cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Employee Satisfaction and Long-Run Shareholder Returns

This study empirically tests whether there are differences in the employee satisfaction premium among people- and possession-processing service firms, information-processing service firms, and goods-producing firms. The employee satisfaction premium is measured using the long-run abnormal returns of firms with high employee satisfaction ratings, adjusted for industry and size effects. Results show that the employee satisfaction premium is higher for information-processing services than for people- and possession-processing services. There is no significant difference between people- and possession-processing service firms and goods-producing firms. This finding suggests that employee satisfaction may create higher value for shareholders when it is realised through information-processing services rather than people- and possession-processing services.
Toughening Of Zinc Sulfide

Although zinc sulfide has good infrared properties, it has poor fracture toughness. Thus, processing or particle-impact induced flaws can make zinc sulfide windows and domes susceptible to cracking under stresses arising from thermal or mechanical loads. An attempt was made in this program to increase the fracture toughness of zinc sulfide by adding zirconium sulfide, which is also transparent in the infrared. By adding different quantities of zirconium sulfide, it was observed that the resultant composite had a toughness that was more than double that of pure zinc sulfide processed in the same manner. More significantly, the toughness improvement was not accompanied by any strength reduction, although the strength of pure zirconium sulfide was only one-fourth that of zinc sulfide. Microstructural examination indicated toughening by crack-bridging by zirconium sulfide, that was stretched into stringers by the processing. The data and details on toughening mechanisms are presented here.
On the length, velocity and acceleration expressions for the calculation of accurate oscillator strengths in many-electron systems

Abstract The problem of deciding which of three equivalent forms of electric dipole transition probabilities is the most “proper” or “accurate” to use, has been discussed in recent papers from various points of view. Here we examine this question and also certain conditions which have to be satisfied for the three forms to give the same results. Regarding the question of accuracy, we suggest that, on the whole, arguments based on the importance of regions of configuration space are still the most convincing, in spite of recent attempts to select only one form as the proper one. A number of many-body calculations are carried out for transitions in BI, CII, OI, OIV and SiX. For the CII, OIV 1s 2 2s 2 2p 2 p 0 → 1s 2 2s2p 2 2 D oscillator strengths, good agreement between all three expressions is obtained for the first time.
Josephson-junction mixer analysis using frequency-conversion and noise-correlation matrices

A complete characterization and optimization have been carried out for an externally pumped Josephson-junction mixer. A noise-driven nonlinear pump equation is first solved in the time domain on a computer in order to obtain a conversion matrix and noise-correlation matrix for the small-signal current and voltage. A set of linear circuit equations formed by the matrices is then solved in the frequency domain for the mixer noise temperature and conversion efficiency. Finally, optimization is made with respect to circuit, bias, and junction parameters to find the ultimate theoretical performance.
Psychopathy, Empathy, and Perspective -Taking Ability in a Community Sample: Implications for the Successful Psychopathy Concept

This study examined the relationship between psychopathy and two components of empathy including a cognitive component (e.g., perspective-taking ability) and an affective component (e.g., compassion) in a community sample. The Psychopathic Personality Inventory Short Form was used to assess psychopathy and several psychological measures were used to test empathy including the Interpersonal Reactivity Index, the Diagnostic Analysis of Nonverbal Accuracy-2, and the Test of Self Conscious Affect -3. Across instruments, psychopathy (as a unitary construct) appeared to be negligibly correlated with perspective-taking scales and negatively correlated with the affective components of empathy. Findings indicated that the emotional deficits were noted most prominently for the behavioral component of psychopathy. Results also showed that higher psychopathy scores in community participants were linked to higher levels of antisocial conduct.
Experimental Thermal Conductivity of Helium-3

The thermal conductivity of liquid ${\mathrm{He}}^{3}$ at pressures of 0.11, 6.78, and 27.0 atm has been measured down to 0.06\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. For each pressure the conductivity passes through a minimum, the temperature of the minimum decreasing with increasing pressure. At temperatures greater than \textonehalf{}\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K the thermal conductivity is nearly independent of pressure. The effect of pressure is to decrease the conductivity. The pressure effect increases monotonically down to the lowest temperature.
Atlas-based method for model updating in image-guided liver surgery

