cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Beginning With the End in Mind: Cultivating Minority Nurse Leaders

In response to the need for increased racial and ethnic diversity in the nursing profession, the Duke University School of Nursing (DUSON) established the Making a Difference in Nursing II (MADIN II) Program. The aim of the MADIN II Program is to improve the diversity of the nursing workforce by expanding nursing education opportunities for economically disadvantaged underrepresented minority (URM) students to prepare for, enroll in, and graduate from the DUSON's Accelerated Bachelors of Science in Nursing program. Adapted from the highly successful Meyerhoff Scholarship Program model, the program is to cultivate URM nursing graduates with advanced knowledge and leadership skills who can address health disparities and positively influence health care issues currently plaguing underrepresented populations. The article discusses the MADIN II framework consisting of four unique components: recruitment of students, the Summer Socialization Nursing Preentry Program, the Continued Connectivity Program, and the Succeed to Excellence Program, providing a framework for other academic programs interested in cultivating a pipeline of minority nurse leaders.
Latent hardening in cyclic deformation of copper single crystals

In order to explore latent hardening produced by cyclic deformation, single crystals of copper oriented for single slip were first cycled at strain amplitudes corresponding to those of the plateau in the cyclic stress-strain curve, and subsequently sectioned for compression testing. The specimens were cycled enough to form persistent slip bands, and orientations in the secondary test were chosen to excite selectively coplanar or non-coplanar slip systems. Coplanar systems were found to be similar in hardening to the primary system, but non-coplanar systems showed a latent hardening ratio of about 1.25. If the plastic shear strain amplitude of the initial cycling was greater than 2×10−3 (the threshold for producing secondary slip), then the hardening rate in the secondary test was high. If the cyclic strain amplitude was less than 2×10−3, the latent yield stress was high because of the frictional effect of the loop patches, but the hardening rate was found to be low.
Electrophoretic Analysis of Ruminal Degradability of Corn Proteins

Albumin, globulin, and prolamin fractions were extracted from corn meal in water, .5 M NaCl, and 50% (vol/vol) 1-propanol and examined by SDS-PAGE and densitometric scanning to investigate fractional degradation rates of corn proteins. Several protein fractions were identified for globulins, zein prolamins, and glutelins. Ruminal degradability of individual subfractions was evaluated by suspension of corn and corn gluten meal samples in the rumen of lactating dairy cows from 0 to 72 h. Electrophoretic and densitometric analysis of protein residues revealed that the prolamin fraction zein for corn and corn gluten meal was more resistant to ruminal degradation than albumins, globulins, and glutelins. Relative rates of degradation of zein and the fraction containing albumins, globulins, and glutelins were .060, .026, and .018, .015/h for corn and corn gluten meal, respectively. Total degradabilities of corn and corn gluten meal, measured by summation of degradability of subfractional components, were 52.2 and 18.6%. Quantitative measurement of ruminally degradable subfractions and estimation of their degradation rates by electrophoretic and densitometric scanning are useful in understanding ruminal degradability of corn proteins.
Pavement Macrotexture Monitoring through Sound Generated by a Tire-Pavement Interaction

AbstractA road is considered safe when it provides adequate friction between the tire and pavement surface interaction to avoid accidents. The current manual methods of evaluating surface friction of roads are not only dangerous for the inspectors and motorists on the road but are very time-consuming and subject to the inspector’s judgment. This paper confirms the possibility of monitoring pavement macrotexture from acoustic measurements underneath the body of a moving vehicle. Currently, macrotexture is quantified by a mean texture depth (MTD) index. In the present work, MTD is estimated from the sound generated by the tire-pavement interaction in a moving vehicle. To establish this approach, experiments were performed at the National Center for Asphalt Technology (NCAT), Auburn, Alabama. Signal processing techniques were used to identify a frequency band that led to an accurate correlation between integrated acoustic pressure and MTD collected by NCAT. This frequency band depends on the speed of the veh...
Selenium Biochemistry Proteins containing selenium are essential components of certain bacterial and mammalian enzyme systems

The toxicity of selenium to animals and plants has been known and extensively documented since the 19309s, but it is only during the past 15 years that selenium has also been shown to be an essential micronutrient for animals and bacteria. Very little is known about the specific role or roles of selenium and, to date, there are only three enzyme-catalyzed reactions that have been shown to require the participation of a selenium-containing protein. These are the reactions catalyzed by (i) formate dehydrogenase of bacteria, (ii) glycine reductase of clostridia, and (iii) glutathione peroxidase of erythrocytes. The common denominator of these selenium-dependent processes is that they are all oxidation-reduction reactions. A fourth selenoprotein has been isolated from skeletal muscle of sheep but its catalytic function has not been identified. The form in which selenium occurs in these selenoproteins is unknown. The selenoprotein of clostridial glycine reductase contains selenium in a covalently bound form. Studies in progress indicate that this may be an organoselenium compound not previously detected in nature. Identification of the chemical nature of selenium in proteins participating in electron transport processes should enable us to determine its specific role and to understand the basic defects in certain cardiac and skeletal muscle degenerative diseases which are selenium-deficiency syndromes. The greater availability and ease of isolation of the selenoprotein of the bacterial glycine reductase system makes this the biological material of choice for studies on the mechanism of action of selenium. An added attractive feature of this system is that it can conserve the energy made available by the reductive deamination of glycine in a biologically useful form by synthesizing ATP.
Calculated High‐Temperature Elastic Constants for Zero Porosity Monoclinic Zirconia

