management of this latter group would be useful. Propranolol has recently been shown to be effective in the treatment of infantile hemangioma, a close pathologic counterpart of cavernous malformations. These results suggest a potential role for propranolol treatment in the management of patients with symptomatic cavernous malformations. Methods Low-dose propranolol (20 mg, three times daily) was used to treat 2 adult female patients in their mid- to late fifties, both of whom had symptomatic cavernous malformations and a history of repeated hemorrhage. Serial magnetic resonance imaging studies after the initiation of propranolol demonstrated regression of the lesions and no evidence of recurrent hemorrhage. Conclusions Propranolol may offer a safe and effective treatment for patients who have cavernous malformations with symptomatic hemorrhage. Additional studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Analytic Hierarchy Process Case Study Solution Source Selection

The analytic hierarchy process has been used to evaluate and prioritize decision criteria for over 25 years. This case examines an application of the process to a source selection problem in an environment with several stakeholder organizations with disparate assessments of the relative weighting of various decision criteria. The process served as an effective way to establish consensus and produce a supportable decision model.
A systems-based approach to managing blood pressure in children following kidney transplantation

Hypertension is one of the most common and well-known complications following kidney transplantation in children. Yet, despite numerous available therapies many pediatric kidney transplant recipients continue to have poorly controlled blood pressure, suggesting that traditional approaches to blood pressure management in this population might be inadequate. Over the last two decades, the Chronic Care Model has been developed to improve chronic illness outcomes through delivery system design and clinical information systems that support patient self-management and provider decision-making. In this educational review we discuss key elements of managing blood pressure following pediatric kidney transplantation and suggest ways that they may be reliably implemented into clinical practice using principles from the Chronic Care Model.
Fatty acid oxidation modulates the eating response to the fructose analogue 2,5-anhydro-D-mannitol

The fructose analogue 2,5-anhydro-D-mannitol (2,5-AM) stimulates feeding behavior in rats apparently through its effects on hepatic energy metabolism, where it reduces glucose utilization, traps phosphate, and decreases ATP. The extent to which the magnitude and duration of the eating response are dependent on the ability of the liver to switch to fat oxidation for energy production was investigated by manipulating substrate availability through dietary and pharmacological means. Rats adapted to a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet preferentially use fat fuels for hepatic energy production and were insensitive to the effects of 2,5-AM on food intake. The lack of an eating response occurred despite similar changes in plasma fuels and liver glycogen compared with rats fed a low-fat, high-carbohydrate diet. In contrast, inhibiting fatty acid oxidation with methyl palmoxirate, which blocks transport of long-chain fatty acids to the mitochondria, potentiated the ability of 2,5-AM to stimulate feeding without altering its effects on plasma and liver fuels. These data demonstrate that the eating response to 2,5-AM is modulated by the availability of fat fuels and implicate a mechanism for initiation of feeding that is not dependent on inhibition of carbohydrate metabolism per se but rather integrates information about the use of both types of fuels.
Patterning Anodic Porous Alumina with Resist Developers for Patterned Nanowire Formation

Formation of patterned metal and semiconductor (e.g. silicon) nanowires is achieved using anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) templates with porous structures of different heights resulting from an initial step difference made by etching the aluminum (Al) thin film with a photoresist developer prior to the anodization process. This approach allows for the growth of vertically aligned nanowire arrays on a metal substrate, instead of an oriented semiconductor substrate, using an electroplating or a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process. The vertically aligned metal and semiconductor nanowires defined on a metal substrate could be applied to the realization of vertical 3D transistors, field emission devices, or nano-micro sensors for biological applications.