cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fire Ecology and Management of Southwestern Forests

Forests in the southwestern USA are well adapted to dry conditions. High lightning incidence, long human habitation, and frequently windy conditions make the Southwest stand out for a high pace of burning. Forests are structured by climatic gradients created by elevation and topography. Low-elevation woodlands experience the driest conditions, but low productivity limits fuels. At the other extreme, high-elevation forests produce abundant fuels but are rarely dry enough to burn. The “sweet spot” in the middle elevations, dominated by pines and other mixed conifers, is characterized by frequently recurring weather conditions suitable for fire, and has a contiguous fuelbed of litter and herbaceous plants. This makes for one of the most frequent fire regimes in the world, comprised primarily of surface fire. Prior to Euro-American settlement, Native Americans used fire and co-existed with the landscape’s fire regime, but colonists brought different perspectives and land uses, excluding fire from most southwestern forests for well over a century. Severe fires are becoming larger, threatening people and structures as well as ecosystem sustainability. Coupled with several recent decades of steadily warming temperatures and much hotter scenarios predicted through the twenty-first century, future southwestern forests are likely to be drastically altered by interacting effects of wildfire, biotic disturbances, and drought.
Circadian programming of the ellipsoid body sleep homeostat in Drosophila

Homeostatic and circadian processes collaborate to appropriately time and consolidate sleep and wake. To understand how these processes are integrated, we scheduled brief sleep deprivation at different times of day in Drosophila and find elevated morning rebound compared to evening. These effects depend on discrete morning and evening clock neurons, independent of their roles in circadian locomotor activity. In the R5 ellipsoid body sleep homeostat, we identified elevated morning expression of activity dependent and presynaptic gene expression as well as the presynaptic protein BRUCHPILOT consistent with regulation by clock circuits. These neurons also display elevated calcium levels in response to sleep loss in the morning, but not the evening consistent with the observed time-dependent sleep rebound. These studies reveal the circuit and molecular mechanisms by which discrete circadian clock neurons program a homeostatic sleep center.
The Efficacy of Prescribed Casual Videogame Play in Reducing Symptoms of Anxiety: A Randomized Controlled Study

Abstract Objective: Anxiety is a natural reaction to stress, but when excessive, it can develop into a debilitating disorder. Traditional treatments such as pharmaceuticals and psychotherapy have demonstrated efficacy in alleviating anxiety symptoms but are often costly and stigmatizing. This study tested whether a regimen of prescribed casual videogame (CVG) play could reduce individuals' anxiety symptom severity in a depressed population. CVGs are defined as fun, easy to play, spontaneous, and extremely popular. Materials and Methods: Data were taken from a larger study on depression and CVGs. Participants were screened for depression using a score of ≥5 (mild depression) on the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. After completing pre-intervention questionnaires, participants were randomized into the experimental (n=30) or control (n=29) group. Participants in the experimental group were prescribed a CVG of their choice to play three times per week, for 30 minutes, over a 1-month period. The State Trait Anx...
A Historical Mission in the Accountability Era: A Public HBCU and State Performance Funding

The case study is an analysis of a state performance funding policy at a public historically Black college and university (HBCU). The policy attaches state funding to HBCU performance on measures l...
Developmental regulation of Na, K-ATPase in rat lung

Late in gestation lung epithelium changes from net chloride and fluid secretion to sodium and fluid absorption. Fluid resorption is required for postnatal gas exchange and occurs by combined action of epithelial sodium channels and Na, K-ATPase. We hypothesized that alveolar epithelial Na, K-ATPase increases perinatally. Immunofluorescence (IF) and immunoelectron microscopy (IEM) with a monoclonal anti-alpha subunit antibody demonstrated that Na, K-ATPase was present on the basolateral surfaces of columnar epithelial cells at fetal day (FD) 17 and on type II cells throughout development. However, type I epithelial cells did not have detectable Na,K-ATPase. The steady-state levels of both the alpha 1 isoform and the beta-subunit mRNAs were maximal at FD20-neonatal day (ND) 1, with consistent increases from FD17 level. Na, K-ATPase alpha-subunit protein also increased from FD17 to FD20-22 and then decreased in the early postnatal period. The ouabain-inhibitable sodium pump activity per milligram membrane protein increased 2.6-fold from FD17 to FD22-ND1 (P < 0.05). The quantities of sodium pump mRNA, antigenic protein, and enzyme activity increase in late gestation in accord with a proposed role for Na, K-ATPase in resorption of alveolar sodium and fluid in preparation for birth.
The phospholipase B homolog Plb1 is a mediator of osmotic stress response and of nutrient-dependent repression of sexual differentiation in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe

Although phospholipase B (PLB) enzymes have been described in eukaryotes from yeasts to mammals, their biological functions are poorly understood. Here we describe the characterization of plb1, one of five genes predicted to encode PLB homologs in the fission yeast, Schizosaccharomyces pombe. The plb1 gene is dispensable under normal growth conditions but required for viability in high-osmolarity media and for normal osmotic stress-induced gene expression. Unlike mutants defective in function for the stress-activated MAP kinase Spc1, plb1Δ cells are not hypersensitive to oxidative or temperature stresses, nor do they undergo a G2-specific arrest in response to osmotic stress. In addition to defects in osmotic stress response, plb1Δ cells exhibit a cold-sensitive defect in nutrient-mediated mating repression, a phenotype reminiscent of mutants in the cyclic AMP (cAMP) pathway. We show that, like plb1Δ cells, mutants in the cAMP pathway are defective for growth in high-osmolarity media, demonstrating a previously unrecognized role for the cAMP pathway in osmotic stress response. Furthermore, we show that gain-of function in the cAMP pathway can rescue the osmosensitive growth defect of plb1Δ cells, suggesting that the cAMP pathway is a potential downstream target of the actions of Plb1 in S. pombe.
On slowly varying systems: L ∞ to L ∞ performance and implications to robust adaptive control

In this paper we present a result on the L∞ to L∞ performance of slowly time varying systems. In particular we show that the performance of such systems cannot be much worse than that of the frozen-time systems which are time invariant. This result is used to characterize a class of indirect adaptive controllers that can stabilize a time invariant system subjected to both parametric and L∞ to L∞ bounded unstructured uncertainty. Pertaining to this class of controllers, a particular indirect adaptive scheme is proposed that provides the greatest upper bound on the size of the unstructured uncertainty for which stability is ensured.
Bundle-forming α-helical peptide–dendron hybrid

Peptides and dendrons are enticing building blocks from which to construct hybrid macromolecules because each can be prepared as monodisperse and sequence defined materials. Folding and assembly properties designed into the amino acid sequence of a peptide–dendron hybrid manifest in the formation of a dendronized bundle of α-helices.
Research Note: Absence from Avian Eggshell Membranes of Epitopes Recognized by Anti-Keratin Antibodies

Abstract The presence of absence of keratin in avian eggshell membranes has been a controversial issue. By immunohistochemical analysis with anti-keratin monoclonal antibodies AE1 and AE3, it was demonstrated that chicken eggshell membranes do not contain the keratin epitopes that are detected in chicken and human skin under identical conditions. Thus, the presence of keratin in eggshell membranes seems to be unlikely.
Asthma in US Mexican-Origin Children in Early Childhood: Differences in Risk and Protective Factors by Parental Nativity

Abstract Objective Over 900,000 Mexican-origin children in the United States have asthma, but little is known about the extent to which development of this condition reflects early childhood exposure to social and environmental risks. The objectives of this research are to demonstrate the roles of risk and protective factors in the prevalence and severity of asthma in this population and provide comparisons with other racial/ethnic groups. Methods Nationally representative data from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Birth Cohort (n = 6900), with county-level ozone data appended to this file were analyzed using descriptive and multivariate regression methods. Results The odds of asthma diagnosis by 60 months are approximately 50% higher among Mexican-origin children than for non-Hispanic whites ( P Conclusions Mexican-origin children experience a constellation of risk and protective factors, but those with US-born parents have elevated asthma risks compared to those with foreign-born parents. Asthma incidence and severity will likely increase as this population becomes increasingly integrated into US society.
3569 Gastric erosions in children: is adenovirus the cause?

Introduction: The endoscopic appearance of AV induced gastric mucosal disease is unknown. Aim: To report two patients with similarly appearing gastric erosions from which AV was cultured. Results: Case 1: A 3 year old female was admitted to the local hospital with a 2 day history of fever, vomiting (with hematemesis × 1). diarrhea, mild nasal congestion and a nonproductive cough. Ibuprofen and antibiotics were administered. The hematemesis recurred on hospital day 4. A nasogastric (NG) tube was passed and the child transferred to our center. Gastric lavage was negative. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) revealed two small erosions in the distal esophagus and multiple, discrete, small, circular superficial mucosal erosions in the gastric body along all four surfaces. The surrounding mucosa was normal as was the antrum and duodenum. Esophageal, gastric and duodenal biopsies were histologically normal. AV, serotype 7, was cultured from gastric and esophageal biopsies. Case 2: A 1.5 year old male was endoscoped for persistent occult blood in his stools. The endoscopic appearance of the gastric mucosa was identical to Case 1. AV was isolated from gastric biopsies: serotyping is pending. Discussion: AV was cultured from endoscopically identical lesions in both patients. These lesions probably are AV induced. AV, including serotype 7, is a well-known cause of gastroenteritis in children.We were unable to find previous reports describing the appearance of AV mucosal infection. Though the mechanism of injury is not clear, it could be similar to that of AV-associated hemorrhagic cystitis.We do not believe that the erosions in Case 1 were secondary to the use of ibuprofen or NG tube as hematemesis preceded both. Additionally, ibuprofen-induced injury should not involve the esophagus and "spare" the distal gastric body/antrum as in this child. The NG tube was an unlikely culprit as it was in situ for
Reaction time and diazepam plasma concentration in subjects with normal gastric pH