A method was developed for hot-pressing 80 to 95% dense, polycrystalline specimens of commercially available, unstabilized, monoclinic zirconia. The elastic moduli of these specimens were measured by a sonic method in the range 25° to 1000°C. Application of mathematical expressions developed for the porosity dependence of elastic moduli of refractory oxides led to the calculation of Young's and shear moduli of this material at zero porosity in this temperature range.
Trunk loading and expectation

Much of the epidemiological literature has reported that there is a link between sudden unexpected load handling and the risk of a low back injury. However, few biomechanical studies have investigated the effect of this type of loading on trunk muscular response. An experiment was performed to test the hypothesis that sudden unexpected loads would create excessive forces upon the trunk due to the overcompensation of the trunk muscles, and to quantify the degree of overcompensation. Twelve male subjects were asked to hold a box in a static lift position while weights ranging from 2-27 to 907kg were dropped into the box from a constant height. Under some conditions (expected) the subjects were permitted to observe the weight drop while under other conditions (unexpected) the subjects were deprived of visual and auditory cues during the weight drop. Several components of the trunk response were observed. Mean muscle forces for the unexpected condition exceeded those in the expected condition by nearly two-an...
An electrically alterable nonvolatile memory cell using a floating-gate structure

An electrically alterable, floating-gate, nonvolatile memory transistor has been developed, with a cell area of under 500 µm2, and using an advanced n-channel, polysilicon gate process. Cell programming occurs via hot-electron injection, exhibiting three distinct operating regimes. Erase, on the other hand, is based on field emission from floating gate to control gate. The magnitude of electrical erase is determined by applied bias, device parameters, and processing history, particularly the interlevel oxidation temperature. Analysis of experimental data shows that electrical erase does change programming characteristics significantly, and must be accounted for in circuit design. Memory retention, determined by thermal stress, is comparable to commercially available EPROM's. The memory cell exhibits better than 1000-cycle write/erase capability, with degradation in interlevel conduction being the principal factor limiting endurance. A 5-V, 16K high-speed EAROM has been developed which shows successful programming and erase behavior at nominal voltages of 25 and 35 V, respectively.
Melting behavior of the (H2O)6 and (H2O)8 clusters

The Monte Carlo method is used to calculate, for several commonly employed model water potentials, the potential energy and specific heat of (H2O)6 and (H2O)8. For each potential considered, (H2O)8 is found to undergo a relatively sharp melting transition, with the position of the peak in the specific heat proving to be quite sensitive to the specific model potential. For (H2O)6, on the other hand, none of the model potentials leads to a sharp solid-to-liquid transition. The different thermodynamic behavior of these two clusters can be understood in terms of the differences in the density of low-lying local minima.
On the “coloring problem” in YMgZn and related phases

Abstract During exploration in the Y–Mg–Zn system for quasicrystal approximants, three new phases, YMg 1− x Zn 1+ x (0 ⩽ x ⩽ 0.17) adopting the hexagonal ZrNiAl structure type, have been discovered. In these structures, the elements are completely ordered to minimize both the site energies and the bond energies as calculated by tight-binding calculations. Evaluation of the electron density in YMgZn suggests that Mg–Zn and Y–Zn bonding coupled with maximizing the Zn⋯Zn separations is the main factor influencing the atomic arrangements. Analysis of the electronic density of states of YMgZn indicates an optimized bonding situation for eight valence electrons per formula unit, e.g., as in YMgGa. Subsequently, YMgAl, YMgGa, and YMgIn were successfully prepared and structurally characterized. Their structures show relationships to both densely-packed structures common for intermetallics as well as three-dimensional networks common for valence compounds.
Efficacy of dietary arachidonic acid provided as triglyceride or phospholipid as substrates for brain arachidonic acid accretion in baboon neonates.

