cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Interactive Effect of Leaders’ Influence Tactics and Ethical Leadership on Work Effort and Helping Behavior

The purpose of this study was to explore the interactive influence of a) leaders' exemplification and supplication efforts and b) followers' perceptions of the leaders' ethicality on followers' work efforts and helping behaviors. We surveyed 58 leaders and 175 followers who worked for a governmental agency in the United States. Results indicated that the expected positive (negative) relationship between leaders' usage of exemplification and work effort was evident when ethical leadership was high (low). The expected positive relationship between leaders' engagement in supplication and helping behaviors was not present when ethical leadership was high, but the predicted negative relationship was found between supplication and helping when perceptions of leaders' ethicality were low.
Using species distribution models to guide conservation at the state level: the endangered American burying beetle (Nicrophorus americanus) in Oklahoma

The goal of the Endangered Species Act is to improve the chances of listed species’ survival by increasing population levels (US Fish and Wildlife Service in American burying beetle (Nicrophorus americanus) recovery plan. Newton Corner, MA, p 80, 1991). If successful, a species will be delisted, but in order to achieve the goal of species recovery the demography, habitat preferences, reproductive biology, and cause of the species decline must be understood. Like many rare invertebrates, information about the endangered American burying beetle (Nicrophorus americanus) prior to listing consisted of the taxonomic description and morphological characterization. Surveys for N. americanus provide data that can be integrated into spatial models to help predict suitable habitat. Our objective was to model the potential distribution of N. americanus and to evaluate these models ability to generate maps of potential habitat, thus focusing recovering efforts. We chose six modelling algorithms that utilized both presence and absence data from beetle surveys conducted throughout eastern Oklahoma. Using area under the curve (AUC) as our evaluation statistic, we found that ten of the twelve models performed within the AUC index category of “potentially useful” (AUC 0.7–0.9). Models utilizing presence only data performed well compared to models built with presence/absence data. This may indicate the weakness of using absence data to indicate unsuitable habitat. Lack of integration into the model of biotic interactions may also be affecting model performance. To improve model performance, the causes of N. americanus’s endangered status and its population shrinkage should be considered. Although the best models were not highly accurate, the map of suitable habitat can help to inform conservation biologists of areas with a likelihood of N. americanus presence. Overgenerous models can mislead conservation planners in thinking that more areas are highly suitable. If resources are limited for planning preserves and areas of reintroduction, it may be better to be conservative and to limit consideration to the most suitable habitat.
Numerical Simulations of Narrow Planetary Rings: An Animation

The availability of bigger and more powerful computers has been a boon to the study of dynamical simulations. Models can now be extended both in size and time with a concommitant increase in output. This plethora of data has inspired the development of new methods for analysis and display of results. Animation has proven to be a very useful tool in this context, but it has traditionally been extremely difficult and tedious to produce films. In this paper, we present a simple and easy-to-use method for representing the output of a complex discrete dynamical simulation by animation on a personal computer. Using a Macintosh and the commercially available software MacMovie, we will demonstrate the usefulness of a simple image animation process for analyzing some results of complicated computer models.
Influence of funding cuts on Texas school tobacco programs.

BACKGROUND: Following the Master Settlement Agreement, state tobacco prevention spending peaked in 2002, but has subsequently been diminishing annually. This study compared the influence of 2004 Texas tobacco program budget cuts on school practices a year after funding loss. METHODS: Three school groups were compared: continuously funded for a 2-year minimum (n = 109), funded but discontinued (n = 123), and never funded (n = 70). Among the 123 schools with discontinued funding, differences were examined based on funding cut decision level (state or local). Written responses to surveys based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) School Health Education Profile Tobacco Module were received from 49% of health coordinators and 58% of principals. RESULTS: Principals and health coordinators from continuously funded schools reported more 1) tobacco instrunctional activities; 2) teacher training; 3) student cessation support; 4) program leadership; 5) a district advocate; 6) interest in tobacco use prevention education; 7) use of evidence-based programs and CDC-recommended teaching methods; 8) involvement of school staff; 9) student tobacco cessation programs at school and community; 10) family involvement; and 11) staff development funding. Previously funded schools approached profiles of those never funded. Few differences were noted among schools with funding loss due to state or local decisions. CONCLUSION: The continuously funded schools consistently were better positioned to positively reach their students with effective tobacco programs. Funding reductions were associated with rapid reductions in programming. Results emphasize the need for early programmatic initiation of capacity building skill development to ensure implementation and retention of health programs during fiscally challenging circumstances.
Synthesis and Evaluation of Magnetic Nanoparticles for Biomedical Applications