Similar to the well documented brain shift experienced during neurosurgical procedures, intra-operative soft tissue deformation in open hepatic resections is the primary source of error in current image-guided liver surgery (IGLS) systems. The use of bio-mechanical models has shown promise in providing the link between the deformed, intra-operative patient anatomy and the pre-operative image data. More specifically, the current protocol for deformation compensation in IGLS involves the determination of displacements via registration of intra-operatively acquired sparse data and subsequent use of the displacements to drive solution of a linear elastic model via the finite element method (FEM). However, direct solution of the model during the surgical procedure has several logistical limitations including computational time and the ability to accurately prescribe boundary conditions and material properties. Recently, approaches utilizing an atlas of pre-operatively computed model solutions based on a priori information concerning the surgical loading conditions have been proposed as a more realistic avenue for intra-operative deformation compensation. Similar to previous work, we propose the use of a simple linear inverse model to match the intra-operatively acquired data to the pre-operatively computed atlas. Additionally, an iterative approach is implemented whereby point correspondence is updated during the matching process, being that the correspondence between intra-operative data and the pre-operatively computed atlas is not explicitly known in liver applications. Preliminary validation experiments of the proposed algorithm were performed using both simulation and phantom data. The proposed method provided comparable results in the phantom experiments with those obtained using the traditional incremental FEM approach.
Cytological and radioassay evidence of haploid parthenogenesis inCheyletus malaccensis (Acarina:Cheyletidae)

Cytological examinations of cells of young embryos revealed that the chromosome number inCheyletus malaccensis is 2 (males) and 4 (females). Radioassay analyses appeared to confirm that females have twice as much DNA as males.
Modeling of anchored CFRP strips bonded to concrete

Abstract A computational model was developed for simulating the load transfer mechanisms from Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) strips to CFRP anchors in reinforced concrete strengthening applications. Of particular interest was a model capable of reproducing the strength and strain distributions in anchored CFRP strips up to fracture. Computational results were compared with experimental results from concrete beams strengthened using various anchor and strip details. The numerical results showed good correlation with the experimental results both at the beam response level and the CFRP strain level. The sensitivity of computational results to key modeling assumptions was also examined.
Metal Interference Screws

Metal interference screw fixation has become the gold standard fixation method for bone patellar tendon bone anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Clinical outcomes studies as well as biomechanical pullout and cyclic loading studies have supported the interference screw's ability to provide stability during the postoperative period of graft incorporation. In the event that revision ACL surgery is required, interference screws can be left in and circumvented or removed with a variety of reverse cutting threads and trephines. They can then be replaced with extra-wide revision screws or double-screw fixation techniques. In this article, we will detail the metal interference screws commercially available for use in ACL reconstruction, insertion of these screws, and removal methods.
Laboratory tests and simulations of pulse shape discrimination (PSD) technique for background reduction in germanium gamma-ray detectors

For actively shielded, narrow aperture germanium spectrometers at balloon or spacecraft altitudes, the beta decay of radio-active nuclei is the dominant source of background in the 0.2 to 2 MeV energy range. This component of the background is internal to the germanium detectors (GeDs) and results from the activation of Ge nuclei by cosmic ray secondaries. The sensitivity of GeD spectrometers can be improved by rejecting beta-decay events, which deposit energy at a single site in the detector, while retaining photon events, which are predominantly multiple site at these energies. Pulse shape discrimination (PSD) techniques can distinguish between single- and multiple-site events by analyzing the shape of GeDs' current pulses. Here we present results of laboratory tests of PSD with a newly developed narrow-inner-bore (0.6 cm diameter) coaxial GeD and compare them to numerical simulations.
Interplay between structural rigidity and electrostatic interactions in the ligand binding domain of GluR2.

Using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, computational protein modifications, and a novel theoretical methodology that determines structural rigidity/flexibility (the FIRST algorithm), we investigate how molecular structure and dynamics of the glutamate receptor ligand binding domain (GluR2 S1S2) facilitate its conformational transition. S1S2 is a two-lobe protein, which undergoes a cleft closure conformational transition upon binding an agonist in the cleft between the two lobes; hence it is expected that the mechanism of this conformational transition can be characterized as a hinge-type. However, in the rigidity analysis one lobe of the protein is identified as a single rigid cluster while the other one is structurally flexible, inconsistent with a presumed mechanical hinge mechanism. Instead, we characterize the cleft-closing transition as a load and lock mechanism. We find that when two cross-cleft hydrogen bonds are disrupted the protein undergoes a rapid cleft opening transition. At the same time, the dynamical behavior of the cleft in the presence of the glutamate ligand is only weakly affected by the S652 peptide bond in its flipped conformation observed in the crystal structure. The residue E705 plays significant role in stabilization of the closed conformation via electrostatic interactions. The presence of the E705-K730 salt bridge seems to correlate strongly withthe cleft opening transition in the MD simulations. Proteins 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Nonselective motor innervation of intrafusal fibers in muscle spindles of the rat.