Arachidonic acid (AA) is a long-chain polyunsaturate (LCP) present in human breast milk as both triglyceride (TG) and as phospholipid (PL). There has been little attention to the metabolic consequences of lipid form of AA in infant formulas. Our objective was to investigate the efficacy of dietary TG and PL as carriers of AA for accretion in the brain and associated organs of term baboon neonates consuming a formula with LCP composition typical of human milk. TG and phosphatidylcholine (PC) with [U-13C]-AA in the sn-2 position and with unlabeled 16:0 in the remaining positions (TG-AA* or PL-AA*, respectively) were used as tracers to study the tissue AA* incorporation. Baboon neonates received a single oral dose of either TG-AA* (n = 3) or PL-AA* (n = 4) at 18–19 d of life. Tissues were obtained 10 d later (28–29 d of life) and isotopic enrichment was measured. In the brain, 4.5% of the PL-AA* dose and 2.1% of the TG-AA* dose were recovered as brain AA*, respectively, indicating that PL was about 2.1-fold more effective than TG as a substrate for brain AA accretion. Preferential incorporation of PL-derived AA* over TG source of AA* was also observed in the liver, lung, plasma, and erythrocytes. Because of the quantitative predominance of TG-AA in formula, total brain AA accretion, expressed as absolute weight, was 5.0-fold greater from TG-AA than from PL-AA. We estimate that about half of postnatal brain AA accretion is derived from dietary preformed AA in term baboon neonates consuming a formula with lipid composition similar to that of human milk.
Pathogenesis of Chronic Wasting Disease in Cervidized Transgenic Mice

Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a fatal, endemic prion disease of wild and captive cervids, including deer, elk, and moose. Typical of prion diseases, CWD is characterized by the conversion of the native, protease-sensitive protein PrPC to a protease-resistant isoform, denoted as PrPRES. Here we have studied the expression of cervid PrPC and the pathogenesis of CWD infection in transgenic mice expressing the normal cervid prion protein (Tg[CerPrP] mice). Using tissue-based in situ immunohistochemistry protocols, we first identified cervid PrPC expression in the lymphoid, nervous, hemopoietic, endocrine, and certain epithelial tissues of Tg[CerPrP] mice. Tg[CerPrP] mice were then inoculated with CWD via one of four routes (intracerebral, intravenous, intraperitoneal, or oral); all groups developed spongiform encephalopathy, although the oral route required a larger infecting dose. Incubation periods were 184 ± 13, 218 ± 15, 200 ± 7, and 350 ± 27 days after inoculation, respectively. In longitudinal studies, we tracked the appearance of PrPRES in the brain, spleen, Peyer’s patches, lymph nodes, pancreatic islets of Langerhans, bone marrow, and salivary glands of preclinical and terminal mice. In addition, we documented horizontal transmission of CWD from inoculated mice and to un-inoculated cohabitant cage-mates. This work documents the multiroute susceptibility, pathogenesis, and lateral transmission of CWD infection in Tg[CerPrP] mice, affirming this model as a robust system to study this cervid transmissible spongiform encephalopathy.
International corporate diversification and performance: Does firm self-selection matter?

This paper presents new evidence on US multinational firms and shows that the decision to diversify internationally is endogenous, and depends on firm, industry, and home-country characteristics. US multinational firms are a self-selected sample, and firms that are more likely to diversify internationally have lower firm values. Contrary to the global diversification discount literature, multinational firms are valued at a premium after controlling for the endogeneity of the global diversification (foreign direct investment-FDI) decision. These results parallel the industrial diversification literature and underline the importance of controlling for endogeneity when examining the impact of international diversification on firm value.
Hooking Up and Psychological Well-Being in College Students: Short-Term Prospective Links Across Different Hookup Definitions

Hooking up (sex outside committed, romantic relationships) is feared to result from or lead to compromised psychological well-being among undergraduates, yet longitudinal evidence is scarce and inconclusive, and different hookup definitions complicate cross-study comparisons. This study examined short-term longitudinal associations with four well-being indicators (depression, anxiety, life satisfaction, and self-esteem) across several definitions of hookups based on relationship length (one time, longer casual, and any) and physical intimacy level (kissing, genital touching, oral sex, and intercourse). A university-wide sample of 666 Northeastern U.S. freshmen and juniors (63% female, 68% White) completed online surveys at the beginning and end of one academic semester. Linear and logistic regressions explored whether hookups over the semester were linked to later well-being, and whether initial well-being was linked to later hookups. Across all 96 regressions, statistically significant associations between well-being and hookups were infrequent (23%), predominantly confined to anxiety and life satisfaction, equally likely in the direction of higher (13%) as lower (10%) well-being, and affected by both casual relationship length and intimacy level. When gender differences emerged (11%), hookups were associated with higher well-being for women and lower well-being for men. This complex set of results points to the importance of researchers' choices in hookup definitions.
RATIONAL MODEL OF DECISION MAKING, STRATEGY, AND FIRM PERFORMANCE

Abstract The present study tests the proposition that the normative rational model of decision making influences diversification strategy which, in turn, influences the firm’s performance. Questionnaires measuring rational decision making were mailed to 441 large U.S. manufacturing firms with a response rate of 23%. Compustat was used to measure Palepu’s entropy measures of diversification: total, related, and unrelated diversification. The results show a significant positive relationship between top management’s emphasis on rational decision making and diversification as well as a significant negative relationship between diversification and firm performance. Thus, the study shows strong support for the role of diversification strategy as a mediator between rational decision making and firm performance.
Social Work with Trauma Survivors: Collaboration with Interpreters

