cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Protein phosphatase 2A: the Trojan Horse of cellular signaling.

Abstract Dynamic phosphorylation and dephosphorylation of proteins are fundamental mechanisms utilized by cells to transduce signals. Whereas transduction by protein kinases has been a major focus of studies in the last decade, protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) enzymes emerge in this millenium as the most fashionable players in cellular signaling. Viral proteins target specific PP2A enzymes in order to deregulate chosen cellular pathways in the host and promote viral progeny. The observation that a variety of viruses utilize PP2A to alienate cellular behavior emphasizes the fundamental importance of PP2A in signal transduction. This review will primarily focus on discussing the uniqueness of PP2A regulation and uncovering the critical role played by protein–protein interactions in the modulation of PP2A signaling. Moreover, the place of PP2A in signaling pathways and its functional significance for human diseases will be discussed.
Pricing in foreign markets: Pitfalls and opportunities

Abstract As U.S. companies expand into international markets, they encounter many new or unusual problems related to the pricing of their products. This results from conditions in foreign markets that can complicate the task of setting and maintaining appropriate and effective prices. This article examines these foreign market pricing factors and their potential effects on the pricing strategies and practices of American-based international companies.
Effects of small-scale turbulence on microalgae*

Turbulence flows are characterized by their viscous dissipation rates ɛ and the kinematic viscosity of the fluid ν, but the effects of turbulence on organisms such as microalgae smaller than the Kolmogorov inertial-viscous length scale LK ≡ (ν3/e)/14 depend on the stress τ ≡ µγ, where µ = ϱν is the dynamic viscosity, ρ is the density, and the rate-of-strain γ ≡ (e/ν)/12. While various workers have shown qualitatively that turbulence affects several microalgal physiological processes, these effects have not been quantified in terms of e, τ or γ. Various microalgal groups seem to have different sensitivities to inhibition by turbulence. The relative sensitivities aregreen algae 0.18 cm2s−3, τ > 0.04 dynes cm−2 (0.002 N M−2 or Pa), γ > 4.4 rad s−1, cell numbers and chlorophyll fluorescence declined, and cells lost their longitudinal flagella and the ability to swim forward. At lower e, τ and γ values growth rates and cell morphology were the same as in unsheared control cultures. High turbulence may affect other algae, such asSpirulina, which are commonly mass cultured.
Promoter Activation by the Varicella-Zoster Virus Major Transactivator IE62 and the Cellular Transcription Factor USF

The varicella-zoster virus major transactivator, IE62, can activate expression from homologous and heterologous promoters. High levels of IE62-mediated activation appear to involve synergy with cellular transcription factors. The work presented here focuses on functional interactions of IE62 with the ubiquitously expressed cellular factor USF. We have found that USF can synergize with IE62 to a similar extent on model minimal promoters and the complex native ORF28/29 regulatory element, neither of which contains a consensus IE62 binding site. Using Gal4 fusion constructs, we have found that the activation domain of USF1 is necessary and sufficient for synergistic activation with IE62. We have mapped the regions of USF and IE62 required for direct physical interaction. Deletion of the required region within IE62 does not ablate synergistic activation but does influence its efficiency depending on promoter architecture. Both proteins stabilize/increase binding of TATA binding protein/TFIID to promoter elements. These findings suggest a novel mechanism for the observed synergistic activation which requires neither site-specific IE62 binding to the promoter nor a direct physical interaction with USF.
CHEMISTRY OF THE PHENOXATHIINS AND ISOSTERICALLY RELATED HETEROCYCLES. X. CORRELATION OF THE DIHEDRAL ANGLES OF PHENOXATHIIN ANALOGS WITH THE CARBON-13 NMR CHEMICAL SHIFTS OF THE SULFUR BEARING 1A CARBON

The observation of a linear relationship between the 13C-nmr chemical shifts of the C-la carbon and the dihedral angle in a series of phenoxathiin analogs is reported. Presently available data, although limited, is presumed to be indicative of a more general behavior which has not been previously recognized or utilized. Extension of this observation to include other sulfur containing tricyclic systems may be expected to provide a useful means for the preliminary estimation of dihedral angles from solution 13C-nmr measurements after suitable parameterization.
Effect of Coccidial Infection Upon Passage Rates of Digestive Tract Contents of Chicks

Abstract CHANGES in the rate of passage of nutrients through the digestive tract may affect the amount of nutrients absorbed by altering the period of time during which digestion and absorption take place. These effects, then, could provide a partial explanation of the effects of various coccidial infections upon nutrient absorption as reported by Turk and Stephens (1966, 1967a, b, c). Schildt and Herrick (1955) have observed stasis of the gut occurring during the period of severe Eimeria tenella infections. An earlier report (Levine and Herrick, 1954) described an impairment of skeletal muscle responses to stimuli during the severe stages of this infection. If the stasis and impairment of motility resulted in significantly slower rates of food passage through the gastrointestinal tract, more time would be allowed for more complete digestion of food materials and for more complete absorption of nutrients from the gut into the bloodstream. Since nutrient absorption rates . . .
Ideology in Action: Symbolic Localization of Kurdistan Workers' Party in Turkey