Distributions of motor axons to different types of intrafusal fiber were reconstructed from serial 1-μm thick transverse sections of six poles of muscle spindle in the rat soleus. Motor axons innervated (dynamic) bag1 fibers, or (static) bag2 fibers in conjunction with chain fibers. However, approximately forty percent of axons that supplied the spindles synapsed on both bag1 and bag2, or bag1 and chain fibers. The significance of this co-innervation of dynamic and static intrafusal fibers is discussed relative to the general organization and function of mammalian spindles.
Paleomagnetism of Quaternary sediments from Lomonosov Ridge and Yermak Plateau: implications for age models in the Arctic Ocean

Abstract Inclination patterns of natural remanent magnetization (NRM) in Quaternary sediment cores from the Arctic Ocean have been widely used for stratigraphic correlation and the construction of age models, however, shallow and negative NRM inclinations in sediments deposited during the Brunhes Chron in the Arctic Ocean appear to have a partly diagenetic origin. Rock magnetic and mineralogical studies demonstrate the presence of titanomagnetite and titanomaghemite. Thermal demagnetization of the NRM indicates that shallow and negative inclination components are largely “unblocked” below ∼300 °C, consistent with a titanomaghemite remanence carrier. Following earlier studies on the Mendeleev–Alpha Ridge, shallow and negative NRM inclination intervals in cores from the Lomonosov Ridge and Yermak Plateau are attributed to partial self-reversed chemical remanent magnetization (CRM) carried by titanomaghemite formed during seafloor oxidation of host (detrital) titanomagnetite grains. Distortion of paleomagnetic records due to seafloor maghemitization appears to be especially important in the perennially ice covered western (Mendeleev–Alpha Ridge) and central Arctic Ocean (Lomonosov Ridge) and, to a lesser extent, near the ice edge (Yermak Plateau). On the Yermak Plateau, magnetic grain size parameters mimic the global benthic oxygen isotope record back to at least marine isotope stage 6, implying that magnetic grain size is sensitive to glacial–interglacial changes in bottom-current velocity and/or detrital provenance.
Enzymic synthesis of spermine in rat prostate

Abstract The enzymic synthesis of spermine by soluble preparations from rat ventral prostate was demonstrated. Spermine was formed from spermidine and either S -adenosyl- l -methionine or “decarboxylated S -adenosyl- l -methionine” (the latter prepared with the aid of a bacterial enzyme). Partial purification of the enzyme system responsible for spermidine synthesis led to isolation of the spermine-forming system in the same yield. The two activities could not be distinguished on the basis of thermal stability, and it is possible that a single prostatic enzyme catalyzes the production of both spermidine and spermine. At saturating levels of all reactants, the maximal rate of spermine synthesis by the most purified preparations was only about 25% of the rate of spermidine formation. The affinities of various substrates for the spermine-synthesizing enzyme system were determined. Putrescine was found to be a competitive inhibitor of spermine synthesis. S -Adenosyl- l -ethionine was, in comparison with S -adenosyl- l -methionine, only weakly active as a precursor of spermine. The relationship of these findings to the biosynthesis of spermine by the prostate gland in vivo is discussed.
Teaching Critical Literacy for Social Justice

Abstract This article explores learning experiences utilized in an adolescent literacy course to facilitate preservice teachers' development of knowledge and dispositions to teach critical literacy for social justice. The analysis is conducted through self-study methods and the theoretical construct of third space. Findings indicate that engaging preservice teachers in self-selected inquiry topics about social inequities can enhance their knowledge for and dispositions toward teaching for social justice. The article concludes with implications for teacher educators, which include interrogating one's pedagogical practices in relation to teaching for social justice, maintaining dialogues with preservice teachers about teachers' agency and responsibility to teach for social change, and examining with preservice teachers examples of K-12 educators who teach for social justice.
Seasonal and long-term nutrient trend decomposition along a spatial gradient in the Neuse river watershed

The Neuse River Estuary in North Carolina has recently received considerable public attention for severe algal blooms, large fish kills, and outbreaks of toxic microorganisms. To investigate the belief that nutrient enrichment has worsened in recent years, we analyzed long-term and seasonal trends in nutrient concentrations along the river and estuary employing seasonal trend decomposition using local regression analysis (STL). The nonparametric nature of the STL approach makes it possible to identify nonlinear trends and seasonal interactions that would be missed by traditional trend detection methods. The results indicate that while there may have been minor increases in nitrogen concentrations at upstream locations over the past twenty years, those changes are not reflected in the lower river and estuary. However, the pronounced decreases in phosphorus concentrations that occurred upstream, corresponding to a phosphorus detergent ban in 1988, do persist downstream. The net result is that the ratio of n...
Hot Shadows of Jupiter

On the evenings of 26 October and 15 December 1962, while the disk of Jupiter was being scanned for thermal emission in the 8- to 14-micron wavelength region, a large enhancement was discovered in the emission from shadows cast on Jupiter by the Jovian satellites Ganymede and Europa. However, on the evening of 14 December 1964, the shadow of satellite Io was observed and no enhancement was detected. The effect is thus variable with time.
The implications of content versus item validity on science tests