The present study investigated the relationship of reaction time with the plasma concentration of four different formulations of diazepam (liquid, original, new, and generic). On four separate days, over a 4-month period, subjects with normal gastric pH (N=7) were administered each of the diazepam formulations. Blood samples were obtained prior to each dose and at subsequent intervals. Likewise, reaction times were evaluated prior to dosing and then at ten different intervals post-dosing. As hypothesized, reaction time performance was associated with plasma diazepam concentration, regardless of formulation type. This suggests that reaction time is a sensitive measure of cerebral functioning for individuals who are treated with diazepam. In addition to providing a measure of drug effects on cognitive functioning, the results of this study have implications concerning possible hazards of operating machinery or driving motor vehicles for individuals being treated with diazepam.
Isolation and characterization of an anodic form of human liver alcohol dehydrogenase

Abstract A form of human liver alcohol dehydrogenase previously identified on starch gel electrophoresis as the anodic band (Li, T.-K. and Magnes, L.J. Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 63, 202, 1975) has now been separated from the other molecular forms of the enzyme by affinity chromatography on 4-[3-(N-6-aminocaproyl)-aminopropyl]-pyrazole-Sepharose and purified to homogeneity on Agarose-hexane-AMP. Its physical properties are similar to those of other molecular forms already known, suggesting that they may be related. In contrast to other forms, the anodic species is inactive towards methanol, and its KM for ethanol is as much as 100 times that of the other forms. This anodic form of alcohol dehydrogenase may contribute significantly to alcohol elimination in man, particularly at high alcohol concentrations when the other enzyme species are saturated.
Visual exploratory data analysis methods to characterize student progress in intelligent learning environments

Tracing the progress of individual learners as they interact with computer-based learning environments using exploratory data analysis methods can be very useful in recognizing, understanding, and classifying students' learning behaviors and performance. The detailed activity logs recorded by a learning environment like Betty's Brain can be the basis for developing traces of student behavior, but they may be difficult to interpret without knowledge of the system's inner workings and architecture. Screen captures also provide trace information, but they typically contain distracting details that are not relevant to the process of interest. Visualization and interpretation of the learner's path is much easier in structured problem solving environments, but linking activities to learning behaviors is more complex in systems like Betty's Brain, where students have much more choice in their knowledge construction task. We have developed visualization schemes for Betty's Brain to trace the learner's progress in their knowledge construction tasks. We describe two of the visualization schemes in this paper, and then discuss how they may (1) help classroom teachers track their students' learning progress as they build their causal maps, and (2) inform the development of feedback rules for future versions of Betty's Brain.
A prolog-based decision support system for computer capacity planning

This paper describes a project to implement a decision support system for computer capacity planning. The system provides an intelligent interface to the various models needed for this type of planning by assisting the user in model formulation, data manipulation, model execution, interpretation and manipulation of results. The implementation strategy is based on the integration of relational model and database management with logic. A modified version of a Prolog interpreter is utilized as the vehicle for this integrated strategy.
Religious attendance and continuity of care

Objective:The purpose of this study was to determine whether a relationship exists between religious attendance and continuity of care.Methods:We investigated this relationship in a large national database—the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III—which contains information on religious attendance, continuity of care, and potential confounders that might mediate the relationship such as health status and socioeconomic status.Results:A total of 18,162 participants 17 years of age or older were included in the analysis. People who attended religious services were more likely to have continuity with a provider than people who did not attend such services (65% vs. 35%, p < .001). This association persisted after controlling for demographic, socioeconomic, and health status variables using regression analysis.Conclusion:This study documents a significant association between attendance at religious services and continuity with a usual provider. Continuity with a regular medical provider may influ...
Decision support systems (DSS) a new frontier for industrial engineering

Abstract A Decision Support System is an interactive computerized system that is designed for eady use by both the practicing manager and the industrial engineer/management scientist. It enables the user to express complex decision problems by permitting him or her to conduct a dialogue with the computer without the assistance of staff support. An industrial engineer can act as the “change agent” in introducing DSS in organizations as well as user it to perform his or her own functions.
XAFS Studies of Surface Structures of TiO2 Nanoparticles and Photocatalytic Reduction of Metal Ions