In this study, iron oxide (IO) nanoparticles from various precursors have been synthesized using sonochemical method and characterized for their structural variability and toxicity. The iron oxide (IO) precursor solutions were prepared from iron acetate (IA), iron pentacarbonyl (IP), decalin, PEG (poly(ethylene glycol)), EG (ethylene glycol), PVA (poly(vinyl alcohol)), β-cyclodextrin (CD), and distilled water. These precursor solutions were irradiated with high power ultrasound for 3 hours and heat treated as needed. These as-prepared iron oxide nanoparticles were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Mossbauer spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and magnetization measurements. XRD results show that all the particles are highly crystalline in nature and the particles sizes measured from TEM are approximately 5–20 nm. The maximum magnetization was observed for IO-IP at approximately 60.17 emu/g and the minimum was approximately 30.56 emu/g for IO-IA. These results confirm that the particles are superparamagnetic (SPM) in nature. Mossbauer spectroscopy verified the magnetic nanoparticles are purely Fe3O4 and particles sizes varied by the nature of the precursor and coatings.
Digital simulations of cyclic voltammetry for the CEq and CEqC2 mechanisms

Abstract The cyclic voltammetric behavior for two electrochemical reaction mechanisms, the CEq (a quasi-reversible electron transfer following a preexisting chemical equilibrium) and CEqC2i, (a CEq reaction followed by an irreversible second-order reaction) were studied. To allow calculations at high homogeneous reaction rates, digital simulations with the heterogeneous equivalent (HE) approach were employed. Zone diagrams for both cases are presented, and the characteristic behavior in limiting regions is discussed. Working curves for analysis of the behavior in intermediate regions are also presented.
Effects of Glucagon on Carbohydrate Synthesis and Enzyme Activity in Rat Liver

The present investigation was conducted to study the influence of glucagon on hepatic gluconeogenesis and to learn if hormone effects on glucose synthesis are mediated through changes in enzyme activity. Subcutaneous administration of a single dose of glucagon caused phosphoenolpyruvate (PEPCK) activity to rise and liver glycogen to decline within 3 hr. Four subcutaneous doses of glucagon given over 2 days led to reduced PEPCK levels and increased hepatic glycogen. Other enzymes were not affected by the doses of glucagon used. Dexamethasone injection (4 doses in 2 days) induced increased activities of all enzymes assayed except pyruvate carboxylase (PC); however, those enzymes which demonstrated the greatest responses were glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT), glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT) and PEPCK. Dexamethasone caused a large rise of liver glycogen. In fed adrenalectomized rats, GPT activity declined markedly and there was a small reduction of glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase) but activities of o...
Infinite-layer, T ′-Phase, and 1-D-ladder copper oxide compounds

Results of recent research on electron-doped infinite-layer compounds (e.g., Sr1−xLaxCuO2), T′-phase compounds (e.g., Nd2−xCexCuO4), and spin-1/2 quasi-1-D ladder compounds (e.g., Sr14Cu24O41) are presented, including structural and magnetic measurements. Studies of steric effects indicate that superconductivity disappears in both electron-doped systems for values of the in-plane lattice constant below a critical value, acr ≈ 3.92 A. Attempts to hole dope both the infinite-layer and T′ phases are described. For the quasi-1-D ladder compound Sr14Cu24O41, the anisotropic susceptibility of this system and its “small gap” are discussed. Collaborative studies of these systems using μSR, NMR, and other spectroscopies are reviewed.
A Computerized Database Approach to Enhance Critical Thinking

ABSTRACTBecause additional approaches to critical thinking and problem-solving within pharmacy education are needed, this pilot clerkship study involved the development and implementation of a computerized clinical database designed to teach critical-thinking skills through structure of information entry. This database, the Arkansas Clinical Encounter System (ACES), was devised to parallel the structure or the prototyping that many clinicians use to gather information, to reach a decision based on available information, and to document outcomes. Although this study did not show a statistical difference in students' critical-thinking scores using pre- and post-Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal testing, important weaknesses that were not part of the original study design were uncovered. These documentation and computer-expertise weaknesses must be addressed by all schools and colleges of pharmacy in order to prepare for reimbursement for cognitive services.
REQUIREMENT FOR P-FLUOROPHENYLALANINE ACTIVATION IN CONTROL OF RIBONUCLEIC ACID SYNTHESIS.

Abstract 1. 1. Fangman and Neidhardt 1,2 used mutant Escherichia coli strains unable to activate p-fluorophenylalanine (PFPA) to show that amino acid activation is required for ribonucleic acid synthesis. Their findings were confirmed. 2. 2. It was shown directly that the mutant cells do not charge phenylalanine-specific transfer ribonucleic acid with PFPA. 3. 3. A possible criticism of the interpretation is that PFPA might create a shortage of tyrosine and tyrptohan by false feedback inhibition of 3-deoxy-d- arabino -heptulosonic acid 7-phosphate synthetase, and inhibit ribonucleic acid synthesis thereby, rather than by failure of PFPA activation. PFPA inhibition in the mutant was indeed reversed by shikimate, and therefore presumably affects the 3-deoxy- d - arabino -heptulosonic acid 7-phosphate synthetase and decrease the supply of shikimate. However, in the mutant cultures, the limitation of ribonucleic acid synthesis occuring in presence of PFPA was not overcome by supplementation with tyrosine and tryptophan at concentrations adequate for permeation in presence of PFPA. 4. 4. It is concluded that amino acid activation is required for ribonucleic acid synthesis.
Relationship between psychosocial maturity and fear of appearing incompetent.