The use of content validity as the primary assurance of the measurement accuracy for science assessment examinations is questioned. An alternative accuracy measure, item validity, is proposed. Item validity is based on research using qualitative comparisons between (a) student answers to objective items on the examination, (b) clinical interviews with examinees designed to ascertain their knowledge and understanding of the objective examination items, and (c) student answers to essay examination items prepared as an equivalent to the objective examination items. Calculations of item validity are used to show that selected objective items from the science assessment examination overestimated the actual student understanding of science content. Overestimation occurs when a student correctly answers an examination item, but for a reason other than that needed for an understanding of the content in question. There was little evidence that students incorrectly answered the items studied for the wrong reason, resulting in underestimation of the students' knowledge. The equivalent essay items were found to limit the amount of mismeasurement of the students' knowledge. Specific examples are cited and general suggestions are made on how to improve the measurement accuracy of objective examinations.
Self-repairing coating for corrosion protection of aluminum alloys

Abstract The development of effective anticorrosion pre-treatments for metallic substrates is an issue of great importance for durability of metal structures and components. In this work, we proposed and demonstrated the concept of self-repairing coating for corrosion protection of aluminum alloys, using cagelike oil core/silica gel shell particles. These micron-scale, cagelike smart microspheres with opened and closed pores were successfully fabricated, and at the same time encapsulated repairing agent (methyl methacrylate) and catalysts (potassium persulfate and sodium thiosulfate) into the microspheres, respectively. Such smart particle composites (SPCs) were prepared based on an interfacial self-assembly process and sol–gel reaction. They were then self-assembled on the AA2024 aluminum alloy surface, followed by the application of a sol–gel film. The hybrid film worked as a primer coating featuring the self-repairing property. Both the EIS and SEM/EDS data demonstrated that the encapsulated repairing agent was released as a response to external stimulus (scratches) and polymerized to repair the coating defects. By comparing the corrosion rate of AA2024 in three coating systems, the self-repairing effect is quantified to be 22% after 2 h immersion in deoxidized 3% NaCl solution.
Independent contributions of alcohol and stress axis hormones to painful peripheral neuropathy.

Abstract Painful small-fiber peripheral neuropathy is a debilitating complication of chronic alcohol abuse. Evidence from previous studies suggests that neuroendocrine mechanisms, in combination with other, as yet unidentified actions of alcohol, are required to produce this neuropathic pain syndrome. In addition to neurotoxic effects of alcohol, in the setting of alcohol abuse neuroendocrine stress axes release glucocorticoids and catecholamines. Since receptors for these stress hormones are located on nociceptors, at which they can act to cause neuronal dysfunction, we tested the hypothesis that alcohol and stress hormones act on the nociceptor, independently, to produce neuropathic pain. We used a rat model, which allows the distinction of the effects of alcohol from those produced by neuroendocrine stress axis mediators. We now demonstrate that topical application of alcohol and exposure to unpredictable sound stress, each alone, has no effect on the nociceptive threshold. However, when animals that had previous exposure to alcohol were subsequently exposed to stress, they rapidly developed mechanical hyperalgesia. Conversely, sound stress followed by topical alcohol exposure also produced mechanical hyperalgesia. The contribution of stress hormones was prevented by spinal intrathecal administration of oligodeoxynucleotides antisense to β 2 -adrenergic or glucocorticoid receptor mRNA, which attenuates receptor level in nociceptors, as well as by adrenal medullectomy. These experiments establish an independent role of alcohol and stress hormones on the primary afferent nociceptor in the induction of painful peripheral neuropathy.
Creating or Capturing Reality? Historical Photographs of the Progressive Era.

As pictorial-based social media (e.g., Instagram, Pinterest, Snapchat, Tumblr) continue to encourage and sustain contemporary culture, the future success of America's democratic experiment may increasingly depend on its citizens’ ability to critique visual information and take informed action. Promoting critical, historical analysis of visual information in social studies classrooms can support students’ civic competence by developing their ability to identify, understand, and evaluate the powerful visual messages inundating their daily lives. Here, I share a wise-practice approach informed by current research into the educative potential of using historical photographs within a reflective inquiry approach to promote students’ civic competence.
Fighting for the Future of Food: Activists versus Agribusiness in the Struggle over Biotechnology – By Rachel Schurman and William Munro

A review of the book "Fighting for the Future of Food: Activists versus Agribusiness in the Struggle Over Biotechnology," by Rachel Schurman and William Munro is presented.
Abstract P5-12-01: A comparison of hormone receptor status in black women born in the U.S., West Africa, East Africa and the Caribbean - A SEER analysis