To probe the origin of the unique functions of titanium dioxide (TiO{sub 2}) nanoparticles observed in photocatalytic reactions, structures of Ti atom sites in titanium dioxide (TiO{sub 2}) nanoparticles with different sizes were studied by Ti K-edge XAFS (X-ray absorption fine structure). Compared to the bulk TiO{sub 2} structure, a shorter Ti-O distance from surface TiO{sub 2} resulting from Ti-OH bonding was observed. The XAFS spectra also revealed an increasing disorder of the lattice with decreasing sizes of the nanoparticles based on a coordination number decrease for the third-shell O atoms as well as changes in relative intensities of pre-edge peaks A1, A2, and A3. However, the Ti sites largely remain octahedral even in the 30 Angstrom diameter particles. These results imply that the increasing number of surface Ti sites as well as possible corner defects in small nanoparticles may be the main cause of the unique surface chemistry exhibited by nanoparticles of TiO{sub 2}. XAFS was also used in monitoring the photoreduction reaction products of Cu{sup 2+} and Hg{sup 2+} on TiO{sub 2} nanoparticle surfaces, with or without surface adsorbers, alanine (Ala) and thiolactic acid (TLA). Ala dramatically enhanced photoreduction of Cu{sup 2+} on TiO{sub 2} nanoparticle surfaces, whereasmore » thiolactic acid did not affect or even hindered Hg{sup 2+} photoreduction. Although both surface adsorbers chelated with the metal ions in the absence of TiO{sub 2} nanoparticles, this chelation was drastically changed in the Cu-Ala complex but was largely retained in the Hg-TLA complex when TiO{sub 2} was present. This may correlate with the different effects of the adsorbers on the photoreduction of the metal. Our experimental results suggest that a proper balance between the affinities of the adsorber to the metal ions and to the surface Ti atoms of TiO{sub 2} may be one of the keys in selecting a surface adsorber for enhanced photoreduction efficiency.« less
The presence of antibodies to lymphotoxin and tumor necrosis factor in normal serum

Lymphotoxin (LT) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) are cytokines that probably play a role in several autoimmune diseases. In this report, we describe the detection, in normal nonimmune serum, of naturally occurring antibodies that bind to recombinant human LT and TNF. The naturally occurring antibodies that bind to LT and TNF could explain why normal immunoglobulin is effective therapy in idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura and Kawasaki syndrome.
Patient Preoperative Expectations of Urinary, Bowel, Hormonal and Sexual Functioning Do Not Match Actual Outcomes 1 Year After Radical Prostatectomy

Purpose: We studied patient expectations of post-prostatectomy recovery from urinary incontinence, and urinary irritable, hormonal, bowel and sexual function symptoms after preoperative counseling.Materials and Methods: Patients undergoing radical prostatectomy, recruited between June 2007 and November 2008, were extensively counseled preoperatively regarding expected outcomes. They were assessed at baseline and 1 year after surgery using the short form of the Expanded Prostate Index Composite. Their baseline expectations of functional outcomes 1 year after surgery were assessed using the Expanded Prostate Index Composite-Expectations. Pearson's correlation coefficient and a multiple linear regression were used to assess the associations between Expanded Prostate Index Composite-Expectations and Expanded Prostate Index Composite-Short Form at baseline and 1 year.Results: A total of 152 consenting patients completed all questionnaires. Baseline sexual function score predicted significantly expectations of ...
Nitrogen Source and Placement Effects on Soil Nitrous Oxide Emissions from No-Till Corn

A nitrogen (N) source comparison study was conducted to further evaluate the effects of inorganic N source and placement on growing-season and non-crop period soil nitrous oxide (NO). Commercially available controlled-release N fertilizers were evaluated for their potential to reduce NO emissions from a clay loam soil compared with conventionally used granular urea and urea-ammonium nitrate (UAN) fertilizers in an irrigated no-till (NT) corn ( L.) production system. Controlled-release N fertilizers evaluated were: a polymer-coated urea (ESN), stabilized urea (SuperU), and UAN+AgrotainPlus (SuperU and AgrotainPlus contain nitrification and urease inhibitors). Each N source was surface band applied (202 kg N ha) near the corn row at emergence and watered into the soil the next day. Subsurface banded ESN (ESNssb) and check (no N applied) treatments were included. Nitrous oxide fluxes were measured during two growing seasons and after harvest using static, vented chambers. All N sources had significantly lower growing-season NO emissions than granular urea (0.7% of applied N), with UAN+AgrotainPlus (0.2% of applied N) and ESN (0.3% of applied N) having lower emissions than UAN (0.4% of applied N). Similar trends were observed when expressing NO emissions on a grain yield and N uptake basis. Corn grain yields were not different among N sources but were greater than the check. Selection of N fertilizer source can be a mitigation practice for reducing NO emissions in NT, irrigated corn in semiarid areas. In our study, UAN+AgrotainPlus consistently had the lowest level of NO emissions with no yield loss.
Integrating marketing and information services functions: a complementarity and competence perspective

Integrating two disparate functions in organizations—marketing and information services (IS)—has become a critical business concern due to the increasing use of information technology (IT) to find and open new markets, deliver improved services to customers, and streamline internal marketing processes. This study appears to be the first to empirically examine the dynamics of bringing these distinct groups of specialists together. We investigate potential antecedents, consequences, and contingencies of IS-marketing integration, drawing on theories of complementarity and competence. Through a survey of IS and marketing executives, we learn that integration is facilitated by trust between the two functions and the interaction between IT strategic intent and customer orientation; it is impeded by a gap in top management knowledge of IT versus marketing. We also find that integration fosters the much-coveted capabilities of developing and introducing innovations (innovativeness) as well as responding flexibly, swiftly, and adroitly to opportunities (strategic responsiveness). Additionally, we determine integration is bounded by market dynamism. In sum, integration between marketing and IS can be enhanced via managerial efforts, and the relationship is profoundly beneficial to businesses.
Laser-Triggered Solid Dielectric Switching