It was hypothesized that a negative relationship should exist between one's over-all level of psychosocial maturity as measured by Constantinople's (1969) Inventory of Psychosocial Development and one's Fear of Appearing Incompetent as measured by Good and Good's (1973b) scale. The hypothesis was supported for 44 male and 106 female undergraduates (p < .001). Similarities between the moderating effect of these two variables in the attraction paradigm were noted.
952-29 Long-term Follow-up of Surgical Repair of Ostium Primum Defects in Adults

The natural history of patients (pts) undergoing surgical repair of ostium primum atrial septal defects (ASD-1) in adulthood remains unclear. We followed 33 pts who underwent surgical correction of ASD-l at our institution at ages 20–73 years (mean = 42), 12 of these patients were over the age of 50 at the time of surgery. Moderate preoperative exercise incapacity (NYHA Class g2) was present in 4 pts, and 6 were in atrial fibrillation. Preoperative mean pulmonary artery pressure g25 mmHg, pulmonary vascular resistance g4 Wood units, or moderate-severe mitral regurgitation was present in 8, 4, and 5 pts, respectively, Autologous pericardium was used to patch the ASD-l in 30 pts (91 %). Mitral valvuloplasty, consisting of cleft repair (n = 10) and mitral valve replacement (n = 2), were performed selectively. At a mean follow-up of 5.3 years (1 month-18.2 years), all 28 surviving pts are free of exercise limitation (NYHA Class 1). Late post-operative deaths have occurred in 5 pts (15%); related to myocardial infarction, stroke, hepatic failure, renal failure, or sepsis. Reoperation was required in 2 pts (6%); for a residual ASD-1 (n = 1). and severe mitral regurgitation (n = 1), both within the first postoperative year. The presence of advanced age at operation, symptoms, atrial arrhythmias, mitral regurgitation, or moderately increased pulmonary vascular resistance did not predict late postoperative mortality, complications or functional capacity. Conclusion ASD-1 can be repaired in adult pts with the expectation of excellent long-term results, independent of age at operation and preoperative mitral valve function; and despite the presence of atrial fibrillation, or moderately elevated pulmonary vascular resistance.
Pharmacological strategies to prevent restenosis: lessons learned from blockade of the renin-angiotensin system.

A major challenge in the field of cardiovascular therapeutics is the discovery of a drug that is capable of preventing restenosis. To date, unfortunately, all pharmacological strategies for limiting restenosis have fallen short of the goal. Crucial to the successful discovery of an efficacious agent is the understanding of the mechanisms responsible for restenosis in humans. However, despite enormous research efforts, the exact pathological processes responsible for the disease in humans are not well understood, and animal models have not been able to simulate the complexity of the clinical situation. Indeed, none of the drugs that have been shown to limit restenosis in animal models have yielded positive results in human clinical trials. On the basis of animal experimentation and pathological examination of human restenotic lesions, a major hypothesis for the development of restenosis involves VSMC migration and proliferation. Thus, a popular strategy for therapeutic discovery is to use one of the animal models of neointimal hyperplasia and to examine the effects of specific drugs designed to block the processes of VSMC migration and/or proliferation. Multiple biologically active mediators have been shown to participate in these processes. Among these, Ang II is of particular interest, because pharmacological inhibitors of Ang II production or action are now clinically available. In cell culture, Ang II has been shown to stimulate growth of VSMCs isolated from several species such as rats, rabbits, and humans.1 2 3 4 More importantly, in vivo infusion of Ang II significantly increases DNA synthesis in normal, uninjured arteries and enhances neointimal development in the rat carotid artery after balloon injury.5 Moreover, using in vivo gene transfer, we have demonstrated that overexpression of the ACE gene in the rat carotid artery increased DNA synthesis and induced vascular structural changes as the result of the increased local generation …
On location independent representations and self-organization

We study the self-organization of genomic symbols on a genetic algorithm with a location independent representation—the Proportional Genetic Algorithm (PGA) [2]. Self-organization of genomic symbols is possible because location independent representations ensure the absence of selective pressure for a particular order. We hypothesize that self-similarity emerges because self-similar genomes are more robust with respect to crossover and mutation and because it favors positive correlations between the form and quality of candidate solutions.
Stabilization and linkage analysis of metal-ligated sialic acid containing oligosaccharides

The dissociation of metal-ligated sialyllactose and sialyl-N-acetyllactosamine was investigated. Metal-ligand derivatization of the carbohydrate samples with the diethylenetriamine ligand and one of four transition metals [Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II)] suppressed sialic acid loss in the collision-induced dissociation process. Suppression of sialic acid loss allows sialic acid linkage information to be gained through tandem mass spectrometry. Sialic acid stabilization is postulated to occur due to the doubly charged metal ion which allows for deprotonation of the sialic acid moiety. Furthermore, a connection between the metal center and the amount of sialic acid loss was found. These results were rationalized using the Irving-Williams series and a competition between different sites of deprotonation. Analysis of the product ion spectra showed a clear differentiation of sialic acid linkage. Linkage determination is proposed to be effective due to the available conformations allowed by the different linkages. A more flexible linkage will allow more coordination of the sialic acid residue with the metal center, whereas a less flexible linkage will make this interaction unlikely.
Self, friends, and lovers: structural relations among Beck Depression Inventory scores and perceived mate values.