Background: Breast cancer is the leading cancer diagnosed among women in the United States (U.S.) and is second only to lung for cancer-related deaths in women. Although white women have a higher incidence of breast cancer, African American (AA) women with breast cancer have higher breast cancer related mortality and have a lower five year survival (73.8%) compared to their white counterparts (81.6%). AA women are also diagnosed at a younger age, with 30-40% of AA women diagnosed under 50, compared to 20% of whites, and are more likely to present with more estrogen receptor negative/progesterone receptor negative (ER-/PR-) tumors than whites (42% vs. 29% respectively). Other studies suggest these disparities extend to black African women and white European women. The aim of this study is to determine whether breast cancer characteristics seen in U.S. born black women are comparable to African born black women and to provide additional insight on the role of race and genetic ancestry in breast cancer. Methods: Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) data (SEER 18 Registries) was used to examine hormone receptor (HR) status among 30,003 black women, born in the U.S. (28,838), West Africa (167), East Africa (183), or the Caribbean (815), diagnosed with a first primary breast cancer from 2000 through 2009. Chi-square tests were used to determine whether clinical variables differed by ethnic group. Proportional incidence ratios (PIR) and 95% confidences intervals (CI) were calculated to estimate excess risk of ER-/PR- tumors between the populations. Results: There were no statistically significant differences in axillary lymph node, stage, histologic type, or surgical treatment at presentation by ethnic group. There was no statistically significant difference in the proportion of ER-/PR- receptor status comparing US blacks to black women born in West Africa (p-value = 0.16, PIR = 0.77, 95% CI: 0.56-1.05), however women from East Africa and the Caribbean were less likely to have ER-/PR- breast cancers compared with US born blacks. (PIR = 0.52, 95% CI: 0.35-0.74, p Discussion: Our results agree with historical data showing that many AA women have ancestral origins in West Africa and provides additional evidence supporting the role of ancestral genetics in breast cancer susceptability. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2013;73(24 Suppl): Abstract nr P5-12-01.
Performance-Based EMC Design Using a Maximum Radiated Emissions Calculator

Meeting electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements can be a significant challenge for engineers designing today’s electronic devices. Traditional approaches rely heavily on EMC design rules. Unfortunately, these design rules aren’t based on the specific EMC requirements for a particular device, and they don’t usually take into account the specific function of the circuits or the many design details that will ultimately determine whether the device is compliant. This paper describes a design methodology that relates design decisions to the product’s EMC requirements. The goal of performance-based EMC design is to ensure that electronic designs meet EMC requirements the first time the product is tested. More work needs to be done before this concept reaches its full potential, but electronic system designers can already derive significant benefit by applying this approach to products currently under development.
A GROUP VISUAL EXPLORATORY TECHNIQUE

A group technique which approximates the individually based forced-choice method for studying human perceptual curiosity is described. Data from school children illustrate some applications of this technique, which shows reasonably good reliability, evidence of validity, and group and individual difference effects that are discussed with reference to related research.
Clinical discrimination between autoglazed and polished porcelain surfaces.

Abstract Precementation refinements of porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns often require reglazing or polishing of the porcelain surface. This study was done to determine whether visual inspection differences exist between glazed and polished porcelain surfaces. Prosthodontists, general dentists, and students (six in each group) rated esthetic properties of 12 porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns. All crowns were initially autoglazed. For phase 1 observations, six crowns were air abraded and polished and six retained their glazed surface. For phase 2 observations, the surface treatments were reversed. At both observations, crowns were rated on 5-point Likert scales for outline form, porosity, smoothness, reflectance, texture, dullness, defects, and general esthetic appearances. Phase 1 polished and glazed crowns had different means for outline form sharpness, porosity, reflectance, dullness, and general esthetic appearance. Phase 2 crowns were different for dullness. Polished and glazed crowns alike were more dull at phase 1 than at phase 2. Glazed crowns were different between phases for reflectance and general esthetic apperance. All reported differences were significant at p
Differential susceptibility of macrophage cell lines to Bacillus anthracis–Vollum 1B

Bacillus anthracis (BA) is a spore forming bacterium and the causative agent of anthrax disease. Macrophages (Mphis) play a central role in anthrax disease. An important step in disease progression is the ability of BA to secrete lethal toxin (LeTx) that kills Mphis. LeTx is a heterodimer composed of protective antigen (PA) and lethal factor (LF). Researchers have shown that Mphi cell lines demonstrate differential susceptibility to purified LeTx; for example RAW264.7 and J774A.1 Mphis are sensitive to LeTx whereas IC-21 Mphis are resistant. Research has also suggested that exogenous factors, including other BA proteins, can influence the activity of LeTx. For this reason, the objective of the current work was to examine if RAW264.7, J774A.1, and IC-21 Mphis demonstrated differential susceptibility when cultured with a LeTx-producing strain of BA. Here, we co-cultured Mphis with LeTx+ Vollum 1B (V1B) spores for >15 h and assayed for Mphi cell death by morphology, trypan blue (TB) staining, neutral red (NR) activity, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity in the culture media. Following the addition of V1B spores, necrosis (approximately 50% mortality) was observed in RAW264.7 and J774A.1 Mphis at 7.5 and 10 h, respectively. By 15 h, both RAW264.7 and J774A.1 Mphis demonstrated 100% mortality. In contrast, IC-21 Mphis, under identical culture conditions, remained viable (98%) and activated throughout the course of the experiment (>24 h). The mechanism of RAW264.7 cell death appeared to involve LeTx because the V1B-induced cytotoxicity was dose-dependently reversed by the addition of anti-PA antibody to the culture media. These observations suggest there is differential susceptibility of Mphi cell lines to the LeTx+ V1B strain of BA. Further development of this in vitro model may be useful to further characterize the interactions between Mphis and BA spores.
Fire history, fire regimes, and climate change – integrating information for management and planning