Scant attention has been given to the emotional plight, lack of training, and stressful working conditions of interpreters serving survivors of severe human-perpetrated trauma from different parts of the world. This article addresses the critical need for effective collaboration between social workers and interpreters when the provider and survivor do not speak the same language. The careful selection of interpreters; the training, support, and promotion of self-care of interpreters; the training needs for social workers related to their work with interpreters; and the impact of secondary trauma and organizational support on the work of social workers and interpreters are explored. Proposed curriculum components for training interpreters and the importance of therapy and ongoing supervision for interpreters are highlighted. It is essential to prepare interpreters and social workers for the various challenges they will face in their collaborative efforts to serve survivors of severe human-perpetrated trauma, and organizational support is vital to the success of this work.
The transition temperature of a thin type II superconductor in contact with a magnetic metal

Abstract Results of the dependence of the superconducting transition temperature on electronic mean free path in a thin alloy superconductor in contact with a ferromagnetic material are in agreement with the predictions of the linearized Ginzburg-Landau theory.
Sensitive and inexpensive dual-wavelength reflection spectrophotometry using interference filters.

Abstract A mechanical/opto-electronic method for performing reflection spectrophotometry with advantages of at least 50% in size, mobility, and price over previous, monochromator-based instruments is described. The method is applied to the continuous and nondestructive measurement of reduction/oxidation shifts of cerebral cytochrome a , a 3 in vivo but is adaptable to follow kinetically, by dual-wavelength principles, absorption changes of intrinsic or extrinsic optically active molecules from other tissues in vivo or from tissues or samples in vitro by transillumination. Interchangeable glass interference filters select sample and reference wavelengths and provide economy, durability, and high luminous output. Long working distance lenses and flexible fiber optic bundle allow independent selection of illumination and detection angles so that (specular) light reflection is minimized to decrease possible artifact and increase signal-to-noise ratios. Time-sharing modulation of sample and reference illumination is combined with feedback control of the reference signal to compensate for nonwavelength-dependent changes in light scattering. The method is stable and sensitive with slow drift of only 0.12%/h and peak-to-peak noise of 0.20%. Examples of large and small signal changes are provided for cytochrome a , a 3 from rat cerebral cortex.
On Catalytic Recombination Rates in Hypersonic Stagnation Heat Transfer

Stagnation laminar heat transfer at hypersonic speeds depends on the rate of recombination of the dissociated air behind the detached shock wave. This paper is concerned with the case of a large recombination t ime compared to the t ime of diffusion across the boundary layer. The conditions of existence of such a "frozen flow" and i ts coupling with the dissociation lag behind the shock are discussed. In order to account for finite catalytic recombination rates at the wall, a nonsimilar boundary condition is introduced which can be reduced to similarity for stagnation flow only. In this latter case, Lees' ( l ) 3 and Fay and Ridell's (2) heat transfer solutions are shown to correspond to the l imit ing case of an infinitely fast catalyst. The validity of their solutions is extended to the general case of a wall of finite catalytic efficiency, by introducing a correction factor (p. This factor is a s imple function of the flight condit ion, nose geometry and the wall catalytic recombinat ion rate constant . For a given nose material , the percentage of the heat transfer by catalysis is found to in crease wi th the velocity, the nose diameter and the wall temperature and to decrease with alt itude. Finally, the experimental values obtained for the catalytic recombination rates of oxygen and nitrogen atoms on various surfaces i l lustrate numerically the importance of the nature of the wall on the catalytic heat transfer to a missi le nose . In particular, the superiority of pyrex over metal l ic surfaces stresses the need for more experimental values for glassy and ceramic coatings.
Point-contact electron tunneling into the high-Tc superconductor Y-Ba-Cu-O.

We report results of a study of electron tunneling into bulk samples of the new high-${T}_{c}$ superconductor Y-Ba-Cu-O using point-contact tunneling. Based on a superconductive tunneling interpretation, the results show exceptionally large energy gaps in these materials (roughly 2\ensuremath{\Delta}=100 meV), implying 2\ensuremath{\Delta}/${k}_{C}$${T}_{c}$\ensuremath{\sim}13. Similar values were found previously by us for La-Sr-Cu-O. We also see Structure in the I-V curves similar to that seen in La-Sr-Cu-O. On the basis of the asymmetries observed in the I-V characteristics, we believe that the natural tunneling barrier on this material is of the Schottky type.
Locally complemented formations

The collection 8 of solvable K-groups, finite solvable groups that split over each normal subgroup, is known to be a formation which is normal subgroup inherited and the g-residual G, of a solvable group G is generated by the prefrattini subgroups of G [ 1, 21. There also exists a characteristic subgroup x(G) E 3 of a solvable group G such that a normal subgroup ME jJ if and only if M/M n x(G) E 3. Ascending and descending series can be defined with respect to 3 that have properties analogous to that for central series. The formation 5 is significant in many ways, one of which is the fact that each finite solvable group can be embedded in a multiprimitive group [9] and this class of groups is contained in 5. While investigating subformations of 3 and their residuals, certain properties surfaced that warranted attention in their own right. The result was a parallel to the theory of nilpotent groups and in a sense, the development crystalized into a dual for saturated formations. This occurred because of the introduction of the totally nonsaturated formations by Hofmann [lo] and the work of Blessenohl and Brewster [3] on formations that have each chief factor in the (S-residual for a given formation 8 being complemented. The bridge between the dual concepts is the !$prefrattini subgroups of Hawkes [S]. Only finite solvable groups will be considered and the notation is standard. All formations will be assumed to be nonempty.
Non-linear analysis of vibrations of irregular plates