Background: We used an economic model based on evolutionary theory to guide an examination of relations among self-reported depressive symptoms and ratings of mate values of self, social, and sexual partners. This model treats assortative mating as a form of social exchange between partners of socially and sexually desirable traits. Methods: Two studies used variants of the Mate Value Inventory (MVI), a multivariate assessment of attributes desired in social or sexual partners. For study 1, 115 male and 124 female undergraduates provided self reports on four forms of the MVI-11 and on the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI); for study 2, 208 male and 277 female undergraduates provided self reports on seven forms of the MVI-7 and on the BDI-II. Results: Both multisample structural equations models indicated that the parameters were statistically equivalent between female and male subsamples and provided an adequate fit to the data. The models revealed significant relations between the mate values ascribed to the self and those ascribed to short- and long-term partners as well as best friends. Furthermore, greater BDI scores significantly predicted lesser ratings of mate value for the self, and hence indirectly predicted lesser ratings of mate value for all types of partners evaluated. Limitations: Although the data obtained from the MVI demonstrated good psychometric validity, external validity has not yet been established. Conclusions: The results are consistent with models predicting: (1) assortative mating by mate value, (2) differential exchange rates of mate value for different types of partners, (3) a negative relation between depressive symptoms and assessment of one's own mate value, and (4) a possibly consequential mismatch of mate values when one partner exhibits or recovers from significant depressive symptoms. The results are inconsistent with models predicting (5) a generalized negativity bias due to depression.  2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
The trouble with transformations: Effects of sample size and sample composition on meat weight estimates based on skeletal mass allometry

Abstract The application of skeletal allometry in zooarchaeological analysis has increased in recent years. Two approaches can be distinguished, one based on linear measurements of bones for the purpose of estimating animal size and the other using skeletal weight to estimate dietary contribution. Here the application of the latter is examined. It is suggested that this method, as presently used with fragmentary remains, may not provide a dependable characterization of the relative contributions of identified taxa.
Electron wind-induced muon drift in metals

A preliminary experiment was carried out by the present authors in collaboration with R. Keitel to search for electron wind-induced muon drift in copper at liquid helium temperatures. Drift was not observed, which is taken as support of Kondo's theory of nonadiabatic damping of light interstitials in metals. The present paper discusses the possibility of increased current and thinner foils and concludes that it should be possible with a carefully optimized experiment to detect muon drift. Weak longitudinal fields do not appear to offer any advantage over the transverse fields in which the original experiment was performed. It is proposed to look for wind-induced drift through muon trapping. Aluminum with manganese trapping centers offers a favorable opportunity for observing drift in this way.
Emerging trends in ICU management and staffing.

Intensive care units (ICUs) comprise up to 10% of all hospital beds in the United States and consume as much as 34% of hospital resources. This is over 1% of the gross domestic product (GDP) 7 or nearly $64 billion per year. 15 There are between 50,000 and 100,000 patients in an ICU on any given day in the United States and the demand for critical care beds will continue to grow as the population ages. 21 Managed care and reduced reimbursement for services have forced hospitals to focus on these high-cost areas and reassess the best approach to improving patient care outcomes in the most cost-effective way. 8,9,11 This article addresses various staffing and organizational models that are either being introduced or considered for intermediate or long-term implementation. Recent experience at the authors' institution has resulted in a critical care model that offers 24 hours per day, 7 days a week on-site coverage by qualified intensivists and maintains significant input from primary care physicians and other specialists caring for the patient. This model is outlined here. There are few evidence-based outcome studies available to guide health care delivery. 26 The authors describe the advantages to an organized multidisciplinary team approach to critical care delivery and review the existing data to support this approach.
C4d by Immunofluorescence and Immunohistochemistry in Routine Lung Allograft Biopsies