Revolutionary ideologies such as Marxism and Islamism often aim to transform dominant local structures, leading their proponents to find themselves torn between global ideologies and local politics. A critical question arises: What does happen when a revolutionary movement's ideology drastically contradicts with the movement's local pragmatic purposes? Analyzing Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) in Turkey, this article explores the complex process of ideological transformation under the forces of local competition. Drawing on Mikhail Bakhtin's dialogic approach, I introduce the concept of symbolic localization to understand how revolutionary ideologies evolve through pragmatic concerns. Symbolic localization refers to a discursive process of collective reputation work in which social movement activists blend local cultural repertoires and their “we” identity in order to build recognition, legitimacy, and prestige in the eyes of local population. Three major mechanisms of the symbolic localization process are identified: moral authority building, public symbolism, and memory work. Symbolic localization suggests analyzing movement ideology as a discursive process and illuminates how political activists are shaped by relational local engagements.
On the Possibility of Ferromagnetism in Nanosized CuCl2

Copper chloride consists of parallel chains of CuCl2. The chains are sufficiently far apart such that the electronic and magnetic properties of CuCl2 have been approximated as arising from isolated chains. Density functional theory using the LANL2DZ/6-31G* basis set has been used to calculate the total energy of CuCl2 chains having nanometer length. The calculations, which are performed as a function of chain length, predict that chains having ferromagnetic order have a lower energy than chains with no order. Calculations of the band gap as a function of length for the ferromagnetic chains indicate that chains greater than 6 nm may be semiconducting suggesting that nanosized CuCl2 chains have the potential to be magnetic semiconductors.
Survival of Salmonella during Baking of Peanut Butter Cookies

Peanuts and peanut-based products have been the source of recent Salmonella outbreaks worldwide. Because peanut butter is commonly used as an ingredient in baked goods, such as cookies, the potential risk of Salmonella remaining in these products after baking needs to be assessed. This research examines the potential hazard of Salmonella in peanut butter cookies when it is introduced via the peanut-derived ingredient. The survival of Salmonella during the baking of peanut butter cookies was determined. Commercial, creamy-style peanut butter was artificially inoculated with a five-strain Salmonella cocktail at a target concentration of 108 CFU/g. The inoculated peanut butter was then used to prepare peanut butter cookie dough following a standard recipe. Cookies were baked at 350°F (177°C) and were sampled after 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15 min. Temperature profiles of the oven and cookies were monitored during baking. The water activity and pH of the inoculated and uninoculated peanut butter, raw dough, and...
Synthesis and CNS Depressant Activity of Imidazolinone Glyoxylates

Six new imidazolinone glyoxylates, which exist in tautomeric equilibria with hydroxyimidazole glyoxylates, were synthesized by a new type of Claisen rearrangement and evaluated in a neuropharmacological mouse profile. CNS depression was observed in several members of the class.
Personality Correlates of Students' Patterns of Changing Answers on Multiple-Choice Tests:

For 65 students in two undergraduate courses in adolescent psychology, both (a) number of changes of multiple-choice answers and (b) improvement were calculated and correlated with demographic and ...
Sacroiliac joint abnormalities in calcium pyrophosphate crystal deposition disease

Three cases of generalized calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate deposition disease and roentgenographic sacroiliac abnormalities (chondrocalcinosis, inflammatory change and degenerative change) are described.
Enhancing Minority Participation in Research The NHLBI Experience

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) has long been committed to improving the health and well-being of minority populations and has worked aggressively to address the disparities that exist in minority health, education, and research and training opportunities. The NHLBI minority programs have had considerable visibility and remarkable effectiveness, and we would like to share what we believe are some of the elements of our formula for success. In the early 1970s, the Institute formed an Ad Hoc Committee on Minority Populations to ensure that minority communities were included in the programs and activities planned by the newly established National High Blood Pressure Education Program. The Committee has helped to focus the Institute on minority health issues. Through the years, the responsibilities of the 15-member multiethnic, multidisciplinary committee have evolved so that they now comprise (1) advising the Institute on needs and gaps in our research, training, and education programs with regard to minority interest and representation; (2) serving on various NHLBI working groups and committees to ensure minority representation and participation in these activities; and (3) planning a minority forum that is held every 5 years. One of the first projects initiated by the Committee was a study titled “Development of Diffusion Strategies Among Culturally Diverse Populations.” Completed in the late 1970s, it sought to identify effective strategies for disseminating health information …
Physical Models and Simpler Dosimetric Descriptors of Radiation Late Toxicity