Federal and other natural resource managers in the United States are now required to consider climate change in their planning. Wildland fire is a major component included in many of these planning efforts. Fire is a widespread ecosystem disturbance process that is global in scope with local to regional, event driven, resource and societal impacts. The frequency, severity and extent of Wildland fires are largely a function of interactions between vegetation and atmospheric processes. Fire activity and management costs have increased significantly over the last few decades. There is growing evidence that these increases relate to measured changes in climate variables. Our understanding of fire history, fire regimes, and past interactions between fire and climate has grown substantially in recent years. Fire regimes provide a context for interpreting fire history to facilitate our understanding of fire in relation to climate and other factors, and provide a bridge between ecosystem characteristics and climate change projections. The challenge is to provide managers with placed-based information about fire and climate change, involving multiple scales of atmospheric and ecosystem process interaction, that they can use for planning and communication purposes. We present results of an on going study that integrates fire history, fire regime, and climate change information in formats designed for use by managers in their climate change planning efforts. A representative group of land managers reviewed our proposed information structure in an interactive workshop setting, and provided recommendations for how to make this information accessible and useful to them. We characterize atmospheric scales of importance to fire as the climate change, climate variability, and event scales. These relate to long-term evolution of vegetation, seasonal to decadal drought, and fire events. We use Bailey's vegetation classification at various ecosystem scales to organize the fire history and fire regime information. Bailey classifications also serve as a bridge to LANDFIRE components, such as the Fire Regime Condition Class (FRCC), and as a link to GCM-based climate projections. In addition to reporting overall findings, we present examples of specific place-based information for representative ecosystems in different areas of the United States.
Clinical outcomes of on-pump coronary bypass using heparin-bonded circuits and reduced anti-coagulation compare favorably with off-pump approach

Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) without cardio-pulmonary bypass (CPB), or off pump, has gained popularity by avoiding the postoperative morbidity related to the use of CPB. Previously, we have demonstrated that CABG done on pump using heparin-bonded cardiopulmonary bypass circuits (HBC) with a lower anti-coagulation protocol (LAP) attenuates these effects, reduces homologous blood product requirement, and improves clinical outcome when compared with conventional CPB circuits. Our purpose in this study was to compare off-pump CABG clinical outcomes to on-pump CABG using HBC with LAP. We retrospectively analysed preoperative and postoperative variables of all primary CABG (n= 1214) performed at this institution from 1 January 1997 to 28 July 2000. These patients were divided into the on-pump (n= 1152) and off-pump groups (n= 62). HBC with LAP were used in all on-pump CABG cases. There was no statistical difference in preoperative comorbid risk factors except percentage of females (on pump, 30% vs. of...
Estrogens and Prostate Cancer: Etiology, Mediators, Prevention, and Management

The mainstay targets for hormonal prostate cancer (PCa) therapies are based on negating androgen action. Recent epidemiologic and experimental data have pinpointed the key roles of estrogens in PCa development and progression. Racial and geographic differences, as well as age-associated changes, in estrogen synthesis and metabolism contribute significantly to the etiology. This article summarizes how different estrogens/antiestrogens/estrogen mimics contribute to prostate carcinogenesis, the roles of the different mediators of estrogen in the process, and the potentials of new estrogenic/antiestrogenic compounds for prevention and treatment of PCa.
The effect of immunosympathectomy on the behavior of mice in aversive situations

Abstract Webster Swiss mice were almost completely sympathectomized during the first week of life by injections of nerve-growth-factor antiserum and were studied subsequently for their behavior on a test battery that included open field, water escape, water maze, shock avoidance runway, food-reinforced lever pressing, and jiggle-cage activity. Their performance was compared with that of three control groups, viz. saline-injected, handled, and nonhandled. The experimental group was significantly slower than the three control groups on the two water tests and the avoidance task; did not differ from the saline-injected group in lever-pressing; was less active in the open field than the two uninjected groups but more active than the saline group; and showed a tendency to be less active in the jiggle-cage than the other groups. These results support the hypothesis that the sympathetic nervous system influences behavior at least in aversive situations.
Lipschitzian selections in approximation from nonconvex sets of bounded functions

Abstract Consider the problem of finding a best uniform approximation to a function ƒ from a nonconvex set K in the space of bounded functions. Conditions are developed on K so that the operator mapping ƒ to one of its best approximations ƒ′ is Lipschitzian with some constant C and is optimal Lipschitzian, i.e., has the smallest C among all such operators.
Neurotransmitter amino acids in the CNS. II: Some changes in amino acid levels in rat brain synaptosomes during and after in vitro anoxia and simulated ischemia