Purpose The role of C4d in diagnosing antibody mediated rejection (AMR) in lung allografts is unclear. We compared C4d by immunofluorescence (IF) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) in routine allograft transbronchial bx (TBBx) and correlated the results with clinical findings. Methods and Materials Prospectively, consecutive paired frozen and paraffin-embedded samples from the same TBBx were stained for C4d by IF and IHC and scored as negative (neg), focal+ or diffuse 2+ or 3+. Serum HLA antibodies (ab) (within 6 mo of TBBx) were noted. Poisson regression (SAS version 9) was used to compare HLA ab between neg and focal+. Results 228 TBBx from 76 patients (pts) were reviewed. No pt was clinically suspected to have AMR. Pt 1 with C4d 3+ had pleural effusions; TBBx was unremarkable; apheresis was performed. The pt died 1 mo later (subdural hematoma). Pt 2 with C4d 3+ had pseudomonas bacteremia and progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). TBBx showed intimitis. The pt died 4 mo later (PML). A pt (heart-lung transplant) had AMR on heart bx. A TBBx 8 mo later was C4d focal+ (IF); neg. by IHC; HLA ab 8% & 28% (class I & II, respectively) at time of TBBx. HLA ab were not significantly different between C4d (IHC) neg and C4d (IHC) focal+ TTBx. Conclusions IHC and IF are similar in detecting diffuse 3+C4d in routine TBBx. IHC appears superior in identifying focal C4d, likely because IHC provides better architecture that helps to neglect the high background of C4d stain in the lung. Routine C4d might not be a reliable marker of AMR in lung transplant. Results of C4d and HLA abs C4d by IHC (#pts) C4d by IF (#pts) HLA Abs (#pts with + abs), median (range) Neg (196) Neg (188) Screen (3/68), 2 (2-7) Class (Cl) I (50/76), 3 (0-76) Cl II (53/76), 5.5 (0-65) Diffuse 2+(3), focal + (4), equivocal (1) Screen (0/8) Cl I (4/8), 0.5 (0-9) Cl II (4/8), 3.5 (0-28) Focal+ (30) Neg (30) Screen, neg. Cl I (13/19), 3 (0-52) Cl II (13/19), 25 (0-65) Diffuse 3+ (2) Diffuse 3+ (2) Screen (1) neg. Cl I (2), 16.5 (3-30) Cl II (2), 1 (0-2)
Depressed GABA and glutamate synaptic signaling by 5-HT1A receptors in the nucleus tractus solitarii and their role in cardiorespiratory function.

Serotonin (5-HT), and its 5-HT1A receptor (5-HT1AR) subtype, is a powerful modulator of the cardiorespiratory system and its sensory reflexes. The nucleus tractus solitarii (nTS) serves as the first central station for visceral afferent integration and is critical for cardiorespiratory reflex responses. However, the physiological and synaptic role of 5-HT1ARs in the nTS is relatively unknown. In the present study, we examined the distribution and modulation of 5-HT1ARs on cardiorespiratory and synaptic parameters in the nTS. 5-HT1ARs were widely distributed to cell bodies within the nTS but not synaptic terminals. In anesthetized rats, activation of 5-HT1ARs by microinjection of the 5-HT1AR agonist 8-OH-DPAT into the caudal nTS decreased minute phrenic neural activity via a reduction in phrenic amplitude. In brain stem slices, 8-OH-DPAT decreased the amplitude of glutamatergic tractus solitarii-evoked excitatory postsynaptic currents, and reduced overall spontaneous excitatory nTS network activity. These effects persisted in the presence of GABAA receptor blockade and were antagonized by coapplication of 5-HT1AR blocker WAY-100135. 5-HT1AR blockade alone had no effect on tractus solitarii-evoked excitatory postsynaptic currents, but increased excitatory network activity. On the other hand, GABAergic nTS-evoked inhibitory postsynaptic currents did not change by activation of the 5-HT1ARs, but spontaneous inhibitory nTS network activity decreased. Blocking 5-HT1ARs tended to increase nTS-evoked inhibitory postsynaptic currents and inhibitory network activity. Taken together, 5-HT1ARs in the caudal nTS decrease breathing, likely via attenuation of afferent transmission, as well as overall nTS network activity.
Privileged operations in the PlanetLab virtualised environment

Virtualised systems have experienced a resurgence in popularity in recent years, whether used to support multiple OSes running on a user's desktop, provide commercial application hosting facilities, or isolate a large number of users from each other in global network testbeds. We also see an increasing level of interest in having entities within these virtualised systems interact with each other, either as peers or as helpers providing a service to clients.Very little work has been previously conducted on how such interaction between virtualised environments can take place. We introduce Proper, a service running on the PlanetLab system, that allows unprivileged entities to access privileged operations in a safe, tightly controlled manner.This paper describes our work designing and implementing Proper, including a discussion of the various architectural decisions made. We describe how implementing such a system in a traditional UNIX environment is non-trivial, and provide a number of examples of how services running on PlanetLab actually use Proper.
Real-time traffic routing over a multilayered satellite architecture

In this paper, we present a constraint-based routing strategy for real-time traffic over a multilayered hierarchical satellite architecture. Both quality (Bit-Error Rate BER) on free-space optical and radio Inter-Satellite Links (ISLs) and bandwidth availability on satellite links are taken into account when setting up routes for high-priority for real-time traffic such as Voice over IP (VoIP). We propose to have a separate queue for real-time traffic to protect it from being swamped by bursty best-effort traffic. Packets from several real-time flows are aggregated onto the same Label Switched Path (LSP) based on destination and priority, and are shielded from each other by a proportional dropping policy, where packets from flows exceeding their Committed Information Rate (CIR) have high dropping probability during congestion. The performance of our prioritised load balancing routing algorithm on a multilayered satellite network is simulated and analysed.
Coupling bulge testing and nanoindention to characterize materials properties of bulk micromachined structures