Predicting radiation damage to specific organs is becoming ever more challenging with the use of intensity-modulated beams, nonuniform dose distributions, partial organ irradiation, and interpatient and even intraorgan variations in radiation sensitivity. Data-based physical models can be of use in summarizing complicated dose-volume data to help describe clinical outcomes and ultimately aid in the prediction of clinical toxicity. This article attempts to provide a brief overview of the use of normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) models and other simple dose/volume metrics to describe a few clinically significant complications (either frequent or serious) associated with radiation therapy of the head and neck, thorax, and abdominal-pelvic regions. Specifically, it reviews the application of these methods for late toxicities of the parotid, lung, heart, spinal cord, liver, and rectum. It focuses on organ-specific NTCP parameters as well as simple dosimetric descriptors that might be used to help treatment plan evaluation in clinical practice.
Synthesis and Characterization of Three Coordinate “T-Shaped” Complexes of Tellurium (II) Incorporating a Naphthyl Tellurium Fragment

Several new three coordinate tellurium(II) complexes have been prepared by the addition of dinaphthyl ditelluride (C10H7)2Te2 and a halogen (Br2 or I2) to various monodentate ligands known to coordinate through their terminal sulfur or selenium atoms to investigate possible electronic and steric effects associated with a large aryl group. Complexes of the type RTeX(L) are described here [R = naphthyl, X = Br, I, L = thiourea (I (X = Br), II (X = I)), tetramethylthiourea (III), selenourea (IV), tris(dimethylamino)phosphane selenide (V) and N-methylbenzothiazol-2(3H)-thione (VI)]. Evidence of the formation of new complexes is presented through microanalytical data and multinuclear NMR spectroscopy in addition to single crystal X-ray diffraction studies of (I) and (III). Structures are described in detail along with a comparison with related Te (II) complexes.
The Mechanism of the Reaction Catalyzed by Uronate Isomerase Illustrates How an Isomerase May Have Evolved from a Hydrolase within the Amidohydrolase Superfamily

Uronate isomerase (URI) catalyzes the reversible isomerization of d-glucuronate to d-fructuronate and of d-galacturonate to d-tagaturonate. URI is a member of the amidohydrolase superfamily (AHS), a highly divergent group of enzymes that catalyze primarily hydrolytic reactions. The chemical mechanism and active site structure of URI were investigated in an attempt to improve our understanding of how an active site template that apparently evolved to catalyze hydrolytic reactions has been reforged to catalyze an isomerization reaction. The pH−rate profiles for kcat and kcat/Km for URI from Escherichia coli are bell-shaped and indicate that one group must be unprotonated and another residue must be protonated for catalytic activity. Primary isotope effects on the kinetic constants with [2-2H]-d-glucuronate and the effects of changes in solvent viscosity are consistent with product release being the rate-limiting step. The X-ray structure of Bh0493, a URI from Bacillus halodurans, was determined in the prese...
Corporate governance in a developing economy: barriers, issues, and implications for firms

Purpose – Effective corporate governance is significant for firms in developing countries because it can lead to managerial excellence and help firms with a weak corporate governance structure to raise capital and attract foreign investors. The purpose of this paper is to examine the barriers, issues, and challenges hindering effective development and implementation of corporate governance in Nigeria.Design/methodology/approach – A combination of quantitative and qualitative research methods was employed to collect information. Specifically, data were collected from 296 managers, company presidents, and board of directors in selected firms. Descriptive data and interview analyses are presented with respect to the barriers and issues hindering effective corporate governance development and implementation in Nigeria.Findings – The study provides significant current information on corporate governance and barriers hindering its development and implementation in Nigeria. The findings reveal a number of constr...
The avian respiratory system: a unique model for studies of respiratory toxicosis and for monitoring air quality

There are many distinct differences (morphologic, physiologic, and mechanical) between the bird's lung-air-sac respiratory system and the mammalian bronchoalveolar lung. In this paper, we review the physiology of the avian respiratory system with attention to those mechanisms that may lead to significantly different results, relative to those in mammals, following exposure to toxic gases and airborne particulates. We suggest that these differences can be productively exploited to further our understanding of the basic mechanisms of inhalant toxicology (gases and particulates). The large mass-specific gas uptake by the avian respiratory system, at rest and especially during exercise, could be exploited as a sensitive monitor of air quality. Birds have much to offer in our understanding of respiratory toxicology, but that expectation can only be realized by investigating, in a wide variety of avian taxa, the pathophysiologic interactions of a broad range of inhaled toxicants on the bird's unique respiratory system.
Possible superconductivity in Fe-Sb based materials : Density functional study of LiFeSb

We investigate the electronic and other properties of the hypothetical compound LiFeSb in relation to superconducting LiFeAs and FeSe using density-functional calculations. The results show that LiFeSb in the LiFeAs structure would be dynamically stable in the sense of having no unstable phonon modes and would have very similar electronic and magnetic properties to the layered Fe-based superconductors. Importantly, a very similar structure for the Fermi surface and a spin-density wave related to but stronger than that in the corresponding As compound is found. These results are indicative of possible superconductivity analogous to the Fe-As based compounds if the spin-density wave can be suppressed by doping or other means. Prospects for synthesizing this material in pure form or in solid solution with FeTe are discussed.
Leakage current suppression for PV cascaded multilevel inverter using GaN devices