A Q-switched ruby laser was used to initiate breakdown in solid dielectric switches with a jitter of less than 3 ns. "Lexan" polycarbonate in thickness from 40 to 80 mils withstood applied voltage pulses (less than 1 ?s duration) of up to 400 kV. Laser pulse energy of less than 1 joule was sufficient to initiate breakdown in the solid dielectric. A focusing lens and the switch container were immersed in a grading solution of copper sulfate and water. Command triggering down to 50% of the dielectric's self break voltage was demonstrated. A test system employing a miniature Marx generator, and a high energy system switching 150 kA at 400 kV to form precisely timed relativistic electron beams, are described.
Errors in variables in a random-effects probit model for panel data

Abstract In this paper we consider a probit model estimated on panel data with random person-specific effects when an independent variable is measured with error. For normally distributed measurement error, a structural maximum-likelihood estimate from a likelihood that is conditional on the observed independent variable but marginal on the incidental parameter is studied. A minimum-distance estimator without the use of external instruments is proposed.
Cryptococcal infection of the temporal bone

Cryptococcus neoformans is a yeast-like organism which, after inhalation, may cause pulmonary disease or a systemic fungemia associated with numerous extrapulmonary sites of infection, but most notably affecting the central nervous system. Despite this frequent involvement of the leptomeninges, only three cases of infection of the temporal bones have been previously described. We describe an additional case with comments on the possible significance of infection of this site.
Nitrogen utilization in uremic patients fed by continuous nasogastric infusion

Nitrogen utilization in uremic patients fed by continuous nasogastric infusion. Patients with severe renal failure were continuously fed an electrolyte-free solution containing oligosaccharides plus 35g of a mixture of six amino acids and four (or, in one study, five) nitrogen-free analogues via a small-bore nasogastric tube attached to a pump. They also ingested three small meals daily. Total caloric intake averaged 34 kcal/kg (of which 76% was infused). Total nitrogen intake averaged only 3.3g (of which 68% was infused). Nevertheless, nitrogen balance was positive (average +1.22g/day). All components of nitrogen excretion fell to unusually low average values: urea nitrogen appearance, 1.14g/day; non-urea urinary nitrogen, 0.63g/day; fecal nitrogen, 0.48g/day. Nitrogen requirement for balance on this regimen, estimated from linear regression, was only 2.0g/day. Body weight did not change significantly. Serum albumin and transferrin remained normal. Thus, this regimen induces positive nitrogen balance despite low nitrogen intake. Utilisation de l'azote chez des malades uremiques nourris par une perfusion nasogastrique continue. Des malades ayant une insuffisance renale severe ont ete nourris de facon continue avec une solution sans electrolytes contenant des oligosaccharides et 35g d'un melange de six acides amines et de quatre (ou, dans une etude, cinq) analogues depourvus d'azote par une sonde nasogastrique de petit calibre reliee a une pompe. Ils ingeraient egalement trois petits repas par jour. L'apport calorique total etait en moyenne de 34 kcal/kg (dont 76% etait perfuse). L'apport total en azote etait en moyenne de 3,3g (dont 68% etait perfuse). Neanmoins, le bilan d'azote etait positif (en moyenne + 1,22g/jour). Tous les composants de l'excretion d'azote se sont abaisses a des valeurs moyennes inhabituellement basses: apparition d'azote dans l'uree 1,14g/jour; azote urinaire non ureique, 0,63g/jour; azote fecal, 0,48g/jour. Les besoins de azote pour l'equilibre avec ce regime, estimes par regression lineaire, etaient de 2,0g/jour seulement. Le poids corporel n'a pas change significativement. L'albumine et la transferine serique sont restees normales. Ainsi ce regime induit un bilan de azote positif malgre un faible apport en azote.
Spatial-frequency cutoff requirements for pattern recognition in central and peripheral vision

Abstract It is well known that object recognition requires spatial frequencies exceeding some critical cutoff value. People with central scotomas who rely on peripheral vision have substantial difficulty with reading and face recognition. Deficiencies of pattern recognition in peripheral vision, might result in higher cutoff requirements, and may contribute to the functional problems of people with central-field loss. Here we asked about differences in spatial-cutoff requirements in central and peripheral vision for letter and face recognition. The stimuli were the 26 letters of the English alphabet and 26 celebrity faces. Each image was blurred using a low-pass filter in the spatial frequency domain. Critical cutoffs (defined as the minimum low-pass filter cutoff yielding 80% accuracy) were obtained by measuring recognition accuracy as a function of cutoff frequency (in cycles per object). Our data showed that critical cutoffs increased from central to peripheral vision by 20% for letter recognition and by 50% for face recognition. We asked whether these differences could be accounted for by central/peripheral differences in the contrast sensitivity function (CSF). We addressed this question by implementing an ideal-observer model which incorporates empirical CSF measurements and tested the model on letter and face recognition. The success of the model indicates that central/peripheral differences in the cutoff requirements for letter and face recognition can be accounted for by the information content of the stimulus limited by the shape of the human CSF, combined with a source of internal noise and followed by an optimal decision rule.
Geography and Computational Science

(2000). Geography and Computational Science. Annals of the Association of American Geographers: Vol. 90, No. 1, pp. 146-156.
The social construction of the crack epidemic in the print media.