Abstract The effects of in vitro anoxia and membrane depolarization by veratridine on the uptake and release of amino acids were investigated in suspensions of synaptosomes isolated from the forebrains of rats. It was observed that GABA, aspartate and glutamate were released from synaptosomes in anaerobic conditions and upon addition of veratridine in a time-dependent manner. The release of the two latter amino acids was faster and more pronounced than that of GABA. The other amino acids were not affected in any systematic way by either condition. Re-introduction of oxygen or addition of tetrodotoxin to veratridine-treated synaptosomes resulted in the re-uptake of GABA, aspartate and glutamate, which was much faster and more complete for GABA than for the acidic amino acids, especially at acid pH values. The amounts of aspartate and glutamate in the incubation mixture remained constant during all the manipulations whereas that of GABA increased by about 30% during anaerobiosis, in agreement with the results obtained during in vivo ischemia. It is postulated that synaptosomes which utilized glutamate and aspartate as neurotransmitters are more damaged by anoxia and depolarization with veratridine than the population which utilizes GABA. These observations may explain reports that those neurons which are thought to receive major glutamatergic input are particularly sensitive to the lack of oxygen.
The functional width of the dentino-enamel junction determined by AFM-based nanoscratching.

Abstract The dentino-enamel junction (DEJ) constitutes a structurally unique interphase uniting two mineralized tissues with very different matrix composition and physical properties. Its excellent biomechanical properties have drawn interest as a biomimetic model for joining dissimilar materials. In order to characterize the functional width of the DEJ, nanoscratching experiments were performed on human third molars. Friction coefficients of enamel, of dentin, and at the DEJ were obtained with a nanoscratch tester attached to an atomic force microscope (AFM). Normal loads in the range of 50 to 600 μN were applied to a spherical diamond indenter ( r = 10 μm), which was driven 10 μm across the sample surface, recording the lateral force. Imaging with an AFM facilitated exact positioning of the scratches. The friction coefficient of intertubular dentin was 0.31 ± 0.05, significantly above the coefficient of enamel of 0.14 ± 0.02. The increased friction of dentin is attributed to the higher content of organic phases. Scratches performed across the interphase between enamel and dentin showed a sharp monotonic change in the friction coefficient. The average width of the slope between the friction coefficients of dentin and enamel was 2.0 ± 1.1 μm and is assumed to represent the functional width of the dentino-enamel junction. The effect of the scalloped structure of the DEJ on its functional width as determined by mechanical testing is discussed.
Development and characterization of polymorphic microsatellite loci in the Mohave ground squirrel (Xerospermophilus mohavensis)

We characterized 12 polymorphic microsatellite markers for Xerospermophilus mohavensis, the Mohave ground squirrel, in order to contribute to the conservation management of this species. We tested polymorphism in the Cactus Peak population (N = 84) and found that allele number ranged from 4 to 9 with observed and expected heterozygosity ranging from 0.25 to 0.84, respectively. One locus deviated from Hardy–Weinberg expectations. Eleven of the 12 loci are polymorphic in the Mohave ground squirrel’s parapatric sister species, Xerospermophilus tereticaudus, the round-tailed ground squirrel. These loci will be useful in studies of parentage, population genetic structure and interspecific hybridization.
Comment on ‘Steady-state island populations on a vicinal surface: saturation of the island densities’

Abstract We make use of previous analytical results describing growth on a vicinal surface to determine the conditions for which the island density becomes saturated. Specifically, for a fixed ratio of deposition rate to adatom diffusion constant ( F / D ), we find the minimum terrace length L for which island saturation occurs. For terrace widths greater than 50 lattice units a useful approximation is found, L ∝( F / D ) −1/6 .
Technology Utilization - The Role Of Optics

The terms technology utilization and technology transfer are very much over-worked - a large number of books, reports, and papers have been written over the last ten years on these subjects. However, the majority of this effort is related to the fall-out from the military and space programs. There is no question that there is (and always has been) considerable fallout from these areas. A number of examples can be cited: the earliest of these is perhaps that of the development of tinned food (..or should I say canned food) to ensure the maintenance of the necessary supplies to Napoleon's army. The computer and radar are certainly important items from World War II that have had a tremendous impact on our lives; the orbiting weather and communication satellites are undoubtedly spin-offs from the NASA space programs.
A pruned DSP96000 image classifier

The authors have developed a high-performance DSP96000 based image classification system that uses a pruned fast Fourier transform algorithm and a back-propagation classifier. The conventional image classification system extracts compact Fourier "spectral signatures" from images and applies them to back-propagation classifier. The pruned fast Fourier transform used in the proposed algorithm to generate the input to the backpropagation classifier is presented. The proposed system eliminates the generation of a digital sampling detector lookup table and the extraction of spectral feature vectors using the digital sampling detector. The complete hardware and software design is described. The DSP96002 Development System used to implement both the conventional and proposed image classifiers is developed. An interface circuit is designed to interface the DSP96002 processor on the DSP96002 Development Board to a frame grabber using DT-Connect. The DSP96002 assembler code for the proposed algorithm is described. It is shown that the computational time of the proposed algorithm is greatly reduced and the RMS error of the proposed algorithm is comparable with the conventional algorithm.
Transmission Electron Microscopy of Shock-Modified and Annealed Rutile