This paper emphasizes on the leakage current suppression of a PV cascaded multilevel quasi-Z-source inverters (qZSIs) using GaN devices. This new type of PV inverters is capable of achieving high efficiency and high switching frequency. However, the leakage current issue remains a challenging that needs to be dealt with. In this paper, the leakage current paths in PV cascaded inverter are firstly analyzed. Based on that, a filter-based leakage current suppression method is proposed for the PV cascaded inverter operated at high switching frequency. The simplified leakage current analytical model is derived to study the suppression mechanism and design the suppression filters. The performance of the method is validated with both simulation and experimental results.
Spatial and temporal variation in economically optimum nitrogen rate for corn

The economically optimum N rate (EONR) required for corn (Zea mays L.) may vary spatially due to variation in soil characteristics and temporally due to the interactions of environmental factors. The objectives of this research were to quantify the impact of field variability on the yield response of corn to N fertilization and to evaluate the temporal stability of these response functions. A production field near Revere, MN, was cropped with corn in 1995, 1997, and 1999 in rotation with soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]. Four replications of seven treatments were established in a split-plot arrangement of a randomized complete block design. Main plots consisted of three N rates (0, 67, 134, and 202 kg ha - 1 ) while the split plots were two rates (0 and 0.56 kg ha - 1 ) of nitrapyrin [2-chloro-6 (trichloromethyl)-pyridine]. Each replication was divided into subblocks to estimate spatial patterns in yield N response and EONR. Spatial analysis indicated that only half of the field responded to N. Uniform application recommendation of 145 kg N ha - 1 for the whole field overfertilized these areas while other areas were underfertilized. Variable-rate N applications according to the EONR would have resulted in 69 and 75 kg ha - 1 less N being applied than the uniform N rate in 1997 and 1999, respectively. Potential economic benefits were $8 and $23 ha - 1 higher than the uniform N rate in 1997 and 1999, respectively. Approximately 60% of the field responded in a similar manner in both 1997 and 1999, suggesting that temporal variations must also be considered with site-specific N management.
NLCQ-1, a novel hypoxic cytotoxin : Potentiation of melphalan, cisDDP and cyclophosphamide in vivo

Abstract Purpose: To investigate in vivo interactions between the recently developed bioreductive agent 4-[3-(2-nitroimidazolyl)-propylamino]-7-chloroquinoline hydrochloride (NLCQ-1) and the chemotherapeutic agents melphalan (L-PAM), cis -platin ( cis DDP) and cyclophosphamide (CPM). Methods and Materials: EMT6 and FSaIIC tumor cells were inoculated (subcutaneously) into the leg(s) of female Balb/c and male C3H mice, respectively. Treatment was initiated at 10 mm (EMT6) and 5 mm (FSaIIC) mean tumor diameter. The in vivo-in vitro and tumor regrowth assays were used, respectively, as endpoints. Bone marrow toxicity studies were also performed when the in vivo-in vitro assay was used. Drugs were given by i.p. injection. Tumors were excised 18-h after chemotherapeutic drug administration (Balb/c mice) or measured daily until three times their original size (C3H mice). The optimum administration schedule for potentiation between NLCQ-1 and each chemotherapeutic drug, as well as dose modification factors (DMF) at the optimum time, were determined with the in vivo-in vitro assay. When the tumor regrowth assay was used, each chemotherapeutic agent was given either as a single dose or as a split dose over two consecutive days at the optimum administration time after a 10 mg/kg NLCQ-1 i.p. injection. Results: NLCQ-1 (at 0.33 times MTD), strongly potentiated the antitumor effect of L-PAM, cis DDP and CPM without concurrent enhancement in bone marrow toxicity. Potentiation was strictly schedule dependent and the optimum effect (1.5 to 2 logs killing beyond additivity) was observed when NLCQ-1 was given 60-, 45-, and 110-min before L-PAM, cis DDP, and CPM, respectively. The DMF values at 30% survival were 2.5, 1.9, and 3.8 for L-PAM, cis DDP, and CPM, respectively. DMF values for bone marrow toxicity at 50% survival were ca. 1 for all chemotherapeutic drugs. Pretreatment with NLCQ-1 resulted in 4–12 days extra delay in the regrowth of FSaIIC tumors. Conclusions: These results support the clinical investigation of NLCQ-1 as a chemosensitizer.
Identification of children for whom routine monitoring of aminoglycoside serum concentrations is not cost effective

On the basis of our clinical impression that aminoglycoside serum concentration measurements did not result in dosage changes in many children with normal renal function, data collected during pharmacokinetic consultations were evaluated to identify pediatric patients for whom routine serum concentration monitoring would not be cost effective. The frequency of peak or trough concentrations outside the desired ranges was related to age and duration of therapy in 88 children with normal renal function who were given recommended doses of gentamicin or tobramycin. Trough concentrations were outside the target range (>2 μg/ml) in five of 26 patients who had received more than 10 days of therapy or were older than 18 years of age. In contrast, troughs were
Hydroid defenses against predators: the importance of secondary metabolites versus nematocysts