Early news coverage of the rapid expansions and horrors associated with use of crack in the mid-1980s led to a great panic. Scholarly research subsequently debunked the various myths emanating from this media scare. This article examines whether this expanded understanding was reflected in the quality of news coverage over time through a comprehensive examination of all articles about crack cocaine appearing in the New York Times, Time, and Newsweek from 1985 through 1995. It was found that later news stories were generally less blatant, but overall did not correct for previous exaggerations. The long-term perspective also revealed an insidious bias in news coverage through its focus on the inner city, in spite of broader use of crack. This misleading view of "the problem" constructed by the media probably helped divert attention from persistent structural problems facing the inner-city. Scholars and activists need to continue their efforts to focus attention on the underlying social problems to counteract the media's propensity to focus on what might more appropriately be termed symptoms, such as the "crack epidemic."
Metal–organic coating interface as studied by emission Mössbauer spectroscopy

A major unknown in an understanding of the interface between an organic coating and a metal substrate is the chemical nature of the interfacial region. This is specially important in understanding the phenomena that control ‘wet adhesion’1, the ability of coated metals to withstand long exposure to high humidity conditions, and the disbonding of light-sensitive polymers used in lithographic plates and photoresists. We report here how 57Co emission Mossbauer spectroscopy can be used to study the chemistry of the interfacial region in a model system consisting of cobalt metal and a commercial polybutadiene coating.
Antiepileptic drug-induced visual hallucinations in a child

The neurologic signs and symptoms of carbamazepine and phenytoin toxicity, such as ataxia, dysarthria, and nystagmus, are well known. The psychiatric manifestations of toxicity, such as psychosis and hallucinations, however, are less widely recognized. This study reports the case of a 9-year-old male with seizures who developed intermittent complex visual hallucinations after therapy with antiepileptic drugs was begun. This study considered seizures, migraine, underlying psychiatric diathesis, and drug toxicity as possible etiologies but after extensive investigation concluded that his symptoms were most likely a drug side effect.
The coupled response of turbomachinery blading to aerodynamic excitations

An energy balance technique is developed which predicts the coupled bending torsion mode aerodynamic forced response of an airfoil The effects of the various aerodynamic parameters are then considered utilizing a subsonic compressible flow/flat plate cascade gust analysis The increased coupling between the torsion and translation modes as the natural frequencies approach one another is shown It is also demonstrated that the coupled response amplitudes increase with: 1) decreased structural damping 2) increased solidity stagger angle, and Mach numbers 3) interblade phase angles corresponding to forward traveling waves, and 4) shifting of the elastic axis location aft
History of Natural Fibers

Abstract Nature, as though aware of the importance of textiles, has long provided an abundance of fibers—plant, animal, and mineral—of different dimensions and properties. Beginning in prehistory, the natural fibers have served man's textile needs for thousands of years. The Swiss Lake Dwellers in 8000 BC cultivated flax and wove linen into fabrics. By 3000 to 2000 BC, the use of fibers was well developed, and the weaving of cotton was well established in India and Pakistan. Improvements in machines for spinning, weaving, etc., beginning in the 1700s, revolutionized the processing of fibers. Eli Whitney's invention of the cotton gin in 1793 helped cotton become king of the fibers. In recent decades the textile industry was revolutionized again by many technological developments, including the creation of synthetic and modification of natural fibers. Today the world and United States fiber markets are dominated by the natural and man-made fibers, respectively. In spite of gains by the man-made fibers, both...
Juvenile invasive red-eared slider turtles negatively impact the growth of native turtles: Implications for global freshwater turtle populations

Invasive species are a significant cause of biodiversity declines on a global scale with novel species interactions often causing ecological damage through predation or competition. Red-eared slider turtles (Trachemys scripta elegans) have been introduced to wetlands throughout the world and have negatively impacted native species, particularly other species of turtles. In our controlled feeding experiments in mesocosms juvenile red-eared slider turtles negatively impacted the growth of juvenile red-bellied turtles (Pseudemys rubriventris), an IUCN near threatened species and a Pennsylvania threatened species, through exploitative competition for limited food. In mixed species experimental treatments, in which food resources were abundant, juvenile red-bellied turtles grew significantly faster and ate more food than juvenile red-eared slider turtles. In mixed species experimental treatments, in which food resources were limited, red-eared slider turtles ingested more food, gained mass faster, and maintained body condition while red-bellied turtles lost body condition. There were significant differences in growth rates seen between resource availability regimes. In treatments in which resources were abundant there were no significant differences between turtles housed in mixed species or single species groups. In limited resource treatments red-bellied turtle body condition was significantly different between single and mixed species groups while there were significant differences in mass and body condition for red-eared slider turtles. Our results suggest that one mechanism by which red-eared slider turtles detrimentally impact ecologically similar species is through competition for limited food resources. We hypothesize that growth of red-eared slider turtle populations will lead to population declines of native turtle species throughout their introduced ranges because they use limited food resources more efficiently for their growth and development than native species.
MILNOR K2 AND FIELD HOMOMORPHISMS