Nanoindentation and the continuous stiffness method was used to obtain the elastic modulus of Pb(ZrxTi1−x)O3 (X:1−XPZT) thin films that can be utilized in high aspect ratio structures. PZT films were deposited onto bulk micromachined silicon wafers by sol–gel deposition and two annealing treatments. Conventional annealing produced films that had an elastic modulus of 80 GPa for both the 52:48 and 40:60 PZT, while a 52:48 PZT deposited using rapid thermal annealing demonstrated a modulus of 70 GPa. These moduli allowed accurate stress measurements of both the composite membranes by bulge testing and also the individual PZT layers by X-ray diffraction. The residual tensile stress in the PZT film ranged from 190 to 400 MPa. Residual stresses were shown to affect both the strain to failure and the resonance frequency of the membrane generators. The applied strain to failure decreased with increasing residual stress. A tungsten underlayer was added to reduce the composite residual stress and increase the compliance, lowering the resonant frequency from 23 to 18 kHz.
Sensory Afferent Projections and Area 3b Somatotopy following Median Nerve Cut and Repair in Macaque Monkeys

The fidelity of median nerve regeneration and the consequent effects of regeneration errors on cortical organization were determined in combined anatomical and electrophysiological studies. In three adult macaque monkeys, the median nerve was cut, sutured, and allowed to regenerate for 7-13 months. After regeneration, distributions of afferents to the dorsal horn of the spinal cord and the cuneate nucleus of the brainstem were determined by making injections of horseradish peroxidase conjugates into the distal phalanges of digit 1 or 2. While label from a single digit on the normal hand was confined to the appropriate locations in the median nerve territories of the dorsal horn and cuneate nucleus, label from the reinnervated digits spread out to cover most of the median nerve territories in those structures. These results are consistent with the interpretation that some proportion of primary sensory fibers normally innervating other digits and pads of median nerve skin erroneously reinnervated the skin of the injected digits. In the same monkeys, microelectrodes were used to record from an array of closely spaced sites across the representation of the hand in area 3b of somatosensory cortex. The reactivation pattern was abnormal, with neurons at many recording sites having more than one receptive field, larger than normal receptive fields, or receptive fields at abnormal skin locations. Thus, there is somatotopic disorder both in the regenerated median nerve and in reactivated cortex, indicating that primary somatosensory cortex does not reorganize to compensate fully for peripheral reinnervation errors in these adult primates. Nevertheless, the organization of receptive fields in area 3b suggests the existence of some central selection of synapses.
Identification of Escherichia coli Genes That Are Specifically Expressed in a Murine Model of Septicemic Infection

Identification and characterization of bacterial genes that are induced during the disease process are important in understanding the molecular mechanism of disease and can be useful in designing antimicrobial drugs to control the disease. The identification of in vivo induced (ivi) genes of an Escherichia coli septicemia strain by using antibiotic-based in vivo expression technology is described. Bacterial clones resistant to chloramphenicol in vivo were recovered from the livers of infected mice. Most of the ivi clones were sensitive to chloramphenicol when grown in vitro. Using reverse transcription-PCR, it was demonstrated that selected ivi clones expressed cat in the livers of infected mice but not during in vitro growth. A total of 750 colonies were recovered after three successive rounds of in vivo selection, and 168 isolated ivi clones were sequenced. The sequence analysis revealed that 37 clones encoded hypothetical proteins found in E. coli K-12, whereas 10 clones contained genes that had no significant homology to DNA sequences in GenBank. Two clones were found to contain transposon-related functions. Other clones contained genes required for amino acid metabolism, anaerobic respiration, DNA repair, the heat shock response, and the cellular repressor of the SOS response. In addition, one clone contained the aerobactin biosynthesis gene iucA. Mutations were introduced in to seven of the identified ivi genes. An in vivo mouse challenge-competition assay was used to determine if the mutants were attenuated. The results suggested that these ivi genes were important for survival in vivo, and three of the seven mutant ivi clones were required for successful infection of mice.
Immunostaining with antibodies against protein kinase C isoforms in the fovea of the monkey retina.

We reported previously that an antibody to the α isoform of protein kinase C (PKC) immunostained rod bipolar cells and bipolar cells that could be blue-cone (B-cone)-specific in postmortem human retina (Kolb et al. (1993) Vis. Neurosci. 10:341–351). In addition, we showed that antibodies to the β isoform of PKC immunostained cone system bipolar, amacrine, and ganglion cells. Since the fixation of the human material was poor, we were unable to make positive identifications of the specific cell types that were immunoreactive, particularly in the case of PKC-β antibodies. Thus, herein we have repeated the study on well-fixed monkey foveal retina. PKC-α immunoreactivity (IR) was restricted to a single type of cone bipolar cell that contacted only a minority of the cone pedicles at central invaginating contacts of ribbon triads. This bipolar type shares some morphological characteristics of B-cone-specific bipolar cells of primate retina. PKC-β immunoreactivity was found in cone bipolar cells that made primarily basal contacts with cone pedicles and had axon terminals in sublamina a of the inner plexiform layer (IPL). Immunoreactivity also occurred in a type of cone bipolar that made central element contacts and had axon terminals in sublamina b of the IPL. Some ganglion cells, particularly those postsynaptic to flat midget bipolar cells also exhibited PKC-β-IR. One type of amacrine with an 8 μm diameter cell body showed strong PKC-β-IR. It was postsynaptic to cone bipolar cells in both sublamina a and b and presynaptic to bipolar axons, other immunoreactive amacrine cells, and ganglion cell dendrites and bodies. The other amacrine cell type showed less strong PKC-β-IR, large-bodied (12–15 μ cell body diameter), and probably diffuse in branching pattern. The latter interacted with the intensely immunoreactive amacrines, bipolars, and ganglion cells. By comparison to cat and primate retinas where morphology and physiology of many retinal neurons are well documented, we suggest that PKC-β may be specific to flat midget, flat diffuse, and invaginating diffuse cone bipolar cells and to at least two amacrine cells. Some of these neural types are proposed to be involved in OFF-center cone pathways in the monkey retina. Microsc Res Tech 36:57–75, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A note on curved cracked beams