A numerical perturbation method is used to investigate the forced vibrations of irregular plates. Nonlinear terms associated with the midplane stretching are retained in the analysis. The numerical part of the method involves the use of linear, finite element techniques to determine the free oscillation mode shapes and frequencies and to obtain the linear midplane stress resultants caused by the midplane stretching. Representing the solution as an expansion in terms of these linear mode shapes, these modes and the resultants are used to determine the equations governing the time-dependent coefficients of this expansion. These equations are solved by using the method of multiple scales. Specific solutions are given for the main-resonant vibrations of an elliptical plate in the presence of internal resonances. The results indicate that modes other than the driven mode can be drawn into the steady state response. Though the excitation is composed of a single harmonic, the response may not be periodic. Moreover, the particular types of responses that can occur are highly dependent on the mode being excited and are sensitive to small geometrical changes.
PepT1 mediates transport of the proinflammatory bacterial tripeptide l-Ala-γ-d-Glu-meso-DAP in intestinal epithelial cells

PepT1 is a di/tripeptide transporter highly expressed in the small intestine, but poorly or not expressed in the colon. However, during chronic inflammation, such as inflammatory bowel disease, Pep...
Morphophysiological dormancy in seeds of two North American and one Eurasian species of Sambucus (Caprifoliaceae) with underdeveloped spatulate embryos

In contrast to previous reports, the endocarps (‘‘seed coats’’) of Sambucus species are not impermeable to water; thus, the seeds do not have physical dormancy. Seeds of the North American species Sambucus canadensisand S. pubens and of the European species S. racemosa have spatulate shaped embryos that are ;60% fully developed (elongated) at seed maturity. The embryo has to extend to the full length of the seed to germinate. Embryos in freshly matured seeds of S. canadensis and in those of S. pubens grew better at 258/158C than at 58C, whereas the rate of embryo growth in S. racemosa was higher at 58C than at 258/158C. Seeds of all three species germinated to significantly higher percentages in light (14-h photoperiod) than in darkness. Fresh seeds of neither species germinated during 2 wk of incubation over a range of thermoperiods. Warm followed by cold stratification broke dormancy in seeds of S. canadensis and in those of S. pubens. Thus, seeds of these two North American species have deep simple morphophysiological dormancy (MPD). In comparison, seeds of the European species S. racemosa required a cold stratification period only for dormancy break, and thus they have intermediate complex MPD. GA3 was much more effective in breaking dormancy in seeds of S. racemosa than it was in those of S. canadensis or S. pubens.
Borreliosis: a rare and alternative diagnosis in travellers' febrile illness.

Summary We report a case of borreliosis mimicking uncomplicated malaria in a patient returning from Mali. Identification of spirochetes through examination of a thick blood smear completed by an acridine-orange quantitative buffy coat allowed the diagnosis of borreliosis. All symptoms rapidly resolved following tetracycline therapy. Epidemiological and clinical features of borreliosis, diagnostic tools and management are discussed.
Multiresolution image decomposition and compression using mathematical morphology

Multiresolution image decomposition based on linear filters has been widely used in image compression. In this research, we investigate a nonlinear multiresolution image decomposition based on mathematical morphology and obtain a morphological image pyramid. We propose to use opening and closing operations with a certain structure element to achieve image decomposition. The entropy and histogram of the difference images in the image pyramid are then examined. We use a numerical example to demonstrate that the morphological filtering approach provides some potential advantages over the conventional linear filtering approach in effective image coding. >
Predicting the Binding Patterns of Hub Proteins: A Study Using Yeast Protein Interaction Networks

Background: Protein-protein interactions are critical to elucidating the role played by individual proteins in important biological pathways. Of particular interest are hub proteins that can interact with large numbers of partners and often play essential roles in cellular control. Depending on the number of binding sites, protein hubs can be classified at a structural level as singlish-interface hubs (SIH) with one or two binding sites, or multiple-interface hubs (MIH) with three or more binding sites. In terms of kinetics, hub proteins can be classified as date hubs (i.e., interact with different partners at different times or locations) or party hubs (i.e., simultaneously interact with multiple partners). Methodology: Our approach works in 3 phases: Phase I classifies if a protein is likely to bind with another protein. Phase II determines if a protein-binding (PB) protein is a hub. Phase III classifies PB proteins as singlish-interface versus multipleinterface hubs and date versus party hubs. At each stage, we use sequence-based predictors trained using several standard machine learning techniques. Conclusions: Our method is able to predict whether a protein is a protein-binding protein with an accuracy of 94% and a correlation coefficient of 0.87; identify hubs from non-hubs with 100% accuracy for 30% of the data; distinguish date hubs/ party hubs with 69% accuracy and area under ROC curve of 0.68; and SIH/MIH with 89% accuracy and area under ROC curve of 0.84. Because our method is based on sequence information alone, it can be used even in settings where reliable proteinprotein interaction data or structures of protein-protein complexes are unavailable to obtain useful insights into the functional and evolutionary characteristics of proteins and their interactions.
Performance Guarantees for Empirical Markov Decision Processes with Applications to Multiperiod Inventory Models