Marine hydroids are commonly thought to be defended by stinging organelles called nematocysts that penetrate predator tissues and inject proteinaceous venoms, but not all hydroids possess these nematocysts. Although an increasing number of bioactive secondary metabolites have been isolated from marine hydroids, ecological roles of these compounds are poorly known. To test the hypothesis that nematocysts and noxious secondary metabolites represent alternative defenses against predation, we examined hydroids from North Carolina, United States for: (1) the palatability of whole polyps before and after nematocysts had been deactivated; (2) the palatability of their chemical extracts; and (3) their nutritional value in terms of organic content, protein content, and levels of refractory structural material (chitin). All hydroids were avoided by a generalist predator, the pinfish Lagodon rhomboides, compared with palatable control foods. Two of these (Halocordyle disticha and Tubularia crocea) became palatable after being treated with potassium chloride to discharge their nematocysts, suggesting that these species rely on nematocysts for defenses against predators. Chemical extracts from nematocyst-defended species had no effect on fish feeding. The four species that remained unpalatable after nematocysts had been discharged (Corydendrium parasiticum, Eudendrium carneum, Hydractinia symbiolongicarpus, Tridentata marginata) possessed chemical extracts that deterred feeding by pinfish. We have isolated and characterized the structures of the deterrent metabolites in two of these species. We found no differences in nutritional content or levels of chitin between nematocyst-defended and chemically defended species, and no evidence that either of these played a role in the rejection of hydroids as prey. Our results suggest that, among hydroids, chemical defenses may be at least as common as nematocyst-based defenses and that the two may represent largely alternative defensive strategies. The four hydroid species with deterrent extracts represent four families and both sub-orders of hydroids, suggesting that chemical defenses in this group may be widespread and have multiple origins.
A 7.3 ms isomer of 161Lu

Abstract An isomer of 161 Lu with a half-life of 7.3 ± 0.4 ms has been discovered in the heavy-ion reaction 148 Sm( 19 F, 6n) 161m Lu. Oneγ-ray transition with energy 135.8 ± 0.2 keV was observed, and a K-conversion coefficient of 1.1 ± 0.3 deduced in the decay of this isomer.
Detection of global predicates: techniques and their limitations

We show that the problem of predicate detection in distributed systems is NP-complete. In the past, efficient algorithms have been developed for special classes of predicates such as stable predicates, observer independent predicates, and conjunctive predicates. We introduce a class of predicates, semi-linear predicates, which properly contains all of the above classes. We first discuss stable, observer independent and semi-linear classes of predicates and their relationships with each other. We also study closure properties of these classes with respect to conjunction and disjunction. Finally, we discuss algorithms for detection of predicates in these classes. We provide a nondeterministic detection algorithm for each class of predicate. We show that each class can be equivalently characterized by the degree of non-determinism present in the algorithm. Stable predicates are defined as those that can be detected by an algorithm with the most non-determinism. All other classes can be derived by appropriately constraining the non-determinism in this algorithm.
Unanticipated departures from breeding designs can be detected using microsatellite DNA parentage analyses

Abstract Using microsatellite analysis, a partial pedigree was constructed from an experiment designed to evaluate differences between hatchery Chinook salmon ( Oncorhynchus tshawytscha ) and their wild donor stocks. First generation (F 1 ) progeny were created by crossing both hatchery and wild females with hatchery and wild males to create hybrid and control lines. The pedigree analysis revealed an accidental switch of a half-sib control and hybrid F 1 family, which most likely occurred during incubation and led to the misclassification of individuals in those families. The experimental error propagated into the F 2 lines. The pedigree also revealed a number of unintended full-sib matings in the F 2 crosses. This resulted from the small numbers (5 females, 14 males) of wild fish available for the experiment and differential family survival of the F 1 fish. Because researchers used group-specific physical marks to track typed crosses and not family groups, and because physical marks cannot detect inadvertent movement of fish until they are large enough to mark, experimental error occurred that would have influenced the results had a DNA-based analysis not been employed to verify the integrity of the experiment.
Multidisciplinary teamwork in US primary health care

Primary health care (PHC) is a systems perspective for examining the provision of essential health care for all. A multidisciplinary collaborative approach to health care delivery is associated with effective delivery and care providers' enrichment. Yet data regarding multidisciplinary practice within PHC are limited. The purpose of this exploratory qualitative descriptive study was to better understand team-based PHC practice in the US. Aims included (a) describing nursing faculty involvement in PHC, (b) analyzing ways that multidisciplinary work was enacted, and (c) recommending strategies for multidisciplinary PHC practice. After institutional review board (IRB) protocol approval, data collection occurred by: (a) surveying faculty/staff in a Midwestern nursing college (N=94) about their PHC practice, and (b) interviewing a purposive sample of nursing faculty/staff identified with PHC (n=10) and their health professional collaborators (n=10). Survey results (28% return rate) were summarized, interview notes were transcribed, and a systematic process of content analysis applied. Study findings show team practice is valued because health issues are complex, requiring different types of expertise; and because teams foster comprehensive care and improved resource use. Mission, membership attributes, and leadership influence teamwork. Though PHC is not a common term, nurses and their collaborators readily associated their practice with a PHC ethos. PHC practice requires understanding community complexity and engaging with community, family, and individual viewpoints. Though supports exist for PHC in the US, participants identified discord between their view of population needs and the health care system. The following interpretations arise from this study: PHC does not explicitly frame health care activity in the US, though some practitioners are committed to its ethics; and, teamwork within PHC is associated with better health care and rewarding professional experience. Nurses integrate PHC in multiple roles and are experts at aspects of PHC teamwork.
A Computer-Based Self-Diagnosis Program for Distance Learners