Abstract This paper is concerned with evaluating stress intensity factors for a curved cracked beam of small to moderate curvature using a simple engineering method which allows us to estimate the strain energy release rate based on elementary beam theory. The basic methodology is briefly discussed and an example application to a cracked circular beam gives results which are in reasonable agreement with more accurate numerical calculations in the literature.
Testing Scientific Programs

The Automated Testing System (ATS) is an open source, Python-based tool for automating the testing of applications, especially scientific simulations. It's especially designed to support the work of a team of subject-matter experts.
Solar Gardening and the Seasonal Evolution of Nitrogen Ice on Triton and Pluto

Abstract Nitrogen ice, probably the dominant high albedo surface material on Pluto and Triton, has optical constants that are more strongly absorbing in the thermal infrared than at visible wavelengths. This optical behavior results in absorption of sunlight, on average, at greater depths than the depths from which thermal emission emerges, producing a vertical imbalance between heating and cooling of a sunlit nitrogen ice surface. Assuming that the ice is sufficiently permeable to gas flow that the bulk ice is in vapor pressure equilibrium with the nitrogen atmosphere, this vertical distribution of heating and cooling drives net sublimation at depth and condensation closer to the surface. Over time scales much shorter than seasonal time scales on Triton and Pluto, this process of solar gardening will tend to produce a characteristic textural and compositional distribution which has important photometric, spectroscopic, and seasonal consequences. Solar gardening may help explain several previously puzzling observations including the anomalously strong spectral absorption by methane ice in spectra of Triton and Pluto in the 0.7- to 1.1-μm range and the surprising persistence of Triton's south polar cap at low latitudes during southern summer.
Theoretical model for high-power annular repetitive-pulsed laser beams on coated optical components: transient temperature distribution

In this paper we will address the transient temperature distribution and subsequent optical distortion resulting from an unstable resonator out-coupling a high power Repetitive Pulsed laser beam on optical thin film coated uncooled optical components.
Thin film deposition techniques utilizing the anodic vacuum arc

Abstract The properties pf thin films produced with a steady state low current (I −1 ) of macroparticle free coatings. Coatings produced with the anodic vacuum arc are either amorphous or exhibit grains with a grain size of less than 1 nm. The resulting coatings do not have macroparticle inclusions and exhibit good adherence of the film to the substrate. Deposition results from, stainless steel indicate that alloy coatings can be readily deposited with the stoichiometry of the source material being well preserved, while experiments with nickel, copper and aluminum indicate that the thin films have a very low impurity content. Investigations of the corrosion resistance of stainless steel, nickel, and aluminum coatings on iron samples indicate that coatings of less than 1.0 μm offer excellent corrosion protection.
Use of electric cell–substrate impedance sensing to assess in vitro cytotoxicity

Abstract In vitro assessment of cytotoxicity based on electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) needs more quantitative methods to analyze the alteration of cell morphology and motility, and hence the potential risk to human health. Here, we applied electric cell–substrate impedance sensing (ECIS) to evaluate dose-dependent responses of human umbilical vein endothelial cells exposed to cytochalasin B. To detect subtle changes in cell morphology, the frequency-dependent impedance data of the cell monolayer were measured and analyzed with a theoretical cell–electrode model. To detect the alternation of cell micromotion in response to cytochalasin B challenge, time-series impedance fluctuations of cell-covered electrodes were monitored and the values of power spectrum, variance, and variance of the increments were calculated to verify the difference. While a dose-dependent relationship was generally observed from the overall resistance of the cell monolayer, the analysis of frequency-dependent impedance and impedance fluctuations distinguished cytochalasin B levels as low as 0.1 μМ. Our results show that cytochalasin B causes a decrease of junctional resistance between cells, an increase of membrane capacitance, and the reduction in micromotion.
Redesigning routines for replication

One factor affecting the replicability of routines is the template of what gets replicated. There isn't much work on where this comes from. One view is that the routine is discovered over time. Another view is that in some cases firms prefer to copy the last incarnation exactly. A third view is that in completely new contexts, neither evolution nor copy-exactly is completely appropriate. In those instances firms need to redesign the routine prior to introducing it to the new context. We conduct an exploratory study of a redesign process that ends in failure. Analysis of the failure provides preliminary hypotheses about how to create theory for redesigning routines. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Micro-organisms under a Simulated Martian Environment