We consider Markov decision processes with unknown transition probabilities and unknown single-period expected cost functions, and we study a method for estimating these quantities from historical or simulated data. The method requires knowledge of the system equations that govern state transitions as well as the single-period cost functions but not the single-period expected cost functions. The estimation procedure is based upon taking expectations with respect to the empirical distribution functions of such data. Once the estimates are in place, the method computes a policy by solving the obtained “empirical” Markov decision process as if the estimates were correct. For MDPs that satisfy some conditions, we provide explicit, easily computed expressions for the probability that the procedure will produce a policy whose true expected cost is within any specified absolute distance of the actual optimal expected cost of the true Markov decision process. We also provide expressions for the number of historical or simulated data values that is sufficient for the procedure to produce a policy whose true expected cost is, with a prescribed probability, within a prescribed absolute distance of the actual optimal expected cost of the true Markov decision process. We apply our results to multiperiod inventory models. In addition, we provide a specialized analysis of such inventory models that also yields relative, rather than absolute, accuracy guarantees. We make comparisons with related results that have recently appeared, and we provide numerical examples.
Epac: A New cAMP-Binding Protein in Support of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor-Mediated Signal Transduction in the Pancreatic β-Cell

Recently published studies of islet cell function reveal unexpected features of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor-mediated signal transduction in the pancreatic beta-cell. Although GLP-1 is established to be a cAMP-elevating agent, these studies demonstrate that protein kinase A (PKA) is not the only cAMP-binding protein by which GLP-1 acts. Instead, an alternative cAMP signaling mechanism has been described, one in which GLP-1 activates cAMP-binding proteins designated as cAMP-regulated guanine nucleotide exchange factors (cAMPGEFs, also known as Epac). Two variants of Epac (Epac1 and Epac2) are expressed in beta-cells, and downregulation of Epac function diminishes stimulatory effects of GLP-1 on beta-cell Ca(2+) signaling and insulin secretion. Of particular note are new reports demonstrating that Epac couples beta-cell cAMP production to the stimulation of fast Ca(2+)-dependent exocytosis. It is also reported that Epac mediates the cAMP-dependent mobilization of Ca(2+) from intracellular Ca(2+) stores. This is a process of Ca(2+)-induced Ca(2+) release (CICR), and it generates an increase of [Ca(2+)](i) that may serve as a direct stimulus for mitochondrial ATP production and secretory granule exocytosis. This article summarizes new findings concerning GLP-1 receptor-mediated signal transduction and seeks to define the relative importance of Epac and PKA to beta-cell stimulus-secretion coupling.
Neocortical LTD via Coincident Activation of Presynaptic NMDA and Cannabinoid Receptors

There is a consensus that NMDA receptors (NMDARs) detect coincident pre- and postsynaptic activity during induction of long-term potentiation (LTP), but their role in timing-dependent long-term depression (tLTD) is unclear. We examine tLTD in neocortical layer 5 (L5) pyramidal pairs and find that tLTD is expressed presynaptically, implying retrograde signaling. CB1 agonists produce depression that mimics and occludes tLTD. This agonist-induced LTD requires presynaptic activity and NMDAR activation, but not postsynaptic Ca(2+) influx. Further experiments demonstrate the existence of presynaptic NMDARs that underlie the presynaptic activity dependence. Finally, manipulating cannabinoid breakdown alters the temporal window for tLTD. In conclusion, tLTD requires simultaneous activation of presynaptic NMDA and CB1 receptors. This novel form of coincidence detection may explain the temporal window of tLTD and may also impart synapse specificity to cannabinoid retrograde signaling.
Pulsed-Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE) Analysis of Temporally Matched Listeria monocytogenes Isolates from Human Clinical Cases, Foods, Ruminant Farms, and Urban and Natural Environments Reveals Source-Associated as Well as Widely Distributed PFGE Types