This article describes a computer-based study aid designed to assist students learning at a distance prepare for examinations. The package provides a variety of study aids that allowed students to pinpoint their learning problems with a specific course of study and possibly to overcome them. When we tried out the package, students rated it very highly. However, we noted no increase in test scores or pass rates. This was probably due to the self-selected nature of the learner population. Such a set of study aids could be refined and extended to become a central part of self-study and distance education.
Validating the Multidimensional Measure of Cultural Identity Scales for Latinos among Latina mothers and daughters.

The psychometric properties of the Multidimensional Measure of Cultural Identity Scales for Latinos (MMCISL; Felix-Ortiz, Newcomb, & Myers, 1994) have never been examined in an adult Latina sample representing various levels of nativity and nationality. The rationale for the study was to confirm the factor structure and psychometric properties of the MMCISL with a predominantly immigrant sample of Latina mothers and daughters (n = 316). Adequate reliability estimates were found for 6 of the original 10 scales. Confirmatory factor analyses provided evidence of construct validity for the reliable scales. The Preferred Latino Affiliation scale was the only scale to meet strict measurement invariance criteria across mothers and daughters. Criterion validity was evidenced by relations between the Familiarity with Latino Culture scale and all criterion variables. Implications for acculturation and cultural identity research involving the MMCISL are discussed.
Synthesis of guanosine analogs bearing pendant alkylthiol tethers

Abstract Synthesis of three guanosine monomers substituted with alkylthiol chains at either carbon-8 or the 2′-hydroxyl is described. The ready accessibility of these monomers will facilitate the use of disulfide cross-links to study the folding and dynamics of RNA and will also provide loci for conjugation of reporter groups.
Smooth Yet Discrete: Modeling Both Non-transitivity and the Smoothness of Graded Categories With Discrete Classification Rules

Many of our categorization experiences are non-transitive. For some objects a, b and c, a and b can appear indistinguishable, and likewise b and c, but a and c can appear distinguishable. Many categories also appear to be smooth; transitions between cases are not experienced as sharp, but rather as continuous. These two features of our categorization experiences tend to be addressed separately. Moreover, many views model smoothness by making use of infinite degrees. This paper presents a methodological strategy that shows how solving the transitivity problem first can thereby introduce explanatory resources that feed into an account of smoothness without having to make use of infinite degrees.
A close to universal negative ion source

Abstract A new type of negative ion source has been developed which utilizes a beam of cesium positive ions from a surface ionization source to sputter a hollow target cone. Among the many advantages of the source are high yield (e.g. > 50 μ A of C − ), negative ion species can be changed within minutes and the emittance is low.
Simulation of spray combustion in a lean-direct injection combustor

Abstract Large-eddy simulation (LES) of a liquid-fueled lean-direct injection (LDI) combustor is carried out by resolving the entire inlet flow path through the swirl vanes and the combustor. A localized dynamic subgrid closure is combined with a subgrid mixing and combustion model so that no adjustable parameters are required for both non-reacting and reacting LES. Time-averaged velocity predictions compare well with the measured data. The unsteady flow features that play a major role in spray dispersion, fuel–air mixing and flame stabilization are identified from the simulation data. It is shown that the vortex breakdown bubble (VBB) is smaller with more intense reverse flow when there is heat release. The swirling shear layer plays a major role in spray dispersion and the VBB provides an efficient flameholding mechanism to stabilize the flame.
Patterns of allergic respiratory disease in children with a past history of bronchiolitis

Abstract Sequential annual examinations have been carried out in a group of children who were hospitalized 5 years previously for bronchiolitis. During the subsequent 5 year study period, 40 to 50 per cent of the children were observed to wheeze recurrently. These was a high incidence of positive family histories of allergy, atopic rhinitis and dermatitis, and increased eosinophils in the nasal secretions and peripheral blood. Strong skin test responses to allergens were seen predominantly in the wheezing subjects and increased in frequency during the 5 year period. Wheezing episodes were generally associated with respiratory infections but were also observed during exposure to skin test reactive antigens as the children became older. The relationship of the bronchiolitis episode to childhood asthma is discussed.
The weight of bad governance in foreign mutual funds

Empirical studies show that mutual funds are less likely to hold poorly governed foreign stocks. This theoretical model shows that foreign mutual fund managers will optimally lower their weight of badly governed stocks because they have higher costs of actively managing these holdings than their domestic rivals.
Metabolic rates in spiders