The annealing behavior of shock modified rutile (TiO2) powder was studied by transmission electron microscopy, x-ray line broadening, and electron spin resonance. Specimens were examined in the as-received and as-shocked conditions, and in shocked and annealed conditions after one hour at 475° or 1000°C. The dislocations generated by the shock treatment were found to persist essentially unaltered through the 475°C anneal. Substantial recovery was observed after the 1000°C anneal.
Chronic and recurrent pain associated with pediatric chronic diseases.

This paper provides an overview to the cognitive-biobehavioral assessment and management of chronic and recurrent pain associated with pediatric chronic diseases. Relevant clinical research studies are extensively cited, and practical guidelines are provided for the differential assessment and management issues inherent in the comprehensive care of chronic and recurrent pain in children and adolescents with hemophilia, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, and sickle-cell disease.
Internal and External Validity in Two Studies That Compared Treatment Methods

Research comparing the effectiveness oftwo treat­ ments offers both strengths and weaknesses for occu­ pational therapy. Although it is worthwhile to deter­ mine which oftwo treatments works bestfor a particular problem, methodologicalproblems may arise that preclude a valid conclusion. To draw valid conclusions from research, criteria for inter­ nal validity and external validity must be satisfied. The two preceding articles in this issue are exam­ ples ofstudies that used between-groups experimen­ tal methodology to compare the effectiveness oftwo different treatments. This paper evaluates the above-mentioned studies on the basis ofprinciples ofinternal and external validity. One ofthese stud­ ies Uongbloed, Stacey, &Brighton, 1989) was truly experimental, whereas the other study (Groves & Rider, 1989) was quasi-experimental. Resultsfrom both studies were similar because, in each study, both ofthe treatment groups improved, but there were no Significant differences between treatments. Absence ofa true control group in both studies pre­ sented limitations on the conclusion that both treat­ ments worked equally well.
HOST RESISTANCE TO THE FIR ENGRAVER BEETLE, SCOLYTUS VENTRALIS (COLEOPTERA: SCOLYTIDAE): 2. REPELLENCY OF ABIES GRANDIS RESINS AND SOME MONOTERPENES

Cortical blister and wound reaction resin vapors from Abies grandis, and some of their monoterpene fractions, were quantitatively bioassayed for attractiveness and repellency to the fir engraver beetle, Scolytus ventralis. All were found to be repellent.Quantitative differences between liquid resins and vapors were examined. Wound reaction resin vapors contained higher percentages of the more repellent monoterpenes than cortical blister resin vapors. It is hypothesized that α-pinene is the most important monoterpene in the insects’ perception of a resistant host.
The PHEX Transgene Corrects Mineralization Defects in 9-Month-Old Hypophosphatemic Mice

Hypophosphatemia is an X-linked dominant disorder resulting from a mutation in the PHEX gene. While osteoblast-specific expression of the PHEX transgene has been reported to decrease the phosphate wasting associated with the disease in male hypophosphatemic (HYP) mice, there are reports that the mineralization defect is only partially corrected in young animals. To test the hypothesis that osteoblast-specific expression of the PHEX gene for a longer time would correct the mineralization defect, this study examined the bones of 9-month-old male and female HYP mice and their wild-type controls with or without expression of the transgene under a collagen type I promoter. Serum phosphate levels, alkaline phosphatase activity, and FGF23 levels were also measured. Mineral analyses based on wide-angle X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform-infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, and FT-IR imaging confirmed the decreased mineral content and increased mineral crystal size in male HYP humerii compared to wild-type males and females with or without the transgene and in female HYP mice with or without the transgene. There was a significant increase in mineral content and a decrease in crystallinity in the HYP males’ bones with the transgene, compared to those without. Of interest, expression of the transgene in wild-type animals significantly increased the mineral content in both males and females without having a detectable effect on crystallinity or carbonate content. In contrast to the bones, based on micro-computed tomography and FT-IR imaging, at 9 months there were no significant differences between the HYP and the WT teeth, precluding analysis of the effect of the transgene.
A new approach to reliability evaluation of interconnected power systems including planned outages and frequency calculations

The authors present an approach for reliability evaluation of interconnected power systems. In addition to the loss of load probability and expected unserved energy, the frequency of loss of load can also be computed efficiently. This approach can include the planned outages of generating units in a very efficient manner. The state space over all maintenance intervals and load states is considered simultaneously by using the concept of a reference load state and an equivalent composite generation model, and a decomposition-simulation procedure is performed on this state space. This allows the development of a very fast algorithm and efficient storage utilization. Sample studies are presented to show that this algorithm is as accurate as the previous one but many times faster. >