A total of 495 temporally and geographically matched Listeria monocytogenes isolates from human clinical cases, foods, ruminant farms, and urban and natural environments were used to investigate L. monocytogenes pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) type diversity. Two-enzyme (AscI and ApaI) PFGE discriminated 310 PFGE types and exhibited higher overall discriminatory power (Simpson's index of discrimination [D] = 0.995) than either EcoRI ribotyping (D = 0.950) or AscI or ApaI single-enzyme PFGE (D = 0.992 for both). Seven PFGE types showed significant associations with specific sources, including one and four PFGE types, respectively, associated with human clinical cases and foods. Spatial analysis of 13 PFGE types occurring >5 times showed that two PFGE types were specific to a single processing facility each, where they appear to have persisted over time. Nine PFGE types were geographically widespread and occurred among isolates from multiple sources. For example, a PFGE type that matched isolates from listeriosis outbreaks in Los Angeles and Switzerland occurred among isolates from farms (n = 7), human clinical cases (n = 4), environmental sources (n = 3), and foods (n = 1). Our data indicate that (i) PFGE is highly discriminatory for the subtyping of L. monocytogenes, (ii) some L. monocytogenes PFGE types are associated with specific sources, and (iii) some L. monocytogenes PFGE types are widely distributed and appear to be stable and pandemic. Large PFGE type databases representing isolates from different sources are thus needed to appropriately interpret subtype data in epidemiological investigations and to identify common as well as source-specific PFGE types.
Control of Multi-Hop Communication Networks for Inter-Session Network Coding

This paper provides a solution to the question of how, when and where to perform inter-session network coding for a general network model both under wired and wireless conditions. In particular, an original queuing architecture and a dynamic routing-scheduling-coding strategy are introduced for serving multiple sessions when linear network coding is allowed across sessions. This policy provides a novel extension to the class of back-pressure policies by incorporating inter-session coding decisions via simple rules on the relevant queue-length levels. Despite the fact that the capacity region of inter-session coding is a challenging open problem, in this paper, we prove that our algorithm can support any set of rates in a nontrivial characterized region of achievable rates. In addition to its practical implications, this work also provides a theoretical framework in which the gains of inter-session network coding and pure routing can be compared.
Protein profiling of ovarian cancers by immunohistochemistry to identify potential target pathways.

To determine the protein expression profile (PEP) of primary and recurrent ovarian cancer patients in order to predict therapeutic targets for chemotherapy. Tissue samples were submitted for PEP in two formats, including formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue for immunohistochemistry (IHC) and fresh frozen tissue for oligonucleotide microarray (MA) gene expression assays. Specimens were analyzed for 18 protein markers and 88 MA genes. A series of Generalized Linear Models (GLM) was used to predict the proportion of positive results by histology for each biomarker. Four hundred and twenty-eight specimens were analyzed for IHC and 67 specimens for MA analysis. The majority of specimens, 82%, were serous histology and 35.3% of specimens were poorly differentiated. Sixty percent of specimens were advanced stage, 62% were from a primary diagnosis, and 53% were obtained from a metastatic site. BCRP, ER, MGMT, and RRM1 proteins were overexpressed in 85%, 47%, 93%, and 47% of serous carcinomas, respectively. The MGMT and RRM1 biomarkers were significantly overexpressed in serous (p < .001) and endometrioid (p = .01) histologies when compared to clear cell histology. MGMT was significantly elevated in 93% of serous and endometrioid samples, compared to 62% of samples with clear cell histology. Those proteins most often underexpressed included Her2/neu, SPARC, and c-kit, seen in less than 1%, 4%, and 5% of specimens, respectively. PEP is a reliable and effective way of analyzing ovarian cancer specimens. PEP target identification does not appear to vary significantly with site evaluated, ovarian or other abdominal pelvic tissue, or primary versus recurrent disease. Variability in the expression of drug targets, including BCRP, ER, MGMT, and RRM1 could impact decision making pertaining to which therapeutic strategies carry the best chances for controlling disease.
Science gateways for humanities, arts, and social science

In this paper, I describe some of my experiences as XSEDE's Humanities Specialist and how they have led toward an effort within XSEDE to create a collection of Science Gateways that are tailored to the needs of various communities within the Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences. This paper provides an update of that effort.
Time-resolved anomalous transmission of x-rays in laser-heated germanium

Summary form only given. Time-resolved x-ray diffraction has become an effective tool to study bulk structural dynamics of solids. However most of these experiments were limited to the x-ray absorption depths of a few microns. One can probe even more deeply by using a quasi-forbidden Bragg reflection, but again the depth is limited to less than 10 microns. We have extended the effective depth of time-resolved x-ray experiments to the millimeter scale using anomalous transmission of x-rays.
Possible Destruction of Ozone by Volcanic Material at 50 mbar

VERTICAL ozone distributions over Boulder, Colorado (40° N.), showed a persistent dip in the ozone concentration at 50 mb over the period from March 9 to April 10, 1964. At the middle of the period the dip reached a maximum amplitude of about 50 micro-mbar less than the neighbouring ozone partial pressures, and a ‘half-width’ of about 5 to 10 mb. The rise in ozone concentration below the 50-mb level was appreciably steeper than the lines of equal mixing ratio, even in the mean of all 23 soundings taken during the above period.
SOCIAL COGNITIVE THEORY

Theories of human behavior differ in their conceptions of human nature and what they regard as the basic determinants and mechanisms governing self-development, adaptation, and change. Social cognitive theory is rooted in an agentic perspective ( Bandura 1986, 2006a). To be an agent is to influence one's own functioning and events that affect one's life. In this view people are contributors to their life circumstances, not just products of them. Keywords: Information Processing and Cognitions; Psychology
Using the SCR* toolset to specify software requirements