Abstract 1. 1. Measurement of standard metabolic rates of a series of arachnids at 20°C revealed a range of 21–356 μl O2/g per hr. These values are generally lower than those of other poikilotherms of similar size. 2. 2. A comparatively low metabolic rate for arachnids was postulated as an adaptation to a predator's potential problem of being faced with an inconsistent food supply. 3. 3. A positive correlation was detected between the amount of respiratory surface area of the book-lungs and rate of oxygen conxumption in four species of s spiders. 4. 4. Temperature studies indicated that the metabolic rates of spiders are not independent of rapid temperature changes within the range of 10–30°C. Such studies also indicated certain spiders were able to compensate to a 30°C temperature by lowering their oxygen consumption by about one-third of its original value during a six-day exposure to this temperature. No positive compensation was detected to a temperature of 10°C. 5. 5. It was postulated that the ability to compensate to relatively high temperatures by decreasing the metabolic rate is functionally associated with the level of metabolism at intermediate temperatures.
Correlation of postoperative pain to quality of recovery in the immediate postoperative period.

Background and Objectives It is unclear whether the severity of postoperative pain may affect patients’ quality of recovery in the immediate postoperative period (within 2 weeks of surgery). Methods This was a prospective, observational study in patients undergoing elective radical retropubic prostatectomy. All patients received a standardized intraoperative general or spinal anesthetic followed by intravenous patient-controlled analgesia. Visual analog scores for pain at rest, pain with activity, and nausea along with the QoR, an instrument validated to assess quality of recovery in the postoperative period, and Brief Fatigue Inventory were assessed on postoperative days 1 to 3, 7, and 30. The Epworth Sleepiness Scale was assessed on postoperative days 7 and 30. Results We found that the severity of pain both at rest and with activity correlated with a decrease in quality of recovery as assessed by the QoR. Conclusions Our findings suggest that an increase in postoperative pain is correlated with a decrease in a patient’s quality of recovery in the immediate postoperative period.
Snow drifts at roof steps in series

A method is presented for determining snow drifts at roof steps in series. The method is based upon provisions in the current ASCE 7 load standard for snow drifts at a single roof step. It yields a reasonably conservative estimate for the drift at a downwind leeward or windward step.
Determination of plutonium in sediments by solvent extraction and α-spectrometry

Abstract A simple technique for the determination of environmental levels of plutonium in a highly complex matrix (sediments containing very high amounts of iron and other metals) is reported. The sediments, collected from the Hudson River Estuary with an Emory dredge, were hand-homogenized before a sample aliquot was taken. Samples were airdried, weighed, spiked with 242Pu tracer, and heated at 400°C for 24 h. Plutonium was leached from the sediment with an acid mixture. The leachate was filtered, and plutonium coprecipitated with iron by adding ammonia solution. After dissolution, plutonium was extracted with 20% trilaurylamine in xylene, the extracts were thoroughly acid-washed to remove uranium and thorium traces, and plutonium was then back-extracted with 2 M sulfuric acid prior to electrodeposition onto a platinum planchet. The isotopic composition of plutonium was determined by α-spectrometry. Tracer yield and plutonium concentrations determined on aliquots of the same samples by this method and by an ion-exchange technique were not significantly different.
Silicon-based photonic crystal biosensors

In this paper, the optical response of 1-D and 2-D Si photonic crystal (PC) is investigated after exposure to various chemical and biological targets. PBG biosensors made of porous silicon have been demonstrated, in particular they have been used to selectively detect DNA, proteins and bacteria.
Remarks on Crack-Bridging Concepts

The article draws upon recent work by us and our colleagues on metal and ceramic matrix composites for high temperature engines. The central theme here is to deduce mechanical properties, such as toughness, strength and notch-ductility, from bridging laws that characterize inelastic processes associated with fracture. A particular set of normalization is introduced to present the design charts, segregating the roles played by the shape, and the scale, of a bridging law. A single material length, {gamma}{sub 0}E/{sigma}{sub 0}, emerges, where {gamma}{sub 0} is the limiting-separation, {sigma}{sub 0} the bridging-strength, and E the Young`s modulus of the solid. It is the huge variation of this length-from a few manometers for atomic bond, to a meter for cross-over fibers - that underlies the richness in material behaviors. Under small-scale bridging conditions, {gamma}{sub 0}E/{sigma}{sub 0} is the only basic length scale in the mechanics problem and represents, with a pre-factor about 0.4, the bridging zone size. A catalog of small-scale bridging solutions is compiled for idealized bridging laws. Large-scale bridging introduces a dimensionless group, a/({gamma}{sub 0}E/{sigma}{sub 0}), where a is a length characterizing the component. The group plays a major role in all phenomena associated with bridging, and provides a focus ofmore » discussion in this article. For example, it quantifies the bridging scale when a is the unbridged crack length, and notch-sensitivity when a is hole radius. The difference and the connection between Irwin`s fracture mechanics and crack bridging concepts are discussed. It is demonstrated that fracture toughness and resistance curve are meaningful only when small-scale bridging conditions prevail, and therefore of limited use in design with composites. Many other mechanical properties of composites, such as strength and notch-sensitivity, can be simulated by invoking large-scale bridging concepts. 37 refs., 21 figs., 3 tabs.« less
Empathy and Pro-Social Behavior in Rats