We prove that the function field of an algebraic variety of dimension ≥ 2 over an algebraically closed field is completely determined by its first and second Milnor K-groups.
Following the Opinion Leaders? The Dynamics of Influence Among Media Opinion, the Public, and Politicians

Media elites strive to shape the policy preferences of their audience through the publication of their opinions. Scholars, however, have not fully distilled whether the opinions communicated by media elites are successful in moving the public or politicians toward their preferred policy position, or whether media is responsive to these actors. This article offers a means of assessing media influence. I provide measures of the policy preferences of two leading newspaper editorial pages, the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal, and employ these scales in a dynamic time series analysis. I find that the announced positions of the media have minimal influence. Rather, I find evidence of a movable media, where media opinion shifts in response to changes in the policy positions of politicians.
The natural history of Huntington disease: possible role of "aging genes".

In this paper we consider a model in which genetic factors that control aging also modify expression of the Huntington disease (HD) gene. Significant correlation coefficients were obtained for age-at-onset (AO) and age-at-death (AD) between affected parents and their affected offspring. However, more relevant to our hypothesis, the correlations between mean AD in normal sibs and AD in the affected parent (r = .57) and mean AD in their affected sibs (r = .54) are also significant. When onset is used instead of death for affected individuals the coefficients are .46 and .52, respectively. Also, AD in the normal parent is significantly correlated with AD in his affected (r = .39) and normal (r = .36) offspring. Current genetic theories on aging and related trends in HD are discussed. Our results and evidence from gerontological studies support the hypothesis that HD gene carriers with "superior" aging genes manifest symptoms later in life and have increased longevity over those with "inferior" aging genes.
3d Monte Carlo simulation of FinFET using FMM algorithm

Conventional bulk MOSFETs will eventually fail as devices are scaled down toward nanoscale regime due to severe short channel and tunneling effects. Because of these issues, fully-depleted double-gate (DG) MOSFETs emerge as a solution for next generation nanoelectronic devices. Among different DG devices, FinFETs have evolved as the most promising candidate because of their good immunity to short channel effects. In such devices, quantum effects start dominating the device performance due to ultra short dimensions so that simple analytical models should be replaced by comprehensive approaches. We use 3D Monte Carlo device simulator with non-parabolic band-structure in conjunction with the novel effective potential scheme by Ferry et al. (2000), for treatment of quantization effects. Moreover the recently proposed FMM algorithm by Greengard and Rokhlin (1997) for fast and efficient calculation of Coulomb interaction is included.
A Liquid Crystal Based Polymer for Applications in MMW Modulation Devices

Abstract A new liquid crystal monomer, the diacrylate of a bis phenyi diazene, was synthesized. It was polymerized to form both unoriented and oriented polymer solids–the latter in the presence of a magnetic field. The millimeter wave birefringence was measured for a polymeric rod, whose macroscopic orientation was perpendicular to its long axis, using a waveguide version of the Mach-Zehnder interferometer, and the measured δn was 0.075 at 30 GHz. The mechanical strength of oriented and unoriented polymer plates was measured. The tensile modulus in the direction parallel to the oriented axis was 6.8×108 N/m2, which was about 4 times that of the same material without macroscopic orientation. The torsional rigidity modulus of a thin rod (orientation perpendicular to its length) was measured to be of the order 107 N/m4. Both the large dielectric anisotropy and high mechanical strength make the oriented polymer potentially suitable for application in a novel class of millimeter wave modulation devices.
Using the Selective Functionalization of Metallic Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes to Control Dielectrophoretic Mobility

The effect of sidewall functionalization on the dielectrophoretic mobility of single-walled carbon nanotubes is investigated using a 10-μm electrode gap and an alternating current electric field of 10 V and 10 Mhz. For nanotubes dispersed in aqueous solution using 1% sodium dodecyl sulfate, a high degree of alignment is observed for material deposited across the gap. Raman spectroscopy at 632.8- and 785-nm excitation indicates that both metallic and semiconducting nanotubes are deposited. An apparent increase in metallic modes in the 632.8-nm spectrum is shown to be related to sample morphology and the choice of control material for comparison, not separation or enrichment. Electrical transport measurements reveal both a gate-voltage dependence as well as current at zero gate voltage, which is consistent with a mixture of metallic and semiconducting pathways. Alternatively, fewer nanotubes deposit in the gap when the metallic nanotubes are selectively functionalized using 1-chlorobenzene diazonium. The re...
A new technique for draft prediction