MANY investigators speculating on the environmental conditions of Mars have concluded that some form of life exists there1–5. Fulton et al.6,7 have shown that several (unidentified) species of bacteria are able to survive under a simulated Martian atmosphere. No work, however, has been reported on the effect of these conditions on the physiology or the virulence of bacteria. In the work recorded here the anaerobic spore-forming organism Cl. botulinum and encapsulated facultative anaerobic organism K. pneumoniae were used to determine these effects.
Intensive care unit staffing and quality of care: challenges in times of an intensivist shortage.

the responsibilities of critical care specialists (“intensivists”) now extend outside of the ICU, as they act as members of medical emergency teams and staff at long-term acute care hospitals. Thus, the gap between the demand for critical care and the supply of intensivists available to provide it continues to widen. It is difficult to know exactly how many are needed to meet the increasing critical care needs;
Therapeutic assays of the Skin and Cancer Unit of the New York University Hospital.

Just about a year has passed since the publication of the encouraging report by Page (1) on the response of chronic discoid lupus erythematosus to Mepacrine® (Quinacrine hydrochloride, U.S.P.) and the success of Dr. Jack Wolf (2) in the treatment of two cases with this substance. During this interval thirty patients have been under treatment with Atabrine®1 at the New York Skin and Cancer Unit. Most of these patients had previously received intensive therapy with other medicaments with varying results. The prompt and generally favorable response to the drug seems to merit a preliminary report so that other similar studies may be initiated. (See Table I.) The basic dosage used in this series was V/2 grains (0.1 Gm.) twice daily. In a few instances, the dose was increased to 0.1 Gm. four times daily or reduced to 0.1 Gm. once daily. Complete blood counts and urine examinations were made every two to three weeks.
Deleterious effects of psychotherapy and counseling in the schools

Providing individual and group counseling has become an identified role for school psychologists working in the school setting. There is an extensive research base that highlights positive outcomes and supports the use of a variety of counseling methods when working with children and adolescents. However, there may exist a host of other outcomes, including deleterious effects, when counseling school-age children and adolescents. This article looks to identify and summarize some of the possible deleterious effects in school-based counseling across a variety of disorders and to make school psychologists cognizant of possible negative outcomes when designing and implementing treatment plans. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Indoor exposures to air pollutants and allergens in the homes of asthmatic children in inner-city Baltimore

This paper presents indoor air pollutant concentrations and allergen levels collected from the homes of 100 Baltimore city asthmatic children participating in an asthma intervention trial. Particulate matter (PM), NO2, and O3 samples were collected over 72 h in the child's sleeping room. Time-resolved PM was also assessed using a portable direct-reading nephelometer. Dust allergen samples were collected from the child's bedroom, the family room, and the kitchen. The mean PM10 concentration, 56.5+/-40.7 microg/m3, is 25% higher than the PM2.5 concentration (N=90), 45.1+/-37.5 microg/m3. PM concentrations measured using a nephelometer are consistent and highly correlated with gravimetric estimates. Smoking households' average PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations are 33-54 microg/m3 greater than those of nonsmoking houses, with each cigarette smoked adding 1.0 microm/m3 to indoor PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations. Large percentages of NO2 and O3 samples, 25% and 75%, respectively, were below the limit of detection. The mean NO2 indoor concentration is 31.6+/-40.2 ppb, while the mean indoor O3 concentration in the ozone season was 3.3+/-7.7 ppb. The levels of allergens are similar to those found in other inner cities. Results presented in this paper indicate that asthmatic children in Baltimore are exposed to elevated allergens and indoor air pollutants. Understanding this combined insult may help to explain the differential asthma burden between inner-city and non-inner-city children.
Favorable treatment outcome in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma patients with "poor" mobilization of peripheral blood progenitor cells

Our purpose was to evaluate the outcome and costs of high-dose chemotherapy and autologous peripheral blood progenitor cell (PBPC) transplantation in patients with the inability to mobilize sufficient numbers of PBPCs to allow rapid engraftment after PBPC transplantation. We treated 172 consecutive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) patients with cyclophosphamide and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor followed by apheresis to collect PBPCs. The cells were separated on a Percoll gradient and purged with monoclonal antibodies and complement. The patients were categorized as "good" mobilizers if a collection of > or =2 x 10(6) CD34+ cells/kg was obtained (n = 138, 80%) or "poor" mobilizers if <2 x 10(6) CD34+ cells/kg were obtained (n = 34, 20%). With a median follow-up of 3.5 years, there is no statistically significant difference in actuarial event-free survival, overall survival, or relapse for good mobilizers compared with poor mobilizers. However, there was a trend toward increasing nonrelapse, transplantation-related mortality of 11.8% for poor mobilizers versus 3.6% for good mobilizers (P = .08) and early death from all causes including relapse within 120 days (poor 20.6% versus good 8.7%, P = .06). The total cost for bone marrow transplantation-related care was significantly higher, at $140,264 for poor mobilizers versus $80,833 for good mobilizers (P = .0001). The population of patients with NHL who mobilize PBPCs poorly into the circulation have a higher cost for posttransplant support. However, there is no significant difference in relapse, event-free survival, or overall survival for such patients compared with those who mobilize PBPCs easily.