Formulated in the late 1970s to specify the requirements of the Operational Flight Program of the A-7 aircraft, the SCR (Software Cost Reduction) requirements method is a method based on tables for specifying the requirements of software systems. During the 1980s and the early 1990s, many companies, including Bell Laboratories, Grumman, Ontario Hydro, and Lockheed, applied the SCR requirements method to practical systems. Each of these applications of SCR had, at most, weak tool support. To provide powerful, robust tool support customized for the SCR method, we have developed the SCR* toolset. To provide formal underpinnings for the method, we have also developed a formal model which defines the semantics of SCR requirements specifications.
Differential Expression of the Estrogen Receptors α and β in the Rat Corpus Luteum of Pregnancy: Regulation by Prolactin and Placental Lactogens1

Estradiol, together with PRL and placental lactogens, regulates steroidogenesis and cell hypertrophy in the rat corpus luteum of pregnancy. Although binding experiments have demonstrated the presence of estrogen-binding sites, no evidence exists as to whether the rat corpus luteum of pregnancy expresses the estrogen receptor (ER) genes. In this investigation, we have analyzed the expression of the two ER genes (ERα and ERβ) (by RT-PCR and in situ hybridization) in the rat corpus luteum, studied their developmental changes throughout pregnancy, and investigated the regulation of ERα and ERβ messenger RNA (mRNA) expression by PRL and placental lactogens. The RT-PCR studies showed that both ER mRNA species (ERα and ERβ) are coexpressed in the rat corpus luteum during pregnancy. Whereas ERα mRNA increased from early pregnancy, reached a maximum at midpregnancy, and had a remarkable decline before parturition; ERβ mRNA remained constant throughout pregnancy, with a significant decline at parturition. Examinati...
Mississippian craft production in the Yazoo Basin: Thin-section analysis of a Mississippian structure floor on the summit of Mound D at the Carson site

Abstract In the Mississippian Southeast, little is known about the economy of how craft goods were produced. Archeologists do understand to a certain degree the organization of production of certain microlithic tools, saltpans, and stone palettes and pipes, but few craft production areas have been identified. Evidence from the floor of a structure on the summit of Mound D at the Carson site, in Coahoma County, Mississippi, suggests for the production of items made of wood and shell. Recovered lithic tools may potentially have been used to craft items like shell beads and gorgets and perhaps wooden and stone statuary. This study contributes significantly to the study of craft production and suggests elites at Carson may have played a strong role in controlling valued prestige items. In addition to standard analyses of artifacts, thin-section analysis and micromorphology are techniques with great potential for identifying activities that took place on surfaces uncovered through structure excavations. With continued research, it is possible that our study will play a significant role in elucidating the role of elites in the political economy of craft production.
Statutory Elixir for the Oppression Malady

The noncontrolling shareholder in a closely-held corporation is in a position of great vulnerability. Traditional corporate law allows the control group wide latitude to ‘freeze-out’ and oppress minority shareholders by preventing the minority from sharing in the income of the corporation or participating in its management. Such a shareholder’s investment may be used to the primary advantage of the control group and he may be prevented indefinitely from sharing in the profits of the enterprise. In addition, his investment is particularly illiquid. This article discusses one method by which legislative action can move a state’s corporation law toward speedier adoption of the clear national trend, provide the courts with the proper tools and encouragement to use them, and establish a strong public policy while leaving the courts to develop the law’s exact scope in case-by-case application. Section 751 of the Minnesota Business Corporation Act provides a broad equitable remedy for shareholder mistreatment. It is a strong provision “meant to be used” by the courts to assure that “abuse of non-controlling shareholders is not…tolerated under this act.” The 1983 Amendments represent a direct legislative attack on the problem of minority shareholder abuse in the closely-held corporation. These statutory tools make the courts able (and the Minnesota Supreme Court’s opinion in Westland Captial Corp. v. Lucht Engineering, Inc. indicates that they are ready and willing) to act decisively.
Exercise and Myasthenia Gravis: A Review

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is characterized by weakness and fatigability of the voluntary muscles. Weakness in the muscles is worsened by exercise and relieved by rest. Some patients are told to refrain from any form of exercise or strenuous activity, while others are told to be as physically active as possible. There is not a general exercise prescription recommended for these patients. Symptoms of MG often lead to a sedentary lifestyle associated with the development of other diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. Some common medications used for MG can increase the risk for these diseases. There is scant literature on the use of exercise in this population, however, the limited data does indicate that physical activity can provide benefits for these patients. We reviewed the pathophysiology, classification, weakness patterns, etiology, medical management, and treatment of MG. We describe many studies on the responses to exercise in MG patients including resistance training, respiratory muscle training, aerobic & ischemic exercise studies, along with several case studies. Though there is still a dearth of data, it appears the effects of exercise on patients with MG mirror those of healthy persons, with possible improvements in strength, aerobic and respiratory capacity and functional activities.