Abstract A method has been developed by which the draft of tillage tools in any chosen soil and operating at any chosen velocity can be predicted by a single testing of a geometrically similar tool. Experimental results on side chisels are presented. Predicted draft generally is accurate to within 20% of actual prototype draft.
Next steps for electronic health records to improve the diagnostic process

Electronic health record (EHR) usage is accelerating while preventable diagnostic error persists. EHRs may even contribute to diagnostic error through several pathways including poor usability and an over reliance on electronic chart based communication. The changing context of healthcare delivery offers potential financial incentives for organizations to leverage EHRs to reduce diagnostic error. The lack of standard quality metrics for reporting rates of diagnostic error, a lack of diagnostic feedback systems for physicians and organizations, and a lack of compelling evidence for specific interventions underscore the need for further research in preventing diagnostic error. Many potential strategies exist for EHRs to reduce the likelihood of diagnostic error. Practical next steps for leveraging EHR systems to assist in the diagnostic process are suggested. These include patient engagement strategies, closed loop result tracking, targeted next step reminder systems, and expansion of a list of actionable patient states based on diagnosis triggers.
Autism spectrum disorders in adults with intellectual disability and comorbid psychopathology: Scale development and reliability of the ASD-CA

Abstract Researchers and clinicians have generally agreed that persons with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are susceptible to other DSM Axis I disorders. However, to date, little has been done to establish the specific disorders, their rate and severity of occurrence, and their interrelationship with ASD symptoms. One reason for the lack of research has been the absence of a comorbidity measure for this population. Additionally, when research has been conducted, it typically has been on one disorder with young children. The present study assessed comorbid DSM Axis I disorders in adults with ASD, either autism or PDDNOS and intellectual disabilities, using a new scale designed for the purpose. The reliability and factor structure of the scale was evaluated and implications for future research are discussed.
Approximating the minimum weight steiner triangulation

We show that the length of the minimum weight Steiner triangulation (MWST) of a point set can be approximated within a constant factor by a triangulation algorithm based on quadtrees. InO(n logn) time we can compute a triangulation withO(n) new points, and no obtuse triangles, that approximates the MWST. We can also approximate the MWST with triangulations having no sharp angles. We generalize some of our results to higher-dimensional triangulation problems. No previous polynomial-time triangulation algorithm was known to approximate the MWST within a factor better thanO(logn).
Inappropriate erythropoietin secretion in polycythemia vera

A patient with classical polycythemia vera (PV) was found to have an inappropriately elevated serum erythropoietin (Ep) level. Investigations did not reveal any lesion or blood abnormality known to be associated with excessive Ep production and erythrocytosis. Sudden withdrawal of blood to reduce the Hb and Hct from 18.5 gm% and 56% to 13.6 gm% and 41.5%, respectively, resulted in an increment of serum Ep to abnormal level. With iron treatment there was a brisk return of Hb and Hct to prebleeding levels which was associated with reduction in the serum Ep. The inverse relationship between the Ep and Hb or Hct is inconsistent with the presence of excessive Ep-producing lesion. These results suggested that the threshold for Ep secretion from normal Ep-secreting tissue to Hb and Hct levels is set at an abnormal level. This patient's marrow cells when cultured in vitro in the absence of Ep, unlike other PV patients' (except one) marrow cells, did not grow erythroid colonies. In the presence of Ep, however, the colonies comparable to those formed from normal marrow cultures were obtained. These results suggested that his marrow erythropoietic cells were neither Ep independent nor Ep-hyperresponsive, as has been suggested by some investigators for erythropoiesis in PV. This patient presents phenomena that hitherto have not been reported.
Serum levels of insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-3 in normal pregnancy

The aim of this study was to investigate circulating levels of insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) in women with normal pregnancy. A total of 468 pregnant women at various gestational ages and 30 non-pregnant females were recruited in this study. Serum concentration of IGFBP-3 was determined by radioimmunoassay. Maternal serum levels of IGFBP-3 increased as pregnancy progressed. The concentration of IGFBP-3 in pregnancy serum was positively associated with the gestational age. The mean values of circulating IGFBP-3 in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy were higher than those in the first trimester of pregnancy and in non-pregnant females. In addition, there was a highly significant correlation between IGFBP-3 and IGF-I in pregnancy serum. We conclude that, during pregnancy, IGFBP-3 appears to be the principal binding protein for circulating IGF-I and may be involved in the regulation of fetal growth.
Sexual-moral attitudes, love styles, and mate selection.

Students at a southwestern university were surveyed to test the interrelations of three constructs: sexual‐moral attitudes, love styles, and attraction criteria. Following the procedures of the National Health and Social Life Survey, from which the sexual‐moral attitude items were obtained, we conducted a cluster analysis to create attitudinal groupings. We obtained four clusters representing various nuances of liberalism and conservatism. When compared on love styles, the clusters differed primarily on ludus and pragma. Not only did some of the liberal clusters differ from some of the conservative ones on love styles, but there were also some differences within liberalism and within conservatism. Cluster differences also emerged on the attraction criteria.