Whereas human pro-social behavior is often driven by empathic concern for another, it is unclear whether nonprimate mammals experience a similar motivational state. To test for empathically motivated pro-social behavior in rodents, we placed a free rat in an arena with a cagemate trapped in a restrainer. After several sessions, the free rat learned to intentionally and quickly open the restrainer and free the cagemate. Rats did not open empty or object-containing restrainers. They freed cagemates even when social contact was prevented. When liberating a cagemate was pitted against chocolate contained within a second restrainer, rats opened both restrainers and typically shared the chocolate. Thus, rats behave pro-socially in response to a conspecific's distress, providing strong evidence for biological roots of empathically motivated helping behavior.
Selection of phase and control of orientation during physisorption on surfaces of homogeneously formed calcium carbonate nuclei

The physisorption of homogeneously formed nuclei was shown to result in the preferential formation of different phases of calcium carbonate on different surfaces and the orientation of the crystallites. Calcium carbonate polymorphs were grown on clean polystyrene and glass substrates by diffusion of ammonium carbonate vapors into calcium chloride solutions. The substrates were arranged both vertically and horizontally. Oriented crystallites of vaterite and calcite were formed on the two substrates, although the number and type of crystallites were strongly dependent on both the type of substrate and the arrangement of the substrate. Polystyrene strongly favored vaterite, whereas glass favored calcite. The observation of crystal orientation and the preference of each surface for a particular polymorph suggest a significant role for the surface, presumably via heterogeneous nucleation. However, comparison of the density of crystals on horizontal and vertical substrates indicates that sedimentation influences the distribution of the crystallites. To achieve an influence of sedimentation, the homogeneously formed nuclei must grow to a significant size (0.03-1.0 μm) prior to physisorption onto the substrates. Subsequently, these nuclei either undergo a phase transformation to the observed polymorph or two different polymorphs are formed spontaneously and physisorbed preferentially on the two types of substrate. Orientation of the crystallites was thought to occur during physisorption. This work demonstrates that heterogeneous nucleation is not required to control orientation and achieve phase selection.
Vibration compensation in optical tracking systems

Modeling and control of multiple-mirror/flexible-slewing structures are considered. Primary applications for such systems include line-of-sight pointing systems on large flexible structures, space telerobotic systems, and space telescope systems. Analysis can be accomplished in a four-stage process: 1) relegation of control tasks; 2) flexible structure modeling and the slewing control problem; 3) vibration compensation using mirror actuators; and 4) active vibration damping with additional (structural) actuation. In the present paper, the first and third stages of the process are addressed. Relegation is achieved under the assumption that the optical ray hits the center of the following mirror along the ray path. Vibration compensation is then cast into the framework of a decentralized servocompensator problem. A recently developed optimal solution approach is utilized. A particular system is examined in detail, and control simulations are included to illustrate the results.
CodingMotif: exact determination of overrepresented nucleotide motifs in coding sequences

It has been increasingly appreciated that coding sequences harbor regulatory sequence motifs in addition to encoding for protein. These sequence motifs are expected to be overrepresented in nucleotide sequences bound by a common protein or small RNA. However, detecting overrepresented motifs has been difficult because of interference by constraints at the protein level. Sampling-based approaches to solve this problem based on codon-shuffling have been limited to exploring only an infinitesimal fraction of the sequence space and by their use of parametric approximations.
Appropriate protein provision in critical illness: a systematic and narrative review

Background: Widely varying recommendations have been published with regard to the appropriate amount of protein or amino acids to provide in critical illness. Objective: We carried out a systematic review of clinical trials that compared the metabolic or clinical effects of different protein intakes in adult critical illness and comprehensively reviewed all of the available evidence pertinent to the safe upper limit of protein provision in this setting. Design: MEDLINE was searched for clinical trials published in English between 1948 and 2012 that provided original data comparing the effects of different levels of protein intake on clinically relevant outcomes and evidence pertinent to the safe upper limit of protein provision to critically ill adults. Results: The limited amount and poor quality of the evidence preclude conclusions or clinical recommendations but strongly suggest that 2.0–2.5 g protein substrate kg normal body weight 21 d 21 is safe and could be optimum for most critically ill patients. At the present time, most critically ill adults receive less than half of the most common current recommendation, 1.5 g protein kg 21 d 21 , for the first week or longer of their stay in an intensive care unit. Conclusion: There is an urgent need for well-designed clinical trials to identify the appropriate level of protein provision in critical illness. Am J Clin Nutr 2012;96:591–600.
Provably good scheduling for parallel programs that use data structures through implicit batching

This poster proposes an efficient runtime scheduler that provides provable performance guarantees to parallel programs that use data structures through the use of implicit batching.